News Archive

Pumpkins, giggles, and a whole lot of Halloween fun in Kindergarten! 🎃🕸️ Our littlest learners sure know how to celebrate in style!

We’re backkkkkkk - and ready for some fun! 🎃 Tomorrow’s the day to squash the ordinary and bring on the fun! Our staff is ready to spread some pumpkin-spiced joy — can’t wait to see your creative costumes, St. Francis! 👻✨

Congratulations to our girls’ team on capturing 1st place and our boys’ team on taking 3rd at our home tournament! 🏐 Our athletes represented us so well—both in their play on the court and in their hospitality to our guests. A big thank you to our coaches for their leadership and to Mr. Walton for organizing such a successful event! #WeAreSTFA #GOSTORM

🕊️ Happy Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi! On Thursday, our students, staff, and school were blessed , marking 10 years of St. Francis of Assisi Academy and the celebration of our school patronage. In this moment of prayer and thanksgiving, we were reminded that God’s presence dwells here—in our classrooms, our friendships, our laughter, and our faith. Guided by St. Francis’ call to live with joy, humility, and peace, we continue to build a community where every person knows: You are Loved 🫶🏻 We love you STFA. We’ll see you soon ♥️

Congrats to the Grade 5 / 6 STFA Rugby season at the CTR Jamboree! Thank you to @holytrinityacademy.ctr for hosting, Mr. Krueger for organizing and the HTA Rubgy high school coaches and Mrs. Hastings for a great rugby season🏉 #WeAreSTFA

✨ Today is a truly special day in the life of our school. We gathered as one family to take a whole-school photo in celebration of two beautiful occasions: the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, our patron saint, and the 10-year anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Academy. 📸 This photo will be placed in a time capsule to be buried and opened at our 20-year celebration—when today’s Kindergarten students will say farewell as grade 9 graduates. 🎓 What a powerful reminder of how quickly time passes and how deeply we grow together as a community of faith. Over the past 10 years, countless students, staff, and families have built this school into more than just a building—it is a family, a community, and a living witness to the Gospel. Guided by St. Francis of Assisi’s example of simplicity, compassion, and peace, we carry forward the truth that echoes in our motto: Peace & Goodness (Pace e Bene). 💙 Here’s to the next 10 years and beyond—filled with faith, friendship, and love. 🌿 #STFA10Years #STFATimeCapsule #WeAreSTFA

A big thank you to @goodshepherd.ctr for hosting tonight’s Elementary Cross Country meet! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ We are so grateful to Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Orr, Mrs. Benassi, and Mrs. Olynyk for coaching and cheering on our littles 💙⚡️ #WeAreATA

Every year on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Mrs. Stearn makes the 12 km walk or bike ride from her home to the site of the former Dunbow Industrial School, a residential school - located just down the road from St. Francis of Assisi. Standing on that land is always heavy, humbling, and deeply important—it’s a reminder that reconciliation isn’t abstract, it’s right here in our own backyard.

Mrs. Threlfall spent the day appreciating the beauty of the land with her family. Taking time to be present on the land is one way we honour Truth and Reconciliation—learning from creation, deepening respect, and giving thanks. 🌿🧡

Mrs. Romaniuk had the chance to slip away to a Truth and Reconciliation event in Manitoba in her hometown. She shared some beautiful dancing and even got to join in on the round dance—a powerful and memorable experience!

🍎 Last call! Apple fundraiser orders close Wednesday, Oct 1. Don’t miss this delicious, healthy snack that helps fund our school programs. Order now!

This week is an important one for our Storm family as we hold space for both local and national moments of reflection and celebration. On Tuesday, we join our country in recognizing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, a time to pause, participate in our communities, and remember that every child matters. Later in the week, we turn to our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrate with a special school blessing on Thursday and a buddy activity on Friday that invites us to live out his example of peace, kindness, and care for all creation. Together, these moments call us to reflect, to learn, and to walk with open hearts toward reconciliation and gratitude. #WeAreSTFA

Thank you to our School Council Chair, and the NUMEROUS volunteers who commit every Tuesday and Thursday to delivering our hot lunches! Not only does this program bring joy to our kids as they look forward to their special lunches, but it also means one less lunch for families to prepare during the week AND money back to our school community—a win-win-win for everyone!

A huge thank you to Elder Saa’kokoto who spent the day with our junior high students. 🌿 His wisdom, stories, and teachings were a true gift to our community. We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow together. 🫶🏻 #WeAreSTFA

Storm family ⚡ Here’s what’s coming up this week at a glance! Let’s make it another one full of joy, learning, and community. #WeAreSTFA

With great joy, we share that Mrs. Erick has welcomed a healthy baby girl – Catherine Mary Veronica Erick 💕👶. This beautiful blessing adds to both our St. Francis of Assisi family and @st.johnpaul2collegiate where proud dad Mr. Erick is also a teacher. Please join us in congratulating the Erick family on their newest little miracle! ✨🙏 #WeAreSTFA #STFAFamily

We’re excited to celebrate our Opening Mass tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Parish. Families are warmly invited to join us. Students are encouraged to come in their Sunday best to honour the celebration. Thank you for helping us begin the year in prayer, gratitude, and community. #WeAreSTFA #ibelieveincatholiced

✨ We realized we missed one teacher in our Guess Who video… and we couldn’t not share her photo because she was just too darn cute! 🥹💛 This one stumped so many of you… 👀 It was none other than Mrs. De Orbe! 🎉📸

🍎🍌 We are grateful to share that we’ve been gifted a nutritional grant again this year! Thanks to this support, our fruit bowls are back and started up again today. Students will always have access to healthy, fresh snacks in every classroom (with the exception of gym and music) or at the front office. These bowls are meant as a snack, not a meal replacement, but they’re a wonderful way to keep our students fueled and ready to learn throughout the day! 🥝🍇 #STFAHealthySchools

📅 A new week, a new chance to learn, grow, and gather in community. Here’s your Week at a Glance at St. Francis of Assisi Academy! #WeAreSTFA

Snack attack loading… 🌭🍿 Thanks to School Council, Hot Dog & Popcorn Day is almost here! 👉 Order online through Healthy Hunger.

✨ In all seriousness… while students are dismissed at 12:30 every Friday, our staff don’t spend the afternoon sprinting through the halls 🏃‍♀️ (that was yesterday’s post-learning fun 😉). Instead, we gather for professional development centered on three big questions: 💡 What do we want students to learn? 💡 How do we ensure they learn it? 💡 What evidence shows that student learning has improved? Of course, we also make time to laugh, connect, and grow together as a school family. 💙 Because when teachers learn and thrive, students do too! #STFAFaith #STFAAcademicExcellence #STFAHealthySchools #WeAreSTFA

📸 Say cheese, STFA! Photo Day is September 18—time to show off those fresh haircuts and big smiles!

☀️ Lunch recess looked a little different today—our Div I cross country runners laced up and hit the trail! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Full of energy, spirit, and joy in motion. Preparing our youngest for upcoming Jr. High programming! #WeAreSTFA

🌟 Finding joy in all things 🌟 One of our cross country runners showed up bright and early dressed in a blow-up dinosaur 🦖—reminding us that spirit, laughter, and joy can be found anywhere, even on a chilly morning run. #WeAreSTFA Ps. Our biggest cross country group yet! 🔥

Our September newsletter is now ready for you! Please take a few moments to read through—it’s filled with important updates (ex. new security system, open house, etc), celebrations, and ways we can continue to grow together as a community. Thank you for walking alongside us each day. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and for the gift of your children in our care. Together, we are building a community where every child is known, loved, and encouraged to grow into their fullest potential! #WeAreSTFA

✨ We hope you’re having a wonderful long weekend under the sun! ☀️ Here’s what’s happening this week at St. Francis of Assisi Academy! ✨ We are so grateful for the energy, faith, and community that fills our halls each day. A new week is another opportunity to belong, believe, behave, become, and bless — together. 💙 #YouAreLoved #WeAreSTFA

Our halls are alive again as teachers gather for a day of learning and connection. With 100% of us committed to 100% of our students, we ground our work in a vision where every child can Belong, Believe, Behave, Become, and Bless. #WeAreSTFA

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Mme. Savage to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Now in her second year of teaching after completing her studies at the University of Lethbridge with a specialization in French, Mme. Savage brings energy, creativity, and joy to her classroom. Through games and hands-on activities, she makes learning engaging and accessible, while encouraging students to take ownership of their education. Her passion is helping students grow into confident, independent problem-solvers who see learning as exciting, joyful, and full of possibility. 🇫🇷✨ Last year, Mme. Savage was honoured as the Edwin Parr Award Recipient at École Good Shepherd School. This prestigious award is presented annually to one exceptional first-year teacher in each Alberta school division, recognizing excellence in teaching, passion for students, and an outstanding start to a career in education. 🌟 Outside of school, Mme. Savage enjoys birdwatching, crafty projects, reading, and baking—and she especially loves spending time with her dog, Ollie. 🐾📚 We are so excited to welcome you, Mme. Savage—you are a wonderful addition to the STFA family!

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Cassidy Behm (though she’s no stranger to STFA!) back to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Ms. Behm has always had a heart for teaching—beginning with coaching swimming and teaching lessons right here in the community. She feels blessed to have already taught so many children both in the pool and now in the classroom. 🏊‍♀️📚 Many of you will remember Ms. Behm from last year, when she graciously stepped in to cover two leaves in both Junior High and Grade 1 at STFA. We are thrilled to have her back with us full-time! A proud graduate of Christ the Redeemer schools from K–12, Ms. Behm has been deeply shaped by the values of faith, excellence, and belonging, and she now strives to carry those forward with her own students. This year, she is especially excited to begin her teaching journey in Grade 3, growing and learning alongside her class! Outside of school, Ms. Behm enjoys reading, crafting, and spending summers camping and exploring the outdoors. ⛺🌲 Welcome home, Ms. Behm—we’re so grateful you’re part of the STFA family! ♥️

Tonight our staff came together with their families to reconnect after the summer break! A little food, family, and fellowship. Tomorrow kicks off two days of professional development—District PD on Tuesday and our own staff PD on Wednesday—before we welcome back our amazing students on Thursday. 🍎✨ Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and joy—STFA, we’re ready for you! ♥️

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Arjay Hufalar to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Born and raised in Calgary, Mr. Hufalar studied English Literature at Mount Royal University and also holds a certificate in Emergency Medical Response. Mr. Hufalar is new to us but not new to CTR. Holy Trinity Academy students maintain he’s the “GOAT” and that we scored a gem! He is passionate about getting to know students, creating space for kids to simply be kids, and bringing joy into the classroom every day. 🌟 Beyond teaching, Mr. Hufalar is an avid wakeboarder and skier, and he loves spending time outdoors—including an adventure this summer where he stayed in a ranger cabin with Mr. Booth! 🏔️ He’s also energized by coaching and looks forward to inspiring students both inside and outside the classroom. We are thrilled to welcome you, Mr. Hufalar—you’re a wonderful addition to the STFA family! 🌪️ #WeAreSTFA

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Isabelle Gemmill to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Originally from Ottawa, Ms. Gemmill is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s University in Calgary, where she earned her Bachelor of Education. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University in Halifax, with a background in biology and math. 🧪➗ As a new teacher, Ms. Gemmill is passionate about helping students build confidence in subjects that can sometimes feel intimidating. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and travelling—having already lived in five different provinces across Canada! 🇨🇦 This year, she is most looking forward to beginning her teaching journey at STFA and creating meaningful, memorable experiences with her students. 🫶🏻 Welcome to the STFA family, Ms. Gemmill—we’re so glad you’re here! #WeAreSTFA

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Sophie-Ana Cives to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Ms. Cives is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s University and brings international teaching experience from her time teaching English in Taiwan. She has also spent the past four years coaching with the Okotoks Mavericks Swim Club, where she discovered her passion for guiding children to learn and grow through hands-on experiences. 🏊‍♀️ She is dedicated to helping students discover their unique strengths, talents, and sense of self through education. A fun fact about Ms. Cives? She loves to line dance 💃 and also plays the trumpet 🎺! Ms. Cives will be covering Mrs. Austen’s maternity leave until Christmas; Mrs. Austen will be returning in January after Christmas. We are so excited to welcome you, Ms. Cives—what a gift you will be to our community! 💙💛 #WeAreSTFA

