Dear Tiger Families,

As we begin the month of October next week, great things continue to happen at SVDP!  This past week was a busy one at school where we celebrated St. Vincent de Paul, our patron saint’s,  Feast day.  We were reminded to bring God’s love and compassion to all in need of God’s love.   As a school community, we also recognized National Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day to honor and reflect on the history of residential schools and the survivors who live on today.  We, as a school, are committed to continuing these conversations to uncover truths and learn more about acceptance, forgiveness, and compassion for all.

Monday, October 2: National Custodial and Maintenance Workers Recognition Day. 

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to  Mr. Medeiros, Ms. Saunders, and Mr. Gloade for their hard work and daily commitment that they share within our SVdP school community every day!  We can’t thank our custodial staff enough for their hard work, their dedication to the job, and their continued role in the safety of all.   We would also like to thank the many board maintenance workers that work hard in all our schools, to keep things running smoothly.  Many times, their work is done in the early hours of the morning or the late hours of the evenings, and recognize today, your important contributions to the success of our schools and our students.  THANK YOU!!

Thursday, October 5: World Teacher’s Day

On Thursday, we say a huge THANK YOU to all of the teachers on “World Teacher Day”.  On this day, we want to let all the teachers know that we recognize the sacrifices that they make in their personal time and family time for our students.  We recognize the dedication that they demonstrate to their craft, inspiring students to understand an ever-changing curriculum and pushing them to learn more.  We recognize the genuine love they demonstrate for our students, as they take care of all their needs – spiritual, emotional, and social.  On Thursday we recognize TEACHERS and the impact that they have on our world.  Keep changing the world!

October’s Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations and Deep Learning Skill

October’s Deep Learning Skill is Digital Literacy.  By focusing on the Ontario Catholic Graduation Expectations of being a Responsible Citizen and Effective Communicator, our students will learn how to communicate with others as Jesus would want them to.  They will also show their commitment to be peacemakers in a digital world and to stand up for what is right.   Students will join together in a celebration on Thursday afternoon 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.

Thank you for your unwavering support in creating a digitally literate learning environment for our diverse community in the month of October.

Nutrition For Learning: Volunteers NEEDED!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

In order to run our Nutrition for Learning Program, we are in need of parent volunteers.  Volunteers would work from approximately 8:45 am to 9:45 am, one to five days a week, running the snack table upstairs in the hallway for our students.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the school at 519-740-0678.

Every Wednesday is School Spirit Day!

Tigers, don’t forget to wear your SVdP spirit wear or black, green and gold every Wednesday!

Our Grade 8s Are Off to Camp Brebeuf!

For over thirty years, a Residential Retreat has been an important faith experience for the grade 8 students in our School Board.  This experience offers a wide variety of community-building, fun, and faith-based opportunities for our students.  This week, our ‘GREAT 8’s” will be participating in this retreat from Tuesday, October 3rd to Thursday, October 5th.   Enjoy your retreat and may God continue to guide and bless you always!  Thank you to Ms. Ianni, Ms. Leandres, Mr. Gouveia, Monsieur Hutfluss, and Ms. Maw for their support of our students during this retreat.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!

​October is Cyber Security Awareness month and you can be a Cyberhero! Throughout the month of October, we will learn more about digital wellness, cyber scams, and best practices for social media.

Professional Activity Day: Friday, October 6th

Just a reminder that this Friday, there is no school for students as it is a Professional Activity Day.  Here is a link to our Board’s school calendar.  The link also provides an outline of the professional development and training staff will be engaged in.   https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/school-year-calendar/

Let us do our duty well; let us go straight to God; let us work to become very humble, very patient, and very charitable. 

St. Vincent de Paul 

 

Dear Tiger Families,

Many thanks to our families who came out this past Tuesday to meet our staff.  It was so great to see so many of our families.   Thank you so much Tiger families for bringing such positive energy and fantastic spirit to our school!  Below are a few updates and reminders for this week:

Class Changes and Placements

As a follow-up to last week’s communication, we have been directed by the Board to create a new Grade 4 class which means that we were able to eliminate a Grade 3/4 split and reduce the size of some of our Primary and Junior classes.  Today, students and families affected by this reconfiguration were notified.  Students affected by this change will begin their new class on Wednesday, September 27th.  All of the changes/class moves have been made with the student’s social and academic needs in mind and in consultation with our Special Education teachers and previous classroom teachers. While we understand that change can be difficult, we know that smaller class sizes will better meet the needs of our students.     Please know that we will continue to support our students to help ease this transition and we thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

St. Vincent de Paul Feast Day!

