Dear Tiger Families,

We are in full swing at SVDP where we have settled into classrooms, building and strengthening our classroom communities!  Our students and staff continue to bring lots of enthusiasm every day making our school GRRRREAT!!!   Thank you so much Tigers for bringing such positive energy and fantastic spirit to our school!  Below are a few updates and reminders for this week:

St. Vincent de Paul Feast Day!

On Tuesday, September 27th,  we celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul.   St. Vincent de Paul was a priest of the Catholic Church who dedicated himself to serving the poor and he was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity.  He is also known as the “Great Apostle of Charity”.  In honour of his feast day, we will be having a school-wide celebration.  We are also asking students and staff to wear their spirit wear or green, black and yellow.  

Truth and Reconciliation Week: Remembering the Children

This week is “Truth and Reconciliation Week where schools across Canada will be engaging in age-appropriate educational activities to raise awareness of the residential school system and how its legacy affected Indigenous Peoples and shaped the country we live in today. Truth and Reconciliation Week was launched by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and will culminate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) on September 30th It serves as an annual time to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools.  The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt. It was never returned. To Phyllis, the colour orange has always reminded her of her experiences at a residential school. This day is an acknowledgment of Canada’s past and time to hold hope for a future where Every Child Matters. At school, we will continue to pass along the message that on September 30th — and every day —every child matters.  We will do this by wearing Orange and by also participating in various activities in the classroom.  On September 30th classrooms will be participating in a smudging ceremony.  Smudging is a ceremony that is used by some Indigenous people as a cleansing of negative energies from spaces including the mind, body, and environment, and to connect us to creation.  A small amount of plants (i.e. cedar, sage) are placed in a shell and lit, using a feather or hand to extinguish the flame.  Once there is smoke, the smoke is wafted over the body parts – to think good things (head), see good things (eyes), hear good things (ears), say good things (mouth), feel good things (heart) and walk in a good way.  Once the ceremonies are completed the ashes are respectfully returned to the land.  As a school, we look forward to engaging our students in meaningful reconciliation and learning about Canada’s history of colonization, thinking creatively about the future, and continuing to provide them with opportunities to make a difference.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the office.  

Rowan’s Law Day

On Wednesday, September 28th we are asking students to wear purple to raise awareness about concussions. Have you ever bumped your head or body? We likely all have! In sports and active games, there can be risks involved. Rowan’s Law was passed in Ontario in honour of Rowan Stringer.  All schools in Ontario must have rules in place to support awareness and help coaches, teachers, and parents know when a child has suffered a suspected concussion. It also lets the child know that they should immediately stop participating in physical activities . #HitStopSit

Nutrition For Learning: Volunteers NEEDED!

Once again, our school has partnered with Nutrition for Learning, a registered charitable organization, to provide our students with a nutritious breakfast 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! The items available they may be offered are:

• Mott’s/No Name unsweetened applesauce
• Melba Toast (Grissol Brand)
• Granola bars (usually they are the apple Our Compliments bars)
• Cheerios Multi-Grain baggies of Cheerios
• Baby carrots
• Apples or clementines
• Yogurt Tubes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Rice Chex
• Cheese Strings
• Breton’s Veggie Bites crackers

If your child has medical dietary restrictions, please talk with your child about what they can and cannot take, and let your child’s teacher know.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  In order to run this program, we are in need of parent volunteers.  Volunteers would work from approximately 8:45 am to 9:45 am, one to five days a week, running the snack table upstairs in the hallway for our students.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tracy McKeown (tracy.mckeown@wcdsb.ca) or call the school at 519-740-0678.  

Lunch Hour Supervisors Needed!

We are looking for Lunch Room Supervisors!  All qualified applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.  General duties include ensuring the safety and security of students during the lunch period.  Hours of work are 1 hour per day (11:45 am – 12:45 pm) Monday to Friday and the salary range is $22.60-$23.46 per hour.  If you are interested, please forward your resume to Tammy Sica (tammy.sica@wcdsb.ca) or Michel Pleau (michel.pleau@wcdsb.ca).

Dear Tiger Families,

It was so great to reconnect with so many of our families at our “Meet the Staff Night” last Tuesday.   What a wonderful way to start off the school year and we are looking forward to continuing to work and collaborate with you, the parents, to help your child achieve their goals and make our school community even stronger!  Thanks for coming out!  A big thank you also to the parents of the 2021-2022 Catholic Schools Advisory Council for organzing the Food Trucks!

