PARENT COMMUNICATION

September 16 - Picture Day

September 22 - Grade 7 Immunization 

September 22 - 26 -  Spirit Week

September 25 - Terry Fox Walk - Rain Date Septemaber 26

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Renfrew County Health Unit will be here on Monday, September 22nd for Grade 7 immunizations.

If you have not yet had the chance, please fill out the form that was handed to your student last week and they can return it to their classroom teacher.

We thank you for your kind attention.

St. Joseph's High School Administration Team

September 10th, 2025

Good morning,

What a pleasure it has been to have our students and staff back at SJHS for the new school year. We have a few important items to share with you today.

Administration Changes

There have been some changes in the office at SJHS recently.

• As you are aware due to our growing student enrolment, an additional Vice Principal position has been created at St. Joseph’s High School for this school year. We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Erin Welch  into this role. Erin began her career at Our Lady of Fatima and moved to SJHS a few years ago where she ended up in the Guidance Department.

Because of the additional VP position, we have been able to make some changes in terms of streamlining support for students and families at the school. Each VP will have a group of students to support in terms of registrations, attendance, behaviour, and any other issues. 

• Mrs. Erin Welch will be the VP for Grades 7 and 8 students and has a dedicated office space in the Grades 7 and 8 wing.

• Ms. Watson will be the VP with responsibility for high school students grades 9 through 12. 

All vice principals will still work with all students to ensure that our school is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone but hopefully these adjustments will help us to make sure that items can be addressed quickly and more efficiently.

Grade-Level Meetings

Over the first few days of school, each grade met with administration to review school policies and expectations. Cell phones, vaping, and other guidelines provided by the Ministry and the school were shared with everyone during these meetings. Parents are encouraged to discuss these issues with their students.

Chromebooks and Responsible Use of Technology

All students completed a ‘Responsible Use of Technology’ document prior to receiving a Chromebook at school.  Please note that any damage to the devices should be reported to the office as soon as possible. Misuse of devices can result in repair costs for students. A replacement device costs roughly $325 at this time / $60 for a lost or broken charger.

 Medical Plans of Care 

If your child has a medical plan of care, we would ask that you return any information regarding medical plans of care to the school as soon as possible so that we can update our records. Please have additional medications on site (ie epi pens, inhalers, etc.)

IEP’s

Please note that Individual Education Plans will be sent home for review by Wednesday October 15th. Any new students who registered out of Board will be contacted for an initial IPRC within the next few weeks. 

 Attendance Procedures - Contact the Main Office:

• To report an absence call 613-432-5846 or email sjhsattendance@rccdsb.ca. If absences are not reported, families will receive a call, text, and email. To prevent this from happening, please call us to verify student absences. If absences are not verified, consequences including detentions can be issued to students by administration

• If you need to change contact information or address information, especially if these changes will affect transportation. Address changes need to be made at the school level prior to the RCJTC making required adjustments.

School Council

Our first School Council meeting will be held in the Learning Commons on Tuesday  September 23 @ 6:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided!

 Parking Lot at End of Day

There is to be absolutely no parking for pick up in the parking lot at end of day. Please communicate this piece of information to any family members or friends who may be helping with end of day pick up. Our parking lot continues to be chaotic spot at end of day and the additional cars are only hindering safety as well as flow of traffic. End of day pick up locations are still along Barnet Blvd. 

Important Dates

September 16          Picture Day

September 22nd- 23rd Gr. 7 Immunizations

September 22nd-26th School Wide Spirit Day

September 23       School Council @ 6 p.m.

September 25       School-Wide Terry Fox Run

September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation-Orange Shirt Day

October 10          PA Day

October 13           Thanksgiving 

Thank you for your continued support! It is a blessing to be a part of the St Joseph’s school community. Take care,

Pamela Dickerson

Principal

St. Joseph's High School, Renfrew

835 1st St, Renfrew, ON K7V 4E1

T: (613) 432-5846

www.rccdsb.ca

​May every sunrise bring you hope, may every sunset bring you peace.

Effective September 3rd, 2025

Dear Families of SJHS,

I am writing to you to explain some upcoming changes to parking, driving, and pedestrian traffic around St. Joseph’s High School during the next phase of construction.  For families who have children in both STA and SJHS this message will differ from the information given from STA. 

Phase 2 of the construction of the new school/SJHS extension is the tear down of the old St. Thomas school site.  To accommodate this, our staff parking and walking access to Bolger Lane will be closed off.  As this will now present some safety concerns, we have met with the contractor, the Renfrew County Transportation Consortium, SJHS Principal,  RCCDSB Plant Services, and school board Senior Administrators to discuss additional safety measures for morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.  Below, you will find the steps that you should know if you are a parent who drops off/picks up, or has a child who walks to/from school.  

Please note that this does not affect students who take the bus.  It will be business as usual for bussers.  If your child has a seat on a bus but doesn’t  take the bus, I highly recommend that they take the bus to avoid any inconveniences these new changes may cause for your family routine.  

What:  SJHS Parking Lot Closed for Pick Up/Drop Off & No Pedestrian Access to Bolger Lane.

When:  In effect as of Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Who: Who are Picked up at End of Day / Students Who Walk Through Bolger Lane Crosswalk 

1.  All Day Changes: 

• First Street (just past SJSH parking lot) & Muriel Street will be one way. No parking along here at any time.

• Parking Lot will be used for both SJHS staff and students and STA staff

2. Morning Changes:  

• For students who are currently dropped off:

One Way “Kiss n Ride” (mornings only) in front of SJHS (one way traffic only)

• Walkers:

Always take the safest route for you and your child.  

Recommended crossing is at the official crosswalk with lights at the intersection of Barnet Blvd and Raglan St. This is farther down Raglan Street. Please plan accordingly.  

3. Afternoon Dismissal Changes: 

• Walkers who regularly dismiss out past SJSH - Any student who walks past SJHS continues to do so as before. (No change) Crossing Guard Ken Taylor will remain to assist students crossing Airth Blvd.  This begins the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. 

• No student will be permitted to cross at Muriel St. and Raglan St.  There is no crosswalk and no crossing guard and there is too much bus and car traffic.  

• Parents who pick up their children (in zone or out of zone students)  - No end of day pick ups in front of the school/ or in parking lot with a vehicle.  Parents/Guardians may park on Barnet Blvd. only. There is to be no parking along First Street or in the SJHS/STA parking lot (the lot directly to the left of the school).  

Administration will be onsite along with other board staff as required to monitor the changes and their implementation and assess new challenges as they arise.  Thank you again for your continued cooperation, patience, and understanding.  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.  We will be sending this out via multiple platforms, multiple times over the next week.  Please make sure to update any grandparents, or others who may pick up and drop off your children.  

Yours in Catholic Education,

Pamela Dickerson

Principal

St. Joseph's High School, Renfrew

835 1st St, Renfrew, ON K7V 4E1

T: (613) 432-5846

www.rccdsb.ca

​May every sunrise bring you hope, may every sunset bring you peace.

August 25th, 2025

A Formal Welcome to our Grade 7 and 8 Families!

Part 1: Intermediate Specific Information

Orientation BBQ 

We will see you Wednesday, August 27th from 5-7 p.m. -  Meet your teacher, receive a welcome letter and see your classroom! 

Change of Address or School

If you have moved over the summer and need to update your address, or any additional information, please fill in the following google form or call the school at 613-432-5846

SJHS Change of Student Information Form 

Staffing

In addition to our wonderful existing Gr. 8 team (Mrs. Huckabone, Mrs. Warren-Skelhorn & Mrs. Hanniman) we would like to welcome Mr. Summers, Mr. Murray and Mrs. Cameron to the Intermediate team. Mme. Brisco will be our core 7/8 French teacher and Mr. Maclean will be our Music teacher once a week. Mrs. Welch will be our Intermediate Vice Principal / Guidance Resource and Mrs. Hamel has been allocated to the position of Special Education Resource Teacher. 

Day 1 Information

When students arrive, they are to enter through the Intermediate entrance (located between the SJHS and STA main entrance. Staff will be outside to help direct students.

Supplies 

Please bring the following items on the first day: Back pack, scientific calculator, indoor running shoes, waterbottle, and a combination lock. All other supplies will be provided, however, if you have preferred school supplies feel free to bring them along. If you are in need of assistance for any of these items, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school or to Mr. Sullivan our SJHS Chaplain, who runs our Matthew 25 Program. 

General Information 

Schedule start, lunch, end times: The first day of School is Wednesday September 3rd. 

Warning Bell 8:10 am

Class Begins: 8:15-11:09 (morning classes)

Lunch 11:09-12:02

Warning Bell 12:02

Class Begins: 12:05-2:25 pm (afternoon classes)

Lunch

Lunch will be broken up into two sections - Students will begin their lunch period with mandatory outdoor activity and then will transition into the school and cafeteria for lunch, after the high school students have transitioned into their afternoon classes. We will adjust these times if we feel there is too much or not enough time allotted for body break and for eating. The cafeteria does have microwaves but the allotted eating time may not be enough to warm up and eat. This piece will also be part of our review once we get into our first week back!

Activity bins will be provided outside. Grade 7 & 8 students will not be allowed off school property during the lunch time. 

