Welcome back, everyone! On Tuesday, September 6, 2022 we begin to get back into the rhythm of school life! Our staff members have been eagerly preparing for the pleasure of teaching your children and working with all families this school year.
We are praying that this year is filled with a sense of joy, community and blessings as we all strive to live as Christ modelled: one of grace, humilty and service!
Sincerely in Christ, Miss Welsh
BIBLICAL WORDS OF WISDOM:
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.(Psalm 90)
Dates of Note
Monday, September 5, 2022: NO SCHOOL – LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY
Tuesday, September 6, 2022: SCHOOL RESUMES 8:50 am – 12:15 pm for students in Grades 1-7; Kindergarten parents please refer to separate gradual entry schedule
Tuesday, September 6, 2022: SCHOOL MASS @ 11:15 am – all family members and parishioners are most welcome!
Wednesday, September 7, 2022: FULL DAY OF SCHOOL: 8:50 am – 3:00 pm
Wednesday, September 7, 2022: MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT 6:00 pm – at least one parent must attend
Thursday, September 8, 2022 and Friday, September 9, 2022: FULL DAY OF SCHOOL: 8:50 am – 3:00 pm
NEWS FOR THE WEEK
MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
On Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm we will have Meet the Teacher Night (approximately 1 hour). This is an evening where we ask at least one parent to attend. It is an opportunity to receive important information from your child’s teacher about the school year. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. Looking forward to seeing you then!
LOOKING AHEAD:
CHANGE OF DATE
Please note that due to a scheduling conflict our Christmas Concert has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 14, 2022. There will be two shows: 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Thank you.
PARKING LOT REMINDER
From now until the at least the next couple of years there will be very limited parking available in the parish/school parking lot as the east section of the parking lot is now under construction.
During the morning, families are encouraged to use the drop-off/valet service as much as possible. In the afternoon, there will be very limited parking available, so alternatives such as car-pooling, walking, transit, etc. are highly encouraged.
The lot behind Holy Cross High school IS NOT available at this time for SMES families to use. It is for Holy Cross staff members only.
I know that I can count on our families to have an abundance of patience and charity as we navigate this together.
A special THANK YOU to all the parents and other family members who are helping out with supervision at morning and afternoon drop-off/pick up. Thank you for ensuring the safety of us all!
PARENT RESOURCE:
OPEN PARACHUTE
Open Parachute is a resource available to families and schools to help provide support in important areas of children’s development including: mental health, resiliency and building compassion. Throughout the year I will provide parents with links to a resource that tackles these areas.
This month the focus is on helping your child build EMPATHY andACCOUNTABILITY. Click HERE to access a one-page guide. You can also click on the image to access this guide, too. If you have any questions about this program please do not hesitate to contact me at: welsh@stmatthewselementary.ca
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PREVENTION
Guidance from the Ministry of Education and Childcare and the Ministry of Health has now shifted focus to a model of Communicable Disease Prevention. Please see below for how this impacts schools:
* Everyone should practice diligent hand hygiene; rigorous hand washing with plain soap and water or using an effective hand sanitizer reduces the spread of illness.
* Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw away used tissues and immediately perform hand
hygiene.
* Staff, students and other adults entering the school, are not come to school if they are sick and unable to participate fully in routine activities.
* Everyone should do a health check before going to school. This means a person regularly checks to ensure they (or their child) are not experiencing
symptoms of illness (including but not limited to COVID-19 symptoms) that would limit their ability to
participate fully in regular activities
* Staff, children, or other persons in the school setting who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the guidance on the BCCDC website as to how long they should self-isolate. They can return to school when they no longer need to self-isolate as long as symptoms have improved, and they are well enough to participate in regular activities
* The decision to wear a mask is a personal one, based on individual preference
JUNIOR CRUSADERS BASKETBALL OPPORTUNITY
The Junior Crusaders Basketball Program is aimed at boys currently in Grades 4-7. It is designed to connect future Holy Cross students together before their first days of Gr 8. To ease the stress of moving from elementary to high school.There will be 2 Fall Jr Crusader teams: a U13 team and a U12 team; both teams play in the Champions League at the LEC every 2nd Sat or Sun
from Oct.- end of Feb. These teams will practice 1 or 2 times a week.
These times will vary depending on gym availability.
Tryouts are free for all and will be held at the Holy Cross Gym. Please click HERE to access an information and registration form. Thank you!
THANK YOU FROM MRS. FAWCETT
Please see below for a note from our former music teacher, Mrs. Fawcett:
Dear Students and Families of St Matthew’s,
I want to say a special thank you to all of you who contributed to class gifts, and/or individual gifts for me at the end of the year. I truly appreciate your good wishes and generosity.
