Principal's Newsletter February 2025
Principal’s Message
We are officially at the halfway point of the school year! Way to go Irish Family - let’s recommit to our academic excellence as we kick off this half of the year. We look forward to welcoming new students who will be joining the Irish Family next week, and welcome back all students as they start Semester 2/Term 2.
Next week, we kick off Black History Month. This year’s OCSB theme is: Shaping Black Futures: Uplifting Voices, Inspiring Innovation. We are looking forward to learning, listening and celebrating together as the SPH BSA works with our students and staff to lead a special month together.
Please note that our school will serve as a polling station site in the upcoming Provincial Election. The 7/8 gym will serve as the voting site while the Alta Vista parking lot will be used by voters.
I would like to welcome back Mr. Michael Curry who will be with us until March Break as Mr. Paul Tamburrini goes on parental leave.
Stay Safe and Be Well!
Mme Al Koura
Catholic School Council
Our next meeting is on Monday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be a virtual meeting. Please email the school patrick.high@ocsb.ca if you would like to join. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
OC Transpo Update
As we kick off the second half of the year, a reminder to all OC Transpo users to ensure they have their Presto pass on them when they board the buses on the way to school AND home. OC Transpo has been issuing fines to individuals caught riding the bus without paying or presenting a valid Presto pass. The fine can be significant, so please be diligent! It would be a good idea to carry the Student ID Card as well, just in case.
This is also a good time for a couple of other reminders:
Double-check that your Presto pass is registered in case it gets lost.
Be a courteous rider by minding your behaviour, volume and movement on the bus.
Do not push one another getting on or off the bus - this poses a serious safety hazard.
Be a GOOD representative of the IRISH FAMILY when riding the bus.
Transition Planning Resource Fair 2025
The OCSB and the OCDSB invite youth with intellectual disabilities and their parents/caregivers to explore ways to navigate life after high school on Thursday, February 13, 2025; 5pm-8:30pm; Confederation Education Centre. Please share this with families that you think would be interested in attending. Please see the attached poster.
International Trip
Buongiorno!
The St. Patrick's High School European Trip is BACK! After an incredible trip to London & Paris with EF Education Tours, we are once again launching this opportunity for our students! In the spring of 2026, our students can visit Italy, France, and Spain over 9 days.
Is your student currently, in the 2024-2025 school year, in grades 9-11? Are they interested in traveling to Europe with their friends and classmates? Please use the following link for more information and instructions on how to sign up.
This is an excellent time to register as our early enrollment discount is valid Tuesday, February 4th. Please feel free to email katie.bellefeuille@ocsb.ca with any questions or concerns.
À bientôt!
High School - Semester 2 Student Schedules
All Grade 9 -12 students are asked to verify their schedules on Sunday, February 2nd in mySPH (Student Portal) and to follow this updated schedule for semester 2. Schedule changes have been made since September including classroom numbers. Students can report directly to their Period 1 class on Monday morning.
New students will not have access to their schedules in mySPH and are asked to come to Student Services on the first day. Guidance counsellors will be available outside Student Services to issue these schedules and to answer any general questions. Teachers and students will be available to help new students transition to the school.
Please note that students enrolled in an elearning course will have an additional elearn placeholder attached to the elearning credit in their schedule. This elearning placeholder is not an extra credit. Students who have an elearn period are asked to report to the Learning Commons in the first week of their course for an orientation session.
High School - Semester 2 Course Change Requests
Course change request form available: February 3rd to February 7th.
Students will have the opportunity to make a request for a course change on February 3rd. Final date for requests will be February 7th (8:00 pm).
The online course change request form will be made available in the Student Services section of the school website (Class Schedule Changes) or follow this link.
All course changes will be subject to availability.
Please note that only the following changes will be made to schedules:
Grades 9 & 10 - level change requirements
Grades 11 & 12 - level changes and post-secondary pathway requirements
Students should check their emails re: their course change requests for communication from their guidance counsellor. It is very important for students to follow their current schedule and not assume that their requested change can be accommodated.
Course Selection for 2025-26 (Grade 8-11 students)
Course selection will open in Myblueprint (Student Portal) for all students in the first week of February.
Deadline for course submission is Thursday, February 22nd.
Pathway Planning and Course Selection - Timelines & Important Dates
November to January
Guidance Counsellor Classroom Visits
February 3rd to 7th
Official Course Selection Opens (myblueprint)
February 13th (5:00-7:00 pm)
Program Information Evening
February 20th
Course Selection Submission Deadline (myblueprint)
Parents/guardians are invited to our Program Information Evening on February 13th to learn about course selection, programming and pathway planning. Representatives from the community and post-secondary institutions will also be present to answer any questions and to assist in educational planning.
Consult the Student Services section (Course Selection/Pathway Planning) of the school website for information and support in selecting courses or follow this link.
Please discuss course options with your child prior to the following deadlines. It will be important for your child to include a parent/guardian email when finalizing course selection in myblueprint. Course selection forms will be emailed to parents/guardians for approval once courses are submitted.
Grade 12 Students - Applications to Ontario Colleges/Universities
Students are encouraged to check their academic information in OUAC and OCAS periodically throughout the year to ensure that courses and final marks have been sent accurately. The next transmission of marks will be sent mid February to include final marks for Semester 1 and to provide institutions with information on projected courses until June. Communicate with Student Services if there are any discrepancies.
Pathway Planning and Course Selection for the 2025-2026 School Year
Our Student Services team has prepared the following MEMO very important information, dates and deadlines for course selection for this upcoming fall, as well as Pathway Planning. Please read through this memo with your child/ren.
Grade 8s Tour of the H.S. Creative Arts Areas
In anticipation of course selection next month, our grade eight students had the opportunity this month to tour the Creative Arts areas of our school. The visits were to familiarize them with the different areas in the Arts before choosing their courses for grade nine. They visited the Art room, Dance studio, Music room, and Drama room. They met the Creative Arts teachers and some of their former students, who provided a glimpse of their experiences in each of these classes. We look forward to welcoming you next year!
High School Exams and RSTs
We just finished our Semester 1 final assessments, and wanted to give you a heads up about the dates for the Semester 2 final assessment. Once again, Grades 10-12 students will be completing RSTs and/or Exams as a part of the final assessment of their courses. Grade 9 students will only complete RSTs, they will NOT have exams as part of their final assessments, however their attendance during that period is MANDATORY as final/extension assessments will take place during that period. RSTs will be completed in the final 2-3 weeks before exams. We ask that families please take note of the following dates and to avoid any non-essential travel or absences during those periods. It is critical that students complete the designated final assessments to be able to earn their credit.
Semester 2 RST Period June 2 - 18, 2025
Second Semester Final Assessments (Grade 9) June 19 - 25, 2025
Second Semester Examinations (Grades 10-12) June 19 - 25, 2025
Important Dates
Please mark your calendars for key dates for the 2024-2025 school year!
First Day of Semester Two
February 3, 2025
Grade-Level Assemblies
February 10, 2025
Special Olympics Bocce Tournament
February 12, 2025
Program Night 5:00 - 7:00 pm
February 13, 2025
7/8 Term 1 Report Cards on Parent Portal
February 13, 2025
9-12 Semester 1 Report Cards on Parent Portal
February 14, 2025
H.S. Last Day to Change Courses
February 14, 2025
Family Day - NO SCHOOL
February 17, 2025
7-12 Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm
February 20, 2025
7/8 Parent-Teacher Interviews
February 20, 2025
Provincial Election Polling Station at St Pat’s
February 27, 2025
Black History Month BSA Showcase
End of February - TBC
March Break
March 10-14, 2025
St Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2025
H.S. Letters of Intervention go home
March 18, 2025
7-12 Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm
March 27, 2025
9-12 Parent-Teacher Interviews
March 27, 2025
OSSLT for Grade 10 Students
April 1-9, 2025
Wishing you a healthy and successful semester/term!
Principal's Newsletter January 2025
Principal’s Message
Happy New Year!!!! May this year bring blessings of health and happiness; as well as peace and comfort. We were very happy to welcome back all the students and staff. It has been a week since our return and already we have been very busy.
There are a few updates that are time-sensitive so please take a moment to go through this mid-month Newsletter.
Stay Safe and Be Well!
Mme Al Koura
Catholic School Council
Our next meeting is on Monday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be a virtual meeting. Please email the school patrick.high@ocsb.ca if you would like to join. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Vice-Principal Updates
Mme Paula Joly will be off until January 22, and is returning on January 23rd. In the interim, retired Principal, Michael Curry, will be in for her.
Mr. Paul Tamburrini will be on leave February 3rd - March 7th. Mr. Curry will be returning to cover Mr. Tamburrini’s leave as well.
Pathway Planning and Course Selection for the 2025-2026 School Year
Our Student Services team has prepared the following MEMO very important information, dates and deadlines for course selection for this upcoming fall, as well as Pathway Planning. Please read through this memo with your child/ren.
High School Exams Memo
RSTs and Exam season is in full swing. Please take a moment to read through this MEMO to explain the details for final assessments for Semester 1.
Cafeteria Closure
Our cafeteria will be closed for the week of January 27-30th, therefore cafeteria service is not available. Please ensure your child/ren brings their own lunch for each of these days. A reminder that UBER deliveries to students are not permitted.
Friends of St Pat’s: Alumni Association
Below is the Business number for the charity. Funds can be directed to the charity through pay deductions by quoting the name and BN. If anyone wants to make a direct donation of cheques/cash, They can be directly mailed to: Friends of St Pat’s. Our mailing address is the same as the high school. I will issue and mail tax donation receipts to anyone donating directly to us.
Registered Name: FRIENDS OF ST. PAT'S
Business No: 892956962RR0001CRA REGISTERED
High School Exams and RSTs
Our Grades 10-12 students will once again be completing RSTs and/or Exams as a part of the final assessment of their courses. Once again, Grade 9 students will only complete RSTs, they will NOT have exams as part of their final assessments, however their attendance during that period is MANDATORY as final/extension assessments will take place during that period. Please watch for an update regarding their schedule during that period.
RSTs will be completed in the final 2-3 weeks before exams. We ask that families please take note of the following dates and to avoid any non-essential travel or absences during those periods. It is critical that students complete the designated final assessments to be able to earn their credit.
Semester 1 RST Period January 6 - 22, 2024
Semester 1 Examinations (Grades 10-12) January 23 - 29, 2025
Semester 2 RST Period June 2 - 18, 2025
Second Semester Examinations (Grades 10-12) June 19 - 25, 2025
Important Dates
Please mark your calendars for key dates for the 2024-2025 school year!
Grad Photo Retakes
January 17, 2025
Semester 1 RST Period
January 6 - 22, 2025
January Dress Up Day
January 20, 2025
Semester 1 Examinations
January 23 - 29, 2025
Special 7/8 Dress Up Day
January 27, 2025
First Day of Semester Two
February 3, 2025
Have a wonderful week!
Principal's Newsletter December 2024
Principal’s Message
Happy December!!!!! We hope everyone is enjoying their PD Day and starting their countdown as we welcome the Advent season. This season, we wait patiently for the arrival of Baby Jesus and celebrate all the sights and sounds of this festive season.
Please note that any official school communications (e.g. notice of absences or late sign-ins, Newsletter etc.) will be coming from the school’s email address Patrick.High@ocsb.ca. Take a closer look at the email address of communications in your inbox!
A reminder to support our Christmas Campaign by reading the MEMO that was shared last week!!!!
Stay Safe and Be Well!
Mme Al Koura
Catholic School Council
Our next meeting is on Monday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be a virtual meeting. Please email the school patrick.high@ocsb.ca if you would like to join. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Uniform Reminder
The weather is getting colder and we are noticing more jogging pants, jeans and non uniform tops appearing in the building. A reminder that our uniform policy is found on the school website as well as in the Student Handbook. Please review the following:
UNIFORM INCLUDES
black pants (no jeans, no jogging pants)
Tartan skort
black skort
black cargo shorts,
white polo shirt / white blouse or white long or short sleeve shirt with St Patrick’s school logo
St. Patrick’s V-neck sweater, Crew neck sweater, or rugby shirt are permitted; older versions of the uniform (i.e. the St. Patrick's Intermediate hooded sweatshirt) are no longer part of the uniform
7/8 physical education uniform includes black gym shorts and a grey t-shirt and is mandatory for all grade 7 and 8 students.
