What is Explore? 

Explore is an intensive French-immersion program that is offered during the spring and summer. If you are interested in learning or improving French and travelling to a new part of Canada, then Explore might be the perfect program for you. 

Note: You do not have to have any experience or previous knowledge of French to participate in this program. 

Key reasons why people love to Explore 

• Learning French 
• Experiencing francophone culture and way of life 
• Connecting with others from across Canada and making friends 
• Traveling to another part of the country 
• Opportunities to continue learning French in a professional context with the Languages at Work program. 

Exploring language and culture through social and travel experiences has never been this rewarding. For some, it’s life-changing! 
 
Program Length
 
For high school participants 16 and older, EXPLORE institutions offer summer sessions, which last between 31 and 33 days. For 13- to 15-year-olds, three-week summer sessions are available.
FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION, GO TO: https://englishfrench.ca/explore/?lang=en
If you have specific questions, contact Mme Hamel at sylvie.hamel@yesnet.yk.ca

The cafeteria may be closed, but there will be pizza (from Pizza Hut) available to purchase tomorrow.  It will be $5 for 2 slices.  Pizza Hut is going to cut the pieces extra big too!  Funds will go towards the Class of 2023 Grad, so come down and have a couple slices.

​Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
 
Welcome back and blessings for the new year!! We hope that the break provided your family with some much-needed downtime and a chance to reconnect with loved ones.
 
Prayer
God of all heaven and earth,
From the breath of your love came the creation of the world.
We are amazed at the vast beauty of the night sky and at the intimate nature of the love you have for us your children.
Be our daily star,
Guiding our lives to search for kingdom love.
May we always follow your light of truth in all that we do,
Forever trusting, hoping and believing in your word.
Lift our eyes tonight to see your eternal life shining brightly,
Leading us home.
Amen.
 
Liturgy – Epiphany
This liturgy will take place in class on January 6th. Students will take part in the traditional classroom blessing of chalking the door that is done each year on the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
 
SWIS Weekly School Visit
A reminder that SWIS services will resume on January 19, 2023. If any students require assistance or study space during exam week, the MCY Youth Centre will be open. They are located at 4141D - 4th Avenue.
 
Cafeteria
The Cafeteria is closed until second semester. It will re-open on January 17th.
 
Schedules
Second semester schedules will go out to students on Friday. Course changes can be made until January 20th.
 
Counselling Department Update
We welcome Colleen Segriff to the St. Francis team! Colleen will be available to students for academic and personal counselling three days each week, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There is a sign-up sheet on her door for students to book time with her. 
 
St. Francis Activities
Tuesday, January 3

• Student Government Mtg - rm 11 @ 12:15pm
• Workout Club - 12:15 to 12:50pm
• Grade 8 and 9/10 girls basketball - 3:30 - 5pm
• Choir - 3:30 - 5pm
• Senior girls basketball - 5:30 - 8pm

 
Wednesday, January 4

• Carpentry Skills Club @ 12:15 pm In Wood Shop
• Chess / Board Game Club @ 12:15 pm in the LC
• PLC / Early Dismissal
• Grade 8 and 9/10 boys basketball - 3:30 - 5pm
• Senior boys basketball - 5:30 - 8pm

 
Thursday, January 5

• GSA Club in Room 20 @ 12:15 pm.
• Grade 8 and 9/10 girls basketball - 3:30 - 5pm
• Senior girls basketball - 5:30 - 8pm

 
Friday, January 6

• In - class Epiphany Liturgy 8:45am - 9:15am (approximately)
• Workout Club - 12:15 to 12:50pm
• Alpha Mtg @ 12:15 pm

 
Upcoming Dates

• January 9 to 13 – Exam Week – schedule posted here.
• Monday January 16 – PD Day No School for students
• Tuesday January 17 – First Day of Semester Two
• Wednesday January 18 – PLC
• January 23 to 27 – BC Literacy and Numeracy Exams

 
Attendance Procedures

• Attendance in classes is the biggest contributor to student success and we take attendance tracking seriously. It is the responsibility of all Parent/Guardians to inform the office of all excused absences from school. The office will call home for unexcused students missing first block. Automated phone calls are generated to call home for any unexcused absences after the school day has finished.
• If your child is not feeling well, please follow the traffic light poster to determine if your child can come to school: https://yukon.ca/sites/yukon.ca/files/hss/hss-can-your-child-go-to-school-regular-activities.pdf
• Students may wear a mask if they feel comfortable doing so and there are some at the front office. In addition, we still have rapid antigen tests here at the school. If you would like some for your family, please let us know.
• Please inform the office of any absences by calling 667-5901 and speaking with any office staff, if you call after school hours you can leave a voicemail. Or, if it is more convenient, please feel free to email us at sfacss@yukon.ca

 
Also, we join in sorrow for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who dedicated his life to serving his faith. May he rest in peace.
 
