“There was No Room for Him in the Inn”

At Monsignor Fee Otterson School, we open up our own hearts and the

hearts of our students to find the ‘Christ Child’ in those places and in

those people, who may be forgotten, but where Christ most

assuredly can be found. It is our own quest for Christ which takes us

to those in need.

As a Catholic school community, we create places and

spaces in our school where God can be encountered as the one who welcomes us

each and every day. As teachers, we approach our work with a committed heart to

discover the gift in each child, just as God does. This is our invitation from God to see

the children as He does.

As a faith community may we always ‘have room in our hearts’ for

those who need our constant support, especially during this season

of Advent.

As we reach out and celebrate the gift of each one of us, we ask Jesus,

the Light of the World, to fill our lives during this holiday season

with love, compassion, forgiveness, peace, joy and gratitude

We are reminded of the words of Monsignor Fee Otterson,

“Love is Central to all We Do”

M. Whelan Principal

Principal: Mrs. Marie Whelan Assistant Principal: Mr. Mike Pagacz Assistant Principal: Mr. Rob Madunicky

Remembrance Day On Tuesday, November 10th, we shared a beautiful digital celebration of Peace at Monsignor Fee Otterson. Our focus on PEACE throughout the celebration brought home the meaning of peace in our lives and throughout the world. The music, and the singing of In Flander’s Fields was a beautiful tribute to all the peacemakers around the world. Special thanks to our student readers, our music ministry and to all parents and family members who joined us for this very meaningful celebration of Remembrance and Peace.

Advent Celebrations Advent Celebrations prepare us for the coming of Jesus, the

Light of the World. The lighting of the Advent candles symbolizes

the expectation and hope surrounding Jesus’ birth.

1st Sunday of Advent—November 29th, 2020

Classroom Advent Celebration –HOPE– Monday, November 30th

2nd Sunday of Advent– December 6th, 2020

Classroom Advent Celebration –PEACE –Monday, December 7th

3rd Sunday of Advent– December 13th, 2020

Classroom Advent Celebration –JOY– Monday, December 14th

3rd Sunday of Advent– December 20th, 2020

During the week of November 16th-26th, families gathered together to celebrate their

child(ren)’s learning in a digital format. These conferences were filled with special moments

of pride as all students demonstrated, through evidence they gathered, the projects which

celebrated their learning. It was wonderful to see how much effort the students put into

designing their presentations.

Thank you to our professional staff for bringing it all together, through their commitment and

appreciation for all our students, and the learning which comes to life daily in our classroom.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated all the many successes we see each and

very day at Monsignor Fee Otterson.

Advent Reflection What do we like best about school? Is it reading? Writing? Math? Spelling? Recess? Well, when I was in school, I think my favorite thing was "Show and Tell". I always looked forward to the days when we had "Show and Tell" because it gave me the chance to show and tell others about something that was really important to me. It is really fun to show and tell others about something that is really important to us, isn't it? The Bible tells us about a man named John who loved to "show and tell" others about Jesus. John was trying to tell people that it is two minutes to midnight. He was trying to prepare them for an event that they never dreamed to be possible. The very Son of God was about to enter human history and be born as baby – dressed in poor clothes and lying in a manger.

The Bible says that one day John was standing with a group of people when he saw Jesus coming. He said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! I have seen him and I tell you that this is the Son of God." Because John loved to show and tell others about Jesus, many people came to know Jesus and follow him. It is important for you and me to show and tell others about Jesus too. We can show others about Jesus by doing the things that Jesus taught us to do - things like loving one another and being helpful and kind. Then people will see that we know Jesus and that will

give us a chance to tell them about Jesus. We can tell them about what he has done for us and what he wants to do for them. Yes, each day we should show and tell others about Jesus! + Yours in Christ, Father Mitch Fidyka

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve Mass - December 24

4:00pm, 6:00pm*, 8:00pm, 10:00pm, 12:00am* (midnight)

Christmas Day Mass - December 25

10:00am*, 12:00pm

* These Masses will also be livestreamed

New Year’s Mass Schedule

New Year’s Eve Mass - December 31

5:00pm*

New Year’s Day Mass - January 1

10:00am, 12:00pm

* These Masses will also be livestreamed

News from St. Thomas More Church For those schools who may be looking for a worthy social justice project for Advent during the time of preparation for the coming of Christ, we suggest the Gianna Centre, an organization operated through Catholic Social Services. I’ve attached the flyer for those who may be interested in supporting their work. We are still accepting registrations for those who are ready to celebrate Confirmation; classes will start in the new year, with a confirmation date to be set around the time of Easter 2021. Please visit https://stm.caedm.ca/sacraments/ for more details and to download an application. Blessings as you prepare for the coming of Christ in your schools, homes, and community. Yours in Christ, Fr. Mitch Fidyka

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Monsignor Fee Otterson

Christmas Holidays School Hours ~Thursday, December 17th FULL DAY of classes ~Friday, December 18th dismissal at 11:55 a.m.

This enables our students, parents and staff to get an early start to the Christmas break.

We wish you all the joy, happiness, and peace that the Christmas season brings.

EASIEST ISN’T ALWAYS SAFEST. Park Responsibly. Know the Rules KEEP KIDS SAFE. edmonton.ca/schoolparking

Parent/Guardian

Illegal parking around schools is a safety hazard for kids. Illegal parking causes congestion and

visual obstructions that make it hard for drivers to see children crossing the street and can

create disruption to the residents living in the area.

When picking up your children, please park legally and walk to the school.

You can expect to see Parking Enforcement Services patrolling schools zones and issuing

tickets to any vehicles found in violation of the Traffic Bylaw 5590.

Fines start at $50.00 and go as high as $250.00, plus towing and impound fees. You maybe

ticketed without warning and may also receive a ticket in the mail at a later date.

Common Parking Infractions around schools FINE AMOUNT

Parking in a disabled parking space (zero tolerance) $250.00

Park in a school bus zone $ 50.00

Park at least 5 meters away from stop signs & yield signs $ 50.00

Park at least 5 meters away from intersections & crosswalks $ 50.00

Park at least 5 meters away from a Fire Hydrant $ 50.00

Be a good neighbour and do not parking in front of residential driveways $ 50.00

Parking in an alley is not permitted $ 50.00

Parking in any Bus Zone is not permitted $ 50.00

Park responsibly, know the rules and keep kids safe!

For more information

Visit edmonton.ca/schoolparking or call 311

SAFETY & FRIENDLY REMINDERS AT MFO

In light of the newsletter that came forward from the City of

Edmonton’s “Easiest isn’t always THE SAFEST,” We want

to revisit and make you aware of our focus on "safety" for all

students during the drop-off and pickup times During the

school year. It is important for all families to help with the

following:

*We do not have a drop-off or pick up in the bus zone in

front of the school.

*The turn-a-round cannot be a parking area. Our staff

parking lot is completely full and we ask parents not to

park there.

Thank You for helping us to keep our school safe for all

student.