Holy Family Academy112 - Fourth Avenue West, Brooks, Alberta T1R 0Z1 403-362-8001

September 2015 NewsletterPrincipal: Lorraine SpenceVice Principal: Mike Fleck

“We are called to love and serve our community”

issue #012

Welcome to Holy Family Academy and a new school year! We look forward to our 2nd year as a Kindergarten to Grade 4 school. Our goal is to offer strong academic programming within a faith centered environment. Our staff, students, parents, and parishioners continue to build a community that celebrates the gifts God has blessed us with and the uniqueness of each individual. HFA is faith; it is academics; it is arts; athletics, and social events; it is family and we welcome you!

Welcome Lorraine Spence and Mike Fleck

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

Psalms 113:3

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Table of ContentsPg. 1 Admin. message

Pg. 2 Table of Contents - Digital Newsletter

Pg. 3 Staff List/ Bell Schedule

Pg. 4 Parent Council News

Pg. 5-6 Important Dates

Pg. 7 School Programs

Pg. 8 Thank Yous

Pg. 9-10 Welcome!

Pg. 11 School News - Paying fees online

Pg. 12-13 Parish News

Pg. 14 Community News Pg. 15 Division News Pg. 16 School Calendar

page 2 - Summer

Digital Newsletter Future newsletters will only be sent home via email in digital format.

Also available on the Holy Family Academy website. http://www.holyfamilyacademy.ca

If you would like to continue receiv-ing a paper copy, please email Mrs. Yeomans before the 25th of the month.myeomans@redeemer.ab.ca

If you do not receive newsletters during the year via email, please send Mrs. Yeomans an email so we can verify that we have the correct email address.

What’s Inside

To access the Transportation documents go to

http://www.redeemer.ab.ca/Transportation.php

http://www.redeemer.ab.ca/Christ the Redeemer website

Holy Family Academy websitehttp://www.holyfamilyacademy.ca/

Table of Contents

page 3 - September

Bell Schedule

8:35 First Bell8:45 Period 19:25 Period 210:05 Period 310:45 Recess11:00 Period 411:40 Period 5

12:20 Lunch12:40 Recess1:00 DEAR1:15 Period 61:55 Period 72:35 Period 83:15 Dismissal

Morning AfternoonEarly

DismissalEvery Friday12:05

Principal - Lorraine Spence Vice-Principal - Mike Fleck

Student Services:Joanne HugillNancy ReidRowena BazanMusic:Matt Lamers

Kindergarten:Mandy VillarealTina Fleck

Adminstrative AssistantTracy HauckReceptionistMarie Yeomans

Grade One:Krissie EberhartBeth LarsonKatie Rayfield

Grade Two:Heather BoydShauna DavisRebecca LedgerAndrew Lunn

Maureen BaksaStephanie HauckCoralee JakobsenShelly Janke

Grade Three:Kristin CockwellTanya Hackett-PardyRyan IrvingSara Viveiros

Grade Four:Tracy EndersbyAmy HagemannJosh PettipasHeather Nelson

Leah ParagasSherry RathKelly RisdaleGina SuasinSWIS Workers

Huy NguyenMarian Izzo

Educational Assistants

LibrarianKaren Bonora

Family School Liaison WorkerScott Lachapelle

page 4 - September

Parent Council News

Meet theTeacher!!

School Information Night &Parent Council General Meeting

Wednesday, September 9th6:30 p.m. HFA gym

Parent Council General MeetingWelcome & Introduction of Teachers

Classroom presentationsThe evening has been set aside for parents to attend the school to meet your child(ren)’s teachers. It is a great way to establish a home/school relationship.

The evening will begin in the HFA gymnasium.The teachers will do 2 repeat presentations in their classrooms to allow parents to

visit with their children’s teachers and learn about the year ahead!

We look forward to seeing you!

Come out and test drive a vehicle and help support the HFA Parent Council raise funds for school programs

Bake Sale & BarbequeCheck out the

page 5 - September

Important Dates

Please ensure that your child is prepared to participate and has

proper clothing for the day’s weather.

Terry Fox National School Run Day - HFA staff and students will be participating in this national event on Friday, September 25th at 10:00 a.m.

That day, HFA will be hosting a Twoonie hat day to assist in raising school funds for this

worthwhile cause. Students are asked to bring in a

Twoonie to donate and gum that they are allowed to chew that day.

HFA will be collecting donations to be for-warded to THE TERRY FOX FOUNDATION. If you are donating, please make cheques payable to The Terry Fox Foundation. Tax receipts are available for donations over $20.

