S T . A UGUSTINE G ATOR T IMES

April 2018

2343 Edgar Street Regina, SK S4N3L2 Office (306)791-7310

Principal—Mr. Van Betuw

Vice Principal—Mrs. Shynkaruk

Office Manager—Mrs. Bell

Community Coordinator—Mrs. Bondy

School Hours (Pre-K-8) 8:50-Breakfast & Morning program 9:20am-12:00pm 12:00-12:30pm—Lunch 12:30pm-3:10pm

After school programs end at 4:10

Transportation to St. Augustine Community School There are many reasons for parents to drive their children to school and that is for each family to decide. Safety however, and understanding of others, is our responsibility. Please ensure that you do not park in spaces next to the school as there are for staff members only. Children should be dropped off no earlier than 8:50, in the parking lot South of the school. Parking on the street is very dangerous as sightlines are obscure.

Easter Prayer Heavenly Father and God of Mercy, I believe

that Jesus is alive and has become Lord of Life.

May the risen life we share with Christ grow in our

minds and hearts through your wisdom and grace.

Lord Jesus, you appeared to the apostles after your

resurrection and filled their hearts with joy.

Our thoughts are with those whose life on earth has ended unexpectedly. The bus tragedy in Humboldt, the victims of crime, and those of ill health. Like the disciples, may your promise of resurrection console the loved ones who are left behind. May our lives be a holy example to your people.

Amen

Administrator’s Message March results are a good barometer of our success at St. Augustine. Academic accomplishments were reflected in report cards, promising reading benchmark results, and quality portfolios that students presented to parents. Students were positive and successful participants in Battle of the Books, after school programs. Our basketball teams made us all proud as both the boys and girls were very competitive and has a very exciting season. Our teachers guided our children through lent with meaning and purpose. Our liturgies were beautiful and the support of our charity events was appreciated. Thank you for a solid month Gators, one filled with quality relationships and fond memories. Teachers, students and parents strive to do their best. The celebrations of our success provide us the hope, encouragement, and evidence that we can be successful at anything we put our time into. A positive attitude, high academic expectations, consistent attendance, and the application of our 4 x 4 program will serve us well in the final months of the school year. In the next five weeks our students need to be at the academic best. We invite our parents to get involved in our CSCC event on April 18 to build relationships and support our students. Our staff will work hard to focus the enthusiasm that always comes with spring. It is the positive influence of others that enable us to stay positive, work hard, and be successful. Let’s make the most of every day. In April our students will compete in badminton, begin practicing track, and grow our academic skills. It is our responsibility to come to school with a positive attitude, take initiative, and work hard. Qualities of an effective team. With this type of attitude we will, without a doubt, “Achieve Excellence through Faith, Knowledge and Action.”

Triumph over Tragedy

On Friday, April 6th that claimed the lives of 15 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and sent 14 members of the club to hospital. So today we

pray for all members of the Humboldt Broncos and their family and friends. Life is so precious and we must be thankful for every moment we have. We pray that the victims of this horrible tragedy are with Christ Jesus. We pray these angels are in heaven

looking after their loved ones left behind.

We pray :

That Christ, through his death and resurrection, may welcome the members of the Humboldt

Broncos who perished in this tragedy into the joy and peace of God’s kingdom.

We pray to the Lord.

For the family, relatives and friends of those who perished that they may find strength through faith in God and the support of all who care and pray for them.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who were injured in this accident, that God would bring them healing in body, mind and soul.

We pray to the Lord.

For us, that we may treasure the beautiful but fragile gift of life which God has given us.

We pray to the Lord.

Reflection

We all experience occasions when the electricity suddenly and unexpectedly goes off. Everything stops. The television goes blank. The radio goes silent. And, worst of all, the lights go out and we are plunged into darkness. For a while at least we feel lost, helpless, and frightened. We want to know why this has happened.

Tragic death, is like a blackout. One minute the sun is shining. Next minute it is dark night. Without the slightest warning, or the slightest chance to prepare ourselves, we are plunged into darkness. In the space of a minute our whole world is turned upside down. Nothing could prepare us for the tragic event that happened to the Humboldt Broncos or save us from its devastating effects.

