Staff and students at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Petawawa created a dynamically changing display to honour daily areas of mindfulness during Catholic Education Week.
“Starting with the day one theme, Rooted in Prayer, the community added to the display each day to demonstrate change and growth,” says Principal Scott Nichol.
SFA also held its annual Spring Book Fair, a highlight for many students and their families. The final day coincided with Kindergarten Orientation for new junior kindergarten students who will be starting their educational journey in September 2019.
With the work and expertise of staff, St. Francis of Assisi developed a sacred space in the front foyer to honour Indigenous communities. “Of note is an explanation of the Wolf Spirit; the animal most closely associated with our patron Saint, St. Francis of Assisi,” shares Principal Nichol.
Staff and students look forward to the annual Fun Night at the end of May as a way to partner community spirit with social justice. “All are being donated toward improving education and healthcare for an orphanage in Congo, Africa, that St. Francis School has partnered with for a number of years,” states Principal Nichol.
In early June, the school will also host a math night by the company ‘Jump4Math’ that school council successfully applied for in the Pro Grant process. “The theme for this night and the selected activities align nicely with our school-wide focus within numeracy this school year,” notes Principal Nichol.
The Grade 6/7 class welcomed a representative from CNL to discuss energy as part of their Science Odyssey school program, and the Grade 3 class used local expertise from the Petawawa Horticultural Society to help enrich the mission to be stewards of the environment.
Staff and students at Our Lady of Sorrows School have been learning about the Zones of Regulation. “We have learned the benefits of being able to name and identify feelings and emotions and strategies to shift our minds and bodies to the ‘green zone,’” shares Principal Tony Jacyno.
Grade 7 students have completed fundraising for their end-of-year trip to Montreal to tour St. Joseph’s Oratory, Old Montreal, Cirque du Soleil, and La Ronde Six Flags amusement park, all while enjoying the French culture of one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities.
“Our students worked extremely hard to raise funds outside of the school to make this trip as accessible as possible for all of their classmates. We are impressed and proud of the hard work students carried out after hours including bagging groceries and a bottle drive.”
A ‘Spring Fling’ dance was hosted by school council for all students on Friday, May 3, with Grades 1-3 in the afternoon and Grades 4-7 in the evening. “All had a great time in the spirit of celebrating spring,” notes Principal Jacyno.
“Catholic Education Week at OLS was also a great success with our liturgies, special activities, and our focus on ‘Living as Joyful Disciples,’ adds Principal Jacyno.
OLS also held the last book fair of the year, where many children took advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free offer. “It was invigorating to see the students so excited about choosing and reading books,” says Jacyno.
The Grade 6/7 class has been exploring the principles of flight in science and welcomed Major Paul Francis of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron from Garrison Petawawa into their classroom. As a follow-up, Major Francis will return to Our Lady of Sorrows at the end of May in a CH-146 Griffon Helicopter, which will land and take off from the school yard while students and staff watch from a safe distance. “What a wonderful opportunity to bring learning to life for our students while working closely with one of our community’s largest employers and neighbour,” says Principal Jacyno.
There also are a number of ‘good news’ happenings at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Deep River, shares Principal Ryan Kranz.
The Grade 6/7 class continues to visit the Four Seasons Retirement Residence where they participate in activities with the residents, and all classes continue with swimming lessons weekly at the local swimming pool.
Grade 7/8 students recently participated in a Canadian Tire Car Wash as a fundraiser for their year-end trip.
The ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ program is being enjoyed by students in a newly updated kitchen, and the EarlyOn learning centre recently opened within the building, allowing parents and their young children to visit and participate in play-based programs.
Students and staff recently celebrated Father Beachey’s Anniversary of Ordination with cupcakes for the entire student body generously made by the CWL.
We are looking forward to Kinder Orientation happening in June says Principal Kranz. “This is an opportunity for both parents and their children to visit St. Mary’s School, meet the staff and participate in some school bus safety.
St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Chalk River continues to be a vibrant and inclusive learning environment says Principal Dave Noble. “Recently, we have been blessed to have Fr. Mitch Beachey visit all of our classrooms to bless our RCCDSB student Prayer books.” The event was organized by Religious Lead Jennifer Boyle to foster the commitment to the home, school, parish relationship.
Community Liaison OPP constable Shawn Peever also visited and delivered some insightful presentations to Grades 4 to 8. He also spent time in other classes answering questions about the equipment he carries and life as an OPP officer.
Mr. Jody Shaddick’s class was busy cooking up a storm thanks to the ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ program.
“We are fortunate to have the students travel to St. Mary’s Our Lady of Good Counsel School each week to not only learn about healthy cooking options, but the students are able to create and make the dishes they are learning about,” states Principal Noble.
June will continue to be a busy month at St. Anthony’s in Chalk River with class trips and a fun day in the works.
“We will also bid a sad, but joyful farewell to our graduating students,” says Principal Noble, while wishing all students and their families a safe and joyous summer!
May 27, 2019
For further information, please contact:
Jaimie Perry, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
