Monthly Archives: December 2023

Angel Community, 

We can hardly believe it – but – it is here! The day before the Christmas break and we are ready to celebrate and share LOVE as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! Today we lighted the fourth and last candle on our Advent wreath ~ the purple candle of LOVE!

We wish for the blessings of peace, hope, joy, and love that will fill the season for all our families!  

We wish you and your loved ones a truly blessed Christmas break and a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. May your hearts be touched by the joy and wonder of this special time of year. 

-Mrs. Routhier

Principal

Christmas Gratitude

Thank you, everyone, for coming out to celebrate the Christmas season with us at the Christmas concert.  We were truly blessed to gather and spread so much Christmas Cheer!

A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Najm for organizing the concert. Thank you, Mr. Najm, for all the time you put into making the concert go so smoothly. You made it all seem so easy but that’s because you thought of everything! Thank you also to Mrs. Saraiva for the amazing tech support and Mrs. V.C. for coordinating the students backstage.

Thank you also to our Intermediate leaders and teachers who helped to prepare our MC’s.

Thank you also to all of our staff. Thank you so much to our Arts teachers, FSL teachers, classroom teachers, early childhood educators and our special education team. Without all of your extra efforts, we could not have had such a phenomenal concert!

We would also like to thank Mr. Gibson. Not only for his work setting up our Christmas Concert, but also for the amazing feast he generously funded, coordinated and served. Your generosity is overwhelming. We are so blessed to have your leadership inspiring us to do better and be better. 

Your message is clear: It is better to give than to receive.

Truly we are a part of a community, here at St. Michael’s who lives by this rule.

It is better to give than to receive.

Thank you to our Angel families. Thank you for your generosity and support throughout the 2023 school year and this Christmas season.

We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. See you on January 8th!

Grade 8 Christmas Market

The Grade 8s would like to thank everyone who supported the Christmas market this past week. They were able to raise just under $700 to put towards their trip to Mount Mary. Thank you, Angel families for your support!!!

Titans Tickets Coming Home: Grades 4, 5, 6

Parents/Guardians,

Your child will be coming home with a KW Titans voucher for a FREE TICKET ($27 value) with the purchase of an equivalent full-price adult ticket. Valid for the game date on your ticket.  Home games take place at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.  Please redeem at least 48 hours before tip-off at kwtitans.com/tickets using the code on your voucher.

The KW Titans are Canada’s first not-for-profit professional basketball team to compete in the Basketball Super League (BSL) a premium North American League providing the best professional basketball entertainment outside the NBA.  The season runs from Dec 30^th to May 1st.

If you have any questions, please e-mail: angela.murdoch@gmail.com

Book your tickets now while quantities last!

Go Titans!  Flyer KW Titans Student Ticket.pdf

Dental Screening: January 10, 2024, JK, SK, Grade 2 and Grade 7 Students

Please see the message (below) from Public Health and Paramedic Services… 

In the new year, the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services will be offering a dental screening program at our school.
Who will be screened?
All JK, SK, Grade 2, and Grade 7 students at our school will be screened (as well as other select students as appropriate).
What is a dental screening?
Dental screenings are a quick look in your child’s mouth to check for any urgent dental concerns. A Registered Dental Hygienist performs this visual check using a single-use, sterilized mouth mirror (one per child). This screening does not replace your child’s regular visit with a dentist. Each participating student will be sent home at the end of the screening day(s) with a confidential result letter in a closed envelope.

Why is a dental screening important?
The dental screening is a provincially required program under the Ontario Public Health Standards that aims to ensure all children receive equal access to dental care across Ontario.
How can I opt in or opt-out from the dental screening?
 If your child is in one of the grades listed above, they will be screened.
Please complete this form www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalopting or call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 if;
 If you do not want your child to be screened or;
 If your child is not in one of the grades listed and you would like them to be screened.
Please note parents/guardians must notify the Public Health dental program each year if they do not want their children to participate in the dental screening program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our dental team at 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 or through email at dentalprogram@regionofwaterloo.ca. For information on our available dental programs, please visit our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalhealth.
Sincerely,
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services

DOCS_ADMIN-#4466670-v1-2023-24_Bundle_2_Dental_Screening_Parent_Letter

Extended Day Closure

Attention: Extended Day Before & After School Parents and Guardians:
IMPORTANT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM CLOSURE

The Before and After School Extended Day Program at St. Michael will not be operating on January 19, 2024, a WCDSB PD Day.
All Extended Day staff will be participating in professional development training.
Account holders will not be invoiced the Before and After School rate on January 19, 2024.
Please email Katrina.behr@wcdsb.ca if you have any questions.
Thank-you.

