Dear Families

We are excited and looking forward to another school year!

We wish to share with you some information.

• The Main Office will reopen on Tuesday August 27th. Office Hours are 9:00 – 3:30 during this week.
• The First Day of School is Wednesday September 4th – please note change from previous years. Tuesday September 3rd is a PA Day.
• There is construction on Meyers Road which affects traffic.  Here is a map: HolySpiritConstructionMapDraft (3) Please note traffic patterns and where parking is permitted.
• In the report cards we included an insert to assist you with back to school shopping.  Here is a copy of the insert: HS School start up supply list 2024
• More information in regards to the first day of school, new staff etc. will be forthcoming.

Have a wonderful last week of summer holidays!

Holy Spirit Joins the Pencil Case Project ~ Youth Helping Youth

St.Vincent (1)

Holy Spirit Elementary School CSAC Annual Report for the 2023-24 School Year

 Dear Parents and School Community:

On behalf of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC), we wish to thank our entire school community for your commitment and engagement during the 2023-24 school year. It was so exciting to welcome families and engage in a full complement of activities this year including our BBQ & meet the teacher night, literacy math and munchies morning, Christmas turkey lunch, Shrove pancake day, and meet & greet for kindergarten night.

The purpose of the Catholic School Advisory Council is to improve student achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system through the active participation of parents in an advisory capacity. Our school website hosts a wealth of information related to CSAC, including detailed minutes of meetings.

The CSAC held six meetings in the 2023-24 school year and engaged in meaningful discussions on various topics such as fundraising options, code of conduct policy, greening/shade, hot food days, progrant opportunities, new school boundaries and a dress code policy.

Although the School Advisory Council didn’t have a fundraiser this past year, school generated funds from other initiatives were used to support projects and activities in accordance with school board policies.  Some items covered by these funds were Halloween activities, Joy week, Valentines Day, Easter classroom supplies, Turkey Lunch, Pancake Day, bussing for sports & trips, sporting events fees, Sacraments, pop up tents, Student Agendas, EQAO snacks, math contests, bible celebration, Graduation, griddles for future events, and division wide celebrations.

We wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many individuals who volunteered their time to contribute to the success of the CSAC last year.  Special thanks are due to the members of the 2023-24 CSAC: Daniella Ciotti, Trish Gerth, Nancy Cherri, Alysha Davy, Jennifer Williams, Liz Kotsamanes, Tanja Pecnik, Sierra Gregorio, Omotola Agbana, Geraline Laparan, Laura Ferrante, Joey Stephens, Charlene Santos, Laura Livingston, Franco Petrella, Erma Luis, Rose Bettio(community rep) and Sarah Kwiecinski(parish rep).

Finally, we would like to wish the best of luck to candidates in the September school council elections. If you are interested in any of the elected positions on council or would like to participate in council in a non-elected role, please fill out the School Council Nomination Form found in your opening of school package on School Cash Online. If you would like more information about council or the duties of the elected council positions, please feel free to contact the administration at Holy Spirit. Further, parents and family members do not have to be on council to volunteer at the various events happening at the school.  Sign up for the school newswire to learn more about volunteer options.

Sincerely,

Trish Gerth, Chair

School Generate Funds:

We sincerely appreciate your contributions to the hot lunch program. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to enhance student experiences through various initiatives: Supplies for Student Events (Meet the Teacher, Remembrance Day Poppies, Christmas Concert, St Valentine’s Dance, Stations of the Cross); Supplies for Student Clubs & Activities (Sports Entry Fees, Sporting Supplies, Earth Day/Eco Team, Chess & Cards Club, Horticulture Club); Smilemakers Tooth Necklaces (for lost teeth); Brag Tags; Wipebooks; New Basketball Backboards for the gym, replacement Backboard for outside and new basketball nets for outside.  Lastly, we use some of these funds to support our own families in need.

Thank you once again for your continued support of student initiatives at Holy Spirit School.

“May every sunrise bring you hope. May every sunset bring you peace.” 

Dear Holy Spirit Families,

As we reach the end of another fantastic school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and memorable moments we’ve shared. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and incredible experiences for our students, staff, and parents. We welcomed new families, said goodbye to old friends, laughed together, learned together, and played together with pride! Thank you for being amazing!

Congratulations to our Grade 8 Graduates!

We cheer on our Grade 8 graduates with immense pride and joy as they cap off this chapter and stride confidently toward the next. We are celebrating their journey on Tuesday, June 25th, at our graduation ceremony — where we’ll roll out the red carpet and spotlight their achievements.

To our fabulous Grade 8s: Hats off to you! As you venture forth, take the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the friendships forged here. You’re equipped for greatness; we can’t wait to see you soar.

To our incredible parents and guardians, thank YOU for your unwavering support. Your partnership has been crucial, turning challenges into triumphs and helping our students reach this joyous milestone. Here’s to celebrating the fruits of your dedication! May blessings follow you and your graduates every step of the way. 

Farewells and Good Luck

As we celebrate the end of this school year, we also want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the staff members who will be moving on to new schools and opportunities.  Your contributions to our school have been immeasurable, and you will be greatly missed.  We wish you all the best in your new endeavours and know you will continue to have a positive impact wherever you go.

Our staff leaving us that we know at this time are: 

• Mrs. Alison Bryant
• Mrs. Shona Connelly
• Miss Rebecca Cose 
• Ms. Amanda Fronchak
• Miss Brooke Gamble 
• Miss Marissa Kroeger 
• Miss Ermelinda Luis
• Miss. Maggie Mackenzie 
• Mrs. Eddy Martins
• Mrs. Loretta Notten
• Mrs. Steven Sousa
• Mr. Barry Wilson

We thank all of them for their hard work, dedication, and support during their time at Holy Spirit. You will all be truly missed, and wish you all the best in your new school communities!

Rainbow Day!

Reflecting on Christ’s teachings, we will celebrate that we are all wonderfully made as we extend our hands in love and acceptance during Pride season.  We invite you to wear your brightest colours to school on Tuesday, June 25th.

 God sent Noah a rainbow as a symbol, signifying His love and grace for all people.

 Pride season is an opportunity to showcase the Catholic value of respect for all creation. Our 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and students are an integral part of the diverse tapestry woven by God, and we honour their presence with respect and love.

 Embracing the beauty of diversity echoes our commitment to the Gospel message of Love knows no bounds, and our Catholic faith teaches us to embrace every individual with open hearts.

School Year-End BBQ

The Holy Spirit End-of-Year School B.B.Q. is scheduled for our students at lunchtime on Wednesday, June 26th.

On the Menu: 

• Single 4 oz Burger
• Single All Beef Hotdog
• Single Jumbo Veggie Dog

Each meal comes with a single-serve bag of chips and a water bottle.

Thanks to our fundraising efforts, the school will cover the cost of meals for all students.

We invite Kindergarten families to join us for a meal and fellowship after the Kindergarten celebration. Please remember to purchase your meals in advance via Cash Online:  https://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/99001/83/False/True. 

Mini-Talent Show

Students are ready for show-stopping performances at our MINI Talent Show and Recognition Assembly on Thursday morning, June 27th.  It’s time to celebrate our students’ beautiful talents.  Parents and families of the performers are invited to join us.

Due to the heat warning, please note that we will be limiting both the duration and the number of occupants in the gymnasium to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

Term 2 Report Cards

Second-term Report Cards and Kindergarten Communication of Learning for the 2023/2024 school year will be sent home on Tuesday, June 25th.  The Ontario Report Card and the Kindergarten Communication of Learning reflect your child’s achievement in all subject areas for term 2 and are not meant to summarize the full year.  In reviewing student achievement over the course of the school year, you are advised to consider each term independently.  Families are always encouraged to contact their child’s teacher about their progress this school year.  We are very proud of our students and families. We express tremendous gratitude for your partnership, encouragement, and support as we worked together through the 2023-2024 school year.

Medication Pick Up

If we currently hold medication for your child, please note that it must be picked up by the end of the day on June 27, 2024. We do not store medications over the summer.  If we do not hear from you, we will send home all medication with your child on the last day of school.

Bus Transportation for 2024-2025 

See this STSWR Parent Information Bulletin Below …

Bus-information-letter-for-September_-1

Please note that bus information for September 2024 will be available on August 19, 2024, via the Parent Portal at www.stswr.ca. Due to high traffic that week, the website may experience slower performance. Please contact us if you cannot access your transportation information by August 26.

National Indigenous History Month in Canada

We continue to celebrate and honour Indigenous peoples’ history, heritage, and diversity across our country and WCDSB community this June.  Explore the link for National Indigenous Month: June 24-27, 2024, to learn about four notable Indigenous Canadians featured this week at school. Additional resources are available on our Board website under National Indigenous History Month.

June is bustling! Please communicate pick-up changes or routine adjustments in advance. Our office handles over 500 students, making last-minute messages challenging.  Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Please drive slowly and cautiously in the driveway and parking lot during drop-off and pick-up times. Follow staff directions, respect no parking zones, and ensure all visitors are informed. Safety first!

Important Information for Next Year!

Our office will be open the week of August 26th. New families coming to Holy Spirit are encouraged to register online over the summer.  The first day of school for GRADES 1-8 students is Wednesday, September 4th, 2024.  Tuesday, September 3rd is a Professional Development Day for staff and students do not attend.  Parents will be given further information during the week of August 26th regarding the procedures for looking up their child’s class placement for September 2024.  Please note that all lists are ‘tentative’ until final numbers have been determined in September.  Kindergarten students have a staggered entry and do NOT begin on Wednesday, September 4th.  Information will be mailed to Kindergarten families at the end of this week.

Thank you for a wonderful year.   We are deeply grateful to have been part of such a remarkable community; it has been an honour and a privilege. As we look forward to summer, we wish you and your families a season filled with peace, health, and happiness graced with God’s blessings.

Though we won’t be returning this fall, we are eager to hear about all the fantastic achievements that lie ahead for you all.  Please keep sharing your stories –we will be cheering you on from afar!  Have a fantastic summer break, and may it be a time of rest and joy wrapped in God’s loving blessings.

Thank you for your warmth and enthusiasm and for openly welcoming us into this incredible community. Here’s to a bright future for everyone!

Blessings,

Miss E. Luis 

Mrs. L. Notten

Holy Spirit Families,

All buses are now completing their respective school bus routes.

Thanks for your cooperation and patience.

The Admin Team

Hello Holy Spirit Families,

All Busses will be delayed approximately 10 – 20 minutes.

We are holding all buses for students returning from a school trip.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

The Admin Team

Dear Holy Spirit Families,

As you are aware, today marks the beginning of a heat wave in the Region of Waterloo.  WCDSB schools will be following the guidelines listed below:

Extreme Heat: Temperature With or Without Humidex

• Cooler than 35 C: students may remain outside for all regular outside activities.
• Between 35 & 40 C: students may remain outside for no longer than 20 minute intervals at a time.
• Hotter than 40 C: students must remain inside.

Students are encouraged to bring a hat to school, limit the amount of physical exertion, and sit in the shade when possible.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Sporting events scheduled for this week are CANCELLED!

We have received communication from the School Board that due to this week’s Extreme Heat Warnings, the Intermediate Frisbee and Junior boys and girls 3 Pitch tournaments will be CANCELLED.

Unfortunately, due to the timeline of the end of the year approaching, there are no make-up dates.

Dear Holy Spirit Families,

First, to all fathers and father figures, we thank you for sharing your love and compassion.  You are a role model to those who seek your guidance and reassurance.  Today, we humbly recognize everyone who brings joy, laughter, and comfort into our lives, even in times of sorrow.  We express our gratitude to all the caring individuals who love us and are with us today and those we hold in our hearts—wishing everyone in our community a wonderful, sunny, and happy day!

Happy Father’s Day!

June is an exciting and busy time both inside and outside of school! We have noticed an increase in the office for last-minute pick-up requests or to pass along changes in routine. While we understand that sometimes this may happen, we kindly ask families to try to convey these messages ahead of time. With over 500 students, our office can be a bustling place, and it is not always possible to communicate last-minute messages promptly. If you need to come and pick up your child early, please try to arrive 10 minutes early, too. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about Indigenous history together. Specifically, June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day, is a moment for all Canadians to unite and celebrate with Indigenous Peoples.  On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to celebrate and recognize the contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.  Although these groups share many similarities, they have distinct heritage, language, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.   In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the year’s longest day.  We are proud of our rich Canadian Heritage and give thanks for the many contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to the fabric of our wonderful country!  Here are 5 Indigenous people we will learn about this week:  June 17-21, National Indigenous Month

