Thursday, December 11th

DAY 2

MORNING PRAYER

If we are not careful, we can miss Jesus. We get busy and distracted. We forget that our great God comes to us in small ways. It can be easy to focus on big and flashy things, especially as we prepare for the great feast of Christmas. While we prepare our hearts for Christmas during this Advent season, let us remember to focus on Jesus, the heart of Christmas.

God of Love,

I turn to you in my great weakness and ask for Your help.

Let me feel the joy growing in my heart as I anticipate Christmas.

I hear the message of the prophets of old

and know that the Messiah will bring new life and new ways of living.

Help me to see You as the heart of Christmas. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen

SCHOOL SUPERVISION

Main Entrance - Mr. Watt

North Entrance - Mrs. Abbs

South Entrance - Mr. Milburn

CAFETERIA

Thursday - Beef Sub OR Hot Dog on a Bun $4.50

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ART CLUB CANCELLED

Art Club is cancelled for today, but will resume next Thursday.

EDSBY MESSAGE: December Overdue/Lost

In a few days, all Grade 9 – Grade 12 students with Overdue/Lost library books, textbooks, novel sets and calculators will be receiving an Edsby message titled “December Overdue/Lost”. It will have a screen capture of their library account listing these items. All Grade 10, 11 and 12 students with Overdue/Lost textbooks, novel sets and calculators will have these items added to their SchoolCash account. These items can be paid online (SchoolCash access on the division website at www.pacsd.ca) or in the main office. 

SK WINTER GAMES: Weightlifting Info Session

Representatives from the Saskatchewan Winter Games Weightlifting division will be hosting a short presentation on Tuesday, December 16th in the weight room at 3:30 pm. Information will pertain to recruiting male and female weightlifters for the Saskatchewan Winter Games (February 18-21, 2026) in Meadow Lake. Students must be born between 2008-2016 to compete. Students who are interested in attending the presentation and learning more about this opportunity (no experience required) are to complete the following form: SK Winter Games Weightlifting Presentation  Dec 16 – Fill out form

SLC CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WEEK

Monday, December 15^th

Hat Day

Tuesday, December 16^th

Sweater Day

Wednesday, December 17^th

Red & Green Day

Games at Lunch

Thursday, December 18^th

  Twin Day

Friday, December 19^th

Pajama Day

Sr. BOYS BASKETBALL: Annual Food Bank Game

The Sr. Boys basketball team will face off against hometown rivals, the Carlton Crusaders, on Wednesday, December 17^th at 7:30 pm in the École St. Mary High School main gym. Admission is a non-perishable food item with all donations going directly to the Prince Albert Food Bank. This is a big game for our team, and always highly anticipated. It is also an opportunity to make a small difference in our community. 

ST MARY COFFEE HOUSE
Coffee House is a space for students to share and perform their music, writing, and other artistic talents in a comfortable atmosphere – all while enjoying coffee, tea and snacks. Have something you’d like to perform? Come share! This will be the first St. Mary Coffee House in over a decade. Whether you’re performing, supporting friends, or just enjoying the arts – come hang out! The first St. Mary Coffee House is Thursday, January 7th at 7:30 p.m. on the Lecture Theatre stage. Contact Mr. Holash if you have any questions. Since there are limited performance spots available, please use the following to participate: Click this Forms link to reserve a spot – first-come, first-served.

SCHULICH LEADER SCHOLARSHIPS

Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest and most prestigious undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarships in Canada. This scholarship was established to encourage the best and brightest students to be the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators. There are 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000 each and 50 science, technology or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each. Schulich Leader Scholarships are open to all Canadian high schools with graduating students planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in an eligible STEM program at one of our 20 partner universities. It is important to note that students who are planning for a career as a medical practitioner or researcher (doctor, dentist, nurse, psychologist, pharmacist, optometrist, etc.) are NOT eligible to apply. École St. Mary High School can only nominate ONE candidate and nomination is competitive. If you are interested in being considered for nomination, please email a list of school/community involvement, leadership activities, and a statement about financial need to Mrs. Rapin (meta.rapin@pacsd.ca) in Student Services by Wednesday, January 7, 2026, before 9:00 am to be considered for nomination. To find out more about the Schulich Leader Scholarship visit http://www.schulichleaders.com or info@uja.schulichleader.com .

