The staff at St. Teresa of Avila school would like to wish you a very Happy Easter!

We hope you have time over the long weekend to experience the Paschal Mystery: the opportunity to serve others, as Jesus did on Holy Thursday; the ability to “let go” of those things that are holding us back, as Jesus did on Good Friday; the opportunity to practice patience, as the disciples did on Holy Saturday; and, of course, the extreme JOY that we know is coming on Easter Sunday.

We look forward to seeing all of you back on Tuesday, April 2, 2024!

Happy Easter Tornados!

“We adore you, and we bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the whole world because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.” 

Happy Sunday, Tornado Families:

Congratulations to our students who competed in the Grade 4-6 Spring 2024 French Impromptu Speech Contest. We would like to recognize William in Grade 4, Lavanya in Grade 5, and Libby in Grade 6 for placing in the competition. Way to go, Tornados!

This week, we partake in the holiest of times: Holy Week. Today is Palm Sunday, which begins our journey toward Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the welcoming and waving of palm branches by the people. Palm Sunday is a reminder to welcome Jesus into our lives, into our hearts, and into our homes. We wish you a beautiful Palm Sunday and a reflective and prayerful Holy Week. Mrs. Hartmann’s grade 7 class, under the guidance of Madame, is busy preparing for the premiere of their Passion Play, which is this Thursday, March 28th, at the Church. All are welcome.

Our school Dance-A-Thon fundraiser has begun! All donations and purchases of food and glow items can be found through School Cash Online! If you see family next weekend, it’s a great way to fundraise for our school. The money raised goes towards items and events for the students. We need to replace classroom recess equipment due to wear and tear and loss. We are slowly replacing the chairs parents sit on during school events as the wooden ones are splintering and breaking. We are still adding to our gym equipment inventory, just to name a few initiatives.

**2024-2025 School Year Extended Day Program Pre-Registration is OPEN!  Please register before April 12**

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.

Register Now for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Program

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

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

Monday, March 25

• Holy Week begins
• Grade 1-3 Pottery To Go

Tuesday, March 26

• Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• Artshine at lunch (for those registered in the program)
• 6 PM First Communion class at the Church
• 6 PM Grade 8 Parent Meeting for Student Retreat at the school

Wednesday, March 27

• Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
• Grade 7 Skills Ontario Field Trip
• Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• 7 PM Confirmation class at the Church

Thursday, March 28

• Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
• 10 AM St. Mark Passion Play at the Church – All are welcome

Friday, March 29

• Good Friday – No School

**Easter Weekend – School Resumes Tuesday, April 2nd**

April 9 ~ Parent Engagement Evening

WCDSB is pleased to present a virtual parent and guardian information evening on Cyber safety, digital literacy, and esports gaming on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Matthew Johnson, the Director of Education from Media Smarts, will speak about online safety and digital literacy and discuss resources available to families from Media Smarts.

Katina Papulkas is the Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies and will guide parents through online gaming and how parents and guardians can support their children’s passions, explore career opportunities, and appreciate the engagement it provides. 

Register:   

May 1 – Explore Your Future Expo (Gr. 7-12)

Explore Your Future helps caregivers, students and educators to better understand opportunities for work and learning here in Waterloo Region. Over 75 exhibitors will showcase careers and answer your questions, including:

• Local employers in sectors like construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, technology, business, arts, and more
• Community agencies with resources on how to get experience through employment, volunteering or starting a business
• Experts in Experiential Learning and Career/Life Planning from the Waterloo Region and Waterloo Catholic school boards

To avoid lineups at the door and to be eligible to win prizes, register in advance! Registration is required so that we can communicate important details to attendees in advance, gain insights to improve future events, and track overall participation for our funders.

Cambridge Explore your Future on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Tapestry Hall, Cambridge – Register for this free Cambridge event HERE

Math @ Home 

https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/curriculum/elementary-curriculum/mathematics-elementary/

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by talking with them about what they are learning at school. While these resources are optional, they provide valuable information about what students are learning at school and ideas for supporting their learning at home.

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 March 24 2024
• Friday, March 29: Maryhill Good Friday Fish Fry Fundraiser
• 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!

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, April 2nd 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

March Deep Learning Skill: A Discerning Believer

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we step into March and the reflective season of Lent leading into Easter, our focus shifts towards a deeply spiritual aspect of our curriculum: understanding the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation of “A Discerning Believer.” 

This month, amidst the solemnity and introspection of Lent, students will explore the essence of being a discerning believer through key beliefs:

– Acknowledging God’s omnipresence and the power of faith.

– The significance of prayer, emphasizing communication with God anytime, anywhere.

– Reflecting on the stories of the Bible, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

– Appreciating the Church community, Mass, and the seven Sacraments.

– Understanding the importance of forgiveness and emulating Jesus in our daily lives.

We chose this focus to align with Lent, a time for renewal, hope, and deepening our relationship with God, leading to the celebration of Easter. We encourage you to engage with your child in discussions about faith, prayer, and the lessons of Lent, reinforcing these concepts at home.

Thank you for your support as we walk together during this season of Lent a time of renewal and hope. Your partnership is invaluable in this shared mission of faith education.

Your partner in education,

P. Pizarro

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations Themes: A Discerning Believer

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:

• 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)

The Knights of Columbus Maple Syrup and World Water Day Fundraisers End this Friday

We are running a mini fundraiser to purchase yoga mats by selling bottles of locally bottled pure maple syrup and supporting the Knights of Columbus at the same time. A 500 ml bottle of Canada Grade A Amber (Rich Taste) Maple Syrup can be purchased for $15 through School Cash Online. 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 accommodate you. Five dollars from each bottle sold will be donated towards a class set of yoga mats for the gym. It makes a great Easter gift!

