Wednesday, February 5th

DAY 1

MORNING PRAYER

Today we hear a very simple piece of advice from Pope Francis. Christians, says the Pope, should show great joy. Pope Francis tells us that the Christian sings with joy, walks with joy, and shows their joy to the world. This joy, the holy Father reminds us, should remind us to always show love to our neighbour. 

Loving God,

We are reminded that because of your love for us,

We should show the world we have great joy. 

Help us to be happy, as we live our lives and interact with our neighbours. 

Through Christ our Lord, 

Amen

SCHOOL SUPERVISION

Main Entrance - Mrs. Barrett

North Entrance - Mrs. Ruszkowski

South Entrance - Mr. Langlois

CAFETERIA

Wednesday - TJ's Pizza $3.50

ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SESSION FOR NEWCOMERS

Do you consider yourself a newcomer to Canada that is between the ages of 10-25? If so, join the Students Commission of Canada for a one-hour session on Thursday, February 13th at 12:30 pm in room 128 to give feedback about online support and services. Participants will be asked questions about online support and services and will answer online with Mentimeter. For sharing their insight and time, participants will be issued a $40 gift card (*Guusto cards require an email address to claim).

Alternatively, there will be online Zoom sessions offered for Prince Albert newcomers ages 10-25 on Wednesday, February 19^th, at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. * Honoraria is limited to one per person. These focus groups are meant to ensure Kids Help Phone is truly a responsive, aware and accessible tool assisting young people and their needs as newcomers to Canada.

CRUSH POP SALES

Crush pop will be for sale on Wednesday, February 5th and Thursday, February 6th at lunch in the Commons for just $2 per can!! Choose from Orange (friendship), Cream Soda (Secret Admirer), or Grape (Crushin’ on Someone Special). All Crush pops will be delivered on Thursday, February 13^th. Don’t miss the chance to make someone’s day!!

SEMESTER 2 PHOTOS

Semester 2 photos will be Tuesday, February 11^th for all students who are new to École St. Mary, as well as students who have yet to have their photo taken. Students will receive a set of proofs and an ID card. All students are required to have their photo taken for the yearbook and to assist staff with identification on Edsby. Grade 9's will be called down by classroom and Grade 10 – Grade 12 will be called by last name. Students who have a spare can have their photo taken at any time.  Photos will take place in the Conference Room beside Mr. Bourdon's office.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER CLINIC

There will be a Social Insurance Number clinic on Friday, February 14th over the lunch hour (12:15 pm - 1:15 pm) in Room 131. A representative from Service Canada will assist students with the application process for a Social Insurance Number. Please review the information in the Edsby message to be aware of the documents that are required for the clinic. 

SPIRIT WEEK: February💘
Monday, February 10^th: Jersey Day
Wear your favorite jersey. ⚽🏀⚾
Tuesday, February 11^th: Caps for Callum
Fundraiser for Mr. Olver  (Pay $2 at main office to receive a stamp.) 🧢
Wednesday, February 12^th: Traffic Light Day
Wear green if you are looking for love, yellow if it's complicated, red if you are in a relationship.
Thursday, February 13^th: Crush Deliveries/ Flannel Day
Wear your favorite flannel clothes.
Friday, February 14^th: Red & Pink Day
Wear red and/or pink. ❤️💗

SEMESTER 1 CONSTRUCTION 10/20 STUDENTS
Students who were enrolled in a Construction 10 or Construction 20 class in Semester 1 must go to the shop to collect their projects by Wednesday, February 5th at 3:30 pm. All projects that are not picked up by this time will be auctioned off.

CBC’s THE FIRST PAGE: Student Writing Contest

The contest involves writing the first page (300 - 400 words) of a novel set 150 years in the future, with the protagonist facing an issue that's topical today and setting the scene for how it plays out in a century and a half. This contest has two categories: Grades 7 to 9 and Grades 10 to 12. Each winner will receive a one-year subscription to OwlCrate (delivery of a monthly box with a book and book-related goodies) and the school will receive 50 free books. All shortlisted entries will be published on CBCBooks.ca. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For more information, go to https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-first-page-student-writing-challenge-is-open-for-submissions-1.4269274. To read the 2024 winners’ stories, go to https://www.cbc.ca/books/anya-thadani-hayley-peters-win-the-first-page-student-writing-challenge-1.7231494

ABORIGINAL STORYTELLING MONTH

For Indigenous people, storytelling is both a gift, and a very old custom, used to teach, entertain, and remember. In December 2022, the provincial government declared that February would be the official month of Indigenous storytelling. “Culturally, when the snow has hit the ground, it has been a very old custom to gather together and share stories to learn culture and language and teachings”. 

To honour this tradition, 

1) the original and translated Cree legend, “Chahkabesh and the Giant Woman” is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/14x2.pdf.

2) the original and translated Cree legend, "Chahkabesh Snares the Sun" is available at https://pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/15x2.pdf 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and remember all the ways that Black Canadians have contributed to Canada's history and culture.

Lincoln Alexander was the first Black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, elected in 1968. He later became Canada's first Black federal Cabinet Minister and served as the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991.

PROSPERITY CREDIT UNION: ASP!RE SCHOLARSHIP

The ASP!RE Scholarship is a unique program designed to help students fund their education while gaining valuable experience in the financial services industry. If accepted, students will receive:

·        An annual cash contribution towards tuition

·        Guaranteed summer employment while in school

·        A secured position with our credit union upon graduation

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 28th. For more details and application information, visit: https://bit.ly/aspire-prosperity

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSE

The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association is offering classroom safety training on Sunday, February 9^th from 9 am – 4 pm. The cost is $50 per student (ages 12+). To register, and for additional information, go to https://sasksnow.com/ or contact Codee Kohli at 306-729-3509.

ÉCOLE SMHS MODEL UNITED NATIONS: Winter/Spring Session

All members are to attend an informational meeting on Monday, February 10^th at 12:30 pm in Rm 238. New members are also welcome to join and no experience is needed! Students who have questions about Model UN, or are interested but cannot attend the meeting, are invited to contact Mr. Joncas, Ms. S.L. Gareau, Mrs. Morhart, or Mr. Welter via Edsby.

SR. BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The Sr Boys Basketball team will be hosting a tournament on Thursday, February 6th,  Friday, February 7th and Saturday, February 8th. Come out and support our teams!

U of R: Half-Price Application Week (February 3^rd – 9^th)

From Monday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 9th, the application fee for the University of Regina is reduced from $100 to just $50. Use the coupon code HALFPRICE when submitting the application. To apply online go to https://www.uregina.ca/admissions/apply.html

U of R: Admission on the Spot

Students who plan to apply to the U of R are invited to attend these events in Saskatoon/Regina. Students will need a copy of their unofficial transcript and to pay the admissions fee during the session. Contact Mrs. Rapin in Student Services if you have any questions or need a copy of your unofficial transcript.  

Prince Albert Admission on the Spot

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

4:30 - 7:30 PM

Carlton Comprehensive High School 

La Ronge Admission on the Spot

Thursday, February 6, 2025

4:30 - 7:30 PM

Northlands College, Rock Campus

Regina Admission on the Spot

Thursday, February 13, 2025

4:30 - 7:30 PM

Luther College, Main U of R Campus

2025 GRAD STORE

2025 École St. Mary Grad apparel is now available to order! All orders must be placed online. (No orders are accepted at the store.) All items will be delivered to the school for pick up, usually 3-4 weeks after the order deadline. (Baseball jersey orders may take longer to arrive.) The deadline to order is Monday, February 10th. The store will reopen at the beginning of April. Please see the Edsby message/link to place an order.

