2019 – A Year of Belonging

Special Christmas Message from the Director of Education

 

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23

 

As we prepare to go our separate ways, we anticipate all the moments which so characterize this season and which make us feel more in relationship with those we love.  As we journey to Bethlehem, I offer thanks for the year we have had, and in particular, for opening months of our 2018-19 school year.  There is so much that makes the various people who make up our board unique, and yet we are all held together by one remarkable thread – our support and advocacy for the children and schools we serve, and our faith which guides us.

 

As Director I have a privileged position to see a wide breadth of the goodness that happens in our board.  Consistently I am amazed by the gestures large and small that make such a difference to so many.  Whether it be through a thoughtful act for just one child in a challenging spot, to a school-wide charitable event, to dedication to extra-curriculars or support of our fellow colleagues.  You live out our vision, acting as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus in our various WCDSB communities.

 

A true highlight of the past year was our grounding in the new pastoral letter Renewing the Promise which has become a foundational cornerstone for our work in Catholic education, and specifically here at WCDSB.  As I reflected upon that I took pride in how strongly we reflect “a community that builds relationships”.  There are those we know who are suffering due to loss or personal circumstance, but we find ways to hold these people “in the palm of our hand”.  We create moments for families, empower children and youth, find the face of Jesus in those we serve and we make a difference.  Many will know a happy Christmas because of your efforts.

 

In the New Year, we will transition from our current Pastoral Plan and Year of Faith to our new Pastoral Plan and The Year of Belonging.  The journey of the cross, which has been exemplified by the Pilgrimage Cross these past 14 months, begins with the nativity and now we slow our pace to remember the greatest gift ever given.  The promise of new hope and all that is possible.  We are called to belong to a community that forms joyful disciples – called to bear witness to the Good News.

 

So as we embark on this time with family and friends, let us not forget the reason for this season. Inundated with visits to make, gifts to wrap, parking spots to be had, decorations to perfect, dishes to prepare, then wash, and credit card balances that often leave an imbalance in our own lives, let us do our best to remember the hope, peace, joy and love that the season is really all about.

 

We are a system with a difference and as we hasten toward the manger, let us quiet our hearts and open our minds to the joy that is Christmas, to the simple pleasures that delight and to the miracles of the season.  If we do so, perhaps we will be fortunate to return in 2019 with a renewed spirit, called to our vocation of service and faith formation.

 

May we look to forward to 2019 with anticipation and hope.  May it bring a year of health, happiness, wisdom and peace.   On behalf of the senior team, may each of you encounter the love of the Christ Child now and throughout the coming year.

 

Sincerely,

 

Loretta Notten
Director of Education

 

Culinary Program Gets Festive!

For the past two months, St. Louis’ Culinary Program has been feeding us delicious meals every Wednesday and Thursday in the Urban Spoon.  On Thursday, they end this term with their Festive Menu, a blend of savoury and sweet.  Come support our students and share a meal with your friends at lunch!

 

If you have always wanted to cook like a professional, DON’T WAIT!  There is space available for the next AMAZING class that starts January 14 !  OH the skills you will learn and meals you will create. Register NOW until December 20 by contacting Jennifer Martin 519-501-1746 . For more information check out the Culinary Arts Program webpage.

 

Culinary Festive Menu

PSW ’s take a night off work to Graduate!

Personal Support Workers working in long-term care, assisted living, community and home care settings are in such high demand that taking the night off to attend the St. Louis PSW Graduation could take some negotiating with colleagues and employers.

 

Of course, any graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. Tonight, 79 St. Louis trained Personal Support Workers will earn their certificate recognized by the Ministry of Long-Term Care and the Ontario Community Support Association accrediting body. During this 8 – month program, St. Louis PSW students put in a total of  497 hours of in-class and lab training, 135 hours of placement in the community and another 180 at a long-term care facility.

 

Two-thirds of the PSW graduates completed their training in the Spring and have been working ever since.  The remaining just completed their CESBA testing this week and are working right away.  St. Louis PSW graduates are sought after by local employers and we have a current employability rate of 98%. The extensive hands-on learning and teaching by experienced Registered Nurses; the longest supervised placement opportunities and the additional certificates in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) and Palliative Care all contribute to their employment readiness.

 

AND whether students joined the PSW program with a completed Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or not, they automatically earned 6 secondary school elective credits that will be applied to their transcript.  These credits are a bonus for anyone with their sights on post-secondary pursuits down the road.

 

For PSW Valedictorian, Erin Crockatt, tonight will be her second graduation in a week, as she walked to receive her OSSD last Friday night and crosses the same path tonight for her PSW certificate. Right now, Erin and all of her graduating peers are simply looking forward to a night off of work…. Even if they have an early morning Saturday shift.

 

St. Louis PSW Training enrolment information:

Attend Intake/information session: Monday, November 26 at 9:00am at St. Louis Kitchener Main Campus, 80 Young St., Kitchener or contact St. Louis 519-745-1201 x288 / stlouis@wcdsb.ca

413 St. Louis Graduates earn OSSD tonight

Congratulations Graduates!

Even with the snow and road clean-up, the 2018 Graduation Ceremony is still on TONIGHT at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Church (entrance is on Young Street – across from the school). Doors open at 6:00pm, all graduates are asked to check in by 6:30pm.

 

Don’t let the first real snowfall stop you from coming.  If you are not comfortable, please use your judgement if inclement weather and poor driving conditions make it treacherous for you to attend tonight.  There is no need to call into the school today. We want you to be safe! You will be able to pick up your diploma from the school, during office hours, anytime after Tuesday, November 20th.

We look forward to celebrating with you tonight, or if need be, when you come to pick up your diploma.

St. Louis Graduation Committee

 

International Languages Elementary Program 14th annual PD Day

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s International Languages – Elementary Program, hosted by St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education, has made a solemn commitment to the Professional Development of over 100 language instructors. By dedicating one day each year, all language instructors will assemble to learn and share best practices.

 

This Saturday morning, November 17th, will mark the 14th consecutive year that all language school teachers come together to share the common elements of effective language learning. By devoting this time for professional development, there will be NO language classes offered to students this Saturday, at any of the five locations. (Note: Monday and Wednesday evening classes are still scheduled for next week.)

 

Each week, WCDSB International Language (IL) teachers provide two and a half hours of language instruction to over 2000 learners across the Region. International Language instructors bring a wealth of teaching experience, credentials and dedication to the cultural and language experience that children (JK to Grade 8) have enjoyed for generations.  For a program of this magnitude to thrive, parents, students and language instructors, alike, need to share the importance of consistent classroom management, research-based teaching, meaningful engagement with students and relevance of learning multiple languages (even outside of a student’s mother tongue).

 

For over 38 years, St. Louis has been the hub for over 19 language school collectives. Some well-established schools, such as the 124-year Polish and 42-year Portuguese schools became part of the core language schools, yet even recently introduced Chin, Rohingya or the 1 ½ year old Arabic language schools are new reflections of our diverse community. The intention behind the umbrella name “International Languages Program” is to focus on the togetherness versus the separateness of culture and language learning.

 

This year’s IL professional development workshop motto emphasizes this togetherness when modelling effective teaching strategies.

 

Motto:

In the International Languages- Elementary Program, ALL language schools come first. It is important for our team to see the universal values the IL Program carries to all our students:

  • inclusion
  • equity
  • accountability

We would be disloyal to these values if we saw each of the language schools as ‘first among others’.  We can not work better, if we don’t work together.

 

If you are a parent or student of the International Languages Elementary program, take this Saturday to reflect on what you have learned so far and share with your teacher via email, on social media or in person next week. By doing so, you are validating their efforts.

