“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near”
Dear Tiger Families,
The joy and festive spirit certainly filled our school during this special week of Christmas concerts. Throughout the week, our students have taken center stage, captivating audiences with their musical talents and heartwarming performances. From modern holiday classics to ballroom dancing, our gym came alive with the sound of joyful melodies. These concerts provided a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, celebrate, and share in the festive spirit. The warmth and pride felt in the audience added an extra layer of joy to each performance. As we reflect on this week filled with music and excitement, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the students for their hard work, the teachers for their guidance, and you, our supportive parents, for being a part of this celebration.
As we approach the culmination of the Advent season, we are delighted to share some highlights from the final week of school before the Christmas break. Next week will be dedicated to the themes of JOY and LOVE; a time of reflection, unity, and anticipation as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Here’s a glimpse of the meaningful experiences we have planned for next week:
‘Tis the season to be jolly and we’re bringing some extra festive cheer next week as we have a lineup of Christmas Theme Days that promise to add a touch of JOY to the school atmosphere. Starting on Monday, December 18th, we will be diving into the holiday season with a series of theme days that celebrate the magic of Christmas. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s in store:
We can’t wait to see the creativity and holiday spirit that each theme day will bring.
The Christmas pasta lunch is this Wednesday, December 20th! Students will be invited down to the gym (two different seatings to accommodate all students) and enjoy a delicious pasta (regular or gluten-free option) with red sauce lunch for FREE. This event is being catered by the Monsignor Doyle Hospitality department. Students are asked to bring their own plastic plate/bowl with a fork in a zip-lock bag. Please also bring a drink! Many thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organizing this special day for us. If you would like to volunteer on this day, please call the school. We will need help setting up tables and cleaning up after each seating. Thanks
St. Ambrose Parish NewsSt. Ambrose Youth Ministry Bake Sale & Raffle
St. Ambrose Church will be having a Bake Sale and Raffle fundraiser on Sunday, December 17th. Families are warmly invited to attend either the 9am or 11am Mass and come down to the church hall afterwards to enjoy a cup of coffee and purchase baking for your Christmas gatherings. There will also be a small raffle. All funds raised will support youth ministry programming at the church!
We are also looking for donations of baked goods! Baking can be dropped off to the church hall on Saturday, December 16th between 12pm and 4:30pm. Kindly label items with ingredients.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every one of you for your generous donations to the Tree of Hope. Your kindness and generosity have made a significant impact, brightening the lives of those in need. Your donations will go a long way in providing some comfort, support, and hope to so many and reflect the spirit of giving and unity that makes SVdP a special place. Thank you for embodying the true meaning of Christmas through your selfless contributions!
THANK YOU!
As the need for emergency food assistance rises in Waterloo region, Greentec is launching Phones4Food, an innovative fundraiser in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Starting today, people can drop off their old or unwanted smartphones, laptops, and tablets to The Food Bank at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Greentec will collect and recycle the devices and donate their end-of-life value back to The Food Bank—supporting its work of acquiring and distributing food to the Community Food Assistance Network, a system of 120+ community programs and agency partners that provide food, support, and services to people in need.
“When I heard that one in 10 households in our region is struggling to afford to put food on the table, I knew we can do more to make sure no one has to skip a meal. It’s that need that inspired Phones4Food,” says Tony Perrotta, CEO at Greentec, adding that he hopes to expand the program to other food banks across the province. Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, explains that more than 58,000 people in Waterloo region are accessing food assistance each year, a number that continues to rise and isn’t expected to drop anytime soon.
“With high inflation and rising food costs, more people are turning to food banks and community programs and services for help. As a non-profit organization, we rely on our generous community, including businesses, to support the work we do to make sure no one goes hungry. Phones4Food is an exciting initiative and this partnership with Greentec gives the public another great opportunity to support The Food Bank,” she says.
For every dollar that people donate to The Food Bank, the organization can provide two healthy and nutritious meals to those who need it most in the community. A $5 donation generated through Phones4Food provides 10 meals.
For businesses with a large amount of e-waste to donate, call Greentec at 519-624-3300 for pickup solutions. To learn more about Greentec and qualifying device donations, visit phones4food.com To learn more about The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and local food insecurity, visit thefoodbank.ca.
