I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:35

Dear Tiger families,

This past week was Earth Week which provided our school community with an opportunity to come together and deepen our understanding of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the importance of caring for our planet. Through a variety of engaging activities and initiatives, our students embraced the spirit of Earth Week and demonstrated a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in our world   As we prepare to enter the final week of April and welcome the month of May, it’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying by!  With the arrival of May comes a sense of renewal and anticipation for the many exciting events and opportunities ahead.

Congratulations on your First Holy Communion!

We are thrilled to announce that many of our students will be receiving their First Holy Communion tomorrow, Saturday, April 27th at St. Ambrose Church. This is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and commitment to their faith.  May this sacrament be a source of grace, joy, and strength for each of them as they embark on this next chapter of their spiritual journey. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our wonderful parents and guardians for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. Your love, prayers, and involvement in your child’s religious formation have been instrumental in preparing them for this special day. A huge round of applause is also due to our dedicated teachers, Ms. Santos, Ms. Purdy, Ms. Wright, and Ms. Martin who have provided our students with guidance and spiritual support.   Congratulations Tigers!!

Year 2 Kindergarten and Grade 8 Graduation Photos Retake Day!

On Monday, April 29th, Pegasus will once again be back at SVdP for graduation photo retakes.  This retake day is for Year 2 Kindergarten and Grade 8 students who were unable to have their photos taken during the initial session or would like their picture retaken.  Come dressed for pictures and bring your smile on Monday,

St. Vincent de Paul Movie Night! May 1, 2024

We are excited to invite you and your family to a fun-filled evening at our upcoming Family Movie Night at St. Vincent de Paul on  Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm! We will be showing two movies for different age groups.  Kindergarten to Grade 4 families will be in the gym watching Clifford The Big Red Dog and Grades 4 to 8 will be watching A New Legacy in the Learning Commons.  All students must be accompanied by an adult!  Doors will open at 5:45 and this is a FREE event.  Bring your own water bottle!  We look forward to seeing you and your family at Family Movie Night! Let’s make it a memorable evening for all.

Thinking of stopping by at Tim Horton’s for lunch or breakfast this week? Consider adding a smile cookie to your meal. Smile cookies are not only delicious, but 100% of the proceeds are donated directly to local charities including Nutrition for Learning- the folks that support our nutrition program. For $2.00, you can help support charities within Waterloo Region. Every cookie makes a difference!”

Digital Safety Awareness and Human Trafficking Prevention Education April 30th

WCDSB is pleased to present a virtual parent and guardian information evening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.  Bestselling author and survivor Timea Nagy will speak about digital safety awareness and human trafficking prevention education.   Please see Registration Poster – Human Trafficking Prevention Education  to register for this event.   Please note that the chat will not be open for the presentation.  If you would like to ask questions ahead of this event, please fill out this form.  .

Catholic Education Week:  Called to Love

Catholic Education Week 2024 is scheduled to take place during the week of May 5 – May 10th . The theme of Catholic Education Week is:  We are Called to Love.  At school and throughout this week, we will be focusing on the 5 subthemes for the week: 

• Monday, May 6th:          As people of hope 
• Tuesday, May 7th:          As people of faith 
• Wednesday, May 8th:    As people of mercy 
• Thursday, May 9th:        As people of justice 
• Friday, May 10th:            As people of joy

Throughout this week, we will be highlighting each of these subthemes with special activities and celebrations including a school-wide interactive art project. Please see below for a list of events and we are so looking forward to seeing our families celebrating with us.

The staff and students and St. Vincent de Paul would like to show that we are a ‘People of Justice” by making cards and collecting items to support Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health (formerly Monica Place), a local shelter for women and children under the age of 5 years old.  Beginning on Wednesday, May 1st , each classroom will begin to collect items to donate to the shelter.  Your child’s teacher will let you know what items your child’s class will be collecting via their classroom D2L site.   As in the past, the generosity of our students and their families has been wonderful!  It is our hope, as a school community, that we can collect a number of items to help this group of mothers and their children. Please note that all items are due by Wednesday, May 15th.   Thank you in advance for your continued support with all of our school initiatives.

Guardians of the Mind

The “Guardians of the Game” webinar that was hosted virtually April 9th was a big success! Our guests were incredibly informative and engaging and we have received great feedback.  Please see this poster to access the resources.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”

—Jane Goodall

Dear Tiger Families,

This week, students got to participate in three incredible presentations.  These presentations provided valuable learning opportunities for our students and reinforced important messages about cultural awareness and personal empowerment.  On Tuesday, April 16th, our Grade 8 students traveled to Guelph to attend the Youth Symposium to listen to several speakers talk about the importance of decision-making and resilience, highlighting the impact of our choices on our lives and providing strategies for overcoming challenges and obstacles.  Our Grade 6 and 7 students had the privilege of hearing Dwayne Morgan speak on the same day.  Dwayne Morgan spoke to the students about strategies to confront harmful language and ways to cultivate a respectful, inclusive atmosphere.  Finally, yesterday our students participated in a demonstration of a pow-wow from The Healing of the Seven Generations of Kitchener.  The presentation centered around an Indigenous drumming circle, where students had the opportunity to engage with traditional music and learn about the regalia and the cultural significance of the circle and drumming in Indigenous communities. Through interactive demonstrations, our students gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions and the importance of preserving and honoring diverse cultural heritage.

This upcoming week, SVdP will be celebrating Earth Week with a series of engaging and educational activities focused on environmental awareness and sustainability.  Earth Week is an opportunity for our school community to come together and reflect on the importance of protecting our planet and taking action to preserve its natural resources for future generations. Through a variety of spirit days, events, and initiatives, we aim to inspire our students to become responsible stewards of the environment and make positive changes in their daily lives:

• Mindful Monday (April 22nd):   Let’s be mindful of how much garbage we produce at school and at home.  Use reusable water bottles and make your lunch by using reusable containers.  Turn off lights and electronics that are not being used at home.
• Take it Outside Tuesday (April 23rd):  Take your learning outside today!  Go for a walk and appreciate the beauty of our world!
• Walk to School Wednesday (April 24th):  Conserve energy!  Reduce your carbon footprint by walking or biking to school today! Let’s see which class will have the most people who walked or biked today!  
• Thoughtful Thursday (April 25th): Bring your garden gloves to school today and let’s be thoughtful of our yard by cleaning it up.
• Dress Like Mother Earth Friday (April 26th): Wear blue and green or rainbow colours. Get creative in your best Mother Earth look. 

Thank you for your continued support of our school’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a difference!

HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DAY TO MRS. BARTLETT AND MRS. SOARES!

On Wednesday, April 24th, we will take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Bartlett and Mrs. Soares on “Administrative Professionals Day” for all the incredible work they do.  Their dedication, organization, kindness, and warm demeanor make our school a better place every day. From greeting visitors and students with a friendly smile to efficiently managing administrative tasks behind the scenes, their contributions are invaluable and greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our school community and for always going above and beyond to support our students, staff, and parents. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have you as an integral part of our team.  May you be celebrated and appreciated for all that you do, not just today but every day.

Wishing you a wonderful Administrative Professionals Day filled with joy, recognition, and appreciation!

First Holy Communion Retreat

Our Grade 2 students have been diligently preparing to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion, a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. As part of their preparation, they will be attending a special retreat on Friday, April 26th at St. Ambrose Church to further deepen their understanding of the sacrament and reflect on its significance in their lives.  During the retreat, our students will engage in prayer, reflection, and activities designed to help them grow in their faith and prepare their hearts to receive the Body of Christ for the first time. Led by our teachers, Ms. Santos, Ms. Wright, Ms. Purdy, and Ms. Martin as well as Father Gary Schlack, the retreat will provide a sacred space for our students to connect with God and one another as they continue their journey of faith.  Our Grade 2 students will celebrate their First Holy Communion on Saturday, April 27th.  

Dental Screening For JK, SK, and Grade 2 Students!

On Wednesday, April 24th,  the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services will be offering a dental screening program at our school. The dental screening is a provincially required program under the Ontario Public Health Standards that aims to ensure all children receive equal access to dental care across Ontario.  All JK, SK and Grade 2 students at our school will be screened (as well as other select students as appropriate).  Dental screenings are a quick look in your child’s mouth to check for any urgent dental concerns. A Registered Dental Hygienist performs this visual check using a single-use, sterilized mouth mirror (one per child). This screening does not replace your child’s regular visit with a dentist. Each participating student will be sent home at the end of the screening day(s) with a confidential result letter in a closed envelope.

How can I opt in or opt-out from the dental screening?
If your child is in one of the grades listed above, they will be screened.  Please complete this form at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalopting or call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 if  you do not want your child to be screened or if your child is not in one of the grades listed and you would like them to be screened

Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence: Insights from Michael Jacques & Dr. Gillian Parekh: April 23rd

Join us for an enlightening discussion featuring Michael Jacques, a compassionate and determined young adult with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael, author of “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” and “I Belong, Can I Play?”, speaks passionately about topics such as learning, inclusion, advocating, independence, and the power of perseverance.

Following Michael’s inspiring presentation, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Gillian Parekh, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Disability Studies in Education at York University. Dr. Parekh, renowned author of “Ableism in Education,” brings a wealth of experience as a former special education teacher and research coordinator with the Toronto District School Board. Her expertise in structural equity, special education, and academic streaming promises invaluable insights.  This event is brought to you by WCDSB SEAC.  The online presentation starts at 6:30 pm on April 23, 2024.   Please register for the event by:  Promoting Independence

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, inspiration, and support for promoting independence in our communities!

Circuit Training for Track and Field Grades 4 – 8: Starts MONDAY!!

Starting on April 22, students in Grades 4 to 8 will begin circuit training in preparation for the Track and Field event on May 14th.  These sessions will help to develop student’s strength, speed, endurance, and agility and are crucial for their preparation in the upcoming event.  To ensure safety, students must come to school prepared with proper athletic attire, including appropriate shoes.

Catholic Education Week: We Are Called to Love

Catholic Education Week 2024 is scheduled to take place during the week of May 5 – May 10.   All Catholic schools in Ontario will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education.  Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love.”  The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024 was inspired by the following consideration:

• With joyful anticipation of the Jubilee Year of 2025, we are inspired by Pope Francis announcing the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope.” With open hearts of love, we can continue to “fan the flame of hope” for a bright future.
• On the fifth anniversary of Renewing the Promise, we celebrate that Catholic Education is centered on our Christian call to love. This love permeates how we live in the world and as we act with love, we build a better future. As Pope Francis stated in 2023, “He wants us to be artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers.”
• The theme of the synod, “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” invites us to listen in love, to be a healing presence to one another and to strengthen relationships.
• In his visit to Canada last summer, Pope Francis gave us hope for our continued work for Truth and Reconciliation. Through prayer and a commitment to love, stronger bonds are forming and a new way forward is emerging.
• Catholic Education Week comes at the same time as Mental Health Awareness Week. Through love and compassion, we continue to support each other’s wellbeing. God is love and we are always called to live out this love.
• In our continued work for Equity and Inclusion in Catholic schools, a focus on love reminds us that all God’s children are loved unconditionally.

Using these resources, as well as our own developed activities, we will be preparing a series of activities, which will highlight how our school is being Called to love together.  Stay tuned for more information!

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students

Register for this free live webinar on April 30th or May 7th and learn about EQAO’s primary and junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students and answer questions from participants.

Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.

~Luther Burbank

Dear Tiger Families,

Despite being short, this week has been filled with exciting new learnings and memorable experiences for our students.  First and foremost, a heartfelt congratulations to our Grade 2 students who celebrated a significant milestone this week by receiving the Sacrament of First Reconciliation for the first time. It was a beautiful and meaningful moment for them, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to their faith journey.  Additionally, we had the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring solar eclipse earlier this week. It was truly a remarkable sight, and we hope it sparked curiosity and wonder in your child’s heart.  Finally, our Early Years and Primary Division traveled to the Sanderson Centre in Brantford to watch a spectacular musical, GoldiRocks.  Many thanks to our volunteers who accompanied us on this trip!

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Each fall and spring, schools are required to perform 3 fire drills, 1 lockdown procedure, and 1 tornado drill.  These drills are completed so that students and staff will know what to do if there is an emergency at school and to ensure that staff and students are safe.  Our students are very familiar with conducting these drills and do a fantastic job!  So far this spring, we have completed one lockdown and the tornado drill, and as expected, our students were amazing.

Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence: Insights from Michael Jacques & Dr. Gillian Parekh: April 23rd

Join us for an enlightening discussion featuring Michael Jacques, a compassionate and determined young adult with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael, author of “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” and “I Belong, Can I Play?”, speaks passionately about topics such as learning, inclusion, advocating, independence, and the power of perseverance.

Following Michael’s inspiring presentation, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Gillian Parekh, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Disability Studies in Education at York University. Dr. Parekh, renowned author of “Ableism in Education,” brings a wealth of experience as a former special education teacher and research coordinator with the Toronto District School Board. Her expertise in structural equity, special education, and academic streaming promises invaluable insights.  This event is brought to you by WCDSB SEAC.  The online presentation starts at 6:30 pm on April 23, 2024.   Please register for the event by:  Promoting Independence

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, inspiration, and support for promoting independence in our communities!

