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