Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians, Welcome to February! It is hard to believe that the beginning of February marks the halfway point of the school year. On Thursday, February 13th and Friday, February 14th, our teachers will be renewing their professional skills while attending the Annual Calgary Teacher’s Convention “Sharing Ideas – Leading Learning”. This also attaches to a long weekend with Family Day on Monday, February 17th. There will be no classes on these days. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 18th. We are already planning for the September 2020 school year, as well as reviewing the growth of our student population over the next five years. As our numbers are steadily increasing, if you have not already done so, it is VERY IMPORTANT that all families who would like to have younger siblings attend Divine Mercy School in future years, come to our office and fill out a Kindergarten registration form as soon as possible. You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate, a current utility bill with proof of address, and a child or parental baptismal certificate. We can accept student registrations after the child’s first birthday. Please come in and see us! We want to send a huge thank you to the Auburn Bay A&W for sponsoring our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast on February 25th. Shrove Tuesday is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. We will be serving pancakes and juice to all students in celebration of this event first thing in the morning. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26th. Please join us for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy in the gym at 1:00 pm. The 40 days is a period of fasting, almsgiving, charity work and reflection on our actions in our daily lives. Students will focus on the season of Lent in their classrooms and review their Lenten promises as to what they will sacrifice during these 40 days. As a school community, we will be participating in the 40 Actions (of KINDNESS) in 40 Days Challenge. More information is available in the newsletter under the Catholic Community of Caring. Lord, let everything I do this day and in this season of Lent come from

you and be inspired by you. Heal me, Lord, and help me to acknowledge my failures.

Let me reach out of the darkness of sin and into the safety of your guidance and mercy.

Amen Sincerely,

Mrs. Nadia Verna Mrs. Sandra O’Flaherty Mr. Steve Allen Principal Vice Principal Assistant Principal

Divine Mercy Newsletter February 2020

Follow His Way

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

St. Albert the Great Parish Used Book Donations Divine Mercy Read-A -Thon Fundraiser

Communication About Illnesses

Divine Mercy, and all Calgary Catholic Schools, ask that parents call to notify the school if your child has been seen by a doctor and has a communicable disease such as chickenpox, "Slap cheek" or any other illness that is contagious and a possible worry for those students and staff at our school with fragile immune systems. We appreciate being informed so that we can work closely with these families to ensure all stay safe and remain healthy at our school. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support!

Alberta Education Accountability Pillar Survey As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an opportunity for Alberta Education and school authorities to ensure that we are equipping students for success.

The Accountability Pillar uses a set of 16 indicators. Data on these indicators consists of surveys of students, parents and teachers on various aspects of education quality, student outcomes such as dropout and high school completion rates, and provincial assessments of student learning.

From January to the end of February, Alberta Education will be conducting the annual Accountability Pillar Survey. • In January, parents of students in grade four received a survey from Alberta Education. • In January, students in grade four and all teachers completed their surveys online at school.

Your participation in the survey helps provide crucial information on the quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to return your survey promptly. Survey results will be available to school authorities in May and will be reported publicly as part of their 3-Year Education Plans and Annual Education Results Reports.

This is a reminder for parents that the entry bell rings at 8:15. The tarmac doors remain open until the second bell rings

at 8:20. Students need to enter via their grade level doors on the tarmac. After 8:20 they must come through the front doors to get a late pass.

Our school year continues with a month full of important themes and journeys to look forward to during February. Two of these events are Teacher’s Convention: “Sharing Ideas – Leading Learning” and Family Day. There will be no classes on these days.

A great fundraiser happening in February is the Read-a-Thon! The Read-a-Thon will run from Monday, Feb 24th until Feb 28th. The Class with the most participation will be awarded a Sundae Party! Every form returned will be entered into a draw for prizes! Write your favourite book on the Read-A-Thon wall of fame! This will be a great promotion of literacy and a lot of fun. Once again, a huge thank you to our School Council for supporting our school and our kids!

Also, during the month of February, Divine Mercy School will be accepting gently used books to be donated to St. Albert the Great Parish for their Used Book Sale on Saturday, March 7th. All proceeds will go towards the recent building repairs. Please note, they are unable to accept textbooks, magazines, Reader’s Digest, encyclopedias, CD’s or DVD’s. Donations will be taken from February 1st - February 12th. Thank you for your support!!

Calgary Teacher’s Convention (Feb 13-14) and Family Day (Feb 17th)

Beginning of the Day Procedures (Front Door):

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Catholic Community of Caring

Shrove Tuesday (February 25th)

We want to send a huge thank you to the Auburn Bay A&W for sponsoring our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast on February 25th. Shrove Tuesday is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. We will be serving pancakes and juice to all students in celebration of this event first thing in the morning.

Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful. Our theme this year is, “Knock and the Door Shall Open”, as you partake in celebrating the season of Lent remember that God is always ready to receive us and to shape and heal our hearts and lives with his transforming grace. We need never lose hope or try to live our lives apart from God. On Wednesday, February 26th, at 1 P.M. we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday, all families are welcome to join us in receiving their Ashes to start our season of Lent. Monty’s Mentors For four Thursdays, grade 4-6 students interested in learning to become mentors for our grade 1-3 students will engage in training regarding: (during lunch—starting January 30)

• engaging their buddies • selecting books/math games/friendship skills • modelling read-aloud techniques/math strategies/friendship activities/monthly Champion values • talking about what they are reading/math strategies/friendship skills /monthly Champion values

After the four-week training, each Monday (during lunch---starting February 27), the DIV II mentors will be will working with a DIV. I students in the Learning Commons for twenty minutes of activities.

St. Angela’s Elementary School Community Pantry

For the months of February-May, classes from Divine Mercy School will be sponsor St. Angela’s Elementary School Community Pantry (a school in need within Calgary Catholic School District.)

A letter will be sent home with the students of the assigned classes before the month they are responsible for. It will provide information about St. Angela School Community Pantry, appropriate items to donate, and a request for parents to help deliver the items to St. Angela School. We will ask for Non-Perishables, toiletries, gift cards for Superstore (for the purchase of perishables items).

February: K-am/pm Fraser, 1Bac, 2Hus, 3Zic, 5Com, 6Gra March: K-am/pm Zachary, 1Dru, 2Har, 4And, 5Mon April: K-am/pm Mendyk,1Gag, 2Ony, 3Kel, 4Bor,4Ken, May: 1Boy, 1Bou, 2Fig, 3Kor,4Mus, 6Zan, 5Reg

40 Acts (of KINDNESS) in 40 Days Challenge: While most people associate Lent with fasting or abstaining from certain treats, others believe that giving up something can help to purify their bodies. Another way to recognize the season of Lent is to complete 40 acts of kindness.

During Lent, our school community will challenge themselves, as classes, to complete 40 Actions in 40 Days. In the gathering area, a display of 40 actions will be up on the wall. Each class will receive 40 crosses with their class name on them. When the whole class completes and demonstrates one of the acts of kindness (in no order), they can place their cross up on display. While this visual display will be a reminder of the importance of the Lenten season and kindness, the climate of kindness will be felt in the classrooms and halls throughout our school.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy (February 26th)

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Pink Shirt Day --- On February 26, 2020, all students and staff at Divine Mercy School are encouraged to wear a pink t-shirt to raise awareness of the issues centered around Anti-Bullying. This year’s Pink Shirt Day Alberta 2020 theme is “Bullying Stops Here! Together We Can Make a Difference”

As we focus on acceptance and perseverance on this day, we are pleased to have Marilyn Erho come and speak from the Rick Hansen Foundation. Marilyn is an avid hand cyclist that has overcome the challenges of her disability. We look forward to her powerful message as she inspires are kids to do extraordinary things.

Remember to wear PINK on February 26th

Next Meeting: Exciting things happening with School Council! February is a great time to

February 19th get involved with School Council! There are many ways you can come out, make friends and serve our amazing school. We need you!

Leadership Activities: Leadership has made the shift into real student-led leadership! The students nominated and voted for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Congratulations to Madeline (President), Maria (Vice President), Emma (treasurer) and Chloe (secretary)!

February 19th is the 100th day of school! To get into the spirit of the day, we are inviting everyone to dress "like they are 100 years old"! Big Family Groups As a school once a month, we meet with our buddy classes to focus on what it means to be a CHAMPION for each other. We are looking forward to getting together with our buddies on February 6th to learn about the virtue of Perseverance and participate in an activity. "We shine brighter when we shine together." Below is the list of students that were recognized at our Advent Liturgy for demonstrating the value of “Acceptance” for December: Cameron M. Sophie O. Hannah T. Isabella B. Bennett J. Sophia T. Nicola M. Gabriel J. Chole V. Alexei S. Yuna L. Nyah P. Elizabeth A. Lucio G. Michelle N. Helena D. Jaida L. Tenley S. Martina R. Mason F. Gia C. Amelia G. Rourke H. Juliet M. Paisley F. Berkley F. Elianna S. Oliver N. Dominic B. Bradley T. McKenna K. Sophia A. Ava U. Ellie R. Ethan W. Colin F. Everleigh G. Makenzie J. Clayton M. McKinley B. Raina L. Anika S. Charlie W. Kaleb D. Brianna Z. Kyla P. Christian A. Ethan C. Ryan C. Chloe I. Genevra B. Jax T. Nixon O. Keelie A. Ariana A. Matteo L. Koen L. Ellie G. Covenant O. Hurley O. Pietr S. Ava B. Hannah M. Daniela P.P. Ryder G. Isabella R.C. Victoria P. Emma B. Klarissa C. Dante R. Adrianna P. Ben W. Dania S. Ayden M. Matthew S.

