Good evening, Tornado Families!

What a great way to start our Catholic Education Week by congratulating our Grade 2 students who celebrated their First Communion at St. Teresa Church today! Thank you to our parents and extended family members who shared this special day with our students and Father Peter for officiating. Thank you to the choir and all who helped prepare our students for today.

This week is very special in our board as we celebrate Catholic Education Week and Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love.” The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024 was inspired by the following considerations:

  • With joyful anticipation of the Jubilee Year of 2025, we are inspired by Pope Francis announcing the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope.” With open hearts of love, we can continue to “fan the flame of hope” for a bright future.
  • On the fifth anniversary of Renewing the Promise, we celebrate that Catholic Education is centred on our Christian call to love. This love permeates how we live in the world and as we act with love, we build a better future. As Pope Francis stated in 2023, “He wants us to be artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers.”
  • The theme of the synod, “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” invites us to listen in love, to be a healing presence to one another and to strengthen relationships.
  • In his visit to Canada last summer, Pope Francis gave us hope for our continued work for Truth and Reconciliation. Through prayer and a commitment to love, stronger bonds are forming and a new way forward is emerging.
  • Catholic Education Week comes at the same time as Mental Health Awareness Week. Through love and compassion, we continue to support each other’s wellbeing. God is love and we are always called to live out this love.
  • In our continued work for Equity and Inclusion in Catholic schools, a focus on love reminds us that all God’s children are loved unconditionally.

There are five sub-themes for each day of Catholic Education Week:

  • Day 1:              As people of hope / Dans l’espérance
  • Day 2:              As people of faith / Dans la foi
  • Day 3:              As people of mercy / Avec compassion
  • Day 4:              As people of justice / Dans la justice
  • Day 5:              As people of joy / Dans la joie

Every year, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) provides our Catholic schools with a resource kit to help them prepare for Catholic Education Week. Using these resources, as well as our own developed activities, we have prepared a series of activities that will highlight how the students and staff at our school are being Called to love together.

Thinking of Moving?: Please contact the school as soon as possible as we are beginning to look at our enrolment for next year.  If you are moving, the outgoing and incoming school must be aware so we can prepare.  Thank you!

The “Guardians of the Game” webinar, hosted virtually on April 9th, was a big success! Our guests were incredibly informative and engaging, and we have received great feedback. Please click on Guardians of the Game Resources FINAL, so families who didn’t attend can still access the resources. 

SAVE THE DATE: CSAC FAMILY BBQ EVENT TUESDAY, JUNE 18TH – MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

Tuesday, May 14: Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Night for those who have registered for 2024-2025 Kindergarten Program

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, May 6

  • Grade 4-7 Track and Field Practice at school (in the afternoon)
  • PM – Deep Learning Assembly to launch May’s theme: Inclusion and Belonging
  • Practice Breathing Strategies

Tuesday, May 7

  • Pita Lunch Day (if you ordered)
  • Beacon of Hope Recipients for our St. David’s Family of School Celebrated!
  • Practice Muscle Relaxation
  • 6 PM CSAC Meeting

Wednesday, May 8

  • Spirit Wear Day! Or wear blue and/or red
  • Pizza Lunch Day (if you ordered)
  • Grade 3 Artsabound Field Trip
  • 7 PM Confirmation class at Maryhill
  • Practice visualization and distraction

Thursday, May 9

  • Lunch Lady Day (if you ordered)
  • Learn about Thinking Traps
  • Grade 4-8 Track and Field Practice at school (in the afternoon)
  • 7 PM Folk Dance Festival

Friday, May 10

  • Practice Gratitude
  • Grade 1 and 2 Artsabound Field Trip

Reading at Home – Sora Sweet Reads

Sweet Reads is Overdrive’s annual reading program. This year’s Sweet Reads selection is a mix of more than 100 ebooks (and select audiobooks) spanning grades K-12 – available for free and simultaneous use from May 15 until August 26. Please read the InfoBlast for more information.

InfoBlast SORA Sweet Reads 2024

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.

2024 Summer Learning Programs

2024 Summer Learning Poster – as of Feb 23 2024

A Message From Fr. Peter & Parish News

  • Church May 5, 2024
  • Saturday, May 11 – Elegant Afternoon Tea
  • 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, May 7th 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

May Deep Learning Skill: Inclusion and Belonging

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As May unfolds at St. Teresa of Avila School, we are proud to dedicate this month to fostering Inclusion and Belonging in our educational journey. This initiative is deeply woven into our commitment to create a learning environment that not only promotes academic excellence but also nurtures a sense of community and mutual respect among all members of our school family.

This month, our students will engage in a series of activities designed to cultivate a culture that recognizes Our students will explore the importance of inclusivity in a welcoming and nurturing environment.

Our focus on Inclusion and Belonging aims to ensure that all students feel valued and are empowered to reach their full potential. We strive to educate our young learners about different cultures, enhancing their understanding and appreciation for the diverse world in which we live. We encourage students to seek out and celebrate diverse perspectives, fostering a rich learning environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Inclusion and Belonging are more than just themes; they are essential pillars of our educational philosophy. We encourage you to engage with your child about their experiences and learnings around these topics, discussing the importance of empathy, kindness, and respect in everyday life. Your involvement is crucial in reinforcing these values and extending our students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom walls.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this meaningful journey together. By focusing on Inclusion and Belonging, we are laying the foundation for a more understanding, inclusive, and cohesive community where every individual is appreciated and empowered.

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, May 13: Colombian Students arrive!
  • Tuesday, May 14: Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Night! Provincial Day of Action on Litter
  • Wednesday, May 15: Gr. 4-8 Track and Field at St. David’s
  • Thursday, May 16: Gr. 7 Woolwich CAER (Arena); 7 PM Confirmation Liturgy (Maryhill)
  • Friday, May 17: Director’s Visit
  • Monday, May 20: Victoria Day (School Closed)
  • Wednesday, May 22: Gr. 4-8 CITS KW Glee
  • Thursday, May 23: Bingo Night!
  • Friday, May 31: PA Day 
  • Monday, June 3: SK Dental Screening
  • Tuesday, June 4: CSAC Meeting
  • Wednesday, June 5: Cross Country
  • Monday, June 10: Track and Field
  • Tuesday, June 18: CSAC Family BBQ Event
  • Wednesday, June 19: Gr. 4 and 6 at Laurel Creek
  • Thursday, June 20: 10AM Year-End Mass
  • Tuesday, June 25: 6:30 PM Grade 8 Graduation Liturgy; Report Cards go home
  • Thursday, June 27: Last Day of School for Students