Principal’s Message:
Over the last 41 weeks, you have read my principal’s message from my point of view. You have read my perception of CCS and the way I believe we cultivate our students. For this second last Principal’s message of the year, I am going to forego the pen (okay keyboard) and let you read the valedictorian speech from our Grade 9 Graduation. For the first time in many years, we had co-valedictorians, and both Maddie, and Katie were unbelievably deserving. As you read the below speech, I want to remind you that this was written by two 15-year-olds. It is my hope you are as blown away as I was when I heard it.
We want to thank everyone who has helped our class get where it is today. From learning how to tie our shoelaces, to picking our High School Courses, there have been many people who have been there to support us. So, thank you. Thank you, teachers, thank you, parents, and thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this moment.
For many of us, Covenant has been the only education we have ever known. Over the years, we have had lots of kids come and go. Some even left and came back again. Despite the many new faces we saw on the first day of school, by the end of September those people’s gifts and talents were contributing to our class.
When I think of my class I am reminded of a key concept we have been taught over and over again. That is biological diversity. Considering we are all graduating today, I hope you now have an understanding of what it means since it is a great way to describe our class. We have gifted kids like Abigail, who brings out the beauty of life through her drawings. Or Noah, whose humor and presence lift our spirits when we are treading in ever the swampiest of waters. James donates so much of his time to help shine God’s love on the people in the camps he volunteers at. We also have a diverse group of athletes who specialize in many different things. Jesse has fantastic soccer skills. Maddie is a graceful dancer. Ella is a skilled equestrian. Our other James is an excellent martial artist. Landon has been blessed with remarkable basketball abilities. We have diverse personalities and opinions, and this helps us to work together better because we still have a level of respect for one another. You don’t have to think for long, to remember countless times that we have debated, argued, and got into some pretty heated fights. To this day, we still have ongoing debates. Such as dayta or data, milk or melk, and if a hot dog is a sandwich. All I know is that it definitely is not a taco. Even with all these differences, here we are graduating as a community because Covenant has connected us in ways no other place ever could have.
Why is it important that we, as a grade 9 class, graduate as a community? Together we have learned, too well, that the journey is a windy road. Consisting of unexpected turns, be it a pandemic, tough classes, lost games, broken arms, sunburns, or even trips to the office. The only way we were and will be able to navigate it, is together. If nothing else, Covenant has taught us, that in order to get back up when we stumble, while helping and supporting those around us, we need to be people of integrity. To do as we say, to do as we believe, to do as our faith asks us. Matthew 7:9-12 says, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” And what our faith asks of us, is to hold on to our values even when it would be easier to let go. When a life preserver is thrown to you it does little good if the person on the other end lets go. Together our faith grows, we are made stronger and walk a life of integrity.
There have been moments that build this community and moments that have put strain on it, but our integrity has helped keep us together. Our school Throughlines help to keep us on God’s straight path, even though the journey might be windy.
Idolatry-Discerning teaches us not to put anything above God. Like our phones which hopefully, no one has out right now, our grades, or our achievements. By keeping our focus on God, we remind ourselves that God should be at the heart of everything we do. And even though we have great achievements to celebrate, like sports banners and a good mark on a test, we should remember that God allows us to do these things.
By keeping our focus on God, we can be Image-Reflectors of Him, as He calls us to be. It can be hard to do this, but if we stay true to the integrity that Covenant has taught us, it will be easier. We can spread God’s love and His message by keeping our eyes upon Jesus. By acting out of His love for us, we can strengthen our relationships with others, and reflect His image.
Each Throughline challenges us to live out our faith in action, by doing what we say. Even though many schools teach about integrity, the way that Covenant teaches us is special. God is always the center here. This is true not just in Bible class, but in anything from Math to P.E. We have been taught to use the gifts and talents that He has given us to glorify Him and do everything for Him.
As we leave Covenant, this integrity that it has built in us will be questioned. But, as we go through different challenges, it is important to remember that even though the path of life will not be straight, your integrity should be. Even though our integrity will be tested, Covenant has been able to give us the skills to stand strong when this happens. Having the opportunity to attend Covenant is something to be grateful for. It has given us a place to grow and feel supported by our peers, teachers, and everyone in this community. And, if we are being honest with ourselves, next year will be different. Some will be moving away and even for those of us who are going to the same school, we will be taking different courses. Even though this is true, we will still have various memories and lessons to connect us. And we have learned so many things from our time at Covenant. From education to life skills, and everything in between. We’ll take with us these memories while having an open mind to face everything else in the world. When things get hard we will still have everything at Covenant to fall back on.
The bible is full of great passages to keep in our hearts, but one that we want to focus on is Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse is a great reminder to trust in God and keep your eyes upon Him, and He will guide you through the uncertain path of life.
We hope that we have been able to reflect God’s image during our time here at Covenant. We hope we have reflected God’s image to our peers, to the younger grades, to our siblings, parents, and grandparents, and to all the staff. We hope we will be able to continue to reflect God’s image once we leave. A quote that we found that really spoke to both of us is from Maya Angelou. She said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget what you made them feel”. We hope that we have made you feel motivated to do His works and encouraged to build community.
Thank you for this chance to speak, we really hope that whatever windy road you face, your time at Covenant will be an important foundation for the years to come. We will always have this community and the memories that connect us.
I don’t believe there is any higher recommendation of our school available. Thank you Maddie and Katie. As a parent with kids in this school, this is what I desire for my own children, and I expect you do too. As the principal of this school, I am honoured and humbled that our students, while far from perfect, see His message in what they learn at school, and find ways to be flourishing learners, who delight in Him, and are inspired to serve God.
Congratulations Grade 9’s.
Announcements:
CCS Golf Tournament – Sunday, June 26, 2022
With our annual CCS Golf Tournament only a couple of weeks away, we are looking for volunteers to help make the day a huge success! If you are able to donate some of your time on June 26 to help raise money for upgrading our auditorium, please visit the link below to sign up.
There is also still time to register to play or to sponsor our event. If you are interested, please visit our website at https://sites.google.com/gshare…/ccs-golf-tournament
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].
2022-2023 Cell Phone Policy Input Needed
Something that has become an issue over the years is student cell phone use in class. While we currently have a policy in place, we have been looking at if we need to revamp it to keep up with use. We currently have a model where students are supposed to leave them in their lockers, and they have a few minutes between break/lunch, etc to look and then put them away.
Obviously, the issue becomes when they do not put them in lockers and/or leave class to use them. The draw to their device is very tempting and obviously more exciting than the lesson they are learning in class. The distraction that occurs is also alarming. A 2014 study called “in-situ study of mobile phone notifications” stated that the average teen receives 63.5 notifications per school day, a stat that is obviously outdated by 8 years. In a recent event at school, a confiscated phone had 47 Snapchat notifications within 90 minutes of being on my desk.
We have done considerable research and looked at various policies around BGSD, specifically other K-9 and Jr. High schools.
The concerns regarding cell phone use are prevalent. Some of these concerns include:
- Students are unable to concentrate on their learning while in possession of a smartphone.
- The constant distractions of alerts, text messages, phone calls, social media notifications, and games.
- Students leaving class to receive personal phone calls or respond to messages – yes from parents too! (one of their most common excuses!).
- Photos and videos being secretly taken that breach the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, BGSD acceptable technology use policies, and compromise classroom security (ex. examinations, class discussions).
- The increased frequency of potential cyber-bullying through social media applications.
- The increased stress and anxiety that students may endure due to relational aggression that occurs on electronic devices.
- An increase in student addiction to smartphone technology.
But here lies the tough thing for Christian educators. As any digital citizen, students need to learn how to handle this technology responsibility as they move into High School and adulthood. As they learn about discerning idols in their lives, phones can be a huge one to think about! A responsibility we do not take for granted. Therefore, we are asking for your opinions on this policy as well. Please fill out the following form, and let us know your thoughts on our policy for the 2022/23 school year.
Once we make a decision (a policy change or keep the same current policy), we ask for your buy-in to it and support.
Thank you for your thoughts on potential policy changes for cell phone use at school.
