SMCLC

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Dear St. Max Students and Families,

As November begins, we look forward to opportunities to connect, support our students, and pause together in remembrance and prayer.

Our Parent Teacher Interviews are November 4 and 5, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. Connecting with your child’s teachers is an important way to celebrate progress, discuss challenges, and identify next steps. We are a team, and we always want the best for our students! Please book directly with your child’s teacher for an in-person meeting, a virtual meeting, or a phone call. We’re easy like that! 🙂

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk - Principal & English Language Arts

780-980-0955 ext: 2

tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Brandon Geiger - All things Math & Science!

780-980-0955 ext: 3

brandon.geiger@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Daniel Hughes - Social Studies, Religion, Off Campus & Options

780-980-0955 ext: 4

daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of our Late Tuesdays on November 3 and 17. We stay open until 7:00 p.m. to accommodate students with daytime commitments and provide extra time for learning and support. And yes—there’s always food! 🥔🌮 Come for Spud & Study on November 3 and Taco ’Bout Tuesday on November 17. Stay for supper, connect with your teachers, and get some work done!

On Remembrance Day, we pause with gratitude for all who served and sacrificed for our freedom. This year, we hold our CFB Wainwright military family especially close in prayer, along with veterans, those currently serving, and their loved ones. May we honour their sacrifices through our commitment to peace, compassion, and care for one another. Lest we forget. 🌺

November also brings Fall Break, November 6–16, with students returning on Tuesday, November 17—just in time for Late Tuesday! Please check the calendar below carefully for all upcoming closures, including Friday, November 27.

Finally, on Sunday, November 29, we welcome the season of Advent. As this beautiful time of waiting begins, may we make room in our hearts for the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ. 🕯️💜

Thank you for being part of our St. Max community and for trusting us to walk alongside your family.

Grace & peace,

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk
Principal
St. Maximilian Collegiate & Learning Centre
Faith that guides. Learning that enlightens.
🌐 smclc.starcatholic.ab.ca

October 30 - 🌛School Closure - In Lieu of Late Tuesdays 🌛

November 3- 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

November 4 - 💁 Parent Teacher Interviews until 7:00 pm💁

November 5 - 💁 Parent Teacher Interviews until 7:00 pm💁

November 6 - 🍂 Fall Break Begins - School Closed until November 17🍂

November 11 - 🌹 Remembrance Day 🌹

November 16 - 🪶 Metis Week Begins🪶

November 17 - 📚 Extended Hours Tuesday 🌙 - 🕖 Open Until 7:00 PM

November 27 - 🌛School Closure - In Lieu of Late Tuesdays 🌛

November 29 - 🛐 First Sunday of Advent 🛐

Every second Tuesday, St. Max stays open until 7:00 p.m. to give students extra time and support for their learning. Whether you need a quiet place to focus, help with an assignment, time to catch up, or a chance to complete an in-person assessment, Late Tuesday is here for you.

November's late Tuesdays are:

• November 3
• November 17

Sometimes a change of setting and a little encouragement are all it takes to make progress. Come in, bring what you’re working on, and let us help you take the next step. We’d love to see you!

Give Us Your Feedback!~

St. Maximilian Collegiate and Learning Centre stays open late on select Tuesdays (once every two weeks) until 7pm to better support our students. This form is meant to gauge interest and provide choice for supper. Have your say... what would you like for Late Tuesdays "Supper & Study" let us know by filling out the Google form here: https://forms.gle/PFvAf4oNLC2dyEhH9

Did you know that Métis Week began in 1997? Every November since, we have gathered across Alberta to celebrate Métis culture.

Métis Week stems from November 16, the day we commemorate Louis David Riel’s life and death, and honour his fight for the Métis people. By gathering with pride, we honour the legacy of all Métis people and their enduring advocacy for self-determination.

This year, as we celebrate our 29th Métis Week, we welcome you to join with us as we honour, showcase, and celebrate our history, culture, and progress.

Louis Riel devoted and sacrificed his life defending the rights of Métis people. Riel’s legacy continues to resonate across the homeland.

Each year, on November 16, Métis people across Canada pay tribute to the Right Honourable Louis Riel by holding a commemorative ceremony on the date of his execution. This ceremony symbolizes the commitment Métis people share in striving for and promoting the visions of Louis Riel and is one of the most important dates on the Métis calendar.

In addition to recognizing Louis Riel Day on November 16, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta has declared the week surrounding November 16 as “Métis Week.” The week is devoted to commemorating the sacrifices of the Métis who continue to strive toward rights and recognition as a distinct nation.

Still We Rise is more than an event, it’s a movement of joy, resilience, and connection. Designed for Indigenous youth by Indigenous youth, this interactive gathering creates opportunities for connection, learning and play.

Whether joining us online or in person, students will participate in dynamic sessions that inspire confidence and celebrate culture.

In previous years, over 1,600 students from schools across Alberta and Canada have joined our virtual event, proving just how powerful it is when we come together. For the first time this year, the virtual event will be followed by an in person opportunity.

Join Indigenous youth from across Canada for a free virtual gathering filled with culture, wellness, safety, healing, and inspiration. Hear from inspiring Indigenous speakers, celebrate your identity, and connect with a vibrant community of Indigenous youth from across the country.

If you'd like to register for the November 25th FREE online event, contact Mr. Hughes at daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

Do you like working with children? Are you someone who wants to make a difference in a student’s life? This could be your opportunity!

St. Max is offering Role of Education Assistant (EDAS 1000) through our Dual Credit partnership with NorQuest College. Starting in January, this course introduces students to the role of an educational assistant, including how to support learners, work with a team, follow a teacher’s direction, and help create an inclusive classroom.

Students can earn both high school and post-secondary credit. Completed Education Assistant courses also count toward NorQuest College’s Education Assistant Certificate, opening pathways to further study. Successful students are guaranteed placements with STAR Catholic Schools.

Spaces are limited. Students need a minimum of 60% in English 30-1 or English 30-2. To learn more, contact Tracy Melnyk at tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca.

GET READY FOR FALL INTERSHIPS

HELP US HELP YOU!

Do you own a business or know an employer who could offer meaningful work experience for a student? We are always looking to connect with new partners who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of workers.

If you or someone in your network can provide a supportive and educational workplace, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us to learn how to get involved and help shape the future workforce.

tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

Did you know students can earn high school credits while gaining valuable work experience?

STAR Catholic students have opportunities to explore career pathways and earn credits through programs such as work experience, the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), Green Certificate and Dual Credit.

Whether you already have a job, are interested in the trades, enjoy agriculture or want to take a university or college course while still in high school, there may be an opportunity for you.

For more information, contact Mr. Hughes, Off Campus Coordinator at daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to a new school year and thank you for choosing Catholic Education for your family. There are so many great things happening in our Parish that we hope you and your family will get involved.

Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism prep classes are held each month. Please contact the Parish Office 780-986-3253 to register. Please note that children who are under 7 years of age may be baptised without completing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children.

First Reconciliation/First Communion (Grade 2 and above)

Registration and Parent Meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2027 at 5:00 pm. Classes will begin following registration.

Confirmation (Grade 6 and above)

Registration, Parent Meeting, and classes will be scheduled starting September 2027. Confirmation Mass and Celebration will take place on the Feast of Christ the King (end of November, 2027)

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)

RCIC is a program for children 7 years old or older who have not been baptized or who are baptized in another Christian denomination wanting to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Please contact the Parish Office to register.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

RCIA is a program for non-baptized adults wanting to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Please contact the Parish Office to register.

Events and Activities

Youth Altar Server - Open to all youth who have received their First Communion Please contact the parish to arrange training.

Youth Group - Ages 12+

Volunteers are needed to facilitate this program. If you are interested please contact the Parish Office.

Looking forward to an amazing faith-filled year ahead. Please reach out with any ideas or suggestions for events.

St. Michael Parish

5105 45A Street Leduc, AB

780-986-3253

stmichael.leduc@caedm.ca

www.stmichaelsleduc.com

5pm Saturday Evening

9am and 11am on Sunday

Scholarship hunting is probably on your list, but with the recent changes to Alberta Student Aid, it’s more important than ever before to set you up with the tools you need to succeed.

StudentAwards.com is a free resource that lists currently available scholarship opportunities.

Subscribers receive a weekly email update of new scholarships plus tips for how to actually win those scholarships. A quick share with your students could go a long way.

Here are a few of the opportunities available on our site right now:

• $2,500 Goodwill of Alberta Scholarship

• $15,000 Embark RESP Contest

• $10,000 BMO Student Award

• $35,000 CIBC Full Ride Tuition Contest

Create a MyPass Account

All students require a MyPass account to obtain diploma marks, transcripts and so much more. If you have not created an account, please click on the link below and follow the instructions on how to do so.

Create a MyPass account

Watch the video below on how to get your MyPass Account!

Alberta is blessed with fully publicly funded Catholic education — a unique and hard-won gift safeguarded by generations before us.

It remains one of the Church’s most precious contributions to society: schools where Christ is known and loved, where truth is taught with clarity, and where young people encounter a living faith rooted in tradition.

GrACE’s monthly newsletter strengthens this province-wide Catholic community by lifting up the stories that show Catholic education at its best — classrooms alive with learning, parishes partnering with schools, and educators forming students in mind, heart, and spirit.

Your school’s faith life is the heart of the mission.

Here is the June GrACE News here: https://app.smore.com/n/1ef7k

https://www.starcatholic.ab.ca/division/school-board/board-highlights

Need to get a hold of us?

Call us at STAR Catholic Outreach 780-980-0955

Mrs. Jennifer Nelson - Administrative Assistant

780-980-0955 ext: 1

stmaximilian@starcatholic.ab.ca

jennifer.nelson@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mrs. Tracy Melnyk - Principal & English Language Arts

780-980-0955 ext: 2

tracy.melnyk@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Brandon Geiger - All things Math & Science!

780-980-0955 ext: 3

brandon.geiger@starcatholic.ab.ca

Mr. Daniel Hughes - Social Studies, Religion, Off Campus & Options

780-980-0955 ext: 4

daniel.hughes@starcatholic.ab.ca

📱 Stay Connected with St. Max!

We love sharing the great things happening in our STAR Outreach community. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @staroutreachschool and on FACEBOOK by searching STAR Catholic Outreach School or tapping the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmmpEgXxF/?mibextid=wwXIfr to see highlights, important reminders, celebrations, and updates from our school.

For the most current and accurate information—including calendars, announcements, and program details—please continue to check our website regularly at https://smclc.starcatholic.ab.ca

Thank you for staying connected and supporting our STAR Catholic Outreach family! 💙✝️