Dear Tiger Families,
As we joyfully journey through the Advent season, our school community continues to embrace the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, fostering a spirit of anticipation and reflection. Our school came together for a special Advent assembly where we lit the first candle, symbolizing the theme of hope. It was a beautiful moment of unity as we set the tone for a season of anticipation and spiritual growth. Our students also delved into the deeper meanings of hope through our virtual Advent calendar and students engaged in discussions, reflections, and activities that fostered a sense of understanding and small acts of kindness. As we move forward into the second week of Advent, which focuses on the theme of peace, we encourage you to join in the spirit of the season at home. Consider lighting the second candle with your family, engaging in discussions about the meaning of peace, and perhaps participating with us in our Virtual Advent Calendar: Virtual Advent Calendar Second Week.
This Sunday, December 10th, please join us at the 11:00 am mass at St. Ambrose Church where we will gather as a school and parish community. Wear your Tiger spirit wear or green, yellow, or black, and let’s celebrate as a faith community. What a wonderful way to begin the second week of Advent! See you there!
Get ready to experience the magic of the season! We are thrilled to announce that our much-anticipated Early Years/Primary Christmas Concert and Intermediate Dancing With the Stars performances are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate this festive occasion with you and your family. Our students have been busy preparing enchanting performances that showcase their talents and the spirit of the season. From heartwarming carols to festive dance routines, the Christmas Concert promises to be a delightful experience for everyone. The Early Years/Primary Concert is this Thursday, December 14th.
On Friday, December 15th, our Intermediate families are invited to watch their child’s ballroom dance performance. This performance will also be in our gym beginning at 1:00 pm.
Monsignor Doyle is happy to host a Gr. 8 Information Night that will take place on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023. Everybody is welcome and we are encouraging students to attend with their parents. The evening will consist of both a formal presentation as well as self-guided tours.
As the need for emergency food assistance rises in Waterloo region, Greentec is launching Phones4Food, an innovative fundraiser in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Starting today, people can drop off their old or unwanted smartphones, laptops, and tablets to The Food Bank at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Greentec will collect and recycle the devices and donate their end-of-life value back to The Food Bank—supporting its work of acquiring and distributing food to the Community Food Assistance Network, a system of 120+ community programs and agency partners that provide food, support, and services to people in need.
“When I heard that one in 10 households in our region is struggling to afford to put food on the table, I knew we can do more to make sure no one has to skip a meal. It’s that need that inspired Phones4Food,” says Tony Perrotta, CEO at Greentec, adding that he hopes to expand the program to other food banks across the province. Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, explains that more than 58,000 people in Waterloo region are accessing food assistance each year, a number that continues to rise and isn’t expected to drop anytime soon.
“With high inflation and rising food costs, more people are turning to food banks and community programs and services for help. As a non-profit organization, we rely on our generous community, including businesses, to support the work we do to make sure no one goes hungry. Phones4Food is an exciting initiative and this partnership with Greentec gives the public another great opportunity to support The Food Bank,” she says.
For every dollar that people donate to The Food Bank, the organization can provide two healthy and nutritious meals to those who need it most in the community. A $5 donation generated through Phones4Food provides 10 meals.
For businesses with a large amount of e-waste to donate, call Greentec at 519-624-3300 for pickup solutions. To learn more about Greentec and qualifying device donations, visit phones4food.com To learn more about The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and local food insecurity, visit thefoodbank.ca.
Our amazing Catholic School Advisory Council is organizing a special lunch for all students on December 20th! Students will be invited down to the gym (two different seatings to accommodate all students) and enjoy a delicious pasta (regular or gluten-free option) with red sauce lunch for FREE. This event is being catered by the Monsignor Doyle Hospitality department. Students are asked to bring their own plastic plate/bowl with a fork in a zip-lock bag. Please also bring a drink! Many thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organizing this special day for us. If you would like to volunteer on this day, please call the school. We will need help setting up tables and cleaning up after each seating. Thanks so much for your support.
Christmas is a time for giving and helping the less fortunate. This year, St. Vincent de Paul School is participating in a “Tree of Hope” drive to help women and children in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support and contributions to this very worthy cause. Together, we can make a difference in so many lives this Christmas.
We are collecting for Camino Wellbeing & Mental Health (formally Monica Place). They are affiliated with Carizon and KW Counseling. Although they continue to provide the same supports to pregnant and parenting youth, they now have many additional programs and supports available to the families who are affiliated with them (counseling, group programs, and even more parenting programs).
Here is a wish list of the items that the shelter has requested:
**Please note that due to health regulations, all items must be NEW.**
Camino is also collecting “basic need” items for parents and children who have moved out of the shelter, but remain on their caseload. Anything is appreciated!
CURRENT TOY INTERESTS: Paw Patrol, Frozen, Cars, dinosaurs…all toys are appreciated!
Please send all items by Friday, December 15th, 2023. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you & God bless!
Sincerely,
The Staff & Student Leadership Team at St. Vincent de Paul School.
Get ready for some Christmas fun the week of December 18th. Please see the attached flyer for all of our different theme days! SVDP Christmas Spirit Week 2023
Dear Tiger Families,
As we enter the season of joy, reflection, and anticipation, we are delighted to welcome the start of the Advent season at St. Vincent de Paul This special time of the year holds a unique significance for our school community, and we are excited to embark on this journey of hope, love, joy, and peace. Here are some of the ways we’ll be celebrating the start of Advent:
At school, we will be focusing on Learning Partnerships for the month of December. Learning Partnerships involve active collaboration, not just with our classmates and teachers but also with community organizations like our parish church. We will show this connection with others by striving to be Caring Family Members at school and at home. Tigers, how will you show your love for others this month and change your life and other people’s lives for the better? Students will join together in an assembly on Wednesday to kick off this month’s theme and will then engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.
THIS IS HOW I AM A CARING FAMILY MEMBER!
Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus.
For those families that ordered poinsettias, they will be available for pick up this Tuesday, December 5th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please use the front doors and someone will help you retrieve your order. Many thanks for your support!
On Sunday, December 10, all staff and families are invited to St. Ambrose Church to celebrate the 11:00 am mass together. Tigers, wear our school colours and/or spirit wear. What a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate our Catholic faith as well as the season of Advent together at our parish. If there are any families who are interested in lighting the advent candle, readings, or bringing up the offertory gifts, please email tammy.sica@wcdsb.ca.
It’s that wonderful time of the year and we are excited to announce our upcoming Christmas Concert! Get ready for performances filled with holiday cheer as our talented students showcase their musical talents and spread the joy of the season. See the attached flyer for more details and information. Mark your calendars and join us for some festive performances, heartwarming melodies, and the joyous celebration of Christmas!
On Friday, December 15th, our Intermediate families are invited to watch their child’s ballroom dance. This amazing performance will be in our gym at 1:00pm!
Our amazing Catholic Schools Advisory Council is organizing a special lunch for all students on December 20th! Students will be invited down to the gym (two different seatings to accommodate all students) and enjoy a delicious pasta (regular or gluten-free option) with red sauce lunch for FREE. This event is being catered by the Monsignor Doyle Hospitality department. Students are asked to bring their own plastic plate/bowl with a fork in a zip lock bag. Please also bring a drink! Many thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organizing this special day for us. If you would like to volunteer on this day, please call the school. We will need help setting up tables and cleaning up after each seating. Thanks so much for you support.
Christmas is a time for giving and helping the less fortunate. This year, St. Vincent de Paul School is participating in a “Tree of Hope” drive to help women and children in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support and contributions to this very worthy cause. Together, we can make a difference in so many lives this Christmas.
We are collecting for Camino Wellbeing & Mental Health (formally Monica Place). They are affiliated with Carizon and KW Counseling. Although they continue to provide the same supports to pregnant and parenting youth, they now have many additional programs and supports available to the families who are affiliated with them (counseling, group programs, and even more parenting programs).
Here is a wish list of the items that the shelter has requested:
**Please note that due to health regulations, all items must be NEW.**
Camino is also collecting “basic need” items for parents and children who have moved out of the shelter, but remain on their caseload. Anything is appreciated!
CURRENT TOY INTERESTS: Paw Patrol, Frozen, Cars, dinosaurs…all toys are appreciated!
Please send all items by Friday, December 15th, 2023. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you & God bless!
Sincerely,
The Staff & Student Leadership Team at St. Vincent de Paul School.
Calling all future Mustangs!! On Monday, December 4th, our Grade 8 students, along with all o Grade 8 students from three other elementary schools, will be walking over to Monsignor Doyle and spending most of the day there. Students will hear about the latest information about course selection from the Guidance department. Students will also be treated to a pizza lunch and hear a presentation from the Student Activities Council and finish their day with a school tour of the Chapel, Library, Student Support Centre, Guidance Office and more! Students will also have an opportunity to observe some classes during their visit.
Monsignor Doyle is happy to host a Gr. 8 Information Night that will take place on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023. Everybody is welcome and we are encouraging students to attend with their parents. The evening will consist of both a formal presentation as well as self-guided tours. Mark your calendars! Please also see WCDSB-Entering-Secondary-School-Transition-Guide-2023-2024 for more information.
Our school has partnered with Nutrition for Learning, a registered charitable organization, to provide our students with a nutritious snack program, following the nutritional criteria of Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services; Ministry of Education PPM150, Canada Public Health and the Catholic School Food Policy. The purpose of providing a universal nutritional program is to ensure our students are well nourished and ready to learn throughout the school day. Being part of this program has many benefits for all students. Research has proven that students coming to school hungry do not perform well in the classroom, have difficulty concentrating, may display behavioural problems, are less alert and are often lethargic. This program impacts children’s overall ability to learn successfully. Food will be delivered to the school weekly by order, and then distributed and topped up weekly to each classroom for students to take one or two food items when hungry (helps with those forgotten lunches too!).
When Cambridge residents shop online with Produce Express at https://www.fresherproduce.ca using the code “N4L1123” at checkout, 5% of your purchase supports Nutrition for Learning’s student nutrition programs in Cambridge! That’s food for over 24,000 kids!
Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who your are.
Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
Hello Tigers!
What a wonderful week we had at school where we focused on the importance of always showing kindness, empathy, and understanding. Our students engaged in school-wide activities such as our compliment wall, buddy walk, and life-sized word searches that all focussed on building positive relationships and KINDNESS! Ask your child about our school rainbow picture that we took on Thursday! This past week we also held parent-teacher conferences. Many thanks to our families for attending the Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences on Thursday. It was a wonderful opportunity to once again see everyone and to come together to discuss your child’s strengths and how we, parents and educators, can help your child achieve greater success this year. It is by working together and supporting each other that will ultimately have the greatest positive impact on your child. Please continue to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns. We appreciate and value our partnership to support our students!
What an exciting week for our Intermediate sports teams! Both of our teams advanced to the Regional Championships and did amazing! Both teams displayed such determination, strong work ethic, and grit and we couldn’t be prouder!! A special congratulations to our boys who placed an awesome 2nd place finish in the whole Board! A special thank you to the coaches: Ms. Evans, Ms. Monteiro, Ms. Beamer, Mr. Gouveia, and Mrs. Gouveia for all of their help and to our amazing parent drivers and fans!!! Well done Tigers!!
A hot lunch delivered by parents or extended families is a special treat that we know your child enjoys. If you are bringing a hot lunch to school, please make sure that your child knows that a hot lunch will be dropped off in advance so that they can come to the office at 11:45 to pick up their special treat. A table is set up in our front vestibule with tags to write down your child’s name and teacher. Please place this tag on the hot lunch and leave it on the table so that your child can pick it up when they come down. This will help to ensure that your child gets their lunch on time and avoids class interruptions.
WCDSB has partnered with The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC) who have developed a 60-minute Mental Health presentation entitled: Sources for Strength. Grade 7 is an important year for youth, and our goal is to support wellbeing by talking to students about Mental Health and Mental Health promotion and teaching them about awareness for suicide prevention. In alignment with Ontario’s 2019 Curriculum for Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education, the presentation promotes the concept that “well-being is influenced not only by the absence of problems and risks but by the presence of factors that contribute to healthy growth and development”. As suggested in the HPE curriculum, the presentations would conclude with hope and information about seeking help. This presentation is for Grade 7s only and is scheduled for November 30th. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.
