Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
Prayer In times of difficulty, Lord, we appreciate the support and encouragement of others. In better times we feel strong and more secure. Remind us then to co-operate with other people and look out for the needs of others, being ready to offer a smile, a word, and other support and encouragement. Amen St. Francis Feast and Celebration Thank you so much to all who attended our spaghetti dinner last week. It was a great turnout! Again, we would like to thank Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House for the delicious sauce, and for the generous donations from YFNED and Wykes’ Your Independent Grocer; without food, we would not have been able to be together as we were. A thank you must also go out to the music provided by the Pelayo Family, to the staff and students who helped behind the scenes and the Girls Grade 9/10 Volleyball team who were serving during this celebration. We hope to gather again soon, as it was great fun and full of good conversation! CPF Yukon Pizza Supper The Canadian Parents for French Yukon Chapter is a local NGO that helps promote and encourage French second-language opportunities for Yukon students. This includes Core French, French Immersion and Intensive French. On November 2nd they are hosting a free pizza supper followed by an AGM. It is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the basement of the United Church in Whitehorse. All families are invited. It is free and there is also free childcare provided. Parents can learn about French second-language opportunities, hear about fun events CPF sponsors and share ideas about how to promote and improve French Second-language opportunities for their children. No RSVP is required. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or call/text 334-5585. Vision Screening On Thursday and Friday, we will be doing vision screening with our Grade 8 students, and some new students. A letter will be sent home if follow-up with an optometrist is recommended. St. Francis Clothing The St. Francis Pop-up Shop is now open!
Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal Feast with us tomorrow night! We are celebrating our new school name with a St. Francis of Assisi Feast! When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 anytime from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Where: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School, 16 Duke Street in Riverdale. What: a delicious & free spaghetti dinner and a bake sale for our 9/10 Girls volleyball team! This is the same evening as the Whitehorse Schools Annual Food Drive so you are welcome to bring non-perishable donations for the Food Bank. Everyone is welcome! St. Francis Update10/11/2022 Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
Lord God, I pray for your protection as I begin this day. You are my hiding place, and under your wings I can always find refuge. Protect me from trouble wherever I go, and keep evil far from me. Your love and faithfulness, along with your goodness and mercy, surround me daily. My trust is in you, and I give thanks to you for your love and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen. St. Francis Feast and Celebration On Wednesday October 12, our feast to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi and the changing of the school’s name will happen on this date. Please join us between 5-7 pm for a spaghetti dinner and some enjoyable music to celebrate. This is the same evening as the Whitehorse Schools Annual Food Drive so you are welcome to bring non-perishable donations for the Food Bank. Fire Prevention Week October 9th to 15th is Fire Prevention Week across North America. Fire Prevention Week is a great time to learn about fire safety with kids. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” Students and their families can take simple steps to keep themselves safe from fires at home:
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
A Thanksgiving Prayer O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless; When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all; When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer, And, in remembering, help me to destroy my complacency, Bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to help, By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen. October is a month that we pause to recognize all the ways we are grateful through prayer and time spent in gratitude. In this month of Thanksgiving, let us make an effort to sit with our families and share what we are grateful for each day. This simple act will help to build connections, help support positive mental health and bring smiles to the ones we love. Forms and Fees You should have received forms in the mail regarding school fees and an update of information. Ensuring that your contact information is up to date, allows us to communicate with you efficiently. We respectfully ask that you pay fees promptly through cheque, cash or e-transfer [email protected]. In addition, those who return all completed forms by October 7th will be entered into a draw to win a $250 prepaid Visa gift card! Scent Aware Building Scent sensitivity…The chemicals used in scented products can affect some people, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. In consideration of others, please avoid using scented products. Morning Supervision A reminder to parents and students that morning supervision does not begin until 8:00 am. St. Francis Feast and Celebration Save the Date!! On Wednesday October 12, our feast to celebrate St. Francis and the changing of the school’s name will happen on this date. Please join us between 5-7 pm for a spaghetti dinner and some enjoyable music to celebrate. Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal CEAY and the Joint Catholic Schools AGM will be the evening of Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00 pm in the Cafeteria.
Week of September 19th to September 23rd
Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families, God of my Life, thank you for your presence with me this week, in the times that were easy and the times that were hard. Guide me to a period of rest that I might preside with you, recharge my batteries, and prepare to again do the work you are calling me to do next week. This I pray in your holy and true name. Amen. Field Trips Teachers are planning many Off-site experiential activities for this semester. Please look out for any field trip forms that students may bring home, and promptly fill them in, sign them and return them to the school. The Terry Fox Run will take place tomorrow; please remind students to dress for the weather! Important Information Regarding Grade 8 and 9 Students: At Saint Francis of Assisi, we want to encourage and support the development of learning skills and good work habits by intervening early on with our grade 8 and 9 students. For many years now, we have provided a framework where students who have outstanding assignments are asked to stay during PLC instead of leaving during early dismissal Wednesdays. Students who have outstanding assignments/assessments will be informed by their teachers if they are asked to stay during PLC. This framework provides students with an opportunity to complete assignments and receive focused support so that they can stay on track academically. We have seen evidence that this framework helps students develop organizational skills and work habits that serve them further throughout their high school experience. Helping students develop organisational and work completion skills has often translated in an increase of self-determination and the initiation of study habits in our students. We will be starting this week on Wednesday the 21st from 2:10pm to 3:14 pm. Grade 8 and 9 students who are not completing work in an assigned classroom can either be in the gym with supervision or go home/access public transit. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our administration. Sacramental preparation will be starting at Sacred Heart Parish in the beginning of October! First reconciliation and First Communion for Grade 3 and up. First Reconciliation, which leads into First Communion classes, will start on Tuesday October 4 at the rectory at 6:30. Please remember that children must celebrate their first reconciliation before they begin to prepare for first communion. These two sacraments go together! Confirmation Confirmation classes will also be at the rectory, but will start on Monday October 3 and starting at 6:30 *New* Into the Deep, for Grade 4! This catechesis, or faith formation, is for children who have completed their First Reconciliation and First Communion. The program will focus on fuller and more meaningful participation in the liturgy of the Mass. The classes will also start on October 4 at 6:30 at the Catholic rectory and will run every Tuesday for the months of October and November. It may be offered a second time after Christmas. For further information please contact Father Slawek at 867-667-2437, Caroline Knickle at 867-334-6851, or email [email protected] PD Days A reminder that there is Professional Development for all Yukon schools on September 28th and 29th, therefore there will be no school for students. September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There is no school on that day either. Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal St. Francis Update
Friday September 16th, 2022 Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families, On Wednesday, September 21st, our whole school population will be participating in a school-led Terry Fox Run. This annual event will be held during period 5, occurring in the period before lunch. The event will being with an all school assembly and then students will walk/run a route in the Riverdale neighborhood surrounding the school. The Terry Fox Run is a long-standing school event that helps students reflect on Cancer research, helping students reflect on the virtue of charity by commemorating Terry Fox’s activism and message of hope. We ask that parents/guardians please ensure your child returned their consent form to their period 5 teacher, so that they can participate in this fun and active event. We have attached a consent form for parents/guardians that they can also print, sign and send to [email protected]. Important Bell Schedule Change information: The government of Canada announced that Monday September 19th will be a National Day of mourning as one-time holiday for territorial public services sectors and it was announced a few days ago that schools would be closed on Monday. As per instruction from the Yukon Department of Education, in order to recover instructional minutes created by the September 19th day of mourning, we have adjusted our bell schedule by 2 minutes. The only changes on the bell schedule are as follows: Lunch will be from 12: 12-1:01 and school will end at 3:14 (change from 3:13). The change will not impede our school transportation schedule in any way. We will provide an updated bell schedule for Saint Francis of Assisi students during the week of September 20th. Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. We hope you have a restful weekend. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal St. Francis Update
Week of September 6th to September 9th Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families, Rise to blessing. Rise to gratitude. Rise to potential. Rise to goodness. Rise to generosity. Rise to appreciation. Rise to hopefulness. Rise to new life. Rise like Jesus did, for God has blessed you with a day too beautiful to miss. Amen. Our first couple of weeks back at school with all our learners went quite smoothly. Students are now settling in to their routines, and the school has an atmosphere of positive energy and excitement for learning. It has been wonderful to re-connect with our returning students and to welcome many new students to our school. Parking A reminder to parents and students regarding parking, morning drop offs and afternoon pickups. The drop off loop is on the north side of the building; the first turn off when travelling on Duke Rd from Lewes Blvd. We are asking everyone to use this location to ensure safety (the staff parking lot is not designed for drop offs). We would also like to remind students to park their cars in the student parking lot. Thank you all for your cooperation in this matter. Field Trips Teachers are planning many Off-site experiential activities for this semester. Please look out for any field trip forms that students may bring home, and promptly fill them in, sign them and return them to the school. Thank you. Outstanding School Materials There are many students who have not yet returned textbooks, library resources and English novels which were used last year. These items remain on a student’s record and may