Administrator's Message
As we enter this sacred season of Advent during the Jubilee Holy Year, Pope Leo reminds us that this is a time to allow the mystery of God’s mercy to shape our waiting. Advent is not only about preparing for the beauty and joy of Christmas Day, but also for the fullness of life that Christ brings—both now and at the end of time. Each candle on the Advent wreath marks more than the weeks before Christmas; it represents the stages of salvation history and reminds us of the sacredness of time within God’s plan. With the passage of time, we are called to cultivate hope, faith, and joy in our hearts. This year, our waiting becomes active discipleship—living our faith in ways that are not just “informative” but “performative,” as Pope Benedict XVI once wrote. We do this through prayer, sacramental life, acts of charity, and a renewed commitment to justice and reconciliation. (adapted from Pope Leo's Message for Advent 2025) At St. Rose School, we are embracing this call in tangible ways. We are collecting items to support families in need during this season of giving. Your generosity will help bring hope and joy to others. Additionally, our staff will be making a pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Parish to learn more about the Catholic Church’s role in truth and reconciliation, Indigenous spirituality, and we will perform a charitable act for the church community. This journey will deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to walking together in faith and solidarity. May this Advent be a time of grace for all of us—a season where mercy shapes our hearts and our actions. Let us prepare not only for Christmas celebrations but for the life-changing encounter with Christ that transforms our world. Blessings to you and your families during this holy time. Wishing you a blessed Advent season filled with peace, joy, and hope.
Erin Winch, Principal
Kyle Pisani, Assistant Principal
Staffing Update
We are pleased to welcome back Mr. Cimino to St. Rose. We have missed his sense of humour and the joy that he brings to our staff.
School Advent Celebrations
Throughout December, all students and staff will participate in weekly Advent celebrations in their homeroom classes. On November 28 we were pleased to welcome Father Dean Dowle to preside over an Advent mass and wreath blessing.
Christmas Hamper Donations
The St. Rose community is building Christmas food hampers for 15 families in the Edmonton Archdiocese during the Advent season. This service activity is a tradition at St. Rose and supports families in our Edmonton area that may not be able to afford a special holiday celebration for their family at this time of year. During the Christmas Hamper Drive, students will be collecting a selected set of food items to fill their boxes. Each homeroom box will feed one particular family this Christmas. To participate, students are asked to discuss with their families which of the items on their class ‘bingo card’ they would like to donate. Each box has a list of items that range between $5 - $20. Students can partner with another student to fill a food item if necessary. We kindly request that parents/guardians who wish to participate send their food items by December 9, 2025. For quality control, please ensure that any refrigerated items are sent closer to the hamper delivery date. Cash donations are also welcome if your family chooses that form of donation. We understand that food insecurities are not just in other parts of the city, and students are encouraged to participate, but it is not mandatory. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Mrs. Morgan-Manchuk at amber.morgan-manchuk@ecsd.net by December 9, 2025. Thank you in advance for your support this Christmas season!
December Dismissal Changes
Please make note of the following changes in dismissal times for the month of December:
Thursday, December 18 - full day of classes, with dismissal at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 19 - dismissal for students will be at noon.
Winter Concert
Our Winter Concert featuring the grade 8 and 9 bands will be on January 29. Solo performers are still welcome to perform. Please contact Mr. de Freitas if your son or daughter would like to participate as a solo performer. Their performance should be less than 5 minutes in duration and should be prepared for two weeks before the concert for an 'audition'.
Eagles Athletics Update
In athletics, both the Sr. Boys and Girls volleyball teams are off to a fantastic start. Both teams have a 3-0 record and are currently sitting in 1st place within their respective divisions. The junior teams won both of their games last week and are looking strong. Playoffs begin December 8th. We would like to wish our athletes the best of luck! Go Eagles!!
Pancake Breakfast December 19
We will be hosting our annual pancake breakfast on December 19. Students have paid for the breakfast as part of their school fees. A gluten-free option is available for those who require it. Thank you to our parent volunteers for organizing the event. We will also need parents to assist with set-up on Thursday afternoon and for distribution of the food on Friday morning. Please contact the school if you have any questions or can help with this fun event.
Crochet Club Seeking Donations
Crochet Club meets every Day 2, and our students are loving the chance to learn new skills and get creative! To help keep the club thriving, we are looking for donations of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and yarn. If you have any supplies you’re willing to part with, we would be so grateful. Donations can be dropped off at the office for Mrs. Nawrot. Thank you for supporting our makers!
Ski club is starting with a school trip to Rabbit Hill on Jan. 30 and then a trip to Marmot in March. Details have been given to students, and all information is contained in the student's Google Classroom. Payment will open on Dec. 5 for Rabbit Hill and close on Jan. 9. Payment for Marmot will open in January. (Details will be in the January newsletter.) Any questions, please email Mr. McGrath at brian.mcgrath@ecsd.net.
Thank You to Our Amazing School Council Volunteers! A huge thank you to all the parents who have stepped up to be part of our School Council this year. Your time, ideas, and dedication make a big difference in supporting our students and school community. Special thanks to our Executive Members: Chair: Kim Street Secretary: Michelle Casavant Treasurer: Christine DeRose Casino Coordinator: Miranda Jones
Our future meetings are February 9 and May 11 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join - your voice matters!
Awards Criteria
An Honours/Honours with Distinction standing is achieved by obtaining an 80% or 90% average respectively in the four subjects of Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies. There can be no final mark lower than 70% or with the overall level of achievement below “Proficient” in these subjects or any other subjects (core and complementary). Academic honesty must be maintained to be eligible for Honours/Honours with Distinction.
Students achieving Honours/Honours with Distinction for the final reporting period (end of June) will be invited to attend a ceremony to receive their certificate. Awards will be determined based on the year’s cumulative summative assessments. Any missing summative assignments necessary to achieve Honours/Honours with Distinction from September 5, 2025 – January 27, 2025, must be submitted by 3:00 pm on January 27, 2025, for a student to be considered for Honours/Honours with Distinction.
Yearbooks
Yearbooks are available to be purchased on Parent PowerSchool. The cost is $35.00. Last year’s yearbook is beautiful and we look forward to all the memories this year’s book will hold.
Eagles Wear
If your child does not have St. Rose gear or has outgrown their old ones, here is the link to order t-shirts, sweatshirts, and much more with the St. Rose logo. The orders are placed directly through the website and delivered to your home. They make wonderful Christmas Gifts!
Save the Date - Year End Activities
As you begin to plan for your summer travels, please note that our Grade 9 Farewell is scheduled for June 22 and the Honours Awards Ceremony is June 23.
Credits:
Created with images by Irina - "Lit Advent wreath on wooden table, showcasing four candles with evergreen boughs and pine cones. Advent wreath adds beauty to holiday display, reflecting traditions and Christmas anticipation," • Лилия Захарчук - "A bright star illuminating the night sky, shining over the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus." • Igor Tichonow - "Christmas tree background with snowflakes. Greeting Card and Happy New Year Invitation." • S.H.exclusiv - "Christmas Card - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025 - Advent wreath with four red burning candles and magical bokeh lights - banner, header, xmas greetings - fourth advent"