👋 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Cian Booth to our St. Francis of Assisi Academy family! Mr. Booth is beginning his very first year of teaching with us after graduating from St. Mary’s University in Calgary. He is passionate about helping students discover just how special and powerful history can be when you know what to look for. Over the past four years, Mr. Booth has gained experience in CTR schools through coaching, supporting classrooms, and now stepping fully into his teaching role. This past summer, he also served as a Park Ranger in Kananaskis Country—trekking to backcountry patrol cabins, rescuing hikers, helping protect our mountain parks, and (as he puts it!) babysitting grizzly bears. 🐻 When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find him outdoors hiking, camping, or fly-fishing in Southern Alberta’s beautiful trout streams. We are so grateful to have you here, Mr. Booth—welcome to the STFA family! #WeAreSTFA ♥️

Before & After School Care You Can Count On! Our amazing program, offered through 1st Class After Class, is open Monday–Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM—covering early dismissals, all PD days, and school holidays (summer not included 🥰) Fun, engaging, and worry-free care all year long!

📅 The countdown is on — our first day of school is Thursday, August 28th! If you missed the deadline to have supplies delivered to the school, you can still order through our website: 1️⃣ Visit the School Supplies section. 2️⃣ Select your child’s grade level. 3️⃣ Have your order shipped straight to your home. ✉️ Keep an eye on your inbox Monday, August 18th for our Back to School Essentials newsletter from Mrs. A with everything you need to know for a great start to the year! 🍎 #WeAreSTFA

School may be out for summer, but back-to-school comes quicker than you think! 🎒✏️ Save time and money by ordering your child’s 2025–2026 school supplies through School Start—delivered right to your door or school. Details on how to order here: https://stfrancis.redeemer.ab.ca/school-supply-lists

St. James Parish has officially opened registration for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation for the upcoming year. If your child is ready to begin their sacramental journey, now is the time to register! Sessions begin this October. Programs for RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) and RCIT (Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens) are also available. These are offered for those who are longing to become Catholic ✝️ For full details and to register, please visit the St. James Parish website: https://www.stjamesparishokotoks.ca

🥇 Dodgeball champs! Congratulations to Team Yellow for taking the win in our annual Grades 4–6 dodgeball tournament!

Last day smiles with the best team 💛☀️

🎤✨ Our talent show has been moved up to a 10:30 AM start (instead of 11:00) to make room for all our amazing performers! 🎭🎶👏

Grade 5 completed their 3D cake sculptures this week! ❤️

We are so grateful to all the families who joined us for our Family Fun Fest—it was an evening filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit! Mrs. Benassi’s joy in this photo says it all: pure happiness, connection, and celebration. The photo captures the heart of what this event was all about—coming together as a school family and creating lasting memories. A heartfelt thank you to the countless volunteers, generous donors, and wonderful vendors who helped bring this event to life. Your time, talent, and contributions made all the difference. And a VERY special, sincere thank you to our incredible School Council for your vision, leadership, and hard work. You poured your hearts into this, and we are so blessed by your dedication. Thank you for helping us build a community where every family feels they belong. 💙 — St. Francis of Assisi Academy #FamilyFunFest #GratitudeInAction #YouAreLoved #CommunityJoy

We are getting ready for the last week of the year! See you on Monday for a great 3 days ❤️

Calling all vendors in our school community! If you have a small business, craft, or side hustle you’d love to share, we’re inviting you to set up a table at our Family Fun Fest this Thursday evening. For a $20 donation, you’ll have the chance to showcase your products, connect with families, and be part of a joyful school event that brings everyone together. Don’t miss this great opportunity to support and celebrate our amazing community!

We are ready to see you for another great week ❤️

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads and father figures in our St. Francis of Assisi community! Your love, guidance, and strength shape our days in countless ways. Today we celebrate the nurturing, the laughter, and the heart you pour into every moment with your families and our school. Thank you for being a steady hand, a guiding light, and a source of inspiration. Enjoy your special day!

