Greater Saskatoon Catholic

Schools

www.gscs.ca

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL 2115 McEown Ave

Saskatoon, SK S7J 3K8

Principal - Tom Hickey

Vice Principal - Rob Revering Assistant Principal - Nadine Cannell

Director of Education - Greg Chatlain

Superintendent of Education - Scott Gay

Board Trustees - Wayne Stus, Jim Carriere & Sharon Zakreski-Werbicki

Newsletter February 7, 2020 A Tradition of Excellence

We’re on the Web!

https://www.gscs.ca/stu

dentsandfamilies/school

s/HCH

Principal’s Message “Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death.” (Pope Francis) It is hard to believe that Ash Wednesday and Lent will be upon us in just a couple of weeks! Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving – a time to reflect and enter into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. As we begin a new semester at Holy Cross, we are also reminded that this is our story. Out of love and sacrifice comes resurrection, newness of life! Congratulations to all of our students who sacrificed their time and effort, sometimes in the midst of very difficult life circumstances, to do their jobs well this semester. We are proud of you! Thank you to our students, staff, parents and community for welcoming me to Holy Cross. Throughout this first month I have been blown away by the capability, generosity, and kindness of the people I am now working with. This is truly a special place. There are a few new faces on staff this semester. We are blessed to have Rob Revering joining staff as our new Assistant Principal and Zach Adams who will be teaching English. Please keep Rob, Zach and I in your prayers along with Lisa Hodson (now with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation) and Jason Benson (now the principal of Bishop Murray). We also welcomed four new student nurses from the University of Saskatchewan: Jen, Faith, Jessica and Nipun. They will be supporting our students this semester along with their clinical instructor, Lindsey Vold. On behalf of the staff of Holy Cross, thank you for choosing Catholic education and entrusting your son or daughter into our care. Please know that we value the relationship between school and home and want you to feel comfortable contacting the school with any questions you may have. Tom Hickey Principal

Tuesday, February 11

➢ Graduation Applications for no Homeroom Students in the Library

Wednesday, February 12

➢ Graduation Applications completed in homerooms

➢ Curling City Finals Thursday, February 13

➢ Graduation Applications completed in homerooms

➢ Curling City Finals Monday, February 17

➢ Family Day - School Closed Tuesday, February 18

➢ Mid-winter Break - No School Wednesday, February 19

➢ Mid-winter Break - No School Thursday, February 20

➢ Mid-winter Break - No School Friday, February 21

➢ Mid-winter Break - No School Monday, February 24

➢ Classes Resume

➢ Badminton Season Start Date Tuesday, February 25

➢ Advanced Placement Information Night - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 26

➢ Ash Wednesday Thursday, February 27

➢ Wrestling City Championships Friday, February 28

➢ Wrestling City Championships Thursday, March 5

➢ Shortened Day - 12:30 Dismissal

➢ HCMPA Meeting - 7:00 pm Friday, March 6

➢ Wrestling Provincial Championships

➢ Curling Provincial Championships Saturday, March 7

➢ Wrestling Provincial Championships

➢ Curling Provincial Championships Monday, March 9

➢ Community Council Meeting-7:00pm Saturday, March 14

➢ Basketball City Championships Thursday, March 19

➢ HOOPLA Friday, March 20

➢ HOOPLA Saturday, March 21

➢ HOOPLA Thursday, March 26

➢ Regular School Day

Upcoming Events

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Homework During Extended Absence

Framework of Understanding Extended Absence (Sections 156 and 157 of The Education Act outline the legal responsibilities of parents with respect to their children’s attendance at school. Holy Cross High School offers parents/guardians and students the following information in accordance with The Education Act:

We believe that education does happen in places other than school, and we support parents and guardians who value the broadening of their children’s experience through travel, athletic pursuits, and cultural involvements.

The parent or guardian is responsible for implementing the measures to maintain reasonable continuity in the progress of the pupil in his or her courses of instruction.

High school education in the twenty-first century is interactive, experience-based, and collaborative; therefore, simply getting the work that was missed can never be an entirely effective substitute for what happens in the lab, athletic venue, studio, shop, or classroom.

High school teachers do not have pre-packaged lessons to hand out. Missing out on valuable instruction, discussion, and hands-on learning will be an unavoidable consequence of extended absence.

The personal benefits of out-of-school activities must be weighted against the academic costs associated with absence.

Extended absence from class may impact achievement.

Upon their return, students must take the initiative to secure class notes and assignments from a reliable classmate, and write any exams missed in a timely manner.

The following are some of the factors which will influence student’s ability to be successful: - a student’s attendance and performance history - types of activities missed - whether or not examinations have been missed - duration of absence

Did you Know?

