Principal’s Message
During the Prairie Centre for Christian Education (PCCE) AGM this previous weekend, I attended a seminar on the Christian response to AI. Within this seminar, we read an article on “JOMO”, the “Joy of Missing Out”. In a world constantly buzzing with notifications and distractions, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find moments of true peace and contentment. However, there’s a growing movement that encourages us to embrace the Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) – the blissful feeling that comes from disconnecting and being present in the moment.
As educators, we see the impact of constant connectivity on our students every day. Even with our cell phone policy in place, students continue to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly stay updated, which definitely can detract from their learning experience and hinder their ability to focus. A majority of Div III issues that come to the office come from a direct result of cell phone use (both while at school or peer conflict occurring at home). As partners in education, I urge us to be on the same page with our policy, and ask that you help your child find the “Joy in Missing Out”.
Here’s how a lack of cell phones in class can add to the joy:
Enhanced Focus: Without the distraction of notifications and texts, students can fully immerse themselves in the lesson at hand. They can engage more deeply with the material and participate actively in discussions and activities.
Improved Social Interaction: With cell phones out of sight, students are more likely to engage in face-to-face conversations with their peers. This fosters stronger interpersonal connections and creates a more positive classroom culture.
Mitigation of Digital Idolatry: In a world where screens often take precedence over face-to-face interactions and personal experiences, disconnecting from cell phones in class helps mitigate the risk of digital idolatry. By prioritizing real-world connections and meaningful engagement with learning materials, students can develop a healthier perspective on the role of technology in their lives, avoiding the trap of idolizing virtual experiences over genuine human connections. This shift encourages a more balanced approach to technology use, where devices serve as tools rather than objects of worship, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in the present moment.
Reduced Anxiety: Constantly checking phones can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, especially among younger students. By disconnecting, students can experience a sense of relief and relaxation, leading to a more positive mindset.
Encouragement of Mindfulness: By focusing on the present moment rather than constantly seeking external stimulation, students can develop mindfulness skills that promote mental well-being and emotional resilience.
We understand that for some parents, the idea of restricting cell phone use may seem daunting or even unnecessary. However, we believe that by encouraging our students to disconnect from their devices during class, we’re providing them with the opportunity to truly engage with their learning and experience the joy that comes from being fully present.
We encourage you to support this initiative and reinforce the importance of disconnecting from screens to your child outside of school hours as well. Together, we can help our students cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and discover the joy of living in the moment.
Announcements
Aladdin Jr. Performance – Tickets On Sale Now
We are eagerly anticipating the performances of “Aladdin Jr.” starting March 20, 2024! This year there will be 4 performances, a matinee (1:00 pm) and an evening (7:00 pm) performance on both Wednesday, March 20th, and Thursday, March 21, 2024.
The grade 4-6 students will provide the mass choir while the CTF Drama class will be responsible for the main acting roles. As we have grown and have too many grade 4-6 students to all be on stage at the same time, they have been divided into two groups so each group will perform on either Wednesday OR Thursday.
Choir #1 (Grade 5M, 5J and 4LV) will make up the choir for the Wednesday performances.
Choir #2 (Grade 6B and 4CV) will make up the choir for the Thursday performances.
Please carefully read all of the details below for important information on ticket sales.
- Tickets are on sale NOW!
- All performances will take place at The Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts (4308 50 St, Leduc)
- All tickets are sold through Ticket Pro (not at the school).
- Please forward this email to any family and friends who would be interested in attending the performances!
- Please note, these performances often sell quickly (max # of tickets per family is 8)
- General Ticket Information:
- Ticket costs are $12/each (Including TicketPro fees).
- Ticket Purchasing Options:
- Purchase online through TicketPro (The website will open at 9:00 am with ticket availability)
- Through MacLab Box Office: Open Tuesday & Thursday from 9 – 5 pm at 780-980-7170.
Please contact the school office at 780-986-8353 if you have any questions.
Preschool Registration
Preschool registration is now OPEN to the general public! The morning is already full! There are only 8 afternoon spots available for next year.You can find all forms and the registration processhere.
Slices for Hope, Pizza With a Purpose
Hello CCS families, my name is Mrs. Teresa Ruzycki, I have enjoyed being an EA at Covenant for 1.5 years. I live in Beaumont with my husband, Peter, our children, Jennifer (17) and Sheldon (14) and our two dogs, Peaches & Nova. I am thankful to partner with the 7/8H class for this FLEx opportunity; Slices for Hope, Pizza with a Purpose. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, as are two of my aunts! 17 years cancer free for my mom this fall; what a blessing! I feel that donating my hair is a simple way I can show compassion and support during a difficult time. I am excited to donate my hair to Angel Hair for Kids on March 8th during a special assembly.
Did you know that a child’s wig costs $2,000! With the profits from the sale of slices of pizza, drinks, and raffle tickets, we’re hoping to be able to purchase a wig for a deserving sick child. Thank you for your generosity and support!
***While pizza orders have been closed, you can still make a monetary donation if you would like. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations of $25 or more if you give directly to Angel Hair for Kids. Please contact our finance secretary at [email protected] for further details.***
Mrs. Ruzycki
A note from 7/8H:
If you’d like to donate to 7/8H’s fundraiser, a Slice for Hope, you can send donations with your child for them to bring to the office. All donations will go to help buy a wig for a kid with cancer, alopecia, or another hair loss disease.
Pastor’s Day! – Thursday, March 7
As members of the Christian community, pastors are very important to us here at Covenant.
Each year we have a special day when we welcome our pastors and church leaders to be part
of our Covenant community. This gives us a chance to acknowledge and show our appreciation
for all they do for us. Invitations have been created and one will be sent home with the youngest child in your family so you can invite your pastor, youth pastor, or church leader to join us! We will also be emailing invitations to all of the churches connected to Covenant. On March 7th, they’ll come and worship with us, be a part of weekly Celebration, and will then be invited to stay after the assembly for a pastor’s brunch.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 780-986-8353.
Returning Student Form
It’s hard to believe but this school year is more than half over!
This also means that we are starting to look at enrolment for next year and begin thinking about staffing and classroom configurations etc. We are asking for your help with our planning efforts! If you have not completed the Returning Student form, please do so as soon as possible. Please take a minute to click on the link below and fill out the Returning Student Form for your family by Friday, March 15, 2024.
If you are unsure at this time if your children will be returning, please send an email to [email protected].
2024-2025 Returning Student Form
Snack Menu:
🥔 Chips: $1.00
🥤 Cans of Pop: $2.00
🍭 Candy Bags: $1.00
Schedule:
Div. 3 (Gr. 7-9): Thursday, March 7
Div. 1 (Gr. 1-3): Thursday, March 14
Thank you so much for your support!
Spring Program Prop Request
Prop/Set Needs:
We are now preparing for Aladdin Jr, which will be performed on March 20-21, 2024 at the MacLab Theatre here in Leduc.
We have started many projects but need some community assistance in preparing for the performance. Please help in the following ways.
- Costumes – A few parents are already working on dresses and costumes. We need a few more individuals who would like to design costumes for our cast, including pieces for our feature numbers.
- Construction and Painting – We have our Grade 8 parents working on sets, but we could always use more people to create, design, and build!
- Props – If you have any of the following items we could use, we’d be grateful for your help:
- Large pieces of cardboard
- Metal items that might be sold on “trinkets” style cart
- Small carpets, preferably colorful, that could be rolled up on the trinkets cart
- Bright colored fabrics
- Fake bananas
- A large pair of gold earrings
- Pieces of burlap
- Water jugs, not plastic-looking
Please email Mr. Ward at [email protected] if you want to join the team!
Hot Lunch
***Please note: There will be NO Hot Lunch on March 20 due to the spring drama.***
Hot Lunches are on Wednesdays.
You can find the forms for Hot Lunch in your student’s PowerSchool account under the Student Fees and Forms heading on the left-hand side. Orders will close on the Tuesday prior to the following week’s hot lunch at 11:59 pm. All orders must be placed online, and payment must be made with form submission to be processed. (No cash or cheques are accepted). Please check your email for a confirmation receipt to ensure that your order went through.
