Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of

the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a

little town; and whose spirit still brings music

to persons all over the world, in towns both

large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded

inn could find no room, and I confess that my

heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ

from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was

among common people; whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:

I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only

wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners

back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new

life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in

Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

As we enter the Advent Season, we look at the coming days with great joy and hope for the arrival of our Lord and Savior. We are so grateful to work in a school that celebrates the many talents of our students. With events such as A Taste of St. Joe’s and the wonderful work students are doing in band, it is hard not stop and be in awe of the wonderful work staff and students do everyday! We wish all our families a safe and beautiful Christmas break. We look forward to the wonder and joy that 2018 will bring!

St. Joseph

High School

Newsletter

DECEMBER 2017 Vol. 7

Message from the Administration

The provincial government recently passed Bill 1: An Act to Reduce School Fees. This new legislation impacts how Edmonton Catholic Schools charges for transportation fees. Please check the Edmonton Catholic School Transportation site for more information.

https://www.ecsd.net/SchoolProfiles/transportation/Pages/default.aspx

Grad 2018

Theme: “Reach for the Stars”

Grad Liturgy and Commencement

Thursday, May 17 at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D

Grad Banquet & Dance

Friday, May 18 at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D

Grad Photos

• November 27th -December 1st

• Service provided by Lifetouch Pictures

• Sitting Fee $25 payable directly to photographer the day of the sitting appointment

• All appointments are booked via the website:

http://lifetouch.ca/northernalberta

Grad Tickets

• Tickets will be sold April 16-30th online

• Information to order tickets will be distributed to students in their invitation package by April 6

• All school fees must be paid prior to Spring Break to buy tickets to the banquet

Your Grad Advisors Are:

Mrs. C. Fuerderer

Mrs. Kabotoff

Mrs. Ferretti-Mackinnon

Mr. Potvin

Mr. Abad

Mrs. Nicholas

Ms. Brun

Mrs. Dawson

Bus Passes

Grad 2018

Mrs. Bajac Ms. Lamoureux

Grad Eligibility-PSDL

PSDL Students must have 80 Credits and the following courses on the Detailed Academic Report (DAR) by the end of Semester 1 of their graduating year, including:

• CALM 20

• Phys Ed 10

• 20 Level English

• 20 Level Social

• 20 level Math

• 20 Level Science

• Religion 15,25,35 or World Religions 35

• 10 Credits in CTS, Fine Arts or Modern Language or Phys Ed 20 & 30

• Students must also have completed OR be enrolled in for Semester 2 the following to achieve the balance of 100 credits

• Grad Eligibility -Dash 4

60 Credits by the end of Semester 1 of their graduating year including:

• CALM 20

• Phys Ed 10

• Religion 15,25,35

• 20 Level English

• 20 Level Social

• 20 level Math

• 20 level Science

• And 20 credits in Occupational Courses

Students must also have completed or enrolled in for semester 2 English 30-4, 30 level Occupational Course.

E-Cigarettes –Prohibited in ECSD Schools are currently dealing with a new phenomenon commonly referred to as e-cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices equipped with cartridges filled with liquid chemicals. Although e-cigarettes are promoted as being safe, Health Canada advises not to use e-cigarettes because they haven’t been tested and may be harmful. They also warn that e-cigarettes may cause nicotine poisoning and addiction. Health Canada reminds people to keep the products away from children to prevent nicotine poisoning and choking. As the safety of all our students and staff continues to be a key priority in our district, Edmonton Catholic Schools has banned electronic cigarettes from all district property (Administrative Regulation 117).

Health & Wellness Information

The January meeting will be: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 @ 6 pm

in the school boardroom All are welcome to attend!

Congratulations to St. Joe’s Robotics Team Mr. Paquin, Science Department Head, is sending congratulations to our robotics competition team

consisting of Wyatt Peters, Matthew Costa, and Carlos Sanchez-Wilkinson. They participated in the

Regional VEX Robotics Championship at NAIT. Their machine earned the CREATE Award for most

innovative engineering solution.

Additional thanks to our student teachers, Andrew Woldnik and Trent Wendell, for volunteering their time to assist over

the last several weeks.

Christmas Crafts & Fashion Studies… Ms. Yakimets

Christmas Craft Session

When: Every day at lunch for the month of December (December 4 - 21).

Where: Room 421 (the Fashions room).

Who: All are welcome!

Why: To have some fun making Christmas tree ornaments.

Difficulty level: Easy! No experience necessary.

Parent Advisory Council (P.A.C.)

Questions? See Ms. Yakimets on the Math Floor.

Good news for all students interested in Fashion Studies: A Fashion Studies class will be running in Semester 2!

Fashion Studies is a diverse program allowing students to choose and explore areas that are of interest to them, such as cosplay, sewing, illustration, design, and crafts.

The class will take place on Wednesday and Friday afternoons (3A/3B, 4A/4B). Students are encouraged to work on projects in the Fashions room at any time during those two afternoons whenever they are not attending another seminar.

To register in this class, ask your Teacher Advisor to enroll you in Fashion Studies. All students are welcome in the Fashions program. No prior experience or skill level is necessary.

If you are interested in the Fashion Studies program, please see Ms. Yakimets on the Math Floor (office #218) or email megan.yakimets@ecsd.net

The Company of Saints Improv…Ms. Clark

The Company of Saints Improv Team will be taking off to the first two stops on their Junior High Tour.

December 7th- St. Brendan Junior High December 14th- St. Edmunds Junior High.

This will be their first two stops of many. Keep reading to find out where they will go in the New Year.

Company of Saints Improv Team will be performing at the Ziedler Hall in the Citadel Theatre on Thursday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm. Come on out for a night of laughter.

From the Art Department…….Ms. Trpin

Student Art Exhibit will take place from Dec. 6-Jan. 9 in the Courtyard.

International Languages & Culture….Mrs. E. Fuerderer

“A Taste of St. Joe’s”

The International Languages and Culture Club of St. Joseph High School held its 15th annual cultural

celebration, “A Taste of St. Joe's,” on Monday, November 20. Thirty nations were represented and thirteen

performances took place from around the world. Over 270 students took part in this year’s “A Taste of St.

Joe’s”. We would like to praise the amazing effort, time, and dedication of the students in raising awareness of

our own multicultural community here at St. Joe's.

It was well showcased through the various displays of cultural traditions such students sharing prayers read in

their languages and music played in the morning, their creative and informative exhibits, beautiful traditional

dress, fabulous performances, outstanding PowerPoint presentations, and mouth-watering ethnic food.

In addition, the positive energy in the courtyard was remarkably contagious. Our theme this year was,

“Continuing to Care & Embrace Diversity”. Regardless of where we come from or who we are, we all come

together as one strong and faith-united family. Mrs. Corine Aubry, our English teacher captured what ATOSJ is

about through her beautiful poem.

A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all our visitors, alumni and special guests. We appreciate your

participation in this outstanding event. We would also like to thank each member of the St. Joe’s family -

administration, teachers, resource officer, student teachers, educational assistants, administrative staff,

custodial staff, students and parents – for their participation. Bouquets go out to three of our very lovely

students; Talihha Sayer and Raeline Wingerak, for creating and designing the cover of the program and our

theme bulletin board. As well as to Hiermela Mehari for her great leadership in coordinating the fashion show

which was a great tribute to our 15 annual ATOSJ. It would not have been possible without all the extra

hands.

As the saying goes, "It takes a whole village to raise a child." Each year, the proceeds raised by the club are

given to Chalice (Christian Child Care International). These funds are used to sponsor children from all eight

countries; Bangladesh, Chile, Ghana, Haiti, India, Paraguay, Philippines and the Ukraine. We raised $3497. 50.

Thank you for your generous and continued support.

Our Cultural Entertainment by country and performance:

1. Philippines Performed live

Noypi by Bamboo

2. Mexico Dance

Hereo Favorito Romeo

Santos – Mi gente de J.

Balvin

3. Philippines Dances

• Cariñosa

• Candle Light Dance - Pandango sa Ilaw

• Cha-cha, Otso-Otso and Shese

4. Nepal Dance

Paluwa Pa;uwa

Bhari

5. Ukraine Shumka Hopak

6. Ivory Coast Dance

Selebobo and Serges

Beynaud Akrakabo

7. Japan Dance

(Senbonzakura by Miku

Hatsune)

8. Ivory Coast Traditional Dance

(Debondo Leekunfa-

Moutoualé)

9. Ethiopia and Eritrea A mix of traditional

dances – Eskesta,

Welaytega and Oromo

dances

10. Ethiopia and Eritrea with Ivory Coast

Hip Hop Dance

11. Colombia Cumbia and Salsa

12. Canada Slam Poetry written by

Mrs. Corine Aubry

13.International Fashion Show – coordinated by our very own student

Hiermela Mehari

Twenty-six students wearing their ethnic attire

This was our menu:

Canada

• Bacon • Maple Syrup

Chile

• Empanada • Gallo Pinto • Hot (Spicy)

Chocolate

Colombia

• Empanada • Buñuelos

Cuba, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

• Cuban Ropa Vieja • Dominican Styled

Beans •Tostones from Nicargua

El Salvador, Mexico and Spain

• Flan • Pupusa •Tacos de Discada • Tacos

al Pastor

Eritrea and Ethiopia

• Alecha Sega • Injera • Shero

• Traditional Beef Stew

• Traditional Bread • Traditional Coffee

First Nations of Canada

• Bannock • Beef Stew

France

• Gougères

Germany

• Amerikaner • Rot Wein Kuchen

• Schweins Öhrchen

Hong Kong

• Barbeque Pork Buns • Egg Tart • Curry

Fish balls

• Fried Wontons

India

• Banana Fritters • Beef Fry • Chicken

Biriyani

• Gulab Jamun • Jalebi • Kheer • Mango

Lassi

• Sooji Halwa • Unniappam

• Vegetable Pakora

Italy

• Conchiglie • Lasagna

• Panini • Struffoli

Ivory Coast

• Alloco and Eggs • Beignets • Bissap Juice

• Dêguê

• Fried Rice and Chicken

Japan

• Green Tea • Ramen • Sushi

Madagascar

• Madagascar Vanilla Cupcakes • Deep

Fried Bananas

Indigenous Peoples of Mesoamerica

• Humintas • Baked Corn

Nepal

• Aachar • Momo

• Traditional Tea

New Zealand

• Pavlova

Norway

• Lefse • Oatmeal Crackers with Brunost

Philippines

• BBQ Pork • Cassava Cake • Crinkles •

Fruit Salad

•Kutsinta • Kwek-Kwek • Leche Flan •

Menudo • Putoflan • Sapin- Sapin •Sisig •

Spring Rolls • Turon

Scotland

• Birdies • Scottish Cookies

Serbia

• Uśtipke • Kiflice Sa Sirom • Projara Sa

Sirom

The photographs are courtesy of Mr. Sdao and his students in Communication Technology.

South Korea

• Bulgogi and Rice

Uganda

• Bean Stew • Chapati • Fried Cassava •

Mandazi

• Passion Fruit Juice • Rice

• Tea • Vegetables

Vietnam

• Spring Rolls

Student Exchange Programs: OSEF – France and Spain

We are pleased to announce that Isabelle Akhenak will be traveling to France in February as well Martin Wiedemeyer will be travelling to Spain. Both students are participating in the OSEF France and/or Spain– Canada Student Exchange Program. This unique program offers students the opportunity to discover France and Spain. The students will experience the French and Spanish Language and Culture from the beginning of February to the end of April.

Miguel Buxo had the opportunity to be in Canada from mid-August to the end of October with his host, Martin Wiedemeyer. Garance Taussac was hosted by Isabelle Akhenak. Garance and Miguel had an outstanding experience and have plenty of great memories to share with their friends and family. They will miss their host family and the many friendships developed at St. Joe’s High School.

