Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Today is Holy Thursday and I would like to take a moment to mark the Triduum, which commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. Although Christmas may appear to be the biggest celebration of the Christian calendar, the Triduum is in fact the summit of our year. On this long weekend, I hope you are able to slow down a bit and spend time with your loved ones.
Congratulations to three of our Gr. 12 Art students (Renad Abdelmageed, Danyea Dorsey and Gracia Tayeye) who were chosen as finalists in the Afrofuturism and Black Joy Art Contest during Black History Month. On March 5th, our students along with all other finalists from across the OCSB got to participate in a full day of artistic growth and celebration at the National Gallery of Canada. Thank you for representing us so well!!!!
A reminder to all of our returning families that the 2026-2027 school year will begin before the traditional Labour Day weekend. September 1st is the start of the school year this fall so please plan your summer travel accordingly.
Stay Safe and Be Well!
Mme Al Koura
Catholic School Council
Thank you to all of our families who supported our School Council in our first Booster Juice fundraiser. Despite the snow day that delayed the delivery of our smoothies to grades 9 and 10 students by a day, all enjoyed their full-sized smoothies. Watch out for the next opportunity to pre-order for your child!
Our Catholic School Council team is thrilled to invite you to our annual Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) event which will take place on Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Not only will this be a great opportunity to meet other parents but you will also get to hear an expert speaker. This year, we are pleased to host Dr. Richard Bolduc, Mental Health Lead Psychologist with the OCSB, who will be speaking to us on how to identify mental health struggles and supports that we can put in place to help our youth.
This event is taking place at the school!
Treats and light refreshments will be provided.
Please confirm your attendance by completing this form:
Thank you, and we hope to see you there!
Our next meeting will take place on Monday,June 8th, 2026. The meeting will take place in the Learning Commons with a hybrid option. If you would like the link for the meeting, please contact our Council (stpatschoolcouncil@gmail.com) for the link. We hope to see you there!
CSPA Announcements and Important Dates
Standing Against Racism Week Parent Night - Monday, April 13th
Learning Together with First Nations Guest Speaker Kyrsten Dumont.
This will be a virtual event.
Register here.
The Family Smartphone with Margot Dennomé - Monday, April 20th & Tuesday, April 21st
Both events will be in-person, locations coming soon.
Interactive AI Night for Parents - Week of May 18th
More information and location coming soon.
SEAC Focus Group: Parent-Educator Communication: A Conversation on Challenges, Successes & Advocacy - Wednesday, May 14th
For OCSB Parents and Caregivers only. This will be a virtual event.
Register here.
Meet our New Graduation Coach for Black Students
Meet our new Graduation Coach, Obasola ‘Oba’ Bamigbola.
Oba is an accomplished community advocate and Black youth mentor with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of arts, education, youth development and community engagement. As the Graduation Coach for Black Students at St. Patrick’s High School, he brings a deeply rooted commitment to supporting Black youth in achieving academic success while affirming their identities, voices, and aspirations.
Drawing from his extensive background in youth mentorship and development, Oba is dedicated to creating inclusive pathways that empower students to thrive, graduate with confidence, and envision meaningful futures beyond the classroom.
SPH Musical - In The Heights
Lights up on Washington Heights….. The SPH Drama Club is proud to present in ”In the Heights”!
Filled with music, heart, and community, you’re bound to see fireworks. Our cast, crew and orchestra have been working tirelessly to bring this vibrant, high-energy story to life.
Tickets: $20 each. You can grab your tickets through our website, sphdramaclub.ca, or at the door.
St Patrick’s Day Parade - Ottawa and Montreal
On Saturday, March 7th, 50+ students from the Irish Family walked in the St Patrick’s Day Parade here in Ottawa. We proudly carried the flags of Ireland, its provinces and counties.
On Sunday, March 22nd, we travelled to Montreal to proudly represent the Irish Society of Ottawa as well as St Patrick’s High School. Although the weather was less than ideal, we marched through the blizzard to the cheers of many, many, many spectators. The Irish Ambassador to Canada marched right in front of us.
A huge thank you to Ms. Linda LoFaro for taking the lead on coordinating this event as well as Mrs Pam Roddick, Mr. Paul Roddick, Ms. Megan Noble, Mr. Nate Johnson, Ms. Lynsey O'Brien, Ms. Patricia Cava and Mr. Fadi El-Saikali for their work on the Parades!
March Break Black Professional Healthcare Program for Black Students
The March Break Black Professional Healthcare Program for Black Students, held from March 16–18 at University of Ottawa Roger Guindon Hall, was an impactful three-day initiative designed to inspire the next generation of Black healthcare professionals through partnership with the Black Medical Student Association.
Students engaged directly with medical students and healthcare professionals through panel discussions, interactive case studies, and informal “Ask a Professional” lunch sessions. These moments provided valuable insight into diverse pathways within healthcare while reinforcing the importance of representation.
Students practiced suturing techniques, conducted blood pressure tests and participated in functional movement assessments. They were able to see and feel what healthcare work looks like in real-world contexts.
Other significant sessions were on community and identity, including a mental health workshop that centered the experiences of Black youth.
World Religions Field Trip
On Wednesday March 25th, the Grade 11 students taking World Religions this semester enjoyed a wonderful day of experiential learning at a Hindu Temple and a Sikh Gurdwara. At the temple, the students learned that Hinduism is not a single religion with a founder, but a way of life with a vast family of beliefs. At the gurdwara the students learned about a younger, monotheistic faith founded on social justice. A special thanks goes out to our very hospitable hosts. Thank you to the Sikh Society of Ottawa for sharing their special tradition of feeding their guests. And thank you Dr. Shiv from the Hindu Temple for your compliment, in bringing a “very respectful, and well-disciplined group to the Temple. “
A Company of Fools Visits with Drama Club and English Classes
On March 5th, the Drama and period one English classes were treated to a dramatic performance of The Understudies. This is a 60-minute, high-energy, and interactive touring show created by Ottawa-based A Company of Fools, to help students engage with Shakespearean texts. It is not a traditional play, but an original production that features professional actors performing scenes from Shakespeare's works alongside audience members as "understudies”.
Entrepreneurship Team Challenge
At the end of February, Grade 11 and 12 students Dylan, Qaiser, Hannah, Laverne and Destin participated in an entrepreneurship team challenge through Enactus at the University of Ottawa. Their ideas on how AI can be leveraged to enhance, rather than impede, student understanding and critical thinking were well received by the judges and they earned a 4th place finish and a cash prize. Congratulations to all!
Transitioning to the World of Work: Supported Employment Fair
Youth with individualized learning needs are invited to explore the strategies and resources essential for thriving in the workplace. This event is designed for all secondary students planning to transition into the workforce who may require additional support in obtaining employment. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators are also highly encouraged to attend.
Transitioning to the World of Work
Summer School Registration
Registration for Summer School courses and programs with the Ottawa Catholic School Board is open until June 19th. (Summer School Registration Closes June 19th!) There are a wide variety of courses available both online and in person. Please see the summer school website for course offerings and registration forms.
Please note students may only register for one summer school course in July. Here is the flyer first page/second page for quick access!
Summer International Language Program - Elementary
OCSB Continuing & Community Education is excited to share that registration is now open for our Summer International Languages Program - Elementary!
The Summer International Languages Program offers students the opportunity to learn a new language or strengthen their home language through engaging activities such as music, art, storytelling, and cultural exploration. It is a meaningful way for students to build confidence, develop language skills, and connect with diverse cultures in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The program runs from June 29 - July 31, 2026, at various OCSB locations, with classes available for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, and is free for Ontario residents.
LEARN MORE: https://conted.ocsb.ca/summer-programs/summer-international-languages-elementary/
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. A reminder to families that Grade 9–12 exams and RSTs cannot be moved or rescheduled for vacation or travel plans. Please schedule all appointments outside these dates. If a student is ill, a Vice-Principal must be contacted before the exam; a medical note is required.
Once again, Grade 9 students will only complete RSTs, they will NOT have exams as part of their final assessments. Grade 9 students are expected to attend everyday, June 18 - 23 to complete their final assessments or course work.
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 1 - 17, 2026
Semester 2 Exam Schedule: Gr. 12 Per. 3 June 16, 2026
Gr. 12 Per. 4 June 17, 2026
Gr. 10-12 Per. 1 June 18, 2026
Gr. 10-12 Per. 2. June 19, 2026
Gr. 10-11 Per. 3 June 22, 2026
Gr. 10-11 Per. 4. June 23, 2026
Important Dates
Please mark your calendars for the following key dates:
Good Friday (No School) - April 3, 2026
Easter Monday (No School) - April 6, 2026
High School Musical Production “In the Heights” - April 8 - 11, 2026
Standing Against Racism Week - April 13 - 17, 2026
PD Day - April 27, 2026
Stay Safe and Have a Great Day!
Page updated
Report abuse