The Virtue of Wisdom.
This month we celebrate the virtue of wisdom, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In fact the spirit of wisdom is perhaps the virtue most closely associated with the Third Person of the Trinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Wisdom is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her.”
Safety Reminders:
We would kindly ask parents and guardians to park their car if they wish to escort their child(ren) to the gates of the school playground. All other parents using the Kiss and Ride are asked to proceed past the pylons in the Kiss & Ride lot and pull over to the curb to drop off their child(ren). Please do not double park in the Kiss & Ride to drop off your child as this poses a safety risk.
We would also like to ask our families to keep the use of the handicap parking spots for those families that require these special spots.
Our school bus end of day routines have been prompt and efficient. Thus enabling the buses to leave early. It may mean the bus arrives at the designated stop earlier than the posted time on School Bus City.
Dress Code
All student attire must be in keeping with our Catholic teachings and beliefs, and reflect principles of modesty and shall not include the following:
- Halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops (narrower in width than 3 fingers) or tube tops
- Half t-shirts, tops with cut-outs, tops made of mesh or netting type material
- Short shorts or skirts
- Low necklines, front or back
- Language and/or representation (pictures) on attire that indicates gang affiliation and/or depicts violence, profanity or discrimination of any kind whatsoever or that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group
- Accessories not in keeping with the spirit of the Dress Code as determined by the local school
Tops, pants, shorts and skirts must cover the entire midriff.
Safe Arrival Information for Families of SKTA
I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to strive for excellence in education, I would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of punctuality and timely attendance for your child’s academic success.
Arriving at school on time (9:00am) is more than just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of ensuring your child’s educational journey is both productive and fulfilling. As partners in your child’s learning experience, we kindly request your support in prioritizing punctuality for the following reasons:
- Maximizing Learning Opportunities: Timely attendance ensures that your child does not miss crucial instructions, introductory explanations, or valuable classroom discussions. Each minute in the classroom is an opportunity for growth and learning that we do not want your child to miss.
- Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Punctuality contributes to a positive and cohesive classroom environment. When all students arrive promptly, it minimizes disruptions and allows teachers to begin lessons smoothly, maximizing instructional time for the benefit of all students.
- Minimizing Stress and Anxiety: Timely attendance helps reduce stress and anxiety for both your child and their peers. Rushing to school or arriving late can create unnecessary tension and detract from the overall learning experience. Starting the day calmly and prepared sets a positive tone for the entire day.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may occasionally arise, causing delays or challenges in arriving on time.
Your partnership and support in reinforcing the importance of timely attendance are invaluable as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.
When students will be absent or late, parents and guardians are required to report this information making use of one of the following methods:
- Toll Free SchoolMessenger Phone Number 1-855-856-7862
- The SchoolMessenger website: go.schoolmessenger.ca
- The SchoolMessenger App (blue icon) from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Instructions for the use of the new SchoolMessenger website and app have been attached to this email, as well as a letter detailing the Safe Arrival Absence Reporting Procedures.
YCDSB Elementary School Parent Guardian SafeArrival Instructions.pdf
Elementary SafeArrival Parent Guardian Letter.pdf
Families are asked to review the following information regarding Carnaval below:
Parent/Staff Carnaval Letter SKTA 2024
🎊 Celebrate Lunar New Year with Us! 🎊
As we prepare to celebrate the vibrant traditions of Lunar New Year, we invite you to join us in commemorating this special occasion in a meaningful way. This year, we’re excited to extend an invitation to all families who observe Lunar New Year to showcase their heritage by wearing traditional clothing to school on Friday February 9, 2024.
Wearing traditional attire not only honours the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community but also serves as a beautiful expression of unity and inclusion. By sharing in each other’s traditions, we deepen our understanding and appreciation for the cultural tapestry that enriches our school environment.
Whether you celebrate Lunar New Year or simply wish to learn more about this festive occasion, we encourage everyone to participate in this celebration of cultural diversity. Let’s come together to make this Lunar New Year a memorable and enriching experience for all.
Dental Screening @ St. Kateri Tekakwitha CES
Dental health contributes to general health and well-being. St. Kateri families are asked to review the following information by York Public Health regarding dental screening will be conducted here at the school by a Registered Dental Hygienist.
All students in grades JK, SK, 2, and 7 will be screened as well as others as requested by parents/guardians.