Upcoming Hot Lunches:
March:
- 6 – Hot Dogs/Booster Juice
- 13 – Panda Hut
- 20 – NO HOT LUNCH
April:
- 3 – Hot Dogs/Booster Juice
- 10 – Dominos Pizza
- 17 – Wok Box
- 24 – KFC
If you would like to see which hot lunches are coming up in future months, you can find out on our school events calendar found here.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Hot Lunch, you can reach our Hot Lunch Coordinator, Mrs. Hofstra, via email at: [email protected]
Celebration
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.
Celebration will be held on Thursdaysfor the month of March.
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 by the end of the month.
Athletics:
For a calendar of events including home and away games etc. please click HERE.
Basketball
Junior High Boys Basketball:
Basketball practice after school on Tuesdays from 3:30 until 5:00 pm.
The boys have their final game, the bronze medal match, in Calmar.
Junior High Girls Basketball:
Basketball practice after school on Mondays from 3:30 until 5:00 pm.
The girls will have their final game, the gold medal match, here at CCS tomorrow at 4:00 pm.
LSCE News:
Fundraising Opportunities
LSCE is currently seeking sponsors for our 4th Annual Golf Tournament as well as donations for our Live and Silent Auction Social.
Please see below for more information on these events and contact Afton Goldsmith at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Social Media
To keep up to date on all fundraising opportunities, please follow us on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/covenantchristianschoolfundraisingpage
https://www.instagram.com/fundraising.lsce/
Calendar:
March:
- 6 – Twin Day
- 6 & 7 – Grade 6 Floor Hockey Tournament in Calgary
- 7 – Cougar Canteen for Div 3 (Gr. 7-9)
- 7 – Pastors Day
- 8 – Angel Hair for Kids Assembly (8:40 am)
- 8-9 – Grade 3/4 Girls Floor Hockey Tournament
- 11 – PD Day – No School
- 12 – Swimming Lessons for Grades 1 & 2
- 14 – Cougar Canteen for Div 1 (Gr. 1-3)
- 15-16 – Grade 3/4 Boys Floor Hockey Tournament
- 18 – Swimming Lessons for Grades 1 & 2
- 20 & 21 – Spring Drama Performance of Aladdin Jr.
- 25 – April 1 – Spring/Easter Break
April:
- 2 – School Resumes
- 5 & 6 – Grade 5/6 Girls Floor Hockey Tournament
- 8 – Grade 5 & 6 Swimming Lessons
- 9 – Grade 2GM Strathcona Wilderness Field Trip
- 10 – Grade 2W Strathcona Wilderness Field Trip
- 12 & 13 – Grade 5/6 Boys Floor Hockey Tournament
- 15 – Grade 5 & 6 Swimming Lessons
- 19 – PD Day – NO SCHOOL
- 22 – Grade 5 & 6 Swimming Lessons
- 27 – LSCE Live & Silent Auction Social
- 29 – Grade 5 & 6 Swimming Lessons
Community Events:
Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
The Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium is holding a FREE virtual session for parents On March 6th from 7:00 – 8:30 titled Vaping: What Parents Need to Know. The presenters are from Alberta Health Services Healthy Schools and Population Health Promotion team.
VBS – Save the Date
Mental Health Capacity Building Program
It’s that time again!
MHCB Spring Break Camp – Registration Opens 9:00 am Friday, March 1
Grades 1-3 ~ Messy Play 9:00-12:00
https://forms.gle/r77CKbx4LoVFMC3g9
Grades 4–5 ~ Mad Science 9:00–12:00
https://forms.gle/vnUZaquUXvptmMHC9
Grades 6–8 ~ Art Antics 9:00–12:00
https://forms.gle/a86zHiZUmn8NH4Be8
Be prepared to get messy, so wear old clothes that can get stained!
Camp will be held at East Elementary School in Leduc.
4503 45 Street, Leduc
If you have questions, please call Cherie Corcoran, Program Manager, at 587 590 4033
Odds & Ends:
Sign In/Out Form:
Scan Me
Please use the above QR code, orthis link, to sign your child in or out of the building. You can also come into the school and use the Chromebook provided in the office. Please make sure to let the office know you have collected your child before leaving the parking lot (phone call/eye contact) and ask your child to check in at the office when they enter or leave. This ensures everyone is accounted for appropriately in the case of an emergency.
Facebook Page:
As always, Facebook is a great spot to see some of the fun things going on at the school!
