Strong Start Volunteers Wanted!

Our Lady of Grace is looking for volunteers to help us offer the Strong Start Letters, Sounds and Words Program.

As a volunteer you can expect to play short games and activities with children in senior kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 to help them practice their early literacy skills.

Attend two, 2-hour training sessions prior to working one-on-one with a child in the school.

Once trained, the minimum time commitment to work with one child is 30 minutes, once a week for a 10-week period.

If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more, please email elyshia.weinhardt@wcdsb.ca

Thanks for y considering this great way to help our younger Gators!

Mrs. Weinhardt,

Library Technician

STSWR Update

Good morning Gator Parents,

Just an important reminder and please do not delay … because it is important to stay informed!

Have you Signed-up Yet?

There are 2 IMPORTANT email alerts you can receive to know what is happening:

1. OLOG Newswire – to receive information items, weekly updates, urgent messages, etc.

2. STSWR – Student Transportation – to receive transportation delays, cancellations, school closures, etc.

NOTE: Last night we had Bus #99 delayed 40 min. and the students were safely supervised at the school until the bus arrived. But parents need to know to they are safe BUT as well to adjust their schedule for bus drop offs at their child’s stop.

Again, especially if your child is a BUS STUDENT – You Need to Sign-up!

1. How Do I Sign-up for OLOG Newswire? 

Simply Google Our Lady of Grace School – OR – Go to our school website Home Page at:

https://ourladyofgrace.wcdsb.ca/

Then scroll to the bottom of hour home page and add in your email to be added to the electronic email notification list.

Then just confirm when you receive a follow-up confirmation email, and you are good to go!

1. How Do I Sign-up for Bus Updates from Student Transportation? 

Simply Google STSWR – Student Transportation Services Waterloo Region or visit 

https://www.stswr.ca/

Then click on the … Delays, Closures and Cancellations Tab

And then Enter Your Email in the sign-up for Busing Alerts … 

The safety and well-being of our students is of great importance to us all and staying informed helps so very much! By signing up in these 2 locations, you get immediate updates right to your phone.

This way you will get timely updates as needed and stay informed #ologawesome!

Thanks Gator Parents!

Gator Gab – Our First Week at a Glance – Week #1 – Sept. 5-9, 2022

Welcome Back Gators! Below is a peak at some important information items followed by our Week ahead …

Welcome back Gators to a new year of learning together!  We have had a wonderful summer filled with great weather and hopefully the chance to re-energize and rest for the upcoming school year!  This first week of school is one that will be filled with lots of laughter, smiles, learning and the renewal of relationships … and we can’t forget celebrating new learning! Students will be engaged in various activities including lots of team building exercises that will have the students learning their new class routines, bonding with their classmates and setting the foundation for a memorable 2022-23 school year!

Welcome to New and Returning Staff Team Members:

We welcome many new Gators here to Our Lady of Grace School, both as the year ended with new JK Registrations and as well, these past 2 weeks as students from around the world, in several grades, selected Our Lady of Grace as their new school – AWESOME!  We are confident they will feel welcome and loved. In addition to new students, we would like to welcome the following new and/or returning staff members to our school community:

• Mrs. Manley – Gr. 1 – is back in the SWAMP!  
• Mrs. Vuylsteke – is returning – this time in Gr. 5/6
• Mrs. Weinstein – is returning – Gr. 2
• Mrs. Wollziefer – is returning – this time in Gr. 1/2
• Mrs. McPhail – is returning – this time in JK/SK
• Mrs. Parent – Kindergarten Rm. 12 Teacher 
• Ms. Wright – Gr. 3/4 Teacher 
• Mr. Burrell – Gr. 5 Teacher 
• Mrs. Ortner – Primary PT Teacher 
• Mrs. Geraghty – ESL Teacher 
• Mr. Weiler – Gr. 6/7 Teacher 
• Mrs. Stumpf – Educational Assistant (EA) 
• Mrs. Brooks – CYCW (AM) 

When do I start school?

• ALL Gr. 1-8 students start on Tuesday, Sept. 6^th
• ALL SK students remain home on Tuesday, Sept. 6^th AND their First Day of School is Wednesday, Sept. 7th
• ALL New JK students, will visit the school with a parent for an informal school orientation visit on Tuesday, Sept. 6^th and teachers will confirm the visit time slots with parents by the end of this week – they will attend just 1 more day this week as this staggered entry helps transition these little ones into school smoothly

How Do I know What Class My Child Is In?

Tentative Class Placements Are Now Posted to School Cash Online and Classrooms Will Be Called Outside On The School Yard Blacktop on Day #1

If you are wondering which class your child will be in this year to start, please check on your School Cash Online.

The information is NOW POSTED but note, OLOG School continues to GROW and many registrations, board updates and internal preparations are still underway.

Class changes and restructuring is normal part of school start-up for all schools in the first 1-2 weeks so as to meet Ministry class size mandates that set up the kids for success going forward.

New kindergarten families will be receiving phone calls and/or emails from their child’s teacher regarding interviews set for Tuesday, September 6^th. A Reminder, SK students remain home this day and start on Wednesday – great!

As we have experienced, please understand that class placements can change depending upon the Ministry of Education or Board Directives, and fluctuations in the school population.  With your trust in our professional judgment, we will continue to provide all students with the best possible learning environment. Don’t forget to sign-up and/or check into your School Cash Online Account.

If you need more information on how to get started on School Cash Online, see below …

School Cash Online Registration Instructions

How Does My Child Meet The Teacher on the First Day of School?

See the Map and Instructions Below… 

Meet Your Teacher Diagram 2022-23

• This year, all students will come to school as per usual on the first day.  Our staff will be outside to welcome them and meet them at bell time 9:10 AM. Just prior to the bell and at bell time, just have your child find their teacher. You will recognize them because they will be holding a sign with their name, beside a huge orange pylon and they will be wearing a vest.  If, for some reason, you cannot find your teacher – DON’T WORRY!  There will be a lot of support staff out there with updated class lists ready to help locate teachers and children.  Any child can approach any adult and we will help you find your way!
• A School Yard Map of where to find your child’s teacher is above – please look it over and also know our wonderful OLOG Staff will be there to assist as needed
• The First Day, is a normal full school day, so please send your child with all they need and a water bottle, snacks and a lunch. Our bell times are 9:10-3:40 PM.

How Do I know What’s Happening at School?

Stay Connected to What is Happening at OLOG – Communication is important to us!

1. Sign up for Newswire at our school website – the link is https://newswire.wcdsb.ca/OurLadyGrace.html and allows you to receive monthly newsletters, updates from Council, reminders about what is happening at the school (e.g., hot lunch days, pizza days, spirit wear deadlines, etc.). Signing up is EASY!  Enter your email and you will receive a confirmation that you are connected!

2. Register for School Cash Online at http://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com. There are many updates, permissions forms and opportunities for you to pay online securely with a credit card or an e-cheque. If you are hesitant about paying online, we would ask that you register to receive the updates and information.  We are shooting for 100% participation! CASH is also accepted for any school events.

3. Follow us on Twitter!
   

   @OLOGGators

We often post pictures or news items “in the moment” or as soon as possible – to keep you up to date with what is happening in and around our school community!  We have an AWESOME COMMUNITY and we want to share great moments as they happen.

Bus Safety Loading Zone and Safe Schools Measures 

And as has been communicated, there will be a number of delays, driver shortages and new registrations that will impact buses all year long but certainly in the first 1-2 weeks! Your patience and understanding is appreciated and just call the school office or transportation and we will work together to solve any problems that may come up – Thanks!

Bus Loading Zone – Parking and Drop-off/Pick-up Safety on Gracefield Crescent

A reminder that between 8:50 and 4:00, there is no stopping, dropping off or parking directly in front of the school on Gracefield Crescent.

Our School Parking Lot is CLOSED between 3:35-3:50 while buses load and depart.

Safety is so important, especially as our students are focusing on moving to their buses to load on time.

The diagram above shows “white arrows” wherein as long as you pay attention to the signs, parking on the right side of the street on the straight way, is permitted if absolutely necessary.

The safety of our student walkers and students boarding buses are critical and we know safety matters to you too! Consider walking together from or parking a short distance from the school on a nearby street and walking to the school together – this is healthy, safe and a great way to interact with your child to start and end the day!

Reminder #1: ALL students who live close enough to the school are able to walk.

Reminder #2: ALL students who live a further distance from the school are provided with transportation on one of our 3 big yellow buses directly to our front door and home again.

Reminder #3: So parents driving to the school are choosing to do so and must park a safe distance away from the school and then walk their child up to the school, such that we can be safe.

Reminder #4: The City of Kitchener Parking Enforcement Officer Patrols Gracefield Crescent regularly and a parking ticket in front of the school is $80.00 – this speaks to how important this safety measure is directly in front of our school in the bus zone and student traffic zone … so remember to be safe and park in a city approved and safe place a distance from the school.

