Dear Tiger Families,

This past week, we as a school spent time talking about the importance of taking care of our well-being.  Together, we discussed what mental health is, what tools and strategies we can use to support our own and each other’s mental health, and some organizations that can help, too. We want all of our students to know that in addition to their family members, the adults in this building care for them, and are always here to support their well-being.

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 February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.   At SVDP, our students will continue to celebrate and learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. This is an opportunity to remember and learn from the contributions of Black people who have helped shape our past and future in Canada and around the world.

The Holy Season of Lent, Shrove Tuesday, and Valentine’s Day

A few special days are coming up and we thought we would let you know in advance how we are handling them at St. Vincent de Paul. Valentine’s Day, which promotes the indulgence of sweet treats, clashes with Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. We will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Thursday, February 15th  and we will observe Ash Wednesday on February 14^th.

If you plan to send in a Valentine’s treat for your child to share with their class on February 15^th, please ensure it is individually wrapped and nut-free.

On Tuesday, February  13th, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a school-wide Pancake Breakfast served after morning announcements.  In an effort to reduce waste and to be environmentally responsible, students are asked to bring a reusable plate and fork in a ziplock bag. 

Volunteers Needed for Shrove Tuesday!

We need your help!!  If you are available to volunteer some time on Tuesday morning to help set up, make and serve pancakes and clean up please email tammy.sica@wcdsb.ca or call the school at 519-740-0678.   Thanks so much!   We truly do appreciate your assistance!

Catholic Graduate Expectations and Transferable Skills

Throughout the month of February, our Catholic Graduate Expectation is on being a discerning believer.  

Being a Discerning Believer means…. I AM A BELIEVER!

• I believe that God is an awesome God
• I believe and have faith in God
• I believe that God is with us always
• I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer
• I believe in the stories of the Bible
• I believe in the stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
• I believe in the Church community, celebrating Mass, and the seven Sacraments
• I believe in forgiveness
• Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus

Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need to thrive in the modern world. Based on international research, the Ontario Ministry of Education has defined seven important categories of transferable skills – sometimes called “competencies” – that will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future.  As February unfolds, our educational journey shifts to an exciting new focus: enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills in our students. These vital skills are the cornerstone of intellectual development, equipping our learners to analyze information deeply, tackle real-world challenges, and adapt their knowledge to diverse scenarios.  We encourage you to actively engage with your child at home by fostering an environment that supports these skills. Encourage them to explore, question, and share their thoughts, allowing their creativity to flourish. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in cultivating a dynamic and enriching educational experience for your child

Sweater Day is February 5th!

Tigers, Sweater Day is on February 5, and we are getting ready to snuggle into our warmest sweaters. Sweater Day aims to encourage everyone to layer and bundle up with sweaters so that the thermostats can be turned down.  The idea behind this day is to conserve energy by encouraging people to wear layers of sweaters and other warm clothing instead of turning up the heat. Sweater Day also helps raise awareness about climate change. It is a great opportunity to demonstrate how together everyone can be a part of the much-needed solution to global warming. We can reflect on our personal carbon footprints and make commitments in our daily lives that will contribute to keeping climate change in check, which will have a huge collective impact.

Tigers, on February 4th…..wear your sweaters!!

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year 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.  The online registration portal for Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open!

• Children born in 2020 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program (Junior Kindergarten)
• Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program (Senior Kindergarten). *Children currently enrolled in Year 1 (JK) do not need to register for Year 2 (SK)

 For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Just a reminder that our school has been ‘capped’ and therefore, closed to Out of Boundary admissions.  For those existing families/students who attend SVdP and are out of bounds, they will be able to continue to attend our school but will be subject to year-to-year capacity.   If new students (i.e. JK students) have older siblings who currently attend SVdP, they can register but again would be subject to year-to-year capacity.

Registration will take place on February 5th and 6th.  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. Register for a chance to win a $20 Indigo gift card! Walk/wheel from home or park and walk a few blocks to qualify.  https://forms.gle/x7uDBD5mfdFy49UA6

Grade 4 to 8 Student Survey

Before the March Break, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will be conducting school climate surveys to collect information from students and families. While the Ministry of Education requires all school districts to conduct these surveys (Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145), we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive place for everyone in our schools

Attached you will find details related to the survey:  WCDSB-MDI-Notice-of-Collection-2024-Family-Letter

Treat yourself like someone you love.

                                                      Glennon Doyle Melton

Dear Tiger Families,

Welcome to a new week and the last full week of January.  Next week, is Mental Health Anti-Stigma Week.  From January 22 to 26th, SVdP will open up conversations about mental health to reduce stigma When we create safe spaces for talking about mental health and mental illnesses and encourage help-seeking amongst young people, we are creating understanding, compassion, and hope for a new generation.  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, we hope that we can use our lived experiences and knowledge of mental health to Strengthen in us a greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of those struggling with their mental health while students Strengthen their support plan.  Tigers let’s wear BLUE on Friday, January 26th to help remind us to pay attention to our own mental health and to reach out to someone who may need a helping hand.   Here are some other tips to 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 throughout 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.  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.
• 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.

Catholic Schools Advisory Council (CSAC) Meeting: Wednesday, January 24th

This Wednesday, January 24th, CSAC will be meeting at 6:00  pm will be meeting in our Learning Commons.

Parent Meeting For Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation, and Confirmation

The meeting for parents of Grade 2 students, regarding the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation – is Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 6:30 pm at St. Ambrose Church.  See you there!

There will be an information meeting for parents of Grade 7 students on Thursday, February 1st at 6:30 pm at St. Ambrose Church.   

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year 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.  The online registration portal for Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open!

• Children born in 2020 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program (Junior Kindergarten)
• Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program (Senior Kindergarten). *Children currently enrolled in Year 1 (JK) do not need to register for Year 2 (SK)

 For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Just a reminder that our school has been ‘capped’ and therefore, closed to Out of Boundary admissions.  For those existing families/students who attend SVdP and are out of bounds, they will be able to continue to attend our school but will be subject to year-to-year capacity.   If new students (i.e. JK students) have older siblings who currently attend SVdP, they can register but again would be subject to year-to-year capacity.

Popcorn Sales: Last Day to Order is  Sunday, January 21st!

‘Pop’ on to School cash online to order some delicious and nutritious popcorn!  Indulge in a variety of mouth-watering popcorn flavors, including classic butter, dill pickle, white cheddar, and sweet and salty.  Our popcorn comes from ‘From Farm to Table Canada’ and meets our Board’s nutritional policy.  Their popcorn is freshly popped and irresistibly delicious, making it the perfect snack at school!

Careers in the Skilled Trades

FREE Event on January 31, 2024 – What Waterloo Region Parents Need to Know about Careers in the Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are a great option for all high school students to seriously consider. There’s a high and growing demand for people to fill good paying, satisfying careers in the skilled trades. This webinar will feature a keynote address from Jon Callegher, Executive Director of JobTalks, information about the OYAP program, followed by a Q & A.

In this captivating presentation, Dr. Callegher will reveal:

• What makes a “Good Job” according to Ontario parents
• Common concerns about children’s well-being today
• What parents really think about University and College pathways
• The physical and mental health benefits of the Skilled Trades
• How “University-bound” traits are also Skilled Trades traits

Dr. Jon Callegher, an award-winning employment researcher, will explain why guidance counsellors and teachers can be confident in their support of the Skilled Trades as a post-secondary pathway for their students.  Waterloo Catholic Region School Board OYAP Recruiter Leonard Bumbacco will be speaking regarding local opportunities and the OYAP program.

DATE:  Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Time:  6:30 p.m.

Registration Link – Webinar Registration – Zoom

Host Families Required for Japanese Exchange

International Education Services requires Short-Term home stays for a group of Japanese Exchange students who will be in Waterloo from April 12, 2024 – April 26, 2024. What’s involved? You will host 2 Japanese students – aged 15 or 16 years old. Students will require a bedroom (can be shared) and separate beds – can be twin, futon, air mattress, etc.), as well as meals. Home Stay families will be expected to pick up and drop off students for field trips and different events during the two weeks. Excursions will be provided for students during the week, and host families will provide weekend activities to help students engage in a Canadian Experience. Families will be provided with $500 to help cover costs of hosting. If you are interested in hosting, or learning more, please contact Carla Santomero (carla.santomero@wcdsb.ca) by January 26, 2024.

Winter Walk Day:  February 7th

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!  Students are encouraged to dress for the weather, understand special winter walking tips, and join their peers in the walk to and from school.  Register for a chance to win a $20 Indigo gift card! Walk/wheel from home or park and walk a few blocks to qualify.  https://forms.gle/x7uDBD5mfdFy49UA6

Dear Tiger Families,

The school came alive with the vibrant energy of our students this week! The hallways echoed with eager smiles, and classrooms were filled with the warmth of enthusiastic greetings.  Our educators hit the ground running with engaging learning opportunities for growth and discovery. We are grateful for the positive and collaborative spirit that defines our St. Vincent de Paul community.

School Spirit Days are on Wednesdays!

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

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. If you are dropping off lunches, please continue to fill out a form and leave the lunch at the front desk.  Thank you for letting your child know in advance that a hot lunch will be delivered for them so that they can come down to pick up their warm lunch!

Popcorn Sales!!

‘Pop’ on to School cash online to order some delicious and nutritious popcorn!  Indulge in a variety of mouth-watering popcorn flavors, including classic butter, dill pickle, white cheddar, and sweet and salty.  Our popcorn comes from ‘From Farm to Table Canada’ and meets our Board’s nutritional policy.  Their popcorn is freshly popped and irresistibly delicious, making it the perfect snack at school!

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.

Athletic News

Our boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball teams have been busy practicing and their regular seasons officially kicks off the week of January 22nd!   To ensure adequate supervision at home games, students are required to have their own parent or guardian in attendance with them.  Parents/guardians cannot supervise other students. This applies at both home and away games.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

PA Day: Friday, January 19th

Just a reminder that on Friday, January 19th, there will be no school for students.  The Extended Day Program will be running for those students registered in the program.

