Volume 14Issue 2Spring 2019

Setting up for Success

Our Mission StatementInspired by our rich heritage and challenged by the struggles of our past, we are an inclusive Catholic educational community called to express

our mission as Church to pass on the Good News of Jesus Christ, to make it relevant in the world today, and to be the hope for the future.

Kick-starting KindergartenKindergarten open house events take place across the board to help connect families with our schools and ensure smooth transitions into Kindergarten from home or daycare environments. Our newest and youngest students can ask questions and see first-hand their new learning environments. Many open house events include community partners, such as EarlyON, local libraries, the Phoenix Centre and Renfrew County Health Unit, so families new to the area can meet and get to know organizations that provide support.

Welcome to Kindergarten day, Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Westmeath, above, and St. Andrew’s Catholic School, Killaloe, right.

Supporting success in our high schoolsWhen it comes to supporting secondary students, our Student Success program employs a number of strategies at Bishop Smith Catholic High School (BSCHS) in Pembroke and St. Joseph High School (SJHS) in Renfrew. Involvement with students includes building a rapport, communicating with parents, forming partnerships in the community, and providing different settings to meet the needs of individual students.

The RCCDSB Student Success program includes:• Credit Rescue• Credit Recovery• Attendance• Outreach (home visits)• Home Instruction• Co-op• Supervised Alternative Learning• Alternative School• Community Partnerships• EQAO test preparation• Exam scheduling• Homework Help Club/Study Hall

“It’s (the Homework Help Club) a quiet space to get work done. Mr. O’Connor helps with all subjects,” says Jada, Grade 9, SJHS.

“I can come here to get away from the noise to get work done and get help,” says Amos, Grade 10, SJHS.

The Homework Help Club at SJHS provides a time and a place for students to complete tests, assignments and homework with a teacher on hand to supervise and assist when needed.

Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew, “Monster Mayhem” Grade 6 and 7 DI team participated in the Engineering Challenge, called Monster Effects.

Members of the Holy Name Chess Club: Front row, l-r: Q, Eli, Destiny, Faith, Joey. Back row, l-r: Wyllow, Zada, Haley, Lily, and Addison. Members say they’ve learned what it means to be part of a group. Their chess club is a safe zone with no judgment, it’s exciting and fun!

Extracurriculars help students to shineWhether it is volleyball, soccer, chess club, Destination Imagination (DI), or choir, extracurricular activities provide opportunities for students to feel attached to school, to take a break from school work and stress, and to feel good about themselves doing something they enjoy.

“Extracurricular activities get kids involved and engaged and help them to feel good about themselves and confident because they are doing something they are good at,” states Rebecca Paulsen, RCCDSB Mental Health and Wellness Lead.

Volleyball at St. Michael’s Catholic School, Douglas.

Soccer champions at Our Lady of Sorrows, Petawawa.

St. James Catholic School choir, Eganville.

Student well-beingSelf-regulation is an important component of student success in school and in life. It is important for children to be able to self-regulate their emotions and manage their behaviour. Throughout our Board, schools offer a variety of methods for students to calm themselves.

- The ‘chill room’ at Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew, is a space available to Grade 6 and 7 students during recess to participate in supervised social activities (cards, board games, etc.), do homework, or just ‘chill’. “Students are able to access the space one recess per day. It promotes self-regulation, self-advocacy, and social skills,” says Principal Karen Keels.

- In the calming room at St. James Catholic School in Eganville, tape on the floor provides a self-regulation pathway. Students can hop, scrunch down, stretch up and step their way to calmness.

“The pathway can help get extra energy out or pick up the energy level if a student is lethargic,” says Maureen McHale Enright, Principal.

Grade 5 student Luella says, “It makes me feel relaxed because it helps get all my energy out.”

- Simple breathing and pressure exercises are another calming option for students at St. James. They’re placed on a wall in a quiet place out of mainstream traffic, but still close to classes and peers and accessible any time.

- At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Petawawa, mini pedals in the classroom allow students to remain in the classroom and feel connected and belonging when they have extra energy to expend. “Their bodies need a break from sitting still. They don’t need to be on it very long, just five minutes,” says Grade 2 Teacher Kelly McDaniels.

“It makes me feel calm and helps me learn,” says Grade 2 student Emmy.

- George Vanier Catholic School in Combermere initiated a unique lunchtime format—students go outside for active play first, then come in to eat.

“We have noticed that this has greatly reduced the number of half-eaten sandwiches and fruit with only one or two bites that used to end up in our compost bins as students have more of an appetite after playing,” says Principal Anne Marie Landon.

Every student from Kindergarten to Grade 8 has a choice to make each day of where to eat lunch. They can go into the lunchroom, which is noisier and great for chatting with friends, or the library which is a quieter space where chess games, reading, and one-on-one conversations take place.

“GVCS students have become very good at recognizing and selecting where they need to be based on their mood, energy level, and personal needs,” notes Landon.

Christian meditation is another option in some of our schools to help students refocus and regroup.

Christian meditation offers an antidote to help balance the fast-paced digital world that we live in, states the Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) in An Introduction to Christian Mediation with Students: Let’s pray together.

At St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in Arnprior, students can self-refer or be referred by a teacher to Christian meditation. While there, they are led through some reflective questions while listening to music (e.g., nature sounds, instrumental music), and have time to sit and reflect or engage in a quiet activity.

There are a number of students who like to go in and have some peace and quiet in their day. It helps to relax their mind and calm their body,” says Principal Derek Lennox.

Grade 8 students Amber and Jordan have been using the room since it was created. “It relieves a whole bunch of stress from the day,” says Amber. “I’m more focused for the rest of the day.”

“Since we’re getting older, there’s a lot more work, more stress. When I get here, I forget everything and it’s easy to relax. I like the music, ‘cause I can sit back and relax.”

Our Lady of Fatima students Isabella, Alison and Abigail play cards in the ‘Chill Room.’

Grade 5 student Luella in the St. James Catholic School calming room.

Grade 2 student Emmy uses the mini pedals at St. Francis of Assisi.

Lunchtime chess at George Vanier Catholic School.

Grade 8 students Amber and Jordan.

Traditional Catholic Prayers BookletA new RCCDSB prayer booklet is a treasury of prayers commonly used by Catholics over the last one hundred years. They are an important part of the “rich heritage” that continues to inspire us, as expressed in our Board’s vision statement, and will help to strengthen the connection between home, parish and school.

The booklet is accessible electronically on the RCCDSB website with links to each prayer in large font for classroom display to allow students to learn and pray these prayers in small groups or as an entire school. The booklet was also distributed to all students and staff during Catholic Education Week, 2019 (May 5–11). 

“It is our hope that each person receiving this collection will use it to help deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ—in school and with their families—and to embrace more fully what it means to be a member of His body, the Church,” says Tony Cosentino, Religious and Family Life Education Resource Teacher.

https://religiouseducation.rccdsb.edu.on.ca/catholicity/school-prayer-2/traditional-catholic-prayers/

Pointing out the positive – look for opportunities to point out and praise things your child is doing right

Wholeness and wellness create a healthy workplace At the RCCDSB, fostering wholeness and wellness extends to our staff as well as students. We believe that a happy staff leads to good environments for students.

A new Wholeness & Wellness Program was launched in May 2018 during Christian Community Day with a Wellness Champion at each school. A logo was chosen from contest entries, a website providing access to news and resources was launched in January 2019, and staff participate in ‘wellness Wednesday’ activities and challenges each week—all with a goal to help staff live healthier, happier lives!

Valleycrest for students at riskAt Valleycrest, children and their families can develop coping skills that promote mental health and well-being. RCCDSB has classrooms at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Renfrew and Holy Name Catholic School in Pembroke.

Valleycrest is a Section 23 ‘Day Treatment Program’ which may provide an alternative for children who are struggling to experience success in the mainstream school setting.

“The primary purpose of the program at Valleycrest is to promote the emotional,

cognitive, and social development of children with significant mental health needs in an intimate, therapeutic setting,” explains Heidi Fraser, Principal of Valleycrest.

“There are many benefits for students at risk,” says Fraser. “While every child’s treatment is individualized, improved functioning in all areas of life is the primary goal for students in the program.”

Programming at Valleycrest is built around the core values of: safety, learning, belonging and empowerment.

Tips for parents

Counting down from 10

when an activity

is ending helps

prepare children to

transition to the

next activity

“When/then”

– “When” you

have your boots

and jacket on

“then” you can

grab a snack

Introducing students to the tradesIt is our goal to introduce our students to all of the post-secondary options that are open to them.

Each year students attend the Options Skilled Trades Fair in Pembroke. The one-day showcase of skilled trades competitions and displays celebrates and supports students’ interest in pursuing the trades.

In May 2019, a group of RCCDSB students travelled to Toronto to the Young Women’s Conference hosted by Skills Ontario to network, seek advice/guidance and see firsthand the skilled trades and technologies career opportunities for young women.

“It was eye-opening to see just how many jobs there are for women in the trades. It made me think about the possibilities that exist for me in the future that I hadn’t necessarily even thought of or known about.”

- Emily, St. Joseph’s High School

Showcasing Inuit cultureInuit games include strength, agility, and/or endurance—all skills necessary for survival on the land. Many games are played at the Arctic Winter Games, an event that sees Inuit from all over the circumpolar region compete against one another every three years.

For the RCCDSB Inuit games day, “We chose five to focus on based on the ease of learning and safety. Once we partnered with the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, Dion ‘Stranger’ Metcalfe became involved. He was especially excited about our initiative, and said it was the first of its kind that he’s aware of, and proclaimed our initiative as being ‘Reconciliation at its best’,” said Kellie Hisko, RCCDSB Indigenous Education Lead.

The initial goal of sharing the Inuit culture was achieved, but also so much more, added Hisko. “This initiative valued ‘the Dignity of the Whole Person’ which is our Board’s theme this year, is in line with our Catholic Graduate Expectations and Board Vision Statement, and it is another step in the right direction as we respond to the TRC’s Calls for Action. The excitement leading up to the Games was palpable and the overall spirit of the day was incredible. I look forward to future Games.”