🎉 Calling all cake lovers, bakers, and sweet supporters! 🎂 We’re hosting a Cake Walk at our Family Fest on Thursday, June 19, and we need your help to make it a delicious success! We’re asking for donations of home-baked or store-bought cakes to fuel the fun (and the sugar rush!). Want to donate? Email schoolmomlaurie@gmail.com Drop off your sweet treats at the school office by Thursday, June 19 labelled “Family Fest Cake Walk.” Every cake helps bring joy—and yummy competition—to our students and families! Your generosity means the world to us. 💛 Let’s make our Cake Walk the sweetest walk in town!

We wrapped up our awards with recognizing students who achieved top marks in subjects, as well as those who excelled in band, chess, drama, and citizenship! 🏅🎶♟️🎭✨ Congratulations to all, we are so very proud of you!!

Today we celebrated the incredible academic achievements of our junior high students at the Honour Roll Awards! We are so very proud of you ❤️

Pace e Bene- Part 2 Grades 7&8❤️ Today we celebrated our Pace e Bene Awards — a special moment where we recognized students who live out peace and goodness in their everyday actions. 🌿🕊️ Their kindness, compassion, and quiet leadership shine brightly in our school community.

Pace e Bene- Part 1 Grade 9 ❤️ May we all be inspired to walk the path of Pace e Bene — peace with all, and goodness in all we do. 💛

Launch Pad fun to close out Farewell Day! Our Grade 9s wrapped up their celebrations with some swings, laughs, and memories at Launch Pad. A perfect way to end a meaningful day — golf, good food, and great company. Here’s to the Class of 2025! #WeAreSTFA #Classof2025

Each of these team photos represents more than just games played or medals won — they capture the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and school pride. Whether celebrating a podium finish or a season of growth, every athlete played a role in building something special together. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible coaches who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to lead our teams. Your dedication makes these experiences possible, and your impact extends far beyond the scoreboard. We are so grateful — these programs wouldn’t exist without you! #STFAAthletics #WeAreSTFA #Gratitude #STFAStorm 🌪️

Tonight, we gathered as a school community to celebrate the incredible commitment, growth, and sportsmanship of our student athletes at the Athletic Awards Banquet. Each sports team recognized players with awards for Most Valuable Player (MVP), Most Improved Player (MIP), and the 3D Award for dedication, determination, and discipline. A special congratulations to our Grade 9 Athletes of the Year — Ocean and Kunmi — who have shown exceptional leadership, talent, and heart throughout their time at St. Francis. We are proud to see them graduate and continue their athletic journey at Holy Trinity Academy. Thank you to our dedicated coaches for pouring time and passion into each season, and to our parent community for your unwavering support. Congratulations to all of our athletes — you make us proud! #WeAreSTFA #STFAAthletics #STFAStorm

Another busy week at STFA! We can’t wait to see you tomorrow❤️

There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to sip, smile, and support! Head to @covet.sips.sweets and grab our signature drink—every Storm Surge sold gets us closer to winning $2000 for our school! Thanks to Aria and Quinn for sharing with us! #WeAreSTFA! 💙

⚽ Exclusive Opportunity for STFA Students! Snag your spot in our after-school soccer program with Jamie Gosling Football Academy—running Fridays from Sept. 5 to Oct. 10! Open to all skill levels, ages 5–15. Just in time—our brand new soccer nets arrive next month! 💥 $275 for 15 hours of pro coaching 🏆 Fun competitions, prizes & skill-building 🔥 Learn from the best and fall in love with the game! Register now at www.jgfacanada.com

Mrs. Sziva’s Drama class got creative today, designing their own masks as part of a hands-on lesson in character and expression! 🎭✨ #WeAreSTFA

Our Year-End Band Concert was a powerful reflection of everything our Grade 6–9 band students have worked toward this year — moments of courage, teamwork, and musical discovery. From tentative first notes to confident final performances, each student brought something special to the stage. At the heart of it all is Mrs. Stearn, whose unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and deep love for music and her students have shaped this journey. She teaches far more than notes on a page — she teaches confidence, resilience, and joy. Her impact was felt in every performance and in every proud smile. Thank you to our families, friends, and school community for being there to witness such a meaningful night. The music may have ended, but the memories will echo for a long time. 💛🎶 #WeAreSTFA

Chalk in hand and smiles on faces. 🎨 The grade 2s are soaking up every last moment as they countdown the days until they’re in grade 3! 🧡📆☀️

