STAR Catholic Outreach

Dear STAR Outreach Families,

As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded of a sacred time in our Catholic tradition: a time of hope, anticipation, and joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent invites us to pause amidst the busyness of life to reflect on God’s love and the light that Jesus brings into our world. Much like the candles on the Advent wreath, each week we are called to grow in hope, peace, joy, and love.

At STAR Catholic Outreach, this season mirrors the journey our students are on. Many of our learners have been working exceptionally hard, demonstrating perseverance, commitment, and in several cases, completing courses ahead of schedule (applause). This dedication is truly inspiring and reflects the gifts and determination that each of our students brings to their learning.

As we approach the final push of Semester One, I encourage all students to continue giving their best efforts. Just as Advent prepares us for the celebration of Christ’s birth, this final stretch of the semester is a time to stay focused and finish strong. Staff are here to support you! Reach out, ask questions, and make use of every available learning opportunity.

May the season of Advent fill your hearts with hope and your minds with clarity as we move toward the Christmas break. I pray that this time brings peace to our school community and renewed energy for the year ahead.

Blessings to you and your family during this Advent season, and congratulations to our hardworking students and let’s finish strong!

With blessings and gratitude,

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk, M.Ed
Principal, STAR Catholic Outreach School

December 3 - Parent Teacher Interviews

December 4 - Parent Teacher Interviews

December 25 - Christ is BORN!

🛐Christmas Break - December 22 - January 2🛐

January 1 - Happy New Year 2026!

January 5 - Welcome back from Christmas Break

January 6 - Epiphany

January 27 - COURSE WORK DUE - Semester One

Final Exams & Assessments begin - please schedule with your teachers

February 2 - Semester 2 begins

February 5 & 6 - No School - Teacher's Convention

February 16 - No School - Family Day

Need to get a hold of us?

Call us at STAR Catholic Outreach 780-980-0955

Mrs. Jennifer Nelson - Administrative Assistant

780-980-0955 ext: 1

outreach@starcatholic.ab.ca

jennifer.nelson@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk - Principal & English Language Arts

780-980-0955 ext: 2

tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Brandon Geiger - All things Math & Science!

780-980-0955 ext: 3

brandon.geiger@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Daniel Hughes - Social Studies, Religion, Off Campus & Options

780-980-0955 ext: 4

daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

Supporting Mothers & Babies This Advent – Gianna Centre

This Advent season, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are called to embrace hope, compassion, and the dignity of every life. In the true spirit of Catholic social teaching, our school community is honoured to support the Gianna Centre, in partnership with Catholic Social Services, by collecting essential items for mothers and their babies who are experiencing crisis or unexpected pregnancies.

The Gianna Centre offers free, life-affirming support, including pregnancy tests, counselling, parenting information, referrals for financial and housing assistance, maternity clothing, baby care items, and classes for new and expecting mothers. Guided by a mission that values human life from conception, they walk alongside women and families with mercy, respect, and practical care.

We invite our school community to participate in this Advent outreach by donating:

🍼 Baby formula, diapers (all sizes), wipes
👶 Clothing (new or gently used), blankets, toys
🧸 Baby care essentials
🤰 Items for mothers

Your generosity will help provide comfort and hope to those who need it most during this sacred time. As we prepare to welcome Jesus—the Child born in humble circumstances—may our actions reflect His love for every mother and child.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” – Matthew 25:40

We’re looking forward to connecting with families during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4 from 3:30–6:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to touch base about your child’s progress and celebrate their growth so far this term. Please take a moment to check PowerSchool for up-to-date information on your child’s courses. To book a time, simply reach out directly to your child’s teacher to set up an appointment that works best.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Students and parents... PLEASE check your PowerSchool portal for your up-to-date grades. We are now beginning Module 5 and all September work that has not been completed is now showing a ZERO in PowerSchool. Please ensure that you have completed all work so you can progress towards course completion! Zeros are showing as a placeholder and can be changed upon assignment completion. Any questions? Please reach out to your teacher(s).

