Principal’s Update – October 11th, 2024
As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves begin to change, it’s a beautiful reminder of the season we’re in—a time of reflection and gratitude. This week at St. Charles Catholic School, we are embracing the cooler weather and the warmth of our community, coming together as a school family to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for.
The beautiful, warm afternoons have given us extra reasons to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s catching ladybugs (the unofficial mascots of recess) or our impromptu dance parties powered by our amazing new portable speaker, the fun has been nonstop. Just try walking by a group of dancing students without tapping your toes—it’s impossible!
One of my favorite things this week has been hearing the incredible music filling our halls. The ukuleles, xylophones, and recorders are back in action, and the talent of our students is truly inspiring. I’m especially impressed by our Grade 6-8 band students—they’re progressing so quickly that it feels like they could put together a symphony by Christmas! Speaking of Christmas, it’s been a joy to hear our choirs already rehearsing carols, bringing a touch of festive spirit to the season. It’s a reminder that it’s never too early to start preparing for the celebrations ahead!
On that note, be sure to book December 12 & 13 for our evening concerts. You’ll be able to see—and hear—all the talents of our students on full display. Trust me, it’ll be worth it!
This week, I had the pleasure of sharing the Parable of the Rich Fool with our students. This meaningful story from the Gospel of Luke teaches the importance of gratitude, generosity, and focusing on what truly matters in life. As we approach Thanksgiving, the parable reminds us of all the blessings we receive are not just for ourselves but are meant to be shared with others. I encouraged the students to reflect on how they can show kindness and give thanks for the abundance in their own lives. As we head into the long weekend, let’s all take a moment to count our blessings. After all, we’ve got plenty!
Wishing you all a weekend filled with gratitude, joy, and moments of connection.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Our first Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch of the school year happened on Wednesday!
- Tuesday the MY’s students had Enrichment classes. There was Hockey Enrichment for Grades 6-8.
- Our Used Uniform Sale yesterday was a huge success!
- Our Grade 8 students had a Retreat today at St. Charles Parish!
- The Competitive and Developmental Boys and Girls all had practices and games this week!
- String Ambassadors and Song Leaders practiced this week.
- Grade 4 Bible celebration was on October 10th.
- There was a Cross-Country practice on Thursday from 1130-12 noon.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- There is no school on Monday. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
- Musical tryouts begin on Wednesday, October 16th for Grade 6-8 students.
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch is on Wednesday for those students who have ordered.
- Our Grades 1, 3/4, and 4 classes will attend a Wildlife Haven experience on Thursday in the Main Gym.
- Our first Popcorn Sale in support of the Holy Childhood Association will be Friday, October 18th.
- There will be a Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 16th in our Cafeteria from 630-730 pm. All are welcome to attend!
- Our school photo will be on October 18th at 9:30am
- Cross Country Meet at Harbourview Park on Saturday, October 19th at 9am!
- Spruce Up the School is on Saturday, October 19th from 12-3pm.
- Last week for donations to Manitoba Harvest. Our buckets are almost full.
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Koats for Kids donations starting
- School Mass on October 22nd.
- Raffle tickets are due in by the end of day October 24th to be included in the draws.
- October 25th is Inservice Day. No School. Sign up for BASC.
- Black and Orange Colour Day is coming up on October 31st.
- Our SUPERHERO Scholastic Book Fair hits our school the week of October 21st – watch for details! To volunteer for our Book Fair (ensure you have a cleared Child Abuse Registry Check on file with the Front Office) please sign up here:
- SUPERHERO SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR October 21-24 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
- Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for the 4th week of October. Sign up here:
- SIGN UP FOR PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS October 23/24, 2024, 4-7 pm
- Grade 7 & 8 School Dance is on October 25th. Sign up here:
MEALS ON WHEELS
Adam, a representative from Meals on Wheels, recently visited us to share insights about the organization’s history and the clients they serve. With a dedicated team of 300 volunteers, Meals on Wheels delivers meals to approximately 300 people each day, ensuring that those in need receive nutritious food and support. As a thank you for the many years our school has supported this organization, Adam came to speak to some of our students. In a show of compassion, our students also made placemats for Meals on Wheels during Christian Service Day, contributing to the warmth and care of the meals delivered
COMMUNICATION
This year, we are continuing to experience issues with Gmail accounts. If you have a Gmail account, please ensure that you have added our school to your safe sender list and check your junk folder regularly. Since our school primarily uses Microsoft services, many emails from Gmail accounts may be blocked.
Our policy is that if you do not receive a response from someone within 24 hours, please reach out again. For updates and important information, be sure to visit our school website, where you can find everything you need to know. If you are experiencing any delays in communication, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
GRADE 4 BIBLE CELEBRATION
It is a cherished tradition at St. Charles Catholic School for every Grade 4 student to receive a Bible at the start of the year.
On this special day, they engage in learning about how the Bible is organized, marking the beginning of their year of study.
The core message they absorb is that they receive the Good News of Jesus Christ from the Church, a message that we hope will touch their minds, their lips, and their hearts as they grow in their faith.
Students illuminated their favourite bible scripture as a follow up activity to their morning retreat.
GRADE 8 RETREAT
The Grade 8 retreat is a cherished tradition at St. Charles Catholic School. It offers a day for students to reflect, connect with one another, and deepen their relationship with their faith. As this is their final year at SCCS, they are encouraged to carry forward all they have learned during their time here as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. As leaders of the school, they are also learning to serve the wider community. This year, Ms. Rommy Cascenga organized a meaningful and memorable retreat for the students, helping to set a positive tone for their journey ahead. Ambassadors of Christ!
TOQUES
SCCS Toques are now available! Place your orders directly here: https://permission.click/w1n4a/ca
This is a great way to show school spirit and stay warm. Orders due October 21st and will arrive before the snow. Two styles to choose from!
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following the parking protocols and signage to help ensure the safety of everyone. It was our BEST Week ever!
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 Wednesday.
- Thursday is the 3-5 Cookie Bake.
- There are still spots left in the Halloween Craft.
- Oct 25th full day BASC is full.
- 6-8 Cheesecake is full.
November forms are available in the front entrance and will be posted soon.
November brings curling, a winter craft, wood burning and full day BASC with a field trip on November 8th. Early dismissals are at 2:30 which has a different fee than a regular day.
If your child is attending BASC or you are cancelling that day, please make sure to contact me at 204-880-8245 or email kfurutani@stccs.ca
CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
Great news! Two of our sponsoring parishes are offering families the opportunity to sell chocolates to parishioners before and after Mass. This is a fantastic way to sell an entire case in just one day!
We’ve noticed that when students wear their uniforms, sales tend to go even better 😊. You can sign up through the school website.
Additional boxes of chocolates and raffle tickets are now available at the school office. For every box of chocolates purchased, you’ll earn 1 VIP hour, and for every 2 raffle booklets purchased, you’ll also receive 1 VIP hour.
KOATS FOR KIDS
The Safe and Caring School Committee is reaching out with a request for our Koats for Kids donation drive. We are in need of large cardboard boxes to help collect donations. If you have any large boxes to spare, please bring them to the school before October 22. Your support is greatly appreciated!
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!
CATECHISM
If your child would like to join our Catechism program, we offer classes from Grade 2 (First Communion preparation) through to Grade 8 (Confirmation preparation). We also have Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-6 (Pre-school to Grade 1). These sessions will begin on October 6 and will run from 10:35-11:45 AM in the Atrium on the second floor of the church. All other Catechism classes will start on October 20, from 10:35-11:25 AM at St. Charles School. For more information or to register, please contact Joceline Chase at jocyrf@gmail.com or call/text 204-797-0611.
FOOD DRIVE
SCCS is hosting a Food Drive in partnership with Harvest Manitoba. Large yellow bins will be placed inside the school for your donations, and there will also be a bin in the loading zone for convenient drop-offs.
Here are our top 10 most needed food items:
- Canned Fruit 6. Pasta Sauce
- Canned Soup/Stews 7. Rice
- Canned Tuna 8. Peanut Butter
- Canned Vegetables 9. Baby Formula/Food
- Pasta 10. Instant Oatmeal
WEDNESDAY HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER!
If you haven’t already done so and are interested in our Wednesday hot lunch fundraiser, you can order online at https://munchalunch.com/login . We have several wonderful options, including these fresh fruit and vegetable cups! If you have any questions, feel free to contact fundraising@stccs.ca
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
PAC MEETING
Clarification Regarding PAC Meeting on Oct 16th
The meeting on Oct 16th is not an Open meeting for all parents. This meeting is for Classroom Representatives to discuss and review gift giving procedures.
All Parents are invited to the Wednesday November 13th PAC meeting as this meeting is open to everyone to attend.
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.
HALLOWEEN HOWL
Middle years Halloween Howl! SCCS Grade 7 and 8 dance, Friday, October 25th, 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Tickets: $5.00. Pizza and beverages available for purchase. Prizes for best costume. (Costumes are highly encouraged, however, no weapon type accessories will be allowed.)
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
FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! Visit our link for more information. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
GENEROUS DONORS SUPPORTING OUR TURF CAMPAIGN |
Wes and Amy Burrows |
Cropo Funeral Chapel |
[A/B] Archambault Buenaventura Team – Sun Country Realty – In support of Ruby Barkley |
Christopher and Erin Hunter |
Louise Mollot |
Bob Penner – Keystone Appraisers |
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
This passage emphasizes not only giving thanks but also the importance of maintaining a spirit of joy and prayerfulness in every situation—a perfect fit for our school community.
Have a great long weekend. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.