There is only one thing we can do. Just as when a blackout occurs we rush for a light, any light, even that of a candle; so now we rush to the only light that can penetrate the awful darkness, namely,

the light of Christ.

As we celebrate the season of Easter, we know more than ever that our risen Lord is with us at this moment. His light shines on us even as we remember and mourn the passing of the members of the Humboldt Broncos. Jesus triumphed over death. May his children be with him now.

Celebrate Life! A Lesson in Perspective

Gators - practicing our faith

Our 4 x 4 character education and behaviour plan is central to the success of our students. We all need to acknowledge that our behaviour affects the learning of others. The more we repeat these behaviour, the better it is for our classmates, teachers, families and therefore ourselves. It really comes down to, “What Would Jesus Do? “ We all need to model 4 x 4 behaviour at school, in our homes, and in the community. These are a key to learning and self- improvement! Congratulations to the students who won the March 4 x 4 award for Positive Participation and the new swag from our Gator awards. We can all win by practicing Sincere Appreciations in the month of April. We are so thankful for the opportunity to live and learn in our Gator Community.

Our Lenten Journey

Father Jose, Bonnie and our liturgical team of Mrs. Porter, Farris, Lucyk and Shynkaruk were instrumental in preparing us all for Easter. Our students under the direction of our

grade 5 to 8 teachers lead several liturgies which had us engaged in prayer, forgiveness, and charity which opened our hearts to the resurrection of our Lord.

Our students participated in hat day, backwards day, and a bingo to raise funds for Little Flower. These activities lead by Mrs. Sitter’s class showed how a group working toward a common vision can make

a difference. Students are often recipients of charitable works so it was refreshing to see them give back to our community.

Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. We are thankful that our parish team was able to provide a reconciliation

for all our Gators. Shortly after student leaders reciprocated by faithfully leading Little Flower Parish in the stations of the cross.

Our Lenten journey at St Augustine ended with a classroom presentation of the last supper. Our students were very engaged as

they participated with their friends. Both staff and students showed how they can be positive faith-filled role models for our community.

Keep The Faith - Cherish The Moments

Holy Easter Gators:

Today we being the Triduum of the Catholic Church. The most important days of our church calendar. In many ways our beliefs surrounding these days is what makes us distinct from other religions. As well in some ways we are different than our Christian friends. We acknowledge the many miracles of Jesus culminate in the death and resurrection of God’s son.

The twelve disciples as they pray with Jesus in the garden. Mary the mother of Jesus, witnessing his grueling walk towards death. The crucifixion of Jesus at the hands of those who he is here to save. The resurrection demonstrating a belief if God will give us all everlasting life. The season of Easter binds the Trinity when we celebrate the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Gators, together we will gather in the churches, in our homes, and yes in our hearts, as God reveals his plan in the scriptures.

It is with this same Faith that enter the time of the year that signals change. Soon the grass will turn Gator green and the vibrant flowers will greet us as we enter our school. Regrettably, we also learn of impending staff changes for the fall of 2018. This change is emotional because we care. We all remember the joys of Mr. Montague, Mrs. Hebert, Ms. Buchinski and the many other wonderful Gators who have walked these halls. They each have a lasting impact on what we have today. No one could ever be them, yet new vibrant and caring teachers have filled in admirably.

Our strong culture invites new teachers and families to become Gators. Our safe, caring environment is the magic of St. Augustine Community School that embraces the winds of change and is the driving force towards excellence.

The strength of St. Augustine comes from the close relationships, partnerships, and dedication we have for each other. This year is no different. Mr. Scuglia, Director of Education, has approved the administrative changes for the fall of 2018. I have been requested to the school over to an experienced administrator, Candice Chicilo as of June 29th, 2019. While this is unexpected, as a faith-filled person I recognize that God will reveal his plan in time. I will take my talents and treasure to the community of St. Bernadette School. I have enjoyed every moment of service at St. Augustine, yet I accept this new role without reservation and appreciate the challenge that is before me.

