Monthly Archives: November 2023

Dear families,

As we approach the season of Lent, Mrs. Phillips and her class of Grade 7 and 8 students are excited to announce we will be joining Lutherwood’s Comfy Cozy Holiday Drive.  This provides our students with a unique opportunity to build empathy and character while spreading the warmth and joy of the holiday season.  Lutherwood is a community not-for-profit committed to strengthening kids’ lives through our mental health and housing services.  The Comfy Cozy Holiday Drive is a chance to wrap children in comfort during their moment of crisis.

We are reaching out to you for your support.  Here are the details of the charity drive:
Date:  Monday, November 27th to Monday, December 18th.
Drop-off Location:  Mrs. Phillips’s classroom
Items Needed:  personal care items, toothbrushes, shampoo, board games, crafts, stuffed animals, warm clothing, etc.

Let’s show the strength of our community and make this charity drive a success.  Together we can bring warmth and support to those who need it most.

Dear Tiger Families,

I hope this message finds you well.  Today, a concerning incident occurred near the school involving a stranger approaching one of our students.  The police are actively investigating.  Kudos to the student for their quick response – reporting the incident to parents and the school.  It is a reminder to discuss safety measures with your children.
– turn and walk (or run) away from strangers
– ignore them or walk with a group of students
– report incidents promptly to a trusted adult

Thanks for your ongoing support, and a big thank you to the Waterloo Regional Police for their assistance.

“Let us ask for the grace to open our eyes and hearts to the poor in order to hear their cry and recognize their needs” – Pope Francis

Welcome to a new week at Saint Timothy. Our staff is looking forward to connecting with our parents and guardians during Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews on Thursday evening. This week we will also focus on kindness, empathy, community and anti-bullying awareness.  We will have a daily focus for each day inspired by our WCDSB Pastoral theme of STRENGTHEN.

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

Thank you …

• to our teaching staff for all the time, energy and thought that they placed into writing your child’s Progress Report! All reports will be sent home on Monday, November 20^th.
• to our students and staff for preparing for our upcoming Conferences (Parent Student Teacher Interviews). We know all of our students will SHINE when sharing their strengths, needs and next steps!
• to our families for booking your appointment for our upcoming Student-led Led Conferences. We greatly appreciate our family’s support and presence in this process.
• to Mrs. Phillips and her Grade 7/8 class for taking part in the Comfy Cozy Holiday Drive sponsored by Lutherwood. This heartwarming initiative aims to bring joy to children in our community who may be facing challenges, particularly those struggling with homelessness or mental health.
• to our School Advisory Council and in particular Bev Davis for representing our school last week for the WCDSB Commissioning Celebration.
• to Mrs Coughlan, Miss Garvey and Mrs Piotrowski for volunteering to help with facilitating the Christmas concert this year.
• to Mr. Carvalho for offering to our students Rosary Club. This is a beautiful, calm, focused and reverent way to spend their lunchtime.

School Highlights  

• As the seasons of Advent and Christmas quickly approach, we wanted to share a few important dates to mark on your calendars for upcoming events.
  December 5^th – Advent Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
  December 19^th – Christmas Liturgy at 1:00 p.m.
  December 21^st – Christmas Concert in the morning
• We will be participating in the Angel Tree Initiative again this year. Angels will be available to take from our Christmas Tree in our School Learning Commons Room.  Return the angel to school attached to the unwrapped gift that you purchase. Further information will be communicated in next week’s update.
• Our Lost and Found bins are overflowing with lost coats, shoes, shirts, hats, etc. Please take a look at the bins in the hallway near our kindergarten classrooms when you come into the school for interviews. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
• With the snow season just around the corner, we would like to remind our students that throwing snowballs is not allowed. Every student has been made aware of this rule in the prevention of injury to others and the consequences of throwing snowballs.