Breakfast for Learning Breakfast is an extremely important part of a healthy lifestyle and significantly improves a child’s ability to stay alert and learn. To educate and promote the importance of this message, breakfast for all students and staff will be served on Monday, September 14th. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact the school office.

Alberta Cultural Days - HFA will be participating in Alberta Cultural Days on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00-5:00

There will be Cultural Displays in our Library andBAPS Craft show will be located in the HFA gym

Come visit us as your tour the Cultural events happening in our city.

Picture DaysK1, Gr.1 & 2 Wed., Sept. 30th

K2, K3, Gr. 3&4 Thurs., Oct. 1st

page 6 - September

Thursday, September10th9:00 a.m.

We are looking for volunteers to join Bev Signarowski and some of our

students in prayer in the HFA staffroom.

Parent Prayer Group

First full week of library classes starting Monday, Sept 14th - summer reading participants should all receive their free

books by Sept 11th - Mrs. B. WILL in fact be kissing some sort of farm animal as the summer reading quota was met. Stay tuned for details....

Library News

Important Dates

Openingschool

Mass

Thursday, September 24th

10:00 a.m.at CTK/SJC

Holy Family AcademyChrist The King Academy

St. Joseph’s CollegiateSt. Luke’s Outreach

inviteparents & parishioners

to join us as wecelebrate our first school

mass of the year together.

Coffee withMike & LorraineSeptember 159:30-10:30HFA library

Parents, parishioners, are invited for an

informal chat at this monthly coffee hour.

page 7 - September

School Programs

Holy Family’s milk program will be returning again this year. Any milk cards that were not filled up at the end of last year have been kept and will be distributed to your child’s new teacher. Milk cards contain 20 milk for $20.00 and will be available to purchase starting August 31st from either your child’s classroom teacher or the office. The first day for milk delivery will be on Monday, September 14th.

Thank you for your continued support of HFA’s milk program.

Milk Program

The 3rd season of Hockey Club for grades 3 and 4 students will

begin in October. Sign ups will be at the end of September.

Any student who wishes to play MUST bring a hockey stick from

home as they will not be provided this year.

The students of HFA have the opportunity to volunteer their time at the long term care centre throughout the year.

Students shared their joy with the seniors by reading stories, performing, doing crafts, and playing games with the residents.

This is an incredible experience for both the students and the seniors. Visits begin again in October. 11:20-11:40

October 2nd - Miss Davis’ Gr. 2 October 16th - Mr. Irving’s Gr. 3October 23rd - Mr. Lunn’s Gr. 2

Long Term Care Centre Visits

Hockey ClubChess ClubMiss Viveiros will be

running a chess club once a week.

Watch for more information on start-up date and times.

IntramuralsIntramurals will begin again

in October

Thank YOU!!

Thanks to all the Wonderful volunteers who spent time this summer sewing book

bags for our students!!

page 8 - September

Elaine OrlitaMingly DeatoCecile HellmerPierrette Robinson Sylvia VogtGladys GracesCorry MortensenKelli DixonSusan Yokoyama

SWIS - Settlement Workers in SchoolsSettlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) office is now located next door

to Wood’s Lab at St. Joseph’s Collegiate. Stop by for a visit! SWIS Workers can be reached directly at the numbers listed below.

Huy Nguyen 403-427-1500 or Marian Izzo 403-427-1077

Arlene HammerDarlene FettingerCatherine Harris Linda BidykBrenda GarciaDiane HartySherry Rath

page 9 - September

Welcome!!

“Congratulations” toBonnie & Clayton Conners

& big brother, Hudson on the safe arrival of

Finley Alexander Connerson July 17th, 2015

at 3:30 p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 11oz and 21.5 inches long.

Melanie & Ryan Irvingon the safe arrival of

Ryker Stewart Irvingon August 2nd, 2015

at 6:15 a.m.weighing in at 7lbs 11oz

and 19 inches long.

A big hello to Holy Family Academy! My name is Sara Viveiros and I am the new Grade 3 teacher. To give a brief background on myself, I complet-ed a Bachelor of Journalism degree at Ryerson University in Toronto, ON and then later went on to graduate from the Bachelor of Education pro-gram at Trent University in Peterborough, ON. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and really like hiking . I also enjoy keeping active,

whether it’s going for a run, going to the gym, or swimming. I love to travel! Especially within Can-

ada and having spent time in every province, I have a real soft spot for Alberta. Having spent

time in southern Alberta, I am excited to be back!

Welcome to Miss Sara Viveiros

School News

page 10 -

It’s a great feeling to be back in Holy Family Academy School as a teacher. I am Mrs. Rowena Bazan and I am teaching Language Arts 4 this year and some Literacy and Learning Communities. I was a teacher in the Philippines for 11 years and when I came to Canada in 2011 I still felt the calling to be in school not only to teach but to inspire students and others. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines in 2000. I finished my Master of Science in Physical Education in West-ern Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City Philippines in 2007. I believe that Life is a continuous learning process and I love learning. Just last year 2014, I earned my Bridge to Teaching Program Certificate at the University of Calgary and completed the required additional credits from Athabasca University, Calgary in the same year.

Welcome to Mrs. Rowena Bazan

I have three beautiful daughters and a very supportive husband. I love dancing, playing badmin-ton and some sports with my friends and family. I am always thankful to God for all the blessings

He gave me and to be a part of the Holy Family Academy School is one of His greatest gifts.

Welcome to Mr. Matt LamersMy name is Matt Lamers and I am absolutely

thrilled to be teaching grade 1 – 4 music for the 2015/2016 year! I am a new resident to the prov-ince of Alberta and traveled from Peterborough, Ontario. I obtained my teaching degree, as well

as a degree in English/Cultural Studies from Trent University and I am very excited to be joining the staff of Holy Family Academy for my first year of

teaching. Although this is my first teaching position, I have had much experience in K – 6 classrooms throughout the past 6 years. I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity of teach in such a

beautiful school community. A bit about myself: I can safely say that music and teaching are my two greatest

passions and that teaching music is my dream vocation. I play many different in-struments, but am most skilled at the guitar and ukulele. I love song writing. In fact, I am currently working on an album of children’s songs. I also love cats, food, na-

ture, fall weather and film.

School News

page 11 - September

1. Log onto the Christ the Redeemer website at http://redeemer.ab.ca/2. Click the black Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division Resources Tab/logo near

the bottom 3. Under Parents, click on School Cash Online4. Register with the system and create a username (your email address) and a

password. (Please record your password).5. Once you register you will get an email asking you to confirm everything.6. You can now log into the program with your user name and password and add your

student(s) to your account.7. First you will see that Christ the Redeemer school board is checked off already. 8. Then select Holy Family Academy.9. When entering your student information, there is no need to know their student

number, just uncheck this box and enter their Name (legal last and first name) and birthdate.

10. The system will show you your student(s) information, please agree to the statement in the blue box.

11. Check off your relationship to the student and it will add that student to your account. You can continue to add other student(s) in this same way.

12. You will now be able to access the fees assigned to your student(s).13. Select the fee you want to pay. If you want to pay only a portion of the fee, you will

need to come to the school office to do so. Sorry for this inconvenience. 14. Then the check out process which is like most online checkout and you are finished!

You can also pay by cash or cheque at the office

Having trouble?? Call Support for Cash Online, available 24hrs a day 7 days a week at 1-866-961-1803.

Paying Your School Fees Online!!Step by Step Process

Parish News

page 12 - September

http://www.saintmarysbrooks.com/

511 - 4th Street WestFather Raul Hernandez

Church Office Hours

Tuesday-Friday9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

ph. (403)362-4466

Mass TimesWeekday Masses

Tuesdays - 7:00 p.m.Wednesdays - 7:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 9:00 a.m.Fridays - 9:00 a.m.

Weekend MassesSaturdays - 5:00 p.m.Sundays - 9:00 a.m.

- 11:00 a.m.

email: secretary@saintmarysbrooks.com

Children’s Liturgythis ministry is looking for

Volunteers!If you are interested in helping,

please contact the Church office orMiss Krissie Eberhart

keberhart@redeemer.ab.ca

Baptism PreparationThe next Baptismal preparation will beSeptember 24th

7:00 p.m.Remember that you must let the office know 2 months in advance

before you can baptize your child.

Come & Join UsWe are doing our new Church

Directory!All participant receive a FREE church directory and a FREE portrait.

No sitting fees!

Book an appointment at the Church office

HELP BRING YOUR CHURCH FAMILY TOGETHER!

511 - 4th Street WestFather Raul Hernandez

Parish News

page 13 - September

All servers are welcome to the training and the fun part at the corn maze!

