Monday 28 March 2016

All Saints Blog Week of March 29th, 2016


Easter Season
I am hoping you enjoyed a special Easter weekend.  While we had to postpone our Holy Thursday liturgies at the school due to our inclement weather day ahead of the weekend, we will be continuing the discussion around the Easter season with our students over the next period of time.  This season, or “Eastertide” continues for the next 50 days until Pentecost Sunday.

District Process Visit
All Saints participated in the Board’s District Process on March 23rd last week.  This is an opportunity for administrators and educators from around the board to visit All Saints to view the learning that is going on.  The board team visited classrooms in the morning to discuss with students their perspective on learning experiences.  In the afternoon, we were able to highlight some of the additional school initiatives that we are supporting at All Saints.  A number of students presented to the board team around their participation in activities.  The board returns a report highlighting the successes and next steps in the coming weeks which we will share with our students and staff.

Paint it Up!
Funding is available for outdoor mural art projects that support graffiti prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of Ottawa neighbourhoods.  For more information about funding, please visit www.crimepreventionottawa.ca, for the program guidelines and application form.  Projects must contribute to a clean, safe and beautiful city by engaging neighbourhoods and youth in a constructive learning process to create murals to prevent or deter graffiti.
Applications must be postmarked, e-mailed, or received by 4 p.m. Monday, April 4th, 2016.


CN Cycle - A Sure Sign of Spring
With yet another dusting of snow on the ground, we thought perhaps we would motivate you to ‘think spring!’ And nothing gives more of a feeling of the change in season than the CN Cycle for CHEO. As you brush off your car for (hopefully) the last time, let your mind transport you to a spring weather stroll, in-line skate or a bike ride past some of the most scenic routes the Nation’s Capital has to offer!  

Registration is OPEN!

Getting involved is EASY!  Visit our website: cncycle.ca  Choose your route: Ericsson 70K Cycle,  Coughlin & Associates 35K Cycle, Esso 15K Cycle and  In-line Skate or the Sporting Life 5K or 2K Walks.



Upcoming Grade 10 Literacy Test


To all parents of Grade 10 students - the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test (OSSLT) will be taking place this week on March 31, 2016. Here are some final tips for the OSSLT
  • Write neatly! Use dark ink and write slowly.  If you have messy handwriting, try writing bigger or printing.
  • Answer the question! Read the question carefully, then “give them what they want”.  Stay on topic and avoid irrelevant content.
  • Attempt EVERY question! Don’t leave any blanks.  Try every question.
  • Proofread! Always, always, always re-read what you have written.  Correct any mistakes as you go.
  • Make sense! This is not the time to try out new words or get fancy.  Keep it simple.
  • Make rough notes! Brainstorm and then plan out your answer before you begin to write.  Don’t waste space on the answer sheet.  Organize your thoughts.
Reading
  • Use your highlighter! Don’t be afraid to write on the test.  Highlight key words and phrases.
  • Skim the reading sections for answers! None of the multiple choice questions can be answered from memory.  You must go back into the reading sections to find the answers for the questions
Writing
  • Look at the pictures! The pictures with the test help you to know what the main idea of a section is.
  • Remember the words, “for example…”! Use these words in every written answer.  Be specific.  Use examples.

Sessions for Parents:
  • Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs
Would you like to learn how to advocate more effectively for your child with special needs?
Louise McGoey, former chair of the Ottawa Catholic SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee), will provide participants with strategies for effective advocacy.  Learn about the importance of knowing what your goals are for your child, how to communicate effectively with school and board staff and how to prepare for productive meetings.  Presented by SEAC and CSPA.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
7:00 - 8:30 PM
St. Patrick’s High School
2525 Alta Vista Drive

  • Understanding EQAO Assessments  
(Rescheduled following inclement weather March 1)
Every year, Ontario students in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 10 write province-wide tests.  These assessments provide an objective indication of how well students are developing the reading, writing and math skills defined in the Ontario Curriculum.
This presentation delivered by Mike Young, a principal from EQAO’s School Support and Outreach team, will give parents an opportunity to gain an understanding of the EQAO assessments.
Register Now:  http://bit.ly/CSPAEQAO
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6:45 - 8:45 PM
Saint Joseph Catholic High School
3333 Greenbank Road, Barrhaven

  • Youth Substance Use – Supporting Youth and Families
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services and the Ottawa Catholic School Board have worked in partnership for many years. Find out how the School Based Program provides support to students, and their families, throughout the phases of youth substance use, from prevention to intervention.
Learn signs and symptoms to be aware of and how to access help when needed.

Presenters:     Liz Parsons & Nadine McLean, Co-managers, Youth, Parent and School Based Program at Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
7:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Sacred Heart Catholic High School
5870 Abbott St E, Stittsville
  • CSPA Math 4 Parents - Wednesday, April 20 at All Saints High School (7 - 8:45pm).  Learn more about how math is taught today in classrooms and how you can support your child's learning.  Two workshops will be offered on this evening at the same time.  Choose from Inquiry-based Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom (JK - Gr. 6) OR So Much Homework, So Little Time. Why is High School Math So Difficult? (Gr. 7 - 12)

All Saints trip to Greece
We had a group of students who returned recently from a trip to Greece.  The group had a great tour of the country, and were able to see some incredible sights, sample some Greek cuisine and form new friendships.  A big thank you to Ms. Lachapelle, who organized the trip for our All Saints students.
Communications
Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Sunday 20 March 2016

All Saints Blog Week of March 21st, 2016

Holy Week
As we return from our Spring Break, we are quickly confronted by the very rich symbolism and meaning associated with Holy Week.  We transition from the welcome that Jesus received as he entered Jerusalem, greeted with the multitude waving palm branches and singing Hosanna, through his passion, crucifixion and ultimately his resurrection at Easter.  It is easy to “hurry” through this period of time as we move from one holiday, through a short school week, to another long weekend, but I encourage all of our school community to take some time to reflect on the importance of this liturgical time and how it connects to our own lives.  We have been encouraging academic goal setting among all of our student grades this year, but the last week of Lent is a heightened opportunity to set some spiritual goals that we can nurture throughout the coming spring.  Our students and staff will have an opportunity to further reflect upon this important time at our Holy Thursday liturgies this coming week.  

Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) survey
OSTA is seeking public consultation on its proposed School Active Transportation Policy. This policy is scheduled to be presented at OSTA’s next public governance meeting on April 25, 2016. Delegations may also be heard at this time.


OSTA’s School Active Transportation Program has been in development for the past two years. With our school board partners, City partners and community partners, we have been able to support the 50,000+ students who are not eligible for transportation by motorized vehicle. The SAT policy would formalize OSTA’s commitment to continuing to provide services for students who walk, bike and roll, to school every day. More information may be found on our website http://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/ under Active Transportation.

Upcoming Grade 10 Literacy Test


To all parents of Grade 10 students - the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test (OSSLT) will be taking place this year on March 31, 2016. This week’s literacy information focuses on writing an information paragraph and a short opinion piece.

Writing an Information Paragraph
(an objective presentation of facts and information)
• Read the list of information given. Choose at least four points that you think go together. These will become the main idea of your information paragraph.
• In your topic sentence, clearly state your main idea.
• Include at least four supporting details from the list to develop the main idea in your topic sentence.
• Provide a concluding sentence for your paragraph. This sentence summarizes your main idea.
• Be sure your paragraph informs your reader about the topic you have chosen.

Writing a Short Opinion Piece
  • The short writing tasks are based only on your life experience. For example, “Name a person you admire and explain why you admire him or her. Use specific details to explain your choice.”
  • There are no correct or incorrect answers, but be specific when you explain your answer.
  • You will have six lines for your paragraph. Use all of the space.

Sessions for Parents:
  • CSPA Math 4 Parents - Wednesday, April 20 at All Saints High School (7 - 8:45pm).  Learn more about how math is taught today in classrooms and how you can support your child's learning.  Two workshops will be offered on this evening at the same time.  Choose from Inquiry-based Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom (JK - Gr. 6) OR So Much Homework, So Little Time. Why is High School Math So Difficult? (Gr. 7 - 12)

Student Congratulations!
Congratulations to our own Tarun Balaraj (grade 10) who was recognized by the Ottawa Sports Awards recently at their 63rd annual presentation.  Tarun is the #1 ranked junior squash player in the Ottawa area.  He has consistently done well in regional, provincial and national tournaments.  Great work Tarun!

Communications
Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!

Sunday 6 March 2016

All Saints Blog Week of March 7th, 2016

Dominican Experience Group returns home
Our Dominican Experience group of students and staff returned home this weekend after an exhaustive trip, lending support to the local community.  I am anxious to share some specifics regarding the details of the experience in the coming weeks.  Great to have everyone home safe and sound!

Grade 6 Transition meeting at All Saints
I would like to thank all of the parents/guardians of our grade 6 elementary students who joined us for an information session this past week.  The evening began with our own grade 7&8 students running a workshop on technology and preferred electronic devices in our learning commons.  We have spent a great deal of time this year with our students and staff learning about using technology to support activities in the classroom and wanted to share this experience with our new group of grade 6’s.  Following our technology session and group tours of the school, we met with parents and students in the gym to discuss expectations and structure at the grade 7 level.  We had 2 grade 7 students recount their experience at All Saints this year, the many opportunities available, and the support they received with the transition.
A special thank you to our teacher organizers for our technology session, our curriculum leaders and student services department for being available for questions, and Ms. Gillier-Symes for her organization of our parent presentation.

Upcoming Grade 10 Literacy Test


To all parents of Grade 10 students - the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test (OSSLT) will be taking place this year on March 31, 2016. This week’s literacy information focuses on writing a summary question:

GENERAL TIPS FOR WRITING:
• You must write in complete sentences in the lined space provided.
• Read the instructions carefully and do what is asked.
• Make changes to your writing as clearly as you can.
• Organize your ideas.
• Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• The audience for your writing is always an adult. The language in your writing should be standard Canadian English and should be appropriate for an adult audience.
Writing a Summary
(a concise version of an original text)
• Highlight, underline or circle important ideas when reading the text.
• Plan your summary. Find the main idea of the text and at least two important details that support it.
• Underline, circle or use the Notes space provided to help plan.
• Reduce the number of words (use one general word instead of several specific words, use fewer examples, leave out unnecessary words).
• Do not include your personal opinion.

Sessions for Parents:
  • CSPA Math 4 Parents - Wednesday, April 20 at All Saints High School (7 - 8:45pm).  Learn more about how math is taught today in classrooms and how you can support your child's learning.  Two workshops will be offered on this evening at the same time.  Choose from Inquiry-based Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom (JK - Gr. 6) OR So Much Homework, So Little Time. Why is High School Math So Difficult? (Gr. 7 - 12)

Communications
Check out our blog – allsaintschs.blogspot.ca and our twitter @AllSaintsCHS as well as our website ash.ocsb.ca for all that is happening at All Saints!