January 19 2024- Extended Day Closure (St. Michael)

2023-2024 School Year Calendar – Some Important Dates

Dec. 25-Jan. 5    Christmas Break

January 19         PA Day  (Extended Day Closed today)

February 14       Ash Wednesday

February 15       Term 1 Report Card Distribution

February 19       Family Day

March 8-15        March Break

March 29            Good Friday (no school)

April 1                 Easter Monday (no school)

April 19               PA Day

April 28-May 3  Catholic Education Week

May 20               Victoria Day (no school)

May 31               PA Day

June 24              Term 2 Report Card Distribution

June 27               Last Day of School for Students

June 28               PA Day

-St. Michael’s Staff

Third Week of Advent

O God, As we faithfully await the birth of your son, Jesus,

Let us be glad and rejoice.

In our families, in our schools, and in our lives,

Help us to share the JOY of Christ’s love with others.

For He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen

Thank you, Mrs. Star, for leading us in prayer and lighting the Advent candles during the third week of Advent. We focus on the gift of JOY in our hearts, and how we can spread joy throughout our world.

-Mrs. Routhier

Principal

Spirit Wear Wednesday: BINGO Surprise for Every Student!

Students will be bringing home a special Christmas gift: a new spirit wear t-shirt with the St. Michael’s logo and our yearly theme: All Are Welcome!

These t-shirts have been purchased with money raised through our BINGO partnership. We are so grateful for the work of our volunteers and Ontario Charitable Gaming Association friends! We are so proud and thankful to partner with the Cambridge Gaming Association. These funds help to support our Angels throughout the year.

It would be great to see students wearing their new spirit wear on Wednesday, December 20, our last Spirit Wear Day of the year. It is also Santa hat/headband day, so we can double our St. Michael Spirit!

Christmas Week: Spirit Days

Our St. Michael Student Leadership team has some amazing plans for the last week before the holidays! Check out the calendar below (or our school website) for the spirit days they have planned! A special thank you to Mrs. Claessens for leading our student leadership team!

Reminder: Tuesday, December 19th, Mr. Gibson’s Festive Feast! 

We will be enjoying a turkey dinner (turkey, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, stuffing, and gravy) with all the trimmings for lunch. The Early Years and Primary classes will be eating from 11:30-12:15 and the Juniors and Intermediates will be eating from 12:30-1:15 pm.  All students are asked to wear their red and green holiday attire!  We want to thank Mr. Gibson, our head custodian, who donates all of the items for the lunch – it is quite the feat to feed over 300 kids – but he does it with a smile!!  There is no charge for lunch. Thank you, Mr. Gibson!!

If you are concerned about any allergy or issues with this event, please speak with your child’s teacher or Mrs. Best in the office. 

Let the Christmas Spirit Shine On! 

Christmas Market: December 20

The Grade 8s will be having a Christmas Market to Fundraise for their trip to Mount Mary. Items for sale include treats (chocolate, chips, and candy), and gently used toys, books, and games. Everything will be between $1.00 and $3.00.

As a THANK YOU to our amazing St. Michael Angels, the grade 8s will also be hosting a Christmas dance and games!

Christmas market pdf

Christmas Concert: December 21

Our Angel staff and students are very excited to share the gift of song and dance with you at our Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in our school gymnasium.

We will have a morning performance for all staff and students and an afternoon performance for immediate family only. Our gymnasium has limited capacity, and we must ensure all immediate family members are given priority. If you are unable to attend, a grandparent or other family member may attend in your place.

The afternoon performances will take place at 1:00 PM promptly. There is no cost for the concert; however, we humbly ask that you donate one non-perishable food item upon entry. Please consider coming early to allow sufficient time to find parking in the community, check in to the school, and find seating in the gymnasium. Regular parking is available in the surrounding community (please be aware of parking limitations). Students, along with their accompanying classmates, will be dismissed to their classrooms immediately after their performances.

We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Dental Screening: January 10, 2024, JK, SK, Grade 2 and Grade 7 Students

Please see the message (below) from Public Health and Paramedic Services… 

In the new year, the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services will be offering a dental screening program at our school.
Who will be screened?
All JK, SK, Grade 2, and Grade 7 students at our school will be screened (as well as other select students as appropriate).
What is a dental screening?
Dental screenings are a quick look in your child’s mouth to check for any urgent dental concerns. A Registered Dental Hygienist performs this visual check using a single-use, sterilized mouth mirror (one per child). This screening does not replace your child’s regular visit with a dentist. Each participating student will be sent home at the end of the screening day(s) with a confidential result letter in a closed envelope.

