This Wednesday, February 28, 2024, is Pink Shirt Day!

Bullying is a problem in schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Pink Shirt Day is an annual event held in Canada and other parts of the world, where people wear a pink-coloured shirt to take a stand against bullying. The initiative was started in Canada, where it is held on the last Wednesday of February each year. 

Let’s stand up to bullying. A bystander is a person who observes an action, event or behaviour like bullying. Being a bystander to bullying can be tough. Bystanders can often experience feelings like helplessness, fear and worry and may even feel unsure if they should interfere, particularly if other people are around. Taking action as a bystander (if it’s safe to do so) can be a way to try to stop the behaviour, show solidarity with the person experiencing bullying, encourage others to disapprove of the situation and prevent future incidents. Bystanders have options when it comes to supporting someone who’s experiencing bullying. Keep in mind that your safety as a bystander is important, too. If you don’t feel it’s safe to interject, try to involve a safe adult for support right away.

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” — Wilma Rudolph, Olympic Track and Field Athlete

Happy Sunday, Tornado Families:

Public Health Vaccination Information

Please ensure that your child(ren)’s vaccinations are up-to-date or that an exemption has been filed with the Region of Waterloo Public Health. If they do not receive this information before TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., your child will be suspended from school starting Wednesday, March 27, as per Public Health. The school has no involvement in this as Public Health sends us the information. All inquiries should be directed to the Region of Waterloo Public Health – call/email them directly.

Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines to update your records or to view vaccine clinic dates and locations.

Knights of Columbus Maple Syrup Fundraiser

St. Teresa of Avila C.E.S. is partnering up again with the Knights of Columbus to run a mini fundraiser to purchase yoga mats by selling bottles of locally bottled pure maple syrup! From February 15th until March 22nd, you can purchase a 500 ml bottle of Canada Grade A Amber (Rich Taste) Maple Syrup for $15. This delicious bottle of goodness is made from sap from our local trees and bottled locally.  

Delivery is scheduled for March 27th. We will send small orders home with students. Larger orders will be available for pickup anytime between 9 am to 3 pm. If this timeframe does not work, we will be accommodating. Five dollars from each bottle sold will be donated to different school initiatives – we need a class set of yoga mats for the gym. Please purchase your bottle through Schools Cash Online. It makes a great gift and goes well on pancakes, sausage, or spaghetti (if your name is Buddy the Elf). 

2024-2025 School Year Extended Day Program Pre-Registration is OPEN! 

https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/register-for-school/extended-day-program/

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board assesses the viability of the Extended Day Program at all schools every year.  A program is determined viable when there is sufficient parental interest. Parents demonstrate their interest by pre-registering for the Extended Day Program yearly.

Please remember that viability is open yearly, and parents can express their interest in a program to operate at their child’s school. Further information on registration is available at your child’s school or by emailing extended.day@wcdsb.ca.

Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 NOW OPEN

Do you have a little one at home or a friend or neighbour with little ones who will be eligible for kindergarten next year? Kindergarten registration for the 2024 – 2025 school year is available for Waterloo Region’s 43 Catholic elementary schools — providing the Region’s youngest citizens with a chance to benefit from a 185-year tradition of education excellence. Students do not need to be Catholic to apply; however, the students will be expected to participate and learn in a Catholic school setting.

Children born in 2020 are eligible for JK/Year 1 Kindergarten.

Children born in 2019 are eligible for SK/Year 2 Kindergarten.

You have two options for registration:  online or in person at the school.

Click here for more information: WCDSB Kindergarten Registration

School Climate Survey Feb. 15-Mar. 8

Before the March Break, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will be conducting school climate surveys to collect information from students and families.  While the Ministry of Education requires all school districts to conduct these surveys (Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145), we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive place for everyone in our schools.  The purpose of the school climate surveys is to assess the perceptions of safety (e.g., from students, and families), make informed planning decisions about programs to help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and build and sustain a positive school climate.  Below you will find details related to each survey.

For Families:
We will administer a school climate survey for Families between February 15^th and March 8^th.  You will be provided with the link to participate on February 15^th.