Field Trips, Field Trips, Field Trips!
As you may have realized, we have many field trips again this year! We are so excited for the students to be able to participate in these trips again. Just a reminder to check your child’s PowerSchool account often over the next week and a half and complete any forms that have been posted so your child can attend the field trip. All upcoming field trips should be on our website calendar now as well under the Calendar heading and then CCS Events Calendar!
Learning Commons Year-End Information
All library books that students have out should have been returned last Friday. Any outstanding books will now be marked lost and the fee added to the student’s Powerschool account. (If the book is returned by June 27, the fee will be removed) after June 27, no refunds will be issued.
Textbook returns will be June 20-27. Junior high students can return their textbooks prior to or following their final exam.
Emails will be sent out to students and parents for unreturned items.
If you receive an email and have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]
Stay in the Story Junior High Bible Classes Displays – Date/Time CHANGE
Parents and friends are invited to view a year-end project completed by all of our junior high students as they reflect on faith, learning, and teaching for transformation. This event will be held on Monday, June 20 from 2:00 pm til 3:00 pm. Please feel free to join us at the school and take a tour of the exhibits.
Staples We Love Teachers Contest!!
Staples We Love Teachers contest will select eight nominated teachers from across Canada to win a $1,000 Staples gift card for their classroom, $250 cash for self-care, and a $100 Staples gift card for their nominator. This is a fun and heartfelt contest and it is super easy to nominate a teacher, but the contest closes TODAY(June 15) so get your nominations in quickly! Teachers have our future at heart, and we want to thank them for everything they do.
Grade 6 & 9 PATs and Junior High Exam Schedule
***Grade 6 students will remain at the school and continue with classes for the remainder of their day. Permission to leave after exams is only applicable to junior high students.
- Exams will begin at 9:00 am and junior high students must stay until 11:00 am. Junior high students must bring a book to read while they wait. Phones/Gaming devices will not be permitted due to exam protocols.
- At 11:00 am junior high students are free to leave provided they have the signed documentation, an online form to give JUNIOR HIGH students permission to leave once their exams are finished each day is now on PowerSchool for parents to complete.
- Junior high students without documentation will be in ‘study hall’ in their own classroom area. Once all exams have been completed teachers will go back to their homeroom to supervise.
- Beginning at 11:00 am there will be three check-out tables (7,8,9) in three different locales around the foyer. At 11:00 am, once junior high students have completed their exam they will go to their check-out area to wait for their ride. We hope these will be set up outside if the weather permits.
Year-End Celebrations
We are excited to be able to return to some of our year-end celebrations that have been traditions over the past years. For the last day of school, Tuesday, June 28, the itinerary will be as follows:
- 8:40 am – Classes Begin
- 10:30 am – Year-End Celebration (awards/scholarships, prayer for those leaving CCS, announcements for next year)
- 12:00 pm – Lunch (Year-end pizza lunch and Kona Ice-more details to follow/below) Junior Highs leave to go on a bowling field trip
- 1:00 pm – Homerooms/cleanup etc.
- 3:15 pm – Staff Wave Goodbye as Buses/students leave for the summer!
SCHOOL WIDE PICNIC – We will once again be doing a school-wide pizza lunch. This is not a hot lunch-sponsored event but will run similar to hot lunch (a form for the pizza lunch is now available on PowerSchool to complete). Any money that is made from this lunch will go to the Grade 3 Zambia water fundraiser. All parents and younger siblings etc are invited to join us! Our LSCE PR committee will also be providing a KONA ICE treat for all of our staff and kiddos! Visitors will be able to purchase their own Kona Ice treat if they choose as well.
Class Placements and Supply Lists
Staples will be continuing their School Tools Package program where parents can order all of their child’s school supplies online and they will be delivered to your home address so you can skip the back-to-school supply shopping in the fall. Click on the link above, and then find your child’s grade/class. You can deselect items you don’t need/want and add them to your cart. Go to the checkout to make payment and add your home address for shipping and you’re done!
Supply lists will also be posted on our website and a copy will be emailed out to parents along with their child’s class placement letter at the end of June.
