St. Edmunds Newsletter – February 2022
This month we celebrate our students and Catholic Schools. We are proud that St. Edmund’s provides opportunities for personal excellence in educational academic and extra-curricular activities. With our philosophy of educating the whole child, the spiritual development of the children is integrated into all areas of the curriculum. We look forward to celebrating your child’s successes during our virtual Student Led Conferences on February 16th!
This month, we will also be focusing on the virtues of love & friendship. “Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love”. (1 John 4:8) The week of February 13th is Catholic Schools’ Week in the Vancouver Archdiocese. We thank you for your commitment to Catholic education and for your continued support of our school.
We also thank you for sharing the good news about St. Edmund’s as we begin to meet new families who are looking forward to joining our special community in the upcoming school year.
During this month of kindness and our focus on Catholic education, we thank you all for your continued support of our school.
Catholic Schools Week – February 14-18
This annual event was started as a means of recognizing the importance of Catholic Education. Our CISVA schools offer our children many opportunities to explore their talents – spiritually and academically, as well as in the fine arts and athletics.
During this week, our students will be completing activities focusing on celebrating Catholic schools. We are reflecting on our blessings to be a part of a community working together to “share, pray, encourage, learn, care and worship”. Please continue to pray for our students here at St. Edmund’s as well as at our high school St. Thomas Aquinas.
Student-Led Conferences – Feb. 16 (No classes for students)
On Friday, January 28th, you received your child’s progress report which communicated your child’s personalized learning strengths in core, curricular and content competencies as well as areas for further growth and your child’s own self-assessment.
Progress reports will be followed up by our student-led conferences which will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 16th. If you have not yet set an appointment time, please contact the office. All our students have been reflecting on their learning and will have the opportunity to lead you through their accomplishments and goals for the next term. Your teachers will be with you at this time, but it will be your child leading the presentation and applying their communication and critical thinking skills.
Catholic Educator Conference – Feb. 17 & 18 (No classes for students)
Catholic educators from the Vancouver Archdiocese as well as other BC diocese will be gathering virtually for this year’s conference. This 42-year tradition is not only an opportunity for the professional development of our staff but also a reminder of our shared participation in the evangelizing mission of our schools and Church. This year’s highlights include sessions from dynamic and inspiring speakers such as…., our very own Archbishop Michael Miller who will be celebrating mass via live stream.
Annual General Meeting – February 23, 2022
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Online – Please stay tuned for further information on how to log in for our virtual AGM
To the families of St. Edmund’s the PEC and Principal look forward to sharing information about our year to date as well as information regarding the upcoming school year. Your child will be bringing your registration package home on Thursday, February 24th.
A G E N D A:
- Welcome & Opening Prayer
- Pastor Report
- Chairperson Report
- Principal Report: Year in Review
- Treasurer Report: Financial Overview, Tuition & Fundraising
- Facilities Report
- Parent Participation
- Acknowledgments & Adjournment
Parent Participation
Thank you for volunteering your time and talents and for your continued support of our school. Your efforts help maintain our school safety as well as builds community. Please ensure you are well on your way to completing your required 25 hours of participation. If you still need hours please check the portal for new activities posted, link attached, https://portal.onvolunteers.com/Default.aspx. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Basketball Season
Thank you for your support of our athletics programs as we continue to “pivot” within our school sports guidelines. Our fabulous T-bird students and coaching staff are working hard to develop and refine basketball skills while continuing to focus on personal best, sportsmanship and having fun!
We are ever grateful to our parent drivers who are helping to make this a special season for our teams. Please be advised that games are subject to change (rescheduled or canceled) based on staff (coaches) and student (players) absences.
Uniform Reminders
It is the expectation that all students come to school dressed in full uniform every day. Please ensure that your child has their school sweater and black school shoes. St. Edmund’s spirit wear (hoodies and jogging pants) may be used in gym class but do not replace our regulation daily uniform. Thank you for your support and adherance to our uniform policy.
Winter Weather and Snow Info
Please ensure that children come to school with appropriate winter clothing (warm coat, scarf, toques, mittens, gloves) daily. Unless it is raining heavily or it is unsafe due to ice or snow, students will be going outside during recess breaks. Therefore, it is important that students are prepared every day.
In the event of school closure due to snow, all families are asked to check their email. Every attempt will be made to get this information to you as early as possible in the morning (approximately 7:15 am). You may also listen to CKNW 980 AM for information regarding closures. Please do not call the school. As conditions vary depending on where you live, please use your judgement in regard to driving and whether or not you decide to send your child to school. Remember to email the school if your child will be absent.
Morning Drop Off Procedures
Please ensure students are ready to exit the car (backpacks on their laps, masks on, etc.) as we want drop-off to run as smoothly as possible. Parents, please do not get out of your cars and please do not U-turn on Mahon Avenue.
We are extremely grateful to our crosswalk/traffic volunteers who are keeping our children safe at the intersections.
A reminder that the school day begins at 8:45 a.m. If your child arrives after 8:45, they will need to enter through the main school door entrance and will be marked late. Thank you for your cooperation.
Calendar Highlights:
2nd – Primary Mass led by Grade 3
7th – Early Dismissal (Noon)
16th – No School: On-line Student Led-Conferences
17th -18th – No School: Catholic Educators’ Conference
21st – No School – Family Day
23rd – AGM Presentation (7 pm)
23rd -Dress Down – Pink Shirt Day.