Before March 16
After
JUNE EDITION 2019-2020
SAINT FRANCIS
Dear Saint Francis Families, When the school opened in September, we were excited to have access to several new spaces. Students enjoyed socializing and eating their lunches in the new gathering area. We were all impressed with the student prepared lunches made in our state-of-the-art culinary kitchen. Students also had access to our updated fitness facility and spin room. The STEAM lab, equipped with computers, a laser cutter, and 3D printers, also became available for student use. Finally, we were able to celebrate our weekly masses in our new school chapel. We were enjoying these incredible spaces until that fateful day when the province closed schools on March 15. We were all shocked by the news that students and staff could no longer access the school. However, within a couple of weeks, students continued with their studies using D2L, Zoom, Google Meets and even Instagram. I am impressed with how quickly and efficiently our students and staff adapted to these unique learning challenges. I am proud of the Saint Francis staff and the efforts they have made in continuing to support our students and their learning at home. I am equally as proud of our students who did their best and did not give up despite the difficult circumstances, especially our graduates of 2020. The class of 2020, had the opportunity to ‘cross the stage’ to the cheers of their families and staff. We transformed the Saint Francis parking lot into an outdoor commencement drive through graduation. We bid farewell to all our graduates as they embark on their journeys beyond the halls of Saint Francis High School. I wish to acknowledge our Graduation Committee for their tireless efforts. I also wish to thank the Awards Committee for presenting the virtual awards presentation features on the Saint Francis website. The committee did an amazing job recognizing our student’s achievements. Congratulation to all our Saint Francis scholarship and award recipients—your hard work and dedication will take you far in life!
Saint Francis is one of two Calgary Catholic schools that are offering in-class instruction this summer. The school is being prepared in accordance with Alberta Health Service mandates and is set to open on July 2. In-class summer school is only available for students completing grade 12 diploma courses. This year we will have 16 classes in session for the month of July and each class is capped at 15 students. To prevent the spread of the virus, students can expect limited access to drinking fountains, washrooms, stairwells, hallways, etc. As well, students and staff have access to personal protective equipment such as face shields, masks, gloves, and sanitizing stations. Caretaking staff will continue to disinfect all learning spaces and will also be providing extra cleaning of “high contact” surfaces throughout the day. In closing, we bid farewell and congratulate Mr. Dudar, Mr. Hill, and Mr. Cousin who are retiring this year. We thank them for their many years of service in education. Mr. Marchuk is moving on to become CCSDs new Consultant for High School Phys. Ed. and Junior High Athletics— congratulations and best of luck in your new role. We also say farewell to Mr. Wickham, Mr. Vizina, Mrs. McDowell, Mr. Nachtigal, Mrs. Outtrim and Ms. Vuong. We appreciate the contributions they have made to the Saint Francis school community and wish them success in their new teaching assignments. This school year has been an incredible one. We thank all our Saint Francis families for their continued support. We wish all our families and staff a wonderful summer break and if all goes well, we look forward to seeing you again in September!
Mark Berger, Principal
Please enjoy the Saint Francis Year-End Video created by Mrs. Seneviratne.
Saint Francis Year-End Video
Go BROWNS Go! Go BROWNS Go! Go BROWNS Go!
