The third week of Advent we remember the gift of Joy we have in Christ. We remember the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver all people. Joy is the gift we all receive from the unconditional love Christ has for us.
God wants us all to have joy. The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people - for to you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." As we light this candle, we remember that Christ came to bring true and everlasting joy to all people. As we light this candle, we are reminded that Christ came to save all people.
Let us pray - Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us. Help us prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming by helping us see that Christ came for every person we meet wherever we go. We ask this in the name of the one born in Bethlehem, Jesus our Lord.
Amen
Tuesday, December 16
Advent Liturgy 12:45 p.m., organized by our Grade 2 classes
Wednesday, December 17
Last day to order Popcorn for January to March (on SchoolCash Online). No late orders can be accepted.
Thursday, December 18
Christmas Concert - begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Gym - all families are welcome
Friday, December 19
Last Day of School before our Christmas Break
Last Day to order Pizza for January to March (on SchoolCash Online). No late orders can be accepted.
Last Day to order Subway for January to March (on SchoolCash Online). No late orders can be accepted.
Monday, January 5
Back to School
Please note that all OCSB schools are closed from December 20 to January 4th for the Christmas Break. Schools reopen on Monday, January 5th.
Wishing all of our SMY Families a Merry Christmas! May your Christmas Break be filled with joy, laughter, and love. We also wish safe travels to any SMY families who will be travelling over the Christmas Break.
Mr. Denis Grenier, who has been our Head Caretaker here at SMY for 16 wonderful years, is retiring at the end of 2025, so his last day working at SMY will be this Friday, December 19th. It is hard to imagine this school without him! We wish Mr. Denis all the best in his retirement!
Our new Head Caretaker, Mr. Admasu Worku, is looking forward to joining our SMY team, and will be in the school this week to start the transition.
We also wish all the best to Mme. Jeanne d'Arc Byaje, who has been teaching Grade 3, 4, 5, and 6 French at SMY since September. Replacing Mme. Byaje is Mme. Rosine Goure, who will be with us from January to the end of June.
Help us spread warmth and joy this holiday season! We’re collecting gift cards (minimum $10) to support local SMY families in need. Your generosity will help ensure every family can enjoy a festive and meaningful Christmas.
Thank you for giving from the heart and helping our community shine a little brighter this season! 🎄✨
Gift cards can be brought to school until Tuesday, December 16th.
This Advent season, we remind our school community to support our annual food drive by continuing to send in non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. Your generosity helps local families in need and makes a real difference. Last day to bring in items is Wednesday, December 17th
As the weather gets colder, a gentle reminder that students need to come to school dressed to be outside for up to 40 minutes. Please label belongings, including hats, mitts, gloves, boots, scarves and coats. On cold days, all students are required to wear their coats when outside.
Celebrate 2026 early with FREE SHIP-TO-HOME!
Spend $55+ on at least one student for your order to qualify for FREE ship-to-home!*
HURRY! Until December 31: get free ship-to-home with coupon code NY26 just add your products to your cart then enter your coupon before checkout!
Visit edgeimaging.ca/order and enter your portrait codes to get started. Lost codes? Check out our online look-up form edgeimaging.ca/lookup or call the Edge Customer Care team at 1-888-416-3343. Otherwise, email us at customercare@edgeimaging.ca.
*NOTE: Promotion applies only to elementary and high school (not grad) students who order between Dec 9-31, 2025. The Edge Team will be enjoying their holiday break from Dec 22-Jan 4. All orders will be promptly shipped after our shutdown period, should you place your order during that time.
Jungle Sport is coming to St. Marguerite d'Youville the week of January 19-23. Look for the waiver/permission forms, which will be coming to you when we return to school in January.
Register here for an After-School Program by WIZE Academy! The Winter Session on "AI and Machine Learning" starts on Jan 8 and goes until March 12, 2026, every Thursday from 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.
Secure your spot today! For inquiries, please call 613-415-8844.
Due to operational requirements, our school office will be closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. while Ms. Brady-McCowell is on her lunch break. Please leave a detailed message when you call, and we will reply at our earliest convenience.
If you are picking up or dropping off your child during this time, it may take longer than usual. Although we recognize this might not always be possible, you are encouraged to arrange student appointments outside of this time to avoid delays. Please let us know in advance if you will be picking up or dropping off your child during this time.
Thank you for your understanding.
Video Topic: What is Mental Health?
Would you like to help out our School Council with special events and/or weekly food organization?
Please fill out this Volunteer Sign-Up form - We need your help!
Foods containing nuts (tree nuts or legumes) are not permitted at school at any time of year. We have many children with severe nut allergies (both peanut and other nuts); therefore, ALL student snacks and lunches must be entirely peanut- and nut-free.
As per Ministry guidelines, students at St. Marguerite d'Youville are not permitted to use cell phones during the school day. If a student needs to reach their parents/guardians, they must come to the office. If a student has a cell phone at school, they must keep it in their backpack, and the phone should not be seen by anyone. If students are seen with their phones out, they will bring their phones to the Office.
December 20-January 4 - Schools Closed for Christmas Break
January 5 - Back to School
Reporting Dates for 2025-2026:
February 11- Term 1 (Sept-Jan) Report Cards for K-6 Posted on Parent Portal
June 24- Term 2 (Final) Report Cards for K-6 Posted on Parent Portal
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop