Principal’s Message
As I prepare for my upcoming presentation at Christian Teachers Convention – on a topic I am calling “Digital Disciples”, I’ve had the chance to pause and reflect on the awe and wonder of God’s presence, even in something as modern and complex as artificial intelligence. While it’s easy to feel uncertain or even afraid of these advancements, I am reminded that God is not surprised by AI—He saw it coming long before we ever could.
God has a plan for every part of creation, and that includes technology. Rather than fear it, we have the opportunity to use AI for good, teaching our children important skills like discernment and critical thinking. As stewards of His creation, we are called to navigate this digital world with wisdom, always pointing back to His greater purpose.
In education, AI offers exciting opportunities to help all of our children flourish. It can personalize learning, adapt lessons to different learning styles, and provide support where students need it most. From assisting with language learning to enhancing creativity, AI can be a powerful tool for unlocking each child’s potential. But as with any tool, the key is using it thoughtfully and purposefully, always with a focus on helping students grow not just academically but also in character and faith.
Together, we can guide our students to be responsible and thoughtful in their use of technology, seeing it as another tool through which we can glorify God and serve others.
Announcements
Catchball Tournament – Help Still Needed!!!
CCS Family,
We have the opportunity to host some of the Black Gold community THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY when nine grade six catch-volleyball teams come to our school for a tournament. We would like to extend a warm welcome to the coaches, and take care of our volunteers by opening a hospitality room for them. We want to have food and drinks available for them on Friday and Saturday. Please consider this chance to be ‘inspired to serve’ through making a donation of one, or more, of the requested items on this LIST. Any questions can be directed to our athletic director, Philip Drader, at [email protected]
Thank you!
PCCE Christian Teachers Convention
On October 24th and 25th, Covenant Christian Teachers will travel all the way down to Taber to take part in the annual PCCE Christian Teachers Convention. Our staff will learn alongside hundreds of other Christian school educators during the two days, as they learn about many educational topics! Please pray for our travel, the event, and maybe even for Mrs. Glesman, Mrs. Veldkamp, and Mr. Simmons who are presenting during the conference. We will also be sending SIX of our teachers down to Taber early to participate in something called TfT 101, where they learn all about Teaching for Transformation.
October 11 Professional Development Day
Mr. Simmons wants to extend a huge thank-you to the Grade 9 class, as well as Mr. Ward and Mr. Hennink for getting the auditorium ready last Friday. We hosted over 150 educators from across the school division, and the day went off without a hitch. We are so blessed for our auditorium space – space not too many other schools have! The Visible Learning PD that was put on was top notch, and the meta data that supports VL aligns so closely with the intricacies of TfT.
Scholastic Book Fair!!
Oil Kings National Anthem Game – TOMORROW!!!
The excitement continues to build as we prepare our songs for our chance to shine His light at Rogers Place. Our Gr. 5/6 choir will be singing “The Good Ol’ Hockey Game, Yes I WIll and the Canadian anthem”. Only a few days away from taking the stage! Families who purchased tickets (over 200 tickets sold!!) should now have received “hard copies” from the school. We look forward to seeing you there!
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. 2 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Oct. 17
Div. 1 (Gr. 1-3): Thursday, Oct. 31
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.
Our next hot lunch will be Subway, taking place TODAY.
The forms for all of November’s lunches are now on PowerSchool).
October’s hot lunch
Oct 23 – KFC
Oct 30 – Wok Box
November’s hot lunch
Nov 6 – Hotdog and Booster Juice
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]
Join our Production Team!!
Our drama students are thrilled to now have their roles and are now well into rehearsals for this year’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. We are STILL seeking community volunteers to help us build sets, costumes, props, and support in other ways too.
Each Production Role will have a LEAD volunteer who will be responsible for attending production meetings, communicating with other Leadership roles, and coordinating their TEAM to complete tasks.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Spring Production, please fill out the GOOGLE FORM (CLICK HERE) by checking off the LEAD and/or TEAM position(s) you are interested in.
Please note:
Rehearsals will take place in the auditorium every Friday afternoon with some extra rehearsals closer to the production date.
Construction times will occur on weekends and the occasional weeknight.
Production meetings will take place once a month until the week of the performance March 17-21, 2025.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING DRAMA AT CCS!
Halloween No Costumes, please –
At Covenant Christian School, we choose not to celebrate Halloween during school hours. While we value imagination and creativity, and we understand that families may make their own decisions regarding participation, we ask that costumes be saved for after school. Personally, I appreciate the sense of community that Halloween fosters, as it brings neighbors together in fun and connection. Some of my favourite moments with my own neighbours has come from sitting on my driveway, handing out candy, around a propane fireplace. However, in our school setting, we focus on fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable, so we keep the emphasis on learning and community-building through our school programs and activities.
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 October.
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 at the end of each month.
Athletics:
Athletics
Covenant Christian School is once again starting up our athletics programming. 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 some of our expectations for our parents and our athletes.
Catchball
Covenant Christian is hosting a Catchball tournament THIS WEEKEND!! There are plenty of ways to “serve” (get it!?) our greater community, and show all of BGSD what a destination we are! Good luck athletes, and Grade 9 volunteers (who are fundraising for their inaugural Ottawa trip!!)
Volleyball
The volleyball season is now underway! We have so many teams participating that practices are occurring both before and after school days!
X-Country
What a race we had in Peace Hills! Our students did a wonderful job and represented Covenant so well. Individuals who placed in the top ten were celebrated during our announcements today, and our team awards will be announced at Celebration tomorrow!
LSCE News:
Winter Carnival/Family Dance
Come out and join us on November 29th for the second annual Winter Carnival and Family Dance!
There will be fun for the whole family including a photo booth, ornament decorating and more.
A concession will also be available for purchase.
Keep an eye on the Chronicle for more info!!
Calendar:
October:
- 24-25 – Christian School Teachers’ Convention (Taber) – No School
- Nov 1 – PD Day, NO SCHOOL
November:
- 01 – PD Day, NO SCHOOL
- 03 – Daylight Savings Time (FALL BACK)
- 11 – Remembrance Day NO SCHOOL
- 12 – November break begins -NO SCHOOL
- 18 – SCHOOL BEGINS AGAIN
- Dec 2 – PD Day, NO SCHOOL
Community Events:
KIDZAMANIA – DAYSTAR CHURCH – OCTOBER 31
KIDZAMANIA — Free Community Event
Join us October 31st for KidzAmania — a safe and warm night at our family fun Halloween alternative. It is a night filled with games, candy, live entertainment and fun to be had by all! Doors Open 5:30pm for everyone.
Feel free to come dressed in a family-friendly costume and bring a bag of Candy and/or item for the Leduc Food Bank. www.daystarchurch.ca/kidzamania-2024
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.
Facebook Page:
Once we have our verification forms in, which also contain FOIP forms, we will begin posting on Facebook a little bit more! We try to update Facebook regularly to keep our community attuned to all of the amazing things occurring at CCS.