Our Lady of Peace - Calgary Catholic School District 2016 Newsletter February 2016 Our Lady of Peace 14826 Millrise Hill S.W. Calgary, AB T2Y 2B4 Phone #: (403) 500-2097 Fax #: (403)

February 2016 Newsletter

February 2016

Our Lady of Peace

14826 Millrise Hill S.W.

Calgary, AB T2Y 2B4

Phone #: (403) 500-2097

Fax #: (403) 500-2297

February, although the shortest month of the year, is also a very busy month. We will be wrapping up our basketball season for the junior high students and swiftly moving into badminton season. As well, our Grade 9 students will continue to look at and begin their high school registration process. Many of our elementary classes will be celebrating the100th day, the half-way point of the school year.

February we move into the season of Lent. As a school community, we will enjoy a Shrove Tuesday breakfast on February 9th beginning at 8:30 a.m. Students will receive 2 pancakes and eat these with their homeroom class. On Wednesday, February 10th, at 12:45 p.m. we will have our Ash Wednesday celebration at the school with our presiding Deacon Vivian. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, a time for us to reflect on our faith and to grow closer to God throughout these 40 days. Many people choose to give something up at this time or to make a Lenten promise to do more of something good. When making this decision with your child/ren, consider the acts of mercy as Pope Francis is modeling for us on a daily basis. For simple and real life ways to incorporate mercy into your day, visit http://aleteia.org/2015/12/07/54-ways-to-be-merciful-during-the-jubiliee-year-of-mercy/.

Finally, we would like to thank all of the families for the wonderful lunch and recognition during our staff appreciation week. A special thank you to our School council for organizing such a wonderful week. Yours in teaching and learning,

Jessica, Paulette, and Glen

Jessica Badzgon - Principal Paulette Desautels-Berard - Vice-Principal Glen Anderson - Assistant Principal

http://aleteia.org/2015/12/07/54-ways-to-be-merciful-during-the-jubiliee-year-of-mercy/


Learning Commons

What is a Learning Commons?

A learning commons is a common, or shared, learning ‘space’ that is both physical and

virtual. It is more a perspective than a “place.” A learning commons perspective

supports a student-centered approach that emphasizes active and collaborative

engagement and encourages the co-creation of knowledge by all learners.

A learning commons provides individual, small and large group space, either physical

and/or virtual, for instruction, social/collaborative learning, and production and

presentation. It also promotes global and cultural understanding as students collaborate

with their local and broader community to investigate and create solutions to complex

problems. Research shows that students who have access to quality school library services, which a learning commons perspective enables, are more likely to exhibit

advanced student achievement and literacy development.

For more information: https://education.alberta.ca/department/ipr/slsi/

Choir and Band

UPCOMING MUSIC FIELDTRIPS that require parents to help chaperone: March 5th – elementary choir at festival - 4 parents needed April 29th – band 7/8/9 at orchestra – 5 parents needed May 6-7 – Lethbridge overnight band 7/8/9, choir 7– 5-6 parents needed May 16th – Red Deer Festival band 7/8/9 - 7 parents needed June 4 – Grade 8/9 band – 4 parents needed Choir workshop at Bishop O’Byrne high school for junior high choir. Feb 25th 6:30-8:30 pm

Playground Safety

As we move into the winter months, it is important to review some of the safety concerns for our school playground. Sliding/Sledding – given the inherent risks with these activities, they are NOT allowed to be done on school property during school hours. Soccer – we have had numerous incidents with UNSPORTSMAN-like behavior during soccer games at the recess times. We have reviewed with many of the soccer enthusiasts the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.

https://education.alberta.ca/department/ipr/slsi/


Junior High Updates

Grade 9 students will be starting their registration process soon. An information letter was emailed to families on February 1st, highlighting key dates etc. Our junior high Global Citizenship class has been collecting small toiletries for their current project to support homeless people by providing them with backpacks of goods. As well, there will be a photo booth set up in the foyer for fun February 3rd – 5th. The Healthy Active Learning Opportunities group (HALO) is hosting the friend matchmaker, where students can purchase for $2.00 a short quiz that will match them up with other OLP students with similar interests. It is a great way for students to get to know other students in our junior high.

