Madonna Catholic School News

Dear Madonna Families,

As we enter our second week of Lent, we continue our journey of reflection, prayer, and preparing our hearts for Easter. This season invites us to look inward and ask ourselves how we can better reflect Christ’s love in our daily actions.

This past week, we saw that love beautifully demonstrated during our Pink Shirt Day Assembly. Looking out at a sea of pink in the gymnasium was a powerful visual reminder of our school’s commitment to standing up against bullying and standing up for each other. Thank you to Ms. Niezen's grade 2 class for leading the assemblies this month.

The core message of Pink Shirt Day aligns perfectly with our Christian calling. During the assembly, we reflected on the fact that true kindness is an action, not just a feeling. Jesus taught us to "love your neighbor as yourself," and to be a light in the world. When our students choose to include someone who feels left out, offer a gentle word to a struggling friend, or stand up for someone who needs a voice, they are putting their faith into practice.

As we move forward through this Lenten season, our challenge to the students—and to ourselves—is to make the spirit of Pink Shirt Day a daily habit. Fasting during Lent doesn't just have to be about giving up a favorite food; we can also "fast" from unkind words and "feast" on encouragement, patience, and grace.

Thank you for partnering with us to raise compassionate, supportive children who lift one another up. We pray that this second week of Lent brings peace and continued blessings to your homes.

Cathy Hinger, Principal

Fiona Wimmer, Assistant Principal

March 2 - Brick by Brick Club @ noon

March 4 - Prayer Club at AM recess

Gr 4 Leadership Teams meet today

Early Dismissal

March 5 - Library Club at lunch recess

March 6 - NO School today - PD Day for all EICS Staff

March 9/10 - Kindergarten in-school fieldtrip in Art Room

**Reminder that every Wednesday the school dismisses @ 2:13pm

As we walk together through this season of Lent, we are given a beautiful, if challenging, opportunity to focus on what truly matters. It's a time for prayer, for self-reflection, and yes, for practicing resistance.

In the stories of Jesus’s time in the desert, we see Him face profound temptations. This powerful example isn't just a story; it’s a lesson for us all, including our students. In their world today, temptation isn't about bread in the wilderness—it often looks like:

The pull of distractions that pull them from prayer or study.
The pressure to go along with the crowd, even when it’s not the right thing.
The constant "noise" of social media that can lead to comparison or negativity.

As a family, you can help your children build the "muscle" of self-discipline and character during these 40 days. Here are some ways to talk about resisting temptation as a family:

1. Name the Temptation: Encourage open conversation. Help your child identify the specific things that they find hard to resist (e.g., "It’s hard to put down my video games for homework").

2. Remember the "Why": Lent isn't about just giving something up. We resist the temporary distractions to make space for the permanent—for prayer, for loving our neighbor, and for growing closer to God. This builds our spiritual strength.

3. Small Steps, Strong Choices: Help them make small, intentional choices. It could be choosing to be kind to a sibling, offering a quiet prayer before using a device, or making a "fast" from complaining. These small, consistent choices are what build the foundation of a faithful character.

4. Lean into Support: Remind them that they aren't alone. Encourage them to find strength in prayer and to seek guidance from trusted family members and our school community.

We are so proud to partner with you in nurturing the hearts and minds of your children. We hope this Lenten season brings your family closer in reflection and love.

Madonna welcomed Charles and Reckie Llyod Today

Reckie Lloyd is a talented oil painter and musician whose realistic artwork celebrates his rich West African heritage. His brother Charles is an incredible musician in his own right.

Here is a quick look at Reckie's inspiring story:

Creative Beginnings: Born in Liberia, Reckie discovered his love for art at just 4 years old by drawing pictures in the sand.
A Journey of Resilience: To escape the civil war in Liberia, his family lived in a refugee camp in Ghana for six years before safely moving to Edmonton, Canada, in 2005.
Following His Passion: Despite never having art classes as a child, Reckie enrolled in his first class in Edmonton and eventually went on to study art at MacEwan University.
Music & Community: In 2013, he founded Sangea Academy, a drumming and dance group that shares the joy of West African percussion with Canadians.
A Return to the Canvas: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reckie had the time to pick up his paintbrushes once again, rediscovering his love for painting and bringing his beautiful, culturally rich art back to life!

All the Pre K to Grade 4 classes were able to try djembe drumming and a little bit of dance with Reckie and Charles today . What a fantastic way to end our week!