St. Patrick's Blog Week of March 9th, 2015

St. Patrick's Blog

Week of March 9th, 2015

Grade 6 Parent Information Session

This Wednesday, March 11th, the St. Patrick’s staff and student population will be hosting a parent information session for parents and guardians of students in grade 6.  Families are encouraged to join us at 6:30pm on Wednesday for a presentation around our programming for grade 7 students, school facilities, student support, activities at St. Pat’s, as well as a presentation from grade 7 students.  Representatives from our school council will also be on hand to answer questions.

Cake Auction

Our school-based Me to We student group has organized a cake auction to take place during the morning of Wednesday March 11th.  Homebase classes are each providing a cake or collection of cupcakes for the auction.  In addition, homebases will collect funds from among the students and will use those funds to bid on the cake of their choice.  This initiative helps support the Me to We fundraising campaign that has been taking place since September of this year.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Updated Health and Physical Education Curriculum

Ontario is releasing updated Health and Physical Education curriculum to give students accurate information that will help keep them safe and healthy. The province is also providing parents with resources to help them understand and participate in what will be taught to their children.  Starting September 2015, the updated curriculum will reflect health, safety and well-being realities faced by today's students. Updates to the curriculum include healthy relationships, consent, mental health, online safety and an appropriate presence on the internet.  This information is supported by our “Samaritans on the Digital Road” initiative that is current part of our Religious Education curriculum.  The ministry’s updated curriculum has also been revised to be more reflective of Ontario's growing and diverse population.

• The Catholic education community of Ontario will work together to produce resources that support our Catholic teachers and ensure that the curriculum delivered in our classrooms is consistent with our Catholic teachings, and appropriate within the context of a Catholic classroom. The Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) in Toronto will coordinate this work.
• ICE’s membership includes the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education, and the Ontario Catholic School Business Officials’ Association.
• As a Catholic school community, we will continue to offer a holistic curriculum that is shaped by a Catholic worldview and is guided by the teachings of the Church.
• Links to Revised Curriculum, Parent Guide and Quick Facts - http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/health.html

Thinkfast Activity

On March 13th, our St. Pat’s youth group will be participating in our Thinkfast activity.  Thinkfast is an initiative that was started by Development and Peace (the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada). It seeks to educate youth about the complex issues of development, social justice and poverty.

The day will begin at 8:00am with a meeting of the participants. We will start with a prayer, introduce the day and then send students to their regular classes. At lunch we will again gather for soup and fellowship. After school we will gather in the chapel for a prayer service, refreshments, a presentation social justice and then our ‘supper’ of the vegetable soup. After supper we will have fun time in the gym or cafeteria, play some games and then reconvene for a movie about social justice – the group will be watching the movie Living on a Dollar a Day. We will be breaking our fast at 8:00pm and having a light meal (provided at no cost) together while sharing what we learned during the day. Supervision will be provided throughout the event by Mr. Kozak, our chaplain, and a volunteer from Development and Peace.

Coming Up:

March 14th to 22nd: March Break!  

Have a great week;

Sean Kelly

St. Patrick's Blog

Week of March 2nd, 2015

Boys Basketball Team Wins Shamrock Classic!

The St. Patrick’s Boys Basketball team won their second tournament in as many weeks as they defeated The Ottawa Celtics in the Shamrock Classic final on Sunday, March 1st.  The St. Pat’s boys had just come off a successful run at the Ashbury Invitational at the end of February and have now made it two tournaments in a row.  Congratulations to Coach McKinnon and a special thank you to Mr. Card who organized the tournament at St. Pat’s.  Great job boys!

March School Council meeting held over until April

We have had much discussion at our School Council meetings this year.  We will be taking a break in March, but will meet again with a special event in April.  On April 21st at 7:00 pm, St. Patrick’s Intermediate will be hosting an Ottawa Police presentation providing information on preventing drug use among our children.  This workshop is for parents, guardians, friends and family members who are concerned about preventing their children from using alcohol & other drugs.

Kids and Drugs is built on known protective factors for substance abuse prevention and strives to improve interactions between kids & parents through improved communication, support, decision making and discipline.  Please join us at this event, sponsored by the Catholic School Parents’ Association (http://www.ottawacspa.ca/).  Child care is provided.  Please see the information poster with a link to the registration form.

Kids and Drugs Registration and Information

Pediculosis - Head Lice information

When there has been a report of pediculosis (head lice) possible at the school, we are required to share with our community.  Please see the following link regarding information to parents.

“Women’s Day” Event

Attention Mothers:  Join us for  "Women’s Day, Inspire…Encourage...Engage!", to be held at the Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre, 1560 Heatherington Road.  Come and learn about community resources and agencies which support families in your area.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm.   

Free childcare on site and free lunch.  

RSVP: Euphrasie 613-737-5115 ext 2409

Have a great week;

Sean Kelly

St. Patrick's Blog Week of February 23rd, 2015

St. Patrick's Blog

Week of February 23rd, 2015

We celebrated a beautiful Ash Wednesday observance this past week, acknowledging the beginning of our season of Lent.  Students and staff were challenged with the task of looking within to see what changes we need to make to improve relationships with our friends, families and wider community.  Peace on your journey.

Activity Day Reschedule

We were very disappointed having to cancel our activity day for the second week in a row.  Unfortunately the forecast for last Friday didn’t improve as the week unfolded, and despite waiting for a possible improvement at the last moment, there was no warm-up!  Given our schedule over the next week, we will be unable to reschedule the activity, and will have to wait until next winter to try again.  Staff will be processing refunds by Wednesday for students who had planned on the canal walk/hike.

Parent/Teacher Discussions

Thank you to all those in our St. Patrick’s School community who made it out for our parent-teacher discussions last week.  It is encouraging to see so many individuals invested in the success of our students.  We also appreciate those parents and guardians who purchased items from our Shamrock’s Fashion consignment store that evening.  We also had the opportunity to open our “Language Centre” where community facilitators (translators) are available for any parent or guardian to assist with the discussion time with teachers.  We also debuted our “Language Ambassadors” at our interviews, who are students representing 5 different languages, also available to assist with families.

“Women’s Day” Event

Attention Mothers:  Join us for  "Women’s Day, Inspire…Encourage...Engage!", to be held at the Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre, 1560 Heatherington Road.  Come and learn about community resources and agencies which support families in your area.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm.   

Free childcare on site and free lunch.  

RSVP: Euphrasie 613-737-5115 ext 2409

Grade 9 Parent Night

On February 25th from 6:30 to 7:30, parents and guardians of students in grade 8 are welcome to join the staff at St. Patrick’s High School for an informative session regarding what to expect as students transition to grade 9.  Students have been given a great deal of information regarding course selection and what to expect at the high school, however, this is an opportunity for parents to ask questions.  Hope to see many of you there!

Coming up . . .

March 3rd @ 7:00 pm - School Council meeting at St. Patrick’s Intermediate

Have a great week;

Sean Kelly

St. Patrick's Activity day cancelled today

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our activity day for today given the fact that the forecast has not improved.  We have reverted to a regular schedule for students and staff.

St. Patrick's Blog Week of February 17th, 2015

St. Patrick's Blog

Week of February 17th, 2015

This week marks the beginning of the Catholic liturgical season of Lent.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is recognized as a day of fast and abstinence.  This means we are to approch the day with reverence by fasting from larger meals and abstaining from treats and "extras".  Our personal preparation for Ash Wednesday should be a larger preparation for the 40 days of Lent, which should be marked by personal prayer and reflection on how we can improve our relationships with others.  As we complete our academic term one and begin setting goals for work in term two, Lent reminds us that we should be setting spiritual goals as well.  This is a practice shared by many religious traditions and is recognized by multiple faiths.  We will continue this discussion with our students and staff throughout this important liturgical season.

Activity Day Reschedule

Due to the extremely cold weather last Friday we postponed our Winter Activity Day until this Friday, February 20th.  All other details of the excursion have remained the same – students will travel to the canal (skate or hike) or take part in activities here at the school.  We are keeping our transportation lists and organization the same from last week, therefore we are not inviting any changes to student choice at this point.  This Friday will be a dress down day, and we would ask you to encourage your son/daughter to dress warmly for our activities.  If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Parent/Teacher Discussions - Thursday, February 19th

Our Parent/Teacher discussion evening will take place this Thursday, February 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 and again from 5:00 to 7:30.  We invite you to fill out your son/daughter's interview form to schedule a 10 minute meeting with teachers.  This sheet needs to be returned to classroom teachers so that they may finalize their schedule with parents.  Families will also have the opportunity to access community facilitators (translators) for assistance in Arabic, French, Spanish and Tagalog discussions.  We are also thankful to our group of  Student Language Ambassadors who will be providing translation assistance as well.  Please see our "Language Centre" to access information and support.

Our School Council will also be available to answer questions and provide information on the business of the council at the interviews.  They will have a table set up with refreshments.

Ash Wednesday

We will observe Ash Wednesday with an afternoon liturgy on February 18th.  We will reflect on the meaning of Lent, and invite students and staff to be marked by ashes that represent our mortality and are an outward sign of our need for forgiveness.  The staff member distributing the ashes will say "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".  Because the administration of ashes is sacramental and not a sacrament, all individuals, regardless of their faith may receive a marking.  Students who would rather not receive ashes will be encouraged to come forward for a blessing.  