PLEASE NOTE
solid black tights or leggings may be worn under uniform skirts or kilts; pants, jeans or sweatpants are not permitted under the kilt
Course Selection for the 2025-2026 School Year
It may seem early, but planning for the 2025-2026 school year has begun. Our Student Services team has already begun their classroom visits to help guide students in their course tracking, pathway planning and course selection for next year. Please take a moment to carefully read this MEMO from Student Services that explains what has been done thus far and what is to come. To our current Grade 8 families, classroom visits are forthcoming shortly - check out the timelines in the memo!
European Trip 2025 - 2026
It's that time of year again! St Patrick's High School, in conjunction with EF tours, is in the planning process of a European Trip for the 2025-2026 school year! After a very successful trip to London & Paris last school year, we are gearing up to take our students across the pond once more. If your student is in grades 9-11 CURRENTLY, we are inviting them to come visit OR email Ms Bellefeuille (katie.bellefeuille@ocsb.ca) or Mr Carbonette (ben.carbonette@ocsb.ca) to be put on our emailing list. When the trip is officially launched, they will be the first to know. As parents, please email katie.bellefeuille@ocsb.ca with any questions you may have.
This trip is designed not only to explore famous landmarks and immerse students in rich, diverse cultures, but also to bring history, geography, and languages to life in ways that no textbook can. Students will gain firsthand knowledge and develop greater independence, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for cultures worldwide.
We look forward to having your child join us on this life-changing journey!
Message from Ottawa Public Health - Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illness
As we head into the colder months, OPH wants to support our schools and community in staying healthy and reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses. To assist with this, please read the following key messages document, “Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illness”. (LINK)
School Photos
As you may know, Canada Post has initiated a strike as of November 15th. Edge Imaging had put measures in place to maintain smooth operations and deliveries. To adapt, they have temporarily disabled the mail-to-home option for families. Orders can now be delivered via ship-to-school or sent home using Purolator with priority shipping.
The positive news for our school community is the extended opportunity to place ship-to-school orders. The order deadline has been extended to the end of this month. If you would like to have your photos delivered to the school, please ensure you put in your order soonest.
Inclement Weather: Snow Days
Winter is almost here and Bus Cancellations could be in our future. If busses are cancelled, schools often remain open and students are welcome to attend. As our school relies on OC Transpo, our office does not automatically mark all students as Absent Approved. We recognize that some students will still attend (be it on foot, parent drop-off or OC Transpo) and as such, if you choose to keep your child at home, please inform the school so that their attendance is updated. Due to the high volume of calls, we recommend you email the school at Patrick.High@ocsb.ca to report their absence.
Intermediate Panel Update - Lunch Routines
Remember that with the cooler weather coming, our Intermediate lunchtime routines are imperative, especially when it comes to bringing appropriate outdoor clothing and being where we are supposed to be. Please ensure your child has weather-appropriate clothing (e.g. jacket, hat, mitts).
In order to maintain your child’s safety, they must remain in supervised areas at all times. Hanging out in bathrooms, high school hallways or locker bay is NOT permitted. Students must bring all they require for the lunch period (their lunch bag, jacket, mitts, hats etc) with them at the start of the lunch period and may not return to their lockers halfway through lunch when they transition between the cafeteria and the outdoors. It is imperative that our 7/8 students follow these routines so that they are supervised as well as not interrupting the HS classes that are taking place in the main building.
Changes to the Google Chats from Learning Technologies Department at the Board
Based on numerous instances of misuse of the tool, in addition to feedback and recommendations from the system, the following changes will be made to Google Chat.
All Students will move to “Blocked - Only Teacher Moderated”
K-6 (changed from completely blocked)
Gr. 7-12 (changed from open)
Please note: Existing student chats will not be erased, but the ability to add members will be restricted. Students can remove themselves from a chat. We are working on being able to remove these existing chats.
High School Exams and RSTs
Our Grades 10-12 students will once again be completing RSTs and/or Exams as a part of the final assessment of their courses. Once again, Grade 9 students will only complete RSTs, they will NOT have exams as part of their final assessments, however their attendance during that period is MANDATORY as final/extension assessments will take place during that period. Please watch for an update regarding their schedule during that period.
RSTs will be completed in the final 2-3 weeks before exams. We ask that families please take note of the following dates and to avoid any non-essential travel or absences during those periods. It is critical that students complete the designated final assessments to be able to earn their credit.
Semester 1 RST Period January 6 - 22, 2024
Semester 1 Examinations (Grades 10-12) January 23 - 29, 2025
Semester 2 RST Period June 2 - 18, 2025
Second Semester Examinations (Grades 10-12) June 19 - 25, 2025
Important Dates
Please mark your calendars for key dates for the 2024-2025 school year!
Grad Photos
December 16-19, 2024
Last Day of Classes before Christmas Break
December 20, 2024
Christmas Break
December 23, 2024
January 3, 2025
First Day of Classes after Christmas Break
January 6, 2025
Grad Photo Retakes
January 17, 2025
Semester 1 RST Period
January 6 - 22, 2025
Semester 1 Examinations
January 23 - 29, 2025
First Day of Semester Two
February 3, 2025
Have a great weekend!
School Uniform Policy
SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY
The school uniform at St. Patrick’s High School is both a source of pride and identification for the school. By registering at St. Patrick’s, a student is agreeing to uphold the uniform regulations from the time they arrive at school until the end of the school day, including the lunch break. Students who fail to comply with school uniform expectations may be sent home to change into the school uniform or they may be assigned a consequence.
Uniform clothing is ordered through TOP MARKS, our supplier. Orders are placed through the company, and clothing is sent directly to students’ homes by courier.
Our Supplier information is below:
Top Marks www.topmarks.ca
St Patrick’s High School code PAT02
Toll free 1-800-667-7105 (customer service)
**School Uniform consists of garments produced by TOP MARKS for St. Patrick’s High School. All tops will bear a St. Patrick’s logo. All bottoms will bear the TOP MARKS tag.**
UNIFORM INCLUDES
black pants
Tartan skort
black skort
black cargo shorts,
white polo shirt / white blouse or white long or short sleeve shirt with St Patrick’s school logo
St. Patrick’s V-neck sweater, Crew neck sweater, or rugby shirt are permitted; older versions of the uniform (i.e. the St. Patrick's Intermediate hooded sweatshirt) are no longer part of the uniform
7/8 physical education uniform includes black gym shorts and a grey t-shirt and is mandatory for all grade 7 and 8 students.
PLEASE NOTE
solid black tights or leggings may be worn under uniform skirts or kilts; pants, jeans or sweatpants are not permitted under the kilt
REMINDERS
students may wear a plain white T-shirt under a uniform shirt or blouse; wearing a hooded sweatshirt under a school long- or short-sleeved shirt is not permitted
girls may wear a plain white ladies’ camisole under a uniform shirt or blouse; (plain white implies no writing, no logos, no diagrams)
camisoles may not be worn with sweater cardigans unless under a TOP MARKS shirt or Blouse;
skirts and kilts must be worn at a respectable length and such that undergarments are not visible;
Pants and shorts are worn such that undergarments are not visible;
shirts, blouses, and sweater must be worn so shoulders and torsos are covered;
Hats and bandanas are not permitted;
the last Monday of each month (with the exception of June) may be designated a “Dress Up Day” to support a designated charity. Students are reminded to exercise good taste in the selection of their “dress up” apparel.
every Wednesday is designated St. Patrick’s Spirit Day. Students may wear their St. Patrick’s school team or club shirt, with proper uniform bottoms;
students must be in proper uniform for any off-site excursions or activities unless otherwise approved by Administration;
Clothing or accessories that are deemed to be gang related in the opinion of Ottawa Police are unacceptable and not allowed in the school;
any clothing or accessory that is deemed to be inappropriate in the opinion of the Administration is unacceptable and is not allowed in the school.
Wearing clothing with culturally insensitive messages or images is not in keeping with our Catholic value of promoting a safe, caring and inclusive school community. All students are encouraged to wear respectful clothing at all times when on school property or on a school related activity.