This Friday, December 1st, Fr. Gary Schlack will be presenting our Grade 4 students with their very own Bible. This very special celebration represents the handing on of the story of Jesus. As our students receive their Bible, may they continue to follow the word of God and grow in faith. Congratulations Grade 4s! Thank you to Ms. Racco, Ms. Sahqo, and Ms. Ferraro for all of their support for our students.
With the colder temperatures coming and eventually some snow, it is so important to ensure that your child is dressed for the weather. Winter coats, boots, mitts, snow pants, and hats will keep them warm and dry so they can enjoy their time outside. It is also a good idea to bring extra clothes, socks, and mitts to keep in their backpack. Every student must have a pair of indoor shoes!
Christmas is a time for giving and helping the less fortunate. This year, St. Vincent de Paul School is participating in a “Tree of Hope” drive to help women and children in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support and contributions to this very worthy cause. Together, we can make a difference in so many lives this Christmas.
We are collecting for Camino Wellbeing & Mental Health (formally Monica Place). They are affiliated with Carizon and KW Counseling. Although they continue to provide the same supports to pregnant and parenting youth, they now have many additional programs and supports available to the families who are affiliated with them (counseling, group programs, and even more parenting programs).
Here is a wish list of the items that the shelter has requested:
**Please note that due to health regulations, all items must be NEW.**
Camino is also collecting “basic need” items for parents and children who have moved out of the shelter, but remain on their caseload. Anything is appreciated!
CURRENT TOY INTERESTS: Paw Patrol, Frozen, Cars, dinosaurs…all toys are appreciated!
Please send all items by Friday, December 15th, 2023. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you & God bless!
Sincerely,
The Staff & Student Leadership Team at St. Vincent de Paul School.
On Sunday, December 10, all staff and families are invited to St. Ambrose Church to celebrate the 11:00 am mass together. Tigers, wear our school colours and/or spirit wear. What a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate our Catholic faith as well as the season of Advent together at our parish. If there are any families who are interested in lighting the advent candle, readings, or bringing up the offertory gifts, please email tammy.sica@wcdsb.ca.
It’s that wonderful time of the year and we are excited to announce our upcoming Christmas Concert! Get ready for performances filled with holiday cheer as our talented students showcase their musical talents and spread the joy of the season. See the attached flyer for more details and information. Mark your calendars and join us for some festive performances, heartwarming melodies, and the joyous celebration of Christmas!
When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.
Malala Yousafzai
Dear Tiger Families,
What another wonderful week of learning and exciting new changes to SVdP. Our creative playground is almost complete and we will hopefully be able to open it soon. We are just waiting for the final inspection to go ahead and open it.
Ontario has designated the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week to help promote safe schools and a positive learning environment. This year, this takes place November 19 to 26, 2023. We will use this week to continue enhancing awareness and understanding about bullying, and the factors that contribute to safe, caring, and inclusive schools. From our earliest days, our family and friends have taught us how to be loving people and show others they are loved. Jesus is an integral part of that teaching. Our relationship with Him teaches us a great deal about how to love in the world. Jesus shows us that love, and sharing that love with others, gives our lives meaning and purpose:
“This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.”
Throughout the week, SVdP staff and students will participate in various activities and events to support safe schools and encourage the fostering of positive school climates. Many thanks to our Equity Club for organizing these school-wide community-building activities. Tigers, each day this week remember to take that chance….because it might be the start of something incredible! Please see the link below for a description of our theme days! We look forward to everyone contributing to a positive school environment.
We know that parents have an important role to play in supporting student learning. Studies show that students perform better in school if their parents or guardians are involved in their education. This is the basis for the principle that students and parents should be kept fully informed about the student’s progress.” ~ Growing Success, page 8.
Progress Reports and Kindergarten Communication of Learning (COL) are scheduled to go home on Monday, November 2oth. Parent-teacher-student conferences are scheduled for November 23rd. If you have not scheduled a time with your child’s teacher, please do so using the Microsoft Bookings link that was shared via School Messenger and your child’s D2L class site. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Christmas is a time for giving and helping the less fortunate. This year, St. Vincent de Paul School is participating in a “Tree of Hope” drive to help women and children in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support and contributions to this very worthy cause. Together, we can make a difference in so many lives this Christmas.
