2018 Edmonton Catholic Schools
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2018 Administrators’ message “The best academy of learning where we reach our greatest heights, a mother’s knee” May is the month for us to be grateful for the beautiful gifts of love that our mothers share with us daily in so many ways. It is a time to honour all the wonderful people in our lives who support, encourage, and love us unconditionally. During the month of May, we celebrate Mary the Mother of God, and our own precious mothers who touch our hearts and fill our lives with kindness and patience. We continue to follow the example of Mary, whose love for her Son, is now and forever will be, our model. We strive to be like Mary in our faith and we are inspired to learn and serve one another through her example. As we bring closure to another school year, we are mindful of the many successes and accomplishments of our students in terms of their academic, social and spiritual growth. In the remaining two months, teachers will look towards the completion of curricular objectives as they prepare their students for the next chapter of their education. We totally appreciate the support of parents and community members who continue to assist their children in developing habits of continual and punctual attendance, and who encourage on-going attention to classroom assignments and homework. We appreciate the support we have received from all Father Michael Mireau families as we make the last two months of school filled with learning in all subject areas. We will also take time to celebrate the culmination of our scholastic year. In May, we recognize the many volunteers who work in our school and do so much to help us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our School Council, the Fundraising Friends of Father Michael Mireau Association, and the many volunteers who spent an extraordinary amount of time throughout our first school year by helping us every week to achieve so many goals. Thank you also to the parents who come to the School Council meetings. Your time, input and presence at these meetings is appreciated more than we can say! We would like to wish all mothers and their families the peace, love and joy this special day brings. For those mothers who have cherished us and are no longer with us, we will continue to send our love through private prayers. May God bless you and your families on Mother’s Day. Mrs. Papanicolas Mrs. Rankin-Anderson Mrs. Koshka Mrs. N. Papanicolas Mrs. D. Rankin- Anderson Mrs. M. Koshka Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Reflection For My Mother…A Child’s Prayer Dear Blessed Mother Mary, Help my mom to be a good mother. Give her peace and wisdom, Strength and courage, Grace and happiness. Be nearby when she needs help Keep her close to your Son, Jesus. Help me to always show my mom How very much I love her. Amen. From: Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers © 2002 by Catherine Odell and Margaret Savitskas PATs and Final Exams Students in grades six and nine will be writing Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) during May and June. The grade 7 and 8 students will be following the same schedule for their final exams in June. Please check the calendar for the dates and ensure your child is ready through proper preparation, study and sufficient rest. Students do better on tests when they are well-rested and have a nutritious breakfast before writing exams. Moving? Please let us know! Staffing and classes depend on who is here for next year. We continue to experience a significant increase in enrolment at Father Michael Mireau School. We want to have as accurate a count as possible. If you are planning a move, please let us know in writing, by email, or by phone so that we can have the right number of teachers and the right number of students in each classroom. This will also be beneficial for your children so that their student information can follow them. A special thank you goes out to those of you who have already been in communication with us regarding moves for next year.