As another school year has come and gone, we take the time to reflect on all the wonderful volunteers who made this year special for our students, teachers and staff. Without our volunteers, we would not have achieved the things we did. It seems like it all came together easily but it was actually a coordinated effort of hard work and caring. Thank you to everyone who volunteered with the school this year, your time and effort was greatly appreciated. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to host our annual plant fundraiser, instead we participated in an online plant fundraiser. These funds along with those received from Cobs bread in Crowfoot allow the Council to help fund activities and needs within the school. Please continue to support Cobs Bread in Crowfoot. Every time you purchase from this vendor, please let them know you are with St. Francis High School. The Council had its Annual General Meeting on June 10. Your new Saint Francis School for the 2020-2021 school year is:
Chairperson—Mary Pat Senger Vice Chairperson—Frank Natt Treasurer—Mara Marchesan Secretary—Grace Whitehead
The Council for next year is still looking for members to fill the positions of Fundraiser Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. If you are interested in any of these positions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Pat Senger at mpsenger@shaw.ca. Enjoy the summer with your families! Claude Chretien, Chairperson
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES September 2 LABOUR DAY September 7 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS Sept. 1 & 18, Nov. 16 THANKSGIVING DAY October 12 FAITH DAYS (District and School Based) October 29 & 30
Saint Francis High School 877 Northmount Drive NW Calgary, AB T2L 0A3
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE November 17
Phone: 403-500-2026 st.francis@cssd.ab.ca https://www.cssd.ab.ca/schools/stfrancis
LAST DAY OF CLASSES BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK December 18 (full day)
CCSD Calendar link: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/Calendars/Pages/Default.aspx
FIRST DAY BACK AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK January 4
Second semester was very different this year. With the move to online learning and social distancing we were inspired to find new ways to promote a sense of community and school spirit. Here are some of the events and activities.
Black History Month—In continuing the tradition of celebrating Black History month at Saint Francis, Student Council organized activities. Posters acknowledging the accomplishments of Black Canadians who opened doors and broke barriers were posted throughout the school for the month of February. These individuals made a significant contribution to Canada and continue to inspire the youth of today. On February 20, the student body was invited to the theatre to watch their fellow students showcase African Roots and Black Culture through poetry, song, dance, and fashion. Our students’ performances highlighted and paid homage to their heritage; acknowledging those who came before them with pride. Not only did they celebrated their history, they also entertained and educated our school audience.
Student Council Election—Once again, the Student Council Election process began. Students were encouraged to run for the executive offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Campaign trail was set to begin on March 10, 2020. This year all the positions were acclaimed.
Congratulations to Next Year’s Executive Council
2020-2021 Student Council Executive are: (top left to bottom right) President: Dayanara Joseph Vice President: Alexandera Lambrakos Vice President: Opemipo Olojabi Treasurer: CreeAnn Philips Treasurer: Judy Yang Secretary: Erica Lohmann
Our new Student Council Executive has been meeting regularly online. They have been planning activities and events for next year. They are working on creating our welcome theme for the 2020-2021 school year and developing spirit building activities that can be done while still socially distancing. They encourage all students to become a part of Student Council and share any ideas or events they would like to see happen next year.
March Spirit Week—Student Council planned activities for the week of March 16-19. Unfortunately, classes were cancelled due to Covid19. Students were encouraged to participate from home. Some teachers and staff embraced these activities and showed their support for students.
Lent 2020
'For those corrupted by love of riches, nothing exists beyond their own ego.' Pope Francis Lenten Message 2020
Graduation Spirit Week—Student Council created an Instagram page: sfhs2020grad with our s
began with a music survey to determine this year’s Grad Song. 209 Grads voted and they selected Good Ridd to participate in a Grad Spirit Week in advance our Graduation Drive-Through Celebration.
Student Council unveiled the Grad Spirit Week idea on May 29th - Calling it ‘Gearing Up for Grad’. Graduate on our Instagram page. Visit our Instagram page and check out our Grads!
school logo (see above) to commemorate the Graduating Class of 2020. They dance (The Time of Your Life) by Green Day. Next, they encouraged all graduates
es were encouraged to post photos of themselves fulfilling the daily themed events
March 16th, our n Saint Fran BROWNS adapted! PE at Home Since the switch to learning at home, the PE department made monthly assignments to help out students stay active. In it, we had the them log daily activity into 4 categories: Teacher made and lead body weight workouts; done by online videos, google meets or a templates posted on D2L Self-directed workouts; which gave students the freedom to be active by walking, rollerblading, playing sports, doing yoga, etc. Wellness activities; encouraging students to have a mental break from school doing something they enjoy. These included baking, reading, boardgames, etc. Video Reviews—giving students the choice to learn about different sports of their liking. We missed seeing our students, so the department was excited to get a peek into their lives outside of our school walls. Here are a few pictures of our amazing students embodying what that browns spirit at home
BROWNS pe
new normal began! ncis Online
Drama Broadway Zoom Meeting and Yearend Drama Party!
ersevered!
