519-745-1201|stlouis@wcdsb.ca

St. Louis Students Give Back to the Community Through Culinary Skills

St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education is more than just a place to learn—it’s a hub for community connection and support.  

As a meaningful conclusion to their fall semester on Friday, October 24, students in St. Louis’ culinary program showcased their skills by preparing nutritious soups for the Tiny Home Takeout initiative, supporting those in need within the Kitchener community. This opportunity allowed students to make a meaningful impact by applying what they’ve learned in a real-world setting, reflecting St. Louis’ commitment to fostering not only individual growth, but also a strong sense of social responsibility. 

St Louis Students

Through their participation, St. Louis students gain valuable hands-on experience in the culinary arts, building the skills they need for future careers while making a difference in the lives of others. Guided by their educators and mentors, students take pride in every step of the process—from preparation to serving—knowing that their contributions provide warmth and nourishment to those facing food insecurity. For these students, the experience embodies St. Louis’ values of “Hope, Opportunity, and Success for All,” inspiring them to pursue their personal goals while giving back to their community.

As St. Louis looks to the future, its focus remains on empowering students to make a difference beyond the classroom. By blending education with service initiatives like Tiny Home Takeout, St. Louis ensures that students graduate with skills, experience, and a strong sense of community purpose.

International Languages Registration is OPEN

As we wind down the end of the school year, start planning for September!

Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 International & Indigenous Languages Program – Elementary (IILE)

Program runs from September to June every year.  IILE is FREE and open to all Elementary students in our community.

18 Languages to Choose From!

With over 18 languages to choose from, children from JK to Grade 8 can be registered to enrol in language classes offered during the school-year.  Participants may already speak the language at home; may wish they could improve their communication with friends or family; or want to learn a new language that would develop varied interests and broaden their perspective of the world. (No previous language knowledge is necessary.)

In our fast-growing and diverse community, school-age children who learn more than one language:

  • build richer friendships, family relationships and community connections
  • develop heritage pride, identity, and embrace various cultures
  • strengthen overall learning through improved writing, thinking and speaking skills

Help your child develop a passion for learning languages through music, games, storytelling, crafts and technology. Students who know more than 2 or 3 languages typically do better in school overall, and are keen to pursue other interests and hobbies with greater achievement.

Register NOW for Elementary Language Program until September 6, 2024.

Wish you learned a language when you were younger?

Secondary School Language Credits are available FREE for youth and adults and six different languages are offered September to June.   Each class is 3 1/2 hours and parking is free at each school location (first come, first served)

Monday Evenings (St. Benedict CSS, Cambridge): Portuguese

Wednesday Evenings (St. Louis – Main Campus, Kitchener): Italian (NEW), Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish 

Saturday mornings (Resurrection CSS, Kitchener): Chinese

The International Languages Secondary Credit Program will help youth and adults:

  • Earn up to three elective secondary credits towards graduation and Ontario Secondary Diploma – even if you are learning for personal interest and already have your high school diploma, this credit class can be added to your transcript upon successful completion.
  • Be better prepared for post-secondary studies in the fields of business, trade and communications
  • Successfully complete the Level D / Level 3 – University course and use it as one of the top six marks for post-secondary entry
  • Develop skills for international/ global employment opportunities
  • Foster global awareness and understanding

At the beginning of Secondary School Credit class, teachers describe course outlines, learning outcomes, class expectations, weekly attendance, assignments and culminating activities.

Interested?

International Languages – Secondary School Credit program is open to:

  • students under 18 currently attending day classes at ANY Secondary School
  • students over 18 currently earning secondary school credits in any other program at St. Louis
  • any adult who is an Ontario resident
  • all students must be be able to attend classes in-person.

Register NOW for Secondary Language Credit classes until September 6, 2024

If you do not see the language you wish to learn, reach out to Susan.ElNagar@wcdsb.ca for more information.

Beacons of Hope – St. Louis

St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres mission is to bring Hope, Opportunity, Success for All  students and the community at large.  From time to time, we are reminded that each of us has the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, open doors of opportunity for someone else, and lift each other up to be the best version of ourselves.

This week we acknowledge Catholic Education, Mental Health Awareness, and National Nurses Week.  All carry similar themes of our humanness and connectedness to bring each other hope, faith, mercy, justice, and joy.  As part of this theme, we have also acknowledged three St. Louis students whom we consider to be Beacons of Hope.  They are our unsung heros and emulate five common characteristics:

  • Humility
  • Empathy
  • Committed to a cause
  • Courage to do the right thing
  • Consistent excellence and teamwork

So whether you are adult student who started a Term 5 secondary school credit course with us yesterday, a prospective PSW or Hairstyling student attending an intake this month, continue progressing with your English language learning, or are thinking to sign up for summer learning … know that the pursuit of possibilities will move you forward. St. Louis is here to support you on this educational journey.

Be inspired by these Beacons of Hope

 

Summer Learning – UPDATE

Waterloo Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting your child’s continued learning.  In July and August this year, there are several FREE* learning options available for elementary and secondary students that will ignite, support and challenge toward student success and preparation for the next grade.

Registration for Summer Learning credit and children’s programs has been open for several weeks and a few programs and sections are now FULL. Registration for all summer programs and courses ends in June.  If a course or program is full, students will be accepted on a waiting list.

 Visit https://www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning/ for full details.

** All Grade 9-12 summer credit courses and K-8 summer learning programs are subject to change and are based on enrolment and availability**

SPACE AVAILABLE

Gr. 9 Summer Credit course online
  • HIF1OE (Individual and Family Living) (for Grade 8 students entering Gr. 9 at WCDSB secondary school)
Gr. 10 – 12 Summer Credit courses online
Children’s Summer Learning
  • Summer Fun with Languages – JK – Gr. 8 – Tamil and Arabic (St. Francis Campus, 154 Gatewood., Kitchener)
  • Summer Boost – SK – Gr. 6 (Peter CES, St. Bernadette, Sir Edgar Bauer)
  • Summer Expedition for students currently in Grades 6, 7, 8 (St. Mary’s HS and St. Benedict CSS)
  • HeadStart – Afternoon sessions (Resurrection, St. David, St. Mary’s, St. Benedict and St. Vincent de Paul for Monsignor Doyle students)
Summer ESL
  • Registration Opens May 1st for current students and May 8 for new students

WAITING LISTS ONLY

Grade 9 Summer Credit In-person courses
  • TDJ1OI – Exploring Technology Design / Engineering
  • TFJ1OI – Exploring Hospitality and Tourism
  • TGJ1OI – Exploring Communication Technology
  • TXJ1OI – Exploring Hairstyling and Aesthetics
Children’s Summer Learning
  • Summer Fun with Languages – JK- Gr. 8 – Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Spanish, Tigrinya, Traditional Mandarin, Ukrainian
  • HeadStart – Morning sessions at all 5 locations

Easter Greetings and Welcome the Season of Renewal 

Waterloo Catholic Community, 

As we slowly begin our journey into spring – being reminded of life’s continuous cycle of renewal and growth – we are also entering into the holiest days of our Catholic Church year.  

This winter our weather may have been a bit milder, yet its length and unpredictability have presented challenges to many of us. This provides the backdrop of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, reminding us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new and abundant life and new beginnings are upon us. 

In Pope Francis’ message for Lent he reminded us “to pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister [because] love of God and love of neighbour are one love.” This continues for us in the Easter season, and we take time to reflect on those in our community and the world who are without necessary resources for survival, or suffering from violence, including ongoing wars.  

Just as spring kicks off the awakening of nature with vibrancy and new life, Easter invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith and renewal. This marks a time to rejoice in the blessings we have received and to look forward, with joyful hope, to the opportunities that await us.  

Thank you to our staff for their continued work and the support of our students and their families. Let us continue to cultivate an atmosphere that reflects our Catholic faith’s teachings of love, forgiveness, and service to others. Together, we can inspire hope and foster a community where everyone is empowered to learn and thrive, both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, blessed, holy, and happy Easter.  

Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education 

March 28th, 2024

PUBLIC HEALTH – Measles Update – March 25, 2024

MEASLES INFORMATION for Parents/Guardians and Students

Re: Measles Update – March 25, 2024

WHAT IS MEASLES?

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral infection. There have been recent measles cases in several Ontario jurisdictions and large outbreaks in Europe, the United States and elsewhere. Most cases of measles have been linked to travel outside of Ontario.

Measles can cause serious illness and death. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes (pink eye) and a red rash lasting 4 to 7 days.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

    1. Ensure you are up to date with measles vaccination, especially ahead of international travel.

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