The dental screening consists of a quick look in the mouth using a single-use mirror for each child. School screening does not take the place of a regular dental check-up. York Region Public Health follows Oral Health Protocol, 2021 of the Ontario Public Health Standards from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
How will I receive my child’s screening results?
- Parents/Guardians will be notified of screening results using the email provided by your child’s school
- If you would like to receive a paper copy of your child’s screening results instead of an email, please call us at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74395
- Parents/Guardians of children with urgent dental findings will be contacted by phone and your child may be rescreened at their school on a later date to confirm that treatment has been initiated .
If you would like your child screened every year, and they are not in one of the grades listed:
- Notify the Child and Youth Dental Program before the dental screening date by leaving a message at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74395
- Provide your child’s first and last name (including the spelling), school, grade, date of birth and phone number
- Once we receive notice, your child will receive dental screening every year while attending this school. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in screening:
- Notify the Child and Youth Dental Program before the dental screening date by leaving a message at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74395
- Provide your child’s first and last name (including the spelling), school, grade, date of birth and phone number
- Once we receive notice that you do not want dental screening, your child will not receive future dental screenings while attending this school
Healthy Smiles Ontario
If the cost of dental care would create financial hardship, you may be eligible for the Healthy
Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. HSO provides no-cost emergency care and routine dental care such as checkups, x-rays, fillings, and preventive services such as cleaning, fluoride treatments, and pit and fissure sealants for eligible children.
Collection of Information
Please note that any information collected during your child’s dental screening is done in agreement with the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Records of parent requests to exclude children from screening, as well as requests for yearly screening, will be maintained while the child remains in the stated school.
In addition, the collection, use, disclosure, and disposal of this information is subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. Any questions regarding this collection may be directed to the Privacy Officer, located at 17150 Yonge Street, 6th Floor, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 8V3, and 1- 877-464-9675 ext. 74056.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the dental program at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74388.
For more information about York Region Public Health dental programs and services you can also visit york.ca/dental
Accessing Your Child’s Screening Results 2023.pdf
Winter Walk to School Day
This year, Winter Walk Day is on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and the start of Winter Walk Month.
Tips for Winter Walking
Walking to school in winter not only benefits students physical and mental health, well-being and academic performance, it’s also fun.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and enjoy winter walks to school:
- Dress for the weather. Wear layers. Don’t forget your hat and mitts.
- Protect your feet. Wear warm socks and winter boots. They will protect your feet from snow, rain and cold and have good grips.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothes, stay on the sidewalks and make sure cars can see you when you cross the road.
- Allow a little more time. Prepare your winter gear the night before, and give yourself a little more time to walk to school.
- Try walking like a penguin. It’s fun and practical.
- Enjoy the snow. Catch snowflakes, talk about what you love most about the winter.
- Obey road signs. The seasons change but road safety rules remain. Stop at roads and crosswalks. Cross with a crossing guard where possible. Look out for cars. Use active travel wherever possible. We encourage families all year round, wherever possible to take the school bus or school transportation, or to choose active travel, like walking or biking. Active school travel benefits student’s mental health, well-being and academic performance, builds social connections and reduces traffic and pollution around schools. It’s never too early to start to teach road safety. Your child will become a safe, responsible and independent pedestrian by experience and practice. Starting them as young as kindergarten will equip them with the skills they need to walk on their own in all seasons at an earlier age.
- If you are driving, please follow the road rules. Remember that our school zones are busy with students and families. It is essential that we all follow the rules to ensure student safety.
Consider parking near the school and walking the rest of the way (obeying all neighbourhood parking rules). Obey all speed limits and road traffic signs in school zones. Focus on the road and watch for crossing guards and students crossing the road.
Blessed Frederic Ozanam Parish News:
Important dates to mark on your calendars:
February 7, 2024 Winter Walk to School Day
February 10, 2024 Lunar New Year : Year of the Dragon – celebrated here @ SKTA on Feb. 9
February 13, 2024 Term 1 Report Cards available online @ 4pm/ Shrove Tuesday – CSC Pancake Snack / Red and White Spirit Day
February 14, 2024 School Mass @ 9:30 am
February 19, 2024 Family Day Weekend
February 20 2024 YRPH Dental Screening
February 20 to 24, 2024 Carnaval @ SKTA
February 28, 2024 Pink Shirt Day
February 29, 2024 Spider Jones school presentation
March 21, 2024 YCDSB Lenten Mass @ 1:15 ( Virtual)