All Saints Blog Week of September 26th, 2016

All Saints Meet the Staff Evening

Thank you to all of our parent/guardian community for supporting our Meet the Staff evening last Thursday.  The session gave us an opportunity to share our direction for the year, introduce some of our teachers, and provide classroom information going forward.  Our session for parents of grade 12 students put on by our student services department was extremely well attended, and provided information and timelines regarding this year’s graduates.  Our parents appreciated the literacy session as well, learning about the Ministry of Education’s plan for our online test (for grade 10’s) this October.  Thank you to Ms. Hopewell for organizing our BBQ, and some of our students and Ms. MacConnell for the bake sale.  
See the presentation from our Meet the Staff evening at this link.

Forest of Reading Book Clubs

Students will have the opportunity to join the Red Maple (7&8) and White Pine (9-12) Book Clubs.  Each book club consists of 10 recent, Canadian written books selected by the Ontario Library Association.  Students can qualify to participate in our school vote by reading at least 5 of the 10 selections.  In May, school results across Ontario are tallied and the winning Author/book title receives an Award from the students.  All Saints Staff members look forward to chairing book talks with our book club members at lunch in the Learning Commons during February, March and April.  

Goals of the Reading Club:

• to promote reading for enjoyment among high school students
• to make students aware of quality Canadian young adult books
• to provide opportunities for students to discuss the nominated titles in an authentic manner

 Kanata Pedal Play

Councillor Wilkinson invites parents and students to attend the first annual Kanata North Mobile Bike Rodeo – Pedal Play, being held on October 1st. Pedal Play is a great forum to learn safe cycling routes and practices in your community.

When: October 1st, 2016 from 10am to 1pm

Where: Beaverbrook Community Centre, 2 Beaverbrook Rd.

Who: All ages

Registration required: https://pedalplay.wordpress.com/

Pedal Play is a mobile bike rodeo where participants of all ages; children, teens and adults, will cycle a pre-determined route and participate in a number of interactive ‘safety activity’ stations located along the way. The interactive activity stations will enable participants to learn and practice basic bike safety practices, such as simple bike maintenance, checking helmets for correct fit, how and when to signal, and navigating turns and round-abouts.

All Saints Catholic School Council

The first general meeting of the All Saints School Council will take place on Monday, September 26th at 7:00pm in the school learning commons (library).  We hope to see many new parents at our meeting.

Ottawa Catholic School Parents' Association (CSPA)

Helping Keep Families Informed

Welcome back to another school year!  We hope that you have enjoyed a fun and restful summer with your family!

The CSPA meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, in the OCSB Boardroom, 570 West Hunt Club Road. All school council members, parents/guardians of OCSB students are invited to attend. We encourage all schools to send a representative, even if aCSPA rep has not yet been elected.

This month's presenter will be Nicki Dunlop who will be speaking about

Parent Engagement: How councils can help to welcome newcomers to their school and encourage their involvement.   

Click here to view the meeting agenda

During the Construction Zone we will discuss ways parents and councils can welcome and encourage new families to become involved in your school. What are the barriers and what can we do differently? Let's talk!

There are many other events scheduled by CSPA - please visit their website for additional information

Math Homework Help

Homework Help is a valuable math resource for students in grades 7 to 10, as it allows them to access live, anonymous tutor chat sessions with certified Ontario teachers. In these sessions, the tutors will guide students to solve math questions after school hours. The live Homework Help chat room service is available for students from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Sundays to Thursdays.
https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/about/index.php

Communications:

Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS (Mr. Kelly’s - @seankellyottawa) as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

Friday, October 7th: Professional Activity Day (all Ottawa Catholic Schools) - Christian Community Gathering

All Saints Blog Week of September 19th, 2016

Grade 9 Orientation: The Amazing Race

Our grade 9 students were involved in an All Saints tradition this past week, participating in The Amazing Race activity.  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.  Our new Chaplaincy Leader Vito Michienzi also introduced himself to the students and spoke about his supporting role.  We also 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.

Celebrating “7”

In addition to our grade 9 orientation last week, Friday saw a celebration of our newest students to our All Saints family - the grade 7’s.  Our day began with a presentation by one of our School Resource Officers Constable Hupe on appropriate use of the internet and social communication.  This served as a great connection to the work students will do later in the year around “Samaritans on the Digital Road”.  

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 grade 7 staff 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!

Meet the Staff!

Our Meet the Staff Open House will be held on Thursday afternoon (September 22nd) from 4:30 to 6:30.  We invite all parents/guardians within our All Saints Community to join us for information about the school, and to introduce yourself to your son/daughter’s teachers, educational assistants, administrators and guidance counsellors.  Grade 7&8 Grade level t-shirts will also be on sale for $5.  Please review the following schedule:

• 4:30 to 5:15 - BBQ fundraiser for our Show Choir group ($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 (meeting in the atrium): information on Literacy Test Preparation for parents of grade10 students. This year, grade 10 students will have two opportunities to write the literacy test. 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 (meeting in our learning commons): student services personnel will focus on graduation requirements, post secondary options, scholarships and awards, important dates and communication strategies.

Army Run

Congratulations to some of our All Saints students who participated in the local Army Fun Run this past weekend.  This is part of the connection to our Vimy trip planned for later in the year.  The students sported a bib that reflects their adopted soldiers’ names and the fact that they are running for that individual. They have also made a $50 donation to Support the Troops in lieu of their entrance fees.

Kanata Pedal Play

Councillor Wilkinson invites parents and students to attend the first annual Kanata North Mobile Bike Rodeo – Pedal Play, being held on October 1st. Pedal Play is a great forum to learn safe cycling routes and practices in your community.

When: October 1st, 2016 from 10am to 1pm

Where: Beaverbrook Community Centre, 2 Beaverbrook Rd.

Who: All ages

Registration required: https://pedalplay.wordpress.com/

Pedal Play is a mobile bike rodeo where participants of all ages; children, teens and adults, will cycle a pre-determined route and participate in a number of interactive ‘safety activity’ stations located along the way. The interactive activity stations will enable participants to learn and practice basic bike safety practices, such as simple bike maintenance, checking helmets for correct fit, how and when to signal, and navigating turns and round-abouts.

All Saints Catholic School Council

The first general meeting of the All Saints School Council will take place on Monday, September 26th at 7:00pm in the school learning commons (library).  We hope to see many new parents at our meeting at the end of the month.  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.  

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 (Mr. Kelly’s - @seankellyottawa) as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

Monday, September 26th: All Saints School Council meeting (7:00 Learning Commons)

All Saints Blog Week of September 12th, 2016

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 student council reps were also instrumental in setting the tone at our grade level assemblies.  They encouraged our student 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, Student services staff 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 student voice and responsibility associated with our intention of involving students in decisions.  We spoke of the evolving process of learning as well.

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.  

Learning with Mr. Kelly

As part of our grade level assemblies, I encouraged students to recognize the adapting notion of “learning” as it pertains to our school life.  Learning is less about “giving knowledge” and more a collaborative process of creativity, problem solving and imagination.  To highlight this point, I encouraged students to provide me with a learning opportunity.  I indicated that I would buy lunch for any student who wanted to take some time and teach me about a talent, an interest, a hobby, or passion that they have.  Students are welcome to email the school: AllSaints.High@ocsb.ca to set up an appointment.  This week I am learning about Ringette and how to play the violin!

This Coming Week

On Thursday, September 15th, 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 sessions and activities,  allowing them to become more comfortable with the resources in high school.

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 26th at 7:00pm in the school learning commons (library).  We hope to see many new parents at our meeting at the end of the month.  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.  

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 (Mr. Kelly’s - @seankellyottawa) as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Coming Up:

September 22nd: 4:30 to 6:30 - Meet the Staff BBQ (details to follow)

Monday, September 26th: All Saints School Council meeting (7:00 Learning Commons)

Service Dog at All Saints

All Saints Catholic School is committed to welcoming students with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal. This letter is to inform you that there will be a new service dog in our school assisting one of our students in Grade 7.  The certified service dog is highly trained and is intended to support the student in their learning experiences. The dog is identified by a red working jacket and is working at all times while on school property.

While children are encouraged to speak to the student about his service dog, it is important they do not talk to, touch or feed him. As the dog is engaged in supporting a student, we are asked to ensure that the animal is not distracted as it completes its duties.  These expectations have been reviewed with our full staff, and will be shared with all students as part of our grade level assemblies later this week.  Additional information can be found at the board’s website at: http://ocsb.ca/accessibilityocsb.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the school.  Thank you for your understanding and support.

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, Sent to Be the Good News provides us with a challenge as we interact with those in our wider community.  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. Facilitate innovative student and staff learning and opportunity.

2. Participate in staff/student faith development, wellness and safety initiatives.
3. Network with other educators and share our All Saints learning approaches

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 as soon as possible this week 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 9th 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:

Thursday, September 22nd: Meet the staff BBQ (4:30 to 6:30 more details to follow)

Monday, September 26th: All Saints School Council meeting (7:00 Learning Commons)