What's New - January 2012

Snow What Fun Carnival at St. Gabriel Elementary

December 22nd, 2011
St. Gabriel Elementary is holding a SNOW WHAT FUN CARNIVAL for the Horn of Africa Famine on Thursday, December 22nd from 11-2:30 with pizza lunch from 12-12:45.  Students have donated $5.00 each in addition to a collection that was taken tonight at the school’s Advent Celebration for a total of $1,000.  The funds will support the Horn of Africa famine in partnership with St. Michaels’ Resurrection Parish who has already raised a total of $40,000.

Snow What Fun Activities include: cookie decorating, Christmas readers theatre, face painting, Christmas crafts, Christmas games in the gym, a traditional Christmas video. Students will be in mixed age groupings and rotating every 20 minutes beginning at 11:00. Pizza lunch will be served at 12:00-12:20. Activities will continue until 2:30.

 

MTC Hockey Classic Game for Social Justice

December 22nd, 2011
Just a reminder about the Mount Carmel Classic hockey game tomorrow!  More information on the attached or below.

Click here for more info

 

St. Francis Xavier High School - "Chix with Stix"

December 21st, 2011
St. Francis Xavier High School will host the 12th annual Chix with Stix event at the Bill Hunter Arena this Thursday, December 22nd from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and cheer on the FX Female Hockey Academy or FX staff!

 

St. Brendan Elementary - "Whoville"

December 20th, 2011
St. Brendan Elementary, 5825 – 93 A Avenue, is transforming their gym into the Dr. Seuss inspired ‘Whoville’ as B’s Diner is coming to feed all 138 students in the school a traditional Christmas meal from Noon until 1 p.m. TODAY!

The school has been reading the ‘Grinch who stole Christmas’ to teach them about the importance of sharing and giving to others, especially at this time of year.  Many children in the school will not have a traditional Christmas meal as some families can’t afford to make a turkey with all the trimmings so this meal is very special to the students.

 

St. Brendan - "Caps Off for Kids"

December 18th, 2011
Students and staff at St. Brendan celebrated the "Caps Off for Kids" program today by presenting the Rainbow Society of Alberta with a cheque for $18,500. The school along with several other organizations in Alberta raised the money this past year and donated the funds to help make wishes come true for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

 

School boards report on the $107 million boost to education funding

Majority of funding spent on hiring teachers and support staff
Calgary... School authorities have provided the province with details about how the $107 million in additional education funding was allocated to classrooms across Alberta.

The funding, committed to school boards earlier this fall by Premier Alison Redford and Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk, was to be directed to address pressure points in Alberta schools such as class size and supports for inclusive education and English language learning.

"We made this commitment in education funding to address priorities in the classroom,” said Premier Redford. “I’m pleased to see this making a positive impact in our classrooms. This provides students with the support they need to be successful in school.” 

More info

 

Frere Antoine Choir

December 7th, 2011
The Frere Antoine Choir consists of students in Grades 3 to 6 and today the choir was performing at the Legislature.  CTV interviewed a Grade 4 student in the choir and the story will be on the 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. CTV news tonight. ​

 

Christmas at High Needs Schools on MONDAY morning  

December 4th, 2011 - 8:30am until 11:45am
Our Lady of Peace Elementary School will be transformed into a magical Christmas party for all the children.  An Edmonton couple organizes the event, contacts organizations for toy donations, decorates the school and help serve pancakes!  This will be a wonderful morning as many of these children will not experience the joy of Christmas.  Our Lady of Peace is one of our District’s high-needs schools and some of these children do not receive enough food every day.   The couple who organizers the event will also be at the school in case you would like an interview or more information.  Here is the morning’s schedule:

• 8:30 Cooking of pancakes for pancake breakfast will begin (classes for students will be as per usual until 9:45 -Pajama theme in the school)
• 9:45-10:00 recess break
• 10:00-10:30 Pancake breakfast served
• 10:30-11:10 activities in the gym - singing
• 10:40ish Santa arrives to hand out Christmas gifts to our kids

 

Full Day Kindergarten in ECSD 

November 29th, 2011
CTV was working on a story today about full day kindergarten and also the success of our District's 34 full day kindergarten programs in 21 of our schools.  As part of the story they visited Mother Teresa Elementary and visited a full day kindergarten class.  The also interviewed Early Learning District Principal Corine Gannon on why our District believes strongly in full day kindergarten.  The story will be on CTV on the 6 p.m., 11:30 p.m. newscasts and tomorrow morning on CTV Morning Live between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

 

Mike Dea Classic Basketball Tournament this weekend

November 30th, 2011
The 14th annual Mike Dea Basketball Tournament is being held this weekend at  St. Francis Xavier High School. 

More information

 

Education Act Student Session at St. FX Wednesday

Wednesday, November 30th from 8:30 a.m. until 11:07 a.m
St. Francis Xavier High School will host  one of the high school student sessions that are taking place in the province regarding the Education Act.  Education Minister Lukaszuk is gathering student feedback on the Education Act through a series of in-person forums in Alberta High Schools as well as through a Featured Discussion Forum on the Alberta Education’s Speak Out website.  Approximately 40 students will be divided into five different groups and the Speak Out team from Alberta Education will ask students to respond to questions on these four themes:

• Making schools safe and welcoming
• Making learning relevant for all students
• Keeping students engaged in learning
• Setting students up for success in life

 

Holodomor remembered

November 25th, 2011
Today schools throughout the District took time to mark Holodomor which is the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide Memorial Day.  The genocide inflicted upon the people of Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 resulted in millions of deaths through starvation.

St. Martin Ukrainian Bilingual School held a special ceremony this morning at it was well-attended by media.  Watch for the story on the 5 p.m. Global and CTV news, at 6 p.m. on CBC TV, in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and next week's issue of the Western Catholic Reporter.

 

Super boost for province's SuperNet schools

Increased funding means faster service for students and teachers

November 24th, 2011
Edmonton... Students and teachers will have quicker access to educational resources thanks to government funding to increase network connection speed in schools.

“Our students and teachers require access to digital resources and online content in their daily learning environments,” said Premier Alison Redford. “This investment ensures our education system is better positioned to respond to the increasing use of technology by students and teachers in the classroom.”

Government will inject $1.3 million to help school boards across the province increase SuperNet capacity. Funding for each school will increase about $200 per month and result in faster services and lower network costs.

 

AOB Students Sew 'Comfort Cloths'

November 24th, 2011
Check out today's Edmonton Journal on Page A5 as there are a number of photos with Austin O'Brien High School students that are in the Foods and Fashion program.  The students have been making 'comfort cloths' for preemies at the Stollery.  These cloths are first given to the Mom to sleep with and after it has the Mom's scent it is placed inside the preemie's incubator so they know the scent of their mother.  The students have made 70 'comfort cloths' and will be delivering them to the Stollery in the next week.​

 

Holodomor, Friday, November 25th

This Friday, November 25th, all 87 schools in the Edmonton Catholic School District will take time to mark Holodomor which is the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide Memorial Day.  The genocide inflicted upon the people of Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 resulted in millions of deaths through starvation.

Attached is information on how St. Martin Ukrainian Bilingual school will commemorate this day.  They have asked if media could come to their school assembly which is between 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Friday.

Holodomor Parent Letter 2011

 

Consultations on Education Act expand

Next component of Our Children, Our Future: Getting It Right includes online participation

Edmonton...  Albertans are invited to provide written and electronic input as part of consultations on the new Education Act. 

“This legislation is the foundation of our education system, so it is important we get it right,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk.  “Hearing the views of students, parents, grandparents, teachers, education and community leaders, and others will help us ensure new legislation reflects Albertans’ vision for their education system and impacts classrooms now and in the future.”

The education.alberta.ca/engage website includes ways for people of all ages to provide input.  Elementary school students are invited to mail a letter or drawing to the minister (423 Legislature Building, Edmonton, T5K 2B6) about the changes they would make if they were the education minister for a day. Other students and Albertans are invited to participate in discussion boards about making schools safe and welcoming, making learning relevant, keeping students engaged in learning, and building the skills for future success. Additional opportunities include tweeting using the #abed hashtag, commenting at www.facebook.com/AlbertaEducation, sending an email to  engage.education@gov.ab.ca, or sending letters or written submissions to the minister.

 

Students sewing Comfort Cloths for the Stollery

About 25 Austin O’Brien students taking the Foods and Fashion class this fall are sewing ‘comfort cloths’ for newborn babies at the Stollery who are not well enough to be discharged when their Mom goes home.  The comfort cloth is only the size of a dinner plate and it is initially given to the Mom to sleep with so when the baby receives it they will know how to distinguish their mother’s scent from other caregivers.  

On Wednesday, November 23 from 8:45 a.m. until 9:50 a.m., the students will finish sewing the comfort cloths and hope to make a total of about 70 which they will present to the Stollery later this week or early next week. This is a project the students chose for the Advent Season.

 

A Letter to our Parents and Guardians

Distribution of Restored Government Funding in Edmonton Catholic Schools

Read the full Letter here

 

Boys Exploring Science Together Conference Saturday

November 18, 2011
Tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., St. James Elementary School will be hosting the Boys Exploring Science Together conference at their school, 7814 – 83 street, 780 466-1247.  Here is some additional information:

What:  The BEST Conference:  Boys Exploring Science Together
           For grade 4-6 boys and their Science Teachers
           Focus on…Technology, Engineering, Environment and MAth

Sponsor:  APEGGA

Where/When:  St. James School   - start at 9:30 through to 3:00...Launch at 10:00

Details:  210 students from 20 schools (so at least 20 teachers)…the conference can hold 200 students so we are a bit over and had interest enough for more students…next year bigger! Lots of presenters with lots of hands-on Science and Math from a variety of community and professional groups

More info

 

U of A students give inner-city kids free
vision tests through volunteer iCare initiative

November 16, 2011

(Edmonton) Students from the medical, science, arts and education faculties at the University of Alberta are giving free eye exams to school-aged children in Edmonton's inner city between now and April.

The iCare Initiative University of Alberta (ICIUA) was officially formed in 2010 as a volunteer group, but has been in existence since 2008 – previously operating under a different name. The initiative has three primary objectives – to educate school-aged children about vision problems, screen young children in an effort to prevent long-term vision issues and fundraise.

More info

November 16, 2011
This afternoon about half of the Grade 1, 2 and 3 students at St. Alphonsus Elementary/Junior High had their eyes examined by medical students at the University of Alberta.  The students were given a chart of shapes, instead of letters, and were asked to identify each shape.  Early detection is key for any eye issues or if prescription eye glasses are needed.  Watch for the story on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and late news on CTV, on the 6 p.m. 'Health Matters' segment on Global TV with Su-Ling Goh at 6 p.m., the CBC TV 6 p.m. news and tomorrow on Breakfast Television on City TV.  The story will also be in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal. ​

 

Province launches Our Children, Our Future:
Getting it Right public consultations on the Education Act

November 15, 2011

Government to hold forums in seven communities on education legislation

Edmonton... Students, parents, teachers and others interested in building education as the key to individual and community success are invited to participate in upcoming public consultations on the Education Act. 

“Education legislation is not reviewed very often and I am committed to getting it right,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “By opening up this discussion to the public, especially to students, we can ensure this legislation reflects Albertans’ vision for their education system and that it has a direct and positive impact on Alberta classrooms now, and for decades to come.”

One component of the Our Children, Our Future: Getting it Right consultations will be forums conducted in seven communities. The consultations will be exploring four themes:

1. Making schools safe and welcoming
2. Making learning relevant for all students
3. Keeping students engaged in learning
4. Setting students up for success in life

 

French Immersion Program Community Consultation

How do we enhance and grow the Edmonton Catholic School District French Immersion Programs?
More info

 

Tourtiere Event

This Saturday, November 19th, the Grandin School Community will come together from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to make 750 tourtieres!!  Then the community will sell the meat pies on Friday, November 25th from 9 til 3 p.m. as a fundraiser for the school.

 

Students' safe use of Internet promoted in MyWorld Online resource addresses issues of cyberbullying and privacy

November 10th
Edmonton… Alberta students now have access to an additional online resource to help them contribute to caring, respectful and safe learning environments and communities.

The new MyWorld online resource includes information on safe use of the Internet for all schools with students in grades 9-12. Features of the resource include simulation of popular online sites, information on cyberbullying, recognition of hate speech, online marketing ploys and privacy protection.

“Older students rely on the Internet as a source of information and a vital link to their peers,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “This has raised discussion among parents, teachers and administrators about the need for more resources to deal with issues such as privacy and cyberbullying.”

 

Schools celebrate International Education Week 2011

November 10th
Edmonton... Schools across the province are celebrating International Education Week, November 14 to 18, showcasing a variety of innovative education programs and activities that happen in Alberta’s schools every day. 

“International education programs and activities provide our students with a greater understanding of our global community,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk.  “Whether it’s learning a second language, participating in an exchange program or being active in a school partnership, these initiatives bring students and teachers together, and enrich the learning experience in the classroom.”

 

Arts Alive Conference

St. Boniface would like to invite the Grade 4-6 students of Edmonton Catholic School District to participate in our annual Arts Alive Conference “Let the Arts bring Wonder to Learning”!  

Please find attached the teacher information package as well as the parent/student package.

Registration is “first come-first served” so avoid disappointment by getting your registrations in early!!

We look forward to sharing this fun filled day with you!!

Teacher Info
Student Registration Form

 

Hallway of Silence at St. Francis Xavier

November 8th
In honour of all those who lost their lives due to war, the St. Francis Xavier Remembrance Day committee has developed the 'Hallway of Silence’ in the school.  The names of those who died in Afghanistan are also listed in this hallway and students are asked to be silent as they walk in this hallway.  CTV was at the school today and the story will be on tonight's 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and  11:30 p.m. newscasts.  

 

A Taste of St. Joe's

St. Joseph High School is holding their annual ‘A Taste of St. Joe’s’ on Monday, November 21st from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the school courtyard.

Click here to view the invitation

 

EMU Launch and Sister Annata

November 7th
the Early Learning Mobile Unit (EMU) was launched at Dickinsfield Mall.  The 39' mobile unit is a cozy classroom where a two hour program includes circle and story time, playcentres and physical activities. It's the first of its kind in Western Canada. Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk was on hand to welcome the EMU.  Watch for the story on the evening television newscasts tonight on CTV, Global TV and CBC TV.  The story will also be on Breakfast Television tomorrow morning on City TV and in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and Metro News. 

Click here for more info

 

National Child Day

November 20th
Since 1993, Canadians have been celebrating National Child Day (NCD) on November 20th to promote awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Plan to join other Edmontonians at an event to celebrate this special day:
What:     National Child Day Celebration
When:    Sunday, November 20, 2011
When:    From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.   
Where:   At City Hall & Churchill Square
What:     Free indoor and outdoor activities for all ages!  Resource fair on children, youth services, programs and ideas. 

Click here for more info

 

Dance Specialist at St. Martha Elementary

November 3rd
The District's new Dance Specialist, Joelle Dressler, was at St. Martha Elementary this morning, working with Kindergarten students, teaching them the importance of movement. The new role will help infuse fine arts into our curriculum. The students were dressed in body socks, or nylon body suits, as they created their own movements. Creativity is an important 21st Century learning skill and also supports the Reggio philosophy of our Early Learning Programs, to learn through play. The story will be on Global TV on tonight's 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Click here to view the broadcast

 

In this week's WCR

November 3rd
On Page 17 of the current issue of the Western Catholic Reporter ​(Week of November 7th), there is an extensive article on Canada's Outstanding Principal Award that SOS District Principal Leo Turcotte received.  Leo was given this award from The Learning Partnership and selected as one of only three Albertans selected for this award.  The article gives detailed information on why he was chosen.   

 

St. Mark info from Board Meeting

November 1st
At this afternoon’s Board of Trustees meeting, the Board voted in favour of a recommendation to consider the closure of St. Mark Junior High. 

This is the second year of a two year review of St. Mark School.  During the first year of review, in the 2010-2011 school year, consultation meetings with the St. Mark School community were held on October 20th, 2010, April 27, 2011 and with the St. Pius School Advisory Council on November 10, 2010. 

The consultation process with the community will begin with a facilitated session on January 19, 2012 at St. Mark Junior High.

 

Preserving the Privilege and Ensuring the Future

November 16th
On Wednesday, November 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm all staff, parents and students are invited to attend a Catholic education forum hosted by St. Michael-Resurrection Parish at 10555-50 Street. Panel members include: Father Roger Keeler (pastor), Debbie Rowley (principal), Peter O'Brien (parent) and Natalie Maheden (student).

We invite you to continue the conversation regarding the future direction and the preservation of Catholic Education. This panel will share their insights on HOW to make Catholic education authentic and alive in our schools.

 

Honour for Sister Annata

November 7th
Our own Sister Annata Brockman is being honoured as Global TV’s Woman of Vision for the month of
November. Written and produced by Lesley MacDonald, this popular feature has profiled hundreds of
women who have used their talents and abilities to improve the community or create a successful venture.
Their stories serve as an inspiration to other women, especially young women about to make career
choices, so that they, too, are motivated to achieve their goals. Sister Annata’s story airs on Global News
Hour on Monday, November 7, at about 6:40 p.m., and again the next day on the morning news. All the
award recipients from 2011 will be honoured at a luncheon next March, and tickets will be available to the
public.

 

David Suzuki Virtual Classroom

November 2nd
This Wednesday, November 2nd at 11:30 a.m., David Suzuki is hosting a live webinar for participating high schools across Canada. One of our Grade 11 students at Archbishop MacDonald High School has been chosen as one of only a handful of students across Canada to ask David Suzuki a question.

Student Nicole Reeves will be asking the question:  “Can we marshal the vision and the energy to change direction and follow a new path? We have in the past. Can we do it again?” –David Suzuki.  In your opinion, what is one thing we could do to improve our chances of success in this matter? Some people argue that technology waste has created our environmental crisis, and others believe that technology can solve this worldwide issue of pollution. How you respond to this?

 

Remembrance Day

November 9th
The annual St. Joseph High School’s Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 10:15 a.m. in the school Courtyard. St. Joseph lost 46 members of their school community in World War II.  Since then, the school has honoured Canadian sacrifice both past and present with this ceremony. 

 

MTC Hockey Academy Presentation

MTC Hockey Academy will have an Oil Kings Presentation for both our Elementary and Junior High Programs on November 21st and 28th from 9:30am-11:30am.  The Edmonton Oil Kings players will do a quick presentation and then play our academy at a game of floor hockey/sign autographs in our school gym.  The Elementary date is November 21st and the Junior High is November 28th.

Halloween - Haunted House at St. Mark

On Halloween, this Monday, the Youth Apprenticeship Strategies (YAS) at St. Mark class has built a Haunted House out of a classroom including framing, design, decorating, carpentry, construction, props.

Grade 7, 8 & 9 students have built the house and will be operating the Haunted House on Halloween during the school day. Students from St. Mark will go through the HH in the morning. If you’re interested, let me know as the morning schedule can be adjusted.  St. Pius students will tour the haunted house at 1 p.m. Monday.

St. Francis Xavier Football on Global 

October 25, 2011
Global TV is working on a story today about the tragic death of the four teens in Grande Prairie this past weekend.  Since the teens all played on their high school football team, Global is interviewing St. Francis Xavier football coach Seaghda McInnes about how the tragedy has affected his team.  There will be a minute of silence for the four teens before tonight's game at 5 p.m. The story will be on tonight's Global 6 p.m. and late night news.   ​

Archbishop of Edmonton elected president of Canadian bishops

October 19, 2011
On the second day of its meeting, the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) elected Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton as its next President and Archbishop-elect Paul-André Durocher of Gatineau as the next Vice President.

Click here for more info

Celebrating 100 years in the community.

October 22-23, 2011
St. Edmund School, St. Edmund Church and the Ursulines of Jesus are celebrating 100 years in the community. You are invited to participate in their centennial.

Click here for more info

CPA Essay Contest

October 12, 2011
This contest is open to all Grade 6 students in Alberta. Submit your essays to the Office of the Speaker on or before Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

Click here for more information

Education Funding Restored

October 12, 2011
This afternoon Premier Redford and newly appointed Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk announced that the $107 million dollars in funding will be restored to Education immediately.  Board Chairperson Debbie Engel talked with media this afternoon and the story will be on the CTV news, Global TV news tonight and tomorrow morning and on City TV tomorrow morning on Breakfast Television.

Get ready for the 2011-2012 Prime Minister's Awards – Call for Nominations

NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED Until January 9, 2012

Do you know an outstanding educator?

Nominate them today for the Prime Minister's Awards!
Guidelines and nomination forms for the 2011-2012 Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Teaching Excellence are now available, with nominations accepted until January 9th, 2012.

Awards are worth up to $5000 and national winners participate in an all expenses paid trip to Ottawa.
New for 2011-2012

• One certificate will be awarded to a full-time Early Childhood Education Director.
• Special recognition for a space educator offered by the Canadian Space Agency

Please spread the word, and help ensure that more outstanding Canadian educators receive the recognition they deserve!

Visit www.pma.gc.ca to download the nomination package today!

Louis St. Laurent’s Halloween "SMASH" Volleyball Tournament

October 28th - 29th, 2011
Louis St. Laurent’s Halloween “SMASH” Volleyball Tournament is growing! This October 28th & October 29th the LSL gym will be buzzing in anticipation of students representing over seven Alberta High Schools who will be parading their banners and colors into the energy charged opening ceremonies!  This will be the prelude to one of the premier AAA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball tournaments in the province and western region! 

Click here for more info

Dr. Agar & the Halloween Science Show

October 25th - 28th, 2011
Looking for a fun Halloween activity for your students? Join Dr. Agar as he make surprising and fun discoveries about science in this crazy Halloween Science Show.

Best Curriculum Fit
Kindergarten - Grade 12 General Science

Learn More

Finalized enrolment totals for 2011-2012

October 10th, 2011
Here are our finalized enrolment totals for 2011-12

Early Learning Kindergarten Elementary Junior High Senior High Total

1074 2750 14714 7559 8519 34616

Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky

October 7th, 2011
Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky will be reading at Mary Hanley Elementary on Friday, October 7th at 8:45 am

Mayor Stephen Mandel will visit St. Martha Elementary.

October 4th, 2011
The Mayor will be at the school on Tuesday, October 4th from 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and will be reading to two of the 100 Voices classes with a total of approximately 40 students.  100 Voices is a pre-kindergarten program for 3 year old children.

Great News! - Clareview High School Completion Centre

September 21, 2011
At a Special  Public Board of Trustees’ meeting today, trustees passed a motion to approve the building of a new ECS high school completion centre attached to the Clareview Recreational  Centre that is being built by the City of Edmonton.   This innovative project with the City is supported by both Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure.  The new High School Completion Centre will serve students throughout the city and be easily accessed from the Clareview LRT station.   As well, students will have access to new recreational facilities, a pool, and a  public library.  The Edmonton Catholic Schools’ area will include a specially designed child care area enabling  many opportunities for Early Learning programming.

With enrolments increasing in both Early Learning and high school programs, and with Alberta Education’s  proposed Education Act ( the compulsory age rising from 16 to 17 years of age, and new funding for 20 and 21 year-old students), we see this as a great opportunity to assist many students who will be accessing these kinds of programs in  future years.

Click here for more info

Let's Talk Science

September 21, 2011
Today, Wednesday, September 21st at 1:30, Dr. Margaret Ann Armour, well known chemist who is now retired but worked at the University of Alberta will be giving a presentation to all students at St. James Elementary School.  It will be an afternoon of science as after the presentation students will be working on science activities in their classrooms.  More information is attached!

Let's talk science

Excellence in Education awards

September 19, 2011
Last evening the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) hosted the Excellence in Education awards and recognized a number of teachers who make math and science fun – encouraging and inspiring students to succeed academically.  Congratulations to the following teachers who were nominees:

• Gary McCook, St. Clement
• Angie McKenna, St. James
• Dean Turchansky, Archbishop MacDonald
• Brad Tyler, St. James
• Ken Vetsch, Father Michael Troy

And congratulations to Jennifer Gluwchynksi from Good Shepherd, our APEGGA Award recipient for 2011!

Cross Country Run

September 19, 2011
The 23rd annual Edmonton Catholic Schools Elementary Cross Country Run is taking place at Hawrelak Park on September 19 and 20, 2011 from 3:00-5:00pm. This district wide event is designed to promote physical activity and health. There will be over 50 schools and over 2100 students participating from grades 3-6. Track and Field athletes from The University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan will lead and encourage the students through the 2km course.

For Further information please contact Mark Huculak, Physical Education, Health & Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools at (780) 989-3030 or cell: (780) 993-0945

August 8th, 2011
Today over 1,100 children returned to school at one of three​ schools offering the Year Round Schooling modified calendar.  This is the first year that both St. Alphonsus and Mother Teresa are on this schedule and the second year for St. Catherine. A number of media were also on hand this morning so watch for the story on CBC TV (5 p.m.) , Global TV (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and CTV (6 p.m.), on CBC Radio throughout the day and in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and Metro News.

June 15, 2011
St. Leo Elementary will have a visit from a rare spider tomorrow - Wednesday, June 15th at 9:00 a.m. The Grade Two class, along with teacher Donna Yarmuch, are having a visit from arachnologist, Dr. Robin Leech. He is visiting with his brand new Mexican Red-Kneed tarantula that just arrived from Montreal.

The students are proud "parents" of this new rare spider and had the priveledge of naming her! She will arrive with Dr. Leech tomorrow morning at approximately 9 a.m.

June 1, 2011
Annunciation School held its 5th Annual Stanley Cuplette Table Top Hockey Championship Match on Tuesday

Annunciation School held its 5th Annual Stanley Cuplette Table Top Hockey Championship Match on Tuesday.  Global and CTV News were at the event and both stations aired some footage on the exciting final game.  

On hand to introduce the players and to do play by play was Edmonton Catholic’s own “Don Cherry”.  The teams were the Sasquatches who played against The Lime Green Marshmallow, the first ladies’ team to make it to the finals.  After a close match fought until the bitter end in overtime, The Lime Green Marshmallows were victorious in the 5 – 4 competition.

In honour of its founder, this tournament will now be known as the Troy Davies Challenge.  Troy Davies is the former Principal of Annunication.

May 5, 2011
The Edmonton Catholic School District is pleased to be part of this important initiative as the Community Sustainability Task Force makes decisions that benefit all Edmontonians.

For more information, visit the City of Edmonton website at www.edmonton.ca/communitysustainability.

Community Sustainability Task Force News

May 2, 2011
Mother Margaret Mary High School is now easy to find on Facebook. Visit facebook.com/mmmhighschool to submit a colour or team mascot for the future High School opening in September 2012!

Follow Mother Margaret Mary High School on Facebook

April 20, 2011
In preparation for the upcoming election, this Wednesday, April 20th from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Joseph High School students will be holding a forum for all candidates in Edmonton Centre.

Here are the candidates attending:

• Laurie Hawn (Conservative) 
• David Parker (Green Party)
• Lewis Cardinal (NDP)
• Shafik Ruda (Liberal)

April 14, 2011
This Friday, April 15th starting at 8:30 a.m., St. Charles Elementary will celebrate their designation as a Lighthouse School and their ‘Leadership for All’ model. There are only 13 Lighthouse Schools in North America, and St. Charles is the ninth school to receive this status. The school has created an atmosphere that has significantly reduced behavioural issues, increased social and global awareness and created an atmosphere of excitement for learning in the 21st century.

Mayor Stephen Mandel, is the Keynote Speaker and will speak at approximately 9:10 a.m. about the importance and significance of teaching leadership skills to every child.

Your contact is Principal Dan Friedt and St. Charles School is located at 10423 – 172 Avenue; 780 456-5222.

April 11, 2011
The Board of Trustees held a special meeting today, bringing together many partners in the Racism-Free Edmonton initiative to promote a culture that respects and values cultural diversity and permeates throughout our school district. In attendance was Amarjeet Sohi, Ward 12 City Councillor, Charlene Hay, Executive Director, Centre for Race and Culture, John Reilly, Manager of Racism-Free Edmonton, Linda Cochrane, General Manager, City of Edmonton Community Services, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce as well as numerous employees from our District. Everyone spent time writing their commitments on a special scroll. The story will be on CTV tonight at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., on CITY TV tomorrow morning and on NAIT News tonight. Interviews include Board Chair Debbie Engel and Superintendent Joan Carr.

April 6, 2011
Omni TV was at Sir John Thompson this morning to find out what students are learning in Social Studies about the political system. This is part of Student Vote, which encourages student involvement as an election nears. The story will be on Channel 11 tonight at 5 p.m. or later tonight on their website www.omniab.ca.

In addition, CTV visited Our Lady of Victories this afternoon as the school prepares for a Math Night for parents. The story looks at what children learn in Grade 3 and 6 Math and how parents can help their children succeed. The story will be on tonight's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. CTV news. Interviews include Principal Marilyn Landreville and AISI Math Consultant Joe Estephan.

April 5, 2011
Global TV did a story today on the expansion of Year Round Schooling in September to Mother Teresa and St. Alphonsus. As part of the story Global was at Mother Teresa and interviewed a parent, a student, Principal Corinne King and Assistant Superintendent Boris Radyo. The story will be on Global at 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and in the morning show tomorrow.

St. Charles hosted one of the famous Globetrotters today. Education "Hot Shot" Branch is in his 8th season with the Globetrotters and was a two-time, second-team all-conference selection at Baylor and is the 7th leading scorer in history.  He is the Globetrotters "4-point" shooter on the 2011 "4 Times the Fun World Tour" that is in Edmonton this Friday and Saturday at the Expo Centre. CTV personality Graham Neal was at the school today and the story will be on the 6 p.m. CTV news tonight.

April 1st, 2011
Congratulations to our 10 Excellence in Teaching semi-finalists for the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award!  Semi-finalists for the Edmonton Catholic School District are:

Janice Barton	École J.H. Picard Catholic School
Catherine Bawol	Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School
Alicia Fenton	St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School
Sarah Kolberg	St. Clement Catholic Elementary / Junior High School
Jill McNamee	St. Vincent Elementary School
Tannis Niziol	Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School
Sarah Platero	St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Vern Slipetz	Louis St. Laurent Catholic High School
Donna Smarsh	St. Joseph Catholic High School
Melinda Stevens	École Our Lady of The Prairies School

The semi-finalists will be formally recognized by Education Minister Dave Hancock at a celebration on April 12th that will also include a day of professional development.  

Following is an excerpt from a Government of Alberta Information Bulletin that was just released. The complete announcement is available on the Internet at:

http://alberta.ca/ACN/201104/301651181186E-0EEC-763F-CCA6350C60BD1313.html

March 24 2011
CTV was at St. Paul Elementary this afternoon, interviewing a student, Special Education Teacher Bonnie-Lynn David from the Glenrose I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology and Principal Michael Kovacs about the $1,300 students raised to buy three computer 'mice' that can be used by students with disabilities. Each mouse works well for students who are unable to use a regular computer mouse or a paper and pencil to do their regular school work. The story will be on tonight's CTV 6 p.m. and 11:30 newscasts.

March 18 2011
Sparky the Firedog turned 60 today (in registered trademark years) and he celebrated his birthday with the help of 50 Grade 3 students from Grandin Elementary. The students also learned about fire safety, showed Sparky they know their home fire drills and sang Happy Birthday in French and Spanish. Watch for the story on the 5 p.m. CBC TV news and on Global TV on 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and the 11 p.m. newscasts tonight. The story will also be on CHED Radio throughout the day and in next week's Edmonton Examiner.

March 9 2011
1500 Edmonton Catholic students had the chance to perform at a world class venue today.  The annual Band Share Day was held at the Winspear. Global TV, Shaw TV and the Edmonton Journal were all in attendance to talk to students and staff about the event. 

