Hello Tiger Families,

This past week, many of our classes took advantage of the snow and took some of their learning and fun outside to enjoy!  Please make sure to see and follow us on our Twitter page (@svdptiger)  for some great pictures from this past week.  It looks like this week will continue to be cold and we may even get some more snow, so please continue to come to school dressed properly and with some extra socks and other clothes in case they get wet.  A special thanks to our  Student Leadership Group who on Bell Let’s Talk Day on Wednesday did a fantastic job spreading the message about the importance of listening and to keep talking to someone.  Tigers, we are here for you always!

This week we begin the month of February and we look forward to the many new activities, themes, and learning it will bring!

Black History Month

• Every day in our announcements,  a Black Canadian who has made a significant contribution to Canada’s history will be highlighted.
• On February 6th, we welcome Vicki Olatundun who will be speaking to our Grade 4 to 8 students. As a former criminal law attorney and a current Executive Director of a non-profit organization, she will be speaking to students about issues related to racism and discrimination in Canada.
• On February 7th, our CSAC along with St. Brigid’s CSAC will be hosting a parent session with Vicki Olatundun at SVdP.  Save the date!  Sign-up information and other details to follow!
• On February 10th, we welcome Roland Acheampong who will be speaking to our Grade 4 to 8 students.  Roland grew up in Toronto and will share his personal challenges as well as tools he used to persevere and succeed.
• On February 13th, we welcome De-Mario Knowles, an award-winning public speaker, poet, and activist who strives to IMPACT the world!
• On February 17th, we welcome back Dr. Asa, an obstetrician at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.  Our Early Years and Primary students will have the opportunity to once agian hear Dr. Asa’s message of love, hard work, and treating people simply as people.
• On February 22nd, we welcome back Vicki Olatundun who will be speaking to our staff about our role in facing issues of racism and equity with a renewed sense of purpose.

Congratulations to our Grade 2 Students!

This week is a very special week for our Grade 2 students as they celebrate and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This celebration will be this Tuesday, Janaury 31st  at 6:30 at St. Ambrose Church.  Many thanks to Father Gary Schlack for all of his help.  A special thanks to Ms. Purdy, Ms. Caprio, Ms. Monteiro, and Ms. Martin for all of their help as well!

EVERY Wednesday is TIGER Spirit Day!!

Tigers, we want to see your ROAR with your spirit wear.  Wear green, gold, black or your spirit wear every Wednesday!

Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 Now OPEN!

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child and for your family! Our school offers a full-day, 2-year Kindergarten program, designed to engage curious early learners through different kinds of play, that help children learn how to reason and problem-solve as they interact with one another.  Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program and children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program. Children currently enrolled in Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program do not need to register for Year 2. For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)  Registration will take place on February 7th and 8th.  Please call the office at 519-740-0678 to book an appointment.

Winter Walk Day is Coming Up!

Walking to and from school is great for the environment and it’s fun even in the winter. Winter Walk Day is a celebration for students, staff and parents to participate.  Bussed students can walk to their bus stop, out of bounds students can walk from a few blocks away, and online learners can walk at home.  Students can register on an individual basis for a chance to win a $20 Indigo gift card. For a chance to WIN, complete the Student Registration Form.

REGISTER TODAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

7 Grandfather Teachings: February is Honesty

This month, we will focus on the moral teaching of HONESTY.   The raven represents honesty. A raven accepts him/herself and knows how to their gifts. The raven does not seek power rather uses what they have been given to survive and thrive.

Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty.

We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others. We must give full value to both the efforts of our own and others. When we walk through life with integrity, it is then that we know honesty. Be truthful and trustworthy. We must also remember to accept and act on truths through straightforward and appropriate communication.  Many thanks to Ms. Schade, Ms. Savelli, Ms. Fink, and Mrs. Smith for leading us in this month’s moral teaching.

First Term Report Cards

Term one report cards will be sent home Friday, February 17th. These reports are the assessment and evidence of learning collected and documented from September until now.  Letter grades are given for students in grades 1-6 and percentage marks are given for students in grades 7-8. Teacher comments focus on your child’s strengths and next steps for learning improvement. Kindergarten students will also receive their term one Kindergarten Communication of Learning highlighting key learning and next steps in learning. If your child has an Individual Education Plan, the IEP will be sent home along with the term one report card. Although formal interviews occurred in November, please feel free to connect with your child’s teacher if you have concerns or questions about your child’s progress.

Good morning Tigers,

Please note that buses are cancelled, however schools are OPEN.   Since buses are cancelled today, LunchBox orders scheduled for today will be cancelled also.  Please ensure your child brings a lunch today if you have ordered Harvey’s. The office will call the vendor to advise that the delivery is cancelled that day.  The Lunchbox Support Team will process credits back to the family’s accounts for the cancelled lunch order(s).  Parents with lunch orders placed will be issued a full credit to their Lunchbox account within 3 business days. If a parent prefers a refund, they may contact Support to have the funds returned to their payment card.

If your child is ill or away today unrelated to bus cancellations–there will be no saving food for students.

Thanks everyone and be safe!

Dear Tigers,

We hope that our students enjoyed their extra day on Friday and we look forward to yet another busy and exciting week at SVdP!

Mental Health Anti-Stigma Week (Formerly Bell Let’s Talk Day)

This year Bell Let’s Talk Day is on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Bell Let’s Talk is a year-round initiative focused on increasing awareness and acceptance of mental health by engaging Canadians to take action to promote positive mental health and wellness.  From January 23 to 27th, SVdP will open up conversations about mental health to reduce stigma. Just as our pastoral plan intentionally connects and guides our faith journey with our lived experiences and allows our community to reflect and be responsive to our current needs, it is our hope that we can use our lived experiences and knowledge of mental health to awaken in us a greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of those struggling with their mental health while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.  Our Student Leadership Team will be having announcements and initiatives around the school to raise awareness and to promote ways we can improve our mental health and well-being, as well as understand and accept when others may be struggling with mental health.   On Wednesday, January 25th, (Bell Let’s Talk Day), Tigers let’s wear BLUE to help remind us to pay attention to our own mental health and to reach out to someone who may need a helping hand.

Don’t forget to wear BLUE on Wednesday, January 25th, Tigers!

WCDSB 2022-2025 Multi-year Strategic Plan

Our WCDSB 2022-2025 Strategic Plan has been released and it is #WCDSBAwesome!! Our 186-year tradition of being the Heart of the Community — providing Quality, Inclusive, Faith-Based education for all — continues! #WCDSBAwaken https://www.wcdsb.ca/mysp/. Please also see this video from our Director, Tyrone Dowling:  https://youtu.be/v8PRrC1Hhgw

Sacramental Preparation

Sacramental prep is underway!  Father Gary Schlack will be visiting our Grade 2 students  this week to help them prepare for their Sacrament of Reconciliation on January 31st.  Our Grade 7 students are also beginning their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Blessings to our students receiving these sacraments.

Parish News From St. Ambrose Church

Parent Meeting regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm At St. Ambrose Church Parents/guardians of students in grade 7 are asked to attend this meeting to receive information about Confirmation, and to register their child for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students are welcome to attend.

 Prayers for the Sick Weekly on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm in the Church. Please use the chapel entrance on South Street.

Athletic News

Our boys basketball and girls volleyball teams have been busy practicing and their regular seasons officially kicked off last week!  This week our boys will face Holy Spirit on Monday, January 23rd and Pere Rene (home game) on Wednesday January 25th.  Our girls will play Holy Spirit (home game) on Monday, January 23rd and on Wednesday they have an away game at St. Anne’s, Cambridge.  New this season is a pregame protocol which will be standard before all WCDSB elementary athletic events.  In an effort to ensure adequate supervision at home games, students are required to have a their own parent or guardian in attendance with them.  Parents/guardians cannot supervise other students.

Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 Now OPEN!

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child and for your family! Our school offers a full-day, 2-year Kindergarten program, designed to engage curious early learners through different kinds of play, that help children learn how to reason and problem-solve as they interact with one another.  Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program and children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program. Children currently enrolled in Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program do not need to register for Year 2. For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Winter Walk Day is February 1st!

Winter Walk Day is the first Wednesday of February every year, and it celebrates those students who walk during the winter months as Canadian-weather strong!  n the w Students are encouraged to dress for the weather, understand special winter walking tips, and join their peers in the walk to and from school.  All students can participate and register for a chance to win! Bussed students can walk to their bus stop. Students register for a chance to win 1 of 10 Indigo gift cards, and schools have a chance to win a bike rack.    For a chance to WIN, complete the Student Registration Form.

REGISTER TODAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

Attention Grade 7 Students!

