Friday Flash…a look ahead!

Good morning Hawks,

As we enter another week of remote learning, there is nothing I can really say that will ever fully capture all that needs to be said about this past year. We have been stretched, pulled and tested in so many ways. Every day I see our families and our staff working alongside children with the greatest of care and compassion. I see the smiles and hear the story telling students enjoy sharing everyday (well, it’s mostly the primary students who keep their cameras AND mics on all day), but it makes seeing everyone through a computer screen feel a wee bit like being in class.

Without the support of our entire Haller family, we could not achieve the learning, the work delivery, the innovation and the dedication as shown by our students. We celebrate nearly full class participation everyday as our kids continue to show up and look forward to connecting with their teachers and their peers.

We understand the barriers and stress learning from home adds to families, which may perhaps increase during this last month. We hope to have more information to share in the upcoming week from the Ministry and the WCDSB.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office if you need to touch base or check in with any supports we can provide.

School News:

Just a reminder that today is a scheduled PD Day for schools.

Summer Learning Registration is open! Visit https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/ to register for Summer Boost, Summer Reading Programs, and so much more!
More free parent events – from yoga to painting nights to a Virtual visit to the KPL (Kitchener Public Library) and more! Check out the flyer attached here: May-Parent-Participaction-Poster and visit www.wcdsb.ca to register.
Our Relay for Life event is coming up! Our school is now listed (link below). Please feel free to check it out and donate if you wish! Relay For Life at WCDSB (Waterloo Catholic District School Board): Team List – Relay For Life (cancer.ca)

Upcoming Important Dates:

SPIRIT Days! Thank you to Miss O’Neill’s Grade 6/7 class who spearheaded the ideas!

June 17: Creative Hair Day! (colourful bows, braids, straight, long, up, down…)

Friday, June 4th – PD Day – no school

Thursday June 24th – Grade 8 Graduation at 5-6pm; Virtual Ceremony at 6:00pm

Monday, June 28th – Term 2 Reports go home

Tuesday, June 29th – Last day of school

Parish Updates:

It is likely that Church buildings will continue to be closed to public Masses until at least July. That being said, First Confessions, First Communions, and Confirmations for this school year will have to take place in the fall of 2021. This comes highly recommended from Bishop Crosby.

We hope that you have a much-needed summer break and please know that the Parish continues to pray for all of you. Please call the Parish Office if you have any concerns or questions about mass or sacraments (519) 742-5061.

WCDSB Updates:

Please refer to www.wcdsb.ca for the most up to date news.

Stay Safe Hawks!

The Staff at Monsignor Haller

By mhalleradmin|2021-06-04T08:59:13-04:00June 4th, 2021|News|Comments Off

Important Message for Families of Elementary Transported Students

Dear parents and guardians of ELEMENTARY transported students,

Student Transportation Services Waterloo Region (STSWR) is eagerly preparing to transport students for the upcoming school year and we need families in bus zones to tell us their needs by Friday, July 1st, 2021 so we can provide smooth bus service for all in September. You can always let us know later if your plans change and you may opt out of busing altogether, or for either morning or afternoon busing only.

Parents/guardians can find out if they live in the bus zone by using the “Transportation Eligibility” portal on our website at www.stswr.ca.

Our “Do Not Ride” form is the right tool to communicate your transportation needs effectively now and any time your plan changes.

The “Do Not Ride” form lets your school, your bus driver, and STSWR know that your child will not be taking the bus in one, or both, directions. When STSWR receives this form from you, your child’s transportation arrangement will be changed accordingly within 2-3 business days.

For younger students, it is especially important to keep us informed of changes immediately to ensure your child is not assigned to a bus in error and inadvertently put on a bus at the end of the day if you are expecting them to walk or be picked up.

Both WRDSB and WCDSB schools support active travel as a preferred method of transportation to school and offer a variety of programs that may be available to you. They also support a “Drive to 5” program to encourage those who must drive, to park a safe distance away from schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use the “Do Not Ride” form if my child is eligible for transportation, attended in-person during the 2020-2021 school year and is continuing in-person for September 2021?

If your child is assigned to the bus this school year, do not use the form; they will be automatically assigned for September 2021.
If your child opted out of transportation this school year, but now requires transportation for September 2021, please use the “Do Not Ride” form to have their busing reinstated.

Do I use the “Do Not Ride” form if my child is eligible for transportation, enrolled in distance learning during the 2020-2021 school year, but is switching to in-person for September 2021?

Your child will be automatically assigned for September 2021.
If your child requires partial or no busing, please fill out the “Do Not Ride” form.

How do I opt back in to busing?

If your child qualifies for busing you can opt-in again at any time using the same “Do Not Ride” form.

What if my address changes?

All address changes must be completed at your child’s school before STSWR can add students to the bus to be picked up at that address. Call your school’s office to do so.

Does my child need to wear a mask on the bus during the 2020-21 school year?

Currently it is Public Health guidance that non-medical grade face masks are required on buses for all grades since physical distancing can be challenging on buses. STSWR will be taking direction from Region of Waterloo Public Health should this requirement change.

We encourage all parents to teach their children how to wear a face mask safely.

More details regarding busing for September 2021 will be posted when directives from the Ministry are announced. This will include any changes to Secondary busing. If you have any questions about your child’s school transportation, please contact Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region at 519-744-7575 ext. 221.

Benoit Bourgault, General Manager, STSWR, Inc.

By mhalleradmin|2021-06-01T14:56:08-04:00June 1st, 2021|News|Comments Off

Monthly Archives: June 2021

Friday Flash…a look ahead!

Important Message for Families of Elementary Transported Students