On Wednesday, September 27th,  we celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul.   St. Vincent de Paul was a priest of the Catholic Church who dedicated himself to serving the poor and he was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity.  He is also known as the “Great Apostle of Charity”.  In honor of his feast day, we will be having a school-wide liturgy in the gym at 9:30 am.  Families are invited to join us!   Father Gary Schlack will be celebrating with us.  As a way to mark our special feast day, we are also asking students, staff and families to wear their spirit wear or green, black, and yellow.  

Truth and Reconciliation Week: Remembering the Children

September 25- 30th is “Truth and Reconciliation Week where schools across Canada will be engaging in age-appropriate educational activities to raise awareness of the residential school system and how its legacy affected Indigenous Peoples and shaped the country we live in today. Truth and Reconciliation Week was launched by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and will culminate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) on September 30th It serves as an annual time to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools.  The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt. It was never returned. To Phyllis, the colour orange has always reminded her of her experiences at a residential school. This day is an acknowledgment of Canada’s past and time to hold hope for a future where Every Child Matters.

At school, we will continue to pass along the message that on September 30th — and every day —every child matters.  Since September 30th is a Saturday, we will be wearing orange on Friday, September 29th.  As a school, we look forward to engaging our students in meaningful reconciliation and learning about Canada’s history of colonization, thinking creatively about the future, and continuing to provide them with opportunities to make a difference.

Good luck to our Junior Co-ed Soccer Team

Our Junior Soccer team will be heading to Riverside to compete in a half-day tournament on Tuesday, September 26th.  Good luck Tigers and have fun!  Many thanks to our coaches Mrs. Racco and Monsieur Hutfluss for their work and time in preparing our students!

Rowan’s Law Day

Wednesday, September 27th is Rowan’s Law Day where we will continue to educate and raise awareness  about concussions. Have you ever bumped your head or body? We likely all have! In sports and active games, there can be risks involved. Rowan’s Law was passed in Ontario in honour of Rowan Stringer.  All schools in Ontario must have rules in place to support awareness and help coaches, teachers, and parents know when a child has suffered a suspected concussion. It also lets the child know that they should immediately stop participating in physical activities . #HitStopSit

Food Drive:  Last week to Bring in Items!

This is the final week for our Thanksgiving Food Drive! We are once again asking for your support with regard to this food drive.  Here are a list of items that are in need:

• canned tuna, salmon, sardines
• canned meat (ham, turkey, chicken and luncheon meat)
• pasta (macaroni & cheese, spaghetti, Mr. Noodles, and sidekicks)
• pasta sauce
• rice
• cans of beans in sauce
• jam, honey, and peanut butter
• pancake mix & pancake syrup
• fruit juices such as apple & tomato
• cranberry sauce
• Hamburger Helper
• cereal-especially Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes
• shampoo, hand soap & toothpaste.

***Please be advised that the Food Bank cannot accept expired food***

If you are able to assist in this worthy cause, please send your item(s) to school with your child by Friday, September 29th, 2023.

Thank you,
The Student Leadership Team

Nutrition For Learning: Volunteers NEEDED!

Once again, our school has partnered with Nutrition for Learning, a registered charitable organization, to provide our students with a nutritious breakfast 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! The items available they may be offered are:

• Mott’s/No Name unsweetened applesauce
• Melba Toast (Grissol Brand)
• Granola bars (usually they are the apple Our Compliments bars)
• Cheerios Multi-Grain baggies of Cheerios
• Baby carrots
• Apples or clementines
• Yogurt Tubes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Rice Chex
• Cheese Strings
• Breton’s Veggie Bites crackers

If your child has medical dietary restrictions, please talk with your child about what they can and cannot take, and let your child’s teacher know.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  In order to run this program, we are in need of parent volunteers.  Volunteers would work from approximately 8:45 am to 9:45 am, one to five days a week, running the snack table upstairs in the hallway for our students.  If you are interested in volunteering, please  or call the school at 519-740-0678.

St. Ambrose Parish News

The St. Ambrose Parish Elementary Youth Group for children in grades 6 to 8 meets every Thursday from 6:30pm – 8pm in the church hall. Come to grow in faith, make new friendships, and have fun! If your child is new to the group, please arrive a few minutes early to complete a registration form. We hope to see you there!

St. Ambrose Parish High School Youth Group
High School age students are welcome – Tuesday, Sept 12 and 26, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in our Church Hall.   If you have questions, please contact Sarah at 519.621.2013 or youth@stambrosecambridge.ca

Dear Tiger Families,

What a wonderful week we had again!  We had our first whole school assembly this week where we were able to come together as a whole school community and end in a school-wide dance to “ROAR”.   The energy and school spirit felt in the gym was awesome!  We are blessed to live, love, and learn together at St. Vincent de Paul!

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations and Deep Learning Monthly Themes

At St. Vincent de Paul School and in all Catholic schools, we strive to provide a faith-filled, holistic, student and Christ-centred education from kindergarten through grade 8.   We help develop students who are responsive, adaptive, and inquisitive in order to respond to a world that is fast-paced, continuously evolving, and often unpredictable while also caring for their spiritual development, equipping them to be discerning believers open to God’s will for their lives.  This year, our students will learn more about the Ontario Catholic Graduate expectations and how they relate to the Transferable Skills mandated by the Ministry of Education.   Below are the themes that our students will be learning more about this year both within and outside of their classrooms.

September: Collaboration

We are thrilled to introduce September’s Deep Learning Skill: Collaboration. Our students will engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing this Transferable Skill throughout the month. To kick-start this exciting journey, we will hold an assembly to familiarize everyone with the concept of collaboration.

Collaboration involves building positive and respectful relationships, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. Students will have opportunities to assume different roles within their groups while respecting and valuing everyone’s ideas and opinions. They will also learn to resolve conflicts in appropriate ways. Additionally, they will explore how to connect with different groups using various technologies, expanding their collaborative experiences in both physical and virtual settings.

Thank you for your unwavering support in creating a collaborative learning environment for our diverse community.

Class Re-organization

This year, we have had some growth in our student population.  As noted in previous communications, class placements are tentative in September.  Staffing and classroom changes are directed by the Board office and this process occurs during the first two weeks of school.  We have been notified that a class will be added to our school however we are still waiting to finalize staffing and when the changes will take effect.  The process of creating class placements is more complicated than it may appear. The Ministry of Education sets class size compliance thresholds and we meet those by first looking at school-level compliance and then at Board level compliance. The School Board reports to the Ministry on Board level compliance.  For the WCDSB to be in compliance, we will have to redistribute numbers within some of our classes.  The good news is that the addition of a classroom and redistribution do mean smaller class sizes in most of our classrooms.

Our staff is working diligently to reconfigure our class placements.  Our hope is that students will be informed of their new class and teacher next week and that students will begin their new class as soon as staffing is confirmed.   We thank you in advance for your understanding and will communicate to families as soon as we can confirm the opening of the new class.

Catholic Schools Advisory Council (CSAC):  We Need YOU!

St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic School Advisory Council (formerly School 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! Meetings are from 6:00pm – 7:00pm on Tuesdays of the meeting month.  The initial meeting of the 2023/2024 council has been rescheduled to this Wednesday, September 20th. If you would like to be a regularly participating member of the advisory council please complete the CSAC Member Form found on School Cash Online or contact the school for  more information.

Supervision

Supervision begins at 8:45 am. For the safety of your children we request that your child NOT be on school property until a supervisor is on duty. For safety, please ensure that your children leave home with ample time to ensure that they are in the schoolyard when the bell rings. Encourage your children to use appropriate crosswalks and walkways. Establish routines at home that will assist your child to arrive on time. For safety reasons, students only on the playground, please. If your child arrives late, they are asked to report to the office to check in. Thank you for your support!

Meet the Staff Night on Tuesday, September 19th!!

Come meet the staff this Tuesday, September 19th!  Thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council who has organized food trucks to be at the school for any families who would like to purchase an easy dinner.  We will have S.W.A.T. Truck, Fo’Cheezy, and Beavertails on site starting at 5:30 pm.  Cash, debit, and credit will be accepted.  Classrooms will be open for families to meet their child’s teacher from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  What a great way to not only meet your child’s teacher but also new families and friends!  See you there!

