Monthly Archives: October 2023

Saint Timothy Newswire: Ready To Dance Tigers?

Good morning TIGERS Community!
It seems like we have been planning our Halloween Dance-a-thon for a long time and we are so excited that today is the big day!  We will have everything set up and ready to go for our students!

Different classrooms will come down in shifts today and have an opportunity to experience the fun and festivities!  We will have student volunteers helping lead dances with some of our younger students, and all of our students will have an opportunity to make requests!  We can not guarantee that every song will get played, but we will try!

There is still time to log your pledges on SchoolCash Online if you have not done so already, or if you have collected additional pledges.  Our group of parent volunteers who have been working so hard will continue to ensure that everyone has their tickets and treat bags.    Thanks to your donations, we have over 30 prizes to give away!

Let’s not forget that today is also HALLOWEEN!  We are encouraging our students to wear their costumes – school-appropriate please – or black and orange.  If you are choosing to wear your costume, we would ask that you come dressed in it and not with plans to change – especially in the younger grades  Teachers will not be helping students into their costumes.  Also, please remember our costume expectations that we have been talking about for the past weeks.  If you are considering providing Halloween treats, stickers, pencils, and crayons are great too.  If you were thinking of bringing food treats, they must be nut-free store-bought, and wrapped.  We are hoping for a very fun and enjoyable day but we need your help to ensure that this happens!

We want to thank the many parents in the school for helping us count tickets, set up the gym and keep things organized.  Once again, this endeavour is a huge success because of your help, and our community’s generosity!

Happy Halloween all!  See you soon!

2023-10-31T07:14:45-04:00October 31st, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: October 30th to November 3rd

“I will say of the Lord. He is my refuge and my fortress: In Him will I trust.”
All Saints Day – November 1st, All Souls Day – November 2nd

With the arrival of November, we notice changes in the weather.  Yes, the fall season is upon us, and we are reminded about many things. To begin with, we are reminded about who we are called to be with the celebration of All Saints Day on November 1st, honouring those who have lived their lives in a way pleasing to God and have been welcomed into our Father’s house.  We are encouraged to pray for those who have died and can be helped by our prayers and good deeds through the celebration of All Soul’s Day on November 2nd.

These celebrations help us to bring to mind that we are all members of God’s family and in families we honour and are inspired by those who have done well, and we help those in need.  We also take time to focus on compassion, sharing kindness, and cultivating friendships.  It is always our goal to maintain a commitment to creating an inclusive, positive, and safe school environment for all to enjoy.

As we begin a new week, listed below are important information items and upcoming dates:

Thank you …

  • School council for their support in purchasing classroom pumpkins. These pumpkins will be on display during our Dance – a-thon.  We also would like to thank Beverley Davis and Jeff Brydges for their efforts, especially for delivering the pumpkins to school.  Our younger students will be participating in a pumpkin patch later this week and each student will bring home a pumpkin.
  • to our parents for ensuring that your child(ren)’s costume is appropriate and safe for our Halloween Dance-a-thon.
  • to our students for practicing kindness and promoting peace in your classroom and our schoolyard.
  • We greatly appreciate your engagement and support in the Fall Fundraising initiatives organized by our amazing Saint Timothy Catholic Advisory Council. We are looking forward to a great day and many memories during our School Dance-a-thon.

School Highlights  

  • Initial Observation Reports (Kindergarten students) and Progress Reports (Grades 1 to 8) will be coming home on Monday, November 20th. Parent-student-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, November 23rd.  Communication with a link and information on how to schedule your interviews using our online system will be shared with parents on their child(ren)’ classroom D2L page.  Any parents who do not select a time and date will be given a time by their child’s teacher.  It is a first come first serve scheduling process so be sure to book your preferred times early.  Interviews are in-person but if you prefer a phone call, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a time and date.
  • This Tuesday, we say goodbye to Ms. Kenny who has been our librarian technician for the past month. We will miss you and we thank you for everything you have done.  Please join me and welcome our new Tigers teammates:  Huie (Librarian Technician) and Ms. Lachappelle (Child Youth Care Worker).
  • I Read Canadian Day – November 8th. I Read Canadian Day is a new nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity, and breadth of Canadian literature. Taking place for the third year on November 8, 2023, this celebration will empower families, schools, libraries, bookstores, and organizations to host activities and events by reading Canadian books for just fifteen minutes. For more information, visit https://ireadcanadian.com/day/ and sign up for free to participate.
  • This year Remembrance Day is on Saturday, November 11th.  Our school community will have a Remembrance Day Service on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10th to honour our veterans of past and present for their service to our beautiful country.  We would like to pay tribute to our community’s veterans and need your help with this.  If you have a family member who served our country in the past or is currently serving in our military, we would like to recognize them in our service slide show.  Please send a picture of your veteran to hutfluss@wcdsb.ca and include any relevant information such as their name, the war they served in, their ranking (optional), and who they are relative to at Saint Timothy School.
  • Throughout the month of November and during this school year, students and staff will acknowledge the contributions and legacy of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. We recite the prayer for Honouring the Land and Territory over the PA each morning to show solidarity with the Indigenous people. We will also share some important information for Treaty Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Ontario. This is a commitment we fulfill as part of Truth and Reconciliation.

Important Reminders  

  • Hot Lunch Program Updates
    Pizza – our next pizza lunch day is Wednesday, November 8th.
    Pita Pit – to order pitas for this school year, please use this link: https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca.
    Popcorn – back to popular demand, our school council will be offering popcorn beginning on November 10th.   The cost is $1.75 per bag and must be ordered on School Cash online.  There are four delicious flavours to choose from; butter, white cheddar, dill pickle, and sweet salty.  Orders for November 10th to December 22nd are due November 6th on School Cash Online.
  • We invite you to visit our Saint Timothy Catholic School Advisory Council webpage for meeting minutes and school community issues: Catholic School Advisory Council – St. Timothy (wcdsb.ca)
  • After the excitement of Halloween Trick or Treating on Tuesday, bags will be full of candy and treats. If your child is bringing any of these treats to school for a personal recess or lunch snack, please keep in mind our students who have life-threatening allergies.
  • Please note that Monday, November 13th, 2023 is a Professional Development Day and classes will not be held. Our staff members will be participating in faith formation activities this day. Our WCDSB Pastoral Plan this year is STRENGTHEN. With this theme staff and students are exploring how we are the People of God, listening and responding, STRENGTHENED to share the Gospel.
  • As Halloween falls on a Tuesday, what better way to come to school on a Wednesday than to wear your COMFY, COZIES? November 1st will be a Spirit Day and students, staff are welcome to come wearing their cozy clothes after perhaps, a later night the night before.
  • Attention Future Grade 8 Eagles: Please join us for Grade 8 Student and Parent Information Night on November 30th, 2023 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grade 8 Night Poster 2023
  • Artshine – We will be offering an art program during lunch for our JK-Grade 4 students.  We will also be offering a separate art program for students in Grades 5 to 6.  For more information including registration please see the following attachments:  StTimothy(JK-4)_Kitchener_Winter1_SALE            StTimothy(5-6)_Kitchener_Winter1

 WCDSB Updates

Please visit our School Board Website for updates and recent information.  Here is the link: http://www.wcdsb.ca

Supporting the Walk to School and the Bus Stop – Walking or Cycling to School:  A Smart Choice
Walking to school can lead to better academic performance. Just 20 minutes of walking in the morning can increase mental focus at school for up to four hours! This can lead to higher test scores, better music practice, or even a better soccer game! Just look at the difference between brain activity in a student who sat quietly in the morning and one who was active for 20 minutes:

Learning at Home: Find made-in-Ontario activities, courses, and more to keep the learning going, from home.  Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home

Diocese of Hamilton – This moment in the life of our Church comes by invitation of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for listening and encountering all of God’s people. We are called to listen deeply to the situations in which the Church lives and carries out its mission. Through the dignity of your own baptism, the Church carries out its mission in you! A synodal Church is a listening Church, one of encounter and dialogue.
Questions for Reflection: Why is it important to have open and honest dialogue with our Church community? How do these conversations help us discern the direction of the Holy Spirit?
To watch the entire video: https://hamiltondiocese.com/synod-21-24/diocesan-resources/?