 

If you know someone who would be interested in having their child learn language, please share:  https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/il/elementary/

Learn a Language Share a Culture

Skills Training Pathways at St. Louis

Can’t afford College? Not sure what you want to do yet? Have a passion for one of these three skills training pathways (after high school or to finish OSSD)?

St. Louis offers three 8-month long skills training options for people who have either completed their Ontario Secondary School Diploma or have a minimum 16 secondary school credits. Earn 6-8 elective secondary school credits that will appear on your transcript, while gaining valuable hands-on training toward a pre-apprenticeship, license or certificate.  St. Louis celebrates the achievements of over 300 people each year, who graduate from these programs and 85-98% claim employment in these fields right after completion. Whether this is the career path for you or you have your sights on doing many things in your lifetime, you will ALWAYS have these trade skills. Don’t know how to get started? Attend one of these intake/registration sessions to find out what it takes to be a chef, a hairstylist or barber or a PSW.

NOTE: Year-round Start Dates:

St. Louis Program Register Start Date
Culinary Arts Training Call Jennifer Martin NOW

(519-501-1746)

Or

May 3, 9:00am @ St. Louis, 80 Young St. Kitchener

 

January 14, 2019

 

 

September 9, 2019

Hairstyling & Barber

Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Call Jennifer Martin NOW

(519-501-1746)

Or

January 21, 2019, 6:00pm @ St. Louis, 80 Young St. Kit

Or

May 7, 2019, 6:00pm @ St. Louis, 80 Young St. Kitchener

 

December 3, 2018

 

 

March 25, 2019

 

 

September 9, 2019

Personal Support Worker Certificate November 26, 9:00am

January 15, 2019 6:00pm

February 11, 2019, 9:00am

@ St. Louis, 80 Young St. Kitchener

 

Inquire about

September 2019 Registration

February 19, 2019

Lest We Forget

This Sunday is November 11th, Remembrance Day. From all of us at St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centres, please take a moment to observe this important day.

The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Together, Canadians observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

This November 11th at the going down of the sun, communities across Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with the ringing of 100 bells. Churches throughout the cities all across the country will ring their bells simultaneously. The Bells of Peace marks the occasion 100 years ago, when church bells across Canada rang out to share the news: the First World War was over. As bells toll to remember the 650,000 who served, close to 66,000 killed, and more than 172,000 wounded, many communities will also commemorate the local people and events that link their community to the Great War. A soundwave of bells across the nation will help tell a historical journey: Canada’s service and sacrifice during the First World War.

Remembrance

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.

From all of us at St. Louis, you are invited to remember our own history and our role for the future. From the words of a song written by Vince Gill, Let There Be Peace on Earth:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Secondary School Credit courses

Register Monday to Thursday in Guidance (8:30am – 12:30pm / 1:30pm – 3pm) for Secondary School Credit courses. 

Term 2 day classes begin on October 30!

Provincial Government launched Public Consultation on Ontario’s Education System

On Friday, September 28, 2018, the provincial government launched a Public Consultation on various aspects of Ontario’s education system. The government’s announcement stated:

“We’re consulting with parents across the province to address concerns and get feedback in several areas of the education system.

Feedback from these consultations will help shape decisions in the following areas:

  1. Improving student performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
  2. Preparing students with needed job skills, such as skilled trades and coding
  3. Improving provincial standardized testing
  4. Ensuring students graduate with important life skills, including financial literacy
  5. Managing the use of technology in classrooms, such as cell phones
  6. Building a new age-appropriate Health and Physical Education curriculum that includes subjects like mental health, sexual health education and the legalization of cannabis
  7. Developing the first-ever Parents’ Bill of Rights

Consultation closing date: December 15, 2018

Thanksgiving Weekend

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

On Saturday, October 6th, St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres will be closed.  The following classes will NOT be offered at any of our program locations:

ALL St. Louis campuses, classes and programs will also be closed on Monday, October 8.

Count your Blessings, Share your Harvest, Enjoy the Parade with your Friends, Family and Community!

Thanksgiving-Weekend

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