Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Mother Nature has been teasing us with signs of spring, so let’s cheer her on as we enter into March!!!!! A heartfelt thank you to all staff and students who made our Program Night on February 12th such a huge success. It was such a pleasure to open our doors to current and future students/families and showcase all of the wonderful academic programs and extra-curricular activities St Pat’s has to offer.
This year, the wrestling team made its return to St Patrick’s and what a season!!!! Today, 3 of our wrestlers travelled to Peterborough, Ontario to compete in OFSAA. Congratulations and best of luck to Ali Alwazni, Alekzandro Cunning, and Hannah Martin.
If you have not already done so, please take a look at the OCSB Calendar and Dates for 2025-2026. This fall, the school year will be starting before Labour Day weekend. Please plan your travels accordingly.
Stay Safe and Be Well!
Mme Al Koura
Catholic School Council
Thank you to all students and families who supported our Booster Juice fundraiser. We look forward to kicking off the final days of class before March Break by delivering these cold energy boosters to those who participated. Keep your eyes open in the future for other opportunities to support our council.
Our next meeting will take place on Monday, March 23, 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!
Black History Month Student Showcase
On Thursday, February 25th, our BSA, Student Council, Afrodance Troop, No Excuses and many other student voices brought to the stage one of the most electrifying and engaging Black History Month Showcases. Our students showed us the evolution of black culture throughout history, from Africa to the Caribbean and into the Americas (both Latin and North America). The voices of our singers and the talent from our musicians left us holding our breath or covered in goosebumps. We celebrate the accomplishments of our students and acknowledge that our work must continue well into the months between now and next February. Much gratitude for the dedication of all staff who worked hard on making this happen. Thank you and congratulations!!!!!
St Patrick’s Day Parade - Ottawa
This Saturday, March 7th, 50+ students from the Irish Family will be walking in the return of the St Patrick’s Day Parade here in Ottawa. We will be float #23, carrying the flags of Ireland, its provinces and counties. Our flag bearers have been practicing for weeks and were featured on CTV News Ottawa at 6:00 pm on Friday night. Come out and cheer on the Irish this Saturday starting at noon!
Changes to Transportation Services at St Patrick’s High School
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority has recently informed the school of some significant changes to transportation services for certain students at our school. Starting March 2, 2026, Route 698 will be shortened to no longer operate east of Conroy Road, as these students will now be transported by yellow school bus via OSTA. OSTA provided the school with a list of families impacted by this change and those families have already been informed directly by the school. We met with students last week, on Thursday, to go over the changes in case the communication was missed. If your child/ren is/are impacted, please ensure you have checked your messages to ensure you have the necessary information to plan for these changes.
Additionally, the Route 698 trip that starts at 07:40, and one of the trips that start at 14:44 will be withdrawn. With these changes, three morning trips and three afternoon trips on this route will continue serving St. Patrick’s. Sufficient capacity is expected for all remaining students on OC Transpo. We encourage students to use the Travel Planner on www.octranspo.com to see how their transit trips will change.
For more information or to ask questions, please visit www.octranspo.com or call the OC Transpo Information Centre at 613-560-5000.
Route 698 – Eastern section East of Conroy Rd removed from service, now serviced by OSTA.
Student Census
A reminder that our students have begun completing the Student Census. Each student in grades 7 through 12 will complete the census at school. Answers are voluntary and confidential.
The information collected will help us:
Plan programs and services that support student success.
Understand language, cultural, and identity needs in our schools.
Improve resources for students with diverse backgrounds.
Guide equity and inclusion work.
Identify areas where additional support is needed; and
Create schools where every student feels safe, welcome, and included.
Need more info? Consult: Board Census Webpage and FAQ, this recording of our virtual parent engagement session or contact your child’s school.
YMCA - March Break Camp
The YMCA is launching Future Builders: Skilled Trades Camp for March Break 2026. This is a hands-on program for youth ages 12–14. Campers will work with real tools, learn from industry professionals, explore how buildings are made, and complete a take-home project.
Program Details
· Dates: March 16–20, 2026
· Time: 8a.m. – 5p.m.
· Ages: 12–14
· Cost: $340 for the week
· Location: YMCA, 440 Albert Street, Ottawa
· Registration link: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-services/camps/school-break-camps/march-break-camps
We also have a range of PA Day camps and March Break camps that parents and caregivers can learn about here.
2025-2026 National Student Writing Contest by Polar Expression Publishing
We are delighted to share some wonderful news about Jaycy Ngandeu's ( 808I) outstanding achievement. Jaycy’s poem has been selected for the First Round of the 2025–2026 National Student Writing Contest hosted by Polar Expression Publishing.
This national contest celebrates young writers from across the country, recognizing creativity, originality, and excellence in student writing. Jaycy’s poem will be published and will advance to the final round of the competition.
This is a proud moment for Jaycy and for our entire school community. We congratulate her on this impressive accomplishment and wish her continued success as she moves forward in the competition!
H.S. Athletic Updates
High School athletics is wrapping up their winter seasons and starting the mid-winter part of the schedule. We are excited to announce that three of our wrestlers finished in the top two in the City Championships and will be on their way to the OFSAA Provincial Championships in Peterborough during the first week of March! This is a wonderful accomplishment from the team returning back to competition after many years.
Our Sr Boys Basketball team had success on the court, winning the annual St. Joseph Jaguars tournament back in January! They completed their season with a tough three point loss to Louis Riel in the City Semifinal game.
The Sr Girls Volleyball team also made it to the semi-finals in the Bronze division.
Kicking off their seasons we have our Jr Boys and Jr Girls Volleyball teams as well as the Varsity Badminton team.
Ultimate Frisbee 4 vs 4
On February 18th, two Irish teams (Clover and Gold) participated for the first time in history, at the OttawaU indoor 4vs4 series.
Irish finished top 8 in division 1 against some of the best in the city, having never played 4vs4 before.
Our top 8 finish punches our ticket to the Orleans Indoor Classic in March!
Let’s go IRISH!!
Ultimate Frisbee
Our Ultimate Frisbee program is currently playing in their winter season, 4vs4 indoors! This co-ed version of the game is played on 1/3 of an average indoor turf space. St Patrick’s High School participated for the first time at the annual OttawaU Indoor Classic, with 20 different schools in attendance, finishing top 8 in division 1. They will finish their indoor season in March, at the Orleans Indoor Classic.
Go Irish Go!
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:
H.S. Letters of Intervention - March 12, 2026
March Break - March 16 - 20, 2026
H.S. Parent-Teacher Interviews - March 26, 2026
7-12 Early Dismissal (1:30 pm) - March 26, 2026
Dress Up Day - March 30, 2026
Good Friday (No School) - April 3, 2026
Easter Monday (No School) - April 6, 2026
Stay Safe and Have a Great Day!
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