Growing Together @ STL
September 26th, 2025
Dear families,
September was a great month at St.Luks's, and we thank our students, our staff, and our families for helping make this a great place to live, learn and love the way Jesus taught us. We are always thankful for the return of our students in September. Unfortunately, as you know, based on the coming labour action, all school operations will be suspended beginning October 6th. For information and updates, please see the Q&A sent out by the division and linked on our divisional website
We are praying that we are all reunited soon. As a send off to our students, we shared The Invisible String story as a school and had a little dance party together. Please know that while we are apart, your children and the families and community of South Cooking Lake are in our hearts and on our minds. We pray that this is resolved quickly so we can be together again. Our "Invisible String" reaches out to each student and family.
Blessings to you all!
Kristie Phelan
Principal
If school has resumed:
October 9, 2025 - Picture Day!
October 10, 2025 - World Mental Health Day
October 13, 2025 - Thanksgiving! No school
October 19, 2025 - Catholic Education Sunday!
Today's Gospel Reflection Matthew 18:1‑5
In today’s Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Mt 18:1). In response, Jesus calls over a child, places the child among them, and says:
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”There is a profound reversal here: greatness in God’s Kingdom is not achieved by power, prestige, or status, but by humility, receptivity, and child‑like openness. Jesus invites us to turn (that is, repent, change direction) and embrace attitudes we often associate with children: dependence, trust, humility, wonder.
He also warns not to despise “little ones.” In the ancient world (and even today), children often had no social standing or voice. To receive a child in Jesus’ name is to welcome someone often overlooked or marginalized. In doing so, one welcomes Christ Himself. And Jesus adds that the angels of the little ones always behold the face of the Father in heaven — a reminder of God’s unceasing care and presence even for the smallest and weakest.
Putting this into the context of the memorial of the Guardian Angels (which is commemorated today), we are reminded that God gives us heavenly companions who guard and guide us, especially in our weakness. The angelic guardians are signs of God’s intimate care and the fact that each person matters deeply to Him.
This gospel perhaps is even more meaningful today as we think about the needs and voices of children in our schools. Let them be guided by the life of Jesus and loved the way Jesus loved them through this adversity.
Blessings,
Kristie Phelan
Principal
While We Are Apart....
While there will be no resources or assignements sent home by teachers for the duration of the strike, please know there are many ways to keep learning happening at home. Continue to encourage your child to read and ask them about their book, practice math facts or use a computer resource like Prodigy to practice math skills, keep a journal or write a daily prayer (daily writing is good practice), play outside and investigate the land we live on. There are also resources available through the Government websites to assist should you wish to peruse and utilize them.
Nourishing Commmunity with Food and Hope
We are excited to announce a wonderful community partership with the Stratchona Food Bank to support our Breakfast Program and supplemental lunch cart! We thank them for their volunteerism and their commitment to supporting our youth in food security and nutrition and welcome a new partnership in connecting families with much needed supports. If you or someon you know could benefit from a connection to the Strathcona Food Bank please call their main line at 780-449-6413 or email info@strathconafoodbank.ca.
STL School Council
FACEBOOK - Join Us!
If you haven't already, please join our School Council and Parent Association Facebook Page! We are excited to offer this official space to share news and updates about events, fundraising, and more!
Please note - in the event of a teacher strike, we will look at rescheduling any planned events that do not end up happening. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Questions or Want to Volunteer?
If you are interested in helping with the Halloween Howler and/or Christmas in the Country or have questions for St. Luke's School Council, please email stlukeparentcouncileics@gmail.com
Mark Your Calendars!
Our budget meeting is happening Monday, October 6th at 5:30pm. All parents with children at St. Luke are part of the School Council and welcome to join each meeting. Together we plan events, discuss topics and support all children in successful learning and growing.
OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish)
Masses at OLPH will be livestreamed. Please join using this link. https://www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark/videos/
Visit OLPH Website for more information about the parish and in regards to sacramental preparation.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is administered by Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sherwood Park. Please contact the parish for confession times and more information.
Clergy: Reverend Jim Corrigan, Pastor
Mass Time: Sunday 11:00
Email Address: StFrancisAssisi.Tofield(at)caedm.ca
5523 - 50 Street Tofield, AB T0B 4J0
See map: Google Maps
Phone: 780-467-5470
St. Luke Catholic School
Principal
Email: Stl@eics.ab.ca
Website: stl.eics.ab.ca
Location: 22139 South Cooking Lake Road, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-922-5920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukeeics
Twitter: @stlcs_EICS