Madonna Catholic School News

Dear Madonna Families,

As we step into October, we are reminded of the beauty of the fall season — a time of harvest, gratitude, and reflection. This Sunday’s Gospel calls us to trust in God’s care and to live with thankful hearts. In our Catholic schools, we are especially grateful for the gift of faith-filled learning and community.

We also recognize that this is a time of uncertainty for many families. With the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) confirming a province-wide strike starting Monday, October 6, 2025, questions about the week ahead are natural. We too are unsure how events will unfold, but please know that everyone is working together for the betterment of Catholic education and the well-being of our students.

To support families, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on our division website, which will be updated regularly. You can also find information on government supports here: EICS Division Labour Action Updates.

Even in uncertain times, we are called to notice the blessings in our lives, share with others, and draw closer to God as a community. Families are welcome to join us at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, October 18th at OLPH Parish to celebrate the gift of Catholic education and the strength of our school community.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and partnership as we navigate this together.

Blessings,

Mrs. Cathy Hinger, Principal

Mrs. Fiona Wimmer, Assistant Principal

Although the school will be closed for the duration of the teacher strike, our Family Wellness Worker, Andrea Calles, will be working and can be available to support students and families over the phone or virtually if needed. Please consider reaching out to our Family Wellness Worker if you need help accessing community resources.

Our Family Wellness Worker can be reached directly by email at: andrea.calles@eics.ab.ca

Please note that students and families are NOT able to come to the school to meet with our FWW during the strike.

For urgent or in person support, please remember that community support is available:

Strathcona County Family & Community Services:

There are three main branches of FCS:

• Solution Navigation can offer financial support, referrals to other services, help with applications for services and more.

• Counselling is available on a sliding fee scale (from $0 to $150). They will never turn anyone away if you are not able to pay.

• Family Resource Network offers support for parents with children aged 0 -18 years.

All services can be accessed by calling 780-464-4044 or stopping by in person at 401 Festival Lane (2nd floor). More info can be found on their website.

Boys and Girls Club (bgc) Sherwood Park:

• A variety of programs available. More info here.

• The CanTeen Youth Hub is available for youth Grade 7 and up from 10 am - 9 pm.

• Located at #123 - 2016 Sherwood Park, Park Centre and Hotel.

For Crisis Support for Children and Youth:

• Alberta Health Services Children's Mental Health Crisis Line/Crisis and Stabilization Team (CAST), Edmonton Zone: (780) 407-1000. Crisis support for children and youth aged 5-:17 and their caregivers, 8:30 am - 11:30 pm everyday.

• Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line (Province Wide): For other zones, call the general AHS Mental Health Help Line 24/7 line at 1-877-303-2642. This is a confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.

• Suicide Intervention Support: Call or text 988.

• Kids Help Phone: Get support by texting CONNECT to 686868, or calling 1-800-668-6868.

• To report a suspicion of child abuse: Call the Child Intervention Provincial Intake Line at 1-800-638-0715 (24 hours a day)."

October 3 - PD Day for staff, no school for students

October 7 - Swim Lessons start for gr 1 & 4

October 8 - Assembly @ 9:00am - parents welcome

October 9 - Swim Lessons for gr 2 & 3

October 13 - Thanksgiving Day - school closed

October 14 - Swim Lessons for gr 1 & 4

October 15 - Living Rosary during assembly @ 9:00am - parents welcome

October 16 - Swim Lessons for gr 2 & 3

October 20 - Election Day (Municipal) Madonna gymnasium closed to students

We are excited to share that we have created a yearbook capturing all the wonderful moments and memories from last school year! The yearbook is 38 pages, coil-bound, and sized 8.5 x 11 inches.

The cost will range between $25–$35, depending on the number of orders received.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate and keep these special memories!

** If you are interested in ordering please fill out this form below before Friday, October 3rd. The fee will be applied to your Powerschool account. **

To help us keep students safe and organized, we kindly ask families to write any changes to your child’s transportation plans directly in their school agenda. This ensures both teachers and students are aware well before dismissal time.

Late-day phone calls can be challenging to relay to classrooms, as our staff are busy teaching and may not see emails during the school day. If you have an urgent or last-minute change, please contact our school office directly at 780-467-7972.

If a student is not picked up at the end of the day, they will be directed to the front office, where we will call a parent or guardian. Please remember that, for safety reasons, staff cannot release students to go home with other families unless we have written permission.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership in helping us keep all children safe and accounted for every day!

Grade 4 students have been learning about different ecosystems and extended their learning by creating individual birdhouses. These houses have been providing wonderful meals for many birds in our Madonna garden over the past week. A big thank you to Ms. Hagel for leading this project!

It is that time of year again when we need parents to log into your Powerschool account and fill out your yearly consent for technology use, communication and fieldtrips. Please note that these forms must be completed before your child's first field trip or they may be unable to participate.

If you have not filled out the Demographic form sent out in June please complete it. This gives the school the most current information for your child and family. Alberta Ed requires families to complete this form yearly.

Thank you for taking time to do this. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Gaudet, Madonna's fantastic secretary.

If returning to school is a stressful time for your family, you may be eligible to have your school fees waived. Please read more about the EICS fee waiver policy and complete the following form if applicable. 2025-26 Fee Waiver Application.

Your school photos are now live and ready to view and order online. Please visit our website, click ORDER PHOTOS and enter your online code (top right on your picture form). You receive free direct shipping on all orders until Friday, October 3rd, after this date there is a $5.99 shipping fee.

The online code is your student's ID number. If your child misplaced their form and you don't know their student ID number, please email hello@offspringstudios.ca and we will provide you with it.

Thank you so much!

Offspring Studios Team

Please call the school secretary, Mrs. Gaudet to have a parent volunteer package sent home with your child. Alternatively you can email her at mcs@eics.ab.ca

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.

Visit www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark