St. Edmunds Newsletter – November 2022
The month of November begins with All Saints’ Day on the 1st followed by All Souls’ Day on the 2nd. It is important for us to pray for the saints and the martyrs who were living examples of Christian witnesses, especially our patron St. Edmund whose feast day is November 16th. It is also a time for us to remember the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, November 2nd for our whole school mass which will be led by our grade 5 class.
This month we also remember those who fought for peace and those who continue to work to keep our world at peace. Every year on November 11th, Canadians pause in silence for a moment of remembrance for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of conflict. May we focus on our ability to generously forgive others, remain calm in difficult situations, and be peacemakers in our daily lives.
May our prayers continue to bring us together in communion with the saints here on earth and in Heaven.
Prayer to St. Edmund – Feast Day is Nov. 16th
God, who raised up St. Edmund to be the father of the poor and patron of afflicted children, please grant that I may learn from St. Edmund’s example how to love all God’s Children, however poor or afflicted; that I may become, like him, eyes for the blind, feet for the lame and a friend to strangers in trouble; and that by his intercession I may be protected from all evil and distress. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
With Appreciation & Gratitude
- To our friends at Canadian Tire on Main Street for donating Focus Spotlights for our emergency container.
- To all in our community who have come forward with donations to help out a family in our school who was the victim of an apartment fire. Thank you all for your generosity and prayers.
- Thank you to our grade 2 and 7 families for your participation in last month’s sacramental enrollment mass. Please continue to pray for our children who are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. We also congratulate our students who entered our community of faith through the Sacrament of Baptism
All Hallows Eve & the Good Shepherd Ministry
Tonight, our streets will be filled with children celebrating All Hallows Eve (Hallowe’en) and we wish everyone a safe and fun-filled evening! A reminder that we are also collecting candy for the Good Shepherd Ministry, so as you help your children check their trick-or-treat bags, please remember to put some aside in the brown paper bags that were sent home. Our STA buddies will be picking these bags up from our school office this week to take them to the Downtown Eastside.
Legion of Mary: Invitation to Membership
For anyone interested in joining this parish group, please contact Jasmine Pinto (604-992-0927). They meet every Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the parish basement meeting room.
Drop-off & Parking Reminders
Please obey all parking/drop-off zone signage. A reminder that the Fire Zone in front of the Church entry and in front of the Gym entry on Mahon Street must be clear (no stopping or parking in this space).
Drivers are also asked not to stop in front of the crosswalk on 6th Avenue before the parking lot gate. Crosswalks must be clear and please be mindful of pedestrians as well as our awesome parents who are volunteering at the crosswalks to keep everyone safe.
Fundraising:
The past couple of months has been busy ones with the necessary upgrades to our playground/parking lot resurfacing, gym floor and new projection system. Your time, talents and treasures in supporting our fundraising efforts will contribute to the costs of these great projects which contribute to our students’ curricular and extra-curricular programming.
St Edmunds School is fundraising with Purdy’s Chocolatier again, just in time for Christmas!
If you’d like to support us by purchasing some very sweet Christmas gifts for friends, family and yourself, please click the link below:
https://fundraising.purdys.com/1188790–96402
Orders Due: Wed. Nov. 23rd
Pick up: Thurs. Dec. 8th (from gym foyer entrance on Mahon)
Photo Retake Day – Friday, Nov. 4
A reminder that your child is required to bring their Artona card back to school for a retake. If your child was not at school on the original photo day (Oct. 18), they will have their school photo taken today.
Remembrance Day Assembly – Nov. 10th; No School November 11th
The Royal Canadian Legion, North Vancouver Branch 118 has again asked us to support our veterans this year. We will be accepting donations for poppies/stickers beginning next week and teachers will hand these out to students on Wednesday,
November 10th when we will have a prayer service prepared by the grade 6 class.
Professional Day – No School on Friday, Nov. 25
All staff will participate in the CISVA Networking Professional Development Day on Friday Nov. 25th. Please note that there is no school for students on this day.
Communicating Student Learning / Parent Teacher Conferences – Monday, December 5th
Last week, midterm reports were sent home to keep you informed about the observable work habits and interactions that your child has been making this term. Please use this report as a focus for discussion with your child about their attitude towards school, their strengths, and possible areas for improvement.
Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Monday, December 5th, but know that you can always reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns at any point in the school year.
Uniform:
Thank you for supporting our uniform policy and keeping our students looking their best! A reminder that uniform dress pants are to be purchased from our school supplier to ensure the appropriate style and navy blue colour. Please label all clothing items with your child’s full name as many students share the same first name or initials.
Additionally, we look forward to your continued support in doing your utmost to ensure children have dressed appropriately (for rain or shine) each day so that we can continue to enjoy the fresh North Vancouver air! Boots are encouraged for rainy days and children will change into school shoes when they enter the building.
November Calendar:
| Tues. Nov. 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| Wed. Nov.2 | All Souls Day |
| Whole School Mass prepared by Grade 5 @ 11:00 am | |
| Fri. Nov. 4 | Photo Retakes |
| Sat. Nov. 5 | Grade 7 Spirit Day Retreat |
| Mon. Nov. 7 | Early Dismissal Day (12:00) |
| Tues. Nov. 8 | PAC meeting 7 pm |
| Wed. Nov. 9 | Grade 7 & 3 Class Mass |
| Thurs. Nov. 10 | Remembrance Day Assembly – Prepared by Grade 6 Class @ 11:00 am |
| Fri. Nov. 11 | Remembrance Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL |
| Wed. Nov. 16 | Whole School Mass
Grade 6 Immunization clinic |
| Tues. Nov. 22 | PEC meeting 7 pm |
| Wed. Nov. 23 | Grade 5 & 1 Class Mass |
| Last Day for Purdy’s Orders | |
| Thurs. Nov. 24 | Pajama Day Dress Down ($2 donation for Archbishop’s Catholic Charities) |
| Fri. Nov. 25 | NO SCHOOL for students – CISVA Professional Day |
| Sun. Nov. 27 | First week of Advent “Hope” |
| Wed. Nov. 30 | Grade 4 & K Class Mass |
Please remember to check the online calendar and emails for the latest info/changes.
Extra Curricular Programs:
Congratulations to our volleyball and soccer teams who have had exemplary seasons in skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship! We are proud of all our athletes and offer special congratulations to our grade 5 volleyball team who are advancing to the playoffs! Stay tuned for more great athletic updates!