Black Gold Busing for 2022-2023
Black Gold School Division 2022-2023 Transportation registration is now open!
If you have already applied for bussing for the 2022-2023 school year, please disregard this message.
All applications are to be submitted prior to June 30, 2022, to enable the Transportation department enough time to prepare bus routes and have students receive their bus pass prior to the start of school. Applications received after June 30, 2022, will result in a wait time for students/children accessing a school bus in the fall.
To encourage early school bus registration, we are holding a random draw for two iPads from the list of students who apply for busing before June 30, 2022. Winners will be notified in early July.
Fees for the next school year have increased from previous years. Our bus contractors have faced rising costs in insurance and fuel in the last two years. In order to continue to provide our current level of service to students and their families and fairly compensate our contracted bus operators, transportation fees have increased for the 2022-2023 school year.
You can apply for busing through Black Gold, eligible, ineligible and school of choice, through your PowerSchool parent portal.
Celebration
We are excited to be back in person for our weekly Celebration assemblies! Celebration will be held on Wednesdays for the month of June. All parents are welcome to join us!!
Lost & Found
We will continue to post a photo of our Lost & Found each week in the Chronicle. If you see an item that is your child’s, please have them pick it up the next day or email the office and we will make sure it gets home with them.
Athletics:
We are looking forward to a full schedule of sports teams etc. next year!
LSCE News:
Executive Meeting Update
The tenth monthly Society Executive meeting for the school year was held on Monday evening, June 13. Here are some highlights from our meeting:
- Golf Tournament – June 26: Spots at our annual golf tournament are filling up fast! We will be teeing off at 1:30 pm on Sunday, June 26 at the Leduc Golf & Country Club, and would love for you to join us for an afternoon of fun and fresh air! Register your team HERE, and help support our school auditorium upgrade project!
- Update on financial reviewers: At our Annual General Meeting on May 11, we approved Kristen Rino and Ruth Plitt as our financial reviewers for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ruth is unable to serve as a financial reviewer. We are nominating Tracey McCullagh to take Ruth’s place. Please contact Society Administrator Lisa Gatzke ([email protected]; 780-612-1557) by Wednesday, June 22 if you have any objection to this nomination. If no legitimate objections are received, Tracey will be acclaimed as our new financial reviewer.
- Welcome back BBQ – August 29: While the end of the school year is only days away, it’s never too early to start planning for the next school year! After a long hiatus, LSCE will once again host the “Welcome Back” BBQ on Monday, August 29, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Grab some food, meet the staff, see the classrooms, and visit with some new (and not-so-new) friends!
Calendar:
June:
- 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day
- 21 – Hot Lunch – Dominos Pizza
- 26 – CCS Golf Tournament
- 28 – Last Day of School
- 28 – School-Wide Picnic with Pizza and Kona Ice!
- 29-30 – Teacher Workdays
August:
- 29 – First Day of Classes
- 29 – Welcome Back BBQ (4:30-6:30 pm)
- 30 – Kindergarten Tu/Th Staggered Entry
- 31 – Kindergarten Mon/Wed Staggered Entry
Community Events:
Please click on the image below to learn more about community events in our area! Also found under our Parents menu on the website.
Odds & Ends:
Sign In/Out Form:
In an effort to reduce the amount of shared touched surfaces, we will be using a QR code that you will need to scan with your phone for signing in and out of the school. You can also use this link if you are in your vehicle and need to sign out a student but can’t scan the code. This means that students/parents/visitors can scan the QR code when entering or leaving the office/school to sign in or sign out on their own phone/device.
Parents will also be able to sign their kids out from their vehicle in the parking lot when they arrive to pick them up for appts. etc. please use the link above if you can’t scan the QR code. We do ask that parents pull into a spot (not bus lane) where you can contact the office to let them know you have arrived and we can make eye contact with you
from the staff/office door. Students must also stop by the office before leaving the school. At that point, once a connection is made, we are able to send students out to you.
Facebook Page:
Check out our Facebook page for more highlights of happenings at CCS by clicking here.
