Updates from All Saints

DECEMBER 8, 2025

DEAR ALL SAINTS FAMILIES, 

On Sunday we marked the Second Sunday of Advent, and we are reminded to reflect on the theme of Peace. As a school community, we embrace the season with a spirit of calm, gratitude and togetherness. 

There are many opportunities for students to share their gifts at this time of year (see Important Dates below). We also appreciate the contributions that you have made at this time of year, from the Christmas Hampers, to sharing your time by joining our Catholic School Council, to reaching out to staff members with offers to collaborate. We are blessed to be members of this community. 

CHRISTMAS HAMPER INITIATIVE - TWO DAYS LEFT!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

With only 2 more days left in our Christmas Hamper Campaign we still have a long way to go towards our goal of an average donation of $5 per student. This year we have taken on the ambitious goal of helping 70 families from our school and St. Elizabeth, but with our increased population, I am confident we can do it! 

If you have not yet donated, please consider donating prior to our deadline of Wednesday, Dec. 10th either through schoolcashonline or by sending cash to your child’s homeroom. The families who have asked for our assistance are relying on us!

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

God Bless,

Paul Kozak, Chaplaincy Leader.

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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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CSPA EVENT 

CSPA  invites parents to attend the Dec 10th Parent Session, The Family Smartphone Guide: Navigating physical, mental, and legal challenges in a digital world. 

Parents can register through THIS link for the virtual-only session.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL 

We will meet at as a Catholic School Council on Monday, December 8, in-person in the Learning Commons at 7pm.  Links to join virtually have been sent to those who completed the form by 3pm today. 

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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! They make great Christmas gifts.

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STAYING HEALTHY

As we move into the colder months, we typically see an increase in respiratory and enteric illnesses. To help school staff stay healthy and reduce the spread of illness in our community, we are sharing this helpful resource from Ottawa Public Health

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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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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

8 & 9 - It's a Wonderful Life (evening show) tickets

10 - Christmas Hampers - last day

16 - Advent Mass

18 - Christmas Concert (evening)

19 - Christmas Assembly

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

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