PA PUBLIC LIBRARY: December Newsletter

Check out the December Newsletter here has information about numerous events such as the titles/times of FREE movies in the auditorium:

2026 WINTER GAMES: Team Lakeland Badminton Tryouts

The 2026 Winter Games will take place in the City of Meadow Lake from Sunday, February 15^th – Saturday, February 21^st. Badminton will be played from Wednesday, February 18^th – Saturday, February 21^st. Eligible players are those born 2008 or later. Players who are interested in participating must attend the tryouts at St. Francis School on Tuesday, December 9 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 and Sunday, December 14^th (if needed) from 8:30 am - 11:00 am. The cost is $35 for SBA members and $50 for all other participants. (All people in the PA Badminton Club are SBA members.) The top 5 boys and top 5 girls will be on the team. To register for the tryouts, or for additional information, please contact: Coach: Tony de Padua at adepadua@sasktel.net (Manager: Diana Schutte)

U of S: Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships

Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships are USask’s highest valued, renewable entrance scholarships and are awarded based on academics, leadership and contributions to school and community life. Five of these awards, known as the Circle of Honour Awards, are designated for Indigenous students. To be considered, students must complete an application for admission by Monday, December 1, 2025 and must fill out and submit the online application for Best and Brightest Scholarships by the deadline of Monday, December 15, 2025 in PAWS. For additional information, please see Mrs. Rapin or go https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php

PA PUBLIC LIBRARY JOB OPPORTUNITY

A part-time Page position in Circulation Services at the Prince Albert Public Library is available for a high school student. The Page position involves shelving and organizing books, as well as other library materials. Interested applicants must submit an application (resume and cover letter) by email to jobs@princealbertlibrary.ca or bring a hard copy to the library addressed to Meghan O’Leary, Deputy Director. Additional information about PT Page position/requirements, as well as a job application is available at http://pa.pursueonline.com/index.php/community/

U of R: CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded annually to 14 undergraduate students who meet a variety of criteria, including a minimum admission average of 95%. This scholarship is being offered to students directly from high school, or high school graduates who have not completed any post-secondary course (other than those completed while the student was still in high school, such as the High School Accelerated Program). One award is reserved for Indigenous applicants and one award is reserved for out-of-province applicants. The recipients will receive $10,000 a year over four years, plus on-campus housing for the first year. The value of each scholarship is just over $46,000.  An application is required and includes a written statement, resume, reference letter, and referee. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025. Additional information is available at https://www.uregina.ca/cost-aid/funding/undergraduate-scholarships/entrance-awards/chancellors-scholarship.html

MODEL UN ASSEMBLY: December Session

In preparation for the Model UN Assembly in the spring, there will be a a mini Model UN Assembly on Tuesday, December 16^th from 3:45 pm to 6:30 pm in the Lecture Theatre. Staff and students who want to watch must contact Mr. Joncas, as there are limited spots. St. Mary students will compete alongside students from Carlton and Shellbrook WP Sandin.

NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST: Gr 10-12 French

If you are a student in grades 10, 11, or 12 (Secondaire IV, Secondaire V, or Cégep in Quebec), you could win one of 100 scholarships to continue your studies completely or partially in French after high school! In total, $388,000 will be distributed between two categories: French as a first language and French as a second language. Enter the National Essay Contest for a chance to win a scholarship between $1,000 and $28,000 to study at one of our 15 partnering post-secondary institutions all over the country. It's your chance to invest in your future, en français! “What is more important: Doing, Listening or Talking?” In this 750-word essay, in French, we’re asking you to reflect on what the theme means to you. The deadline to submit the essay is Friday, December 19th. Additional information about the contest is available here.

IDW 2026 CLASSROOM ART CONTEST: K-12

This year’s IDW Classroom Art Contest challenges classrooms to get creative and inspire others through art. Add your voice - and your classmates’ voices - to the global movement toward building a better, more inclusive world. All entries must be submitted by Friday, January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (CST) Additional information, including contest rules and guidelines, is available here.

DRIVER EDUCATION 2025 - 2026

Students who are interested in the 2025 - 2026 driver education program are to register online through Microsoft Forms: Driver Education Registration 2025 - 2026 (This link is also posted in Edsby.) 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 two top options to best accommodate each student. 

The start dates for session are as follows:

Session 2: Oct. 7 - Oct. 28 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 3: Oct. 20 - Dec. 2 (12:15 pm - 1:10 pm) 

Session 4: Nov. 12 - Dec. 3 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 5: Jan. 5 - Jan. 23 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 6: Feb. 2 - Feb. 27 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 7: Mar. 3 - Apr. 22 (12:15 pm - 1:10 pm) 

Session 8: Mar. 9 - Mar. 30 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 9: Apr. 13 - May 1 (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) 

Session 10: May 4 - May 26 (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
• a pencil/pen and notebook
• your MYSGI account number. (needed on the first day of class)
• Students must go to SGI to get their MySGI customer number.

SMHS RESOURCES EDSBY GROUP: Students/Parents/Staff

All staff, students and parents are encouraged to select and SIGN UP for the SMHS Resources Edsby Group. It contains information pertaining to the Ecole St Mary High School website (morning prayer, daily announcements, cafeteria menu etc.), the Learning Resource Centre website (Book Promotions, Library Search, Ministry databases etc.) and SMHS Career Planning website (Blog entries for scholarships/events, high school graduation credits, post-secondary requirements etc.)

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

ART CLUB 

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

GAMES CLUB 

Games Club is every Tuesday and Thursday in the Lecture Theatre at lunch. Drop in and play some board games or test your skills on the Switch. 

YEARBOOK CLUB 

Help capture school memories! A camera is supplied! No experience is needed! Students who are interested should contact Mrs. Janay Cantin.

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. 

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

HOLIDAY MASS

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Wednesday December 4, 7:00 PM Penitential Celebration
Wednesday December 24, Christmas Eve 

4:00 PM English
6:30 PM English 

8:30 PM French - Bishop Stephen Hero
12:00 Midnight - English- Bishop Stephen Hero
Thursday December 25, 11:00 AM Christmas Day
Sunday December 28, 11:00 AM - Bishop Stephen Hero 

*only one mass* Closing of Jubilee Year
Thursday January 1, New Year’s Day
9:30 AM French 

11:00 AM English - Bishop Stephen Hero

St. Michael

Thursday December 4, 7:00 PM Penitential Celebration
Wednesday December 24, 7:00 PM Christmas Eve
Thursday December 25, 9:30 AM Christmas Day 

Sunday December 28, 9:30 AM Feast of the Holy Family
Thursday January 1, 9:30 AM New Year’s Day

St. Mark 

Thursday December 11, 7:00 PM Reconciliation 

Wednesday December 24, 8:00 PM Christmas Eve
Thursday December 25, 11:00 AM Christmas Day
Thursday January 1, 11:00 AM New Year’s Day

St. Joseph

Tuesday December 2, 7:00 PM Penitential Celebration
Wednesday December 24, Christmas Eve 5:00 PM
Children's Pageant 7:30 PM 

Youth Pageant 10:00 PM
Thursday December 25, 10:00 AM Christmas Day
Wednesday December 31, 7:30 PM New Year’s Eve
Thursday January 1, 10:00 AM New Year’s Day

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/ 

PA PUBLIC LIBRARY: Transparent Language Online

With over 100 languages to choose from (aboriginal languages, ESL programs, American Sign Language etc.) Transparent Language Online is a simple and effective way to learn a new language from the comfort of your own home. Available for desktop or mobile. (A Public Library card is required.) Please see the Information Desk at the public library for a handout on how to download the Transparent Language Online mobile app for Android or iOS.

PA PUBLIC LIBRARY: Fiero Code

Fiero Code is a web-based computer-programming education resource for kids (ages 8+), teens, and adults. Learn how to code using Code Blocks, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and much more. This educational resource will teach users how to create video games, apps, websites, animations, programs, etc. Fiero Code provides courses, tutorial videos, contest events, and more. From beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone with Fiero Code! (A Public Library Card is required.)

CAFETERIA

Monday - Hamburger & Fries $4.50 

Tuesday - Orange Chicken & Rice $4.50 

Wednesday - Macaroni & Cheese with Ham $4.50 

Thursday - Beef Sub OR Hot Dog on a Bun $4.50

Friday - Loaded Tater Tots $4.50