St. Patrick's Blog Week of November 17th, 2014

St. Patrick's Blog

Week of November 17th, 2014

Bullying Awareness Week

This is Bullying Awareness Week across the country in Canada.  While we are constantly engaged in practices that promote well being among our students, this week provides us with an opportunity to emphasize the importance of being good to one another.  Our activities this week include prayers around the topic, a photo booth and pledge around anti-bullying practices, a sharing circle with our high school students, and encouraging students to reach out to someone “new” at lunchtime.  Students are regularly reminded that it is our expectation that they are happy and comfortable at St. Patrick’s, and if, for some reason, this is not the case, they need to seek out a staff member.

Professional Development Day - November 21st

A reminder to our school community that this Friday, November 21st is Christian Community Day for staff and a pd day for students.  

Remembrance Day Observation

We have a great deal to be proud of following our Remembrance Day Observation this past week at school.  We took the time to pray as a school, while we honoured those who had made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for others.  We thank Lieutenant-Commander Ahmed Abderrahmani for joining us from the Canadian Armed Forces as he participated in our ceremony and spoke to the students about his role.  He was very impressed with our presentation, and asked me to thank our students for their participation and their respect demonstrated throughout.  

English Diagnostic Test

All of our grade 8 students completed an English Language diagnostic test this past Thursday.  It is an opportunity for us to assess where our students currently are academically, and allows us to focus instruction over the next several months.  In grade 10, all students complete the Ontario Literacy Test which is an evaluation of students’ literacy skills and a graduation requirement.  We are already looking ahead to that test, providing students with instruction that reinforces the skills required to meet the Ministry standard.  

Working Visit to Shepherds of Good Hope

A number of our students, accompanied by Mr. Kozak and Ms. Foley, one of our office administrators, visited the Shepherds of Good Hope this past Friday.  Students began the morning by making dozens of sandwiches for the clients at Shepherds, and then participated in the food preparation on site.  The feedback from our grade 7 and 8’s was great as they indicated they arrived back at the school with a more fundamental respect for those who may be less fortunate.  Appreciation to all involved, and a special thank you to Mr. Kozak and Ms. Foley for leading the group.

Display areas at St. Patrick’s Intermediate

We are updating a number of our display areas at St. Patrick’s Intermediate.  Students, staff and visitors to our school will find the following on the main level at the school:

We remember An area of the school where we are able to honour family members (students and staff) who have passed away.  Parents/Guardians are welcome to get in touch with the school if they would like to provide a picture and/or short description of the life of a relative who has died.
St. Patrick’s Intermediate Wall of Fame This is an area where we highlight some of the individuals who have passed through our hallways as students who have gone on to do some special things both academically and athletically.  Check out some of these stories the next time you are in the school.
Student Goal Setting Information Organized by our Student Services department, this area provides some support for students as they review their goal setting strategies and use MyBlueprint to ready themselves for high school.
Team Wall of Fame - Phys Ed Area Here we have highlighted many of our championship teams over the years.  Check out our pictures to see if you can see any older brothers, sisters or friends!

Fish Study Area: We will soon have a working fish aquarium in one of our display areas where students can review the habitat and behaviour of various fish species.  

Have a great week;

Sean Kelly