Principals Message
Welcome back to school! It is my prayer that you and your family had a joy-filled and restful Christmas break. I enjoyed an amazing Christmas with my family, and very much appreciated the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the season for what it is.
As we settle back into our daily routines and school rhythms, I felt it was important to remind you all about the end of term 1 and everyone’s favourite topic, report cards!
I especially wanted to provide you with important information about PowerSchool access and what reporting looks like. Report cards will be available on January 31, and PowerSchool will be temporarily unavailable for updates or viewing from January 22 at 4:00 pm to January 31 at 3:30 pm. This “freeze” period allows teachers to prayerfully and intentionally finalize all grades, assessments, and comments for an accurate snapshot of your child’s progress.
During this time, report cards will include a variety of assessments (both formative and summative) with detailed, constructive comments. Comments will highlight strengths, challenges, and how your child is growing in their walk with Christ, as well as in areas like behavior and contributions to our school community.
We are blessed to partner with you in nurturing your child’s gifts and calling as they learn to delight in God and serve others. If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the report card, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
I hope this helps your understanding of the reporting period and explains the easiest way to view your child’s progress up until now.
Announcements
International Student Host Opportunity
While we wouldn’t have the opportunity to host this international student at CCS, we are looking for a family from our community to have them as a High School student. If you also have High School kids in your home, and are feeling led to host, please email Mr. Simmons today!
After-School Pick-Up Plans
As we continue to support our students’ success and well-being, we’d like to remind all families of the importance of having a plan in place in case of late pick-ups or missed bus connections. While we understand that occasional delays or unexpected situations may arise, we kindly ask that you ensure arrangements are made for such instances.
Please keep in mind:
- After-School Care: Covenant Christian School does not provide after-school care services.
- Supervision: Our staff are committed to their professional responsibilities during school hours. After the workday, they have personal obligations and commitments that require their attention.
- Sporting Events: While some events and activities may take place after school hours, these are specific and supervised for participating students only.
If you anticipate being delayed, we encourage you to:
- Arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor to pick up your child (update PowerSchool).
- Communicate your plan with your child in advance so they are aware of what to expect.
- Contact the school as soon as possible if an unforeseen delay occurs.
Your cooperation in this matter helps us ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Thank you for your understanding and partnership in making this a positive experience for everyone.
🚗 Winter Drop-Off Reminders: 🚗
If Grandparents or others are dropping off/picking up students, please share this information!!
- 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.
- One-Lane Flow: The lanes are only one lane, there is never any passing lanes. Two cars across increases the chance of collision with a pedestrian, as well as increases, with certainty, Mr. Simmons blood pressure.
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
My daughter has a knack for brutal honesty and I have learned much about parenting from her. This is a statement she has shared with me more than once. “I have learned more by watching you live, than by what you say.” Having adult children can be humbling.
I was reminded of this sentiment again recently as I read Adolescence isn’t Terminal by Kevin Leman. He includes a chapter called The Great Transfer in which he shares his ideas about how faith is caught and not taught. He recalls his own experience of how his kids expressed a desire to skip church. I was impressed with a response that included discussing how church can be boring for teens, and why, as adults, they enjoyed it and wanted to go…as a family. He mentions Proverbs and training up children in the way they should go. This made me think about how kids learn from watching us, and the opportunity we have to teach about God and faith. Our kids watch us…closely. How we live our lives matters greatly: how we navigate our relationships, prioritize our time, spend our money, solve our problems, and approach our challenges. They are watching us and we can guide them by being authentic and openly dependent upon God. Living a life that models genuine faith includes sharing how we manage the ups and downs in our own lives openly and honestly – and occasionally with words.
CCS SOCKS!!
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.
Grade 3 Fundraisers in January
Covenant Canteen
📣Cougar Canteen! 🐾🍬
The Cougar Canteen! The Cougar 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:
Jan. 9 – Div. 3
Jan. 16 – Div. 2
Jan. 30 – Div. 1
Feb. 13 – Div. 3
Feb. 20 – Div. 2
Feb. 27 – Div. 1
March 6 – Div. 3
March 13 – Div. 2
** March 20th will be canceled due to our “The Little Mermaid Jr.” musical.
Hot Lunch
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 January’s lunches are now on PowerSchool).
January’s hot lunch
- January 8 – Hotdogs and booster juice
- January 15 – Subway
- January 22 – KFC
February’s hot lunch
- Feb 5 – Hotdog booster juice
- Feb 12 Wok Box
- Feb 19 Domino’s pizza
- Feb 26 Boston Pizza
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 WEDNESDAYSfor the month of January.
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. As these did not get taken before Christmas break, we will be removing these items on Friday this week.
Athletics:
Athletics
Please read through the CCS Athletic Handbook, as it highlights our expectations for our parents and our athletes.
Jr. High Basketball
Regular season games begin this week!
Elementary Basketball
Regular season games continue!
Gr. 5/6 Swimming Lessons
Our Grade 5 and 6 classes will be doing swimming lessons Tuesday mornings, January 14th – March 4th. Please make sure your child has their swimming suits and towels during this time.
LSCE News:
The LSCE wants to welcome everyone back to school from their Christmas and New Years break!! We pray Gods’ blessings upon your family for 2025!
Calendar:
January:
- 14 – Gr. 5/6 Swimming Lessons begin
- 22 – Powerschool “freeze” for parents – Will not be able to view grades/comments until Jan 31.
- 22 – School Council Meeting
- 23 – Covenant Ski/Snowboard Day
- 29 – PD Day, No School for students
- 30 – Gr. 6 Alberta Legislature trip
- 31 – Report Card freeze finished, Report Card comments email out
February:
- 4 – 90’s Day! Dress up like you lived in the 90’s!
- 5 – Winter Walk Day
- 6 – ATA Convention: No School
- 7 – ATA Convention: No School
- 14 – Gr. 5 & 8 to Citadel for Frozen
- 17 – Family Day, No School
- 20 – Student Led Interviews 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- 21 – 100th Day of 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.