Staff missing students—working online from home!
BROWNS achieved!
BROWNS parking lot socializing while social distancing!
Foods 20 Online Beef Kofta compliments of Taya Roberto, Grade 11,
Together we can achieve GREATNESS! Saint Francis High School Awards Presentation June 2020
The 2020 Saint Francis Awards Presentation is now available on the Saint Francis website! Congratulations to all our students on their academic, fine arts, leadership and spirit, and athletic achievements.
Graduation! This year we were gifted with the opportunity to combine old and new graduation traditions as we celebrated our students’ accomplishments. The Class of 2020’s Graduation Celebration truly embraced the graduation theme of a New Decade and New Dreams. Over the course of four days, we celebrated this momentous milestone in our students’ and their family’s lives. Graduates arrived on their chosen day in style with their entourages of proud family members. Beautifully decorated vehicles carried each graduate who sported his/her individual fashion by wearing a favorite outfit, grad dress, grad suit or traditional cap, gown and stole. Staff greeted and cheered on each car as the graduates arrived and made their way to the stage. Once at the stage, when each graduate’s name was called, family members, staff and fellow graduates cheered and honked their horns for them as they walked across the stage. Our celebration had some of the pomp and circumstance of a traditional graduation ceremony, however, this year what made it more special and memorable is that each graduate and their family felt it was more personal and they received more time to celebrate their individual accomplishments. The Graduation Committee enjoyed the challenge of preparing and organizing this special event. We are happy and honoured that it has been well received by our graduates and their families. Kim Curry Graduation Committee
Please see the Saint Francis website to view the: Virtual Retreat and Memories Video Graduation Mass with
Bishop McGrattan Virtual Graduation
Farewell, Retirees and Staff! Darren Dudar
Jack Hill
This year we bid farewell to Mr. Dudar and Mr. Hill who are retiring this year. Mr. Dudar began his teaching career in 1983 at St. Alphonsus school. Mr. Dudar taught elementary and junior high physical education. He then moved to Bishop Kid Jr. High School from 1984-1988, and then St. Helena’s from 1988-1996. Darren came to Saint Francis in 1997, and taught in the PE department until 2012. Mr. Dudar enjoyed teaching PE and coaching the Football and Basketball teams from 1998-2012. Darren became a VP at Father Lacombe from 2012-2014. In 2015, Darren returned to Saint Francis as a VP until retirement. Darren is looking forward to spending time with his family and 3 grandchildren. Mr. Hill began his teaching career at Bishop Carroll in 2000. Mr. Hill is passionate about social justice, philosophy, and theology. He was a Sessional Professor at St. Mary’s University in the B.Ed. Program and Theology. He later moved to Bishop McNally High School where he taught Religion, Social Studies and English for several years before moving into school administration at Bishop McNally in 2006. He served as VP in many of our district High Schools (Bishop O’Byrne, St. Mary’s, and Saint Francis). He plans to spend his retirement finishing his unpublished book and fishing. Mr. Dudar and Mr. Hill will be missed dearly by staff and students. We wish them all the best in their retirements.
