May 2014 - Holy Cross School

Le Lien
15120 – 104 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5P 0R5
Upcoming
Events
(780) 489-1981
May 2014
Message from the Administration
Dear Parents/Guardians:

Education Week

Badminton

RunWild Marathon

Science Olympics

Track and Field

Teacher Appreciation

PYP Gr. 5 Exhibition

Gr. 6 and 9 Provincial
Achievement Tests

Run4Change

MYP Spring Dance

MYP Spring Band
Concert (Gr. 7-9)

Oui, danse!

Gr. 9 Farewell Mass

Gr. 9 Farewell Retreat
Hello students, parents, and staff! We bid farewell to April and a warm welcome to
May! Our month of April was a busy one and we now look forward to another great
month of school community activities and learning experiences ahead.
We would like to thank our Grade 9 students for their MYP International
Baccalaureate PIC presentations and the parents and guests who attended the PIC
evening. Great presentations, students—we are very proud of each of you!
May and June are important months for our Grade 6 and 9 students as they write their
Provincial Achievement Tests. The P.A.T. schedule is included in our newsletters and
website so please make sure your children arrive to school on time and prepared for
their exams.
Our month of May brings us Education Week, Badminton playoffs and finals, RunWild
Marathon, Grade 9 Science Olympics, Track and Field, Teacher Appreciation, PYP
Grade 5 Exhibition, Run4Change, MYP Spring Dance, MYP Spring Band Concert (Gr.79), Oui, danse!, Grade 9 Farewell Mass, Grade 9 Farewell Retreat and more. We
welcome Grade 5 parents and guests to the International Baccalaureate PYP Grade 5
Exhibition on May 8th at 7:00 p.m. We welcome MYP parents to the Spring Band
Concert on May 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
May is also known as the month of Mary. It is dedicated to Our Blessed Lady—we
honor our Mother Mary and offer our hearts in prayer through the Hail Mary and the
Rosary. We also celebrate our mothers in the month of May—Happy Mother’s Day to
our Holy Cross mothers and guardians and Happy Victoria Day to us all as we enjoy
another long weekend of warmer weather and family time.
May the grace of our Lord and the love of God be with each of us during this month.
Have a wonderful May!
Denis Gauthier
Principal
Lynnette Anderson
Assistant Principal
Edmonton Catholic Schools - Life of Grace, Journey of Joy - Inspired by:
Love of the Father - Faith in Jesus Christ - Hope in the Spirit.
What a holy time at Holy Cross!
Holy Cross students, parents and staff gathered
together in song, prayer and communion to celebrate
and rejoice our most holy time of year, Easter! We
were so honored to have had Father Paul Kavanagh
and Father Shimit Abraham presiding at our
celebration – thank you, Father Paul and Father Shimit
from St. John the Evangelist Parish. We thank our
students for their artwork of Easter eggs and crosses
and the assembly of the large cross for our
celebration. In Christianity, Easter eggs symbolize the
empty tomb of Jesus and are also a reminder that
Jesus rose from the grave and that those who believe
will experience eternal life. We glorify the cross as a
sign of Christ’s resurrection and victory over sin and
death. Mass throughout the year reminds us of the
Lord’s triumph over death, the source of our joy and
blessing!
Alleluia, for He is Risen!
Thank you to Father Shimit and Father Paul from
St. John the Evangelist Parish!
Ascension of Jesus
We acknowledge Ascension Day on May 29th. Ascension Day marks the end of the
40 days of Easter—it is the final act of our redemption. On this day, Jesus took His
disciples to the Mount of Olives and they watched Him as He ascended into heaven.
Taste of Talent—Sign of Hope Campaign
Holy Cross donated $512.35 in support of the Sign of Hope Campaign—proceeds
from the Taste of Talent held in March. Thank you to all for your contributions,
donations and support! We are proud of our students for their efforts in helping
those who are in need, and for bringing hope to people of all faiths and cultures. We
thank our teachers for your direction of our students in this vital cause. Together, at
Holy Cross, we grow in community and we help our communities!
Holy Cross Académie Internationale
2014-2015
At Holy Cross Académie Internationale, we warmly
welcome you to join our school community in 20142015. Please call our school office at (780) 489-1981 if
you wish to register or if you require more information
on our school and programs.
Science Olympics 2014
The following students from Holy Cross will be visiting Campus St. Jean to
participate in the 2014 Science Olympics on Friday, May 2nd from 8:30
a.m. to 3:00 p.m.— Meagan K., Konrad S., Brianna M., Declan K. and Gavin
F. This inter-school yearly event gives students the opportunity to get upclose and personal with the principles and theories of Science. We thank
