All Saints Blog Week of May 24th, 2016

All Saints students and staff return from Italy

A big welcome back to our All Saints group who have been enjoying an exhaustive but exhilarating time touring Italy.  I understand the trip was a huge success, and the weather cooperated most of the time!  A special thank you to our staff supervisors who accompanied our students.

All Saints Walk and Talk morning a Success!

Our Mental Health Student Ambassador group ran a very successful “Walk and Talk” morning last Friday.  All students at All Saints participated in the activity, with a purpose to raise awareness and discussion about mental wellness.  Students walked a short course through our community and were challenged with discussion questions along the way.  When the students returned to the school, there were kiosks set up by a number of community agencies promoting mental wellness.  Students shared written feedback and we’ve kept the comments to review in the coming weeks.  Thank you to all of our students and staff for making our first annual “Walk and Talk” a success.  You can check out our school Twitter feed for additional information (@AllSaintsCHS)

Get a head start on the Literacy test for Next Year

Students who are writing the grade 10 EQAO Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test in 2016-2017 will be completing the test online.   Students can get a head start and try it out now!  

Step 1: Access the sample tests at https://goo.gl/N6xOqh

Step 2: Complete English, Session 1 and English, Session 2. Try them as often as you would like.

Step 3: If you need text to speech, this is available in the online sample tests. Choose appropriately.

Note: There are video tutorials on using the online test. They can be found here: http://goo.gl/jFtTzl

Clothing Drive at All Saints

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ottawa are holding a clothing drive on May 28th from 8:00 to 2:00 in the parking lot at All Saints.  Proceeds will go to help initiatives run by the group.  Please find additional information at the following link:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Clothing Drive

Sessions for Parents:

There are a number of updates at the Catholic School Parents’ Association’s (CSPA) website.  Please visit here.

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 May 16th, 2016

Transportation Policy for Families

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority’s Policy and Procedures for Students in a Joint Custody Arrangement with Two Homes is available on their website (link below).  There are deadlines parents must meet in order to ensure transportation arrangements are made to two homes for the first school day in September.

1. NEW applications and schedules for transportation to two homes must be signed by BOTH parents (or individual and identical applications and schedules may be signed by each parent) and submitted to OSTA no later than June 1, 2016, if a student has not yet received transportation to two homes.
2. Parents of students who have already been receiving transportation to two homes on a previously approved application and schedule must RENEW their schedules with OSTA before June 30, 2016. Approval from both parents is not necessary, providing the access schedule or pickup/drop­off addresses have not changed from the current year.
3. If there are any changes to schedule or pickup/drop­off addresses from current year, a NEW application and schedule must be signed by BOTH parents and submitted to OSTA no later than June 1, 2016.

All documents are posted online at:http://ottawaschoolbus.ca/policies/transportation­services.

Study Skills Session for High School Students

Our school Psychologist Dr. Richard Bolduc will be offering a Study Skills Session for our high school students to help them better prepare for exams.  Dr. Bolduc will lead this session on Wednesday, May 18 during high school lunch in room L210.  Please encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of this session - teachers will be offering additional information regarding the opportunity.

Students Win Bronze at Ontario Skills Competition

Creativity and animation skills were on display at All Saints Catholic High School, as students took home the Bronze medal at the Ontario Skills Competition.  After having won their respective qualifying competitions in Kingston on April 16, ASH students Aidan Long, Jean-Luc Sabourin, Brynn Rhude and Kristen Twolan travelled to RIM Park in Waterloo from May 2-4, to showcase their myriad skillsets at the Provincial level.

Aidan and Jean-Luc, competing in the 2D Animation category, had to use the lessons they learned in Mr. Brook's Communications Technology class - as well as their creative genius - to construct an 8 second animation that related to an audio clip that was provided to them.

Kristen and Brynn were competing in the TV & Video Production category to create a 1 minute to 1 minute 30 second comedy video.  The students decided to use a 'Home Alone' theme to showcase the different events that were happening around the Skills venue.  Using the techniques they had learned from Mr. Brooks as well as their staff mentor Mr. Jewitt, the students produced a very artistic and imaginative video.

Everyone involved had a tremendous experience at the event and are looking forward to building off of their success.  Go Avalanche!

Ottawa Catholic School Board Priorities and Spiritual Theme

The OCSB has released its priorities and spiritual theme for next year.  The Board continues to focus on Success for Students, Staff and Stewardship of Resources, while we will be focusing on the theme of “Sent to be the Good News” in our schools.  

Clothing Drive at All Saints

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ottawa are holding a clothing drive on May 28th from 8:00 to 2:00 in the parking lot at All Saints.  Proceeds will go to help initiatives run by the group.  Please find additional information at the following link:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Clothing Drive

Sessions for Parents:

There are a number of updates at the Catholic School Parents’ Association’s (CSPA) website.  Please visit here.

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 May 9th, 2016

School Council Meeting

The All Saints School Council will be meeting this Monday, May 9th at 7:00 at the school.  All parents are welcome to attend.  We meet in our learning commons on the second floor.

French Immersion Video Contest

We would like to congratulate 3 grade 11 students from All Saints who received a third place spot in a nationwide French Immersion video Competition about social media. They each merit a bursary of  $4000 (1000$ /year for 4 years) at either l’Université d’Ottawa, l’Université St-Anne (NÉ), à l’Université St-Paul (ON) or l’Université de Sudbury (ON).  Congratulations to our team!

Transportation Policy for Families

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority’s Policy and Procedures for Students in a Joint Custody Arrangement with Two Homes is available on their website (link below).  There are deadlines parents must meet in order to ensure transportation arrangements are made to two homes for the first school day in September.

1. NEW applications and schedules for transportation to two homes must be signed by BOTH parents (or individual and identical applications and schedules may be signed by each parent) and submitted to OSTA no later than June 1, 2016, if a student has not yet received transportation to two homes.
2. Parents of students who have already been receiving transportation to two homes on a previously approved application and schedule must RENEW their schedules with OSTA before June 30, 2016. Approval from both parents is not necessary, providing the access schedule or pickup/drop­off addresses have not changed from the current year.
3. If there are any changes to schedule or pickup/drop­off addresses from current year, a NEW application and schedule must be signed by BOTH parents and submitted to OSTA no later than June 1, 2016.

All documents are posted online at:http://ottawaschoolbus.ca/policies/transportation­services.

Study Skills Session for High School Students

Our school Psychologist Dr. Richard Bolduc will be offering a Study Skills Session for our high school students to help them better prepare for exams.  Dr. Bolduc will lead this session on Wednesday, May 18 during high school lunch in room L210.  Please encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of this session - teachers will be offering additional information regarding the opportunity.

Career Fair Presentations

Our Cooperative Education students participating in work experience opportunities presented their career highlights this past week in our atrium.  Students were able to speak to their experiences through pictures and descriptions of the tasks in which they are involved.  Thank you to all those who shared their experiences.

Sessions for Parents:

There are a number of updates at the Catholic School Parents’ Association’s (CSPA) website.  Please visit here.

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 May 2nd, 2016

Education Week

From May 2nd to 6th this week, schools across the province celebrate Education Week.  Ontario Catholic schools have linked their celebration to the theme: “Opening Doors of Mercy”.  There are many activities planned at All Saints, as well as the rest of the schools in the board.  Our Board wide Education Week mass is on Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30 at Notre Dame Basilica where our own Creative Arts teacher Graham Mastersmith will be honoured with the Director of Education Commendation Award. For additional information, please find links to school and board activities below:

• All Saints Catholic Education Week Activities
• Ottawa Catholic School Board Education week publication

Parliament Visit for grade 10 students

A group of our grade 10 students had the opportunity to visit the Parliament Buildings this past week where they got a tour and were able to see some of the important workings of our federal government.  Karen McCrimmon, Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton and a Canadian Forces veteran, followed up with our students by visiting All Saints the next day and continuing the dialogue.  

Elementary School Visits

All Saints welcomed the elementary schools within our family of schools this week for introductory visits.  Students from St Michael Corkery, St. Isidore, St Gabriel and Georges Vanier visited this week and were able to spend time in 7&8 classrooms, get information about the timetable and daily routines, visit our specialty areas, and attend demonstrations from a number of student groups.  We let students know that this is part of the detailed process, including meetings with elementary teachers and parents, that we spend on ensuring a successful transition to grade 7.  We look forward to further discussions with our elementary students.

All Saints Student picked as Ottawa Catholic Student Trustee

We would like to congratulate one of our grade 11 students, Sebastian Chavez Cabrera.  Sebastian applied to our Ottawa Catholic school board as a student trustee this spring.  Each School Board in Ontario elects two student trustees who help bring the students’ perspective to the elected trustee Board table.  Each of our 15 high schools had an opportunity to send one candidate to be considered for the position.  Sebastian presented a speech to current student senate members and was elected as one of the board’s student trustees for next year.  Great work Sebastian, we are very proud of you.

Grade 12 Student Survey

The Ottawa Catholic School Board is inviting Grade 12 students to complete an on-line survey about their opinions and experiences regarding their school experience and their plans after high school. The Grade 12 survey is mandated by the Ministry of Education as part of the policy requirements for Creating Pathways to Success (2013). The student exit surveys are voluntary and anonymous. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  The results of the survey will be used to help improve secondary education programs.  Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. McGilchrist at the school or Donna Mailloux, Research Officer at 613-224-4455.

Sessions for Parents:

There are a number of updates at the Catholic School Parents’ Association’s (CSPA) website.  Please visit here.

• Earl of March Secondary School Council presents “Limiting Excess Screen Time in Students”  May 5 – 7:00 – 9:00pm.  The Earl of March School Council is hosting an information session on the topic of limiting excess screen time in students.  Whether in the form of cellphones, TVs, video games, or the Internet, screens are everywhere.  Spending too much time on screens can reduce time spent on schoolwork or with family.  Our speaker, Dr. Darcy Santor, will discuss excessive screen time use and strategies to address this issue.  Dr. Santor is a professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and a clinical psychologist.  This information session will take place on Thursday, May 5, from 7-9 pm in the school auditorium.    No registration is required and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, please check https://earlcouncil.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/screentime.pdf.

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 April 25th, 2016

Ottawa Public Health Immunizations

On April 28 and 29 Ottawa Public Health will be administering immunizations to all grade 7 students, and all female grade 8 students at All Saints.  Consent forms were distributed in the fall to all students and were to have been returned during the fall immunization period.  Should you happen to still have your form, please sign it and return it to the school with your child next week.  If your child was not a student at All Saints during the fall immunization cycle, please see the information and download the consent form by using the following link

http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/disease-and-medical-conditions/school-immunization-clinics

Please ensure that your child eats breakfast and wears a short sleeved shirt on the day of immunizations.

Any questions regarding your child's immunizations can be directed to Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744.

Maker Mobile Presentations

Our grade 7 students participated in Maker Mobile presentations this past week at All Saints.  Students worked through designing and creating small models with the help of 3D printers.  Students took ideas through the creation and design phase and were able to see their designs come to life.  This opportunity supports many of the 21st Century learning skills we are trying to advance at the school.  Students collaborate together to create while thinking critically and communicating with one another.  And it is fun too!

Invention Convention

Our grade 8 students have been creatively working very hard through the I-cubed activity here at All Saints.  Investigate! Invent! Innovate!, or I-cubed, is a curriculum-aligned program for Grade 7 & 8 students that integrates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills and 21st Century competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. These skills help students develop the abilities needed to succeed in a globally competitive workplace.

Students identify a problem or opportunity in their daily lives and then invent a product or processes to solve the problems, based on concepts they learn in class. The program culminates with annual Invention Conventions in various cities across Canada (from the Learning Partnership website).

Our grade 8 students presented this past week at the school, and then took some of their creations to the Richcraft Recreation Complex here in Kanata.  Congratulations to all those students who worked hard to produce a creative innovation.

Sessions for Parents:

There are a number of updates at the Catholic School Parents’ Association’s (CSPA) website.  Please visit here.

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!

After School Math course for grade 7&8 Students

This spring, All Saints will be offering an after school Numeracy Course for students in grades 7&8.  This is an optional course that will provide additional instruction, practice and review of important Math concepts.  The course will consist of 12 sessions, with the classes beginning on Wednesday April 27th until June 8th.  These sessions will take place in room N110 on Monday and N112 on Wednesday, starting at 2:40 p.m. and ending at 3:40 p.m.  Mrs. Morrison  will be teaching this course on Mondays and Mrs. DeLuca on Wednesdays. The focus of these sessions will be on reinforcing classroom instruction and reviewing concepts covered earlier in the year that will be important for success in high school.   Please be aware, that this course must have a sufficient number of students enrolled in order for it to be feasible.  If you choose to sign up your child, you will be informed if the enrollment in not sufficient to run this course.   

While there is no charge for the course, transportation home following the session each evening is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

If you are interested in signing your son/daughter up for the course, or have any specific questions, please contact Mrs. M. J. Gillier-Symes, grade 7&8 Vice Principal, at the school.

My Blueprint parent account information

Having trouble seeing this email? View this email in your browser Parent Engagement and the New Parent Account The new Parent/Guardian Account is here! It is now even easier for parents to get involved in the education and career/life planning process. Parents can create an account to: Link to their child's Student Account and view their child's progress in a simple summary view Use Student View to explore courses, post-secondary programs, and occupations without affecting their child's progress Collaborate with their child to make the most informed decision about their future Click to read more on 6 Great Ways to Engage Parents in your school community and to check out the new myBlueprint Parent/Guardian Account. Did you know? Students are more likely to be motivated, to earn higher grades, to have better behavior and social skills, and to continue their education to a higher level when their parents are actively engaged in supporting their success at school. (Obtained from Ontario Ministry of Education) Copyright © 2016 myBlueprint, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have created an account at myBlueprint.ca. We send information to keep you up to date with what is happening at myBlueprint Our mailing address is: myBlueprint 3376A Yonge st Toronto, On M4N2M7 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list