Published on
Dec 19, 2024
Categories
Weekly Update

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favours. 

Luke 2:14

The Freshman Retreat

Congratulations and many thanks to all the student-leaders, faculty, and staff, on this year's Freshman Retreat which took place December 12–13.

​The purpose of the retreat was to help ensure a smooth transition of new students to St. Paul's, to provide an opportunity to build friendships, and to be welcomed into our community by the senior students. The theme of the retreat was LIONS: "Loyal Individuals Offering Never-ending Support" with focus on building relationships, taking care of one another, learning to be aware of God's presence in our daily lives, and finding opportunities to care for all those we encounter.

All members of the Grade 9 class participated in the retreat. The retreat was planned and led by students with fifty-six grade 12 students serving as leaders/mentors for groups of Grade 9 students. In addition, there were nearly forty grade 10 and 11 students who worked behind the scenes to look after all the logistics during the retreat. The teachers responsible for coordinating the retreat were Mr. Hurton and Mrs. Cindy Kochanski. We are also grateful to the many alumni, clergy members, service placements, parent-drivers, parents who opened their homes for meals, the cafeteria staff for cooking lunch and breakfast, and especially Mrs. Cindy Kochanski, and the Grounds Crew, for looking after logistics and coordinating and distributing food  throughout the two-day retreat. 

Final News Post of 2024

This is the final news post of this school year. Regular weekly news posts will resume on Friday, January 10th. The school office will be closed from December 20th up to and including Monday, January 1st. The Advancement and Alumni Office will re-open on Thursday, January 2nd. The School Office will re-open on Monday, January 6th.

Regular classes resume on Monday, January 6th (Day B)

Key Events in January 2025

Grade 12 Provincial English Exam: January 7–10, 2025

All grade twelve students will write the English Provincial Exam in Murray Hall. Exam sessions will start at 8:30 a.m. each day. 

All students should note the changes in period order on January 7–10 to accommodate the writing of the English Provincial Exam.

  • Tuesday January 7th (Day C): Period order 3, 1, 2, 4, 5 
  • Wednesday, January 8th (Day D): Period order 5, 1, 2, 3, 4 
  • Thursday, January 9th (Day A): Period order 2, 1, 3, 4, 5 
  • Friday, January 10th (Day B):  Period order 4, 1, 2, 3, 5 

Students should adjust their day planners or calendars to match the changes above.

Wednesday, January 15th: Class of 2025 Grad Ring Mass and Ceremony

  • Grade 12 Parents are encouraged to attend this important celebration honouring members of the Class of 2025.
  • No RSVP is required for this event. 
  • Mass will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. 
  • Parking available in the MultiPlex Lot (off Holland Blvd.) and the Student Lot (off Bower Blvd.)
  • Late Start for Grade 9–11 Studeents
  • Schedule V is in effect.
  • Dress Code I: Regular Dress Code

From the Counselling Department

Scholarships

Students considering The University of Western Ontario were reminded this week that scholarships can be found in one centralized location on the university website.

Access Program - Apply Now

The Access Program at the University of Manitoba provides support to students who have experienced barriers to post-secondary education due to economic and/or cultural reasons, including:

  • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students
  • Students with financial need
  • Newcomers to Manitoba

Benefits for students include academic and financial advising, personal counselling, tutoring support, funding, and more. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.

From the Parent Guild

From the SPHS Parent Guild Executive Team, Michelle, Kelly, Gillian, Jennifer, and Jacquie, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Get Involved! We hope to see you there!

Next Parent Guild Meeting:

  • Date: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 pm
  • Location: Aulneau Room 

Volunteers Needed:

Please click HERE to sign up to volunteer at any of the upcoming events in the New Year!

Volunteer Officer

At the end of the year, Gillian Hauser will step down as the current Volunteer Officer. The role is crucial, as our parent volunteers are required at events throughout the year. We hope to fill the role in the new year so that the individual can shadow Gillian and learn about the software program.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please email, parentguild@stpauls.mb.ca

St. Paul's High School: Social Media

 

Safety Reminder: Be Cautious of Icy Conditions

With the recent fluctuations in weather, freeze-thaw cycles are creating potentially slippery conditions in our parking lots, entryways, and inside the school. Please be extra cautious and watch your footing in these areas, especially where melting snow may create wet patches indoors.

Remind your sons to be careful as well, particularly if they are running late or in a rush. A moment of caution can help prevent slips, falls, and other accidents.

Our Maintenance team is actively clearing snow and applying salt and grit on school grounds to maintain safe conditions.

Spread the word about our annual Information Evening/Open House on Thursday, 9 January. Current students are encouraged to attend as ambassadors of our school.

  • ​7:00–8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
  • MultiPlex

REMINDER - Exam Week: January 27–31, 2025

Click HERE for the schedule for Semester 1 Exams. As a reminder, students are expected to write exams at the end of each semester as scheduled. Planned absences during exams should be avoided except in cases of emergencies. In such cases, students may be permitted to write exams on alternate dates with administrative approval. Writing exams prior to the first day of scheduled exams will not be accommodated. 

Additional Exams Outside the Regular Schedule

The following exams take place before the standard exam period and are mandatory for students enrolled in the specified courses. Please plan accordingly to ensure your availability on these dates.

  • Provincial English Assessment (Grade 12):

    • Required for all Grade 12 students.
    • Administered over four days: January 7–10, 2025
  • Provincial Applied Mathematics Assessment (Grade 12):

    • Required for Grade 12 students enrolled in Semester 1 Applied Math.
    • Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
  • Provincial Pre-Calculus Mathematics Assessment (Grade 12):

    • Required for Grade 12 students enrolled in Semester 1 Pre-Calculus Math.
    • Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
  • Grade 11 Exams:

    • All Grade 11 students will write a Semester 1 exam in either English or Canadian History.
    • Date: Friday, January 24, 2025

Academic Policies and Procedures

Click the button below to read about relevant academic policies and procedures as we approach Semester 1 exams in January 2025

Enhancements to School Cell Phone Policy Coming in Semester 2

St. Paul's will introduce enhancements to its cell phone policy, with changes scheduled to roll out in February 2025, at the start of Semester 2. The current policy has been effective in minimizing distractions during classroom instruction, but the school believes that further enhancements will better equip students with responsible cell phone habits.

In January, detailed information about the updated policy will be shared with students and parents, including the rationale behind these adjustments. The goal is to foster a more focused learning environment while guiding students toward appropriate and effective cell phone use.

The school appreciates the ongoing support and cooperation from students and parents as these enhancements are made to support student success.

Affordable Dental Care Now Available for Eligible Children

We are pleased to share information about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), recently launched by the Government of Canada. Starting in June 2024, children under the age of 18 who meet eligibility requirements can access affordable dental care, including cleanings, x-rays, and fillings.  

Good oral health is essential for a child’s overall well-being and success. This new initiative helps ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent families from accessing the dental care their children need.  

To see if your family qualifies or to learn more, visit the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental  

Information is available in multiple languages, and you can also call the toll-free number for assistance: 1-833-537-4342.  

For further support, you can contact the office of Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, at 204-983-1355 or via email at ben.carr@parl.gc.ca.  

We encourage you to explore this valuable program and ensure your children receive the dental care they need.