For Students:
We will invite students in grades 4 through grade 12 to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) between February 15^th and March 8th.  The MDI is an anonymous and voluntary online survey and will take place during class time on a board-provided device with their classroom teacher.  The MDI survey asks students about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in school and in the community related to five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health, and academic achievement:  Physical Health & Well-Being, Connectedness, Social & Emotional Development, School Experiences, and Use of After-School Time.  Additionally, students will be asked demographic questions on the survey (e.g., Adults they live with, Number of siblings, Gender, School, Grade, Indigenous identity, Race, First language, and English proficiency) in accordance with the Anti-Racism Act (ARA s.6(5)).

The MDI was developed by researchers at the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the administration of the MDI will be facilitated by the WCDSB Research Department.

Any student may choose not to participate, to stop participating, or to skip a question at any time. Additionally, parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age can ask that their child be exempt from participating in the MDI survey by completing this opt-out form before February 8^th, 2024. For more information, please visit our Student School Climate webpage: https://www.wcdsb.ca/school-climate-survey/

Please have a look at what is coming up this week:

Monday, February 26

• Maple Syrup Fundraiser Continues – we could really use those yoga mats 🙂

Tuesday, February 27

• Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• Artshine (for those who registered)

Wednesday, February 28

• Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
• Pink Shirt Day – Wear Pink to stand up to Bullying!
• Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)

Thursday, February 29

• Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
• Grade 2 CanSkate program
• Happy Leap Year!!

Friday, March 1

• AM: Lenten Liturgy and March Deep Learning Skill Assembly: A Discerning Believer

PA Day – April 8

2024 Summer Learning Programs

2024 Summer Learning Poster – as of Feb 23 2024

A Message From Fr. Peter & Parish News

• Church Bulletin February 25, 2024
• Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 PM First Communion Parent Meeting at the church.
• Wednesday, March 20, at 7 PM Confirmation Parent Meeting at the church.
• YOUTH CHOIR – The Youth Choir is beginning at St. Teresa’s Church.  Please join Ken Gallipeau for a Choir Member and Parent Meeting on Wednesday, February 28^th at 6:30 p.m.  Practices will be on Wednesday evenings (two per month) at 6:00 p.m. with the choir singing on the 4^th Sunday of the month.  If you have any questions, please email the church at stteresaelmira@hamiltondiocese.com.
• RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive – Join us for learning, support and fun on a Friday evening, held on the 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month.  These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond.  Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com,  or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 if you plan to attend in person and for the zoom link if joining online.  We look forward to seeing you!

A Message From Our Occupational Therapist – Gross Motor Skills

February 2024 – Gross Motor

Artshine Winter 2 Information

StTeresaOfAvila_Elmira_Winter22024

After-School Tutoring and Homework Help

A group of Community Organizations is working together to provide after-school tutoring and homework spaces for our community. The grade ranges from 1 to 12, but with a specific focus on students in Grades 7 to 12. Here is the link to see the full schedule and details for each site: https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/tutoring

For more information please contact Raas Siddiqui @ rsiddiqui@caminowellbeing.ca or (519) 404-2549

Tutoring Poster for Families and Students

CAREERS at WCDSB

Did you know that WCDSB has various career opportunities? There are supply opportunities like lunch hour supervisors, supply administrative assistant positions and more. Be sure to check out https://www.wcdsb.ca/careers/ for job opportunities and how to apply.

CSAC ~ Catholic School Advisory Council

Any parent can be a part of our CSAC council, also known as Parent Council. Some of CSAC’s responsibilities include planning our fundraisers, deciding how to spend our fundraising dollars, volunteering for different initiatives and sharing your opinion about what the Council can do! To find out more, have a look at the resources below. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 6th at 6 pm. You can attend virtually or in person. Please email paula.pizarro@wcdsb.ca if you’d like to attend in person or virtually.

Click here to go directly to the CSAC webpage.

Hot Lunches

When families place lunch orders, the school receives a small donation. The school receives $1 from each Pita Pit order, $1 from each Twice the Deal Pizza order, and $0.50 from the Lunch Lady. All the proceeds go towards the school and student needs.

• Tuesday – Pita Pit (Order instructions here: Pita Pit Ordering Information and Link)
• Wednesday – Twice The Deal Pizza (through School Cash Online)
• Thursday – Lunch Lady (there are some gluten-free options available NOW) (through School Cash Online)
• Orders may be placed weekly or in advance for the entire length of the program.

WOOLWICH COMMUNITY SERVICES & COUNSELLING

https://woolwichcounselling.org/upcoming-events/

Visit https://www.woolwichcommunityservices.org for the most up-to-date information. WCA Brochure

February Deep Learning Skill: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As February unfolds at St. Teresa of Avila, our educational journey shifts to an exciting new focus: enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills in our students. These vital skills are the cornerstone of intellectual development, equipping our learners to analyze information deeply, tackle real-world challenges, and adapt their knowledge to diverse scenarios.

This month, our students will engage in activities designed to sharpen their ability to critically assess information and resources. They’ll learn to identify real-life problems, develop strategic solutions, and take meaningful action. By encouraging them to communicate their existing knowledge and experiences, we aim to help them apply these insights to unfamiliar situations. Additionally, we will explore how different systems — social, economic, and ecological — operate and interact, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving are not just academic skills; they are essential for personal growth and future success. We invite you to extend this learning environment to your home. Engage with your child in discussions that challenge their thinking, encourage them to ask questions and solve problems in creative ways. Your support is invaluable in nurturing these skills.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment as we collaborate to provide a transformative educational experience for your child. Together, we are fostering the thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Your partner in education,

P. Pizarro

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations Themes: A Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker

How many items does your child(ren) lose yearly to the Lost and Found or, worse yet, goes in the trash? Want to save money by NOT having to replace lost items because no one knows who it belongs to? Get Mabel’s Labels!

We are happy to report that our school signed up for an ongoing fundraiser with Mabel’s Labels. Our school has the opportunity to earn 20% commission on all sales, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that your child(ren)’s items are labelled. And we are thankful that our Lost and Found does not fill up every term.

Coming Up:

• March 8-15: March Break
• Thursday, March 21: 10 AM Lenten School Mass
• Friday, March 29: Good Friday
• Monday, April 1: Easter Monday
• ** NEW DATE Friday, April 5: Dance-A-Thon!! 
• ** NEW DATE: Monday, April 8: PD Day (instead of April 19th)

For a webinar on Generative AI hosted by WCDSB Innovation Consultants on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Registration: https://bit.ly/3SG2gNs

This presentation will introduce what Generative AI is, its implications for education, and how WCDSB intends to leverage the potential of GenAI to enhance learning experiences while upholding our vision of our Catholic Schools as the “heart of the community — success for each, a place for all.”

To explore our WCDSB GenAI Guidelines, visit: https://innovate.wcdsb.ca/ai/

“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” — Michelle Obama, Former U.S. First Lady

Happy Friday, Tornado Families:

What a busy week we’ve had! Shrove Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday and now a long weekend! We wish you all a safe and relaxing weekend with your families.

Thank you again to our fabulous volunteers who helped with our Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)! Thank you also to the Church for letting us use their hall for our celebration. And thank you to Alberto at Food Basics for the pancake and syrup donations!

Public Health and Vaccinations

Please ensure that your child(ren)’s vaccinations are up-to-date or that an exemption has been filed with the Region of Waterloo Public Health. If they do not receive this information before TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., your child will be suspended from school starting Wednesday, March 27, as per Public Health.

Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines to update your records or to view vaccine clinic dates and locations.

Knights of Columbus Maple Syrup Fundraiser

St. Teresa of Avila C.E.S. is partnering up again with the Knights of Columbus to run a mini fundraiser to purchase yoga mats by selling bottles of locally bottled pure maple syrup! From February 15th until March 22nd, you can purchase a 500 ml bottle of Canada Grade A Amber (Rich Taste) Maple Syrup for $15. This delicious bottle of goodness is made from sap from our local trees and bottled locally.  

Delivery is scheduled for March 27th. We will send small orders home with students. Larger orders will be available for pickup anytime between 9 am to 3 pm. If this timeframe does not work, we will be accommodating. Five dollars from each bottle sold will be donated to different school initiatives – we need a class set of yoga mats for the gym. Please purchase your bottle through Schools Cash Online. It makes a great gift and goes well on pancakes, sausage, or spaghetti (if your name is Buddy the Elf). 

The 2024-2025 School Year Extended Day Program is open for Pre-Registration! 

https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/register-for-school/extended-day-program/

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board assesses the viability of the Extended Day Program at all schools every year.  A program is determined viable when there is sufficient parental interest. Parents demonstrate their interest by pre-registering for the Extended Day Program yearly.

Please remember that viability is open yearly, and parents can express their interest in a program to operate at their child’s school. Further information on registration is available at your child’s school or by emailing extended.day@wcdsb.ca.

Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 NOW OPEN

Do you have a little one at home or a friend or neighbour with little ones who will be eligible for kindergarten next year? Kindergarten registration for the 2024 – 2025 school year is available for Waterloo Region’s 43 Catholic elementary schools — providing the Region’s youngest citizens with a chance to benefit from a 185-year tradition of education excellence. Students do not need to be Catholic to apply; however, the students will be expected to participate and learn in a Catholic school setting.

Children born in 2020 are eligible for JK/Year 1 Kindergarten.

Children born in 2019 are eligible for SK/Year 2 Kindergarten.

You have two options for registration:  online or in person at the school.

Click here for more information: WCDSB Kindergarten Registration

School Climate Survey Feb. 15-Mar. 8

Before the March Break, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will be conducting school climate surveys to collect information from students and families.  While the Ministry of Education requires all school districts to conduct these surveys (Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145), we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive place for everyone in our schools.  The purpose of the school climate surveys is to assess the perceptions of safety (e.g., from students, and families), make informed planning decisions about programs to help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and build and sustain a positive school climate.  Below you will find details related to each survey.

For Families:
We will administer a school climate survey for Families between February 15^th and March 8^th.  You will be provided with the link to participate on February 15^th.

For Students:
We will invite students in grades 4 through grade 12 to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) between February 15^th and March 8th.  The MDI is an anonymous and voluntary online survey and will take place during class time on a board-provided device with their classroom teacher.  The MDI survey asks students about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in school and in the community related to five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health, and academic achievement:  Physical Health & Well-Being, Connectedness, Social & Emotional Development, School Experiences, and Use of After-School Time.  Additionally, students will be asked demographic questions on the survey (e.g., Adults they live with, Number of siblings, Gender, School, Grade, Indigenous identity, Race, First language, and English proficiency) in accordance with the Anti-Racism Act (ARA s.6(5)).

The MDI was developed by researchers at the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the administration of the MDI will be facilitated by the WCDSB Research Department.

Any student may choose not to participate, to stop participating, or to skip a question at any time. Additionally, parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age can ask that their child be exempt from participating in the MDI survey by completing this opt-out form before February 8^th, 2024. For more information, please visit our Student School Climate webpage: https://www.wcdsb.ca/school-climate-survey/

Please have a look at what is coming up this week:

Monday, February 19

• Family Day – No School

Tuesday, February 20

• Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• Artshine (for those who registered)

Wednesday, February 21

• Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
• Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)

Thursday, February 22

• Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
• Grade 2 CanSkate program
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Friday, February 23

• Breathe in the flower, blow out the candle; breathe in the flower, blow out the candle

PA Day – April 8

A Message From Fr. Peter & Parish News

• Church Bulletin February 18, 2024
• YOUTH CHOIR – The Youth Choir is beginning at St. Teresa’s Church.  Please join Ken Gallipeau for a Choir Member and Parent Meeting on Wednesday, February 28^th at 6:30 p.m.  Practices will be on Wednesday evenings (two per month) at 6:00 p.m. with the choir singing on the 4^th Sunday of the month.  If you have any questions, please email the church at stteresaelmira@hamiltondiocese.com.
• RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive – Join us for learning, support and fun on a Friday evening, held on the 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month.  These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond.  Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com,  or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 if you plan to attend in person and for the zoom link if joining online.  We look forward to seeing you!
• COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR KICK-OFF!  CNOY 2024 is February 24, 2024

A Message From Our Occupational Therapist – Gross Motor Skills

February 2024 – Gross Motor

Artshine Winter 2 Information

StTeresaOfAvila_Elmira_Winter22024

After-School Tutoring and Homework Help

A group of Community Organizations is working together to provide after-school tutoring and homework spaces for our community. The grade ranges from 1 to 12, but with a specific focus on students in Grades 7 to 12. Here is the link to see the full schedule and details for each site: https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/tutoring

For more information please contact Raas Siddiqui @ rsiddiqui@caminowellbeing.ca or (519) 404-2549

Tutoring Poster for Families and Students

CAREERS at WCDSB

Did you know that WCDSB has various career opportunities? There are supply opportunities like lunch hour supervisors, supply administrative assistant positions and more. Be sure to check out https://www.wcdsb.ca/careers/ for job opportunities and how to apply.

CSAC ~ Catholic School Advisory Council

Any parent can be a part of our CSAC council, also known as Parent Council. Some of CSAC’s responsibilities include planning our fundraisers, deciding how to spend our fundraising dollars, volunteering for different initiatives and sharing your opinion about what the Council can do! To find out more, have a look at the resources below. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 6th at 6 pm. You can attend virtually or in person. Please email paula.pizarro@wcdsb.ca if you’d like to attend in person or virtually.

Click here to go directly to the CSAC webpage.

Hot Lunches

When families place lunch orders, the school receives a small donation. The school receives $1 from each Pita Pit order, $1 from each Twice the Deal Pizza order, and $0.50 from the Lunch Lady. All the proceeds go towards the school and student needs.

• Tuesday – Pita Pit (Order instructions here: Pita Pit Ordering Information and Link)
• Wednesday – Twice The Deal Pizza (through School Cash Online)
• Thursday – Lunch Lady (there are some gluten-free options available NOW) (through School Cash Online)
• Orders may be placed weekly or in advance for the entire length of the program.

WOOLWICH COMMUNITY SERVICES & COUNSELLING

https://woolwichcounselling.org/upcoming-events/

Visit https://www.woolwichcommunityservices.org for the most up-to-date information. WCA Brochure

February Deep Learning Skill: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As February unfolds at St. Teresa of Avila, our educational journey shifts to an exciting new focus: enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills in our students. These vital skills are the cornerstone of intellectual development, equipping our learners to analyze information deeply, tackle real-world challenges, and adapt their knowledge to diverse scenarios.

This month, our students will engage in activities designed to sharpen their ability to critically assess information and resources. They’ll learn to identify real-life problems, develop strategic solutions, and take meaningful action. By encouraging them to communicate their existing knowledge and experiences, we aim to help them apply these insights to unfamiliar situations. Additionally, we will explore how different systems — social, economic, and ecological — operate and interact, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving are not just academic skills; they are essential for personal growth and future success. We invite you to extend this learning environment to your home. Engage with your child in discussions that challenge their thinking, encourage them to ask questions and solve problems in creative ways. Your support is invaluable in nurturing these skills.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment as we collaborate to provide a transformative educational experience for your child. Together, we are fostering the thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Your partner in education,

P. Pizarro

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations Themes: A Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker

How many items does your child(ren) lose yearly to the Lost and Found or, worse yet, goes in the trash? Want to save money by NOT having to replace lost items because no one knows who it belongs to? Get Mabel’s Labels!

We are happy to report that our school signed up for an ongoing fundraiser with Mabel’s Labels. Our school has the opportunity to earn 20% commission on all sales, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that your child(ren)’s items are labelled. And we are thankful that our Lost and Found does not fill up every term.

Coming Up:

• Monday, February 19: Family Day (No School)
• March 8-15: March Break
• Thursday, March 21: 10 AM Lenten School Mass
• Friday, March 29: Good Friday
• Monday, April 1: Easter Monday
• ** NEW DATE Friday, April 5: Dance-A-Thon!! 
• ** Monday, April 8: PD Day

Term one report cards will be sent home tomorrow, Thursday, February 15th. These reports are the assessment and evidence of learning collected and documented from September.

Letter grades are given for students in grades 1-6, and percentage marks are given for grades 7-8. Teacher comments focus on your child’s strengths and next steps for learning improvement. Kindergarten students will also receive their term one Kindergarten Communication of Learning highlighting key learning and next steps in learning.

If your child has an Individual Education Plan, the IEP for term two will be sent home along with the term one report card.

Although formal interviews occurred in November, please contact your child’s teacher if you have concerns or questions about your child’s progress.

FIRST COMMUNION – Just a reminder that there will be a Parent First Communion Meeting on Tuesday, March 19^th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Teresa’s Church.  This meeting will address the final plans for First Communion.

CONFIRMATION – Parents/guardians of Confirmation students (Grade 7) are invited to join us for a Parent/Student Confirmation Information Meeting on Wednesday, March 20^th at 7 p.m. at St. Teresa’s Church, Elmira.  Come and learn about the Sacrament of Confirmation.  If you know of anyone attending a public school who wishes to be confirmed, please let them know of this meeting.

We would like to say a big THANK YOU to our volunteers today who helped prepare and cook our pancakes for Shrove Tuesday! There were over 500 pancakes flipped today!

Our Volunteers:

• Lindsay Soetemans
• Christine Johnston
• Ken Gallipeau
• Jessica Melady
• Chantal Allen-Robbins
• Theresa Mendler
• Amy Hamburger
• Jennifer Shouldice
• Tanya Bogoslowski
• Laura Ethier

We would also like to send a big THANK YOU to the store manager at Food Basics in Elmira, Alberto Caseros, and his staff for the generous donations of pancake mix, syrup, and cooking spray for today’s big event!

We would also like to thank Madame Baldasaro and the grade 7 students who organized and ran fun Mardi Gras events for the students this afternoon!!

This day would not have been possible without all of you!

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist

Happy Sunday, Tornado Families:

We would like to start our weekend by congratulating Temi from Grade 8, who represented our school at the ECU Regional Final Spelling Bee at the Kitchener Public Library today! He was one of only 16 students who competed, and he made us proud. There were some really tough words to spell!

Happy New Year to our families celebrating the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) on Saturday, February 10, 2024. This year ushers in the year of the Dragon.

Public Health and Vaccinations

Please ensure that your child(ren)’s vaccinations are up-to-date or that an exemption has been filed with the Region of Waterloo Public Health. If they do not receive this information before TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., your child will be suspended from school starting Wednesday, March 27, as per Public Health.

Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines to update your records or to view vaccine clinic dates and locations.

St. Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday

Because Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 13th. Valentine’s Cards and/or treats (loot bag items) are welcome and will be distributed on the 13th, not the 14th. Please remember that Valentine’s Day is a fun, loving day! We are happy to celebrate our friendships and have the children expressing their care for and friendship with each other on this day.  We encourage the children to be inclusive if they hand out Valentine’s cards. We do not want to see any students feeling left out or excluded.

On February 13th, we will also celebrate Shrove Tuesday, and students will be provided with a pancake “snack” (2 small pancakes) provided by our Catholic School Advisory Council. This is not a substitute for lunch, so please send a lunch in like normal or order Pita Pit for lunch. Any students with food allergies, please notify the office.

Any parents/caregivers/grandparents who can help on Tuesday (Feb. 13) to make/serve pancakes (9-11 am), please call the office at 5196698843 or send a note in your child’s agenda on Monday.

Students will also have a fun afternoon with a Mardi Gras celebration organized by Madame and the Grade 7 students!

Ash Wednesday (February 14) – Ash Wednesday is a special day on our liturgical calendar. It marks the start of Lent and is a chance for us to make good choices and sacrifices to be better citizens of our world and our Catholic Community. We will have an Ash Wednesday mass (including the distribution of Ashes) at 9 a.m. at the church. Everyone is welcome!

Knights of Columbus Maple Syrup Fundraiser

St. Teresa of Avila C.E.S. is partnering up again with the Knights of Columbus to run a mini fundraiser by selling bottles of locally-bottled pure maple syrup! Starting February 15th until March 22nd, you will have the opportunity to purchase a 500 ml bottle of Canada Grade A, Amber (Rich Taste) Maple Syrup for $15. This delicious bottle of goodness is made from sap from our local trees and bottled locally.  

Delivery is scheduled for March 27th. We will send small orders home with students. Larger orders will be available for pickup anytime between 9 am to 3 pm. If this timeframe does not work, we will be accommodating. Five dollars from each bottle sold will be donated to different school initiatives – we need a class set of yoga mats for the gym. Please purchase your bottle through Schools Cash Online. It makes a great gift and goes well on pancakes, sausage, or spaghetti (if your name is Buddy the Elf). 

The 2024-2025 School Year Extended Day Program is open for Pre-Registration! 

https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/register-for-school/extended-day-program/

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board assesses the viability of the Extended Day Program at all schools every year.  A program is determined viable when there is sufficient parental interest. Parents demonstrate their interest by pre-registering for the Extended Day Program yearly.

Please remember that viability is open yearly, and parents can express their interest in a program to operate at their child’s school. Further information on registration is available at your child’s school or by emailing extended.day@wcdsb.ca.

Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 NOW OPEN

Do you have a little one at home or a friend or neighbour with little ones who will be eligible for kindergarten next year? Kindergarten registration for the 2024 – 2025 school year is available for Waterloo Region’s 43 Catholic elementary schools — providing the Region’s youngest citizens with a chance to benefit from a 185-year tradition of education excellence. Students do not need to be Catholic to apply; however, the students will be expected to participate and learn in a Catholic school setting.

Children born in 2020 are eligible for JK/Year 1 Kindergarten.

Children born in 2019 are eligible for SK/Year 2 Kindergarten.

You have two options for registration:  online or in person at the school.

Click here for more information: WCDSB Kindergarten Registration

School Climate Survey Feb. 15-Mar. 8

Before the March Break, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will be conducting school climate surveys to collect information from students and families.  While the Ministry of Education requires all school districts to conduct these surveys (Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145), we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive place for everyone in our schools.  The purpose of the school climate surveys is to assess the perceptions of safety (e.g., from students, and families), make informed planning decisions about programs to help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and build and sustain a positive school climate.  Below you will find details related to each survey.

For Families:
We will administer a school climate survey for Families between February 15^th and March 8^th.  You will be provided with the link to participate on February 15^th.

For Students:
We will invite students in grades 4 through grade 12 to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) between February 15^th and March 8th.  The MDI is an anonymous and voluntary online survey and will take place during class time on a board-provided device with their classroom teacher.  The MDI survey asks students about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in school and in the community related to five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health, and academic achievement:  Physical Health & Well-Being, Connectedness, Social & Emotional Development, School Experiences, and Use of After-School Time.  Additionally, students will be asked demographic questions on the survey (e.g., Adults they live with, Number of siblings, Gender, School, Grade, Indigenous identity, Race, First language, and English proficiency) in accordance with the Anti-Racism Act (ARA s.6(5)).

The MDI was developed by researchers at the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the administration of the MDI will be facilitated by the WCDSB Research Department.

Any student may choose not to participate, to stop participating, or to skip a question at any time. Additionally, parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age can ask that their child be exempt from participating in the MDI survey by completing this opt-out form before February 8^th, 2024. For more information, please visit our Student School Climate webpage: https://www.wcdsb.ca/school-climate-survey/

Please have a look at what is coming up this week:

Monday, February 12

• Teacher Candidates are back at St. Teresa until the end of April!
• Valentines for Barnswallow Place

Tuesday, February 13

• Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• Artshine (for those who registered)
• St. Valentine’s Day Celebrated – wear red, pink or white, or hearts
• AM Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday
• PM Mardi Gras!

Wednesday, February 14

• Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
• Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• 9 AM Ash Wednesday Mass at the Church – all are welcome

Thursday, February 15

• Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
• Grade 2 CanSkate program
• Grade 4-8 MDI Survey goes LIVE
• National Flag Day of Canada – wear anything with the Canadian Flag or red and white
• Term 1 Report Cards and Term 2 IEPs go home

Friday, February 16

• Maple Syrup Fundraiser Begins
• Random Acts of Kindness celebrated!

Monday, February 19, is Family Day – School Closed

Black History Month in the Waterloo Region

Universities are central to enabling the complete and equitable fulfillment of human potential. They play a pivotal role in redressing anti-Black racism by eliminating structural barriers to equity, inclusion and social justice for Black-identifying people, with full recognition of our intersectional identities, while advancing the innovative research, critical thinking and engaged dissemination of knowledge that fosters equity, human dignity, and sustainability.

As we recognize Black History Month 2024, join the University of Waterloo for a free community talk and discussion. This event is in partnership with the Kitchener Public Library and hosted by CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Location: Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Be inspired by University of Waterloo students, alumni, and staff who are engaged in local and international community initiatives that aim to address barriers to Black flourishing or create opportunities for it.

The talk will be moderated by Josette Lafleur, multimedia journalist and associate producer, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

Free parking will be available on the Queen Street above-ground parking lot.

If you have any questions, please contact Community Relations and Events at community.relations@uwaterloo.ca

Registration is required.

