THANK YOU

• to all who attended the virtual AGM last Tuesday - we appreciate your presence. Congratulations to the Andre family for winning the draw for a free month's tuition for 22/23!

• to Mrs. Olivares and the Grade 6 class for creating such a welcoming atmosphere in the school on Pink Shirt Day - may we all always strive to live up to the pledge to be anti-bullying and keep that warm and happy feeling throughout our school community

• to those who have recommended our school to friends and neighbours - it is always so gratifying to talk to a prospective family and hear, "Our friends go to the school..."

INFORMATION:

• Registration packages for returning families went home on Friday, so please look for yours if you didn't see it! Packages are due back by Friday, March 11th to qualify for the early bird registration fee ($25). Packages received after that date will be charged the $50 fee.

• On Tuesday, the Grade 6 class will be serving a pancake breakfast to all the school. ALLERGY ALERT: the mix says it "may contain tree nuts". If this is a concern for your child, please remind their teacher. Also, if your child has any allergies to potential toppings (syrup, chocolate, berries) please let the teacher know.

• The government has shipped Rapid Antigen Tests to the school to be distributed, 5 tests/child. These will be coming home this week. I will email a letter giving instructions for use.

REMINDERS:

• Our playground/field is very mucky in the wet weather. If your child consistently comes home with dirty pants, please consider sending a clean pair of pants to be kept at school that your child can change into for PE. This will go a long way toward protecting our gym floor, which takes a beating when there is a lot of dirt on it, and is very costly to refinish!

• We are in need of many volunteers for the Parking Lot Fundraiser on March 19th and 20th. See below for a note from Rhonda Sexsmith, former PEC Chair, who continues to organize this fundraiser for us (thank you Rhonda!). This is a GREAT way to get many participation hours in.

A busy week ahead!

MONDAY:

• Parish Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m. This will be an in-person meeting, held in the school. If you would like to attend, please advise me or a PEC member so we can plan which room to use for the meeting.

TUESDAY:

• Pancake Breakfast (see above)

• Hot Lunch: Subway

• Grade 4/5 Boys Basketball GAME at Strathcona, 2:45 p.m. Remember, parents must arrange transportation for their children.

• Grade 4/5 Girls Basketball Practice 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:

• Ash Wednesday Mass for Grades K - 7. Please be in white shirts and sweaters.

• Grade 4/5 Girls Basketball GAME at Evans, 2:45 p.m. Remember, parents must arrange transportation for their children.

• Grade 4/5 Boys Basketball Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm.

• Ash Wednesday evening Mass: 7:00 p.m. (in case you were wondering - this is not a school event)

THURSDAY:

• Science World Field Trip for Intermediate Students. Students must be at the school at 7:15 a.m. - the bus cannot wait for late arrivals. We are meant to return to school by regular dismissal time. If something should happen with traffic, staff members on the trip will inform the school and we will pass that information on to you. Students should wear clean and tidy uniform and bring a bagged lunch.

FRIDAY:

• Confirmation Retreat for ALL Grade 7 students. This is during regular school hours - we are grateful to St. Mary's Parish Youth Ministry for putting this on for us.

SATURDAY:

• SPIRIT DAY for Grade 7 students, 11:00 a.m. - 7:15 p.m.

SUNDAY:

• First Sunday of Lent: School-led Mass, 9:30 a.m. Please be in clean and tidy uniform. Choir members and lectors, please arrive at 9:15 a.m.

Message from Rhonda Sexsmith re: Parking Lot Fundraiser

It is a privilege to be able to do the parking lot fundraiser. Heritage Park wants us to do it as we know what we are doing and it goes smoothly. It takes lots of people to do it properly. It is preferable that you sign up for more than one block of time if you are able as you would see that it is easier to keep track of the parking lot. It is good if you bring your children as the attendees like to give the money to the children and parents are also needed at the gate to collect money.

There is no need to feel apprehensive about volunteering at this event. It is kind of exciting and never are you in any harm. The Knights of Columbus send a volunteer as they do the insurance part in their name and feel that they should send a representative. I stay there all day, both days and I bring my teenagers to help out (experienced).

There is not a lot of walking involved, and it is not difficult to direct traffic. In past years, our school has earned $5000 for just one weekend’s worth of work – we do not want to miss out on this opportunity, so please consider signing up for lots of spots!