Download and read the April 2012 newsletter.
Some of you are experiencing the transition to high school for one of your children for the first time – others have been there already. I thought you might be interested in the following article
It’s an academic paper with practical applications. Here are the two key sentences that summarize the research:
Students whose parents had higher expectations about grades and attainment had higher grade point averages and were rated as more academically engaged by their teachers. Students who reported that their parents were more academically encouraging experienced more care from their teachers.
Our grade 7s are beginning their last three months of elementary school – I know Mme. Huige has wonderful plans for preparing them for High School responsibilities – both academic (study skills, etc) and moral (Confirmation follow-up and Theology of the Body program).
We look forward to the continuing journey with our students.
Adrienne Castellon
Principal – St. Catherine’s
All parents/guardians are invited to respond to the CISVA parent survey. We value your input and encourage your participation.
Update: The last day for the survey was April 20, 2012.
Dear First Communion Parents:
We have now completed Lesson 6 in our First Communion program “We Remember and Give Thanks” and all pages to page 61 in the children’s book should be completed.
Please review with your child all Lesson 6, taking particular note of the “Faith at Home” sections on pages 57, 59 and 61 of the “Call to Celebrate Eucharist” book.
In this lesson, our focus was on the Last Supper and how we remember Jesus’ actions in the Mass especially at the consecration. Please help your child to pay particular attention to this part of the Mass over the next few Sundays.
We have begun preparing to re-enact the Last Supper for the school assembly at our school’s Holy Thursday retreat (Thursday, April 5th at 2:15). Please note the change in time.
On Good Friday (April 6th) there will be Stations of the Cross for Children at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, and your participation in this most important preparation for your child’s first reception of the sacrament of Eucharist. We will not be working in our books this week as our focus will be on Holy Week activities.
(Mrs.) Ann Evans
In this issue of the newsletter:
Download the read the March 2012 school newsletter.
On February 15th, St. Catherine’s had special visitor. John Burland came to to teach the students and teachers some new songs. They were all songs that he wrote. All of the songs were about God. Some of the songs he wrote were “Gather Together”, “Yes, Lord I Believe”, “Raise Your Voice for Justice”, and “Come to the Table”. My favorite song was “Yes, Lord I Believe”. Sometimes he would ask a student, that was doing really well, to come up to the front and sing with him. A couple of times he asked the teachers to pick one person in their class to come and sing with him. I did not get picked; but, I had a really fun time. I hope he comes to visit again! A.B.
Grade Four
Here are some of my favorite things about Grade Four. I like my teachers, science, L.A. Writing, and Speech Arts. I’m so lucky and blessed to have supportive teachers at Saint Catherine’s. They are always there to help me when I need them. I also like Science. We have studied animals from all around the world. It was interesting. Speech Arts is fun. We have learned a poem and perform in front of others. This is helping me with public speaking. My favorite subject is L.A. Writing. I love using my imagination to write short stories. E.S.
On Tuesday, February 21st, St. Catherine School will be hosting a French Winter Carnival! The grade seven class has been learning about winter carnivals – especially the “Carnaval de Québec” – and we have created our very own carnival to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Pancakes will be served in the morning, and the afternoon will be filled with games, races and fun art activities. We might even have a visit from Bonhomme Carnaval! Students do not need to wear their uniforms to school on carnival day. Instead, they should come in comfortable, appropriate clothes that will allow them to move freely and participate in gym activities. If your child decides to wear clothing in his/her assigned team colour, that would be ‘fantastique,’ but it is totally optional.
In anticipation of this exciting day, we are planning to begin the festivities early with a Jellybean Guessing Contest. If your child would like to participate and take a chance at guessing the number of jellybeans in the jar, they will have the opportunity to do so on Tuesday, February 14th and Wednesday, February 15th. One guess = 10 cents. The winner will be announced at the closing ceremonies on carnival day.
Bonne Chance, tout le monde!
Joyeux Carnaval!