Do you want to have an incredible International Experience with other students from around the Region? Would you like to learn Spanish, travel to Spain, and make new friends?  We are once again offering students who are currently in grade 7 the opportunity to be a part of the 2023-24 Grade 8 Spanish Exchange. If you would like to learn more, plan to come to one of our Information Sessions on February 1^st or 2nd. Please see the attached letters for more information

Ken’s intro letter with QR codes_

WCDSB 2023-24Gr 8 Spanish Exchange Parent Letter 2023-24

Tips For Staying Well

Getting enough sleep, eating well, and minimizing screen time, are good practices for our mental health. Below are some additional tips to help promote good mental health practices:

• Spend time doing something you enjoy. This activity can be on your own or with a group of people. It’s a moment for you to engage with healthy hobbies that make you happy.
• Take breaks. Take time out for yourself. Being busy can be good but being stressed all the time is not. Give yourself permission to rest and relax. Doing “nothing” is actually doing something. It’s helping you build your strength for the next challenge.
• Help others. When you take time to be kind to others, or get involved in something bigger than yourself, it can give your own mental health a boost. Small things that don’t take a lot of your own energy can sometimes make a huge difference to someone else. Say “hi” to someone new in the halls, invite someone to sit with you at lunch, hold the door open for someone, and see if it gives you a lift too.
• Notice the good things. It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives that happen in life. Instead, look for the positives each day, even in situations that might seem bad. Be grateful for the small things.
• Get sleep. We know school starts early and you may like staying up late, so you might not get enough sleep all the time. But aim to get 8 or more hours of sleep most nights. Here are some tips on how to improve your sleep.
• Try to increase your water intake – carry a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated through the day. Consider decreasing or discontinuing your caffeine intake – caffeine has been shown to create a stress reaction in your body and might cause you to feel nervous, irritable or restless.
• Fuel yourself well. As a student, you are under a lot of stress at times, be mindful of the types of foods you eat. Sometimes it helps to have a healthy snack nearby so you can refuel easily and avoid getting “hangry”.
• Try to limit screen time. Research has linked social media use with mental health issues – you’ve probably heard this before. Using social media can cause us to compare ourselves… we do this without noticing, so it can be hard to stop. Many smartphones let you set timers on apps to help you limit how much you use them. Here’s some more info about how social media impacts our wellness.
• Prioritize your healthy relationships. Find people in your life who help you to feel good. Notice how you feel after spending time with someone. Sometimes it’s helpful to create boundaries for ourselves and limit contact with people who bring us down or encourage unhealthy behaviour.
• Move! Physical activity is good for our mental health. It can be as simple as taking a walk. Even better, join an activity at school – it’s a great way to meet people who you can be active with.
• Try some mindfulness activities. Your teachers may have taught you some deep breathing exercises, or maybe you’ve joined a yoga class. What about meditation? Here’s some information on mindfulness for teens.
• Get curious. Learn more about your mental and physical health.   Recognize this is your life, and you can learn to improve your experience.

Dear Tiger Families,

It was so great to see our students and families this week.  Our students were glad to reconnect with not only their teachers but their friends and quickly settled into their routines and new learning.  We also had our Grandfather Teachings Assembly where our students learned more about the importance of showing LOVE for ourselves and for others.  Please see below for important updates and events that will be happening at our school this week and in the near future!

Attention Grade 7 Students!

Do you want to have an incredible International Experience with other students from around the Region? Would you like to learn Spanish, travel to Spain, and make new friends?  We are once again offering students who are currently in grade 7 the opportunity to be a part of the 2023-24 Grade 8 Spanish Exchange. If you would like to learn more, plan to come to one of our Information Sessions on February 1^st or 2nd. Please see the attached letters for more information

Ken’s intro letter with QR codes_

WCDSB 2023-24Gr 8 Spanish Exchange Parent Letter 2023-24

Catholic School Advisory Council Meeting – Jan. 17th

We will have Catholic School Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 pm in the Learning Commons.  All parents in our community are welcome to attend the meeting.  Please contact the office for more information and agenda.

PA Day: Friday, January 20th

Just a reminder that this Friday there will be no school for students.  The Extended Day Program will be running for those students registered in the program.

Parish News From St. Ambrose Church

Parent Meeting regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 7:00 pm At St. Ambrose Church.  Parents/guardians of students in grade 7 are asked to attend this meeting to receive information about Confirmation and to register their child for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students are welcome to attend.

Prayers for the Sick:  Weekly on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm in the Church. Please use the chapel entrance on South Street.

SUNDAY MASSES:  Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

EQAO FREE Parent Webinar

Register for this free live webinar and learn about EQAO assessment results and Ontario’s large-scale assessment program at the elementary school level. EQAO will review highlights from the 2021-22 assessment results. The session will also highlight how EQAO assessments in Primary (Grade 3) and Junior (Grade 6) have been modernized. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.  This webinar will be offered on the following dates:  January 17th, March 28th, and April 4th.  Register HERE

EQAO _ Parent Event _ Outreach

Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 Now OPEN!

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child and for your family! Our school offers a full-day, 2-year Kindergarten program, designed to engage curious early learners through different kinds of play, that help children learn how to reason and problem-solve as they interact with one another.  Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program and children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program. Children currently enrolled in Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program do not need to register for Year 2. For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Winter Walk Day is February 1st!