Hours of Operation for 2018-19 School Year We know that many parents are already thinking about hours for next year. In calculating our hours of operation, we are required to have 950 hours of instruction each school year. Our hours of operation for the 2018-2019 school year are: Elementary (MTWF) Junior High (MTWF) Warning bell - 8:05 AM Warning bell - 8:05 AM Classes start - 8:10 AM Classes start - 8:13 AM Recess - 9:58-10:13 Locker Break - 9:51 – 9:55 Lunch - 11:25-12:05 Lunch - 11:25-12:05 Dismissal - 2:40 PM Dismissal - 2:35 PM Early dismissal days (i.e. Thursdays) – 11:35 AM Early dismissal days (i.e. Thursdays) – 11:34 AM Class Lists for Next Year Soon we will be looking at class lists for next year. We ask for your support in allowing our teachers to establish class lists and placements. We wish to create an environment that will result in your child’s ultimate success and happiness. Many factors are taken into consideration in designing class lists (see below). For example, we strive for a balance of gender, learning styles and needs, work ethic, academic achievement, social relationships and overall makeup of the group. A great deal of time and consideration is given to the placement process and these important educational decisions. The well-being of each individual student is at the heart of all decisions. Certainly, if you have specific learning concerns, we would be happy to pass them along to teachers as they are making up class lists for the following year, with the understanding that the needs of the classroom as a whole take precedence over requests for classroom placement – particularly placements with friends. Please communicate these concerns in writing to Mrs. Papanicolas by May 13th. Class lists will not be made public until the first day of school to allow changes over the summer. Kindergarten classes will be assigned after staggered entry in the fall. Thank you for your support and understanding! HOW STUDENTS ARE PLACED IN CLASSROOMS Student placement in classes is a concern to some parents every year. It is important to understand the logic and thought that goes into the creation of class lists. The following factors are considered by Learning Teams (Teachers, Learning Coaches, and Administration) when dividing students into classes: Ability Distribution: The best conditions for an effective learning community are created by placing children in an environment where there is a range of abilities. This creates strength through diversity and students are able to draw on the richness of positive group dynamics. Gender Balance: It is important that the boy/girl ratio is as balanced as possible.
Support System: Children make friends each year, however, it is important for them to move forward with positive peer support. This will be taken into consideration as we move children into a new learning environment. Occasionally, best friends do not make the best classmates and/or create the best learning environments. Work Ethic: Some students are highly independent workers; others require more direction and support. A balanced mix is needed in order to create a supportive learning environment for all students. Behaviour: Students exhibit a variety of behaviors. Some students require more guidance and positive role modeling than others to develop acceptable and proper behavior. Equal distribution of children who have behavioral needs among the different classrooms must be considered. Children with Exceptional Needs: Some students may require academic challenge or academic support. Equal distribution of these students in each classroom must be considered. Supply Lists for 2018-2019 Teachers have been working on supply lists for the 2018-2019 school year. Once they are finalized, they will be posted to our website and parents will be notified. Parents will have the option of either purchasing supplies at local stores or ordering supply packages online through SchoolStart.ca. Online ordering of supplies is convenient, so we are happy to offer this service to our parents. Orders placed through School Start are delivered directly to your home. Please visit https://schoolstart.ca/ for more information. School Fees for 2018-2019 We are currently reviewing school fees for the 2018-2019 school year. Last year the Provincial government introduced Bill 1: An Act to Reduce School Fees. Schools may not charge fees for essentials such as textbooks, workbooks, photocopying and printing paper. Schools may change fees for consumables items including, but not limited to, agendas, technology user fees, student used software, apps and site-licences, headphones, whole school activities and field trips. Now that we have almost completed one year at our new school, we are better able to anticipate the needs of our student population and we are working to streamline and make our school fee process as efficient and easy to navigate as possible. Please note: we expect that fees for transportation will remain the same for the upcoming school year. School fees are subject to approval from the Ministry of Education. Last year, school fees were not approved until August.
