Weekly Communicator
Head of School Message
Dear GCA Families,

Welcome to a new school year. This will be the 40th year that our doors have been open providing education from a distinctive Biblical worldview.  We are thrilled to welcome our students back on campus and into our classrooms. As you have experienced, there are many changes to the procedures and routines of school this year. I want to thank you for your grace and patience as we sort through the “new” and find a rhythm for our school community that is safe and supports our students in their learning.

Although we have only spent two full days in school, to some, it might feel much longer than that. We have been encouraged though, that despite all the changes, your children are quickly falling into the new routines. They have adjusted so well. We are proud of them. Thank you for all you do as parents. It is our desire to continue to partner with you in living out our mission to:

Teach Truth
Inspire Excellence
Experience Christ
Serve though Love

We hope you have a restful weekend, and we look forward to greeting you all again on Monday morning.

Soli Deo Gloria
Stanford Hielema
Head of School
Upcoming Dates & Important Info
  • School Photo Days are September 21 & 22 - Official Uniform is required. Please stay tuned for further details.
  • Next week, we will be starting to provide some short, instructional videos on navigating PowerSchool and Unified Classroom, including how to submit verification forms for 2020-21. Stay tuned for more!
COVID-19 School Reminders
Self-Screening Questionnaire
A reminder that parents/guardians/students must use the Alberta Health Services Self-Screening questionnaire daily to decide if the student should attend school.

The tool is meant to be used to assist with assessing attendees (students) who may be symptomatic, or who may have been exposed to someone who is ill or has confirmed COVID-19.

Attendees (students) are to review this checklist prior to entering school daily. If an individual answers YES to any of the questions, they must not be allowed to attend school. Children and youth will need a parent to assist them in reviewing this screening tool.

Note: this questionnaire does not have to be brought to school.

A reminder that if you are sick or showing any symptoms, please be sure to remain at home, and inform the school either through the GCA app, through the Parent Portal or by emailing absences@gcaschool.com.

Entrance reminder - Please take a moment again to familiarize yourself with the designated entrances for Elementary and Jr High students.

Masks - A reminder that students in Grades 4 to 9 (and all adults) are required to wear masks in the building. Masks are optional for younger students. Please review the mask protocols we have in place for GCA.
Elementary Updates
Elementary Office
403-254-9050
  • ABC and Bussing Parents - if you changed the default setting on your PikMyKid app to any of the parking lots or to Walking off Campus, please contact Mrs. Fournier so she can reset your app.
Junior High Updates
Junior High Office
403-254-9051
  • We hope you were able to tune into the “Junior High Meet the Teacher night” on Zoom Thursday evening. Our teachers are so happy to be with your children again. If you were unable to join in the Zoom meetings, be sure to watch the video message from Mrs. Allan and Mr. Olson, as well as the Grade Team videos accessible here (Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9)
  • Next week cafeteria students: Grade 6 and 7 students will eat in the cafeteria September 14 - 18. The Junior High cafeteria schedule can be viewed here.
  • Please report absences through the GCA App, through the Parent Portal home page, or to absences@gcaschool.com.
  • PE gym uniform can be purchased from the PE Team when it arrives in a couple of weeks. Please take a moment to read this important information regarding Phys Ed in Jr High this term.
GCA Community News
Young Rembrants
The Young Rembrants art program will be starting up again at GCA after school on Wednesdays and Fridays. For dates, times and how to register, please visit our In the Community webpage.
MyKidsSpending
There was a minor glitch in the payment side of MyKidsSpending causing issues for parents trying to add money to their accounts. The glitch has been fixed. Thank you for your patience!
PikMyKid Reminders
Thank you again for your patience as we continue to navigate through the PikMyKid app. We once again invite you to watch the recent video on the app and other important reminders. We appreciate your patience and support.
apples_in_boxes.jpg
Apple Fundraiser
Our Davison Apple Orchard Fundraiser is on! Purchase a box of delicious BC apples (Honeycrisp, Royal Gala, Ambrosia or Okanagan blend) and support the Grade 7-9 students as they fundraise for their future Camp Homewood and Mission trips. View here for full details and the order form. Apples arrive on October 2.
Admissions Update
Admissions for the 2021-2022 school year are opening soon! 
If you have a child at home that is turning 4 next year, our GCA JK program would be perfect! If you have a child at home that is turning 5 next year, they would be the ideal age for our Kindergarten program. Any siblings at home in Grades K through 9 that you might be interested in having join GCA for the 2021-22 school year? 

All of these programs can be applied for online through our GCA Online Application, launching in the near future.
Please watch the website for details and access.
Have a truly restful weekend.

Blessings,
The GCA Team