January 2025

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas season. I hope that everyone had a refreshing and relaxing break. I’m excited to be back after Christmas break and look forward to seeing the students and talking to them in their classes.

It is staying daylight longer and the weather is holding steady! May God be with all of our students as we finish semester one and make this push into the second half of the school year.

God Bless,

Scott MacDonald

“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Preparing for Lent: A Guide for Families

As we approach the holy season of Lent, it’s essential to

take time to prepare both spiritually and practically.

Lent is a sacred time in the Church’s liturgical year,

calling us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we

journey toward the joy of Easter. Below, we outline

ways families can embrace this season and

grow together in faith.

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

Prayer

Prayer is the cornerstone of our Lenten journey. It deepens our relationship with God and

strengthens us in our faith. Families are encouraged to enrich their prayer lives by attending

daily Mass, praying the Rosary, or meditating on Scripture together. Pope Benedict XVI once

reminded us that prayer fosters genuine renewal of faith, making it an indispensable part of our

Lenten journey.

Reflection and Repentance

Lent invites us to examine our lives and seek reconciliation with God. Encourage your family to

reflect on ways to grow in holiness and seek God’s mercy through the sacrament of Penance.

This sacrament offers a profound experience of God’s forgiveness and love, helping us move

forward with a renewed heart.

Fasting

Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a means of focusing on spiritual growth and

detaching from worldly distractions. Families can consider fasting not only from certain foods but

also from other comforts, like excessive screen time or unnecessary spending. As Pope

Benedict XVI explained, fasting purifies our hearts and makes us more attentive to God’s voice.

PRACTICAL PREPARATION

Almsgiving

Almsgiving calls us to reflect God’s mercy by sharing our blessings with those in need. Families

can explore opportunities to give, such as donating to a charity, volunteering at a local food

bank, or helping a neighbor in need. Pope Benedict XVI described almsgiving as a way to

combat attachment to material goods, encouraging us to focus on what truly matters.

Setting Goals

Encourage your family to set realistic, faith-filled goals for Lent. This might include reading a

spiritual book, committing to a daily prayer routine, or participating in acts of kindness. Goals

that bring the family together in faith and service can make Lent a transformative experience.

Participating in Community Activities

Take advantage of parish activities, such as Lenten retreats, Stations of the Cross, or

communal prayer opportunities. These events strengthen our connection to the Church

community and inspire collective growth in faith.

Embracing Sacrificial Living

Lent challenges us to practice self-denial and sacrifice in our daily lives. Consider reducing non-

essential activities, simplifying family routines, or dedicating time to spiritual practices. These

sacrifices can foster discipline and a greater reliance on God.

Conclusion

Lent is a season of transformation, inviting us to grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for

the celebration of Easter. By committing to prayer, reflection, fasting, almsgiving, and

community engagement, families can journey through Lent with purpose and joy. May this holy

season bring your family closer to Christ and renew your faith in His love.

Let us walk this journey together as a community of faith, supporting one another in our shared

mission to live out the Gospel.

Liberty Stafford

Director of Faith and Wellness

Just a friendly reminder to parents to check your emails!

Student “To Do Lists” are copied to you as well as the students, as are the monthly progress and attendance reports. This information, as well as utilizing the parent portal to Powerschool, will help you stay informed about how your student is doing, and when conversations need to occur! We would love to hear that you have received these emails and answer any questions you have about the reports!

Some students are not on track to complete first semester courses and may need time in second semester to complete coursework. BSO requires students to complete first semester cores before new cores can be added to the student’s schedule. No new cores will be added after Mid-March, after which there is not enough time to complete curricular outcomes. All students are encouraged to complete courses by the end of the semester.

January Diploma Exams

Hello students!

Diploma exams start next week.

Please review the following timetable to remind yourself of the dates of your diploma exams:

There are several guides that I encourage you to read and review regarding information about diploma exams.

Please visit the following links for more information:

General Information Bulletin for 2024/2025
Information Bulletins:

Guides for Writing Diploma Exams:

For Math and Science, please see the following link for calculator information.

For additional information, you can visiting the Alberta Education website for writing diploma exam

Please also have a look at your courses in Canvas for additional information regarding diploma prep, writing exemplars, general exam tips, and a link to Quest A+ where you can go and practice your skills.

If you have any questions, please be sure to let us know.

Mrs. Pochylko and Mrs. Poissant