Cell Phones

Gr. 7 & 8 students will not be permitted to use cell phones during the school day (this includes lunch time as well). If your child has a life threatening medical condition that requires the use of a device during the school day, please contact the office or your child’s homeroom teacher and we will work together to make sure your child has the support they need to be successful.

Lockers

Every student will be assigned a locker to store outdoor clothing and cell phones throughout the day. Please have a working lock for the first day. 

Special Education 

Mrs. Wilcox & Mrs. Hamel have worked hard to prepare for this school year from attending the IPRC meetings last spring to planning transition visits during the last weeks of August. Their role will be to support and assist students and their families in navigating the transition to SJHS. 

Extracurriculars & Sports

Physical & Health Education: Our Gr. 7 & 8 classes will be scheduled in the SJHS gymnasium. Most practices for the intermediate sports teams & extracurricular activities will be during the scheduled intermediate lunch (11:09 - 12:05). Sports and extracurriculars are a big part of the SJHS culture. A reminder that for students to be part of and participate in extracurricular activities outside of class they must be a Student in Good Standing as per our Student in Good Standing, Student Success Policy. 

Transportation

The RCCDSB Communications shared some news about transportation for September 2025.  Please continue to watch for updates on their social media site and website www.onthebus.ca

1-1 Devices

All students will have access to a school device for the 2025-2026 school year. In order to receive a device, students and parents/guardians must read and agree to the Responsible Use of Technology Agreement. This will be sent through Schoolcash Online. 

Part 2: Other School-Wide Information

Notice of Service Dog

There will be a working service dog at St. Joseph’s High School this year. This Service Dog is a trained companion for a student and is able to assist the student in many of the daily routines while learning at school. This certified Service Dog is highly trained, hypoallergenic, and recognized by an accredited Canadian training facility and will easily be identified by its red vest. This accommodation is pursuant to Human Rights legislation and the School Act and therefore can be with the handler in all aspects of the student’s education. We will have information sessions in classrooms and staff have been trained, for those directly involved, in order to integrate the service animal into our daily routines. All students will be instructed as to the proper procedure regarding the service animal. Staff and students will be informed that the service animal is a working animal which is indicated by a red vest and not to pet or interact with the dog while at school. If you have any specific concerns regarding the presence of the service animal in the school, please contact our Principal at the school office. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Communication To and From School 

We will continue to share information with parents via school messenger as well as our social media outlets. Teachers have the discretion to use their own class platform during the school year.  Please call the school or send us an email if you have any questions or concerns,

Construction at SJHS

The St. Thomas addition construction will continue into this fall. A separate “Drop off/Pick Up” Memo will be sent in advance of the first day of school. 

Scent Free & Nut-Free School 

Just a reminder that our school is both a scent-free and nut-free environment. We have both staff and students with severe anaphylactic allergies to nuts and scents. 

Medical Plans of Care 

If your child is new to St. Joseph’s High School and requires a medical plan of care (asthma, epilepsy, anaphylaxis, or diabetes)  please be sure to contact the school asap. Plans of Care for existing students will be emailed prior to the start of school. Please return these revised plans to the main office no later than Friday, September 6th. Parents, if your child requires an EpiPen or a puffer, feel free to call the school the last week of August to arrange a time to drop it off at the school. All students who require an Epipen must have 2 on site: one on their person and one in the office. 

Communicating During the Day 

If urgent, emergent communication is needed with your child during the school day, it is appreciated that you phone the school office and we can arrange to pass along any messages or conversations that can’t wait until the school day is over. 

Tobacco/Nicotine Products/Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping) 

Students are not allowed to use, be in possession of, or provide to anyone else, any tobacco/ nicotine products or any form of electronic cigarettes (vapes). 

Surrendering Items: If a student is found to be involved in the using, possessing or providing any of the above, parent(s)/caregiver(s) will be notified, and students will be required to hand over the item(s) to the Principal/Vice-Principal. These items will not be returned to students, and unless specifically requested to be returned directly to parent(s)/guardian(s), will be disposed of.

