Principal’s Update – October 25th, 2024
The POWER of COMMUNITY
As we continue our school year, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible sense of community we have at St. Charles Catholic School. Our school is more than just a place for learning—it’s a gathering of people who come together with shared values, beliefs, and a commitment to our children’s growth and success.
In the spirit of this community, I am reminded of the words of St. John Paul II: “Nobody is so poor he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich he has nothing to receive.” This reminds me that every one of us, no matter how busy or overwhelmed we may feel, has something meaningful to contribute. Whether it’s our time, our talents, or simply our encouragement, we all play a vital role in building this school into a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone.
Community happens when we show up for one another. I see this daily—from parents volunteering to families attending school events, to teachers and staff working tirelessly to provide the best possible learning environment. These acts of support and collaboration make us stronger.
I invite all parents to get involved in any way they can, big or small. We need you, and we appreciate everything you do. Whether it’s joining us for school Mass, helping with school functions, or participating in classroom activities, know that your involvement strengthens the bond we share as a school family.
Together, we can continue to make St. Charles Catholic School not just a place of education, but a thriving, supportive community where our children grow in faith, love, and knowledge.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Spruce Up the School.
- Provincial Cross Country meet at Harbourview.
- Superhero Scholastic Book Fair ran all this week!
- School Mass and Staff Commissioning.
- Harvest Manitoba picked up all the donated food items. Thank you to everyone who was able to contribute to this very worthy cause!
- Wednesday was Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch for those students who ordered.
- Parent Teacher Interviews ran on Wednesday and Thursday evening.
- Staff Appreciation Day was on Thursday.
- 76 SCCS Toque orders collected. Thank you!
- Raffle Tickets are due October 26th.
- All Teaching Staff took part in various workshops for MTS PD Day.
- Our Grade 8 class is hosting a Halloween Howl Dance tonight as a fundraiser for the Grade 8 Farewell.
- Volleyball Teams continued their practices and their games this week!
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment will continue next Tuesday.
- SMA and SPHS will be here to present to our Grade 8 students.
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch is on Wednesday for those students who have ordered.
- Grade 8 presentation on “No Stone Left Alone.”
- Black and Orange Colour Day will be on Thursday in celebration of All Hallows’ Eve!
- We are collecting gently used winter gear for Koats for Kids!
- Friday, we celebrate All Saints Day-a major feast day in the church.
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Our St. Charles Day Assembly is on Monday, November 4th.
- PML Lunch Hour Recitals is on November 5th.
- Grade 8 Fieldtrip on November 6th.
- ROME Trip parent meeting on November 6th at 630pm
- Our Remembrance Day Assembly is on November 7th. All are welcome to attend this very special assembly.
- Early Dismissal on November 7th.
- Friday, November 8th is an Inservice Day/All day BASC/Family Trivia Night.
DO YOU KNOW AN EXCELLENT EDUCATOR?
We are excited to share that nominations are now open for Manitoba’s Excellence in Teaching Awards! This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers who make a difference in the lives of students every day. If you know a teacher who goes above and beyond, inspiring and supporting students, we encourage you to nominate them. For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/excellence/
Let’s celebrate the incredible educators in our community!
GRANT WRITING COMMITTEE – We Need Your Help!
We are forming a grant writing committee to help secure funding opportunities that can greatly benefit our school. There are many grants available that could support new programs, resources, and improvements for our students, and we are looking for parents who are interested in contributing to this important work.
If you have experience with grant writing or are willing to help, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to me to find out how you can be involved. Together, we can unlock new possibilities for our school!
CROSS COUNTRY
What an incredible cross-country season we’ve had—our best one yet! This year, we expanded the opportunity to students in Grades 4 to 8, and the turnout exceeded our expectations. Over 50 students joined our run club practices on Thursdays at lunch, and more than 40 athletes represented us at the Manitoba Catholic Schools Cross Country Meet on October 2, with many placing in their events. Practices continued throughout October, and nine athletes went on to compete at the provincial level. We are incredibly proud of each athlete’s dedication, hard work, and achievements. Chargers Strong!
