Our Heartfelt THANKS Mrs. Morey, From Us to YOU! Administrative Assistants Day is Today!

The staff and students at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Morey TODAY and EVERYDAY for ALL THAT YOU DO!

Happy “Administrative Assistants’ Day” on this special day!

Behind every successful day at school – however you measure that success – is YOU!

YOU are the face of our school! The first smile that our students and families see when they come to us!

YOU are the medical expert, giving out ice and band aids, providing tissues and paper towels, handing out medication and inhalers, and so much more!

YOU are the mental health experts, calming bodies, minds, and hearts with ease and a kind word!

YOU are the one that our students go to for everything they need; the one that all staff go to for everything they need; and the one that the principal goes to for things he needs help with too!

YOU are the one!

Today we recognize the sacrifices you make in your personal time, your family time and in your lives for the good of the school. We recognize the dedication you have to our school community, and we recognize the challenges that you deal with – with ease!

Today we recognize YOU and the impact that you have on our school community and world and we extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of our students, parents, families, and staff and continued blessings!

Thanks You Mrs. Morey!

By olgadmin|2024-04-24T09:58:28-04:00April 24th, 2024|News|Comments Off

Dance-a-thon Prize Donations Wanted – Thanks Parents! And, Last Weekend For Pledges!

Reminder: Dance-a-thon Prize Donations Wanted

Our Dance-a-thon Event is almost here and we are grateful for the pledges you are helping our students get so that not only will it be a success for our School Library, but as well, our students can win some great prizes and have fun at the dance-a-thon earning the pledges too!

If you are donating a prize, please send it in with your child on Monday or Tuesday at the latest, as our wonderful School Parent Council is coming in to help gift wrap prize baskets on Tuesday evening – thanks School Council!

Please see below for more information about classroom prize themes and again, thanks for your generosity and help!

Dance-a-thon 2024 – Prize Theme Rooms

Reminder: This is the last weekend to collect pledges …

And all pledges are then posted on School Cash Online!

Students will be given their raffle tickets next week based on the School Cash Online TOTAL … and receive 2 Tickets for every $5.00

Again, thanks for your hard work Gator Families and for helping support our School Library in this BIG way!

Dance-a-thon Pledge Form – OLOG 2024

Again, THANKS Gator Nation and have a wonderful weekend!

By olgadmin|2024-04-19T16:16:48-04:00April 19th, 2024|News|Comments Off

School Climate Survey Link Below – Still Open Until April 14th – Your Voice Matters!

School Climate Survey Link Below – Open March 27-April 14th

School Climate Survey for Families

The WCDSB conducts this School Climate survey with parents/guardians every two years as a key strategy to building a positive school climate and is also a requirement of the Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145. Specifically, this survey will invite parents/guardians to share their experiences so that your child’s school and the Board can:

make informed planning decisions about programs to promote safe and inclusive schools,
determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and
build and sustain a positive school climate.
More Information is contained in the letter link below

WCDSB-School-Climate-Survey-for-Families-2024-Family-Letter

Thanks!

By olgadmin|2024-04-12T13:13:47-04:00April 12th, 2024|News|Comments Off

Virtual Presentation Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity and Independence

Gator Parents,

Please see attached information about a great virtual presentation!

Date: April 23, 2024

Time: 6:30 pm

Join our SEAC committee for an enlightening presentation from Michael Jaques, an inspirational young adult with autism, and Dr. Gillian Parekh.

REGISTRATION LINK

By olgadmin|2024-04-11T16:43:44-04:00April 11th, 2024|News|Comments Off

WCDSB School Climate Survey for Families – Your Voice Matters!

School Climate Survey Link Below – Open March 27-April 14th

School Climate Survey for Families

The WCDSB conducts this School Climate survey with parents/guardians every two years as a key strategy to building a positive school climate and is also a requirement of the Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145. Specifically, this survey will invite parents/guardians to share their experiences so that your child’s school and the Board can:

make informed planning decisions about programs to promote safe and inclusive schools,
determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and
build and sustain a positive school climate.
More Information is contained in the letter link below

WCDSB-School-Climate-Survey-for-Families-2024-Family-Letter

Thanks!

By olgadmin|2024-04-03T15:37:59-04:00April 3rd, 2024|News|Comments Off

REMINDER – Change in PD Day Date to this coming Monday April 8th & Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

Good afternoon Gators,

Please be advised that the Professional Activity (PA) Day originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, will now be held on April 8, 2024. This change is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024.

Looking directly at the Sun causes serious eye damage, especially during a solar eclipse.

