📅 This Week at SKTA! (April 27– May 1) – St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School

Dear St. Kateri Families,

🌸 Welcome to May – Mary’s Month! 🌸

As we step into May at the end of this upcoming week, we are greeted by the beauty of spring in full bloom—buds opening, flowers blossoming, and warmer days brightening our school community. This special month in our Catholic tradition is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, reminding us of her example of faith, love, and care for others. 🌷

✨ Catholic Education Week (May 3–8) ✨
We are excited to celebrate our upcoming Catholic Education Week with the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” Throughout the week, our students will engage in activities that inspire joy, deepen faith, and strengthen our shared sense of purpose as a Catholic learning community.

📖 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
📖 «Que le Dieu de l’espérance vous remplisse de toute joie et de paix dans la foi, afin que vous débordiez d’espérance par la puissance de l’Esprit Saint.» (Romains 15, 13)

💛 Living Our Catholic Graduate Expectations 💛
This month also invites us to reflect on what it means to be a caring member of our families, school, parish, and wider community. As highlighted in the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, we continue to nurture students who demonstrate compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to others.

🛡️ Safety Week (April 27–May 1)

This week, we will be practicing important safety drills ( 3 fire drills (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), lockdown, and shelter-in-place). Staff will review procedures with students ahead of time to ensure everyone feels prepared and confident.

🏫 Planning Ahead: Class Placement Requests

As we begin preparing for the 2026–2027 school year, families are invited to review the information shared regarding class placement requests. Thank you for your thoughtful input as we plan for student success.

Blessed Frederic Ozanam Church News

Attention First Communion families. Please take a moment to review the following link for import information for the Sacrament at the end of May.

Copy of FC 2 Protocols 2026 May 30.pdf

BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK – May 27th – May 31st

Let’s get rolling!

Celebrate active modes of transportation like cycling and wheeling along with other students and staff across Ontario during Bike to School Week – May 25 – May 29, 2026.

Bike to School Week is a free and fun week-long celebration for kids of all ages and abilities.

When cycling, remember to:

Wear a properly fitting helmet. Every cyclist under 18 must wear a bike helmet.
Air Brakes Chain – Check your bike tires, brakes and chain before you start riding.
Ensure your bike has a working bell, white light or reflector at the front, and a red light or reflector at the back. For information and to learn more visit the Government of Ontario’s bicycle safety information.
Cross at crosswalks, if there is one. Walk beside your bike when crossing the road.
Watch for cars backing out of driveways and turning at intersections.
Lock your bike in bike racks.
Be visible and dress for the weather.

For anyone who can’t walk or cycle to school every day, we encourage you to try choosing an active mode of travel two or three times a week, or consider parking and walking a block to decrease the pollution around your school.

Benefits of Biking to School:

Promotes physical and mental health
Students arrive energized and ready to learn
Improved safety in school zones
Good for the environment
Convenient, bicycling is often faster than sitting in traffic
Good for the community, encourages social interaction
Promotes life-long habits that foster independence and active lifestyles, preparing children for their future
Just plain old simple fun!

Sincerely,

YCDSB Active School Travel Team

🗓️ Important Dates

April 27 to May 1 – Safety Week #2
April 30 – Area Oral Speaking Competition
May 3–8 – Catholic Education Week & Children’s Mental Health Week
May 8 – Spring Concert (Spring Concert Invite.pdf)
May 16 – Celeiac Awareness Day – Wear Green
May 18 – Victoria Day
May 20 – Celebration of Mary
May 25 to June 4 – Gr. 3 and 6 EQAO
May 27 – Welcome to FDK (SKT 2026 welcome to kindergarten invitation letter )
May 30 – First Communion @ 1:30 pm @ St. Mark’s Church
June 3 – Confirmation @ St. Agness @ 5:30 pm
June 5 – PA Day
June 8 to 10 – Grade 8 Grad Trip
June 12 – Track at St. Max CHS
June 17th – Grad Mass @ 9:30am
June 18 – Graduation @ Willow Springs @ 6pm

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. Wishing all of our families a peaceful and blessed week ahead. 🌼

Yours in Catholic Education,
Marc Caruso
Principal