Chris McCombs Provincials:
On Saturday, October 19, SCCS was proudly represented by nine athletes at the provincial cross-country race. Every single athlete improved their time—a fantastic accomplishment! Special congratulations to Oliver, who earned second place in the U12 boys’ category.A big thank you to Ms. Copeland and Mrs. Chliboyko for organizing the practices and attending the cross-country meets. Your dedication and hard work have been invaluable!
SCHOOL MASS
Our first School Mass was truly wonderful!
A lot goes into preparing Mass at school. The music, led by Mrs. Gregorchuk and Mrs. Gingrich on piano, along with the Song Leaders Club, who practice weekly in preparation for our monthly Masses.
Our Grade 3 altar servers, trained by Mrs. Mardis, added to the experience, and the Mass Readers Club, also organized by Mrs. Mardis, prepared the readings.
Thank you to all our students and staff who contributed to making this celebration a success.
Father Eric, our Corporate Board Chair, officiated this Mass. His homily focused on the importance of community, reminding us that we are part of a school community where we spend one-third of our day—a significant amount of time. The people within our community help shape who we become, and St. Charles School is dedicated to fostering an environment that values respect, inclusion, and support for one another.
Also, Father Eric invited each staff member forward for a commissioning and blessing. Together, we are called by God to unite in our mission, strengthened by our collective purpose. In a spirit of faith, hope, and love, we commit to teaching and caring for every child entrusted to us.
HCA
A big thank you to everyone for your generous support of the Holy Childhood Association! We are excited to announce that our first popcorn sale raised an impressive $230. This contribution will go directly toward supporting the work of the HCA and making a positive difference in the lives of children in Chad. The next popcorn sale is in February.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following the parking protocols and signage to help keep everyone safe. We have now completed installing the parking dividers, and the chains are in place. These changes will improve overall parking organization. As a reminder, we kindly ask that large trucks avoid parking at the back of the lot, as it makes it difficult for other vehicles to maneuver. Please ensure all vehicles are parked at an angle.We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers to help with this initiative. Plus, as a thank you, FREE BASC (Before and After School Care) is being offered to our volunteers. You can sign up directly here: PARKING LOT & LOADING ZONE PATROL | Monday to Friday
BASC
- There is BLINE on Monday and Wednesday.
- the Cheesecake Bake is on Tuesday.
Friday is a new month, please submit your BASC form if you need BASC.
Forms are available in the front entrance or on the website.
Curling & full day BASC are in the first week of November. Registration ends on Monday.
November also has Wood Burning and a Winter Craft.
There is No BASC on November 11th..
Reminder: From 7 am to 8:15 am, just buzz and then send your child in. We kindly ask that parents say goodbye outside and do not enter the school.
Feel free to contact me for any questions about BASC at 204-880-8245 or email kfurutani@stccs.ca
Thank you, Ms. Furutani.
FIELD TRIPS
We have several exciting field trips planned for November! Permission Click emails have been sent to all students in Grades 1-8. Some of the upcoming trips include a visit to Brookside Cemetery for a memorial assembly honoring Canadian veterans, a science workshop where students will learn about dissection, the Project 11 Moose Game, and visits to the Manitoba Children’s Museum and Manitoba Museum. Be sure to check your emails so you don’t miss out! All links can also be found on Parent Zone under Permission Click.
BASKETBALL HOOPS
We would like to thank Mr. Dennis Giguere, grandfather of Norman Giguere, for his generous donation. His contribution allowed us to purchase 4 outdoor basketball hoops. Mr. Giguere also gifted us with two official Sea Bears basketballs. These additions have been a great asset to our school, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities. Thank you, Mr. Giguere, for your many years of ongoing support of St. Charles.
STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH
A big thank you to the Grade 6 classes for providing an amazing lunch for the staff on Thursday! It was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. Special thanks to the Grade 6 Parent Reps for organizing the event, and to the parent volunteers who helped with setup on the day.
The lunch was catered by Supper Central, who have been wonderful supporters of our school. If you’re in need of their services, their contact information is listed below. (Go to the .pdf version of the Update at the bottom of this page for more information.)
SCIENCE CELL PROJECTS
The Grade 8 students had an amazing Cell-ibration, selling their Plant and Animal Cells! (There were even cake and fruit cells!)