Elementary Updates

On February 19th Gr.1 and 2 will be celebrating their 100th day of school. Our Grade 3 classes continue with swimming lessons on Thursdays this month. We will be starting two new clubs for the elementary this month: Doodles and Dabs, and the Dance club.

Volunteer Orientation

Please note that all volunteers are required to attend the annual volunteer orientation. This includes anyone who is attending a school field trip or driving students to and from events. Orientations are scheduled the first Wednesday of each month at 8:15 am.

Kindergarten Registration

All Calgary Catholic School District elementary schools offer a half-day kindergarten program. Depending on total kindergarten enrolment, schools may offer a choice of morning or afternoon classes on a first-come, first-served basis. A child who turns four years old on or before March 1 is eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall of that same calendar year. For example, this means to register for kindergarten in September 2016, a child must turn four years old on or before March 1, 2016. Your child’s birth certificate is required at the time of registration. Contact your local elementary school for more information.



Accountability Pillar Survey

Information for parents:

As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an opportunity for Alberta Education and school authorities to ensure that we are equipping students for success.

The Accountability Pillar uses a set of 16 indicators consisting of surveys of students, parents and teachers on various aspects of quality; student outcomes such as dropout and high school completion rates; and provincial assessments of student learning.

From January to the end of February, Alberta Education will be conducting the annual Accountability Pillar Survey. In January, parents of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 will receive a survey from Alberta Education. In February, all teachers will be completing their surveys online at school. Students in grades 4, 7 and 10 already completed this in October/November as part of the TELL them FROM me/OurSCHOOL Survey. All surveys are anonymous and ask questions about experiences with the school. In addition to English and French, the parent survey is available in Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic, Blackfoot, Cree, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu. Your participation in the survey helps provide important information on the quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to return your survey promptly. Survey results will be available to school authorities in May 2016, and will be reported publicly as part of their 3-Year Education Plans and Annual Education Results Reports.


February 2016 Calendar

Our Lady of Peace School February 2016 SUN MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT

1

DAY 6

2

DAY 1

3

DAY 2 -Volunteer

orientation 8:15

a.m.

-Special lunch

-Winter walk

4

DAY 3

Grade 3

swimming

5

DAY 4 Sports Day –

wear jerseys/hats

with sports team

logos

6

7

8

DAY 5

9

DAY 6 -Shrove Tuesday

breakfast 8:30 am

-Junior High

friendship match at

lunch in foyer for

$2 today and

tomorrow

10

DAY 1 -Ash Wednesday

celebration 12:45

-Last basketball

regular game

-Friendship

match

11 Teachers'

Convention –

no classes

12 Teachers'

Convention –

no classes

13

14

15 Family Day –

no classes

16 Professional

Development

Day – no

classes

17

DAY 2 Basketball

playoffs begin

18

DAY 3

Grade 3

swimming

19

DAY 4 Career Exploration

Centre (CEC) pilot

at SAIT

Polytechnic Gr. 9

20

21

22

DAY 5 Badminton

season begins

23

DAY 6

24

DAY 1 Special lunch day

25

DAY 2 Choir workshop at Bishop O’Bryne high school for junior high choir. 6:30-8:30 pm

26

DAY 3

27

28

29

DAY 4 Leap Day

activities for

elementary


Husky Hut Schedule

Millrise Community Association News

The Community Association held its yearly Santa Skate on December 19th. Thanks to all for coming out. Next on the events calendar is the annual Family Day skate to be held on Monday, February 15th from 11 AM to 2 PM at the outdoor rink. There will be food, drinks, and games for the kids. The Millrise Community Association meets the first Tuesday night of each month in the OLP art room at 7 PM, and all members are welcome. The next meeting is scheduled for February 2nd. Remember, this community is YOURS. Are there any events or programs that you want to see take place? Become a member or join the Board of Directors now and have your say! Memberships may be purchased on the community website at www.millrise.org.


