Blessed John Paul I Newsletter
September
November News
Dear Blessed John Paul 1 Families,
As we enter the month of November, our hearts are drawn to gratitude and remembrance. It is a time when we give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and remember all those who have gone before us in faith.
At our Catholic Spanish Bilingual School, we are especially mindful of how faith and culture intertwine during this season. As we celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), our students learned about this beautiful tradition of remembering and praying for loved ones who have died. Through prayer, reflection, and cultural learning, we were reminded that we are part of a great communion of saints, united in Christ's everlasting love and the promise of eternal life.
As we prepare for Remembrance Day, we also reflect on the virtues demonstrated by those who served and sacrificed for others. Their example connects beautifully with our P.A.C.K. values:
- Perseverance reminds us of the courage and resilience shown in the face of hardship and uncertainty.
- Accountability calls us to act with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Compassion encourages us to seek peace, care for one another, and recognize the dignity of every person.
- Knowledge inspires us to learn from history, understand the sacrifices of those who came before us, and use that learning to build a more just and caring future.
November also invites us to continue living our School Education Plan goal of experiencing the Catholic faith as a living presence in our learning, relationships, and daily experiences. Through prayer, service, faith-filled conversations, and acts of kindness, our students are discovering that faith is not simply something we learn about, but something we live out each day. As St. Paul reminds us:
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
May this month be an opportunity for all of us to remember with gratitude, serve with compassion, learn with curiosity, and live our faith with purpose. Together, let us continue to build a school community where the values of the Gospel and the P.A.C.K. guide our words, actions, and relationships each day.
With blessings of peace and thanksgiving,
Rosanne Boutin
Principal
#VamosLobos 🐾
Growing Together at Home and School
November provides a natural opportunity for students to pause and reflect on their learning journey. As families connect with teachers through conferences and check-ins, students are encouraged to think about their strengths, celebrate their growth, and identify goals for the months ahead.
Our Portrait of a Graduate reminds us that learning is about more than academics. It is also about developing the skills, habits, and values that help us thrive both in and out of the classroom.
📚 Reflection on Learning
Consider talking with your child about the following questions:
- How have you shown perseverance when learning became difficult?
- What is one goal you would like to work toward before Christmas?
🧥 Life Skills for Success
Consider discussing:
- How can I be prepared for winter weather each day?
- How can I manage my time so that homework, reading, and family commitments are balanced?
- What routines help me stay organized and prepared for school?
❤️ Caring for Others
This month also calls us to remember the importance of compassion and community. As a school community, we keep in our prayers the families affected by the recent military training accident at CFB Wainwright. During times of difficulty, we are reminded of our call to be caring neighbours and faithful servants of one another.
🏠 Family Challenge
Invite your child to complete one act of kindness without being asked. At the end of the week, share together:
- What did you do?
- How did it help someone else?
- How did it help you grow?
Spanish Bilingual Program News
October was a busy month as we celebrated Read -in Week and Spanish Heritage Month. We had a number of special guests who read to our Spanish Bilingual classes, among them Maria Martin Gutierrez, Spanish Language Advisor from Alberta Education and Childcare. We also had a reader’s theatre presentation by the grade seven Spanish Bilingual students from Louis St. Laurent Jr/Sr High School.
For Hispanic Heritage Month our Spanish Bilingual classes celebrated through songs,games and beautiful art. They explored culture and identity and represented their connections on feathers which became part of a beautiful school mural. As well, Our Fokloric Dance group started their rehearsals, as they learn and celebrate the traditions that connect our Spanish speaking countries.
We would like to welcome David Lorca, Spanish Language assistant to our school. David is working in our Division 2 Spanish Bilingual classes, helping students with their Spanish language skills. He will be working in the classrooms and with small groups, providing additional support until December break.
Upcoming Events:
Our school will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos on November 2 in various ways within each classroom. We will also display a traditional “altar”for the entire school to interact with.
As well. Our grade 5 and 6 students will be visiting Louis St. Laurent Jr/Sr High School
to participate in a number of cultural activities, led by Spanish Bilingual High School students.
On November 19th, grade 5 students will participate in Edmonton Catholic Schools’ first Spanish Bilingual Fun Day at Commonwealth Stadium. This event will provide students from across seven Spanish Bilingual Schools an opportunity to share language and culture through fun and exciting activities.
Octubre fue un mes muy activo, ya que celebramos la Semana de la Lectura y el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Tuvimos varios invitados especiales que leyeron a nuestras clases del Programa Bilingüe Español, entre ellos María Martín Gutiérrez, Asesora de Lengua Españo de Alberta Education and Childcare. También contamos con una presentación de teatro leído por parte de los estudiantes de séptimo grado del Programa Bilingüe Español de Louis St. Laurent Jr./Sr. High School.
Para el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, nuestras clases del Programa Bilingüe Español celebraron a través de canciones, juegos y hermosas obras de arte. Los estudiantes exploraron la cultura y la identidad, representando sus conexiones en plumas que posteriormente formaron parte de un hermoso mural. Asimismo, nuestro grupo de danza folclórica inició sus ensayos, aprendiendo y celebrando las tradiciones que unen a nuestros países de habla hispana.
Nos gustaría dar la bienvenida a David Lorca, asistente de lengua española a nuestra escuela. David está trabajando con nuestras clases bilingües de español de la División II, ayudando a los estudiantes a fortalecer sus habilidades en el idioma español. Estará colaborando tanto en las aulas como con grupos pequeños, brindando apoyo adicional hasta las vacaciones de diciembre.
Próximos eventos
Nuestra escuela celebrará el Día de los Muertos el próximo 2 de noviembre de diversas maneras dentro de cada salón de clases. Además, construiremos un altar tradicional para que toda la comunidad escolar pueda interactuar con él. Asimismo, nuestros estudiantes de 5.º y 6.º grado visitarán Louis St. Laurent Jr./Sr. High School para participar en diversas actividades culturales dirigidas por estudiantes de secundaria del Programa Bilingüe Español.
El 19 de noviembre, los estudiantes de 5.º grado participarán en el primer Spanish Bilingual Fun Day de las Escuelas Católicas de Edmonton, que se llevará a cabo en el Commonwealth Stadium. Este evento brindará a estudiantes de siete escuelas bilingües de español la oportunidad de compartir el idioma y la cultura mediante actividades divertidas y emocionantes.
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Rollerblades and E-bikes
For the safety of all students: e-bikes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller blades are not to be used on school property during regular school hours. The school is not responsible for storing any of the above items. E-scooters are currently not permitted on city of Edmonton property as per city bylaw and Traffic Safety Act.
Toys
To help create a focused and successful learning environment, students are asked not to bring toys from home to school. These items can be distracting during instructional time and may take students' attention away from learning activities or they can become lost or damaged. We appreciate your help with keeping these items at home where they can stay safe.
Dressing for the Weather
The best way to enjoy winter in Edmonton is to have warm clothing!
It is also a good idea to have extra hats and mitts around. It is very common for children to lose or misplace their mitts and hats!
If you need help getting winter clothing for your child, reach out to Miss Jenny @ Jenny.BeltranFaryna@ecsd.net.
School Fees
No School Days
Holiday Hamper
The Holiday Hamper program is a not-for-profit charity partnered with the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton and Santas Anonymous to provide families in need with food and gifts for the Christmas holidays in December.
The program representatives work directly with our Family School Liaison Worker (FSLW) Jenny Beltran Faryna, to make the application and delivery process easier for parents, with less chance of missed deliveries/errors.
For more information on how to receive this support, please contact Jenny directly at Jenny.BeltranFaryna@ecsd.net as soon as possible.
Student Clubs
Our student clubs are now underway.
- Folklore Dance Group for Grades 4 -5 students in the Spanish Bilingual Program
- Leadership Team Club
- Volleyball
- Coloring Club will start in 2027. More info to follow in the January newsletter.
ArtStart is designed to support children’s emotional and social development by providing a safe and welcoming space where they can express themselves through creative activities. ArtStart is offered at no cost to the school or families for students in Grades 3 -6. Art Start works in partnership with schools to provide the program outside of regular school hours, using available school space. Students are selected through their teacher, who would then pass out the consent forms and to the parent. A student who signs up for the program must make a commitment to attend 10 weeks of the program, ArtStart is not a drop-in program. For more information please contact Miss Jenny our FSLW at Jenny.BeltranFaryna@ecsd.net.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
We are excited to invite you to Goal Setting Conferences and Scholastic Book Fair on Thursday, November 26. 1:30- 4:30pm. 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Purchases for the book fair will take place on Thursday from 1:30pm - 4pm and 5pm - 6:30pm.
We invite you to pre-book a meeting with your child's teacher. We will be sending out an email with more information. Each meeting length is 10 minutes long.
If more time is needed we ask you to book another appointment.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child as we celebrate learning, effort, and growth together as a school community!
Book Fair Assistance Needed
We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers to help with our Scholastic Book Fair.
We require volunteers to help for the following:
1) Set up the book fair on Tuesday
2) Supervise viewing times for classrooms on Wednesday
4) Take purchases on Thursday.
5) Take last minute purchases on Friday morning from 8:30am - 9:30am.
6) Help count money and close the fair
If you can help, please fill out the form and we will contact you about volunteer times. Click here for access to the volunteer form.
Christmas Concert Save the Date
We are excited to invite our school community to our Division 1 Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m. Our students have been working hard to prepare an evening filled with song, celebration, and Christmas spirit, and we look forward to sharing this special event with you.
To accommodate our venue capacity, each family will be allotted a maximum of three tickets for the evening performance. Tickets will be available through Eventbrite, following the same process used in previous years. Additional information regarding ticket distribution will be shared closer to the event date.
