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New Year! New You! St. Louis can be part of the plan.

New Year! New You!

While in the face of this new wave of the pandemic, and classes having to switch to remote learning, St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education is still a beacon of hope for many.  This student’s one assignment last term was to create an infographic and she chose the topic of self-regulation, goal setting, and staying focused.  How appropriate leading up to the new year!

Now What?

We are a few days into 2022 and you may feel like it’s not going as planned. If you think you missed your New Year’s opportunity, or you know someone in a “now what” situation, check out the St. Louis school programs available now.  Some secondary school credit courses can be short-term and completed in just a few weeks . They can lead to a high school diploma or upgraded marks for post-secondary next Fall. Term 3 day classes have just begun, however you can register now for future teacher-led and online options, night school or you can earn high school credits while working. It’s not too late.

Skills for your Future

St. Louis also offers programs in Hairstyling & Barbering, Culinary and Personal Support Worker skills training. St. Louis Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is offering one last opportunity for FREE tuition, FREE materials fee and a paid placement, subsidized by the Ontario government. Working as a PSW or any healthcare professional is noble, with many rewarding facets. It is also hard work and not for everyone. Learn the skills to care for the most vulnerable that would accompany your compassionate nature, self-regulation and good communication skills. Sign up now to be selected for the St. Louis PSW Certificate Training full-time day program starting February 22nd. Or plan ahead for all the September full-time, part-time, day and evening options available.

Hope and Opportunity

Explore our website https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca to find the option right for you or email us at stlouis@wcdsb.ca with any questions. Make 2022 your year of Hope and Opportunity!

Delayed Start at St. Louis Adult Learning Centres

Attention: Return to School Delayed

As per the direction of the Provincial Medical Officer of Health and Ministry of Education, all schools, including St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education, will delay the return to any in-person or remote learning to Wednesday January 5, 2022. ALL daytime, evening or remote classes previously scheduled to start again on January 3rd or 4th will resume on Wednesday.

Not sure when my class starts up again?

If you are unsure of your classes start date and time, please visit the GOOGLE CALENDAR posted on the St. Louis website homepage: https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca

NOTE: Term 3 Secondary School Credit Classes

All Secondary School Credit classes will begin as scheduled on Wednesday January 5th. Registration for this term will continue Monday and Tuesday. https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/ssc/guidance-services/

Please visit the St. Louis website for regular updates. For information about return to school details for your elementary or secondary school children, please visit your school board website.

For WCDSB details, please read:

LETTER TO THE WCDSB COMMUNITY (St. Louis version) from Director of Education

 

St. Louis Graduates 538 for Class of 2021

St. Louis Graduates 538 for Class of 2021

After a week-long graduation celebration in the cafeteria of St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Centre – Kitchener Main Campus, we are so proud of the 538 certificates and diplomas earned by our students.

9 Ways to earn Secondary School Credits

Earn in a Class

Of this total, 379 students achieved their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in 2020-2021.  Last year, ALL secondary school credit day classes (1) and correspondence (2) courses were held online, and many students persisted toward this goal. Guidance counsellors worked remotely with those adult students who wanted to have their learning gained through work and life experience assessed against the Ontario curriculum.  By doing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – PLAR (3), up to 26 credits could be granted and the final 4 credits earned at St. Louis. This past month, some daytime credit classes returned to in-person learning and we have already begun to register for Term 3.  Registration is open until December 16 for classes that begin January 5 . PLAR and correspondence have continuous intake.

Earn while you Work

Other students navigated Covid restrictions by earning secondary school credits in-person and on the job, through our Credits@Work (4) program. Every hour worked counted as credit hour earned. 110 hours are needed to earn each credit.  Students earn earn these as co-op credits toward their OSSD and employers gain a greater skilled work force and students.

Earn while you Gain Skills

We also helped students earn credits and gain skills through our three School-to-Work programs (#5,6,7 ways to earn secondary school credits).  2020-2021 Certificates were granted to 23 Culinary Arts students, 46 Hairstyling and Barber students and 90 Personal Support Workers – almost all working in their respective industries.

We are currently registering for the Pre-Apprenticeship Hairstyling and Barber Training classes that begin on January 6th and April 4th,  2022.  A minimum of 16 secondary school credits is required to start, tuition is covered by the Ministry of Education, the equipment and materials fee is $1300, and teachers are Ontario Certified with years of previous and current industry experience.  Complete the Pre-registration Form online to get started!