Prayer for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Creator God,
We look at your world and praise you for the diversity all around us.
Thank you for the gift of relationships; our connection with people, animals, and the land.
Help us, Lord, to see differences and diversity as strengths.
Help us to listen and understand; to meet one another with wonder and anticipation.
Help us to love as you love, without expectation.
Reveal to us your way of reconciliation and guide us into right relationships with all living things.
Lead us to understand how Indigenous peoples have been and continue to be profoundly harmed by settler people and institutions.
Lead us to repent when we as settlers deny Indigenous peoples respect, dignity and fullness of life.
Helps us listen compassionately, to speak humbly and to act justly.
Help us to seek the peace, justice and reconciliation you desire among all your children.
Thank you for your mercy and grace.
Amen

Plans Of Care, Lost and Found & Medication Pick Up!

Here are a few reminders for parents and students as we head into the last weeks of the school year. 

We have several lost and found items. Please ask your child if they own anything displayed on the lost and found table. Any unclaimed items will be donated over the summer.

Students with Medical Plans of Care: If your child has a Plan of Care, it will come home this week for you to review and add any changes. Please send it back to the office as soon as possible so we can promptly update the plan for September. If any medical information changes, let the office know, and we will make the adjustments needed to record the most current information.

Medication: If your child has any medication at the office, please have a guardian or your child come to the office to pick it up on their last day of school, June 27th. Thank you!

Good Luck to our Ultimate Frisbee and Junior 3-Pitch teams!

Best of Luck to our Ultimate Frisbee Team, which will represent our school on Monday, June 17th, led by their Coaches, Mrs. Cassidy and Mr. Gualiano.  Our Junior boys’ and 

girls’ teams will participate in their tournament on Thursday, June 20th. Thank you to our coaches, Mrs. Rose, Mr. Sousa, Mrs. Oliveira, and Mrs. Nowak, for all their work

with the teams! Good luck, Flames!

Holy Spirit Talent Show

Lights, camera, action!  The Talent Show and Recognition Assembly will hit the stage on Thursday, June 27th.  See our students in action as they showcase their gifts and talents.  Don’t miss seeing our school’s rising stars shine bright!

LAST CALL:  Calling ALL Library Books

Please help us by returning ANY library books you have at home to the school this week.  All books are due back by now! Thank you.

 Parking Lot Safety. 

 A reminder to all drivers that there are many staff and students who are in the driveway and parking lot during drop off and pick up times.  It is necessary to always drive slowly and cautiously, and to always defer/listen to the direction of staff.   This may mean having to stop and/or wait while proceeding through the driveway.   Please also respect the “no parking zones” that are reserved for buses.  If you are sending a friend or family member to the school, please make sure they are aware of these important expectations.  The safety and well-being of our staff and students is dependant on everyone’s cooperation. 

From our Community Partners…

The First Day of School 2024/2025 for students is Wednesday, September 4th. 

Please note that bus information for September 2024 will be available on August 19, 2024, via the Parent Portal at www.stswr.ca. Due to high traffic that week, the website may experience slower performance. If you cannot access your transportation information by August 26, please get in touch with us. 

Bus information letter for September

June 25th- Term 2 Reports

June 25th – Class of 2024 Graduation (6:00 pm) 

June 26th – Kindergarten Celebration

June 27th – Talent Show and Recognition Assembly (AM)

June 27th – Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day *no school for students.

Dear Families,

With the first week of June behind us, our halls and classrooms continue to be filled with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.  It is certainly a joy to continue to see the growth and achievement of our students!  Thank you to all our families and staff for your cooperation and support in transitioning to the new SafeArrival reporting for attendance.  This new procedure is used across all WCDSB schools and should make reporting your child’s attendance easier.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and see you on Monday!

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations: June is a Learner For Life

OCGE focus is on being a Learner for Life.  Students will continue to have opportunities to take charge of their own learning.  They will continue to develop a growth mindset, learn to think about their thinking, and build resilience.  How fitting that our last focus is on being a learner for life, and we hope it doesn’t stop on the last day of school!  Keep learning and exploring through the summer!

By Being a A Self-Directed, Responsible, Lifelong Learner: I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE!

• I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
• I always do my best
• I build on my strengths and weaknesses
• I set goals
• I accept change
• I am proud of the good things I do
• I am thankful for the gifts of others

Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus.

