Dear St. Kateri Tekakwitha CES Families,
The snow has fallen and winter is in full swing! We are excited to invite our school community to celebrate the colder months by participating in Winter Walk to School Day on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Students, families, and staff are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of the season by walking to and from school—taking in snowflakes, snow-covered trees, and the fresh winter air along the way. Walking is a wonderful way to support both physical and mental well-being, helping to prepare our brains for learning. Beyond the health benefits, winter walking is simply fun! Whether it’s making snowballs, snow angels, or sharing laughs with friends, it turns the school journey into a joyful adventure.
Please remember to dress for the weather by layering clothing to stay warm and comfortable.
Walking together with friends and family fosters strong social connections, and we encourage parents, teachers, and the entire school community to participate alongside our students. Let’s continue to celebrate walking as a fun form of exercise and a meaningful way to connect with one another.
To add to the excitement, on Friday, students are invited to wear country colours or Olympic gear as we celebrate the Winter Olympics. Our Student Council/Luke 4:18 team will host the Olympic Kick-Off Assembly at 1:05 p.m.
We hope to see many of our families participating and helping make Winter Walk Day a memorable experience for everyone.
Go Canada Go!
Catholic School Council News
The CSC is excited to announce their upcoming fundraising event, our Feb 13 Valentines Day Dance. The students will each receive a paper copy of this letter below with a donation form attached. The goal is to raise $5000 in support of the school.
CSC Valentines Day Dance 2026 – community letter
We invite our school community to join us for the upcoming CSC meeting on Thursday, February 2 at 7 PM in the school library. Come see how decisions are made by our CSC.
Virtue of the Month: WISDOM
This month, our school community reflects on the virtue of Wisdom, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom helps us see the world through God’s eyes, guiding us to make thoughtful choices, act with compassion, and respond to challenges with faith and understanding.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes wisdom beautifully:
“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.”
Through prayer, reflection, and daily actions, we encourage students to seek wisdom as they learn, grow, and live out their faith.
Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
The virtue of wisdom is closely connected to the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations. Students are called to become reflective, creative, and holistic thinkers who make responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good (OCGE 3). Wisdom empowers our students to think deeply, act justly, and lead with integrity.
Our monthly reflections conclude with Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer, a source of comfort and guidance that reminds us to trust in God’s wisdom, especially during challenging times.
Equity, Faith & Community Highlights – February
- Black Heritage Month – Celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of people of African ancestry to the Church and to Canada.
- Lunar New Year – Begins February 17, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
- Valentine’s Day – February 14, a celebration of love, friendship, and kindness.
- Random Acts of Kindness Week – February 14–20.
- National Flag of Canada Day – February 15 (61st anniversary).
- Family Day – February 16, a day to celebrate time with loved ones.
- World Day of Social Justice – February 20.
- Pink Shirt Day – February 25, promoting kindness and standing against bullying.
Together, let us continue to nurture wisdom in our students—helping them grow in faith, compassion, and understanding as members of our Catholic school community.
Kindergarten Registration – September 2026
We continue to accept Kindergarten registration. Families are invited to register online at www.ycdsb.ca/admissions or in person at the school.
🎊 Lunar New Year Celebration! 🎊
📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026
We are excited to celebrate Lunar New Year at school! Students who celebrate Lunar New Year are invited to wear traditional cultural clothing to share their heritage with our school community.
Students who do not celebrate are welcome to join in by wearing red or clothing that represents their own culture.
Lunar New Year is a time for new beginnings, joy, and good fortune. This celebration helps us learn about one another and appreciate the many cultures that make our school such a special place.
YRPH Dental Screening Clinic
Please add the following date to your calendars, York Region Public Health will be conducting a Dental Screening Clinic at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School on March 5, 2026.
The letter below provides important information about the screening process. Please keep a copy of this letter, as it will be needed to access your child’s screening results, which will be sent in an encrypted email.
If you have any questions about the dental screening program, please contact York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74388 or email dentalscreeningadmin@york.ca. Additional information is also available at york.ca/dental.
16847446-v1-York Region Public Health Dental Screening Parent Letter Medium Risk PDF 2025-2026.PDF
Important dates to mark on your calendars:
2 Catholic School Council Meeting 7pm
4 Winter Walk to School Day
10 Reports Go Home / Grad Pictures
13 CSC Valentines Day Fundraising Dance
15 National Flag Day
16 Family Day
17 Lunar New Year/ Shrove Tuesday
18 Ash Wednesday – Service with Fr. Rick.
19 Babarinde Williams Black History Month Presentation
20 Matilda Trip
25 Pink Shirt Day