Meet your St. Mother Teresa Catholic School Council

Chair: Steven Boucher

Vice Chair: Karen Jacyno

Treasurer: Tiziana Balice-Malcolm

Recording Secretary: Sarah de Boer

Parish Rep: Maria Perez

Parent Reps: Karen Hennessey, Sam Olatunji, Erinn Ladouceur, Kate Legerwood, Karla Devoe, Davina Mullaley

MEETING DATES: Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm

November 16

January 18 virtual

February 22

April 19

May 17 *final meeting

Any questions, please contact stmt.csc@gmail.com

Catholic School Council Constitution

CSPA Events:

Registration link for all events: Ottawa CSPA Events

Upcoming Lockdown Drill

During the week of October 19th our school will be conducting a lockdown drill. Schools are required to practice this procedure each year to ensure that staff and students understand how to respond in the event of an emergency. Please take a few moments to talk with your child about the importance of taking these drills seriously and following staff instructions.Thank you for your continued support.

Grade 12 Information

Post-Secondary Fall Open Houses

Carleton University: October 24, 2026, from 9:30 to 3:00 PM.

Visit the website for more information about sessions and activities, and to register.

University of Ottawa: October 25, 2026, from 9:00 to 3:00 PM.

Visit the website for more information about sessions and activities, and to register.

Algonquin College: November 7, 2026, from 10:00 to 2:00 PM.

Visit the website for more information about sessions and activities, and to register.

Parking Lot Instructions

The front of the building is closed off to the public before and after school as it is the location for our special transportation drop off and pick up. It is imperative for student safety that you do not access this laneway directly at the front door between 8am-8:50am and 2:20-3:05pm.
The front of the building is a one way lane only (direction of the one way is heading east). This ensures all vehicles and pedestrians are safe.
MORNING DROP OFF: Students can be dropped off in the bus loop on the west side of the building. Walk a Block strongly encouraged.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Students must Walk a Block from Silver Sage, Claridge or Utman Park in the afternoon and are also encouraged to do so in the morning.

Parking Lot Construction Update

There continues to be no access to the EAST parking lot and loop due to construction. The end date to this closure is unknown at this point. Students will not have access to the east entrance; they will need to come through the main doors. We will continue to update you.

Please adhere to the pick up and drop off recommendations communicated.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a designated "No Stopping" zone on the east side of Silver Sage Avenue during morning bell times to keep traffic flowing safely. Unfortunately, a number of cars are regularly stopping in this restricted zone to let their children out causing traffic issues on Silver Sage Ave, but more importantly, it is creating a major safety hazard.

Please adhere to the NO STOPPING signs. Keep in mind you are permitted to enter the West side loop for drop off, which has lots of space. Thank you for your cooperation.

Yearbook's can be purchased via School Cash Online

Reporting Student Absences

A friendly reminder to report your child's absence using the SafeArrival app. Reporting absences in advance helps us confirm that every student is accounted for each day.

Students Leaving at End of Day

We continue to see an increase in the number of students remaining in the building after school. Please communicate to your child that all students are expected to vacate the building by 3:10 pm, unless they are participating in a supervised activity (e.g. peer tutoring, sports team, club). It is a serious safety concern that so many students are in the building after school without staff supervision. Students should not be waiting for rides home after this time.

Halloween Costume Considerations: Halloween is fast approaching! As students get creative with their costumes, please remember our school guidelines to ensure a fun and safe day for everyone. Costumes must not include masks or fake weapons/accessories, and we ask that all outfits remain respectful and culturally appropriate.

Careers Beyond the Screen: The Apprenticeship Pathway in an AI World (Parents & Guardians)

Wednesday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Pius X
Hosted by the OCSB Pathways Team and the Catholic School Parents’ Association, this presentation by Dr. Jon Callegher covers how AI is shaping future careers, what Ontario parents think about post-secondary pathways, and the benefits of the skilled trades.
Poster | Registration

Anti-Human Trafficking Presentation to Students in Grades 8 and 9:

Presenter: Christine Clark is the Community Education Coordinator for A New Day Youth and Adult Services.

Topic: Anti-Human Trafficking

Date: October 22nd

The following information will be included in the presentation.

What is Human Trafficking

Lived experience story

Where does it happen

Where are youth lured

Online safety

Consent

Healthy relationships

Healthy boundaries

Q&A session

This 75 minute presentation will be presented by a person with lived experience in human trafficking.When the presenter shares their lived experience, they will use age appropriate language for the audience. As the youth open up and use their own language the presenter will expand on this language for further explanation.

Upcoming Author Visit: Julian McKenzie

Wednesday, October 28 | Grade 7-12 Learning Commons

We are excited to welcome author and The Athletic sports journalist Julian McKenzie to SMT! Julian is a prominent media personality and broadcaster across CBC, TSN, Sportsnet, and ESPN Radio, known for highlighting the human stories behind sports culture.

Featured Book: Black Aces: Essential Stories from Hockey’s Black Trailblazers

Julian explores perseverance, identity, and representation through the history and triumphs of Black hockey figures, featuring stories from Willie O'Ree, Jarome Iginla, P.K. Subban, and Sarah Nurse.

Key Topics & Focus Areas:

Black History & Hockey: The Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes, Africville, and contemporary Black trailblazers.
Careers & Pathways: Alternative routes in sports, becoming a writer, and journalism.
Curriculum Connections: English/Language Arts, Social Studies/Contemporary Studies, and Physical Education (Intermediate & Secondary)

7&8 Students not attending the 67s game event will attend. Grade 9-12 will attend by class sign up.

Links for Parents/Guardians:

St. Mother Teresa High School Website

SchoolMessenger

SchoolCashOnline

OCSB Parent Portal

High School Announcements & Grade 7/8 Announcements (also on school website)

Grade 7/8 Athletics Schedule

Titan Wear

Follow Student Council on TikTok: smt.studentcouncil

Follow Student Council on Instagram: smt.studentco

Wed, Oct 28th - Grade 10 Civics Exam

Wed, Oct 28th - 7&8 67's Game

Tues, Nov 3 - Grade 10 Civics/Careers Turnaround Day

Wed, Nov 4 - Grade 9 Take our Kids to Work Day

Thurs, Nov 12 - 7/8 Progress Reports on Parent Portal

PD Day for Students Friday, October 2nd:

This year, our October PD Day falls on October 2nd, not attached to the Thanksgiving weekend as in years past.

Online Chats and Behaviour with Grade 7/8 Students:

We have been made aware of several student group chats that contain highly inappropriate images and language. We are working to address these concerns and are doing our best to shut down these group chats.

We ask parents and guardians to please take some time to check your child’s phone, particularly Snapchat, including stickers and saved content within the app, to ensure that they are using their devices responsibly and appropriately.

Your support in reinforcing responsible and respectful online behaviour is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance and partnership in keeping our students safe.

Titan Trek Thank you!

Thank you to all families who helped make our annual Titan Trek a huge success. We raised over $13,000!

High School Letters of Intervention:

Parents of students in Grades 9-12 may receive a Letter of Intervention on October 8th via email. This serves as early communication that your child may be experiencing a challenge in a particular course (details will be specified in the letter). If you have questions, please reach out to that particular teacher. Thank you for your partnership.

Period 4 Reminder for Grade 11 and 12 Students

To help us manage space and ensure a positive learning environment for everyone during Period 4, we are asking students to follow these guidelines:

Grade 12 students who have a Period 4 spare or e-learn course should not remain in the building during this period, unless they are staying after school for a supervised extra-curricular activity.
Grade 11 students with a Period 4 spare are encouraged to leave the building but may work quietly in the Learning Commons or Atrium if needed.

We have a significant number of students in the building during Period 4 who are not scheduled for a class, and our available spaces are not large enough to comfortably accommodate everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Student Attendance

Each day in the classroom is an opportunity for students to explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop skills that will serve them well throughout their school years and beyond. Regular attendance is essential to students’ academic and social-emotional success, as well as overall well-being.

Later this week, the monthly attendance letter will be emailed which provides a summary of attendance for the month of September. This letter is and will continue to be shared monthly to ensure transparency around cumulative attendance, and awareness around the impact of missing school.

We understand that some students may experience specific challenges that affect their attendance. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff are here to help provide assistance, resources, and understanding to help address these concerns. Feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher, guidance counsellor or vice-principal should you feel additional support may benefit your student with their attendance at school. Together, we can explore strategies to better support your student's individual needs.

Ministry of Education Updates to Attendance and Evaluation for High School Students

Information from the Ministry regarding this new policy: Letter to Parents/Guardians

Other OCSB Resources for Parents:

How School Attendance Impacts Student Success

Parking Lot Instructions

The front of the building is closed off to the public before and after school as it is the location for our special transportation drop off and pick up. It is imperative for student safety that you do not access this laneway directly at the front door between 8am-8:50am and 2:20-3:05pm.
The front of the building is a one way lane only (direction of the one way is heading east). This ensures all vehicles and pedestrians are safe.
MORNING DROP OFF: Students can be dropped off in the bus loop on the west side of the building. Walk a Block strongly encouraged.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Students must Walk a Block from Silver Sage, Claridge or Utman Park in the afternoon and are also encouraged to do so in the morning.

Parking Lot Construction - October 1st

Beginning October 1st, there will be no access to the EAST parking lot and loop due to construction. This closure will last until at least October 9th. Students will not have access to the east entrance; they will need to come through the main doors.

Please adhere to the pick up and drop off recommendations communicated.

High School Parent-Teacher Interviews - Thursday, October 15th

Interviews will be held from 2-4 pm and again from 5-7 pm. Booking information will be forthcoming.

Costa Rica Experience - February 2027

We still have spots available for this amazing trip! Information available in the above poster.

2026–2027 International Languages Programs – Elementary and Secondary Credit!

The International Languages Secondary Credit Program gives students in Grades 9–12 the opportunity to earn up to three Ontario secondary school credits while developing their language skills and learning about diverse cultures. With 14 languages available, students can strengthen a home language, continue learning a language they already know, or explore a new one. Classes are offered on Saturdays through in-person and virtual options, from September 19, 2026, to June 5, 2027.

The International Languages Program – Elementary is also available for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, offering a welcoming environment where students can explore a new language or strengthen their home language through engaging language learning and activities. Registration is on-going throughout the school year.

We would appreciate your help in sharing these opportunities with students and families in your school communities, particularly with students in Grades 9–12 who may be interested in earning secondary school credits through language learning. Both International Languages Programs are free for Ontario residents.

Guest Speakers at SMT

There is an OCSB policy which requires principals to inform parents/guardians in advance of any guest speaker presenting to more than one class. This section will be included in each biweekly newsletter. Feel free to connect with the teacher organizing the guest speaker (the contact name would be indicated in the information letter linked) if you have any questions.

Ottawa Police Presentation to Grade 7/8 Students:

Presenter: Sharon Priestman (Community Yough Unit Officer)

Topics: Social Media Use; Group Texting Chats; Consent

Date: TBD

Anti-Human Trafficking Presentation to Students in Grades 8 and 9:

Presenter: Christine Clark is the Community Education Coordinator for A New Day Youth and Adult Services.

Topic: Anti-Human Trafficking

Date: TBD

This 75 minute presentation will be presented by a person with lived experience in human trafficking. When the presenter shares their lived experience, they will provide the youth with very basic knowledge of their experience. An example of this would be using language like “I was forced to do things that I didn’t want to do” versus saying “I was forced to do sex work”. The presenter will use age appropriate language for the audience. The presenter will also use language matching with this age category. As the youth open up and use their own language the presenter will expand on this language for further explanation. This will be an interactive presentation and the youth will be encouraged to engage in conversation to further their knowledge of human trafficking. The following information will be included in the presentation.

What is Human Trafficking

Lived experience story

Where does it happen

Where are youth lured

Online safety

Consent

Healthy relationships

Healthy boundaries

Q&A session

Catholic School Council

MEETING DATES: Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm

November 16

January 18 virtual

February 22

April 19

May 17 *final meeting

Any questions, please contact stmt.csc@gmail.com

Catholic School Council Constitution

CSPA Events:

Registration link for all events: Ottawa CSPA Events

Links for Parents/Guardians:

St. Mother Teresa High School Website

SchoolMessenger

SchoolCashOnline

OCSB Parent Portal

High School Announcements & Grade 7/8 Announcements (also on school website)

Grade 7/8 Athletics Schedule

Titan Wear

Follow Student Council on TikTok: smt.studentcouncil

Follow Student Council on Instagram: smt.studentco

Fri, Oct 2 - PD Day (no school)

Thurs, Oct 8 - HS Letters of Intervention emailed to parents

Mon, Oct 12 - Thanksgiving Holiday (no school)

Thurs, Oct 15 - High School Parent Teacher Interviews & Early Dismissal for ALL students at 1:30 pm

Tues, Nov 3 - Grade 10 Civics/Careers Turnaround Day

Wed, Nov 4 - Grade 9 Take our Kids to Work Day

Thurs, Nov 12 - 7/8 Progress Reports on Parent Portal

Student Technology

Chromebooks:

If you believe your child would benefit from having consistent, individual access to a device, we recommend considering the purchase of a personal Chromebook. While each classroom will have a limited number of Chromebooks available for student use, these will be shared among all students in the class.

Student Cell Phones:

Students in Grades 7-11 are not permitted to have cell phones with them during class time.

Student Fees

Every year, we ask families to pay a student fee. This fee helps subsidize financial costs associated with sports, clubs, transportation, guest speakers, and excursions, to name a few. This year’s student fee is $35.00. A student fee for families with one student is $35.00. The student fee for families with two students is $70.00. For each additional student in the family, the fee will increase by $15.00. For example, the fee for three students will be $85.00. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Yearbooks for Sale!

We’re excited to announce that yearbooks for this school year are now available for purchase through SchoolCash Online.

Early Bird Special: Purchase your yearbook by October 30th to take advantage of the early bird price of $50! After Otober 30, price increases to $55.

Student Absences - Signing In/Out Procedures

Our school hours are 8:40am-2:50pm. Students are expected to be in their Period 1/Homeroom classroom promptly at 8:40am so should arrive at school between 8:25-8:30am.

Parents report student full day absences through the Safe Arrival tool:

High school sudents report directly to class if they arrive before 8:50 am. They need to sign in through the main office after 8:50 am. Students in Grades 7-8 sign in through the main office starting at 8:40 am. Students who are signing in late or signing out for an appointment are expected to do so through the main office, with a note signed by a parent/guardian.

**Please avoid signing out your child in Grades 7-8 during lunch hour, if possible, between 12:25-1:02pm.

**Students in Grades 7-8 are not permitted to be signed out to go for lunch offsite unless accompanied by a parent.

Parking Lot and Student Drop-off and Pick-up Guidelines

With ovr 2000 students, it is more important than ever to drop off/pick up students away from the school to minimize traffic congestion in our parking lot. We are asking for students to Walk a Block in the afternoons for pick up but also strongly encourage this practice in the mornings.

Key Parking Lot Instructions:

The front of the building is closed off to the public before and after school as it is the location for our special transportation drop off and pick up. It is imperative for student safety that you do not access this laneway directly at the front door between 8am-8:50am and 2:20-3:05pm.
The front of the building is a one way lane only (direction of the one way is heading east). This ensures all vehicles and pedestrians are safe.
MORNING DROP OFF: Students can be dropped off in the bus loop on the west side of the building OR at the east side of the building.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Students must be picked up at the EAST SIDE of the building as ONLY OC Transpo buses can access the bus loop in the afternoon. Move up in the pick up line as far as you can to help with traffic flow.
There is construction in the rear of our building which affects traffic on the east side. This adds extra congestion, especially when construction machinery vehicles need to be prioritized.
Students should Walk a Block from Silver Sage, Claridge or Utman Park in the afternoon and are also encouraged to do so in the morning.

Please review this slidedeck for a parking lot map.

Grades 7/8 Track and Field Activity Day - Thursday, May 14th

On Thursday, May 14th we will be holding our annual 7/8 Track and Field Activity day. This will be a chance for students to challenge themselves in various track and field events. We will also be having homeroom versus homeroom challenges, along with a BBQ at lunch. The lunch will consist of 2 hotdogs, a bag of chips, and a Gatorade (optional, paid through School CashOnline). Food purchase will not be available on the day of the event, unless there are some leftovers.

Students will sign up for events at school, in Phys Ed class. They can sign up for any 3 events. The top 2 qualifiers in each event will compete at the 7/8 Track and Field Meet at Terry Fox Complex at the end of May.

Photo Day - September 29th

All students are required to have their photo taken for ID cards.

Retake Day: November 17th

Orange Shirt Day - September 30th

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and the 6th annual National Day for Truth And Reconciliation. We are committed to fostering greater awareness and understanding in order to educate ourselves and strengthen our paths towards reconciliation.

Because September 30th this day is now a federally recognized holiday, many OCSB students and families may choose to commemorate this day in a number of different ways. Many may take the day to participate in ceremonies or attend any number of public commemoration events. If this is what you choose to do, please ensure you record your child as absent-approved in Safe Arrival. Thank you.

Graduation – Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 1:00 pm

Location: The Met, 2176 Prince of Wales Drive

Graduates are to arrive by 11:30 p.m.
Doors open to guests at 12:15 p.m.
Each graduate will receive three guest tickets

If your graduate is unable to attend the graduation ceremony, please have them complete this form. This is for students only.

While we understand how important this event is, we regret that we will not be able to fulfill extra ticket requests due to the large number of grads.

Ticket & Gown Pick-Up

Tickets will be available before exams begin – dates and location to be confirmed.

Grad Gown Pick-Up - outside of Student Services

Monday, June 22 | 1:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

If you have not yet paid the grad fee, please do so via School Cash Online or bring the fee directly to the main office.

Further updates and reminders will be shared through School Messenger and student email. Graduates are encouraged to check their inboxes regularly.

We are excited to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026!

Catholic Education Week / Mental Health Week

Thank you for your support and participation during Catholic Education Week, where we truly embodied the OCSB Theme of Pilgrims of Hope. Highlights for parents included the vibrant Arts and Culture Showcase and the valuable Aubrey Noronha presentation. For our students, the week was filled with impactful initiatives such as the Thrift Shop, the recognition of Red Dress Day, and important Mental Health Activities with a focus on stress management. Your engagement helps foster a rich and supportive school community.

Yearbook Sales

The image above is a distorted corner of this year's cover - we can't wait to reveal the whole thing!

Thank you to everyone who has purchased their 2025-2026 yearbook. Pre-order sales are now CLOSED. A limited number of yearbooks may be available for purchase at the school at the end of the year, while supplies last. We kindly ask that you do not contact the school regarding additional yearbook purchases.

If you have already purchased a yearbook, please disregard this message. To confirm your purchase, you can review your purchase history for past transactions.

High School Report Cards - Thursday, April 30th

Parents can view their child's report card on the Parent Portal on Thursday, April 30th. Please connect with your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Understanding Your Child's Achievement on the HS Report Card

The Secondary report card uses percentage marks to describe how well your child is meeting the expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. The marks are derived from evidence obtained through a triangulation of data taken from conversations, observations and products from your child throughout the term and semester. Here's what each letter grade means:

80 - 100% - Level 4: Excelling: Student work at this level demonstrates that they are excelling in their learning. They have a deep understanding of the curriculum expectations. This means your child doesn't just follow instructions, they take what they’ve learned and apply it to new, complex, or creative situations without needing much help. However, achievement at level 4 does not mean that the student has achieved expectations beyond those specified for the grade/course.
70 - 79%- Level 3: Achieving: Student work at this level demonstrates that they are meeting expectations in achieving the provincial standard. This is the target for all students. A "Level 3" means your child is right where they need to be. They understand the lessons, can do the work accurately, and can apply their skills in the way they were taught. Parents of students achieving at level 3 can be confident that their children will be prepared for work in subsequent grades/courses.
60-60% - Level 2: Approaching: Student work at this level demonstrates that they are approaching the provincial standard of meeting expectations. This means your child understands the basics, but they need support and assistance to clarify and apply the information. They are developing the necessary skills and knowledge to make sense of what they are learning so that they can make connections. Students at this level are required to address specific learning gaps to ensure future academic success.
50- 50% - Level 1: Beginning: Student work at this level demonstrates that they are struggling to meet the grade-level requirements. This means your child is beginning to learn the concepts but needs a lot of support to make connections. There are significant gaps in their understanding which affects their ability to synthesize or remember information. Focusing on a few specific goal areas now will make sure your child stays on track for success as they move forward.
A Mark Below 50% - (Intensive Support Required): This means your child has not yet shown enough evidence that they understand the basic requirements of the grade level. This is a signal that there are significant gaps in their learning that need to be filled before they can move forward successfully.

In Ontario, a Level 3 (70-79%) is the Provincial Standard. It means your child is successful and prepared for the next grade in that subject area. While we always encourage growth, a "Level 3" is a mark of a student who is doing what they should be doing!

The specific expectations for each level may vary depending on the grade and subject area. You can find more detailed information on the Ontario Ministry of Education website.

Standing Against Racism Week - April 13 to 17th

Belonging is something we build together.

From April 13–17, the OCSB will observe Standing Against Racism Week—a time to reflect, learn, and take action so every student feels included. This year’s theme, Beloved Community, focuses on creating schools where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected.

The Beloved Community Challenge

A key focus of the week is the ‘Beloved Community Challenge‘, which invites students to share what belonging looks like in their school. HS students will work through Student Affinity Groups to create a short video that responds to the prompt:

My school is a beloved community because…

This week highlights the importance of inclusion - when students feel they belong, they thrive. It’s a shared commitment to building stronger, more caring school communities.

OSSLT - Mon, April 13 to Thurs, April 17

Grade 10 students taking English this semeste ras well as other students who may be taking the test for a second time will be writing the OSSLT next week. Attendance during the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) is essential, as it is a mandatory graduation requirement for all students in Ontario. Being present ensures that students have the opportunity to demonstrate the literacy skills needed for success in high school and beyond. Missing the test can lead to delays in meeting graduation requirements and may require additional steps or alternative testing opportunities. We strongly encourage all students to attend on their scheduled test day, well-rested and prepared, so they can perform to the best of their ability.

Easter Liturgies - Wednesday, April 22nd

We would like to inform you that our school will be holding school-wide Easter liturgies on April 22nd. This special celebration provides students with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Easter, deepen their understanding of faith, and come together as a community in prayer and gratitude. Through these liturgies, we aim to nurture students’ spiritual growth and reinforce the values of hope, renewal, and compassion that are central to the Easter message.

Upcoming Lockdown Drill

During the week of March 23rd, our school will be conducting a lockdown drill. Schools are required to practice this procedure each year to ensure that staff and students understand how to respond in the event of an emergency.

Please take a few moments to talk with your child about the importance of taking these drills seriously and following staff instructions.

Given the lockdown situation we experienced here in the fall, teachers will also be informing students that there will be a forthcoming drill to hopefully reduce student anxiety.

Thank you for your continued support.

Costa Rica trip is from February 12th to 20th, 2027

Costa Rica 2027

Exciting opportunity for students currently in grades 8 through 11!

In February 2027, St. Mother Teresa staff and students will be travelling to Costa Rica to experience diverse ecosystems, cultures, and adventures in Costa Rica! Read more about this Adventure in Costa Rica.

Please note that there is a limit of 40 students accepted on this trip and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve your child's spot by paying the fully refundable $250 deposit through school cash online.

Parent Information Meeting: Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:30 in the Learning Commons.

describes the sports by season for students in grades 7 and 8

Sports: A Year at a Glance

Grades 7-8

describes sports by season for high school students

Sports: A Year at a Glance

Grades 9-12

Issues with Morning Student Lates

Many mornings, we have approximately 200 students signing in late before 9:00 a.m. Late arrivals disrupt both teaching and learning in the classroom. While we understand that some delays (e.g. late buses) are beyond anyone's control, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to make every effort to ensure their children arrive at school on time, prior to 8:40.

Lates Throughout the Day

Additionally, students are often late to class throughout the day. Currently, 120 students in Grades 7/8 have accumulated over 50 lates each. Approximately 75 students in high school have accumulated over 50 lates each, and 10 students have been late to class more than 100 times. Please help us to encourage your student to be punctual in order to help their learning, and not be disruptive to the learning environment of others. Thank you.

Summer School Preview: July 2 – July 23, 2026

Registration: Registration will officially open on Friday, March 13th, 2026.
Hours: Summer school hours: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

In-Person Reach Ahead Locations: St. Pius X Catholic High School (Central) and St. Matthew Catholic High School (East).

Credit Recovery: St. Pius X, St. Mother Teresa, St. Patrick, St. Matthew, and Holy Trinity.

Skills Builder Courses: English Numeracy & Literacy Support or Core French Literacy Support will be offered at St. Pius X and St. Matthew.

Indigenous Education: This will be offered at St. Pius X.

Conversational English & Literacy Development: Offered at St. Pius X, this is a 55-hour non-credit course for students entering Grades 9-12 who are beginner multilingual learners (ELD and ESL AO/BO) and have not yet earned a mainstream English credit.

Course Requirements: All courses are dependent on enrolment. Students are required to bring their own laptop.

Students Turning 18 Years Old

Reminder that as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Compass, the parent portal provider, will have blocked access for parents and guardians of students 18 and older. This is a legal requirement. Parents and students who are or will turn 18 during this school year will receive the following emails on January 14. The following emails were sent out centrally:

Parents who have been blocked in Compass can regain access by asking their child to log into the student’s portal account and sign the Over 18 - Parent Portal Consent Access. Once that form is submitted, their access will be restored with the overnight refresh.

To access a parent portal account:

Follow the steps in this video until you are in the Parent Portal Preview (1:35 mark)
Click on "Forms" on the left-hand side to access the links to the live Laserfiche forms
Complete and submit the 18+ consent form on behalf of the parent.

Your Ticket, Their Tomorrow: the CEFO 50/50 Raffle is back!

The Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa (CEFO) is an independent charitable arm of the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Since 1999, CEFO has supported OCSB students and their families during times of personal tragedy and financial hardship.

Again this year, OCSB has partnered with BUMP to host the CEFO 50/50 raffle. Every ticket you purchase will help support a child in need in our schools. You can purchase 50/50 tickets online at the CEFO 50/50 raffle website from 8:00 am on February 2 until noon on Friday, February 27. The winner will receive 50% of the total money raised through ticket sales, with the other 50% going to CEFO.

Every ticket purchased helps provide urgent support to OCSB students and families facing financial hardship. Get yours before February 27 and make a difference in our community! Buy a Ticket

Parking Lot Safety

A very important reminder about drop off and pick up zones for students. Parents are NOT permitted to drop off students in the mornings at the front of the school between 8-8:50 am. This area is reserved for our special transportation vans and poses a very serious safety concern for our vulnerable students.

The West Side parking lot is designated for OC Transportation vehicles only. Please do not use this area for student drop-off or pick-up, and avoid idling in the student parking lot on that side of the building.

Families dropping of and picking up students must use the East Side of the building, which is designated for parent pick-up and drop-off. Walk-A-Block is also strongly encouraged.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our parking lots safe for all students and staff.

Describes 5 tips for better attendance which are routine, the value of attendance, communication strategies, early intervention and using positive reinforcement for attendance

students most at risk for absenteeism are girls and students with IEPs

School Climate Survey data indicates that approximately 60% of students miss at least one day of school every two weeks.

Missing 10% of school can impact student success significantly.

Monthly Attendance Reports will continue monthly - you will receive the report for February at the beginning of March. This is not sent in judgement, rather as information in an effort to be collaborative. We hope that this data will help you to encourage your child to arrive to school on time in the morning and to each period throughout their day.

Please reach out to the school if you are concerned about your child's attendance.

Grade 9 students present the highest safety concern, Grade 11 students demonstrate the highest level of daily stress, Grade 12 students have the highest numbers of chronic absenteeism

Includes 8 tips for Sleep Hygiene for Teens

Describes how high stress leads to more time on screens which leads to disrupted sleep which then leads to more absences because of fatigue.

Data from our School Climate Survey indicate that 45% of our students have problems falling asleep, while 35% have problems staying asleep.

Students Leaving at End of Day

We have seen an increase in the number of students remaining in the building after school. Please communicate to your child that all students are expected to vacate the building by 3:10 pm, unless they are participating in a supervised activity (e.g. peer tutoring, sports team, club). It is a serious safety concern that so many students are in the building after school without staff supervision. Students should not be waiting for rides home after this time.

Also, until we have bleachers in the gym, students are not permitted to be spectators at sports games. Thank you for your continued support.

OCSB International Languages Program

The International Languages (IL) program with OCSB offers language classes at St. Mother Teresa HS on Saturdays. Students in grade 7 and 8 interested in learning Korean, Punjabi, or Spanish can be registered at International Languages Program.

Students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to explore volunteer roles within the IL program. If you would like to participate, please reach out to Mr. Saeidi at mehran.saeidi@ocsb.ca.

9-12 Semester 1 Exam Schedule

SMT SEM 1 EXAM SCHEDULE - JANUARY 2025

Attendance on exam days is mandatory. A medical note must be provided if a sudden illness occurs.

Exams begin promptly at 8:45 am.

Thurs, Jan 22 - Grade 10-12 Period 1 exam and Grade 9 Period 1 RST
Fri, Jan 23 - Grade 10-12 Period 2 exam and Grade 9 Period 2 RST
Mon, Jan 26 - Grade 10-12 Period 3 exam and Grade 9 Period 3 RST
Tues, Jan 27 - Grade 10-12 Period 4 exam and Grade 9 Period 4 RST
Wed, Jan 28 - Exam Buffer day in case of inclement weather ('snow day' - bus cancellation)
Thurs, Jan 29 - Credit Intervention Day (students will be invited to attend, if required)
Fri, Jan 30 - PD Day
Mon, Feb 2 - Semester 2 begins

Grade 9 students do NOT have exams. They are expected to attend for approximately 90 minutes (8:45-10:15 am), depending on how much time it takes for them to complete the assessment, for each of their 4 classes. See schedule to the left for the dates.

ALL students are expected to exit the building promptly upon completion of their RST/exam as there is no supervision for students afterwards. School-designated OC Transpo buses are running as per the regular schedule so students will need to be picked up OR take the regular OC bus home.

In the event of a 'snow day' and bus cancellation, the exams following would be bumped back by one day. For example: if the second day of exams (on Friday) is a snow day, then subsequent exams would take place on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

OPH Updates

As we head into the colder months, respiratory and enteric illnesses tend to increase. Help us in Keeping Our Schools Healthy.

Parent Subscription to FatDog

Parents of high school athletes can make a free account on FatDog where they can get all the scoop on any sport. Just subscribe, select our school, and then click on the sport you want to follow!

Picking Up 7/8 Students at Lunch

If at all possible, please avoid picking up your child during the Grade 7/8 lunch hour, between 12:25-1:05 pm.

If you would like to contribute to our CEFO Campaign by contributing to our Cake Auction on Friday, November 21st, we would be most grateful. Funds raised will be used to purchase cakes for the auction or grocery gift cards that will be distributed to families in need. Donations can be made conveniently through SchoolCash Online under “CEFO Campaign.”

Thank you for your generosity!

7/8 Report Cards

Report cards were published on the Parent Portable yesterday.

HS Report Cards

Report cards will be published on the Parent Portal on Wednesday, November 19th.

7/8 Parent-Teacher Interviews - Thursday, November 20th

Interview appointments are available from 2-4pm and 5-7pm. Interview bookings for parents will be made available from Friday, November 14th at 8:00 am to Wednesday, November 19th at 11:00 pm.

An email was sent to parents earlier this week outlining instructions.

Early Dismissal - Thursday, November 20th

All students will be dismissed at 1:30 pm to accommodate Parent-Teacher Interviews.

OC Transpo buses will be here at that time.

Grad Photos - Week of November 17th

Students need to book an appointment for grad photos. Additional appointments will become available if slots fill up.

Photo Retake Day - Tues, November 18th

Students will be called down by grade for photo retakes throughout the day.

In 2010, Ontario government declared that the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. At the OCSB, we highlight efforts to promote kindness, educate about bullying, and encourage students to be positive upstanders. SMT students will take part in daily activities throughout the week.

Parking Lot - Drop off/Pick up

As the winter months approach, we want to remind everyone that the West Side parking lot is designated for OC Transportation vehicles only. For safety reasons, please do not use this area for student drop-off or pick-up, and avoid idling in the student parking lot on that side of the building.

Families picking up students are asked to use the East Side of the building, which is designated for parent pick-up and drop-off.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our parking lots safe for all students and staff.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) November 24-28th

Grade 10 students taking English this semester, and any students in Grades 11-12 who did not successfully write it last year, will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) during the week of November 24th. This assessment is an important requirement for graduation, as all students must successfully complete the OSSLT to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Attendance during this week is critical to ensure that students have the opportunity to complete the test and demonstrate the literacy skills they have developed. Please make every effort to ensure your child is present and prepared on their scheduled test day(s). Thank you for your continued support in helping our students achieve this important milestone.

Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day - Wednesday, November 5th

Take Our Kids to Work Day is the most recognized career exploration event in Canada.

This year, Take Our Kids to Work Day will take place on Wednesday, November 5th.

What is the program about?

Take Our Kids to Work Day is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada. Students spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative, friend, or volunteer host. Through Take Our Kids to Work Day, students are able to witness the world of work firsthand, prompting early career planning, and enabling students to make informed decisions pertaining to their future goals and endeavors.

The Take Our Kids to Work Day initiative has three main objectives:

• To offer students a view of the work world and to foster an understanding of its demands and opportunities.

• To allow students to see their parents or other adult volunteer hosts in different roles and to understand what they do to support a family.

• To emphasize that education goes far beyond the classroom walls and that the preparation of younger generations for the future is a community responsibility.

What if it is not possible to go to work with a parent?

There are other ways for your child to participate:

• Ask a relative, neighbour or family friend to take your child to work.

• Ask a parent who is taking their child to work if your child can join them for the day.

• Contact local businesses and ask if they are participating in Take Our Kids to Work day.

It will be up to students and families together to plan for this day. Grade 9 students will not be in attendance at school on this day; their day will consist entirely of being at a work site. Attendance for all grade 9 students will be marked as "School Activity."

Parents should not contact the school to indicate their absence from school on this day.

Thank you for your support.

Student Attendance

On Monday, the monthly attendance letter will be emailed which provides a summary of attendance for the months of October and September. This letter is and will continue to be shared monthly to ensure transparency around cumulative attendance, and awareness around the impact of missing school.

OCSB Resources for Parents:

How School Attendance Impacts Student Success

Attendance Impacts Student Grades

While students are able to complete some school from home, these 'products' make up only a third of how our educators come up with a final grade for each course.

In Ontario, teachers assess learning using three types of evidence: what students produce (e.g. tests, projects), what teachers observe in class (e.g. participation, class work, collaboration), and what students discuss (e.g. explanations, group work, discussions). So even if students complete written work, teachers also need to see/hear how they think.

Student presence in class lets teachers collect evidence that shows student understanding and growth. If they're away, teachers lose these valuable chances to notice progress and have important learning conversations, which means they have less evidence to support student achievement.

Additionally, sometimes a student's written work doesn't reflect everything they know (e.g. maybe the student isn't a great test-taker). Teacher observations of their independent class work, group work, and individual conversations give students more opportunities to show them that they understand the material in a deeper way.

In conclusion, students who are often absent reduces their opportunities to give teachers more evidence.

Safe Schools Incident - Thursday, October 9th

We want to acknowledge the safe schools incident that occurred at St. Mother Teresa on Thursday, October 9th. We recognize that it was unsettling for many of our students and families. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We are proud to share that, in response to the situation, our staff and students executed a perfect lockdown, as commended by Ottawa Police. Their swift and calm actions helped ensure that all students remained safe throughout the incident. While we understand that many of you are seeking more details, we are only able to share limited information at this time as the matter is part of an ongoing police investigation. Additionally, to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved, specific details cannot be disclosed. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Here is more information regarding OCSB Emergency Lockdown Procedures.

Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day - Wednesday, November 5th

On Tuesday, November 5, our Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day, a national event that allows students to explore career options and gain insight into the world of work by spending the day at a workplace with a parent, relative, or family friend.

Participation is encouraged, as this experience helps students make connections between education and future career paths. More information and permission forms will be sent home shortly.

Thank you for your support in helping make this a valuable learning experience for your child!

NOTE: There will not be classes that day for our Grade 9 students.

Grade 9-12 Academic Awards Assembly - Thursday, November 6th

Students currently in Grades 10-12 who are receiving awards for their academic accomplishments during the 2024-2025 school year will be invited to attend the Academic Awards Assembly on November 6th. Parents will be also be invited.

Hallowe'en Activities - Friday, October 31st

As we prepare for Hallowe'en celebrations, we kindly ask for your support in ensuring that student costumes are respectful and culturally appropriate. Costumes should avoid stereotypes, cultural appropriation, or anything that could be considered offensive or insensitive to others. We also ask that students do not wear masks or bring, for safety reasons. Also be mindful of props that your child may bring in.

Let’s work together to make this a fun, inclusive, and respectful experience for all members of our school community. Thank you for your continued support!

PD Day - Friday, November 7th

Friday, November 7th is a PD Day for all students in' Grades 7-12. Thank you!

New Titan Wear is Available!

We’re excited to invite our students to showcase their Titan pride by purchasing Titan Wear! New SMT items are now available. Order Titan Wear.