Why is a dental screening important?
The dental screening is a provincially required program under the Ontario Public Health Standards that aims to ensure all children receive equal access to dental care across Ontario.
How can I opt in or opt-out from the dental screening?
 If your child is in one of the grades listed above, they will be screened.
Please complete this form www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalopting or call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 if;
 If you do not want your child to be screened or;
 If your child is not in one of the grades listed and you would like them to be screened.
Please note parents/guardians must notify the Public Health dental program each year if they do not want their children to participate in the dental screening program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our dental team at 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 or through email at dentalprogram@regionofwaterloo.ca. For information on our available dental programs, please visit our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalhealth.
Sincerely,
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services

DOCS_ADMIN-#4466670-v1-2023-24_Bundle_2_Dental_Screening_Parent_Letter

Extended Day Closure

Attention: Extended Day Before & After School Parents and Guardians:
IMPORTANT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM CLOSURE

The Before and After School Extended Day Program at St. Michael will not be operating on January 19, 2024, a WCDSB PD Day.
All Extended Day staff will be participating in professional development training.
Account holders will not be invoiced the Before and After School rate on January 19, 2024.
Please email Katrina.behr@wcdsb.ca if you have any questions.
Thank-you.

January 19 2024- Extended Day Closure (St. Michael)

2023-2024 School Year Calendar – Some Important Dates

December 19    Turkey Luncheon

December 19     Wear your Christmas Sweater today!

December 20    Wear a Christmas hat or headband today!

December 20     Christmas Market (Grade 8 Fundraiser)

December 21     Christmas Concert

December 21     All things Christmas day! Wear any Christmas accessories today!

December 22     Cozy Day! Wear your PJ’s or cozy clothing today!

December 22      Advent Liturgy Week 4 (Love)

Dec. 25-Jan. 5    Christmas Break

January 19         PA Day  (Extended Day Closed today)

February 14       Ash Wednesday

February 15       Term 1 Report Card Distribution

February 19       Family Day

March 8-15        March Break

March 29            Good Friday (no school)

April 1                 Easter Monday (no school)

April 19               PA Day

April 28-May 3  Catholic Education Week

May 20               Victoria Day (no school)

May 31               PA Day

June 24              Term 2 Report Card Distribution

June 27               Last Day of School for Students

June 28               PA Day

-St. Michael’s Staff

Second Week of Advent

God of power and mercy open our hearts in peace.

Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes in glory.

For He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen

Thank you, Mrs. Star, for leading us in prayer and lighting the Advent candles during the second week of Advent. We focus on the gift of peace and pray for peace around the world.

-Mrs. Routhier

Principal

Christmas Week: Spirit Days

Our St. Michael Student Leadership team has some amazing plans for the last week before the holidays! Check out the calendar below (or our school website) for the spirit days they have planned! A special thank you to Mrs. Claessens for leading our team!

Young Family Social at St Clement’s on December 17th!

Calling all young families! Come and show your joy for Jesus at St Clement Church’s first-ever Gaudete Young Family Social on December 17th following the 11:30 am Mass in the Parish Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet other moms and dads in an informal way while making memories with your own children through a family photo booth, cookie decorating and children activity stations. Snacks and beverages are included. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Gaudete Sunday Family Social Poster Dec 2023

Tuesday, December 19th: Mr. Gibson’s Festive Feast! 

We will be enjoying a turkey dinner (turkey, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, stuffing, and gravy) with all the trimmings for lunch. The Early Years and Primary classes will be eating from 11:30-12:15 and the Juniors and Intermediates will be eating from 12:30-1:15 pm.  All students are asked to wear their red and green holiday attire!  We want to thank Mr. Gibson, our head custodian, who donates all of the items for the lunch – it is quite the feat to feed over 300 kids – but he does it with a smile!!  There is no charge for lunch. Thank you, Mr. Gibson!!

If you are concerned about any allergy or issues with this event, please speak with your child’s teacher or Mrs. Best in the office. 

Let the Christmas Spirit Shine On! 

Christmas Market: December 20

The Grade 8s will be having a Christmas Market to Fundraise for their trip to Mount Mary. Items for sale include treats (chocolate, chips, and candy), and gently used toys, books, and games. Everything will be between $1.00 and $3.00.

As a THANK YOU to our amazing St. Michael Angels, the grade 8s will also be hosting a Christmas dance and games!

Christmas market pdf

Christmas Concert: December 21

Our Angel staff and students are very excited to share the gift of song and dance with you at our Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in our school gymnasium.

