Dear Tiger Families,

The Triduum, encompassing Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, is a time of deep reflection and spiritual significance. It marks the culmination of Lent and invites us to journey alongside Jesus through his passion, death, and resurrection.  Yesterday, our students came together to journey through the stations of Jesus’ passion and death in a moving and reverent manner. Led by Ms. Beamer’s and Ms. Evans’ Grade 6s, our students beautifully depicted each station of the Cross, inviting us to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus.  It was truly inspiring to see all of our students in the school embrace the solemnity of the occasion with such reverence and devotion.

As we prepare to celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter Sunday, let us carry with us the lessons learned from the Stations of the Cross. May we continue to reflect on the selfless love of Jesus and strive to live lives of faith, compassion, and service to others.  As you gather with your loved ones, we hope you find moments of peace, joy, and renewal.

May this Easter season be filled with blessings, hope, and the promise of new beginnings!  See everyone on Tuesday, April 2nd!

Below is information regarding the Mass times and observances taking place at our parish.

Good Friday Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and Death:
Services at   11:00 am and 3:00 pm

Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm
Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 7:30 pm

Holy Saturday, Blessing of the Easter food at 12:00 noon.  This is an Eastern European tradition, where a sampling of the family’s Easter food is brought to the Church in a basket for a blessing.  Everyone is welcome!

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass – 8:00 pm (please note this is a special Mass which will be approximately 2 hours long)

Easter Sunday Masses at 9:00 am and 11:00 am

April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month! World Autism Day: April 2nd

On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, we recognize World Autism Day. Autism is a condition that some people are born with. It is estimated that about 1 in 50 Canadian children and youth are autistic. This means that you probably know and love someone who is autistic! People with autism all have different gifts, talents, and challenges, just like we all do. Staff and students are invited to wear blue in support and celebration!

Catholic Graduate Expectations and Transferable Skills

As April dawns at SVdP, we will be focusing on two of the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations: A Responsible Citizen and a Caring Family Member.  

I am a Responsible Citizen:                                                                          I am a Caring Family Member

• I am fair                                                                                                                 * I love God, myself, and my family
• I am a peace-maker                                                                                             * I care about and respect my ‘family’ at school, at Church, in the community, and the world
• I am forgiving                                                                                                        * I care about and respect God’s creation and everything in it
• I follow rules and do my share
• I help the poor and care for people in need
• I stand up for what is right
• I know that all life is precious
• I respect and protect the world and all that is in it

Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and will live my life like Jesus.  Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus.

During the month of April, as Catholics, we will show the transferable skills of Global Citizenship and Sustainability by fostering a sense of global community and mutual respect among our students.  We will be teaching our students to make impactful decisions, advocate for equity, and honor our planet & diverse cultures.  We encourage you to engage with your child on these important topics, discussing how each of us can make a difference in our world. Your involvement is key to reinforcing these values and expanding our students’ learning beyond the classroom.

PA Day: April 8th!

Just a reminder that the Professional Activity (PA) Day, originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, is now to be held on April 8, 2024.  Our Extended Day program will be closed on April 8th (instead of April 19th). This change has been made to ensure student and staff safety and well-being during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024. Please see this link for more information and safety tips:  https://www.wcdsb.ca/change-in-pa-day-schedule-solar-eclipse-safety-tips/

Co-curricular Activities For Students!

We strive to provide enriching experiences for our students, we are excited to share with you the diverse range of co-curricular activities available for your child to participate in during lunch recess.  These are opportunities for our students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections with their peers.  Information about when these activities are taking place is announced in our Google Announcements which are shared each morning in your child’s call.   Many thanks to our staff who organize these clubs for our students!

Here are just some of the co-curricular activities your child can enjoy during lunch recess:

• Folkdance
• Milk Bags to Sleeping Mats Club
• Innovation Club
• Reading Club
• Badminton Club
• Equity Club
• Girls’ Club
• Art Club
• Student Leadership (Grade 8s)

Starting soon….

• Cross Country
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Intermediate Co-ed Soccer
• Junior Girls and Boys 3- Pitch

GRADUATION PICTURES Coming Soon!!

On April 10th, Pegasus will be at our school to take graduation photos of our Year 2 Kindergarten students and our Grade 8 students.  Grade 8s, don’t forget to wear your white shirt!  Kindergarten and Grade 8 grads, bring your smiles on Wednesday, April 10th!

Nominations Are Open: Distinguished Graduate, Community Partner & Chair’s Awards

Nominations are open for the annual WCDSB “Distinguished Graduate Award”, “Community Partner Award” and “Chair’s Award”. Information about the awards is available HERE. If you wish to make a nomination in any of the categories, please complete and submit your application by Monday, April 8^th, 2024. Forms can be accessed below. If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Alice Figueiredo via email at alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca or 519-578-3660 Ext. 2239. 

Chair’s Award

Chair’s Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD003F

The Chair’s Award is presented to a person (or group of people) in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made in serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region and/or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

Community Partner Award

Community Partner/Agency Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD004F

The Community Partner Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools by a community partner or agency serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region.

Distinguished Graduate Award

Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD002F

The Distinguished Graduate Award was established in 2005 under the Board’s “Celebration of Excellence” policy. It is presented annually to a graduate of 10 or more years from Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools who has provided an outstanding example of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in action. The award is presented at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or another appropriate public venue.

Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with Him is shown in times of difficulty.

                                                                                            ~ Pope Francis

Dear Tiger Families,

Next week, Holy Week commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life, including his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and resurrection.  We will be observing and honoring the importance of this sacred time by engaging in various activities and reflections.  Our Grade 8 students will continue to read Benjamin’s Box over the announcements and lead in prayers to help students deepen their understanding of the events leading up to Easter Sunday.  Throughout the week, students will also have the opportunity to participate in activities and discussions in their classrooms. These activities will focus on themes such as love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewal, which are central to the message of Lent and Easter.  On Holy Thursday, we will come together as a school community to watch a presentation of the Stations of the Cross, led by the Grade 6s in Ms. Beamer’s and Ms. Evan’s class.  This solemn and reverent experience will allow students to journey alongside Jesus as he carries the cross, reflecting on each station.  The Stations of the Cross presentations will be at 10:30 am in our gym.  Families are welcome to attend.  Just a reminder that there is no school on Good Friday, March 29th, or Easter Monday, April 1st.

Extended Day Program 2024-2025: Registration is Now Open!

Between January and April each year, families are asked to express their interest in having their child(ren) attend the Extended Day Program during the upcoming school year (September 2024 to June 2025). The Board uses this information to determine space, staffing needs and expanding programs.

To pre-register, please log into your OneList Waterloo Region account. When prompted to pre-register, click Yes and your child will be added to the pre-registration list for next school year. You will receive an email in late June asking you to confirm your child’s schedule for the 2024-25 school year, this will complete your registration.

For assistance with the OneList Waterloo Region site, please contact OneHSN Support at support@onehsn.com.

Calling All Students born in 2020 or 2019!  There is Still Time to Register For Kindergarten!

Registration is still open for children who are starting Kindergarten in September 2024.  These are children born in 2020 who would be eligible for Junior Kindergarten/Year 1. Children born in 2019 and who have not enrolled in Junior Kindergarten/Year 1 this year are eligible for Senior Kindergarten/Year 2. If your child is already attending JK/Year 1 for this current school year, there is no need to do anything.  Please register online:  Link to Register.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 519-740-0678.  For more information please visit:  The Kindergarten Program

Dance-a-thon Prizes!

At the end of the day today, dance-a-thon prizes were announced and most prizes were distributed to students who won and sent home.  Top seller prizes for each Division will be sent home next week.   Congratulations to the following classes who will enjoy lunch at Boston Pizza soon!

• Early Years: Ms. Fernandes/Ms. Buck’s Kindergarten Class
• Primary: Ms. Fink’s Class
• Junior: Ms Huisman’s class
• Intermediate: Mr. Gouveia’s Class

Just a reminder that all students will enjoy a movie and popcorn day, candy and gum day, and a water fun day with ice-cream!  Stay tuned for dates!  Again, many thanks to EVERYONE for your incredible support!!

Catholic Schools Advisory Council (CSAC) Meeting: Wednesday, March 27th

This Wednesday, March 27th, CSAC will be meeting at 6:00  pm in our Learning Commons.  All are welcome!

GRADUATION PICTURES Coming Soon!!

On April 10th, Pegasus will be at our school to take graduation photos of our Year 2 Kindergarten students and our Grade 8 students.  Grade 8s, don’t forget to wear your white shirt!  Kindergarten and Grade 8 grads, bring your smiles on Wednesday, April 10th!

Visitors at School and Day Care Entry

The safety of our students is our top priority and we have established procedures to ensure a secure environment within our school. One important aspect of this is our sign-in procedure at the office, which helps us monitor who is on school premises at all times.  We kindly ask that all parents and visitors sign in at the main office upon arrival at the school.  If you are picking your child up during lunch, please do not go into the playground but rather come to the front office and we will assist you there.

Additionally, the doorway between the daycare and our school is closed to parents throughout the school day (9:00 am to 3:30 pm).   Parents must use the main door of the school to drop off their child and can not access the daycare or school through the shared daycare/school entrance once school has started.   Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing partnership in keeping our school safe and secure for everyone.

Early Pick Up

While we understand that there may be occasional circumstances that require your child to be picked up early, we kindly request your cooperation in scheduling non-urgent appointments and activities outside of school hours whenever possible.  Frequent early dismissals can disrupt your child’s learning experience and can result in missed instruction and valuable learning opportunities.  It also can interrupt the flow of the classroom routine which can distract your child and their classmates from the lesson at hand.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.

Math @Home

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by talking with them about what they are learning at school. While these resources are optional, they provide valuable information about what students are learning at school and ideas for supporting their learning at home:

Summer Learning Programs

In July and August, several FREE learning options are available for elementary students that will ignite, support, and challenge them toward success and preparation for the next grade. REGISTRATION is now open! Please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning/ and/or this link for a list of all available programs: Summer Learning Poster – 2024-07

• Summer Fun with Languages (JK-Grade 8)
• Summer Boost (Grades 1-6)
• Summer Expedition (Grades 6-8)
• HeadStart (Grade 8)

First Secondary Credit for Grade 8 students –

• Grade 9 Summer Credits (available to current WCDSB Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 at Waterloo Catholic Secondary School)

Welcome Back Tigers!!

On behalf of the entire staff at SVdP, we extend a warm welcome back from the March Break.  Whether you spent your break relaxing with family, exploring new places, or enjoying new activities and passions, we hope you had an enjoyable and memorable time. As we return to school, let’s carry the positive energy and enthusiasm from our break into our classrooms and beyond!

Thank YOU!

The energy and excitement at our Dance-a-thon before the break was amazing as our students danced, grooved, and showcased their beach-themed attire. From Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses to shorts and sandals, everyone embraced the theme with creativity and enthusiasm.  A big thank you to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organizing this event for our school.  Thank you also to the many parent volunteers for their help and also for joining in the fun!

We are thrilled to share with you the exciting news that our recent Beach-Themed Dance-a-thon was a tremendous success! Thanks to the incredible support and enthusiasm of our students, families, and staff, we were able to raise an overwhelming $12, 776.00!!!  We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generous pledges, donations, and participation in making the event a success. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide enriching experiences, programs, and resources for our students.  As a result of the money raised, students will be able to enjoy the following:

• Gum and Candy Day  (Date TBD)
• Movie and Popcorn Day (Date TBD)
• Water Fun and Ice Cream Day (in June)

This week, prizes will be announced for the winning class from each Division who will go to Boston Pizza for lunch.  Winners of all the other great prizes and top-seller prizes for each Division will also be announced this week.

Again, THANK YOU!!!!  What a wonderful day to not only engage in some fun together but also help support our school!  What an incredible Tiger community we have!!

Benjamin’s Box

Before the Break, our school began to participate in a special Lenten story experience called “Benjamin’s Box.” This interactive and engaging activity will help our students deepen their understanding of the significance of Lent and prepare their hearts for the Easter season.  “Benjamin’s Box” follows the journey of a young boy named Benjamin as he discovers the true meaning of Lent and Easter through a series of symbolic objects that he collects in his box. Each object represents a key moment in the Easter story, allowing students to connect with the events of Holy Week in a tangible and memorable way.  Through storytelling, reflection, and discussion, our students will explore themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the significance of Easter.

