March 5th, The Chronicle
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
I am still thinking about my last week at the Converge conference. I had two conversations that left a deep impression on me—both highlighting the incredible work happening at Covenant Christian School and the global reach of our learning community.
The first was with Daryl DeBoer, the co-creator of Teaching for Transformation (TfT), a fellow with CACE International, and the Director of Education for Surrey Christian Schools. Daryl had come across a copy of our Celebration of Learning and was so impressed by what he saw that he wanted to share it with schools around the world exploring TfT. He spoke about how it beautifully reflects who we are as a school and how CCS is leading the way in Christian education. To have our work recognized at this level is both humbling and affirming—what we do here matters, not just in our own classrooms, but across a global network of Christian schools striving to shape students as disciples of Christ.
The second conversation was with Mark Steyn, the Chief Executive Officer of Christian Education National in Australia. When Mark visited CCS earlier this year, it left a lasting impact on him. He shared how his time here reshaped his perspective on how schools can truly live out Jesus in their day-to-day rhythms. We talked about the way we approach learning—not just as information to be absorbed, but as a way to form students who build community beyond their own circles, seeing themselves as part of something greater, both locally and globally.
These conversations reminded me of how blessed we are to be part of God’s school here at CCS. We are not just shaping young minds; we are helping shape a generation of students who will go out and serve, lead, and impact the world for Christ. To be recognized on the international stage for our commitment to transformational Christian education is a testament to the faithfulness of our staff, students, and families.
Covenant Christian School is more than a school—it is a place where learning is deeply connected to faith, where students are shaped as Kingdom Builders, and where we are part of a much larger movement of Christian education worldwide. What a privilege it is to be part of His story!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Labour Action Updates
Due to the current labour action by CUPE Local 3484, there are many changes to current office procedures. Please ensure you have read the Parent Letter outlining these changes and remember to use the Online Absence Reporting Form when reporting absences.
Returning Student Form
We are starting to look at enrollment for next year and begin thinking about staffing and classroom configurations etc. We are asking for your help with our planning efforts! Please fill out the Returning Student form 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 28, 2025.https://forms.gle/hXXmsDT14AZ3C4gX8
Calling All Helping Hands! 🛠️-
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Our Junior High production of Little Mermaid Junior is only a couple weeks away!
Click here to book your tickets before we sell out.
We are currently seeking a few prop items from our Covenant Community
- A second projector for our production
- A rocking chair (wooden and easy to carry)
- 7 mops (preferably wooden)
- A baby doll in a small blanket
- Elastic strap moustaches for chefs (one giant one)
Ongoing props and costume needs will be updated here:
👉 Props & Costumes List
MARCH 8 WORK BEE and Rehearsal
* 10am to 2pm - WORK BEE (all family members invited to finish off props, set, etc.)
Singing rehearsals (all who can/want attend)
* 2:30pm to 5pm - Rehearsal (all students are asked to please attend if able)
We understand that this is a busy time of year, and students have other commitments. But if you could make every effort to have them attend the rehearsals we would greatly appreciate it! The extra time will go a long way towards our preparation.
If you wish to volunteer or have materials that could assist, please contact Stacy Bruinsma at 📧 [email protected].
Grade 8 Drama Parents:
Please check your emails for information on shoes and clothing required for your actor.
We look forward to seeing you “Under the Sea.”
Staff Appreciation Postponed
Thank you so much for offering to volunteer for this year's Staff Appreciation! We truly appreciate your support.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing support staff strike, we must postpone our plans. We’ll confirm the new date once our support staff are back, and we’d love for you to still volunteer once it's rescheduled.
Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more details.
Living Books Christian Book Fair
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Living Books and the upcoming Living Books Book Fair at our school!
On April 24th and 25th, we will be hosting this amazing book fair that offers a wide range of quality products, including books, Bibles, and novelties for children and families. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring incredible resources into our school community and support our students’ love for reading and learning.
Living Books is a Saskatchewan-based business that not only offers high-quality Christian books but also provides excellent support to make the book fair easy and successful. Their reps will come to our school to run the fair, and 10% of the sales will go toward free books for our school.
We're also excited to host the Adopt a Book Program on Grandparents Day, which will coincide with the book fair. This program allows families and friends to contribute to our school library, helping us expand our collection of incredible books. It’s a wonderful way to honor grandparents while building a stronger reading culture in our school.