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Blessings,
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team,
Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal

Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
 
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen
 
St. Francis Upcoming Dates

• Friday December 16 – Last Day of School
• December 17 to January 2 – Christmas Holidays Winter Break
• Tuesday January 3 – First Day Back to School
• January 3 to 6 – Review Week
• Wednesday January 4 – PLC
• January 9 to 13 – Exam Week – schedule posted here.
• Monday January 16 – PD Day No School for students
• Tuesday January 17 – First Day of Semester Two
• Wednesday January 18 – PLC
• January 23 to 27 – BC Literacy and Numeracy Exams

 
Office Hours

• The office will be closed over the break. If you need to contact the school, please email alexandria.sullivan@yukon.ca.

 
May the Infant Child Jesus and his most Blessed Mother grant you the joy and peace of this holy season and keep you and your loved ones safe. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
 
Blessings,
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team,
Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal

Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
 
Prayer
My little Lord Jesus, I love You and thank You for this Advent season. Please help me to understand all that You have done for me. Your loving mother held You in her heart and brought You into this world. Help me to do the same.
My loving Jesus, I choose You, this Advent, as my King and my God. Draw me close to You and help me to see my sins so that I can change the things that You want me to change. 
Mother Mary, pray for me this Advent so that I may do all that God wants me to do. You said “Yes” to all that God asked of you. Please pray for me that I may do the same.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
I love You, Jesus.
Amen.
 
Christmas Wrapping Grad Fundraiser
The grad class will be wrapping presents at Walmart on December 17/18th from 10:00am –6:00pm. You can drop off gifts and have them wrap them up for you, and you can also return later in the day to pick up your wrapped gifts. The cost is by donation. Grad 2023 thanks you for your support!
 
St. Francis Activities
Thursday, December 15

• Formal Day - wear a fancy outfit and show it off!
• GSA Club in Room 20 @ 12:15 pm.
• Grade 8 and 9/10 girls basketball - 3:30 - 5pm
• Senior girls basketball - 5:30 - 8pm

Friday, December 16

• Christmas Sweater Day!
• Clean out lockers & Return overdue books....get more books for the break!
• Christmas Liturgy: block 1, 9 - 10am
• Christmas activities for grades 8 - 11: 10am to 12pm
• For grade 12: Alumni Panel: 11am - 12 pm. Location tbd
• Alumni vs. Senior volleyball game & pizza lunch: 12 - 1pm.
• Talent Show, 1 to 3pm

 
CEAY Update
1) Deadline on Wednesday December 14 for the Christmas Caroling Contest at Sacred Heart.
2) Rorate mass at Sacred heart Cathedral on Saturday morning December 17 at 9:30 am. (A candlelit mass before dawn as we wait in joyful hope with our lady and mother for the coming of Christ)
3) Childrens' nativity before 5pm Christmas Eve mass. Any families who are interested in more details should contact ceayukon@gmail.ca.
This information is also on our website at ceayukon.ca
Have a blessed Christmas season from the Catholic Education Association of Yukon.
 
 
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Blessings,
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team,
Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal

 
Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
Here a few quick updates we thought you would like to know before the weekend:
 
Exams
There are Humanities exams for grades 8 and 9 on Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
St. Francis Spirit Week
Monday – Hat Day
Tuesday – Twin Day
Wednesday – Pyjama Day
Thursday – Formal Day
Friday – Christmas Sweater Day
 
St. Francis Athletics
The St. Francis Bocce team took home Gold at yesterday’s Yukon Unified Bocce Championship. Congratulations!!
 
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Blessings,
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team,
Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal

​Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
 
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please allow me to embrace Advent in the way the Church intends: as a way to prepare for Your arrival. May everything I do - every gift I send, every party I attend, every meal I share - remind me to prepare space in my heart for You.
Amen.
 
