Catholic Community of Caring - Buddy Class Advent Activity

 

 

In conjunction with the Catholic Community of Caring, our buddy classes at St. Clare were recently involved in an Advent activity which involved making Christmas cards. 

 

We were overwhelmed by the response of the classes involved and the care & quality of work produced. The cards were delivered earlier this week to Newport Harbour Care Centre - a Senior's Home / Assisted Living facility in our area that is connected with Ascension Parish.  Each resident received least two cards to brighten their day! 

 

The staff and residents of Newport Harbour wish to thank the students and staff of St. Clare for their thoughtfulness and kindness during this Christmas season.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Christmas Reflection: "1 Corinthians 13 - A Christmas Version"

 

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
 

Gr. 4V Religion: “Adventure into Advent Project”

 



In Religion, since the end of November, we have been examining content relating to the season of Advent.  Advent is a time in which we prepare for the coming of our saviour Jesus Christ. 

 

Although His birth is to be the focal point of the season it often competes with several commercial and secular distractions. Thus, during the holiday season, as a result of the busy schedule which often accompanies this time of year, we often lose sight of what is truly important – family, friends, faith, and the well-being of others in our community. 

Leading up to their project, the students explored the various symbols of the season and their significance. The students’ task was to create an illustrative collage or scene which clearly communicates the meaning of the season of Advent.  The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gr. 4V Social Studies: Critical Chalenge - l“Alberta’s Fossil Heritage”

Fossils are an important part of our heritage—a part of the past that we still value because it helps make us what we are today. In this unit of study, the students in 4V discovered how Alberta’s fossils also help to make the province unique and what they can tell about Alberta’s past. They also learned why fossils are important today and how they are protected.

During this Critical Challenge, we explored the significance of Alberta’s fossil heritage.  Specifically, we examined and assessed the contributions and legacy of the following key individuals who played a significant part in Alberta’s past with respect to fossils.

·         Joseph Tyrrell

·         Barnum Brown

·         George Anderson        

After doing some research, the students were asked to select one of the key individuals listed above to explore, outline and assess their respective contributions relating to Alberta’s fossil heritage. The students had the choice of creating Poster, Newspaper Article, Information Brochure, Power-Point Presentation, Prezi, Pic Collage or Dramatization / Skit that highlights the life and work of the individual. The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

 

 

Gr. 4V Religion: “Prayer of St. Francis Project”

 

In conjunction with Remembrance Day in November, the students in 4V examined the “The Prayer of Saint Francis”, also known as the Peace Prayer.  It is a widely known Christian prayer which is attributed to the 13th-century Saint Francis of Assisi and embodies his spirit of peace, humility, simplicity and poverty. This prayer first appeared during the First World War and is commonly part of Remembrance Day liturgical celebrations in the years that followed.

 

The students’ task was to select a line from the Prayer of St. Francis and create a Poster, Power-Point Presentation, Pic Collage with its text, imagery and illustrations depicting the line’s significance, message and meaning.  The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

 

Gr. 4V Science: “Waste and Our World”

In the Grade 4V Science class, through our exploration of the Waste and Our World Unit, the students have discovered that we live in a fragile environment. The amount of waste that is generated throughout North America and the rest of the world is of serious concern to us all.  The reality is that much of what goes to a landfill can be diverted by several ways.

 

After doing some research, the students’ task was to create an Advertisement Poster, Information Brochure, Power-Point Presentation, Pic Collage that highlights the environmental concern of “Waste and Our World”.  Through completing their compositions, students had an opportunity to incorporate imagery and vocabulary examined in class as well as of some of the problems as well as solutions explored to this environmental challenge. The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Studying & Preparing for Tests

 

 

Dear Parents,

The children will be having their first unit test this year in Science on Monday, November 21, 2016. It will be on the Waste and Our World Unit.  I would like them to develop some effective study strategies this year, and need your help. As much as possible, I will try to give the children at least 3-4 days notice of tests, and some indication of what will be on it.  At times this will be in the form of a multi-day in-class review of content.  At other times I will give them a list, either in handout form or as notes, and sometimes orally). I will also introduce them to various study strategies throughout the year. 

Here’s how you can help:

• set up a time and place for study
• help your child set up a schedule for the 3-4 days they have to study, and help them to break the material up into manageable chunks
• encourage your child to use several of the strategies and help them decide what seems to work best for them. Studying is very individual, and we all need to develop our own style.
• talk about test taking skills  ie: what to do if you’re stuck on a question, answering questions as completely as you can, not worrying too much, etc.

Thanks for your help at home. If there is anything I can do to help in the study process please let me know.

 

4V Social Studies: “Albertosaurus Project”

In Social Studies class, we have been recently exploring Alberta’s fossil heritage.  We have been examining how Alberta’s fossils also help to make our province unique. Students learned what fossils can tell about Alberta’s past and will discover why fossils are an important part of our heritage—a part of the past that we still value because it helps make us what we are today.

In 1884, a fossil find made Alberta famous around the world. Joseph Tyrrell was looking for coal. He was also mapping the land between the Oldman River and the Red Deer River. With his crew, he camped in the badlands, close to where Drumheller is now.  Tyrrell soon made an exciting discovery. He found the bones of a huge, meat-eating dinosaur. It would later be called Albertosaurus, after the province where it was found.

 

•You pronounce their name 'al-ber-tuh-sawr-us'. •The meaning of its name is 'Alberta Lizard'. •They lived in the Late Cretaceous Period. •They could run up to 19mph (30kph). •Their length was up to 9 metres (30 feet) •They weighed 2 tons (about as much as a car).

 

 

After doing some research, reading the fun facts and looking at the images in the text and on the internet, the students’ task was to recreate a drawing of an Albertosaurus in its prehistoric environment.  The students also made efforts to ensure the surrounding environment or habitat was incorporated into the background of their picture. Through completing their compositions, students had an opportunity to depict what their dinosaur and Alberta looked like millions of years ago.   The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remembrance Day Reflection

Each year on November 11^th, Remembrance Day, Canadians are asked to take a few minutes to remember those who fought and died for our freedom. We pause on this day in silence to remember those who died in war and to pray for the victims of war & conflict throughout the world.  This is a day to pray for peace, to consider what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a nation to bring God’s peace into the world.

We are so fortunate to live in this great country of Canada . . . On November 11^th, every Canadian everywhere needs to remember that our rights and way of life came at a great cost namely the sacrifice of 116, 000 Canadian men & women who died fighting for our freedom and by the sacrifice of the other soldiers who survived those brutal conflicts and wars.

Taking a few minutes to reflect and wearing a poppy is way to show that we remember what they were fighting for.  We owe these people so much. 

I would like to conclude with a reflection/poem written several years ago by a wife of veteran who died in the war . . . It is entitled “Freedom Road” by Jacqueline Black. . . Let us recall the sacrifice of those who died fighting for our freedom . . .

 

They should never be forgotten ones
The brave young daughters and young sons
Who gave their lives so long ago
While fighting those who were our foe.

The world has changed; the time has past
And to some the years have gone too fast
To totally erase the pain they found
When comrades fell on foreign ground.

Now those of us who they died for
Must continue to stand and keep the door
Open, to honour and to show respect
Not allowing ourselves to ever forget.

It was freedom road they did pave
So proclaim your thanks to those who gave
As our anthem plays, sing clear and loud
And on Remembrance Day, wear poppies proud.

 

. . . for

 

It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,

Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN , not the poet,

Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN , not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote and the freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,

It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,

 

  ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. Amen

So on November 11th, at the 11^th hour of this 11^th month of the year, please take the time to reflect on the enormous loss that has led to our enormous gain. Remember them.  It’s the least we can do . . .

 

Gr. 4V Religion: “Be Merciful Just as Your Father is Merciful”

 

In the 4V Religion class, we recently explored the faith theme for the Calgary Catholic School District which is based on the virtue of “Mercy”. 

We are all invited to remember and give thanks for God’s abundant mercy; the Gospel reminds us that God always looks for us when we are lost and comes to meet us with compassion, forgiveness and love.  In addition to receiving God’s mercy, we are also invited to put God’s mercy into action . . . as God calls us to be merciful toward others just as God is merciful toward us. Let us remember to be compassionate, forgiving and loving as noted in the words from Pope Francis.

 

 

The students in 4V were given the task of creating a visual composition complete with a variety of imagery and illustrations which depict the various ways in which a person can “Be Merciful like the Father is Merciful”. Prior to starting their projects, we examined and brainstormed a list of ways in we can show mercy to others in our daily lives. These items were then incorporated into the design of their respective compositions.  The following examples feature student insights which highlight what this theme looks like at St. Clare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a tri-fold of the 4V “Be Merciful” project that was on display in the foyer of Ascension Parish for Catholic Education Sunday on November 5 & 6, 2016. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sacramental Recognition Celebration

 

One of the things for which we as Catholics are grateful is the sacraments of our faith.  Sacraments are signs of God’s grace.  They are ways in which God touches our lives and makes us more like Christ.  We were honoured to have worked in conjunction with personnel from Ascension Parish as well as other parishes in the Diocese of Calgary where our students have been attending with their families.   

On the afternoon of June 22^nd, we gathered as a school community to recognize and honour the students at St. Clare who received Sacraments in Baptism, Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation at different points throughout the school year. The numbers of students from St. Clare receiving Sacraments this year was quite impressive as noted below. 

                                                                 

         
Baptism – 10 Students

                                                   Holy Communion – 82 Students

 

       

Reconciliation – 46 Students

 

                                                     

                                                           Confirmation - 20 Students

In celebration of these honours, students received commemorative Sacramental tokens, certificates and a special treat. We would like to congratulate all students involved in receiving their respective Sacraments at Ascension Parish and other parishes in the Diocese of Calgary.