Important Reminders

• Just a reminder that photo retake day is scheduled for Monday, November 20^th. Re-takes will be offered to students who missed photo day or students who would like a new photo taken.  Retake photos will be sent approximately two weeks after photo day for distribution.  Families will receive a new proof sheet with a new online code to view the student’s retake image. 
• Our Catholic School Council will meet on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:30 pm in our Learning Commons. Meetings are open to all members of our school community. Thank you to our parents who have offered their time to volunteer in support of our school community.
• We look forward to the Saidat show visiting our school on Tuesday, November 21^st and presenting the power of one person and how together we can make a difference.  St. Timothy E.S. – Package_
• From St. Aloysius Church – families in need in our school and parish community are invited to apply for Christmas Hampers which contain Gift Cards, non-perishable food items and new toys. Please see the attached letter: St. Aloysius Hamper Program

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/Cycling Prevents Chronic Disease
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, physical activity helps prevent some chronic diseases including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.  For instance, some researchers found that the risk of obesity decreases by almost 5% for every kilometre walked each day!  

Progress/Kindergarten Initial Observation Reports and Parent-Student Teacher Interviews

Monday, November 20th, Progress and Kindergarten Initial observation reports will be sent home with your child(ren).  I hope you will be able to recognize the strengths in learning so far and celebrate successes for the start of the year at school.  These initial reports highlight progress towards the end of the year expectations. There is still lots of time to reflect on the next steps for growth in learning and set goals for the school year.

Conferences are scheduled for Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and we look forward to connecting with our families. We strongly encourage you to bring your child(ren) to this event as they are a part of the conversation as well.  Most classroom teachers will host the interviews in their classrooms.  Portable classroom interviews will take place in the Learning Commons Room (library).  Please be sure you have booked a conference or reached out to your child(ren)’s teacher.

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. Saint Timothy and our parent community have something in common: We both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each party can also learn something new about how to help your child. Parent–Student-Teacher Interviews are a great way to start talking to your child’s teachers.

Here are some tips on ways that you can make the most of parent-student-teacher interviews so that everyone benefits, especially your child.

1. Interviews are a two-way conversation. Like all good conversations, interviews are best when both parties talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. When you tell the teacher about your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams, the teacher can help your child more.
2. Keep the emphasis of the conversation on learning. Good interviews focus on how well the child is doing in school. They also talk about how the child can do even better. To get ready for the conversation, look at your child’s homework, tests, and notices before the interview. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher.  Think about ways you would like to be further involved in your child’s learning so that you can discuss them with the teacher.
3. Discuss opportunities and challenges for your child. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child with some of his or her challenges.
4. After you go. Feel free to call the teacher if you think that a follow-up conference may be necessary.  Be involved with your child in creating a positive learning environment at home and school.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

November 20-25, 2023 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario, and WCDSB will join school boards around the province in enhancing awareness and understanding about bullying, and the factors that contribute to safe, caring and inclusive schools.

Throughout the week, staff and students will participate in various activities and events to support safe schools and encourage the fostering of positive school climates. These activities will increase awareness of what constitutes bullying and address the impact it can have on the overall school environment. This includes a school-wide assembly presentation from the Saidat Show.  Families are welcome to participate and pray with us at home.  Please see our plan for the week: Anti Bullying Week 2023-2024

By participating in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, our students will be affecting positive change in their learning, achievement and well-being by promoting a safe learning environment, which is essential to their success.  Read about our commitment to bullying prevention: St. Timothy Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 2023-2024

Resources for Parents and Students:

• • Be Web Aware
  • Cyber Bullying
  • Education World – Bullying Intervention Strategies That Work
  • Ontario Ministry of Education – Safe Schools: Preventing Bullying and Harassment
  • Promoting Relationships & Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet)
  • School Mental Health Ontario – Healthy Relationship Skills

As we prepare to celebrate the week ahead, let us remember that bullying is a relationship problem. Our goal is to help ensure that students have healthy, safe, respectful, and caring relationships that lead to a strong sense of belonging: St. Timothy Parent-Information-on-Bullying-September (1)

Bullying vs Conflict

Bullying is defined as a form of (typically) repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

Bullying is when one person continually uses mean, negative, harmful and aggressive words or actions towards or about another person on purpose, while fully understanding that what they are doing is wrong and hurtful but do it anyways to make themselves feel bigger and more powerful while making the other person feel small and powerless.

A power imbalance may occur between a student and another individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or receipt of special education. Bullying usually happens when one or more students tease, threaten, spread rumours about, exclude, hit, shove, or hurt another person

Saint Timothy School recognizes the importance of teaching our students the difference between bullying, rude or mean behaviour, and conflict while respecting all actions that can be upsetting to any student.  People sometimes confuse conflict with bullying, but they are different.

Conflict between students does not always mean it’s bullying. Conflict occurs between people who have a disagreement, a difference of opinion or different views. When there is conflict, each person feels comfortable expressing their views. Children learn at a young age to understand that others can have different perspectives than their own. Developing the ability to gain perspective takes time and continues into early adulthood.

Promoting Well-Being

Age-appropriate chores for kids: Building life skills for future success

Our goal in parenting is to raise children prepared to thrive far into the future. If only the route they chose was uniformly smooth and our role was just to be the wind behind their sails. But the course, in the best of cases, is bumpy. Therefore, our challenge is to help them learn from their mistakes, move forward, and somehow be better off precisely because of the wisdom gained from their experiences. As a parent, there are a few things you can do — and others you shouldn’t — to ensure your child learns from mistakes.

Read the full article at ~https://parentandteen.com/effective-parenting-explode/

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)

Monday, November 20^th                 Strengthen Our Friendships                School Picture Re-take Day       Progress Reports/KindergartenCommunication of Learning Reports Go Home            Kindness and Anti-Bullying Awareness Week                         School Bus Evacuation Drill
Tuesday, November 21^st                Strengthen Our Capacity For Empathy                Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca
School Advisory Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.                The Saidat Show will take place in the morning       Portrait Orders Are Due Today:  Place your order online at http://www.pegasus-si.com         School Spirit – Wear your favourite Team Jersey
Wednesday, November 22^nd         Strengthen Our Listening Ears                        Pizza Lunch Day (preordered)                 School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear
Thursday, November 23^rd               Strengthening Our Conflict Resolution Skills                     Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 24^th                    Strengthen Our Kindness                       Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)
Saturday, November 25^th               International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against Women
Monday, November 27^th                 Grade 8 Mount Mary Parent information Session 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 28^th                Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca           Grade 4 and 4/5 Trip to University of Waterloo Engineering
Wednesday, November 29^th             School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear
Thursday, November 30^th               St. Mary Grade 8 Parent Information Night 6:30 p.m.
Friday, December 1^st                       Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)

Wishing you a blessed and 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

“God can act in any circumstance, even in the midst of defeat.”  – Pope Francis

Welcome to a wonderful new week. Thank you to all who were able to join us on Friday for our Remembrance Day ceremony and thank you to our grade 7, and 8 students, Mr. Hutfluss and Mrs. Phillips for doing such a beautiful job in hosting. Now more than ever it is important for us to remember the sacrifices that have been made and that peace can only be attained when we can love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

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

Thank you …

• to our Saint Timothy student morning announcers for setting the tone for the day and building a sense of school community.
• parents, for your support of our Safe Arrival procedure and reporting your child’s absence.
• Catholic Advisory School Council for their leadership in our Halloween Dance-a-thon.  The school raised $4293.79. Thank you to all families for your efforts in assisting us with our major fundraiser this year! The money raised from this initiative will go directly to support students including but not limited to costs associated with Grade 8 graduation, presentations, extra classroom materials, and agendas/planners.
• Mrs. Coughlan, Mrs. Taves, and Mr. Reyna for all of your time and commitment with our boys’s Volleyball team.
• to the many of you who are putting safety first and staying out of the parking lot. We have students moving quickly to either get in the building or leave the building and are less likely to be looking both ways before crossing the parking lot.

School Highlights  

• Congratulations to our students who were selected last month for being “A Responsible Citizen and Effective Communicator.” The focus was on Digital Literacy and students were given a certificate. Recipients were recognized for the ability to select digital tools to collaborate, communicate, create, innovate, and solve problems.
• Tuesday, November 14th is World Diabetes Day. We are encouraging everyone to wear Blue in support of World Diabetes Day. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition.
• As the longer, darker, colder days of November set in, it’s not uncommon for energies to wain and moods to get a little down, so what a perfect time to celebrate World Kindness Day...and why not turn that day into a week? Tomorrow is World Kindness Day. Groups and individuals are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that be at home, work, school, or just out in the general public.
• ARTSHINE: Our school will be offering two programs for the winter season. For more information, please review the following letters: StTimothy(3-6)_Kitchener_Winter1      StTimothy(JK-2)_Kitchener_Winter1_SALE
• This week will be a very exciting week at our school. We will have our REWARD WEEK for the many rewards that were earned as part of our Halloween Dance-a-thon.  Please take a look at the schedule below for the events.

Important Reminders

• Just a reminder that photo retake day is scheduled for Monday, November 20^th.  Original proofs have been delivered to the school and have been sent home with your child(ren). These proofs have a unique access code which will allow families to view photos and order pictures directly from the Pegasus website.  No money or orders will be collected by the school.  All ordering information can be done online at HOME – Pegasus School Images (pegasus-si.com)
• Our Catholic School Council will meet on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:30 pm in our Learning Commons. Meetings are open to all members of our school community. Thank you to our parents who have offered their time to volunteer in support of our school community.
• Need to update your contact information? To update your contact information (address, phone number, email address, etc.) please email presslee@wcdsb.ca
• Monday, November 13th is a Professional Development Day for all staff. There will be no school or extended day for students on this day. Staff will be celebrating our new Pastoral theme: Strengthening!
• We look forward to the Saidat show visiting our school on Tuesday, November 21^st, and presenting the power of one person and how together we can make a difference.
• From St. Aloysius Church – families in need in our school and parish community are invited to apply for Christmas Hampers which contain Gift Cards, non-perishable food items and new toys. Please see the attached letter. St. Aloysius Hamper Program
• A reminder our school parking lot is only accessible to those who have a St. Timothy accessible parking permit during school hours. Our parking lot is not available for pick up or drop off anytime throughout the instructional day for safety and security reasons.  We also would like to remind our students that they are not to walk through the parking lot by themselves.  Please use our Drive To 5 for parking options.

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 – Your Body Is Made For Walking.  Did you know that more than half the body’s muscles are designed for walking?  Walking is a natural movement that is virtually injury-free, does not require special equipment, and can help you get anywhere you want to go.

Grade 7 and 8 Students and Families:Pathways Newsletter – NOV. To learn more about pathways opportunities for students, please visit the el.wcdsb.ca website.

Please see the attached flyer in Tigrinya for a WCDSB Open House: Open-House-Flyer-Tigrigna-002

Progress Reports and Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews

At the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, school communities exist to foster and exemplify Catholic values. Educational programs, facilitated in the context of faith, promote the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development of students. On November 20th, 2023, the Progress Reports for Grades 1 – 8, and Kindergarten Communication of Learning: Initial Observations, will be sent home with your child(ren).

Parents / Guardians have the right and responsibility to participate actively in your child’s education.  As such, interviews with your child’s teacher(s) will be offered on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, during the afternoon/evening.  Saint Timothy is using an online booking system called  St. Timothy Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews to book an interview with your child(ren)’s teachers or educator teams.  The booking window is open and will close on Friday, November 17th.  Please note the scheduling tool is based on a first come, first serve basis.  Once the schedule has been completed, you will receive further information from your child’s teacher closer to the date of the interview.

Winter Is Approaching

Buses – As we prepare for the winter season, parents are reminded to visit our school website, as well as the Waterloo Catholic District School Board website for important information, reminders and procedures regarding inclement weather. If you have not already done so, please sign up for automatic notifications from Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region – BusPlanner Web – BusPlanner Web (stswr.ca)

Attire – Please ensure your child is dressed each day to play outside at recess. Students are outside for all regular outside activities when it is warmer than -19°C. When temperatures range between -20°C to -27°C, students may remain outside for no longer than 15-minute intervals, once temperatures are colder than -28°C students must remain inside. We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that their children must come to school with proper winter wear for outside recess.  Students are encouraged to pack extra clothing and accessories in their backpacks for the winter season!

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

Ontario has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week to help promote safe schools and a positive learning environment. During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week – November 20-25, 2023 – Ontario students, school staff, and parents are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being.

Once again, the WCDSB will be participating in the National Anti-Bullying Awareness Week.  This year the theme is Strengthen.  Anchored in St. Paul’s exhortation to the burgeoning Christian community at Philippi, the WCDSB community proclaims in faith: “I can do all things through the One who strengthens me” (Phil.4.13), because we are the People of God, listening and growing, and called to share the Good News!

Throughout the week of November 20th – 24th, 2023, Saint Timothy students will be involved in a variety of class activities and school-wide initiatives that will focus on Rebuilding, Renewing, and Restoring our virtue of KINDNESS.

Promoting Well-Being

Age-appropriate chores for kids: Building life skills for future success… by Katharine Watts, November 2, 2023 

You can build independence and a sense of responsibility in your kids—from toddlers to tweens—by assigning them age-appropriate chores. It’s my four-year-old’s job to put the cutlery away every morning when we empty the dishwasher. Believe it or not, it’s actually been one of her family jobs since she was two. The forks and spoons didn’t always end up where they were supposed to, but now she knows exactly where everything belongs, and she feels proud to be contributing to the family’s workload (and we’re grateful for the help!).

Chores not only help children develop essential life skills but also foster a sense of teamwork and contribution to the family. It may seem strange to assign your two-year-old tasks, but we actually do our kids a disservice by not trusting them to contribute. Taking responsibility for family chores makes kids feel like they’re part of an ecosystem that works together to keep everything running smoothly.

And, naturally, when children do chores, they’re moving and expending energy. And most chores help them develop movement skills like manipulation and balance. Check the lists below for some ideas of age-appropriate chores for your child.

Read more at https://activeforlife.com/age-appropriate-chores-for-kids/

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)

Monday, November 13^th                 Professional Development Day – no school for students            Extended Day is CANCELLED          World Kindness Day
Tuesday, November 14^th                St. Mary High School Link Crew Visit for Grade 8s             World Diabetes Day             School Reward:  Extra Recess        Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca
Wednesday, November 15^th          School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear               School Reward:  Hat Day
Thursday, November 16^th               International Day for Tolerance            School Reward:  Gum Day
Friday, November 17^th                    School Reward:  Board Games or Electronics Day               Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)
Monday, November 20^th                 School Picture Re-take Day               Progress Reports/Communication of Learning Reports Go Home           Kindness and Anti-Bullying Awareness Week
School Bus Evacuation Drill
Tuesday, November 21^st                Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca   School Advisory Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.     The Saidat Show
Wednesday, November 22^nd         Pizza Lunch Day (preordered)
Thursday, November 23^rd               School Spirit – Wear your favourite Team Jersey          Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 24^th                    Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)
Saturday, November 25^th               International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against Women

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

Good afternoon Tigers,

A kind reminder that Monday,  November 13th is a Professional Day and there is no school for students.  Staff will be engaged in Spiritual Development at St. Mary’s High School and at Saint Timothy all day.

Thank you

“Peace is a Gift of God but requires our efforts. Let us be people of peace in prayer and deed.” – Pope Francis

Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the extra hour as daylight savings come to an end and clocks went back an hour last night. The weekend has also provided us with some beautiful fall weather and hopefully, you have also been able to enjoy it and spend some time outdoors.

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

Thank you …

• to everyone who donated to our fundraiser! As of now, we do not have the final total available. We aim to share the final totals with you in our next week’s update.  We want to assure you that your contributions are greatly valued and we are deeply grateful for your participation in our Dance-a-thon.
• to our fabulous intermediate students for their help with the music, dancing, raffle prizes, selecting classroom pumpkin winners, and distributing candy.
• to our amazing parent volunteers for all of your time, energy, and creativity during our Dance-a-thon: Nelia Millington, Carla Aquino, Michelle Hynes, Deb McIntyre, and Vanessa McIntyre.
• to our INCREDIBLE Catholic School Council for all of your time and energy in organizing our Halloween Dance-a-thon. It was an AMAZING example of community:  Ana Lagos Suazo, Abhishek Roy, Bev Davis, Bev Rodgers, Colleen Taylor, Mrs. Skopec, Holly Herteis, Kavita Kore, Siju Ogunlesi, Mrs. Oliveria, Tanya Kruger and Yvette Thorne.
• to the many families, staff, and local businesses who donated the generous prizes – your support continues to make a difference at Saint Timothy: Waterloo Region Museum, Pioneer Park Shoppers Drug Mart, Moore’s Berry Farm, and many more.