Change brings opportunities for growth and We have always wanted St. Augustine Community School to achieve Excellence through Faith, Knowledge and Action. In the next three months We ask you to keep the faith. To recognize the strength of our school lies in the hands of many and not the few. We have a job to do. To finish our year academically strong, to prepare for a bright future, and to celebrate the valuable education that has become #gatorlife. Let’s take advantage of the learning opportunities in these last days together.

Thank you

Paul Van Betuw, Principal

School and Community Partnerships

We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and program supporters:

Breakfast for Learning - ($4700.00) St. Marguerite (Muffin Program and Santa Store)

St. Gabriel School (Muffin Program) CAA Saskatchewan (Santa Store)

Staples Business Depot - (2500.00) Saskatchewan Roughriders - Football Tickets for 40!

Regina Kiwanis - Clothing Sale - (1700.00 ) Capital Auto Mall - (Christmas Lunch and Hampers)

Harvard Broadcasting (Santa Store) Bonnie Day - Trusted Regina - (Christmas Lunch)

LeBoldus High School - (Hamper Funds) St. Augustine Community - $905.00 Advent Charity

These organizations continue to make significant donations and contributions to our school. Our partners help us conserve resources so we can use these funds to enhance programs elsewhere in the school. Please consider supporting these businesses. Partner of The Month - Regina Catholic Schools In March, our school division announced additional funds for education. RCS saw the need at our school to help. We have added 2 teacher aide positions, a .5 EAL teacher, and professional counselling services. These services have immediately helped many of our children. In the coming months these people will provide direct support to help students improve outcomes in reading, math and language development. We appreciate that our senior administrators chose to support our programs here at St. Augustine.

It is great to see many students in the school before and after classes. We offer after school programs and we encourage your children to participate. Students should receive permission and make transportation arrangements to attend these activities before they leave home. Thank you to all our parents show were so cooperative setting up Parent Conferences. We

work hard to ensure our communication works. We recognize we have families of many languages in our school and your patience with us as we work to understand your requests is very much appreciated. If you feel that we are having trouble understanding each other please make a request for a translator and one will be provided.

If you plan on a move which will result in your children attending a different school next year please let us know as soon as possible so we can support the registration & transition.

Our children steam onto the sidewalks after school to get on our buses. It is very dangerous for parents to park in our North parking lot. Parents are reminded to pick-ups and drop off their children using the parking lot between the church and the school. Thank you.

We have begun accepting Kindergarten to Grade 8 registrations for the 2018-2019 school year. To register your child who will turns 5 by December 31, please call the school at 306-791-7310 or drop in to fill out a registration. Please bring the child’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate health card, and immunization record to register. Please pass along this information to friends.

We are also preparing for our fall Pre-kindergarten program. Applications for 3 and 4 year olds occur every second Friday if spots are available. Intake for our fall program is held in June and August. Call the school immediately to begin this extensive process.

From the Desk of Mrs. Bell Your support is appreciated!

Gators are Ravenous about Reading

Gold - Silver - Bronze

Our Gators have read thousands of books since the start of the school year. Many have recorded their reading using reading logs and record sheets. In January our students set reading goals with their teacher to be attained by March 14th. Each of these targets represented an Olympic sized effort.

Congratulations to the over 200 students who met their reading goals and received their reading reward of special activities.

Spring Pick your Prize We are about ot kick off our last school-wide reading competition “Pick Your Prize.” During this contest students can enter their ballots into the draw bin of their choice. This contest runs from Tuesday, April 17 - Friday, June 15. Prizes will be awarded during our assembly on June 19. Read Gators!

“Life is A Highway Challenge”

We have set a yearly reading goal for all students. Students who reach their goal will be eligible for several prizes. Our year end goal will involve a picnic by the legislature with our friends from the Capital Auto Mall. Any student who reaches the Highway Point Club is eligible.

Life is a Highway Point Clubs

Grades 1–3 50 points Grades 4–5 75 points Grades 6–8 150 points

We challenge students to improve their reading comprehension by reading books at their appropriate level.

Choosing a non-fiction book is a way to stimulate

interest in a topic and learn interesting facts of a technical nature. Contests are fun, but improving your reading level is rewarding.

READ, READ, READ!