Grade Nine Farewell The Grade Nine Farewell at Father Michael Mireau School is in keeping with Archdiocesan guidelines for graduations and is designed to ensure that each of our grade nine students can participate. In keeping with the Archdiocesan policy (514) on graduation masses, which states: The Mass for graduates is to be clearly distinct from other graduation events (convocation, prom, etc.) A distinct day for the Mass would help to highlight its unique significance. There will be no cost for families for the Grade Nine Farewell. The date for the Farewell Mass is Wednesday, June 13th at 6:00 PM at Corpus Christi Parish. Following the mass, there will be a short program and grade nine students will be presented with their grade nine certificates. Student dress for this occasion should be semi-formal. Girls should wear a nice skirt or dress, while boys should wear dress pants and a tie. It is not necessary for parents to spend a great deal of money on new clothes for this occasion. Our grade nine students will also be given the opportunity to spend a day at Camp Encounter on June 6th with their peers and teachers. A variety of activities will be offered to our students to enjoy themselves before they move to High School. Father Michael Mireau Feast Day – May 11th Mark the date! Friday, May 11th is our beloved Father Mike’s birthday! To honour and celebrate his special day, a fun “Superhero day” is on the way. Thank you to Fundraising Friends of Father Michael Mireau Association and especially to Mrs. Charlton and Mrs. Schmitz for organizing the events and games so our students not only will sing “Happy Birthday” to Father Mike, they will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities throughout the day. Since this is a fundraising event, we encourage you to generously participate and help us to fulfill our goals as we plan for the second school year of our new school. Learning Commons/Library Our Learning Commons/Library space is dynamic and fluid. It is intended to facilitate and provide for a variety of multi-modal learning opportunities for students. This will further develop and foster student collaboration, inquiry-based learning, and cross-curricular activities as well as provide a larger space whereby teachers can collaborate on projects in multi-aged groupings. In addition to this, students will continue to build a love of reading through access to an array of reading genres using their issued library number. Students are expected to pay for lost or damaged books. Food, drinks and chewing gum are not permitted. Superintendent’s Award of Excellence Congratulation to Azael Garcia De Jesus, who has been chosen as Father Michael Mireau School’s recipient for the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence this year. Azael was chosen for this award by his teachers. He will receive his award at a special reception on Wednesday, May 16th. Great job, Azael! We are very proud of you!
Celebration of the Arts – Wednesday, May 2nd Each year Edmonton Catholic Schools showcases and celebrates Fine Arts Education and the gifts and talents of its students and staff through the annual Celebration of the Arts Concert. This is the 29th Anniversary of the Celebration of the Arts and we are proud that two groups of our Father Michael Mireau students will be participating in the event and showcasing their talents. Approximately 900 students will be celebrating their artistic achievements at the concert, in music, visual art, drama and dance. Mrs. Merhej and Ms. Ochoa have prepared a piece that will be performed at this years' Celebration of the Arts, May 2nd, 2018 at the Jubilee Auditorium. The piece, "God is Love" is a song written about and dedicated to the memory of our schools' namesake, Father Michael Mireau. It will be performed by the FMM choir, guitarists from grade 6A and 6B and the students of grade 2A. The FMM Jazz band will also be performing during intermission at Celebration of the Arts, in the lobby of the Jubilee Auditorium. Thank you to Mrs. Ochoa and Mrs. Merhej for leading this event at Father Michael Mireau School! Follow Us on Twitter! @FMM_ECSD Hair Massacure Congratulations to Hope L. who donated her hair and raised $935.00 for the Hair Massacure—a popular fundraiser that has raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer programs. Way to go, Hope! Your efforts are an inspiration to all of us at Father Michael Mireau School!
Spring Photos – May 18th Lifetouch will be here to take Spring photos of all students on May 18th. Instructions on how to order will be provided on or after this date. School Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. Please join us on Tuesday, May 22nd for the last School Council meeting for the 2018-19 school year. Spirit Wear Day – Friday, May 25th Students are encouraged to wear their “Spirit Wear” on May 25th and on the last Friday of every month.