Neurodiversity Week: March 18-24, 2024

At SVdP, we’re proud to support Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024!  Neurodiversity Celebration Week challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and is about celebrating the strengths and talents of people who think and learn differently.   During our daily announcements this week, we will learn that depending on how our brains are wired, we think, move, process information, and communicate in different ways. When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected.  Let’s continue to share the importance of being kind and accepting of everyone!

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st!!

As part of Neurodiversity Week, let’s get those rockin’ socks ready to go for World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21st!!!  World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.  Since chromosomes look like socks, you can ‘ROCK, YOUR SOCKS’  by wearing mismatched, colourful socks to show your support and create awareness.

Let’s go Tigers…..get out your socks on Thursday, March 21st.

Earth Hour

This Friday, March 22nd, our school will be participating in Earth Hour, a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to turn off non-essential lights for one hour.  Earth Hour symbolizes our collective effort to raise awareness about climate change and demonstrate our commitment to reducing energy consumption.   On Saturday, March 23rd, we encourage you and your family to join in turning off unnecessary lights and electronic devices at home from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm.  This simple act not only conserves energy but also sends a powerful message about our dedication to protecting the planet for future generations.  Together, let’s make a difference for our planet and future generations.

Spring Plaid Day: Friday, March 22nd!

As we embrace the arrival of spring this week, we’re excited to add a touch of seasonal flair to our school community. This Friday, March 23rd, we invite you to join us in celebrating the season by wearing your favorite spring plaid attire!  Whether it’s a pastel plaid shirt, a light plaid scarf, or even a plaid accessory, let’s brighten up our school with the vibrant colors and patterns of spring plaid. It’s a fun and festive way to welcome the warmer weather and showcase our school spirit.

Summer Learning Programs

In July and August, several FREE learning options are available for elementary students that will ignite, support, and challenge them toward success and preparation for the next grade. REGISTRATION will open on Tuesday, March 19th at 8:00 am. Please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning/ and/or this link for a list of all available programs: Summer Learning Poster – 2024-07

• Summer Fun with Languages (JK-Grade 8)
• Summer Boost (Grades 1-6)
• Summer Expedition (Grades 6-8)
• HeadStart (Grade 8)

First Secondary Credit for Grade 8 students –

• Grade 9 Summer Credits (available to current WCDSB Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 at Waterloo Catholic Secondary School)

Lent is a favourable time for letting Christ serve us so that we in turn may become more like Him.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Pope Francis

Dear Tiger Families

The Tiger spirit was in full force last night at our first-ever Family Bingo Night with over 300 people in attendance.  The energy, enthusiasm, and overwhelming turnout made this event a tremendous success and it was so heartwarming to see families come together, enjoy each other’s company, and create a fun-filled evening.  A big shout out to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organizing this event and to our awesome staff and Grade 8 leaders who helped run the event.  The success of Family Bingo Night demonstrates the strong sense of community that exists in our school and please know your presence and active participation were so appreciated.  How incredible it was to see our community voluntarily lend a huge hand at the end of the evening by taking down tables and chairs and cleaning up our gym so that it was ready to be used by our students in the morning.  It was simply FANTASTIC and so appreciated!!! Your support and involvement mean the world to us and we are fortunate to have you as part of our school community.  We look forward to more opportunities to come together as a community in the future. Until then, please accept our sincere thanks for your enormous support at Family Bingo Night.

Lunch Room Supervisor Appreciation Day!

The staff and students of St. Vincent de Paul would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our Lunch Hour Supervisors!  They are outside in the rain and the cold, they cover our classes for us, they support us in classrooms when we are short, but MOST importantly, they build relationships with our entire school community!  THANK YOU Ms. Gouveia, Ms. Petch, Ms. Field, Ms. Braga, and Ms. Mansuri, and Ms. Khan! Our schools would not be the same without you and we are so thankful for you! You are truly superheroes and today we want to say THANK YOU!