A Message From Fr. Peter & Parish News

• Church Bulletin February 11, 2024
• YOUTH CHOIR – The Youth Choir is beginning at St. Teresa’s Church.  Please join Ken Gallipeau for a Choir Member and Parent Meeting on Wednesday, February 28^th at 6:30 p.m.  Practices will be on Wednesday evenings (two per month) at 6:00 p.m. with the choir singing on the 4^th Sunday of the month.  If you have any questions, please email the church at stteresaelmira@hamiltondiocese.com.
• RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive – Join us for learning, support and fun on a Friday evening, held on the 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month.  These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond.  Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com,  or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 if you plan to attend in person and for the zoom link if joining online.  We look forward to seeing you!
• COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR KICK-OFF!  CNOY 2024 is February 24, 2024
• Parish Bulletin February 4, 2024

A Message From Our Occupational Therapist – Gross Motor Skills

February 2024 – Gross Motor

Artshine Winter 2 Information

StTeresaOfAvila_Elmira_Winter22024

After-School Tutoring and Homework Help

A group of Community Organizations is working together to provide after-school tutoring and homework spaces for our community. The grade ranges from 1 to 12, but with a specific focus on students in Grades 7 to 12. Here is the link to see the full schedule and details for each site: https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/tutoring

For more information please contact Raas Siddiqui @ rsiddiqui@caminowellbeing.ca or (519) 404-2549

Tutoring Poster for Families and Students

CAREERS at WCDSB

Did you know that WCDSB has various career opportunities? There are supply opportunities like lunch hour supervisors, supply administrative assistant positions and more. Be sure to check out https://www.wcdsb.ca/careers/ for job opportunities and how to apply.

CSAC ~ Catholic School Advisory Council

Any parent can be a part of our CSAC council, also known as Parent Council. Some of CSAC’s responsibilities include planning our fundraisers, deciding how to spend our fundraising dollars, volunteering for different initiatives and sharing your opinion about what the Council can do! To find out more, have a look at the resources below. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 6th at 6 pm. You can attend virtually or in person. Please email paula.pizarro@wcdsb.ca if you’d like to attend in person or virtually.

Click here to go directly to the CSAC webpage.

Hot Lunches

When families place lunch orders, the school receives a small donation. The school receives $1 from each Pita Pit order, $1 from each Twice the Deal Pizza order, and $0.50 from the Lunch Lady. All the proceeds go towards the school and student needs.

• Tuesday – Pita Pit (Order instructions here: Pita Pit Ordering Information and Link)
• Wednesday – Twice The Deal Pizza (through School Cash Online)
• Thursday – Lunch Lady (there are some gluten-free options available NOW) (through School Cash Online)
• Orders may be placed weekly or in advance for the entire length of the program.

WOOLWICH COMMUNITY SERVICES & COUNSELLING

https://woolwichcounselling.org/upcoming-events/

Visit https://www.woolwichcommunityservices.org for the most up-to-date information. WCA Brochure

February Deep Learning Skill: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As February unfolds at St. Teresa of Avila, our educational journey shifts to an exciting new focus: enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills in our students. These vital skills are the cornerstone of intellectual development, equipping our learners to analyze information deeply, tackle real-world challenges, and adapt their knowledge to diverse scenarios.

This month, our students will engage in activities designed to sharpen their ability to critically assess information and resources. They’ll learn to identify real-life problems, develop strategic solutions, and take meaningful action. By encouraging them to communicate their existing knowledge and experiences, we aim to help them apply these insights to unfamiliar situations. Additionally, we will explore how different systems — social, economic, and ecological — operate and interact, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving are not just academic skills; they are essential for personal growth and future success. We invite you to extend this learning environment to your home. Engage with your child in discussions that challenge their thinking, encourage them to ask questions and solve problems in creative ways. Your support is invaluable in nurturing these skills.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment as we collaborate to provide a transformative educational experience for your child. Together, we are fostering the thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Your partner in education,

P. Pizarro

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations Themes: A Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker

How many items does your child(ren) lose yearly to the Lost and Found or, worse yet, goes in the trash? Want to save money by NOT having to replace lost items because no one knows who it belongs to? Get Mabel’s Labels!

We are happy to report that our school signed up for an ongoing fundraiser with Mabel’s Labels. Our school has the opportunity to earn 20% commission on all sales, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that your child(ren)’s items are labelled. And we are thankful that our Lost and Found does not fill up every term.

Coming Up:

• Monday, February 19: Family Day (No School)
• March 8-15: March Break
• Thursday, March 21: 10 AM Lenten School Mass
• Friday, March 29: Good Friday
• Monday, April 1: Easter Monday
• ** NEW DATE Friday, April 5: Dance-A-Thon!! 

Dear Community,

If you have any palm leaves that are nice and dry that we can use for our Palm Burning Paraliturgy this week, please send them to the school by Wednesday, February 7th; we would be most appreciative.