Students worked incredibly hard on their presentations, pamphlets and cell models, and student tours were viewed on a macroscopic stage!
The Grade 8 Cellular Sales Team showed off this year’s newest models!
Mr. Domolewski and the Grade 8 Cellular Sales Team!
CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
SCCS has a unique opportunity to connect with our parishes through our annual chocolate and raffle ticket sales. It’s an excellent way to bridge the connection between each parish and our school. It is also a great opportunity for our students to develop social and math skills, as well as good customer service, showcasing our great community. We have heard from families that cost is a concern, as is unsold product. Moving forward, families are permitted to take a box of chocolates and a raffle booklet to sell at Parish Masses at no cost, simply pick up on Friday from reception and return any unsold chocolate/raffle tickets on Monday. VIP hours will remain at 1.5 hours for each mass.
KOATS FOR KIDS
For the next four weeks, we will be collecting donations this winter season for the United Way’s program “Koats for Kids”. We are looking to collect gently used winter gear items. Donations boxes are located in the school entrance. Thank you for your support.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Our Superhero Scholastic Book Fair has been running all week! A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers who helped make this event such a tremendous success—you are all superheroes! Special thanks to our organizers, Ms. J, Mrs. Senderewich, and Nikki Roberts, our PAC Chair.
Did you know that the profits from our Book Fairs have enabled us to provide our Library and classrooms with essential resources, including books, carpets, sand tables, audiobooks, science models, reading centers, and many other exciting learning tools? Our Guided Reading materials are also funded through Book Fair profits! The Book Fair plays a vital role in supporting these essential resources in our school and classrooms.
Winners from our various contests included: activity coloring sheets, the “You Got Caught Reading” draw, the with-purchase draws, and the Guessing Game draw.
ST. CHARLES PARISH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
On behalf of the St. Charles Night Committee. We are having our St. Charles Night on Saturday, November 2nd which will consist of dinner and entertainment. We are seeking volunteers. Student volunteers are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent.
Please contact, Gloria Anderson, Administrative Assistant of St. Charles Parish at 204-889-3248 by October 22. Thank you!
ORANGE & BLACK COLOUR DAY – Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve!
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Orange & Black Color Day! On October 31! Students are invited to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, the night before a major Feast Day in the Church: All Saints’ Day. Students can wear orange and black clothing to school. While costumes are not allowed, students are welcome to add a little festive flair with hair accessories, jewelry or small appropriate additions to their outfits.
Let’s get into the Hallowe’en spirit while honoring the significance of the season!
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mark your calendars for an exciting evening at our highly anticipated Trivia Night, taking place on November 8th at Assiniboine Downs! This event promises to be filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition, not to mention plenty of fantastic prizes. Whether you’re a trivia expert or just looking to enjoy a great night out, this is the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge, challenge your friends, and bond with fellow participants in a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Start brushing up on your trivia skills and begin assembling your team, because this is one event you won’t want to miss! Trivia Night is always one of the highlights of the year, and we can’t wait to see you there. Stay tuned for more details coming next week, including team registration information, event schedule, and prize announcements. Prepare for a night full of fun and surprises!
Sign up here to volunteer:
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME OR DONATIONS TO OUR TRIVIA NIGHT at ASSINIBOIA DOWNS November 8, 2024
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY
If you child is a Cadet, in Girl Guides or Scouts, they are encouraged to wear their uniform to school on November 7Th.
CRAFT FAIR
The SCCS Christmas Craft Fair is coming …. Saturday, November 30th, 10AM – 3PM. Handmade Goods, Hot Chocolate, Holiday Photos & More. Please save the date! craftfairfundraiser@stccs.ca
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! Visit our link for more information. So far, we have raised $42,299. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
| GENEROUS DONORS SUPPORTING OUR TURF CAMPAIGN |
| Dave & Louisa Guitard |
| Keith Bilous & Lauren Woroniak |
| Dennis & Jean Giguere and family |
| Farkas Freitas Family |
| Your Academy Chiropractic Team: Dr. Tracy Vieira & Dr. Crystal Paculan |
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part
has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)This passage speaks to the idea that each of us has a role to play within the body of Christ, just as each member of our school community plays an important part in creating a strong, united whole.
Have a great LONG weekend!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.