Weekly Update: May 29 – June 2, 2023

Today is Pentecost Sunday, which takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday.  At Pentecost we celebrate how the disciples and other early Christians received the Holy Spirit.  Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church.


The Sacrament of Confirmation is sometimes held on Pentecost Sunday, so let us take a moment to pray for our students who are celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.  And let us pray that we all may be open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Dear Jesus,

Before rising into heaven,
You promised to send the Holy Spirit
to Your apostles and disciples.
May the gifts of the Holy Spirit flow through our lives,
awakening us to signs of love.

Grant us Awe and Wonder that we may recognize
the beauty and miracles in the world around us;

Reverence that we may be prayerful and find peace
and fulfillment in serving God while serving others;

Courage that we may do what is right
even when it is sometimes unpopular;

Knowledge that we may know You
and know ourselves and grow in holiness;

Understanding to enlighten our minds
with the light of Your truth;

Right Judgment that we may choose
the surest way of doing the good you call us to do;

Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;

Teach us to be Your faithful disciples
and enliven us in every way with Your Spirit.

Amen.

 

Kindergarten Registration

Do you have a child or know someone who has a child who is eligible to register for Kindergarten this coming fall?  If yes, the 2023-2024 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board is open!

Parents are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .

 

Bike Safety Week

Bike to School Week takes place from May 29th to June 2, 2023.  During this week, we celebrate active modes of transportation like cycling and wheeling along with other students across Ontario.  Bike to School Week is a free and fun week-long celebration for kids of all ages and abilities.

When cycling, students are reminded:

  • Wear a properly fitting helmet. Every cyclist under 18 must wear a bike helmet.
  • Air Brakes Chain – Check your bike tires, brakes and chain before you start riding.
  • Ensure your bike has a working bell, white light or reflector at the front, and a red light or reflector at the back. (For information and to learn more visit the Government of Ontario’s bicycle safety information.)
  • Cross at crosswalks, if there is one. Walk beside your bike when crossing the road.
  • Watch for cars backing out of driveways and turning at intersections.
  • Lock your bike in bike racks.
  • Be visible and dress for the weather.

For anyone who can’t walk or cycle to school every day, we encourage you to try choosing an active mode of travel two or three times a week, or consider parking and walking a block to decrease the pollution around your school.

There are many benefits to biking to school:

  • Promotes physical and mental health
  • Students arrive energized and ready to learn
  • Improved safety in school zones
  • Good for the environment
  • Convenient, bicycling is often faster than sitting in traffic
  • Good for the community, encourages social interaction
  • Promotes life-long habits that foster independence and active lifestyles, preparing children for their future
  • Just plain old simple fun!

See York Region’s Cycling Safety Checklist and Factsheet for more information about cycling safety.

Let’s get cycling!

 

Next Week’s Activities and Events

Here is a look ahead to next week…

Students in Grade 6 will write the Junior Division EQAO Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics this week.  We wish them the best of luck!

Monday, May 29th:
– Grade 8 Graduation Trip to Blue Mountain, extended day

Tuesday, May 30th:
– St. John Chrysostom Pastoral Visits, Grades 4, 5, 7 and 8, morning
– Track Day, Grades 4-8 (make up day due to rain date), afternoon

Wednesday, May 31st:
– Track Day, Grades 4-8 (make up day due to rain date, if needed), afternoon

Thursday, June 1st:
– Travelling Stage Drama workshops, 8:30am-11:20am

Friday, June 2nd:
– PA Day (no school)

 

Closing Prayer

As we come to the end of the month of May, devoted to our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray:

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

St. Nicholas, pray for us.

 

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal