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Newsletter

St. John Bosco Catholic School 7411-161A Ave NW Edmonton, AB. T5Z 3V4 Phone: 780.471.3140 Fax: 780.471.3293

April 2020 Administrators’ Message

My how things change quickly! Just one week ago I was writing an Easter message to all our families as we prepare for Easter this month. But now it seems that with the evolving COVID-19 crisis, life is reminding us of what we have always known, that is, that change is inevitable and as such, so is the need to embrace it. It cannot be overstated that being comfortable with change is not only important it is in fact, inevitable and we must work at being comfortable with change, because life at the current moment is reminding us all that many variables in our lives can change at a moment’s notice.

With respect to the most current status of COVID-19, please know that ECSD Sr. Administration are in close contact with AHS and as a Division we continue to take our direction from Alberta Health

Services. We ask that you continue to watch for SWIFT notifications from, both our school and the Division. Please note, that for your reference, I have included a section on Alberta Health Services for this April newsletter as a repeat and review for your convenience. As always, the go to sites for the latest updates are https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx or https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=6980324A5B1B0-BC2C-40A8-A6AD9E30E3189425

In regards to planning for ‘at home learning’, given that schools are now closed, please know that staff has been working diligently to prepare resources and provide links to various online tools and ideas that you can use with your children while they are at home. We ask that you go to your child’s

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classroom website at https://www.ecsd.net/schools/1024/Pages/Classroom-Websites.aspx and click on your child’s specific classroom, or on their Google Classroom, whereby you will see further instructions, direction and links of all kinds for you to use with your child.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your understanding related to the pickup of resources this past week with social distancing in mind for optimal safety to all our staff, students and parents. We are pleased to say that 70% of items were picked up and as per the latest swift notice of March 17th we have communicated further details as to other questions our parents might have. We ask that you go to that specific message for the details. Those who were not able to pick up items this week, will have an opportunity with a date to be determined.

With the support of one another which has already been more than evident, we are hopeful that we can get through this together!!

As we move into April, this Easter month, let us all breathe and take a moment to gather our thoughts. Let us not forget that as a Catholic community, we will be celebrating Easter on April 12th. Easter as the season of new life! This season reminds us that signs of new life are just around the corner. May we all rejoice that “Jesus, the Light of Our Lives, is Risen!” Alleluia, Alleluia! It’s a day of celebration because it represents the fulfillment of our faith as Christians. St. Paul wrote that, unless Christ rose from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Through his death, Christ saved mankind from bondage to sin, and He destroyed the hold that death has on all of us; but it is His Resurrection that gives us the promise of new life, both in this world and the next. That new life begins on Easter Sunday. If we re-open school, please know that our Easter Celebration will take place on April 17th, it will be a closed event and children will have the celebration in their classrooms.

To keep things real and back to a sense of normalcy, I wanted to share some important things happening in our SJB Community. We would like to welcome Mr. J. Rauch, who will be filling in for Ms. Pereira who has gone on her Maternity leave. Welcome, Mr. Rauch, we are confident that you will enjoy your time here with us. Thank you, Ms. Pereira for your dedication to our students and the school community in your many special ways, both curricular and extra-curricular; but most of all, for your dedication and loyalty in doing what is best for the kids. We wish Ms. Pereira and her family well as they continue to grow and enjoy their time together as a family.

On another note, this year is the 3rd Anniversary of @StJohnBoscoYEG, our SJB Twitter account! With over 320 Twitter followers, we are happy to know that the SJB Twitter account allows us to share with our extended community the many great events and moments happening both inside and outside of our school. As well, it allows us to send out the latest school information, reminders and notices of upcoming events. We also retweet key articles and tips for parents, as well as family focused sites, providing our parents with information about family events around the city. If you haven’t yet followed us yet, please do so at @StJohnBoscoYEG.

Another 3-year anniversary is our monthly featured sections within our newsletters, “Focus on Literacy”, and “Focus on Health & Wellness”, this year we also added a Focus on Inclusion series for parents.

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These sections are a means of keeping parents informed about current foci here within our school as a part of our ongoing commitment to continued growth and learning for all: students, staff and parents.

Additional important information we would like to share at this time is:

1. Our Student Supply Lists are now posted to our website for parents to access. 2. April 15th School Council Meeting will continue, if the school re-opens. 3. April 17th our New Life Easter Celebration will be a closed event, if the school re-opens. 4. April 18 Health Conference is cancelled. 5. April 22nd ESL Night for parents at 6:30 is cancelled. 6. April Spring Concerts April 27 (Matinee), 28 & 29 are cancelled. 7. May1st Family Dance is cancelled

The human spirit led by the almighty Spirit does become strong and takes hold more firmly in such challenging times. This was witnessed this past week as we all watched through social media the various places in the world where people gathered and pulled together to respond to those in need. For hope and inspiration, please enjoy the links shared in the following ‘Reflection’ section of this newsletter.

Please know that as a staff, we are committed and focused on continued learning for both, our students and ourselves. On behalf of the staff and our administration team, we remain committed to providing the children of St. John Bosco School with a quality Catholic education. We believe children are at the center of our work and are grateful to be working in such an outstanding learning community. Thanks for your continued support and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Ms. A. Esposito-Brady Ms. Noppers Principal Assistant Principal

REFLECTIONS/PRAYER

The coronavirus is contagious but so is compassion. Please have a look at the links and stories below to help us all stay positive and to inspire us to be our own personal best! https://www.mother.ly/news/uplifting-stories-of-people-helping-each-other-during-coronavirus?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds#the-captain-of-the-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-where-coronavirus-spread-to-over-700-passengers-was-the-last-to-leave-the-boat-after-making-sure-everyone-had-disembarked-safely-10

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How everyday people are helping those affected by coronavirus - Insider

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has reached over 100 countries, infected over 128,000 people (most of them in China) and resulted in over 4,700 deaths.. Fear around public health emergencies like the coronavirus can bring out the worst in people, but it can also provide inspiring examples of people choosing to be kind.

www.insider.com

https://www.mother.ly/news/uplifting-stories-of-people-helping-each-other-during-coronavirus?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds#the-captain-of-the-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-where-coronavirus-spread-to-over-700-passengers-was-the-last-to-leave-the-boat-after-making-sure-everyone-had-disembarked-safely-10

https://salud-america.org/coronavirus-care-amazing-acts-of-kindness-during-a-pandemic/

Coronavirus Care: Amazing Acts of Kindness during a Pandemic | Salud America

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic is causing fear and hoarding of groceries. But it's also inspiring beautiful acts of kindness around the nation.salud-america.org

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/10/opinion/random-act-kindness-coronavirus-outbreak/

A random act of kindness in the coronavirus outbreak - The Boston Globe Then she mentioned that there was a big bin at the front of the store with a few remaining bottles of alcohol in it. The words of thanks hardly left my mouth and I was on my way to salvation. www.bostonglobe.com

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Watch-People-coming-together-in-the-age-of-15132962.php

Watch: People coming together in the age of coronavirus Despite quarantine and restrictions, communities around the world came together for these heart-warming moments. www.ctpost.com

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AN EASTER PRAYER Lord we lift our hearts to you. As the dawn breaks, may we carry the unity we share into every moment knowing that we are one with the risen Christ. Lord, we lift our eyes to you. As the sunrises, may this moment stay with us, reminding us to look for the beautiful colours of promise in your word. Lord, we lift our prayers to you. As the dew air falls, may we breathe this morning in and know that like the earth, you sustain us, keep us and work within us always. And so, we lift our voices to you. We celebrate the greatest day in history, when Jesus rose from death, defeated darkness and bathed the world in stunning resurrection light. May we ever live to praise you! Amen.

YEAR AT A GLANCE 2019-20

Please click on the link below to access the listing of important dates and events for the 2019-20 school year. Please note that dates are subject to change.

YEAR AT A GLANCE 2019-20

MONTH AT A GLANCE H AT A GLANCE

To access the events for the month, click on the link below:

APRIL CALENDAR

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES/COVID-19 INFORMATION AND UPDATES

We understand that many parents have questions during this uncertain time. As a result, ECSD has created a website in order to help provide clarity and to post Division communication. Please review the link regarding COVID-19. https://www.ecsd.net/News/Pages/Cornavirus-Update.aspx

In addition, the information below is provided as a repeat of most recent Swift message that had been sent out (March 17) to all parents as it relates to COVID-19 MESSAGES.

March 17, 2020

Dear Parent/Guardians:

SJB UPDATE: Thanks for the amazing response as 70% of our parents came in today to pick up their children’s supplies.

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Moving forward, we will not have any other days before Spring Break. If you are not able to come yesterday, please know that your child’s supplies are secured in your child’s homeroom until further notice. Further instructions related to the pick-up of supplies for your kids, will come after Spring Break, as we continue to get additional updates. Staff continue to work and plan for the delivery of educational programming to the best of their ability using either their classroom website or google classroom, which can be accessed at https://www.ecsd.net/schools/1024/Pages/Classroom-Websites.aspx. Please click on your child’s specific classroom. If the teacher is using google classroom fully, they will indicate this on the classroom website with the link to the google classroom. All pertinent information and details related to online work will be included directly on the classroom website, or the google classroom. With respect to some items that parents may have questions about, please see the notes below on each item. I believe the points should answer questions you may have at this time.

1. BUS PASSES:

• All future bus passes have been suspended at this time. • If you had pre-paid bus passes, know that our ECSD financial department will be crediting your account

later.

2. SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR PURCHASES:

• All Book Fair orders have arrived. The box is remaining sealed and is secured within the school. • Students will receive their orders when schools re-open.

3. FIELDTRIP & MILK CARDS:

• We are still awaiting direction from our Financial Services.

4. TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS:

• Parents who have textbooks and/or library books at home are asked to drop them off in the 2 boxes

located by the main entry buzzer on the wall to the left of the door. For updates on the coronavirus, please see: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16997.aspx If you are experiencing symptoms of being ill and are questioning whether these symptoms are associated with the coronavirus, Health Link has a new self-assessment tool online at www.ahs.ca/covid. It's the same one used by Health Link staff to determine if a person needs to be tested. You can also call Health Link 811. We will continue to inform you with answers to forthcoming questions as we work through this together. Thank you for your continued support, Alba Esposito-Brady Principal

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SPRING BREAK –MARCH 23 TO MARCH 27

Spring Break will be held for all schools in Edmonton from March 23 to 27. Students will be dismissed at 11:33 am on Friday, March 20th. The Thursday prior is a full day of school. SCHOOL RESUMES MONDAY, MARCH 30TH.

SJB SPIRITWEAR SALES OPEN- MARCH 2 TO APRIL 30, 2020

SJB Spirit wear online sales opens March 2 and runs until April 30th. Grade 6 parents are encouraged to purchase as a keepsake of their child’s time here at SJB before they move on to Junior High School.

To purchase your SJB Spirit wear, please click on the link to which will take you to the online store. https://stjohnboscospiritspring20.itemorder.com/sale. This link is also located on our school website and can be found on the left menu “Online Payments” tab. ALL ITEMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED WHEN SCHOOL RE-OPENS.

SJB STUDENT SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS St. John Bosco School student supply lists will be posted to the website under School Information on April 15th. Please click on the following link to take you to that Supply List Page where you can shop for your own school supplies.