Students also thought it was a great day and look forward to participating again.

“I really liked the day. It was a good experience and I think it should be an ‘every year’ event. The one-kick was my favourite event,” shared Jack, Grade 8 student at St. Michael’s Catholic School, Douglas.

Highlights of the RCCDSB Inuit games included throat singing by Tarniriik (Cailyn DeGrandpré and Samantha Kigutak-Metcalfe, “Tarniriik” means “two souls”) and traditional drumming by Damian Kigutak-Metcalfe, who also showed two of our Inu students how to drum for the opening ceremonies (Cordellia MacIntosh and Maxwell Alookie from St. Mary’s). Shaw Woods also provided activities for the students when they weren’t competing: bannock making, hot chocolate station, maple taffy pulling.

At RCCDSB, we consider the health and well-being of all of our students as whole persons in order to help them achieve success. We respond to their individual needs, gifts and potential in a variety of ways. This Spring issue of Notebook looks at some of our programs that promote the mental, physical, social and spiritual health of our students.

The programs we offer focus on specific learning needs, as well as building communications with our students, parents and the commu-nity. We promote a range of extracurricular activities to help students get involved, socialize and build confidence. Our Inuit games day is an example of how we build cultural awareness and focus on the dignity of the whole person, as well as physical activity and respect for others.

We also have several programs for students to learn to self-regulate, by releasing energy or calming themselves.

This issue includes just a few examples of how RCCDSB supports the well-being and wholeness of our students. We focus on the dignity and belonging of our students to ensure they feel safe, secure and respected as individuals. And that’s how we achieve our goal — to set our students up for success!

Jaimie Perry Director of Education

Spring has finally arrived and we are nearing the end of the school year. With the theme of this newsletter, setting students up for success, it’s important to remember the role we play as parents in the academic success of our children. What kind of activities do you engage in with your child that supports learning, at home or at school?

The Parent Involvement Committee meets four times a year and is currently recruiting new members to support the RCCDSB by providing direct parental feedback and encouraging family engagement in education.

Email Jill Eady, PIC Chair, for more information or to find out when the next meeting is: jeady32@outlook.com

Have a safe and happy spring season!

Thank you, Jill Eady, ChairRCCDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)

Message from the PIC Chair

We welcome submissions to the editor. Please contact the editor at the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, 499 Pembroke Street West, Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5P1,

phone: 613-735-1031, fax: 613-735-2649, or email: boardoffice@rccdsb.edu.on.caProduced by Pappin Communications • www.pappin.com

On the Monday of Holy Week, the world watched in horror as fire ravaged the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. It was quite destabilizing to watch the destruction of an iconic building take place before the eyes of the world. It was only many hours later that a sense of relief was had in knowing the interior of the cathedral was still largely intact and the structure was sound. The morning after the fire the Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, said to the people of France, “It must be remembered why it was built. What jewel is this box for? It’s not for the relic of the crown of thorns, it’s for a piece of bread. This piece of bread, we believe it is the body of Christ.” It was a striking reminder that this magnificent cathedral is not a museum or national monument, but an edifice built for the worship of God, the celebration of the sacraments, a temple for the real Presence of the Risen Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Think of the medieval craftsmen, builders and stone masons who laboured for endless years to build Notre Dame. They did not do it for selfish reasons, for national identity, nor for personal reward. They made every detail beautiful for the glory of God and his true Presence among us. Is this not the purpose of every Catholic church building in the world? Does not our own soul become a jewel box for the Presence of the Risen Christ every time we receive Holy Communion? Every effort was made to preserve the cathedral of Notre Dame because of its beauty. Once we experience the beauty of a living relationship with Christ, then our true and lasting success will be found in giving our very best in knowledge, skill and ability to create a culture and society that is true, good and beautiful. 

Reverend G. Ryan Holly Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew/St. Patrick Parish, Mount St Patrick Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Pembroke

Message from the Diocese

Message from the Director

With the end of the school year approaching, it is a good time for my fellow trustees and me to ponder what the RCCDSB has accomplished this year. Our Board theme for 2018-2019, taken from our Vision Statement, is “reverencing the dignity of the whole person.” After reading the articles in this issue of Notebook, I must say that we have much to be proud of. I truly believe that these programs provide a wide range of supports for our students to help them build healthy, wholesome lives and achieve their personal best. The title of this issue of Notebook is “Setting up for Success,” and that is the whole purpose of our Catholic Board—to give our students the tools and skills that will help them to succeed according to their individual needs, goals and talents.

But we cannot achieve this goal alone. It takes the efforts of a wide and dedicated community to support our students in their learning journey. And so, I want to thank everyone involved — our Board administration, teachers and support staff, as well as our many partners, including parents, clergy, parishioners and the wider community — for your help in setting up our students for success! Each one of you is a valued member of our learning community. I also want to wish great success to all of our students! God bless and enjoy the days ahead!

Dave HowardRCCDSB Chair

Message from the Chair