March 2016 - St. Cecilia

École St. Cecilia Junior High School
8830-132 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5E 0X8
Phone: 780-476-7695 Fax: 780-473-7363
Web Page: www.stcecilia.ecsd.net
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
March 2016 Newsletter
Page 2
General Information
Page 4
Time Schedule and
Concession information
Page 5
Bulletin Board (St. Cecilia
& community misc. info)
Page 10
Superintendent’s Message
Page 15
Calendar
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 3:45
Thursday 7:30 - 3:00
BUSINESS OFFICE HOURS
Mon, Tues & Wed - 8:30 – 3:30
(closed from 12:30 – 1:00 for lunch)
Thursday - 8:30 – 1:00
Friday – 8:30 – 12:30
The newsletter is available
online the first of each month. If
you want a paper copy, please
contact the office and we will
provide one to your child.
Newsletter via email is now
possible; please make sure the
office has a parent / guardian
email address.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The extremely short but rather busy month of February has come and gone and it
seems like spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer and the
cold weather is hopefully a thing of the past. We have been blessed with a
wonderful winter this year. We would like to also thank Father Paul Moret and
Sister Mara for welcoming the entire school to the St. Matthew Parish and for
celebrating Ash Wednesday with us. As well in February, Edmonton Catholic School
District held the first Father (Catfish) Mike Moreau Faith Day for all the grade 8’s in
the district. What a wonderful way for the students to delve deeper into their
spirituality. The following day all staff of ECSD attend Faith Development Day to
celebrate, enhance and strengthen our own spirituality.
We have had all our feeder elementary schools grade 6’s come to St. Cecilia for a
visitation. This gave the grade 6 students the opportunity to see St. Cecilia full of life
and energy. Our Open House was well attended and held on Thursday February 18th. I
would like to thank the staff and student volunteers for coming out and showcasing all
the fantastic things that make up and make St. Cecilia a wonderful school. The
basketball teams have concluded the regular season and we wish them all the best in
the playoffs. Co-ed badminton will begin soon.
During the month of March, the second report card will be distributed on Monday
March 14th and Demonstration of Learning Conferences will take place on Thursday
March 17th (1:00 – 4:30 & 6:00 – 8:00). Reminder to all the grade 9 students to attend
high school Open Houses so that they are able to make an informed decision about
the best fit high school for each of them. Open houses are as follows: February 24 J.H.
Picard, March 1 St. Joe’s, March 2 MacDonald IB Program, March 3 O’Leary and finally
March 10 MacDonald. All Open Houses begin at 7:00 PM. All registrations take place
at the High Schools. Registration at O’Leary takes place Saturday March 5 beginning at
9:00 AM, MacDonald registration evenings are March 15 and 22 from 6:30 – 8:30 and
St. Joe’s takes place March 5 at 9:00 AM. Please read further in the newsletter about
these important dates.
Oh course at the end of March we will be ending our Lenten Journey and
celebrating Easter. As we continue our journey throughout March, we need to take
time to reflect our Lord’s passion and death; it is a time for us to ponder what it
means to be a witness and imitate God’s relentless love for each of us. On behalf of the staff of St. Cecilia School we
wish you a glorious Easter in celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus.
Mr. Roman Iwanyk
Mrs. Nicole Falcone-Dempsey
Principal
Assistant Principal
St. Patrick’s Prayer
This day I call to me: God's strength to direct me, God's power to sustain me,
God's wisdom to guide me, God's vision to light me, God's ear to my hearing,
God's word to my speaking, God's hand to uphold me, God's pathway before me,
God's shield to protect me, God's legions to save me. Amen
YEARBOOKS
Still available
2014-2015 @ $30.00 each
PRE-ORDERS ONLY for
2015-2016 @ $30.00 each
Contact the Business Office
School Advisory Council:
The next general meeting will be held March 17th, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m. in the
conference room. All parents are welcome! For minutes of our last meeting visit
St. Cecilia’s WEBSITE under Parent Information. All parents are invited to all
meetings.
School Fees:
An invoice for school fees has been mailed to your homes. Visa, MasterCard payments can be made ONLINE through
your PowerSchool account or by phone or in person in the business office. Cash is accepted during business office
hours. (see page one for Business Office hours).
