St. Francis Update December 4-8

​Dear St. Francis of Assisi students and families,
 
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Heal my heart during this season of Advent.
Help me to love more fully. To forgive more generously. To wait more patiently for Christmas, embracing each day and hour knowing the joy that awaits.
In your name I pray, Amen.
 
Advent
Yesterday, December 3rd, was the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting and expectation for Christmas – the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord. We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas. Advent gives us time to prayerfully remember Jesus’ birth. Today our staff and students will participate in-class in our advent liturgy. Classrooms will be arranged into peaceful, prayerful, and reflective environments.
 
Liturgy – For an End to Gender-Based Violence
On December 6, we remember the women killed at the École Polytechnique de Montréal 34 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. On Wednesday morning, students and staff will gather to remember.
 
SWIS Weekly School Visit
The final day for SWIS services before the holidays will be on Thursday December 7, 2023. SWIS services will resume on January 22, 2023. If any students require assistance or study space during exam week, the MCY Youth Centre will be open.
 
Basketball Gear
https://urstore.ca/group/stfa-basketball-shop_531273
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 17th. Let Mr. Cassidy know if you need any assistance.
 
Dance
St. Francis Student Government will be hosting a dance on Thursday December 14th in the cafeteria.
 
Understanding Youth Violence
Dr. Vaillancourt will be offering a free public speaking engagement at KDCC on December 5that 6:30 p.m., details available on YG Facebook page
Dr. Vaillancourt is a cross appointed professor at the University of Ottawa and expert researcher in the field of child and adolescent aggression, bullying and mental health, as well as the neurobiology of peer victimization. https://drtracyvaillancourt.com/.
 
Next Gen Men
On December 7th, learn about opportunities to work as a Mentor and empower young men and boys to rise above limiting stereotypes that are set out for them. Click here for more information.
 
All-City Band
If you are interested in the upcoming All-City Band’s Music for Winter’s Eve Festival, please click here for more information.
 
Christmas Greetings from Sacred Heart
Merry Christmas 2023 and a Wonderful New Year 2024. We wish and pray that you will be filled with fullness of the Christmas Spirit of Love, Joy, Unity, Peace and Goodwill. We also brightly hope for your abounding graces in the New Year 2024.
– Fr. Slawomir Szwagrzyk.
 
Pastoral Letter for the Season of Advent 2023
For a variety of resources to help prepare for the coming of Christ, visit the new Advent webpage from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Whitehorse. Please click here to read the letter from Bishop Hector Vila.
 
Cold and Flu Season 
For several years, pandemic restrictions and social distancing helped keep a variety of bugs away. As you know, cold and flu season is upon us again, and we have many students who have been ill lately. Please follow the traffic light poster to determine if your child can come to school: Can a child go to school or child care? | Government of Yukon
Students may wear a mask if they feel comfortable doing so and there are some at the front office.
 
 
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, Principal and Mia Ouellette, Vice-Principal