2025 AMAZON CANADA: Youth Short Story

The Youth Short Story Category invites authors between the ages of thirteen and seventeen to submit a short story under 3,000 words. The winner in this category will receive $5,000 and the five finalists will each receive $500. Submissions for the Youth Short Story Category must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, February 9, 2025. For more information, go to https://thewalrus.ca/afna/

AFFINITY CREDIT UNION: 

ELWOOD HARVEY CO-OPERATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD 

Grade 11 students who are a member of Affinity Credit Union or have a parent or guardian who is a member are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Each student receives a $2500 award upon completion of the leadership program. Twenty students are accepted into the program. This award is offered by our District Councils, who have been elected to represent their communities within the Credit Union. The program gives recipients the opportunity to participate in their local District Council meetings and a variety of other events during their grade 12 year! The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 9, 2025. For additional information, as well as an application form, please go to www.affinitycu.ca  

Opening Doors to Tomorrow: Career & Job Fair Bursary

The Opening Door to Tomorrow Career and Job Fair Bursary is open to students (Saskatchewan Rivers, Prince Albert Catholic, Saskatchewan Polytech) and employees (Saskatchewan Health Authority, Prince Albert Community Futures, City of Prince Albert). Applicants must be accepted to attend a post-secondary education institution, including apprenticeship. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 15th. For additional information, and to download an application form, please go to https://od2tcareer-jobfair.ca/bursary-info

SASKPOLYTECH: Indigenous Applicants Funding
SaskPolytech Indigenous applicants have the opportunity to participate in three funding initiatives:

1)    Apply to any program for FREE until Friday, March 7^th, 2025.

2)    Eight entrance awards are available to Indigenous students enrolled full-time in the Mining Engineering Technology program (Information session Wednesday, January 29^th, 2025 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Saskatoon main campus.)

3)    Up to $1,000 in bursaries for Indigenous students enrolled in the Business diploma program. Those continuing into the financial services or insurance specialties in year 2 will receive an additional $500.

For additional information, go to https://saskpolytech.ca/student-services/support/indigenous/indigenous-applicants-resources.aspx?utm_source=short_url

JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD: $3,000

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award has honoured the youth of Saskatchewan for over 40 years. The program is sponsored by The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association, in partnership with SaskPower, and the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. These prestigious awards are given to students who:

• have a positive lifestyle,
• are dedicated to community and school,
• have a strong sense of caring and responsibility,
• have the ability to overcome life’s challenges,
• inspire others, and
• are between ages 8 to 18.

Four award recipients are chosen each year and receive a $3,000 bursary, provided by SaskPower, to be used for post-secondary education. For more information, please go to https://swna.com/junior-citizen-of-the-year/ The deadline for nominations is March 31st, 2025.

WOMEN IN TRADES WORKSHOPS
The Women in Trades Workshops at SaskpolyTech in Prince Albert are a hands-on, one-weekend career exploration opportunity for women ages 15+ offering an introduction to a variety of basic skills. The cost for each weekend is $150.00.
The Carpentry/Electrical Workshop is on March 29- 30, 2025.
The Industrial Mechanics/Welding Workshop is on April 12-13, 2025.
For more information, and to register, go to:
https://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/resources/women-in-trades-and-technology/programs-events.aspx

MYBLUEPRINT SCOTIA BANK SCHOLARSHIP ($3750)

The Scotiabank scholarships for students age 16 – age 18 focus on four themes (Diversity, Financial Wellness, Women Future Leaders, STEM) and four regions of Canada. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM ET. Upon successful completion and submission of the scholarship application, the eligible entrant will receive one (1) entry into the Contest. Only one Scholarship prize will be awarded per eligible entrant. (If an entrant submits more than one Entry, they will be disqualified.) For additional information, please go to: https://education.myblueprint.ca/scotia/#:~:text=myBlueprint%20%2B%20Scotiabank&text=Scotiabank's%20%2460%2C000%20investment%20is%20divided,11%3A59%3A59%20PM%20ET

U of S: Bookings for Q&A Chat

Students have the opportunity to book 20-minute appointments with a USask representative regarding questions about becoming a USask student: admission requirements, scholarships, housing etc. Appointments are available every Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and/or every Friday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm by booking an appointment here.