We are collecting for Camino Wellbeing & Mental Health (formally Monica Place). They are affiliated with Carizon and KW Counseling. Although they continue to provide the same supports to pregnant and parenting youth, they now have many additional programs and supports available to the families who are affiliated with them (counseling, group programs, and even more parenting programs).
Here is a wish list of the items that the shelter has requested:
**Please note that due to health regulations, all items must be NEW.**
Camino is also collecting “basic need” items for parents and children who have moved out of the shelter, but remain on their caseload. Anything is appreciated!
CURRENT TOY INTERESTS: Paw Patrol, Frozen, Cars, dinosaurs…all toys are appreciated!
Please send all items by Friday, December 15th, 2023. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you & God bless!
Sincerely,
The Staff & Student Leadership Team at St. Vincent de Paul School.
We understand that your child will be away at times because of illness and other reasons. Our priority is to eliminate unnecessary absences so that your child can learn, connect, and succeed in school. Regular attendance is critical for student success as it helps them to learn, grow, and develop social skills.
We share your priority to ensure the best learning experience for your child each day and we want to work with you to ensure your child is successful. Please contact your child’s teacher or the office with any questions about attendance.
Dear Tiger Families,
Today, we commemorated Remembrance Day by coming together as a school to honour the service and sacrifices made by generations of Canadian veterans. From Canada’s most recognized heroism in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele during the First World War in 1917, to the battle along the beaches of Normandy in 1944 during the Second World War, to the victorious Battle of Kapyong in 1951 during the Korean War, to the 40,000 Canadians that served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014 – we will remember them. We also honour the current Canadian Armed Forces serving in missions around the world to keep us safe at home and abroad. At our assembly, our students were reminded of the courage and sacrifices of these heroes as well as our role in working towards creating peace and unity in our school, in our community, and in our world. Many thanks to Ms. Harnack, Mme Chaves, M. Hutfluss, and Ms. Beha along with their students for their work in organizing a very powerful and beautiful Remembrance Day assembly.
This week, our students decorated our doors with various symbols, pictures, and quotes of peace. The doors look absolutely beautiful and bring not only brightness to our hallways but also help fill our halls with even more kindness and unity. Here are just some pictures:
Students were so excited to see the installation of the playground structures at school this week. The outdoor active fit stations are complete and ready for use. The primary creative is almost ready and we are waiting for some mulch and final inspection.
“I can do all things through the One who strengthens me”
Our WCDSB Pastoral Plan this year is Strengthen. With this theme, staff and students explore how we are the People of God, listening and responding, STRENGTHENED to share the Gospel. Our Spiritual PD day is November 13th. (no school for students). See you Tuesday, November 14th!
This is the last weekend to sell poinsettias! Families are encouraged to sell poinsettias to family and friends to help support our school. Orders are Due November 15th for a delivery date of December 5th. All orders and cash must be done through School Cashonline. Paper order forms were sent home to help keep track of your orders. Poinsettias are from Warren Greenhouses. Please visit their website for pictures about their products.
Just a reminder to please book your appointment through the Bookings app. Information and the link to the app were shared on School Messenger and also posted to your child’s D2L page. Progress reports and Kindergarten Initial Observations will go home on November 20th and conferences are on November 23rd. Please contact the school should you have any questions or problems accessing the link.
This week, your child brought home a proof sheet of the pictures that were taken at school by Pegasus. This proofsheet contained an online code that can be used to view your child’s images with lots of additional online ordering choices. Picture retake day will be this Friday, November 17th for those students who were absent or need a retake. No money or orders will be collected by the school.
Congratulations to the 7 and 8 Boys Volleyball Team on a great season. The boys demonstrated growth over the past 2 months, as they honed their skills through practices and displayed determination, teamwork, and passion for the game. The boys ended up tied for first in the league and will be heading straight to Regionals at the end of this month. The boys had fun this season learning the fundamentals, and embraced the sport with wide smiles and eager spirits.
Congratulations boys, we are so proud of you! A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Gouveia, Ms. Schefter, Mr. Lindsay, and Brayden for assisting at practices and supporting the boys at the games. A very big thank you to our coaches, Ms. Beamer and Mr. Gouveia for all of their work and time with this team!
