October 2026

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. It is a chance to highlight the different ways people communicate and how we can all work together to create a communication-accessible community. Many people associate AAC with speech tablets, like an iPad, but it also includes sign language, choice cards, symbol boards, or speech tablets.

Click here to read more!

Information about pick up and drop off times are noted below:

*Reminder, there are no classes on Thursdays.

Morning Program Times: 8:17-11:30am

• For morning drop off, the gate will be closed at 8:30am. If you arrive after that time with your child, please proceed to the front of the school and ring the doorbell. The office will adjust attendance and will bring your child to their classroom.

• For morning pick up, the gate will be opened at 11:25am. Parents/Guardians can enter the school yard at that time.

• If you arrive after 11:35 am, your child will be taken to the office, and you will need to proceed to the front of the school and ring the doorbell. We will open the door, and you will pick your child up from the office.

Afternoon Program Times: 12:10-3:23pm

• For afternoon drop off, the gate will be closed at 12:20pm. If you arrive after that time with your child, please proceed to the front of the school and ring the doorbell. The office will adjust attendance and will bring your child to their classroom.

• For afternoon pick up, the gate will be opened at 3:18pm. Parents/Guardians can enter the school yard at that time.

• If you arrive after 3:30pm, your child will be taken to the office, and you will need to proceed to the front of the school and ring the doorbell. We will open the door, and you will pick your child up from the office.

St. Monica Social Justice Project - Snack Drive

We’re collecting snack donations to support 100 Voices children within the Division, and we’d love your help! Please consider donating snack pack-sized items such as crackers (Goldfish, Ritz, etc.), granola bars, fruit bars, healthy bars, apple sauce or fruit sauce, fruit cups, and or fruit snacks. All donations are due by October 30. Thank you for helping us spread kindness and nourishment across our community!

The children loved participating in our Orange Shirt day by colouring their shirts with orange dye. They were mesmerized by how their shirts transformed. They then worked hard at using clothespins to hang their shirts to dry on the fence. Each class also listened to the story "With Our Orange Hearts" by Phyllis Webstad.

From October 17-23, we celebrate the gift of Catholic Education and the community it creates. Catholic Education Week is a time to root ourselves in Christ and to honour the sacred partnership that helps form the minds and hearts of our children.

This year’s theme, The Power of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that God's presence is at work in our Catholic schools, guiding and strengthening us as we help our students grow in faith and discover their God-given talents.

Catholic Education Sunday on October 18

As a reminder, we hope you will join us for Catholic Education Sunday Mass on Sunday, October 18, at St. Thomas More. This special day brings together home, school, and parish, reminding us that we share in the sacred responsibility of nurturing our children in mind, body, and spirit.

Wear Blue on Thursday, October 22

You are also encouraged to wear blue on Thursday, October 22 (even though children at St. Monica do not attend on Thursdays) to celebrate Catholic education. Blue is a powerful symbol of constancy, fidelity, genuineness, and aspiration. It also holds a special connection to the Blessed Virgin Mary, making it a fitting choice during October, the month of the rosary.

Thank you for your support of Catholic education and choosing Edmonton Catholic Schools. We are honoured that you have entrusted us with providing a Catholic education for your family.

A rosary is being sent home for each family to provide an opportunity to connect with one another and pray together.

October

12- Thanksgiving - No School

13- Picture Day

16-Fire Drill Practice for AM Classes and PM Classes

17-23 Catholic Education Week

18-Catholic Education Sunday

19-Alberta Referendum - No School

30-Halloween Activities today (Classroom teachers will email each class with information)

31-Halloween

November 2- Picture Retakes