📅 This Week at SKTA! 🌟
🗓️ December 1 to 5, 2025
As we enter the Advent season and begin a new liturgical year, we are reminded to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. December can be a busy and often overwhelming month, yet it invites us to rediscover the joy, simplicity, and hope that this season brings.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all families who participated in our Fill a Purse campaign. Your generosity and compassion are truly appreciated and will make a meaningful difference for local families in need. Your support embodies the spirit of Advent and our shared call to serve others.
Throughout this month, we continue to celebrate the virtue of hope, honour important feast days and equity events, and reflect on how we experience God’s presence in our lives. May this season bring peace to your homes and joy to your families as we journey together in faith.
Equity Events
December highlights several significant days, including World AIDS Awareness Day (Dec. 1), the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3), the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Dec. 6), and International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10). We also mark the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples on Dec. 12 and celebrate Hanukkah from Dec. 14–22.
🎀 Ribbons & Bows Event – Just Over a Week Away!
We are so excited for this year’s Ribbons & Bows celebration, happening on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in our school gym!
This much-loved tradition brings our community together to share in the joy and spirit of the holiday season.
🎄 Primary Christmas Concert
We warmly invite families to join us for our Primary Christmas Concert on:
📅 Friday, December 12, 2025
🕐 1:15 p.m.
📍 School Gymnasium
Our students are excited to present songs, music, and dance to celebrate the Christmas season!
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Christmas Concert Pick Up Routines
To help ensure a smooth dismissal and maintain student safety, we kindly ask families who plan to sign their child(ren) out at the conclusion of the concert to please complete this form by 3:30pm on December 10, 2025.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.
💙 St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Blessed Frédéric Ozanam Parish is once again collecting donations to support families in need this Christmas.
📎 Please see the attached flyer for full details.
If your family—or a family you know—would benefit from support, please reach out:
📧 ssvp@blessedozanam.ca
📞 289-554-0556 ext. 5
🛡️ BRAVE Student Presentations
As part of our commitment to student well-being, St. Kateri will be hosting BRAVE Education workshops on December 4, 2025. These sessions support our school’s strategic plan and align with Ministry of Education policies (PPM 169 and PPM 144).
Workshop Themes:
✨ Setting Healthy Boundaries — Grades K–3
✨ Bullying, Conflict, and Relationships — Grades 4–8
These workshops are designed to help students build strong social-emotional skills, develop healthy relationships, and promote a positive school environment.
Student With Voices Class Challenge: Classroom Christmas Tree Challenge
🎭 Matilda Theatre Trip – Important Details
All students in Grades K–8 will be attending a performance of Matilda at the Markham Flato Theatre on Friday, February 20, 2026. This trip supports our Arts curriculum and gives students the opportunity to experience live, professional theatre.
Trip Schedule:
🚌 Departure: 9:30 a.m.
🎬 Showtime: 10:30 a.m. (approx. 2 hours)
🏫 Return to School: 1:15 p.m.
🍎 Students may bring a snack to eat at the theatre; lunch will be at school.
Cost & Payment:
💲 Student Cost: $31.75 (ticket + bus)
💻 Payment Method: School Day
➡️ Payment Deadline: Please submit as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot.
Parent Volunteers:
🙏 Volunteers are welcome.
🎟 Volunteer ticket cost: $20 (collected at a later date).
Thank you for your support!
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Staff
YCDSB Active School Messenger Message
December is an exciting time of year! The start of winter, the Christmas holidays, and time spent with family and friends all make this month extra special. It’s truly a season of giving, sharing, and love.
December is also a wonderful time to enjoy the snow and cooler weather while staying warm in cozy winter gear. As temperatures drop, it can be tempting to stay indoors—but outdoor play in winter has many benefits, including:
❄️ Encouraging creative play
❄️ Increasing physical activity and using different muscle groups
❄️ Getting fresh air and reducing exposure to indoor bacteria
❄️ Supporting problem-solving skills and boosting vitamin D
Let’s bundle up, get outside, and stay active!
Active School Travel is an easy way to add movement into your day:
🚶♀️ Walk or wheel to school or to the bus stop
🚗 Park a block away and walk the rest
📅 If daily Active School Travel is challenging, try choosing one or two days a week to make the change.
Stay warm, stay active, and enjoy the season!
Sincerely,
YCDSB Active School Travel Team
📅 Important Upcoming Dates
December
4 Brave Class Workshops
12 Primary Christmas Concert – New Date/ Time: 1:15pm
17 Mass
19 Last Day of School before the break
January
5 Classes Resume
Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support!
Yours in Catholic Education,
Marc Caruso
Principal