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WCDSB and St. Louis launch two Nigerian language programs

WCDSB and St. Louis launch two Nigerian language programs for Children Kindergarten to Grade 8

February 4, 2022 — The Waterloo Catholic District School Board and St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centres are pleased to announce the start of two new International and Indigenous Language Program (IILP) schools this week. Of the thirteen languages currently being offered remotely to students Kindergarten to Grade 8, we now welcome Nigerian languages, Igbo (E-boo) and Yoruba (Yo-RU-ba) to the Saturday morning program complement.

Yoruba will begin this Saturday, February 5th.

Igbo will begin next Saturday, February 12th.

Interest and enrolment spread rapidly over the past 6 weeks to attract close to 75 children from the Igbo and Yoruba language communities into the program. Although these language schools’ new beginnings are imminent, students interested in these two languages are welcomed to enrol at any time. Learning will begin remotely from home. When Saturday morning programs can resume to in-person learning safely, classes will be moved to our new St. Francis Campus (Queens Blvd and Westmount area).

What will they learn?

For 43 years, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board has assembled numerous language communities together to provide a robust International and Indigenous Languages Program (IILP) for both Elementary and Secondary learners. Various cultural communities within Waterloo Region have offered language learning for their children, JK to Grade 8. Learning language among children ones own age is very different. By using music, games, storytelling, interactive and educational activities as well as increased use of technology, students learn the value of using another language.

This Ministry of Education mandated funding is available to school boards who then accommodate language learning when approached by cultural communities. To start a language school, a minimum of 23 learners (JK to Grade 8) is required. Regardless of which publicly funded school children attend during the day, all students are welcome to learn any of the languages offered after school, on weekends or in summer. Note: prior knowledge of the language is not necessary.

How to Register?

Program details about these and other Saturday morning programs may be found at https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/programsandcourses/il/elementary/ . Registration is online.

Classes are currently offered in a learn-at-home format led by a qualified instructor hired by WCDSB, until such time as we are permitted to return to a physical classroom.

Quotes:

“We are excited to welcome these two Nigerian language communities to the International Languages – Elementary Program and add them to the St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education legacy in Waterloo Region. Some language schools in the Region have been in existence for over 127 years, like the Sir Casimir Gzowski Polish School, and 45 years with the local Portuguese community.”

“We are enormously proud when we help a cultural community in their efforts to preserve language and culture. WCDSB and St. Louis became ambassadors for the first Rohingya language school in the world in 2012. That legacy has been recognized and can now continue for years to come. By inviting new language communities like Igbo and Yoruba to St. Louis / WCDSB, we are demonstrating a commitment to the value of diversity, inclusion and quality education.”

~~ Susan ElNagar, Program Manager, International Languages

“When a child hears their language spoken, especially while out in the public, they instantly feel a sense of community ~ a sense of belonging. Language is an integral part of cultural identity and a shared connection to roots brings communities together.”

~~Grace Ogor, Igbo Community member

“Youth growing up in an environment with little cultural outlets need intentional opportunities like this language school to foster usage and continuity of their mother tongue. While entertainment and social media give a general appreciation for the language that otherwise may not be spoken in daily life, learning with their peers would give an avenue for personal connections. The gift of learning their mother tongue would not only keep the language alive, but also gives them the confidence to stay rooted in culture – to explore other creative expressions, beyond our imagination.”

~~Aramide Taiwo, Yoruba Community member

Quick Facts:

History of St. Louis International Languages Program:

History of International Languages in Ontario is 44 years old in 2021.
Prior to 1977, heritage language schools were delivered by various cultural and linguistic communities.
In July 1977, Ministry of Education introduces Heritage Language Program to be offered through Continuing Education in or through School Boards.
By July 1989, Heritage Language programs become MANDATED and are funded through the Ministry of Education.
In 1993, the program name changed from Heritage to International Languages and then International and Indigenous Language Programs
To date, St. Louis International and Indigenous Language Program has over 1300 children participating in language learning during the 2021-2022 school year. Summer Programming usually sees another 400 children.

About St. Louis:

Established in 1986, the St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centres have been a proud part of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for 35 years, serving more than 260,000 adults, youth and children.
St. Louis focuses on supporting adults and youth to complete their OSSD, upgrade for post-secondary, or learn an employable skill; help newcomers to learn or improve English; and offers many after-school, weekend and summer learning options for children.
Over the last 15-20 years, more than 2,800 students have graduated from St. Louis’ award-winning, accredited certificate, apprenticeship and licensing ‘school-to-work’ programs (Culinary, Hairstyling and Personal Support Worker).

Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo

Waterloo Catholic District School Board

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board, representing more than 96,000 Catholic school supporters, operates 48 schools and five adult education facilities serving more than 40,000 elementary, secondary and continuing education students in Waterloo Region – continuing a 185-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

SNOW DAY – Feb 3, 2022

Due to poor weather conditions on Thursday February 3rd, 2022, schools will be CLOSED.

ALL St. Louis students taking in-person and online classes offered both day and evening, should visit their virtual classroom for work posted by the classroom teacher. Teachers will be available remotely during class times today. There are no childcare services offered today at St. Louis.

