Growing Together @ STL

Dear STL families,

To say we are happy to be back in an understatement! It was pure joy to walk back into the school Wednesday and welcome the familiar faces of our students and parents back. You were missed tremendously and we are overjoyed to be back in the classroom learning and living our faith every day. There are many mixed emotions about the recent teacher strike, but one emotion is undeniable. Our staff love what they have been called to do and love spending days with your children. It truly fills our hearts.

We thank you for the love and kindness you have shown us during this upsettng time. Your kind words and gestures mean the world to us and make St. Luke a place we are proud to call ours.

Blessings,

Krisie Phelan
Principal

Together with St. Luke Catholic School, the St. Luke School Council and Parent Association is thrilled to be a participating venue in Strathcona County's annual Christmas in the Country event! The funds raised from this event go directly back to our students and also provides volunteer opportunities within our school community.

Please join us on Saturday, December 6th from 10:00am-4:00pm. The day is made up by more than 50 tables to peruse for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family members, including our Young Entrepreneurs Maker Market, a Craft Corner to keep the kiddos busy while you shop and a concession featuring coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs and other snack items.

As always, entry is free. There will be a box available for Food Bank donations and the tree will be ready to receive outdoor wear for our annual Mitten Tree (not just mittens). Donations of outdoor wear such as coats, scarves, hats etc will be dropped off to those in need.

Our main market is already fully booked but our Young Entrepreneur Maker Market is still growing. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of our Young Entrepreneur Maker Market, please send an email to stlukecitc@gmail.com.

Looking for a way to add some outdoor or indoor holiday cheer to your home? The St. Luke Parent Association is pleased to be selling beautiful, locally grown holiday themed plants. Purchasing one (or many!) of these seasonal plants will help cover costs for programs, equipment and resources for St. Luke students. If you choose to purchase with this fundraiser, you will do so directly through the Growing Smiles website at https//stlukecatholicschool.growingsmilesfundraising.com/

Order deadline is November 24th at 12:00pm. Plant pick-up will be Thursday, December 4th at the school (cafeteria) from 3:00-4:30pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy these beautiful arrangements.

This coming week, an invitation to participate in our annual raffle basket item collection will be sent home with each student. Each classroom has been given a different theme for items to collect. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase during our Christmas in the Country event. With our community's spirit of generosity, last year's raffle was a resounding success, raising more than $2,000 for student activities!

Our Parent Council can't do it all without your help! If you have any available time on Saturday, December 6th, please consider signing up to volunteer for Christmas in the Country this year. Half an hour of your time is worth so much to us!

Volunteer positions and times can be found here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5A723A7F5C61-53039709-christmas#/

Are you a kid who has their own business or an idea for a business?

On December 6, 2025 the Young Entrepreneurs Maker Market is taking place at St. Luke!

You bring your best business ideas, displays, and products - We bring tips and tricks and an opportunity to showcase your talents at Christmas in the Country 2025 at St. Luke.

All you have to do to get started is send an email to stlukecitc@gmail.com and we will send you information on how you can join the Young Entrepreneurs Maker Market on December 6, 2025.

Are you already ready to participate? Click on our registration link https://forms.gle/Q4shkr8BgBur8cSm9.

November 1, 2025 - Don't forget to turn your clocks BACK!!

November 3, 2025 - PAC Budget Meeting (Rescheduled from October) - 5:30 PM

November 6, 2025 - Clay4Kids

November 7, 2025 - Remembrance Day Celebration 10:30 AM All are welcome!

November 10-14, 2025 - Fall Break

November 17, 2025 - Grade 6 Immunizations

November 20, 2025 - Picture Day!

In today's Gospel, we hear about Jesus being invited to dine with the Pharisees on the Sabbath. When He sees a man in need of healing, Jesus does not hesitate—He acts with compassion. Even though others are watching closely to see if He will “break the rules,” Jesus reminds everyone that love and mercy always come first.

This message is a powerful reminder for all of us, especially in a school community. Our days are often filled with structure, routines, and expectations—just like the Pharisees’ Sabbath rules. But Jesus calls us to look beyond the rules to see the people in front of us. He teaches us that kindness and care for one another should never wait for a more convenient time.

As parents and educators, we have many opportunities each day to show our children what compassion looks like: by listening with patience, by offering help when someone struggles, and by choosing love over judgment. When our children see these small acts of mercy, they learn what it means to follow Jesus’ example.

Let us pray this week for hearts that are open and attentive—to see the needs around us and respond with the same gentle courage Jesus showed. May our homes and classrooms be places where love leads every decision we make.

Kristie Phelan

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.

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.

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

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

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