Principals Message
Today we hosted some visitors from Australia, along with two familiar members of the PCCE. The gentleman in the middle is Mark Steyn, who is the Chief Executive Officer for the Christian Education National Board in Australia, to his right is Sam Burros, who is the Director of Learning for CEN as well. On either side of them is Gayle Monsma, Executive Director for the Prairie Center for Christian Education, and Jeremy Horlings, the Associate Executive Director for the PCCE. Obviously, the guy in the ridiculously loud pink suit is me (Mr. Simmons), who just loves to blend into the background.
The contingent toured through classrooms and met with me on Teaching for Transformation (TfT) the vehicle of all of our instruction at CCS. We have been blessed to host contingents of educators from all across the world, who are seeking to see TfT in action. I am so thankful for our amazing staff, who bring God’s story to life in how they teach both the upper story with the lower curricular story. Covenant continues to be a world leader in the way we teach God’s story, and I love it when we get to show off our amazing group of teacher leaders!
Announcements
Picture Day – October 9th/10th
On October 9th and 10th our students will have picture day! We are using a new company this year, SMART Photography, and are excited about the possibilities this brings for our students and parents! As an Edmonton based company, we look forward to a close connection with our photographers.
October 11 Professional Development Day
On October 11th, Covenant will be hosting Black Gold educators from across the school division for Professional Development. BGSD will be bringing in a presenter for all of us to learn about Visible Learning and John Hattie’s research!
Oil Kings National Anthem Game
We have been given the opportunity to shine our light at an Oil Kings game by singing the National Anthem. It gives us a chance to influence others and be community builders. The game will be held on October 17 at 7:00. Students that are able to participate will need to purchase a ticket for $20 through PowerSchool. Family and friends are encouraged to come and purchase tickets as well. Students will need to have their own transportation to and from Rogers Place. More specific times and details will be given once we get closer to the date.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
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, Oct. 10
Div. 2 (Gr. 4-6): Thursday, Oct. 17
Div. 1 (Gr. 1-3): Thursday, Oct. 31
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 Hot Dog Day, taking place TODAY.
The forms for all of October’s lunches are now on PowerSchool).
October’s hot lunch
Oct 9 – Panda Hut
Oct 16 – Subway
Oct 23 – KFC
Oct 30 – Wok Box
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 get started on rehearsals for this year’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. We are 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!
Grade 9 Fundraising – OTTAWA TRIP!
As the school year begins, we are busy planning many different things! One of those things is the first-ever CCS Grade 9 trip to Ottawa, Ontario. Over the May long weekend, our Grade 9’s will fly out to Ottawa, bringing the curriculum to life, as they also strengthen their bonds together as they complete their final year at CCS.
They will be doing MANY fundraising items over the year, and I hope that you all can help us out in some way. We are looking at the best fundraisers, but currently, we also have an account open at the Leduc Bottle Depot. It is under Gr. 9 Ottawa trip. The account number that you can donate bottles to is 1131-A! If you are feeling led, please think about donating your bottles under that account today!!
Grade 9 parents – If you have not yet filled out the google form from Mr. Simmons, please do that today!
Library –
This year in the Learning Commons, we will continue to share stories each week. Mrs. Jackson has provided all parent a reading list to give you an understanding of what is being read. While each book is not necessarily written by a Christian author, each book has different Throughlines that will be pulled out of each work of fiction, allowing students to make connections from the author to God’s bigger story.
PreK/Kinder/Gr. 1 – Each week one or two picture books will be read.
Gr. 2 – Imagination Station – Voyage with the Vikings
Gr. 3 – The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls – Book One
Gr. 4 – Mr. Poppers Penguins
Gr. 5 – City of Ember
Gr. 6 – WingFeather Saga – Book One
Gr. 7 – WingFeather Saga – Book On
Gr. 8 – Divergent
We are always looking for volunteers to help in the Learning Commons. If you are interested in contributing your time, please email Mrs. Jackson at [email protected] Your support of our learning commons is greatly appreciated!
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.
Student Accident Insurance
This insurance covers medical expenses not covered by provincial health care and employee benefit plans for children injured in everyday activities, at school or at play. Parents or guardians can purchase this coverage on a voluntary basis by filling out the application form on the Student Accident Plan website! Click on the above picture for more information.
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.
COACHES NEEDED
For those of you who are willing, it looks like we will be in search of JR HIGH BASKETBALL COACHES for the 2024/25 season! We are looking for Jr/Sr boys and girls coaches. If you are interested, please email [email protected]
Volleyball
The volleyball season is now underway! We have so many teams participating that practices are occurring both before and after school days!
Cross Country Running
X- Country teams have now been created for students in Gr. 5-9. The run is today at Peace Hills in Wetaskiwin.
LSCE News:
Invoices are ready!
Invoices are now complete and have been sent via email or mail. If you have any questions please get in touch with Lisa at [email protected].
Fundraising Opportunities
To keep up to date on all fundraising opportunities, please follow us on social media.
FACEBOOK – Fundraising
Calendar:
October:
- 09 – BGSD School Trustee Visit
- 09 – Individual AND Class Photos (grade configuration will be determined closer to this date)
- 10 – Individual AND Class Photos (grade configuration will be determined closer to this date)
- 11 – PD Day – No School
- 14 – Thanksgiving Day – No School
- 24-25 – Christian School Teachers’ Convention (Taber) – No School
- Nov 1 – PD Day, NO SCHOOL
Community Events:
Leduc Track Club
The Bole X-Country Classis is coming up on October 10th for the Leduc Track Club. Please see Leduc Track Club for more information.
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.