St. Mother Teresa Updates October 30th, 2026

November 2-6 Career Week

SMT is celebrating OCSB Career Week and National Skilled Trade and Technology Week. This week provides an exceptional opportunity for our students across all grade levels to explore diverse career pathways, discover personal interests, and connect classroom learning with future opportunities.

Daily Theme Focus: Each day focuses on a core skill tied to careers, such as numeracy in everyday jobs, skilled trades, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day - Wednesday, November 4th

On Wednesday, November 4th, 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 formal classes that day for our Grade 9 students.

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

THERE’S STILL TIME TO SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!

Students will be calle down by grades. No sign up required.

NOTE: Photo Retakes will be included in the Yearbook.

One more day to get the Early Bird Yearbook price of $50. After the 31st the cost will increase to $55. Payments on School Cash Online

Graduation Photos

The following message was sent to graduates and their parents/guardians on Oct. 26th:

Attention graduates! Edge Imaging will be at SMT from Nov 16th to Nov 19th to take graduation photos! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be featured in the class composite and leave your legacy in the hallways of the school for years to come. Sign up for your photo appointment using our school code MTH at bookmygrad.ca. Not sure what to expect from your grad sitting? Check out this video!

Grade 9-12 Academic Awards Assembly - Thursday, November 5th

Students currently in Grades 10-12 who are receiving awards for their academic accomplishments during the 2026-2027 school year have been invited to attend the Academic Awards Assembly on November 5th at 9am. Parents have also been invited via email.

Evaluation & Assessment: Understanding your Child's Achievement Grade 7-12

Grade 7&8: Progress Reports will be available on the Parent Portal on Thursday November 12th.

The progress report indicates student achievement using progression language. The report cards use a levelled scale 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.

Grade 9-12: High School Midterm reports will be available on the Parent Portal on November 17th

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.

Please use this link to see more information about what each grade letter means: Understanding Your Child's Achievement Grade 7 - 12

7/8 Parent-Teacher Interviews - Thursday, November 19th

Interview appointments are available from 2-4pm and 5-7pm. Interview bookings for parents will be made available from Friday, November 13th at 9:00 am to Wednesday, November 18th at 11:00 pm.

An email will be sent to parents shortly outlining instructions.

Early Dismissal -

Thursday, November 19th

All students will be dismissed at 1:30 pm to accommodate 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews.

OC Transpo buses will be here at that time.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) November 23-26th

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 23rd. 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.

Financial Literacy Test

Students in Civics in Careers will be held December 1st during class time. More information to come.

NOTE:

Elearn Exams are on January 15th, 18th & 19th

Gr. 9 Math EQAO - Januarey 19 & 20th

9-12 Semester 1 Exams Dates Set

Courses with final exams in Grades 9-12 will write on the following dates starting promptly at 8:45am.
Exam dates are set board wide
The OCSB school calendar provides for one inclement weather day.
Exams dates are not negotiable. Students are expected to complete final assessment on the set dates.
Parents are encouraged to review the dates prior to considering any additional vacations outside the dates set in the school calendar.

Parking Lot Construction Update

There continues to be no access to the EAST parking lot and loop due to construction.

Updated timelines from the contractor is as follows.

Asphalt is scheduled for Tuesday November 3rd starting with the fire route, then the parking lot and loop area on Wednesday. Landscape reinstatements to follow the asphalt work. We will inform you as soon as we have full access. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Grade 12 Information

Post-Secondary Fall Open Houses

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.

Ottawa Police Presentation to Grade 7/8 Students:

Presenter: Sharon Priestman (Community Yough Unit Officer)

Topics: Social Media Use; Group Texting Chats; Consent

Date: Monday November 30th

Grade 9 Geography

As part of the study on natural resources and sustainable practices, we are fortunate to welcome a guest speaker, Mr. Kevin Myers, to our Geography classes for a special presentation.

When: Tuesday, November 17th during Periods 2 & 3 Geography Classes

Who: Kevin Myers, RPF (Registered Professional Forester), Forester with Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services, City of Ottawa

What: Presentation on sustainable forest management, with a potential follow-up session in January focusing on forestry within an urban context (connecting to our unit on Sustainable Communities).

Why: To gain valuable insights from an industry professional on forest management practices, career opportunities in forestry, and the real-world applications of geography and geotechnologies.