OLMC News

Dear OLMC families, 

With a new year comes many opportunities for fresh experiences, adventure, and growth, and here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, our students have so much to look forward to. The weather, however, has been quite the rollercoaster—melting temperatures in the morning followed by freezing conditions overnight. This mix is creating very slushy and slippery recess conditions, and many students are returning to class with wet pants, which makes for an uncomfortable learning day. While this unpredictable weather continues, please send a change of clothes with your child, including socks, pants, and underwear.

We also want to remind families that all students must have proper indoor and outdoor shoes. Some students have been wearing their indoor shoes outside, and with the current sloppy melt, mud and gravel are being tracked into the school. This creates unsafe, slippery conditions in our hallways and classrooms. Keeping our school clean and safe is truly a community effort, and we appreciate your support in ensuring students come prepared with appropriate footwear for both inside and outside.

January Summary Report 

January Summary Reports for Grades 1–6 were posted on PowerSchool on January 27. As a reminder, Kindergarten students do not receive a January Summary Report; they receive only a June Report. The January Summary Report provides a snapshot of your child’s current levels of achievement at this point in the school year. It is not a final assessment. Only the outcomes that classes have had the opportunity to explore and assess up to this point are included.

Are you returning to OLMC for 2026-2027? 

Registration for new students and pre-enrolment for current students opened on February 2, 2026. Sign into your PowerSchool account and click on "Pre-Enrolment for Next Year" to let us know if you will be returning to our school or where you will be attending. 

The pre-enrolment process lets us know how many students to expect in September and helps us plan for staffing, class sizes, and programming. To learn more, visit ecsd.net/pre-enrolment.

Pre-enrolment closes on March 13, 2026.

Shadow Days 

Shadow days are available for students in Grades 2–5 who desire to experience a day in our sports academies. Please share the Shadow Day posts from our social media to yours and tag what your child loves most about being a part of Hockey, Soccer, or Elite Academies! With your support, we can continue to expand our Academy programs and inspire the love of sports in more students.

Family Dance 

Join our OLMC School Community for the annual Family Dance in our school gym! 

This year’s Family Dance will be held on the evening of February 5th starting at 5:00 PM. 

The grade 6 class will be running a concession during the family dance to raise money for their farewell festivities. Cash only please. 

Pizza is on the menu! Grab a slice and a drink for just $5. Place your order by 5:20 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Come hungry and don’t miss out on this tasty kickoff to the evening!

Everyone attending the dance is also asked to bring a pair of dancing shoes (indoor shoes). Outside footwear won’t be permitted in the hallways or gym, helping us keep the space clean, safe, and ready for fun.

This evening is a great way to shake off the winter blues and meet other members of the school community.

Shrove Tuesday – February 17

Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before the Lenten season. It was a day of confession and absolution, preparing the mind and body for sacrifice, as Jesus did for us. Households would purge their food by making pancakes and so the tradition began of Pancake Tuesday.

Thanks to our SAC, students will be getting pancakes and sausages for lunch. We are going green and asking families to send students to school with a reusable plate and cutlery in a resealable bag. Please refrain from sending glass or ceramic plates. Plates will be returned in the plastic bag for cleaning at home.

We will have vegetarian and gluten free options available. If your child will need this accommodation, please let your homeroom teacher know.

Ash Wednesday – February 18 

Wednesday is a Holy Day of prayer and fasting in the Catholic faith and it starts the season of Lent. Lent is the time of preparation for the most Holy of events, Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us.

Our Ash Wednesday mass will be held in our gym at 10:30 am with Father Glenn. Families are welcome to join us to receive the traditional blessing with ashes.

100th Anniversary Artist in Residency

As part of our 100th anniversary celebration, students will take part in a week‑long Artist in Residency experience. Throughout the week, they will work together to create a collaborative art piece that will be unveiled at our Centennial Celebration on May 28.

In addition to the group project, each student will also create a special 100th anniversary keepsake. These keepsakes will be blessed by the Archbishop during the Centennial Mass on May 28, and students will be able to take them home as a meaningful reminder of this historic milestone for our school.

School & Field Trip Fees

School, Field Trip and Academy Fees are available on PowerSchool. We kindly ask that families clear up outstanding and upcoming fees promptly as many of the field trips and experiences that are offered for our students require payment ahead of time and we need to set firm deadlines for fee payments. All field trips are approved and communicated to parents at least 3 weeks prior. To prevent students missing out on these opportunities, families must ensure that fees are promptly paid. If families require financial assistance, please contact the school to discuss alternative solutions. 

Upcoming Professional Learning Days

As Catholic educators, we come together on February 25 for Faith Development Day, a time to renew our call to servant leadership and deepen our commitment to faith-filled education. There will be no school for students on this day.

Our wonderful teachers will be engaged in two days of learning on February 26 & 27, enhancing their skills to better support our students. There will be no school for students on these days, and classes will resume on March 2.

Upcoming Important Dates

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School 

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OLMCschoolECSD

Happy New Year, OLMC families!

We hope the first weeks of January have brought your homes a sense of renewal, rest, and fresh energy for the months ahead. As we settle back into routines, our school is buzzing with creativity, curiosity, and the joyful spirit of learning that makes OLMC such a special place.

Students are diving into new projects, embracing challenges, and showing the resilience that winter often calls forth. Whether they’re exploring STEM, deepening their faith, or building friendships, we are proud of the way they continue to grow in heart, mind, and spirit. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for the many ways you support our school community during this busy season.

Loving God,

As winter settles around us, bless our school community with warmth, safety, and peace. Grant our students curiosity to learn, courage to try new things, and compassion for one another. May Your light guide us through these colder days and fill our hearts with hope for the season ahead.

Amen.

As we move through the coldest stretch of winter, may we all find moments of warmth—in kindness shared, in laughter exchanged, and in the small joys that brighten even the frostiest days.

Here’s what coming up…

K.I.D. (Kid Inventor Day) 

January 17th is Kid Inventor Day, and OLMC students have been busy dreaming up creative solutions to everyday problems—STEM learning at its best. As we head into January, students may be looking for materials, so feel free to save recyclables, wrapping paper tubes, and other repurposable items that could spark invention ideas.

This year, we’re celebrating K.I.D. Inventor Day on Monday, January 19th with a school-wide show and share. In honor of OLMC’s 100th anniversary, our theme is “100 Years from Now”—students are imagining what the world might need in the year 2125! The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see their futuristic creations.

Kid Inventor Day is tied to the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, a famous childhood inventor known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and more. Students have been using the engineering design process in class—brainstorming, planning, building prototypes, testing, and revising. Inventions will be created during STEM time, with optional at‑home tinkering. Families aren’t expected to buy materials; simple recyclable items are perfect. And while parents are welcome to join the fun, we encourage kids to take the creative lead.

After the January 19th showcase, students will revise their inventions based on peer feedback and continue refining their ideas. The final reveal will take place during our Centennial Celebration on May 28, 2026, following our Centennial Mass. Families will be invited after mass to see what our young inventors have imagined for the future.

OLMC Academy Shadow Days

Know anyone with a child going into Grade 3 to 6, or a student that would be interested in joining our Hockey or Soccer Academies? Students can participate in a Shadow Day with one of our academies to get a feel for what it is like as an academy kid! Have them email 8205web@ecsd.net to book a shadow day.

Winter Weather & Bus Delays

As you know, we’ve had a record amount of snow this January, and the heavy road conditions have made it challenging for our yellow buses to arrive on time. For safety and accuracy, students riding the bus will be marked absent in our system until their bus arrives at school. Once students are safely in the building, their attendance will be updated to present. Students arriving with late buses must check in at the office before proceeding to their classes.

Please note that our automated absence call‑out goes out at 9:00 a.m. With the large number of late arrivals on heavy‑snow days, it takes time for our office team to update attendance. We do our very best to make these changes before the call‑out is sent, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. We are navigating the same road conditions as our families, and safety remains our top priority.

We also ask families to continue monitoring bus communication, as delays and updates are sent directly from transportation.

Parking & Drop‑Off Reminder

Until our residential roads are grated, the bus lane along 77 Avenue is extremely tight for buses to navigate. Please drive slowly, use caution, and be patient when dropping off or picking up your child. A reminder that a section of this road is reserved exclusively for yellow buses—no parent parking or idling is permitted in this zone.

Thank you for helping us keep our students, staff, and bus drivers safe during this snowy season.

Lates & Attendance

We’ve noticed an increase in students arriving late to school each day and want to offer a gentle reminder about our morning procedures. If a student arrives after 8:30 a.m., they must enter through the front doors and check in at the office so we can update attendance accurately.

We understand that occasional delays happen, especially during winter, but we want to highlight how important those first minutes of the day are. Instruction begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., and frequent late arrivals can add up to significant learning time lost.

Thank you for doing your best to ensure your children arrive on time and ready to start their day. Your support makes a big difference in helping students begin each morning calm, prepared, and set up for success.

Reporting Your Child’s Absence

A reminder that all student absences should be reported through SchoolMessenger using the Parent PowerSchool Portal. This is the most efficient way for us to receive and track attendance information.

If your child is ill, please be sure to select the absence code “IL” when reporting. Using this specific code helps us monitor illness trends in partnership with AHS and allows us to respond appropriately if we notice higher‑than‑usual levels of illness in a class or across the school.

Thank you for helping us keep our attendance records accurate and our school community healthy.

Instructions to Report Student Absences Online - Reporting Student Attendance - Parents.pdf

Oil Kings Game Fundraiser 

OLMC is organizing a great fundraiser with the Oilers Entertainment Group! We will be participating in an Edmonton Oil Kings School Night on Valentine's Day, Saturday February 14 at 7:00pm. What does this mean? It means that OLMC will be selling tickets for the Edmonton Oil Kings VS Calgary Hitmen. Tickets are being sold for only $25 and are located in the lower bowl! Including fees and taxes, that is almost 50% off regular sale priced tickets! $4.00 from each ticket sold will go towards purchasing resources for our school. 

It is also important to note that we need to sell 100 tickets, as a school, in order for our amazing school Vocal Team to sing the Canadian national anthem on the ice!!! So come out and support our school and our Vocal Team on this super fun night! 

Tickets can be purchased on PowerSchool. All ticket seats for our school are in the lower bowl seating area of Roger's Place. Hard copy tickets will be delivered to the school, closer to the game, and be sent home with each student. Your tickets will be seated next to each other. Thank you, in advance, for supporting this terrific school fundraiser!

Mrs. Valjak, OLMC Music Teacher

Rabbit Hill Ski Trip Reminder – January 20

A quick reminder that our Rabbit Hill ski trip is coming up on January 20! The trip fee is now posted in PowerSchool and will remain open until January 13. After this date, no additional payments can be accepted, as we must submit our final numbers to Rabbit Hill one week in advance.

If you are interested in volunteering for the trip, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher. We always appreciate the extra support and enthusiasm on these adventure days.

Thank you for helping us prepare for a fun and safe day on the slopes!

Grade 6 Popcorn Fundraiser

A huge thank‑you to everyone who supported our Grade 6 Birch Bay Retreat fundraiser by purchasing popcorn treats. Orders are now in, and all popcorn bags will be sent home with students on Friday, January 16. We hope you enjoy every crunchy bite. Happy snacking!

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

December 19, 2025 

Dear OLMC families, 

As we prepare to step into the holiday season, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and love. May the light of Christmas bring warmth to your families and may the New Year be full of hope and blessings.

December Highlights & Celebrations

Christmas Market

A heartfelt thank you to all our helpers! This annual event was once again a heartwarming success. Students had the opportunity to purchase gifts for their family members for just $1, and the joy on their faces as they participated in the spirit of giving was truly uplifting.

Parents stepped up to set up, guide children through shopping, and wrap gifts and together, we raised over $1000 for our Fundraising Society, which will go back into providing students with enriching experiences throughout the school year.

Well done, OLMC community!

OLMC Hockey Classic Charity Game

Huge kudos to Mr. Martin and Mr. Mykietyshyn for organizing and running yesterday’s game at George Hughes Arena. The stands were packed with families, the cheering was loud, and joy was seen on every face throughout the morning.

Upcoming Ski Trip

Mark your calendars!

• Date: January 20, 2026
• Payment Deadline: January 13 (via PowerSchool)

Toy Drive for Ronald McDonald Children’s House

What a success! Together, we collected over 100 presents for children staying at RMHC and the Stollery during the holidays while undergoing treatment.

Your generosity reminds us that the true spirit of Christmas is giving to others. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Christmas Hampers

Because of your kindness, our hamper drive was a success. Many of our families will enjoy a bountiful Christmas thanks to your generosity.

Grade 6 Popcorn Fundraiser

Our amazing Grade 6 parents are running a popcorn fundraiser to support the Grade 6 retreat.

• You’ll be able to purchase bags of flavored popcorn with some really fun flavors!
• Cost: $2.50 per bag
• Deadline to purchase: January 8, 2026 (via PowerSchool)
• Delivery date: The following week

Happy eating and thank you for supporting our Grade 6 class in making their last year truly pop-tastic!

Looking Ahead to the New Year

Centennial Celebration – May 28, 2026

When we return in January, our focus will shift toward preparing for OLMC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

KID Inventor Event

Students are already dreaming up inventions they believe we’ll need 100 years from now. Over the holidays, we encourage you to have conversations with your children about what life might look like a century from today. What creations will we need? What challenges will we face?

Let’s get them into Inventor Mode so they return ready to innovate!

Upcoming Important Dates

This December has been a month filled with joy, generosity, and community spirit. Thank you for being part of everything that makes OLMC such a special place. From our family to yours, may your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at OLMC!

December 1, 2025

As we embark upon this season of anticipation and joy, we extend heartfelt Advent blessings to each one of you. In this season of reflection and hope, may the warmth of love and the light of understanding illuminate your homes. 

During this Advent season, may you find moments of peace amid the hustle and bustle, and may the magic of the season wrap your families in a blanket of togetherness.

Wishing you all the blessings that Advent brings, and a joyous Christmas season filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

You can read Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson's December reflection on Truth, Beauty and Goodness as we begin our Advent journey by clicking here or by visiting ecsd.net/chief-superintendents-message .

There is so much coming up in December at OLMC, please read through the information for the next month. 

Festive Demonstration of Learning & Christmas Concert – December 3

We are thrilled to invite you to our Festive Demonstration of Learning on Tuesday, December 3rd! 

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their learning and talents with families and take part in the festive activities throughout the school along with our Christmas Concert that evening.

Throughout the evening, visit your child’s class and explore all of the learning they have been doing this far in the school year. Each class will be performing in the gym at specific times in the evening. When it is your child’s turn to sing on stage, please ensure that your child is in their classroom 15 minutes before their scheduled time. You can visit the classroom demonstration of learning before or after the performance time. 

Doors will open at 5:15 PM. Please use the front and back entrances. We kindly ask if all outdoor footwear is removed to keep our floors clean. 

Kindergarten students can go to the Music Room at 5:15 PM and gather for their performance. 

Performance Times: 

5:30 – 5:40 PM Kindergarten

5:45 – 5:55 PM Grade 1

6:00 – 6:10 PM Grade 1/2

6:15 – 6:25 PM Grade 2

6:30 – 6:40 PM Grade 3A & 3B

6:45 – 6:55 PM Grade 4 Leadership (Grade 4A Demo of Learning will pause at this time)

7:00 – 7:10 PM Grade 5 Leadership (Grade 5A Demo of Learning will pause at this time)

7:15 – 7:25 PM Grade 6 Leadership (Grade 5B Demo of Learning will pause at this time)

7:30 – 7:40 PM Hockey Academy      (Grade 6 Demo of Learning will end at this time) 

7:45 – 7:55 PM Hockey Academy      (Grade 6 Demo of Learning will end at this time)

8:00 – 8:10 PM Soccer Academy       (Grade 4B Demo of Learning will end at this time)

Grades 4 – 6 Skiing – Dec 8

We are looking forward to the first of two ski/snowboard trip planned for the grade 4 - 6 students on December 8. 

Field trip form and payment for the trip are due no later than November 30 in PowerSchool as the ski hill needs final numbers by Monday, December 1. 

Students not attending the field trip will remain at school with a partner class.

PowerSchool Hot Lunch – Dec 12 

The next PowerSchool Hot Lunch is up on for ordering! Thank you to our amazing parents and all of their dedication to making this possible! 

Annual Christmas Market – December 15–16

We are pleased to announce that OLMC will be hosting the Christmas Market again! This is a special event where students have the opportunity to shop for Christmas presents for their families. At the market, students select gifts from donated items which are then wrapped by volunteers and taken home for Christmas morning.  

OLMC families are asked to donate new or gently used items for the Market. There is no set limit on the amount you can donate; however it is suggested that you donate at least one item per person your child(ren) will be buying for. We will begin collecting donations the first week of December until Monday, December 15th. 

Donations of Christmas wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, Christmas cards and gift bags are also greatly welcomed.  

Examples of items you can donate

For Moms: Jewelry, scarves, candles, mugs, bath products, kitchen gadgets.

For Dads: Tools, socks, hats, travel mugs, sports accessories, golf items (balls, tees, trinkets).

For Grandparents: Photo frames, puzzles, cozy blankets, tea or coffee sets.

For Baby Siblings: Board books, rattles, small toys, bibs.

For Older Siblings: Games, art supplies, headphones, water bottles.

General: Books, holiday décor, small electronics, stationery.

Wrapping Supplies: Gift bags, wrapping paper, tape, and tags.

We need helpers to assist students in selecting gifts and wrapping them at the gift station. Don’t forget to join our Parent WhatsApp Volunteer Group to sign up: Parent Volunteer WhatsApp Chat

Christmas Hampers – Food Donations

Our students are also collecting items for Christmas Hampers to support families in need. Here’s what we’re looking for:

- Canned fruit and vegetables

- Stove Top dressing

- Turkey gravy (packages or cans)

- Cranberry sauce

- Canned soup and crackers

- Real fruit juice

- Pasta and spaghetti sauce

- Tea, coffee, juice

- Christmas treats: nuts, candies, cookies

- Fresh produce: potatoes, carrots, Christmas oranges (collecting on December 15)

- Monetary donations (used to purchase meats and fill gaps)

At our Christmas Concert, we’ll have large collection boxes at both entrances. For every donation item you bring in, the night of the concert, you will be entered into a contest for a free giveaway at the end of the night. 

Festive Dress Up Week: Dec 15 - 19

During the last week of school before the holidays students can dress up for each theme day. 

Monday, December 15                 Winter Wonderland – wear blue and white! 

Tuesday, December 16                Rocking around the Christmas Tree - rock all your Christmas colors!

Wednesday, December 17           Christmas Sweater (the sillier the better!)

Thursday, December 18               Jersey Day for OLMC Classic Hockey Game

Friday, December 19                    Christmas PJs and Christmas Socks 

OLMC Classic – Dec 18

On December 18th is the annual OLMC Hockey Classic where students in the Hockey Academy showcase their skills on ice through a friendly team vs team game and the whole school will be joining to cheer on their classmates! 

The game will be happening from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at George Hughes Southside Arena, 10525 72 Ave NW. 

Families are welcome to come and join in on the fun! 

In lieu of admission for the classic, we are going to be collecting toys that will be donated to the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital, a wonderful organization right in the heart of the Queen Alexandra neighborhood. 

Save the Date – Family Dance!

We are excited to announce our Family Dance Night on Wednesday, February 5! Mark your calendars for an evening of music, fun, and community celebration. More details will follow soon!

Upcoming Important Dates

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend,

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OLMCschoolECSD

November 14, 2025

Dear OLMC families, 

As winter approaches, we pray for warmth, safety, and joy for all members of our school community. May God’s love guide us through this season and bless our families with peace and health.

Parking, Drop-Off, and Pick-Up Reminders

We know construction around the school has made things a little tricky, and we truly appreciate your patience! I’ve spoken with the construction crews, and they’ve agreed to do their best to keep large machinery off the road during busy times.

While this temporary disruption continues, please help us keep everyone safe by:

• Driving slowly and showing courtesy to oncoming traffic.
• Avoiding the bus lane for parking.
• Using the “Kiss and Go” zone as intended—a quick drop-off spot. Please stay in your vehicle so traffic can keep moving.
• Parking is also available along 76 Avenue in the visitor lot. If students arrive before 8:25 a.m., they’ll need to walk around to the north side of the building, as supervision is only at the back of the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility in getting students to school safely.

Hot Lunch: Pizza Day - November 28

Our next hot lunch is coming soon!

Orders are now open in PowerSchool for Pizza Day on November 28. Please place your order by November 26.
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for making these lunches possible!

Merry Christmas Celebration of Learning - December 3

We’re excited to invite you to our Merry Christmas Celebration of Learning on December 3, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. This special evening combines our Demonstration of Learning and Christmas Concert into one festive celebration.

Throughout the evening, families can visit classrooms and chat with teachers, explore the wonderful learning that’s happened so far, and enjoy holiday cheer in the gym as classes perform their Christmas songs.

Performance Order for the evening:

• Kindergarten
• Grade 1
• Grade 1/2
• Grade 2
• Grade 3A & 3B
• Grade 4 Leadership
• Grade 5 Leadership
• Grade 6 Leadership
• Hockey Academy
• Soccer Academy

Our School Council will also host Christmas activities to make the evening extra joyful. Stay as long as you like—this is a celebration of learning and family fun!

Note: Kindergarten’s Celebration of Learning will be on December 4, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. in the gym.

Book Fair Update

Our Book Fair has been rescheduled to February 9–13, 2026 to accommodate these changes. 

Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OLMCschoolECSD

November 1, 2025
 

Dear OLMC Families,

As we return to our regular school routines following the recent strike, we want to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for your continued patience, understanding, and support. Your partnership has been invaluable during this time of transition. We offer a simple prayer for our students and their learning:

“Lord, bless our school community with peace, wisdom, and resilience. May our students be guided in their learning, protected in their growth, and inspired to reach their full potential. Amen.”

We recognize that this has been a challenging time for many, and we remain committed to ensuring that OLMC continues to be a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate the changes to our school year and will keep you informed as plans evolve.

Staff Professional Development Day – Cancelled

The PD Day originally scheduled for November 7 has been cancelled and will be rescheduled in the new year. More information will be shared once a new date is confirmed.

Remembrance Day Service

Our Remembrance Day Service will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at 10:45 AM. Families are welcome to join us as we honor those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Students that are in Cadets, Scouts, or Guides are welcome to attend in their uniforms. Poppies are available in the office, and donations to the Veteran’s fund are welcomed.

Winter Procedure

As the weather cools, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Unless the temperature drops below -20°C with windchill, students will be outside for recess. Proper winter gear includes boots, snow pants, coats, gloves, toques, and scarves.

