St. Edmund’s Newsletter – February 2025
This month, we celebrate both our students and Catholic Schools. We are proud that St. Edmund’s offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, both academically and through extracurricular activities. Guided by our philosophy of educating the whole child, we ensure the spiritual development of our students is woven throughout all aspects of the curriculum.
In addition, this month we will focus on the virtues of love and friendship. As stated in 1 John 4:8, “Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.” Catholic Schools’ Week in the Vancouver Archdiocese will begin February 2nd and conclude with the Catholic Educators Conference on February 14th . We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to Catholic education and your continued support of our school.
We also appreciate your efforts in spreading the positive news about St. Edmund’s as we begin welcoming new families who are excited to join our unique community in the upcoming school year.
Catholic Schools Week – February 2-14
This annual event began as a way to highlight the significance of Catholic Education. Our CISVA schools provide countless opportunities for our children to grow – spiritually, academically, and in the fine arts and athletics.
Throughout this week, our students will engage in activities centered around celebrating Catholic schools. We are reflecting on the many blessings of being part of a community that strives to “share, pray, encourage, learn, care, and worship.” Please continue to keep our students in your prayers, both here at St. Edmund’s and at our high school, St. Thomas Aquinas.
Learning Updates – Student Led Conferences on Feb. 12th
Student-led conferences will take place on Wednesday, February 12th. Please be sure to schedule a time for your conference. During these conferences, all students will reflect on their strengths and areas for growth, and they will have the opportunity to guide you through their achievements and goals for the rest of the year. While teachers will be present, it will be your child who leads the presentation, demonstrating their communication and critical thinking skills. Please remember that your child is expected to come in their uniform.
Catholic Educators Conference – Feb. 13 & 14 (No classes for students)
Catholic educators from the Vancouver Archdiocese, along with colleagues from other dioceses across British Columbia, will come together for the annual conference. This annual conference serves not only as a platform for the professional growth of our staff but also as a reminder of our shared commitment to the evangelizing mission of our schools and the Church.
This year’s learning days will focus on “Generating Assessments from Learning Standards” which will offer all our CISVA educators a unique opportunity to reflect on teaching practices and elevating student success.
Annual General Meeting & Registration Packages – Wed., Feb. 19 at 7:00
For all St. Edmund’s parents – Registration packages for 2025-26 school year.
Attendance by at least one legal guardian is required to pick up your registration packages for 2025-26.
The PEC and Principal look forward to sharing information about our year to date as well as information regarding the upcoming school year.
A G E N D A:
- Welcome & Opening Prayer
- Pastor Report
- Chairperson Report
- Principal Report
- Treasurer Report: Financial Overview
- Facilities Report
- Parent Participation
- Acknowledgments & Adjournment
Winter Weather Updates
In severe weather:
- School closure announcements will be made by 6:45 a.m. via email and posted on our social media.
- Listen to CKNW 980 AM or check Global News for updates.
- Dress for the Weather: Ensure your child has a warm, hooded coat and boots for outdoor activities. Indoor regulation uniform shoes must still be worn during school hours.
- Volunteer Opportunity: In case of snow, we will need help to shovel snow from our sidewalks.
Reminders: Uniform and Daily Health Checks
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. We also remind you to label all pieces of your child’s uniform.
“Sharing is Caring”, but not when it comes to germs! Please do not send your child to school if they are sick and remember to send the office an email or use the “Report Absentee” link on the school website to notify if your child will not be attending school.
We have recently had reports of head lice in our school. Please check your child’s hair as a precaution. It would be much appreciated. If you believe your child might be infected, please phone the school and we can advise you further. Be assured that this is a normal occurrence in an elementary school at certain times of the year. The steps we are taking are preventative ones.
It is important for students with long hair to wear their hair tied up at school. This is a preventative measure and also part of the school regulations.
Praying for others
- Our Grade 2 and 7 classes have begun preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Please keep them and their teachers in your prayers during this special time in their faith formation. The parent information meeting will be on February 5th at 6:30 pm.
- Prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of George Dotto, father of Mr. Dotto, and Muriel Finney, mother-in-law of Ms. Lorezca, who passed away last week. May they rest in peace, through the mercy of God and may our Lord comfort those who mourn, and strengthen us with hope and faith, trusting in the promise of everlasting life.
Congratulations
- To all our Primary Speech Arts participants for their efforts in preparing and presenting their poems, speeches and Bible readings. Special thanks to Ms. Salituro and the primary teachers for all their work getting students ready for this annual North Shore Catholic schools’ event!
Extra-Curricular Programs
- Basketball: Thanks to our coaches and parent drivers for supporting our practices and games. Check the school calendar for schedules.
- Spelling Bee: Students in Grades 4–7 are encouraged to join the Spelling Bee. Study guides will be distributed this month. The St. Edmund’s Spelling Bee will take place in April, with winners advancing to the CISVA Spelling Bee.
Curricular Programs
On Tuesday, February 11, St. Edmund’s will continue their tradition of honoring the 100th day of school. Students from the primary grades (K to Grade 3) will be organized into teams, each with a Grade 6 leader. Students will go through stations where they will have a chance to have fun with a variety of hands-on mathematical activities. These activities will relate to the number 100. The event will be held in the afternoon.
February Calendar
Mon. Feb. 3 Early Dismissal @ 12:00 pm
Tues. Feb. 4 7:00 pm PEC Meeting (Zoom)
Wed. Feb. 5 9:00 am Whole School mass led by Gr. 2
6:30 pm Sacramental Meeting (Gr. 2 & 7 Parents)
Feb. 11 – 17 Catholic Schools Week
Tues. Feb. 11 100 Days of School Primary Event
7:00 pm PAC Meeting
Wed. Feb. 12 Student Led Conference Day – No classes – come at your appointed time
Open House 9:30-3:00
Feb. 13-14 No School: Catholic Educators’ Conference
Mon. Feb. 17 No School – Family Day
Wed. Feb. 19 9:00 am Gr. 7 Class Mass
7:00 pm Annual General Meeting for all parents
Thurs. Feb. 20 10:00 Primary Skating Trip
Fri. Feb. 21 11:00 Gr. 1 Prayer Service
Tues. Feb. 25 Gr. 4 Fieldtrip to Brittania Mines
Wed. Feb. 26 9:00 am Gr. 6 Class Mass
Dress Down Pink Shirt Day
Fri. Feb. 28 Gr. 7 @ STA Placement Test followed by North Shore Basketball Tournament