Families of RDCRS
5210 61 Street T4N 6N8 Red Deer, AB, Canada

Our division has implemented a COVID-19 hotline where parents/guardians are able to call or text if your child receives a positive COVID-19 result from Alberta Health Services. Learn more by reading the following letter from Superintendent, Kathleen Finnigan.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We honour the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. On this holy feast day, we take a moment as we start our new year to honour our Blessed Mother, who in her yes to God brought our Saviour into the world to redeem us. May Jesus and His Mother Mary enrich your lives during this New Year with an abundance of God’s blessings.

May 2021 bring you good health, happiness, joy and a closer relationship to the Lord.

Looking for something nee for Family Game Night? Red Deer Public Library has you covered.

Looking for a way to rock in the new year with the family? Check out these dance party kits!

Great programming coming up in January from the Red Deer Family Resource Network

New guidelines to help guide your decisions around COVID.

https://youtu.be/Y0xLWCKdjrc Beautiful video from the #centralalbertacac

The Feast of the Holy Family honours Jesus of Nazareth, his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary and his foster father, St. Joseph, as a family. The observance of this feast instills into Christian families the faithful love and the devoted attachment that characterizes the family of Nazareth and allows them to be the model and exemplar of all Christian families. May the Holy Family's example guide our families today with mutual love, respect and hope.

How are you spreading kindness? Check out what happening in our communities in the comments below! World Kindness Day is today! It's a great time to reflect on how our actions have the opportunity to bring joy to both others and ourselves. It's science: giving of ourselves makes us happy! ... #MakeKindnessTheNorm #worldkindnessday #agentsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #dogood #kindnessstartswithone

Great opportunity! Check it out

Merry Christmas!

Armistice. How do you negotiate peace in your life? With yourself, with family, with your children, with others?

Lots of great programs for the new year!

Hope? Where have you seen it this week? Our acts of kindness can bring hope to others. Youth who are optimistic about their personal future are more resilient - be an agent of kindness for someone else today and help them find hope. #MakeKindnessTheNorm #worldkindnessday #agentsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #dogood #kindnessstartswithone #bethegood

The Fourth Sunday of Advent symbolizes Love. All four candles will be lit on our Advent wreath and we will have a full circle of light. The Lord brings the light of love to his people by sending His only Son to earth for our salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17) May the love of Christ be with you and your family always.

You are not the only one. Join other parents to share your experiences.

Wherever you are in the city, some of your neighbours have really gone all out this year with amazing festive displays. Enjoy some great family time and celebrate your neighbours with a Christmas Lights tour. If you're on the "Nextdoor" neighbourhood app, you can find the "2020 Holiday Cheer Map" under "more" to find additional household in your neighbourhood sharing their holiday cheer with festive lights and displays. You might just have to plan a new walking route!

We are here to help. https://www.rdcrs.ca/.../fsec/need-some-help-this-christmas For the contact person at your child's school visit https://www.rdcrs.ca/schools/fsec.

The Third Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy. The Shepherd’s Candle reminds us of the joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. We celebrate with joy that our hope in Christ is certain and prophecies about him are always fulfilled. As the angels proclaimed to the shepherds "do not be afraid; for seeI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2: 10-11). This week let us choose to share that joy with others in doing one act of kindness for another.

Do you know anyone that might need help this Christmas? Feel free to pass this along. Big thanks to Families of RDCRS for putting this resource together. See https://www.rdcrs.ca/schools//need-some-help-this-christmas

Looking for some activities to do at home as a family? Check these out, a little something for everyone.

The Second Sunday of Advent our theme is Peace. Last week we focused on hope and how we can be the incarnation of that hope to those around us who are hurting. This week as we turn to look at Peace, we see that one way that we can bring that hope into the world is to be peacemakers. Peace on earth starts with us, with our attitudes towards others. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

Here is our calendar for December. Just a reminder all December programs are virtual and will be run via ZOOM Have a great weekend everyone!

Fantastic advice from #sparcrd! Take every chance you can get!

Santa Claus is coming to town- if you can snap a picture of this elusive character you will have a chance to WIN a one month transit pass!

Looking for some fun family seasonal activities? Contact Natasha to get your kit!

Great virtual programming for December, plus Christmas activity bags !

We know all the teens are stuck at home right now... the Boys & Girls Clubs of Red Deer & District are bringing this event home to them! Check it out!!

Today we begin the season of Advent by lighting the first purple candle of the Advent wreath. This candle symbolizes Hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Please see the following letter after yesterday's provincial announcement about COVID-19 measures and shifts in Learning.

Lots of great sessions coming up over the next few months.