Introduction to Race with Dwayne Morgan: April 16th

We are thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity for the grade 6 & 7 classes on Tuesday, April 16th, to participate in a workshop with Dwayne Morgan, an esteemed figure in the literary world.  Through this session, students will gain insights into racial challenges’ historical and societal roots, strategies to confront harmful language, and ways to cultivate a respectful, inclusive atmosphere. It highlights the importance of dialogue, reflection, and action. It aims to equip students with the means to facilitate impactful discussions, drive positive change, and create a school culture that embraces diversity, understanding, and equity.

Circuit Training for Track and Field Grades 4 – 8

Starting on April 22, students in Grades 4 to 8 will begin circuit training in preparation for the Track and Field event on May 14th.  These sessions will help to develop student’s strength, speed, endurance, and agility and are crucial for their preparation in the upcoming event.  To ensure the safety, it is essential that students come to school prepared with proper athletic attire, including appropriate shoes.

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students

Register for this free live webinar on April 30th or May 7th and learn about EQAO’s primary and junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students and answer questions from participants.

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness… all the good things.”

~ Maya Angelou

Dear Tiger Families,

This first week of April marked our return to school after the Easter break, and it was wonderful to see our students back in the classroom, ready to embark on new learning adventures.   It is always so amazing to see the many examples of enthusiasm, resilience, and commitment to learning displayed by our students!  As we look ahead to the rest of April, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that await us.

Just a reminder that the Professional Activity (PA) Day, originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, is now to be held this Monday, 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/

See everyone back on Tuesday, April 9th!

GRADUATION PICTURES this Wednesday, April 10th!

This Wednesday, April 10th, Pegasus will be at our school to take graduation photos of our Year 2 Kindergarten students and our Grade 8 students.  Kindergarten grad pictures will be taken in the morning followed by our Grade 8 graduates.  Grade 8s, don’t forget to wear your white shirt!  Kindergarten and Grade 8 grads, bring your smiles on Wednesday, April 10th!

Congratulations to our Grade 2 Students!

Next week will be a very special week for our Grade 2 students as they celebrate and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This celebration will be on Thursday, April 11th  at 6:30 at St. Ambrose Church.  Many thanks to Father Gary Schlack for all of his help.  A special thanks to Ms. Purdy, Ms. Santos, Ms. Wright, and Ms. Martin for all of their help as well!

  Math @ Home April Issue

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.  Please click  HERE  for ways to have fun with math at home!

Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence: Insights from Michael Jacques & Dr. Gillian Parekh

Join us for an enlightening discussion featuring Michael Jacques, a compassionate and determined young adult with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael, author of “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” and “I Belong, Can I Play?”, speaks passionately about topics such as learning, inclusion, advocating, independence, and the power of perseverance.

Following Michael’s inspiring presentation, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Gillian Parekh, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Disability Studies in Education at York University. Dr. Parekh, renowned author of “Ableism in Education,” brings a wealth of experience as a former special education teacher and research coordinator with the Toronto District School Board. Her expertise in structural equity, special education, and academic streaming promises invaluable insights.  This event is brought to you by WCDSB SEAC.  The online presentation starts at 6:30 pm on Apirl 23, 2024.   Please register for the event by:  Promoting Independence

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, inspiration, and support for promoting independence in our communities!

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

The 2024-2025 School Year Calendar has been posted to our Board’s website.  The first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year for students is on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. For more information and to view the entire list of dates and holidays for the 2024-2025 school year, please visit the Board’s website.

Human Trafficking Presentation for Grade 7s

The issue of human trafficking has become an increasingly serious concern in our community, surrounding communities, and society as a whole. Human trafficking remains a grave issue as it robs victims of their fundamental human rights and ignores their human dignity.  The safety of children is our priority and we can help reduce the risk of your child becoming vulnerable to human trafficking by ensuring that they are educated about what it is, how and where it happens, how to recognize the signs that someone is being lured/groomed or trafficked, and by providing practical safety tips and information on how to get help.  This Tuesday, April 9th, our Grade 7 students will be participating in a joint presentation from our Safe Schools and the office of the Religion and Family Life consultant. This presentation will complement our Fully Alive, Family Life Lessons as well as the Growing in Faith and Growing in Christ, Religious Education Program.  Parents of Grade 7 students, please see your child’s D2L site for more detailed information on this presentation.

Extended Day Program 2024-2025: Registration is 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