U of R: Entrance Awards

Students attending the U of R in the fall who login to SAMS can begin an application for  the Entrance Award competition.  The deadline to apply is Saturday, March 15, 2025. The following workshops are available to assist with the application process: 

Zoom (Virtual)

February 3, 2025 (4:00 - 6:00 pm) - Register

February 19, 2025 (4:00 - 6:00 pm) - Register

In-person - LY 107.32 (U of R: Archer Library)

February 11, 2025 (4:00 - 6:00 pm) - Register

March 6, 2025 (4:00 - 6:00 pm) - Register

GRADE 12: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Scholarship

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Scholarship ($1000) is awarded to a Grade 12 students who will be attending a post-secondary institution in the fall. Four student qualities will be considered: school and/or community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, financial support needed and academic performance. École St. Mary High School can nominate one candidate. Please provide a list of school/community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, and a statement about financial need to Mrs. Rapin in Student Services by Monday, March 3, 2025 to be considered for nomination. For additional information, please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships-and-bursaries/scholarships-and-bursaries-for-post-secondary-education/queens-diamond-jubilee-scholarship

GRADE 11: Prince of Wales & Duchess of Cornwall Scholarship

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Scholarship ($500) is awarded to a Grade 11 student to assist in finishing their Grade 12 school year. Four student qualities will be considered: school and/or community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, financial support needed and academic performance. École St. Mary High School can nominate one candidate and nomination is competitive. Please provide a list of school/community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, and a statement about financial need to Mrs. Rapin in Student Services by Monday, March 3, 2025 to be considered for nomination. For additional information, please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships-and-bursaries/scholarships-and-bursaries-for-high-school-education/prince-of-wales-and-duchess-of-cornwall-scholarship

AFFINITY CREDIT UNION: Build a Better World Scholarship  

Grade 12 students who are a member of Affinity Credit Union or have a parent or guardian who is a member are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must be enrolling for post-secondary education. This year, 30 scholarships of $1000 will be awarded. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 30, 2025. For additional information, as well as an application form, please go to www.affinitycu.ca

2025 FRANCOPHONE GAMES: July 15th - 25th, 2025
All French-speaking high school students in grades 9 – 12 are invited to compete this summer in Laval, Quebec. The Francophone Games are one of the biggest events and gatherings for French-speaking youth in Canada with over 1200 participants based on 3 profiles and 14 disciplines: Art (Music, Improvisation, Culinary Arts, Theatre), Leadership (Debate, Survival, Social Justice , Medias) and Sport (Track and Field, Badminton, Basketball, Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Beach Volleyball) Team Sask has 100 participants and 20 coaches. The registration fee of $750 includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, all meals, team swag and more! For more information visit equipesask.ca or view the Edsby message and attached information package.

U of S: Early Admission & Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship

Attention grade 12 students! Applications are now open for admissions to the University of Saskatchewan. Apply early to take advantage of benefits like early admission and access to scholarships. Some scholarship applications are due before the application deadline. To find information about how to apply, programs and deadlines, scholarship applications, and how to submit your documents, please go to https://admissions.usask.ca/requirements/apply.php#1FindaprogramIf you have any questions, or want assistance, please see Mrs. Rapin in Student Services (office 116).

Students will automatically be considered for a Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship when they apply for admission. These scholarships recognize academic achievements and are awarded based on the admission average.

U of S: Competitive Entrance Awards

Competitive Entrance Awards include numerous scholarships and bursaries that can be accessed by many students with diverse experiences. Students can be considered based on academic achievement, financial need and/or contributions to school and community life. Some awards recognize backgrounds, acknowledge contributions to certain clubs or reward achievement in music and athletics. All entering students are encouraged to apply. To be considered, students must complete an application for admission by February 15, 2025 and fill out and submit the online application for Competitive Entrance Awards by March 1, 2025 in PAWS. For additional information, please see Mrs. Rapin or go to https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php#top

U of R: Automatic Entrance Awards

Students are guaranteed an automatic entrance award based on their academic standing. Students must be entering directly from high school to an undergraduate degree program.

To be considered, students must complete an application for admission by March 15, 2025 (August 15th for the Faculty of Business). For more information, see Mrs. Rapin or go to https://www.uregina.ca/cost-aid/funding/undergraduate-scholarships/entrance-awards/index.html

INDIGENOUS ART CLUB

Students will begin to enhance their skills by working primarily with beads. Artisan trainees will start learning to bead using the 2-needle applique method during the following meeting times: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am - 8:45 am and lunch hour, as well as Wednesday: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm, unless otherwise posted for special event teachings. All participants will be asked to log their hours. The expected time that a project may require ranges from 4 to 30 hours or more. Sessions will enhance students’ skill levels, enabling them to confidently participate at regional, provincial and national levels of Skills Canada competitions. Students will be able to compete at the school level, city and provincial levels this year based on performance and dedication to the skill required. See Mrs. Longjohn-Constant in room B26 for more details. 