The full-time (Mon – Fri) day (8:45-3:30) PSW Certificate program that starts February 22, 2022 and is the last chance to take advantage of the free tuition, free materials fees and the 300 hour paid placement covered by the government of Ontario. Start class in February, and be work-ready by November!  Pre-Register Now and be invited for a PSW admissions presentation and interview on one of the following dates:

  • Monday, January 10th, 10:00am-1:00pm
  • Monday, January 24th, 5;00pm-8:00pm
  • Monday, February 7th, 10:00am-1:00pm

**While the Culinary Arts Program is under a program review for 2022,  expressions of interest are welcomed.

Earn while you learn a language

While many students rely on that upgraded math, science or English credit toward their high school diploma, the 8th way some of our graduates may have earned a credit is through language credit classes (8). In the new year, we will begin planning the course offerings and registration processes for an exciting Fall 2022 line-up of languages taught by Ontario Certified Teachers September 2022- June 2023. International Languages – Secondary prepares youth and adults for post-secondary studies and careers in the fields of business, trade and communications.

Earn in Summer

Even though snow is on the ground now, we ‘Think Summer” early at St. Louis. Of the 538 graduates, a handful might say that ‘Summer School 2021‘ contributed toward their OSSD. However, there are hundreds of youth from Grade 8 – Grade 12 each year who choose St. Louis summer school, and summer co-op, as part of their secondary school credit journey.  Watch for details in late February, early March about Summer 2022 course offerings.

If ever you thought it was too late or not possible, contact St. Louis Guidance Services because we believe there is Hope, Opportunity and Success for All who attend St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres.

To view a few of our happy graduates: 2021 St Louis Graduation2

Bus Drivers for Hire!

Have you ever thought about becoming a school bus driver?

School bus operators in the Region are actively looking to hire up to 20 school bus drivers immediately. Positions are part-time and perfect for stay-at-home parents, retirees, people new to the Region, shift workers, and post-secondary students.

Training is provided and no previous experience is required. A $1,000 cash bonus will be provided to new drivers. The Record recently published this article which provides candidates with information on what it is like to drive a school bus.

Interested candidates can find more information on the STSWR website.

St. Louis Fall 2021 Update

October 29th, 2021

Dear St. Louis Community,

We hope that you continue to be well and that you are enjoying some of the beauty that the fall season affords us.  We are pleased that, for the moment, cases seem to be slowing provincially and in the region, and in general, currently we are seeing fewer cases in our schools. This letter brings a few important updates of which we would like you to be aware as they are important to your understanding as to how things are unfolding and precautions we wish to continue to enforce, so that we may continue on a safe, healthy and positive path as a community.

Screening

As we have shared before, please know that one of the most important things you do each and every day is to complete the screening tool before you as a staff member or student (or parent of a student) arrive at school.  Any individual who fails the screener or who is symptomatic in any way should not be reporting to school.  That is part of our collective responsibility to one another.

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Vaccination

We continue to encourage all who are able to get a Covid vaccine. To assist with this the Region Public Health Vaccination Bus will be at St. Louis Main Campus on Tuesday November 2, from 10:00-1:00. Alternatively, the vaccine is available through many local pharmacies and Public Health. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-vaccination-pre-registration.aspx

Covid VAXX Bus

The Board has started conversations with Waterloo Region Public Health about vaccination for 5-11 year olds but at this point, things are still in the planning and approval stage.  As updates become available and we have specifics to share, we will be in touch as promptly as possible.

Potential Travel

A reminder that there could be a requirement to quarantine for people who travel depending on the location of travel and whether a person is vaccinated or not. The federal policy and requirements are found on the following  webpage.  https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/isolation

Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are continuing to ensure a safe and happy school experience for all.

Inclement Weather Protocol

weather alert using a snowflake and caution sign

Image that will be used each time there is a Weather Alert Notification

Every year, at this time, we like to share some reminders about protocols for snow days.  As you know, there are sometimes days in the winter when we have to cancel bussing due to the weather and unsafe driving conditions for school buses.  In the past, if roads were still passable, the Board would leave schools open.

This year, as was the case last year, that is not possible due to our Covid cohort- related restrictions.  In consultation with the public board, with whom the Board shares bussing, when busses are cancelled, schools will close and it will be a remote learning day.  Your teacher will communicate with you, in advance, so you know where to look for school work for the day and protocols on such days. In broad terms, the teachers will post work and students will work on their own timing in their home.  It will allow all students to access some learning, and we will be continuing to keep one and all safe.  We realize it may not be a perfect solution and learning day, but bus snow days rarely were.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and hope that we are not in this situation too often.

Term 2 and Term 3 registration

Term 2 launches November 1st to resume in-person learning for secondary school credit classes.  This term, some morning and afternoon teacher-led courses will remain in the D2L format and others will welcome students back to return to in-person format. Registration for Term 2 closes Wednesday. Visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/ssc/guidance-services/ to get started.  Term 3 registration begins now for classes beginning January 3rd.

Skills Training and School-to-Work

Register online now for in-person, hands-on training for Culinary Arts, Hairstyling / Barbering, and Personal Support Worker.  St. Louis Skills Training courses are 6 months in-class, with 2 months co-op placement and the next cohort of classes begin in January or February 2022.  Please share with others to register early to save their spot and avoid disappointment.

Slider-Chef-3

We are grateful for our St. Louis school community’s support, cooperation and partnership, as we continue to navigate this unique year. Be well, Be Safe.

Sincerely,

Lisa Mackay, St. Louis Principal

Student Vaccine Message from WCDSB, WRDSB and Region of Waterloo Public Health

Student Vaccine Message from WCDSB, WRDSB and Region of Waterloo Public Health

~Sept 29, 2021

Dear Parent / Legal Guardian / Student,

As the 2021-22 school year begins, we remain committed to the health, well-being and safety of students, educators, school staff and the broader community. Keeping our schools open this year is our collective priority.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself, your child, and your family from COVID-19. Vaccines help to stop the spread so we can safely and gradually resume more activities.

COVID-19 immunization for students is not mandatory. However, understanding the student immunization status and coverage within classes and schools will better enable public health units to respond if there is an outbreak.

Local public health units will be reviewing and assessing students’ COVID-19 vaccination information together with class lists to support case, contact and outbreak management within schools. This is only applicable to students eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., those born in 2009 or earlier).

All information collected by the public health unit will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes described in this letter. Further, these immunization records are being disclosed to local public health units under Section 39(2)(a) of the Personal Health Information and Privacy Act (PHIPA) as a disclosure that is made for the purposes of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).

Public health units may reach out to parents/legal guardians/students, as applicable, if they have questions about a student’s immunization status. For example, they may have questions about a particular immunization record (e.g., dose timing), or information that is missing. They can also answer any questions you may have and provide information related to COVID-19 vaccines. It is important that this information is complete and accurate since it will inform public health units in the event of an outbreak.

Please see the following COVID-19 Information Resources for Parents/Guardians and Youth and the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Parents and Guardians for information about COVID-19 and vaccines.

Should you have questions on how to access COVID-19 vaccines for yourself, your child, or your family, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/GetVaccinated

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keep our students safe.

 

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang (she/her)
Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health
Region of Waterloo Public Health & Emergency Services

 

Loretta Notten

Director of Education, Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)

 

jeewan chanicka (he/him)

Director of Education, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)

 

WCDSB, WRDSB and Public Health Update Letter – Sept 29, 2021 in pdf

Welcome Back Letter from WCDSB Director

August 26th, 2021

Dear WCDSB Community,

The last days of summer are winding down and we know that everyone’s thoughts have turned to the return to school.  We cannot wait to welcome all our staff and students back!  We hope you have had a safe, restful and enjoyable summer.  This letter brings a few important updates about our return and provides a link to a much more detailed overview of our Operational Guidelines.

Return to In Person Learning

All schools will be open this September and St. Isidore (our virtual school, for those who enrolled last June) will operate dedicated classes at the elementary level.  We will use a hybrid model in secondary for those students who have selected online learning for this year.  Our St. Louis programs will be returning in varied formats to start the year. Specific program-based places will be shared next week.

Vaccination

On August 17th the Government of Ontario announced that they (and we by extension) will implement an immunization disclosure policy for all publicly funded school board employees and licensed child cares.  For those staff who cannot attest that they are fully vaccinated, they will be completing regular testing before reporting to their school or workplace.  The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Waterloo Region Public Health also strongly endorse all students ages 12 and older to access vaccination.

Masking

Students from K to 12 and all St. Louis students will continue to wear masks.  An exemption form is required for any student in grades 1 to 12 who is unable to wear a mask.  We will be strongly supporting this precaution, as Public Health and provincial guidance suggests that outside of vaccination, it is our best strategy to promote a healthy and safe environment for all.  We ask you to work with us to support students in understanding why we wear a mask and how to do so safely.

Masks do not have to be worn outside but it is always an option to do so and if no mask is being worn outside students should use physical distancing. Those requesting an accommodation under the Human Rights Code should submit their exemption request to their school Principal.

Hand Hygiene and Distancing

We are pleased to share that there will be more access to resources and learning materials.  We will take a cautious approach, but students will be sharing more objects within their classroom, so hand hygiene and distancing will remain important practices.  School staff will work with students to reinforce the strong habits that ensure a robust and safe learning environment for all.

Daily Screening

All staff and students are still required to complete daily screening, using the Ontario School Screener.  The tool is being updated to reflect the new protocols and we will share it and post it in our Operational Guidelines as soon as it is available.  This request is extremely important.  Any individual who is symptomatic should not come to school, even if they believe it is not COVID-19.

Lockers, Lunches and Breaks

  • The use of approved lockers and cubbies will be permitted this year. Once again hand hygiene will be critical, students must be masked at all times in these areas and there is a 5-minute time limit at a locker and students should avoid congregating.
  • The cafeteria remains closed at this time.

Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are ensuring a safe and happy return 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 every grateful for your continued support and remain ready and willing to assist you as we transition back to what will undoubtedly be a #WCDSBAwesome year!

Sincerely

Loretta Notten

Director of Education

School Vaccine Clinics – Book Now

Attention all Waterloo Catholic District School Board Students age 12-17

The Waterloo Region Vaccine Task Force is hosting school vaccine clinics across Waterloo Region between June 22 – 26, 2021 for youth and their families.

School vaccine clinics

Youth aged 12-17 and family members they live with can book appointments at these vaccine clinics to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments are available between June 22 – 26, 2021. Free parking is available on-site at all the clinics.

Grand River Collegiate

175 Indian Rd, Kitchener, ON N2B 2S7

 

Southwood Secondary School

30 Southwood Dr, Cambridge, ON N1S 4K3

 

Huron Heights Secondary School

1825 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener, ON N2R 1S3

How to book an appointment?

To book an appointment please email youthclinics@regionofwaterloo.ca with your name, contact information, and preferred clinic location. Someone will call you back to complete the booking process (within 48 hours).

You can also book an appointment by calling the YMCA settlement services at 226-339-4964.

These clinics do not take walk-ins, an appointment is needed.

Who can get the vaccine now?

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are now eligible to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Youth must be 12 years old at the time of their appointment.

Youth will be able to get their second dose quicker than other people so they will have both their shots before the 2021/2022 school year.

What vaccine will be given?

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 12 years of age and older. See the resources below for more information.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe.

COVID School Closure – What this means for St. Louis Programs

CoronavirusUpdateSlider

April 13th, 2021

Dear St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Community –

As you know we have commenced our well-deserved April Break and we hope that for each of you, it is starting as well as it can under our current circumstances.  No doubt you are likely also aware, the Premier of the Province has indicated that the return to school after the April Break will be remote.  That means that, on April 19th all schools in the WCDSB, including St. Louis, will continue their learning virtually.  The decision is being made with an abundance of caution.  Experience has shown us that our schools are generally quite safe.  Our protocols have served us well, and the cases of COVID are not starting, nor are they generally spreading, in our schools – but we are a reflection of the community.  We have also seen an increase in the variants, and they are proving more concerning.  Closing the schools to in person learning for the remainder of April will help us contain the cases that come into schools and ensure that when we return to our buildings, we are doing so in the safest manner possible.

We do not yet have a firm return date for in-person learning, but we know that we will pivot to virtual for a minimum of 2 weeks.  Once we have a firm return date for in-person learning we share that information with the school community. Visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca often for updates.

The move to remote learning for our programs will be as it was in January.  The first day back to learning remains the same as planned for your program, beginning April 19th. There are no changes to the days or times of your programs. All learning that was occurring remotely will continue unchanged.

Students who were learning in-person in any of our campuses will be joining their classes or programs online for the duration of the school closure. They are as follows:

  • Culinary
  • Hairstyling
  • Personal Support Worker (*those in theory classes)
  • LBS — Core Essentials
  • ESL
  • LINC
  • Childminding & Licensed Child Care

Our students who are working on Co-operative education credits (Credits@Work and School to Work placements in essential services) may continue their placement following all COVID protocols and safety measures.

Thank you all for adhering to public health and safety measures that have ensured schools remain a safe place for our students and staff.  This will be more important than ever now – both for our schools and for our community at large.  During the April Break we all must adhere to the public health guidance to limit our contacts and social gatherings.

Once again, we encourage you to visit Ontario.ca/covidresponse to learn what public health measures are in place in our community – but also please be aware that these could change depending on the most current public health advice.

We also suggest checking out these helpful resources and supports:

I will also take this opportunity to once again point out that mental health resources are available to students and families through:

  • Kids Help Phone, which offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. To use this free resource, children can call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868.
  • For adults in the region there is crisis line support available through Here 24 Seven 1-844-437-3247.
  • Need COVID-19 support? Check out here4help.ca/.
  • Other online resources to check out for information and tools regarding mental wellness and health are https://mindyourmind.ca/, and https://anxietycanada.com/.

Vaccination does continue to roll out and while we are in the darkest of days right now, there is reason to believe there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. Please be sure to follow the media and be aware of Public Health announcements for vaccine registrations that may be available to you based on age and postal codes within the region as that information is being updated as new information becomes available. Let us continue to be an Easter people, anchored in faith.  Please remain confident that we are here to support you, as we walk together as a hope-filled community.  #InThisTogether  #WeGotThis

Please keep in mind that most of our school staff and teachers are on a well-deserved break and will be available for questions, guidance and updates as of April 19th, 2021.

Sincerely,

Lisa Mackay

Principal