March Break Begins March 8th!

A reminder that March Break begins on Friday March 8th of next week.  The last day of school before the break is Thursday March 7th.   We wish everyone a restful and enjoyable Break and we will see you back on March 18th!

March Madness Week

We are excited to announce that March is coming in with a bang at St. Vincent de Paul with our March Madness theme days! Get ready for a week filled with fun, excitement, and plenty of school spirit.

Here’s a sneak peek at what we have planned:

1. Team Day: On Monday, March 4, students are encouraged to show off their team spirit by wearing their favorite sports jerseys or athletic wear.
2. Anything But a BackPack Day: Let’s get creative on Tuesday, March 5th.  Leave your backpacks at home and bring your school supplies in a different container such as a reusable grocery bag, a tote bag, or a small suitcase.  What will you use instead of a backpack?
3. Beach Day:  We’re bringing a taste of summer to our school with our upcoming Beach Day extravaganza on Wednesday, March 6th!  Get ready to soak up the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and enjoy a day filled with beach-themed fun.  Tigers, no bathing suits are allowed! 
4. Twin Day: Grab a friend and dress alike! On Thursday, March 7th, students can pair up with a friend and dress in matching outfits for Twin Day.

We encourage all students to participate in our March Madness theme days to show their school spirit and make each day a little more exciting.

Beach Day Dance-a-thon Wednesday, March 6th!

On Wednesday, March 6th, students will be getting their hearts pumping and feet moving as they dance their way to raising funds for our school!!  Tigers, don’t forget to dress in appropriate attire for this event (shorts, sunglasses, sun hats, etc.  No bathing suits permitted!). All donations are very much appreciated.  There are great prizes to be won!

PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!!!!

• If we raise a total $15, 000.00 as a school, all students will be treated to a pizza party in their classroom
• If we raise a total $ 12,000.00 as a school, all students will win an Ice Cream and Water Fun day!
• If we raise a total of $ 10,000 as a school, all students will be treated to a Movie and Popcorn Day.
• If we raise a total of $8, 000.00, all students will be treated to gum and candy

• Top-class sales from each Division will win a lunch trip to Boston Pizza
• Top Seller in Early Years/Primary will win $250.00 to African Lion Safari
• Top Seller in Junior will win $250.00 to Canada’s Wonderland
• Top Seller in Intermediate will win $250.00 to The Factory in London

THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND TO DONATE!  Please note: all pledges must be completed on St. Vincent de Paul SchoolCash Online by Wednesday, March 6, 2024. ***NO CASH OR CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE SCHOOL***

Congratulations to our Boy’s Basketball Team and Girl’s Volleyball at Regionals!

Congratulations to the Intermediate Boys Basketball Team and Girls Volleyball Team on their FANTASTIC performance at Regionals on Wednesday and Thursday.  Both teams had an amazing season and always played with grit, perseverance, and enthusiasm.  Be proud Tigers of all your accomplishments and know we are so proud of you!

A big shout out to coaches: Ms. Monteiro, Ms. Evans, Ms. Huisman, Ms. Beamer, and Ms. Hertner for all of your hard work, support, and encouragement.  Finally, thank you to our parents who came out to all of the games and for always being our biggest fans!  The success of both of these teams could not have been possible without our amazing coaches and parents!

Sacramental Meeting for Parents of Grade 7 Students:    

A second parent information meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at 6:30 pm in St. Ambrose Church for those parents who did NOT attend the first meeting  For those parents who did NOT attend the meeting on February 1st, we kindly ask that parents attend in order to register their grade 7 child for the Sacrament.

Field Conditions

With changing and warmer temperatures and the rain/snow melting, the current field conditions at school are extremely muddy.  This unfortunately means that our students have been asked to stay off the fields and play on the blacktop.  We will continue to monitor the fields and hopefully, we will be able to use our fields to get active.  Students must have a pair of indoor running shoes at school to change into.  We would encourage students to wear splash pants and boots and bring extra clothing to school (i.e. socks, pants, etc.).  This will eliminate the need to call home if clothes do get muddy.   Thanks so much everyone for your patience and cooperation!