As we turn the page to June—our final month together this school year—we want to thank you for walking alongside us through another year of growth, learning, and community. This final newsletter is packed with important updates, celebrations, and opportunities, including: • 🎉 Family Fun Fest – June 19: Join us for a wonderful evening of connection and community • ✏️ School Supplies 2025-2026: Get a head start, order now, and save money! • ☀️ Summer Work Experience Info: For current Grade 9 students • 🍭 Covet Sips & Sweets: Storm Surge Contest • ✈️ Peru Mission Trip: Enrollment is now open for Easter 2026 • 📊 Public Survey: Help shape the future of school library materials • 🕊️ Pace e Bene Assemblies: Celebrating our students' accomplishments in faith and academic excellence • 🏫 Help Us Advocate: For a new Catholic high school in Okotoks • 👋 Faculty Farewell: Honouring those who are moving on from our school • 📘 Junior High Programming Update: Details on next year’s plans • 🤝 Invitation to Local Business Owners: Partner with us • 🚚 Are You Moving?: Let us know to help us with planning • 📅 Final Exam Schedule & Key June Dates…& More! 📬 JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER - READ IT HERE!

We are ready for another great week at STFA❤️

GO STORM GO!!

Our Junior High ski trip is coming up quickly and we are so excited!! 🎿❄️⛷️ We will have a meeting on Monday in the gymnasium at 12:50pm after students eat lunch to review trip expectations. Full information and details can be found in the email from Mr. Walton that was sent on March 6th.

A huge thank you to our incredible parent volunteers and School Council for sponsoring and organizing our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast! Your generosity and dedication bring our school community together in such a meaningful way, and we are truly grateful for all that you do. Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is a long-standing Christian tradition marking the day before Lent begins. Historically, it was a time to use up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar before the fasting season of Lent. More than just a meal, our pancake breakfast is an opportunity for us to gather in fellowship, reflect on the season ahead, and embrace the spirit of generosity and gratitude. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this event special. Your support enriches our school and helps us live out our mission of faith, community, and service. #STFAFaith #ibelieveincatholiced

Miss Schwenk’s class learned how to properly write emails. Cami emailed CCM and was so excited when they sent her a package to the school! 🏒 🥅

We are ready for another amazing week at STFA❤️

Your Voice Matters! 📢 At St. Francis of Assisi Academy, we are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work of our staff in creating a nurturing, faith-filled, and engaging learning environment for our students. This survey is a valuable opportunity to share your feedback, celebrate the great work happening in our school, and help us continue to grow and improve. To our Grade 4 and 7 parents - you will have received an email inviting you to complete the annual Alberta Education Assurance Survey for Parents. We truly appreciate you taking the time to complete it—your voice makes a difference!

Congratulations to all our Franciscan Friday winners! Your dedication, kindness, and leadership continue to make our school community a better place. Keep shining and inspiring those around you! #STFAFaith #ibelieveincatholiced

Congratulations to Our Pace e Bene Award Winners! We are so proud to celebrate our Pace e Bene award recipients, who have been recognized for their commitment to the common good. These students exemplify kindness, compassion, and a dedication to serving others, making our school and community a better place through their actions. Thank you for being shining examples of faith in action—your leadership and generosity inspire us all! Congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved recognition! #PaceEBene #STFAFaith #ibelieveincatholiced

This month’s newsletter includes important updates on upcoming school activities, faith-based celebrations, and student learning highlights. Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. Your involvement makes a difference, and we truly appreciate your support in building a strong school community! 📌 Parent-Teacher Interviews & Conference Manager 📌 Gr. 6 & 9 PAT Schedule & Jr. High Final Exam Schedule 📌 Calling All Gr. 4 & 7 Parents! AERR Survey for Alberta Ed 📌 Book FEST 📌 Staffing Announcements – NEW FSLW & St. Mary’s University Student Teachers, Farewell Mrs. Bruce 📌 Feedback from a Community Member about STFA 📌 Paul Davis: Online Safety Expert 📌 Ash Wednesday Liturgy 📌 Faith Survey – ALL PARENTS 📌 Annual Bus Registration Renewal & Stopfinder Troubleshooting 📌 Gr. 9 Transition Meetings for Holy Trinity Academy 📌 STFA Christian Witness Award Winner 2024-2025 📌 Important Note for Kindergarten Parents 📌 Catholic Corner for STFA 📌 Nutrition Program at STFA 📌 School Council Updates 📌 Community Bulletin Board 📌 Important Dates for March