Wellness Corner - from Pearson Canada

SELF REGULATION AND EMOTIONS Emotional self-regulation means being able to understand and manage your emotions. It

involves skills like

Talking about feelings

Managing fears and anxieties

Controlling feelings when necessary

Children gradually learn to understand and manage emotions as they grow and their brains

develop. They learn these emotional skills through interactions with people. As parents, we

have three main tasks:

1. Comfort children when they are upset.

2. Share in their joy when they are happy.

3. Teach our children to talk about their feelings.

MANAGING “BAD” FEELINGS When kids feel sad, angry, or frustrated, we often want to “fix” things by talking them out of

their negative feelings. Sometimes, this approach works. However, children also need to

learn that negative feelings are normal, and that they can recover and even learn from these

feelings. Teaching children to manage negative emotions starts with supporting and

comforting kids when they are upset.

Do you remember Dustin’s temper tantrum at the fair? Here is how his parents responded.

Dustin’s father sits down on the ground b Children need time, support, and comfort to help them settle down from temper tantrums or

other strong beside Dustin and puts his hand on his son’s shoulder. He says quietly, “Hey buddy, I know you’re disappointed. You really wanted to ride that bumper car by yourself.”

Dustin’s father pauses and gives Dustin time to cry for a little longer. Then his mother says, “You’re hungry. Let’s go get something to eat and drink.”

Children need time, support, and comfort to help them settle down from temper tantrums or

other strong emotions. Once the child is calmer, it is easier for him to control his behavior,

listen to what we have to say, and talk to us about what has upset him.

Dustin’s parents were right not to scold him. They could have threatened him, “You’d better settle down or we’re never bringing you to a fair again!” Then he would probably have felt

worse and the tantrum could have lasted longer. They could have tried to cheer him up, but

Dustin may have been too upset to respond positively.

Instead, Dustin’s father acknowledged the boy’s disappointment. This let him know that

negative feelings are normal. His parents remained calm and waited until they sensed Dustin

was ready to recover. Then, they began to nudge him in the direction of feeling better.

These actions may not have made Dustin feel better instantly but they helped him calm

down. Dustin was then more able to cope with his disappointment.


BALANCING “GOOD” FEELINGS Positive emotions contribute to good mental health. They also feed children’s creativity and

learning and help them get along with people and maintain a positive attitude. We can help

by recognizing and sharing children’s good feelings like delight, satisfaction, and

excitement.

Maya and her friend have been invited to a sleepover party and they can’t wait to get there. They’re jumping up and down and giggling while Maya’s mother tries to get ready to drive

them. “Wow are you girls excited! I still have a couple more things to do before I’m ready. Why don’t you get your coats on and put all that energy into loading these bags into the

car!” Like Dustin’s parents, Maya’s mother named the emotions the girls were experiencing.

Identifying how a child is feeling and how this emotion affects his or her behavior helps the

child learn to talk more easily about emotions.

Parking Concerns

We have once again had numerous emails and calls regarding traffic safety in and around the school during the peak times of drop off and pick up. We would encourage families to be aware of the traffic laws and to ensure that they are considering the safety of all children during these times. We also ask that you please only park in the top lot near the arena, as the other parking area is for our staff and handicap parking only. Thank you.

Husky Athletics

Jr. Boys home games February 1st vs. St. Stephen/St. Cyril, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Jr. Boys away game February 4th vs. Don Bosco 4 p.m. Jr. Girls away game February 4th vs. Don Bosco 5 p.m.

Senior Boys Home Game February 3rd Senior Girls @St. Stephen February 3rd

Basketball playoffs start February 17th!!

Badminton season begins February 22nd…


High School Updates

We would like to inform you of the following important dates at Bishop Grandin High School for your grade 9 students. Our AP, French and Spanish Bilingual Program Information night is Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7pm. The Open House is Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 7 – 8:30. Parking is available at the back of the school. All are welcome to attend!