The PE department would like to say goodbye and good luck to two of our coworkers. Donny Marchuk who will be joining instructional services as a PE consultant for Calgary Catholic School District and Francois Cousin, who will be enjoying retirement come the end of September. To say that these two will be missed is a huge understatement. They were two pillars of the department, making sure everything ran smooth, students had fun and that we all knew what we were doing. Both have done so much for our Saint Francis; coaching multiple teams, helping multiple coworkers, developing our first ever “boys and girls days” to empower our students and always arriving to school before anyone else. The laughs and memories we shared over the years will be ones that will forever live in the walls of Saint Francis and in our hearts. Don Marchuk
Francois Cousin
Farewell to the following Saint Francis staff:
• • •
Matthew Wickham
Jim Nachtigal Ray Vizina
• • •
Ayana McDowell
Shawna Outtrim Vinna Vuong
On Monday, February 24, St. Francis hosted the Moose Hide Campaign. The Social Justice Club and Indigenous Club worked hard in putting this event together. This national day brings awareness to the violence women and children face in Canada. It’s Indigenous roots began with father and daughter, Paul and Raven Lacerte, who were hunting along Canada’s infamous “Highway of Tears”. This highway is notoriously known for the missing and murdered women, many Indigenous, whose cases to this day, remain unsolved. Saint Francis students created posters of these women and displayed them around the school to educate the community of the injustices that need to be corrected. Indigenous Studies students from all Calgary Catholic high schools came to take part in this important day. Over 1000 staff and students participated in a full day of events including presentations from: Evans Yellow Old Woman, who spoke about the value and worth of women and children. Dallas Arcand Jr., who performed a spectacular hoop dance commemorating the dignity of women and children Dwight Farahat spoke about his own experience with race-based negativity. Chantal Chagnon gave a very special blessing. Ms. Chagnon also led the group with her voice and drumming in the afternoon for a walk around the community as a show of unity and commitment to end violence against women and children. The community also received a moose hide pin, a symbol of the campaign. May we continue to fight for the innocent women and children who face this injustice, and be the voice to stand up for them. According the Moose Hide Campaign (2020), we can do this by promoting “gender equity, healthy relationships, and positive ideas of masculinity by speaking out against gender-based violence."
Improv Team Congrats to our improv team who came 5th out of 18 teams!!
Reach for the Top
Regional tournament Reach for the Top team picture.
https://www.mealsonwheels.com/weekends-and-more-program
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS Official high school transcripts can be acquired by going to myPass.alberta.ca. Diploma results can also be viewed on this site.
STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE Office Hours:
SCHOLARSHIPS Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Students can begin applying for the Rutherford scholarship at any time, but preferably before they begin their post-secondary studies (Please Note: The site is suspended for a time in June/July for updates). Information about the scholarship, including application process can be found at: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/ rutherford-scholarship/
Office Assistant: Peggy Pilon, Ext. 346 peggy.pilon@cssd.ab.ca COUNSELLORS: Coralie Bedier Coordinating Teacher, Ext. 345 coralie.bedier@cssd.ab.ca Marc Osenton, Ext. 347 marc.osenton@cssd.ab.ca
Calgary Calabrian Cultural and Heritage Scholarship This scholarship valued at $2000 is available for application for any grade 12 student of Calabrian descent, who excels academically and demonstrates strong citizenship, and plans to attend post-secondary within a year. DEADLINE: September 30, 2020. Information and application can be found on our school website at: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/ schools/stfrancis/Students/awardsandscholarships/Pages/default.aspx UPGRADING at St. Anne Academic Centre
8:30—4:00 Monday—Thursday 8:30—2:00 Friday
Rob Schrauth, Ext. 344 rob.schrauth@cssd.ab.ca Karen Wadson, Ext 348 karen.wadson@cssd.ab.ca Career Practitioner: (Wed.—Fri. only) Carolyn Campbell, Ext. 349 carolyn.campbell@cssd.ab.ca
St. Anne’s offers a variety of upgrading opportunities to students who have completed three years of high school. For more information follow www.cssd.ab.ca/stanne COURSE CHANGES
Look For It Online! CHANGE my TIMETABLE! Monday, August 17
Students can access their 2020-2021 course timetable on Monday, August 17. Please review it to ensure courses have been correctly scheduled, that pre-requisites for all subjects have been completed and there are no courses missing. Keep in mind that grade ten student timetables must be completely filled and have no spares. Any required changes should be completed using the Online Course Change Application form that will be made available on the school website starting August 17. The online submission form must be used. Stay connected! To receive important info about post-secondary, grad, mental health, etc. via text messages from @StFrancisCCSD student services, text @stfrancisp to (431) 800-0409. Twitter – follow @SFGuidanceCCSD on Twitter for even more news!