Family Literacy Night Our March Literacy Night overcame a huge snow storm, bus cancellations and basketball playoffs to welcome 47 families! The students took quizzes and enjoyed “Road Rations” and

milk. This small group read over 120 books! Please join us for our next Literacy Night on

Tuesday, April 10 from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. Come join us as we are changing into our sumer tires for Summer reading. You will all love this snack. We will have books, a few cloths, a meat

slicer, and a food hamper to give away. Come read with your child and return home with so much more! Life is a Highway!

Girls Basketball The Girls Basketball Team suffered a close defeat to the girls from St. Pius n playoff action. St. Pius went on to win the city Championship. Despite this loss the girls enjoyed a successful season which included learning skills, making friends, and excellent healthy physical activity. Mrs. Thiele and Mr. Van Betuw really enjoyed coaching these girls. Thank you to all of the girls for their positive attitudes and representing St. Augustine School so well. We hope there were many memories for our grade 8’s who will miss game action. There are many younger players who will return next year to be a very successful team. St. Augustine Girls Basketball Roster Denise Arevalo Jeizelyn Bilgera Jane Cruz Chloe Chollak April Gavina Sara Wolfe Abigail Stoppler Adut Majok Liticia John Angelina Kalume Ava Douville

Boys Basketball This year our St. Augustine Gators boys basketball team competed with great effort, exciting skill, and hard work. With many late practices, and games the boys put in the work to reach championship contention. The goal all year was to continuously defend last year’s championship. Our boys did very well. In Semi-final action against Sacred Heart the ball just didn’t bounce our way. We lost a close one in the final minute. Mr. James and Mr. Van Betuw were so proud how the boys handled themselves the entire season. Sportsman in every way. A huge thank you to the boys for their school spirit and all the parents, staff, and volunteers who assisted the boys along their journey. ! St. Augustine Boys Basketball Team Klient Pascmua Marc Marbella Jack Catarina Ilyick De Vera Anthony Pascua Ace Valdez Josh Cabanda Nielson Andrada Rics Lao Ilunga Mukuku Magnifique Mukuku JM Masa Walter Balderas

Badminton

Badminton season has begun and mny of our Gators were excited to get started. A true favorite at St. Augustine School. This year Mr. Janeczko and Mr. M. Kampman are coaching the 10 and 11 year old team. Juniors practice Tuesdays and Thursdays and compete Wednesdays until the season ends at the City Championships April 26th.

Mr. Kampman is coaching the 12 and over 13 teams this year which represent our seniors. Seniors practice Mondays, Fridays and compete each Wednesday. The city championships are held April 25th at O’Neill High School. We hope that this is the year that St. Augustine wins first place!.

Training for Track and Field

Boys and girls 9 years and older can compete to represent the Gators as a member of our track and field team. An activity with few rules and simple skills is just what many young athletes want. It is one sport where effort makes a huge difference between winning and losing. Mrs. Shynkaruk and Mrs. Mahoney are encouraging athletes to start their training. Go for a jog, work hard in gym, and show up for our afterschool workouts. Three ways to earn a spot on the team.

Breakfast is Booming

The first meal of the day is the most important because your body needs nutrition for energy, concentration, and healthy growth. You just can’t be a great athlete or student without a nutritious start to the day. We invite any student who skipped breakfast at home to come in for a bowl of cereal, piece of toast, and glass of milk or juice. Some days we have twenty hungry lads. Our intention is to give our students their best opportunity to learn. For these happy students, their day begins with a nutritious breakfast .

GATOR ATHLETICS

Sharing of Treasure and Talent

Prepare Yourself!

April 10 Grad Photos

April 10

Literacy Night 6:30 - 7:45

April 13

Pre- K Family Day G.Y.M.