If there is a reason that you cannot pay your school fees, please contact the business office at 780-476-7695 to make
alternate arrangements.
Parking:
Please DO NOT PARK in the O’Leary Pool parking lot. You will be issued a ticket or will be towed. We ask parents NOT
TO DOUBLE PARK OR PARK IN THE BUS ZONE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. Also, the staff parking lot in the back of the
school is not to be used as a drop off or pick up as this area is reserved for staff.
Student Absences:
If your son/daughter is going to be absent for any reason, please report the absence to 780-476-7695. Please keep in
mind it is your responsibility to inform the school of an absence. One of the main keys to success in school is to
attend classes regularly and punctually. The ‘SynreVoice’Autodialer will contact the home phone of all absent
students to deliver a recorded message advising the parent of the absence. This call is to confirm the absence of the
student that day. If you do not answer and listen to the whole message it will continue to call you until you do so.
School Dances:
If your child does NOT wish to attend a school dance they must have written permission from a parent to do so. The
letter must be given to the homeroom teacher the morning of the dance. If students do not have this letter they
must remain in school for the dance.
Homework:
It is our school policy that if a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to contact their homework buddy to get
their assignments. If your child is absent for more than four days, you may call the office for homework.
Personal Items:
Students are not encouraged to bring personal items of value to school. Students do so at their own risk. The school
will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items
Medical Alerts:
If your child has a severe medical alert we would ask you to please notify the school office.
Change of Address:
Please notify the office if you have had a change of address or phone number.
Building Open at 7:30 a.m.:
For students arriving early, the building will be open at 7:30 a.m. We ask that students wait in the foyer until the first
bell rings before they go to their lockers. Please be advised there is no supervision until 8:00 a.m. Also, we ask all
students to use the foyer door to enter the building not the front door.
Office Hours:
Our office is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday – Friday; 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Thursdays.
Bus Passes:
E.T.S. bus passes are sold through the business office each month. To avoid long line ups postdated cheques will be
accepted for the entire school year through the Business Office. Please hand these in ASAP. The price to the student
is $50.00 (ECSD subsidizes part of the price). The cost of a replacement pass will be $69.00 (full price). Family Plan
(families of three or more purchasing bus passes) is $46.00. Family Plan Application forms available at the school.
REPLACEMENT passes will be sold only at the request of a parent.
Electronics:
Electronic Devices are allowed on school property, but they must be on silent mode at all times. See the Website for
more information.
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday &
Friday
Call In
8:12 am
Announcements
8:20 - 8:23 am
Block 1
8:25 - 9:12 am
Block 2
9:14 – 10:01 am
Locker Break
10:01 - 10:06 am
Block 3
10:06 - 10:53am
Block 4
10:52 - 11:42am
Lunch
11:42 -12:16pm
Block 5
12:24 - 1:11 pm
Block 6
1:13 – 2:00 pm
Block 7
2:02 - 2:49 pm
Dismissal
2:49 pm
THURSDAY SCHEDULE
Call In
8:12 am
Announcements
8:20 - 8:23 am
Homeroom
8:23 - 8:33 am
PAWZ 1
8:35 - 9:30 am
Locker Break
9:30 –9:35 am
PAWZ 2
9:35 - 10:30 am
Locker Break
10:30 -10:35 am
PAWZ 3
10:35 – 11:30pm
Homeroom
11:35 - noon
Dismissal
12:00 pm
BUS PASS
Monthly Pass
$50.00
Family Plan
$46.00
Replacement Cost $69.00
SCHOOL CLOTHES
If you’re interested in school clothing
please contact the Business Office
ST. CECILIA CONCESSION
Concession is now open for
lunch! Drinks, snacks and fresh
food provided.
The menu will change daily
featuring lunches from Edo
Japan, Opa Greek Cuisine,
Mediterranean Pizza, Mozza
Burgers, Pasta and more! Check
the concession board for details.
Drinks are always $1.00 and lunches are
never more than $5.00.
