Skating, wrestling, square dancing, and baking are just some of the ways that students in Renfrew and Westmeath Catholic schools are beating the winter blahs!
Students at Our Lady of Fatima have been enjoying many opportunities for hands-on learning. “As always, the wonderful staff at OLF have been looking for amazing opportunities to enhance learning with collaborative and creative activities!” states Principal Karen Keels.
Junior students enjoyed the Let’s Talk Science workshops in areas such as electricity, circuits, and food chains from the University of Ottawa. Grade 3 students celebrated Heritage Day by making bread and beavertails with the residents and volunteers at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital. Mrs. Prescott’s Grade 1/2 students and Mrs. Whelan’s Grade 5 students have been collaboratively solving the problem of the week working as Math Buddies.
Many students were involved in the Legion public speaking contest and square dancing with the adopt-a-gran program, and all students have been enjoying the outdoor rink. “We’re grateful to the parent volunteers who have helped make it happen,” says Keels.
Students also enjoyed learning about the Arctic Games with Damian Solar, our Outdoor Education Special Assignment Teacher and learning to design and create 3D objects using Tinkercad with Mr. Holly, our Learning and Technologies Special Assignment Teacher, Keels noted.
Across town, students at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School have also been busy. “We’ve had a lot going on at St. Thomas over the past few months,” shares Principal Rory Donohue.
At the school public speaking contest on February 6 winners were: intermediate – Brooklyn King and Porsha Comparelli, Junior – Alexandra Powell and Sadie Wilson and in Primary – Kendall Richards and Landon Skelhorn. They all qualified to go on to the Renfrew Legion public speaking contest. Congratulations to Landon and Alexandra who moved on to the regional competition.
The official International Angelman Day was February 15 and STA celebrated on February 13. The entire school wore blue in support of Angelman syndrome awareness and in honour of STA student Ever Hisko.
The STA wrestling team took part in a tournament on February 8, with Carter Troke, Levon Barker, and Rowin Guyea earning gold medals.
Students at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Westmeath also enjoyed a visit from Damian Solar, RCCDSB Outdoor Education Special Assignment Teacher. He joined two older classes to introduce them to a rotation of outdoor activities to help prepare for the Arctic Winter Games that are scheduled to be held in March, notes Principal Julie Dumouchel. “Fun was had by all of our students, as they ‘competed’ against each other!”
OLG students are once again excited to take part in a nine-week skating session in partnership with the Westmeath & District Recreation Association.
“It is amazing to see the growth in skating abilities, especially amongst our little ones who started off barely moving on skates to now being able to move around the ice more confidently. This is a great opportunity for our students, and they very much look forward to this each week!” says Dumouchel.
Meanwhile, at St. Joseph’s High School, some students have just returned from the Dominican Republic experience where “many lessons were learned” says Principal Derek Lennox, while another group of 24 students and 5 chaperones is preparing for a trip over March break.
“They’re very excited to be travelling to Venice, Lucerne, Lake Como and Paris,” says Lennox.
On the athletics side of things, the Jaguars have been doing extremely well, shares Lennox. Both junior and senior boys’ basketball teams are off to EOSSAA championships as well as the junior girls’ volleyball team. The varsity boys’ hockey team are preparing for a playoff run in county as well!