🥞 We are excited to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a pancake breakfast for all students and staff as we prepare for the beginning of Lent. This special tradition is a wonderful way to come together in community before the Lenten season begins. Our School Council is looking for volunteers to help make and serve pancakes—if you’re able to lend a hand, we’d love your support! Sign up using the link in our stories and bio. We can’t wait to share this meaningful and delicious morning with everyone! #ShroveTuesday #PancakeBreakfast #LentBegins #STFAFaith #ibelieveincatholiced

Our talented Grade 7-9 Band and Drama students are having an unforgettable experience at Camp Caroline! This retreat provides an incredible opportunity for students to refine their musical and theatrical skills while building teamwork, confidence, and creativity. From dynamic rehearsals to immersive workshops, our students embraced the challenge of honing their craft in a supportive and inspiring setting. Beyond the stage and music stands, they are also enjoying moments of connection. We are so proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see their talents shine in upcoming performances! 🎭🎶

What an incredible evening at our Black Light Family Dance! It was amazing to see our school community come together for a night of fun, laughter, and, of course, dancing! Families lit up the gym with their neon outfits and glowing accessories, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. From dancing to great music to sharing special moments with friends and family, the night was truly unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event such a glowing success! ✨🕺💃 #STFACommunity

Wear Pink Tomorrow for Pink Shirt Day 🩷 Tomorrow, we invite everyone to wear pink for Pink Shirt Day, standing together against bullying and for the dignity of every person. This movement, which began with two students in Nova Scotia standing up for a peer, reflects a powerful truth: small acts of kindness can spark real change. As a Catholic school, our commitment to Catholic Social Teachings calls us to recognize the dignity of the human person and to build a community rooted in solidarity, justice, and respect. Wearing pink is more than just a symbol—it is a way to live out our faith by showing that our school is a place where everyone is valued, where kindness is a priority, and where we stand together against harm and exclusion. Let’s make our commitment visible—wear pink tomorrow as a sign of love, respect, and our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of every person.

Today our Grade 6s spent time testing the temperatures around the school and outside! Learning about thermometers in their matter unit!

If you missed Paul Davis at St. Francis of Assisi in November, you have an opportunity to join a Calgary session!

Welcome back, STFA! We can hardly wait to see you tomorrow ❤️

Our monthly bake sale is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success! 🎂 A portion of the proceeds goes to charity, and the rest supports our school—but we’re currently short on baked goods. If you're able to donate homemade or store-bought treats, please sign up using the link below! Every contribution makes a difference. 💙 📅 Tuesday, February 25 🔗 http://tiny.cc/bakesaleSTFA Thank you for your generosity and support! 💕

Did you know? St. Francis of Assisi partners with 1st Class After Class, a before and after school care program that provides a safe and engaging environment for STFA students on-site! The program runs Monday to Friday, opening at 7:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM—perfect for busy families! They even operate on PD Days, offering care when school is not in session. We popped in early to say good morning to see them already deep in exploratory play! For more information or to register, reach out to 1st Class After Class today! Link to information on our website in top right hand corner.

Congratulations to Mrs. Emily Hastings who is St. Francis of Assisi’s Christian Witness Award Winner for 2024-2025. Mrs. Hastings exemplifies someone who consistently places her Catholic faith at the forefront of all she does. Her strong values shine through her teaching and in her interactions with children, colleagues, and the community. Mrs. Hastings ensures each child feels seen, known, and loved, reflecting Christ’s love daily. Her faith-filled approach is especially evident as she joyfully leads students in praising God during Music class, nurturing their spiritual growth. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Hastings actively participates at St. James Parish, inviting others to join her at Mass or engage in parish events. She offers a model of Christian encouragement, often suggesting prayer and reflection in challenging moments. Mrs. Hastings chooses joy daily, embodying resilience and hope rooted in faith. Her steadfast witness and loving spirit enrich the spiritual life of our school, making her a deserving recipient of the Christian Witness Award. Congratulations Mrs. Hastings! We 🫶🏻 you! #ibelieveincatholiced