AP/international languages open house February 2, 2016 @7pm General Bishop Grandin open house February 4, 2016 @6:45

SCHOOL COUNCIL CORNER

Thanks to everyone that attended last month’s meeting. The week of 25-29 January, School Council organized a Staff Appreciation Week to show the parents’ gratitude to the staff and teachers for all that they do for our kids and the school. On Monday all staff members were presented with a small gift. Every morning we had a student say a prayer for the staff and draw two names for gift cards. On Friday the Staff Appreciation week ended with a lunch prepared by parent volunteers for the staff. A big thank you to all the parent volunteers that took part in helping make the week successful. Fun Lunch is still going strong. We have had two lunches in January and still have more scheduled for February and March. For dates and lunches booked, please visit the Healthy Hunger website at www.healthyhunger.ca and follow the instructions. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 26th at 8:15am. Hope to see you there. Please keep in mind that during our council meetings we will only be able to discuss what’s on the agenda for that meeting; so if you have any concerns, issues, or questions that you need answers to, please bring them to my attention prior to the meeting so we include it in the agenda and have time for discussing. The agenda can be found on the school’s website a week before the meeting under School Council. On behalf of School Council, I wish you all a month full of love.

Grace Letef, Chairperson Our Lady of Peace School Council [email protected] 403-440-9887

St. Patrick’s Parish News

1 7:00pm

Youth Group

7:00pm Bible Study

7:30pm Retreat -

Consolation of the Heart

of Jesus

7:30pm

Choir Practice

(12:30pm)

2 9:30am

Bible Study

1:00pm

Seniors’ Group

7:00pm CWL General

Meeting

7:30pm K.C.

Executive Mtg.

7:30pm Choir Practice

(10:45am)

3 9:30am

Moms’ Group

9:30am

Bible Study

6:00pm Young

People’s Choir

7:30pm

Young Adults Mtg.

7:00pm L. of Mary

7:30pm R.C.I.A.


4 9:30am

Women’s Scripture

Study

6:30pm Cubs

7:00pm

Bible Study

7:00pm Parish

Lenten Mission

7:00pm Stewardship

Mtg.


5 8:00am

Catechists

Workshop

7:00pm Parish

Lenten Mission

with Thomas

Smith

7:00pm

KC First Degree

6 8:00am Catechists

Workshop

9:00am First

Reconciliation

Prep.

11:00am Jr. Legion of Mary

4:00pm Choir Practice (5:00pm)

4:15pm – 4:45pm Reconciliation

http://www.healthyhunger.ca/

mailto:[email protected]


(9:00am) (5:00pm) 5:00pm Mass

7pm Parish

Mission

6:30pm C.F.C.

7 Masses:

7:30am, 9:00am,

10:45am, 12:30pm &

7:30pm

8 1:30pm CWL -

Sandwiches for Drop-

In Centre

7:00pm

Youth Group

7:00pm

Bible Study

7:30pm Retreat -

Consolation of the

Heart of Jesus

7:30pm

Choir Practice

(12:30pm)

9 9:30am

Bible Study

1:00pm

Seniors’ Group

7:30pm

Parish Council

7:30pm K.C.

General Meeting

7:30pm Choir

Practice (10:45am)

10 ASH

WEDNESDAY 9:00am, 5:30pm &

7:30pm - Masses

with distribution of

ashes

9:30am

Moms’ Group

9:30am

Bible Study

7:00pm L. of Mary

7:00pm R.C.I.A.

8:00pm Choir

Practice (9:00am)

11 WORLD DAY

OF THE SICK

1:30pm Mass &

Anointing of the Sick,

Reception follows

9:30am

Women’s Scripture Study

6:30pm Cubs

7:00pm S.S.V.P.

7:00pm

Bible Study


(5:00pm)

12 7:00pm

Scriptural

Rosary &

Stations of the

Cross

13 11:00m

Jr. Legion of

Mary

4:00pm Choir

Practice

(5:00pm)

4:15pm –

4:45pm

Reconciliation

5:00pm Mass

6:00pm Couples

for Christ

14 1st Sunday

of Lent Masses:

7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm &

7:30pm

KC French Toast Breakfast after 9am &

10:45am Masses

FEED THE HUNGRY

DINNER St. Mary’s

Hall

2:00pm S. of God

2:30pm Baptism

Preparation (must pre-

register)

15 FAMILY DAY

7:30pm

Choir Practice

(12:30pm)

OFFICE CLOSED

16 1:00pm Seniors’ Group

6:30pm C.W.L.

Executive Mtg.

7:00pm Finance

Council Meeting

7:30pm

Pastoral Care

7:30pm Retreat –

Consolation of the Heart of Jesus

7:30pm Choir Practice (10:45am)

17 9:30am

Moms’ Group

9:30am Bible Study

6:00pm Young

People’s Choir

7:00pm L. of Mary

7:30pm R.C.I.A.