Edmonton Catholic School District Parent Newsletters May 2018 Mothers and Myrrh-bearing Women Soon after Jesus’ resurrection, the word of God continued to spread and the number of faithful greatly increased – so much so that the twelve disciples had difficulty in continuing to care for the widows and the daily distribution of food. To help in these important tasks, the disciples chose seven men from among their midst, including Stephen, who would become the first-martyr for the faith (see Acts 6:1-7). Yet, men were not the only ones who followed Jesus and supported his ministry, both in his life, and at his death. So, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us recall the myrrh-bearing women, who ran to the tomb on that first Easter morning. The myrrh-bearing women are the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ death and the place of his burial. They are also the witnesses of his resurrection. And they are the ones who receive the glorious news from the angel, who tells them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” As we read in Father Thomas Rosica’s book, Stay with Us…, Encounters with the Risen Lord: “These women represented countless nameless yet devoted women who were part of the crowds Jesus addressed and in the homes he frequented. “They were the courageous ones who reached out fearlessly to touch the fringe of his cloak. “They shouted after him; they entered his hosts’ houses uninvited; they poured expensive perfumed nard over his feet. “They knew the promise made to them, they welcomed him, they knew from Jesus’ own treatment of them the strength of their own testimony to him, and they were unafraid to show him great love. “In the end, they stood beneath his dying body, while the men were hiding for fear of the authorities. “It was the women who grounds spices for his burial and calculated how to roll back the stone from his tomb. “They attended firmly to the business of his living and dying. “[And] they were rewarded for their fidelity by being the first recipients of the Good News of the Resurrection” (pp. 45-46). My late mother, Olga – God bless her soul, was also a myrrh-bearing woman in her own right. As I’ve shared before, she taught me as a young boy about God, about love, and the importance of family and friends. She taught me about caring for neighbours. She taught me my daily prayers – the Our Father, the Hail Mary, how to make the sign of the Cross, and the Ten Commandments – in Ukrainian I might add, and even before I ever attended summer Catechism with the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate at the age of 5 (mom didn't want the Sisters to think that she neglected her duty as a mother in passing down the faith to her children!). Like my mother, your mother, all mothers are myrrh-bearing women. They received the Good News of the Resurrection of Our Lord that very first Easter morning. They received the great command to go tell others of the joy of the Gospel message, of God’s love and mercy in the world. This Mother’s Day, let us offer a word of prayer and thanksgiving to God for all moms who have showed us love and raised us to be who we are today, truly children of God. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms! And to my mom, may God grant you eternal rest! I love you! -Bishop David
Mother’s Day – Honoring Our Mothers The practice of celebrating Mother’s Day comes from Civil War times. Mrs. Ann Reeves Jarvis wanted to organize a special day for mothers who had sons fighting on opposing sides in the Civil War. Ann Jarvis was a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War, and created Mother's Day Work Clubs to address public health issues. Jarvis’s daughter, Anna, wanted to honor her mother by continuing the work she started and, in 1907, began a movement to make Mother’s Day a national event. Anna wanted to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. Mothers teach love. And they teach it by doing loving things for their children and for other people. Mothers, like Jesus, become the measurement of how we are to love. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) So every mother silently says the same. Watch me and you will learn how to love. Let me move you from self-centeredness to sharing and concern for others. Watch me and I will show you how to do it. This way, every mother furthers the good news of Christ. Out of French Revolution came the story of a mother who had wandered through the woods for three days with her two children, trying to survive on roots and leaves. On the third day, she heard some soldiers approaching and quickly hid herself and the children behind some bushes. The sergeant in charge prodded the bushes to see what was stirring behind them. When he saw the starving woman and children he immediately gave them a loaf of bread. The mother took it eagerly, broke it into two pieces, and gave one piece to each of the children. “She has kept none for herself,” the sergeant said. “Because she is not hungry?” a soldier asked. “Because she is a mother,” the sergeant replied. Love is taught by loving actions. Our first experience of love in this life comes from our mothers. We recognize that instinctively. We need to acknowledge also that the love of God is taught by lots of “moms” and “dads” – even the ones that are childless or single. And so Mother’s Day and Father’s Day really celebrate all those people who have mothered and fathered us, and taught us how to love. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) This is the perfect verse and message for Mother’s Day. Why? Because love is what mothers do best. Happy Mother’s Day! Fr. Julian Bilyj District Chaplain Resources: A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers by Fr. William J. Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, CT, 2004.