To order click on the link: SJB Student School Supply Lists

‘SCHOOL START’ STUDENT SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS

St. John Bosco School will once again be offering the opportunity for parents to pre-order student school supplies for the upcoming school year. This is not a mandatory program; however, it is a school fundraiser, with the school receiving $5.00 for every kit sold. Beginning April 13th, you will be able to go online to place your order at www.schoolstart.ca . Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

To order click on the link : SCHOOL START Supply Lists

Place your order online in May or June and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1000 cash draw! Late orders will be accepted online until October 1, 2020 (a $5 late fee will be applied after August 1st, 2020). Supply kits will be delivered directly to your home. Here are the benefits for Home Delivery:

You can pre-label your child’s supplies You can add supplies to your order for your child in another school

**Please note that there will be no school pick-up option, only home delivery*** If you have any questions, please contact

School Start: info@schoolstart.ca Ph: 1-800-580-1868 Fax: 1-800-580-1890

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HEART & STROKE JUMP ROPE FOR HEART EVENT

St. John Bosco School held its third Jump Rope for Heart Campaign to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. The event took place on Monday, February 24th! Kids had a blast and got active doing it! We are incredibly pleased to announce that we raised a total of $4,247.25 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The money we received in envelopes came to $1907.25 and the money raised online came to $2340.00! A huge congratulations to all the students and families for their skipping enthusiasm and dedication to being heart and brain healthy! A special thank you for all the efforts in contributing to this worthy cause. Fantastic job SJB!!! Special thanks to Ms. Ballek, Ms. Morimanno and Ms. Scarpelli for organizing the event.

EASTER CELEBRATION TUESDAY, APRIL 17 @ 1 PM

Later this month we will celebrate the risen Savior, Jesus Christ! If we are back in school by then, students and staff will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord during a celebration within their classroom on Tuesday, April 17th at 1 pm. If schools re-open, this will be in the classrooms, no outside guests.

SCHOOL COUNCIL (SC) MEETING – APRIL 15, AT 6:30 PM

Our next School Council Meeting will be held on April 15 at 6:30 pm. School Council, the Parent Fundraising Society and room representatives are committed to collaborating and supporting the school towards enhancing student programming. The role these groups play is invaluable as they work closely with the school, staff, and administration. This event will continue if school is re-opened.

HOT LUNCH DAY

Due to the extremely high demand for cancellations and order refunds, our team will be issuing the refunds according to the soonest order date and then working forward. They will all be processed as soon as possible. The refunds will be issued back to the parent's method of payment within 7-10 days from the date of

processing, and an email communication will be sent to them directly.

TREASURES OF RECONCILIATION…FORGIVENESS IS A FREE GIFT

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

If we re-open, on April 7th, Grade 3-6 students at St. John Bosco School will participate in Lenten Reconciliation in a class format. Due to circumstances, priests will not be onsite this year and as such, the focus will be on teaching what reconciliation means for Catholics.

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FAMILY DANCE CANCELLED Unfortunately, we are informing our families that in the interests of being proactive we have decided to cancel this year’s family dance.

Due to a number of variables and potential complexities that would leave the Family Dance Planning Committee with the onerous task of navigating last minute changes, (purchase of ticket and food, ordering the food, deposits and potential refunds), we felt it would be far more prudent to simply cancel and forego the family dance for this year.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support given the array of considerations and potential variables this year.

BRADY BUNCH PIZZA LUNCH WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Students in Kindergarten to grade 6 continue to get their reading minutes in each month. As an incentive to help promote the value in reading and encourage a love of reading, each month names are drawn from our reading jars. We ask that you continue to encourage your children to read each night and initialing their reading strips which are deposited into the jars for random selection at the end of every month. If the child’s name is selected, they are treated to a free pizza lunch with Ms. Esposito-Brady. We have it on good authority that Ms. Esposito-Brady’s favorite part of her job and time is when she is in front of children, sharing stories or catching up on the latest from her students.