We will have a morning performance for all staff and students and an afternoon performance for immediate family only. Our gymnasium has limited capacity, and we must ensure all immediate family members are given priority. If you are unable to attend, a grandparent or other family member may attend in your place.

The afternoon performances will take place at 1:00 PM promptly. There is no cost for the concert; however, we humbly ask that you donate one non-perishable food item upon entry. Please consider coming early to allow sufficient time to find parking in the community, check in to the school, and find seating in the gymnasium. Regular parking is available in the surrounding community (please be aware of parking limitations). Students, along with their accompanying classmates, will be dismissed to their classes immediately after their performances.

We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Dental Screening: January 10, 2024, JK, SK, Grade 2 and Grade 7 Students

Please see the message (below) from Public Health and Paramedic Services… 

In the new year, the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services will be offering a dental screening program at our school.
Who will be screened?
All JK, SK, Grade 2, and Grade 7 students at our school will be screened (as well as other select students as appropriate).
What is a dental screening?
Dental screenings are a quick look in your child’s mouth to check for any urgent dental concerns. A Registered Dental Hygienist performs this visual check using a single-use, sterilized mouth mirror (one per child). This screening does not replace your child’s regular visit with a dentist. Each participating student will be sent home at the end of the screening day(s) with a confidential result letter in a closed envelope.

Why is a dental screening important?
The dental screening is a provincially required program under the Ontario Public Health Standards that aims to ensure all children receive equal access to dental care across Ontario.
How can I opt in or opt-out from the dental screening?
 If your child is in one of the grades listed above, they will be screened.
Please complete this form www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalopting or call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 if;
 If you do not want your child to be screened or;
 If your child is not in one of the grades listed and you would like them to be screened.
Please note parents/guardians must notify the Public Health dental program each year if they do not want their children to participate in the dental screening program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our dental team at 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 or through email at dentalprogram@regionofwaterloo.ca. For information on our available dental programs, please visit our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/dentalhealth.
Sincerely,
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services

DOCS_ADMIN-#4466670-v1-2023-24_Bundle_2_Dental_Screening_Parent_Letter

Extended Day Closure

Attention: Extended Day Before & After School Parents and Guardians:
IMPORTANT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM CLOSURE

The Before and After School Extended Day Program at St. Michael will not be operating on January 19, 2024, a WCDSB PD Day.
All Extended Day staff will be participating in professional development training.
Account holders will not be invoiced the Before and After School rate on January 19, 2024.
Please email Katrina.behr@wcdsb.ca if you have any questions.
Thank-you.

January 19 2024- Extended Day Closure (St. Michael)

2023-2024 School Year Calendar – Some Important Dates

December 18    Wear your Christmas colours (red, green, white, gold)

December 18     Advent Liturgy Week 3 (Joy!)

December 19    Turkey Luncheon

December 19     Wear your Christmas Sweater today!

December 20    Wear a Christmas hat or headband today!

December 20     Christmas Market (Grade 8 Fundraiser)

December 21     Christmas Concert

December 21     All things Christmas day! Wear any Christmas accessories today!

December 22     Cozy Day! Wear your PJ’s or cozy clothing today!

December 22      Advent Liturgy Week 4 (Love)

Dec. 25-Jan. 5    Christmas Break

January 19         PA Day  (Extended Day Closed today)

February 14       Ash Wednesday

February 15       Term 1 Report Card Distribution

February 19       Family Day

March 8-15        March Break

March 29            Good Friday (no school)

April 1                 Easter Monday (no school)

April 19               PA Day

April 28-May 3  Catholic Education Week

May 20               Victoria Day (no school)

May 31               PA Day

June 24              Term 2 Report Card Distribution

June 27               Last Day of School for Students

June 28               PA Day

-St. Michael’s Staff

There is active construction today on Winterhalt Ave. Please use the side streets for pick up and drop off. The back walkway entrance is closed for today.

Side walkways off of Concession Road remain open.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

-St. Michael Staff.

First Week of Advent

The week of December 3^rd marks the First Week of Advent in the Catholic Church.  The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming and the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. Thank you to our Kindergarten classes who led our first week of Advent liturgy reminding us that the Christmas season is a season of hope.

The first candle is the candle of HOPE. The lighting of the candle is not a passive act. It reminds us that we too are the light, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:14. We can shine a light in dark places, providing kind gestures or kind words to those in need. Over the next four weeks, we will prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus!

-Mrs. Routhier

Winter is Here!

Thank you for checking the forecast and being sure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather outside. It is imperative that students come to school with boots and warm clothes to wear in the snowy/wet weather. This also means that it is time to send in extra mittens and socks! Thank you for your help and understanding!