M Fairfield for his Science expertise and for coaching and helping the
students prepare for the Olympics. We trust our students will make us
proud in their knowledge and their representation of Holy Cross—we wish
good luck to our Science Olympians at the event!
Education Week—May 5-9th, 2014
“Education week is an opportunity to celebrate the
important role that education plays in building our
society. The Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Alberta
School Boards Association and Alberta Education are
working together to help schools, school boards and
locals plan activities that send consistent messages
about the value of education in the community.”
For detailed information on Education Week, check
out the Alberta Teachers Association website at:
http://www.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Holy Cross Académie Internationale celebrates our teachers on Wednesday, May
7th—Teacher Appreciation Day! We recognize the hard work and dedication
that our teachers give to your children/our students throughout the school year.
Please join us in recognizing and thanking your childrens’ teachers for their
contributions to your childrens’ academic experiences. Thank you, Holy Cross
teachers!
In honor of our Holy Cross mothers, grandmothers and guardians
May God bless you for all you give, bring you joy and happiness and fill your heart with His grace and mercy!
Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Holy Cross students and staff will be participating in Run4Change on Thursday, May 15th as follows: PYP from
11:00—11:25 a.m. and MYP from 11:30—11:55 a.m. Our run will take place on our school running track. Parents
are invited to join us. Run4Change raises vital funds to support “Start2Finish”, a national childrens’ charity whose
mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Canada’s at risk children
throughout their school years, nurturing mind, body and social health so they are empowered to succeed and
become role models for change.
We ask our Holy Cross community to collect change from families and friends to support this worthy cause.
Students and staff will then “run or walk” for change. Please bring your donations on this day! Thank you for
your support! More information will follow.
MYP Spring Dance
Holy Cross Junior High (MYP) will be holding a Spring Dance on Friday, May 16th from 1:00—3:00 p.m. A fun time
to be had by all—more information will follow. Stay tuned!
Oui, danse!
On Friday, May 23rd, we will hold our third annual Oui, danse! All classes will
take their turn throughout the day between 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to come to
the gym and follow a dance routine lead by the Wii projected on the big screen.
This fun activity supports the Stollery Hospital Foundation. Students will be asked
to collect pledges for two weeks prior to the 23rd. More information will follow.
Thank you to all for your support!
MYP Spring Band Concert
Holy Cross Junior High (MYP) Band (Grades 7-9) students have been practising and preparing
for the Spring Band Concert which will take place on Thursday, May 22nd from 7:00—8:00 p.m.
We welcome parents/guardians to come out and enjoy an evening of your children’s musical
abilities and talents.
Grade 9 Farewell Mass
Holy Cross will be holding the Grade 9 Farewell Mass on Thursday, May 29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please join us
in celebrating our Grade 9 students’ journey to High School! A special note to our Grade 9 students who will be
moving on next year—thank you students for being positive role models for our school. We wish you the best of
luck in your new journeys ahead. We thank the Grade 9 teachers who have made this mass and celebration
happen. Congratulations, Grade 9 students! May you reflect upon your Holy Cross school years and be inspired
about your future! Following the Farewell Mass, parents and students are invited back to Holy Cross for an
informal reception from 8:00—9:00 p.m. We welcome you to attend the reception!
Grade 9 Farewell Retreat
The Grade 9 students will be having their Farewell Retreat on Friday, May 30th from 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. at the
Star of the North Retreat Centre located in St. Albert. It is a unique place to gather—a peaceful oasis in the midst
of a busy world. It will be a time for our students to become refreshed, to gain new perspective on things and to
rediscover the sacred dimension of life. Students will be participating in planned activities, enjoying food and
amenities, the beautiful grounds, camaraderie of friends, teachers, and staff, and being in this peaceful sacred
space. We wish our Grade 9 students a very calming and enlightening day at the Star of the North Retreat!