9-12 Semester 1 Exam Schedule

The OCSB has released the Semester 1 Final Exam schedule. Attendance on exam days is mandatory - vacation and work arrangements are expected to be made around these dates:

Thurs, Jan 22 - Grade 10-12 Period 1 exam and Grade 9 Period 1 RST
Fri, Jan 23 - Grade 10-12 Period 2 exam and Grade 9 Period 2 RST
Mon, Jan 26 - Grade 10-12 Period 3 exam and Grade 9 Period 3 RST
Tues, Jan 27 - Grade 10-12 Period 4 exam and Grade 9 Period 4 RST
Wed, Jan 28 - Exam Buffer day in case of inclement weather
Thurs, Jan 29 - Credit Intervention Day (students will be invited to attend, if required)
Fri, Jan 30 - PD Day
Mon, Feb 2 - Semester 2 begins

HS Parent Teacher Interviews - Thursday, October 16th

Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in Grades 9-12 will take place on Thursday, October 16th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Parents/guardians will be able to book an appointment to meet with their child's teachers using parentInterview, a link that will be sent to parents a week in advance. Access to sign-up will close the evening before interviews. We hope to see you there!

Please see the Tips for Parents: Parent-Teacher Interview" letter in 14 languages.

Arabic (عربى) ; Chinese (Simplified) (简体中文) ; Farsi (فارسی) ; French (Français) ; Hindi (हिन्दी) ; Korean (한국어) ; Portuguese (Português) ; Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) ; Russian (Pу́сский) ; Somali (Soomaali) ; Spanish (Español) ; Tamil (தமிழ்) ; Urdu (اُردُو)

Monthly Attendance Reports

Regular attendance is the most important factor for students to be successful in their academics. One initiative that we are taking at SMT is to share a monthly attendance report with parents in an effort to be collaborative. We hope that this data will help you to encourage your child to arrive to school on time in the morning and to each period throughout their day. The first monthly attendance report for September will be emailed to parents this afternoon. If you have any questions or concerns about this report, please reach out to your child's Vice-Principal or guidance counsellor.

*Subsequent monthly reports will reflect cumulative absences from the beginning of the semester to provide a bigger picture.

Students Arriving Late

Some mornings, over 250 students are signing in late through the main office, particularly on rainy days. It is very important that students are in their Period 1 classrooms by 8:50 am so they don't miss valuable instruction by having to wait to sign in through the main office.

Reporting Student Absences

Parents may now email their child's attendance to our main school email at motherteresa.high@ocsb.ca OR you may call the school's main line at 613-823-1663.

A Message of Gratitude

We are incredibly grateful to our entire school community for your generous support in helping us raise an outstanding $15,000 for our annual Titan Trek! Your donations will make a meaningful impact, with a portion going to the Terry Fox Foundation and the rest directly supporting initiatives within our own school community.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving next weekend, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for our dedicated staff, students, parents, and guardians -- your continued support, spirit, and generosity are what make us a true Titan family. Thank you and blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend which begins with a PD Day on Friday, October 10th.

Titan Trek Thursday - September 25, 2025

The St. Mother Teresa Titan Trek is coming soon!! Our annual community building event is soon approaching and we are very excited! Our Recreation Leadership Class, Student Council, and SMT staff have been hard at work planning a wonderful day of fun, fitness, and fundraising!! This event will take place on Thursday, September 25th with a rain date scheduled for Friday, September 26th.

With the minimum donation of $20 via SchoolCash Online, each student will receive a BBQ lunch (all beef hot dog & chips). Students are encouraged to collect further donations as proceeds raised go towards the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research, as well as St. Mother Teresa student initiatives. Thank you for your generosity in supporting this event!!

NOTE: Donations can only be made via SchoolCash Online. Deadline is Tuesday, September 23rd at 3pm.

Europe Trip 2026

There are still spots available for the SMT Europe Trip which takes place over March Break.

If your child has any questions, they are encouraged to see Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artelle, Ms. Whitten, or Mrs. Devine.

Temporary Pause on Recycling at School

Due to the expiration of the city-wide contract with the provider, plastic, metal, and glass recycling is currently unavailable at all Ottawa Catholic schools, including SMT. Click HERE to read a CTV news article about this. Until a new contractor is secured, we are unable to accommodate recycling of these materials on-site.

We kindly ask families to be mindful of this when preparing lunches and snacks. Consider using reusable containers and minimizing single-use packaging whenever possible to help us reduce waste during this time.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us care for our school and our environment.

Life Threatening Medical Conditions

We require the collection of medical documentation from some families. Information on this can be found by clicking HERE.

Please note: If your child has a serious medical condition (asthma, life-threatening allergy, diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, concussion/head injury) complete:

1) Life-Threatening Medical Condition Verification Form

2) Plan of Care form

IMPORTANT: If the Plan of Care form has been previously submitted and there are no changes, complete the Plan of Care Annual Review Sheet.

Please ensure all forms have been signed and dated.

Grade 7 Immunizations

Ottawa Public Health nurses will be at SMT from September 17-19 for the Grade 7 vaccination clinics. OPH will provide 3 vaccinations: Hepatitis B (HB), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Meningococcal. These vaccines are an important part of healthy growth and development, and are the safest way to prevent serious, linfections. For more information regarding the safety of vaccines, please visit OPH’s School Vaccine Safety page.

For confidentiality and safety reasons, OPH does not allow parents to attend school vaccination clinics. Parents who wish to accompany their child are encouraged to visit www.ParentingInOttawa.ca/immunization to book an appointment at an OPH Community Clinic.

Alternatively, they may book an appointment with their Primary Health Care Provider.

Reporting Student Absences

Parents may now email their child's attendance to our main school email at motherteresa.high@ocsb.ca OR you may call the school's main line at 613-823-1663.

If you email: Write your child's name, grade, and "absent" or "late" in the subject line of fthe email.

*You can also email your child's attendance in advance for appointments or athletic commitments.

If you are signing out your child, please do not send an email; rather we kindly ask that you send your child with a note. If the sign out is unplanned, please call the school only at the time they will be leaving.

We encourage parents to become familiar with their child's schedule for planning purposes.

7/8 Schedule and Homeroom

Homeroom is only Tuesdays and Thursdays. These will be designated times when students are with their homeroom teacher and where forms will be passed out and collected.

Each Mon, Wed and Fri, students will have "homeroom" for the first 10 minutes of the day with their Period 1 teacher. Students go directly to their Period 1 class on these three days.

Student Drop-off / Pick-up

As our school continues to grow, it is more important than ever to drop off/pick up students away from the school to minimize traffic congestion in our parking lot. We are asking for students to Walk a Block in the afternoons for pick up but also strongly encourage this practice in the mornings as well.

Key Parking Lot Instructions:

The front of the building is closed off to the public before and after school as it is the location for our special transportation drop off and pick up. It is imperative for student safety that you do not access this laneway directly at the front door between 8am-8:50am and 2:20-3:05pm
The front of the building is a one way lane only (direction of the one way is heading east). This ensures that all vehicles/pedestrians are safe.
MORNING DROP OFF: Students can be dropped off in the bus loop on the west side of the building OR at the east side of the building.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Students must be picked up at the EAST SIDE of the building as ONLY OC Transpo buses can access the bus loop in the afternoon. Move up in the pick up line as far as you can to help with traffic flow.
Please note that there are new staff parking spots on the east side of the building. We kindly ask that you do not park in these spots at any point in the day, including during drop off and pick up.
Students should Walk a Block from Silver Sage, Claridge or Utman Park in the afternoon and are also encouraged to do so in the morning.

Please review this slidedeck for a map of our parking lot changes.

SMT Program Night - Thursday, September 11th

We hope you will be able to attend our upcoming Program Night at St. Mother Teresa Catholic High School on Thursday, September 11th from 6:00-7:10 p.m. We are excited about the upcoming school year and are pleased to provide you with the opportunity to put staff names to faces! There will be a brief introduction to all parents/guardians at 6:00 pm in the Cafeteria/Gymnasium, followed by classroom presentations from our Grade 7-12 teachers. Teachers will introduce program highlights in their individual classrooms and will be able to discuss questions around curriculum and various communication methods. Students must provide their parents with a copy of their timetable. Please refer to their timetable for a list of their classroom teachers and room numbers. We hope to see you there!

Please see specific details below:

Parents of High School students will follow a bell schedule for each period.
Parents of Grades 7&8 students will follow the same bell schedule but can choose which classrooms to attend in no specific order.
Parents with children in both panels can follow the HS schedule and/or attend 7&8 teacher presentations.

6:00-6:10 - Principal opening address in Caf Gym

6:15-6:25 - High School Period 1 / 7&8 1st presentation in teacher classroom

6:30-6:40 - High School Period 2 / 7&8 2nd presentation in teacher classroom

6:45-6:55 - High School Period 3 / 7&8 3rd presentation in teacher classroom

7:00-7:10 - High School Period 4 / 7&8 4th presentation in teacher classroom

7:15 - Parents depart the school

Student Fees

Every year, we ask families to pay a student fee. This fee helps subsidize financial costs associated with various activities, clubs, transportation, guest speakers, and excursions, to name a few. This year’s student fee is $35.00. A student fee for families with one student is $35.00. The student fee for families with two students is $70.00. For each additional student in the family, the fee will increase by $15.00. For example, the fee for three students will be $85.00. Your support is greatly appreciated. School fees can be paid through SchoolCash Online.

Athletic Fees

To help sustain the growing costs of operating and enhancing our athletics program, all student-athletes are required to pay an athletic fee. This fee directly supports the many expenses associated with offering quality sports opportunities, including equipment, facilities, and program operations.

High School Athletic Fee: $55 - Information Letter

7/8 Athletic Fee: $50 - Information Letter

Fees can be paid through SchoolCash Online.

SMT Yearbook

Calling all St. Mother Teresa Titans!

We’re excited to start the 2025–2026 school year with some great news—yearbooks are officially on sale! You can grab yours now via SchoolCash Online for $55.00.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the many memories and moments that will define this year. Pre-order your copy today!

March 2026 Trip to Europe

We are off to Europe for March Break 2026! Specific dates are subject to change but will be in the range of March 13, 2026 to March 21, 2026. We will be visiting the beautiful cities of Milan, Cinque Terre Region, Nice and Barcelona. Our next student interest meeting is May 30, 2025 at lunch in room 110, followed by a parent meeting on June 10, 2025 at 6pm in Room 110.

Do not miss this chance to have your child experience the trip of a lifetime surrounded by their closest friends. Limited spots remain. RSVP for our parent meeting with the QR code.

Thank you, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artelle, Ms. Whitten, Ms. Devine

PD Day - Friday June 6th

Reminder that Friday, June 6th is a PD Day for all students. Enjoy the long weekend!

2025 School Climate Survey - Parent Feedback

This letter informs parents about the OCSB School Climate Survey, part of the Health and Peer Relations Study with the University of Ottawa. The survey gathers feedback from parents and students in Grades 4-12 on school safety, bullying, equity, and well-being. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

For full details, please read the full parent information that was sent via email. Complete the Parent Climate Survey | Access Code: Q74W

Food Drive - Week of June 2nd

Every donated item represents hope. A child having a meal without worry, a parent finding relief knowing their family has food for the week, a senior citizen feeling cared for by their community. This food drive is about more than canned goods—it’s about solidarity, empathy, and the difference we can make together.

Help Mme Renaud's 4th period Religion class support the Barrhaven Food Cupboard by donating canned goods next week. Drop-station is in the chapel from Monday, June 2nd to Thursday, June 5th. Thank you!

7/8 Track & Field Activity Day

On Monday, May 26th, the Intermediate SMT community celebrated our 20th annual Track and Field Activity Day. The sunny skies sparked a lot of great competition among all of our student athletes. The day also highlighted the athletic talents of our students and celebrated their individual achievements. The top 2 athletes in each event earned a spot on the ⅞ Track and Field Team which will represent SMT at the OCIAA Athletics meet in June. The day was not just about competition, but also about building community. Homeroom classes battled it out against each other in various sports including volleyball, dodgeball, and soccer. The BBQ lunch was also a fan favourite with our resident pitmasters Mr. Lemieux, Mr. Dancy, Mr. MacDonald and Mr. V firing up delicious hotdogs and serving cold Gatorade to hungry and thirsty athletes! A big thank you goes out to all of the teacher and student volunteers for helping make this year’s event a huge success! Here's to many more successful ⅞ Track and Field Activity events in the years to come!!!

7/8 Musical "Once Upon a Crime"

We were promised a world where magic meets the law and a heartwarming adventure filled with lively songs, dazzling dance numbers and a fast-paced, whimsical tale where truth and fiction collide in the original musical "Once Upon a Crime" -- well, Mrs. Cameron and our students certainly did not disappoint!