St. Cecilia Bulletin Board
Wrestling News
In the City Wrestling Championships the team came away with a girls' team championship and the overall
combined championship, as well as winning the toughest award to win, the Quality Team award. It is the fourth
year in a row that we have won the Quality Team award.
Congratulations to the following individual city champions: Emma S., Ericka D., Lily R., Kaci K., Vianne R., and
Faith H..
Congratulations also go out to the following students who competed at the Alberta Winter Games in Wrestling Robbie Ann P., Elul T., Josh S., Mamakoh B., and Grace P..
Winning bronze medals at the Games were: Philip M., and Dwayne C..
Coming back to St. Cecilia with silver and bronze medals were: Vivica A. and Ericka D..
Becoming Alberta Winter Games Champions winning Gold and Bronze medals were: Vianne R. and Lily R..
FRENCH IMMERSION DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:
Here are some useful organizations that can provide French tutors for you and your family.
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) 1(800)-561-2978 / In Edmonton 780-433-7311
www.cpfalta.ab.ca Click on: - For students- Activities and resources
Alliance Française - In Edmonton (780)469-0399 www.af.ca/edmonton
Click on : - Apprendre le français
• English
• French school
• Children and Youths
• Private
Campus St. Jean - In Edmonton (780)465-8700
* ask for names of university student who would be willing to tutor
Cancellation of Yellow Bus Service - ALL PROGRAMS
________________________________________________________________________
Please be advised that the following Radio and TV Stations will carry announcements with respect to
transportation cancellations due to inclement weather conditions.
RADIO STATIONS
630 CHED
CISN FM 103.9
FRESH FM 92.5
INEWS 880 AM
The Bounce FM 91.7
UP! 99.3 FM
HOT 107 FM
AM 930 The Light CJCA
SHINE 105.9 FM
TSN 1260
95.7 CRUZ FM
The Bear 100.3 FM
SONIC 102.9 FM
104.9 VIRGIN Radio FM
CBC
CHFA (CBC Fr.)
CFCW 840
CAPITAL FM 96.3
K97 97.3
102.3 NOW! Radio
TV STATIONS
CITYTV
CTV Edmonton
GLOBAL Edmonton
CBC TV
** Every effort will be made to have messages broadcast commencing no later than 6:30 a.m. **
In the Loop Newsletter
If you are interested in reading the most recent edition of the “In the Loop” newsletter – click
on this link https://www.mailoutinteractive.com/Industry/View.aspx?id=743663&q=0&qz=07a7b5
This edition includes the Minister’s message addressing the Guidelines for Best Practices:
Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities
and Gender Expressions.
High School Open Houses - 2016
** Registrations will occur at the High Schools **
OPEN HOUSES
J. H. Picard Info Night February 24, 2016
St. Joseph March 1, 2016
Archbishop O’Leary
March 3, 2016
Archbishop MacDonald March 10, 2016
Laudato Si’ Chapter Five: Lines of Approach and Action
We live in a world where lines exist everywhere. We see lines on sports fields, roadways, thermometers, measuring cups, and just
about every human made object we interact with. We also see the splendid beauty of God’s creation: the line where ocean meets sky,
the angular form of a mountain, the curve of a shoreline. We come to understand that there is a delicate balance between what is
imposed upon creation through human interaction and what the environment can sustain. In the first four chapters of Laudato Si’ Pope
Francis reveals the shortcomings of what he calls “the profoundly human causes of environmental degradation.”(163). In chapter five
he offers five ‘lines of approach’ for us to consider in moving towards more hopeful outcomes. Like the yard lines that mark the
progression of a team, their action towards a touchdown, the five ‘major paths of dialogue’ our Pontiff outlines in this chapter “can
help us escape the spiral of self-destruction which currently engulfs us.” (163). Let us look at the key messages from each of the
pathways.
I. Dialogue on the environment in the international community
Pope Francis challenges us to come to the perspective that “our planet is a homeland and that humanity is one people living in a
common home.” (164). In order to achieve a globally minded approach (global consensus) in resolving our environmental challenges
we much hold governments and corporations accountable to walk the talk of true reform and ethic practice. We must set a priority for
impoverished nations to “eliminate extreme poverty and to promote the social development of their people.” (172). Protecting the
oceans is also a key action. We are called to dialogue on what is needed for true progress which Pope Francis states is: “an agreement
on systems of governance for the whole range of so-called ‘global commons.’”(174).
II. Dialogue for new national and local policies
Protecting our precious world is not something that one country wins and another loses. We are all impacted and can no longer look in
isolation for solutions. We must act together. We must look over the long term vs band aid solutions. “True statecraft is manifest
when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the long-term common good.” (178). Pope Francis speaks to the power
of individuals to lobby and take action to make a difference. For the sake of generations to come he challenges us to “instill a greater
sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the
land.”(179.).
III. Dialogue and transparency in decision-making
Pope Francis speaks strongly to the idea that for solutions to safeguard our environment corporate profit can no longer “be the sole
criterion to be taken into account” (187.) New technology must be responsive to meeting the mandate of improving the quality of life
yet, in their making, not destroy the environment nor take advantage of the poor. “Honesty and truth are needed in scientific and
political discussions; these should not be limited to the issue of whether or not a particular project is permitted by law.” (184.) All
reasonable solutions and possibilities are to be explored to ensure new projects and initiatives reflect sound discernment and are
transparent in their implementation from start to finish.
IV. Politics and economy in dialogue for human fulfillment
Pope Francis asks us to keep in mind the principle of subsidiarity “which grants freedom to develop the capabilities present at every
level of society, while also demanding a greater sense of responsibility for the common good from those who wield great
power.”(196.) We need a political mindset that seeks to mitigate corruption of all forms and become ‘healthy’ through advocacy for
the poor and agency for responsible stewardship. “Politics and the economy tend to blame each other when it comes to poverty and
environmental degradation. It is to be hoped that they can acknowledge their mistakes and find forms of interaction directed to the
common good.” (197.).
V. Religions in dialogue with science
In seeking to understand the gravity of the world’s environmental crisis, the Pope says: “Believers themselves must constantly feel
challenged to live in a way consonant with their faith and not to contradict it by their actions.” (200.) As believers we are called to
engage in conversations that deepen our understanding of stewardship and our responsibilities to the environment. Pope Francis
encourages all religions to “dialogue amongst themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks
of respect and fraternity.” (201.).
Chapter five clearly articulates the lines of action that we must accept and fully embrace. It is too late otherwise should we continue
down the same old roads we have been following. Pope Francis is hopeful for us: “to be encouraged to be ever open to God’s grace
and to draw constantly from their (our) deepest convictions about love, justice and peace.” (200.) The chapter concludes with this
poignant message: “The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of
dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that ‘realities are greater than
ideas.’”(201.).This is the challenge for which we all must toe the line and spring into authentic action!
Tim Cusack serves as Assistant Superintendent, Learning Services Innovation.
March: a Month of Mercy for Lent + Easter
"As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt 25:40)
Pope Francis declared 2016 the Jubilee Year of Mercy; he encourages all of us to practice the Corporal and Spiritual
Works of Mercy. The works of mercy give Christians ways to live according to Jesus’ Great Commandment; they are
more than gestures or obligations, rather they are genuine acts of love for our neighbor. Here are 31 ways to practice
mercy and celebrate Easter this March:
1. Tell someone that you appreciate them; give them a hug 
2. Live simply today; turn the TV or computer off and go for a walk outside with God.
3. Encourage someone who is having a tough time.
4. Pray for someone who is sick or struggling with a problem.
5. Be positive; refrain from using sarcasm.
6. Call, or better yet go visit, someone you know who is lonely.
7. Write a sorry letter and ask for forgiveness.
8. Spend an extra 7 minutes with God today; read a Bible story or scripture.
9. Show humility and admit that you’re wrong.
10. Listen to a Christian song (105.9 Shine FM) and contemplate the message.
11. Write down 3 things you are grateful for. If any of them includes a person, tell them.
12. Invite your child to cook lunch or supper with you; let them choose the recipe.
13. Smile, greet or chat with someone who is new to you at Church or not in your social circle.
14. Forgive yourself. Write it down and burn the paper, offering your prayers up to God.
15. Show acceptance and do something kind to someone who challenges you.
16. Offer to babysit for a busy mom so she can have a couple of hours to herself.
17. It’s St. Patrick’s Day; celebrate the Trinity. Buy a shamrock plant: pray to God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit.
18. Write a letter or send a card to someone you miss.
19. Buy toothbrushes, toiletries and a small treat for the homeless.
20. It’s Palm Sunday; celebrate your faith by spending an extra 5 minutes praying after Church.
21. Put down your cell-phone and really listen to someone, with eye contact.
22. Appreciate your freedom; go for a long walk in the sunshine.
23. Show patience with someone who is slow or messy.
24. It’s Holy Thursday; talk about Jesus and the Last Supper during family meal time today.
25. It’s Good Friday; spend some quiet time with God today…He is sad that His son died.
26. Spend extra time with someone, doing something they are interested in or play a board game.
27. It’s Easter! Celebrate life! After Church go do something fun outside.
28. Visit the graves of your passed loved ones; pray for all the souls in the cemetery.
29. Show the earth you love her; plan a garden & go buy some seeds for planting, even lettuce.
30. Offer to do an errand for a homebound person or a busy parent.
31. Acknowledge someone for doing a good job; celebrate their success!
Janice Stefancik, Elementary Religious Education Consultant
Mercy and Race Relations – Part of our Lenten & Easter Journey
Pope Francis calls us to live this Jubilee Year of Mercy in all
aspects of our lives. "Human beings, whenever they judge, look no farther than the surface, whereas the Father
looks into the very depths of the soul," writes Francis. One of the worst ways that we can “look no farther than
the surface”, is through the sin of racism.
March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination. Racial discrimination can be defined as judging a person or group of people based on the
behavior of some members of the group. Am I a racist? I certainly hope not! I never use those derogatory
names for people of different races. I don’t allow or forbid actions based on the color of the skin of the person
making a request. I avoid jokes that make fun of visible minorities. On the other hand, racism can be so subtle;
sometimes I get caught up in it without even noticing. “That car cut me off - Oh, what planet did they learn to
drive on?” Sometimes it even seems logical to be racist or prejudice if we’ve had a number of experiences with a
certain group of people and they have all ended with a similar result.
I recall talking with a friend of mine who is a member of a visible minority group when we met up at Teachers’
Convention. He told me about a story that he had told some students when discussing racism. He asked the
students in the class who were wearing jeans to stand for a moment, and then proceeded to tell them that he
did not like people who wore jeans. His reasoning was that when he arrived in Canada a couple of years earlier,
he asked the first person he saw in the airport for directions. That person was wearing jeans and was not helpful
at all to him. He then asked another person wearing jeans and they ignored him completely. He received
assistance from a person wearing khaki pants. This pattern continued and the first six people with whom he
spoke who were wearing jeans were all difficult and not helpful. He concluded, quite logically, that people who
wear jeans are not nice people. There were two reactions from the students in the class. One person wearing
jeans was very upset and felt that she was being judged unfairly based on the actions of others. Another
student, not wearing jeans, said that he could relate to my friend and definitely understood why he had reached
that conclusion.
Let’s take a few minutes in our families and talk about how we feel about racism - not only the blatant, in-yourface kind of racism, but the more subtle, seemingly logical kind as well.
When we find ways in our daily lives to allow mercy to take
action, this leads us closer to a meaningful Lenten experience. If
we can live a meaningful Lent, then Easter becomes a truly
glorious and amazing celebration of the love of God made
visible in the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sake. A
Holy Lent and a Happy Easter to all!
Ed Jean, Secondary Religious Education Consultant
March 2016
Sun
Mon
6
7
13
14
Tue
Day 3
Day 1
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Day 6
2
Day 1
3
PAWZ
4
8
Day 4
9
Day 5
10
PAWZ 11
15
Day 2
16
Day 3
17
PAWZ 18
Sat
Day 2 5
Day 6 12
Day 4
19
Demo of Learning
1-4 pm & 6-8 pm
Report Card #2
SAC Mtg
5:30 pm
20
21
Day 5
22
Day 6
23
Day 1
24
PAWZ
25
Good Friday
Activity day
27
28
Easter Sunday
29
Easter Monday
30
P
31
A
26