SMCLC

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Dear St. Max Students and Families,

October gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the gift of Catholic education. During Catholic Education Week, October 17–23, we join Catholic schools across Alberta in giving thanks for the students, families, staff, parishes, and communities who bring our schools to life.

This year’s theme, “The Power of the Holy Spirit,” invites us to reflect on the hope, joy, and peace that faith can bring to our daily lives. At St. Maximilian Collegiate & Learning Centre, we see that spirit in the quiet moments: a student finding the courage to try again, a teacher offering encouragement, or someone taking the time to make another person feel welcome.

Catholic education gives us the opportunity to nurture the whole person. Alongside learning and academic growth, we make room for faith, compassion, service, and a sense of belonging. We are grateful to walk alongside our students and families as each young person discovers their strengths and takes their next steps forward.

As we celebrate this October, may we be reminded of the words of Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Please join our school community as we celebrate a very special Mass on Saturday, October 17th, 4 pm Mass at St. Michael's Parish.

Thank you for being part of our St. Max community.

Grace & peace,

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk
Principal
St. Maximilian Collegiate & Learning Centre
Faith that guides. Learning that enlightens.
🌐 smclc.starcatholic.ab.ca

September 30 - 🪶No School - 🧡 NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 🪶

October 1 - 🏫 Post Secondary Applications Open - You can Apply NOW 🏫 !

October 6 - 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

October 9 - 🍎 No School – Staff Professional Development Day 🍎

October 12 - 🦃 No School – Thanksgiving Day 🍂

October 13 - 🔐 School Closure 🔐

October 16 - 🌛School Closure - In Lieu of Late Tuesdays 🌛

October 17 - ⛪ Catholic Education Mass - 5 pm, St. Michael's Parish, Leduc⛪

October 19 - 🍎 No School – Staff Professional Development Day 🍎

October 20 - 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

October 22 - 💙 Wear Blue for Catholic Education 💙

October 30 - 🌛School Closure - In Lieu of Late Tuesdays 🌛

November 3- 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

November 6 - 🍂 Fall Break Begins - School Closed until November 17🍂

November 17 - 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

November 27 - 🌛School Closure - In Lieu of Late Tuesdays 🌛

Every second Tuesday, St. Max stays open until 7:00 p.m. to give students extra time and support for their learning. Whether you need a quiet place to focus, help with an assignment, time to catch up, or a chance to complete an in-person assessment, Late Tuesday is here for you.

October's late Tuesdays are:

• October 6 - Mini Pizza Night 🍕
• October 20 - Chill out with Chili 🍛

Sometimes a change of setting and a little encouragement are all it takes to make progress. Come in, bring what you’re working on, and let us help you take the next step. We’d love to see you!

🧡 Join St. Max for Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday, September 29.

We invite students and staff to wear orange as we honour the children who were taken to residential schools, the Survivors, and the families and communities who continue to feel their impact.

Every Child Matters.

#OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #StMaxCLC

If you cannot attend an event, consider the following ways to acknowledge and learn at home:

• Wear Orange with Purpose - Learn and share why the orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance and the message that Every Child Matters.
• Listen to Indigenous Voices - Read, watch, or listen to the stories and perspectives of Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous authors and creators.
• Learn the History - Take time to learn about residential schools, their ongoing impacts, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

• Turn Learning into Action - Consider one meaningful way you can contribute to reconciliation in your school, workplace, family, or community, not only on September 30, but throughout the year.

Join Archbishop Stephen Hero at Sacred Heart Church of the Peoples in Edmonton, the national Indigenous parish in Canada, for a special evening Liturgy of the Word on September 30, 2026. A light refreshment will be shared in the parish hall following the Liturgy.

Do you like working with children? Are you someone who wants to make a difference in a student’s life? This could be your opportunity!

St. Max is offering Role of Education Assistant (EDAS 1000) through our Dual Credit partnership with NorQuest College. Starting in January, this course introduces students to the role of an educational assistant, including how to support learners, work with a team, follow a teacher’s direction, and help create an inclusive classroom.

Students can earn both high school and post-secondary credit. Completed Education Assistant courses also count toward NorQuest College’s Education Assistant Certificate, opening pathways to further study. Successful students are guaranteed placements with STAR Catholic Schools.

Spaces are limited. Students need a minimum of 60% in English 30-1 or English 30-2. To learn more, contact Tracy Melnyk at tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca.

GET READY FOR FALL INTERSHIPS

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

Did you know students can earn high school credits while gaining valuable work experience?

STAR Catholic students have opportunities to explore career pathways and earn credits through programs such as work experience, the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), Green Certificate and Dual Credit.

Whether you already have a job, are interested in the trades, enjoy agriculture or want to take a university or college course while still in high school, there may be an opportunity for you.

For more information, contact Mr. Hughes, Off Campus Coordinator at daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

What does Catholic education mean to you? During Catholic Education Week, we invite all students and staff to share their answer through artwork, a prayer, or a written reflection. Drop off your entry at the school office by noon on Friday, October 16. Winning entries will be displayed at St. Michael’s Parish for Catholic Education Sunday, and prizes will be awarded to two students and one staff member. We can’t wait to see what faith, learning, and community mean to you!

October is a special time for Catholics to pray the Rosary and reflect on the life of Jesus with Mary. This tradition is connected to events in 1571 and the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated each year on October 7. This month, we invite our St. Max families to take a few quiet moments to pray together, asking Mary to guide us closer to her Son and to help us bring peace and kindness to others.

5pm Saturday Evening

9am and 11am on Sunday

STAR Catholic students: Please log in using your STAR Catholic email address and password.

New STAR Catholic students:

Your email and password will be emailed to your parent / guardian and/or your personal email address if you provided one. If you have any difficulties, please contact our Admin Assistant, Mrs. Nelson, and she can help get you sorted! Her email: jennifer.nelson@starcatholic.ab.ca .

Phone: 780-980-0955

Bookmark this Canvas Login: https://starcatholic.instructure.com/

This is how you will launch your dashboard. All of the courses that you are currently enrolled in, this term ONLY, will show up. It is imperative that you keep up with the pacing guide and due dates! All of this will be laid out in your "Introduction Module".

Info coming soon. Post Secondary application open on October 1. Get your info ready! Need help? Book an appointment with Mrs. Melnyk at tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

Grant MacEwan Student Advice

Who has the best advice when it comes to your University Experience?

People who JUST DID IT! As the Grade 12's are about to embark on Application Season, take a moment to look at what last year's MacEwan Grad class had to share with respect to advice on being successful and making it through! Read through the list HERE!

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!

Alberta is blessed with fully publicly funded Catholic education — a unique and hard-won gift safeguarded by generations before us.

It remains one of the Church’s most precious contributions to society: schools where Christ is known and loved, where truth is taught with clarity, and where young people encounter a living faith rooted in tradition.

GrACE’s monthly newsletter strengthens this province-wide Catholic community by lifting up the stories that show Catholic education at its best — classrooms alive with learning, parishes partnering with schools, and educators forming students in mind, heart, and spirit.

Your school’s faith life is the heart of the mission.

Here is the June GrACE News here: https://app.smore.com/n/1ef7k

GrACE Website is here: https://www.gracealberta.org/

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

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

stmaximilian@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

📱 Stay Connected with St. Max!

We love sharing the great things happening in our STAR Outreach community. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @staroutreachschool and on FACEBOOK by searching STAR Catholic Outreach School or tapping the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmmpEgXxF/?mibextid=wwXIfr to see highlights, important reminders, celebrations, and updates from our school.

For the most current and accurate information—including calendars, announcements, and program details—please continue to check our website regularly at https://smclc.starcatholic.ab.ca

Thank you for staying connected and supporting our STAR Catholic Outreach family! 💙✝️