GCA Weekly Communicator: Feb 7

Weekly Communicator

Reminders & Upcoming Dates

Mon Feb 10 is an Official Uniform Day
Fri Feb 14 is Freezie Friday in the cafeteria - freezies are available for purchase during lunch hour for $1
The next Top Marks Customer Service day is Fri Feb 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the cafeteria - no appointments are required.
The March Fundscrip order form is now online - orders are due Mon Mar 2 before 9:00 am

Head of School Message

We wanted to update you with some information regarding the Coronavirus outbreak. Alberta Health Services has provided a Memo for Schools that details resources as well as best practices for our students. We would also like to remind families of good hygiene practices.

Here are some of the recommended ways to avoid the spread of common viruses:

Make sure everyone in your household washes their hands often with soap and water.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away. If you don't have one, sneeze into your sleeve.
Stay home if you are sick. If your kids are sick, keep them home from school.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are used often and shared by everyone in your home.

If you have any specific concerns related to potential exposure sore related symptoms, please call Health Link at 811 for assessments or health advice.

Elementary Updates

Elementary Office: 403-254-9050

The Valentine's Day Assembly for Gr 1-3 is on Fri Feb 14 at 2:30 pm - parents are welcome!
Fri Feb 14 is a Dress Down Day - wear pink, white or red!
Intramural Parking Reminder - Between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, the parking spots along each side of the boulevard closest to the school building (with the electrical plugs on the boulevard) are for Elementary STAFF PARKING. Thank you for leaving these spots for our staff, especially when the cold weather requires vehicles to be plugged in in order to start at the end of those long, cold days. Parent parking spots are located on either side of the second boulevard closest to 24th St.

Jr High Updates

Junior High Office: 403-254-9051

Being Good Neighbours - We have received complaints about pedestrian safety and blocking the sidewalk on the Bridlewood Heights street. Please exercise due caution when entering and exiting our parking lot.
The Key - The Key is a resource available for Grade 6 & 9 PAT preparation at the cost of $18 per book. The last day to order these resources is Mon Feb 10. Contact the Junior High Office for ordering information.
Spring Basket Fundraiser - Hard to believe that spring will be upon us before we know it. Our annual Spring Basket Fundraiser is now under way. You would have received an email from Mrs. Allan with your order form and descriptions. The funds for this fundraiser will go towards the Gr 8 Fall Retreat to Camp Homewood and the Gr 9 Mexico Mission Trip. Orders are due back to the Junior High Office by Fri Feb 28. Pick up will be May 13. Thank you for your support.
Gr 8 Band Trip to MRU - On Wed Feb 5, Mrs. Eklund and the Gr 8 band students spent the day at MRU. We were so impressed with their engagement and their determination to grow as musicians.
Gr 6/7 Drama Club - Congratulations to the students in the Grade 6/7 Drama Club for their presentation of the Elves and the Shoemaker to Elementary students this week. This was the result of countless hours of personal time over the course of the year. We are proud of you.
Student Showcase - This term we are showcasing five Jr High students for their involvement in Italian dance, violin, classical guitar, track & field and nail artistry. You can read all about them here.
Gr 9 Vertigo Theatre Trip - The form for the Feb 12 trip will be available on myGCA next week.
Mexico Commissioning Chapel - Tues Feb 11 at 1:30 pm. There is limited space available for parents who want to join us in the Junior High chapel as we pray and commission the Grade 9 Mexico Team before they head out on Feb 14.
Please visit here for a list of upcoming field trips & dates.

Important Community News

In the Community

On Thurs Mar 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Walt Mueller from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding will be speaking on Parenting Teenagers. He will be sharing insights and tools on how to navigate this stage of life as a parent. This free event is being held at FAC. Visit here for more details.

Used Uniform Sale

We will be having a Used Uniform Sale on Wed Feb 12 . Donations of gently used clothing can be dropped off at either school office. If you are planning on purchasing pants, please measure your child's waist in inches in advance. Please note: we only accept cash or cheques .

Mexico Celebration Evening

Save the Date: February 26 at 7:00 pm. The whole school community is invited to join us as we praise God for what He is going to do in us and through us in Mexico. Come hear stories and testimonies and see pictures from our adventure. It is a great way to understand what takes place on the trip as your children prepare for their upcoming turn.

GCA Men's Breakfast

We are looking forward to hosting our Fourth Men's Annual Breakfast on Fri Mar 6 from 7:30-8:20 am . It would be great for you to attend this event. This year we are privileged to have Steve Holstrom share a message with us. Join us for great food and community. Please RSVP here .

February Break Camps

Registration is now open for our 2020 February break camps running Feb 18-21 . We will be offering a Multi-sport Camp for Grade 3 to 5 students, and a Drama camp for Grade 5 & 6 students. Camps are $199. Register here for sports camp , and here for drama camp .

Growing Gourmet Cooking Classes

Whether you want your students to learn Cooking Fundamentals (Tuesdays) or are interested in Intermediate cooking (Thursdays), Growing Gourmet classes are back. Classes start Feb 25 . Find out the class and registration details here .

May you have a blessed weekend with your family.

Blessings,

The GCA Team