Mrs. Campbell is the Career Practitioner for Saint Francis, St. Martin de Porres and St. Timothy High Schools. The Career Practitioner is able to assist students with the following: • Career Planning—What would you like to do after high school? • Self Assessment—Interests, Skills, Values and Personality • Occupational Research • Job Search—Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews • Post Secondary Exploration/Research/Volunteer Opportunities WHAT IS CAREER PLANNING? Career planning is a unique, lifelong process for each person. The Career Practitioner will work with students to explore how interests, skills, values, and personality impact the choice of career direction. It is an active process that begins in the Career and Life Management Class and may continue with meetings with the Career Practitioner and Student Services Counsellor. Individuals will be making career decisions on a continuous basis through their lives. DOES THE CAREER PRACTITIONER OFFER CAREER TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS? Any “career tests” are tools for students to learn more about themselves and the potential careers that may be of interest to them. The “tests” are designed to provide career suggestions for exploration but there is not test that will tell a student what they should do as a career. The goal is for students to learn as much as they can about themselves and the careers that are available so they can make an informed decision about their first step after high school. WILL THE CAREER PRACTITIONER FIND ME A JOB? Students are given the tools to find their own jobs. The Career Practitioner is willing to edit resumes and cover letters, do practice interviews and provide information about job search skills. Students may receive work experience credits for their part time jobs. Please contact Mr. Don Buckie, Off Campus Teacher, don.buckie@cssd.ab.ca, cell # 403-880-1711, for more information about Work Experience. UPCOMING POST SECONDARY OPEN HOUSES/INFORMATION SESSIONS As we are uncertain as to the format post secondaries will be utilizing this fall for Open Houses and Information Sessions we will post this information as it becomes available. DUAL CREDIT/EXPLORATORY PROGRAMS Please review the Dual-Credit Program 2020-2021 booklet for information about programs offered for the 2020-2021 school year. Mrs. Campbell can be reached at Carolyn.campbell@cssd.ab.ca throughout the school year.
POWERSCHOOL: PARENT VIEW Parents have quick and easy access to view attendance records, report card marks, and grade history. You must have two pieces of information to create an account. Your child’s Calgary Catholic School District ID number (6 or 7 digit number) and your child’s birthday with month, day, and year. (example: Jan 8, 1996 must be typed as follows: 181996 (month/day/year). Go to Saint Francis Website https://www.cssd.ab.ca/schools/stfrancis click on “Parent View” https:// sis.cssd.ab.ca/public/ Click “Create Account” / Follow steps
We started the week with the cabane a sucre, prepared and served by the Voyer family. Our Extended French and FSL students and staff enjoyed eating the delicious maple syrup lollipops, while listening to traditional French music.
Borrow a book or three! Tap into these resources and items. Book a conference room for students and teachers for group work or meetings.
Borrow iPads and Chromebooks for the block or the day. Borrow a camera to create a presentation.
Borrow a microphone to get your point across.
