Covenant Christian School

780-986-8353

  • Chronicle for June 7, 2023

    Posted on    Posted in Chronicle, Featured, General

    Principal’s Message:

    This week our Grade 9’s have ventured to Jasper to explore God’s creation in a variety of ways. This trip, originally planned for Grade 7 (they will go NEXT week), is such a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about ecosystems, the Earth, plants, and structures in real-life ways.

     A long time ago I used to do this trip, and it was always a highlight for everyone involved. Trips like these allow real-world learning to happen by giving them access to opportunities that just can’t occur within the classroom environment. This has proven to increase socio-emotional growth both in empathy, and tolerance of others as well as in observation and perception skills. Studies have shown they also add relevance to learning, increase motivation, and stimulate interest in a variety of different subject areas (Behrendt & Franklin). It is always interesting to ask parents about their favourite memory of school, and it is incredible how often they think back to a field trip that they went on that made a lasting impression. These are the things that we remember; and while they are a lot of work and planning from the school end, I am so happy that we get these experiences back for our kiddos. 

    Announcements

    Playground Grand Opening

    On behalf of Covenant Christian School, we would like to welcome you to the “Grand Opening” of our brand new playground! Please join us on June 27th at 1:00 pm to cut the ribbon introducing the new structure to our student body.  

    We have had many changes over the last few years, but I truly believe this is the most anticipated one by our students, parents, and community! The number of questions regarding it shows the passion and interest of our families, and I look forward to this structure helping create flourishing learners, who delight in God, and who are inspired to serve in many different ways.

    Dress Like a Student/Teacher Day – Monday, June 12

    This Monday, June 12th, we are challenging our students to dress up like a teacher/staff member of their choice! We are looking forward to seeing what they come up with. BUT be prepared! This challenge is being extended both ways, and teachers are also being challenged to dress up like students! Let’s all participate and have a little fun as we wind the year down!

    Pennies for Play (Right to Play) – 3J

    Covenant students were excited to hear about a new playground addition planned for their own school in Leduc. But then they started asking themselves how they can seek justice and build community – both here in Canada and around the world. After learning about Concepcion’s desire for a new playground, Covenant students knew they could step up and support their fellow students around the world.

    The Covenant students have written letters to Concepcion students, talked with EduDeo’s partners in Belize, and used their Science class to dream up and build playground models. They even met with students from Rocky Christian School who had helped begin the construction of a wall and fence for the new playground!

    Now, the Covenant students need your help. Although they can’t fly to South America, they want to raise awareness about kids’ global right to play and raise funds to support Concepcion’s new playground. You can help make this a reality.

    Please visit 3J’s donation page here to learn more about this project and make a donation! Students will be speaking in their various communities about the project until June 26th.

    Improv Club for Junior High!

    DIV III Improv club with Mr. Jenkins!

    Junior high students and CCS staff are welcome to attend.

    Tuesdays, June 13th & 20th: Auditorium @ Lunch recess

    International Student Exchange Hosts Needed

    Covenant Community!

    Next year, we have the opportunity to host some international students from Columbia! If this is of interest to you, please email Mr. Simmons at [email protected] for more information today!

    If you would like, feel free to take a look at the website below:

    Information for Host Families

    Exam Schedule

    • Exams will begin at 9:00 am and Jr. High students must stay until 11:00 am. 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 Jr. High students are free to leave provided they have completed all previously assigned assignments for the year and have the proper signed documentation (permission form completed)A permission form will be available on PowerSchool the week of June 12-16.
    • Jr. 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 areas around the foyer or just outside the main doors-if weather permits. At 11:00 am, once students have completed their exam they will go to their check-out area to wait for their ride.

    ** Students must take at least 60 minutes to write their exam. At 10:00 am (or 60 mins after you begin the exam), students who have completed the exam will make their way to the gymnasium to wait until all others are finished. While in the gymnasium, there will NOT be any athletics going on, it will simply be a large space for them to socialize/hang out until they are picked up or move to the study hall area for the afternoon. (No athletics is due to the large number of students in the gymnasium area). Phones are still not available for them at this time.  If the weather allows, Mr. Drader is willing to move to the fields to allow those willing to participate in athletics out there. If this occurs, someone will supervise the gymnasium area**

    Grade 9 Graduation

    We will be hosting our grade 9 graduation ceremony and celebration Friday, June 23 at 6:00 pm at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church. All are welcome to attend the ceremony. There will be a standing reception to follow.