Special Guest - Brian Lewis

April 19 CSCC Special Lunch

Spring Rolls and Pancit

April 25 Senior Badminton City

Championships

April 26 Junior Badminton City

Championships

April 26 All Grade 4 to 8

Track Meet 9:30 - 2:45PM

May 16

St. Augustine Gator Night 6:30 - 8:30

June 27

St. Augustine Celebration Year End Carnival

Fire Drill Procedures Fire drills are conducted many times during the school year to firmly establish evacuation procedures and to familiarize students and staff with the process. The drills should help prepare students for a rapid and orderly evacuation of the school in the event of an emergency. Teachers, students, and parents must be familiar with the primary plan and the alternatives in the event that a primary exit is blocked by fire. 1. Each teacher is expected to post near the door a map with a

clearly marked escape route and have available for substitute teachers a list of these guidelines. The teacher is expected to familiarize students with the evacuation plan and alternatives.

2. In the event of an alarm, children should exit the room in single file or twos (if small), and proceed to the exit door without talking or panicking.

3. The teacher should assign a student to close the windows and another to open and hold the exit door for the rest of the class.

4. The teacher is expected to ensure that all students have exited, lights are out, windows closed, and the classroom door is shut before following students to the designated spot.

5. The teacher must bring a class list and confirm that all the students in attendance have exited safely .

6. Students who are in an area of the school outside their regular classroom will proceed immediately to the nearest exit and will immediately join their classmates and teacher in their designated area.

7. It is important for health and safety reasons that all students wear inside footwear.

8. After fire drills, re-entry will occur on the ringing of the school bell or on a verbal command. Re-entry should be as orderly as the exit.

9. Evacuation should occur within 60 seconds of the sounding of the alarm to be effective.

Parents make a Difference

Hello Parents:

At our March Catholic Schools Community Council meeting there was significant feedback that we need to increase our efforts to engage our parents at St. Augustine. Parents do make the difference! There are a number of important events coming up that your children enjoy and will increase their engagement at school.

April 10

The special CSCC hot lunch is April 19th. Spring Rolls and Pancit are on the menu. Forms will be send home on this day and must be returned by April 12th.

April 18

We are having a special CSCC engagement event. At 5:30 PM we need at least 20 parents who are able to help us prepare the Pancit and Spring Rolls for the lunch the next day. This is an excellent way to meet and great with parents at St. Augustine and a wonderful way to create an exciting opportunity for our children. Contact Mrs. Bondy if you can come help from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

April 26

Our Track coaches and Grade 4 to 8 Gators are hosting the boys and girls from St. Michael in an all day track meet. This is an opportunity for parents to come out and enjoy some time at Canada Games Park. Timing events, raking pits, and helping with lunch are all ways to make help it be more engaging for our Gators. Please contact Mrs. Shynkaryk well in advance if you are able to help out. 10 parents would be awesome!

May 16th

For the past several years, we have invited families to St. Augustine to our annual Literacy Night and Spaghetti Supper. We are working to make this night even more exciting. A celebration of the many talents and cultures in our school. Book the Date. Book a baby sitter. This evening will be those older than six. There will be many details to follow but please plan to attend.

June 27

We will finish our school year with our annual spring carnival. Up to 20 parents are needed to make this event a success. It runs from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. No experience necessary just a willingness to lend a hand and have some fun. Contact Mr. Van Betuw if you can help out. It is also a chance for him to wish you a fond farewell.

2018/2019

A message from the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association states there reasons for appealing a court decision that was made last spring which determined that non-Catholic students in Catholic schools will not be funded.

“We have been offering Catholic education (not just education to Catholics) for over 125 years

in the province of Saskatchewan. By the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we

have weathered many storms. I have faith and hope that this current situation (The Theodore

Court Case) will be no different. Parents who have a genuine desire to access a Catholic

education for their children will continue to be welcomed to have their children attend Catholic

schools this year and for many years to come.”

The SCSBA is adamant that Catholic Education, as it exists today, is being challenged. The Saskatchewan Catholic School Board Association is sponsoring a

ticket raffle and all proceeds will go to the Catholic Education Matters Campaign to support the

Theodore case appeal process. Tickets are available at the St. Augustine main office and at the Catholic Education Center at 2160 Cameron Street.

Tickets are $10.00 each, draw date is May 2nd and the fabulous prizes include:

#1 - 4 tickets to the Eagles #2 - $250.00 #3 - $100.00

Catholic Education matters

Gators Enjoy Winter As Well