Parent Meeting:  Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation

The meeting for Parents of Grade 2 students, regarding the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation – Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 6:30 pm at St. Ambrose Church.  See you there!

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy New Year & Welcome Back!

We hope this message finds you well and that you had a wonderful and restful Christmas break surrounded by the love of family and friends. As we usher in the New Year, it brings us great joy to welcome our students and families back to the exciting world of learning and discovery at St. Vincent de Paul!  We trust that the holiday season has rejuvenated everyone, and we are eager to embark on the next chapter of the academic year together. As we step into this new year, let’s approach it with enthusiasm, a commitment to learning, and a sense of community!  Wishing you and your families a fantastic start to the new year!

Here are a few important reminders and updates as we start the new year:

1. School Resumes:  Bring Your Water Bottle and Indoor Pair of Shoes : Classes will resume on Monday, January 8th at 9:00 am, and we look forward to seeing all our students bright and early.  Please make sure your child brings a reusable water bottle to school.  If your child does not already have a pair of indoor shoes at school, please make sure to send one in with your child.  It is essential that all students have a pair of indoor shoes that can be used for daily active participation in school and physical education.  Be sure to label your child’s shoes please, as some students have the same ones.
2. Upcoming Events: Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming events, activities, and educational initiatives planned for your child’s class as well as the school.  This information can be found in your child’s D2L site.  We have an exciting lineup that we’re sure the students will enjoy.
3. Open Communication: We value open communication with our parents and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or if you just want to share some good news.
4. Student Absences: If your family will be away from school or if your children are ill, we respectfully ask that you please ensure you call the school at 519-740-0678. As we return from the holidays, we understand that families are returning from trips or time away. We want to ensure that all students are accounted for and that we continue with our safe arrival routines.
5. Reminder of Winter Weather:  Although we have experienced a mild winter so far there are a few important weather reminders.  Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately each day to play outside at recess. As per board procedures, students are outside for all regular outside activities. When temperatures (including windchill) range between -20°C to -27°C, students may remain outside for no longer than 15-minute intervals, once temperatures are colder than -27°C students must remain inside.  It is always a good idea to send your child with extra layers, socks, and extra gloves/mitts.
6. Parking Lot Safety Reminders: The safety of our students, staff and families is always our first priority and we thank you for your continued support in working together. Before we know it, the heavier snow will arrive and create additional safety concerns in our parking lots. We wanted to pass along some reminders to keep everyone safe.  The ring road at the front of the school is closed from 8:40 – 9:15 am and at 3:15 to 3:45 pm.   Please refrain from using this ring road to drop off or pick up your children during these times  to prevent blocking of our school buses. Please continue to drive slowly and cautiously, always watching for students and family members. This will be especially important as snow accumulates and visibility is limited. We ask all parents to be respectful of our staff parking lot and day care parking spots as these areas are closed all day for any drop offs/pick up.  Please also remember that dogs are not permitted on school property for the safety of all.
7. Medication Changes: If there have been any alterations in your child’s medication, dosage, or administration times, please notify the school office. Your prompt communication helps us ensure your child’s well-being and safety while they are in our care.
8. Upcoming PD Day – January 19th: A reminder to all families that there is no school for elementary students on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Catholic Graduate Expectations and Transferable Skills.

Throughout the month of January, our Catholic Graduate Expectation focus is on being a reflective, creative and holistic thinker.  

Being a reflective, creative and holistic thinker means … I HAVE IDEAS!
I have thoughts and opinions that matter
I make good choices
I have hope for the future
I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer
I know we are all equal and specia

Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus! 

Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need to thrive in the modern world. Based on international research, the Ontario Ministry of Education has defined seven important categories of transferable skills – sometimes called “competencies” – that will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future.  As we step into the month of January, our focus will be on fostering Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship among our students. These essential skills empower students to ask questions, share their opinions, and cultivate new ideas. We aim to inspire them to contribute solutions to real-world problems, nurturing leadership qualities, imagination, creativity, and the ability to motivate others. We encourage you to actively engage with your child at home by fostering an environment that supports these skills. Encourage them to explore, question, and share their thoughts, allowing their creativity to flourish. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in cultivating a dynamic and enriching educational experience for your child

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year 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.  The online registration portal for Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open!

• Children born in 2020 are eligible for Year 1 of The Kindergarten Program (Junior Kindergarten)
• Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 2 of The Kindergarten Program (Senior Kindergarten). *Children currently enrolled in Year 1 (JK) do not need to register for Year 2 (SK)

 For more information on registering your child for kindergarten, please visit the WCDSB website: Entering Kindergarten – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (wcdsb.ca)

Just a reminder that our school has been ‘capped’ and therefore, closed to Out of Boundary admissions.  For those existing families/students who attend SVdP and are out of bounds, they will be able to continue to attend our school but will be subject to year-to-year capacity.   If new students (i.e. JK students) have older siblings that currently attend SVdP, they can register but again would be subject to year-to-year capacity.