Updates from All Saints

DECEMBER 16, 2025

DEAR ALL SAINTS FAMILIES, 

What a truly memorable and blessed Advent season we have shared here at All Saints!

This time of year is always special, but as a Catholic school community, it holds an even deeper significance. We have spent the last few weeks preparing our hearts for the glorious celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. From the beautiful Advent wreath prayers to preparing for performances in our Christmas concert and our Christmas Hamper project, the spirit of faith, hope, and love has been palpable. 

Now, as the long-awaited Christmas break has arrived, I pray that each of you finds a moment of true peace and rest. May this time be filled with the warmth of family, the joy of giving, and the reflection on the wonderful gift we celebrate. Please take this opportunity to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and keep the true meaning of Christmas—God’s unconditional love for us—at the center of your celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for a new term, on January 5, 2026. 

Until then, we wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS HAMPER INITIATIVE - THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Christmas Hamper Campaign. Because of your generosity, families in need in our community are being provided with support.  We were able to support 70 families in our community. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

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DROP OFFS

If you are dropping off students in the morning, please follow these instructions. Using other areas for drop offs creates unsafe situations for students. 

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NEW! THE ECO CLUB CLOTHING DRIVE

The All Saints Eco Club is excited to host a clothing drive, and the upcoming Christmas break is a perfect opportunity to do a little decluttering while giving back. Throughout January and February, we will be collecting gently used, clean clothing to support those in need.

Donations can be dropped off in Room 222 or at Student Services. Every contribution, big or small, helps make a difference! Thank you for your continued support in helping our school promote sustainability, kindness, and care for our community.

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LOCKER CLEAN-OUT

Are you looking in your cupboard and wondering where all of your containers have gone? Well, the whole-school locker clean-out has arrived! 

Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: Period 1
Who: All Classes (Grades 7–12)

Students will have a chance to tidy and clear out their lockers before the holiday break. Our wonderful custodial team will be placing extra garbage cans in the hallways to help with the clean-up.

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SPIRIT WEEK 

Monday, Dec 15 - Christmas Morning/PJ day

Tuesday, Dec 16 - Winter Wonderland Day (wear "wintery colours" like white and blue)

Wednesday, Dec 17 - Christmas Character Day (wear a santa/elf hat, reindeer ears, etc..)

Thursday, Dec 18 - Fuzzy/Festive Sock Day

Friday, Dec 19 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

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ASH STUDENT WINS CHRISTMAS CARD CONTEST

Congratulations to Jasmine D. who has won the Director of Education Christmas Card contest. Director of Education, Ms. Mary Donaghy, visited All Saints on Monday to present Jasmine with a beautiful gift to thank her for her beautiful card. You can see the entries at this LINK. Jasmine's card is the second from the left. 

Our 2025 Christmas Card Winners

Adriana P. – Grade 2 – St. Veronica School.

Bronwyn WH – Grade 6 – St. Carlo Virtual School.

Jasmine D. – Grade 9 – All Saints High School.

Jhon Lei A. – Grade 11 – St. Patrick’s High School.

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OCSB STUDENT CENSUS

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Student Census is a simple way to help us understand our students and meet their needs. When you and your child share about yourselves, you help us create programs and supports that make every student feel included. Answers are voluntary and confidential. Information will be encrypted and stored in a restricted, MFA-secured cloud-based environment, accessible only to research staff. 

Parent Information

Virtual Session

Thursday, January 29, 2026; Watch Soon ›

In Person Sessions

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at St. Paul High School

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Lester B. Pearson High School

The Student Census Survey will be open from Tuesday, February 24 to Friday, March 13, 2026. If you prefer not to participate in the Student Census, you may submit an opt-out form. The opt-out form will be available from Monday, February 2 to Friday, February 13, 2026. You will receive instructions and link before the starting date.

How Your Participation Shapes Our Schools

The information collected in the Student Census helps us understand the needs of our students and families. We use the results to make decisions that improve learning, well-being, and inclusion across all OCSB schools.

Census results will help us:
 

• Plan programs and services that support student success.

• Understand language, cultural, and identity needs in our schools.

• Improve resources for students with diverse backgrounds.

• Guide equity and inclusion work.

• Identify areas where additional support is needed; and

• Create schools where every student feels safe, welcome, and included.

For full, up to date information on the student census, please see: https://www.ocsb.ca/student-census/

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YEARBOOKS

Yearbooks are available to purchase on SchoolCash Online at the early bird price of $60 until December 31st. Order yours today!

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HIGH SCHOOL EXAMS AND RSTs

Please note: Grade 9 - 12 examinations and Rich Summative Tasks (RSTs) WILL NOT be rescheduled for holiday or travel convenience, and all appointments should be scheduled so as not to conflict with exams and RSTs. If a medical problem arises, a Vice-Principal must be contacted prior to the exam or RST.   

The dates for RSTs differ from class to class, but in general, they mostly take place in January. The exam dates for first semester are January 22, 23, 26, 27 & 28, 2026. 

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TECH USE, SLEEP AND ATTENDANCE

In a world where children are “growing up digital,” guiding them toward healthy tech habits is essential. Balanced digital use helps ensure that children stay safe, get enough sleep, and arrive at school regularly, on time, and ready to learn.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in teaching and modelling these skills. Click HERE to access a resource from the OCSB.

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PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES

This free workshop series is for the parents or guardians of students in Grades 7 or 8 with learning disabilities or ADHD. Registration is open until January 16. The workshop is offered by the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre.  Please note that this programming will be offered in English.

The goal of the sessions is to provide parents:

• information and support to understand their child’s experience and potential more fully

• skills to navigate the school system

• ability to provide timely and targeted support

• support to know they are not alone

There is no cost to the program, however attendance at all three sessions is required. These sessions will run on the following Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 pm EST: 

• January 28

• February 4

• February 11

Parent Workshop Series Registration Link

To learn more about the Parent Workshop Series, access this website. 

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PATHWAY PLANNING

MyBlueprint has a new Family Toolkit for families with students in grades 7-12. This is a great resource for parents to help their children with pathway planning and encouraging career-related conversations at home. 

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MANAGING TECH WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Digital technology can enrich learning, strengthen connections, and provide access to support. With healthy limits and balance, these tools can offer meaningful experiences for children and youth—both in and beyond the classroom.

However, excessive screen time can have an impact on your child’s mental health and overall well-being. It’s important to reflect on our children's relationship with digital technology and foster healthy habits at home.

Click HERE to access a resource from School Mental Health Ontario.

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IMPORTANT DATES

DECEMBER

16 - Advent Mass

18 - Christmas Concert (evening)

19 - Christmas Assembly

JANUARY 

5 - First day of class after the break

OCSB Calendar and Dates for 2025/26: www.ocsb.ca/parents/calendar/ 

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