Grade Two In-Class Field Trip The grade two classes are thrilled to be having an in-class field trip presented by Teacher’s Pet! Students will be exploring the language, culture and traditions of one of the three Canadian communities we are studying in Social Studies. They will also be making a take-home project which reflects an iconic symbol of that community. We are so excited to have this hands-on opportunity to enrich our learning!

School Happenings

Divine Mercy School Council

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Lots of Clubs to Choose From!

Grade 5 Coding Quest: The Grade 5 students will be participating in The Learning Partnership’s Coding Quest program. Students will be learning fundamental coding skills and will create an educational video game. Coding Quest focuses on STEM education, 21st Century skills and computational thinking. Students will be working collaboratively in small groups of 3 to 5. Look out for our Coding Quest Arcade later on in the year where we will share our games with the school community!

School Musical Rehearsals for Little Mermaid Jr. are well underway! Just a friendly reminder to please check the schedule on Google Drive each Friday for any revisions made for the upcoming week. The schedule is also posted on the Theatre Board for quick access by the kids. They are not to bother the office for calling home to remind their parents about rehearsals. It is essential to help them develop this responsibility. Stay tuned for more information on volunteering.

Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Meetings: Divine Mercy School is delighted to be hosting a Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Meeting on February 5th at 3:10 pm for all interested students, parents, and staff. The prayer meeting will be held on the first Wednesday of every month. It can be prayed for a family member or friend who has passed away or who is very ill, as well as any special intentions that you may have in your heart.

Club Name: Grades Day of the Week: Location

Book Club 1 2

Monday Wednesday

Learning Commons

Bible Club 2 Day 4 Art Room

Knitting Club 2 Monday-Friday Ms. Harte’s Room

Rosary Club 3 Day 6 Art Room

Math Help 3 Monday Mrs. Korbaylo’s Room

Games Club 3 Wednesday Learning Commons

Friendship Club 3 Friday Mrs. Kelly’s Room

Leadership Club (5,6) Day 2 Ms. Compton’s Room

Handbell Choir (5,6) Day 2 Music Room

Musical Theatre Club Div. II (4,5,6) Day 4 Aux. Gym

Ukulele Club Div. II (4,5,6) Day 4 Music Room

Lego Club Div. II (4,5,6) Monday Gathering Area

Typing Club Div. II (4,5,6) Tuesday Ms. Grant’s Room

Drawing Club Div. II (4,5,6) Wednesday Mrs. Muszynski’s Room

Friendship Club Div. II (4,5,6) Friday Ms. Anderson’s Room Choir Update: The choir will be taking a brief hiatus during the month of February. Mrs. Currie will be keeping busy with Ukulele Club, starting Handbell Choir and offering extra times for musical rehearsals! Our last choir practice was on Friday, January 24th, and we will resume our choir practices every Day 2 on Wednesday, March 4th. Handbell Choir: Hear those bells ringing! That’s right! Handbells are coming to Divine Mercy, and we need any grade 5 and 6 students interested in playing to join Handbell Choir. Our Handbell Choir will run every Day 2 during the lunch hour from Tuesday, February 4th until Monday, March 30th. (*Please note we will switch our practice time to Day 4 at lunch beginning on Friday, March 6th). There will be a brief Handbell Choir meeting on Thursday, January 30th at lunch recess to explain how the choir will work during the lunch hours and any interested Grade 5 & 6 students will be able to sign up that day as well.

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Ukulele Club: Our Ukulele Club is up and running! Our Gr. 4-6 students are excited to be spending more time with the ukuleles. This is a beginner level club, but we do have some students who have more experience playing. We will look for opportunities to challenge students who are more advanced with playing the ukulele, while still making sure we accommodate the beginner players. We will be working towards learning a few songs to perform during our Hymn Sing time hopefully. Please stay tuned for confirmation of dates and further details regarding these potential performances!

Grade Level Team Spotlight---Grade Four

We are so blessed at Divine Mercy School with fantastic staff members. Each month we will introduce you to a new grade level team and their favourite educational quotes or bible passages. Grade 4 Team: Ms. Anderson: “You've made this day a special day, by just your

being you. There's no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are.”

~ Mr. Rogers Ms. Borrelli: “Mistakes are proof you are trying.”