If your child is too ill to go outside, they should remain at home until they are well. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy school environment.

November Break

Please note the updated November Break dates: there will be no school from November 10 – 12. Classes will resume on Thursday, November 13.

Picture Retake Day – November 13 (Morning Only)

Picture Retake Day has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 13. Retakes are available only for students who missed the original photo day or are not satisfied with their September photos.

Due to the labour disruption, Lifetouch has a limited number of timeslots available and cannot reschedule this date to better accommodate our school.

Kindergarten families: Since retakes fall on a Thursday morning, parents will need to bring their children to school between 9:00 and 11:00 AM for retakes.

If you have an issue with your photo package, please do not send it with your child. Instead, contact Lifetouch directly for assistance.

Demonstration of Learning

In light of the recent strike, we will be rescheduling our Demonstration of Learning. We will share updated information and new dates with families as soon as they are confirmed. Thank you for your understanding.

School Council Meeting

Our next School Council and Fundraising Society Meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 5:30 PM in the Learning Commons. Parents are welcome to attend in person or join virtually. A link for the virtual meeting will be emailed the morning of the meeting.

Christmas Concert Update

Due to the reduced time available for rehearsals, we will be adjusting our plans for the Christmas Concert. More information will be shared once we have finalized the new format. Our priority remains on supporting student learning and curriculum outcomes.

Christmas Market

Our beloved Christmas Market returns for its third year! Students will have the opportunity to purchase gifts for loved ones, which will be wrapped and sent home before the holiday break. Donations of gently used items, wrapping paper, tissue, tape, small bags/boxes, and Christmas cards (even used ones) are welcome starting the week of November 24.

Yellow Bus Communication

We understand that there have been challenges and delays with yellow bus transportation due to route changes and traffic conditions. These delays may increase as winter weather and snow begin to affect road conditions. We kindly ask for your continued patience and understanding as Transportation Services works to navigate these challenges.

If you have concerns about your child’s bus route or service, please contact Transportation Services directly at 780.441.6078.

If you plan to pick up your child at the end of the day instead of them taking the yellow bus, please notify the school office as early as possible. This helps us ensure that buses are not held up while staff search for students who are no longer riding.

Important Dates

• November 6 – Remembrance Day Service at 10:45 AM
• November 10 – 12 – November Break (No School)
• November 13 – Picture Retake Day (AM only)
• November 20 – School Council Meeting at 5:30 PM (Learning Commons or Virtual)
• November 26 – Grade 6 Immunizations (Rescheduled date)

Thank you and have a wonderful Halloween,

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OLMCschoolECSD

September 19, 2025

Happy Friday OLMC families!

We have a few important updates to share with you:

Lockdown Drill 

Our school carried out a lockdown drill earlier today. This exercise is an important part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and preparedness of our students and staff in the event of an emergency.

When a school is in lockdown, the doors are locked and students and staff remain quiet in their classrooms with the lights off. The drill was completed successfully, with everyone involved demonstrating maturity and calmness throughout the process.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We will continue to practice the lockdown procedures and fire drills throughout the school year.

Hot Lunch – September 26

Our School Advisory Council (SAC) is generously providing a free hot lunch for all students on Thursday, September 26. There is no cost for families.

We kindly ask that you complete the order through PowerSchool so we can plan accordingly.

• To participate, please log in to PowerSchool and select the Hot Dog option for your child.
• You will be able to choose between a regular or vegetarian hot dog.
• A gluten-free bun option is also available if needed.

Standards of Student Dress

Along with the Student Code of Conduct found at the front of your child’s agenda, we ask that all parents take a moment to review our Standards of Student Dress at OLMC. These expectations are in place to ensure all students are dressed appropriately for school and to help us create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone.