Homework Help for Teens Are you in grade 7 to 12 and looking for help with homework or exam prep in either Essay Writing or Math? The library has free volunteer tutors who can help! This program is drop-in, first come first served. Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30, April 30 – June 18 @ Jasper Place Branch (9010 156 Street) Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30, April 30 – June 18 @ Whitemud Crossing Branch (4211 - 106 Street) Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30, May 1 – June 19 @ Londonderry Branch (inside Londonderry Mall)
Wireless Public Alerting – ALBERTA FAQs 1. What is wireless public alerting? Wireless public alerting allows governments across Canada to send public safety messages directly to smartphones in a region. If there is an emergency in your local area you will get an alert on your compatible smartphone. For your phone to be compatible it should be connected to the 4G LTE network through your cell phone provider. You can learn more at alertready.ca, and check if your phone is compatible to receive wireless alerts. 2. When will wireless public alerting start? Wireless alerting will be effective across Canada on April 6, 2018. You can receive a wireless alert anytime after this date. 3. Will all wireless devices receive alerts? No. In order for emergency alerts to be received on a wireless device, three conditions must be met. The wireless device must be: 1. An LTE-device like a smartphone (LTE is commonly referred to as “4G LTE”); 2. Wireless public alerting (WPA)-compatible; and 3. Connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is issued. Visit the Alberta section of AlertReady.ca website to find a link to the section of your wireless service provider’s website that provides information on compatible devices. 4. Are these wireless alerts sent as a text message? No. While the wireless alert may look like a text message, it is not a text message. Wireless alerts are sent via cell broadcast distribution. Cell broadcast, similar to radio broadcast, is technology that allows messages to be broadcast to all compatible wireless devices within a designated geographical area. The alerts are one-way messages, there is no tool to reply to them. Cell broadcast can be compared to radio broadcast. Radio towers broadcast music to people in defined geographic areas as long as the individuals can pick-up the broadcast signal and have their radios turned on. Cell broadcast messages similarly are delivered to those compatible wireless devices that are within range of cell towers and antennas in the designated area. 5. Are other mobile devices (e.g. tablets) capable of receiving wireless alerts? Wireless service providers are required to distribute wireless emergency alerts to compatible smartphones that can access LTE cellular networks. Additional wireless devices such as tablets and smartwatches may be capable to receive some form of the message. However, it will not necessarily be received on the device in the Alert Ready format. For information on compatible wireless devices offered by your wireless service provider, visit the Alberta section of AlertReady.ca.
6. Will wireless alerts interrupt or end a voice-call or another activity in progress? Wireless alerts will not end or terminate a voice call or data session in progress. If you are on a voice-call when the wireless alert is received, you will be made aware of the alert by a notification tone (similar to call waiting). When your call ends, the alert will be displayed on your wireless device. If you are on a data session, your session will continue, but it may be briefly interrupted by the alert appearing on your wireless device screen. 7. Will I receive a wireless alert if my device is off or set to silent? A compatible wireless device that is turned off will not display an alert. If the alert is still active when the wireless device is powered on and the user is still in the alert area, the wireless device will then display the alert. A compatible wireless device that is set to silent will display an alert, but you might not hear the alert sound. The emergency alert sound will usually play at whatever the current volume setting is on the wireless device, so if your wireless device is set to silent, no sound will accompany the emergency alert message. In some instances the alert sound may override your user settings. 8. If my wireless device is off for an extended period of time, will the wireless alert appear once I turn my phone back on? If the wireless alert is still active when the compatible device is turned back on and you are within the alert area, the wireless alert will be displayed. If the alert is no longer active or if you have travelled outside of the alert area, it will not be displayed. 9. Will I receive a wireless alert if my phone is connected to Wi-Fi? If the compatible wireless device can still communicate with the LTE cellular network while on Wi-Fi, it will receive wireless alerts. If the wireless device is not within reach of the LTE cellular network or is set to Wi-Fi only, it will not receive an alert. 10. What should I do if I receive a test alert on my wireless device? Test alert messages will be identified as such. Test alerts are intended to test the functionality of the system and inform consumers of wireless alerts. Test alerts do not require the consumer to take steps to secure their safety. You may be required to acknowledge receipt of the wireless alert in order to allow for your wireless device to resume normal functioning. In the event that you cannot acknowledge the alert, the alert sound and vibration will continue for eight seconds. Depending on your specific wireless device, additional reminders may occur. 11. What should I do if I receive an alert on my wireless device? Upon receiving the wireless alert, it is important to take action safely. Stop what you are doing when it is safe to do so and read the alert. The alert will include information from government officials on the action you need to take. This could include but is not limited to: limit unnecessary travel, evacuate the areas, seek shelter, etc.