Hats, Waterbottles, and Shoes

As we enjoy the warmer weather, this is just a reminder to please send your child with a hat and reusable water bottle.  For safety reasons, we kindly request that students not wear flip-flops/slides to school.  While they are convenient, flip-flops pose a risk of tripping and injury during recess.  We encourage students to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps.  When students are using the creative play equipment outside, flip-flops/slides are not permitted.  Thank you for your understanding and help in ensuring student safety.

National Indigenous History Month in Canada

WCDSB and SVdP continue to celebrate and honour Indigenous peoples’ history, heritage, and diversity in our country and our WCDSB community throughout June.  Please see this link: National Indigenous Month: June 10-14, 2024, which features 5 Indigenous Canadians we will learn more about at school this week.   More resources and information can also be found on our Board website: National Indigenous History Month. 

This week, we will also explore the Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Map of Canada. Jennifer Staats, Indigenous Consultant from the WCDSB, will lead us in exploring this valuable resource. 

WCDSB Track and Field Championship Meet!

On Thursday, June 13th, many of our athletes will travel to the Track and Field Championship at Ressurection University.  This is a full-day event where our athletes compete against other schools.   Many thanks to Mrs. Cassidy and Mr. B. Sousa, who will accompany our students to this event.  For those parents who will be attending, please note that only Resurrection Staff & students will be permitted to use the school’s parking lot. Everyone else will be directed to find street parking in the neighbourhood. Hired security will be at the lot entrance. 

Parish News

Mom & Tots Pray & Play:  Do you want to introduce your child/children to Eucharistic Adoration? Do you need some quiet time praying with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? If so, this program is for you. Bring your children to adoration, and when you’re ready you can drop them off to enjoy supervised play with other children for the remaining time while you adore alone.  This will be held the LAST Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 am in the Adoration Chapel and Children’s Liturgy room at St. Ambrose Church. Registration is required, please email momtotsprayplay@gmail.com   Please register for the upcoming date of  Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Children’s Liturgy at 11am Sunday Mass our Children’s Liturgy program is offered at 11:00 am Mass.  At the beginning of Mass, children will be invited to come forward to follow the leader downstairs to our Children’s Liturgy room. At the offertory, the children will return upstairs and sit as a group in the front pews for the remainder of Mass. (no registration required)

Is your child interested in becoming an altar server?  Our parish is in need of more altar servers.  It is an honour to serve at our Lord’s table during Holy Mass.  Parents, please speak to your child about becoming an altar server.  Grade 4 and older.  Training provided.

Daughters of King, Ladies group, in the St. Ambrose Church Hall. We invite you to come together in friendship to Praise the Lord and discover the ways God has personally called each of us, and how deeply He loves us.  Together, we will study scripture, share testimonies (or listen to others), and watch films, that will help us to respond to His call and His tremendous love for us.  We will serve each other, our families, our parish, and our community as we are inspired by the Holy Spirit.  LADIES, JOIN US as we begin to deepen our relationship with the Lord. We will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm, in the Parish Hall.   If you have questions please contact the parish office. Next dates: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Be A Man, Men’s group in St. Ambrose Church Hall every Saturday morning from 7:00 am to 8:30 am.  All men welcome, 18 years and older.  Come and join us for good conversation, fellowship, and coffee and muffins. Next dates: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Message Regarding Extended Day Program

 Preregistration for the 2024-2025 school year is happening now! 

Please see the information in the link below:

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

Schools offer a variety of opportunities for parents to learn more about how to support their children: for example, events related to mathematics may be held at the school (e.g., family math nights); teachers may provide newsletters or communicate with parents through apps or social media; and school or board websites may provide helpful tips about how parents can engage in their child’s mathematics learning outside of school and may even provide links where they can learn more or enjoy math activities together.

The following brief survey will assist our school district in gathering data about how parents/families feel in terms of being informed about what their children are learning in math, how parents/families feel about supporting their children’s learning in math, and about parental access to math learning resources at home.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation.

→ https://bit.ly/SupportingMathAtHomeSurvey2024  This survey will remain open until June 14, 2024.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection of this information please contact K-12 Mathematics Coordinator, Board Math Lead, Petra LeDuc at petra.leduc@wcdsb.ca , 519-578-3660 extension 2415.