Intermediate Girls and Boys 3-Pitch Tournament

Good luck to our Intermediate boys and girls’ 3-pitch teams who will be participating in a one-day tournament on Tuesday, September 19th!  Many thanks to our amazing coaches, Ms. Schade, Ms. Huisman, Ms. Martin, Ms. Hertner, and Ms. Green for all of their help in preparing our athletes

Start-Up Forms and Student Verification Forms

If you have not already completed the start-up forms on School Cash Online, please do so today!  Also, please ensure that you carefully review the Student Verification Form (paper copy sent home).  Families/guardians are asked to verify and, if applicable, make changes to the information that the school has on file, such as updating medical information, etc.  Please return this form to school so that we can update our files.

Plans of Care

Please ensure you have returned the necessary forms for any Plans of Care (anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc.) to the office along with any medication needed so we can update our files.  Please be aware that our school strives to be a NUT FREE environment. We have students with life-threatening allergies to nuts and other allergens. No peanut butter or other nut products are allowed. Please check labels before sending items in school lunches and for snacks. Even a trace of nut oil from one child’s fingers to a desk surface can cause a deadly reaction. Please note that Wow Butter (soy product) is not allowed as well since we cannot distinguish between it and peanut butter. If your child’s medical needs change over the course of the school year, please inform the office.

Emergency Protocols

As is typical to the start of the school year, staff have reviewed safety protocols with our students to ensure their safety in the event of an emergency. We have practiced fire drills and will also practice lock down, tornado, and bomb threat drills. While we emphasize to our students that these are practices, it important that they take them seriously as a necessary precaution. As per WCDSB policies & procedures, we are required to hold 3 fire drills, 1 lock down drill, 1 tornado drill, and 1 bomb threat drill each term.  We have already completed two fire drills and our students were amazing and followed exited the school in a quick and orderly manner.  Way to go Tigers!!

Girls Robotics Workshop (Grades 6 to 8)

Google and FIRST Canada are looking for participation from WCDSB in their girls’ coding/robotics event at the Google Head Office in Waterloo.  The two days will consist of:

• Ignite Her Creativity: Build and Program Robots•
• Inspirational Stories: Women @ Google Share Their Journeys
•  Speed Networking: Connect with Google Experts

Interested students can register now at: firstroboticscanada.org/girlsroboticsworkshop

International & Indigenous Languages Program

Attention!  Parents and WCDSB school communities!!  Children JK- Grade 8 can still register for 1 of 20 teacher-led, year-round language programs offered FREE.

Programs are offered on Saturday mornings and an additional Chinese program offered on Monday evenings. All instructors are proficient in that language and are WCDSB employees. These fun, engaging, academic language programs support personal growth, cultural identity and offer a chance for children to meet new friends.  

Teacher Meet and Greet: Saturday, September 23rd

First Class: Saturday, September 30th

Many languages have waiting lists and others have space available. Check out the online registration form and St. Louis website for details. We are also seeking language instructors.  All qualified applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Registration Form – LINK

Deadline: end of September or while space remains available

** additional languages will be considered for Elementary programs if 23 or more students enroll

Hello Tiger Families,

What a terrific first week back to school we had!  It was so wonderful to see everyone back and to welcome our new staff and students to our fantastic school community!  Thank you to our parents and staff who worked so hard to make this week such a success.  Our students are settling in quite nicely to the routines of school, full of smiles, energy, and excitement.  Tigers, let us remember this year to be brave, take chances, and say yes to new experiences so that amazing things can happen!!

Meet the Staff Night on Tuesday, September 19th!!

Come meet the staff on Tuesday, September 19th!  Thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council who has organized food trucks to be at the school for any families who would like to purchase an easy dinner.  We will have S.W.A.T. Truck, Fo’Cheezy, and Beavertails on site starting at 5:30 pm.  Cash, debit, and credit will be accepted.  Classrooms will be open for families to meet their child’s teacher from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  What a great way to not only meet your child’s teacher but also new families and friends!  See you there!

School Cash Online Start-Up Forms!

There are many mandatory school start-up forms posted in School Cash Online for you to complete for EACH child.  Thank you to all families who have already completed the forms online.  Just a reminder that these forms must be completed by  Friday, September 15th!  If you are NOT registered for School Cash Online please sign up:  School-Cash-Online-Register-Login-Instructions

Girls Robotics Workshop

Please see the link below for more information on a robotics workshop for girls in Grades 6 to 8.

firstroboticscanada.org/girlsroboticsworkshop

No Nuts Please!