Monday, September 19th is the Provincial Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Since the death of the Queen, there has been much discussion around the world, including here in Ontario, regarding fitting gestures in communities and schools to mark the passing of a Sovereign who has served the Commonwealth, and as Canada’s head of state, for seven decades. At the direction of the Ontario government, we will honour the Queen with a moment of silence at 1:00 pm after lunch recess. In our ongoing attempt to live our mission and be “a place for all” we hold space for both our continued action on Truth and Reconciliation, equity and inclusion, and a dignified recognition of the woman who so selflessly gave to our nation; our Queen.

Class Placements

As communicated before the first day of school, class placements are tentative due to ongoing registrations and evolving enrolment. Staffing and classroom changes are directed by the Board office and this process occurs during the first two weeks of school which could lead to classes being revised.  Late last week, we received direction from the School Board to reconfigure all class placements from grades 1 to 8.   The process of creating class placements is more complicated than it may appear. The Ministry of Education sets class size compliance thresholds and we meet those by first looking at school-level compliance and then at Board level compliance. The School Board reports to the Ministry on Board level compliance.  For the WCDSB to be in compliance, we have had to redistribute numbers within split classes and create some split classes in our school.

Our staff is working diligently to reconfigure our class placements.  Our hope is that students will be informed of their new class and teacher on Tuesday, September 20th and that students will begin in their new class on Wednesday, September 21st.  Staff will be speaking to students tomorrow.  We thank you for your patience and understanding as we must follow Ministry policy, and School Board direction. Our staff, as always, will take great care in considering all students’ needs when creating new class placements.

Soccer and 3-Pitch Tournaments

Good luck to our Juniur Soccer Team and the Intermediate Girls and Boys 3-Pitch Team who will be participating in one day tournaments this week.  Our Junior team will be playing at Riverside on Tuesday, September 20th in the afternoon.  Our Intermediate boys team will be heading off to Churchill Park on the afternoon of Thursday, September, 22nd and on the same day, the Intermediate girls will be playing at Victoria Park (Hespler).   A big thank you to our coaches: Mrs. Racco, Ms. Sousa, Ms. Cormier, Ms. Hertner, Ms. Schade, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Holland for all their time and work in getting our students prepared!  Go Tigers Go!!!

Catholic Schools Advisory Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 20th!

Our first meeting of the school year will be Tuesday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in our school Learning Commons. Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest. Invitations and the agenda will be sent out before the meeting too. Everyone is welcome!

Food Drive:  September 12-30th.

The fall weather is almost upon us. This means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. Each year, St. Vincent de Paul participates in an annual Food Drive on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ambrose Parish.  Last year, with your assistance, they were able to help many families in our community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. This year, with the economic strains that have been placed upon our community during the pandemic, the Food Bank is being accessed by more people than ever before.

We are once again asking for your support with regard to this food drive. The Food Bank has advised that they are especially low on the following items:

• canned tuna, salmon, sardines
• canned meat (ham, turkey, chicken and luncheon meat)
• pasta (macaroni & cheese, spaghetti, Mr. Noodles, and sidekicks)
• pasta sauce
• rice
• cans of beans in sauce
• jam, honey and peanut butter
• pancake mix & pancake syrup
• fruit juices such as apple & tomato
• cranberry sauce
• Hamburger Helper
• cereal-especially Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes
• shampoo, hand soap & toothpaste.

***Please be advised that the Food Bank cannot accept expired food***  If you are able to assist in this worthy cause, please send your item(s) to school with your child by Friday, September 30th, 2022.
Thank you,

Every Wednesday is Spirit Day!

Tigers, don’t forget to wear your SVdP spirit wear or black, green and gold every Wednesday!  Need more spirit wear??  St. Vincent de Paul Spirit Wear is back and available for purchase online. We have a new design this year that will be featured on a variety of items for you to choose from. Families are welcome to make individual purchases online and orders will be delivered to the school for distribution by the end of October/ early November. Students are encouraged to wear spirit wear every Wednesday, so this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your Tiger pride. The deadline for orders is October 1st.

Link to purchase: www.schooltee.com

Access Code: SVIN.CAM

Bus Patrol Training

Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region considers safety a top priority. On Thursday, September 22nd  our bus patrol students will take part in the Safety Patrol Program at Budd Park in Kitchener. It is a beneficial safety program for our bus patrollers. Each September, training is provided for all bus patrollers. STSWR works in conjunction with Waterloo Region Police Services, City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo fire services, as well as St John Ambulance to emphasize the importance of making safety a top priority. These children (ages 10-14) are trained in bus evacuation procedures as well as how to be a bus patrol. This program is a wonderful leadership opportunity for some of our students.

Bus Route Cancelations: Reminder to Register For Notifications!

Just a reminder that effective September 19, 2022 until Christmas,  Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region have announced that some routes will need to be temporarily cancelled.  A school bus route will be cancelled when the driver shortage causes a route to be late by more than 30 minutes consistently. Affected students and families will be informed immediately of the cancellation period.  Cancellations are done on a week to week basis.

Supporting Student Learning

If a school bus route is cancelled, families are responsible for transporting their children to and from school each day.  Where this is not possible, students should access asynchronous learning materials posted by their classroom teacher on their Learning Management System (LMS), either D2L or Google Classroom. Additional activities can be found here: https://bit.ly/WCDSBIW.   Families should contact their school to let them know if they are unable to get to school.  The school can also help families to sign out a Chromebook if necessary.

STAY INFORMED!! Families will be informed the day prior to any cancellation. Cancellations will be posted on the STSWR website with an expected return date.  Register for notifications on the STSWR parent portal.

CPIC: Parents Reps Needed!!

The Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) is a committee of parents who meet 5 times during the school year.  The mandate of CPIC is to increase parental involvement in all schools within the board and to make that involvement meaningful and productive for student learning and engagement. Parent Involvement Committees are required to advise the Director of Education for the Board on ways to increase parental involvement in several ways.  Please see the link for more information on how to become a member of CPIC!  CPIC Recruitment poster (Sept 2022)

Dear Parents and Families,

We want to share an important update about school buses. Due to the ongoing bus driver shortage and lingering impacts of the public board’s cyber attack on our shared bus planning software, some routes will need to be temporarily cancelled.

Most bus routes are operating normally. However, some routes are experiencing more frequent and prolonged delays (30 minutes or greater).

This temporary measure will be effective Monday, September 19, 2022 and will continue until Christmas, at which time our need for cancellations will be reviewed.

We understand the significant impact this decision will have on our students and their families and caregivers. Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) does this only as a last resort. We hope that this proactive message will allow families and caregivers to better prepare for and react to the cancellation of bus routes.

Please note that delays have not been caused by our current bus drivers.  When they are late, it is because they are trying to support students on bus routes that have no driver, with the best of intentions.  They do not have to do this.  They are trying to help.  Please be kind to them!

What Happens If A School Bus Route is Cancelled?

Effective September 19, 2022

A school bus route will be cancelled when the driver shortage causes a route to be late by more than 30 minutes consistently. Affected students and families will be informed immediately of the cancellation period.  Cancellations are done on a week to week basis.

Supporting Student Learning

If a school bus route is cancelled, families are responsible for transporting their children to and from school each day.

Where this is not possible, students should access asynchronous learning materials posted by their classroom teacher on their Learning Management System (LMS), either D2L or Google Classroom. Additional activities can be found here: .

Families should contact their school to let them know if they are unable to get to school.  The school can also help families to sign out a Chromebook if necessary.

Stay Informed

Families will be informed the day prior to any cancellation. Cancellations will be posted on the STSWR website with an expected return date.

Register for notifications on the STSWR parent portal

• Check the Bus Delays page on the STSWR website

The Bus Delays page will be updated with cancellation information each afternoon by 4:30 PM.

Questions?

Please contact Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR).

Good morning Tigers!

What a terrific first week back to school we had!  It was so wonderful to see everyone back and to also welcome our new staff and students to our fantastic school community!  Thank you to our parents and staff who worked so hard to make this week such a success.  Our students are settling in quite nicely to the routines of school,full of smiles, energy, and excitement.  Tigers, remember that….when God made you, somehow God knew that the world- and our school- needed someone exactly like YOU.  This school year, let us more than ever remember that we are all created by God and part of his family and called to be hopeful, kind, and to love each other!

Meet the Staff Night This Tuesday, September 13th!!

This Tuesday, September 13th, we are thrilled to be able to open our beautiful school up to our families.   Thanks to our Catholic Schools Advisory Council who has organized food trucks to be at the school for any families who would like to purchase an easy dinner.  We will have S.W.A.T Truck, Fo’Cheezy, and Beavertails on site.  Cash, debit, and credit will be accepted.  Classrooms will be open for families to meet their child’s teacher from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  What a great way to not only meet your child’s teacher but new families and friends!  See you there!

School Cash Online Start Up Forms!

There are many mandatory school start-up forms posted in School Cash Online for you to complete for EACH child.  Thank you to all families who have already completed the forms online.  Just a reminder that these forms must be completed by Monday, September 12th!  If you are NOT registered for School Cash Online please sign up:  School-Cash-Online-Register-Login-Instructions

No Nuts Please!

