St. Edmund’s Newsletter – January 2025

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and still savoring the joys of the holiday season. As we begin this new year, the entire St. Edmund’s staff extends our heartfelt wishes for a year filled with hope, growth, and success.

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to set fresh goals and strive to do our best, remembering that in our diverse community, each of us has the potential to lead in our own special way. Together, we can inspire one another to live with intention and compassion.

As Catholics, we are called to live lives filled with faith and love, generously sharing our talents for the greater good. This January, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, honoring the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Jesus. Their offerings remind us of God’s greatest gift to humanity. Let us take this time to reflect on how we can use our own unique gifts to uplift and support others, spreading kindness through our words and actions.

May this year bring countless blessings, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. Let us work together to embody the spirit of generosity and kindness in all that we do throughout the months ahead.

Annual General Meeting & Registration Packages

Save the date & join us for the AGM in the school gym on Wednesday, February 19th, at 7:00 PM. Registration packages will be distributed immediately after the meeting. Attendance by at least one family member is required.

2025/2026 New Student Applications

Kindergarten Class: Thank you to families who have already submitted applications for younger siblings. If your child will be ready for Kindergarten in 2025/26, please contact the office as soon as possible.
New Families: Help us grow our community by referring family and friends to St. Edmund’s. Applications for the 2025/26 school year are available on our website: www.stedmunds.ca. Submit completed forms, along with original birth and baptismal certificates, by Friday, January 31, 2025.

With Appreciation & Gratitude

We extend heartfelt thanks to:

Mr. Ernie DelaCruz (“Mr. Dodds”) and our parent volunteers for their extra care in cleaning our school over the holidays.
ICBC who provided a donation to the school Fine Arts Department in appreciation for the choir singing at their offices.
Ms. Acuna, for organizing our Purdy’s Chocolates and Front Row Concert Seating fundraisers as well as the parents who purchased chocolates and bid on the concert seats. These funds support our Fine Arts department with the Long & McQuade sound and lighting equipment rentals.
Mr. Steve Grout, for filming and editing the dress rehearsal of our “Light the Way” concert.
PAC, for organizing the Christmas Concert Bake Sale and Parish Food Hamper Collection, and all families who donated items for this charitable campaign.
Everyone in our school community for making St. Edmund’s a special place through your support and positive contributions!

Safety: Drop-Off & Parking Reminders

Please follow parking and drop-off zone rules to ensure safety:

No stopping/parking in fire zones (Church and Gym entry on Mahon Street) or near the 6th & Jones Crosswalk.
Crosswalks must remain clear. Be mindful of pedestrians and volunteer crossing guards.
Volunteer Opportunity: We need crosswalk volunteers! Sign up on the volunteer portal to earn PPP hours while helping keep our children safe.

Winter Weather Updates

In severe weather:

School closure announcements will be made by 6:45 a.m. via email and posted on 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.

Health Reminder

At home, reinforce handwashing, sneezing & coughing etiquette.
Monitor your child’s health daily and keep them home if they show signs of illness.
Use the “Report Absentee” link on our website to notify the office of absences.

School Uniform Reminders

Help our students represent the school with TBIRD pride:

Skirts: Modest length (no more than 3 inches above the knee).
Pants: Navy blue dress pants.
Shoes: Black dress shoes; boots or other footwear for commuting only.
Sweaters: In good condition (no holes).
Accessories: Subtle and appropriate (e.g., long hair tied back, stud earrings only, no nail polish).
All items must be labeled with your child’s name.

Extra-Curricular Programs

- Basketball: Thanks to our coaches and parent drivers for supporting pre-season practices and exhibition 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 later this month. The St. Edmund’s Spelling Bee will take place in April, with winners advancing to the CISVA Spelling Bee.

Parish Mass Schedule

Please honor your Catholic commitment by attending Mass:

Saturdays: 4:30 p.m.
Sundays: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Morning Mass: Daily at 7:30 & 9:00 a.m. (Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.)

January Calendar:

Mon. Jan. 6 School Re-opens – Full day

Wed. Jan. 8 9:00 Gr. 4 & K Class Mass

Wed. Jan. 8 Gr. 7 Girls Basketball Tournament

Thurs. Jan. 9 Gr. 7 Boys Basketball Tournament

Tues. Jan. 14 7:00 pm PAC Meeting

Wed. Jan. 15 9:00 School Mass led by Gr. 3

Jan. 20-24 Primary Speech Arts Festival @ St. Anthony (WV)

Tues. Jan. 21 7:00 pm PEC Meeting

Wed. Jan. 22 9:00 Gr. 6 & 2 Class Mass

Mon. Jan. 27 NO SCHOOL – Professional Day

Wed. Jan 29 9:00 Gr. 1 & 5 Class Mass

Wed. Jan. 29 Gr. 7 Girls Basketball Tournament @ SPX

Professional Day in January

Please note that on Monday, January 27^th, school will be closed for a professional development day for staff. There is no school for students on this day