Just a reminder that St. Vincent de Paul is a nut-free school. We have students who suffer from a life-threatening allergy to all peanuts and tree nuts, which causes a condition known as anaphylaxis. We ask for your cooperation in helping to keep these children safe by not sending your child to school with any food containing peanut products or traces of peanuts or peanut substitutes.   Students who have severe allergies to such food substances are open to serious health risks when exposed to these substances in their environment or if it is shared with them.  Peanut butter substitutes are not permitted as staff are not qualified to decide what is (or isn’t) real peanut butter. We appreciate your support and understanding of this potentially fatal allergy.

Tiger Spirit Days Are Back:

Tigers, let’s hear you roar every Wednesday by wearing your SVDP spirit wear or green, gold, or black!  Go TIGERS!!!!

Catholic Schools Advisory Council (CSAC):  We Need YOU!

St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic School Advisory Council (formerly School 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! Meetings are from 6:00pm – 7:00pm on Tuesdays of the meeting month.  The initial meeting of the 2022/2023 council will be held on Thursday, September 14th. If you would like to be a regularly participating member of the advisory council please complete the CSAC Member Form found on School Cash Online.

Staffing Updates

As you might be aware, there has been a challenge in staffing across the province, the WCDSB, and currently at St. Vincent de Paul.  We have teachers in all classrooms as well as French teachers for all classrooms.  However, our Grade 3/4 class is temporarily being staffed by Mr. Pellegrino, a Junior Music Teacher with the WCDSB.  Mr. Pellegrino and the Intermediate Music Itinerant Teacher (one day a week/one period) have been reassigned to classrooms.

Please know that experiencing unfilled jobs is a province-wide situation, and all boards are working on measures to support this.  Our Human Resources Department is working to rectify these situations and looking to find qualified candidates.  We appreciate your patience and support with the unknown staffing situation.

Food Drive:  September 11-29th.

The fall weather is almost upon us. This means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. Each year, St. Vincent de Paul participates in an annual Food Drive on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ambrose Parish.  Last year, with your assistance, they were able to help many families in our community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

We are once again asking for your support with regard to this food drive.  Here are a list of items that are in need:

• canned tuna, salmon, sardines
• canned meat (ham, turkey, chicken and luncheon meat)
• pasta (macaroni & cheese, spaghetti, Mr. Noodles, and sidekicks)
• pasta sauce
• rice
• cans of beans in sauce
• jam, honey, and peanut butter
• pancake mix & pancake syrup
• fruit juices such as apple & tomato
• cranberry sauce
• Hamburger Helper
• cereal-especially Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes
• shampoo, hand soap & toothpaste.

***Please be advised that the Food Bank cannot accept expired food***

If you are able to assist in this worthy cause, please send your item(s) to school with your child by Friday, September 29th, 2023.
Thank you,
The Student Leadership Team

Dear Families,

We are once again offering optional hot lunches for families to purchase.  In order to place an order, families are asked to go through their School Cash Online accounts.  Please see the guide below for complete instructions on how to order optional hot lunches.

How-to-Order-Guide (1)

If you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to reach out.

Welcome back Tigers!!

“What do chances become?  New friendships, exciting opportunities, and daring discoveries.  Chances are invitations to grand adventures, tickets to unforgettable experiences and doors to whole new worlds.  Chances help you see who you are, what you want, and where you want to go.  So….what will you do with your chance?  Now that’s up to you….”

Below is some information that you may find helpful to start off the new school year.  As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  Thanks so much and enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Tigers, see you on Tuesday!  It is going to be a great year!!

Lunchbox Orders

This year, we will once again families will be able to purchase hot lunches for their child/children.  This is an optional program.  Families will be able to order lunches through SchoolCash online.  Please click HERE to see the How to Order Guide which provides detailed ordering information and instructions.  Lunchbox Orders will commence week of September 18th.

Coming Soon!! Playground Enhancements

Last year, our school community fundraised for playground equipment in both the Kindergarten and Grade 1 to 8 playgrounds.   Unfortunately, we were hoping to have this work completed by September but it has been delayed.  Kindergarten work will continue to occur in September.  An outdoor playground structure will be added next to the outdoor classroom and an outdoor circuit will be installed in the Junior/Intermediate zones.  We look forward to the installation of this outdoor equipment soon!

Enjoy the long weekend and looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, September 5th!