The ESL office will be open the following hours at St. Mary’s only until August 8th:
8:15 AM – 12:15 PM Mon – Fri (not open July 1st or 2nd)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM June 25, 26, July 2, 3, 8, 10.
During the first week of May, we expect students to line up to register for our three skills training programs – Culinary Arts, Hairstyling / Barber and Personal Support Worker training programs. If you are looking for a quality, affordable and job-ready skills training option to earn one of these certificates, St. Louis can support you toward reaching this goal.
Each program has less than 6 months of in-class learning, which includes extensive hands-on learning, plus industry experience at an affordable $1300 for materials fees. Tuition is covered by the Ministry of Education, as secondary school credits are embedded into the industry-relevant training.
Employment success is remarkable, after completing these certificate programs. Culinary Arts has an 80% employment rate, and often at the food service venue of their choosing. Hairstyling has an 85% employment rate with every student successfully passing exemption exams, so they can begin their apprenticeship sooner. And St. Louis PSW has an astounding 98% employment rate with numerous employers actively hiring students to begin immediately after their placements are finished. PSW students write their exams and already have their letters of permission to begin work that same day.
Culinary Arts:
Hairstyling / Barbering:
Personal Support Worker:
For more information: visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca , call 519-745-1201, email stlouis@wcdsb.ca
Budding trees and flowers, birds chirping, newborn babies, and other small creatures welcoming a world filled with obstacles; these are all symbols of hope.
When a lighthouse light shines, reminding you to keep going on your journey or guiding you to shore for safety, that light is a Beacon of Hope. The Beacon of Hope Award was established in 2015 by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for all students attending our Secondary Schools, including St. Louis. A suitable recipient will represent integrity, hard work, consistent efforts, Catholic values, and may not get recognized with the traditional academic / athletic / student spirit awards.
There are few things about St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres that make us “traditional”, and that is likely because we have over 13, 000 students attending our schools’ campuses and satellite locations, representing all ages, faiths, backgrounds and walks of life. What makes St. Louis students diverse and unique is also what binds St. Louis to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, the Beacon of Hope Award and its intentions. Because of this uniqueness, the Beacon of Hope Award ceremony is so meaningful to our school community.
On Thursday, April 18, 2019, we have honoured 3 recipients who embody the quiet resilience of the human spirit, optimism and compassion toward others, and the deep meaning that by shedding light, they hold onto hope for a better life and bring inspiration to others. Their powerful stories of struggle and perseverance were shared and this incredible honour was bestowed on them by Loretta Notten, Director of Education and Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
Let us celebrate St. Louis’ 2019 Beacon Of Hope recipients:
Asmaa Ghazi Jameel
Mohamed Amin Bin Nurul
Allan Martin
Every year that we celebrate the Beacon of Hope Award ceremony together, we walk away reflecting on the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s vision of being at the at the Heart of the Community, bringing Success for Each, and a Place for All. Staff and students at St. Louis strive to model this vision and our own school motto: Hope, Opportunity and Success for All! — a perfectly blended picture of who we are as an organization, within the whole.
An extra special thanks goes to our Chef teacher and St. Louis Culinary students for making this breakfast ceremony so special.
Cost?
Not enough time?
Going back with teenagers?
Something else?
We have the answers to all your questions about finishing your high school diploma and achieving your goals fast! Finishing your high school diploma. It’s easier, faster and more within reach than you probably think. We understand. The idea of finishing your high school diploma in your final year of Grade 12 or as an adult of any age can be stressful. For some adults, it’s a fear of going back to school with a younger crowd. For others, it’s a cost consideration. Maybe you don’t think you have time — that the sacrifice is too hard.
At St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres, we’ve made it easy for you to take the next steps toward your successful future, with flexible options that suit your life timetable. You can take courses or earn credits at our Main Campus, at home, at work or online. Credits can be taken during the day, night or even in the summer. Ask us how to tailor your journey today or explore your website: https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/ssc/ .
If you’re an Ontario resident over the age of 18, tuition is free when finishing your high school diploma. That’s right. You can achieve your high school diploma without tuition costs. Some materials fees do apply, yet still highly affordable.
Credits toward finishing your high school diploma can be applied for previous learning or experience you may already have. This means that finishing your high school diploma may be closer than you imagine. This is especially important for new Canadians who have previous academic and life experience prior to arriving in Canada.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the preferred accreditation for employers, as a minimum standard. It’s what they look for when considering job applications and in today’s online application process, it’s an important tick box that must be truthfully answered.
Don’t let ANYTHING hold you back from taking the next easy step toward achieving your goals.
YOU DESERVE IT!
St. Louis is one of 60 locations in the Province to serve you and we are proud to serve Waterloo Region for over 30 years!
Still not sure if you are ready? Visit getmyhighschooldiploma interactive microsite for more information.
Or go directly to the St. Louis at 80 Young Street, Kitchener. Explore our website: https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/. Email stlouis@wcdsb.ca with your questions. Call to speak with someone in Guidance at 519-745-1201.
Another term is ending for high school students, many of whom are doing their victory lap to improve some grades and are working to afford college or university. We also have St. Louis students finishing Term 3 at the end of February. Why not register for St. Louis Hairstyling and Barber Training that begins March 25, 2019?
Many of those students are working in retail and hospitality jobs, gaining customer service skills that would be transferable in any career. So if you are looking to kick-start a professional career — a trade you will always have in your back pocket.
We will be among 20 different organizations who will sing, play, read and write with young families on Family Literacy Day. For an added bonus, we invite all of you to take part in helping us break a record — Most number of people to read in the same 10 minute period — 11:30am-11:40am.
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
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
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:
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/