Schedules this Week

There are a number of activities taking place this week.  Our Grade 8 girls receive their HPV vaccines on Tuesday, while all of our grade 7 students receive their inoculations on Wednesday.  Our Grade 8 students also have the opportunity to have their “milestone” pictures taken this week with a photographer (information went home in a letter regarding this last week).  

Have a great week;

Sean Kelly

St. Patrick's Intermediate Winter Activity Day Postponed

        Given the forecast of some extremely cold weather this Friday we are postponing our Winter Activity Day until next week.  Our new date will be Friday, February 20th, however, all other details of the excursion will remain the same – students will either travel to the canal (skate or hike) or take part in activities here at the school.  If students had decided to travel to the canal for our skate or hike (and have paid the transportation fee), I would ask you to sign the bottom of the sheet that your student has brought home as an indication that you are aware of the new field trip date.  All other medical and permission information has been kept on file.  We will need this sheet returned to the school to retain your son/daughter’s place on a bus for that day.

        We had also originally decided to allow students to dress down this Friday so that they could bundle up for the cold.  Our dress down day will now be on the new trip date, Friday, February 20th, while tomorrow will be a regular school uniform day.

        If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Parent Session Opportunities at our Catholic Schools

Learning French at OCSB: NDHS

Tuesday, February 17th  6:45 - 8:45 pm.

Notre Dame Catholic High School, 710 Broadview Avenue

What French program is best for your child? Learn more about the OCSB approach to learning French so parents can make informed decisions regarding the best French options for your child.

Link to poster with registration info: http://bit.ly/1C8ppKg

Open Doors: Learning and Earning in the 21st Century: All Saints HS

Tuesday, February 24th, 6:30 - 9:00 PM; All Saints Catholic High School, 5115 Kanata Ave, Kanata

Open Doors: Learning and Earning in the 21st Century is an evening for parents and students to learn more about where the jobs will be once they graduate and what they can do to increase their chances of employability.  Ingrid Argyle from Labour Market Ottawa, along with employers from four sectors, will focus on Labour Market Trends and the implications for high school graduates.  This is a free event open to parents and their children.  Careers and opportunities will look very different for our children...come learn more about this!

Register Now to attend: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/open-doors-learning-and-earning-in-the-21st-century-tickets-14602050125

 Kids and Drugs: MTHS

The Ottawa Police Service, CSPA and Mother Teresa High School present "Kids and Drugs: A Parent's Guide to Prevention" on Monday, March 2nd, 

7:00 - 8:30 PM at Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Drive, Barrhaven.
This presentation for parents and community members, strives to improve interactions between kids & parents through improved communication and will raise awareness on drug trends in Ottawa.  Note: This seminar will also be offered at Sacred Heart HS onMarch 10th and at St. Patrick's Intermediate on April 21st.
Register now: http://bit.ly/1ulPbe3

EQAO FORUM: For parents and educators

The EQAO School Support and Outreach Team will provide a regional parent forum in Ottawa.  Saturday, March 7th   9:15 a.m.–2:00 p.m.;Southway Inn, 2431 Bank Street, Ottawa.  The forum is composed of two sessions with breakfast and lunch provided.

• Understanding EQAO Assessments
• "Parents as Partners in Teaching Mathematics" with Dr. Lynda Colgan, author and renowned educator from Queen’s University.

To register:  Email ParentForum@eqao.com  Provide: First & last name, e-mail address and school & school board.  Register by February 20, 2015

Restorative Practices: MTHS

Mother Teresa High School & CSPA present Restorative Practices on Monday, March 9, 2015, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Drive, Barrhaven

Restorative Practices is a proactive approach to building a positive school environment. It provides staff, students and parents with tools to help improve behaviour and relationships in a positive way.

Come learn more about how this approach is being used at school and how parents and families can use these tools at home.

Link to poster with registration: http://bit.ly/1xQKsfw

Kids and Drugs: Sacred Heart HS

The Ottawa Police Service, CSPA and Sacred Heart High School present "Kids and Drugs: A Parent's Guide to Prevention" on Tuesday, March 10th, 7:00 - 8:30 PM.  This presentation for parents and community members, strives to improve interactions between kids & parents through improved communication and will raise awareness on drug trends in Ottawa.  

Note: This seminar will also be offered at Mother Teresa HS on March 2nd and at St. Patrick's Intermediate on April 21st.

Register now: http://bit.ly/16bljWs

Supporting Your Anxious Child: Saint Francis of Assisi School

CSPA and Saint Francis of Assisi School present, "Supporting Your Anxious Child", Thursday, March 5th, 7:00 - 8:45 pm at Saint Francis of Assisi School, 795 Watters Road, Orleans

Learn how anxiety manifests itself in young children. Discover strategies to help children learn positive thinking habits and coping skills. 

Facilitator: Joanne Boyd 

Register Now: http://bit.ly/1Idzuvv