prevent them from having access to new resources. We ask for your help in having these items returned ASAP. GSA The Saint Francis Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club meets every Thursday at lunch in Mr. Willoughby’s classroom, Room 20. The GSA Club creates a safe space and fun activities for students of all genders. Everyone is welcome! Student Tutoring All St. Francis students can receive tutoring from other students for assistance in course work, assignments or organizational skills. The students requesting tutors are self-identified, or identified by their parents or teachers. To receive tutoring the student simply needs to fill in an application in the Skills Room (Room 3). Students in Grade 10, 11, or 12 can apply to be a tutor. Tutors can earn either service learning hours or an hourly wage. Peer tutors are paid on a graduated scale, which increases with grade level and number of hours tutored. Potential tutors need to come in person to the Skills room and fill in an application. Students will be matched one on one by the Learning Assistance Teachers. PD Days A reminder that there is Professional Development for all Yukon schools on September 28th and 29th, therefore there will be no school for students. September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There is no school on that day either. School Council School Council will be holding the first meeting of the school year on September 6th. The meeting will take place in the evening at 7:00 pm in the school Learning Commons. Terry Fox Run Permission forms are going home, please complete them and have your student return them to their period 5 teacher. X-Block Dates-Semester One Aug. 31st x-block = 3 Sept. 14th x-block = 7 Oct. 5th x-block = 2 Oct. 19th x-block = 5 Nov. 2nd x-block = 3 Nov. 16th x-block = 3 Nov. 30th x-block = 1 Dec. 14th x-block = 5 Volunteer Hours Students who are looking for volunteer hours or opportunities to earn some money through sporting events can contact Executive Director Kristen Johnston at YSAA. You may contact her through Teams, text 867-332-7081 or email [email protected]. Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice-Principal St. Francis Update
Week of August 29 to September 2 Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families, Dear God, We thank you that you are powerful and loving, that out of your glorious riches you strengthen us through your Spirit in our inner being. We ask you for the fresh filling of your Holy Spirit, we ask for your power and love to fill us. We thank you that as believers we know that Christ dwells richly within our hearts through faith. We pray that you would strengthen our roots and establish our lives firmly in your love. Help us to love, and to keep on loving. By the power of your Spirit. Even when it seems impossible. Even when it does not make sense. May our lives be filled with your goodness and power, today and every day, as we walk together in the light of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen It has been a very busy first week of school. On behalf of the Staff of St. Francis of Assisi we extend our warmest welcome to returning students, staff, and all those new to our school. We are committed to making the 2022-2023 school year one filled with rich opportunities for growth and learning in our faith-based community. Picture Day Thursday September 1st and Friday September 2nd Students will take their school photos based on their last names. On Thursday, students with the last names from A-M will be called down to the Learning Commons during the day. On Friday, Students with last names from Mac-Z will have their photos taken. The Star Flower photo envelopes with all of the package details will be given to students during their first block class today. Parking Thank you to parents and those students who drive for using the appropriate parking lot and drop-off loop during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Thank you all for your cooperation in this matter. Lunch Hour We would like to remind students to be respectful of community members and property when out during the lunch hour. We have had complaints regarding students loitering on the porch steps of neighbouring apartment buildings, leaving a mess and not being kind. We would ask parents to remind their students about appropriate behavior, and thank you in advance; we will also remind students of our expectations this week. In addition, there are lawn chairs for students to use outside while we have enjoyable weather. Schedule Changes The last day for schedule changes will be Wednesday August 31st. X-Block Dates Aug 31st - x-block = 3 Sept 14th - x-block = 7 Oct 5th - x-block = 2 Oct 19th - x-block = 5 Nov 2nd - x-block = 3 Nov 16th - x-block = 3 Nov 30th - x-block = 1 Dec 14th - x-block = 5 PD Days There will be days of professional development in late September for all Teachers and EAs, which means no school for students on September 28th and September 29th. There is also no school on September 30th for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Vaping There are serious consequences for vaping at St. Francis Vapes are not permitted on school property.
Attendance Procedures Attendance in classes is the biggest contributor to student success and we take attendance tracking seriously. It is the responsibility of all Parent/Guardians to inform the office of all excused absences from school. The office will call home for unexcused students missing first block. Automated phone calls are generated to call home for any unexcused absences after the school day has finished. Please inform the office of any absences by calling 667-5901 and speaking with any office staff, if you call after school hours you can leave a voicemail. Or, if it is more convenient, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. Service Learning Hours As members of a Christian community, we are called to work together to build a world of Peace, Justice, and Compassion. To accomplish this, we must reach beyond ourselves. The religious education program at St. Francis includes a service-learning component. Students are required to complete a number of volunteer/service hours as well as a small reflection assignment in order to receive their religions credits. These hours need to be completed outside of class time and during the current school year of each grade. Extra hours over and above what is required will not count toward future years. Students must not receive compensation in any form for their rime and effort. These hours are to be voluntary. School staff will remind and encourage students to seek contacts and opportunities for service, but ultimately it is the responsibility of each student to find a way to meaningfully reach out to their community.
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team, Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal |
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