JAZZ BAND

Jazz band rehearsals are Wednesday from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm and Friday from 12:30 pm - 1:10 pm. All rehearsals are in the music room.

STEM CLUB

Are you interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math? If so, join the STEM Club. To join, scan the QR code below and complete the registration form. If you have any question, contact Mr. Gotidoc in Rm 140.

ART CLUB

Art Club is every Thursday from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm in the Art Room. Drop-ins are always welcome! 

HOMEWORK CLUB
Need a quiet spot to focus on your homework, study for an exam, or simply to enjoy your lunch in peace? Then come join us in Room B20 (Mr. Kirilenko)! Homework Club runs Monday to Friday from 12:14 pm to 1:14pm. All students are welcome to attend!

FREE FEMININE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

École St Mary High School has received free feminine menstrual products to support our students. Students can go to the main office for their free products (box of tampons and a box of pads). Menstrual Equity in Saskatchewan Schools is a three-year initiative. 

EDSBY SUPPORT

Information and instructional videos are available at https://pacsd.ca/our-students/edsby-for-students/

FREE MICROSOFT 365 FOR STUDENTS

Students enrolled in the Prince Albert Catholic School Division have the opportunity to install Microsoft Office 365 on their desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Instructions and additional information is available at http://pa.pursueonline.com/index.php/community/

COMMUNITY

PRINCE ALBERT PUBLIC LIBRARY (PAPL)
Find out about all the FREE print and digital access to novels, graphic novels, music, movies, comedy shows, crafts, book clubs and more that is available at the Prince Albert Public Library. For detailed information visit https://princealbertlibrary.ca/ 

SACRED HEART PARISH: Youth & Children’s Choir

This free opportunity is for children and youth age 6 – 18 who agree to participate in music ministry (one 11:am mass per month from Sept – June), practice twice a month (Sunday evenings 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm) and can read. The choir is directed by Kayleigh & Brock Skomorowski. For information, call or email Kayleigh (306-940-8894; kayleigh.skomorowski@gmail.com)

DRIVER EDUCATION 2024 - 2025

Students who are interested in the 2023 - 2024 driver education program are to register online through Microsoft Forms: Driver Education Registration 2024 - 2025. Mr. Bourdon will then place students into groups on Edsby. A reminder that spots fill up quickly, so it is important for students to select their three top options to best accommodate each student. 

The start dates for session are as follows:

Session 1: Sept. 9 - Sept. 27 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 2: Oct. 7 - Oct. 29 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 3: Oct. 21 - Dec. 5 (12:15 pm - 1:10 pm) 

Session 4: Nov. 13 - Dec. 2 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 5: Jan. 6 - Jan. 24 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 6: Feb. 3 - Feb. 28 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 7: Mar. 3 - Apr. 14 (12:15 pm - 1:10 pm) 

Session 8: Mar. 10 - Mar. 31 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 9: Apr. 1 - Apr. 29 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 10: May 1 - May 23 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 11: July 2 - July 10 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm) 

Please note the following:

·         Students must be 15 years old by the start of the session.

·         Sessions will be in the Room 246.

·         All sessions begin at 3:30 pm and end at 5:30 pm. (except for the summer/lunch sessions).

·         During your driver education class, you will need:

·         your birth certificate

·         your MYSGI account number. (needed on the first day of class)

·         Students must go to SGI to get their MySGI customer number.

·         a pencil/pen and notebook

CAFETERIA

Monday - TJ's Pizza $3.50

Tuesday - Sweet 'n' Sour Meatballs & Rice $4.50

Wednesday - TJ's Pizza $3.50

Thursday - Dry Ribs & Wedges $4.50

Friday - Crispy Chicken Burger & Fries $4.50