St. Edmunds Newsletter – November 2023
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 witness, 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 1st 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. Our Grade 6 class will be leading us in prayerful reflection and gratitude on Thursday, November 9th.
We also acknowledge that as a community of faith, we need to pray for our global brothers and sisters who are suffering in war-torn areas. May we all 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.
Communication Reminders:
Daily Health Check – Please remember to do daily health checks with your child and ensure they stay home if sick. Additionally, if your child’s medical information has changed, please notify the school office.
Attendance (Absent or Late Days) – If your child is going to be late or absent for any reason, please email our school office at office@stedmunds.ca If we do not receive a call or email notification and your child is not at school, we will call to ensure his/her safe arrival.
When Parents Have Concerns – If at any time you have a concern regarding your child or an incident that happened, we ask that you please come and speak with your child’s teacher. The only way that concerns can be effectively resolved is through open communication between home and school, resulting in accurate information being shared, and an informed understanding of your concern.
Drop-off & Parking Reminders – Please obey all parking/drop-off zone signage. A reminder that the Fire Zone in front of the Church and Gym must be clear (no stopping or parking in this space). Drivers are also asked not to stop in front of the crosswalk on 6th Street before the parking lot gate. Crosswalks must be clear and please be mindful of all pedestrians as well as our awesome parents who are volunteering at the crosswalks to keep everyone safe.
School Lunches –
- Healthy snacks and lunch items
- Reusable, labelled water bottles and food containers
- Bring utensils from home
- Take all garbage home
- Thank you for supporting our online hot lunch program
St. Edmund School Uniform
Thank you for all your help in ensuring that your children are ready each day in their school uniform. At morning assemblies, we have discussed how our uniform is an outward sign that we are all part of a special community and a way to show school pride. A reminder that:
- All clothing items should be labelled with your child’s name.
- School sweaters are to be worn daily and should be in good condition.
- The hemlines of tunics, skirts & dress shorts should not be more than 4 inches/10 cm above the knee.
- School dress shoes are all black, non-marking
- Hair should not be dyed or coloured in any way. Hair accessories that tie back long hair should be subdued in nature. (Plain black, blue or tartan pattern)
- Jewelry must be subdued in nature. Only stud earrings are permitted.
- Nails should be clear (no colour polish) and make-up is not to be worn.
Thank you for supporting our uniform policy and keeping our students looking their best.
Fundraising – St Edmunds School is fundraising with Purdy’s Chocolatier again, just in time for Christmas!
Spread the joy this winter season by gifting Purdy’s chocolate to your family and friends while at the same time supporting our student programs!
Use this link to register/login and to purchase: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1188790-108513
Customer No: 22052
Once logged in simply click on the ‘Shop Online’ text at the top of the page. Please also share this link with your friends, families and co-workers so they too can support St Edmunds Elementary.
Orders Due: Monday November 27th
Pick up: Monday December 11th, Gym entrance
Winter Festival – Saturday December 2nd from 2-4pm
The Winter Fest fundraiser is back on Dec 2 with games, crafts and wonderful raffle baskets up for grabs as well as a 50/50 draw and snacks for purchase. It’s a fun way to ring in the festive season and support our school as well! Keep an eye out for updates. Family entry tickets will go on sale soon. See you there!
Important Dates for the month of November:
Please remember to check the online calendar and emails for the latest info/changes.
Nov. 1 All Saints’ Day – Whole School Mass led by Grade 5 @ 9:00 am
Nov. 2 All Souls Day
Nov. 3 Photo Retakes
Sat. Nov. 4 Grade 7 Spirit Day Retreat @ the Chandos Centre
Nov. 6 Early Dismissal Day (12:00 pm)
Nov. 8 Grade 4 Class Mass @ 9:00 am
Nov. 9 Remembrance Day Assembly – Prepared by Grade 6 Class @ 11:00 am
Nov. 10 NO SCHOOL – Professional Day
Nov. 13 NO SCHOOL – Remembrance Day Stat. Holiday
Nov. 14 PAC meeting @ 7:00 pm
Nov. 16 It’s St. Edmund’s Feast Day – say a special prayer to our patron saint!
Nov. 21 Grade 6 Immunization clinic
Nov. 21 PEC Meeting @ 7 pm
Nov. 22 Grade 7 Class Mass @ 9:00 am
Nov. 2 3 Fall Colour Dress Down ($2 donation for Archbishop’s Catholic Charities)
Nov. 24 NO SCHOOL – CISVA Professional Day
Nov. 27 Last Day for Purdy’s Orders
Nov. 28 Grade 6 Young Entrepreneurs Afternoon
Nov. 29 Grade 6 Class Mass @ 9:00 am
Prayer to St. Edmund – Feast Day is Nov. 16th
God, who raised up St. Edmund to be 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.
We also ask that you keep our beautiful priests Fr. Steny and Fr. Cannio in your prayers as they will be attending their annual study days from November 15-17.
Photo Retake Day – Friday, Nov. 3
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. 11), they will have their school photo taken today.
Remembrance Day Assembly – Nov. 9th; No School Nov. 13th
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 Thursday, November 9th when we will have a prayer service prepared by the Grade 6 class.
Professional Days – No School on Friday Nov. 10th and Friday, Nov. 24th
Please note that there is no school for students on these days.
Communicating Student Learning / Parent Teacher Conferences – Friday, December 8th
At the end of October, 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 Friday, December 8th, 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. Please note there are no classes on this day, but your child is expected to attend the conference time slot. Stay tuned for an email informing you of when and how you can set your appointment for your conference.
Extra Curricular Programs:
Fall Athletics:
The fall season has been a busy one for our T-Bird athletes. All three girls’ volleyball teams have had successful seasons and improved immeasurably from the beginning of the season. The senior girls competed against some very strong teams in two separate tournaments in addition to their league games. Our junior (Grade 6) girls team went undefeated in the early part of the season and only narrowly missed the playoffs, while the juvenile girls have qualified for a playoff tiebreaker game later this week. Good luck, girls!!
The Grade 6 and 7 boys have been busy on the soccer pitch this season with seven league games and an upcoming tournament (November 8th). They’ve won games against some strong opponents and we’ve been able to incorporate all 19 players into the team regularly. It has been a fun season. Wish us luck in the tournament!
In house, we are just completing our lunch league dodgeball season for Grades 5-7. Congratulations to all members of the Chicken Team on their victory and to the 60+ students who participated in the league!
Finally, a quick shout out to Rory Beaton, who competed as an independent in a major CISVA cross country meet. Rory won the gold medal for his age group. Congrats, Rory!
Prayers for Peace has started and takes place on Thursday afternoons (3:00-3:15 pm) with Ms. Salituro in our church. We look forward to having more students join us this year to grow in their prayer practice and pray for others.
Choir practice has also started for students in Grades 3 to 7 on Wednesdays at lunch hour under the direction of Ms. Maryna.
STA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR – Nov. 5th, 10 am to 4 pm (STA Main Gym)
The STA Christmas Craft Fair is back after a 4-year break. Over 100 vendors/artisans will have a wide variety of items for sale. It’s a popular, well-attended event, and a great opportunity to “shop & support local”. Enjoy some delicious food at the cafeteria, pick up some festive baked goods, and enter the Gift Basket Raffle to win amazing prizes! Funds raised will support STA students and school. Please let your family and friends know about this event & join us!
STA Open House
Mark your calendars! St Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School’s open house is fast approaching – Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 6 pm.