PrincipalsMessage
We had an absolute blast today! Our whole school took part in a virtual escape room where we journeyed alongside the magi on their way to see Jesus. The students dove into cracking codes, solving riddles, and unraveling ciphers—and they absolutely crushed it!
The energy was amazing as kids worked together, cheered each other on, and learned more about this incredible part of the Christmas story. It was such a rewarding way to combine fun, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the magi’s journey.
A big shout-out to our awesome teachers for being so flexible and jumping on board with this adventure. Your kids did an amazing job—ask them about their favorite part of the journey!
Announcements
🚗 Winter Drop-Off Reminders: 🚗
- Bus Lane: The bus lane is never for parent traffic, regardless of whether you’re in a hurry or don’t see a bus. Please respect this rule at all times.
- Middle Lane (Kiss and Go): This lane is for quick drop-offs only. Please do not park and exit your vehicle here.
- Third Lane: This lane is for parents who wish to park and walk their child into school.
- One-Way Flow: All lanes operate as one-way only. Please follow the directional flow to maintain safety and order.
Pick-Up Reminders:
- Proper Parking: Even when snow covers the lines, park as properly as possible to maximize space and avoid congestion.
- Crosswalk Safety: Do not park where the crosswalk extends. It’s vital for our students to use crosswalks safely and without obstruction.
- Full Lap Rule: If no spots are available, continue around the loop and return to see if a spot has opened. Please do not stop in the middle and block others.
- No Speeding: Corners can be tricky; please drive cautiously and at a safe speed.
- Staff Parking Lot: This lot is reserved for staff only. Parents should not park here.
- Patience is Key: You are in a warm car. Please demonstrate patience for the sake of everyone’s safety.
- One-Way Flow: All lanes are single-lane and one-way, just as they are during drop-off.
- Ditches: The ditch is not for vehicles to use as a shortcut to the parking lot. Vehicles MUST be on the road only!
Why These Rules Matter
As adults, we have the responsibility to create a safe, predictable environment for our children. Kids can be unpredictable, as is their nature, and by following these rules, we are doing our part to protect them. Your cooperation in modeling respect and patience goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Thank you for your attention to these guidelines. By working together, we can make our parking lot safe and efficient for all families.
Dress for the Weather—A Shared Responsibility
As we move further into the cold season, I want to kindly remind everyone of the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather. While recess is only 12-15 minutes, the time spent outside is long enough for students to be at risk if they are not properly dressed.
Recently, during a first aid course, I was reminded of the very real dangers of frostbite and related conditions. The trainer shared the heartbreaking story of a young student in Grade 2 who lost three fingers due to frostbite, simply because they forgot their mittens. Another example involved students developing trench foot from wearing wet socks and boots during extended exposure to cold and damp conditions.
While I believe in natural consequences as learning opportunities, it is also our responsibility as educators—and yours as caregivers—to ensure that children are safe and well-prepared. As we act in loco parentis during the school day, it is imperative that we all work together to avoid preventable harm.
Please ensure that your child comes to school equipped with:
- A warm jacket
- Mittens or gloves (more than the thin ones)
- A hat
- Proper footwear (insulated and waterproof)
- Extra socks, if needed (Nobody wants to go back outside with wet socks!)
Our shared goal is to keep students safe and comfortable so they can fully enjoy their day and the outdoor time they need. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us keep all our students warm and safe during the colder months.
Counselors Corner
Our core purpose at Covenant is to equip students to be flourishing learners who delight in God and are inspired to serve. One aspect of doing that effectively is to learn more about them, what they struggle with, care about and need from us. As I learn more about this generation of young people, I am noticing that they are thoughtful and caring individuals who can engage in meaningful conversations about important issues.
Providing honest conversation and consistent leadership is essential as is an authentic and empathetic approach. We are privileged here at Covenant to join with our greater community including families, churches and other partners to love our students as we contend for the faith (Jude 3), resist being conformed to the pattern of this world (Rom. 12:2) and pass on that faith to the next generation as we make disciples (Matt. 28:19–20).
My recommendation for this week is Hold onto Your Kids, a book by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate.
