“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!
