The Virtue of the month is Justice.
This is one of the virtues that Jesus modeled through his words and deeds. We take opportunities this month to reflect on the justice that is needed to heal our beautiful, yet broken planet. We think of the justice needed in the classroom and school yard to heal broken relationships. We think of the justice needed to stand for the world. When we join justice with Compassion (October’s virtue) we strongly echo the Gospel message and example of Jesus.
Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations
The Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (OCGE) state that the student is expected to become a responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.OCGE4 This echoes the virtue of justice being celebrated this month. Through opportunities to reflect on All Souls and All Saints Day as well as Remembrance Day, students will have a chance to deepen their responsible citizenship.
Mental Health Tip – Sleep is Important
A lack of sleep may leave you feeling tired, unfocused, and overwhelmed. When you lack good sleep, your body is not able to produce enough serotonin and dopamine to keep stress, anxiety, and depression at bay. For better sleep, turn off all tech devices. Lights from a cell phone, computer, or television trigger your mind to stay awake, making it harder for you to fall asleep, try to end screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Halloween Fundraiser Information for Families
The Catholic School Council is excited about the return of the Halloween Dance Fundraiser this week to support and enhance student learning at St. Kateri Tekakwitha by supporting a variety of initiatives and supplemental resources to support the school.
Please note:
Individual cheques made payable to York Catholic District School Board for tax receipts must have the individual’s name and address on the cheque.
Halloween Costumes
Halloween this year at St. Kateri Tekakwitha will mark the return of our Halloween school fundraiser and with this we know our students are excited to get dressed up and celebrate together. We would like to remind our families that when considering costumes for their child to keep in mind:
- Culture is NOT Costume: Please refrain from using costumes that represent a cultural group or ethnicity. (e.g. Indigenous, Chinese, Arabic, etc.)
- Masks as Part of a Costume are Discouraged (Excluding PPE): Wearing masks that conceal one’s identity can compromise the safety of the community. We should always be identifiable in our community for the safety and comfort level of others in the community.
- Awareness of Costume Appropriateness is Important: Costumes that are not appropriate to the moral tone of our Catholic Schools.
- Awareness of Fear and Evil: Be aware that Ghoulish costumes can terrify younger students, students with special needs, or students with phobias.
- We Must Be Trauma Sensitive: There may be members of our communities who have traumas that can be triggered by certain costumes.
- When in Doubt, Think Saint: Halloween precedes All Souls and All Saints Days. Encourage students to dress as saints and religious figures.
November Progress Report Card Interview Information
Parent Teacher Interview Information
November Progress Report Card Distribution Information
Our school will be delivering report cards electronically on Tuesday, November 15th (after 4:00 PM) via the Parent Portal.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to sign-on to the Parent Portal in advance of November 15th, 2022 to ensure your username and password will allow access.
To access this portal, please visit our school’s website (https://kta.ycdsb.ca/), and click on the parents link in the top banner. From the Parents page, you will find a link to “Maplewood Parent Portal ConnectEd” on the right hand side.
For detailed instructions on registering, using the portal, and to seek support, please visit: https://sites.google.com/ycdsb.ca/ycdsbparentportal
Progress Report Card Information Letter
FDK Progress Report Card Information Letter
St. Kateri Tekakwitha School Spirit Wear Shop:
https://stkateri.entripyshops.com/
Important dates to mark on your calendars:
October 31, 2022 Spook-A- Thon at St. Kateri/ Halloween Activities
November 3, 2022 Invitational Volleyball tournament at FMM
November 7th to 11th Book Fair @ SKTA
November 9, 2022 INT BVB @ St. John XXIII
November 10, 2022 INT GVB @ SKTA
November 15, 2022 Progress Reports Go home via Parent Portal @ 4pm
November 17/ 18 Formal Parent Interviews
November 17, 2022 PA Day
November 21, 2022 The Saidat Show Presentation