The Good News September 11th, 2026

It was wonderful to gather together as a whole school family for our very first assembly of the academic year. There is always a special energy when our students, staff, and community come together, and this opening gathering set a meaningful tone for the year ahead.

During our assembly, we introduced our students to the Ten Decalogue of Saint John XXIII. These ten gentle yet powerful guiding principles offer practical, daily wisdom on how to live with joy, kindness, faith, and love. To help our students internalize these values, our school will focus on one Decalogue of Saint John XXIII’s each month.

For the month of September, our focus is centered on Respect.

We have been discussing with students what respect looks like in action every day. We are encouraging them to show respect by:

• Being a good role model to their peers and younger students.

• Listening attentively to their teachers and classmates.

• Taking pride in their environment by clearing up after themselves in the classroom, lunchroom, and playground.

At our school, our mission goes beyond the classroom curriculum. We strive to create an environment where every child is nurtured and supported to grow holistically—not only academically, but also spiritually and socially. By practicing these daily virtues, our students learn to care for one another, deepen their faith, and build strong, positive relationships.

We invite you to join us in reinforcing this month’s focus at home by talking with your children about ways they can show respect in their family and community.

Thank you for your partnership, support, and dedication to our school community. We look forward to a blessed and inspiring year of growth together!

Warm regards,

St. John XXIII Leadership Team

Erin Croft (Principal) & Jennifer Maynard (Assistant Principal)

Monday, Sept. 14

• Regular School Day

Tuesday, Sept. 15

• Regular School day

Wednesday, Sept. 16

• Early Dismissal

Thursday, Sept. 17

• Regular School Day

Friday, Sept. 18

• Nature 1 Lost in the Woods (In School field trip)

Sept. 21: Annual General Parent Council Meeting 5:30 in the school library

Sept. 23: Nature K Lost in the Woods (In School field trip)

Sept. 25: Opening School Mass at 10 am (OLA Parish)- All are welcome!

Sept. 28: Terry Fox Run (Start Time 2 pm)

Sept. 29: Wear your Orange Shirt

Sept. 30: Truth and Reconciliation Day (NO School)

Oct. 1: Gr 1 Prairie Gardens, Gr 2 Teacher's Pet

Oct. 2: PD Day (No School)

Oct. 5 & 6: School Picture Days

Terry Fox set the bar high for himself when he started his Marathon of Hope saying " Nobody is every going to call me a quitter". Our school is proudly taking part in this year's Terry Fox Run on Monday, September 28th from 2-3 pm, to continue Terry's legacy. Please support our schools fundraising efforts to raise much needed fund for cancer research.

We are collecting "Toonies for Terry". Please bring cash donations to the school by Thursday, September 24. If you would like a tax receipt, donations can be made to the Terry Fox Foundation through the link below:

The Alberta Government requires all students in Grade 1 to Grade 4 to complete literacy/numeracy screening assessments. If you would like to learn more about these assessment tools, please click on the links below.

We are seeking to hire lunch time supervisors. This is a paid position and the commitment would be one hour per day. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this position, please email us at stj@eics.ab.ca or by calling the school at 780-998-7777

If you are registered for busing next year, your child's first day of school as per the above information will be their first day of busing. If you wish to register your child for the bus or change your current route due to changing schools, please contact the Student Transportation Department of EIPS at (780) 417-8151 or st@eips.ca.

All grades except Grade 4 will receive a Communication (Kanga) Pouch. The fee will be added to your child's PowerSchool account before the end of September. If you already have a Communication/Kanga Pouch, please let your child's teacher know. If you need a replacement, please call the office.

In order for your child to be permitted to use technology in school and participate in field trips, parents must digitally consent by filling out the 2026-2027 Yearly Consent forms.

These consent forms are available in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. Please complete each of these consent forms by September 8, 2026 For more information, please go to the PowerSchool page on our website, where you will also find a link to an instructional video.

Does your child have medical information, a condition the school should be aware of or require medication? If so please complete a B.2) 2026-2027 Medical Status Update/Request for Medical Treatment form located in your Parent Portal . This form is required yearly. We use this important information to alert any staff members, including substitute teachers, of any existing medical needs we need to be aware of. If your child requires medication at school you must fill out the medical form with all relevant information related to the medication.

If your child requires use of an EpiPen, please make sure this is filled out immediately. If your child no longer has a medical condition, you are required to update the form accordingly.

Please note:

• All medications, even over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Benadryl etc. require a label from the pharmacy
• the submission of a Medical Form is required prior to medication being sent to the school

If you need assistance, please click the Medical Form link found on our website.

All returning students are required to fill out the 2026-2027 Demographic Validation Form. Having the most up-to-date information about our students ensures that we receive all available funding to support your child's learning as well as current information to reach you during the day if necessary.

If you have not already done so, we ask that you please complete this form in PowerSchool

You can follow these steps to access, review and submit the form:

1. Log into PowerSchool at https://eics.powerschool.com/

2. Under the “Forms & Fees” menu click “School Engage Student Forms”

3. Students - Select your child’s name (please complete one form for each child)

4. Click on the word “New” beside the form name A.8) 2026-2027 Demographic Validation

Video tutorial link (**from 2021-2022) on how to complete the form https://www.eics.ab.ca/parents-and-students/powerschool-log-in

Thank you in advance for completing these forms so your child experiences the full learning benefits at St. John XXIII Catholic School.

Please contact the office at 780-998-7777 if you have any questions.

Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stj.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9526-89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-998-7777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnXXIII
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII