Principal's Message:

Dear St. Augustine Families,

This past month has been a beautiful reminder of the strength and joy that comes from being part of a vibrant, caring community. As I added the photos from our Grade 5 & 6 ski days and our Grade 1 & 3 gymnastics days, I felt so much gratitude for the experiences we are able to offer our students. These enriching opportunities, sponsored by our School Council, support the development of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

For many students, skiing, snowboarding, or attempting a new gymnastics skill was a first-time experience. These days were about more than physical activity; they were moments of courage, patience, determination, and personal growth. Thank you to our School Council for supporting these invaluable opportunities. We look forward to our Grades 2 & 4 students enjoying their swimming lessons this spring!

February also brought us the immense joy of Shrove Tuesday. Seven wonderful parent volunteers joined us to prepare pancakes for every student. The cozy atmosphere created by the smell of pancakes drifting through the halls on a snowy morning made the day feel extra special. Our students felt cared for—and as we know, being fed and nurtured truly lifts the spirit.

We also began the season of Lent with a beautiful school liturgy. Gathering together in prayer reminds us how blessed we are to be able to build and strengthen our community in such meaningful ways. In April, we invite parents and guardians to join us for our Easter liturgy. Following the celebration, Parent Council will be hosting a coffee and donut gathering—we hope to see many of you there.

Looking ahead to March, we are excited to welcome families for our Demo of Learning on March 19. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their growth and for families to see the learning journey firsthand. Please watch for more information from your classroom teacher.

Thank you for being an essential part of the St. Augustine community. It is truly a blessing to learn, celebrate, and grow together.

Warmly,

Carmen Markowski

March 2: School Council Meeting at 6pm in the Flexspace

March 5: Open House from 6:30-7:30pm

March 6: Last day to fill out the AECA Survey for grades 4-6 parents *forms sent home with students

March 9: Teacher's Pet visits our grade 1 class for their program "A Day at the Racetrack"

March 11: Grade 2/3A Class goes to Hockey Hooky at Roger's Place

March 13: Last day to order Hot Lunch

March 17: St. Patrick's Day/Irish Dancing Troupe performs in the gym at 9:30 am. Please join us!

March 18: Hot Lunch!

March 19: Demo of Learning and Book Fair from 1:30-7:30 pm. We look forward to meeting with our families!

March 26: Full Day of School

March 27: Early Dismissal for Spring Break

March 30-April 3: Spring Break

Reminders about Pre-Enrolment for 2026-27 School Year and Open House

A gentle reminder to all families to please complete your pre-enrolment for the 2026–27 school year. This form is completed through PowerSchool. If you prefer, you may also call the school office, and our Administrative Assistant will be happy to assist you.

Knowing which students are returning helps us plan effectively for next year—class configurations, staffing, and resources all depend on accurate enrolment information. Your timely response is greatly appreciated and makes a meaningful difference in our preparations.

We also want to remind you that our Kindergarten Open House is on March 5th. Your child recently brought home two handbills advertising the event. Please feel free to pass them along to neighbours, friends, or any families who may be interested in joining our St. Augustine family. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful ways we welcome new families into our community!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Community of School Councils: What We Heard

In November, families and administrators from 89 ECSD school communities, including ours, gathered for this school year’s Community of School Councils engagement. Families shared what matters most in four areas that will guide the next Division Plan for Continuous Growth. They told us that belonging and visible faith are important, that they value consistent, engaging teaching practices across classrooms and schools, that access to mental health supports matters, and that classrooms need strong supports for diverse learning needs. Their feedback has been shared with the Board of Trustees and will help shape the 2026-2029 Division Plan. Read the summary report on our website.

Another highlight from February was our celebration of Lunar New Year. Students and staff wore red on February 17th. Students were thrilled to receive their orange and red envelopes, each containing a special message and a chocolate coin. Celebrating diverse cultural traditions enriches our school and reflects the strength of our broader community and country. Learning about one another deepens our understanding and helps us grow together.