General School Reminders

• VOLUNTEERS IN THE SCHOOL: We welcome and encourage volunteers in our school. As a Catholic school system, we value the additional expertise and the positive school/community partnerships fostered by volunteers. Our school requires a police record check every year for regular volunteers. See the office for a letter to assist with the cost and our Strong Start Reading Program for younger students is a great way to get started – Thanks for considering!
• SCHOOL AGENDAS: All students from Grades 1-8 have or will receive a Student Agenda. The cost of the agendas are $3.00 per agenda. The student agenda enables the student to learn valuable organizational skills and it is often used as an important communication tool between parents and teacher.
• OLOG School Handbook – Student and Parent Information 2022-2023 – Our OLOG School Handbook, Dress Code, Code of Conduct and other important information will be posted to our school website. Please review the school handbook so that we can work together to promote a positive and safe school environment for all. Parents are asked to review this periodically as a great resource throughout the year. 

• PICKING UP STUDENTS EARLY: If you are picking up your child early from school, please ensure there is a note in your child’s agenda. The office will page the child for you and you can meet them in the office area. Adults picking up children MUST sign them out of the office.
• Drop Off Children in the Morning and then Leave School Property, specifically the playground areas where children play – Please drop your children off at the side walk or at one of our back field areas. We have a number of Staff on Yard Duty for Safety and to ensure the safety of adults mixing with students, we ask that once you drop your child, you leave the school property area rather than remaining in the areas where there are students. Thank you for understanding that while you may be known to some staff and students, you may be a complete STRANGER to others – thanks!
• SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS: To ensure the safety and well being of all students, visitors, parents, guardians and others MUST report to the main office and obtain a Visitor’s ID Badge if you wish to proceed beyond the main office. A pass can be obtained by signing in at the office. Remember, parents and visitors, etc. are NOT permitted to be on the school yard during recess and lunch breaks. Please report to the office.

• PEANUT AND NUT FREE ENVIRONMENT: We have students and staff who suffer from anaphylaxis. We ask that you DO NOT send any food items that contain peanuts or nut products to school OR any peanut butter substitute. While there are products that look like peanut butter, smell and taste like peanut butter but are not made of peanuts or nuts, we ask that you DO NOT send these products to school. We are not able to differentiate between real and “fake” peanut butter therefore are not allowed at school.
• YARD SUPERVISION: We will continue to have supervision on the yard at 8:40 am. Students are welcome to arrive to school anytime AFTER supervision begins in the morning. Again, the safety of your children is our prime concern.

• ATTENDANCE AND SAFE ARRIVAL: The school has a “Safe Arrival Program” in cooperation with parents to ensure the safety of students. It is important that a parent/guardian telephone the school (519-745-3961) whenever their child will be late for or absent from class.  The answering machine is available 24/7.  If we are unaware why the child is not at school, we will contact the parent / guardian at home and/or work. We will also try the 3rd Contact you have indicated for your child. If we are still unable to reach an adult to confirm that the child is safe, we will  need to call the police to get their assistance re ensuring the safety of our students.

• NO FOOD DROPPED OFF AT SCHOOL TO SHARE WITH THE CLASSROOM – BIRTHDAYS, ETC. – Please do NOT bring food or birthday items to school as we are NOT permitted to hand it out in your child’s classroom. In consideration of our parent’s wishes (making the decisions with regard to what their child consumes at school without surprises) and in concert with The WCDSB Anaphylaxis Safety Guidelines, Ministries Nutritional Guidelines and Equity Guidelines, we are NOT able to hand out food in your child’s classroom that is dropped off at the school for a child’s birthday or other requests. We do something special for each child on their birthday here at school and know you will do something special at home with relatives, grandparents, neighbourhood friends, etc. Thanks for your support of this important safety measure. If you have any questions, please contact the office or your child’s teacher.

• Backpack
• Lunchbox
• Water Bottle (Refillable & Reusable)
• Indoor Shoes (Sport style for the gym and to be left at school)

COVID Health and Safety Protocols

On August 5, the Ministry of Education released the Health and Safety protocols for the start of the school year.  Most protocols and guidelines remain unchanged to those that were in place at the end of June. We continue to work with our local public health officials to ensure we are aligned with the most up-to-date guidance and hope to minimize any potential disruptions to learning throughout this school year.  

The following is a summary of what you can expect as we start in September. 

Ventilation – Over the past several years, significant upgrades have been made in school ventilation systems to support a healthy learning environment.  Our custodial and maintenance staff have been working throughout the summer to ensure our schools are safe, clean and that the ventilation systems have been inspected and properly maintained to welcome staff and students back. UV or combination UV/HEPA filtration units will continue to be present in all classrooms and learning spaces throughout this school year. 

Daily Screening – Staff and students are asked to continue to screen each morning before school using the COVID-19 school screening (ontario.ca) resource, and stay home when feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms.  We ask that screening become part of your personal daily routines.  The daily screening requirements and related guidance may change throughout the year and notification of any changes will be communicated to our community.    

Masking – Continuing with the protocols in place in June – and based on the advice of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health – masks will remain optional for students, staff and visitors in schools, and on student transportation.  We continue to support a mask-friendly environment in our schools and workplaces and recognize there are times when staff or students may need to wear masks in alignment with provincial or federal guidance or may choose to wear masks if there is a high incidence of illness in our community. Masks will continue to be available upon request to staff and students in the 2022-23 school year.  

Rapid Antigen Tests – Rapid Antigen Test kits will continue to be available to staff and students in schools as needed.  

Again, thanks for your understanding and support and we look forward to a wonderful first week of school with our gator students back in the SWAMP! We are the “Home of the Gators” and a very special community that ensures success for each and a place for ALL!

Mr. Dinner and the OLOG Staff Team

EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK …

Monday, September 5th 

• Labour Day – HOLIDAY – No School Today – Have a great day with your family Gator Nation! 

Tuesday, September 6th 

• First Day of School for 2022-23 School Year: WELCOME!  Watch for School Start Up Forms being sent electronically today via School Cash Online.   Please log in/register to School Cash Online at: https://www.schoolcashonline.com/.  For instructions on setting up a new account, please see attached link: SCO Registration Instructions
• Bus Loading for busing students 3:15 PM – to ensure a smooth first day and ride home, our staff will support with a roll call as students board their proper buses
• JK Orientation Parent and Student Visit Day – Parents and students given a time slot for an informal welcome visit
• SK students STAY HOME TODAY – because our Kindergarten Staff Team are participating in JK Orientation Visits today
• Enrolment Report Due to Board Office Today – NOTE: Class Restructuring often occurs in the first 1-2 weeks of the school year in most schools

Wednesday, September 7th

• ALL SK Students Start Today – Happy First Day of School! And ALL JK Students Stay Home Today
• Spirit Day – wear your Gator clothing or our Gator Colours to show your school spirit (New Spirit Wear Orders coming soon!)

Thursday, September 8th

• Half of our JK Students come for a full day of school today … re WCDSB Staggered Entry Plan and smoothly transitioning our little students into school life

Friday, September 9th

• The Other Half of our JK Students come for a full day of school today … as per the WCDSB Staggered Entry Plan and smoothly transitioning our little students
• Gator Birthdays for the week called over the PA – ALL Students with a Birthday between Sept. 1-9 will be called to the office – AWESOME! Note: Summer birthday students are done in the last few weeks of school as we make sure to celebrate everyone’s big day, Happy Birthday Gators!
• All On-line WCDSB Consent and Start Up Forms – will be posted on School Cash Online this week – please attend to these forms on the weekend if not completed already as they are very important! Thanks Parents!

LOOKING AHEAD – Please NOTE These Important Dates

• Tuesday Sept 6 – First Day of School Gr. 1-8 Students (ALL Gr. 1-8 Students attend today and every day afterward)
• Tuesday Sept 6 – JK Scheduled Visits
• Wednesday Sept 7 – First Day of School for SK students – Great!
• Thursday Sept 8 – SK students attend and 1/2 of JKs
• Friday Sept 9 – SK students attend and other 1/2 of JKs
• Monday Sept 12 – All JK and SKs attend today and for remainder of the year
• Friday, Sept. 16th – Terry Fox Walk/Run at OLOG – Twoonies for Terry – Please bring a twoonie to support our collective Fight Against Cancer (possible rain date Thursday, September 15th)Tuesday,
• Sept 20 – Meet the Teacher Open House Evening – Stay Tuned for More Details – Approximate Start Time 6 PM
• Monday, Sept. 27th – Fire Drill Week – Our Gator Staff and Students will practice 3 Fire Drills – it is good to practice to be safe at home and at school!
• Tuesday Sept 27 – First CSAC (Catholic School Advisory Council) Meeting at 6:30-8 PM at OLOG in the Library – Welcome!
• Wednesday Sept 28 – Rowan’s Law Day for Concussion Awareness (Wear Purple)
• Friday Sept 30 – Every Child Matters (Wear Orange)
• Monday Oct 10 – Thanksgiving Holiday
• Monday Oct 24 – P.A. Day No School
• Monday Oct 31 – Happy Halloween
• Sunday Nov 6 – ‘Fall back’ Daylight Savings Time Ends
• Friday Nov 11 – Remembrance Day
• Monday Nov 21 to 25 – Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
• Monday Nov 21 – Progress Reports Go Home
• Thursday Nov 24 – Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
• Friday Dec 23 – Last Day of School before Winter Break
• Saturday Dec 24 – Christmas Eve
• Sunday Dec 25 – Christmas Day
• Monday Dec 26 – Boxing Day
• Sunday Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
• Monday Jan 9 – First Day of School in 2023
• Friday Jan 20 – P.A. Day
• Thursday Feb 2 – Groundhog Day
• Tuesday Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day
• Friday Feb 17 – Term 1 Report Cards Go Home
• Monday Feb 20 – Family Day Holiday
• Tuesday Feb 21 – Shrove Tuesday
• Wednesday Feb 22 – Ash Wednesday
• March 13-17 – March Break
• Friday March 31 – P.A. Day
• Thursday April 6 – Holy Thursday
• Friday April 7 – Good Friday
• Monday April 10 – Easter Monday
• Friday April 21 – P.A. Day
• May 1-5 – Catholic Education Week
• Sunday May 14 – Mother’s Day
• Monday May 22 – Victoria Day
• Friday June 2 – PA Day
• Sunday June 18 – Father’s Day
• Wednesday June 21 – National Indigenous People’s Day
• Monday June 27 – Term 2 Report Cards Go Home
• Wednesday June 29 – Last Day of School

Please view the attached link as a bus driver shortage may impact our school.

https://www.stswr.ca/blog/2022/09/01/anticipated-transportation-service-delays/

Below are the reminders re Transportation Delays previously communicated:

ATTENTION: WCDSB families and students who qualify for transportation through Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR):

Delayed Start to Student Transportation

Transportation Services Starting on Monday, September 12, 2022

• All bus routes from 700 to 723
• All bus routes from 800 to 862
• All bus routes from V01 to V39
• All bus routes from W01 to W45

​Transportation Services Starting on Monday, September 19, 2022

Dear Waterloo Catholic Families,  

We are excited to be welcoming you and your family back for the start of the 2022-23 school year. We offer a special welcome to all families joining us for the first time this year. We hope that all of you had a great summer and are looking forward to the new opportunities this year will bring.

If you need information about registering for school, please CLICK HERE .

We look forward to joining with you this year in the name of Catholic education to support the academic success and faith formation of all of our students.  We are thankful for the opportunity to work together with you to provide the very best educational opportunity possible for your child and family.   

I am writing to you today to provide important information to assist with your planning as we approach our first day of school next Tuesday, September 6, 2022. 

COVID Health and Safety Protocols

On August 5, the Ministry of Education released the Health and Safety protocols for the start of the school year.  Most protocols and guidelines remain unchanged to those that were in place at the end of June. We continue to work with our local public health officials to ensure we are aligned with the most up-to-date guidance and hope to minimize any potential disruptions to learning throughout this school year.  

The following is a summary of what you can expect in September:  

Ventilation – Over the past several years, significant upgrades have been made in school ventilation systems to support a healthy learning environment.  Our custodial and maintenance staff have been working throughout the summer to ensure our schools are safe, clean and that the ventilation systems have been inspected and properly maintained to welcome staff and students back. UV or combination UV/HEPA filtration units will continue to be present in all classrooms and learning spaces throughout this school year. 

Daily Screening – Staff and students are asked to continue to screen each morning before school using the COVID-19 school screening (ontario.ca) resource, and stay home when feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms.  We ask that screening become part of your personal daily routines.  The daily screening requirements and related guidance may change throughout the year and notification of any changes will be communicated to our community.    

Masking – Continuing with the protocols in place in June – and based on the advice of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health – masks will remain optional for students, staff and visitors in schools, and on student transportation.  We continue to support a mask-friendly environment in our schools and workplaces and recognize there are times when staff or students may need to wear masks in alignment with provincial or federal guidance or may choose to wear masks if there is a high incidence of illness in our community. Masks will continue to be available upon request to staff and students in the 2022-23 school year.  

Rapid Antigen Tests – Rapid Antigen Test kits will continue to be available to staff and students in schools as needed.     

For more information about school start-up routines, please watch for updates from your school this week.   

Thank you for your ongoing support of Catholic Education.  We look forward with anticipation to the new opportunities this year will bring.

I wish you all the best as we begin this school year in the coming week.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Dowling

Director of Education