News

Thank you Ms. Sandha & Mrs. Mayer!

The staff and students at St. John’s would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Ms. Sandha and Mrs. Mayer on Administrative Assistant’s Day. Behind every successful day at school is YOU. When our new families come to register, you welcome them to our school, assist them with all the forms and sign ups, and answer all their questions. You welcome them into our Thunder community!

You are the face of our school.  The first smile that our students and families see when they come to us each day.  You are the medical frontline, giving ice, providing tissues, handing out medication, and Band-aids.  You are the ones that our students go to for everything they need.

You take care of all our staff: managing and ordering supplies, taking care of the copiers, and making sure there is paper at all times!!! And, that’s just the easy stuff! You manage our front office space with grace, patience, and kindness. No matter how you are greeted by a visitor on the phone or in person, you respond with kindness and generosity. You create a welcoming space for every guest and staff member in our community.

Today, we recognize the great work you do for the good of our school. You keep us all going, and for that, we are so grateful!

Thank you, Ms. Sandha & Mrs. Mayer, for ALL that you do to support our St. John’s community!

Thunder Community,

As we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow and continue into Earth Week, our school community is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable living. All classes are challenged throughout this week to connect their learning to actions they can take to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.

From engaging in reading, writing, and discussions to hands-on activities focused on Earth Week, we will use this opportunity to amplify our efforts in nurturing a healthier, greener world. Together, we can make a profound impact, demonstrating our dedication to fostering a more sustainable future for all. Happy Earth Day and Earth Week!

Spring into Spring!

Active transport to and from school is a GREAT way to celebrate Earth Week. Walk, roll, or ride to school to help reduce greenhouse gases, improve your health, and lessen traffic around our school.

We know that active transportation has many benefits including:

• improved physical and mental health,
• mental focus,
• environmental well-being, and
• graduated independence

We are strongly encouraging families to walk with their children whenever possible and/ or work with neighbours to create a walking school bus. If you cannot accompany your child to/ from home, please make sure you review road safety rules with them, such as, stay on the sidewalk, do not run across the road, always look both ways before crossing a street. It is also important for children to be respectful citizens on their way to and from home. This includes staying off private property, and sharing sidewalks with other community members. Thank you for continuing to check in with your children about these important life lessons.

Happening THIS week: 

Grade 7 Immunizations

Tuesday April 23rd, Hep B/ HPV immunizations take place for Grade 7 students in the Learning Commons.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be celebrated with all Grade 2 students who have registered at St. John’s parish on Wednesday April 24th at 6pm. Please arrive at the church 10 minutes early so we can begin on time.

Registration for 2024-25 school year

Our online registration system is always available for families to register their children. If you have younger children who are not yet registered for next year, please begin this process immediately. If you know other families who are hoping to have their children attend St. John’s next year, they must register now. Our staffing is based on registrations at this point in time. School boards do not wait until the last week of summer to begin the staffing process. Thank you for spreading the word about online registration for 2024-25!

Thinking of Moving?

Please contact the school as soon as possible as we are preparing classes for next year. Staffing is based on the number of students who are registered so we need an accurate number of students in each grade. If you are moving, it is essential that you inform us so we can prepare.  Thank you!

Other Information: 

WCDSB presents: Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence

Insights from Michael Jacques & Dr. Gillian Parekh / Brought to you by WCDSB SEAC

Online Presentation starting at 6:30 pm on April 23, 2024.  

Please register for the event in the link below:

Promoting-Independence

WCDSB presents: Human Trafficking Prevention Education

WCDSB is pleased to present a virtual parent and guardian information evening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Bestselling author and survivor advocate Timea Nagy will speak about digital safety awareness and human trafficking prevention education. Please note that the chat will not be open for the presentation. If you would like to ask questions ahead of the event, please fill out this form. 

Registration Poster – Human Trafficking Prevention Education

EQAO Webinars for Parents:  Register for this free live webinar on April 30th or May 7th and learn about EQAO’s primary and junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students and answer questions from participants.

Registration

Catholic Education Week ~ May 5th-1oth

Catholic Education week occurs every year in May. This year’s theme is, “We are called to love.” 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 on a daily basis. 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.

We have a number of opportunities for parents to join us at the school during Catholic Education Week. Stay tuned for upcoming dates, times, and events!

Upcoming Assessment Dates

EQAO May 8-June 12 (Grade 3 & 6)

Together, we will build a strong community that is committed to lifting up others, repairing harms of the past, and creating a better tomorrow for all. #Strengthen

Important Dates

April 24th – Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Grade 2 students)

May 6th – 10th – Catholic Education Week & Mental Health Week

May 6th – Resurrection Family of Schools Mass & Social (Mass 6pm @ St. John’s parish)

May 9th – Sacrament of First Communion (Grade 2 students)

May 14th – Sacrament of Confirmation (Grade 7 students)

May 20th – Victoria Day (no school for students)

May 31st – PA Day (no school for students)

June 18th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports go home

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day  (no school for students)

Hello Thunder community!

On Tuesday April 16th, our grade 4 – 8 students had the opportunity to hear a wonderful speaker and message. Dwayne Morgan spoke to our students in a speech and poetic performance on the following topics: responsibility, social media, phones, race, making good choices, respect between genders, healthy connections and more. We hope that parents will take the time to watch this talk with their children; it is well worth your time and should benefit your child and even your family relationships. The link will remain posted on YouTube until Sunday night and might be the best thing your family watches or listens to this week.

Dwayne Morgan WCDSB presentation

For more information about Dwayne Morgan, please visit his website .

Thunder Community,

We have certainly had our fair share of April showers! Now, we look forward to April blooming around us! As we look ahead to the rest of April, we look forward to warm weather, lots of sunshine and the opportunities for growth and learning that await us.

The Playground Climber is Opening!

Our spring inspection has been completed on the climber and it is ready for use!  As always, climber use is weather dependent. Classes will review safety reminders together and enjoy play during recess, DPA and gym times in the days ahead.

Reasonable Rules for Playground Equipment

Ever wonder why we have so many rules about play at school? There are good reasons for creating zones of play, providing all equipment for student use vs. bringing equipment from home, etc. Please click on the link above to learn more about the guidelines provided by OSBIE: Ontario School Board’s Insurance Exchange. Below, you will find a summary of recommendations from OSBIE related to playground use, equipment, and rules.

1. Prohibit games that involve pushing or fighting (enforce “hands off” policy).
2. Take turns.
3. In case of injury – DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON. Report to supervisor immediately.
4. No throwing sticks, stones, or other objects.
5. No eating while on playground equipment.
6. Playground equipment is off limits during rainy, snowy, or icy weather – use daily announcements to remind and reinforce.
7. Skipping ropes, ropes, strings, scarves, or loose drawstrings are not permitted on playground equipment. They present a hazard.
8. Set rules for specific pieces of play equipment – define maximum number of students, and age levels permitted.
9. Train teachers, volunteer supervisors and the students about the playground rules. Reinforce.
10. No bicycle helmets on the play structure.

Rules should be clear, concise, and enforceable.

Creating and enforcing playground rules, along with providing periodic reminders for staff, volunteers, and students, indeed demonstrates due diligence and helps ensure that the standard of care owed to students is met.

As the schoolyard comes to life with the laughter and play of students, implementing reasonable rules for playground equipment ensures not only their enjoyment but also their safety. Let’s continue to prioritize safety as we embrace the joyous return of spring playtime on the playground.

Happening THIS week & beyond: 

Dwayne Morgan: Introduction to Race Event 

On Tuesday, April 16th, our junior and intermediate students will have an opportunity listen to Spoken Word Artist Dwayne Morgan and gain insights into racial challenges’ historical and societal roots, strategies to confront harmful language, and ways to cultivate a respectful, inclusive atmosphere. This presentation highlights the importance of dialogue, reflection, and action. It aims to equip students with the means to facilitate impactful discussions, drive positive change, and create a school culture that embraces diversity, understanding, and equity. Our Grade 4-8 students will join the hybrid event virtually.

This presentation is a great opportunity to connect to our priority of student wellbeing & our OCSGE theme this month: I am a Responsible Citizen.

• Accepting accountability for words & actions
• Respect & affirm the diversity and interdependence of peoples & cultures
• Respect & understand the history & heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society
• Contribute to the common good

Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence

Insights from Michael Jacques & Dr. Gillian Parekh / Brought to you by WCDSB SEAC Online Presentation starting at 6:30 pm on April 23, 2024.  

Please register for the event in the link below:

Promoting-Independence

Join for an enlightening discussion featuring Michael Jacques, a compassionate and determined young adult with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael, author of “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” and “I Belong, Can I Play?”, speaks passionately about topics such as learning, inclusion, advocating, independence, and the power of perseverance. Following Michael’s inspiring presentation, listen to Dr. Gillian Parekh, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Disability Studies in Education at York University. Dr. Parekh, renowned author of “Ableism in Education,” brings a wealth of experience as a former special education teacher and research coordinator with the Toronto District School Board. Her expertise in structural equity, special education, and academic streaming promises invaluable insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge, inspiration, and support for promoting independence in our communities!

WCDSB Updates:

School Board Calendar:  The 2024-2025 School Year Calendar has been posted to our Board’s website.  The first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year for students is on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. For more information and to view the entire list of dates and holidays for the 2024-2025 school year, please visit the Board’s website.

Students Entering Grade 9:  The HIF 10 Individual and Family Living course has been designed to ease the transition for students transitioning to high school. The course begins with an introduction to online learning which will build a student’s skills as they navigate any digital platform. As the course progresses, students will cover key learning expectations in numeracy, literacy, science, and geography, as well as developing learning strategies that will aid them as they progress through high school.  This credit can count as one of a student’s two mandatory online credits before graduation and will count as one of their 18 elective credits toward graduation requirements.

This is an online course. There is no in-person or digital class time for this course, however, teachers will have daily office hours to support students with their work.

Click HERE to register

Summer Learning Programs Information

ANY of the summer programs or classes may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment or may be full due to capacity limits. Don’t be disappointed. Register EARLY!

Reminders Again: 

Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Communion

Our Grade 2 students are preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Families of Grade 2 students have been provided with a paper copy of the information and registration forms as well as an email sent directly to the parent listed as first contact for each student. If you have not received this email, please contact the main office to update your contact information.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Wednesday April 24th

Sacrament of First Communion: Thursday May 9th

Remember: you must register your child for these sacraments at the church, not the school. Please complete and hand in the forms by Friday April 19th to the church office.

Sacrament of Confirmation: Tuesday May 14th

Our Grade 7 students are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Families of Grade 7 students have been provided with a paper copy of the information and registration forms as well as an email sent directly to the parent listed as first contact for each student. If you have not received this email, please contact the main office to update your contact information.

Remember: you must register your child for these sacraments at the church, not the school. Please complete and hand in the forms by Friday April 19th to the church office.

Graduation Ceremony & Celebration

Tuesday June 18th 6:00pm – 10:00pm

It’s hard to believe that we are already preparing for our Grade 8 Graduation! We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Grade 8 students and sending them forward on their secondary school journey.

Our Graduation will begin with a liturgy at St. John’s parish at 6pm followed immediately by a ceremony which includes the distribution of graduation certificates, presentation of individual awards, and a video to honour all our graduates. This component of graduation is for all graduates and their families and will conclude at 7:30pm.

Our graduates will have a celebration from 8pm – 10pm that will be supervised by school staff including our Administrators. Please stay tuned for more details!

Upcoming Assessment Dates

CAT-4 Grade 7 April 10-17

EQAO Grade 3 & 6 May 8-June 12

Together, we will build a strong community that is committed to lifting up others, repairing harms of the past, and creating a better tomorrow for all. #Strengthen

Important Dates

April 24th – Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Grade 2 students)

May 6th – 10th – Catholic Education Week & Mental Health Week

May 6th – Resurrection Family of Schools Mass & Social (Mass 6pm @ St. John’s parish)

May 9th – Sacrament of First Communion (Grade 2 students)

May 14th – Sacrament of Confirmation (Grade 7 students)

May 20th – Victoria Day (no school for students)

May 31st – PA Day (no school for students)

June 18th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports go home

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day  (no school for students)

Summer Learning Programs Information

ANY of the following summer programs or classes may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment or may be full due to capacity limits. Don’t be disappointed. Register EARLY!

Register HERE Summer Fun with Languages

Register HERE Summer Boost 

Register HERE Summer Expedition

Register HERE Head Start Grade 9

MEASLES INFORMATION for Parents/Guardians and Students

Re: Measles Update

WHAT IS MEASLES?

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral infection. There have been recent measles cases in several Ontario jurisdictions and large outbreaks in Europe, the United States and elsewhere. Most cases of measles have been linked to travel outside of Ontario.

Measles can cause serious illness and death. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes (pink eye) and a red rash lasting 4 to 7 days.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

    1. Ensure you are up to date with measles vaccination, especially ahead of international travel.

Individuals without an immunization record of their measles vaccines may need to repeat vaccination – it is not harmful to receive an additional dose(s).

Children

• Children receive two doses of measles vaccine as part of routine vaccination, one dose at 12 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old
  • Infants between 6-11 months may receive a dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: Two additional doses of measles vaccine must still be administered after 12 months of age to ensure long-lasting immunity)
  • Children under 4 years of age who have received one dose of measles vaccine on or after 12 months of age, may receive a second dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: there must be 4 weeks separating doses of measles vaccine)

It is important that parents/guardians report their child’s vaccinations to Public Health. Health care providers do not report these vaccinations to Public Health.  Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines to report your child’s vaccinations.

Adults

• Adults born prior to 1970 are generally considered immune to measles
  • A dose of measles vaccine is recommended for those travelling
• Adults born in or after 1970 may have received 1 or 2 doses of measles vaccine. If one dose has been received, a second is recommended for:
  • Travellers
  • Healthcare workers
  • Post-secondary students

     2. Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles.

Monitor yourself and your family for signs and symptoms of measles, especially after you return from international travel. If you develop symptoms:

• Limit your contact with other people
• Call your health care provider or a walk-in clinic and notify them about your symptoms before an in-person appointment so that they can take precautions to prevent others from getting sick
• Wear a medical mask when seeking care

WHY IS MEASLES AN ISSUE FOR STAFF IN SCHOOLS?

If a single case of measles occurs in a school setting, the entire school may be considered exposed. If this occurs, everyone – students and staff – will need to provide proof of measles immunity or be/may be excluded from school for up to 21 days. According to the Immunization of School Pupils Act, students are required to submit their vaccine records to Public Health to attend school in Ontario. As such, the Region of Waterloo Public Health will have immunization information for most students.

Region of Waterloo Public Health will not typically have immunization records for education staff unless the staff person went to school in Waterloo Region and records were submitted to Public Health. Public Health recommends that all staff should ensure they are up-to-date with measles vaccines and have proof of vaccination readily available. Public Health may request staff vaccine records on short notice to quickly determine who is protected and who is vulnerable if staff are exposed to a case of measles at school.

For more information about measles, visit https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/measles

Thunder Community,

We hope you are enjoying the weekend full of spring weather! As you prepare for another week of learning, please remember that Monday will be a professional development day for our staff. There will be no school for students! Also, keep your eyes off the skies … unless you have approved glasses, as we anticipate the remarkable solar eclipse tomorrow.

Happening THIS week: 

Reminder: No school on Monday for our WCDSB PA Day!  

International Day of Pink: Wednesday April 10th

Love over hate. Discrimination takes many shapes, whether it’s based on race, age, disabilities, gender or sexuality. The International Day of Pink focuses on discrimination and harassment based on gender and sexual orientation while  promoting kindness, respect, and inclusivity toward all people. We strongly encourage all members of our community to wear pink as a sign of solidarity, acceptance, and love for all God’s people. 

