All Saints Blog Week of September 28th, 2015

School Council Elections at All Saints

The first School Council meeting of the year was held on Monday, September 21st.  At that meeting, discussions were held to establish the All Saints council for 2015-2016.  It is my pleasure to highlight the following individuals associated with the positions they will hold:

Laurie Chatigny (Chair)

Cathy Stone-Brooks (Vice-Chair)

O’Neil Brooke (Secretary)

Trudy Rink (Treasurer)

Helen Tremblay (Catholic School Parents' Association representative)

Erin Stokes (Teacher representative)

There are also a number of parent representatives who volunteered their services, and these names will be highlighted in our meeting minutes.  Please see the ash.ocsb.ca website for more information.

School Council Trivia Fundraiser

All Saints Parent Council will be hosting a Halloween Trivia Night on October 23rd from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., to raise funds for school initiatives. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through our cash online system (www.schoolcashonline.com) or at the school office. The tables will be comprised of 10 people and the ticket will include pizza, snacks, pop and prizes. Beer and wine will be on sale for those with a valid ID. We welcome parents to extend their support by sponsoring one of the 10 rounds of trivia or donating prizes. Make this an evening of fun for everyone!  Tickets purchased online will be available at the door on the night of the event.

For more information, please visit our website at: http://tinyurl.com/allsaintstrivia or contact Trudy Rink at 613-404-8360.

New Student Social

All Saints staff and students have done a great job welcoming large groups of students at our new student BBQ, our Celebrating 7’s and Amazing Race orientation sessions.  However, our Student Services department with Ms. Moore-Chung demonstrated the importance of welcoming a smaller group at our New Student Social this past week.  Students introduced themselves to each other, and had an opportunity to visit and get to know one another through ice breaker activities.  We then provided the students with some additional information to help support them at their new school.  It was a great opportunity for all involved.  

Terry Fox fundraiser Kick off

With our Terry Fox run scheduled for this coming week, our staff and students provided a very meaningful assembly last week to begin the fundraising campaign.  We learned some additional details regarding Terry Fox’s original run, and the scope of the campaign that now reaches many countries, involving millions of people while raising a great deal of money to battle cancer.  We had one of our own students detail his own battles with the disease and his success in being in remission.  There is a great deal of fun incentives built into the campaign, and we are hopeful that students will work hard at making this fundraiser a success.  

Communications

Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our

website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

October 1st: Terry Fox run at All Saints

October 9th: Christian Community Day - pd day at all Ottawa Catholic schools

October 12th: Thanksgiving holiday

All Saints Blog Week of September 21st, 2015

Meet the Staff Evening

Thank you to the many parents and guardians who joined us for the Meet the Staff evening at All Saints last Monday.  The evening provided us with an opportunity to introduce ourselves, share some important student support initiatives and goals while providing teachers a chance to share their direction in the classroom.  Thanks again to our girls basketball team for taking care of our BBQ.

Grade 9 Orientation: The Amazing Race

Our grade 9 students were involved in an All Saints tradition, participating in The Amazing Race activity last week.  This provided students an opportunity to explore important skills such as teamwork, resiliency and participation as they competed through a number of activities.  Staff also went over some important points regarding what students would need to know to be successful throughout the year.  Finally, we encouraged students to bring a strong level of enthusiasm to their classroom work and the clubs, sports and activities they will involve themselves with this year.  Thanks to the many staff who involved in planning this activity.

Students begin Cooperative Education experience

Following two weeks of pre-placement activities, students involved in our Coop program are preparing to head out for their job experience this week.  Pre-placement course curriculum involves safety expectations, job readiness activities and rights and responsibilities in the workplace.  We wish our students well as they begin this important program.

Celebrating “7”

In addition to our grade 9 orientation last week, Friday saw a celebration of our grade 7 students.  Our day began with a presentation by our School Resource Officer Constable Cybulski on appropriate use of the internet and social communication.  This served as a great connection to the work students will do in November around “Samaritans on the Digital Road”.  Mr. Kelly spoke to the students about growth mindset and the importance of analyzing mistakes as our knowledge grows.  Ms. Moore-Chung identified some great reasons to make a connection to the Chaplaincy Leader in the school.

The afternoon provided us with a great time to build community and enthusiasm among our grade 7 homerooms.  Teachers lead spirit activities with their classes, performing some singing and dance moves.  We appreciate the contributions of our entire 7&8 staff (grade 8 teachers helped with supervision) with a special thank you to our organizers, MC’s for our afternoon, and Ms. Abrams for providing a sweet “cupcake” finish to the day.  A great start to the year 7’s!

All Saints Catholic School Council

The first general meeting of the All Saints School Council will take place on Monday, September 21st at 7:00pm in the school learning commons (library).  Our fundraising group has met and will bring a report to the general group on the 21st.  We will have elections for our new council Monday evening as well.  