Congratulations to all our Franciscan Friday winners! Your dedication to living out our school values and demonstrating faith in action is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work! ✝️🙏🏼🫶🏻 #ibelieveincatholiced #STFAFaith

Congratulations to the incredible students pictured here who received Pace e Bene Awards for living out our Catholic Social Teachings, and to our Honour Roll recipients for their outstanding academic achievements! Your dedication, kindness, and perseverance inspire us all. But today, we celebrate every student—because excellence isn’t just about awards. It’s about belonging to a community that supports us, believing in the power of learning, behaving with kindness and integrity, becoming better through challenges, and being a blessing to others. True success is found in growth, resilience, and a love of learning—so keep striving, keep learning, and always remember: you are more than a grade, and you are deeply valued. Well done, everyone! Keep shining! ✨ #Ibelieveincatholic #STFAFaith #STFALearning #STFAAcademicExcellence

Poetry day in grade 4 Kommes! We are so proud of you!! ❤️

Today, all of our Grade 6 students participated in Field Testing for the new Grade 6 Science Curriculum! 📝⚛️ This was a great opportunity for students to engage with updated content, apply their critical thinking skills, and experience what’s ahead in science education. These field tests help shape future assessments and provide valuable insights into student learning. A huge shoutout to our Grade 6s for their focus, effort, and curiosity throughout the process! 🌟👏 Learning is always evolving, and today, our students played an important role in that growth! Way to go, Grade 6! 🏆 #STFALearning #STFAAcademicExcellence

Congratulations to our Pace e Bene Award recipients, honoured for living out the Catholic Social Teaching of Preferential Option for the Poor—choosing to help those in need with compassion and care. 💙🌟 Shoutout to our Franciscan Friday winners, too! #STFAYouAreLoved #STFAFaith #STFAManyandOne #ibelieveincatholiced

This afternoon our K-6 students snuggled up in their cozy PJs and enjoyed the holiday magic of Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas! A heartwarming way to kick off the festive season and spread some Christmas cheer! 🎄✨ #STFASpirirtWeek

We invite our families to listen to the heartfelt reflections of our students following their visit to Bow Valley Manor. This experience offered them the opportunity to connect, serve, and truly see others through eyes of compassion and understanding. As teachers, watching our students take the lead in this way has been one of the greatest gifts. Beyond teaching curriculum, our ultimate goal is to guide them to go out into the world, to recognize the dignity in every person, and to see the beauty in every stranger. Their stories and insights are a testament to the power of connection and the impact of living out our Catholic Social Teachings. #ibelieveincatholiced #STFAFaith #STFAManyandOne

Words cannot express how proud we are of our students for stepping outside of their comfort zones to connect with residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s at Bow Valley Manor. Their kindness, patience, and courage were truly inspiring. The residents were overwhelmed by the love, generosity, and heartfelt interactions they received from what began as complete strangers but quickly felt like friends. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of human connection and the gift of presence. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who made this special day possible. Together, we demonstrated the impact of compassion and community in action. #ibelieveincatholiced #STFAFaith #STFAManyandOne

In the busyness of Advent concerts, we missed posting about our Grade 3-5 concert! Here are some highlights from their beautiful performance as they helped us prepare our hearts for Christmas. 🎶✨ #STFAFaith #STFAMusic #ibelieveincatholiced

🌟 Highlights this week at STFA🌟 🎄Christmas spirit dress up days! 🎄 🏈Pep Rally on Wednesday🏐 ✨Elementary Pace e Bene awards✨

At St. Francis of Assisi Academy, we are called to live out the Catholic Social Teaching of the Preferential Option for the Poor by caring for those most in need. This Advent, we are so grateful to our K-9 families for your incredible generosity in supporting our Secret Santa Senior initiative. 🎁💖 Your contributions will bring joy and love to the residents of Bow Valley Manor, reminding them that they are cherished and not forgotten. All items will be delivered this Tuesday—thank you for helping us share Christ's light this season!✝ 🎄#STFAFaithInAction #STFACitizenship #STFAFaith #ibelieveinCatholiced

GO STORM GO! A few basketball highlights from earlier this week 😊🏀