All Saints Blog Week of December 19th, 2016

It is a fortunate year in that we are able to celebrate the full fourth week of Advent in our school this December.  We have been able to collectively anticipate the coming of Jesus’ birth, while making practical connections to our own lives.  Pope Francis spoke of this important time: “Indeed, the Birth of Jesus brings us the good news that we are loved immensely and uniquely by God, and he not only enables us to know this love, he also gives it to us, he communicates it to us!”.  While December is busy as school goes until the day before Christmas Eve, it is my hope that you have an opportunity to relax with family and friends and reflect on the important messages of this Advent and Christmas Season.  Merry Christmas and have a safe Holiday.  See you on January 9th!

Christmas Spirit Week

Tis the season for our Christmas Spirit Week!

MONDAY: Ugly Sweater Day

TUESDAY: Winter Getaway Day (Tropical/ Hawaiian)

WEDNESDAY: Toque Day

THURSDAY: Christmas Morning PJ Day

FRIDAY: Red and Green Day

All Saints Class of the Week Award

Congratulations to Ms. Connelly’s grade 11 Chemistry students who were recipients of the “All Saints Class of the Week” award.  I have encouraged teachers to recognize classes for their involvement with a new academic approach, enthusiasm around a fundraising initiative or engagement with a direction in the classroom.  Ms. Connelly nominated her class for their work in transforming the classroom environment with some beautiful chemistry-themed murals.  We will continue to recognize classes at All Saints for outstanding achievement.

Best Buy Technology Specials for All Saints Parents and Students

At our “Meet the Staff” afternoon earlier in the year, I explained that All Saints was developing a partnership with Best Buy to provide technological devices (chromebooks, laptops, and other devices) at a discount to our school community.  To be most effective in today’s learning environments, students benefit significantly from access to technology at school and home, as technology is a vital tool for their learning and productivity. The school board invests heavily to support access to technology for students and staff across our schools. Devices are made available to students in our school; however, we have received many requests from students and parents asking for advice on what device they should purchase if they wish to bring their own device to school.

We have established an optional purchase program with Best Buy for those who are interested in purchasing their own device.  Parents and students may purchase any brand of device from any company as all devices will work on school network. Some of these devices are exclusive to our Best Buy partnership and not available to others through Best Buy.

The technologies listed on the Best Buy portal are only recommendations. Best Buy is offering discounts on protection plans and other supplies and peripherals but parents may choose to purchase from any vendor.  As you will see on the Portal, we are recommending Chromebooks as a simple, safe, efficient and cost effective device. We also help equip these with Board purchased software through the student Google accounts and the use of the student portal.  You can access the letter home describing the program in greater detail here.

Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Parents Engaged in Education Newsletter

Check out the following link to the Parents Engaged in Education School Council Newsletter for December.

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:

January 16th: School Council Meeting