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Mastering Your Money

Mastering Your Money

We are happy to welcome Fred Masters, President of Masters Money Management Inc., to chat with us about personal financial wellness. Mr. Masters is the author of the critically acclaimed book Lessons on Mastering Money: The Personal Finance Guide for Canadians in their 20s and 30s and a contributor for Canadian MoneySaver Magazine.

St. Louis Celebrates Community and Diversity

This week St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres came together to celebrate.

 

We celebrate community. We celebrate our diversity. We celebrate the many people who helped toward the renovation of our Main Campus.  Mostly, we celebrate the everyday inspiration felt when students enter our school with hope of new beginnings, seize the opportunity to pursue their educational goals, and realize their success and full potential.

We began this week with a welcoming event and renovation tour to publicly thank school board and community champions who were part of the enhancements to our facilities and learning environments.  The St. Louis Kitchener Main Campus renovation at 80 Young Street was spring boarded after a renewed 15-year lease agreement was signed in January 2020 with the Catholic religious order, the Congregation of the Resurrection (CR) – which has owned the site for more than 150 years.

Renovation at Kitchener Main Campus

Over the last 3 years, significant infrastructure and fixtures were replaced and numerous learning environments were renovated, including a transformed hair salon, PSW lab and upgraded commercial kitchen.  With an equity and inclusion lens, universal washrooms, foot wash stations and multi-faith artifacts, and accessible signage and mobility features were added. We are enormously proud of this physical transformation, the partnership and shared legacy with the CR’s and more importantly of the impact St. Louis continues to have on learners of all ages in our community.

Heart of the Community

While the construction plans were being executed, our school community of staff, students and administrators came together to spend the last several months deciding on how we may showcase the value that St. Louis brings as the heart of the community.

The results so far:

  • A new Welcome wall, in 22 of the top languages either spoken or taught at our Main Campus
  • 3 student-chosen Unlearn© murals representing global diversity, flesh tones and various pathways to success
  • Celebration of Diversity & Community – A St. Louis Mural – a stunningly colourful art installation of 360 tiles, painted by students and staff, and arranged to reflect the hopes and aspirations of all involved

Faith, Equity & Inclusion

Beside this Celebration of Diversity & Community mural is a living document demonstrating our commitment to the ongoing conversation and continual growth as a school community.

This Equity statement begins like this:  At St. Louis, we continuously strive to create an environment where equity and inclusivity are paramount; a space where diversity is celebrated, and all voices are heard.  We work daily toward achieving our vision of Hope, Opportunity, and Success for All. To assist us in realizing this vision, we commit to the following guidelines, under the categories of Professional Development, Practices and Programming, and Positive Interaction.  For the full statement of this formal conversation, commitment and guidelines READ MORE.

Beautifully stated by St. Louis Principal, Lisa Mackay, “The (equity) statements contained, represent what we strive for each day in our programs… It is through these daily choices, actions and practices that we make our campuses inclusive learning communities where people thrive, feel welcome and can reach their potential. We know that as human beings we don’t always get it right, but it is imperative to always be aware of what is needed and expected, to reflect and learn and to work together to create the community we all want and deserve.”

With the old lockers of the St. Mary’s and St. Jerome’s high school era gone, and a refreshed look throughout the building, our walls and halls are filling up once again with a hope-filled future. There are many more opportunities for St. Louis to add to the remaining blank walls, just as there are many opportunities for our St. Louis students to start anew, at any point in their learning journey, and share their stories of success.

Hope, Opportunity, and Success for All

St. Louis Holiday Calendar – All Campuses

St. Louis Holiday Calendar – All Campuses

The holidays are approaching. St. Louis Programs and courses end at various times this month. Now is the time to register for programs and classes starting in January and February.

  • ESL/LINC offices close starting this Friday.
  • Last International and Indigenous Languages classes are this Saturday.
  • Term 3 Secondary School Credit Classes start Jan 10 and Guidance is available until Thursday, December 22 to register new and returning students.

St. Louis is CLOSED December 24 to January 8. Please check out our Holiday Calendar for stop and start dates for ALL of our Programs.

CUPE Labour Update – Nov 16, 2022

Nov 16, 2022

Dear St. Louis Students, Parents and Guardians and Community Partners,

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board received notice that Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) could potentially withdraw services again starting on Monday, November 21, 2022, if an agreement is not reached this week with the Ontario Government.

If the CUPE job action happens, All CLASSES at all St. Louis locations will remain OPEN as per our usual schedule for currently registered students.  OFFICES will be CLOSED.

No CUPE staff will be working on site. There will be no new registrations to any programs nor will other services. If there is picketing near the school, we ask for your patience and care as you come onto school property.

To St. Louis students who are also parents of children who attend our Catholic Elementary and Catholic Secondary Schools: All Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Catholic Board will be CLOSED to in-person attendance, and they will move directly to synchronous remote learning. Please arrange alternate care for your children, if you are able, so you may continue to attend your St. Louis classes.

