Thursday, February 29th

DAY 1

MORNING PRAYER

Today is a leap day! Leap days occur only once every 4 years. Let us thank God for this extra 24 hours to live and to love one another. 

Heavenly Father,

On this special Lenten Leap Day,

let us show gratitude for the extra time we have been given

to Encounter Christ in one another.

Let us try to focus on the blessings

You have given us in our lives

and be thankful for our family, friends, teachers,

and all else whom we encounter today.

We ask this in Jesus’s name.

Amen 

SCHOOL SUPERVISION

Main Entrance - Mr. Olver

North Entrance - Mr. Seto/Mrs. Morhart
South Entrance - Mrs. Martin

CAFETERIA

Thursday - Sweet 'n' Sour Meatballs & Rice $4.00 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW COMPETITION

Students who were 14 years of age or younger as of January 1^st, 2024 are invited to participate in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition that will take place at St. John School on Saturday, March 2nd.  Students who are interested should register with Mrs. Rissling in room 136 by the end of the school day on Friday, March 1st.

SEMAINE DU L'IMMERSION

Mardi: Venez vous amusez avec notre bingo musical francophone dans la classe de monsieur Joncas à 12:15. Il y auras des prix à gagner! 

Mercredi: On se rencontre au gymnase à 12:15 pour un jeu entre les élèves et les enseignants! Participez en grand nombre ou venez regarder!

Mercredi: Nous allons cuisiner des crêpes ensemble après l'école (15:30). Veuillez vous inscrire auprès de Mme Ouellet si vous désirez participer. Les places sont limitées.

Jeudi: Déjeuner pain doré à la caféteria pour 2,50$ et musique francophone.

* Vous recevrez un coupon lorsque vous participer aux activités et il y aura des tirages de carte-cadeaux à la fin de la semaine. Bonne semaine à tous!

FEBRUARY: Aboriginal Storytelling Month

For Indigenous people, storytelling is both a gift, and a very old custom, used to teach, entertain, and remember. In December 2022, the provincial government declared that February would be the official month of Indigenous storytelling. “Culturally, when the snow has hit the ground, it has been a very old custom to gather together and share stories to learn culture and language and teachings”. 

To honour this tradition, 

1) the original and translated Cree legend, “Chahkabesh and the Giant Woman” is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/14x2.pdf.

2) the original and translated Cree legend, "Chahkabesh Snares the Sun" is available at https://pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/15x2.pdf

3) the original and translated Cree legend, "Chahkabesh is Swallowed by the Giant Fish" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/16x2.pdf

4) the original and translated Cree legend, "Chahkabesh is Drawn Up by the Moon" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/17x2.pdf

5) the original and translated Cree legend, "Weesakechahk Carries Around His Song Bag" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/18x2.pdf

6) the original and translated Cree legend, "Weesakechahk Tricks the Bear" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/19x2.pdf

7) the original and translated Cree legend, "Weesakechahk Flies South with the Waveys" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/20x2.pdf

8) the original and translated Cree legend, "The Man who was Devoured by Rabbits" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/21x2.pdf

9) the original and translated Cree legend, "The Man who Kicked Away the Snow" is available at https://www.pathoftheelders.com/images/docs/23x2.pdf

FEBRUARY: Black History Month

Annamie Paul became the first Black woman to be elected leader of a federal political party. In 2020, Paul was elected head of the Green Party. 

SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

Saskatchewan Grade 12 students and recent high school graduates (within the last two years) have the chance to win a grand-prize scholarship of $4,000 or one of three runner-up scholarships of $2,000 when they submit a three-minute video or 1,000-word essay on transparency. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be planning to take an agriculture-related post-secondary education program beginning in the fall of 2024. This scholarship program has been designed to identify young people who are planning to pursue a career in the agriculture industry. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 1, 2024. For more information: visit saskatchewan.ca/ag-scholarship or, contact agriculture.scholarship@gov.sk.ca

MODEL UN MEETING

There will be an important Model UN meeting on Monday, March 4th at 12:30 pm in Rm 238. Students who cannot attend are to message a staff advisor. As well, new delegates for the April event are being accepted and interested students should contact Mr. Welter or Mr. Joncas for information.

ÉCOLE ST MARY OPEN HOUSE

Students and staff are encouraged to invite families to attend the École St Mary Open House on Wednesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 7th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The doors will be open at 6:30 pm.

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE SCHOLARSHIP: Grade 12

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Scholarship ($1000) is awarded to six Grade 12 students who will be attending a post-secondary institution in the fall. Four student qualities will be considered: school and/or community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, financial support needed and academic performance. École St. Mary High School can nominate one candidate. Please provide a list of school/community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, and a statement about financial need to Mrs. Rapin in Student Services by Friday, March 8th to be considered for nomination. The application deadline is Friday, March 15, 2024. For additional information, please visit https://communityeducation.ca/scholarships/

PRINCE OF WALES & DUCHESS OF CORNWALL SCHOLARSHIPS: Gr 11

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Scholarship ($500) is awarded to a Grade 11 student to assist in finishing their Grade 12 school year. Four student qualities will be considered: school and/or community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, financial support needed and academic performance. École St. Mary High School can nominate one candidate and nomination is competitive. Please provide a list of school/community-based leadership, responsibilities outside of school, and a statement about financial need to Mrs. Rapin in Student Services by Friday, March 8th to be considered for nomination. The application deadline is March 15, 2024. For additional information, please visit https://communityeducation.ca/scholarships/

PRYTULA CHARPENTIER FOUNDATION: Music

The Martha Prytula École St. Mary High School University Music Entrance Scholarship is a $2,000.00 scholarship and will be awarded to one student who: has exhibited outstanding participation in the École St. Mary High School Band and/ or Choir and is attending a post-secondary institute in the fall of 2024 with a focus on music study. Proof of acceptance (letter, email) into a post-secondary program must be submitted, and a digital photo must be emailed to mcleod@pacsd.ca . The digital photo must be a high-resolution digital photo (2-4 megabyte JPG, not PNG) of the applicant doing an activity (sports, dance, volunteering etc.). Please do not copy the JPG onto a word document, use a JPG sent in a text message, or use a JPG sent in an email with other photos, since these scenarios compress the size of the JPG. If you have any questions, see Ms. McLeod or email her at lydia.mcleod@pacsd.ca. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2024. The link to the application form is https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ktew3fs5vE6W1gmVNKysT6vocE7fn19DkR5uT6YzcyBUNElTVUVIOFIxTDlXQ0RPRUczWldOM0RGTi4u

PRYTULA CHARPENTIER FOUNDATION: French

The Charpentier École St. Mary High School University French Entrance Scholarship is a $2,000.00 scholarship and will be awarded to one student who: is a French immersion student that has exhibited outstanding academic achievement and is attending a post-secondary institute in the fall of 2024 to study French. Proof of acceptance (letter, email) into a post-secondary program must be submitted, and a digital photo must be emailed to mcleod@pacsd.ca The digital photo must be a high-resolution digital photo (2-4 megabyte JPG, not PNG) of the applicant doing an activity (sports, dance, volunteering etc.). Please do not copy the JPG onto a word document, use a JPG sent in a text message, or use a JPG sent in an email with other photos, since these scenarios compress the size of the JPG.  If you have any questions, see Ms. McLeod or email her at lydia.mcleod@pacsd.ca. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2024. The link to the application form is https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ktew3fs5vE6W1gmVNKysT6vocE7fn19DkR5uT6YzcyBUNElTVUVIOFIxTDlXQ0RPRUczWldOM0RGTi4u

PRYTULA CHARPENTIER FOUNDATION: FNIM

The Mark Phaneuf First Nation, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) École St. Mary High School University Entrance Scholarship, sponsored by the Prytula Charpentier Foundation, and First Nations Insurance Services Limited Partnership is for self-declared First Nation, Inuit and Métis students who: will be attending a post-secondary institute in the Fall of 2024, has exhibited outstanding participation in the École St. Mary High School extra-curricular activities and academic achievement. In addition, priority may be given to those who demonstrate financial need. The successful applicant(s) will receive a $2,000.00 scholarship. Proof of acceptance (letter, email) into a post-secondary program must be submitted, and a digital photo must be emailed to mcleod@pacsd.ca .  The digital photo must be a high-resolution digital photo (2-4 megabyte JPG, not PNG) of the applicant doing an activity (sports, dance, volunteering etc.). Please do not copy the JPG onto a word document, use a JPG sent in a text message, or use a JPG sent in an email with other photos, since these scenarios compress the size of the JPG.  If you have any questions, see Ms. McLeod or email her at lydia.mcleod@pacsd.ca. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2024. The link to the application form is https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ktew3fs5vE6W1gmVNKysT6vocE7fn19DkR5uT6YzcyBUNElTVUVIOFIxTDlXQ0RPRUczWldOM0RGTi4u

PRYTULA CHARPENTIER FOUNDATION: Contribution, Need, Academic

The Alex Prytula Scholarship is a $2000.00 scholarship that will be presented to a male and a female student. The criteria for the award is as follows: outstanding contributions, financial need, and academics.  Proof of acceptance (letter, email) into a post-secondary program must be submitted, and a digital photo must be emailed to mcleod@pacsd.ca . The digital photo must be a high-resolution digital photo (2-4 megabyte JPG, not PNG) of the applicant doing an activity (sports, dance, volunteering etc.). Please do not copy the JPG onto a word document, use a JPG sent in a text message, or use a JPG sent in an email with other photos, since these scenarios compress the size of the JPG. If you have any questions, see Ms. McLeod or email her at lydia.mcleod@pacsd.ca. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2024. The link to the application form is https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ktew3fs5vE6W1gmVNKysT6vocE7fn19DkR5uT6YzcyBUNElTVUVIOFIxTDlXQ0RPRUczWldOM0RGTi4u

JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD: $3000

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award has honoured the youth of Saskatchewan for over 40 years. The program is sponsored by The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association, in partnership with SaskPower, and the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.  These prestigious awards are given to students who:

• Have a positive lifestyle
• Are dedicated to community and school
• Have a strong sense of caring and responsibility
• Have the ability to overcome life’s challenges
• Inspire others
• Are between ages 8 to 18

Four award recipients are chosen each year and receive a $3,000 bursary, provided by SaskPower, to be used for post-secondary education. For more information, please go to https://swna.com/junior-citizen-of-the-year/. The deadline for nominations is March 31st, 2024.

myBlueprint/SCOTIA  BANK SCHOLARSHIPS: $3750

The Scotiabank scholarships for students age 16 – age 18 focus on four themes (Diversity, Financial Wellness, Women Future Leaders, STEM) and four regions of Canada. The Contest Period is from Monday, January 15, 2024, at 9:00:01 AM ET to Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at 11:59:59 PM ET. Upon successful completion and submission of the scholarship application, the eligible entrant will receive one (1) entry into the Contest. Only one Scholarship prize will be awarded per eligible entrant. (If an entrant submits more than one Entry, they will be disqualified.) For additional information, please go to https://education.myblueprint.ca/scotia/

GLOBAL PARTNERS NORTH AMERICA: Host Families Needed

Twenty-one (21) female high school students from Japan will be in Prince Albert from Tuesday, March 19th - Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Host families are needed for this time period. The students will attend classes at École St Mary High School on school days, and spend time with host families during evenings and weekends. Additional information (responsibilities of Host Families, Global Partners North America, Students) is available at http://pa.pursueonline.com/index.php/community/. If you are interested in being a host family, please contact Jeannette Eddolls: 306-960-4648 or jeannette.m@velocity.ca

U of S EARLY ADMISSIONS

Attention grade 12 students! Applications are now open for admissions to the University of Saskatchewan. Apply early to take advantage of benefits like early admission and access to scholarships. Some scholarship applications are due before the application deadline. To find information about how to apply, programs and deadlines, scholarship applications, and how to submit your documents, please go to https://admissions.usask.ca/requirements/apply.php#1Findaprogram If you have any questions, or want assistance, please see Mrs. Rapin in Student Services (office 116).

DRIVER EDUCATION 2023 - 2024

Students who are interested in the 2023 - 2024 driver education program are to register online through Microsoft Forms: 2023 - 2024 Drivers Ed Registration Form Mr. Bourdon will then place students into groups on Edsby. A reminder that spots fill up quickly, so it is important to select your three top options to best accommodate each student. 

The start dates for session are as follows:

January 31 - February 29 (after school)

March 4 - March 25 (after school)

March 4 - April 24 (lunch hour)

April 8 - April 26 (after school)

May 1 - May 23 (after school)

July 2 - July 10 summer class (9:00am - 1:00pm)

Please note the following:

·         Students must be 15 years old by the start of the session.

·         Sessions will be in the Room 246.

·         All sessions begin at 3:30pm and end at 5:30pm. (except for the summer/lunch sessions).

·         During your driver education class, you will need:

·         your birth certificate

·         your MYSGI account number. (needed on the first day of class)

·         Students must go to SGI to get their MySGI customer number.

·         a pencil/pen and notebook

SUPPORT MENSTRUAL EQUITY INITIATIVE: Free Products

École St Mary High School has received free feminine menstrual products (pads and tampons) to support our students. Students who want these free products can go to the main office or see Mrs. Cantin in Room 115.  The initiative is a three-year partnership (Ministry of Education, the Status of Women Office, SaskBuilds, school division) created to distribute products in a cost-effective equitable and accessible manner. The initiative was established between the Ministry of Education and the Shoppers Foundation of Women's Health to provide 12 million menstrual products.

EDSBY SUPPORT

Information and instructional videos are available at https://pacsd.ca/our-students/edsby-for-students/

FREE MICROSOFT 365 FOR STUDENTS

Students enrolled in the Prince Albert Catholic School Division have the opportunity to install Microsoft Office 365 on their desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Instructions and additional information is available at http://pa.pursueonline.com/index.php/community/

COMMUNITY

PRINCE ALBERT PUBLIC LIBRARY (PAPL)
Find out about all the FREE print and digital access to novels, graphic novels, music, movies, comedy shows, crafts, book clubs and more that is available at the Prince Albert Public Library. For detailed information visit https://princealbertlibrary.ca/ and/or view the January/February Newsletter. (FREE February movies: "Love Again", "Retribution", "Mummies", "The Amazing Maurice", "Scooby Doo and Krypto Too")

KARATE CLASSES

Are you looking for a fitness and discipline activity? If yes, Prince Albert Budokai Karate is hosting its classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1405 Bishop Pascal Place (Elevation Academy Gym - Former Rivier). Beginners' classes are at 6 pm and advanced classes are at 7 pm. We welcome new and returning students. If you have any questions, please contact Sensei Chris Lair at 306-922-5247 or by email at chrislair@sasktel.net.

CAFETERIA

Monday - Pizza $3.50

Tuesday - Pork Bites & Rotini Salad $4.00

Wednesday - Jollof Rice & Roasted Chicken $4.00

Thursday - Sweet 'n' Sour Meatballs & Rice $4.00 

Friday - Cheesy Naan & Spring Mix Salad $3.50