Catholic Parent Involvement Committee Volunteers
WCDSB parents – we are recruiting new parent volunteers for our Catholic Parent Involvement Committee.
Find out more information and apply by September 27 by visiting our CPIC website.
Important Information About WCDSB International Languages Programs
International Languages Elementary Program
In September 2021 we plan to host IL classes, using school board approved Google Meet, where students will take part in the remote learning time. Students will also be assigned on-line and off-line activities with study materials posted to school board approved Google sites. All activities will focus on real-life, communicative and useful tasks to be completed in the language you have chosen for your child.
In order to participate in the International Languages, learn-at-home program, your child will need to have access to a computer and the internet.
Should we be permitted to return to a physical classroom, each language program will be assigned to a designated location and learning time frame. Parents and Guardians will be contacted regarding the move to a physical classroom. The priority is to stay safe.
Secondary Language Credits
Registration for IL Secondary for the 2021-2022 school year has been EXTENDED to September 20, 2021 — or until classes are full.
In order to accommodate changing Covid-19 restrictions, IL courses will be offered online at this time. The delivery model could change to blended learning, where students would have the option to attend in school sessions as they complete the work online.
Please check your: email, the St Louis website, and the WCDSB website regularly for updates.
Skills Ontario International Day of the Girl
Skills Ontario is excited to announce that we will be hosting our 3-Part International Day of the Girl Series again this year from October 4 – 11. This series will have a focus on girls in grades 7-8, but is open to all students from K-8 to participate, and anyone else who would like to join.
https://www.skillsontario.com/young-womens-initiatives
Classes (students/teachers), and families will have the opportunity to come together to not only learn about the skilled trades and technologies, but students will also hear from girls around their own age during the conference! At home, students can participate in a variety of challenges, and also learn new skills in an interactive workshop they can do with their family!
October 4-8: Challenge Series
No registration required!
- A week of 5 challenges to try out skilled trades and technologies for chances to win prizes! These can be done as part of a class or at home!
- Submissions through Twitter or email.
- Challenge instructions will be available in French and English
October 8: “For Girls, By Girls” Conference (morning and evening offering)
Registration opens September 14, 2021 at 9:00am.
- A For Girls, By Girls! virtual conference where participants can hear from girls and learn about the skilled trades and technologies from female tradespeople!
- We are offering multiple opportunities to view the Conference:
- Classes (teachers/students) can watch the Premier Event, featuring a Live Chat, during the AM showing; and
- Parents/Guardians/Families can watch a BONUS showing of the event in the evening.
- This conference will be spoken in English, and offer a feature in French
October 11: Virtual Workshop
Registration opens September 15, 2021
- Skills Ontario is excited to be offering an Animation Workshop for the family! Participants will have the opportunity to learn and work through foundational skills using Google Slides (or PowerPoint) to create a short video. Come and create a short animation using skills that can be applied to all future projects! Details subject to change please keep checking the website for updates. Parents/guardians are required to register.
- Target Audience: Grades 6 -8. *Please note, younger students are welcome, but may require a parent/guardian or older sibling to assist with some of the steps throughout the workshop.
- Visit https://www.skillsontario.com/young-womens-initiatives.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skillsontario/posts/6950296024996551
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skillsontario/status/1437395877182771204
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwycWhrcs_/
Welcome to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools
We’re thrilled to be back at school and proud to celebrate with our #WCDSBAwesome new video. Take a few minutes to see what a Quality, Inclusive, Faith-based Catholic education looks like. Your path forward awaits.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/_hrrzDNhyzs
Register here: https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/register-for-school/
Upcoming WCDSB Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees (Committee of the Whole) is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, September 13, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre (35 Weber St. W., Unit A, Kitchener, ON – Boardroom (1st Floor) – Sitting room only due to COVID-19 restrictions).
Agenda:
Other Information:
General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings
Information About the Board of Trustees
(Agenda files can be large. If you are experiencing issues downloading a file, right click on the link and choose “Save Target As…”.)
Message from the Minister of Education
Please click HERE to read a special back-to-school message from the Minister of Education.
Mentally Healthy Return-to-School Webpage for Families
As we move through these initial weeks of the 2021-22 school year we want to ensure that families have information at their fingertips about how to promote positive mental health in their children/teens through this transition. You may wish to take a few moments to read the following tip sheet: https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Supporting-Mental-Health-and-Wellness-during-the-Return-to-School-Tip-Sheet-EN.pdf
You are also invited to visit the new WCDSB Mentally Healthy Return-to-school page at https://www.wcdsb.ca/return-to-school/, which features resources to promote wellbeing for the entire family. You will find videos and resources such as:
- A parent/caregiver wellbeing video series
- Tip sheets on noticing if your child/teen is struggling with mental health, and how to respond to concerns teens may have about the return to school
- Information to help your child/teen re-engage with school if they having difficulty due to mental health concerns
- Tip sheets for teens directly on recognizing if they need help, how to ask for help, how to help a friend, etc.
- Info about getting sleeping patterns back on track
- Other mental health resources and links for families
Additional information is also available on the Board’s Mental Health and Wellbeing page at: https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/mental-health-and-well-being/
Wishing all the best for your and your family as we head into the 2021-22 school year!
Catholic Board Elects Two New Trustees
Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board have elected Shannon Nash and Hans Roach to fill two vacant seats on the Board of Trustees, representing Kitchener/Wilmot. The election was held during a public meeting on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.
There were 19 registered candidates.
Under the Education Act, when a trustee vacancy occurs, the Board of Trustees must undertake a process to identify a qualified person to serve the remainder of the former Trustee’s current term of office. The Board of Trustees has traditionally used a candidate application / interview process to fill vacant seats.
The students, staff and Trustees congratulate new Trustees Nash and Roach, and thank all those who applied to serve our Catholic schools.
WCDSB COVID-19 Operational Guidelines & Updated Daily School & Child Care Screening
As we get ready to head back to school, we are truly looking forward to a year that allows us to embrace a renewed love of learning, within our faith-based communities.
We remain very grateful for your continued support as we navigate life in the COVID-19 era, and remain ready and willing to assist you as we transition back to what will undoubtedly be a #WCDSBAwesome year!
Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are ensuring a safe and happy return to school.
In addition, please be aware of the ongoing expectation that all students, staff and visitors are expected to each day complete the required provincial government COVID-19 Daily Screener online, or download and print a hard copy for daily reference.
List of Candidates to Fill WCDSB Trustee Vacancies
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees (Committee of the Whole) is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, August 30, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre (35 Weber St. W., Unit A, Kitchener, ON – Boardroom (1st Floor) – Sitting room only due to COVID-19 restrictions).
The purpose of the meeting is to hear presentations by candidates registered to fill two vacant seats on the Board of Trustees, representing Kitchener/Wilmot.
The meeting will be immediately followed by a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, at which the Board will elect the two new Trustees.
The candidates for the vacant Trustee seats are listed in alphabetical order, below.
| First Name | Last Name |
| Wendy | Ashby |
| Vincent | Carere |
| Joseph | Devasia |
| Kathy | Doherty-Masters |
| Mac | Graham |
| Roach | Hans |
| Michael | Juvatopolos |
| Renee | Kraft |
| Andrew | McAlorum |
| Iris | Miltenburg |
| Shannon | Nash |
| Ilidia | Sa Melo |
| Maxime | Salman |
| Joseph | Scarfone |
| Cheyenne | Sexton |
| Kelly | Steiss |
| Bernadette | Vanspall |
| Valerie | Vaz |
| Jon | Zagaja |