We are so proud of the Girls’ Basketball Team and all their hard work and dedication throughout our season. The girls have demonstrated tremendous growth in their knowledge of the sport and their determination to apply the skills they have learned in practice. From passing to shooting, the girls should be proud of their hard work this season. We finished our season in second place and are now competing against the St. Benedicts Family of School for a spot at Regionals. The coaches, are so proud of the girls and would like to thank them for always trying their best and never giving up. We are also so thankful to our scorekeepers and parents who come out each game to support and cheer on our team! Finally, a big thank you to the coaches, Ms. Monteiro and Mrs. Evans for all of their work and time with the team!
Dear Families,
It is that time of year when we will get an extra hour of sleep this weekend thanks to the seasonal end to daylight time. We hope that everyone enjoys that extra hour and all that we have been blessed with! In the spirit of fostering greater harmony and understanding in our school, our Student Leadership team is launching a special activity centered around the theme of peace and being peacemakers. Classes will be decorating our halls and classroom doors with symbols of peace. These drawings, quotes, and other messages will create a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the values of peace, kindness, and unity.
On November 8th we remember and pay tribute to the important contributions and the sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in service to Canada. On November 11th, we remember the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. We remember those we have lost and those whose lives were forever changed. We also hold their loved ones, families, and communities in our hearts. As a school community, we will gather on Friday, November 10th, and pause to give thanks and to remember. This celebration will also reminds us that we have been called to be peacemakers in our school, in our family, and in our community.
This week is Treaties Recognition Week. Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 and honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can create a greater understanding and nurture these relationships.
T’is the season to sell poinsettias! This week, students brought home order forms for poinsettias. Families are encouraged to sell poinsettias to family and friends to help support our school. Orders are Due November 15th for a delivery date of December 15th. All orders and cash must be done through School Cashonline. Paper order forms were sent home to help keep track of your orders.
Good news! Beginning on Monday, November 6th, contractors will be on-site to install a creative play structure, buddy bench, and outdoor fit stations. The playground will be installed by the outdoor classroom (between the church fence and portables). Four outdoor active fit stations will be installed behind the baseball fence and in the intermediate yard that will help promote cardio and strength training. Contractors will not be working while students are outside at recess. We are so excited to see the upgrades to our playground the fun it will bring!
On November 20th, Progress Reports will go home with students in Grades 1 to 8 and our Kindergarten students will receive a Communication of Learning: Initial Observations. The Progress Report and the Initial Observations for Kindergarten provide parents/guardians with an overview of initial observations of their child’s learning and early evidence of growth in learning related to the overall expectations of the curriculum. On November 23rd, in-person parent/teacher/student conferences will be held. More information about conferences and booking times will be shared next week.
Just a reminder that photo retake day is scheduled for November 17th. Once proofs are delivered to the school, we will be sending them home with your child. These proofs will have a unique access codes which will allow families to view photos and order pictures directly from the Pegasus website. No money or orders will be collected by the school.
SUNDAY MASSES Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Liturgy at 11am Mass our Children’s Liturgy program is offered at 11:00am Mass. At the beginning of Mass children will be invited to come forward to follow the leader downstairs to our Children’s Liturgy room. At the offertory, the children will return upstairs and sit as a group in the front pews for the remainder of Mass. (no registration required)
Is your child interested in becoming an altar server? Our parish is in need of more altar servers. It is an honour to serve at our Lord’s table during Holy Mass. Parents, please speak to your child about becoming an altar server. Grade 4 and older. Training provided.
Elementary Youth Group for Students in Grades 6-8 are invited to our weekly Elementary Youth Group every Thursday at 6:30pm in the church hall. To register your son/daughter to attend or would like to know more, please email Sarah Kwiecinski, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at youth@stambrosecambridge.ca
High School Youth Group will continue to meet at St. Ambrose Church Hall on these dates: (changed) MONDAYS – November 6 and 20, 2023; December 4 and 18th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. To join us, please register your son/daughter or if you would like to know more, please email Sarah Kwiecinski, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, at youth@stambrosecambridge.ca
Dear young women, those who identify as women, and their parents/guardians,
On behalf of Build a Dream and the WCDSB, we invite you to attend our FREE Waterloo Career Discovery Expo on the evening of Wednesday November 22, 2023, at Bingeman’s.
We will be highlighting opportunities in several careers to better assist young women in high school in making career choices. As a community, we recognize the critical role parents play in the development and education of their children, which is why we are providing this opportunity for parents to attend with their daughters and learn more about careers in the growing Sectors.
Our Career Discovery Expo events feature:
A main stage with theatre seating hosting impactful speakers and panel discussions. Exhibitor booths that showcase career opportunities with industry partners & Build a Dream’s corporate sponsors. Complimentary swag and food. Access to scholarships, educational tools & resources, door prizes, games and more!
When: Wednesday November 22, 2023
Time: 5-8 pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm, event kicks off at 6:00pm and ends at 8:00 pm)
Where: Bingeman’s Conference Centre, 425 Bingeman Centre Drive, Kitchener
Cost: FREE
PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND: https://www.webuildadream.com/event/dreambigwaterloo-career-discovery-expo/
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Mathew 5:9
Dear Families,
What a fun-filled week we had at SVdP with our annual pumpkin walk and Halloween Dance. Our students were able to showcase their creativity and artistic ability by designing some amazing pumpkins. A big thank you to all the families who supported this activity by donating pumpkins. THANK YOU! The Halloween fun continues next week with our Scavenger hunt that will be led by our Student Leadership Group.
As we enter into the month of November, the forecast looks like the weather will be changing. It is always a good idea to dress in layers and bring extra socks, hats, and mitts. Our field can get muddy at times and having extra clothes at school makes it easier as we can avoid calling home for a change of clothes. Having these items at school also helps keep everyone warm during outside play and learning. Please also remember to bring a water bottle and indoor running shoes.
Just a final reminder about Halloween. On Tuesday, October 31st, students are welcome to come in that day in their Halloween costumes to enjoy a fun-filled day of class activities! Students can also wear orange and black as an alternative. If students are wearing their costumes, please keep in mind the following:
Costumes must not:
It is suggested that students bring a change of clothes for the day so that if they are uncomfortable in their costumes, they can change.
Please remember that it is not necessary to send in treats for students as we have many students with food allergies. If you would like to send something with your child, non-food items such as stickers, pencils, glow bracelets, etc. are preferred to share or hand out to friends. If you were thinking of bringing food treats, they must be:
We do have multiple food allergies throughout the school, including but not limited to peanuts or tree nuts. This is why we cannot share homemade treats/cupcakes/cookies etc. Homemade treats cannot be passed out and will be sent back home. Thank you very much for your understanding as we strive to include all of our school community members in the fun and joy of the Halloween spirit!
In November, we take the time to remember and pray for those who have died. Students will be bringing home paper candles on Monday and families are invited to write the names of those that have died that you would like us to remember in our prayers. As your family colours the candle, think of these special people and say a little prayer for them. Cut out your candle and we will post your candle at the front of the school so that we can remember them too.
November’s Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation (OCGE) focus is on being a Communicator. Students will kick off this month’s theme at our celebration on November 6th and students will then engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.
Being an Effective Communicator means: I HAVE A VOICE!
Because I have a voice, I will use it lovingly, and I will live my life like Jesus.
Deep Learning Transferable Skill: Communication
Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need in order to thrive in the modern world. Based on international research, the Ontario Ministry of Education has defined seven important categories of transferable skills – sometimes referred to as “competencies” – that will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future.
During the month of November, as Catholics we will show transferable skills through communicating as the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in different ways, such as speaking, writing, and using media. Communication also involves listening to others, asking questions, and sharing opinions. Communication is important for learning, working together, and making friends.
We encourage you to support your child’s communication development at home by having conversations, reading books, watching videos, playing games, and exploring different media together.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership
Pegasus will be back at our school for retakes on November 17th. Pictures will be taken of those students who were absent or are in need of retakes.
Dear Families,
Today, our Grade 6 and 8 students have an opportunity to learn more about racism, intolerance, diversity, democracy, and human rights. The Tour for Humanity bus from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies is at SVdP today and our students will participate in this workshop. The bus tours schools in Ontario and Quebec, educating students by having them engage in activities and discussions about the Holocaust (part of the Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum).