To St. Louis students who have children attending Public Board Elementary and Secondary schools: Please continue to attend classes you are enrolled in. You are not directly affected by this potential labour disruption because the Public Board schools will be open.

For Updates: Please check the St. Louis website https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date information regarding St. Louis programming. Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

For information about possible school closures of Catholic Elementary & Catholic Secondary schools: Please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca

St. Louis school and offices OPEN

Labour Updates

St. Louis school and offices OPEN

Updated: November 7, 2022

Dear St. Louis school community,

As a result of this morning’s announcement by the Premier that the Ontario government will rescind Bill 28 and will return to collective bargaining with the Canadian Public Sector Employees Union – Ontario — (CUPE), education workers represented by CUPE have agreed to pause their job action and return to schools effective tomorrow – Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

All St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education sites will continue to be OPEN for in-person learning, as regularly scheduled.  Registration and office services will re-open on Tuesday, November 8.

All WCDSB Elementary and Secondary schools will re-open to in-person learning tomorrow, as well.

To check the status of ANY St. Louis classes, including program updates, school cancellations due to weather or unforeseen events, please check the St. Louis website https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for the most up-to-date information.

You may also subscribe to St. Louis Newswire (found on the bottom of the St. Louis homepage). Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

We thank you for your patience and understanding, and we pray that both sides will quickly reach a fair and just collective agreement that serves the interests of all.

St. Louis – CUPE Labour Update – for November 7

Labour Updates

Important Update on CUPE Strike

Updated: November 6, 2022

Dear St. Louis school community,

St. Louis Adult Education sites will be OPEN on Monday, November 7, 2022 and teachers will be available for in-person learning, as regularly scheduled. This includes evening International Languages,  and PSW classes as well as Teacher tutor support. No new registrations to St. Louis programs will be accepted, until further notice.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board will continue with independent/remote learning activities on Monday, November 7 and until further notice.

Schools will NOT be open to students and transportation will NOT be running. Before/after school programs will NOT be operating.

Teachers will begin synchronous learning activities on Monday, November 7, until further notice.

Students in Elementary and Secondary schools will be able to login to their respective learning management system for more information from their classroom teacher. Visit https://www.wcdsb.ca/students/ for instructions on how to login to D2L and Google Classroom. Instructions are available in multiple languages.

Should you be absent/unable to attend, please inform their teacher.

Please feel free to contact your school if you have any questions or concerns.

For updates regarding the status of ANY St. Louis classes in the coming week, including Monday evening International and Indigenous Language Elementary and Secondary Language Credit classes, please check the St. Louis website DAILY https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for the most up-to-date information. Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

You may also subscribe to St. Louis Newswire (found on the bottom of the St. Louis homepage). Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

We will post updated information as it becomes available on our WCDSB Labour Updates page at: https://www.wcdsb.ca/about-us/labour-updates/

CUPE Labour Update Re: St. Louis Saturday Programs – Nov 5

Labour Negotiations – CUPE

Update

St. Louis Saturday Programs

Released: Nov 4, 2022

Dear St. Louis Saturday Students, Parents and Guardians and Community Partners,

All St. Louis Saturday classes WILL BE RUNNING, on Saturday, November 5, in-person, as per our usual schedule for currently registered students.

This includes:

  • Saturday Skills Builder at St. Mary’s High School and St. Benedict CSS
  • International and Indigenous Language Programs – Elementary at St. Louis – Kitchener Main and St. Francis Campuses, Resurrection CSS, St. John CES, and Holy Spirit CES
  • International Languages – Secondary Credit (Chinese) at Resurrection CSS

No new registrations to St. Louis Saturday programs will be accepted, until further notice.

For updates regarding the status of ANY St. Louis classes in the coming week, including Monday evening International and Indigenous Language Elementary and Secondary Language Credit classes, please check the St. Louis website DAILY https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for the most up-to-date information. Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

You may also subscribe to St. Louis Newswire (found on the bottom of the St. Louis homepage). Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter.

For information about the status of Catholic Elementary & Catholic Secondary school operations, please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca

Quick Facts:

  • St. Louis supports approximately 2500 learners at one time (ages 6mths to over 70 years old) meeting the continuing education needs of over 12 000 students annually.
  • St. Louis is funded by various ministries (including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ministry of Colleges and Universities; Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada; and Employment Ontario)

 

URGENT UPDATE: St. Louis and CUPE Strike – Nov 4, 2022

Labour Negotiations – CUPE 

URGENT Update 

CUPE Strike and St. Louis 

Nov 3, 2022 

Dear St. Louis Students, Parents and Guardians and Community Partners, 

Due to recent developments regarding the strike by CUPE education workers, it will no longer be possible to operate our St. Louis campuses safely and securely.  

As a result, ALL ST. LOUIS CAMPUSES ARE CLOSED — Friday, November 4, 2022  

We sincerely apologize for this unforeseen late notice. 

As we await further details about ongoing negotiations and the continuation of the strike action, please check the St. Louis website daily https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for the most up-to-date information regarding St. Louis programming and the direction to students. 

You may also subscribe to St. Louis Newswire (found on the bottom of the St. Louis homepage). Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter. For information about possible school closures of Catholic Elementary & Catholic Secondary schools: Please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca 

NOTE: The St. Louis Graduation Ceremony scheduled for Friday evening at St. Mary’s of the Seven Sorrows Catholic Church, across the street from St. Louis, will proceed as planned. 

 

Important Message – Possible CUPE Strike and St. Louis

Labour Negotiations – CUPE

Important Message

Possible CUPE Strike and St. Louis

 

Nov 2, 2022

Dear St. Louis Students, Parents and Guardians and Community Partners,

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board received notice that Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) may strike starting on Friday, November 4, 2022, if an agreement is not reached this week with the Ontario Government.

If the strike happens, all Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Catholic Board will be CLOSED, yet for now All programs at all St. Louis locations will remain OPEN in the event of a CUPE strike.

All St. Louis classes will be running daytime, evening and Saturday as per our usual schedule for currently registered students, but it will not be ‘business as usual’. No CUPE staff will be working on site. There will be no new registrations to any programs should a strike occur. Please be aware there may be picketing near the school. If there is picketing, we ask for your patience and care as you come onto school property.

  • To St. Louis students who are also parents of children who attend our Catholic Elementary and Catholic Secondary Schools: Please arrange alternate care for your children to continue to attend your classes if you are able.
  • To St. Louis students who have children attending Public Board Elementary and Secondary schools: Please continue to attend classes you are enrolled in. You are not directly affected by the strike because the Public Board schools will be open.
  • On-site guests and partners will have their campus visits and services rescheduled after the strike is over.

For Updates: Please check the St. Louis website https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca the most up to date information regarding St. Louis programming. Or follow StLouisALC on Facebook / @StLouisWCDSB on Twitter. For information about possible school closures of Catholic Elementary & Catholic Secondary schools: Please visit https://www.wcdsb.ca

Quick Facts:

  • St. Louis supports approximately 2500 learners at one time (ages 6mths to over 70 years old) meeting the continuing education needs of over 12 000 students annually.
  • St. Louis is funded by various ministries (including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ministry of Colleges and Universities; Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada; and Employment Ontario)

Hairstyling Intake, Term 2 Classes Start and Graduation

What’s new at St. Louis – Oct 31-Nov 4

Hairstyling & Barber Intake

St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centre is hosting a public Intake session for those potential students interested in enrolling in the Hairstyling and Barber Training program. (Pre-registration online is required)

mannequin head with hair design by a St. Louis hairstyling studentAttend an information session, and registration / intake session

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

4:00- 6:00

St. Louis – Kitchener Main Campus

LOW COST  ~ PROFESSIONAL ~ QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS  ~ EARLY APPRENTICESHIP

Next class begins January 9, 2023 . In 8 months, learn foundational in-school theory, professional hands-on training, taught by certified teachers, plus  get 2-month work placement experience. Up to 8 elective Secondary School Credits can be earned toward high school completion OR to increase your grades on your transcript, a benefit for any future post-secondary pursuits. AND start your apprenticeship early through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), and the first 220 hours on placement count toward becoming licensed.

 

Term 2 Classes

Only a couple of days left to register for in-person, teacher-led Secondary School Credits Day classes held at St. Louis -Kitchener Main Campus from Wednesday, November 2nd – December 22. Morning and afternoon classes available in Math, English, Physics, Biology or Ontario Literacy Course.  **FREE**

**NEWCulinary & Hospitality classes offered every 2 months– cooking and baking courses on a budget, learn for yourself or your family, learn to earn or learn to graduate!  Term 2 offers credit classes specifically Hospitality & Tourism in the morning, Event Planning in the afternoon. $75 materials fee for each Hospitality course.

Visit St. Louis Guidance Services to REGISTER TODAY — Guidance Services are available Monday to Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm / 1:30pm – 4:00pm

It’s never too late to get your high school diploma or

upgrade for your college or university applications.

**Note: St. Louis school will be OPEN and ALL classes will be running during the CUPE Labour disruptions and pending strike.  Please watch for UPDATES on https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca 

Graduation

The most wonderful time of the year for the St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education school community is GRADUATION!

On Friday, November 4 at 7:00pm. 259 Graduates from the 2021-2022 school year will receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  An additional 53 students will receive their Hairstyling / Barbering or Culinary Training Certificates. For some adults, graduation is the milestone they have been striving for, for a long time.  We are so please to offer an in-person ceremony again at St. Mary’s – Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Church in downtown Kitchener.