COME LORD JESUS

The season of Advent is upon us. Advent is a season of joyful expectation during which we enter into a time of preparation for Christmas and of looking forward to the return of Christ. One of the symbols we use during Advent is the Advent wreath. The circular shape of the wreath reminds us that there is no beginning or end to God and that God’s love lasts forever. The evergreens symbolize the hope and life that Jesus brings. The flame of the candles is a reminder of the light of Christ. The four candles help to mark the four weeks of preparation for Christmas.

Let us walk humbly together as we prepare for Christmas, thinking more about others and less about ourselves. Wishing you all a very blessed, safe and happy Christmas! Mrs. Trisa Soroski, Principal Mr. Mark Hickie, Vice-Principal Ms. Shannon Poulsen, Assistant Principal

St. Clare School Newsletter 12455 Coventry Hills Way NE

Calgary, AB T3K 5Z4 Telephone: 403-500-2102 www.cssd.ab.ca/stclare

December 2015 Principal: Mrs. Trisa Soroski Secretary: Mrs. Nancy Mattie Vice Principal: Mr. Mark Hickie Office Assistant: Ms. Cassie Novakowski Assistant Principal: Ms. Shannon Poulsen

Page 2 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

Listen with your ears, mind and heart. It’s all about empathy; what is it like to be in someone else’s shoes. We can learn empathy through Random Acts of Kindness … doing selfless acts to make others feel good with an expectation of nothing in return.

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids: Habit 5—Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Page 3 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

In December, students and staff will show their school spirit on Thursday, December 17 by wearing their PJ’s!

The St. Clare staff would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided food and volunteered their time to make the Thursday evening Staff Appreciation Potluck and Friday morning Breakfast so wonderful! We really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity - there was so much food that the leftovers carried everyone through lunch the next day as well! Gestures like this are what truly make St. Clare a Community of Caring – many many thanks!

Dress for the Weather

Schools Are Open

As you are aware, our weather is quite unpredictable. Please encourage your children to dress appropriately for all types of weather. The children do go outside for recess and proper clothing keeps them warm, safe and happy. Students will stay in when the weather is –18c with wind chill or lower. Please be aware that this also applies to the school Safety Patrols. We also encourage you to send extra pants and socks stored in your child’s backpack (for younger students). It is good to be sure to label all of your child’s belongings. Should anything go missing, it is far easier to return if it is properly marked.

A Heartfelt “Thank You” to Parents December Spirit Days

Schools are always open regardless of weather conditions. For the most up-to-date information listen to your local radio and television stations for announcements regarding school closures. Remember—children should be dressed appropriately for the cold weather conditions at all times whether they are walking or taking the bus. Keep in mind school buses can be late when dealing with traffic and weather related driving conditions. Your patience and understanding is very much appreciated.

Page 4 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

St. Clare students will be participating in the Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week, December 7-13, 2015 What is the Hour of Code?

A one-hour activity. Students of all ages can choose from a variety of self-guided tutorials, for kindergarten and up. Tutorials work on any modern browser, tablet, smartphone, or even with no computer at all.

Code.org’s own tutorials feature Disney’s Frozen, Scrat from Ice Age, Angry Birds, and Plants vs. Zombies. New tutorials are coming to kick off the 2015 Hour of Code!

A spark to keep learning computer science. Once students see what they create right before their eyes, they’re empowered to keep going.

Why computer science? Every 21st-century student should have the opportunity to take part in creating technology that’s changing our world. The basics help nurture creativity and problem-solving skills, and prepare students for any future career.

No experience needed from teachers and students. A global movement with more than 100 million learners in 180 countries. Anyone, anywhere

can organize an Hour of Code event. Tutorials are available in 40 languages. For more information, or to try it at home, visit: https://hourofcode.com/ca Kindergarten Registration for the 2016-2017 school year began on November 3. To register your child for Kindergarten your child must turn 5 on or before February 28, 2017. To register the following is required: Child’s Birth Certificate Child’s Baptismal Certificate (if they have been baptized) Parent’s Catholic Baptismal Certificate Proof of residency in Coventry Hills (current utility bill) Registration is on a “first come—first served” with a choice of AM or PM given upon registration.

Kindergarten Registration

FEEDBACK ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Hour of Code

Page 5 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

Supervision begins on the playground at 8:35. Students are expected to be under the supervision of parents, babysitters and day homes until this time. Parents are asked to ensure all care providers are aware of this in the interest of the safety of the children. Please be prompt when picking up your child after school. Students are released for the day at 3:25. If you have any questions regarding your child’s photos we encourage you to contact LifeTouch Photography at 1-866-457-8212. A friendly reminder to please send spoons and forks along in your child’s lunch kit regularly. We do keep extras on hand, however, it is appreciated if students bring cutlery from home. Thank you.

Pictures

Milk Program

Page out of the Library Supervision

Spoons and Forks

Thank you to those parents that have helped in so many ways for the running of the Book Fair. We are so grateful for the parents that signed up for working the actual fair itself. Those parents had to assist students with their wish list and helping out with sales. The grade 6 students were also there to help out, from their time of pre decorating, training, and assisting during the actual book fair itself. Lastly thank you to all those students that help be part of the fair in colouring the pictures for the collage. This year we had a record-breaking sale of almost $10,000.00. This will enable the school to select up to $6,000.00 in new books for the library. That is a great and very exciting as the library inventory grows each year. A big thanks to those that have supported the book fair in the past and this years “Monstrously Huge Mansion of Books”. Sincerely and Happy Reading! Sharon Olsen, Learning Commons Librarian Please watch for information going home on Wednesday, December 9 for the next Milk Program with a due date of Wednesday, December 16. The school will again be offering an optional purchase covering three months (Jan., Feb., & March). Interested in having your child build Lego with Bricks4kidz? Check out the flyer for registration information at the back of the newsletter.

Bricks4kidz

Page 6 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

Thursday, December 10, at 1:30 and 7:00 pm. The Advent Production - “Christmas around the World” will feature the grade 1, 3 and 5 students. Students are encouraged to attend both the afternoon and evening productions to support our school community. All school age siblings of the grade 1, 3 and 5’s performing, may sit together on the floor in the designated area as they will for the 1:30 pm performance. Please supervise all under school age children in your seats. This year the Advent Celebration will be a Production; a play combined with music and movement. Four main characters pull Christmas crackers only to be transported around the world to experience Christmas in other countries. A little of the story and meaning of Christmas is revealed while visiting each country. All students should arrive for the evening performance no later than 6:30 pm to be lined up to sing and dance into the gym at 6:50 pm. Costumes for the Advent Production Students are encouraged to dress in their best celebration clothes, but dressing the part will help paint a picture for each country. No expensive purchases are necessary, have a look in your closets first for make-shift ideas. If a student wishes they may dress as follows: Grade 1’s wear a Hawaiian leis of flowers or a Hawaiian shirt and or dress. Grade 3’s dress in all red, all gold, or a combination of red, gold and black. Wear your martial arts

outfit, or a Chinese New Years dress of any color. Grade 5’s (Spain) Girls – hair pulled back with a big red flower, red chocker, red or black dress or skirt. Boys - all in black, capes, hat and an eyebrow pencil mustache. Grade 5 small group of cowboys and girls, dress western and need a cowboy hat. If your child is part of the East Indian choir, they should dress in East or West Indian apparel. Adding a piece of costume will add color and fun to our production, but dressing up in their Christmas clothes will add as much color and fun.

Advent Volunteer Help Setup/Set Down Teachers, students and staff usually assist with the celebration set up on Tuesday, December 8 from 3:30 - 4:00 pm. Especially appreciated, would be parent help to disassemble the gym after the celebration is over in the evening (returning risers and bell tables to the music room, etc.). Important: As soon as possible please notify the school if your son or daughter in Grade 1, 3 & 5 will not be coming due other commitments. Blessings, Janine Bischoff, Music Teacher

Advent Celebrations

Page 7 St. Clare Elementary School December 2015

School Council Update Happy December! It is my hope that you are all enjoying the school year thus far and celebrating your children’s learning and achievements. Here’s a review of what happened in November and what we can look forward to this December. November has proved to be a busy but fun month as we completed our cheque-writing campaign; we raised $4,790.00 for our Fundraiser! Thank you so much to all of you who were able to contribute! Funds raised will be put to good use; our children will benefit greatly! Thank you again for your generosity! A big thank you as well to all who contributed to the Teacher Appreciation Potluck- both for the evening of Nov 26th and the morning of November 27th - there was an abundance of delicious food, enough for leftovers! and the Teachers so enjoyed it all. Our annual Angel Tree/Christmas Hamper project is well under way. Thank you to everyone who has taken an Angel! Just a reminder, please return your gift with the Angel by December 10, to the office, and please do not wrap the gift. We need to see the gift and provide the opportunity for the Families to wrap the presents if they wish. (The hampers will include gift wrap). Our November 6 Fun Lunch was again a success! Thank you to Annie Hjartarson for organizing and to all the Parents who helped distribute the lunches. Our next Fun Lunch is this Friday, December 4. For the first time, School Council held its November meeting in the afternoon at 2:30 on November 25. Because of the time, those who attended the meeting were entertained by Ms. Bischoff and one of her Grade 6 classes as they sang a song and “played” cups! What a delight! Following the music, the meeting included updates on all November events and Mrs. Soroski reviewed the official School Plan and the District calendar up until the end of the 2017 school year. For more details please visit St. Clare’s website. Thank you again to all Volunteers and for all donations - whether in time, or material gifts or prayer - for, without you our St. Clare school community could not enjoy the many extra activities and events it does. On behalf of our School Council Executive I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and peaceful New Year! Our next School Council meeting is Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm. All Parents are welcome! God Bless! Sincerely, Lesley Sandham School Council Chair lesley.sandham@shaw.ca

Taken From: Alberta Health Services School Newsletter An electronic copy of their newsletter visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/csh.asp

Doc—Andrina Trotta

Because they don’t come with a manu-

al Alberta Health Services has created

Healthy Parents, Healthy Children just

for you. From pregnancy up to 6 years

of age, all the information you need is

at your fingertips. For reliable infor-

mation about how to help your family

grow, learn and be healthy, visit:

www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca

Talking to Your Child About Bullying As children progress through school, they begin to navigate the ups and downs of

friendships. Children become more independent and it can be challenging to make

sure what is happening with your child and their peers is appropriate. It is important

to watch for signs that your child may be struggling with bullying. If your child

seems unusually anxious or worried about going to school, take some time to

check in and let them know you are there to support them. Bullying can take differ-

ent forms:

Verbal: name calling, gossiping, and negative comments about a per-

son’s interests or background (e.g., culture, race, ethnicity, religion, gender or

sexual orientation).

Physical: hitting, tripping, pinching and unwanted sexual touching.

Social: leaving someone out on purpose, telling others not be friends

and spreading rumors.

Cyber: the use of email, text messages, social media and internet sites to

socially exclude, embarrass and damage reputations and relationships.

What to do if you suspect your child is being bullied?

Start the conversation. Talk often and openly.

Offer comfort and encourage your child to talk about their feelings.

Work with your child’s school to monitor, prevent and stop bullying behaviours.

Make safety arrangements. Be sure your child knows how to get help.

Build confidence. Encourage new friendships.

Stand up for your child. Get involved in bullying awareness and prevention

programs.

Be a role model. Children learn how to form relationships by watching adults in

their lives interact with others.

BULLYING HEALTHY CHOICES FOR HEALTHY LEARNERS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2015

Adult intervention is key to bullying prevention. Being informed about bullying is the first step in addressing bullying behavior

and promoting healthy relationships. Take action with teachers and other adults in your community to implement anti-bullying

programs to help end the negative implications caused by bullying.

Safe Food for Lunch To keep any food safe we can follow FOUR easy steps. These four steps will help to keep any food safer to eat and prevent

foodborne illness.

Chill—Keep food at 4°C or colder. Use an ice pack in your child’s lunch bag or freeze a juice box. You will still have cold juice

by lunch, and the rest of the lunch will be safer to eat. Cook—Colour no longer indicates doneness. To make sure the germs

that cause foodborne illness are killed, check the temperature of the food with a thermometer. An internal temperature of 74°C

should be reached at the end of cooking. Reheat foods to an internal temperature of 74°C as well. Clean—Hand-washing is

one of the best ways to prevent many types of illness. The most important time to wash is after going to the bathroom. Use

clean dishes to prepare food. Wash fruits/vegetables before eating. Separate—Keep raw foods and cooked foods separate.

Clean dishes between preparing different types of food or use separate dishes.