For family members who are unable to attend the evening performance, we are pleased to open our doors to the dress rehearsal on December 9 at 12:45 p.m. No tickets are required for this daytime performance, providing an additional opportunity to enjoy the concert and celebrate our students' efforts.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs. McKay for the many hours she is dedicating to preparing our students for this memorable evening. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and passion for music help create a joyful experience that captures the true spirit of the Christmas season.
We look forward to celebrating with you! 🎶✨🎄
Stay Home When Sick
After School Pick Ups
Office Hours
Office hours: Mon - Friday, 8:00am- 3:30pm
Phone:780-462-6448
Email: BlessedJohnPaulI@ecsd.net
Website: https://blessedjohnpauli.ecsd.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessedjohnpauli_ecsd/
Address: 5675 38 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6L 2Z1
Edmonton Catholic Schools utilizes the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival system to simplify reporting absences for families. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can report your child’s absence in advance using any of these options:
SchoolMessenger App (iOS or Android)
PowerSchool (click on the SchoolMessenger icon in the left hand menu)
Website: go.schoolmessenger.ca
Phone: 1-833-788-7662
Using SchoolMessenger is quick, convenient, and helps keep your school informed and your child safe. For full instructions and more information, visit ecsd.net/reportingabsences.
School Messenger messages do not come directly to the office secretary. Please let us know if your child requires a pick up by calling the office.
Recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes
Our recent School Council & Fundraising Society meeting, held on September 23, was a very productive meeting where we discussed upcoming initiatives, fundraising opportunities, and ways we can continue supporting our school community.
Please click the link below to view the meeting minutes and stay informed about the work, updates, and plans of our School Council & Fundraising Society.
SAC Meeting and AGM
Our Partnerships
COBS Bread: If you are shopping at COBS at the Harvest Pointe location please mention our school and your purchase helps support our school.
Casino Night
Our Casino Night at Pure Casino is coming up on March 20 & 21, 2027, and we are starting to bring together the volunteers needed to make this important fundraiser a success!
We will need approximately 35–40 parent volunteers to help cover the different positions and shifts throughout the event. No previous casino experience is required. More information and training will be provided.
Volunteer forms with the available positions and schedule will be sent out soon.
If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers for this event or would like to learn more about what it involves, please reach out to us at:
blessedjohnpaul1sac@gmail.com.
Your support makes a difference! 💙
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
On November 2, there will be a display of a traditional “altar” for the entire school to interact with near the front office. Our Grade 4 Spanish Bilingual classes will also be leading some activities this day.
Our grade 5 and 6 students will be visiting Louis St. Laurent Jr/Sr High School
to participate in a number of cultural activities, led by Spanish Bilingual High School students.
Kathleen Nguyen - PACK Residency
On November 18, we welcome Mrs. Nguyen who will be working throughout the grades on our new Lobos identity and faith leadership.
Spanish Bilingual Collaboration Day - Commonwealth - November 19
Our Grade 5 students will be invited to Commonwealth to participate in games along with the other Spanish Bilingual schools in the division in Grades 5, 8 and 11.
Bussing Notifications and Inclement Weather
Transportation Services communicates bus delays and cancellations through the following channels:
BusPlanner Delays App (available for Android and iPhone)
Families are encouraged to download the BusPlanner Delays App to receive transportation notifications directly to their mobile device.
A step-by-step guide to downloading and setting up the BusPlanner Delays App is available on this website.
Media Notifications
As a supplementary communication method, major transportation cancellations will be shared with local media outlets, including radio and television stations. However, Edmonton Catholic Schools cannot guarantee that media outlets will broadcast or publish transportation notices, or when they may do so.
Families should rely on the BusPlanner Delays App and the BusPlanner Live Delays Board as the primary sources of transportation information.
Parking Bans
As we prepare for the snow and snow removal on city streets please see the following information.
The City recommends subscribing to parking ban notifications using the school's address. Subscribers receive advance notice when snow clearing is scheduled and when work is complete, making it easier to anticipate impacts to parking and access around the school.
Please review the City of Edmonton’s 2026 Schools Info Sheet.
Sign up for City of Edmonton parking ban notifications using your school's address. You can sign up for multiple addresses.
Review City of Edmonton for parking ban updates and snow-clearing information: https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/on_your_streets/seasonal-parking-ban
Cure MD and Connect Clinic
Did you know there are services/resources available to families who are wanting further psychiatric or mental health assessment for their children that is covered by Alberta Health. Please contact Kendall Harnett (Mental Health Manger) at kendall.harnett@curemd.ca for more information.
Families who are concerned about their children's learning and achievement, concentration and attention can also request a referral from their family physician to the http://www.theconnectclinic.com/ who also provides assessments that are covered by Alberta Health.
Family Futures
Family Futures has many programs and services available for families.
Please visit https://familyfutures.ca/ for more information.
SACRAMENTAL PREP
For more information on the sacraments please visit https://www.corpuschristi-edm.ca/sacraments for dates, times and registration.
SACRAMENTAL PREP
Please see the brochure for First Reconciliation dates and times.
SACRAMENTAL PREP
Please see the brochure for First Communion dates and times.