CHRIST-KING CHRONICLE
September has been a busy month at Christ-King Catholic School. We have had a great start to the school year, with new and returning students and an increase in staff. Welcome to Mr. Joe Faught, our new Grade 6/7 teacher, and welcome back to our educational assistants, Mrs. Brenda Murphy and Ms. Loretta Lavallee. It’s terrific to have each of them on our team.
On Sept. 12, students and staff at Christ-King had the opportunity to visit the travelling exhibit of the Portraits of Honour at West Stettler Park. The touching display featured the work of artist Dave Sopha and was a tribute to the soldiers who have lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan. It was an important experience for our students to understand the effects of war and to appreciate the sacrifice made by those soldiers.
Jesus said, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15: 13.
We prayed for peace in the world and for the soldiers who died and the families and friends who mourn their passing.
Our school council met for the first time this year and held its annual general meeting. A new executive was formed, with Circun Gendre becoming chair. Martin Willms stepped down to vice-chair and Alisa Glasier took the secretary position. Theresa Perkins stays on for another year as treasurer.
We appreciate all the hard work our school council does to support Catholic education in Stettler.
This past spring, the Grade 3/4 class and the junior high students at Christ-King planted a vegetable garden at the Dupont farm. It’s now time to harvest that garden and the Duponts have generously offered to allow us to sell the produce as a fundraiser for the school.
On Sept. 19, the Grade 4/5 class and the junior high students travelled to the farm to learn how to harvest and prepare the vegetables for our Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market was held during our open house last Monday night.
Last Friday, teachers at Christ-King learned about the Inclusive Education Planning Tool, a new pilot project involving our school. Provincially, 53 school authorities are participating in the Alberta Education pilot project, representing the diversity of the education system in the province.
It’s an opportunity for participating teachers to reflect on, refresh, plan and enhance instructional practices to better meet the diverse learning needs of all the students in their classrooms. We are excited to be a part of this new project.
The staff was also given a special blessing at our annual commissioning Mass on Sunday. Rev. Arlan Parenteau and Christ-King parishioners prayed over the staff for a successful school year to bring the light of Christ to our students and families.
Father Arlan also reminded everyone about a special event this week. Archbishop Richard Smith will be visiting Christ- King at 1 p.m. Thursday to bless the school. Everyone is invited.
Until next week, we pray for many blessings on you and your loved ones.