Attendance & Engagement Expectations in Outreach Learning

At STAR Catholic Outreach, students may not attend in person daily—but they are still required to attend through active engagement, consistent communication, and regular course completion.

Why it matters in Outreach:

• Learning is self-paced, but not self-optional. Students must log in, complete assigned work, meet deadlines, and communicate regularly with their teachers.

• Even without daily physical attendance, showing up academically through consistent participation is crucial for success.

• Extended gaps in work completion often lead to students falling behind and struggling to recover academically.

What "attendance" looks like in Outreach

✔ Submitting assignments on a regular basis
✔ Attending scheduled meetings, calls, or virtual sessions
✔ Responding to teacher messages and feedback
✔ Progressing through the course at an acceptable pace
✔ Completing work every week—not all at once at the end

Division Attendance Procedure (AP 330) Attached below

Even in an Outreach setting, student attendance and engagement are required under Administrative Procedure 330 – Student Attendance:

• 10% disengagement (e.g., extended inactivity or lack of work) – School will contact parent/guardian to address concerns.

• 15% disengagement – An Attendance/Engagement Improvement Plan is created with the student and family.

• 20% disengagement – Referral to the Division Attendance Officer, as per Education Act.

WHAT IS DUAL CREDIT?

In Alberta, Dual Credit programming invites high school students in Grades 10-12 to take approved postsecondary courses, earning them credit at both levels. When taking a Dual Credit course with Lethbridge Polytechnic, you are considered both a high school AND polytech student.

Dual Credit programming is an excellent way for you to:

• Experiment with subjects that might not be available at your school.

• Learn more about the post-secondary learning experience and environment.

• Meet new people and join our community.

• Earn credit in courses for application in future studies.

• Connect with advisors to plan your future post-secondary studies.

Get a head start on your post-secondary journey by enrolling in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s dual credit courses.

Interested in taking an online university course for high school credit? Contact the principal to find out the criteria: tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

HELP US HELP YOU!

Do you own a business or know an employer who could offer meaningful work experience for a student? We are always looking to connect with new partners who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of workers.

If you or someone in your network can provide a supportive and educational workplace, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us to learn how to get involved and help shape the future workforce.

tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

PATHWAYS TO YOUR FUTURE

Discover career focused programs that equip students with real world skills and

post secondary opportunities while still in high school! Through hands-on learning,

strong industry partnerships, and dual-credit options, students earn valuable experience, recognized certifications, and a competitive advantage for future

careers.

See our flyer below for more details!

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the collection of principles the Church offers to guide how we live out our faith in society. Rooted in Scripture and Church tradition, these teachings remind us that following Christ isn’t only about private prayer but also about how we treat one another and care for the world.

AT STAR Outreach, we will be focussing on each of the Catholic Social Teachings. This month, we focus on the social teaching of "Care for Creation". We need to care for the Earth and all of creation.

5pm Saturday Evening

9am and 11am on Sunday

Welcome back! Here’s how you can access your Canvas account to get started with your courses:

1. Go to Canvas

   • Open your web browser and go to: https://starcatholic.instructure.com

2. Log in with your STAR Catholic account

   • Enter your STAR Catholic email address (the same email you use for all school accounts).

   • Enter your STAR Catholic password.

3. Access your courses

   • Once you are logged in, you’ll see your Dashboard.

   • Click on your courses to get started.

👉 Tip: If you have trouble logging in, make sure you’re using your STAR Catholic email (not a personal email). If you forgot your password, contact the school office and we’ll help you reset it.

Create a MyPass Account

All students require a MyPass account to obtain diploma marks, transcripts and so much more. If you have not created an account, please click on the link below and follow the instructions on how to do so.

Create a MyPass account

Watch the video below on how to get your MyPass Account!

You can find all GrACE information here: https://secure.smore.com/n/dyw413

https://www.starcatholic.ab.ca/division/school-board/board-highlights