Do you have an At Home Learner who could use some sensory tools? Maybe your student simply needs something to help regulate their in the evening? Check out these tips and tricks for turning everyday items into tools for success!

What are the values you're instilling in your kids? Today we're highlighting the everyday kindness that guide our interactions and life choices. Research shows that young people and adults alike need to develop strong guiding values or principles to help them make healthy life choices. World Kindness Day is this Friday, November 13.... #MakeKindnessTheNorm #worldkindnessday #agentsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #dogood #kindnessstartswithone #positivevalues #caring #40developmentalassets

Spill! What are the little things that make your day? Young people with interpersonal competence have empathy, sensitiveity and friendship skills- they're kind. Social competencies are the skills young people need to interact efectively with others, to make difficult decisions, and to cope with new situations. #MakeKindnessTheNorm #worldkindnessday #agentsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #randomactsofkindnessfoundation #dogood #kindnessstartswithone #kindness #joy #happiness #spreadsmiles #40developmentalassets #sparcrd

Looking for childcare tips. Fall break: there are no classes November 11- Nov 13. What is your family up to this long weekend? Where do you find your alternative childcare? Kerrywood Nature Center ... YMCA of Northern Alberta - Red Deer Sylvan Learning Red Deer Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery #rdcrs #RedDeer #reddeeralberta #centralalberta #reddeerchildcare #breakcamp #daycamps #reddeerkids

Who is your shout-out today? Tell us about the people and acts of kindness that have made your week. World Kindness Day is this Friday, November 13. It's a great reminder to look for ways to make kindness part of your daily life with intentional moments of kindness, laughter and delight. #MakeKindnessTheNorm #worldkindnessday #agentsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #dogood #kindnessstartswithone

To register, contact Donna by phone at 403-347-8844. Registration deadline is noon on November 16, 2019. The occurrences of the groups are dependent on the number of participants.

As part of Autism Society Alberta's COVID Response, their Family Support Workers and Autistic Peer Mentors are offering online support groups for parents, families and autistic individuals throughout Alberta. Central Alberta: Tuesday, November 24, 2 PM Family Support Worker Kitty Parlby is hosting a support group for the Central Alberta region. To join, contact Kitty at [email protected].

USE YOUR VOICE TO MAKE THE WORLD A LITTLE BRIGHTER! For the month of November, SPARC Red Deer is encouraging all Canadians to Say It Forward and send an encouraging message to friends! Please share this image with your friends and family, and please use hashtag #sayitforwardcanada to spread the message. For more free downloadable memes, go to sparcreddeer.ca

For the month of November, SPARC Red Deer is encouraging all Canadians to Say It Forward! Simply share the images with your friends and family, and please use hashtag #sayitforwardcanada to spread the message. For more free downloadable memes, go to sparcreddeer.ca

Below is the updated checklists from the Alberta government. The 1rst checklist is for UNDER 18 and the 2nd is for OVER 18. Thank you for helping keep our staff and students safe and our schools open!

All Hallow’s Eve, All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day: October 31-November 2 represents a time to gather as family, enjoy activities together, remember loved ones, strengthen relationships, and build better outcomes for our children. How do we build better outcomes? Praying for our loved ones supports positive values of caring. Trick-or-treating shows off the kindness of our neighbours. Turning the porch light on indicates a welcoming and safe place.... Greeting all the trick-or-treaters and commenting on their costumes says, You matter. Go big and make a fuss: be wowed, act scared, play along to show them you are happy to have them at your door. Teens need strong relationships too- costumed or not, show them they are welcomed and known. If you recognize them but don't know their name, do some introductions and swap names. Teens who know their neighbours are more likely to respect neighbourhood boundaries. Follow up: Greeting neighbours all November long says, "You are part of a community that cares for you." Trick-or-treating provides opportunity for children to practice gratitude and positive social interactions. Pumpkin carving challenges us all to value effort over perfection. These 8 tips help build Developmental Assetsthe skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviours that kids need to succeed.

Red Deer Family Resource Network has lots of youth, caregiver and early childhood programming coming up in November. Check out their calendars for more information.

Do you have a teen? This program is for you.

Managing Anger Before It Manages You is a group for children ages 6-8 years old offered by Catholic Social Services. Working with Anger groups involve a set of psycho-educational groups, using therapeutic approaches, games and activities to help families with children and youth in need of support. It also covers techniques on how to express anger and other emotions in healthy ways. Both children and their parents/guardians will have opportunities to apply these skills in ...joint and separate group sessions. The sessions will run for five consecutive weeks beginning Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Sessions will be held in Red Deer from 4:30pm 6pm at Catholic Social Services. For more information and registration for the group, please contact Donna by phone at 403-347-8844. Registration deadline is noon on November 16, 2019. The occurrences of the groups are dependent on the number of participants.