Garance wrote about her OSEF experience. “I had an amazing experience; I discovered a whole new culture! Living here gave me the opportunity to see life in a different way. I saw amazing things on our trip to the states and here as well!

I really enjoyed going to school because it is really different from France, it is a little bit less stressful and the

days are shorter; and the teachers were here whenever I needed help. I had to do the homework and it wasn't always easy!

Isabelle and I got along very well so the life at home was peaceful. I was very included and felt part of the

family. I'm extremely grateful to my parents who gave me the opportunity to do this exchange because I

would have missed something really important... I loved living in Canada.

I recommend anyone who wants to improve his/her English and discover a new culture to participate to this program! Thank you for being so welcoming!”

Other Exchange Programs include Explore : This program is for all full-time students in grade 11 or

12. Students may consult the page with FAQ to get more information about the program.

YMCA – Summer Work Student Exchange Program: This 6 week program provides students aged 16 and 17

the opportunity to improve their French, gain experience through a work placement while on their exchange

in other parts of Canada, take on new challenges and make new friends. All these wonderful experiences will

be the highlight of their journey.

Canadian College of Italy :This one month summer exchange program is for students interested in travelling to

Italy to experience the culture and language.

Father Michael Troy Basketball Classic

St. Joseph High School will be celebrating/hosting the 35th Annual Father Michael Troy Basketball Classic in February of 2018. This milestone tournament will run from February 1st-3rd and we are fortunate to be hosting teams from across Alberta as well as teams from Germany. We are blessed to be able to honor Father Michael Troy our tournament namesake, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this past October, through this tournament.

St. Joe’s Music Students under the direction of Mr. Dewing

This has been a busy month for our music students. First Jazz Band students performed at the Festival of Tree’s

at the Shaw Conference Centre where they entertained the audience with some great Christmas music. The Jazz

Band was again invited this year to perform at the Oil King’s game in Roger’s Place. What a wonderful

experience for the students and the crowd as they heard some amazing

music from our students.

Also this month student got some great experience collaborating with St.

Basil's music students. Students from our school helped the junior high

record their "first" Christmas CD.

Mr. Dewing is very proud of all students! Fantastic Job!

St. Joe’s Autobody News….Mr. Liessi

For more articles please read: https://www.autosphere.ca/collisionmanagement/collision-flipbook/2017/11/03/collision-management-october-2017/

O come, divine Messiah; the world in silence waits the day When hope shall sing its triumph and sadness flee away.

(O Come, Divine Messiah, S.J. Pellegrin)

The season of Advent is upon us. It is a sacred time of prayer, reflection, and preparation for the coming of Jesus. There are so many ways that families can share in the joy and anticipation of the birth of our Saviour. Archbishop Smith shares how we can bring the Word of God more deeply into our classrooms and homes in his message to us this month. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, as we light the candles on our Advent wreaths, we can also reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that is to be found in the gift of Jesus Christ. There are many special events that are being held in our parishes and schools; evenings of Advent song, the preparation of hampers for families who would benefit from extra support, extra opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, to name a few.

The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories released a supplementary letter just before Catholic Education Sunday. In it, they gave a call to Catholics to join in and spread the great news of Catholic education. They share, “It is important that everyone be ready to stand up for our faith and for our schools. Please be prepared to speak out in support of our Catholic schools whenever you can. We are proud of who we are as Catholics.” You can read the entire letter at https://goo.gl/cauRBf. We will be proudly sharing the story of the richness of Catholic education in Edmonton Catholic Schools using the hashtag #ECSDFaithInspires in the upcoming months, and we encourage you to help us spread the message that Catholic education is an outstanding and important choice for families to guide our children and youth as they learn and grow in mind, body, and spirit. We are embarking on a legacy project and would like to be able to capture the journeys of families who have 3 or 4 generations that are able to share their story of Edmonton Catholic Schools. If your family is interested in participating, please email a brief overview of your generations to marketing@ecsd.net . The response to our Celebration of Catholic Education Evenings in November was tremendous! We have included the responses to the questions which people shared with us as part of the feedback sheets. Edmonton Catholic Schools is excited to participate in the Hour of Code, once again this year. This is the fourth year that we will be participating, and this year’s event will be the best one yet! Hour of Code is a global movement that is supported by Code.org with the purpose of reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming. Coding is a great way to develop literacy, numeracy, creativity, and thinking skills. Last year we had over 22,000 students participate and this year we are hoping for 25,000! Our goal is to have a <Bit of Code> In Every School. In his Sunday Angelus to mark the beginning of Advent last year, Pope Francis shared the following message: “In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness.” I wish you all an Advent that fills you with this amazement! Sincerely, Joan Carr Superintendent

Office of the Superintendent

Living the Word of God

Creation of a Prayer Space in the Home

In his recent Pastoral Letter, Living in the Word of God, Archbishop Richard Smith offers some thoughts as

to how we, as members of this Archdiocesan family, can together listen carefully to the Word of God and,

in a shared commitment, put it into practice.” St. Paul teaches that faith comes from what is heard. This

means that the first act of the disciple is to listen carefully to what God is saying to us in the words of

Jesus. The hearing of Christ's Word demands a silent and attentive listening. This requires effort and

determination. Living in a world of noise, we must be always cultivating, with the help of God's grace, an

inner stillness in which we are disposed to hear and be transformed by the Word of God.”

In the same way, Archbishop Smith invites families, too, to listen together to the Word of God. “Through a

careful listening to this Word, families encounter the Lord in their very midst and hear within the depths

of their hearts his assurance of love and call to holiness and service. One way to make this happen is to

create a prayer space in the home. I recall from my days as a parish priest the practice of one family that

December 2017 Dear Friends,

In December, especially in Edmonton, we notice that the hours, minutes of sunlight diminish. It is during this time of darkness that we begin a new liturgical year. The season of Advent is upon us. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. We prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12). The prophet Isaiah foretold this event when he wrote: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2) During this Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, I invite you to listen to Jesus, the Word of God and to be guided by the Word. As the Psalmist writes: Your word is lamp unto my feet and light to my path. (Ps 119:105) There are many ways to listen to the Word. In our Catholic Schools the Word of God proclaimed, studied and discussed. I invite you, as I have invited everyone in the Archdiocese, to hear the Word of God in three ways:

1. To prepare a prayer space in your home or classroom where a Bible takes the place of honour; 2. To pray a simple prayer before and after meals. I will assist you in this by offering a biblical verse to help

you to hear the Word of God. These are available through the parish Sunday bulletin. 3. To discuss the Sunday homily as a family.

With Christ as our guide, may you continue to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matt.5:16) during the Advent season and throughout the liturgical year. I pray that you have a blessed Christmas! Richard W. Smith Archbishop of Edmonton

Message from Archbishop Smith

created a sacred space in their home by simply placing a candle in the corner of one room. They would

gather daily around the lit candle to offer their spontaneous prayers to God for his blessing upon their day.”

We, at Edmonton Catholic Schools, invite you to heed the call of Archbishop Smith. We are reminded that

Advent is a time of great spiritual preparation as we ready our souls for the coming of Christ. Advent is an

important season in which families can dedicate time each day to pray and to share the Word of God

together, preparing in a powerful way for the coming of Christ. This Advent Season, like many of the past,

will be filled with distractions and priorities which attempt to take away from our families spiritually

during this crucial time. Consider creating a prayer space in your home by placing an Advent Wreath at

the center of your dining table. As a family, gather around the Advent Wreath, before or after meals, to

light the Advent candles, to offer spontaneous prayers, and to listen to the Word of God. During this

Advent season, we hope that you will use these traditional tools with your family and that God will use

them to benefit your family with grace and love.

Sandra Talarico

Religious Education Consultant