Let’s work together to make this book fair a huge success and fill our school with books that inspire and educate! Stay tuned for more details about how you can participate.
Check out more information about Living Books and the Book Fair here: Living Books Website
Thank you for your support!
🚗 Morning 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 children 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.
TEACHING FOR TRANSFORMATION
The Teaching for Transformation framework has a core practice that guides teachers through the formation of a Deep Hope. This process encourages us to examine our desire for God, and how we can invite Him to work in and through us as we nurture the same desire for God in the kids we teach.
The Teaching for Transformation Website provides the following description:
We are people of hope. Not wishes or plans. And, more than just hope. Deep hope. Deep hope represents why you followed the call to be a teacher in a Christian school. It aligns with the desires that parents have as they enroll their children in your school. It reflects the promises contained within your school’s mission and vision statement and points toward your place in God’s story. And, within Teaching for Transformation, it is the first question we ask ourselves when we design learning experiences for our students: “What is our deep hope?
It is our North Star that guides us on our learning journey within our Christian school.
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:
March 6 - Div. 3
March 13 - Div. 2
** March 20th will be canceled due to our “The Little Mermaid Jr.” musical.
March 27 - Div. 1
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunches will be on Wednesdays.
March 12 - Taco Time
March 19 - Panda Hut
March 26 - Subway
April 9 - Hot Dog & Booster Juice
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.
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 WEDNESDAYS for the month of March.
ATHLETICS
Please read through the CCS Athletic Handbook, as it highlights our expectations for our parents and our athletes.
Jr. High Basketball
- March 6th, Senior Girls Semifinal @ Ècole J.E. Lapointe
Elementary Floor Hockey
- March 6th, Gr. 6 FLEx Floor Hockey Tournament @ Calgary Christian
- March 7th -9th, Gr. 3/4 Girls Floor Hockey Tournament
- March 14th – 16th, Gr. 3/4 Boys Floor Hockey Tournament
- March 21st - 22nd , Gr. 5/6 Girls Floor Hockey Tournament
Badminton
- March 6th - 7th, Grade 5/6 Badminton Tournament
- Badminton tryouts, for junior high students who are interested, will take place on Tuesday, March 11 from after school until 5:00.
LSCE NEWS
Preschool Registration
Preschool Registration is now open to the general public. If you have a student who will be 4 years old by December 31, 2025, you may register them for our Preschool program here.
Please click here to find the following forms: Preschool Medical Authorization, Credit Card Authorization, Pre-authorized Debit Agreement
Fundraising
How can you help???
- Individuals or companies can donate goods and/or services for our auction, please contact Afton Goldsmith at [email protected].
- We are looking for donations of roasts for the auction dinner. We would like to get about 14.
- Sign up here to donate goodies for the bakery
All proceeds from the Auction and Golf Tournament will go towards renovating and expanding our parking lot.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Afton Goldsmith at [email protected].
LOST AND FOUND
CALENDAR
March:
- Badminton tryouts, for junior high students who are interested, will take place on Tuesday, March 11 from after school until 5:00.
- 9th, Daylight Savings, Spring Forward
- 10th, PD Day, No School
- 11th, No School for Kindergarten
- 17th, St. Patrick's Day, Wear Green!
- 21st, Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day
- On March 21 (3/21), we will participate in Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day by wearing our most colorful, mismatched socks! This date (3/21) was chosen because Down syndrome occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome. By wearing bright, fun socks, we show support for individuals with Down Syndrome and celebrate the unique gifts they bring to our communities. Join us in spreading awareness and celebrating differences by wearing your wildest socks on Thursday, March 21!
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Baking to the Maxx
I want to start this business because I love to bake and it’s a very big passion and hobby of mine. I want to save up for a standard mixer, set of chef knives, cake pans and a full set of chef’s pots and pans.
Please support me in my baking business and passion!!!
We have the following items that I am baking:
SOURDOUGH BREAD……………………………………………..$12.99
CARAMEL BANANA BREAD LOAF………………………………………….$6.99
GARLIC AND HERBED FOCACCIA………………………..$8.99
LEMON BLUEBERRY MINI PIE…………………………$4.50
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MINI PIE…………………………….$4.50
Please contact Maxx at [email protected] , or 780-819-4341 for all your baking needs and orders.
Thank you for your support in my baking passion!!!!
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