Winter Walk Day asks schools to encourage students to walk on February 1 to demonstrate that walking in the winter is possible, it’s fun, it’s good for the environment, and it’s great for physical and mental health. Students are encouraged to dress for the weather, understand special winter walking tips, and join their peers in the walk to and from school.  All students can participate and register for a chance to win! Bussed students can walk to their bus stop. Students register for a chance to win 1 of 10 Indigo gift cards, and schools have a chance to win a bike rack.    For a chance to WIN, complete the  Student Registration Form

Staying Warm While Having Fun 

As is often the case in Southern Ontario, the weather is very unpredictable. Please ensure that your children are dressed appropriately for the weather. As per our Board’s policy, when the temperature is between -20°C and -27°C students will not be outside longer than 15 minutes.  When temperatures are colder than -27°C, students remain inside.  Our students LOVE playing in the snow when we have it; you can help them enjoy it more by making sure they have extra clothing to stay warm including boots, snow pants, scarves, mittens, and hats. It would be helpful for students to keep an extra pair of dry mittens and socks in their backpacks as well.

Happy New Year Tigers!

We wish everyone a happy new year and hope that you all had a grace-filled holiday with your loved ones.  The staff at SVdP are excited to hit the ground running as we return tomorrow, Monday January 9th at 9:00 am. We would like to remind students who had brought home any personal belongings such as indoor shoes, extra clothes, and reusable water bottles to not forget to tuck them back inside your backpack for tomorrow.  A reminder that supervision begins at 8:45 AM.

Please Arrive on Time!

The New Year is often a time when we make new resolutions to do better.  As parents, please make a renewed effort to ensure that your children arrive at school on time. When pupils arrive late, they miss out on essential instructions given at the beginning of the lesson.  This can significantly reduce achievement, regardless of academic ability.  Teaching your children the importance of routines and commitment will help them to succeed in life!

Reminder Lunches and Snacks

Please be aware that we have several children in our school who live with a severe life-threatening food allergy to peanuts and nuts (anaphylaxis).  Please choose items carefully when sending lunches and snacks to school.  Please be extra vigilant to avoid sending treats that contain nuts or traces of nuts.   Peanut/nut substitutes such as Wowbutter or Sunbutter are not allowed at school either.  Thank you for your continued cooperation in ensuring the safety of our anaphylactic students

Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 Now OPEN!

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child and for your family! Our school offers a full-day, 2-year Kindergarten program, designed to engage curious early learners through different kinds of play, that help children learn how to reason and problem-solve as they interact with one another.  Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program and children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program. Children currently enrolled in Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program do not need to register for Year 2. For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Grandfather Teachings: January is LOVE

This month, our students will be learning more about the moral teaching of Love.  Love is at the heart of all things. Love includes daily interactions with the world and behaviours that contribute to a sense of peace.  Engaging in acts of kindness toward all beings is the beginning of a person’s self-development and it is the baseline for committing selfless acts to help others.  The teaching of love is found in all of the other teachings. It is the eagle who mirrors these lessons back to us. The eagle is strong enough to carry all of the teachings and flies high enough to see all of creation. When we live by these teachings and see ourselves as the eagle does, we are able to love who we are. And once we have found that balance within, we can provide love to our family and community. For this reason, the eagle feather is one of the most sacred items and must be earned.  Many thanks to Ms. Almeida, Mrs. Racco, Ms. Giosi, Ms. Camilo, and their classes for leading us in our assembly this Thursday, January 12th. 

School Spirit Days are Wednesdays!

Just a reminder that every Wednesday is spirit days where staff and students wear our school colours or spirit wear.  Wear green, yellow or black every Wednesday Tigers and let’s hear you ROAR!!

CSAC Meeting January 17th at 6:00 pm

Our next Catholic Schools Advisory Council Meeting is January 17th at 6:00 pm in our Learning Commons.  St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic School Advisory Council is a group of volunteer parents, guardians, community members, teachers, and administrators committed to making our school a great place to learn and grow! The council sees family involvement as one of its main priorities and is committed to welcoming parents into the Tiger community by increasing communication, removing barriers, and creating opportunities to get involved!  All parents are welcome to attend.  Meetings will be held in person in our Learning Commons.

Free Vision Screening for SK Students January 17, 2023

On Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, and volunteers from the local Lions Club and the Cowan Foundation will be offering a vision screening program for SK students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School.  A letter was sent home with your SK child before the Christmas break and can also be viewed HERE.   If you would like to opt-out of having your SK child’s vision screened, please submit an opt-out form by January 16th at: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/visionoptout.