Mrs. Langlois’s Grade 4/5 class has been working on a fundraiser for World Water Day for the last little while. With some donation options, students will receive stickers (designed and created by the Grade 4/5’s) to be handed out at the end of March.

Tomorrow, we will recognize and celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.  The theme for tomorrow is #EndtheStereotypes!

We look forward to seeing all of you Rock your Socks tomorrow as we work to #EndtheStereotypes!

World Down Syndrome Day 2024 | How to Get Involved | CDSS

This message is sent on behalf of St. Teresa Church:

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 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.

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 Church.  This meeting will address final plans for First Communion.

“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.”  

Pope Francis

Happy Sunday, Tornado Families:

We want to extend a warm welcome back to our students tomorrow as we jump back into learning! We hope you’ve all had a marvellous March Break and are as excited as we are to have our students back in the building.

The Knights of Columbus Maple Syrup and World Water Day Fundraisers End this Friday

We are running a mini fundraiser to purchase yoga mats by selling bottles of locally bottled pure maple syrup and supporting the Knights of Columbus at the same time. A 500 ml bottle of Canada Grade A Amber (Rich Taste) Maple Syrup can be purchased for $15 through School Cash Online. 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 accommodate you. Five dollars from each bottle sold will be donated towards a class set of yoga mats for the gym. It makes a great Easter gift!

Mrs. Langlois’s Grade 4/5 class has been working on a fundraiser for World Water Day for the last little while. With some donation options, students will receive stickers (designed and created by the Grade 4/5’s) to be handed out at the end of March.

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.

Register Now for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Program

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

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

Monday, March 18

• Welcome back to school!
• Maple Syrup and World Water Day Fundraisers Continue

Tuesday, March 19

• Spring Begins!
• Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• 7:30 PM First Communion Parent Meeting

Wednesday, March 20

• Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
• Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)
• AM WCDSB Grade 7 Mental Health Presentation
• 7 PM Confirmation Parent Meeting at the Church

Thursday, March 21

• Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
• 10 AM Lenten Mass at the Church – All are welcome
• World Down Syndrome Day – Wear Mismatched Socks to show your support!

Friday, March 22

• World Water Day
• 2-3 PM Celebrating Earth Hour at St. Teresa of Avila
• Maple Syrup and World Water Day Fundraisers End

April 9 ~ Parent Engagement Evening

WCDSB is pleased to present a virtual parent and guardian information evening on Cyber safety, digital literacy, and esports gaming on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Matthew Johnson, the Director of Education from Media Smarts, will speak about online safety and digital literacy and discuss resources available to families from Media Smarts.

Katina Papulkas is the Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies and will guide parents through online gaming and how parents and guardians can support their children’s passions, explore career opportunities, and appreciate the engagement it provides. 

Register:   

May 1 – Explore Your Future Expo (Gr. 7-12)

Explore Your Future helps caregivers, students and educators to better understand opportunities for work and learning here in Waterloo Region. Over 75 exhibitors will showcase careers and answer your questions, including:

• Local employers in sectors like construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, technology, business, arts, and more
• Community agencies with resources on how to get experience through employment, volunteering or starting a business
• Experts in Experiential Learning and Career/Life Planning from the Waterloo Region and Waterloo Catholic school boards

To avoid lineups at the door and to be eligible to win prizes, register in advance! Registration is required so that we can communicate important details to attendees in advance, gain insights to improve future events, and track overall participation for our funders.

Cambridge Explore your Future on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Tapestry Hall, Cambridge – Register for this free Cambridge event HERE

Math @ Home 

https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/curriculum/elementary-curriculum/mathematics-elementary/

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by talking with them about what they are learning at school. While these resources are optional, they provide valuable information about what students are learning at school and ideas for supporting their learning at home.

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 March 17, 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.
• Friday, March 29: Maryhill Good Friday Fish Fry Fundraiser
• 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!

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, April 2nd 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

March Deep Learning Skill: A Discerning Believer

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we step into March and the reflective season of Lent leading into Easter, our focus shifts towards a deeply spiritual aspect of our curriculum: understanding the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation of “A Discerning Believer.” 

This month, amidst the solemnity and introspection of Lent, students will explore the essence of being a discerning believer through key beliefs:

– Acknowledging God’s omnipresence and the power of faith.

– The significance of prayer, emphasizing communication with God anytime, anywhere.

– Reflecting on the stories of the Bible, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

– Appreciating the Church community, Mass, and the seven Sacraments.

– Understanding the importance of forgiveness and emulating Jesus in our daily lives.

We chose this focus to align with Lent, a time for renewal, hope, and deepening our relationship with God, leading to the celebration of Easter. We encourage you to engage with your child in discussions about faith, prayer, and the lessons of Lent, reinforcing these concepts at home.

Thank you for your support as we walk together during this season of Lent a time of renewal and hope. Your partnership is invaluable in this shared mission of faith education.

Your partner in education,

P. Pizarro

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations Themes: A Discerning Believer

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:

• 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)

Good afternoon Tornados!

The staff of St. Teresa of Avila School would like to wish all of you a very restful and relaxing March Break!

If you are travelling, travel safely! If you are staying home, we wish you all the best as you unwind and visit those you love! Do what you find nourishing and renewing!

We look forward to seeing our students back at school on Monday, March 18th!

Have a marvellous break!

Factory Shoe Fundraising Partnership – ANY Purchase over $35

We will be sending extra fundraising cards to give away to friends and family for our Factory Shoe fundraiser. You can use these cards for ANY purchase over $35, adult shoes or kid shoes, running shoes, sandals, rain boots, etc.

For every purchase over $35, the school receives a $5 donation. Make sure they know it’s St. Teresa in Elmira, as there are two other schools with the St. Teresa name.

Thank you for your support!