A Message from Administration

The winter months can be tough, especially with the unpredictability of weather and the potential for more online learning days. While it’s easy to focus on the challenges, there are some real benefits to online learning, and with the right mindset and a few helpful strategies, it can become a more manageable and even rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Benefits of Online Learning:

1. Flexibility of Schedule: Online learning allows students to work at their own pace and in an environment that's more comfortable. If a student is having a tough morning, they can ease into their work and perhaps tackle more difficult tasks later in the day when they’re more focused.

2. Self-Directed Learning: Online learning encourages students to take more ownership of their education. They can become more independent, learning to manage their time and tasks, which are essential skills for both school and life.

3. Access to Resources: The digital world provides a wealth of resources that students may not have access to in a traditional classroom. From interactive websites to instructional videos, students can find multiple ways to understand a concept that might be tricky in a face-to-face setting.

4. Continuity in Learning: When creating online assignments, our teachers strive to keep continuity with what they have been learning in the classroom. This will provide an easier transition when returning to the classroom.

5. Safe Learning Environment: Especially during the winter months, keeping kids safe and warm at home is a huge advantage. There’s less risk of getting caught in bad weather or dealing with the stress of commuting during snowy or icy conditions.

Tips to Navigate Online Learning Successfully:

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Setting up a quiet, comfortable, and well-organized space for online learning can help students focus better. This should be separate from spaces associated with relaxation or entertainment (like the couch or bed), to maintain a clear mental distinction between “school” and “home.”

2. Stick to a Routine: Even though online learning offers flexibility, having a consistent daily schedule can help students stay on track and reduce anxiety. Start with set “school hours” for when to log in, take breaks, and wrap up for the day.

3. Embrace Technology But Prepare for Hiccups: While technology is incredibly useful, it can sometimes be unpredictable. Encourage students to back up their work frequently, check their internet connection, and have a contingency plan in case there are technical issues. Also, keep communication open with teachers—all are understanding of tech glitches!

4. Break Up the Day: Staring at a screen for long periods can be draining. Encourage students to take regular breaks—ideally every 30 minutes to an hour. These can be quick breaks, like stretching, getting a snack, or a few minutes of physical activity to help reset the mind.

5. Set Clear Expectations and Goals: Both parents and students should have a clear understanding of the day’s tasks and goals. Breaking down larger assignments into manageable chunks can make the workload feel more achievable.

6. Promote Communication: Encourage students to reach out if they’re struggling with something. Teachers are available to help, whether it’s through email, office hours, or other online platforms. Parents can also offer support by helping students navigate these communication tools.

7. Stay Positive and Flexible: While there are certainly challenges, maintaining a positive attitude can help keep morale high. Acknowledge that online learning isn’t perfect, but it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, manage time more effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Though online learning can be a challenge, it also offers a unique set of benefits that may make it more enjoyable and productive than we expect. By focusing on these positives, maintaining a structured routine, and being patient with the occasional technological hiccups, we can help students, parents, and teachers make the most out of these winter online learning days. And who knows? In the end, we might all come out of it with some valuable skills we hadn’t anticipated!

Stay warm, St. Albert families!

Allison French

Learning Coordinator

SCHOOL NEWS 🍎

$1 Dress Down Day- Friday, January 24th 

Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for dress-down policies.  All proceeds benefit the 8th-grade class activities.

Catholic Schools Week- Next Week

Join us at 10:30 Mass on Sunday, January 26th to kick off Catholic Schools Week! Click here to see the CSW Events.

On Tuesday, January 28th, we will Celebrate Our Students and Families with the following:

• Student Free Dress Day- Follow handbook guidelines. 

• Treat from PTO- Thank you!

• No Homework to encourage time for a family meal or game night.

Mother Son Carnival Night 

Step right up and join the fun! We are looking forward to a night of fun and games on Saturday, January 18th from 7-9 p.m. 

Join the St. Albert Boy Scout Troop!

5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grade boys:  February is the perfect time to join the St. Albert Boy Scout Troop.  Interested boys and their parents are invited to attend the Troop meeting on Monday, February 3rd, at 7:00 PM in the PLC.

Check out www.facebook.com/groups/Troop327Ky/ to see what our Scouts have been up to:

- camping, hiking and outdoor adventures

- developing leadership skills, character, fitness and citizenship

- earning merit badges in life skills, science, business, sports and crafts as the boys advance to possibly becoming Eagle Scouts.

More info:  www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa.  

Feel free to reach out with questions to:

Jim Sharon, St. Albert Troop Scoutmaster, ‭james.sharon@twc.com

Mike Biagi, parent of 6th & 8th grade Scouts, michaelbiagi@gmail.com

Book Fair is Coming!

The Scholastic Book Fair will be here February 5-11 for students and parents to enjoy!  This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again!  

Here are a few things to remember:

     * Students may bring money to shop during their regular library class during this week or 

        wait for their scheduled conference.  If your child doesn't shop during class, 

        we can provide a wish list to write down choices

     * If JK-3rd grade bring in money to shop during class time, please put it in a

        labeled baggie with the student's name

     * If you are interested in ewallet (digital payment account that allows your child(ren) to 

       shop for books instead of using cash), please refer to the Scholastic Book Fair flyer that 

       will be coming home in Tuesday folder

We look forward to seeing you soon!

RestaurantEvent

Grab your friends and celebrate for an all-day give back restaurant event at Gustavo's Hurstbourne location on Monday, February 3rd.  Please tell them that you are with St. Albert.  This benefits the 8th grade class trip.

PTO NEWS❤️

Click, HERE, to visit our PTO webpage.

2024-2025 PTO Executive Committee:

President - Jennifer Boyle, ptopresident@stalbert.org

Vice President - Sarah Stahl, ptovicepresident@stalbert.org

Secretary - Lauren Biagi, ptosecretary@stalbert.org

Treasurer - Emily Rives, ptotresurer@stalbert.org

Past President - Christine Newman, pto-past-president@stalbert.org

2024-2025 PTO Meeting Dates:

January 23rd, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Visitation Hall (Cafeteria)

April 24th, 7:00pm-8:30pm, PLC

Teacher Conference Dinners

It's conference time again, and we need volunteers to bring it items to cover dinner for our wonderful teachers.  Here is the SignUp Genius.  Please sign up and make sure items are clearly labeled and dropped to the office Tuesday February 11th.

SAAM NEWS (Sports Ministry)🏆

Saint Albert Athletic Ministry website link

Athletic Ministry Positions Available | We Need You!

• Vice Chair (This is a 3 year term: Vice Chair-Chair-Past Chair)

• Athletic Director (AD) 

• Golf Coordinator (Shadow Spring 2025)

• Girls Volleyball Coordinator

• Girls 3-8 Basketball Coordinator

• Boys 3-8 Basketball Coordinator

• Swim Coordinator (Shadow 2025) 

• Tennis Coordinator (Shadow 2025)

• Girls Flag Football Coordinator 

• Trivia Night Coordinators (Shadow 2025; ownership 2026-27) 

• Awards Coordinator (Shadow 2025; ownership 2026-2027) 

Email Ashley Taylor Ashley.Taylor623@yahoo.com with questions. 

PARISH NEWS⛪

Please read the Parish Post to stay up to date with events and opportunities. 

2025 Parish Picture Directory

Feb. 13-15; Feb. 17-19; Feb. 27 - March 1, 2025 

2:30-8:30pm weekdays, 10:30am-3:00pm on Saturday

In the Parish Life Center

Have you talked with a fellow parishioner and then wondered what their name is? Want to help our new Pastor and Associate get acquainted with our parishioners?

A pictorial directory is a great way to help us get to know each other better!

Our last directory is now out-dated and it is time for a new one. We encourage everyone to get a new picture made so that our new directory will be complete. Each family photographed will receive a free copy of the directory and an 8x10 portrait at no cost.

Sign ups for the photography sessions are open now! You will have a professional photography session, see your proofs, and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends. It's super easy! Make your appointment today using this link.

Need to add something to the Viking Voice? 

Click HERE to enter your submission. 

*Entries need to be submitted on the Tuesday BEFORE the Thursday print date .