http://urstore.ca/schools/ca/alberta/calgary/ saint-francis-high-school-browns-apparel
CSHSAA Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association link below to follow all sport Activities http://calgaryhighschoolsports.ca/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=5449
The drama, technical theatre, and musical theatre classes and improv club have been working hard at adapting to our new education model. With zoom calls, lip sync projects, and our upcoming drama party, we have been making the best of not having a stage to act on. With what would have been show weeks for the musical theatre classes, spring plays, and dance shows behind us, we have been able to move forward into new projects and ways to connect with our fellow actors. We were given the opportunity to meet with three Broadway actors and learned from them that hard work and positivity can get you through any situation. We feel more inspired than ever to pursue theatre and ensure that our connections are strong with both our teachers and our friends that we have met in these classes as we move into the next year of high school, or into the first year of the rest of our lives. The theatre spirit is still humming through us Browns, and we are proud of the efforts made to keep enthusiasm high and connections strong. Written by Lila Webb, Grade 12 student
Greetings from music at Saint Francis! Here are some highlights of our year, even though the school year was cut short due to COVID-19 we have many accomplishments to celebrate! We are proud of our music students! The choir students wanted to honor this year’s graduates by doing a virtual choir. The grade 12 choir students joined by a few jazz choir and choir members worked hard to present to the grads, “I’m Standing with You”. A few Concert band members also spearheaded a Vivaldi virtual concert band and we are working to have a similar virtual band video ready soon in late June! We will post it up on the music website when it is completed! Stay tuned!
https://youtu.be/YugWaDB11nI The Concert band and the jazz band both received GOLD at the Alberta International Band Festival in February 24 and March 6. WAY TO GO!! All of our ensembles should be proud of all the work they accomplished. Concert Band took Gold at the Alberta International Band festival performing three very difficult selections: Prairie Song by Carl Strommen, Prelude Siciliano and Rondo by Malcolm Arnold and Paradiso by Robert W Smith. Three iconic selections of music from the band repertoire.
The concert band performed a holiday Concert at the Calgary airport on Dec. 16. They represented so well and even made the local Global news cast. The Fine Art Gala was a memorable evening where all of our fine art students took the stage Dec. 4. Both the jazz choir and jazz band performed. Wishing all of our music graduates the very best in your futures. You were all successful in music; now go be successful in life! Hugs from Mrs. B
Saint Francis Year-End Music Program Video
Banff Music Trip—October 2019
With the world changing, and everything being forced to switch online, the Dance community in Calgary has still found ways to thrive. Throughout the weeks of May, Dancers at Saint Francis have been busy at East Side Dance festival, a showcase involving dancers from across the city, where we have been taking workshops and cheering on other dance communities. Every year, East Side Dance Festival gives out bursaries and prizes to dancers across the city. Prize recipients include our very own Sam Castaneda and Daniella Snyders-Blok and coming in Gold for our bursary winners were Allen Collado and Malia Vitug. As a dancer in this community, the change has been difficult. I miss seeing my classmates everyday and the ability to dance among other people rather than through a screen. Through these times, it is heart warming to know that our dance community has never once faltered. We continue to strengthen our community and build our artistry as performers. After all, it is times like these that art matters more than ever. Written by Daniella Snyders-Blok, Grade 11 student
Senior High Parents who reside inside Saint Francis High School's regular attendance area (see link) and live further than 2.4 km from school are to complete the Calgary Transit Pass Rebate 2020-21 Form and mail the form to: Attention: Transportation Department Calgary Catholic School District 1000 5 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 4T9 NOTE: Due to the personal banking information requested on this form, please do not email. Original signed forms are required. Below are links for the 2020-2021 school year and transportation information. 2020-2021 Transit Rebate Form 2020-2021 Transit Rebate Schedule—Additional Information 2020-2021 Letter to Parents Please see the Calgary Catholic School District website for additional Transportation Information. Saint Francis High School and Calgary Transit offer 800 express bus service, to view bus routes see Calgary Transit Express Bus Routes
Bus Pass Scanning is available in the Learning Common
DONATION CARD YES! I want to help Saint Francis High School continue to deliver quality education! DONATE ON-LINE, please go to: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/Parents/Fees/online-fee-payment/Pages/default.aspx Click “Pay Now/Form Submission”, log on, select student name, select image, follow instructions. OR if you prefer to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to Saint Francis High School and return your donation with the attached completed form. Name Address
__
Postal Code
Email Address
__
Phone
Saint Francis High School 877 Northmount Drive NW Calgary, AB T2L 0A3
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Income Tax receipts will be provided for donations of $25 or more.