To watch a solar eclipse safely, you need eye protection that has been designed for watching a solar eclipse (i.e., meets the ISO 12312-2 standard). Sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes. In addition, viewing any part of a solar eclipse through a smartphone camera, a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will cause serious eye damage.

Total Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

A total solar eclipse is a rare and exciting natural phenomenon. However, it is crucial to view it safely to prevent any damage to the eyes. Here are some tips for safely experiencing the solar eclipse:

1. Use Proper Eclipse Glasses: Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the sun. Special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers, must be used. Ensure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

2. Adult Supervision for Children: Ensure that children are supervised when using solar filters or eclipse glasses. Teach them the importance of not removing the glasses while looking at the sun.

3. Alternative Methods: For those who do not have eclipse glasses, using a pinhole projector is a safe way to view a projection of the eclipse. This can be a fun and educational activity to do with children.

4. Avoid Unsafe Methods: Do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.

5. Check the Weather: If it is cloudy, you may not be able to see the eclipse. Use online resources to watch it live if the weather does not permit outdoor viewing.

6. View it Safely via Livestream: The eclipse can be viewed via livestream broadcast through the NASA Exploratorium.

We hope these tips are helpful for you and your family to safely experience this spectacular event.

Your child’s safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adapting to these changes in our school schedule. Let us all experience this cosmic event safely and responsibly. For more safety tips and information, please visit https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.

By olgadmin|2024-04-02T15:24:57-04:00April 2nd, 2024|News|Comments Off

Measles Update – Region of Waterloo Public Health

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Re: Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral infection. There have been recent measles cases in several Ontario jurisdictions and large outbreaks in Europe, the United States and elsewhere. Most cases of measles have been linked to travel outside of Ontario.

Measles can cause serious illness and death. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes (pink eye) and a red rash lasting 4 to 7 days.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Ensure you are up to date with measles vaccination, especially ahead of international travel.

Individuals without an immunization record of their measles vaccines may need to repeat vaccination – it is not harmful to receive an additional dose(s).

Children

Children receive two doses of measles vaccine as part of routine vaccination, one dose at 12 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old
- Infants between 6-11 months may receive a dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: Two additional doses of measles vaccine must still be administered after 12 months of age to ensure long-lasting immunity)
- Children under 4 years of age who have received one dose of measles vaccine on or after 12 months of age, may receive a second dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: there must be 4 weeks separating doses of measles vaccine)

Adults

Adults born prior to 1970 are generally considered immune to measles
- A dose of measles vaccine is recommended for those travelling
Adults born in or after 1970 may have received 1 or 2 doses of measles vaccine. If one dose has been received, a second is recommended for:
- Travellers
- Healthcare workers
- Post-secondary students

It is important that parents/guardians report their child’s vaccinations to Public Health. Health care providers do not report these vaccinations to Public Health. Visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines to report your child’s vaccinations.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles.

Monitor yourself and your family for signs and symptoms of measles, especially after you return from international travel. If you develop symptoms:

Limit your contact with other people
Call your health care provider or a walk-in clinic and notify them about your symptoms before an in-person appointment so that they can take precautions to prevent others from getting sick
Wear a medical mask when seeking care

For more information about measles, please visit regionofwaterloo.ca/measles

By olgadmin|2024-03-25T17:09:40-04:00March 25th, 2024|News|Comments Off

Blessed Sacrament Parish Invite – Easter Confession – This Thursday Evening (March 21) beginning at 7:00 PM

Gator Families,

Just an information item for our OLOG families wherein parents or children (who have made their 1st Reconciliation) who are wanting to participate in this beautiful sacrament in their preparation for Easter …

The church is extending a warm invitation to Easter Confessions, which will take place this Thursday evening, March 21st beginning at 7 p.m. in our church.

Several priests will be available to hear confessions and all are welcome.

By olgadmin|2024-03-18T15:21:30-04:00March 18th, 2024|News|Comments Off

Gator Gazette – Week-at-a Glance – Week #26: March 18-22nd, 2024 – Returning After the March Break

Below are some wonderful learning moments and FUN at OLOG from the week just prior to the March Break – followed by some key important information items and then a brief snapshot of our Week ahead, as we return, back to school …

Public Health Vaccinations Update

We are now under one month away from the point at which students who do not have their immunizations up to date will be suspended from school; this is not something that anyone wants. We hope that you can share the necessary paperwork with Public Health to ensure that student records and vaccinations are up to date by March 27th.

Updating Information Reminder – Please do not send confirmation of your immunization information to the school – it must be shared and confirmed with Public Health. As we approach March 27th, they will continue to let the school know which students are not up to date and at that point, we will send home suspension letters on Public Health’s behalf.

Lent 2024 – A Time for Renewed Prayer, Fasting/Abstinence, and Almsgiving

The season of Lent is a high point in the Catholic calendar. It is an opportunity for “spiritual self-improvement” as we look towards living Lent with mercy. Lent focuses on an increased emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During the season of Lent, a wonderful preparation period for the joy of Easter and the Resurrection. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. We look forward to the experience of opening our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes of society: fringes that modern society itself creates. During Lent, we are called to open our eyes and see the misery of the world and the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity. Let us recognize that we are compelled to reach out and support them, so they can feel the warmth of our compassion.

OLOG Easter Food Drive – Lent 2024 – Runs From March 18-28th – Thanks for Giving!

OLOG is the little school with the BIG Heart and we are looking for your HELP.

We are working closely with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region as the need is great right now and they were so very grateful for our help at Christmas too!

Please consider sending in some non-perishable food items and we will gather them over the next 2 weeks and get them delivered to the Food Bank on Holy Thursday.

Thanks Gators!

Graduation Pictures – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Graduation photos for our Grade 8 and SK students are being done on Tuesday, March 19th. Please see flyer links for more information!

Pegasus – KINDER GRAD CELEBRATION FLYER – GENERIC – MT19 (002).jpg

Pegasus – CELEBREIGHTION tm19 (002).jpg

WCDSB Kindergarten Registration is Still OPEN!

It’s Time to Sign Up for School! JK Kindergarten Registration For Next Year – NOW OPEN!

New Junior Kindergartens Wanted, No Experience Required!

It’s time to sign up for the 2024-25 school year – and registering to attend one of Waterloo Region’s 44 Catholic elementary schools has never been easier.

Children born in 2020 are eligible for Year 1 Kindergarten (JK).
Children born in 2019 are eligible for Year 2 Kindergarten (SK).

REGISTER HERE: Kindergarten Registration

To finalize your child’s registration, please contact your local Catholic school directly.

QUICK Facts

~~ When registering your child to attend a Catholic elementary school you must be prepared to provide proof of the child’s date of birth and either the child’s Catholic baptismal certificate or the Catholic baptismal certificate of at least one parent or guardian.

~~ If you are non-Catholic (including a non-Catholic newcomer to Canada), but wish to explore a Catholic education for your child(ren), please review the WCDSB Admissions to Catholic Elementary Schools policy. Our secondary schools are open to students of all faiths.

~~ A complete list of WCDSB schools that will offer the Extended Day Program in 2024-25 will be web-posted before the end of this current (2023-24) school year. Please call your school directly for information about the Extended Day Program. A complete list of WCDSB schools currently providing the program is available via this link: Extended Day Program.

~~ For information about French Immersion programs in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, please click here: French Immersion Registration Information.

Upcoming Assessments

The following assessments are coming up soon and they provide a wonderful window into our student’s strengths and areas for next steps whereupon improvements can be worked on.

Please note the dates below and where possible, avoid any unnecessary absences or lates … Thanks!

CCAT Grade 4 March 20-27

CAT-4 Grade 7 April 10-17

EQAO Grade 3 & 6 May 8-June 12

Summer Learning Programs 2024 – Register Early

WCDSB is committed to supporting your child’s continued learning. In July and August this year, there are several FREE learning options offered through St. Louis that are available for elementary and secondary

students that will ignite, support and challenge students toward success and preparation for the next grade. Please refer to this 2024 Summer Learning Poster – as of Feb 23 2024 or visit https://www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning/ for details.

Earth Hour 2024 – Saturday, March 23rd @ 8:30 PM

You are invited to switch off and spend 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet. Just 60 minutes? Yes, just one hour. It may not seem like much, but the magic happens when you, and those like you in Asia and Africa, North and South America, Oceania and Europe – supporters in over 190 countries and territories – all give an hour for our one home, creating the Biggest Hour for Earth.

For ideas on how your family can make a difference please visit the Earth Hour website.

OLOG School is proud to be an Eco-School that helps our students understand that we all can little things that make a BIG Difference for our planet!

Thanks Gator Nation!

Engagement Evening – Guest Speaker and Parent Information Night – Online Safety

WCDSB is pleased to present a virtual parent and guardian information evening on Cyber safety, digital literacy, and esports gaming on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Matthew Johnson, the Director of Education from Media Smarts, will speak about online safety and digital literacy and discuss resources available to families from Media Smarts.

Katina Papulkas is the Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies and will provide guidance on online gaming and how parents and guardians can support their children’s passions, explore career opportunities, and appreciate the engagement it provides.

Register: https://bit.ly/WCDSBesafe 

Have a wonderful week Gator Nation!

EVENTS FOR THIS COMING WEEK …

Monday, March 18th

Indoor and Outdoor Shoes – Thanks for your help parents, the weather is STILL very much UP and DOWN and our field can get quite muddy or filled with snow at times, 2 pairs of shoes are needed – thanks!

Tuesday, March 19th

Grade 8 and SK Grad Photos Today – we celebrate the graduating class of 2024 in both Gr. 8 and SK … “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” (Dr. Seuss)

Wednesday, March 20th

Spirit Wear Day – wear your Gator clothing or our Gator Colours to show your school spirit
CCAT Testing can begin for our Gr. 4 students – this will take place between March 20-27th

Thursday, March 21st

Pizza lunch for those students who ordered for MARCH Pizza Days
Rock Your Socks – World Down Syndrome Day – Lets see those fancy and colourful socks Gators is a great way to show everyone is welcome and celebrated in our community!

Friday, March 22nd

Gator Birthdays for the week called over the PA – ALL Students with a Birthday this week will be called to the office – AWESOME! Happy Birthday Gators!

LOOKING AHEAD – Please NOTE These Important Dates

2024

March 27th – Immunization Pupil Suspension Act – IPSA Day – those students notified by Public Health will remain home until cleared by Waterloo Region Public Health

March 28th – Holy Thursday

March 29^th– Good Friday

March 31^st– Easter Sunday

April 1^st– Easter Monday

Tuesday, April 2^nd– World Autism Day- Wear Blue!

Monday, April 8^th– PD Day … This is the **NEW DATE**

Monday, April 22^nd, 2024- Earth Day!

Tuesday, April 23^rd, 2024- Bus Driver’s Appreciation Day!

Wednesday, April 24th– Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day! (3^rd Wed in April each year)

May 5^th-10^th– Catholic Education Week

May 6^th-10^th– Mental Health Awareness week- Canada

Sunday, May 12th- Mother’s Day

Monday, May 20th, 2024- Victoria Day

Thursday, May 23rd – JK – Welcome to Kindergarten Information Night (6-7:00 pm)

Friday, May 31^st– PD DAY- EA/CYCW Appreciation Day

Sunday, June 16th- Father’s Day

Tuesday, June 25^th– Term 2 Report Cards Go Home

Last Day of School for students Thursday, June 27^th– regular Dismissal

Friday, June 28^th– PD Day

By olgadmin|2024-03-17T19:11:10-04:00March 17th, 2024|News|Comments Off

March Break Is Here – No School Tomorrow – Friday, March 8th

Good afternoon Gators,

The entire staff at OLOG School would like to wish all of you a very restful and relaxing March Break!

Just a reminder that the March Break this year officially starts after school today and that there is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, March 8th.

If you are planning to travel, travel safely! If you are staying here, we wish you some time to yourself, some time with friends and some time with family! Do what you find nourishing!

We look forward to seeing all of you back in the SWAMP, Home of our Gators, on Monday, March 18, 2024!

Have a great March Break Gator Nation!

By olgadmin|2024-03-07T15:27:27-05:00March 7th, 2024|News|Comments Off

olgadmin

About olgadmin

Thanks You Mrs. Morey!

Reminder: Dance-a-thon Prize Donations Wanted

Reminder: This is the last weekend to collect pledges …

Again, THANKS Gator Nation and have a wonderful weekend!

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Below are some wonderful learning moments and FUN at OLOG from the week just prior to the March Break – followed by some key important information items and then a brief snapshot of our Week ahead, as we return, back to school …

Public Health Vaccinations Update

Lent 2024 – A Time for Renewed Prayer, Fasting/Abstinence, and Almsgiving

OLOG Easter Food Drive – Lent 2024 – Runs From March 18-28th – Thanks for Giving!

Graduation Pictures – Tuesday, March 19, 2024

It’s Time to Sign Up for School! JK Kindergarten Registration For Next Year – NOW OPEN!

New Junior Kindergartens Wanted, No Experience Required!

QUICK Facts

Upcoming Assessments

Summer Learning Programs 2024 – Register Early

Earth Hour 2024 – Saturday, March 23rd @ 8:30 PM

Engagement Evening – Guest Speaker and Parent Information Night – Online Safety

Have a wonderful week Gator Nation!

EVENTS FOR THIS COMING WEEK …

Monday, March 18th

Tuesday, March 19th

Wednesday, March 20th

Thursday, March 21st

Friday, March 22nd

LOOKING AHEAD – Please NOTE These Important Dates

2024