Attendance

The primary key to student success is maintaining regular attendance. Last year 15% of our student population roughly (90 students) averaged 1 absence per week or more for the school year. If you or your child is in need of support to maintain regular attendance please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. If your child will be away, it is your responsibility to notify the school, please call: 613-432-5846 or email: sjhsattendance@rccdsb.ca

I hope everyone had a restful summer and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on the first day of school. For further information please visit our website https://jagpride.net/ 

P. Dickerson, 

Principal, St. Joseph’s High School, Renfrew

August 25th, 2025 

Welcome/Welcome Back Grade 9 to 12 Students and Parents/Guardians:

Re: Back to School Updates

The countdown is on! The staff at SJHS is very excited to welcome back our students on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, for the 2025-20256 school year. There are a few important details that we would like to share:: 

SJHS Schedule 2025-2026

Warning Bell             8:10 am

Class Begins: 8:15-10:55 (morning classes)

Lunch 10:55-11:45

Warning Bell             11:45-11:50

Class Begins: 11:50-2:25 pm (afternoon classes)

Change of Address or School 

If you have moved over the summer and need to update your address, or any additional information, please fill in the following google form or call the school at 613-432-5846

SJHS Change of Student Information Form 

Dat

Communication To and From School 

We will continue to share information with parents via school messenger, school cash online, as well as our social media outlets. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school or send us an email with any questions. 

Locks & Lockers

All students must have a working lock on the first day of school. Locker use for personal items, materials and cell phones will be mandatory this year. 

Cell Phone Use During Instructional Time

All members of the school community will not use personal mobile devices during instructional time. Students grades 9 through 12 are advised to keep their cell phones in their lockers during instructional time or will be asked to park their device in a stored location in the classroom away from their person should they choose to bring it to class. If your child has a life threatening medical condition that requires the use of a device during the school day, please contact the office and we will work together to make sure your child has the support they need to be successful.

Communicating During the Day 

If urgent, emergent communication is needed with your child during the school day, it is appreciated that you phone the school office and we can arrange to pass along any messages or conversations that can’t wait until they have access to their phones at lunch or at the end of the day.. 

1-1 Devices

All students will have access to a school device for the 2025-2026 school year. In order to receive a device, students and parents/guardians must read and agree to the Responsible use of Technology agreement. This will be sent through SchoolCash Online. 

Construction at SJHS

The St. Thomas addition construction will continue into this fall. A separate “Drop off/Pick Up” Memo will be sent in advance of the first day of school. 

Attendance

The primary key to student success is maintaining regular attendance. Last year 15% of our student population roughly (90 students) averaged 1 absence per week or more for the school year. If you or your child is in need of support to maintain regular attendance please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. If your child will be away, it is your responsibility to notify the school, please call: 613-432-5846 or email: sjhsattendance@rccdsb.ca

Extracurriculars & Sports

Extracurriculars are a big part of the SJHS culture. A reminder that for students to be part of and participate in extracurricular activities outside of class they must be a Student in Good Standing as per our Student in Good Standing, Student Success Policy. 

Transportation Update 

Please continue to watch for updates on the RCJTC social media site and website and continue to monitor the Parent Portal.  www.onthebus.ca

Notice of Service Dog

There will be a working service dog at St. Joseph’s High School this year. This Service Dog is a trained companion for a student and is able to assist the student in many of the daily routines while learning at school. This certified Service Dog is highly trained, hypoallergenic, and recognized by an accredited Canadian training facility and will easily be identified by its red vest. This accommodation is pursuant to Human Rights legislation and the School Act and therefore can be with the handler in all aspects of the student’s education. We will have information sessions in classrooms and staff have been trained, for those directly involved, in order to integrate the service animal into our daily routines. All students will be instructed as to the proper procedure regarding the service animal. Staff and students will be informed that the service animal is a working animal which is indicated by a red vest and not to pet or interact with the dog while at school. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Medical Plans of Care 

If your child is new to St. Joseph’s High School and requires a medical plan of care (asthma, epilepsy, anaphylaxis, or diabetes)  please be sure to contact the school asap. Plans of Care for existing students will be emailed prior to the start of school. Please return these revised plans no later than Friday September 6th to the main office. Parents, if your child requires an EpiPen or a puffer, feel free to call the school the last week of August to arrange a time to drop it off at the school. All students who require an epi pen must have 2 on site: one on their person and one in the office. 

a

Scent Free & Nut-Free School 

Just a reminder that our school is both a scent-free and nut-free environment. We have both staff and students with severe anaphylactic allergies to nuts and scents. 

Washrooms

Students are reminded that we have a 5 person capacity in all of our washrooms and at no point are Cell Phones permitted in school washrooms or changerooms. 

Staffing and Classroom Placement 

Students will find out who their teachers are on the first day of school in their period 1 classes. All period 1 class lists will be posted in town square on the first day of school. There are 3 days of timetable changes from Monday August 25th to Wednesday August 27th from 8 until 2. Timetable changes will not be permitted during the first week of school. If your child has a blank in their timetable, please make arrangements to drop in between August 25th to 27th. 

https://rccdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025-2026-School-Year-Calendar.pdf 

For further information please visit our website https://jagpride.net/ 

P. Dickerson

Principal, St. Joseph’s High School, Renfrew