Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God: everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”  – 1 John 4:7

 

Dear Tiger Families,

As we step into the final month of this fantastic school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have experienced together. June marks not only the end of the academic year but also a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and growth demonstrated by our students, staff, and the entire school community.  As we enter June, we have a lineup of exciting events and activities to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. These include:

• Graduation Ceremonies: We will honor our Year 2 Kindergarten and Grade 8 graduates and celebrate their hard work and achievements as they prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.  Our Grade 8 graduation is on Thursday, June 20th, and our Year 2 Kindergarten students’ celebration is on Friday, June 21st.
• Final Assessments and Reports: Our Grade 3 and Grade 6 students will be writing the EQAO Primary and Junior Assessments these next two weeks. Teachers will also be conducting final assessments, and report cards will be distributed on June 25th.
• Field Trips and Outdoor Activities: Planned activities will provide students with engaging and educational experiences outside the classroom.
• Tournaments and Regional Track and Field Events:  This Tuesday, June 4th, our students will be participating in their run at Shades Mill.  June 13th is scheduled for our athletes who have qualified for Regionals.  On Monday, June 17th, our Intermediate Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee team will be participating in their day tournament.  Finally, our Junior Boys and Girls 3-Pitch tournaments are scheduled for June 20th.  Good luck to all of our athletes and thank you to all of our coaches: Ms. Ahearn, Ms. Harnack, Mr. Toole, Mrs. Hertner, Ms. Sousa, Mrs. Racco, Mrs. Shaqo, Mrs. Beamer, Mrs. Evans, Ms. Beha, Ms. Green, and Ms. Schade!

We encourage all students to stay focused and maintain their enthusiasm for learning throughout this month. Tigers, let’s finish the year on a high note, reflecting the dedication you have shown all year long!

 

Congratulations Mr. Leonard!

We would like to congratulate Mr. Leonard who has been appointed to a new role as Principal at St. Elizabeth’s School effective September 1, 2024.  While we are saddened to see him leave our school, we are incredibly proud of his achievement and know that Mr. Leonard will bring the same level of dedication, leadership, and compassion to his new school that he has shown at SVdP.  As Mr. Leonard embarks on this new chapter, we wish him all the best and thank him for all his work and contributions to our school.  You will be missed and remember Mr. Leonard: once a Tiger, always a Tiger!  Congratulations and all the best!

We would like to welcome Ms. Pasqualino who has been appointed as the new Vice Principal of St. Vincent de Paul effective September 1, 2024.  Ms. Pasqualino comes to us with a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student success, and a passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive school.  She is eager to meet our students, collaborate with our talented staff, and engage with all of you, our wonderful school community.  Welcome Ms. Pasqualino to SVdP and we look forward to working with you!

 

 

June is Pride Month!

The month of June is designated as PRIDE month in Waterloo region and across Ontario and throughout the month of  June, we will join other schools across our district in raising the Pride (Rainbow) flag outside of our school building.  This month, and every month, WCDSB is committed to nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments where every student and every member of our community is welcomed, valued, and respected.  We are called to see each other through God’s eyes – with sensitivity, compassion, and respect, and we see God in one another –wonderfully made, just as we are. The Pride flag will fly for the month of June as a visible symbol of our commitment to nurturing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments where every student and every member of the community is valued, and respected.

Students and staff are encouraged to dress in their rainbow colour on Monday, June 3rd as we celebrate the rainbow – a sign of God’s promise to love us and a symbol of inclusion for all in our community!

 

JUNE IS NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.  At school, we will be highlighting inspirational Indigenous Canadians whose determination and commitment to their passion and beliefs have, and continue to, improve Canada’s culture and social wellness.  Click HERE to learn more about several Indigenous Canadians that we will learn more about at school.  Families can also use these interactive resources.

 

 

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations: June is a Learner For Life

As June, the final month of the school year is here, the OCGE focus is on being a Learner for Life.  Students will continue to have opportunities to take charge of their own learning.  They will continue to develop a growth minset learn to think about their thinking, and build resilience.  How fitting that our last focus is on being a learner for life and we hope it doesn’t stop on the last day of school!  Keep learning and exploring through the summer!

By Being a A Self-Directed, Responsible, Lifelong Learner: I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE!

• I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
• I always do my best
• I build on my strengths and weaknesses
• I set goals
• I accept change
• I am proud of the good things I do
• I am thankful for the gifts of others

 

 

Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus

 

 

NEW Safe Arrival Attendance via School Messenger starts June 5th!

Yesterday, a message was sent via School Messenger to all of our families in regard to a new student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.  This new system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence, and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.

With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods:

1. Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the link at SchoolMessenger).
2. The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
3. Use the SafeArrival website, SchoolMessenger. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
4. Call the toll-free number 1-833-251-3283 to report an absence using the automated phone system.

These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time. 

In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.  If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website, or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.

Starting June 5th, please report absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of sending notes or calling/emailing the school.

Starting June 5th, staff will begin using the SafeArrival notifications to let you know if your student is absent (when you haven’t reported the absence in advance).

Below are some wonderful School Messenger Information Guides to answer any questions you may have:

SchoolMessenger – English-SafeArrival-Quick-Guide

SafeArrival for Families FAQ

SchoolMessenger-App-for-WCDSB-Parents-Mobile-Guide

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we implement this new system.

 

COMING SOON:  Mission Fun Day!

We are thrilled to announce that our annual Mission Fun Day will be held on Friday, June 14th.  This is the day when St. Vincent de Paul School raises money to help various local charities in our community. Several years ago, we raised over $3600.00 and the money went to 12 different organizations. Can we do it again? YES WE CAN!

The staff at St. Vincent de Paul are planning many great activities for our students to participate in during the afternoon on Friday, June 14th from 1pm-3pm.  The following items are needed to make our Mission Day a great success:

• PRIZES FOR WINNERS/PARTICIPANTS (DOLLAR STORE ITEMS), PENCILS & ERASERS
• TATTOOS – child friendly
• *CLEAR JARS FILLED WITH CANDY (for the Guessing Room- please include amounts taped to jar)
• USED STUFFED ANIMALS AND ITEMS FOR A WHITE ELEPHANT (GARAGE) SALE
• PEANUT FREE CANDY/CHOCOLATE (BAGGED, INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED/ PRE-WRAPPED)
• BAGS OF CHIPS AND CHIPS (small)
• STICKERS
• CAKES (all cakes must include a list of ingredients AND packaged to go home with the winner)
• SWEET PACKAGED SNACKS, CANDY AND BAKED GOODS (INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED/CUT INTO PORTION SIZES-NUT FREE))– for the snack shop
• Nail Polish
• Gently used books
• Glow sticks/necklaces
• Beads, plastic lacing for making bracelets
• Jibbitz

If you are able to make a donation, you can drop off items at the main office on or before June 10th.  Cakes and baked goods can be delivered Friday morning. All items must be nut-free.  Gluten and dairy-free items are also needed. 

 Tickets will be sold online May 31 to June 10. Your child will be given their tickets just before the start of our Mission Day.  *NO Cash will be accepted in advance*.   All activities will cost between 1-3 tickets to participate in. Some games are games of chance in which a prize may or may not be won, and some games are a guaranteed prize. Some activities that will be available are: Cake Walk, Nail Salon,  Fish Bowl Toss, Guessing Jars, Snack Shop, Stuffy Sale, BINGO, Dance Party, Lawn Games, and many more. Parents are welcome to join us for the afternoon. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of our school activities.