APEGA STEM Family Night – October 16

We are excited to invite all families to our upcoming APEGA Science Family Night on Wednesday, October 16, from 6:00–8:00 PM. APEGA will be setting up a variety of engaging, hands-on activity stations for families to enjoy together.

This fantastic event is open to all OLMC families, and we encourage you to join us for an evening of fun and learning. To help APEGA prepare, please let us know if your family will be attending by completing this form: APEGA Science Family Night

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net

September 1, 2025

Dear OLMC families,

What a wonderful start to the school year! It is such a blessing to walk through the halls and see so many smiles from the students, new and returning! Their joy truly speaks of the welcoming environment our staff strives to create at OLMC. We hope you all enjoyed the first week as much as we have!

As we begin this school year, here is some important information to share with you for the month of September. 

OLMC News & Communication

The OLMC news is sent out at the end of the month with news and upcoming events for the month ahead. Classroom teachers will send out their own homeroom communications directly through email in addition to the school’s monthly news.

All school events and important dates are up on our website calendar at https://ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net/calendar. You can subscribe to the calendar on your Android or iOS device to keep up to date with all that is happening at OLMC!

Community Walk Field Trip Form

Your child will be bringing home a field trip form to sign today that we ask are returned to their homeroom teachers by Friday, September 12th. This form will permit students to walk with their classes through the Queen Alexandra Community and will include our walks to St. Anthony Parish for masses throughout the school year.

We are only sending the parent consent form to be signed. Please read the parent information portion of the field trip form carefully, which contains detailed information about the field trip Community Walk Field Trip Information 

The only form that is required to return to school is the Parent Consent by September 12.  

School Fees

School fees will be available September 15th in your parent PowerSchool account. We ask that all parents and guardians check that your log in works before the 15th. If you have any difficulties logging into PowerSchool, please contact Mrs. Kenney in the Main Office at 780-433-1062.

Parent Pick Up/Drop Off 

We have quite a few yellow buses that will be parking along 77 Avenue on the south lane. We ask that parents please keep the bus loading zone clear. This is a City of Edmonton bylaw zone, to avoid a ticket, please use the north side of 77 Avenue or the visitor lot at the front of the school on 76 Avenue. The staff parking lot is not available for drop off/pick up, please do not enter this lot as children may be walking in this area.

Meet the Teacher & Family BBQ 

Reminder that our annual Family BBQ and Meet the Teacher evening is on Thursday, September 11th. The BBQ will be in our courtyard starting at 5:30 pm with the formal part of the evening starting at 6:30 pm in the gymnasium. After a general school overview from administration, you will be able to visit your child’s classroom and meet with individual teachers.

If you are planning to attend, please fill out this Family Feast RSVP Form so that our SAC has an idea of how many delicious hot dogs, chips and drinks need to be prepared!

Hot Lunch Program

Our Hot Lunch program is ready to go! Attached are instructions on how to create an account and place orders through Healthy Hunger. We will email out a schedule of the lunch options, dates and order deadlines soon so you can plan ahead. Some hot lunches will be available for order through Healthy Hunger and some through PowerSchool. Check the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School website calendar for the dates. Huge thank you to our amazing parents for organizing and coordinating this for our students!

Picture Day 

Pictures will start first thing in the morning at 9:00 AM, starting with our Kindergarten class. Classes will be called down one at a time. After pictures are taken, LifeTouch will send proof pictures to the school and you will be able to order directly on the LifeTouch website. Instructions for ordering will be on the proof package. Please do not send money for pictures to school, it will be returned.

Davidson Apples Fundraiser 

Our SAC is running the first fundraiser of the school year with Davidson Apples. These fresh apples can be ordered through PowerSchool and will be delivered to the school for easy pick-up. See the attached flyer for apple types and pricing. Order deadline is October 1. Delivery date to the school is October 15.

Davison Apple Fundraiser Order Information 

Upcoming Important Dates

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School

www.ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net | 780.433.1062 | ourladyofmountcarmel@ecsd.net | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OLMCSchoolECSD