March 9 2011
Holocaust Survior visits Edmonton Catholic Schools
A handful of our schools will have the opportunity to listen to Holocaust Survivor, Dr. Eva Olsson, this week.  Dr. Olsson started her school tour today at Ecole Holy Cross and St. Kevin Junior High School. Global TV, City TV, CTV, 630 CHED,  The Edmonton Sun, The Edmonton Examiner and the West Edmonton Community News were all at  Ecole Holy Cross to capture her visit.  Tomorrow Dr. Olsson will be speaking to students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Archbishop Oscar Romero.  She will be returning to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Thursday night to present to parents at 7:00pm.  Friday is her last day in town and before she heads home she will be stopping by Father Michael Troy and Holy Family School. 

March 1, 2011
Global TV visited Annunciation Elementary over the lunch hour to talk with students about indoor recess. This is part of numerous stories on the cold weather that will be on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Global TV news tonight.

February 28th, 2011
As the colder temperatures continue, so does indoor recess at schools throughout the District. CTV is working on a story on the effect the cold weather is having on Edmontonians and is including indoor recess in the story. CTV Reporter Serena Mah was at Our Lady of Peace during the lunch hour recess today and also interviewed a few students. The story will be on tonight during the CTV 6 p.m. and late night newscasts!

February 25th, 2011
J. H. Picard, St. Martin and St. Vladimir in the News 
Approximately 150 students at J. H. Picard took part in the second annual 12-hour Bike-a-thon in support of Cops for Cancer. Global TV will have the story tonight on both their 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. St. Martin students wrapped up their Shoeboxes for Ukraine project and this year over 130 packages are heading to Ukraine. Also today at the school, media interviewed parents of a Grade 1 student who was adopted from Ukraine this summer. Watch for the story as of 4 p.m. today on Shaw TV and it will run every half hour until 3 p.m. tomorrow. A photo will also be in tomorrow's Edmonton Journal and the next issue of the Edmonton Examiner. As well, CTV is working on a story following yesterday's provincial budget. They interviewed first-year teacher Neil Carby and also visited his Grade 5 class at St. Vladimir. Interviews also include Board Chair Debbie Engel.

February 23rd, 2011
Global TV is working on a story today about the increasing number of female politicians. As part of the story, they will be interviewing an AOL Grade 12 student who plans to pursue a career in politics. Watch for the story on Global TV tonight at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and on the early morning show tomorrow.

February 17th, 2011
St. Boniface and Louis St. Laurent are featured on tonight's CTV News. Sir Ken Robinson of England was in Red Deer this week and he believes that students need to move/make music and act in order to think. CTV Reporter Jessica Earle visited a Dance Class at Louis St. Laurent and also an Arts Class at St. Boniface this week to talk about Sir Robinson's belief. The story will be on the 6 p.m., 11:30 p.m. news and tomorrow on the CTV Noon News.

February 15th, 2011
St. Elizabeth in the WCR  - Kickstart for Kids is a new program that has started at St. Elizabeth Elementary and was spearheaded by a former ECSD Grad. Nicholas Arrotta and a friend wanted to help out students who go hungry and they secured a sponsor for a nutritious snack program twice a week for the 270 students at the school. In addition to providing the snacks at St. Elizabeth, Cougar Tools also provides emergency lunches for 20 students at the school on Tuesday and Friday. The complete article is on Page 4 of the February 14th edition of the WCR.

Feburary 10th, 2011
Archbishop O'Leary High School will be on tonight's Global TV 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. with two stories! The first story involves the school's upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations. The second story will be on sports as Global sports reporter John Sexsmith was at the school today to interview teachers and students about this weekend's annual Spartan Showdown Basketball Tournament. Teams from throughout the province will be at the school this weekend!

Feburary 10th, 2011
Throughout the province yesterday, Winter Walk Day was held. It is a province-wide movement to get Albertans active by walking at least 15 minutes. A number of Edmonton Catholic Schools were involved in Winter Walk Day including J. J. Bowlen Junior High. Check out today's Edmonton Journal City Section for a great photo of the530 students that walked around the perimeter of their school grounds. Metro news also has a great photo and story on page 6 of today's paper.

January 28, 2011
Wellness Symposium at St. Justin
St. Justin Elementary held a Wellness Symposium today that ties in with the (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) AISI Wellness Project: Body, Mind Spirit. Over 200 students experienced a day filled with a variety of activities focusing on wellness of the body, mind and spirit. Watch for the story tonight on the 5 p.m. CBC TV News, tomorrow's Edmonton Sun and in next week's issue of the Edmonton Examiner.

January 20, 2011
Monsignor William Irwin Elementary will be featured on the CTV segment 'School Zone' tonight. Students attended school at Fort Edmonton for one week and that is the theme of tonight's segment. School Zone will be on during the 6 p.m. CTV News.