The monthly campaign for APPLE schools for the
month of April was “Sneak in a Break”. The Grade
7B class has been focusing on and sharing with the
school community, the importance of taking mini
breaks during long periods of sitting. Our bodies
need a break from sitting and our minds need a
break from working so hard! What are some ways
to sneak in a break? You can paint, draw, play
outside, jump rope or go for a walk. Telling jokes,
laughing, or simply closing our eyes and thinking
about our day are also ways to sneak in a break.
Take some time to sneak in a water break or a
healthy snack break. Whatever you decide to do,
make sure it is a healthy choice—your body will
thank you!
Holy Cross teacher (M Leboeuf) motors to
victory
Congratulations to our teacher, M Francois Leboeuf, for
winning first-place in the 29th Annual St. Albert 10-Mile
Road Race coming in at 53 min. and 44 sec. This was a
crowning achievement for M Leboeuf to his second-place
finish last year. M Leboeuf (no. 171), a.k.a. “King of the
Road Champion” has been leading a Training Circuit for
Holy Cross student participants for the upcoming Leading
Edge RunWild Marathon to take place on Sunday, May 4th
in St. Albert. As an APPLE School, Holy Cross Académie
Internationale has decided to make running a priority for
the month of April. Students and staff have been
participating in a running and fitness circuit to promote
the importance of physical activity on our heart and lungs
– and what finer example than winner, M Leboeuf in
taking the “lead” and setting such a terrific example.
Thank you to M Leboeuf for your commitment to our
runners and for your fine leadership!
For those who are participating in this year’s “Leading
Edge RunWild Marathon”, it will be held on Sunday, May
4th in St. Albert. Thank you to all who will be joining us—
now let us lace up our sneakers, run wild and follow the
King of the Road! Way to go, Holy Cross!
Training for Track and Field (Grades 7-9) starts on Monday, May 5th .
Training days for runners with M Leboeuf—Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:45—12:15
Training days for jumpers with M Eng—Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:45—12:15
Training days for shot put with Mme L’Heureux—Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30—8:15 a.m.
Students must be at practice at least once a week if they wish to make the team.
Competition days are June 6 (zone) and June 11 (city final).
Badminton season has been up and happening at Holy Cross! Playoffs commence Tuesday, May 6th at 3:00 p.m. at St.
Joseph High School. Semi-finals and Finals will be on Wednesday, May 7th at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph High School.
Good luck, Holy Cross badminton players! Thank you to M Eng for your commitment to our players and the sport and
for your fine leadership!
There has been much discussion in Alberta surrounding 21st Century learning skills. What are 21st century learning
skills or competencies? What skills or competencies will the generations to come need in order to be successful in a
global setting? What does that look like in our schools? Is it only about the technology?
An Alberta Education publication “Framework for Student Learning: Competencies for Engaged Thinkers and Ethical
Citizens with an Entrepreneurial Spirit” (2011) proposes one way of illustrating the characteristics and competencies
of a 21st Century learner.
Graphic taken from the Alberta Education publication: Framework for Student Learning (2011)
The way we navigate our world is changing rapidly. It is important to revisit and analyze the effectiveness of the
concepts taught and the methods used to prepare our students for their future. Technology most certainly plays a
part in this process but it is important to remember that it is only one of the many tools in life’s tool box that our
students will need to use in order to be successful.
Please note following page of newsletter which contains important dates and times for upcoming
Achievement Tests (May-June 2014).
Achievement and Final Exams Schedule –
May-June 2014
May 2014
Time
Date
Subject
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, May 12
Grade 6 – FLA Part A
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, May 12
Grade 9 – ELA Part A
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14
Grade 6 – ELA Part A
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14
Grade 9 – FLA Part A
Time
Date
Subject
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 17
Grade 6 – FLA Part B
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 18
Grade 6 – ELA Part B
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 19
Grade 6 – Mathematics
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Friday, June 20
Grade 6 – Science
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Friday, June 20
