Madonna Catholic School News

Dear Madonna Families,

As we move into a new month, we are given the opportunity to pause and reflect on the learning and growth that has already taken place. As Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5). When we remain connected—students, families, and school—our children continue to flourish.

In many classrooms, Evidence of Learning packages (often in binders) are coming home today. These provide a valuable opportunity for conversation with your child, not only about what they are learning, but how they learn and what next steps can support their continued growth. Parents are encouraged to review the binders and complete the reflection section, offering feedback to your child’s teacher. This home–school partnership is essential to student success.

EICS registration opens on February 2. Please see the information below. Families of returning students will receive a prompt in the PowerSchool Parent Portal to indicate whether they will be returning to Madonna Catholic or moving on.

Wishing you a restful and blessed weekend. We hope you are able to enjoy some time outdoors together, appreciating the gift of the milder temperatures.

Mrs. Cathy Hinger, Principal

Mrs. Fiona Wimmer, Assistant Principal

• Please complete the A.5) EICS Pre-K/PUF Transition Form.

• Note: This form will be assigned to you on the morning of February 2nd. You will receive a notification once it has been made available.

February 2 - Kindergarten & 2/3 O attend Frozen Jr play at St Theresa (AM performance)

February 3 - Kindergarten, 2L, 2N, 3V, 4HW attend Frozen Jr play at St Theresa (PM performance)

February 5 & 6 - Teacher Convention - NO SCHOOL

**Reminder that every Wednesday the school dismisses @ 2:13pm

Please make sure you stop by the office whenever you come visit our school. We need to know who is coming and going from our building!

This week we needed to pivot to support our parish and reschedule our planned Adoration time. We instead held an assembly led by our Chaplain Mrs. Fortier in the gym with a focus on vocations that exist in our faith community.

This week students from 2N listened to a story that encouraged positive thinking and reflection, helping them settle their hearts, minds, and bodies. Rooted in our Catholic values of respect, compassion, and care for the whole person, Ms. Andrea then offered the students a chance to participate in a traditional Indigenous smudging. This experience invited students to let go of negative thoughts and welcome peace, supporting their spiritual growth while honouring Indigenous cultural traditions.

On January 22nd, 2026, Elk Island Catholic Schools emailed a link to provide your input on how we are doing as a Catholic School Division.

Thank-you to those families that have already taken the time to provide feedback.

If you are the parent or guardian of multiple children who are attending EICS schools:

• We recognize that their experiences may be different and wish to obtain a greater understanding of these differences in the survey.

Please take the time to reflect on each child’s individual school experience and fill out a survey for each child. If you have not yet completed the survey, please follow the link: EICS Parent Education Assurance Survey To ensure your feedback is received, all surveys must be completed by Friday, February 13th, 2026.

Thank-you for sharing your voice with EICS.

Looking to come in from time to time to support your child's class on a fieldtrip or perhaps support some in-class learning? See the attached PDF and complete the following:

- The EICS Volunteer Confidentiality Form

- The Criminal Record Check (Edmonton & Strathcona County Letters attached)

- Child Intervention Check

If you are unsure if you have already completed these forms, or need assistance, please contact Mrs. Gaudet at 780-467-7972 or mcs@eics.ab.ca

OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish)

Masses at OLPH will be livestreamed. Please join using this link. https://www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark/videos/

Visit OLPH Website for more information about the parish and in regards to sacramental preparation.

Visit www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark