Monthly Archives: April 2024

Hello! Please ask a friend to help you translate this information. Thank You! 

ሰላም! በጃኻ ነዚ ሓበሬታ እዚ ንኽትትርጕሞ ኺሕግዘካ ንፈታዊኻ ሕተቶ ። የቐንየለይ!

Dear Flames Families,

As we prepare to enter the final week of April and welcome the month of May, it’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying by!  With the arrival of May comes a sense of renewal and anticipation for the many exciting events and opportunities ahead.

THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE!

During the Month of May:

May’s OCGE focus is on being a Collaborative Contributor.  Students will join together in a faith celebration next week to kick off this month’s theme and will then engage in a range of classroom activities aimed at developing these skills throughout the month.

By Being a Collaborative Contributor: I AM A TEAM PLAYER! 

• I cooperate with others in all that I do
• I value everyone’s work
• I respect and listen to others
• I think of others before myself
• I follow rules of fair play
• I work hard in school so that I can build my community and make it a better place

Because I am a team player, I know that ‘Together is Better’, and we will live our lives like Jesus.

During the month of May, as Catholics we will show transferable skills through Inclusion & Belonging. 

This month, we will welcome approaching new situations and people with an open mind and without judgement; seek out and celebrate diverse perspectives from my own; and educate ourselves to learn about different cultures, religions, and lifestyles.  

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in cultivating a dynamic and enriching educational experience for your child.

School News:

First Holy Communion 

We are thrilled to announce that many of our students will be receiving their First Holy Communion today, Sunday, April 28th at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. This is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and commitment to their faith.  May this sacrament be a source of grace, joy, and strength for each of them as they embark on this next chapter of their spiritual journey.

Thinking of Moving?

Please contact the school as soon as possible as we are beginning to look at our enrolment for next year.  If you are moving, it is essential that the outgoing and incoming school as aware so we can prepare.  Thank you!

School Contacts

If you have any updated school contacts, please notify the office so we have the most current information.  This is especially helpful for students who are not picked up on time.  We appreciate families making arrangements for timely pick ups.

*As a reminder, there are no staff to supervise students beyond the 3:00pm dismissal bell.  Having updated contacts allows the office the ability to reach someone for pick up.

Upcoming Important Dates:

School Council Dates 

May 6, 2024

WCDSB & School Dates:

May 8, 2024-June 12, 2024 – Grade 3 & 6 EQAO

May 20th – Victoria Day (school closed)

May 31st – PA Day 

June 19th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day

School Testing Dates:

1. EQAO Grade 3 – May 27, 28 & 30
2. EQAO Grade 6 – May 23, 24, 25

Parish Updates:

Please call Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for more information or for information on baptism, sacramental or mass times

WCDSB Updates:

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

 Please refer to www.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date news.

 Here’s to another great week!

The Staff at OLOL

Good afternoon,

Please see attached information for a WCDSB virtual parent presentation.

Registration Poster – Human Trafficking Prevention Education

The staff and students at Our Lady of Lourdes would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the Administrative Assistants today on “Administrative Assistant’s Day”.

Behind every successful day at school – is YOU.

At OLOL, Ms. Pingos is the face of our school.  The first smile that our students and families see when they come to us.  Ms. Pingos is the one that our students go to for everything they need AND the ones that all staff go to for everything they need. Thank you!

Happy AA Day to Ms. Pingos!

Hello! Please ask a friend to help you translate this information. Thank You! 

ሰላም! በጃኻ ነዚ ሓበሬታ እዚ ንኽትትርጕሞ ኺሕግዘካ ንፈታዊኻ ሕተቶ ። የቐንየለይ!

Dear Flames Families,

This past week was a busy one! Starting with our grade 4-8 students having the privilege of hearing Dwayne Morgan speak.  Dwayne Morgan spoke to the students about strategies to confront harmful language and ways to cultivate a respectful, inclusive atmosphere.  This powerful presentation sparked conversations throughout our classrooms. The week ended with our OLOL Spring Fling Dance-a-thon, and dance we did!

School News:

Spring Fling Dance-a-thon – A Success!

Our first Dance-a-thon fundraiser in many years, and it was a giant success!  Students spent the day laughing, dancing and having fun!  However, this day could not have been the success it was without you, our school community. Through buying dance cards, giving dance cards, donating prizes and volunteering your time, we were able to raise $5531! Please note, prize winners will be announce on Monday! 

Money raised will go towards:

• New Gaga Pit outside 
• Recess equipment for all classes
• New gym equipment
• Furnishings for our upstairs student work space

Thank you to our OLOL School council parent volunteers for organizing such a successful event!

Kindergarten Registration Is Happening NOW!

Registration is still open for children who are starting Kindergarten in September 2024.  It is critical that families register for Kindergarten NOW. Our staffing for next year is based on registrations that are completed online at this point in time. If you know a family with a child who is planning to start school in Kindergarten in September please encourage them to contact the main office as soon as possible (519) 886-4810.  Link to Register.  

• Children born in 2020 are eligible for JK/Year 1 Kindergarten.
• Children born in 2019 are eligible for SK/Year 2 Kindergarten.

If your child is already attending Kindergarten at Our Lady of Lourdes you do not need to register for next year.

Thinking of Moving?

Please contact the school as soon as possible as we continue to look at our enrolment for next year.  If you are moving, it is essential that the outgoing and incoming school as aware so we can prepare.  Thank you!

EQAO Webinars for Parents

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

Registration

Catholic Education Week ~ May 5th-10th

Catholic Education week occurs every year in May! This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love.” Catholic Education Week comes at the same time as Mental Health Awareness Week. Through love and compassion, we continue to support each other’s wellbeing. God is love and we are always called to live out this love. In our continued work for Equity and Inclusion in Catholic schools, a focus on love reminds us that all God’s children are loved unconditionally.

Upcoming Important Dates:

School Council Dates 

May 6, 2024 – Last one!

WCDSB & School Dates:

April 28th – Grade 2 First Communion 

May 8, 2024-June 12, 2024 – Grade 3 & 6 EQAO

May 20th – Victoria Day (school closed)

May 31st – PA Day 

June 19th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day

School Testing Dates:

1. EQAO Grade 3 – May 27, 28 & 30
2. EQAO Grade 6 – May 23, 24, 25

Parish Updates:

Please call Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for more information or for information on baptism, sacramental or mass times

WCDSB Updates: 

Please refer to www.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date news.

Here’s to another great week!

The Staff at OLOL

Hello! Please ask a friend to help you translate this information. Thank You! 

ሰላም! በጃኻ ነዚ ሓበሬታ እዚ ንኽትትርጕሞ ኺሕግዘካ ንፈታዊኻ ሕተቶ ። የቐንየለይ!

Dear Flames Families,

It was wonderful to see our students outside enjoying the beautiful weather (a couple days) this week!  As we look ahead to the rest of April, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that await us!

School News:

OLOL Spring Fling Dance-a-thon – April 19th

Our OLOL Spring Fling Dance-a-thon is happening on Friday! Our School Council parent volunteers have been working hard on making this event a fun-filled success!  

Here is what you need to know:

• Dance Cards – If you have not already purchased Dance Cards that will allow your child to participate in fun activities at the event, please ensure to log into School Cash Online to purchase your cards by Wednesday April 17th.
• Prize Donations – Our prize table will be one of the highlights of the event and allow students to use their Dance Card tickets to enter to win some amazing prizes.  We are still collecting gift cards and other new, unopened items that our students would love. Board games, Lego sets, Lip Balm Kits, Headphones, LED strips, slime kits, gift cards (Claires, McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Amazon) are just a few examples of some of the awesome prizes that have been donated so far! If you are able to donate a prize, please send the item to the school with your child no later than Wednesday, April 17th.

Thank you to all those that have already purchased their Dance Cards and donated prizes.  We are so excited for this year’s Dance-A-Thon!

Kindergarten Registration Is Happening NOW!

Registration is still open for children who are starting Kindergarten in September 2024.  It is critical that families register for Kindergarten NOW. Our staffing for next year is based on registrations that are completed online at this point in time. If you know a family with a child who is planning to start school in Kindergarten in September please encourage them to contact the main office as soon as possible (519) 886-4810.  Link to Register.  

• Children born in 2020 are eligible for JK/Year 1 Kindergarten.
• Children born in 2019 are eligible for SK/Year 2 Kindergarten.

If your child is already attending Kindergarten at Our Lady of Lourdes you do not need to register for next year.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Each fall and spring, schools are required to perform 3 fire drills, 1 lockdown procedure, and 1 tornado drill.  These drills are completed so that students and staff will know what to do if there is an emergency at school and to ensure that staff and students are safe.   We will begin practicing these in the coming weeks. Our students are very familiar with conducting these drills and do a fantastic job! 

Upcoming Important Dates:

School Council Dates 

Weather permitting, meetings take place in the school library at 6:00pm and all caregivers are welcomed to attend!

May 6, 2024

WCDSB & School Dates:

April 28th – Grade 2 First Communion 

May 8, 2024-June 12, 2024 – Grade 3 & 6 EQAO

May 20th – Victoria Day (school closed)

May 31st – PA Day 

June 19th – Grade 8 Graduation

June 25th- Term 2 Reports

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day

School Testing Dates:

1. CCAT Grade 4 Mar 20-27
2. CAT-4 Grade 7 Apr 10-17
3. EQAO Grade 3 & 6 May 8-June 12

Parish Updates:

Please call Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for more information or for information on baptism, sacramental or mass times

WCDSB Updates: 

Please refer to www.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date news.

Here’s to another great week!

The Staff at OLOL

Hello! Please ask a friend to help you translate this information. Thank You! 

ሰላም! በጃኻ ነዚ ሓበሬታ እዚ ንኽትትርጕሞ ኺሕግዘካ ንፈታዊኻ ሕተቶ ። የቐንየለይ!

Dear Flames Families,

This first week of April marked our return to school after the Easter break, and it was wonderful to see our students back in the classroom, ready to embark on new learning adventures.  It is always so amazing to see the many examples of enthusiasm, resilience, and commitment to learning displayed by our students!  As we look ahead to the rest of April, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that await us.

School News:

PD Day – TOMORROW

Just a reminder that the Professional Activity (PD) Day, originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, is now to be held this Monday, April 8, 2024.  Our Extended Day program will be closed on April 8th (instead of April 19th). This change has been made to ensure student and staff safety and well-being during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024. Please see this link for more information and safety tips:  https://www.wcdsb.ca/change-in-pa-day-schedule-solar-eclipse-safety-tips/

OLOL Dance-a-thon is Back!

We are very excited for the return of the OLOL Dance-a-thon Fundraiser on Friday April 19th. This event will be an opportunity for all students to participate in physical activity and help to raise money for their school.  All funds raised will help support students at Our Lady of Lourdes  in a variety of areas in both the classroom and school environments.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are looking for donations for our prize tables – specifically gift cards. Gift cards can be of any amount to any family friendly location (food, shopping, entertainment etc.).  Gift cards can be dropped off at the main office by Wednesday April 17th. Thank you for considering!

Many thanks to the parent volunteers on the OLOL School Council who have planned and organized this awesome event for our students! 

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

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

Kindergarten Registration Is Still Open!

Registration is still open for children who are starting Kindergarten in September 2024.  These are children born in 2020 who would be eligible for Junior Kindergarten/Year 1. Children born in 2019 and who have not enrolled in Junior Kindergarten/Year 1 this year are eligible for Senior Kindergarten/Year 2. If your child is already attending JK/Year 1 for this current school year, there is no need to do anything.  Please register online:  Link to Register If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 519-740-0678.  For more information please visit:  The Kindergarten Program

Upcoming Important Dates:

School Council Dates 

Weather permitting, meetings take place in the school library at 6:00pm and all caregivers are welcomed to attend!

April 9, 2024 – Virtual

May 6, 2024

WCDSB & School Dates:

May 8, 2024-June 12, 2024 – Grade 3 & 6 EQAO

May 20th – Victoria Day (school closed)

May 31st – PA Day 

June 25th- Term 2 Reports

June 27th- Last Day of School

June 28th – PA Day

School Testing Dates:

1. CCAT Grade 4 Mar 20-27
2. CAT-4 Grade 7 Apr 10-17
3. EQAO Grade 3 & 6 May 8-June 12

Parish Updates:

Please call Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for more information or for information on baptism, sacramental or mass times

WCDSB Updates: 

Please refer to www.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date news.

Here’s to another great week!

The Staff at OLOL

School Climate Survey for Families

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

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

School Climate Survey for Families

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

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

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