PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
This week marks the beginning of Advent, a season of hope, anticipation, and preparation as we journey toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent reminds us of the promises fulfilled through Christ and the light He brings into a world longing for peace and redemption.
As a school, we are embracing this sacred time with intentionality. During the next three celebrations, we will gather as a community to light the Advent candles, each representing the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles symbolize our focus on the true meaning of Christmas—the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
On the final day of school before Christmas, during our Christmas carol sing-along, we will light the Christ candle, completing our Advent journey. This candle represents Christ’s light, which shines brightly in our lives and calls us to reflect His love to the world.
Advent is a deeply important tradition for us as a school. It anchors our hearts and minds in the truth of God’s Word, reminding us that the story of Christmas is not just one of celebration but of transformation. Through it, we are invited to experience and share the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Him.
As we walk through this season together, may we be intentional about preparing our hearts, not only for the celebration of Christmas but also for the work God continues to do in and through us.
Announcements
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
For those of you who are new to Covenant Christian School, or to those I have yet to meet, I am Jennifer Lozeau the School Counselor and I am honored to be serving this community by helping children and families cope with difficulties they are having in their lives, either at home or at school. I provide counseling support to students and families and when appropriate, I direct families to outside services. I also have a growing library and online collection of materials that I can share as a means of support. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have.
I am here to help. My email is [email protected].
Each week in the Chronicle, I will be sharing a digital resource. Today is a link to a series of videos by Jessica McCabe titled How to ADHD.
CCS School Clothing Orders
Orders are now back to “Black & Whyte screenprinting” for completion, and most items will be ready for Christmas. Unfortunately, the sweatpants and toques that we have ordered are now on backorder. These items will be completed as soon as they are in to the supplier, but we are unable to promise these items will be back in time for Christmas. We deeply apologize for this delay.
We have also added another item for purchase, Covenant SOCKS! These “Hype” brand socks are super durable, and look great too. We will be selling 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
Hope Mission Sock Drive!!
CCS 12 Days of Christmas
As the advent season approaches, I am reminded once again of the joy and hope that Christmas brings. At Covenant Christian School, we love to celebrate Christmas with a sense of community and excitement. This is why, every December, we host our “12 Days of Christmas” activities—a special tradition that blends fun, fellowship, and faith. While you may notice there aren’t technically “12 days”, there are a few that are not marked on this calendar, as some of these activities are designed specifically for staff. With that said, you can see that we have a TON of fun things planned.
Please know that during Celebration, we will be lighting the Advent candles and focusing on scripture. While the “12 Days” has some secular and/or silly activities—like Feliz Navidad dress-up or Holiday Hat Day—Jesus remains at the center of all we do. These moments of laughter and fun are part of the joy that comes from the gift of His birth. Whether we are singing carols, enjoying a festive event, or reflecting in quieter moments, we strive to keep Christ at the forefront. He is the heart of Christmas and the reason we celebrate with such enthusiasm.
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.
Parking Lot Reminders
🚗 Parking Lot Etiquette Reminders 🚗
1️⃣ Winter Weather: Our parking lot is too small for the amount of vehicles coming and going each day. Especially during winter when the parking lines cannot be seen, or when buses are not running. IF you go through the parking lot and there are no spots, please do another lap out of the parking lot and back in. In very busy times, Mr. Simmons or Mrs. Haugan will cue cars up the driveway and have you wait until there are stalls. *REMEMBER* patience is necessary. Those in the vehicle are in a warm spot, and our students are bundled. Everyone will remain warm and safe.
2️⃣ One-Way Means One-lane too: Under no circumstances should anyone pass another vehicle in the one-way lanes during drop-off or pick-up. It’s critical to everyone’s safety and helps avoid unnecessary danger. Besides, you really don’t want to see Mr. Simmons’ “teacher eyes” in action!
Thank you for keeping our parking lot safe and orderly for all!
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. 3 (Gr. 7-9): Thursday, Dec. 5
Div. 1 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Dec. 12
Div. 2 (Gr. 1-3): 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 4: Hot Dogs & Booster Juice
Dec 11: Taco Time
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
We have now donated all Lost and Found items from the months of Sept-November. 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.
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
Girls tryouts have now been completed and teams have been made. We are looking forward to a great season.
Boys basketball tryouts will continue Wednesday, December 4th after school, and first practice will begin Thursday, December 5th.
Elementary Basketball
Regular season games continue, as our boys are scheduled to play today after school.
LSCE News:
Unfortunately we were not able to meet the minimum requirement for our Little Caesars order and therefore had to cancel.
All orders that were placed online will be refunded within 3-5 business days. Please keep in mind this is coming from the US and Thursday and Friday are holidays there.
If you have any concerns regarding your refund, you can call Purdys at 1-888-452-5487, fundraiser ID 447602.
Today is the last day to place your Purdys order. Click here if you would like to place an order.
Pick-up is scheduled for December 10 but is subject to change depending on delivery time.
Calendar:
December:
- 06 – Door Decorating
- 10 – Storytime and Cookies – 2:30 pm
- 11 – Star of Wonder “Bethlehem Escape Room”
- 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:
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.