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STUDENT FLEX TIME

February Flex Time was a blast! There was a lot of fun and excitement to be had as both staff and students prepared for the day. The students had voice and choice as they selected their preferred sessions on PowerSchool. The teachers planned a variety of 25 different sessions that reflected not only

the dynamic styles and passions of our staff, but also tapped into the different personalities, learning styles and interests of the children. It was wonderful to see so many children building new friendships and meeting new teachers. Students had the opportunity to participate in activities such as, Jump Rope, Snowshoeing, Cheerleading, Digital Breakouts & Collage Construction, Card Making, Literacy Appreciation, Games Event, Just Dance session to name just a few.

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SJB CHEERLEADING TEAM – HITS THE MAT FOR ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR

St. John Bosco’s Cheer team hit the mats for another year full of dedicated practices, team spirit, fundraisers and intense performances! The season was full of excitement as the team prepared to hold their provincial championship title! With 2 one-hour practices a week, extra practices held during recess and one 3-hour choreography session it is with little doubt that the team was very committed and dedicated to another amazing year! The St. John Bosco Cheer team won 1st place at the Victoria Cheer Championships on January 31st and took home 2nd place at the Cheerific Western Cheer Challenge Competition on March 7. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the ACA Zones and Provincial Cheerleading Competitions have been cancelled.

Cheerleading coaches Ms. Corcoran and Ms. Ross want to share words to their cheer team, “We are very sad and disappointed that the season ended so suddenly, however our hearts are filled with all the dedication, sportsmanship and team efforts our cheer team members put into this year. We cannot celebrate the accomplishments of our team enough. No matter the outcome, you've always been winners in our eyes. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU; SAY WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!”.

This year, the team consists of 23 students from grade 4,5 and 6. Much of the team consists of grade 6 students whom this is their last season of cheer at St. John Bosco. We hope they continue in their journeys with a positive outlook on cheer as a sport and can take on their dedication and commitment skills to new endeavors throughout their education. A special thankyou to the parents who have supported their children and brought so much enthusiasm for our cheerleading program and to the students who have grown so much and have reached new success. Finally, a very special thank you to Ms. Corcoran who shared her passion of cheer with the community of St. John Bosco. This team has truly inspired so many students, brought so much excitement and a new outlook of cheer for so many individuals and it isn't without the efforts of Ms. Corcoran. She has spent countless hours and personal time and commitment to ensure the program continues at St. John Bosco. Thank you, Ms. Corcoran, the parents and the cheer team for a great year!

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND SEDER MEAL

Praying the Stations of the Cross with kids is a great way to introduce them to the story of Jesus’ Passion, the paschal mystery, and the rhythm of Triduum. It’s an excellent way to introduce them to the story of Jesus’ Passion (his suffering and death), breaking it down into discrete pieces that kids can more easily memorize. The Stations are more than the re-telling of a story: it is a prayerful participation in the event which lies at the heart of Christianity. At its best, the Stations engage kids at a spiritual level.

Since the earliest centuries of the Church, Christians have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem in order to retrace the steps of Jesus during his suffering and death. Around the fifteenth century, Christians began the practice of prayerfully meditating on the Passion of Christ by reproducing that pilgrimage in miniature in what eventually became known as the Stations of the Cross.

Why meditate on Jesus’ suffering? Most people want to avoid suffering, not spend time imagining it! But suffering is a reality that everyone must deal with in life. In Jesus, God entered suffering in order to save us. By walking with Jesus, we join our suffering to his, knowing that he will lead us through it into the new life of the Resurrection.

This year, between April 6-8th each class at St. John Bosco School will experience The Stations of the Cross in our portable. This activity will deepen students understanding and help them connect Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to the sacrifice of the Eucharist, and more closely corresponds to the experience of Triduum. This experience will be hands-on and meditative in nature. The students will walk through our portable through the 14 Stations of the Cross. We will have artifacts to ponder at each station. There will also be a power point with prayer and questions to guide students in their meditative journey. We are hoping that this will be a memorable experience that will lead the students into a deeper understanding and force them to continue to ask questions. More importantly, we are hoping that they will feel an empathy and gratefulness for what Jesus did for us on that sad day. Each class will do a follow up activity to reflect on their experience as the walk each station. This event will take place if the school is re-opened.

HOLY THURSDAY

To continue and complete our Holy Week observance at St. John Bosco School, we will have a Holy Thursday reflection on Thursday, April 9th, if the school is re-opened. Each class will partake in the re-creation of the Last Supper with bread (body) and grape juice (wine).

Since we are focusing on the solemnity of Holy Thursday, we ask that students be completely silent for the entire time, except during prayer. This silence will continue through the celebration and after dismissal, at 11:33 and until everyone has left the

building. Our school will be in darkness and silence.

When you pick up your child, we would appreciate your support and encouragement to continue this silent observance with your child.

We wish you and your family a joyous and Happy Easter.

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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT To access the monthly message from the off of the Superintendent, please click on the following link: Acting Superintendents’ Message

DISTRICT RELIGIOUS, SPIRITUAL NEWS AND INFORMATION MESSAGE Each month, we are committed to sharing religious, spiritual news and information through our Archbishop Smith and our District Chaplains.

To access that information please click on the following link: Religious Insert

ST. DOMINIC SAVIO PARISH INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

We have included in this month’s newsletter a link to the archdiocese parishes for Easter Mass times. https://caedm.ca/Easter

FOCUS ON HEALTH & WELLNESS World Health Day is April 7th! World Health Day is a day observed worldwide by government and non-government health organizations focusing on promoting healthier living habits for ALL people around the world. This special day has become a collective action aimed at globally protecting human health and well-being. Each year since 1995, an annual theme is selected that highlights each year’s priority area of concern.

SWEAT, STEP, SLEEP, SIT is the 24-hour movement guideline for 5-17-year-olds. The guidelines call for healthy sleep hygiene, limiting sedentary behaviours, and participating in many physical activities over a 24-hour. Sneak in a Break with your family and friends!

The Power of Positivity! Caring for your health includes caring for your mind. Healthy eating + physical activity + mindfulness + fun = Wellness for the mind, body, soul and spirit!

It is April so that means it is time to Get Active in April! The weather is starting to get nice, the snow is melting, and it is perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh spring air.

As a parent, you can help shape your child’s attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity. Starting from a very young age, you must constantly encourage them to become both physically fit and active. Activities can range from informal movements and play, to organized sports. Click on the link for some helpful tips you can use in order to motivate your child to adopt an active lifestyle:

https://www.gasolfoundation.org

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FOCUS ON LITERACY

Many children love graphic novels and many parents worry that this means their kids are not reading “real books”. This is not the case. While we always encourage students to read a variety texts such as novels, poetry, magazines, cookbooks, brochures, chapter books, manuals, etc., graphic novels are a great choice for many children. These are great options for kids of all reading abilities. We do not want to discourage our young people from reading any particular kind of text. It is always better to support their love of reading, than to limit their options. Please refer to the articles below for further information.

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/raising-super-readers-benefits-comic-books-and-graphic-novels.html

https://www.parents.com/kids/education/reading/why-you-should-encourage-your-childs-love-of-graphic-novels/

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/3-reasons-graphic-novels-can-be-great-young-readers.html

FOCUS ON INCLUSION

Self-Regulating Apps for Kids That Teach Mindfulness Techniques

What do you do when your child is anxious, tired, stressed out or about to blow a gasket? Do we help them monitor and regulate their emotions and therefore their behaviours?

We sure do, because kids have a whole lot of emotions to figure out and exploring confusing feelings in dynamic and often complex environments at school and at home isn’t easy.

For more information on self-regulating techniques please follow the link:

https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/seven-self-regulating-apps-for-kids-that-teach-mindfulness