Explore Program 
What is EXPLORE?  
Explore is an intensive French-immersion program that is offered during the spring and summer. If you are interested in learning or improving French and travelling to a new part of Canada, then Explore might be the perfect program for you.  You do not have to have any experience or previous knowledge of French to participate in this program.   
Key Reasons Why People Love Explore

• Learning French
• Experiencing francophone culture and way of life
• Connecting with others from across Canada and making friends
• Traveling to another part of the country
• Opportunities to continue learning French in a professional context with the Languages at Work program.

Exploring language and culture through social and travel experiences has never been this rewarding. For some, it’s life-changing!
Program Length 
For high school participants 16 and older, Explore institutions offer summer sessions, which last between 31 and 33 days. For 13- to 15-year-olds, three-week summer sessions are available.  
FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION, GO TO: https://englishfrench.ca/explore/?lang=en 
If you have specific questions, contact Mme Hamel at sylvie.hamel@yesnet.yk.ca 
DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2023
 
Liturgy – For an End to Gender-Based Violence
On December 6, we remember the women killed at the École Polytechnique de Montréal 33 years ago, but also all the women who are still victims of violence today. Every woman and every girl has the right to a life free of violence. This is a time to further our collective action to end violence against women and girls for good. This takes all of us working together in our own countries, regions and communities, at the same time, towards the same goal. It is time for united action from all, so that women and girls around the world can live free from harassment, harmful practices, and all other forms of violence.
 
Christmas Wrapping Grad Fundraiser
The grad class will be wrapping presents at Walmart on December 10/11th and 17/18th from 10:00am –6:00pm. You can drop off gifts and have them wrap them up for you, and you can also return later in the day to pick up your wrapped gifts. The cost is by donation. Grad 2023 thanks you for your support!
 
Basketball Gear
https://urstore.ca/group/st-francis-assisi-pop-up-shop
All items can be customized with a last name (there is no charge for this on the bag) and if you select the option to ship to the school, there is no shipping cost. A portion of sales will go towards supporting St. Francis Athletics, so feel free to share with friends and family. Orders must be in by December 11th. Let Mr. Cassidy know if you need any assistance.
 
St. Francis Clubs

• At Alpha we gather and discuss some of life's big questions with food, fellowship, and fun! We are watching a 7-part series called "The Search". The Search leads people to the deepest questions of the human heart, exploring the meaning and purpose of life with a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating approach. The episodes cover topics such as life and death, sorrow and happiness, and science and faith. Fridays at Lunch: see you there!
• In the Learning Commons, students can play chess or board games any lunch hour of the week. On Wednesdays, there tends to be more chess players.  Also, there are opportunities to learn new board games each week from a fellow student. In this club, students learn valuable skills, such as winning and losing with grace, sportsmanship, planning and team spirit, while having fun!
• St Francis’ Wednesday lunchtime carpentry Skills Club is sponsored by Skills Yukon. The club’s focus is to prepare students to compete in the Carpentry event at the Yukon Skills Competition, held each year in April. Students build their own doghouses working from a set of plans all in metric. No prior experience is necessary, and anyone can join, whether you want to compete, or just want to learn some new skills and build yourself a doghouse.
  • Welding has been happening in the Metal Shop on Tuesday lunchtimes, and this too is in process of becoming a Skills Club sponsored by Skills Yukon.
  • In the new year, we hope to add a Wood Carving Skills Club on Thursday lunchtimes in partnership with the carvers at the Northern Cultural Expressions Society. Stay tuned!

 
St. Francis Activities
Share the Spirit Activities continue....
Monday, December 5            

• Grade 8 and 9/10 boys basketball - 3:30 - 5:00 pm
• Senior boys basketball - 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Tuesday, December 5

• Student Government Mtg - rm 11 @ 12:15pm
• December 6 ceremony - block 3, period 4, 11:00 - 11:30 pm. 
• Workout Club - 12:15 to 12:50pm
• Science Fair Club @ 3:45 pm at FH in Room 224
• Grade 8 and 9/10 girls basketball - 3:30 - 5:00 pm      
• Senior girls basketball - 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, December 7

• Carpentry Skills Club @ 12:15 pm In Wood Shop      
• Chess / Board Game Club @ 12:15 pm in the LC        
• PLC / Early dismissal 
• Grade 8 and 9/10 boys basketball - 3:30 - 5:00 pm
• Senior boys basketball - 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Thursday, December 8

• GSA Club in Room 20 @ 12:15 pm.     
• Grade 8 and 9/10 girls basketball - 3:30 - 5:00 pm      
• Senior girls basketball - 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Friday, December 9  