Snow Alert for Evening Classes ~ Feb 2, 2022

Due to declining weather conditions, St. Louis campuses are closed this evening, February 2, 2022.

Please visit your class virtual site for further directions on student learning for tonight.

Welcome Back to In-Person Learning – UPDATE February 22, 2022

As restrictions continue to shift, so does the mode of delivery for the course offerings at St. Louis.

The following programs are currently offered in-person (as of February 22nd):

Personal Support Worker Certificate program is full, in-person learning, in class (Kitchener Main Campus, Fairview Mennonite Homes) or at designated placement
Hairstyling program is full, in-person learning, in class (Kitchener Main Campus) or at designated placement
Culinary Arts Training program continues at designated placement locations
Spots for Tots licensed childcare is in-person for registered children of parents who are learning onsite (Kitchener Main Campus)
Core Essentials (Literacy and Basic Skills) students continues to have the option of in-person or online learning (Kitchener Main and St. Benedict Campuses)
Correspondence Tutoring services are available offers in-person or online options (Kitchener Main Campus) – check and book according to day and evening schedules
LINC and Care for Newcomer Children – CNC / Childminding for qualifying families is full, in-person learning, in class (Kitchener Main, St. Francis, and Highland Campuses)
ESL students continue to have the option of in-person or online learning, whichever one they registered for at most locations (Kitchener Main, St. Mary’s 77 Young, St. Francis, Emmanuel and St. Benedict Campuses)
Students who are earning credits while they work, either at an in-person or remote job, are encouraged to have regular contact with your St. Louis Credits@Work teacher.
Homework Clubs at over 30 Catholic Elementary Schools and all Catholic Secondary Schools have resumed to in-person learning, before / after school or lunch (depending on school’s designated time)

** All other programs continue in a remote, online format until further notice**

Looking for Guidance Services?

LAST CHANCE to REGISTER For:

Term 4 in-person or online Day credit classes beginning March 2nd (8:45am-11:30am / 12:30pm-3:30pm, ending May 2, 2022)

Guidance Services are also either in-person or remote. ALL current and prospective students must first complete the Guidance Intake form. All students NEW to St. Louis and WCDSB need to complete the New Student Registration Form. Regular Office Hours: Now to June 30, 2022: Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 12:30pm/1:30-4:00pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 5:30pm – 7:30pm . Closed Fridays for PLAR and online appointments.

Upcoming Skills Training Intake Sessions:

Next Personal Support Worker Certificate Training Intake Session will be in-person on Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Pre-registration begins soon!

Next Hairstyling Training Intake Session will be in-person on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 4:00-6:00pm. Classes start September 2022. Pre-Register TODAY.

Stay tuned for details about the Culinary Arts Training programming for a September start. Expressions of interest welcomed or for further inquiries, please call 519-745-1201 x201 or email Maria.Sukarieh@wcdsb.ca

** For more information on all St. Louis programs, visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca **

SNOW DAY ~ Jan 17, 2022

Due to poor weather conditions on Monday, January 17, 2022, schools will be closed.

ALL St. Louis students taking in-person and online classes offered both day and evening, should visit their virtual classroom for work posted by the classroom teacher. Teachers will be available remotely during class times today.

There are no childcare services offered today at St. Louis.

Return to School for St. Louis ~ Jan 17, 2022

Our St. Louis programs are unique in many ways compared to the traditional elementary and secondary school structures. We will be handling the next several weeks a bit differently, than a full return to in-person instruction to support our learners. All students attending in-person learning at St. Louis are expected to continue to wear masks at all times, follow social distancing, use hand hygiene and complete the COVID-19 screening tool.

In-person or Online?

Please read the following information for St. Louis specific delivery format by program for student learning starting on Monday January 17.

PSW and Hairstyling/ Barber Programs will return to full in-person learning.
Core Essentials (LBS) students will continue to have the option of in-person or online learning.
Correspondence Tutoring will return to the online or in-person options – based on the Correspondence Tutoring schedule from before the holiday break.
Secondary Credit Day classes will continue with teacher led online learning for the remainder of the term (now until February 25).
All ESL, LINC and LINC Childminding at all locations will continue with teacher led online learning for the remainder of the term (February 18).
Spots for Tots will have in-person services for registered children of parents who are learning onsite and will also provide remote support to registered children of parents learning online.
International Languages, both elementary and secondary, will continue with teacher led online learning for the remainder of the school year.

Covid Screening

It is more important than ever before, that anyone feeling ill should not attend school in-person.

All children, students, staff, and visitors must complete the Covid-19 school screening for symptoms of illness every day before attending school or childcare. Staff have additional attestation protocols to follow. Any student or staff member with any symptom should not report to school.

If you have a child attending a Waterloo Catholic elementary or secondary school, the following letter to parents is very important. Please read the following:

Continuity of Learning

St. Louis is committed to the continuity of learning for all. In the event that we receive new direction from public health, the government of Ontario and/or WCDSB, please monitor local news, as well as visit the St. Louis and WCDSB websites for updates.

Subscribe to the St. Louis Newswire , located at the bottom of our homepage. Or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram social feeds.

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, 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.

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 students and 90 Personal Support Workers – almost all working in their respective industries.

We are currently registering for the Pre-Apprenticeship Hairstyling 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.

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