Just a reminder that St. Vincent de Paul is a nut-free school. We have students who suffer from a life-threatening allergy to all peanuts and tree nuts, which causes a condition known as anaphylaxis. We ask for your cooperation in helping to keep these children safe by not sending your child to school with any food containing peanut products or traces of peanuts or peanut substitutes. Students who have severe allergies to such food substances are open to serious health risks when exposed to these substances in their environment or if it is shared with them We appreciate your support and understanding of this potentially fatal allergy.

Tiger Spirit Days Are Back:

Tigers, let’s hear you roar every Wednesday by wearing your SVDP spirit wear or green, gold, or black!  Go TIGERS!!!!

Catholic Schools Advisory Council (CSAC):  We Need YOU!

St. Vincent de Paul’s Catholic School Advisory Council (formerly School Council) is a group of volunteer parents, guardians, community members, teachers, and administrators committed to making our school a great place to learn and grow! The council sees family involvement as one of its main priorities and is committed to welcoming parents into the Tiger community by increasing communication, removing barriers, and creating opportunities to get involved! Meetings are from 6:00pm – 7:00pm on Tuesdays of the meeting month.  The initial meeting of the 2022/2023 council will be held Tuesday, September 20th. If you would like to be a regularly participating member of the advisory council please complete the CSAC Member Form found on School Cash Online.

Food Drive:  September 12-30th.

The fall weather is almost upon us. This means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. Each year, St. Vincent de Paul participates in an annual Food Drive on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ambrose Parish.  Last year, with your assistance, they were able to help many families in our community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. This year, with the economic strains that have been placed upon our community during the pandemic, the Food Bank is being accessed by more people than ever before.

We are once again asking for your support with regard to this food drive. The Food Bank has advised that they are especially low on the following items:

• canned tuna, salmon, sardines
• canned meat (ham, turkey, chicken and luncheon meat)
• pasta (macaroni & cheese, spaghetti, Mr. Noodles, and sidekicks)
• pasta sauce
• rice
• cans of beans in sauce
• jam, honey and peanut butter
• pancake mix & pancake syrup
• fruit juices such as apple & tomato
• cranberry sauce
• Hamburger Helper
• cereal-especially Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes
• shampoo, hand soap & toothpaste.

***Please be advised that the Food Bank cannot accept expired food***  If you are able to assist in this worthy cause, please send your item(s) to school with your child by Friday, September 30th, 2022.
Thank you,
The Student Leadership Team

Due to a software malfunction, STSWR and our bus operators will not be able to post late notices on websites for transportation routes that are not running on schedule.  Further, late notices cannot be sent to parents via e-mail or text message as normal.

 We apologize for this late notice and the issues it will create to your schedules.

Welcome back Tigers!!

We are looking forward to seeing you all back on Tuesday, September 6th to officially launch the 2022-2023 school year with renewed energy, positivity, and new learning!  We are also looking forward to continuing to work with our amazing families who help to build a strong Tiger community.  We welcome new staff who have joined our team as well as the many new families that will be starting with us this year.  We are so happy that you are here!  This year, we remain committed to providing high academic expectations for each child and a sense of belonging and connection.  We will also continue our work and focus on personal wellness, equity, and diversity in order to make our school culture one of mutual respect and inclusivity.   We will kick off this week by having our students listen to a story, “When God Made You” which will remind us that every child is God’s precious and unique creation and that we are all deeply loved.

 
“‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!”

Below is some information that you may find helpful to start off the new school year.  As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  Thanks so much and enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Tigers, see you on Tuesday!  It is going to be a great year!!

Opening School Information

Class placements were sent out on Friday and by now you should know your child’s teacher.  On Tuesday, staff will greet our students beginning at 8:45 am on the blacktop.  Classroom teachers will have a sign indicating the Grade and their name.  Just a reminder that parents are not permitted on the blacktop.  Please know that there will be many staff to assist students to their teacher.

   9:00 am                             Opening Bell

10:10 am -10:25 am     Morning Recess

11:45 am -12:45 pm     Lunch  (Students will eat from 11:45-12:05 and then go outside for 40 minutes)

2:05 pm- 2:20 pm        Afternoon Recess

3:30 pm                           Dismissal

Our staff parking lot remains closed for staff use.  Also, just a reminder that Faial Road is a “No Parking” zone.  Parking on Faial may result in being ticketed but also prevents our buses from safely entering the school driveway.  Please use side streets (Bakersfield) and walk your child the short distance.  We appreciate your cooperation to ensure the safe drop off and pick up of our children.

 Back to School Open House:

We are thrilled to once again offering a Back to School Open House this year!  Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 13th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm to meet staff and reconnect with families.  We will welcome several food trucks such as SWAT, Beavertails, and Fo Cheezy should your family wish to grab an easy dinner.  More information will be shared!

Start-Up Forms

Most start-up forms will be available through SchoolCash Online.  Kindly be sure to complete your child’s first day package forms using SchoolCash OnLine as soon as possible.  A Student Verification Form will be sent home in paper form. Please ensure that you review and update the information on this form.  If your child has a medical condition, please complete the Medical Alert form so that we can communicate further. This allows us to support your children and maintain all safety protocols.  Plans of Care will be sent home to be reviewed and returned to school asap.

Anaphylaxis

We would like all parents to be aware that there are children in our community with severe, life-threatening food allergies (anaphylaxis) to peanuts and tree nuts.  Please send foods with your child(ren) to school that are free from peanuts or nut products for the safety of all. Peanut butter substitutes are not permitted as staff are not qualified to decide what is (or isn’t) real peanut butter. Please keep the school updated of any changes of your child’s medical needs.  Any students with a plan of care for allergies or other medical conditions are asked to please drop off EpiPens, medications, etc. at the office by the first day of school.

Attendance and Safe Arrival Program

The purpose of our School Board’s Attendance & Safe Arrival Program is to ensure that all children have arrived at school safely.  If the school has not received a call or note from you, it is necessary for the school to contact you to ensure that your child is safe. If your child is not able to attend school, please contact the school.  The answering machine is on after school hours to take your message.    Please call the school at 519-740-0678 and provide the following information:

• Your child’s name
• Your child’s teacher
• Date your child will be absent
• Reason for absence

Please Note:   It is very important that you notify the school promptly of any changes in phone numbers.  The most up-to-date information is always required. If we cannot get a hold of the first contact, we will call the emergency contact.

COVID School Screener

Staff and students are asked to continue to screen each morning before school using the COVID-19 school screening and stay home when feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms.  Verification of screening is not required; however, we ask that screening become part of your personal daily routines.  The daily screening tool and related guidance may change throughout the year and notification of any changes will be communicated to you.   For further information please see our WCDSB website: https://www.wcdsb.ca/living-learning-looking-forward/

Anticipated Student Transportation Service Delays

Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) continues to navigate challenges related to a shortage of school bus drivers in some parts of Waterloo Region. This will have an impact on school bus operations in September.  As a result, some schools will be impacted by bus delays. Waterloo bus operators and STSWR are working diligently to minimize the impact on students and families. Recruitment efforts by the bus operators are ongoing.   STAY INFORMED!!  Parents and caregivers can sign up for delay and cancellation notifications through the STSWR Parent portal.

Use Of Technology/Cell Phones

Students may bring and use their own digital/personal devices (ebook readers, chromebooks etc.) at school under the direction of a staff member to support their learning, and if they have signed a “Student Acceptable Use of Outside Technology Equipment Student Personal Electronic Device Consent” form (APS017).   Cell phones must be put away for the day, unless being used for a specific activity monitored by a staff member.  Audio recording and photographing of other students is not permitted at any time at school, on the bus, or on school excursions.  Doing so is a violation of privacy. Please help us respect each others’ confidentiality. Our school cannot provide any technical assistance with these items, and we are not responsible for any loss or damage.

Catholic School Advisory Council

St. Vincent de Paul School Advisory Council is a group of volunteer parents, guardians, community members, teachers, and administrators committed to making our school a great place to learn and grow! The council sees family involvement as one of its main priorities and is committed to welcoming parents into our community by increasing communication, removing barriers, and creating opportunities to get involved! Meetings will be from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  The initial meeting of the 2022/2023 council will be held  Tuesday, September 20th in person in our Learning Commons. If you would like to be a regularly participating member of the advisory council please complete the CSAC Member Form electronically that will be posted on School CashOnline by September 10th, 2022.

WCDSB Communication Guidelines

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has established communication guidelines for parents and staff.  Parents are requested to follow the following steps to ensure prompt and efficient resolution to their questions or possible concerns.

Step #1: Parents should speak with the teacher/staff member.  Issue resolved.  If the issue is not resolved, procced to Step #2

Step #2: Speak with the principal.  If you have not spoken with the teacher/ staff member directly, the principal will ask you to do so.  Should you not wish to do this, the principal will involve the teacher/staff member in a three-way discussion. The principal may request, at any time in the process, that you put your concerns in writing. The principal may involve, at any time in the process, others who may be helpful in resolving the issue.

Role of the Trustee: Parents may contact the trustee at any time.  The trustee will direct the parent to follow the process outlined above.