All Saints Blog Week of November 9th, 2015

Career Week @ All Saints

We observed Career Week last week in all of our Ottawa Catholic Schools.  All Saints took a strong lead, offering a number of different activities throughout the period.  We organized a “Specialist High Skills Major” and Focus Program awareness morning on Monday, allowing our students to explore these specialized programs and ask questions directly of the teachers.  On Wednesday, all of our grade 9 students participated in our “Take your Kids to Work”  day, allowing them to check out various occupations in the community.  On Thursday, we hosted a robust Career Fair, bringing post-secondary institutions together with employers in the Ottawa region to offer information to students.  Students were challenged to complete a career fair passport that allowed them to reflect on some of the academic and work opportunities of which they could take advantage.  Big thanks to Ms. Muldoon, who organized this week and invited other schools from the board to visit.

2014-2015 Awards Ceremony

Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who were able to join us for our grade 10-12 awards ceremony on November 3rd.  It was an overwhelming experience to see the multitudes of students, including over 300 honour roll recipients, who had made academic success a priority.  In my opening address, I spoke of the importance of this gift of strong academic effort, and how we can trace back its origins to the encouragement of our families.  Special congratulations go to our top average winners and subject award recipients.  You make us very proud to work collaboratively with you in your academic pursuits.  Special thanks to Ms. Wilson, who did a fantastic job organizing our student data and preparing the ceremony as well.

Grade 7&8 Computer Coding Experience

As part of our focus on technology supporting the curriculum and learning, our grade 7&8 students were involved in a computer coding experience this past week.  One of our students, Rhiannon Hendley, shares her experience below:

Learning computer science was a wonderful and useful experience for all students. I have had some experience using Scratch, but thanks to Google CS First, I now feel that I understand the language of code. This week of coding was very fun, and a great way of getting deeper into computer science. Learning code is like learning to read a different language. I think that everyone should learn to code. I’d really like to create an app for the app store and I feel I have the some of the knowledge to do it. As Steve Jobs said, “Everyone should know how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.”

All Saints Craft Fair

The All Saints Craft Fair took place this past weekend and hosted more than 130 tables of crafts, goodies and other gift items.  It was a one stop shopping event for the many who came out to visit.  Many thanks to the All Saints students who helped with set up and organization, and to our own Office Administrator Patti Koeslag who managed the event.  The proceeds generously go to assist with the All Saints Christmas Hampers, “Grands and Friends” which supports Grandmothers in African nations as well as one of our own inner city schools.  Thank you to all for giving of your time in supporting this initiative.

Dominican Experience - Live and Silent Auction Wine & Cheese

All Saints Catholic High School has been running a Dominican Experience program for students since 2009. Through fundraising, we opened a small school there in 2013 to provide early learning for Haitians in the country who are not entitled to government sponsored education. All Saints pays the salaries of two teachers and buys uniforms and supplies for the children who attend. On Friday, November 20th at 6:30 pm they are hosting a Live and Silent Auction Wine & Cheese at the school in support of this cause. Signed jerseys, hockey tickets, spa packages, and gift baskets are among the items to be bid on. All are welcome!

View the information poster here

Elementary School Winter Clothing Drive

Cette année, la classe d’immersion de Religion de 9e année ramasse des tuques et des mitaines usagés pour l'école St. Elizabeth. La récolte aura lieu du lundi 9 Novembre au vendredi, le 20 Novembre. Les articles peuvent être déposés dans l'Atrium avant la cloche de 8h20. Pour démontrer notre appréciation, l'étudiant qui apporte le plus grand nombre d'articles, recevra 2 billets au cinéma. Merci d'avance pour votre effort d'amener de la chaleur aux mains et aux cœurs de plusieurs dans notre communauté.

English Translation: This year, the Grade 9 Immersion French Religion Class will be collecting gently-used hats and mitts for our sister-school St. Elizabeth.   The drive will take place from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 20. Items can be dropped off in the Atrium before the 8:20 bell. To demonstrate our appreciation, the student who brings in the most items, will receive 2 movie tickets.  Thank you in advance for bringing warmth to the hands and hearts of many in our community.