NEW Virtual service! Families can book same-day appointments at virtualkids.ca to speak with a pediatric urgent care specialist every evening from 5 pm to 11 pm. Visit virtualkids.ca/faqs-for-parents/ for more information on services.

Zombie Virus Outbreak! Will distance keep YOU safe?! Find out! Feeling brave !?! Like, WICKED BRAVE....? ALL AGES EVENT. Visit the website for more info and registration. https://www.confidentkidscanada.ca//creepin-it-real-hallow

Do you want to build positive connections with your child? This FREE workshop is for you! Developmental relationships are close connections through which children and youth discover who they are, learn how to engage with the world around them, and learn ways to shape their own lives. You will learn about the 5 key elements to make your relationship with your child powerful. Register at www.sparcreddeer.ca under the Events Tab.

Food for thought at lunch! Check it out

We would love to hear all about the people, places and things that your are thankful for today!

Big THANK YOU to the Red Deer YMCA for providing activities for every age! Check it out! https://northernalberta.ymca.ca/

Are you or someone you know a realtor with a student heading off to post secondary education for the first time? Check this out!

Can your family score 100 points this month?

For more information on upcoming COS parenting groups (online Oct - Dec 2020) contact Katherine at 403-396-6265 or Julie 403-896-0992.

Online 8-week series begins next Thursday! Space is limited. Call or email Katherine to register ASAP.

Mmhmm! Nothing like a grandma’s love . Share some stories about your grandma and celebrate the simple moments that have resonated with you for years to come.... #itsthelittlethings

Looking for after school activities to fill the kids' time before you get home from work? Check out the YMCA Child & Youth Programs! Links for more details about their full programs and financial assistance listed in the comments!... YMCA of Northern Alberta - Red Deer See more

Register with Family Services of Central Alberta

Thank you SPARC Red Deer for the excellent tip!!

There are at least 211 reasons to contact 211. That’s why there service is now province-wide. #albertacares

Who remembers pumping their arms as kids? I never questioned it and did it without fail! Let's help keep this tradition alive and brighten everyone's day with some fun : )

211 Alberta phone service is now available province-wide! You can dial 2-1-1 from anywhere, anytime in Alberta to access the free, confidential service connecting you to community, government, social and health resources. #JustContact211 #alberta #HelpStartsHere #MaketheRightCall 211 Alberta

We'd like to highlight some we've observed this week. # : When students bring sweet little notes/pictures to school for their new teachers, it tells us that you are talking about school at home and buildling up your child's excitement and sense of connection with their school. Those, "My child had a great day today." emails tell us that too. Thank you for . #backtoschool #parentingmoments #rdcrs #40developmentalassets #bondingtoschool

We'd like to highlight some we've observed this week. # : we've seen parents talking to their children about pick-up and after school transportation, "Meet at the trees and walk together, I'll be waiting in my truck." "Your brother will walk you to the bus." "Walk to the end of the sidewalk and I will meet you there." The new school year is just that - NEW. We all feel safer and more in control when we understand the plan. #backtoschool #parentingmoments #rdcrs #40developmentalassets #parentingwithassets

We'd like to highlight some we've observed this week. # : While you might have all the back-to-school feels inside, we have seen so many parents display complete confidence in their kids ability to handle drop-off, back-to-school, meet the teacher/classmates and all the new school rituals. Your facial expressions, your words, your body language and all the behind-the-scenes prep you've done has conveyed to your kids not only that you and their school staff have got this covered, but that you believe your kid has what it takes to make #backtoschool2020 a smashing success! And they're living up to your faith in them too. Bravo! #parentingmoments #rdcrs #40developmentalassets

Back to School Tips for Strengthening Relationships: Empathy is important. Listen to your children's thoughts and feelings about the changes. The goal is to help them feel understood. Follow up by sharing home and school plans so that they understand that the adults in their life are taking care of them. #parentingwithassets #rdcrs #backtoschool

Your child looks to you for their sense of security. While we may not have all the answers, displaying confidence and positivity while sharing relevant, age-appropriate facts will help your child adapt to their new routines. School is really a form of exploration into the world. Children and youth feel safe to explore when they know they have a secure base to come back to. Focusing on the "reconnections" of the day will help this sense of security. Express your excitement to see them at the end of the day, talk about your evening plans before school, talk about the moments of reconnections at school: the stories they will share with staff and students and who they are excited to see and reconnect with.