St. Edmunds Newsletter – January 2022
On behalf of the St. Edmund’s staff, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the new year. A new year offers the opportunity to start fresh, set goals and work hard to do our best remembering that we are all leaders in our own way.
As Catholics, we are called to live a faith-filled, loved-filled life, willingly share gifts and talents for the good of the Kingdom of God. January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany which marks the event of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts for baby Jesus twelve days after Christmas. We are reminded that Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us. May we all focus on how we can use our gifts to make others feel welcomed and by using actions and words of encouragement to help others.
Wishing you all the blessings, joy and promise of a new year!
2020-21 Kindergarten Applications
Spread the word! St. Edmund’s is a wonderful community of learning and we hope you will refer a family member or friend to join our school. We are accepting applications for the upcoming school year. Forms may be downloaded from the school website https://www.stedmunds.ca. The application form, together with the child’s original birth and the baptismal certificate should be received at the school office no later than Wednesday, January 19th, 2022.
If you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten in September 2021, please contact the Office as soon as possible. Preference is given to siblings; however, we need to know how many spaces will be available for other families.
Recognition & Appreciation
- Ernie DelaCruz (“Mr. Dodds”) whose extra TLC resulted in wonderfully polished school floors and the cleanliness of our classrooms and common areas.
- We are very proud of our students and their sense of charity and goodwill towards those less fortunate in our greater community. Thank you to all our amazing students and families who helped our Student Council raise $500 during Spirit Week to help our parish families in need. Additionally, our primary and Grades 4 & 6 Class made cards for the Prison Ministry.
- Thank you to our PAC and specifically our Grade 2 & 4 parents and Mr. Erthal for all their efforts for our Christmas Photoshoot and Gift Basket Fundraiser. We are also grateful to all our sponsors. This fundraiser as well as our Purdy Sales and Growing Smiles Christmas Flowers raised $4500 towards our new school playground.
- Staffing Updates: We would like to offer our prayers of support and best wishes to Mr. Lee and Ms. Jozsa who have decided to seek further professional and personal opportunities. Lee is congratulated for completing his degree in clinical psychology and we are grateful for his 5 years of service to our school community. Ms. Jozsa will be taking time for her family and we thank her for her year of service to St. Ed’s. We also ask you to keep Mrs. Dy in your prayers as she is on a leave until the end of the year to take care of her family. In the meantime, we welcome back Miss Diego who will be our librarian during Mrs. Dy’s absence.
Annual General Meeting & Registration Packages
Our AGM will be held in the school gym on Wednesday, February 23st at 7:00 PM and we look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming meeting. The meeting will take place first and registration packages will be handed out immediately following the meeting so please ensure that at least one family member attends.
Sacramental Updates
Our grade 2 and 7 are beginning to prepare for the sacraments Reconciliation, Eucharist & Confirmation that they will be receiving. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their spiritual development. A virtual meeting for parents has been scheduled for Wed. January 26th at 6:30.
School Uniform – Important Reminders
As we begin the new year, it is appropriate to be reminded that the school uniform be worn with pride and with attention to detail:
- Sweaters should be in good condition. Holes should be repaired or the sweater should be replaced.
- Skirt hems should be modest in length (no more than 7cm/3inches above the knee)
- Students should wear proper black dress shoes. (Boots or runners may be worn to and from school but must be changed for the school day.)
- Hair and jewelry accessories should be subdued in nature: Long hair should be tied back; only stud earrings are permitted; nails should be clear (no nail polish) and of reasonable length.
- Make-up is not to be worn.
Thank you for supporting our uniform policy and keeping our students looking their best. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Winter Weather/ Snow Day Updates
Time spent outdoors is an integral part of the school day. There are great benefits when children experience fresh air, exercise and time spent time outside. Outdoor play is also a break from the structure of the classroom. Preparing for winter playground play is important. Please be sure to send your children to school with warm jackets, gloves, hats and boots (don’t forget to also send their regular school shoes!) . We also ask that you label their jackets, hoodies, school and gym uniform as many clothing items have found their way into the lost and found box located in the small hall.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she is not well enough to go outdoors for recess. Germs spread quickly and we want to keep everyone healthy. Also, please remember to call the school and send a note/email if your child is not coming to school.
In case of snowfall, please check your email and listen to CKNW or check Global News for information regarding school closure. If the school is open, as a parent it is your decision as to whether you send your child to school.
Calendar – Important Reminders
Mon. Jan. 10 – School Re-opens – Full day
Wed. Jan 12 – Intermediate School Mass led by Grade 4
Fri. Jan 14 – Virtual Prayer Service led by Grade 2
Tues. Jan. 18 – PEC Meeting 7:00pm
Fri. Jan 28th – Dress Down Twin Day / Student Progress Reports sent home
Wed. Feb. 1st – In-house Primary Speech Arts Presentations