7:30pm Young

Adults Meeting

8:00pm Choir

Practice (9:00am)

18 9:30am

Women’s Scripture

Study

6:30pm Cubs

7:00pm

Bible Study

8:00pm Triduum

Choir Practice

19 7:00pm Holy

Hour & Stations

of the Cross

INN FROM THE

COLD

20 INN FROM

COLD

10:00am First

Reconciliation

11:00am

Jr. Legion of

Mary

4:00pm Choir

Practice (5:00pm)

4:15pm – 4:45pm

Reconciliation

5:00pm Mass

S.V.P. Collection

6:00pm Couples

for Christ

21

2nd Sunday

of Lent

Masses:

7:30am, 9:00am,

10:45am, 12:30pm,

& 7:30pm

S.V.P. Collection

22 7:00pm

Youth Group

7:00pm Bible Study

7:30pm Retreat –

Consolation of the

Heart of Jesus

7:30pm Choir

Practice (12:30pm)

23 9:30am

Bible Study

1:00pm

Seniors’ Group

7:30pm Choir

Practice (10:45am)

24 9:30am

Bible Study

9:30am

Moms’ Group

6:00pm Y.P. Choir

7:00pm L. of Mary

7:30pm R.C.I.A.

8:00pm Choir

Practice (9:00am)

25 9:30am

Women’s Scripture

Study

6:30pm Cubs

7:00pm

Bible Study

7:30pm Choir Practice (5:00pm)

26 7:00pm

Stations of the

Cross

27 11:00am

Jr. Legion of Mary

4:00pm Choir

Practice (5:00pm)

4:15pm – 4:45pm

Reconciliation

5:00pm Mass

6:00pm Couples

for Christ

28 3rd Sunday

of Lent Masses: 7:30am,

9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, & 7:30pm

2:00pm AFJ Mtg.

2:00pm S. of God

29 7:00pm

Youth Group

7:00pm Bible Study

7:30pm Retreat -

Consolation of the Heart

of Jesus


(12:30pm)

St. Patrick’s Parish invites students in Grade 2 and older, who are

baptized Roman Catholics, to prepare to receive their

First Communion. Registration continues until, March 2nd, 2016


St. Patrick’s Church Sacrament Dates - Information

1414 Shawnessy Blvd. S.W., Calgary, AB T2Y 2L7 403-254-6878

Parents are the first teachers of the faith for their children.

Our parish and the Catholic school system assist you in carrying out this important spiritual task.

A Sacrament is a visible sign, given to us by Jesus, through which Jesus meets us and gives us grace.

As a Roman Catholic, Baptism is the first sacrament and is a pre-requisite

to the celebration of any other sacrament of the Catholic Church.

In Grade 2 (& older), children are invited to the Lord’s Table to partake in the banquet by receiving Jesus in FIRST EUCHARIST (First Holy Communion.)

In Grade 3 (& older), children are invited to deepen their relationship with God and each other in the celebration of FIRST

RECONCILIATION (Confession).

In Grade 6 (& older) children are called to witness as they receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit in CONFIRMATION As parents, it is your responsibility to register your child(ren) for sacramental preparation programs at the parish your family attends. If you live within St. Patrick’s Boundaries (South of Fish Creek & West of the Bow River), registration information for St. Patrick’s sacramental preparation programs can be found in our parish bulletin and on the bulletin board in the hall near the parish office. Information about St. Patrick’s sacramental preparation programs is also distributed by the Catholic schools within our parish boundaries. All registration forms are to be returned to St. Patrick’s Parish. All parent appointments, parent meetings, preparation sessions and celebrations will be held at St. Patrick’s Church.

For further information please contact: Mary Rowan, Sacrament Coordinator

403-254-6878 ext 102 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




Exciting Upcoming Events






Documents

Our Lady of Peace - Calgary Catholic School District 2016 Newsletter February 2016 Our Lady of Peace 14826 Millrise Hill S.W. Calgary, AB T2Y 2B4 Phone #: (403) 500-2097 Fax #: (403)