Help Your Child Succeed in School Session

CSPA and the International Languages program present: How to Help Your Child Succeed in School, with keynote speaker, Jacqui Strachan from People for Education.

Come learn more about how to help your children be successful in school, how the education system works, and the role of school councils.  

Saturday, November 14, 2015  9:30 —11:30 AM

Saint George Catholic School  130 Keyworth Ave, Ottawa

REGISTER: http://bit.ly/1KogoOc

Grade 10 Literacy Support Course

Grade 10 students will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on

Thurs. March 31, 2016. A successful outcome is a graduation requirement. In order to prepare students we are offering an after school program. This program will run Monday and Wednesdays beginning Mon. Nov.23, 2015 - Wed. Mar. 23, 2016 for a total of 20 sessions.  All grade 10 students received an invitation letter to the course, however, if you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the school.

7&8 Report Card Distribution and Parent-Teacher Interviews

Our grade 7&8 progress reports were distributed on Thursday, November 5th, and our parent-teacher interview date has changed.  Grade 7&8 parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, November 19th (they were originally scheduled for November 12th).  There will be an early dismissal at 1:30 pm on November 19th for all students grades 7-12. The times for interviews are 2:00 to 4:00 and again from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Booking interviews will be done online through the You Can Book Me program. The link is on our website as well as here: https://allsaintshigh1.youcanbook.me/.  The link on our website will become active at 5:00 pm on Monday November 9th.  Please note interviews are 10 minutes in length and parents are asked to request a maximum of one interview slot per teacher (even if the teacher teaches your child more than one subject).  Progress Reports were sent home Thursday, November 5th.

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:

November 9th: (7:00pm) School Council meeting

November 13th: High School report card distribution

November 19th: Grade 7&8 parent-teacher interviews

All Saints Blog

Week of November 2nd, 2015

All Saints Feast Day

Our School’s namesake feast day is an opportunity to honour and remember all of the men and women whose lives reflected extraordinary faith and commitment to God.  The lives of all saints mirror the values of the Beatitudes which was read this weekend at Mass.  Let us keep these individuals in our prayers as we strive to emulate their example.

All Saints Halloween Spirit Week

Our students and staff enthusiastically participated in our Halloween Week spirit activities last week.  We had door decorating, lunch-time student council activities and dress up days.  Thank you to our student council and staff facilitators for putting their time in to make the week run smoothly.  Thanks to all our students who participated!

Governor General’s Literary Awards

Our students and staff are extremely proud of our own Caroline Pignat, teacher at All Saints and winner of this year’s Governor General’s Literary Award for her novel The Gospel Truth.  Ms. Pignat is no stranger to awards for her writing, including Egghead (Red Maple Book Award, 2009) and Greener Grass (GG Award, 2009). Her writing regularly appears in children’s periodicals such as Highlights for Children, Guideposts for Kids, Living Faith for Kids and Clubhouse Magazine. See a CBC television interview with Ms. Pignat here (30 minute point of the news clip).

Career Week Activities

The Ottawa Catholic School Board recognizes November 2nd to 6th as “Career Week” in all our schools.  We are observing this week with several career awareness activities with our students.  On Monday we will be inviting grade 9 and 10 students to visit our Specialist High Skills Major and Focus Program Fair.  This is an opportunity to share information regarding these special programs while answering any questions that students might have.  On Wednesday, grade 9 students across the province take part in Take Your Kids to Work Day.   At All Saints, our grade 9’s will be participating as well, exploring career options in many different areas.  On Thursday we will host our Career Fair - an opportunity for students to explore additional vocations in many areas, as well as discuss post-secondary options with individuals from Algonquin College.  We will also be sharing announcements over the PA throughout the week encouraging goal setting and job readiness on the part of our students.

Grade 10 Literacy Support Course

Grade 10 students will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on

Thurs. March 31, 2016. A successful outcome is a graduation requirement. In order to prepare students we are offering an after school program. This program will run Monday and Wednesdays beginning Mon. Nov.23, 2015 - Wed. Mar. 23, 2016 for a total of 20 sessions.  All grade 10 students received an invitation letter to the course, however, if you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the school.

7&8 Report Card Distribution and Parent-Teacher Interviews

Our grade 7&8 progress reports will be distributed on Thursday, November 5th, however, please note that our parent-teacher interview date has changed.  Grade 7&8 parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, November 19th (they were originally scheduled for November 12th).  Our online booking process will be opened for interview scheduling the week before interviews will take place.  Further specifics around this schedule, including instructions to book an interview, will follow.

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!

All Saints Blog Week of October 26th, 2015

All Saints Halloween Trivia Fundraiser

Thank you to all of our parent community that came out to support our Halloween trivia fundraiser this past Friday evening.  We had a good number of teams who came out to test their Halloween trivia knowledge.  We would like to thank the many All Saints students and School Council members who organized and managed the evening.  The funds raised will be used to enhance our atrium area with some docking stations for students to use with electronic devices.  Thank you, as well, to the many community sponsors who provided gifts and prizes.  

7&8 Report Card Distribution and Parent-Teacher Interviews

Our grade 7&8 progress reports will be distributed on Thursday, November 5th, however, please note that our parent-teacher interview date has changed.  Grade 7&8 parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, November 19th (they were originally scheduled for November 12th).  Our online booking process will be opened for interview scheduling the week before interviews will take place.  Further specifics around this schedule, including instructions to book an interview, will follow.

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!

All Saints Blog Week of October 19th, 2015

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all of our grade 9-12 parents/guardians who were able to make time to join us for our parent-teacher interviews last week.  This followed the distribution of our letters of progress sent out to high school families where students were encouraged to set some goals around next steps if there were challenges in the classroom.  A reminder that if you were not able to see a particular teacher last Thursday, that you are encouraged to contact them at the school to arrange a discussion.

We will provide additional reminders into November, however, we have changed the date of parent-teacher interviews following our progress reports for our 7&8 students to November 19th (originally scheduled for November 12th).

Cleaning the Capital

A number of our classes participated in the Cleaning the Capital initiative run through the City of Ottawa this past week.  It is an activity designed to encourage a tidying of our local space while recognizing the importance of care for our environment.  Thank you to those teachers and students who made a difference in our community.

EdTechTeam Ottawa Summit for Educators

A large number of our staff participated in the EdTechTeam Technology Summit this past weekend, developing their skills around technology tools in the classroom.  The summit included keynote speakers on the cutting edge of technology use as well as sessions designed to allow educators to investigate new and current tools for supporting pedagogy in the classroom.  Thank you to those who participated in this opportunity over the weekend.

Grade 7&8 Immunization

All Saints would like to remind grade 7 and 8 parents that immunizations for grade 7 students (Hep-B - Menactra) and grade 8 girls (HPV) will take place on Thursday October 23rd, and Friday October 24th.  We would encourage students to have a good breakfast on the morning of the immunizations.  If your child is on an excursion or is at home with an illness and misses their vaccine please follow up with your own family doctor. The Ottawa Public Health Immunization Department can be contacted directly at 613-580-6744.

A Parents’ Guide to Special Education

The OCSB Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and the OCSB Special Education and Student Services Department invites you on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM to an information evening to learn more about special education programs and services offered at the Ottawa Catholic School Board (information poster link). Come learn about programs, services, roles, responsibilities, resources and how you as a parent, can work with the school to help and support your child.

Can’t Attend?  Join us online!  This event will also be available on the internet that evening as a

“webinar”. You can access the presentation, listen to the discussion and ask questions via computer.

We will email the webinar link to all those who register and share the link via Twitter.

Where: Boardroom,

OCSB Catholic Education Centre

570 West Hunt Club Road

Register: http://bit.ly/1WxA5Mx

OSEF Student Language Exchange

OSEF (Organisme de Séjours Educatifs Francophones), a Belgian association founded in 1994 by Christine LENFANT, promotes linguistic and cultural exchanges between France, Belgium and Spain and all Canadian provinces.   This exchange program with France provides to students aged 13-17 an opportunity to live with a family in France and to host their French exchange partner here in Canada, for one month in the summer or for 11 weeks during the school year. OSEF is trusted by 600+ students from across Canada and France every year since 1995

“ Best way to learn a language, and give an international dimension to your life”

“ Added academic value, a greater focus in the student, and sought-after life skills”

“ This is truly an invaluable program for our young people as well as their families”

For further information, visit OSEF on the web.

Parking at the Front of All Saints School

We have a number of handicapped parking spaces situated at the front of the school for the use of those entitled to the accommodation.  We would remind all of our community to respect the appropriate use of these spaces for vehicles transporting students that require the spots, as well as those with the proper documentation.  Thank you in advance for making this busy area run smoothly.

All Saints Catholic High School - School Council Meeting

October 19, 2015 @ 7:00 PM in All Saints Learning Commons.  Meeting #02 of School Year 2015-2016

Agenda Item

Call to Order

Opening prayer

Approval of agenda

Presentation of robotics plaque

Student Council Report

Principal’s report

Trivia night fundraiser update

Other Business

Adjourn Meeting

Following the meeting, the Halloween Trivia Night Fundraising sub-committee will meet in the Learning Commons.  All are welcome.  We encourage you to see what it’s all about!

Final Call! - 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 by 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.

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 26th to 30th: Halloween Spirit week

October 30th: Cake auction fundraiser

All Saints Blog Week of October 12th, 2015

I am hoping that our entire All Saints community enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.  

Grades 9-12 Parent-Teacher Interviews

All Saints wishes to remind parents of high school students that parent/teacher interviews will be held on Thursday, October 15th. There will be an early dismissal at 1:30 pm that day for all students grades 7-12. The times for interviews are 2 pm to 4 pm and again 5 pm until 7 pm.

Booking interviews will be done on-line through the You Can Book Me program. The link can be accessed on our website as well as here: https://allsaintshigh.youcanbook.me/. The link will become active at 5:00 pm on Tuesday October 13th.  Parents/guardians are reminded that if they are unable to schedule an interview with a particular teacher, they are welcome to contact the teacher at the school to have a telephone discussion.  

Please note interviews are 10 minutes in length and parents are asked to request a maximum of one interview slot per teacher. Report card distribution will be Friday, November 13th at the end of the school day.

CSPA Parent/Guardian session

CSPA and OCSB present, Concussion Awareness; Helping our students.  Concussions can occur anywhere; on the playground, at home, school, work or during sports events.  The key is recognizing the signs and knowing what to do. Parents play a critical role.  This session is for all parents and students interested in learning more about dealing with concussions and returning to school and sports activities.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

7:00 - 8:30 pm

St. Pius X High School,

1481 Fisher Ave, Ottawa

Register Now: http://bit.ly/1P5WgqY

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 by 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.

Help an OCSB Elementary School build a new School Yard

We need your help to build a new school yard at St Anthony School.  We are a small school in the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy, serving a vibrant immigrant community.  Our school yard was voted the ugliest in Ottawa in 1998. Shortly after, a greening project was started to remove some of the asphalt and add trees. Now the school community wants to finish the job and transform the St. Anthony yard into a green haven for the entire community. – But, we need your help:

How you can help St. Anthony?

We need your vote every day from October 6 – 23 to win a grant to improve our yard - you vote by going to this address:

https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf32399

You will need to register and provide an e-mail address in order to vote the first time.

The 30 projects with the most votes in their idea categories and funding levels will go on to be finalists. Last year we came very close to winning a grant, but came up short of votes, so we hope you will help.

Sign up for a daily email reminder to vote:

Please click on this link to add your name to our daily e-mail reminder list - people have told us that this is the most effective way to ensure that voting takes place every day.  (if link fails, try:  http://bit.ly/1LehDoh)

Please help us!!  We really can turn Asphalt into an Oasis at St. Anthony Catholic with your help!!

For more information, contact Principal Paul McGuire at St. Anthony. paul.mcguire@ocsb.ca

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 15th: Early dismissal for Parent/Teacher interviews