Spook-a-thon Halloween Dance-a-thon and Costume Spirit Day

On Tuesday, students are invited to wear black and orange or their school-friendly costumes. Please ensure your child is comfortable in their outfit and still ready to learn. Classes have a block of time where they will dance away in a decorated gym with complimentary music and lights.  Remember parents/guardians in kindergarten to grade 3 are welcome to come share the fun with their children during their time in the gym.  Simply sign in at the office upon your arrival and don’t be afraid to come in costume … if you dare!

School Cash On-Line closes on November 3rd, so we ask that all Spook A Thon donations be made by then. All money raised will go back to our students, supporting Catholic School Advisory Council initiatives. Please consider doing so prior to November 3rd.

We also invite you to submit your carved pumpkin on the morning of Tuesday, October 31st for our Annual Pumpkin carving contest.  Please have your name attached to the stem.

There has been lots of detailed information already shared already about our Dance-a-thon.  We have also shared our expectations regarding Halloween Costume Selection and what treats can be brought to school.  If you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer and/or donate a prize, please contact our coordinators: yvettemthorne@gmail.com, holly.herteis@wcdsb.ca, and dragonflydavis13@gmail.com

Promoting Well-Being

Promoting Well-Being: Halloween Safety Tips:  Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids. These safety tips for parents, children, and homeowners will help keep everyone safe and happy this Halloween.

For parents:
Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
Make or buy costumes in light-colored material.
Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.
Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses, and long capes.
Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
Put your child’s name, address, and phone number on their costume.
Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.
Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children.
Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

If your child is going out without an adult:
Make sure your child is in a group of at least 3 people.
Give them a flashlight. A cell phone is also a good idea if you have one.
Discuss in advance the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route.
Set a curfew (and make sure they have a watch with them).
Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.

For children and youth:
Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy and add some reflective tape.
Dress for the weather. Cold weather or water-absorbent materials in the rain can be very uncomfortable.
Bring a cell phone if you can, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
Always travel in groups. Be sure there are at least 3 of you at all times.
Let your parents know where you’re going to be at all times.
Don’t visit houses that are not well-lit. Never go inside a stranger’s house.
Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
Don’t crisscross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other.
If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats.
If you have allergies and need an EpiPen, bring it with you and let your friends know what to do if you need it.
Don’t eat any of your treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

For homeowners:
Turn on outdoor lights and replace burnt-out bulbs.
Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
Use alternatives to candles in your pumpkins, such as a flashlight or a battery-operated candle.
Some children have food allergies. Consider giving treats other than candy, such as stickers, erasers, or a small toy.
Put out a teal-coloured pumpkin or a poster of one in your window to let children with food allergies know that what you’re handing out is allergen-free (e.g., not food).

Alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating
Local community centres sometimes offer Halloween night activities.
Local shopping centres often have to trick-or-treat nights for young children in a more controlled environment.
Plan a Halloween night at home with themed games and movies. Invite friends
–  https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/safety-and-injury-prevention/halloween_safety

Mabel’s Label Fundraiser

Click HERE and enter “St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener) from the drop-down list to support our school when you buy labels through MABEL’S LABELS.

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation and Deep Learning Transferable Skill

November’s OCGE focus is on being an Effective Communicator.  An effective communicator gives witness to Catholic social teachings by promoting peace and justice.  Students will engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.

Being an Effective Communicator means: I HAVE A VOICE!
I speak, write and listen as Jesus would want me to
I care about others and speak up for them
I am honest
I think carefully before I react or speak
I respect all people and their languages
I listen to the Word of God
Because I have a voice, I will use it lovingly, and I will live my life like Jesus.

We will continue as a school community to take time to focus on our school theme of ‘BE YOU: You Matter’. We continue to talk about how our words and our actions matter too. We will work on cultivating friendships and just being kind to others through bully awareness and prevention week. It is always our goal to maintain a commitment to creating an inclusive, positive, and safe school environment for all to enjoy!

Deep Learning Transferable Skill: Communication
Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need in order to thrive in the modern world. Based on international research, the Ontario Ministry of Education has defined seven important categories of transferable skills – sometimes referred to as “competencies” – that will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future

During the month of November, as Catholics, we will show transferable skills through communication as the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in different ways, such as speaking, writing, and using media. Communication also involves listening to others, asking questions, and sharing opinions. Communication is important for learning, working together, and making friends.

We encourage you to support your child’s communication development at home by having conversations, reading books, watching videos, playing games, and exploring different media together.  Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Upcoming Dates To Note
https://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca/calendar/ (please use this address to access our school calendar)

Monday, October 30th                     School Spirit Day:  Orange and Black Day
Tuesday, October 31st                    Pita Pit Lunch (pre-ordered)      School Council presents … Spook-a-thon
Wednesday, November 1st             School Spirit Wear Day – Comfy Cozy Day              All Saints Day            Take Our Kids to Work Day
Thursday, November 2nd                All Souls Day
Friday, November 3rd                      Dance A-Thon School Cash On-Line Donations Close at Midnight
Sunday, November 5th                    Daylight Savings Time Ends        
Monday, November 6th                   Popcorn Orders Are Due By Midnight.
Wednesday, November 8th           Indigenous Veteran’s Day            School Immunization Gr. 7             Pizza Day (preordered)
I Read Canadian Day                School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear
Friday, November 10th                   Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:45 a.m.          Popcorn Sales Begin

Wishing you a wonderful week.  Please follow us on X formerly known as Twitter @sttimothy3 to see all the amazing happenings at Saint Timothy.

Respectfully yours,
Albert Simoes, Principal

2023-10-29T15:54:24-04:00October 29th, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Halloween Dance-a-thon Information For You

Good morning Tigers!

We are doing well with our Halloween Dance-a-thon fundraiser so far and there is still time to donate and bring pledges to school.  The opportunity to make donations online through School Cash Online is open until Friday, November 3rd.  Also please know that tickets for raffles, Halloween treat bags, and other items are due tonight at midnight on School Cash Online.  We need to know our final numbers so we can purchase the items.

We are still accepting donations for prizes right until the 31st.  Please consider donating a game, gift card, or anything else for our prize table.  Please send it to school.

We are very excited to dance next Tuesday!  The students will be able to head to the gym during their assigned time to experience music and lighting.  It will be a great atmosphere.

Continue to collect those pledges and donate!  Order your tickets now.  Prepare your costumes and get ready to DANCE!

Have a wonderful day Tigers!

2023-10-26T11:03:46-04:00October 26th, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Picture Day is Tuesday, October 24th

Pegasus Photography will be at Saint Timothy, on Tuesday, October 24th for individual photos. We will also have class composites unique to each child, personalized with their own photo. Composites are created after retake day, so any students who miss the original day can still be included.

Please note: No money is collected on photo day! You will have the opportunity to view proof prior to making a purchase online with Pegasus. Proofs will be sent home approximately two weeks after photo day. Families will have their own unique access code and will order directly from the Pegasus website.

2023-10-23T08:11:41-04:00October 23rd, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Weekly Update October 23rd to 27th

“Let us pray for Peace: Peace in our world and in each of our hearts.” – Pope Francis

Welcome to a new week!  As we are in the season of fall, we are reminded of God’s infinite love, acts of miracles, and our daily blessings.  Here at Saint Timothy Catholic Elementary School, we are so thankful that you have chosen to share your most precious gifts, your children, with us!  Our community of school, home, and parish is built upon wonderful relationships, and we continue to look forward to the many experiences together this year.

As we begin a new week, listed below are important information items and upcoming dates:

Thank you …

  • to all of our families for your patience and cooperation in our school parking lots before and after school, especially during rainy weather! Please remember that our FRONT Entrance is reserved for busses and staff parking only. If you are walking your child, please use the areas identified on our Drive To 5 map.  We are fortunate to have a City of Kitchener cross guard at the bottom of the hill to ensure our students and parents cross safely.
  • to ALL of our families who have donated to our School’s Major Fundraiser! Your support is greatly appreciated. Please know that all funds go directly to supporting your children! Your children have been learning and practicing dances.  We have practiced “Baby Shark” and the “Chicken Dance.”  This week we will practice “The Monster Mash” and “Spooky Scary Skeletons.” Such a great thing to hear the music and see our students dancing to prepare for our Dance-a-thon.
  • Mrs. Phillips and Mr. Hutfluss for offering an Intermediate Homework Club for our students. Homework club will provide opportunities for our students to improve their academic and learning skills.
  • Father Dsouza, Ms. Kolb, and Mr. Carvalho for making our Bible Ceremony a special day for our Grade 4 students and families. The Bible represents – God’s Word, His Covenant, and a road map for how to live our lives.

School Highlights  

  • Home and school communication are very important, and although Progress Report Cards will be going home on November 20th, we invite you to connect with your child’s teacher should you have any questions or concerns. Likewise, teachers will contact you directly if they have success stories to share or any concerns as we value the home and school partnerships.  Parent-student and teacher conferences will be taking place in November, where a more fulsome update will be provided on your child’s progress to date. If you are unsure how to contact your child’s teacher, please log into their online Brightspaces by D2L or call the office.
  • Later this week, your child(ren) will be bringing home information regarding the process of scheduling parent-student-teacher conferences. You will have the opportunity to indicate your preference that works best for you.
  • Fall cold/flu season is beginning. If your child is feeling sick, they should not attend school to prevent transmission to others.  Students should not attend school if they have the following symptoms that are not related to other conditions:  fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, decrease/loss of taste/smell, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pink eye or no appetite.
    After being sick, students may return to school when symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they had nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) do not have a fever, and do not develop any additional symptoms.
  • New Brightspace Parent and Guardian Portal: Brightspace Parent & Guardian is a tool for authorized parents and guardians to see specific components of their child’s course, including the Activity Feed, shared Portfolio artifacts, graded assessments, and feedback as well as upcoming Assignments and Quizzes. This helps parents engage with young learners and maintain awareness of upcoming work. It is not a parent-teacher communication tool—it’s a window into the classroom. Parents automatically have an account based on the parent details you provided when you registered your child with WCDSB. Reference the Parent Portal Letter for instructions on how to access your account.
  • Boomerang Lunches We need your continued support with this program as part of our certification through Ontario Eco-Schools. For more information, please review the following information: EcoTeam News

Important Reminders

  • Hot Lunch Program Updates
    Pizza – our next pizza lunch day is Wednesday, October 25th.
    Pita Pit – to order pitas for this school year, please use this link: https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca.
  • Thank you to the many parents and guardians who have already completed the school start-up forms on School Cash On-Line. We still have consent/verification forms outstanding. It is important that you complete all the MANDATORY forms. We also require your consent for things like taking our classes on neighbourhood walks and including children in the class photo.  Our photo day will take place on October 24th. If you would like your child to be in the class photo, we will require your consent via the Student Verification/Consent form found on School Cash online. If you are having difficulties accessing School Cash online, please contact the school and we will help you.
  • We have noticed an uptick in the number of parents calling the office for last-minute pick-up requests or to pass along changes in routine. While we realize that sometimes emergencies happen, we are asking parents to try as much as possible to convey those messages ahead of time. We have almost 350 students and the office can be a very busy place and last-minute messages are not always possible to convey.
  • Pegasus Photography will be here on Tuesday, October 24th, to take student and class photos. Please ensure you have filled in the consent forms (see above!)for permission to use student photos. Also, make sure to bring your smiles!

WCDSB Updates

Please visit our School Board Website for updates and recent information.  Here is the link: http://www.wcdsb.ca

WCDSB will be hosting webinars for parents on Brightspace for Parents and Guardians on October 24th, 7:30pm;  Register  – https://d2l.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqf-CvqDkuE92KBAZAn1KjwRKQdSZupOqu

Supporting the Walk to School and the Bus Stop – Walking Pictures
The view from a car is much different than the view from the sidewalk.  On your way to school one day this week, imagine the photographs you might take along the route to school.  What do you see?  Is there art?  What kind of living nature do you come across?  Do you see anyone who is not a student at your school?  Where do you imagine they’re going?

Introducing Level Up!– The Ontario-wide, multi-day career fair events that bring together the best in skilled trades professionals. Your child might not realize a career in the skilled trades is a great option for them to consider. This is your chance to help them explore the possibilities. Learn why the skilled trades are an ideal career for young people who are hard-working, hands-on, passionate, and committed to positively impacting society. On the first day of each fair, parents and guardians are encouraged to attend an intimate evening event, which will include insights from and discussion with skilled trades and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) representatives, as well as the opportunity to experience hands-on exhibits for yourselves. Enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences. Learn what’s next in the skilled trades. Speak to industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations, and more.
Level Up Home Page
Level Up in London on Nov. 1st and Nov. 2nd
Level Up in Mississauga on Nov. 15th and Nov. 16th

Learning at Home: Students will succeed best when they know the school and parents are working together for their best education possible. The following link is another great resource that you may want to use: Parent-Brochure-about-Todays-Math

Diocese of Hamilton –  We hear in the working document for the Synod on Synodality, that a synodal Church is open, welcoming and embraces all. The nature of Christianity is the call to build a community that lives and bears witness to understanding the relationship between the daughters and sons of God, one that embodies the truth of love. The radical call is, therefore, to build together, a synod ally, an outgoing Church, in which all feel welcome. This week, we invite you to join us as we reflect on what it means to be “A Welcoming Church”. Please click here to view a special video from the Diocese of Hamilton.  What does this call to welcome and inclusion mean for you? Who might be on the margins that the Church needs to pay particular attention to? What helps you feel like you belong in the Church?

Spook-a-thon Halloween Dance-a-thon and Costume Spirit Day

We are looking forward to our Halloween Dance-a-thon this year on October 31st, 2023.  We are hoping that our students have had an opportunity to collect pledges and that donations can be made using School Cash On-Line.   Keep collecting those pledges Tigers!

There has been lots of detailed information already shared already about our Dance-a-thon.  We have also shared our expectations regarding Halloween Costume Selection and what treats can be brought to school.  If you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer and/or donate a prize, please contact our coordinators or the school: yvettemthorne@gmail.com, holly.herteis@wcdsb.ca, and dragonflydavis13@gmail.com

School Cash Online is open for fundraising until Friday, November 3rd.  You can also purchase raffle tickets, treat bags, Halloween candy, and items right now on School Cash Online until Thursday, October 27th midnight.

Promoting Well-Being

Supporting Mental Health & Student Wellness: How To Make a Family Social Media Plan

You want to come up with a plan for your whole family. Working together to create a plan helps everyone use social media in a healthy way. A good plan can help minimize conflict, support good choices, and address misuse.

Use our plan or create one of your own.
You may want to think through social media data collection and check the privacy settings on social media platforms that you and your child are using.

Include everyone.
Rather than a contract just for your child, consider a plan that covers everyone’s social media use. Kids wish we would spend less time online. They benefit when we model good habits. So hold yourself accountable to healthy social media use too.

Talk about good online manners.
Bullying is a risk on social media. Posts online can be misinterpreted or hurtful. Talk together about how to interact with others online and add those rules to your family plan.

Commit to safety.
List the ways you’ll keep your personal information safe. Make it clear that your child should seek help from a trusted adult if they feel like something unsafe is happening.

Decide on limits.
Make sure to write down not only what social media your child can use, but when and how they will use it. Consider adding your own limits too.

Agree on consequences.
Let your child know what will happen if they break the social media use rules you establish. Make sure any consequences are big enough for your child to care, for but not so big that you won’t stick to them. For example, taking their device away for a week.

Agree on check-ins.
Your plan should change as your child grows in responsibility. Set up a date to revisit the plan. Then keep an eye out for how things are going.
https://www.onoursleeves.org/mental-wellness-tools-guides/social-media/family-social-media-plan

Mabel’s Label Fundraiser

Click HERE and enter “St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener) from the drop-down list to support our school when you buy labels through MABEL’S LABELS.

Upcoming Dates To Note
https://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca/calendar/ (please use this address to access our school calendar)

Tuesday, October 24th                    School Wide Picture Day       Pita Pit Lunch (pre-ordered)
Wednesday, October 25th               Pizza Lunch Day (pre-ordered)      School Spirit Wear Day – wear our school colours or spirit wear!
Thursday, October 26th                   Tickets for the School Dance-a-thon are due midnight on School Cash Online
Friday, October 27th                         Dress Purple Day
Monday, October 30th                     School Spirit:  Wear Orange and Black Day
Tuesday, October 31st                    School Halloween Dance-a-thon
Wednesday, November 1st             All Saints Day    School Spirit: Wear Comfy Clothes Day       Take Our Kids to Work Day
Thursday, November 2nd                All  Souls Day
Friday, November 3rd                      All Halloween Dance-a-thon Donations are due by midnight

Wishing you a wonderful week.  Please follow us on X formerly known as Twitter @sttimothy3 to see all the amazing happenings at Saint Timothy.

Respectfully yours,
Albert Simoes, Principal

2023-10-22T16:42:42-04:00October 22nd, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Halloween Dance-a-thon

Good afternoon Tigers!

Planning is well underway for the Halloween Dance-a-thon. We hope your child(ren) is getting in the spirit and is enjoying planning out their costumes, practicing their best dance moves, and “FUN raising!”

Several friends have asked how our Dance-a-thon Fundraiser works.  We wanted to break it down for you step by step so that you are aware of what is happening. Should you have any questions after reading, please reach out to our school council members Yvette Thorne: (yvettemthorne@gmail.com), Holly Herteis (holly.herteiss@wcdsb.ca) or Bev Davis (dragonflydavis@gmail.com).

  1. Each student will collect pledges and write down the necessary information on the Pledge Form that has already come home. We are looking for each student to collect $20.00 worth of pledges.  We know that some will collect more and that is totally okay.
  2. Please total the amount of pledges for your child and make the donation electronically using School Cash Online. Please do not send pledge money to the school.  All donations are due Friday, November 3rd midnight.
  3. Tickets for treat bags, Halloween items, raffle prizes, and treats can now be purchased on School Cash On-Line until Thursday, October 26th at midnight. We cannot accept any orders after Thursday since we will be purchasing and packaging the items to be ready for the dance-a-thon. Tickets will be distributed to your child’s classroom prior to their dance time.
  4. Each student will also be given free 2 tickets courtesy of our wonderful council that can be used to purchase items. THANK YOU!
  5. We will require volunteers to help with the dance-a-thon on Tuesday, October 31st. If you are interested, please email yvettemthorne@gmail.com, dragonflydavis@gmail.com  or holly.herteiss@wcdsb.ca
  6. We also will need prizes for our raffle table. Please consider donating a prize (e.g., game, gift certificates, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball, etc.)  We will accept any prizes that we can give to our students for the draw on October 31st.
  7. Parents with children in Grades Kindergarten to Grade 3 are invited to come see their child(ren) dance on the 31st. A schedule will be shared with you by the teacher.

Our goal is to have a productive and fun day of school – just like any other day.  If there are questions that you may have or concerns that you may have, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.  Now start practicing those dance moves and get ready to have some fun!

St. Timothy Catholic School Advisory Council

2023-10-19T14:30:10-04:00October 19th, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Weekly Update October 16th to 20th

“When we listen to the Word of God, we obtain the courage and perseverance to offer the best of ourselves to others.” – Pope Francis

As we begin a new week, we look forward to cooler days, and the changing colours of the fall season and we take time to reflect upon all that we are thankful for in our lives.
We have our annual Halloween Dance-a-thon and Costume Day coming up. We would love your support. Please consider donating on school cash online. Your support is greatly appreciated and please know that all funds go directly to supporting your children.

As we begin a new week, listed below are important information items and upcoming dates:

Thank you …

  • to all our Bus Drivers on “National Bus Drivers Appreciation Day” on Wednesday, October 18th. Please make sure to thank your driver for their hard work and dedication.
  • to all our Early Childhood Educators on “National Early Childhood Educators Day” on Tuesday, October 17th. Their endless patience, kindness, and enthusiasm with our youngest learners help to create an environment that they want to be in, that their parents trust, and that builds the foundation for a wonderful educational experience for years to come.
  • to our librarian technicians on “Canadian Library Workers Day” on Friday, October 20th. Beyond lending books, these important staff members provide valuable contributions to our schools. Whether it’s a student discovering the joy of reading, or a staff member looking for the right reference to support their teaching, our librarian technicians are always there to help by sharing their expertise.
  • to Mrs. Presslee, our FABULOUS administrative assistant, and Yvette Thorne, also our FABULOUS pizza coordinator for all of your support in organizing pizza days for our students.
  • Saint Timothy School Advisory Council Members for all the work in preparing for our upcoming Halloween Dance-a-thon. We are very excited!

School Highlights

  • We continue to experience staffing changes in our school. We welcome Mrs. Grebinski who will be our new Grade 6/7 teacher. We also would like to welcome several new faces to our team: Mrs. Kieffer (Lunch Hour Supervisor), Ms. Kaur (Educational Assistant), Ms. Duma (Educational Assistant), Ms. Zinyemba (Early Childhood Educator Assistant), Ms. Chokshi (Educational Assistant), Ms. Abdukerim (Early Childhood Educator) and Ms. Kenny (Temporary Librarian Technician). For an up-to-date list of our staff, see here: Staff List 2023-2024
  • The third week in October is designated Local Government Week by the Provincial Government. This year, it falls on October 16-20, 2023. Local Government Week was established to increase youth and public awareness about the role local government plays in our communities.  This week also serves as a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the distinct and valuable service provided by locally elected Catholic School Trustees and Boards.
  • We also recognize the month of October as Autism Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness and promote understanding and inclusion for people living with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to the people and world around them. ASD can affect behavior, social interactions, and one’s ability to communicate verbally. Please watch this short video, which aims to raise autism awareness among non-autistic audiences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKlMcLTqRLs&feature=emb_rel_end
  • TVO Learn Mathify – Free Online Tutoring Gr. 4-12 – Math Support. TVO Learn Mathify provides FREE online math help for Ontario students in Grades 4-12. Students/families can use the link to access the math support: https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/
  • Home and school communication are very important, please connect with your child’s teacher should you have any questions or concerns. Likewise, teachers will contact you directly if they have great success stories to share or any concerns as we value the home and school partnerships. If you are not sure how to contact your child’s teacher please log into their online D2L class or call the office.
  • If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) their documentation will come home this week. A reminder to our families to please review, sign the consultation page, and return to the school. Any questions can be directed to the classroom teacher or Ms. Barbosa our Special Education Teacher.
  • Bike, Walk, Roll Week: The Eco Tigers are kicking off our first initiative of the school year, which is Bike, Walk, Roll Week! The vision of the program is “a world where young people of any age get to experience the joy and freedom of biking, walking, or using a device like a skateboard or wheelchair to get to school on one’s own.” Students will be asked daily how they were able to get to school, and if they were able to enjoy one of these activities either before or after school as well. Will you join us in the challenge? https://schooltravel.ca/bike-walk-roll-week/
  • Saint Timothy Traffic Safety Booklet: Please take a moment with everyone in your home to read the attached pamphlet regarding safety reminders here at school: TrafficSafetyBooklet_St.Timothy

Important Reminders

  • Hot Lunch Program Updates
    Pizza – our next pizza lunch day is Wednesday, October 25th. Students will be receiving individual slices as per their order. Please note, that missed orders should be made ahead of time or shared with a sibling if and when possible. Thank you for your understanding!
    Pita Pit – to order pitas for this school year, please use this link: https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca. If you have any questions about Pita Pit or ordering, you are to call Martine Thomas at 705-443-1133 or email ca203@mypitapit.ca
  • We will continue to encourage outdoor play and learning as much as possible this year, so please send your children to school prepared for the cooler weather, including outdoor footwear. Thank you!
  • Follow Saint Aloysius Catholic Church on social media and keep up to date with all that is happening in our parish! There are four ways to connect to the parish:
    Website – Aloysius Parish/ Diocese of Hamilton, ON – Kitchener (staloysius.on.ca)
    Facebook – St. Aloysius Church | Facebook
    Twitter – St. Aloysius Church Kitchener (@StAlsChurchKW) / Twitter
    YouTube – St. Aloysius Church Kitchener – YouTube
  • The Region of Waterloo has upcoming tours of the Waste Management Centre on Oct 21st at their 1516 Glasgow Street location. The tours are interesting and informative. They run every half hour from 9:00-11:30 and are 50 minutes in length. You will see the tipping face, new cell construction, green bin, and yard waste drop-off areas as well as the viewing deck of the materials recycling centre. Visitors will also see heavy equipment up close and be able to chat with waste management staff. Registration is required to reserve your seat on the bus by calling the 24/7 Call Centre at 519-575-4400.

WCDSB Updates

Please visit our School Board Website for updates and recent information. Here is the link: http://www.wcdsb.ca

Parent Links (D2L video tutorials are just one of many supports offered)
Please click on the link WCDSB Brightspace Parent & Guardian (d2l.com) to access the recording to the parent webinar that was held at the end of September

Supporting the Walk to School and the Bus Stop – Did you know that people who walk and ride their bikes to school are happier? A study conducted by Green Communities Canada found that students (and the parents who accompanied them) enjoyed a deeper connection to their community, nature, and other people. This connection was found to decrease stress and increase happiness.

Learning at Home: Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by discussing their learning at school. Families can support their child’s success by finding ways to make a connection between what is being learned at school and outside the classroom. Check out our WCDSB Monthly Math @Home Newsletter for ideas on multiplication. In the 2020 Mathematics curriculum, there is more focus on fundamental math concepts, such as learning multiplication facts of 0 x 0 to 12 x 12 to enhance problem-solving and mental math. Math@Home.

Tutoring and Homework Help: A group of Community Organizations is working together to provide after-school tutoring and homework spaces for our community. The grade ranges from 1 to 12, but with a specific focus on students in Grades 7 to 12. Here is the link to see the full schedule and details for each site: https://www.caminowellbeing.ca/tutoring For more information please contact Raas Siddiqui @ rsiddiqui@caminowellbeing.ca or (519) 404-2549 Tutoring Poster for Families and Students

Attention Parents with Children In the Extended Day Program: If you have a student in our Extended Day program, please read the following information carefully as it pertains to the Christmas break and billing. If you have any questions, please contact the office and we will direct you to the proper person to answer your questions: Christmas-Break-Information

National School Bus Safety Week: Held each year during the third full week of October, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Each day, 18,000 school buses travel over 2 million km to safely deliver Ontario students to and from school. While school buses are one of the safest ways to get to school, it’s important for motorists, parents, caregivers, and students to know how to keep children safe when they are on and around school buses. This week, please take time to learn more about Ontario school busses and the important role they play in our student’s education: School Bus Ontario

Spook-a-thon Halloween Dance-a-thon and Costume Spirit Day

Saint Timothy is excited to announce we will be holding a Hallowe’en Dance-a-Thon on Tuesday, October 31st! Wear your favourite costume (or dress in black and orange) and be prepared to Boogie! Funds raised will support new and ongoing school initiatives. Please support our school by donating on School Cash On Line.

Click Here For More Detailed Information About the Halloween Dance-a-thon

If you own a business or know someone who does and would like to generously donate a prize of any kind, we would greatly appreciate your support! We have attached a letter that can be sent out to individuals or businesses: Donations Request. Please contact Mrs. Thorne (yvettemthorne@gmail.com) if you have a question or inquiry about Halloween Dance-a-thon donations.

School Cash Online is open for fundraising until Friday, November 3rd. You can also purchase raffle tickets, treat bags, Halloween candy, and items right now on School Cash On-Line.

Halloween Costume Selection
Halloween is a great time to dress up and have fun with costumes. In our Catholic education community, we want to promote respect, inclusion, and empathy for all individuals. As students and staff select Halloween costumes, we encourage everyone to reflect critically and be mindful that someone’s culture is NOT a costume.

The following are suggested questions to reflect on when choosing a costume to avoid being disrespectful or offensive:

  • Is my costume mimicking a group of people, their culture, or their religion?
  • Does my costume reinforce jokes and stereotypes about certain groups, cultures, or religions?
  • Am I altering my skin color, and facial/body features to make it darker or like a particular race, ethnicity, or cultural group?
  • Am I dressing up as a culture or borrowing from a religion that is not my own or is not part of my background?
  • Do I understand and respect the history or tradition of the culture that I am borrowing my costume from?

*PLEASE NOTE: students will not be allowed to bring any props that resemble weapons or wear Halloween Masks that cover the entire face. Please ensure that the costume is not a tripping hazard and that students (especially KDG) can independently manage their costume while accessing the washroom.

Stickers, pencils, and crayons are great Halloween treats to bring. If you were thinking of bringing food treats, they must be store-bought, wrapped, peanut, nut, sesame seed, walnut, pecan, cashew, pumpkin seed FREE snacks. We do have multiple food allergies throughout the school, including those listed above. This is why we cannot share homemade treats/cupcakes/cookies etc. Homemade treats cannot be passed out and will be sent back home. Thank you very much for your understanding of this matter.

EQAO

EQAO conducts province-wide standardized testing at key points in every student’s primary, junior, and secondary education. The tests measure student performance in reading, writing, and mathematics based on the expectations outlined in the Ontario Curriculum.

EQAO Assessments provide measurement and insights on how well students have met the provincial expectations in reading, writing, and mathematics, and covers the knowledge and skills that students are expected to have acquired by the end of Grade 3 and Grade 6.    It also provides insights to educators to support school improvement planning and student learning.

Our school results are now available online. To learn more about EQAO assessments and to view our overall school results, please visit: School and School Board Profiles – St Timothy Sep S – EQAO

NOTE: Individual Student Reports for students who completed the Grade 3 and Grade 6 EQAO assessments last school year were sent home last week. If you are new to us and participated, we are waiting for the individual results to come to us and we will send that home when it gets here.

More Information About Standards-Based Testing
EQAO tests do not assess the whole child or the whole curriculum, therefore, results from EQAO testing provide only one indicator of student learning, which measures student achievement in relation to the common provincial standard. We know that student success and well-being are based on a variety of factors, and we consider a wide range of data, including EQAO assessment data, to identify student strengths and target areas where attention and resources are needed.

Videos: EQAO Assessments – EQAO
EQAO Assessments – Understanding the Provincial Standard and the Levels of Achievement

Promoting Well-Being

Supporting Mental Health & Student Wellness: October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to help the public learn more about the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign helps Canadians stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices.
The theme for Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023 is Step up your cyber fitness. It’s all about stretching your cyber security muscles and taking things one step at a time! Cyber security is a shared responsibility, so join us and other organizations across Canada in promoting cyber security by participating in Cyber Month.
Read more at https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/cyber-security-awareness-month

Mabel’s Label Fundraiser

Click HERE and enter “St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener) from the drop-down list to support our school when you buy labels through MABEL’S LABELS.

Picture Day – Tuesday, October 24th

We will have Pegasus Photography here NEXT week on Tuesday, October 24th for individual photos. We will also have class composites unique to each child, personalized with their own photo. Composites are created after retake day, so any students who miss the original day can still be included.
Please note: No money is collected on photo day! You will have the opportunity to view proof prior to making a purchase online with Pegasus. Proofs will be sent home approximately two weeks after photo day. Families will have their own unique access code and will order directly from the Pegasus website.

Upcoming Dates To Note
https://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca/calendar/ (please use this address to access our school calendar)

Monday, October 16th World Food Day Bike Walk Roll Week
Tuesday, October 17th School Advisory Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Pita Lunch Day (pre-ordered)
Wednesday, October 18th School Spirit Wear Day
Sunday, October 22nd World Mission Day
Tuesday, October 24th School Wide Picture Day Pita Lunch Day (pre-ordered)
Wednesday, October 25th Pizza Lunch Day (pre-ordered) School Spirit Wear Day
Friday, October 27th Dress Purple to show support for vulnerable children, youth, and families through this provincial campaign

Wishing you a wonderful week. Please follow us on X formerly known as Twitter @sttimothy3 to see all the amazing happenings at Saint Timothy.

Respectfully yours,
Albert Simoes, Principal

2023-10-15T11:46:47-04:00October 15th, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Weekly Update October 9th to 13th

“Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” –  Alice Walker

Happy Thanksgiving Saint Timothy Families! Please keep everyone in our community in your prayers this Thanksgiving weekend.  Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, October 9th, 2023, as it is Thanksgiving Monday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023.

As we begin a new week, listed below are important information items and upcoming dates:

Thank you …  

  • Mr. Reyan-Peinado’s grade 1/2, with the assistance of Ms. Henhoeffer for leading our wonderful Thanksgiving Liturgy – we are so blessed.
  • to our Deep Learning Transferrable Skill and Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation winners for being amazing Collaborative Contributors and always working for the good of the whole.
  • to all of you for the very generous food donations brought in. In these times of food scarcity for some, it is comforting to know that your generosity is always available.
  • to Mr. Weiler, Mr. Hutfluss, and Ms. Barbosa for training the Flag Football team.
  • to our coaches and club supervisors who give so freely of your time to support our students.
  • to those who have given of themselves to be part of our Catholic Advisory School Council. Our first meeting demonstrated just how committed you are to the families of our school. I look forward to sharing all our great plans in upcoming updates.
  • to our families, thank you for sharing your children with us. We are fortunate to be part of their journey. Your support sustains and lifts us each day. Thank you for your open and kind communication and for working with us to ensure our success and, ultimately, their success.
  • to our Tigers staff for their daily commitment to our students. Their passion for bringing the best for our students is inspiring.

School Highlights  

  • We continue to recognize students every Friday for positivity and excellence in all areas. Recipients receive a rubber band bracelet and a Sunny Salute certificate.
  • Our school has once again partnered with the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University to be a Professional Development School. We will be hosting four teacher candidates this school year.  Welcome to Danielle Cosentino, Mineh Mirzaian, and Hannah Bodendistle for becoming part of our school culture.
  • We have concluded our safety drills for the first term. In keeping with the public health protocols, three fire, lockdown, bomb threat, and tornado drills were conducted successfully.
  • Special appreciation is shared for a few of our staff members from our educational assistant team who are moving onto new school communities after the Thanksgiving weekend. We thank them again for all they have done to make a difference in our community!  Wishing Mr. Idris and Ms. Gupta the best in their new communities.
  • Kitchener Public Library: Here are some of the super awesome programs and services offered at the Pioneer Park Library: Tween Scene Drop-In Program, Youth Drop-In Program and PD Day Programs. Please visit Pioneer Park Library – Kitchener Public Library (kpl.org) for more information.
  • We also would like to thank and wish Ms. Gagne the best in her continued educational career. We have been enriched by your presence here at our school and you will be greatly missed.

Saint Timothy Family Handbook 2023-2024
Please refer to this link throughout the year for school operational procedures

Important Reminders

  • Hot Lunch Program Updates
    Pizza – our first pizza day lunch is this coming Wednesday, October 11th. All orders are now closed.
    Pita Pit – to order pitas for this school year, please use this link: https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca.  If you have any questions about Pita Pit or your order, you are to call Martine Thomas at 705-443-1133 or email ca203@mypitapit.ca
  • Duty to Report – A reminder to all families that within our school board, every person who has reason that a child is or may be abused or neglected must report his/her suspicions directly to Family and Children Services of the Waterloo Region. The definition of “child in need of protection” because of suspected child abuse or neglect has been expanded for Children’s Aid Societies.  The law says:
    – School staff does not have a choice if they suspect that a student is or may be in need of protection.  Staff must report their concern to the Children’s Aid Society.
    – Staff can be fined $1,000.00 for failing to report that a student is or may need protection.
    – It is not the school’s responsibility to investigate suspicion, evaluate the situation, or assign blame.
    – When a report is made to the Children’s Aid Society, school staff is required to share information about their concern which might otherwise be confidential.
    – Parents and guardians need to be aware that it is not necessary for school staff to be sure or to have proof “that a student is in need of protection”.
    – The law says that school staff must only have reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse or neglect. “Reasonable grounds” is defined as being what the average person would expect given his or her training, background, and experience.

WCDSB Updates

Please visit our School Board Website for updates and recent information.  http://www.wcdsb.ca  and  Parent Links

Special Education: Individual Education Plans for Term 1 will be coming home soon.  You will find a Parent Guide here.  You can also find more information about the Special Education Program within our board at https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/special-education/

Supporting the Walk to School and the Bus Stop – Want to give Mr. Simoes a break? Instead of driving to school, try walking, biking, or taking the bus! Less car traffic at school means less time for school staff to patrol and guide traffic. It is estimated that school principals collectively spend 720,000 hours a year coping with traffic problems at their schools. So, the less you take the car, the more time Mr. Simoes has to make our school awesome!

Learning at Home: The Ontario Mathematics Curriculum can be found here.  If you have a child(ren) in Grades 6, 7, and 8 and are interested in Math Enrichment Activities, please see here.

Go ENG Girl @ Conestoga College is an exciting opportunity for grade 7-10 girls or non-binary youth and their parents/guardians to explore the field of engineering.  Come join us at Conestoga’s School of Engineering and Technology-Cambridge Campus, for fun, hands-on activities, inspiring guest speakers, and opportunities to connect with female engineering faculty, graduates, students, and professionals.  The Go ENG Girl event is free to attend.  Sessions are popular and often fill up, so be sure to register early to guarantee your spot: Go ENG GIRL @ Conestoga Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, November 12, 2022

Spook-a-thon Halloween Dance-a-thon

We are happy to announce our Dance-a-thon is back again this year as our annual fundraiser.  Students will have the opportunity to dance to raise funds for our school, plus there will be prizes for students.  100% percent of donations will go to help support our students and school needs.  This event will take place on Tuesday, October 31st  Please check your School Cash Online later in the week for details. St. Timothy Spook – a-thon 2023

We would greatly appreciate any prize donations.  If have something to donate, please drop it off at school.  Our school council will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Halloween is a fun and eventful occasion here at Saint Timothy Catholic Elementary School. In our Catholic education community, we want to promote respect, inclusion, and empathy for all individuals.  As our students and staff select Halloween costumes we encourage everyone to reflect responsibly, be mindful of cultural appropriation, and create a welcoming school environment for all. All students are welcome to wear school-appropriate costumes. The costumes selected must be safe and not depict violence or gore. Face coverings, masks, weapons, and inflatables are not considered school safe. The costume should allow for movement and ease throughout the day. More specific details about costume selection will also be shared with students. Students may decide not to wear a costume. Anyone choosing not to wear a costume may decide to wear orange and black. This event is a fun-filled day for students to enjoy Halloween – on Tuesday, October 31st. Thank you for your support Saint Timothy Families.

St. Aloysius Parish Updates

St. Aloysius Church online registration for our Spring 2024 Sacraments is now open!  Registration will be taking place on our Parish website until October 31, 2023.  Students in Grade 2 and above can register for First Reconciliation and First Communion.  Students in Grade 7 and above can register for Confirmation.
Online registration is taking place at the following links;
First Communion; https://staloysius.on.ca/first-communion
Confirmation; https://staloysius.on.ca/confirmation

Dates for First Communion and First Reconciliation TBD (to take place in Spring 2024) Confirmation with Bishop Douglas Crosby will be taking place Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm for all Candidates.   For questions, please call our parish office at 519-893-1220 or email info@staloysius.on.ca

From the Diocese of Hamilton …
Thursday, October 4th marked the opening of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Over 300 participants, Bishops, Priests, Religious and Lay Men, and Women came together, guided by the Holy Spirit to discuss the themes of communion, participation, and mission. These themes draw us deeper into our understanding of who we are as a Church, and how we are called to evangelize. This experience of Synod will continue to deepen the Church’s understanding of the importance of hospitality.   Join us as we listen to theologian, David Wells, and his reflections on the Church as a place of welcome.   https://youtu.be/kGrocWgxcNg

Promoting Well-Being

Promoting Mental Health & Well-Being: 5 Fun Ways to Get Active During Thanksgiving Weekend
From the turkey to the gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie—when Canadians think of Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on the food. The traditional Thanksgiving meal has always gathered family and friends around the dinner table to reflect on what they’re grateful for. But what about before and after the meal?  With that extra day off during the Thanksgiving weekend, you don’t only have to celebrate with comfort food. There are other great ways you can create memories with loved ones and get active at the same time! Here are some ideas:

– Make an outdoor gratitude list
– Partake in outdoor sports and activities
– Host a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
– Go on a group walk or family hike
– Do a freeze dance
Read more at https://activeforlife.com/active-thanksgiving/

Mabel’s Label Fundraiser

The award-winning MABEL’S LABELS is the leading provider of personalized labels for children and adults.  Their custom labels include sticky labels for clothing, personalized stickers for tweens, school labels, name labels, iron-on clothing labels/name tags, bookplates, label stickers/adhesive labels for the home, and children’s labels for look-alike items sent to school daycare or camp.  Please visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and enter “St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener)” Shop now and support Saint Timothy Catholic School.

Catholic Graduate Expectation and Deep Learning Transferable Skill

October’s Catholic Graduate Expectation is to be a Responsible Citizen.  Students will engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.

Transferable skills are the skills and attributes that students need in order to thrive in the modern world. Based on international research, the Ontario Ministry of Education has defined seven important categories of transferable skills – sometimes referred to as “competencies” – that will help students navigate the world of work and meet with success in the future.

During the month of October, as Catholics we will show transferable skills through collaboration, communicating, creating, innovating, solving problems in digital literacy, and being Responsible People.

Thank you for your unwavering support in creating a digitally literate learning environment for our diverse community in the month of October.

Upcoming Dates To Note
https://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca/calendar/ (please use this address to access our school calendar)

Monday, October 9th                       Happy Thanksgiving    Fire Prevention Week
Tuesday, October 10th                    World Mental Health Day      Pita Day Lunch
Wednesday, October 11th               School Spirit Wear Day                Pizza Lunch Day
Friday, October 13th                         Flag Football Tournament
Monday, October 16th                     World Food Day       Bike Walk Roll Week
Tuesday, October 17th                    School Advisory Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.    Pita Day Lunch
Wednesday, October 18th               School Spirit Wear Day
Sunday, October 22nd                     World Mission Day

Wishing you a wonderful week.  Please follow us on X formerly known as Twitter @sttimothy3 to see all the amazing happenings at Saint Timothy.

Respectfully yours,
Albert Simoes, Principal

Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank You, God, for all the wonderful blessings, for our daily meals, for clean drinking water and for sunlight, and for the cool breeze.
I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my health. I’m thankful for my friends, to love and be loved. Thank You for this great country and for the freedom it offers.
I’m thankful to be alive and praise You for all these wonders. I’m thankful that You have been so gracious to give Your only Son to us who gave his life and bore the unbearable for us sinners.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I take the opportunity to give thanks for countless other things You provide us with on a daily basis.
Amen

2023-10-08T16:42:37-04:00October 8th, 2023|News|

Saint Timothy Newswire: Weekly Update October 2nd to 6th

“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” – Tecumseh

Welcome to the beautiful season of autumn! October is here and so is the season of gratitude and thanksgiving!  With the turning of the leaves, the brilliant colours, and the crisp morning air – we are reminded of God’s blessings upon us each day.  Our staff and students are called to welcome, include, and help others every day. Student work in this area is evident in our hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds. Thank you to our parents and guardians, staff, and students for collaborating to make Saint Timothy a special place to learn and grow.

We would like to wish all our Saint Timothy Families a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thankfulness is important when we are thinking about others.  Being thankful for what we have helps us to recognize the work others do to serve us.  Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers over this coming Thanksgiving weekend! Just a reminder that there is no school on Friday, October 6th as it is PA Day, and Monday, October 9th as it is Thanksgiving Monday. As we prepare as a community to celebrate Thanksgiving, please pay close attention to the reminders listed below:

Thank you …

  • to our intermediate 3-pitch teams including coaches for outstanding results in the recent Family of Schools tournament.
  • Mr. Kempel always contributes to our school with a smile. Tomorrow is National Custodian and Maintenance Recognition Day.  The role of the school custodian has changed immensely over the course of the past couple of years.  We cannot thank Mr. Kempel for his hard work, dedication to the job, and continued role in the safety of all.
  • to all of our students and staff for wearing Orange and showing your support and empathy for Truth and Reconciliation! Our students and staff continue to engage in learning how we as a community can honour, recognize and celebrate the many contributions made by our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
  • Mrs. Edgar and Ms. Kolb for organizing our Thanksgiving Food Drive! A very special SHOUT OUT to all of our families who have been able to support this! Your kindness and generosity will provide hope and happiness to many families this Thanksgiving!

School Highlights  

  • October is International Walk to School Month (IWALK): This is an annual celebration of active school transportation. Students across the world participate in IWALK throughout the month of October! The changing season means colourful leaves, and scurrying critters, migrating birds. How many of these can you and your children spot on your journey to school this month? Use the IWALK ISpy activity cards to track your sightings:https://ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/international-walk-to-school-month/.
  • World Teacher’s Day – October 5th, 2023: Being a teacher provides the unique opportunity to make a transformative and lasting impact on the lives of others, contributing to shaping sustainable futures and offering personal fulfillment. We want to take this opportunity to thank the incredible, dedicated, professional Educators at Saint Timothy School, you are truly the Builders of Cathedrals.
  • Thanksgiving is approaching, and let’s be the reason why everyone has access to healthy food. Join us and share your Spirit in our Saint Timothy 2023 Thanksgiving Food Drive, and together we can raise MANY pounds of food this Thanksgiving! We have 350 students in our school, so if everyone brings a few pounds of food, we should be able to collect more than last year! Let us take time to reflect and give thanks! Please consider sending some non-perishable items ALL WEEK to place around our school altar in the front foyer.

Important Reminders

  • Hot Lunch Program Updates
    Orders are now available on school cash online until Wednesday, October 4th, 11:59 p.m. for the upcoming pizza lunch dates (October 11th, 25th, November 8th, 22nd, and December 6th, 20th).  Please note LATE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  It is payable through School Cash Online:  schoolcashonline.comWednesday, October 11th will be our first pizza day.
    Pita Pit – will begin Tuesday, October 3rd, and will continue every Tuesday.  To order pitas for this school year, please use this link: https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca.  There is a reoccurring/subscription option for parents to choose from this year.  If you have any questions about Pita Pit or your order, you are to call Martine Thomas at 705-443-1133 or email ca203@mypitapit.ca
  • A reminder that student cell phones are only to be used under staff supervision. They are for academic use, and a staff member must supervise their use. Please do not text or call your child on their phone during the day. If you need to give them a message, please call the office and we will make sure they receive it. Thank you for your co-operation.

WCDSB Updates

Please visit our School Board Website for updates and recent information.  Here is the link: http://www.wcdsb.ca            Parent Links

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).

Does Your child need help with reading, writing, mathematics, or technology skills?  Are they in Grade 7 or 8?  Register today by completing the Skills Builder Registration Form: The first class begins Saturday, October 21st.    Saturday Skills Builder flyer 2023

Supporting the Walk to School and the Bus Stop – Did you know that Ontario has a goal to make our communities cleaner and healthier? We have pledged that by 2050 we will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. Because 49% of CO2 levels in Waterloo Region come from transportation, you and your family can really help us achieve this goal by increasing the amount you walk or wheel to school! Or if you live too far, you can ride the bus! Riding the bus emits less CO2 per person and keeps school zones safer.

Learning at Home: The TVO Learn page provides tips to parents and caregivers of students who are learning the Grade K-8 Ontario Curriculum.  Here you will find learning activities and resources for learning.  Select your child’s grade level at the top of the navigation bar.

D2L: 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).

Catholic Advisory School Council  Catholic School Advisory Council – St. Timothy (wcdsb.ca)

Our first inaugural Catholic School Advisory Council meeting took place on Tuesday, September 26th.  I am pleased to inform you that the following individuals have agreed to serve a one-year term of office on the Council.

Co-Chairs: Holly Herteis and Bev Davis
Treasurer: Abhishek Roy
Recorder: Colleen Taylor
Pastoral Representative: Bev Rodgers
Teacher Representatives: TBD
Nonteacher Representative; Mrs. Oliveira
Parent Members: Ana Lagos Suazo, Kavita Kore, Siju Ogunlesi, Yvette Thorne and Tanya Kruger
Community Representative:  TBD
All are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. The next School Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m.

Promoting Well-Being

10 Growth Mindset Questions to ask your child at the dinner table:

  1. What did you do today that made you think hard?
  2. What challenge or problem have you worked on today?
  3. Can you think of something new you tried today? What was it?
  4. Was there anything that made you feel stuck today? … Great! What other ways might there be to solve this?
  5. What did you learn today outside of school?
  6. Can you think of a mistake you made today? … Great! How can you use this mistake to do better next time?
  7. Is there anything you are struggling with? … Excellent! What new strategies can you try next?
  8. Can you think of something you could have done better today? … Great! Who can you seek feedback from to make it better?
  9. What would you like to become better at?
  10. Did you do anything today that was easy for you? … How can you make it more challenging for you?
    biglifejournal.com

Mabel’s Label Fundraiser

The award-winning MABEL’S LABELS is the leading provider of personalized labels for children and adults.  Their custom labels include sticky labels for clothing, personalized stickers for tweens, school labels, name labels, iron-on clothing labels/name tags, bookplates, label stickers/adhesive labels for the home, and children’s labels for look-alike items sent to school daycare or camp.  Please visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and enter “St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener)” Shop now and support Saint Timothy Catholic School.

Saint Timothy Spirit Wear

Please take a look at the Saint Timothy Spirit Wear website and order spirit wear for your child(or yourself!) if you’d like. Orders are due today.   You can begin shopping by visiting the following site:  https://sttimothysw2023.itemorder.com
Saint Timothy Flyer: ST. TIMOTHY STUDENT ONLINE SW 2023

Catholic Graduate Expectation and Deep Learning Transferable Skill

October’s Catholic Graduate Expectation is to be a Responsible Citizen.  Students will engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.

Being a Responsible Citizen means:
I am fair
I am a peacemaker
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.

October’s transferable learning skill focus is Digital Literacy. Students will engage in activities aimed at developing this transferable skill throughout the month. Digital literacy involves mastering technology, understanding information in the digital age, and effectively navigating the online world. Students will have opportunities to explore various digital tools, and resources, enhancing their ability to use technology for research, communication, and problem-solving. They will also learn critical skills for evaluating online information, ensuring they can discern reliable sources from misinformation. Additionally, they will delve into the responsible use of technology, emphasizing online etiquette, privacy, and digital security. This will empower them to make informed decisions while engaging in the digital realm.

Thank you for your unwavering support in creating a digitally literate learning environment for our diverse community in the month of October.

Upcoming Dates To Note
https://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca/calendar/ (please use this address to access our school calendar)

Monday, October 2nd                       National Custodian Day     Graduation Spirit Wear Closes Today     Thanksgiving Food Drive All Week
Tuesday, October 3rd                      Pita Pit Lunch (only for those who have pre-ordered)
Wednesday, October 4th                 Pizza Orders close today at 11:59 p.m. on School Cash On-Line                  School Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, October 5th                     World Teacher Day               School Spirit Day – Toronto Blue Jays           Thanksgiving Liturgy – will be done virtually
Friday, October 6th                           Professional Development Day – Topics include Literacy Implementation, IEP development, and Anti-Sex Trafficking            World Cerebral Palsy Day
Monday, October 9th                       Happy Thanksgiving    Fire Prevention Week
Tuesday, October 10th                    Pita Pit Lunch Day
Wednesday, October 11th              Grade 4 Bible Ceremony 10:30 a.m.            Pizza Lunch Day
Friday, October 13th                       Flag Football Tournament

Wishing you a wonderful week.  Please follow us on X formerly known as Twitter @sttimothy3 to see all the amazing happenings at Saint Timothy.

Respectfully yours,
Albert Simoes, Principal

 

2023-10-01T13:51:59-04:00October 1st, 2023|News|
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