• Amnesty International Write for Rights @ LC all day long.      
• Noon band concert @ small gym, 12:15 - 1:00 pm      
• Alpha Mtg @ 12:15pm

 
Please do not hesitate to call the school at 667-5901 if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Blessings,
The St. Francis of Assisi Admin Team,
Alethea Wallace, A/Principal; Mia Ouellette, A/Vice-Principal; Janet Clarke, A/Vice Principal

Extended absences from St. Francis 
If you are considering taking your student on an extended vacation from classes, please read the following:
  
- please contact the office via email at sfacss@yukon.ca, or phone 667-5901 as soon as trip dates are known.
 
- the student must speak to each of their teachers as soon as trip dates are known.   

- it is the teacher's discretion as to whether they are able to provide material to support content that will be missed in class. Our teachers do an amazing job of trying to accommodate student plans but if the course is designed to be delivered primarily in person, the student will not pass the course if they are away.  

- all St. Francis teachers have a Teams page for their class. This online presence is meant to supplement class activities, not replace them.  Assignments information appears but the accompanying lesson does not. This teaching can only be provided if the student is at school.  

- exam weeks are posted far in advance on the school website (http://www.sfacss.ca/). Parents should make every attempt not to plan a trip during this time. Note: our main exam week is January 9 to 13, 2023 but several teachers have major assessments prior to Christmas during the week of December 12 – 16, 2022.  

- at St. Francis of Assisi, we value equally academics and family relationships. We realize that families live far apart from their relatives. Please work with us so that we can help your student successfully balance these two parts of their life. 
 
 
Mahal Naming Mga Magulang ng St. Francis
  
Kung kayo po ay nagbabalak magbakasyon ng matagalan kasama ng inyong anak, mangyari lamang po na basahin at unawaing mabuti ang mga sumusunod: 
 
- Ipagbigay alam agad ang petsa ng inyong pag-alis sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadala ng email sa sfacss@yukon.ca o kaya’y  tumawag sa 667-5901. 

- Kinakailangang kausapin at ipaalam ng inyong anak sa kanyang mga GURO ang  petsa ng pagliban. 

- Nasa diskrisyon ng GURO kung siya ay bibigyan ng gawain/materyales na ipapadala sa inyong anak habang siya ay wala. Lahat ng mga guro ay sinisikap na maturuang mabuti ang inyong  anak sa loob ng klase. Ang pag-aaral, paliwanagan at talakayan ay nagaganap sa loob ng silid aralan. Malaki ang mawawala sa inyong anak kapag hindi siya makakapakinig sa mga talakayang ito at baka maging sanhi pa ng pagbaba o kaya ay pagbasak ng kanyang marka na kapwa ayaw nating mangyari. 

-Lahat ng mga guro ay gumagamit ng TEAMS. Ito ay paraan upang maipaalam ang mga takdang aralin, proyekto at petsa ng pagpapasa ng mga gawain. Ngunit ito ay hindi sapat sa dahilang  araw araw ay mayroong nagaganap na pagtuturo, paliwanagan at mga pagsasanay sa loob ng silid aralan. 

- Maagang Inilalagay sa website ng paaralan (http://www.sfacss.ca) ang petsa ng PAGSUSULIT. 
Kami po ay buong pusong nakikiusap  na hanggat maaari ay huwag sanang isabay ang planong pagliban sa panahon ng pagsusulit. Sa taong ito, ang pagsusulit ay gaganapin mula Enero 9-13, 2023. Bukod po dito, karamihan sa mga guro ay hinati nila ang mga pagsusulit at magsisimula na silang magbigay ng kanilang panimulang pagtataya/pagmamarka mula sa Disyembre 12-16, 2022.  
​
- Pinahahalagahan po ng ating paaralan kapwa ang mga  aralin at ang kahalagahan ng bawat pamilya. Batid namin na karamihan sa inyo ay malayo sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay at sabik na sabik na kayong sila ay makita. Ang pakiusap po namin ay tulungan  ninyo kami na maibigay ng lubusan ang mga sapat na kaalamang  ito sa ipagtatagumpay ng inyong  anak. 
 
Maraming, Maraming Salamat Po! 
 
Janet Clarke
A/Vice-Principal, Teacher - Librarian
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary
867-667-5901
 
Without libraries, what have we? We have no past and no future.
                                                                                Ray Bradbury