CCS School Clothing Orders
Covenant SOCKS! These “Hype” brand socks are super durable, and look great too. We will sell them on-site, out of the office for $15/pair. They will be available on PowerSchool for payment. We have kids pairs, as well as adult medium and large.
Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
Deadline is on Friday!
Hope Mission Sock Drive!!
Grade 3 Milk & Cookies in January
CCS 12 Days of Christmas
We look forward to journeying through the Advent season with your child(ren), sharing the joy of the season and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Thank you for being a part of this special time at Covenant Christian School. You can find a printable version with a key of what each mean, here.
Covenant Canteen
📣 Introducing the Cougar Canteen! 🐾🍬
The Cougar Canteen! TheCougar Canteen isn’t just about snacks; it’s an empowering project designed to equip our students with essential life skills.
Operating Details:
🗓️ The Cougar Canteen will be available 1x/month for each division (announced in each week’s Chronicle).
🕰️ The Cougar Canteen will be open during afternoon recess (2:00-2:15) on Thursdays.
💰 If students wish to purchase a snack, $1-$5 is plenty!
Snack Menu:
🥔 Chips: $1.00
🥤 Cans of Pop: $2.00
🍭 Candy Bags: $1.00
Schedule:
Div. 1 (Gr. 1-3): Thursday, Dec. 12
Div. 2 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Dec 19
Hot Lunch
We are excited to once again offer a weekly Hot Lunch Day! This year, Hot Lunches will be on Wednesdays.
You can find the forms for Hot Lunch in your student’s PowerSchool account. 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.
The forms for all of December’s lunches are now on PowerSchool).
December’s hot lunch
Dec 18: Panda Hut
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 December.
Lost & Found
Below are the 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.
Athletics:
Athletics
While the below has been in the Chronicle for the last two months, it is important that all parents who have children trying out for teams read through the athletic handbook. If you are willing to help coach a team, please let Mr. Drader know! We can always use more volunteers.
It is a privilege for students to participate in extracurricular athletics. These athletics, unlike intramurals, are a representative team, meaning there can be cuts, and playing time is not always equal. With that said, participation is voluntary and not a requirement, nor is it an entitlement. Therefore, extra time and effort are required of those who participate. As a Christian school program, we are witnesses of God’s Kingdom, and our extra-curricular programs are an opportunity to showcase this. With that in mind, high standards must be maintained. Those who earn the privilege of representing Covenant Christian School in extracurricular athletics are expected to accept greater responsibilities as school citizens.
Participation in extracurricular athletics is open to all students provided they meet the general requirements as outlined in the CCS Athletic handbook, and any requirements specific to the activity of their choice. This does not mean all students who try out will make a team, but all have an opportunity to try.
Please read through the CCS Athletic Handbook, as it highlights our expectations for our parents and our athletes.
Jr. High Basketball
Congratulations to our boys and girls Jr. High senior basketball teams, who both placed third in their tournaments on the weekend!
Elementary Basketball
Regular season games continue, as our girls are scheduled to play tomorrow after school.
LSCE News:
Today is the last day to place your Purdys order. Click here if you would like to place an order.
Pick up for Purdy’s orders will now be Thursday, December 12th from 2:30-3:30 in the LSCE office (right beside the main office). Please do not park in bus lanes when picking up your order as buses will be arriving around this time.
Calendar:
December:
- 12 – Christmassy Socks
- 13 – Dress up as your favourite Christmas Carol
- 16 – Formal Day
- 17 – Feliz Navidad “Tropical Christmas”
- 18 – Holiday Hats
- 19 – K-3 Christmas Concert 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm
- 19 – Ugly Christmas Sweater
- 20 – Christmas Jammies
- 20 – Carol Sing 1:15 pm
- 21 – January 5th: Christmas Break
- January 6th – Back to School
Community Events:
Excel Artistic Swimming
Excel Artistic Swimming Club is selling West Edmonton Mall Waterpark tickets for $35 each!
These make great gifts/stocking stuffers!
Please text Rachelle McIvor at 403-580-0749 or email [email protected] if you’d like to purchase.
Event date: January 11, 2025
Time:6:30-9:30
Odds & Ends:
Sign In/Out Form: Sign In/Out Form:
Scan Me
Please use the above QR code, orthis link, to sign your child in or out from 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.