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.

Halloween Fun!

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:

• In our Catholic education community, we want to promote respect, inclusion, and empathy for all individuals.
• Costumes must allow the student easy, independent access to the washroom. This is especially important for students from Kindergarten to grade 2.
• Costumes must allow the student to wear sufficiently warm clothing over or under the costume as weather/temperature dictates for outdoor recess.

Costumes must not:

• Impair vision.  Masks that cover the eyes are not permitted.
• Present a trip hazard to the wearer.  You must be able to sit, walk, and move comfortably for the day
• Represent disfiguring injury or, to put it bluntly, “blood and guts” as we have younger students who may be afraid
• Include weapons or replica weapons;
• Require staff to apply or remove costume pieces and/or make-up

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:

• • store-bought
  • labeled with the ingredient list
  • labeled as peanut/nut-free
  • individually wrapped

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 Remember

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.  

During the Month of November:

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!

• I speak, write, and listen as Jesus would want me to
• I care about others and speak up for them
• I am honest
• I think carefully before I react or speak
• I respect all people and their languages
• I listen to the Word of God

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

Photo Retake Day: November 17th!

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).

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

                                                                                                            ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Dear Families,

Our students showed up with their smiles today for photo day!  Families can expect a proof sheet with an online code to view the student’s images with lots of additional online ordering choices. Proofs should arrive at the school in about two weeks.  There will be a photo retake day soon!

Halloween Fun!

Our Student Leadership Team is planning some fun activities for our school starting next week.  Students will be engaged in Scavenger Hunt, Trivia, and a dance!  On Friday, October 27th our gym will be transformed into a spooktacular pumpkin walk!  Students will be invited to the gym at a set time and will be able to vote for their favorite pumpkin based on different categories.  Many thanks to our families who have donated pumpkins for this activity.  Students are encouraged to wear black and orange on Friday!

On Tuesday, October 31st,  students are welcome to come in that day in their Halloween costumes to enjoy a fun-filled day of dancing and class activities!  You may also want to wear orange and black as an alternative.   As families begin to plan or create their costumes, please keep in mind the following:

• In our Catholic education community, we want to promote respect, inclusion, and empathy for all individuals.
• Costumes must allow the student easy, independent access to the washroom. This is especially important for students from Kindergarten to grade 2.
• Costumes must allow the student to wear sufficiently warm clothing over or under the costume as weather/temperature dictates for outdoor recess.

Costumes must not:

• Impair vision.  Masks that cover the eyes are not permitted.
• Present a trip hazard to the wearer.  You must be able to sit, walk, and move comfortably for the day
• Represent disfiguring injury or, to put it bluntly, “blood and guts” as we have younger students who may be afraid
• Include weapons or replica weapons;
• Require staff to apply or remove costume pieces and/or make-up

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:

• • store-bought
  • labeled with the ingredient list
  • labeled as peanut/nut-free
  • individually wrapped

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!

EQAO

EQAO conducts province-wide standardized testing at key points in every student’s primary, junior, and secondary education. The tests measure student performance in reading, writing, and mathematics based on the expectations outlined in the Ontario Curriculum.  EQAO Assessments provide measurement and insights on how well students have met the provincial expectations in reading, writing, and mathematics, and covers the knowledge and skills that students are expected to have acquired by the end of Grade 3 and Grade 6.    It also provides insights to educators to support school improvement planning and student learning.   School results are available online by visiting the EQAO website (St. Vincent de Paul EQAO)

Individual Student Reports for students who completed the Grade 3 and Grade 6 EQAO assessments last school year were sent home last week.

EQAO tests do not assess the whole child or the whole curriculum, therefore, results from EQAO testing provide only one indicator of student learning, which measures student achievement in relation to the common provincial standard. We know that student success and well-being are based on a variety of factors, and we consider a wide range of data, including EQAO assessment data, to identify student strengths and target areas where attention and resources are needed.

Math At Home

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by discussing their learning at school. Families can support their child’s success by finding ways to make a connection between what is being learned at school and outside the classroom.  Playing math games are a fun and easy way to build math skills and practice math anytime!  Here are some sites and activities that you can do at home:

Kindergarten and Grade 2

Grades 3 and up

Did you know that TVO mPower has over 65 ad-free online math games for K-6?  Explore themes like adventure, animals, arts and crafts and more!  Visit https://mpower.tvo.org/#/signup/   

TVO Learn Mathify – Free Online Tutoring Gr. 4-12 – Math Support. TVO Learn Mathify provides FREE online math help for Ontario students in Grades 4-12. Students/families can use the link to access the math support: https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/

Please also visit tvolearn for more information and tips on how to support your child!

News from St. Ambrose Parish

Elementary Youth Group for Students in Grades 6-8
Students in Grades 6 to 8 are invited to our weekly Elementary Youth Group on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the church hall.

We have the following volunteer opportunities:
Elementary Youth Group – EVERY Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm to help with activities for the children
Please contact co-ordinator by Sarah, our Parish Youth Minister. Volunteers will be required to complete the volunteer screening process, as well as provide a police record check with vulnerable sector screening.  If you are interested, please contact the parish office or email Sarah at youth@stambrosecambridge.ca

Children’s Liturgy  at  11:00 am 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)

Dear Tiger Families,

This past week was a wonderful opportunity for our students to get outdoors, increase their physical activity, and support cancer research by participating in the Terry Fox Walk. Our students were inspired by Terry’s story and were doing their part to keep Terry’s dream alive!  It was so great to see our students, all dressed in blue and red (Terry’s favorite colors) walk through our neighborhood.  Many thanks to our families who so generously supported our school’s walk.    As a school, we set a goal of raising $1500.00.  We surpassed our goal and raised a total of $2 263.00!!  THANK YOU so much Tigers!

Catholic Schools Advisory Council Meeting Wednesday, October 18 at 6:00 pm

All parents are welcome to see what our Catholic Schools Advisory Council do for SVdP!  We will be meeting in the Learning Commons at 6:00 pm.

Ring Road and Front of School Parking

Just a reminder that the front ring road remains closed from 8:40 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 2:20 to 3:45 p.m.  Parents are not permitted to use the ring road during these times so that our buses can safely enter our school for drop off and pick up.  The staff parking lot is also closed as these parking spots are reserved for staff only.  The front of our school is a no parking zone as well and parents who park there do run the risk of being ticketed.

Please drive slowly and carefully at all times while on the school premises, in the church parking lot, and near our school.  Please also ensure a constant lookout for children. Please respect the designated accessible parking spots and do not use them unless you are authorized to do so. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and collective commitment to keeping our students, and your children, safe.

The staff and students of our school would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our Early Childhood Educators today on Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day.  It is often said, “It takes a big heart to work with a small child.”  We are so thankful for your efforts with our youngest learners.  Our students in Year 1 and Year 2 Kindergarten learn and grow so much, thanks to your efforts with them, day in and day out.  Your endless patience, kindness, and enthusiasm with our youngest learners help to create an environment that they want to be in, that their parents trust, and that builds the foundation for a wonderful educational experience for years to come.  Everyone here at SVdP would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you!   At SVdP, we have 6 ECEs who work within the Extended Day and Kindergarten programs. A special shout-out to Ms. Dianna Brown, Ms. Nicole Buck, Ms. Chantel Fontes,  Ms. Jen Sousa, Ms. Briana Melo, and Ms. Donaldson for all they do!  A big thank you to Ms. Rula Hawli-Nakazi, our ECE assistant as well!  We also share our building with the YMCA of Three Rivers and appreciate the work they do as Early Childhood Educators with our greater community too.

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is Wednesday, October 18th!

On any given school day, thousands of students and families count on school bus drivers to provide a safe ride to and from school.  The bus drivers at SVdP are an important part of our school community and we appreciate their hard work and dedication to health and safety as they transport our students. Our drivers are sometimes the first smiling adult a child sees each morning and the last before they get home.  They always brave the weather to get our kids safely where they need to be while being a shining example for students!  You are truly superheroes and today we want to say THANK YOU!

School Photo Day is Friday, October 20th!

On Friday, October 2oth, all students will have their individual photos taken.  Class composites will also be taken.  We will once again be using a company called Pegasus.   Paper flyers will not be sent home as families do not have to “prepay’ for their photos.  No money is collected on photo day and parents will have their own unique access code and will be able to view a proof online and order directly online from the website.

Friday, October 20, 2023, is Canadian Library Workers’ Day

This week we also say a huge THANK YOU to all our Librarians and Librarian Technicians today on “Canadian Library Workers’ Day”.  From cataloging so many books, story time with classes, and supporting schools with technology and other resources, we say thank you to all of you. You are always ready to lend a helping hand. You all play valuable roles in our schools.  Thank you Ms. Hart!  We hope you enjoy your day!

Halloween and Pumpkin Walk

On October 27th our gym will be transformed into a spooktacular pumpkin walk!  Students will be invited to the gym at a set time and will be able to vote for their favorite pumpkin based on different categories.   Prizes will be awarded by division!

On Tuesday, October 31st,  students are welcome to come in that day in their Halloween costumes to enjoy a fun-filled day of dancing and class activities!  You may also want to wear orange and black as an alternative.   As families begin to plan or create their costumes, please keep in mind the following:

• In our Catholic education community, we want to promote respect, inclusion, and empathy for all individuals.
• Costumes must allow the student easy, independent access to the washroom. This is especially important for students from Kindergarten to grade 2.
• Costumes must allow the student to wear sufficiently warm clothing over or under the costume as weather/temperature dictates for outdoor recess.

Costumes must not:

• Impair vision.  Masks that cover the eyes are not permitted.
• Present a trip hazard to the wearer.  You must be able to sit, walk, and move comfortably for the day
• Represent disfiguring injury or, to put it bluntly, “blood and guts” as we have younger students who may be afraid
• Include weapons or replica weapons;
• Require staff to apply or remove costume pieces and/or make-up

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:

• • store-bought
  • labeled with the ingredient list
  • labeled as peanut/nut-free
  • individually wrapped

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!

“Free to Attend” – Level UP! Career Fair in the Skilled Trades for Parents and Guardians

Introducing Level Up!, the Ontario-wide, multi-day career fair events that bring together the best in skilled trades professionals. Your child might not realize a career in the skilled trades is a great option for them to consider. This is your chance to help them explore the possibilities. Learn why the skilled trades are an ideal career for young people who are hard-working, hands-on, passionate, and committed to positively impacting society.

On the first day of each fair, parents and guardians are encouraged to attend an intimate evening event, which will include insights from and discussion with skilled trades and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) representatives, as well as the opportunity to experience hands-on exhibits for yourselves. Enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences. Learn what’s next in the skilled trades. Speak to industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more.

WHAT: Parents and guardians are invited to learn more about what their children experience at the career fairs and speak directly with experts and industry representatives.

TIMES:  6:30-8:30 PM. A panel discussion and Q&A will take place from 6:45-7:30 PM, and then again from 7:45-8:30 PM.

DATES:

• Level Up in Hamilton on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18
• Level Up in London on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2
• Level Up in Mississauga on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16

WHY: Understand what career paths may be available to your child and answer any questions you might have about a future in the skilled trades.

HOW: These evening events are open houses, so no pre-registration is required.

Evening events directed to parents and guardians at places close to the Waterloo region in London, Mississauga and Hamiton. Choose one!

Visit https://levelupontario.ca/

“Let our lives be full with both thanks and giving.”

Dear Tiger Families,

On this Thanksgiving weekend, the staff of St. Vincent de Paul wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful weekend.  Thanksgiving is a special time as it offers us a chance to gather with family and friends and express our gratitude.  We are grateful for our students who bring such a wonderful vibrancy to our school community.  We are thankful for their curiosity, their diverse perspectives, their school spirit, and the way they volunteer to help others.  We are grateful for our families who continually support us and work with us to ensure each child’s success.  We could not do this without you and we are thankful for the countless ways that you help us.  We are grateful for the staff of St. Vincent de Paul whose commitment to inspiring our students to create, explore, question, discover, and share their God-given gifts is remarkable!  We are also thankful for Father Gary Schlack, Sarah Kwiecinski, and the rest of the staff at St. Ambrose Church who also support us on our journey.   We are certainly grateful to each and every one of you!  We hope you enjoy this special time.  See you on Tuesday, October 10th!

Terry Fox Walk/Run: October 12th!

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School is proud to be participating in the 2023 Terry Fox School Walk/Run on Thursday, October 12th. Please come dressed for the weather and ensure that your child’s ‘Neighbourhood Walk’ form is complete on School Cash online. Fundraising will begin on Monday, October 2nd, and close on Monday, October 16th. 

How to donate:

Click this link: https://schools.terryfox.ca/41070 which will lead you to our school’s fundraising page. It’s fast, easy and donors get a receipt immediately by email. Alternatively, go to terryfox.org and follow the instructions below: 

1. go to www.terryfox.org 
2. click “Terry Fox School Run” 
3. click “Donate to a Student/School” 

l this year is $1500.00 and we can achieve this goal if every student and staff contributes a toonie (online)!! 

In 1980, Terry set the bar high for himself when he started his Marathon of Hope saying, “Nobody is ever going to call me a quitter.”  We are very excited to be a part of this year’s Terry Fox Run. This is our opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from cancer. We hope you will join us as our school community bands together in the fight against cancer. Thank you in advance for your support!

St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Food Drive

THANK YOU for your very generous support of our Thanksgiving Food Drive.  We collected over 100 bags and boxes of nonperishable food items.  All of the items were picked up on Thursday and will certainly make a difference to many families in the community.  THANK YOU!!!

Grade 8 Popcorn Fundraiser

Our Grade 8s are selling From Farm Table to Canada butter & salt popcorn for the month of October.  The butter and salt popcorn is lightly dusted with butter and salt flavoring and meets the School Food and Beverage Policy.  The popcorn is peanut-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free.   If you would like to order popcorn, please do so on School Cashonline.   Thanks for you support

Our Portable Has Arrived!

At the end of September, we added a Grade 4 class due to an increase in our enrollment.  The portable has arrived!  The power and data should be connected in the next few days so that our Grade 4 students can move in.  Thanks so much for everyone’s patience and understanding.

School Photo Day is Coming! October 20th!

On Friday, October 20, all students will have their individual photos taken and class composites will also be taken.  This year we will be using a company called Pegasus.   Paper flyers will not be sent home as families do not have to “prepay’ for their photos.  No money is collected on photo day and parents will have their own unique access code and will be able to view a proof online and order directly online from the website.

St. Ambrose Parish News

Children’s Liturgy  at  11:00 am 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)

New Altar Servers
We would like to welcome children to become altar servers. It is a honour to serve at the Lord’s table during Holy Mass. Parents, please speak to your son or daughter about becoming an altar server.  Students (Grade 3 and older) who would like to be altar servers are asked to contact Fr. Gary at the parish office or email stambrose@golden.net

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

Learning Disabilities Association Free Family Conference

FREE Fall Programs With University of Waterloo Engineering Outreach

 There are still spaces available for the following on campus offerings at the University of Waterloo:

•  STEMpowered After School Clubs for Black youth in Grades 4-6 and 7-8
•  Women in Engineering (WiE) for girls and non-binary youth in Grade 2-3 and 4-6 in one-off workshops, Grades 5-7 and 8-10 After School Clubs, and Grades 8-10 Go Eng Girl event on Saturday November 18^th
•  HiveMind free tutoring for grade 10-12 students needing support with science and math courses

Saturday Skills Builder Program

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board strives to create success for each and a place for all. St. Louis offers a program called Saturday Skills Builder and works with our day school elementary teachers to help students who need:

• more time and attention outside of school hours
• a different approach to learning
• to hear, see, and apply new knowledge more than once

Skills Builder is a literacy and numeracy support program for Gr 7 and 8 students attending ANY school within Waterloo Region.  If your child needs help to get through this transitional time and grades or study habits are suffering, encourage them to get the extra help they need.

Taught by Certified Intermediate teachers , Skills Builder will provide instruction and additional resources to assist with the skills and tasks that follow this year’s curriculum. For example, Skills Builder could prepare them for tests and assignments with a more solid understanding of concepts, math formulas.  When your child feels unsure and not following along in school, their confidence is affected.  Teachers make every effort to make this time on Saturdays, fun and engaging, using technology and online resources, videos, tactile activities, independent and group applications, appealing to every learning style.T

REGISTRATION FORM

Go ENG Girl @ Conestoga

Go ENG Girl @ Conestoga College is an exciting opportunity for grade 7-10 girls or non-binary youth and their parents/guardians to explore the field of engineering.  Come join us at Conestoga’s school of Engineering & Technology-Cambridge Campus, for fun, hands- on activities, inspiring guest speakers and opportunities to connect with female engineering faculty, graduates, students and professionals.  The Go ENG Girl event is free to attend.  Sessions are popular and often fill up, so be sure to register early to guarantee your spot.  Parents are encouraged to stay and hear more about opportunities in engineering and technology.

Date:       Saturday, November 18, 2023

Time:       9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Location: Conestoga College, Cambridge Campus, 850 Fountain Street South, Cambridge N3H 0A8

Please refer to this POSTER for registration information.