There are still a number of families with overdue student fee accounts, this will be the last opportunity to pay for the yearbook if a student is wishing to order one. All fees should be paid prior to Friday, February 14th. If you have not seen your child’s student fee invoice please contact the school to find out the balance on your account. Families with larger fee balances, including fees from past years, are asked to contact Mrs. Bloski at 306-659-7605 to make arrangements for payment.

Student Fees

Round-about In Front of the School A reminder that the round-about in front of the school is for student drop-off and pick-up only. Please do not stop in the left hand lane of the round-about as this causes congestion and puts both our students and parents at risk of an accident. Cars left unattended are subject to a $60 parking fine.

Students should make arrangements to be out of the building by 4:00 pm daily on regular school days, and 1:00 pm on shortened days, unless they have a planned extracurricular activity with a staff supervisor immediately after school. On days where there are scheduled events in the school, doors will be open 30 minutes prior to the start time. For games in the gym, the main doors on McEown will be open. For events in the theatre, the theatre doors on McEown will be open.

Student Access to the School

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Students will be filling in their applications to graduate next week with their homeroom teachers. These must be completed in class and returned immediately afterwards. Grade 12 students with no homeroom are asked to come to the library next Tuesday, February 11th in period 3 to complete the Graduation Application process, please bring a pen. Grade 12s in the following homerooms, applying for graduation, are also required to come to the library in period 3 on Tuesday: Crawford, Harbidge, Weisgerber, Wilson, Wist, Zurevinski If you cannot be in attendance you must see Mrs. Park or Ms. Chomitzky to complete your graduation application prior to Friday, February 14th. All other students will be completing their graduation applications in their period 3 class next week. All graduation applications must be completed before Friday, February 14th.

Graduation Applications

SRC News Our SRC has some great events planned for the month of February. Yesterday we hosted over 400 grade 8 students at our Open House. These future Crusaders enjoyed a fun filled afternoon that included a school Scavenger Hunt and a Pep Rally. Next week we will be celebrating a week of Love by selling Candy Grams over the noon hour on the 10 th & 11th. On the 12th and 13th we will be selling the Matchmaker forms that students filled in before Christmas. We will also have some theme days in the coming weeks with Twin Day on the 11th, Rainbow day on the 13th, and Red/White/Pink Day on the 14th. Keep your eyes and ears opened for more fun and exciting activities following the mid-winter break.

Music Department News Our music directors have been busy planning the upcoming music tours. The grade 10 bands will be attending the Edmonton Cantando Music Festival from April 6th to April 8th and our Senior music students will be travelling to Banff and Calgary for public performances and clinics from April 26th to April 29th. Information has been given to all students in these programs. Payment and health forms should be returned to the main office by February 14th.

Students who would like a quiet room to do homework can go to Homework Hall in Room 352. Homework Hall begins at 12:25. If you need extra help in math this is a great place to go. You can get help in all other subjects too.

Homework Hall

Scholarships and Awards Holy Cross High School Awards & Scholarships- new Online Application Process Graduating Students can now access the online application for Holy Cross Scholarships & Awards. Students can access the link on the Holy Cross Website: https://www.gscs.ca/studentsandfamilies/schools/HCH/Pages/StudentServices.aspx Click on the link Grade 12 Scholarships and Awards Application. Complete the form online and Submit. Applications will close February 28th at 4:00 PM. 2020 Indigenous Student Awards program Deadline to apply is February 28th, 2020 www.GoToApply.ca/RBC

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Student Services

Career Planning Grade 11 Students who have not had their “One-on-One” meeting with Mrs. Remizowski are encouraged to make that appointment! Class Registration for next year is right around the corner. Meet with Mrs. Remizowski to explore unique program options, career options, post-secondary schooling options, &/or travel opportunities. Get advice on semester one scheduling, strategies to gain admission into competitive programs and get tips on applying for scholarships! A lot of good information comes out of these meetings so make your appointment soon! ***IMPORTANT Post-Secondary Information: If you have been accepted into a program, make sure you follow the instructions on accepting your offer!! Post-Secondary Updates and Deadlines February 15th - Deadline to apply for admission into the following colleges for the 2019 Fall Term: Agriculture & Bioresources, Education, and Kinesiology February 15th - Deadline to apply for admission to any college to be eligible for U of S Competitive Entrance Awards. March 1st - Deadline to submit the application for Competitive Entrance Awards & supporting documents required for specific awards. This includes transcripts & other supporting documents required for the application for admission. March 1st - Deadline to submit transcripts & other supporting documents for: Agriculture & Bioresources, Education, and Kinesiology May 1st - Deadline to apply for the following colleges: Edwards School of Business, and Engineering August 15th - Deadline to apply for the College of Arts and Science For more information on the programs offered, admission, awards, tours & events, visit: https://admissions.usask.ca/ For more information on how to Prepare for University visit: https://admissions.usask.ca/programs/preparing-for-university.php Saskatchewan PolyTechnic Application Reminder! When should students apply to a First Qualified First Accepted (FQFA) program? NOW! Applications to FQFA programs are accepted all year long, but submitting your application and required documents as soon as possible increases the chances of obtaining a seat in a program. Applications to the High Demand programs are now open and will close on February 15 th. Dual Credit Opportunity Dual credit allows students to earn high school credit and Sask Polytech credit at the same time. To find out more please visit the Study once, count it twice page: https://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/dual-credit.aspx SaskPolyTech Program Explorer With over 150 different programs, SaskPolyTech likely has a program for you! Take the Program Explorer by visiting https://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/resources/program-explorer.aspx University of Regina If you will be a student in the fall at the U of R, they are offering Entrance Scholarship workshops in Saskatoon on February 25th

and March 5th. Register in advance online: https://urconnected.uregina.ca/events/index.do Construction Program Registration at ED Feehan Did you know you can be a Holy Cross student and still attend the ED Feehan construction program where you learn to build a house from the ground up? Your Guidance counselor can help you plan your classes and you will receive 2 credits each semester from this program. Even if you are not looking for a career in the trades, these are great skills to have for your future. Talk to Mrs. Park or Mrs. Remizowski to register for the 2020/2021 school year. Academy of Fashion Design Save the Date! There will be an Open House on Wednesday February 12th, 2020 with sessions from 10:30-12 or 1:30-3. There will be fun activities like Color Theory, Draping, and Styling. Register by February 7th fashiondesign@saskatel.net or call (306)978-9088.

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Staff Appreciation The Holy Cross School Community Council would like your help in showing our appreciation to the staff of Holy Cross School for their dedication to our children. Besides the countless hours that are spent with our children on extracurricular activities, they work very hard to ensure that all students receive a quality education. We will be providing a lunch for the staff during the week of Feb 10th-14th as well as various snacks for each day during the week. If you can offer your time to help serve, donate snacks or baking, or would be able to make a monetary donation to help show your appreciation please contact us at: holycrossappreciation@gmail.com. https://www.gofundme.com/f/holy-cross-high-school-staff-appreciation-2020?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=a65de33e6fc3496ba106ac27458fa3be We're using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps: 1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/BegJxLX 2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like. 3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com. Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually. Our plan is as follows: Monday–Hot lunch - Feb. 10th, Staff lunch prepared by Sami Istifo, donated desserts, veg trays, salads, beverages (creamer) Tuesday, Feb. 11th-SRC treats, leftovers from Monday’s lunch Wednesday, Feb. 12th - Cheese/crackers/sausage, savory dips, veggie trays, juice Thursday Feb 13th - Muffins, bagels, fruit trays, juice Friday Feb 14th – Baking, fruit trays, and valentines treats All monetary donations can be sent in an envelope to the main office marked ‘staff appreciation’. Community Council Meeting The next meeting for the Holy Cross Catholic School Community Council will be held on Monday, March 9 th at 6:30pm with a presentation open to all parents at 7pm on Mental Health Education at Holy Cross. More information to come.

Holy Cross Catholic School Community Council

If there are any young women that are graduating this year and are in need of financial assistance to help make the day special, please come see Mrs. Park in student services and ask about the Princess Shop. They are a wonderful organization that ensures everyone can enjoy their graduation day.

Princess Shop Graduation Program

Understanding your Child and Youth’s Anxiety – A workshop for parents struggling with parenting an anxious child or youth. Saturday March 7th 9-4 Fee is $100 Call 306-244-7773 for complete details or to register.

Catholic Family Services

The 2020 After Grad Committee invites you to participate in our next fundraiser of Sobeys/Safeway Gift Cards. You can order in 3 simple steps:

➢ Email your completed order to Diane Forest @ dianems@sasktel.net with which gift cards you would like to order and how many of each; there are $25, $50, and $100 denominations

➢ E-transfer the dollar amount of the gift card values you have ordered to the same email address. It is set up with automatic deposit so no password is required.

➢ Deadline for ordering is February 9, 2020 Place your order today! Contact Diane Forest, Fundraising Coordinator @ (306) 221-2897 with any questions. Next Newsletter

May 2020

After Grad Fundraiser