Tuesday, December 19th: Mr. Gibson’s Festive Feast! 

We will be enjoying a turkey dinner (turkey, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, stuffing, and gravy) with all the trimmings for lunch. The Early Years and Primary classes will be eating from 11:30-12:15 and the Juniors and Intermediates will be eating from 12:30-1:15 pm.  All students are asked to wear their red and green holiday attire!  We want to thank Mr. Gibson, our head custodian, who donates all of the items for the lunch – it is quite the feat to feed over 300 kids – but he does it with a smile!!  There is no charge for lunch. Thank you, Mr. Gibson!!

If you are concerned about any allergy or issues with this event, please speak with your child’s teacher or Mrs. Best in the office. 

Let the Christmas Spirit Shine On! 

Christmas Concert

Our Angel staff and students are very excited to share the gift of song and dance with you at our Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in our school gymnasium.

We will have a morning performance for all staff and students and an afternoon performance for immediate family only. Our gymnasium has limited capacity, and we must ensure all immediate family members are given priority. If you are unable to attend, a grandparent or other family member may attend in your place.

The afternoon performances will take place at 1:00 PM promptly. There is no cost for the concert; however, we humbly ask that you donate one non-perishable food item upon entry. Please consider coming early to allow sufficient time to find parking in the community, check-in to the school, and find seating in the gymnasium. Regular parking is available in the surrounding community (please be aware of parking limitations). Students, along with their accompanying classmates, will be dismissed to their classes immediately after their performances.

We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Pizza Day Orders: December and January

Pizza days will continue on Thursdays. Please place your orders through School Cash Online! Thank you to Mrs. Best for organizing our pizza days!

Parish Updates…

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Grade 2 students who made their First Reconciliation on November 29th. Thank you to Father Markus, our St. Michael families, our Grade Two teachers, and our St. Clements Church partners for your spiritual guidance in preparation for this holy sacrament.

New Parish Mass Times

Saturday: 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Young Family Social at St Clement’s on December 17th!

Calling all young families! Come and show your joy for Jesus at St Clement Church’s first-ever Gaudete Young Family Social on December 17th following the 11:30 am Mass in the Parish Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet other moms and dads in an informal way while making memories with your own children through a family photo booth, cookie decorating and children activity stations. Snacks and beverages are included. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Gaudete Sunday Family Social Poster Dec 2023

December Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation: I am a Caring Family Member!

I AM A CARING FAMILY MEMBER! Caring Matters!

• I love God, myself, and my family
• I care about and respect my ‘family’ at school, at Church, in the community, and the world
• I care about and respect God’s creation and everything in it.

 Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus.

Pom Pom Friday Reward: Pottery-to-Go!

The students at St. Michael have done a fabulous job showing school spirit and demonstrating excellent Graduate Expectations (Hope Skills). With this awesomeness, the spirit metre has climbed and they have earned their first Pom Pom reward: Pottery-to-Go! Students have worked hard to create beautiful Christmas ornaments! Thanks to Mrs. Eugenio for organizing this awesome (Bingo-fund) opportunity.

Angel Athletics Update

Boys’ Volleyball

Congratulations to our Intermediate boys’ volleyball team for their 2nd place finish in our Family of Schools tournament. A special thank you to Madame Armstrong for coaching the team. Thank you for all of your hard work and leadership! You made our school proud! Go, Angels!

Girls’ Basketball

Congratulations to our Intermediate girls’ basketball for their 3rd place finish in our Family of Schools tournament. A special thank you to Mrs. Welsh and Miss Carere for coaching the team. Thank you for all of your hard work and leadership! You made our school proud! Go, Angels!

Sheltering Hearts Fundraiser: Cozy Day!

Thank you to everyone who donated funds to the Sheltering Hearts Fundraiser on November 30. We raised over $450 for this very important campaign!!! It was great to see everyone wearing their cozy clothes! Great job, Angels!

Grade 8 Night: Thursday, December 7th, 6-7:30 p.m.

Our annual Grade 8 Night is taking place on Thursday, December 7th, from 6-7:30 pm at St. Benedict’s High School. This is a great night to learn all about the transition to high school. Please check out the flyer to learn more. Hope to see you there!

Invite Grade 8 2023

Christmas Week: Spirit Days

Our St. Michael Student Leadership team has some amazing plans for the last week before the holidays! Check out the calendar below (or our school website) for the spirit days they have planned! A special thank you to Mrs. Claessens for leading our team!

Thank you!

-St. Michael’s School Staff