I hope that last night’s AGM was an informative session for all parents that attended. If you need any more information please do not hesitate to reach out to our PEC (pec@stmatthewselementary.ca) or me (welsh@stmatthewselementary.ca) and we will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns.
I hope to see many SMES families at our 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, February 12, 2023. All students who attend are encouraged to wear their school uniform to show SMES pride as we begin Catholic Schools Week!
Sincerely in Christ,
Ms. Welsh
BIBLICAL WORDS OF WISDOM:
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.
(Psalm 119)
Dates of Note
Sunday, February 12, 2023: CATHOLIC SCHOOLS’ WEEK BEGINS – CHOIR SINGS AT 10:30 AM MASS AND KRISPY KREME DONUT SALE!
Monday, February 13, 2023: PIZZA LUNCH (for those who ordered)
Tuesday, February 14, 2023: NON-UNIFORM DAY – WEAR PINK! (bring a loonie or toonie for the Brenden Mouro Learning Support Bursary)
Wednesday, February 15, 2023: RE-REGISTRATION PACKAGES DUE TODAY BY 3:00 PM
Wednesday, February 15, 2023: HOT LUNCH (for those who ordered)
Thursday, February 16 and Friday, 17, 2023: NO SCHOOL – STAFF ATTENDS CATHOLIC EDUCATORS’ CONFERENCE
Monday, February 20, 2022: NO SCHOOL – FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY
Tuesday, February 21, 2022: SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE LUNCH – students will be served 2 pancakes for lunch!
NEWS FOR THE WEEK
LENTEN MORNING MASSES
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. As we did during the season of Advent we are inviting students in Grades 2-7 to join their classmates and teacher to attend 8:00 am Masses throughout the season of Lent. Please see the schedule below:
February 23: Grades 4 and 7
February 24: Grades 6 and 5
March 1: Grades 2 and 3
March 2: Grade 4 and 7
March 3: Grades 6 and 5
March 8: Grades 2 and 3
March 9: Grades 4 and 7
March 29: Grades 6 and 5
March 30: Grades 2 and 3
SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF THE SYRIA-TURKEY EARTHQUAKE
Earlier this week the region around Syria and Turkey suffered a devastating earthquake. A SMES family has generously offered to take much needed items to Vancouver where they will be sent to those most affected in Syria and Turkey. Below is a list of most needed items. If you wish to contribute, please have your child bring the item to their classroom no later than Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Thank you!
Just a quick reminder that we ask that for any sort of celebration (Valentine’s, birthdays, etc.) that students do not bring in any food items to share with the class. We have a number of students who have severe allergies and we are also trying to promote treats that are not always food related. Please see below for the full policy:
At St. Matthew’s School staff members continually strive to work with parents and guardians to ensure that students are learning about and participating in healthy activities and healthy eating habits. We also want to make sure that we are following the guidelines set by the Ministry regarding food and beverage items in schools.
In addition to encouraging healthy eating options we also have several students in our school with serious allergic reactions to certain foods.
Therefore, we are asking that for special days such as birthdays and other events like Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Year-End, etc. that no food treats are brought to class. If you wish, instead of food items you are welcomed and encouraged to:
(1) Purchase a book or a game for your child’s classroom or,
(2) Bring a special pencil or pen for each child in the classroom
*Please note this is ENTIRELY OPTIONAL*
There may be times that the classrooms have prearranged celebrations and when this occurs, teachers will oversee the types of food items brought in. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
If food items are brought in, teachers will be sending them back home with the child or parent who brought them in.
ON-GOING REMINDERS
CRUSADERS BASKETBALL CAMP
Please click HERE find out more information about a Spring Break Basketball Camp for students in Grades 3-7. Thank you.
PARENT RESOURCE ON EMPATHY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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.
For the month of February the focus is on EMPATHY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Click HERE to access a one-page guide. If you have any questions about this program please do not hesitate to contact me at: welsh@stmatthewselementary.ca
SHROVE TUESDAY – PANCAKE LUNCH
On Tuesday, February 21 we will continue an old tradition here at SMES of presenting the students with pancakes for lunch! This Tuesday (known as Shrove Tuesday) marks the last day before the penitential season of Lent. So we will feast with pancakes! Please note that you may wish to still pack a light lunch for your child as they will only be receiving 2 pancakes. If you have any concerns or questions please contact your child’s classroom teacher. Thank you!
MANDATORY HOURS: SPRING/SUMMER
A friendly reminder that all St. Matthew’s Elementary School families are required to complete FOUR mandatory supervision shifts over the course of the school year.
The sign up portal is now open.
Please note that even if you do traffic supervision as your regular PPP task, your family is still required to complete these shifts (2 in the Fall/Winter and 2 in the Spring/Summer)
Please sign up for one morning shift and one afternoon shift for the Spring/Summer term. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our PPP coordinator, Tania Di Liello at: ppp@stmatthewselementary.ca
You can access the OnVolunteer site by going to: https://portal.onvolunteers.com/login.aspx?s=sms.sry or by clicking on the image above.