As we approach Remembrance Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on why this day means so much to me personally. Both my grandparents served in World War II, a time in history when people gave everything to defend freedom and protect future generations. My grandpa, who returned with medals of honor, was forever changed by the horrors he witnessed overseas, though he rarely spoke of them. He, like my grandma, felt it was his duty not just to serve but also to uphold the legacy of that sacrifice by leading our local Legion. For them, honoring Remembrance Day wasn’t just a ceremony; it was an essential way to remember, respect, and protect the freedoms they fought so hard for.
In light of my faith, Remembrance Day takes on even deeper meaning. Scripture reminds us of the importance of self-sacrifice, courage, and standing up for what is just and good. My grandparents’ stories are reminders of people willing to lay down their lives for others, echoing the teachings of Jesus. Their actions were driven by a profound sense of duty and love, ideals that are integral to our faith. For me, observing Remembrance Day is both a remembrance of human sacrifice and a way to honor God’s call to love others and seek peace, even amidst conflict.
Despite the turmoil and complex issues facing our world today, it is essential that we never lose sight of why those who came before us fought. The freedoms we enjoy were hard-won, and the sacrifices of past generations should not be taken lightly. Remembrance Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect, acknowledging that our freedoms—freedoms to live in peace, speak openly, and worship as we choose—are privileges that others once gave their lives for.
I hope that as we observe Remembrance Day this year, we can share these messages with our children. It is our responsibility to teach them not only the history but also the values of courage, duty, and gratitude. May we always remember those who have served and sacrificed, and may we live in ways that honor their legacy.
Announcements
Remembrance Day Ceremony
We invite you to join us for our Remembrance Day Ceremony on Friday, beginning promptly at 10:25 a.m. Together, we will honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms, observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
We are privileged to welcome both retired and active military members to join us for this meaningful occasion. We also encourage any students who are involved in Beavers, Cadets, Girl Guides, or similar organizations to wear their regalia as a sign of respect and remembrance.
All are welcome to attend as we come together to reflect, remember, and honor.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We invite you to sign up for our upcoming parent-teacher conferences on November 20-21st. Sign-ups are available through School Appointments, and each conference will be 15 minutes long. For more in-depth or specific concerns, please note that teachers should have already reached out to you.
This year, we’ve made a change for Jr. High sign-ups, allowing you to book conferences by subject. If you’re looking for a broader discussion about your child, their homeroom teacher can serve as your main contact. Spots are limited, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to secure your preferred time.
Additional details on how to access School Appointments will be sent in a separate email at 4:00 pm. Which is when bookings will go live. Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s growth and success!
CCS School Clothing Orders
We are pleased to once again be selling Covenant Cougar wear, just in time for Christmas. Please fill out the following google form to order today! The deadline for orders will be Friday, November 29th.
Parking Lot Reminders
🚗 Parking Lot Etiquette Reminders 🚗
1️⃣ Zipper Merge: Please remember the power of the zipper merge at the end of the day! Take turns letting each lane merge smoothly. Let’s keep things moving safely and fairly for everyone.
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!
Zepplin’s Graduation
We’re excited to share that Zeppelin, the Lye family’s service dog-in-training, has graduated and taken on an important new role! He’s now a Facility Dog at the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, where he’ll provide comfort and support to children and youth in need.
Zeppelin’s journey to this role included visits to our Covenant Christian assemblies and events, helping him get comfortable with crowds, noise, and excitement. Thank you to our Covenant community for embracing Zeppelin along the way. We’re so proud to have been part of his path to helping others!
Parents as Partners in Education
One thing I’ve always valued about our community is how we consistently strive to follow Christian principles in our communication. We prioritize speaking kindly, listening first, choosing our words thoughtfully, and addressing matters directly with the right individuals. As members of the body of Christ, we take this responsibility seriously. You might recall from your new family meeting that I encouraged you, when something is upsetting, to take a 24-hour pause before addressing it—and then approach the right person with a spirit that builds up rather than harms (especially since social media rarely does).
Our larger BGSD community may not always have these principles as a foundation, so we’ve created this document to support respectful communication. Since I was part of the committee that helped develop it, I ask you to review it carefully. Remember, when navigating difficult conversations, our goal is always to communicate in a God-pleasing way, allowing those we’re in conversation with the opportunity to respond effectively.
Scholastic Book Fair!!
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, Nov. 7
Div. 2 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Nov 21
Div. 1 (Gr. 1-3): Thursday, Nov. 28
Div. 3 (Gr. 7-9): Thursday, Dec. 5
Div. 2 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Dec. 12
Div. 1 (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 November’s lunches are now on PowerSchool).
November’s hot lunch
Nov 20 Domino’s Pizza
Nov 27 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 November.
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 after Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Athletics:
Athletics
While the below has been in the Chronicle for the last few weeks, 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
Ladies basketball tryouts will begin soon, with more than enough interest for both a Junior and Senior team! Thank you to our community coaches who stepped up to work with both of those groups.
Speaking of coaches, we currently do NOT have a coach for a boys team. if you are at all interested, PLEASE reach out to Mr. Drader, or Mr. Simmons as soon as possible. We do have many boys interested, but need someone to mentor these young athletes. Tryouts need to begin soon, and we are in desperate need.
Elementary Basketball
Our elementary basketball teams have now been created! We know tryouts can be challenging, especially when more students show up than there are spots. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who gave it their all and tried out—thank you for bringing such great energy and enthusiasm to the court!
For those who didn’t make the team this time, please know we’re working on offering intramurals and additional clubs, so there will be opportunities to hone your skills and continue to learn the game.
LSCE News:
Winter Carnival/Family Dance
Please click here to register your family. Please note, NO PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF REGISTRATION
It is simply to give us an idea of attendance numbers.
Our Winter Fundraising Campaigns are now live! See below for more details. If you have any questions, contact Afton at [email protected]
Click here to place your Little Caesars order. Orders must be placed by November 24. Pick up is scheduled for December 9 but is subject to change.
Click here to place your Purdy’s Chocolate Order.Orders must be placed by November 27.Pick up is scheduled for December 10 but is subject to change.
Calendar:
November:
- 08 – Remembrance Day Assembly
- 11 – Remembrance Day NO SCHOOL
- 12 – November break begins -NO SCHOOL
- 18 – SCHOOL BEGINS AGAIN
- Dec 2 – PD Day, NO 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.