School Highlights  

• We will have a Remembrance Day service on Friday, November 10th at 10:40 a.m. Our Grade 7 and 8 students will be leading this service. All are welcome to join us as our school pauses to remember the tremendous sacrifices so bravely and selflessly endured by the men and women who have served our country in times of conflict, and in times of peace.
• Parent-Student-Teacher Conference (Nov. 23^rd) – communication regarding Parent-Student-Teacher conferences with a link: Timothy Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews was emailed to parents on Tuesday, October 31^st. To book a conference: select your child’s teacher from the “Select Staff” dropdown menu.  Click “November 23^rd” on the calendar.  Pick a conference time (only available times will be listed).  Add your details (email and phone number are required in case we need to contact you for any changes).  Click book and you will receive a confirmation email.
  If you did not receive this information or you are having difficulty scheduling, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher or the office and we will be happy to assist you.
• Kindergarten Playground Structure: We would like to provide an update on the enclosed area located at the front of the school. Currently, we have a fenced area used primarily by our kindergarten students.  We will be installing over $15 0000 of play structure later in the school year.  This will consist of a mud kitchen, a chalkboard panel wall, and a log tunnel.  Our school council will continue to enhance this area with further enhancements in the near future to create more educational and fun play systems for our students.  If you have any questions or would like to donate to this project, please contact our school council chairpersons: Holly Herteis herteis@wcdsb.ca; Bev Davis dragonflydavis13@gmail.com
• We continue to recognize the importance of acknowledging children’s birthdays by reading their names during morning announcements and handing out a birthday card and a pencil.
• ARTSHINE: Our school will be offering two programs for the winter season. For more information, please review the following letters: StTimothy(5-6)_Kitchener_Winter1          StTimothy(JK-4)_Kitchener_Winter1_SALE
• At Saint Timothy, we are committed to being stewards of the earth. Our Eco Team is off to a great start this year. Our teacher mentors for this year are Mrs. Henhoeffer and Mrs. Skopec and we have been acting by making sure things are right at our school to help our environment.  We look forward to sharing with you more initiatives and news.

Important Reminders

• Hot Lunch Program Updates
  Pizza – our next pizza lunch day is Wednesday, November 8^th. New this year you do not have to purchase pizza for the whole term.  Dates have been set on School Cash Online and they close one week before the pizza day. We hope this is easier for parents to budget.
  Popcorn Fridays Are Back – back to popular demand, our school council will be offering popcorn beginning on November 10   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.  School Cash Online is open right now and close on November 6^th at midnight.
• In order to keep our indoor environment clean and safe, we kindly ask that your child has a pair of indoor shoes that may be left at school. Students participate in outdoor play and shoes can get quite dirty.
• Please know that the local Christmas hamper/toy registration is currently open and info can be found here if your family is in need and wishes to request this support: https://christmassupport.ca/

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 and Cycling to School Keeps You Healthy
The World Health Organization recommends that children accumulate a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each and every day for greater health.  Currently, only 7% of children achieve that minimum recommendation.  The active commute to and from school provides an average of around 10 additional minutes of activity per child each way.  That really adds up to better health over the weeks, the months, and the years.

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. Playing math games is a fun and easy way to build math skills and practice math anytime!  Here are some sites and activities that you can do at home.
Did you know that TVO mPower has over 65 ad-free online math games for K-6?  Explore themes like adventure, animals, arts and crafts and more!  Visit https://mpower.tvo.org/#/signup/   
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/

Waterloo Career Discovery Event For WCDSB Students:  On behalf of Build a Dream and the WCDSB, we invite you to attend our FREE Waterloo Career Discovery Expo on the evening of Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Bingeman’s. We will be highlighting opportunities in several careers to better assist young women in high school in making career choices. As a community, we recognize the critical role parents play in the development and education of their children, which is why we are providing this opportunity for parents to attend with their daughters and learn more about careers in the growing Sectors.
PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND: https://www.webuildadream.com/event/dreambigwaterloo-career-discovery-expo/
Check out the FLYER or Download the event flyer! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Fundraiser: Sheltering Hearts A Home For Everyone
Join WCDSB in building a brighter future for the homeless community. ‘Sheltering Hearts: A Home for Everyone’ is not just a fundraiser; it’s a movement of compassion and solidarity. Together, we can provide safe havens and restore hope for those in need. From November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023, the WCDSB has our Sheltering Hearts: A Home for Everyone fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to A Better Tent City (Kitchener-Waterloo) and The Bridges (Cambridge). Donations are made easily through the QR code on the poster or this link to School Cash Online. Here, you can select which of the two organizations you wish to donate to and can request a tax receipt for donations over $50.00  Sheltering-Hearts-Tiny-Home-Fundraiser (1)

November is Indigenous Awareness Month

The first week of November marks Treaties Recognition Week to recognize the importance of treaties and increase awareness of the treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous, The week was launched in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action to increase treaty awareness and provide students and the public with an important opportunity to learn why treaties matter. WCDSB Information on Treaties Recognition Week

• Louis Riel Day, Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Metis homelands and is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Metis people in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada.
• Inuit Day, November 7, 2023. On this day we recognize the cultures, histories, contemporary contexts, and rich contributions of Inuit peoples in our community and across the country.
• National Aboriginal Veterans Day, November 8, 2023. This is a Memorial Day observed in Canada in recognition of Aboriginal contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.

We acknowledge that the land on which Saint Timothy is situated are the lands traditionally cared for by the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today.

Parking and School Traffic  

With the weather changing and daylight savings time ending, meaning we will be spending more time in darkness, we need to be even more mindful of our driving habits and road safety.  Inclement weather, slippery roads, and reduced visibility are all factors now and, in the weeks, ahead.

Once again, I am coming to you for assistance.  We have families that are picking up or dropping off their children on the other side of Bechtel Drive (facing toward the top of the hill).  It is not safe and it is not a good role model for children to run across a busy street.  Please be aware that in the winter, we will be adding a large snowbank to the mix.  Please develop safe habits now and use the crossing guard located at the bottom of the street.  Better yet, park at the community centre or other street parking identified in our Drive to 5 campaign map: Drive To 5

Promoting Well-Being

Promoting Well Being: 9 Important Benefits of Team Sports for Kids
Many of our families have spent countless hours watching and supporting their children as they’ve participated in badminton, track and cross-country running, karate, distance swimming, dance, discuss, basketball, soccer, hockey, t-ball, ball hockey, medley swimming, and many other sports and activities.  
Each and every sport has provided them with hours of fun and skill development. And whether they’ve been playing an individual sport or a team sport, they’ve made memories for themselves and their parents. If your child chooses to play a team sport, they’ll reap several benefits that will translate from the playing field to many other aspects of their lives. Here are a few of the ways kids benefit from team sports.
– Collaboration
– Friendships
– Leadership skills
– Critical thinking skills
– Winning and losing together graciously
– Sports skill development
– Character-building through teamwork
– Communication
–  Fun
Read more at https://activeforlife.com/benefits-of-team-sports-for-kids/

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)

Sunday, November 5^th                    Daylight Savings Time Ends
Monday, November 6^th                   Popcorn Orders Are Due by Midnight.
Tuesday, November 7^th                  Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca.
Wednesday, November 8th           Indigenous Veteran’s Day     School Immunization Gr. 7            Pizza Day (pre-ordered)          I Read Canadian Day
School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear
Friday, November 10th                   Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. in the gym            Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)                School Spirit – wear red, white and black
Saturday, November 11^th               Remembrance Day
Monday, November 13^th                 Professional Development Day – no school for students                 Extended Day Care is cancelled
Tuesday, November 14^th                St. Mary High School Link Crew Visit for Grade 8 World Diabetes Day            Pita Lunch:  Order at https://pitapitstanleypark.schoolfuel.ca
Wednesday, November 15^th          School Spirit – wear our school colours or spirit wear
Thursday, November 16^th              International Day for Tolerance
Friday, November 17^th                    Happy Kindness Day    Popcorn Sales (pre-ordered)

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

A Prayer of Commemoration For the Fallen

Father of all, remember your holy promise,
and look with love on all your people, living and departed.
On this day we especially ask that you would hold forever
all who have suffered during war, those who returned scarred by warfare,
those who waited anxiously at home,
and those who returned wounded, and disillusioned;
those who mourned, and those communities that were diminished and suffered loss.
Remember too those who acted with kindly compassion,
those who bravely risked their own lives for their comrades,
and those who in the aftermath of war, worked tirelessly for a more peaceful world.
And as you remember them, remember us, O Lord;
grant us peace in our time and a longing for the day when people of every language, race, and nation will be brought into the unity of Christ’s kingdom.
This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.