~Anonymous Mr. Kennedy: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live

the life you've imagined”. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Mrs. Muszynski: “Be still and know that I am God.” ~ Psalm 46:10

Provincial Achievement Tests

Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests May/June Schedule The May/June 2020 Exam Schedule has been released and is posted on our school website. We reiterate to parents and students the importance of being available to write these exams at the scheduled times. This time should not be viewed as an opportunity to go on vacation. May Provincial Achievement Test Schedule

Date: Provincial Achievement Tests Length of Exam

Thursday, May 7 Grade 6 ELA Part A 120 minutes or up to 240 minutes

June Provincial Achievement Test Schedule

Date: Provincial Achievement Tests Length of Exam

Tuesday, June 16 Grade 6 Math Part A 20 minutes or up to 40 minutes

Wednesday, June 17 Grade 6 Science 60 minutes or up to 120 minutes

Thursday, June 18 Grade 6 ELA Part B 60 minutes or up to 120 minutes

Friday, June 19 Grade 6 Social Studies 60 minutes or up to 120 minutes

Monday, June 22 Grade 6 Math Part B 70 minutes or up to 140 minutes

Provincial Achievement Tests Accommodations and Provisions 2019-2020 All students now can take up to twice the official time limit to write a Provincial Achievement Test, if needed. Students do not need to declare the use of this provision before writing. Most other accommodations and provisions for Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) will be reviewed, managed and ordered at the school level. For more information: Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Test Parent Guide

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Healthy Hunger

To sign up for special lunches go to http://www.healthyhunger.ca There will be a link to either log-in or register. If you choose, you can pay for all the lunches at once, or you can pay for the lunches on month by month basis. The order deadline will be the week prior.

Healthy Hunger Lunch 2019-2020:

Wednesday, February 12th - Panago Friday, February 28th - Via Cibo Friday, March 13th - Jugo Juice

Friday, March 27th - Boston Pizza Friday, April 24th - Subway

Friday, May 8th - Coco Brooks Friday, May 29th - Extreme Pita

Friday, June 12th - Panago

Kernels -- 2019-2020 Friday, February 7th

Friday, March 6th Friday, April 3rd Friday, May 1st Friday, June 5th

Unfortunately, the Apple Slices were not a big hit. We will not be purchasing them any

further.

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Calgary Catholic Education Foundation

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Follow Us on Social Media

Catch all the latest news, updates and great photos from Divine Mercy School right on your phone or computer!!

Twitter: divinemercyCCSD

Facebook: Facebook.com/DivineMercyCCSD

Instagram: divinemercy_ccsd

School Fee notices have been sent home.

If you have outstanding fees from previous years, they are also listed. Therefore, your totals may be higher than what is listed below.

• Online Payments by MasterCard, Visa and Debit card are available at www.cssd.ab.ca.

Did you know??? You may pay your school fees online throughout the 10-month school year. This means that if you break it up over ten months for grade 1-6, it works out to $15.50/month. This can also be done with Transportation fees. At $270.00 for the entire year would mean making ten payments of $27.00 from Sep – June.

The dough raiser program member's numbers are as follows: COBS Bread 130th Ave is 7737 COBS Bread Mahogany is 7736

Calgary Catholic School District School Fees 2019-2020

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

St. Albert the Great Parish News

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

Divine Mercy CCSD

@DivineMercyCCSD

February 2020

February 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 Day 1 $5.00 Cheese Pizza

TPET Acadia Presentation 2Onysyk

4 Day 2 Mini-Beef Hamburgers (2) $5.00

5 Day 3 Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Meeting @3:10 Coldest Day of the Year- Winter Walk TPET Iqaluit Presentation 2Figeczki

6 Day 4 BFG’s Groups “Perseverance”

7 Day 5 Twisted Friday Pretzel’s $2.00 Healthy Hunger-Kernels DISTRICT DAY--- Hitmen Game @7:00

8

9 10 Day 6 $5.00 Pepperoni Pizza

11 Day 1 Chicken Fingers (3) and Fries $5.00

12 Day 2 Healthy Hunger-Panago Pizza

13

14

15

16 17

18 Day 3 Mini-Beef Hamburgers (2) $5.00

19 Day 4 School Council Meeting

@ 7:00 pm. Grade 1-6 100th Day of the School Year

20 Day 5

21 Day 6 Twisted Friday Pretzel’s $2.00

22

23 24 Day 1 $5.00 Cheese Pizza

25 Day 2

Chicken Fingers (3) and Fries $5.00

26 Day 3 Ash Wednesday Liturgy @ 1:00 PINK DAY (Wear Pink) Rick Hansen Foundation Presentation

27 Day 4

28 Day 5 Healthy Hunger-Via Cibo Twisted Friday Pretzel’s $2.00 Kindergarten 100 Day Parade

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CALGARY TEACHERS’

CONVENTION

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