This Week

• We are meeting with our grade 12 students on Wednesday to review several important points leading to graduation this year.  We will discuss diploma requirements, scholarship information and key dates for families.
• We are inviting all new students to All Saints to meet for a social this Thursday morning where we will check in on their start at the school, provide some information, and encourage their involvement.  We are looking forward to meeting with this group of newcomers.
• On Thursday, September 24th we will kick off our Terry Fox fundraising drive.  There will be assemblies for our students where we will outline our goals, and identify incentive points along the way (apparently some staff are going to lose their hair!).  The Terry Fox run is on October 1st and has traditionally been a great spirit builder for All Saints students and staff.

Coming Up:

September 28th to October 2nd: Spirit Week

October 1st: Terry Fox run

Dress Code component delay

All Saints Parent/Guardian Community:

I want to thank the parents and guardians who have shared their views regarding our dress code to this point.  Based on a couple of important points that have been expressed, we will delay the expectation specifically around ripped clothing until second semester of this school year.

Communication is an important goal for me, and while the expectations around our dress code were shared with our students at grade level assemblies and over the announcements during our first week, I feel I need to spend some additional time sharing the clear expectations and rationale with our parent and guardian community.  This includes addressing some policies around track pants and leggings that were assumed to be part of the dress code, but were never addressed with students.  If there is confusion around these issues, I intend on making it clear.

I also recognize that a delay in this process will allow families additional time to make accommodations around clothing expectations.  It was not the intent of this expectation to create any financial hardship, and while we were currently dealing with these issues on a case by case basis (and will continue to do so regarding any financial situations), a delay in implementation creates a timeline that is equal to all.

I will communicate this postponement of this particular expectation with students at school today, however, I will make it clear that other components of the dress code (cited below) that were shared with students are still in place.

As part of my goals around communication and promotion, I welcome students, parents and guardians to contact me directly at the school to discuss any questions they might have.  

Thank you

Sean Kelly

Dress code information from our current 7&8 handbook to be revised and posted to website:

Students are expected to be appropriately dressed at all times. In order to maintain the Christian atmosphere of the school, short shorts and skirts, low cut tops, pajama bottoms, clothing with vulgar, suggestive, inappropriate language or drug/alcohol messages are not permitted. Shorts and skirts should be appropriate in length( the inseam should be closer to the knee than the hip). No midriff revealing, racer back backless tops are not to be worn. Clothing that permits exposure of the naval or undergarments is not acceptable. Tops may be sleeveless, but not spaghetti straps.

All Saints Blog Week of September 14th, 2015

Our First Week of School!

It was a very busy and exciting first week of school these past few days.  We began the week by welcoming our grade 7 students to our opening day assembly and then ushering them to their first period class.  Our grade 8-12 students all found classes and reacquainted themselves with the school.  Our administration met with our student council representatives on the first day of school, ensuring that student voice is a big part of our direction forward.  Our student council reps were also instrumental in setting the tone at our grade level assemblies.  They encouraged our study body to get involved and have fun this year.  

Finally on Friday we were able to process all of our students and staff through our school photos.  We use the pictures for student identification cards and our yearbook, and we hope families took the opportunity to order packages as well.

Grade Level Assemblies

Our administration, Chaplaincy Leader, student services and student council had the opportunity to meet with all students by grade this week.  It was an important chance to share direction and expectations with our students.  I explained the significance of goal setting and being kind to each other (ask your son or daughter about Mr. Kelly’s unicycle work!).  I also explained the responsibility that comes with following expectations independently of being told what to do.

Our Vice-Principals reviewed dress code, bus safety and expectations, attendance procedures, lunch hour guidelines and the many opportunities available across all grade levels at All Saints.  Our Student Services Counsellors explained the extensive support options for students who may be looking for information or who may require guidance during the year.  

This Week

On Thursday, September 17th, we will be running our Grade 9 Amazing Race.  This is an orientation session for our new “high school” students, allowing them to explore the new opportunities outside the senior elementary panel.  Students will rotate through information activities,  allowing them to become more comfortable with the resources in high school.

Our Meet the Staff Open House will be held on Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30.  Please review the following schedule:

• 4:30 to 5:15 - BBQ fundraiser for our Girls’ Basketball team ($5 combos)
• 5:20 to 5:45 - Address (school administration, Chaplaincy Leader, School Council Chair, Student Services)
• 5:45 to 6:30 - grade 7&8 teachers remain in cafeteria, 9-12 staff in the wood floor gym (arranged alphabetically by last name - please bring your son/daughter’s schedule or teacher information)
• 6:00 - 6:30 - grad presentation and literacy information
• literacy information: information on Literacy Test Preparation for parents of grade10 students. This year, grade 10 students will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on Thurs. March 31, 2016. Successful completion of this test is a graduation requirement.This workshop will provide both parents and students tips and strategies for success and information regarding the new online format.
• graduation information: student services personnel will focus on graduation requirements, post secondary options, scholarships and awards, important dates and communication strategies.

On Friday of this week we will run our Celebrating 7 orientation program for our grade 7 students.  This is a further opportunity to make our newest students feel comfortable at All Saints, while providing them with the resources to be successful in their first year.

All Saints Catholic School Council

The first general meeting of the All Saints School Council will take place on Monday, September 21st at 7:00pm in the school learning commons (library).  Our fundraising group is meeting this week to bring a report to the general group on the 21st.  We hope to see many new parents at our meeting a week from Monday. If you are interested in running for a position on the council, you may review the information required in the following forms and send the information required in an email to All Saints High School ( AllSaints.High@ocsb.ca)

School Council Parent Nomination Form

School Council Parent Self-Nomination Form

Reminders:

A verification sheet was sent home with each student last Tuesday - it needs to be carefully checked over and signed by parents and returned immediately.  This is vital for collecting parent/guardian contact information.

If your child has asthma please note the Ministry requires you to complete a medical form for your child.  Please e-mail the school at AllSaints.High@ocsb.ca to obtain this form as it cannot be attached to this message.  It will also be on the website as of Tuesday, September 8th.

Parents are asked to create an on-line payment account for each of their children at All Saints.  The option to use credit cards is now available at https://ocsb.schoolcashonline.com/   You will get a receipt for all payments made.  The student fee ($30 per student with a maximum of $60 per family) is due on the first day and may be paid online. If you have two or more students you just choose one child at a time and choose the option for (first, second, third...child).  

Communications

Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our

website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

September 24th: New student social at All Saints

All Saints Blog Week of September 8th, 2015

First Week of School!

Following numerous student registrations over the last few weeks, classrooms clean and set and an eager staff ready to go, we welcome you to the first day of school.  Our staff spent last week preparing for our start, focusing on a review of our School Innovation Plan and looking at priorities for the year.  Our Board theme, Restore One Another in a Spirit of Gentleness remains the same this year, providing us with an opportunity to continue to explore this rich message.  I am looking forward to sharing my own goals in person with you, however, I will let our students know that I am focusing on the following areas this year:

1. Student and staff learning and opportunity
2. Staff and Student faith development, wellness and safety
3. Recognize, promote and communicate the positive school culture at All Saints

Our school administration team and student services personnel will meet with all of our grades individually this week to review common expectations and provide direction for support if students need assistance.  

First Day of School Procedures

Grade 7 students will go to the Cafetorium and their teacher will call their names and bring the

class to their room.  Grade 8 students  will go down towards the 7/8 wing on the first floor and their names and homerooms will be posted on the wall on the right side of the hall just before entering the 7/8 wing.  Student peer helpers will be on hand to help direct students.

Grade 9 & 10 students will check the lists posted in the atrium for the room number of their

homeroom.  They will go to their homeroom where they will receive their schedule.  

Grade 11 students will check the lists posted on the windows in the hall on the second floor (front and back of school) for the room number of their homeroom.  They will go to their homeroom where they will receive their schedule.  

Grade 12 students will check the lists posted on the windows in the hall on the third floor (front and back of school) for the room number of their homeroom.  They will go to their homeroom where they will receive their schedule.

Peer Helpers will be on hand to help students find their homerooms.

A verification sheet will be sent home with each student on Tuesday - it needs to be carefully checked over and signed by parents and returned on Wednesday.

If your child has asthma please note the Ministry requires you to complete a medical form for your child.  Please e-mail the school at AllSaints.High@ocsb.ca to obtain this form as it cannot be attached to this message.  It will also be on the website as of Tuesday, September 8th.

Parents are asked to create an on-line payment account for each of their children at All Saints.  The option to use credit cards is now available at https://ocsb.schoolcashonline.com/   You will get a receipt for all payments made.  The student fee ($30 per student with a maximum of $60 per family) is due on the first day and may be paid online. If you have two or more students you just choose one child at a time and choose the option for (first, second, third...child).  

Students eligible for Presto cards who did not pick them up prior to school starting will be called to the office, however, will need to make their own way to school on Tuesday.  

Friday, September 11th is our school photo day.  Information for ordering pictures will come home ahead of this date.  Students are reminded that even if you aren’t ordering pictures, your photo is required for student identification as well as our yearbook.

Communications:

Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our

website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

Monday, September 14th: All Saints School Council meeting (7:00 Learning Commons)

Thursday, September 17th: Meet the staff BBQ (4:30 to 6:30 more details to follow)

Have a great week!
Sean Kelly