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Message From The Principal
November 2nd, 2026
As we step into November, I want to take a moment to reflect on a vibrant and inspiring month of October at St. Patrick’s. A major highlight was our privilege of hosting the Ottawa Catholic School Board Black Student Forum, where students from high schools across the board gathered at St. Pat's to engage in dynamic workshops, listen to empowering guest speakers, and share rich cultural experiences (see photos below). October also brought fantastic opportunities for growth and celebration across our school community, including our leadership retreat at Waupoos Farm, an energetic Spirit Week organized by our Student Council, and the recognition of achievement at our Academic Awards ceremony. Building on this strong momentum, we look forward to many important events in November, including our upcoming Remembrance Day ceremony, where we will gather as a school family to honor and remember those who served. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our St. Pat's community.
Meagan Morris
Catholic School Council
Please find details in the flyer including QR code to register for the event.
St. Patrick’s Catholic School Council will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 16th, 2026. We are pleased to welcome guest speaker and educator Andy Moore. Drawing on the last five years of his teaching career, Andy describes the changes he saw in students' work and work habits as AI chatbots arrived, and what he and his colleagues learned about using AI's potential without letting the technology drive educational goals. He explains how his department taught students to use AI in their research and writing without surrendering either skill, and leaves time for parents' questions. The last five minutes describe Cal, the AI tutor he built.
Three things parents and guardians will take away:
1. What current research says about how teenagers use chatbots for schoolwork.
2. How teachers can teach students to use AI for research and learning without letting the chatbot do their thinking for them.
3. Practical ways to talk with your teenager about AI, and to tell the difference between help and substitution.
Careers Beyond the Screen: The Apprenticeship Pathway in an AI World, November 4, 2026, at 6:30 pm, at St. Pius X High School. Register here.
Join the Ottawa Catholic School Board's Guidance and Pathways Team and the Catholic School Parents' Association (CSPA) for an engaging evening with award-winning employment researcher Dr. Jon Callegher. In this high-energy, data-backed presentation, Dr. Callegher will explain why parents can be confident in supporting the Skilled Trades as a rewarding post-secondary pathway for their children.
Annual School Council Conference: Join us for a morning of connection, collaboration, and practical learning with fellow school council members. Share ideas, celebrate successes, and take home practical tips to help your council thrive. Join CSPA on Sat, Nov 7th at the OCSB Board Office. Registration begins at 9AM. Click HERE for more details and to register.
SEAC Monthly Meeting - November 18, 2026, at the OCSB office in the CEC boardroom. If you are interested in attending a SEAC meeting, please email seac@ocsb.ca to express your interest. Visit here to access the Agenda.
Ottawa CSPA-PIC Monthly General Meeting - November 25, 2026, at 7 pm at the OCSB office in the CEC boardroom. Register here.
Council meetings are open to all parents and caregivers. School council is a forum for learning about, discussing and contributing to school direction and events, and we run educational, social, and fundraising events throughout the year. You can contact the co-chairs, Tori Moore and Stephanie Keane, at stpatschoolcouncil@gmail.com
From the Chaplain
Hi, my name is James DeGurse and I’m the new Chaplaincy Leader at St. Patrick’s High School. I am delighted to be a part of the St. Pat’s community and am grateful for the warm welcome I have received. I’m happy to share a couple updates on St. Pat’s chaplaincy: On October 14th, we celebrated the beginning of the school year with our Opening Liturgy, focused on our Board Spiritual Theme, “Nourishing New Beginnings.” Through prayer, scripture, music, and student reflections, we considered ways that God is at work in our lives giving us new beginnings. As well, throughout the month of November, I am leading a workshop in the Chapel for Religion classes focused on “Ordinary Saints.” The workshop explores the idea that the saints were ordinary people who brought extraordinary love into everyday life, and invites us to consider that we can do this, too. May God bless you as you journey through this school year!
Take our Kids to Work (TOK2W) - Grade 9
Take Our Kids to Work Day is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada. During OCSB Career Week, this is a central activity for our Grade 9 students!
On Wednesday, November 4, Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative, friend, or volunteer host, and witness the world of work firsthand. We hope students will take this opportunity to ask lots of questions, learn about demands and opportunities within different roles, and begin informing their own future goals and career interests. Thank you in advance to all families and employers offering enriching experiences to our Grade 9 students this week! We look forward to hearing about their diverse experiences in class later in the week.
St. Patrick's Remembers
On Wednesday, November 11th we will be having our Remembrance Day Assemblies.
We would like to invite any Parents or Guardians who are retired or currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces to join us for this event.
Due to the size of our school population, there will be two Assemblies:
Period 1 (8:50 - 10:00) Grades 8,10,12
Period 2: (10:10 - 11:15) Grades 7,9,11
If you would like to join us, please email: pamela.roddick@ocsb.ca to confirm your seat. In your email, please indicate which assembly (or both) that you would like to attend. In your RSVP email, please also indicate your formal title/rank.
A reminder that all Scouts, Guides and Cadets can wear their uniforms for Remembrance Day.
St. Patrick's Annual Christmas Craft Fair
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with one of our most anticipated community events of the year! The St. Patrick's High School Annual Christmas Craft Fair returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for a wonderful day of holiday shopping, festive cheer, and community spirit!
With over 100 talented vendors, there's something for everyone! Explore a fantastic selection of handmade crafts, holiday decorations, jewelry, delicious baked goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday present, supporting local artisans, or simply enjoying a festive day out, our Craft Fair is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Admission is just $2, and visitors can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of several incredible gift baskets generously donated by our vendors.
Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and join us as we celebrate the creativity, generosity, and community spirit that make this annual event so special. We can't wait to see you there!
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The Fall writing dates for St. Pat's will be from Monday, November 9th to Monday, November 23rd. This session is predominantly Grade 10 students and some Grade 11 and 12s. All eligible students have been given their writing date and location. Students scheduled to write have also been added to a Hapara Workspace to help them prepare for the literacy test. Please check with your student to see if they will be writing. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Student Success teacher, Pamela Roddick at pamela.roddick@ocsb.ca.
Gr. 7&8 Monday Morning Assembly (MMA)
We met with our grade 7&8 students this morning to review important items. Namely, as the weather turns colder, we are asking for your partnership in ensuring that students are coming to school dressed appropriately.
Grade 7&8 Progress Reports and Parent/Teacher Interviews Grade 9-12 Midterm Report Cards
Progress Reports for grade 7&8 students will be available on November 12th and Grade 9-12 Midterm Report cards will be available on November 17th. Both can be found on the Parent Portal . Parent teacher interviews for the 7&8 Progress Report will take place on Thursday, November 19th. Detailed information about how to book interviews will be shared by email closer to the date. There will be no interviews for the Gr. 9-12 midterm report cards as interviews took place after the Letters of Early Intervention were sent. Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to your student's teachers for updates.
To understand your student's progress please refer to Understanding your Child's Achievement.
Gr. 7 Immunization
Immunizations for grade 7 Students will take place on November 18th, 19th, and 27th. Detailed information will be sent through School Messenger.
Spirit Wear - Update
Spiritwear is available once again at tuckgear.ca. Sale ends November 13. If ordered items are for Christmas gifts, please email linda.lofaro@ocsb.ca directly to indicate which item(s) are the gifts. Linda LoFaro will reach out directly to coordinate a pick up for the gift(s).
Important Dates
November 3rd - Civics/Careers Turnaround day
November 4th - TOK2WD, Grade 7&8 Ottawa 67s Game
November 9th-17th - OSSLT (Excluding November 11th)
November 12th - Grade 7&8 Progress Reports posted to the Parent Portal
November 17th - Gr. 9-12 Midterm Report Cards posted to the Parent Portal
November 18th, 19th & 27th - Grade 7 Immunizations
November 19th - Gr. 7&8 Progress Report Parent-Teacher Interviews
November 20th - PD Day
Parent/Guardian School Checklist
To help you and your family prepare for the new year, we have created a checklist for you to reference before the start of school. This will help ensure you and your child(ren) do not miss out on exciting news and opportunities during the year.
Register for a School Cash OnLine Account
Fill Out School Forms on Parent Portal (Helpful Hints for Parent Portal Forms)
Update Your Contact Information on Parent Portal (Help viewing contacts in Parent Portal)
Student Fees
A reminder that student fees are $45 per student. For families with mulitple students at St. Patrick's, the first fee is $45 and any subsequen fees are $30. Student fees can be paid on School Cash Online
Student Medical Forms
For students with life threatening medical conditions we required updated medical forms. If you have previously submitted forms for your student, please ensure that the information shared is accurate.
If we do not have a plan of care for your student with a life threatening medical condition, please complete the corresponding medical Plan of Care form on the OCSB website and if necessary the Request and Consent for Administration of Medication form.
● Student Health – The Ottawa Catholic School Board (ocsb.ca)
● OCSB Request and Consent for Administration of Medication (2024)
Important Links
Transportation - ottawaschoolbus.ca
Online Payment (i.e. Student fees, Excursions/Activity fees) - School Cash Online
Student access to schedules and locker information - my.studentinfo.ca
Student locker request (student must use ocsb account to complete the form) Request for a Locker Form
Student appointment booking with guidance counsellor, course change requests -
Bell Times/Schedules
Please ensure your child is familiar with their bus route and/or walking route so that they are arriving on time.
High School Schedule Intermediate Schedule
8:30-9:55 Period1 8:30-9:25 Period 1
10:00-11:15 Period 2 9:30-10:20 Period 2
11:20-12:00 LUNCH 10:25-11:15 Period 3
12:05-1:20 Period 3 11:20-12:10 Period 4
1:25-2:40 Period 4 12:10-12:50 Lunch
12:55-1:45 Period 5
1:50-2:40 Period 6
Uniforms
St Patrick’s is a uniformed school and our uniform supplier is Top Marks. All families are asked to open an account with Top Marks if you have not already done so and to place your order directly to the company. Top Marks will deliver the uniform to your home address. Please visit their website at: www.topmarks.ca with the St Patrick’s High School code PAT02
UNIFORM INCLUDES:
TOP (all items from Top Marks with St Patrick’s logo)
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
BOTTOM
black dress pants/cargo pants
black skort or tartan kilt
black cargo shorts
PLEASE NOTE:
7/8 physical education uniform includes black gym shorts and a grey t-shirt and is mandatory for all grade 7 and 8 students.
If your order has not arrived by the first day of school, we ask that your child arrive at school in black bottoms (dress pants, cargo pants, skirt - NO jeans, leggings or jogging pants) and a white-collared polo or dress shirt.
Donation of used uniforms for families in need would be greatly appreciated to help replenish our Used Uniform supply.
Safe Arrival - Attendance App
SafeArrival is the application we use at St Patrick's to make it easier, faster and more convenient for families to report absences and late arrivals to school. With SafeArrival, there is no need to call the school and leave a message. Instead, you can quickly and securely report your child’s absence using one of three options. For more details on using this tool, please visit the following site.
Parent Permission for Pick Up or Sign/Out *new this year
Late Notification
When students arrive late to school, they will sign in to the office and parents will receive an automatic email notification. Please ensure you have submitted permission through SafeArrival.
St. Patrick's High School Parent Newsletter | Nov 2nd, 2026
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