The amazing actors and stage crew for our grade 7/8 musical brought an incredible sense of adventure to the stage. Their talented singing and dancing truly wowed the audience! Everyone worked so hard behind the scenes and on stage to make the show unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!

7/8 Student Council Celebration

To celebrate the dedication and hard work of our amazing Grade 7/8 Student Council members, we recently took a well-deserved field trip to Splitsville in Kanata! This special outing was a way to thank our student leaders for their commitment and contributions throughout the school year. The day was filled with fun, including a delicious lunch, exciting rounds of bowling, and time in the arcade. It was a wonderful way to recognize all they've done to help make our school a better place!

Special thank you to all teachers involved: Katrina Haucke, Alyssa Kelly, Leah O'Donnell, and Sam Bennett.

Key Club Presentation

This week, four of our Key Club members—J-C, Madison, Sydney, and Kiana—presented their many service projects to the Kiwanis members during a special celebration dinner. These students have raised almost $2000 for various local charities and families in need, including:

Internal Fund for Animal Welfare
Kidney Foundation
Barrhaven Food Cupboard
Salvation Army
Shepherds of Good Hope
Black Youth Helpline
The Trevor Project
Earth Month Initiatives
Relay for Life
mEYE Care Eyeglass Collection

Heartfelt congratulations to this exceptional group of students whose dedication to giving back to their local community is truly inspiring.

Grad Day - May 21st

Last week, the Grade 12 students celebrated Grad Day, marking a memorable milestone in their academic journey. The day began with a breakfast gathering in the atrium, bringing everyone together. Following breakfast, the students participated in a liturgy and reflection ceremony, where they fondly looked back on their time at SMT. Indy Kaminski, nominated by the Class of 2025, was honored as the valedictorian. The celebrations continued into the afternoon with outdoor activities and a delicious BBQ lunch, creating lasting memories for the graduating class.

Girls Tackle Football Team are Provincial Champs!

Congratulations to the SMT Titans Girls' Tackle Football team on winning the first ever Ontario High School Girls' Tackle Football Provincial Championship! The victory was a fitting ending to an undefeated season in the Ontario High School Football League.

In a hard fought match, the team won 14-13 over the St. Benedict's Bears from Sudbury. The Titans forced a turnover and scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes left in the game to secure the win. The team demonstrated toughness, stamina, and focus throughout the game. The girls never gave up and were rewarded for playing hard from the beginning to the very end of the game.

Although some of the key players are graduating, there will be a core group of players returning next year to defend their title of Provincial Champs!

Attention Parents of Grads of 2026!

If you'd like to purchase a Grad Hoodie for your future graduate, scan the QR code above - order before May 21st!

Summer School Registration is Open!

Dates: July 2-23, 2025

For course offerings and additional details, please refer to this flyer and visit the OCSB summer school webpage.

Reach Ahead Courses:

Students can register through Prism (available on the Student Portal) by following these instructions.

Civics (CHV2O) and Careers (GLC2O): Students must register for both courses.
French Immersion Civics and Careers: Students wanting to take this course in French must select CHV2OF/GLC2OF.
French Immersion Courses: Course codes end in the letter F, not the letter I
Current Grade 8 Students: Register using this link (not through Prism). Eligible courses:
- Grade 10 Photography (AWQ2O)
- Grade 9 Technology & Skilled Trades (TAS1OR)

Credit Recovery Courses:

Available for Gr 9 & 10 students who failed a course
In-person at St. Mother Teresa High School from July 3-16, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Register through Prism.

Skills Builder:

For current grade 7 & 8 students. Register: link.

Final Yearbook Sales Push

Calling All Titans! This is your last chance to Pre Order your Yearbook! Yearbooks are $55, and there are only a limited number left. At this time - only Debit/Credit accepted. You can preorder from May 20th to May 30th in Room 109. Each grade has a specific day to order:

Tues, May 20: Grade 12 (Pd 4)
Wed, May 21: Grade 11 (Pd 4)
Thurs, May 22: Grade 10 (Pd 4)
Fri, May 23: Grade 9 (Pd 4)

Mon, May 26: Grade 7 (Period 6)
Tues, May 27: Grade 8 (Period 6)

Don’t miss out — pre order your yearbook in Room 109 before they’re gone!

TikTok Trends

We want to make you aware of a couple of concerning trends currently circulating on TikTok that some teens may be tempted to try.

One involves inserting graphite or lead (typically from mechanical pencils) into the charging or other ports of Chromebooks in an attempt to cause them to smoke. Another dangerous trend encourages students to hold their breath until they faint in order to experience a temporary "high."

These behaviours pose serious risks to both safety and health, as well as potential damage to school property.

We strongly encourage you to speak with your child about the dangers of these trends and the importance of making safe, responsible choices. Your support and guidance play a vital role in helping students navigate peer pressure and social media influence.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Relay for Life - Friday, May 16th

Today, students took part in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, surpassing our fundraising goal of $85,000!!! Over 800 students signed up for this meaningful fundraiser, enjoying a fun-filled day of activities in recognition of their hard work. From bouncy castles and bubble soccer to food trucks, sports, and games, there was no shortage of excitement throughout the event. The funds raised will support individuals battling cancer, provide financial and social assistance to their families, help with transportation to and from appointments, and contribute to cancer research in Canada. We are incredibly proud of our Student Council for their dedication in organizing such a successful event for our school community!

Arts and Culture Night - May 7th

St. Mother Teresa's annual Arts and Culture Night open-house, held during Education Week, was a joyful celebration of talent, diversity, and community spirit. This year’s event showcased the incredible talents of our students through live performances and displays of artwork. Families and students also contributed delicious homemade dishes from their home countries for our international food sampling, “A Taste of the World.” The atrium was full of music, laughter, and the rich smells of global cuisine. It was our best-attended Arts and Culture Night yet, and everyone had a wonderful time! Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we also raised over $600 for our Relay for Life fundraising event in support of cancer research.

Emoti-Monster Project

On Thursday, May 15th our Grade 11 (AVI3M) and Grade 10 (AVI2O) Visual Arts classes, participated in a collaborative project with the Grade 1 students at St. Patrick's Elementary school. Several weeks ago, the Grade 1 classes designed and illustrated 'Emoti-Monsters,' which were then constructed in clay by the Visual Arts students. This week the two art classes visited St. Patrick's school and worked one-on-one with the Grade 1 students to design and fabricate structural housings for their Emoti-Monsters. The Grade 1 students required guidance with tasks such as operating glue guns, cutting cardboard, and assembling the structural elements of their creations. This initiative was a valuable opportunity for our high school students to develop leadership skills and foster positive engagement with one of our feeder schools. It was wonderful to watch the interactions between the students and their structures were very impressive. We all left with smiles on our faces!

Coding Day at St. Patrick's

In keeping up with our OCSB spiritual theme, St Patrick’s Elementary School opened their doors to St. Mother Teresa science students to facilitate a coding day for their primary students. Grade 7 students from SMT demonstrated how to code with Spheros, Beebots, Ozobots, and Microbits. Students were able to model concepts, and practice executing code together for a fun day of collaboration.

Such a fun partnership! Special thanks to Ms. Kelly for organizing such a great day!

Mock Trial Competition

Grade 11-12 SMT Law students took part in a mock trial competition at the Ottawa Courthouse May 6th and 7th. This annual tournament, hosted by the Ontario Justice Education Network, hosted 16 teams from the Ottawa region this year.

Our enthusiastic team of students had the opportunity to play the roles of both Crown and Defense lawyers in two separate trials. Our team spent many hours reviewing the case, rehearsing their roles, and meeting with a local lawyer to help prepare for the trial. The team did extremely well and made it to the semi-finals this year. Overall, it was a great experience for the students to put their legal skills to practice in a courtroom setting!

Junglesport Fun!

During the week of May 5-9th, students in Grades 7 and 8 participated in Junglesport's Challenge program. Students were climbing, swinging, leaping and flipping their way through their 'challenge by choice' climbing activities. More importantly, fun was had by all!

LIGHT Message of Hope

The theme of this year's Catholic Education Week was Pilgrims of Hope. Our student group LIGHT (Living in God's Hope Together) took this theme to heart and spread morning messages of hope to our students. Chocolate cookies with Bible verses such as Romans 15:13 (NIV) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” were distributed, generating lots of early morning Friday smiles! Such a positive way to conclude Catholic Education Week!

Ontario Skills Competition

Grade 7 Science students from SMT participated in the Ontario Skills Competition to kick off Catholic Education week this Monday, May 5th in Toronto. Students competed in both "Character Animation" and "Green Energy" categories. They had a wonderful time showcasing their STEM skills and problem solving with their team. Such an engaging and educational experience for our students!

OSTA Annual Opt-Out Process

To ensure efficient and effective school transportation services for the upcoming school year, Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has implemented an annual opt-out process. Each spring, parents/caregivers who do not intend to utilize OSTA's transportation services for the following school year will be asked to formally opt-out. This proactive approach allows OSTA to optimize transportation routing and loading, enhancing the planning and delivery of services. Parents who will not require school bus transportation for their eligible child(ren) will be asked to complete an electronic opt-out form. This form confirms that a seat will not be needed.

Key Information:

● Automatic renewal: Transportation service continues in the subsequent school year unless parents/caregivers opt-out or decline.

● Deadline: To cancel transportation for the following year, submit an opt-out form by June 1.

● Default enrollment: No response assumes continued transportation need.

● Reinstatement: Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime via OSTA's Transportation Issues Form; approval is subject to eligibility and availability, with processing up to 3 business days.

Student Lates

We have observed a growing trend of students arriving late—not only at the start of the school day but also to classes throughout the day. This is particularly concerning for our Intermediate students, as these formative years are crucial for developing strong organizational skills and effective study habits in preparation for high school.

We kindly ask that you speak with your child(ren) about the importance of punctuality and how arriving on time positively impacts their learning and overall school experience.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Staffing Updates

Vice-Principal Changes:

Suzanne Baird is off, possibly until the end of the school year. Caitlin Villeneuve is serving in the role of Acting VP during this time.
Daniel Lutfy is also off, likely until the end of May. Retired VP Don Nault is filling in for him.
Stephanie Gauthier has served in the role of VP at St. Mother Teresa HS for the last four years. She will be transitioning to St. Matthew HS in September to serve their school community. The Tigers are certainly lucky to have her! We are excited to welcome Vice-Principal Erin Doak as her replacement.

Teacher Changes:

As our school community grows, we are fortunate to expand our teaching staff. To date, we have successfully hired 11 permanent teachers to join our SMT family in September, with at least another 12 to add to this list, in addition to several long term occasional teachers.

May is Asian Heritage Month

Every May, the Government of Canada commemorates Asian Heritage to honour the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin. The theme for 2025 is Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity.

The Asian Students' Association at SMT will be honouring this month with a special theme day in May.

High School Report Cards - April 28th

Report cards for our high school students were available on the Parent Portal as of Tuesday, April 28th. Please reach out to your child's teacher, guidance counsellor, or resource teacher if you have questions or concerns. Thank you.

Catholic Education Week: May 5-9

St. Mother Teresa is celebrating Catholic Education Week and Youth Mental Health Week by facilitating a variety of daily activities. From guest speakers raising awareness around mental health and substance use, cleaning our school yard, spreading messages of HOPE through our LIGHT student group, to our annual Arts and Culture Night -- there is something for everyone! Please join us on Wednesday evening from 6-7:30 pm for a taste of multicultural cuisine, art displays, and live musical performances!

MMIWG2S+ Day is Monday, May 5th

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+) is held annually on May 5th. This day honours the lives lost, supports impacted families, and raises awareness of the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous peoples. The Indigenous Student Association at SMT did a fabulous job of highlighting this important day through a morning slideshow shared in homeroom. Thank you to Mr. Patterson and Ms. Earle for their ongoing support of the works of the ISA.

Girls Football Jamboree

What a fun way to get ready for the season! Last Friday, the St. Mother Teresa Titans Girls Tackle Football team took on the St. Joseph Jaguars and the St. Mark Lions in a series of controlled scrimmages. Scoring many touchdowns and preventing a few more, these scrimmages took place at TD place, allowing the girls to play on the same turf as the Ottawa Redblacks. Now the season begins! Their first game comes against Sudbury under the lights at Carleton University on April 30th.

SMT Students Vote!

St. Mother Teresa high school students had an opportunity to participate in a mock student vote for the Federal Election. Students cast ballots for official candidates in the riding of Nepean. The student vote initiative gave students a first-hand experience of the voting process. Moving forward, students are encouraged to remain informed about current issues and the role of government in their lives!

Here are the results:

Mark Carney of the Liberal Party of Canada won with 49.9 % of the votes.

Barbara Bal of the Conservative Party had 26.6% of the votes.

Greg Hopkins of the Green Party had 11.6% of the votes.

Shyam Shukla of the NDP Party had 4.5% of the votes.

Eric Fleury of the People’s Party had 3.4% of the votes.

Rejected Ballots: 4%

Also, a shout out to Mr. Gillespie's Civics class for helping run the polls and counting the ballots!

Special Olympics Swim Meet - April 29th

Congratulations to all our SMT Special Athletes for their amazing participation at the Special Olympics Swim Meet this week at the Nepean Sportsplex. It was a wonderful day filled with lots of great swimming, fun and friendship! The pool was buzzing with cheers and high-fives as everyone gave it their all. Big shout out to all team members from ECL class and the Inclusion room. You represented SMT with heart and enthusiasm, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you!

Changes to OC Transpo School Service for SMT

OC Transpo is implementing the New Ways to Bus network starting Monday, April 28, 2025. Here are the changes:

• New Route 690: The existing school trips on Route 171 operating between the school and Barrhaven Centre and Chapman Mills will be renumbered as Route 690. Afternoon trips will be extended to Chapman Mills, following the current Route 694 route path.

• Route 694: Service will be withdrawn as students can use Route 690.

• Route 696: Service will operate on high-capacity buses, resulting in three morning and afternoon trips each.

School trips on Routes 676 and 696 will continue to operate on their current route path.

All school trips times and bus types are subject to change.

The new network changes will result in comparable service for students, and in some instances, students may have a longer walk to bus stops, have additional transfers to buses, and/or have faster travel times.

Please visit our High Schools and Middle Schools page to view current OC Transpo service maps for your school, which will be updated once the New Ways to Bus network changes come into effect.

For more information about New Ways to Bus, we encourage students to use the Travel Planner (ensuring to enter a travel plan date after April 28th) and visiting the web page to see how their transit trips will change at New Ways to Bus | OC Transpo.

For more information or to ask questions, please visit www.octranspo.com or call the OC Transpo Information Centre at 613-560-5000.

Relay for Life Rally - April 9th

SMT had a pep rally to highlight the upcoming Relay for Life which takes place on Friday, May 16th. Help us achieve our goal to raise $85,000!

Students who cannot raise the required donation are most welcome to participate! We encourage them to participate in one of many fundraising activities happening prior to the event to contribute.

Car Wash Fundraiser - April 24th

Swing by SMT in the bus loop on Thursday, April 24th from 3:30-6:30 to get your car ready for spring! Proceeds go to the Relay for Life.

Holy Week Recognition - April 14th to 17th

For Catholics, Holy Week is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal of faith, offering an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Christ and contemplate the profound mysteries of his sacrifice and victory over death.

Our student group, LIGHT (Living in God's Hope Together), put together this informative slideshow to be viewed in homeroom and to encourage participation. Additionally, we look forward to celebrating school-wide Easter Liturgies on Wed, April 23d.

As we celebrate this season of renewal and hope, we want to wish you all a blessed Easter. May this time bring peace, joy, and an abundance of love to your families. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Easter holiday!

Standing Against Racism

The OCSB's Standing Against Racism Week was held from March 17-21, 2025. Various classes participated in different activities offered through the school board, as well as learning catered to specific grades and subject areas. Ms. Kelly's Grade 8 class explored the theme of "What's Your Story?" and engaged in dialogue about stereotypes, diversity and belonging.

#NoRoomForRacism #OCSBStandingTogether

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Rehema Mwaiteleke who was one of the contest winners for the OCSB Afrofuturism and Black Joy Art Contest!

What an inspiration to hear about her life journey and how it translates into art!

Social Media Awareness and Safety Presentation

Thank you to Constable Tierney for presenting to our Grade 7/8 students on March 26th. Social media awareness and safety are crucial topics. Parents are encouraged not only to discuss these issues with their children but also to actively monitor their online activity.

High School Letters of Intervention

Parents may receive Letters of Intervention for high school students on Thursday, March 20th at 3pm by email. This is a proactive measure to inform parents of any concerns teachers may have regarding progress in a specific course. Please book a Parent-Teacher Interview with any teachers whom you'd like to see. See information below.

Grade 7 Immunization Clinic

Ottawa Public Health nurses will be here for the Immunization Clinic from Wednesday, March 19th to Friday, March 21st.

Parents of our Grade 7 students should have already received information through School Messenger. Please contact the main office if you did not receive this information.

Black History Month Showcase

The Black Students' Association put together an absolutely stunning showcase to close out Black History Month. Their mission was to celebrate black excellence—and they certainly achieved that! From powerful poems and captivating dances to stunning artwork, a vibrant fashion show, and even a lively game of musical chairs, it was an unforgettable celebration of culture!

Winter Activity Day

On Wednesday, February 26th, our Grades 7 and 8 students enjoyed a fantastic Winter Activity Day. The sunny weather made for the perfect outdoor adventure as students went snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For those who preferred to stay indoors, an exciting indoor skating session was a hit. The day ended with lots of fun at Tailgators! Meanwhile, students who opted for a trip to the Cineplex had a blast watching Paddington Bear. A big thank you to Ms. Bennett for organizing such a memorable and enjoyable event!

The Importance of Regular Attendance

Each day in the classroom is an opportunity for students to explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond. Regular attendance is essential to students’ academic and social-emotional success, as well as overall well-being.

The attendance report for January was emailed to parents earlier this week. We will continue to send out a individual monthly attendance report which provides a summary of attendance. This report is not shared in order to judge, but to ensure transparency around cumulative attendance, and awareness around the impact of missing school on a regular basis.

We understand that some students may experience specific challenges that affect their attendance. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff are here to help provide assistance, resources, and understanding to help address these concerns. Please feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher, guidance counselor or vice-principal should you feel additional support may benefit your student with their attendance at school. Together, we can explore strategies to better support your student's individual needs.

Here is some additional information that the OCSB has designed in an effort to support parents with their child's consistent attendance at school:

Winter Activity Day for Students Grades 7-8 Wednesday, February 26th (also Pink Shirt Day!)

Thank you to all the students who signed up for this exciting event. We’re thrilled to announce that it’s officially happening! We’ve planned 4 different activities that students have signed up for:

Canal and Tailgators
Ski/Snowshoe and Tailgators
Movie at Cineplex
Activities at School

Report Cards on Parent Portal

Report cards for Grade 7-8 students are currently available on the Parent Portal. We are aware that some report cards may be missing information (e.g. comments). The report card software company is aware and currently working to resolve this issue. Please keep checking the portal for an accurate version of the report card.

Report cards for students in Grades 9-12 will be posted on the Parent Portal today at 5pm.

Parent-Teacher Interviews for 7/8 Students Thursday, February 20th

Information was emailed to parents last evening about how to sign up for appointments. This online booking system remains open until the evening of Wednesday, February 19th.

ALL students will be dismissed on Thursday, February 20th at 1:30pm.

Holiday Blessing for our Titan Families

On this final school day of 2024, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the continued support and partnership of our school community. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated students, families, and staff who have made the first half of this school year so special.

The Christmas spirit was abundant this past week with Theme Days, a Variety Show, a Guitar Showcase, a 7/8 Dance, and an Intramurals Dodgeball Tournament! These events don't happen without the enthusiastic efforts of students and staff so thank you to all involved for kicking off the Christmas holidays on such a fun note!

A heartfelt thank you for your generous contribution to our Christmas collection. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to purchase over $5,000 in gift cards to help families in need enjoy a joyful holiday season.

As we celebrate this time of joy and reflection, we wish each of you a peaceful and blessed holiday season, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. May the New Year bring renewed hope, happiness, and success to all. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and look forward to reuniting our Titan family on Monday, January 6, 2025!

Students in Grades 7/8 at Lunch

Students in Grades 7-8 are not permitted to leave school property at lunch. If you are signing your child out for lunch offsite, they need to be picked up and signed out by the parent in the office in-person. Thank you for your cooperation.

Nutrition Throughout the Day

Breakfast - If kids are rushing out the door to get to school on time, remind them they can pick up a quick bite to eat at breakfast club in the atrium!
Grade 7/8 Nutrition Break - There are two extra minutes between Periods 2 and 3 for students to have a snack. It's meant to be grab and go! Consider sending your child with a box of granola bars or another easy snack that they can keep in their locker!
Lunch Time - There is plenty of time for students to eat their lunch in the cafeteria. If the lunch bag is returning home full, have a conversation with your child about how they are spending that near 20 minutes (Are they socializing? Are they on their device that they weren't able to be on all morning?). Remember that by bedtime, it is very likely that they've consumed all the calories they need! It is common for teens' eating patterns to change while they're at school. However, you know your child best, so if you're worried, feel free to discuss with us (or a medical professional if you are seriously concerned).

Grade 8 End of Year Trip

Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer an overnight trip to Toronto for our Grade 8 students this year. As you know, we’ve experienced a significant increase in school enrolment which has led to the addition of five new homerooms in the intermediate panel.

In accordance with the OCSB Field Trip and Excursions Policy, an overnight excursion requires one adult supervisor for every 15 students. After surveying our intermediate staff about their availability, we found that we do not have enough staff able to commit to spending two nights away from their families and other responsibilities outside of work to meet this requirement. This year, we simply do not have the necessary staffing to safely run the trip, and parent supervisors are not an option for overnight trips.

Please know that our team is actively working on an alternative. We understand how eagerly our Grade 8 students look forward to their year-end trip, and we are committed to providing them with another exciting excursion opportunity in June.

Titans at the Table (I Belong) Mural

In October 2024, over 35 SMT students participated in the painting of our newest community mural. The mural represents the diversity of our Titans sharing a meal together.

The concept of the mural was first introduced in the fall of 2023. The design for this mural was co-created with artist Kseniya Tsoy and visual arts teacher Mrs. Caitlin Villeneuve, and with the leaders of our student clubs. The club leaders met virtually with Mrs. Tsoy and shared what it meant to them to belong at our school.

The leaders then discussed with their friends and respective clubs what symbols, foods, and clothing represented their group the best. When students met a second time with Mrs. Tsoy, the idea of students sharing a meal together was solidified.

A survey was sent to our school community, where over 200 students shared which symbols and foods they would like to see in the mural and on the table. Once everyone’s ideas were collected, on October 12th, 2024, Mrs. Tsoy joined us at SMT to begin the painting and final design process.

Again, club leaders were present and designed the look and clothing of each person in mural collaboratively.

For a full description of this special project, please view this slidedeck:

SMT Collaborative Mural Project

SMT CO-OP Human Library Event

On December 6th, SMT hosted a Co-op Human Library Event in the Learning Commons. Human library events happen around the world and in this event, our current co-op students spoke about what it is like to do co-op while showing a digital book that they made about their current placement.

Our students this semester have many great placements: Ottawa Heart Institute; Abbott Point of Care; Dow Honda; Carleton University; Ottawa Wild Bird Care Centre; The Ottawa Hospital; St Vincent Hospital; KE Electric, OCSB elementary schools, and many more!

Co- op gives high school students the opportunity to open a door that would normally be closed to a 16 or 17 year-old student. We hope that students visiting the co-op fair today opened their eyes to some valuable opportunities! Special thank you to Ms. O'Sullivan and Ms. Rivington for leading this.

Christmas Collection Campaign

We are excited to announce that our Annual Christmas Collection Campaign has been extended until Friday, December 13th. Last year, with your generous support, we raised $5,000 and were able to assist 30 families in need. This year, however, we have raised only $530 so far, and the need is greater than ever.

If you are able and willing, please consider making a donation to help us support more families this holiday season. Donations can be made easily through School CashOnline by clicking this link.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity! God bless you this Advent season as we prepare for God’s arrival.

Key Club Advent Initiative

Our Key Club has been working hard to collect gently used blankets and warm clothing over the last few weeks. Thank you to our community for your generous donations for The Salvation Army, Shepherds of Good Hope, and The Mission. Special thank you to Mme Renaud and Jay Williams, our Chaplaincy Leader, for facilitating such an amazing Advent initiative. God bless.

Early Dismissal for All Students - Thursday, November 28th

Due to Intermediate Parent-Teacher Interviews, ALL students will be dismissed at 1:30pm. OC Transpo buses will pick up students at this time.

Grade 7/8 Parent Teacher Interviews - Thursday, November 28th

Intermediate Parent-Teacher Interview Night will take place on Thursday, November 28th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Parents/guardians will be able to book an appointment to meet with their child's teachers using parentInterview, a link that was sent to parents last evening. Access to sign-up will close on Wednesday, November 27th at 11:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

Please see the "Tips for Parents: Parent-Teacher Interview" letter in 14 languages (see here for source and full article).

SMT Transportation / Parking Flow Changes

On November 18th, we welcomed 5 new OC Transpo buses to St. Mother Teresa for both morning drop off and afternoon pick up. As a result of this, we had to make changes to our transportation zones and parking lot flow. Please review the slideshow which indicates new zones in our parking lots for student/parent vehicles, special transportation vans, and OC Transpo buses.

It is more important than ever to drop off/pick up students away from the school to minimize traffic congestion in our parking lot. We are asking for students to Walk a Block in the afternoons for pick up but also strongly encourage this practice in the mornings.

Key changes to our parking lot:

The front of the building will remain closed off to the public before and after school as it will now be the location for our special transportation drop off and pick up.
The front of the building will now be a one way lane only (direction of the one way will be heading east).
MORNING DROP OFF: Students can be dropped off EITHER in the bus loop OR at the east side of the building.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Students must be picked up at the east side of the building as ONLY OC Transpo buses can access the bus loop in the afternoon.
Students should Walk a Block from Silver Sage, Claridge or Utman Park in the afternoon and are also encouraged to do so in the morning.

Please review this slidedeck for a map of our parking lot changes.

*Note that this information was also emailed to you on November 13, 2024.

OC TRANSPO ROUTES:

Use the Travel Planner on www.octranspo.com to see how transit trips have changed.

SMT Christmas Collection Kickoff

Our two Christmas Collection Campaign begins on Monday, November 25th! We will be collecting SMT will collect donations to purchase gift cards for families in need. Check out this amazing Video that our Chaplaincy Leader, Jay Williams, created with students from the SMT Key Club. It even explains the artwork in the atrium of St. Mother Teresa!

Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week

From November 18-22, SMT joined schools across the province to observe Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. Our mission was to share with students how it crucial, now more than ever, that we prioritize kindness and respect in our interactions with others.

Wednesday, November 20th was a SMT School Spirit Day, for which all students and staff were encouraged to wear their Titan Wear or school colours. Our staff joined in on the fun to demonstrate solidarity as a Titan Family, and our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and learning environment for all on Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Fun at the 67s Game!

On November 13th, our Grade 7-8 students cheered on the Ottawa 67s at their annual school day game against the Kingston Frontenacs. St. Mother Teresa was represented by 400 screaming fans who danced their way onto the jumbotron many times! The students and staff fought through long lines for popcorn and pizza and were the section that helped start the wave that the whole building followed - is this school spirit or what??

A late disallowed goal halted a 67s 3rd period comeback as students hoped for overtime.

A big thanks to Mr. Quinn for organizing such a great day for our 7-8 students to enjoy together as a school community.

Titan Character Awards

St. Mother Teresa students were nominated by their teachers for a Titan Character Award for exemplifying the following Titan Character traits:

Treats others with respect and kindness
Is inclusive and welcoming to all
Stands up for themselves and others
Is brave, resilient, and fearless against challenges
Is prepared, organized and ready to learn

Congratulations to our October award recipients, we are so proud of you!

Hello SMT Families!

My name is Wanda Symes and I am thrilled to be your new Principal at St. Mother Teresa High School. I have always wanted to join this school community and have received the warmest welcome I ever could have imagined. I feel truly blessed to be part of such a vibrant community in which staff go above and beyond, and students celebrate diversity and are inclusive of all. I am already a Titan at heart!

Grade 7/8 Athletics Schedule

The following Grade 7/8 Athletics Schedule link will be posted to our school website and included in future newsletters at the bottom of this newsletter.

School Photo Retakes and Graduation Photos

Graduates received email invites on October 30th to schedule grad photo appointments online for the week of November 11-15. If they haven't done so, there are still openings to sign up. Please refer to the email for instructions.

Additionally, photos for any student who missed the initial photo day in October should have their photo taken on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th. Students will be called down over the PA.

Supporting Students with IEPs

Our subject and resource teachers do an exceptional job supporting neurodivergent learners during assessments, consistently ensuring that each student's individual accommodations are met. Although we have a dedicated resource room to assist these students, best pedagogical practices emphasize the value of having students complete tests and assessments within the regular classroom environment. Some of the key benefits of this approach include:

the classroom teacher is the subject expert and is able to provide students with prompts to help them get started

the teacher can check in with students to confirm understanding of the directions
the teacher can give students the test page by page to prevent students from being overwhelmed (known as 'chunking')
teachers are constantly triangulating evidence in the classroom where they are having conversations and making observations of student understanding, allowing them to tweak questions for students in the moment of the test
the teacher can prioritize which questions should be completed and which ones can be omitted
students are often given an opportunity to talk with classmates about questions on the test BEFORE starting…they need to be in the room for this

Teachers are encouraged to reduce the length of assessments to ensure that students can complete them within the regular 75-minute high school period or 50-minute 7/8 period, rather than requiring extra time during lunch or another instructional period. However, if necessary, students can still be granted the accommodation of extended time, either through the regular classroom or the resource room. Resource teachers can support students writing assessments in the regular classroom environment; this does not necessarily need to happen in the resource room.

Please connect with your child's subject teacher and/or resource teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Monthly Attendance Reports

Yesterday, the monthly attendance letter was emailed which provides a summary of attendance for the months of October and September. In light of a significant increase in absenteeism among students across Ontario in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this letter is and will continue to be shared monthly to ensure transparency around cumulative attendance, and awareness around the impact of missing school on a regular basis.

We understand that some students may experience specific challenges that affect their attendance. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff are here to help provide assistance, resources, and understanding to help address these concerns. Please feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher, guidance counselor or vice-principal should you feel additional support may benefit your student with their attendance at school. Together, we can explore strategies to better support your student's individual needs.

SMT Spirit Shines during Spirit Week!

From cozy flannels to crazy hair and hats to amazingly artistic jack-o-lanterns, SMT student spirit was alive and well last week! Special thanks to our Student Council for organizing such a fun week!

Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en costumes never cease to amaze! It is wonderful to witness the creativity that our students and staff have. Thanks to everyone who participated and a special shoutout to our Creative Arts Department who won the staff costume contest as Disney villains!

School Photos

The team from Edge Imaging will be at St. Mother Teresa on Tuesday, October 1st for School Photos.

Every student from grades 7 to 12 will have their photo taken for their student identification card and the yearbook.

Photo retakes will be on Tuesday, November 12th.

Program Night

Grade 7 Immunizations

Ottawa Public Health nurses and administrative staff are coming to St. Mother Teresa on September 18th, 19th, and 20th for the Grade 7 vaccination clinic.

Students will be provided with vaccination consent forms next week in homeroom, to be brought home for parent/guardian signature.

Please note that OPH does not allow parents/guardians to attend school clinics. Parents who wish to accompany their child to their vaccination are welcome to attend a community clinic.

For more information regarding immunization, please visit: www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/immunizations

St. Mother Teresa Titan Trek Fundraiser

Our annual community building / school fundraising event is being held Thursday, September 26th with a rain date of Friday, September 27th. Our Recreation Leadership Class, Student Council and St. Mother Teresa Staff are already hard at work planning a wonderful day of fun, fitness and fundraising!! Our school fundraising goal this year is $10,000. Proceeds raised will go towards the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research as well as St. Mother Teresa student initiatives. Donations can be made via school cash online and/or students can bring cash to their homeroom. School cash online will be open on Tuesday, Sept 10th. (https://ocsb.schoolcashonline.com/)

With the minimum donation of $20, each student will receive a BBQ lunch after our community walk/"trek." Thank you for your generosity in supporting this important event!!

Ash Wednesday and Lent

A special thank you to our Chaplaincy Leader, Jay Williams, for coordinating the distribution of ashes last week on Ash Wednesday. At SMT, we will continue to explore Lenten themes and participate in liturgies and activities to deepen our understanding throughout the season of Lent.

Thursday, February 21st

Due to Parent-Teacher Interviews happening Thursday, February 21st in the Grade 7-8 panel, ALL students from Gr 7-12 will be dismissed at 1:30 pm.

9-12 Report Cards now Available

High School report cards are now available for parents to view on the Parent Portal. For instructions on how to access the Parent Portal, see the link at the bottom of this newsletter.

7/8 Interviews Wed, February 21st

We will be holding Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, February 21st from 2-7 pm. If you wish to schedule a meeting with any of your child's teachers, please refer to the email sent earlier this week for instructions. Interviews can be booked online until Tuesday, February 20th at 11pm.

#TitanProud

SMT has had a busy but successful February thus far! So much gratitude for several groups of dedicated staff: the Grade 7/8 organizers of the Winter Activity Day, our high school Student Council and Black Student Association for a fun Spirit Week, as well as our Student Services team and Vice-Principals for hosting informative Grade 6 and Grades 9-12 Information Parent Sessions!

7/8 Winter Activity Day

Spirit Week

Parent Information Nights

Attendance and Lates

Regular attendance is the most important factor for students to be successful in their academics. One initiative that we are taking at SMT is to share a monthly attendance report with parents in an effort to be collaborative. We hope that this data will help you to encourage your child to arrive to school on time in the morning and to each period throughout their day. The first monthly attendance report will be emailed to parents at the end of February. Subsequent monthly reports will reflect cumulative absences from the beginning of the semester to provide a bigger picture.

OCSB Student Trustee Election

Students who will be in Grade 11 or 12 during the 2024-2025 school year are invited to apply to be St. Mother Teresa's representative on the OCSB Student Senate for next year. In order to apply for this Student Trustee position, the student must have earned at least a 70% average on the most recent report card (from Semester 1 this school year) as well as parental permission.

Students can apply through the Student Council Instagram account until THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28th.

9-12 Course Selection 2024-25

Course selection for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year is due March 1, 2024. Please review the following presentations and connect with your child's guidance counsellor if you have any questions.

Grade 9 Course Selection Presentation is for parents/guardians of students transitioning into Grade 9 in September 2024.

Grade 10 -12 Course Selection Presentation is for parents/guardians of students transitioning into

Grades 10, 11 and 12 in September 2024.

Kindess Week

The OCSB Kindness Week is from February 19th - 23rd. Each day of the week will be dedicated to a specific theme centred around kindness. These themes will aim to inspire our students to express kindness in various ways, to themselves and to others. #ocsbkindness

Next week the kindness initiatives continue with Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 28th.

BHM Cultural Showcase

In honour of Black History Month, The Black Student Association worked diligently to create an immersive cultural showcase. Thank you to the many student performers who celebrated black culture and educated the school on this topic. Our students are certainly talented!

Kindness Week

The OCSB celebrated Kindness Week from Feb 19th-23rd. These Titans were Caught Being Kind! Nominated by staff for their acts of kindness towards others, we were happy to award with them a little treat for the positive impact they are having in our community!

BSA Career Fair

The goal of this Careers Day was to showcase black excellence and to educate individuals on how to pursue a field of interest. Individuals from our community kindly offered their time to educate us in different fields. Our students from Grades 7-12 learned that it is never too early or too late to envision a certain career path.

SMT School Council Meeting

Thank you to those parents who came out to our School Council Meeting last evening. I feel blessed to be working with such a wonderful group of parents. More parents are always welcome!

Our next meeting will be April 18th at 6pm in the Learning Commons. Please join us!

Monthly Attendance Report

Regular attendance is the most important factor for students to be successful in their academics. One initiative that we are taking at SMT is to share a monthly attendance report with parents in an effort to be collaborative. We hope that this data will help you to encourage your child to arrive to school on time in the morning and to each period throughout their day. The first monthly attendance report was emailed to parents earlier this afternoon. If you have any questions or concerns about this report, please reach out to your child's Vice-Principal or guidance counsellor.

*Subsequent monthly reports will reflect cumulative absences from the beginning of the semester to provide a bigger picture.

#ocsbSteamWeek - March 4th to 8th

Our fourth annual OCSB STEAM Week is designed to celebrate what is already taking place at OCSB schools and to provide students with additional opportunities to explore STEAM in all subject areas and to participate in live events. Each day will focus on a different letter of STEAM ie. Monday will be Science, Tuesday will be Trades & Technology, etc.

There will be a daily blog on the ocsb.ca website during #ocsbSTEAM Week that will provide information on what is happening that day as well as suggestions for parents and guardians on how they can support their children in exploring these skills.

Parents can follow the Twitter hashtags being used during the week: #ocsbSTEAM, #ocsbMATH, #ocsbScience #ocsbTechEdge, and #ocsbArts.

New Teachers at SMT

We have the pleasure of welcoming two new high school teachers to our school community.

Mr. Deveau is replacing Ms. Morgan and began teaching Grade 9 Math this week.

Mme Chebbo is replacing Mme Pendergest and will be teaching Grade 9 French and Grade 10 History (Immersion), beginning Monday, March 4th. Special thank you to Mr. Adibe for filling in until we could hire someone.

We are lucky to have both Mme Chebbo and Mr. Deveau them on board!

Standing Against Racism Week

March 18-22 is the OCSB Standing Against Racism Week. This year's theme is "I See You." More info to come re activities planned at SMT.

Here is info re a Parent Presentation:

Respectful Conversations about Race with Lesa Williams-George

Wednesday, March 20th @7pm *virtual presentation

Want to learn more about anti-racism and how to have respectful conversations with your child? Join inspiring thought leader and presenter Lesa Williams-George for an engaging session designed to build your knowledge of antiracism, provide you with ideas on how to talk about race, and practical tips on how you can support your child in building their understanding through techniques like noticing and naming. This session will be interactive and a great starting place for those at the beginning of their journey or those who are already on their way.

All are welcome! Register via EventBrite: http://OttawaCSPA.eventbrite.com

France and Italy - April 2025

SMT is going to France and Italy in APRIL 2025. This trip is a sport and culture tour which will include professional basketball, soccer and hockey games along with visiting all the best tourist attractions in Paris, Milan, Florence & Vatican City. Highlights include:

Euro league basketball, soccer and hockey. Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Olympic Park Tour, guided tour of Florence & Pisa including the Roman Colosseum (Gladiator Games) and a guided tour of Vatican City.

Spots are Limited! Please contact Ms. Mathieu for more details or check online.

New Spiritual Theme

In the OCSB community, a spiritual theme unites all members of the community as a people of faith. These themes encourage us all to go deeper in applying the messages of God’s Word to our lives.

As we move forward with planning and implementation of the new Spiritual Theme, the OCSB is asking for parental input with the current proposal. Please take a few minutes to review the slide presentation at our February 28th CSPA General Meeting, along with the recorded presentation, and provide your feedback.

You may also want to watch the recording of the February 13th Board of Trustees Meeting for additional info. You can fast forward to 1:08.

Please provide your feedback by completing this form.

Standing Against Racism

The theme of this year's Standing Against Racism week was "I See You."

Grade 7 Students highlighted this year's theme by discussing how their actions and words can help to stop racism when they see or hear it.

Students were also taught what a microaggression is and what appropriate responses are when we see this happening.

We will continue to facilitate learning in this area as such an important topic should be a focus every week, not just during these weeks of dedication.

Mont-Ste-Anne & Quebec City Ski Trip

Forty SMT students had a very successful Ski Trip to Mont-Ste-Anne and Quebec City from March 1st - 3rd. The conditions were a little icy on the first afternoon but by the evening, the conditions were perfect. Our students practically had the hill to themselves on Friday evening! After a full day skiing on Saturday, the group travelled into Quebec city to enjoy a buffet dinner and a tour of Old Quebec. After an enjoyable morning of skiing on Sunday, the group had the opportunity to tour the historic and breathtaking Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica. Before departing for home, they took this time to reflect on their blessings and the wonderful weekend they had just enjoyed together. Thank you to Ms. Hussey, Mr. Buccino, Mme Renaud and Mr. Briscoe for making this fabulous ski trip happen!

Costa Rica Trip

From March 7-15, students had the great fortune of visiting Costa Rica. They enjoyed an action-packed week hiking and exploring a new country with volcanoes and rainforests, as well as becoming familiar with a new climate and culture. Some favourite experiences include visiting markets, a cathedral, a turtle sanctuary, a butterfly sanctuary, as well as a sugar cane and coffee plantation. It sounds like seeing many new animals was the highlight, as well as their amazing tour guide, Leo! Special thanks to Ms. Brownrigg, Mr. Currie, Mr. Shore and Ms. Sinclair for accompanying our students on such an amazing adventure.

7-8 Hockey Game

On Friday, March 8th, students in Grades 7-8 played the teachers in a hockey game at Minto Recreation Centre. We had a terrific student turnout - it was a true demonstration of Titan spirit! Unfortunately, the student team lost but they definitely had fun and didn't make it an easy win! Thanks to Mr. Lemieux and Mr. MacDonald for organizing such a fun event, and of course, to all the teachers and students who played a fun game of hockey!

High School Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in the Grade 9-12 panel will be held on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th from 2-7pm. You will be able to schedule your Parent-Teacher Interviews online until Tuesday, March 26th at 11pm.

Letters of Intervention were emailed to parents on Wed, March 20th. If you have any questions or concern regarding your child's progress, we encourage you to book an appointment with the teacher(s).

Please follow the instructions that were sent to you in an email to schedule your appointments. We look forward to seeing you!

Early Dismissal Wed, March 20th

Due to Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in Grades 9-12, ALL students at SMT will be dismissed early at 1:30 pm.

CHEO Mental Health Resources

CHEO has a multitude of online resources and videos for parents in various areas of youth mental health, including:

use of technology
anxiety
ADHD
self-regulation
teens and intense emotions

Access these informative videos by clicking on CHEO Mental Health Resources.

School Council Paint Night Fundraiser

Please join us on Tuesday, April 16th for a School Council Student Success fundraising event! Pop Up Painters will be coming to our school to host this fun evening.

TIME: The evening begins with snacks available at 6:30pm, painting begins at 7pm.

COST: $25 for students, $30 for adults

**Payment through School CashOnline is available now and closes on Tuesday, April 8th at 3pm.

Mental Health Resources

CHEO also has a multitude of online resources and videos for parents in various areas of youth mental health which can be accessed by clicking on CHEO Mental Health Resources.

SMT Europe Trip 2025

Parents of students interested in going to France and Italy in 2025 are encouraged to attend the Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday, April 30th from 6:30-7:30pm.

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vgw-nhvj-mei

Here is the link for the itinerary:

https://www.eftours.ca/tour-website/2674938TP

Cappie Nominations

This year's play, Elsewhere, received a number of Cappies nominations! They were selected amongst 18 participating schools across a number of school boards in the Ottawa region.

The cast and crew will celebrate their accomplishments at the Awards Gala at the NAC June 2nd.

Nominations:

Lead Actor in a Female Role - Sophia Constantinesco (Ariel)

Comic Actor in a Female Role - Gabi Bautista (Jenna)

Featured Actor in a Male Role - Alexander James (Steven O'Malley)

Featured Actor in a Female Role - Olivia Monsour (The Tooth Fairy)

Costume Design - Zoe-Elizabeth Cook, Rachel McKenzie, Zoe Pruys, Madison Burke, Emily Poitras, Faith McKenzie, Liza Kononenko, Sara Deogenes da Graca Marquinho, and Nalanda Schindler Santo Cruz

Sound Design - Tiago Fernandes, Cailey Dirsken-Coxsworth, Liza Kononenko, and Ronan Keown

We are beyond proud of these students whose commitment and talent are being recognized!

Titans of the World

On May 7th, SMT held the Titans of the World event which provided a platform for our high school student clubs to showcase their unique and diverse contributions to our school community. Student leaders from each club led engaging activities aligned with their club's focus.

At SMT, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community, celebrating diversity, and uniting under our shared identity as Titans. Students who participated were smiling ear to ear at each activity and fully enjoyed their day, especially those who signed up for outdoor activities on such a glorious day!

Special thanks to Mrs. Ragaisis and Mr. Testa for organizing such a spirit-filled day.

As one student's artwork shows (below), Kindness is Magic!

Arts & Culture Night

On Wednesday, May 8th we celebrated our 2nd annual Arts and Culture Night as part of Catholic Education Week. The evening consisted of several performances from Mr. Currie's vocal and guitar classes and a special performance by our SMT concert band.

The media arts, photography and visual arts classes displayed their favourite works on screens around the atrium, which can be viewed here! Finally, our Titan’s International Club and SMT’s Multilingual learners hosted A Taste of Diversity. Students and their families prepared dishes and treats from around the world for everyone to sample. All funds raised throughout the evening were donated to SMT's Relay for Life fundraising efforts.

The evening was a huge success! The students involved were so proud to showcase their talents and their cultural clothing and foods. We look forward to making this event an annual tradition.

Special thanks to Sam Corbett for the collage of photos he made of this event (at the top of this article)

Junglesport

During the week of May 13th, our students in Grade 7/8 once again were able to experience the Junglesport climbing structure at SMT. Each day provided new opportunities for the students to challenge themselves on the structure. Whether it was scaling up a rock wall, navigating through a low ropes course, racing up ladders, or ascending fixed ropes, the students were able to use their balance, strength, flexibility and determination to achieve a goal. Even though some of the challenges may have been tough, the students had tons of fun learning some new skills and hanging out with friends!!!

Murals

Grade 12 students Stephanie Cardoza-Valbuena and Nina Matthews designed and painted a new mural on our 2nd floor, just outside of Mrs. Dupuis' classroom. The new mural is meant to bring inclusivity and connection to the SMT community. It was designed with the intention of welcoming all students, especially our new students, multilingual learners and our International students. The mural showcases the love of language by having "Welcome" written in over 15 languages in the letters SMT. There are also fireworks displayed as it is an international symbol of celebration.

Coming to Barrhaven!

Grade 11 SMT students have been involved in designing two art pieces that are being installed on 6 different controller boxes in Barrhaven at the end of the month.

The Dog Box was designed by Vinny McMillan (Grade 11) and digitally drawn by Sarah Lyne Bactol. The Silly Box was designed and digitally drawn by Sarah Lyne Bactol (Grade 11).

Stay tuned for a press release in June!

Relay for Life

Students participated in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life today, raising an astounding amount of money (stay tuned for the total amount). Almost 620 students signed up for this fundraiser, where they had a fun day of activities for all their hard work raising that much money. There were bouncy castles, bubble soccer, food trucks, sports, games, and many more activities that students enjoyed throughout the day! With this money, our school community is helping people who struggle with cancer, whose family members need help financially, socially, or getting to/from appointments, and for Cancer Research in Canada. We are so proud of all the hard work of our Student Council members for putting this event together for our school!

ESL Tulip Festival

Though it was a rainy start to the day, the students of the ESL classes had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful tulips at Commissionaire's Park in downtown Ottawa. The students learned about the long-standing history of the tulips in Ottawa and how we were gifted the tulips from the Netherlands after WWII. Students also giggled through trying to order from chip trucks in English and buying souvenirs. Everyone had a great time and the sunshine in the afternoon made for perfect weather and photo opportunities! We look forward to our next ESL trip next week to the YMCA Leadership Camp!

Battle of Barrhaven!

After facing a week of adversity the girls fought hard and left it all on the field, eventually losing a close game to St. Joe's in the Battle of Barrhaven. You can't beat their spirit though, go Titans!

Mock Trial

St. Mother Teresa’s Mock Trial Team achieved first place at this year’s Competitive Mock Trial Tournament, hosted by the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) at the Ottawa Courthouse. There were 16 teams from the Ottawa region who participated in this year’s tournament. Our team consisted of student lawyers and witnesses who were extremely well prepared and performed exceptionally in the high pressure situations of the tournament. The team’s analytical skills, attention to detail, and persuasive communication resulted in them winning all of their trials and finishing as the best legal team in the region.

Lawyer coach Kellie Stewart played a significant role in helping the team to prepare. She put in many late hours working with the team and was readily available to answer questions and offer feedback (pro bono of course!). Her expertise and dedication were instrumental in the team’s success. Thank you, Kellie!

We are extremely proud of this team on their well-deserved win!

Titan Character Awards

St. Mother Teresa students were nominated by their teachers for a Titan Character Award for exemplifying of the following Titan Character Traits:

Treats others with respect and kindness
Is inclusive and welcoming to all
Stands up for themselves and others
Is brave, resilient, and fearless against challenges
Is prepared, organized and ready to learn

Congratulations to our May award recipients!

Director of Education Commendation Award

It is our honour and privilege to recognize Margaret Burnett for the OCSB Director of Education Commendation Award. An employee of the OCSB for 25 years, Ms. Burnett is a champion for at-risk students and an innovative Resource teacher who has established a framework for equitable opportunities for students who struggle to accumulate credits and meet success in the traditional classroom setting. As a community-builder, she has established our SMT lunchtime games club, providing an opportunity for students to create friendships with like-minded peers. Ms. Burnett is steadfast in prioritizing student wellness and well-being; she is a safe and caring adult for many of our most at-risk students. She knows and honours their lived experiences and stories, and uses this to inform her practice as a special education teacher, supporting and advocating not only for the implementation of their IEPS, but also their social-emotional learning. As a colleague, friend, and pillar of our St. Mother Teresa school community, Margaret Burnett is a source of joy and hope to all who have the pleasure of knowing her and working with her. She is a kind, brilliant, and loving servant leader in our school, and it is with pleasure that we honour her with this prestigious award and recognition. We wish her all the best in her upcoming retirement!

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