Grade 9 – FLA Part B
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Monday, June 23
Grade 6 – Social Studies
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Monday, June 23
Grade 9 – Science
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Monday, June 23
Grade 7and 8 – Science
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Grade 9 – Mathematics
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Grade 7 and 8 – Mathematics
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, June 25
Grade 9 – ELA Part B
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, June 25
Grade 7 and 8 – ELA
9:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Thursday, June 26
Grade 9 – Social Studies
9:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Thursday, June 26
Grade 7 and 8 – Social Studies
June 2014
May 2014
Alleluia. Alleluia. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Alleluia!
Psalm 118:24
Celebrating the great feast of Easter so late this year seems to be coinciding with the delay in the arrival of our spring-like weather!
Throughout this Easter season, as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death and the new life that we received through our Baptism, may we be
filled with unquenchable, unending songs of joy and gratitude.
This year, May 5th to 9th is Education Week, a time to celebrate and showcase the rich variety of innovative programs and activities our
schools offer to help enhance student learning and prepare them for global citizenship. We invite you to participate in activities at your
child’s school and throughout the District during this week. As well, World Catholic Education Day will be celebrated on Thursday, May
29th, 40 days after Easter on Ascension Thursday. On this day, we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education and the opportunity that
we have to serve with faithfulness, humility, compassion and joy as we live God’s word though our teaching and learning. Special thanks
to all those involved in Catholic education in our District!
The 33rd Annual Ben Calf Robe Traditional Pow Wow will be held on Saturday, May 10 th starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Commonwealth
Community Recreation Centre located at 11000 Stadium Road. This year’s theme is Awaking the “Spirit of Belonging” – Together We
Belong”. The event is jointly sponsored by Edmonton Catholic Schools and Aboriginal Learning Services in partnership with the City of
Edmonton. For more information, please contact Rhonda Metallic at [email protected] or 780 944-2000 ext. 320. We invite
you to join us!
On Thursday, May 22nd, all Edmonton Catholic Schools’ staff will have the opportunity to participate in a Faith Formation afternoon - an
afternoon of prayer, reflection, service or active living as we celebrate ‘Grace for the Heart and Soul’ Care for Creation Day 2014. May
the afternoon be one of joy and gratitude for our faith and the grace God bestows upon us.
Transform! is our district-wide teacher professional development model designed to deepen teachers’ knowledge of research-informed 21C
pedagogies and practices. One key goal of this model is to develop a common language and understanding of student-centered teaching
and learning. To achieve this goal, we regularly participate in knowledge sharing among our own schools and also with other school
districts and educational organizations. Through sharing, principals and teachers reinforce their understanding of and commitment to using
research-informed pedagogies and practices to achieve excellent student engagement and learning. In Transform! we are always focused
on improving student learning.
On April 16th our District launched a 13 minute online webinar for parents, District Supported 21st Century Tools for Christ-centred
Learning, which includes information about virtual classrooms, resources from Discovery Education (http://
www.discoveryeducation.com) , myECSD portal, and Digital Citizenship. This webinar is available for viewing at: https://www.ecsd.net/
ParentsStudents/ParentResources/Parent-Engagement/Pages/Default.aspx
The Emerging Technology (EmTech) department suggests the MediaSmarts.ca e-Parenting Tutorial as an excellent parent resource. This
site is a fun tutorial that takes parents on a tour of the many different web environments and activities that are popular with children and
youth. The link to this tutorial is http://mediasmarts.ca/tutorial/e-parenting-tutorial-keeping-your-kids-online-activities.
Throughout the month of May, we celebrate Mary, the Mother of God, our model of perfect discipleship, who guides and inspires us by
her example of how to love Jesus and care for one another. On Sunday, May 11 th, we also celebrate Mother’s Day, a day to express our