    Grade 8 parents traditionally have cleaned the church after the ceremony. Please contact Mr. Schindel if you would be willing to volunteer: [email protected]

    Staff Teaching Assignments for 2023/2024

    • Kindergarten Monday/Wednesday – Mrs. Alice Vande Kraats
    • Kindergarten Tuesday/Thursday – Mrs. Heather Luchak
    • Grade 1B – Mrs. Leanne Briggs
    • Grade 1G – Mrs. Laura Glesman
    • Grade 2GM – Mrs. Joanne Gulley & Mrs. Ebony Matter
    • Grade 2W – Mrs. Danielle Woloschuk
    • Grade 3H – Mrs. Nicole Hennink
    • Grade 3J – Mr. Andy Jenkins
    • Grade 4CV – Mrs. Nicole Chapman & Mr. Jon Van Huis
    • Grade 4/5LV – Mrs. Jennifer Lozeau & Mrs. Charlene Veldkamp
    • Grade 5J – Mrs. Lynette Johnston
    • Grade 6B – Mrs. Stacy Bruinsma
    • Grade 7C – Mrs. Michelle Clark
    • Grade 7/8H – Mr. Chris Hennink
    • Grade 8W – Mr. Colin Ward
    • Grade 9M – Ms. Robynn Moody
    • Grade 9S – Mr. Jeremy Schindel
    • Phys. Ed and Wellness – Mr. Philip Drader
    • Phys. Ed and Wellness – Mr. Jon Van Huis
    • Music – Mrs. Ann McDonald
    • French – Madame Nicole McConville
    • Grade 6 Support/Numeracy – Mrs. Caroline Clark
    • Learning Support Teacher – Mrs. Charlene Veldkamp
    • Counselor – Mrs. Jennifer Lozeau
    • Assistant Principal – Mrs. Nicole Chapman
    • Principal – Mr. Donavin Simmons

    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 27, the itinerary will be as follows:

    • 8:35 am – Classes Begin
    • 11:30 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)
    • 12:45 pm – Junior Highs leave to go on Bowling field trip
    • 1:00 pm – Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening for the new playground
    • 2:00 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 (will go through the same payment system-look for the form early next week on PowerSchool). Any money that is made from this lunch will go to the Grade 3 Pennies for Play 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.

    Field Trips, Field Trips, Field Trips!

    Tis the season for field trips! We are so excited to be able to go on educational field trips again this year! Please check your PowerSchool account often to make sure you have completed any and all field trip forms for your child to participate!

    We hold weekly assemblies, which we call Celebration. We alternate between Wednesday and Thursday mornings each month so our kindergarten students are each able to join us every other month. We will hold Celebration on Thursdaysthe month ofJune. All parents are welcome to join us each week!

    Hot Lunch

    Hot Lunches are on Wednesdays

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding Hot Lunch, you can reach our Hot Lunch Coordinator, Mrs. Hofstra, via email at: [email protected]

    Lost & Found

    We will post weekly pictures of our lost and found. If you see something that is your child’s, please have them stop by the table and pick it up or let the office know. All unclaimed items will be donated to a second-hand store at the end of the school year. Please take a minute to see if any of the WINTER BOOTS in the picture below might belong to your family…

    Athletics:

    The final athletic event for the 2022-2023 school year will be the Elementary Track Meet which will be held on June 9 at Riverview Middle School for those students who qualified at our CCS Track Meet.

    LSCE News:

    CCS Golf Tournament

    Less than 3 days away until our 3rd annual golf tournament. Click here to register your team today!

    If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

    Full-Time Bus Driver NEEDED

    Covenant Christian School is requiring a bus driver for the 2023/2024 school year. Hours are 5.5 hours/day plus field trips. Route runs from Calmar to the Millet area and then to LCHS and Covenant. Competitive wages and Health Spending account. “S” endorsement and first aid will be required. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and driver’s abstract to [email protected] by June 16, 2023, at 4:00 pm. Please email or call 780-612-1557 for more information.

    Fundraising Opportunities

    Although we do a few special fundraising campaigns throughout the year, don’t forget about our ongoing fundraisers that you can take advantage of all year long.

    Drop any of your Boston pizza receipts at the office for the school to receive 5% back on the total of your bill.

    Purchase CO-OP gift cards from the office in $50, $100, and $500 denominations.

    Social Media

    Stay up-to-date on all the events and fundraising opportunities we have to offer.

    You can find us on Instagram with the username “fundraising.lsce.”

    fundraising.lsce

    https://www.facebook.com/covenantchristianschoolfundraisingpage

    Calendar:

    June:

    • 6-9 – Grade 9 Jasper Field Trip
    • 9 – Black Gold Elementary Track Meet
    • 10 – CCS Golf Tournament
    • 12 – Dress like a Teacher/Student Dress up Day
    • 13-16 – Grade 7 Jasper Field Trip
    • 23 – Grade 9 Graduation
    • 27 – Last Day of School
    • 28-29 – Teacher Workdays

    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.

    Library Summer Program

    Leduc Arts Foundry

    I’m very excited to share an exciting collaborative project between the Leduc Arts Foundry and Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts! We are looking for seniors and youths ages 16-22 to be a part of our new project, Me @18!! This project is intended to engage community members in storytelling and initiating an important dialogue between seniors and youth. Our aim is to break down misconceptions cast upon one another and to share stories that will shed light on the experiences of being 18 then and now, promoting empathy, enlightenment, and conversation. This project focuses on oral storytelling and will cover a broad range of topics, from politics and school to family life and love. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of our project and sharing YOUR story, contact Brittany Snellen at [email protected]. **Participants must be willing to provide a video interview that will be published as a part of the Me @ 18 series.**

    Connectivity Dance

    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 they 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.

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