12. What should I do if I receive an alert on my wireless device while driving? It is important to take action safely, especially if the alert is received while operating a vehicle. If you are driving, it is important to remain calm and pull over at your earliest opportunity to view the wireless alert. 13. If I don’t have unlimited texting or data within my mobile plan, will I be charged if I receive an emergency alert on my wireless device? Wireless alerts are sent on a specific cellular channel that is separate from normal text and data traffic. While the alerts may look like text messages, they are not text messages and are not billed like text messages. Wireless alerts do not require the phone numbers of cell phones, so there is no ability to identify or bill for the messages that are received. 14. Can I opt out of receiving emergency alerts on my wireless device? No. Emergency alerts received on your compatible wireless device are relevant to you and require immediate attention. Emergency alerts are targeted, so if an alert reaches your device, you are in an area where there is immediate danger. Government of Canada regulations require that all compatible wireless devices receive all relevant alerts. 15. Will I receive alerts on my wireless device if I’m travelling to or from another province or jurisdiction within Canada? Yes. Wireless alerts are issued to a defined geographic area so that only people in the defined area will receive the alerts. If you are travelling and happen to be in another province when an alert is issued, your compatible wireless device will receive the alert within seconds of being issued, provided your phone is powered on and connected to the LTE cellular network. 16. Will I receive alerts on my wireless device relevant to where I live while I am travelling away from home? No. If you are travelling, you will only receive alerts that occur where you are. Canadians can keep track of emergency alerts occurring in specific areas through the Alberta Emergency Alert app and www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca. 17. Will I still receive alerts if wireless device towers are affected by the situation? Alerts are broadcast from cellular towers and antennas within the area specified by the alert issuer. If you are in an affected area but your wireless device is unable to connect to any towers/antennas because of the situation, you will not receive the alert on your wireless device. However, you will still receive emergency alerts through the Alberta Emergency Alert App. So make sure you download the app on your phone. 18. Will alerts sent to my wireless device be used to gather data about me? No. Wireless alerts are sent using Cell Broadcast distribution. Cell Broadcast can only transmit information to your wireless device like a radio or TV. This means that no data is being gathered about you, your wireless device or your location when wireless alerts are sent out.
Alberta Emergency Alert App 19. What is the difference between the Alberta Emergency Alert app and the new wireless alert? Only the most serious alerts will be sent out using the new wireless alerting system. Other alerts that provide information on developing emergencies or serious alerts from other areas will be delivered to you via the Alberta Emergency Alert app, social media and the Alberta Emergency Alert website. The wireless alert message will only contain basic information, and maps and more details will be available from the app and website. 20. Will I receive wireless alerts, if I have the Alberta Emergency Alert app on my smart phone? The wireless alert messages will be delivered to your wireless device only if you are in the impacted area. Depending on your preference, the Alberta Emergency Alert app could receive alerts for the entire province. 21. Can I remove the Alberta Emergency Alert app from my phone now that wireless alerts are being sent to me? This is not recommended. The app and wireless alert message are complementary with the wireless alert being a short message and the app providing more detail and a map. 22. Will the alert go off on my smartphone twice if I have the Alberta Emergency Alert app and receive a wireless alert message? Yes. You will receive two alerts. However, we are working to blend the two systems so that only one alarm is sounded for the alert. _____________________________________________________________________________________ City of Edmonton Bus Network Redesign The City of Edmonton is transforming its transit system to better serve the needs of Edmontonians. In March 2018, the City unveiled a draft bus network based on feedback gathered from thousands of Edmontonians in the Transit Strategy, which was approved by City Council in 2017. The bus network redesign is the first major action to come out of the Transit Strategy. The new network is scheduled to be rolled out in June 2020, but before it’s implemented, you are encouraged to provide feedback so it can be refined to better serve you. Until June 14, the City is hosting several community workshops to gather feedback. You can also provide feedback online by completing a survey. For more maps showing the proposed routes, frequently asked questions and videos about the project, visit edmonton.ca/newbusroutes
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