deep personal gratitude to our mothers. We are truly grateful to these women who bring love, joy, happiness and caring into the world.
May God bless each of our mothers!
Sincerely,
Joan Carr
Superintendent
May 2014
Called to be a Mirror of the Gospel
As we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us call to mind the Shroud of Turin.
The Shroud of Turin
The Shroud of Turin is a rectangular linen sheet woven in a herringbone pattern according to an ancient Egyptian style used
both before and after the time of Christ. The cloth measures 442 cm (14’ 6”) long by 113 cm (3’ 9”) wide.
There is a faint impression on it of an image of a man, front and back, indicating that he suffered extensive scourging and death
by crucifixion. Piercing of the feet and wrist are clearly evident. A chest wound and wounds to the head inflicted by pointed
instruments are plainly visible.
Is the Shroud of Turin the burial cloth of Jesus?
How the image was produced remains a mystery, both to science and to faith.
While the Church has neither acknowledged nor denied the authenticity of the shroud, Pope John Paul II called it a “mirror of
the Gospel.”
Let us look more closely at the scriptural evidence for the shroud, this mirror of the Gospel.
A Mirror of the Gospel
Jesus was scourged (Matthew 27: 26). The body in the shroud is covered with severe scourge wounds, as many as 120 on the
back (including the legs). Whipping was done probably by a Roman flagrum, with evidence that there were two men whipping from
two angles.
Jesus was struck a blow to the face (Matthew 27: 30). In the shroud there is severe swelling below the right eye; the nose is
swollen or broken.
Jesus was “crowned” with thorns (Matthew 27: 28-29). In the shroud there is evidence of bleeding from scalp, and thorn
fragments.
Jesus had to carry a heavy cross (John 19: 16-17). Shoulder wounds appear on the body in the shroud.
Jesus’ cross had to be carried for him after a while (Matthew 27: 32). The knees in the body in the shroud appear to be
severely damaged as if from repeated falls.
Jesus was crucified by nailing hands and feet (John 20: 25). There are clear blood flows on the shroud from nail wounds in
the wrists and feet.
Jesus’ legs were not broken, but a spear was thrust into his side (John 19: 33-37). The legs on the body in the shroud are not
broken. There is an elliptical wound on the rights side between the 5 th and 6th ribs and appears to have been inflicted by a Roman
lance.
Jesus was taken down from the cross and wrapped in a linen shroud (Matthew 27: 57-60). The image on the shroud is
consistent with the Jewish burial practice of wrapping a dead body.
Called to be a Mirror of the Gospel
A mirror is an object that reflects light in such a way that it imitates the original image.
Just as the man in the Shroud of Turin mirrors Jesus in the Gospel, I am called to mirror Jesus in my own life.
I mirror Jesus through my love for God, for neighbour and for myself.
I mirror Jesus by praying.
I mirror Jesus by caring for and serving others.
I mirror Jesus by forgiving.
I am called to mirror Jesus. In so doing, may others see Jesus reflected in me.
Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life!
An authentic replica of the Shroud of Turin is on exhibit at Saint Josaphat Cathedral. For visiting hours and more information,
see stjosaphat.ab.ca. Admission by a donation to the Food Bank.
Bishop David Motiuk
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
Beaux Esprits Playschool
Give your preschooler the gift of French as a second language in a
play based program with strong educational components.
Currently taking registrations
(Openings for 3-5 year olds.)
A gentle introduction to the French language







A play based program with strong educational components
Focus on strengthening the child’s confidence and
individuality
Music programme
No parent duty days
Morning and afternoon classes for ages 3 to 5
Reasonable monthly fees, government subsidies available
Provides a direct path to French Immersion
Excellent preparation for kindergarten!
We are located in Room # 105, Telephone: 780-484-4926
In Holy
Académie
Internationale
since 1979
InCross
École
Holy Cross
since 1979
Canora School Aged Childcare Centre
The Canora School Aged Childcare Centre has openings for children aged 4.5 to 12 years. We
are located inside Holy Cross Académie Internationale at 15120—104 Avenue (Room 005).
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Kindergarten children
who attend school in the morning. We are open from 6:30 a.m.—6:00 p.m. We provide two
snacks daily (morning and afternoon). Fees are calculated monthly only—no hourly or drop-in
care.
$475.00 for Grades 1-6 and $630.00 for Kindergarten
To pick up a registration form and parent
Childcare at (780) 489-1920.
handbook, please phone Canora School Aged

Download Report