Training is at 12:30pm, meet at the church or meet at the corn maze at 2pm

Pick up at 3:30pm at the corn maze

If you wish, you may also come to a hot dog roast

on Sept. 26th at 12:30 followed by another training.

Pick up is at the Church at 2:30pm.

Altar Server Training for new & experienced Altar Servers - September 12th

Saturday, October 31st 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

St. Mary’s Parish Hall 20 vendors displaying a variety of crafts and goodies.

As well, the ladies will have a bake and preserve table

We invite any of the ladies in the school, certainly mom’s, grandmothers and aunts to contribute to our special table of preserves. (Preserving pickles, fruits, jams & jellies is in full

swing right now) and baking.If you are able to contribute,

please call Carol at 403-362-3108.

C.W.L. Fall & Christmas Bazaar

Must have received First Communion to be an

Altar Server

Do you have a home business or a craft that you would like to showcase?

Join us Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Holy Family Academy Gymnasium for our 4th Annual BAPS Countdown to

Christmas Trade Show.

Tables are limited and are first-come-first-serve basis. Tables are $30.00 (all money goes to the Brooks Animal Protection Society). Payment is due at time of booking and

must be accompanied with an item for our raffle table. Only then is your spot guaranteed.

For those that don’t have a table, be sure to stop by and see what local vendors have to offer as well as partake in a raffle, 50-50 tickets, and tour through the Taste of Nations at

the Lakeside Leisure Centre.

For more information on booking tables, please e-mail Amanda Gilbert at agilbert_57@yahoo.ca

All money made from the event will go to providing a safe haven, care and

nourishment to the abandoned, homeless, and surrendered animals until they find home...

page 14 - September

Community

page 15 - September

August 24, 2015

Re: Attendance at School

Dear Parents;

At Christ the Redeemer School Division we are constantly striving to provide the best possible educational experience for the students we serve. In order for our schools to be able to maximize their ability to provide optimal learning for all students it is important that each and every child attends school regularly and is not missing any valuable class instruction.

As directed in the School Act, our schools are required to monitor the school attendance of all students. Each year our teachers and school administration are faced with problems of chronic absenteeism and tardiness with some students. Each school has a procedure in dealing with these chronic attendance issues. When these issues are not addressed by the student and their parents the school‘s administration may refer the situation to the school division’s Attendance Officer.

Part of my role as Deputy Superintendent is to serve as the School Division’s Attendance Officer for all students. My colleague, Associate Superintendent Bonnie Annicchiarico, will assist me in this role. In our role as Attendance Officers, we assist the school staff in ensuring that students are attending school regularly. If a situation is referred to one of us we will become involved with the family to help assist them in making sure the student in question is attending school. As Attendance Officers, if we see that the problem is not being resolved, we can and will refer the situation to Alberta Education’s Attendance Board. Of course, this is an action that we would prefer not to do as it causes stress on all those involved, especially the student.

Therefore we are asking that you do everything that you can to make sure your child(ren) attends school on time and on a regular basis. If you require assistance at any time I encourage you to talk with your principal and/or teachers. By working cooperatively together at school and home it is our hope that we can minimize and eliminate all attendance issues.

Sincerely

Gary B. ChisteChief Deputy SuperintendentChrist the Redeemer Catholic School

September 2015!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday31 1 2 3 4 5

Class begins Mass at St. Mary’s 5:00 p.m.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12Mass at

St. Mary’s9:00 a.m. &11: 00 a.m.

Labour DayNo

School

HFA Meet the Teacher &

Parent Council General mtg.

6:30 p.m.

(CTK Meet the Teacher)

Parent Prayer Group 9:00

a.m.

Mass at St. Mary’s

5:00 p.m.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19Mass at

St. Mary’s9:00 a.m. &11: 00 a.m.

Breakfast for LearningLibrary opens

Milk starts

Coffee with Mike &Lorraine

9:30 a.m.HFA library

Spirit Assembly

10:45

Buick Drive for your students

Fundraiser9:00-4:00

20 21 22 23 24 25 26Mass at

St. Mary’s9:00 a.m &11:00 a.m.

Opening Mass K-12

10:00 atCTK/SJC

Terry Fox walk10:30

$2 Hat Day

Alberta Cultural Days &

BAPS craft show

10-4:00 HFA gym

27 28 29 30 1Mass at

St. Mary’s9:00 a.m &11:00 a.m.

Lock down1:20

PictureDay

K1, Gr. 1 & Gr. 2

PictureDay

K2, K3, Gr. 3 & Gr. 4