Tour for Humanity bus: Wed. April 10th

Launched in 2013, Tour for Humanity is the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal award-winning mobile human rights education centre. The 30-seat, fully accessible vehicle serves as a self-contained classroom in which FSWC’s instructors teach students about the horrors of genocide, especially the Holocaust, while addressing issues of racism, intolerance, diversity, democracy and human rights. As part of the interactive learning experience, Tour for Humanity (T4H) features a combination of video, PowerPoint presentations, activities and discussions in the four workshops offered, each adapted to the age of those in attendance.

In 2023, the Ministry of Education added expectations to the Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum to explicitly teach students about the Holocaust. We are very grateful for the opportunity to have our Grade 6 – 8 students participating in the workshop, Anti-Semitism: Then and Now.

Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Communion

Our Grade 2 students are preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Families of Grade 2 students have been provided with a paper copy of the information and registration forms as well as an email sent directly to the parent listed as first contact for each student. If you have not received this email, please contact the main office to update your contact information.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Wednesday April 24th

Sacrament of First Communion: Thursday May 9th

Remember: you must register your child for these sacraments at the church, not the school. Please complete and hand in the forms by Friday April 19th to the church office.

Sacrament of Confirmation: Tuesday May 14th

Our Grade 7 students are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Families of Grade 7 students have been provided with a paper copy of the information and registration forms as well as an email sent directly to the parent listed as first contact for each student. If you have not received this email, please contact the main office to update your contact information.

Remember: you must register your child for these sacraments at the church, not the school. Please complete and hand in the forms by Friday April 19th to the church office.

Other Information: 

Graduation Ceremony & Celebration

Tuesday June 18th 6:00pm – 10:00pm

It’s hard to believe that we are already preparing for our Grade 8 Graduation! We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Grade 8 students and sending them forward on their secondary school journey.

Our Graduation will begin with a liturgy at St. John’s parish at 6pm followed immediately by a ceremony which includes the distribution of graduation certificates, presentation of individual awards, and a video to honour all our graduates. This component of graduation is for all graduates and their families and will conclude at 7:30pm.

Our graduates will have a celebration from 8pm – 10pm that will be supervised by school staff including our Administrators. Please stay tuned for more details!

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations

In April, we will focus on our Catholic Graduate Expectation of being a Responsible Citizen.

• I am fair
• I am a peace-maker
• I am forgiving
• I follow rules and do my share
• I help the poor and care for people in need
• I stand up for what is right
• I know that all life is precious
• I respect and protect the world and all that is in it

Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference and will live my life like Jesus.

Deep Learning: Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need to thrive in the modern world. Sometimes called “competencies” – they will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future.

As Catholics, we will show transferable skills through Global Citizenship and Sustainability in April,  which involves understanding diverse world views and perspectives. It involves gaining information, motivation, and skills to appreciate the world’s diversity of people and perspectives. It calls for envisioning and working towards a better, more sustainable future for all. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in cultivating a dynamic and enriching educational experience for your child.

Math @Home

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by discussing their learning at school. Check out our WCDSB Monthly Math @Home Newsletter to better understand how students learn to collect, organize, display, and analyze data to make convincing arguments, informed decisions and predictions.

Issue No. 8 Data

Reminders : 

WCDSB School Climate Survey 

We value your feedback! Reminder: if you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and share your opinions with us. We want to learn about your child’s experiences at school so we can understand what is working well and how we might improve in order to contribute to a more positive school climate.

School Climate Survey for Families

Upcoming Assessment Dates

CAT-4 Grade 7 April 10-17

EQAO Grade 3 & 6 May 8-June 12

Together, we will build a strong community that is committed to lifting up others, repairing harms of the past, and creating a better tomorrow for all. #Strengthen

Important Dates

April 24th – Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Grade 2 students)

May 9th – Sacrament of First Communion (Grade 2 students)

May 14th – Sacrament of Confirmation (Grade 7 students)

May 20th – Victoria Day (no school for students)

May 31st – PA Day (no school for students)

June 18th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports go home

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day  (no school for students)

School Climate Survey for Families

This survey will be available from March 27th until April 14th, 2024.

We value your feedback as a parent / legal guardian of a student in our school. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and share your opinions with us. We want to learn about your child’s experiences at school so we can understand what is working well and how we might improve in order to contribute to a more positive school climate.

School Climate Survey for Families

The WCDSB conducts this School Climate survey with parents/guardians every two years as a key strategy to building a positive school climate and is also a requirement of the Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145.  Specifically, this survey will invite parents/guardians to share their experiences so that your child’s school and the Board can:

• make informed planning decisions about programs to promote safe and inclusive schools,
• determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and
• build and sustain a positive school climate.

No personal information will be collected from any participant on the survey (e.g., email) and therefore responses from the survey cannot be connected with information already held by the Board in our student information system. All responses will be combined to create school-level and Board-level reports. No program, service or benefit may be withheld because a respondent does not participate, or refuses to participate, in the school climate survey.
If you have questions about the school climate survey collection, please contact your school administrator, the WCDSB Research Team (research@wcdsb.ca) or the WCDSB Privacy Records and Information Management Officer (privacy@wcdsb.ca).

We need your help!

Kindergarten Registration Happening NOW! 

It is critical that families register for Kindergarten NOW. Our staffing for next year is based on registrations that are completed online at this point in time. Currently, we have less than half the number of Junior Kindergarten students than we are expecting for next year. This will have a negative impact on our staffing and number of Kindergarten classrooms for September. If you know a family with a child who is planning to start school in Kindergarten in September please encourage them to contact the main office as soon as possible.

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

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

If your child is already attending Kindergarten at St. John’s you do not need to register for next year.

Online Kindergarten Registration

Extended-Day-Pre-Reg-Reminder

Click on this link if you are interested in registering your child for Extended Day programming next year.

2024-25 Registration: Grades 1-8

Online registration is open for NEW students who will be attending St. John’s starting in September 2024. Again, it is critical that we have registrations completed as soon as possible to ensure our school is properly staffed for the beginning of the school year. Families should not wait until the end of summer to register their children for school in September. You are encouraged to share this information with families who are new to the neighbourhood.

Please click on the link in the title to complete a NEW registration.

Building community through Ramadan & Lent

Did you know there is a strong connection between Ramadan and Lent? Read on to find out the similarities!

Ramadan Is Here! March 10^th to April 9^th, 2024

The Holy month of Ramadan is here! Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, introspection, acts of charity, and strengthening bonds with family and friends. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and changes by about ten days each year depending on when the new moon is sighted in the ninth month.

At St. John’s, we continue to learn about the numerous cultures, practices, and religions that make our schools vibrant, inclusive spaces for all. We are so blessed to have many followers of Islam within Waterloo Catholic to help us learn more about the holy month of Ramadan and the Muslim practice of fasting.

During Ramadan, approx. 1.9 billion people around the world fast for 30 days, from sunrise to sunset. In the KW region, this means local Muslims will be fasting up to 14 hours this year. If a student/staff member is not eating or drinking at lunch, they might be observing Ramadan. However, it is important to avoid asking why a Muslim student/staff member is NOT fasting. This could be due to many reasons including: medical conditions, age, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, travelling etc.  A common misconception is that Ramadan is like a chore to those observing it, when in reality a lot of observers are eager for the month every year!

How can you respectfully acknowledge a Muslim who is fasting?
“Happy Ramadan”
“Ramadan Mubarak” = loosely meaning “Congratulations to your Ramadan”
“Ramadan Kareem” = loosely meaning “May your Ramadan be generous”

Lent Is Here! February 14^th to March 28^th, 2024

Almsgiving is an outward sign of love for others.

Giving alms is essential to fostering a deep spiritual life because it allows us to step outside of ourselves and focus on the needs of others. More than simply giving money, almsgiving is an act of love that can deepen our prayer life and bring a greater sense of meaning to fasting. Almsgiving incorporates the spiritual practices of prayer and fasting in a way that manifests itself by caring for our neighbours in need. It can deepen our prayer as we are brought into contact with those who live in poverty and give us a greater understanding of what it means to go without while fasting. It can also prompt important questions: Do I really need this? Am I consuming too much? Almsgiving provides us with a human connection and the opportunity to see the impact that works of charity can have on others.

When we look at the practices of Ramadan and Lent, we see deep connections and similarities. The focus on prayer, service for others, and introspection are important ways to bring about positive outcomes in ourselves and our communities. We will continue to teach our students through our Catholic faith by modelling patience, engaging in daily prayer, practicing meditation, and the acknowledgment of acts of kindness and giving in our school community. On a daily basis, we engage in conversations about “What Would Jesus Do?…WWJD” with our students, and we recognize the good deeds and choices made in our community.

We encourage you to engage in conversations with your children at home about the ways you can build prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into your family time during Ramadan and the Lenten season. As a faith based school community, it is important for these connections to exist in both the home and school environments in order for children to fully understand and embrace the teachings. We are grateful for your partnership in fostering your child’s faith.

Earth Hour 2024: March 23rd, 2024 @ 8:30pm

Earth Hour invites  you to switch off and spend 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet.

Just 60 minutes? Yes, just one hour. It may not seem like much, but the magic happens when you, and those like you in Asia and Africa, North and South America, Oceania and Europe – supporters in over 190 countries and territories – all give an hour for our one home, creating the Biggest Hour for Earth.

For ideas on how your family can make a difference please visit the Earth Hour website. We all need to do our part to take care of the earth.

Looking for important dates to finish off the school year?

Keep scrolling down this post to the very bottom. We will continue to include all the upcoming dates when there is no school for students. Please plan accordingly.

You are also encouraged to watch our school Google calendar which is linked on our school website. We will post school wide events; however, you will need to gather specific details from your child’s teacher about items such as class trips. This is a requirement to ensure privacy and student safety. Only legal guardians can have access to detailed information for students.

Why doesn’t my child have math homework?

This is a question we hear from families…A LOT! The truth is learning looks different today than it did when we were in school. There is no math textbook at elementary school. The majority of the learning that students do in school is “hands on” inquiry based instruction using online learning platforms such as Mathology. Students do not use repetitive math drill sheets or textbook exercises as part of their day to day math learning. However, you are encouraged to support your child’s math learning at home using the Math @Home Resources provided by our board.

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.

Parents are strongly encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher throughout the school year to build the partnership between home and school. Traditional homework exercises may not exist but school work at home can be very valuable when it is connected to real life problems and tasks. Examples are provided in each of the Math @ Home Monthly newsletters found on our board website.

D2L Parent & Guardian Portal App

Video tutorials in Arabic, English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Tigrinyan have been created to guide our families in getting connected to their students’ D2L classrooms.

Videos are housed on the WCDSB Parent and Guardian Page (scroll to the bottom). 

Parents only need to go through the steps once and all their students who attend WCDSB schools will populate in the app.

PLEASE NOTE: you must have an updated email on file with your child’s school in order to access your child’s D2L page. Please contact the main office if you are having difficulty signing up for the parent portal.

D2L Webinar Recording: to introduce families to D2L Brightspace Parent & Guardian access by web browser or app.

Parent Engagement Evening: Guardians of the Game

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 as well as resources available to families from Media Smarts.

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

Register: https://bit.ly/WCDSBesafe  

Together, we will build a strong community that is committed to lifting up others, repairing harms of the past, and creating a better tomorrow for all. #Strengthen

Important Dates

March 29th – Good Friday (no school for students)

April 1st – Easter Monday (no school for students)

April 8th – PA Day (no school for students) **note this date change since beginning of the year**

May 20th – Victoria Day (no school for students)

May 31st – PA Day (no school for students)

June 25th- Term 2 Reports go home

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day  (no school for students)