This Week at SKTA! (Jan 12 to 16)

This Week at SKTA January 12 to 16, 2026

Dear St. Kateri Tekakwitha CES Families,

Please take a moment to review the important updates and reminders below.

Kindergarten Registration – September 2026

Kindergarten registration for September 2026 is now open at the York Catholic District School Board.

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone, filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and new experiences. York Catholic’s Kindergarten program is rooted in play-based and inquiry learning, where teachers and Early Childhood Educators work together to support the unique needs of every child in a faith-filled, safe, and nurturing environment.

How to Register

  • Online registration: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions        JK Registration flyer 
  • In-person registration: Families may also register directly at the school

Parents of students currently attending Junior Kindergarten at a York Catholic school do not need to re-register for Senior Kindergarten.

You can find your local school by using the online school locator at locator.ycdsb.ca or by contacting the Admissions Department at 905-713-2711 or 416-221-5050.

Documents Required for Registration

  • Baptismal certificate (child or parent) from a Roman Catholic Church or a Catholic Church in communion with the Holy See of Rome
  • Proof of child’s age
  • Proof of status in Canada
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of Separate School Support (e.g., MPAC Assessment Notice or Direction of School Support form)

For more information, please refer to the JK Registration Flyer.

Health Reminder from York Region Public Health

York Region Public Health is reporting an increase in student absences due to illness, including the flu, stomach flu (norovirus), and common colds. We ask families to help keep our school community healthy by following the guidance below.

When to Keep Your Child Home

  • Vomiting or diarrhea: Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop
  • Cough or runny nose: Stay home until
    • At least 24 hours have passed
    • Symptoms are improving
    • Your child has been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

Norovirus (Stomach Flu)

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps

  • Children often vomit more than adults

How to prevent spread:

  • Stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
  • Wash contaminated clothing and linens
  • Avoid preparing food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop

Influenza (Flu) and Common Cold

Flu symptoms: sudden headache, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, runny nose, chills, sore throat, cough

  • Cold symptoms are similar but usually milder
  • Most people recover in 7–10 days, though some individuals are at higher risk

How Families Can Help

  • Get a free flu shot (available for those 6 months and older)
  • Stay home when sick
  • Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer (70% alcohol)
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Eat well and stay active

For support, contact York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73588 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or visit york.ca/VirusSeason.

Together, we can keep our students healthy and learning.

Free Parent EQAO Webinars – Winter 2026

EQAO is offering free live webinars for parents and guardians to better understand Ontario’s provincial assessments and how to support student learning at home.

Math Webinar

Learn about the types of math questions students encounter in EQAO assessments and how these questions reflect classroom learning.

Dates:

  • January 28, 2026 – 12:30 p.m.
  • January 29, 2026 – 12:00 p.m.

👉 Click here to register

Reading Webinar

Learn how EQAO assesses reading skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9, including sample questions and strategies to support reading at home.

Date:

  • January 20, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

👉 Click here to register

Confirmation Update

We are pleased to share the Confirmation date for students of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School for the 2026 school year. 

Confirmation Details Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: St. Agnes Kouying Tsao Catholic Church2130 Rodick RoadMarkham, ON

If you have not yet submitted your child’s Confirmation registration fee, please contact us as soon as possible at confirmation@blessedozanam.ca to ensure your child’s registration is complete. Families who have completed the registration process and submitted payment will receive the Sponsor Registration link shortly. This link will need to be forwarded to your child’s chosen sponsor for completion. We look forward to celebrating this important sacramental milestone with your family. God bless,

Early Reading Screening information for Yr2 FDK to Gr. 2 Families:letter

FDK Information Session – September 2026

Student Services is offering an Information Session for parents/guardians of children with exceptional needs who will be starting Full-Day Kindergarten (Year 1 or 2) in September 2026. Families may attend in person at the Catholic Education Centre Boardroom or via livestream to learn about YCDSB Special Education Programs and Services.

Please see the flyer link for full details.

Important dates to mark on your calendars:

January 

14 Jr. Boys Volleyball Tournament @ St. Julia

16 PA Day – No Classes

30 PA Day

February 

4 Winter Walk to School Day

13 CSC Valentines Day Fundraising Dance

Yours In Catholic Education,

Marc Caruso

Principal