Published on
Jan 24, 2025
Categories
Weekly Update

Semester 1 Exams: 27–31 January

Semester 1 exams are scheduled from Monday, January 27, to Friday, January 31. Morning exams begin at 8:30 am, and afternoon exams start at 12:30 pm. Students are welcome to come to school to study during exam week; however, attendance is only required if they have a scheduled exam.

Students are responsible for knowing the dates, times, and locations of their exams. For courses with multiple sections, students must confirm their section number to ensure they attend the correct location.

Only approved items (e.g., pens/pencils, erasers, and calculators if permitted) are allowed in the exam room. Cell phones and smartwatches are strictly prohibited.

Click the buttons below for the Semester 1 Exam Schedule and Academic Policies and Procedures.

Cafeteria Service During Exams

  • The cafeteria will be open Monday, January 27– Thursday, January 30: reduced hours (8 am–1 pm) and a limited menu.
  • No food service on January 31 and February 3–4.
  • The cafeteria will re-open for regular service on Wednesday, February 5.

Transition to Semester 2

Exam Review Day: Monday, 3 February, 2025

  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Dress Code: Casual

Students may come to school to review their final exams and speak with their teachers and counsellors. While attendance is not required, students are encouraged to come to school to look over their exam results. Teacher locations will be posted in the school. 

Deadline for Submitting Incomplete Work: Tuesday, 4 February

The deadline for students to submit outstanding work to their teachers to clear incomplete (INC) grades is noon on Tuesday, 4 February. Students have already been informed of any incomplete coursework or outstanding hours required to fulfill their Ignatian Service hour commitments prior to exams. In addition, parents of students with incomplete coursework will receive an email notification on Friday, 24 January, informing them of their son’s incomplete status.

Recovery Learning

  • Students with Semester 1 academic failures will be required to attend recovery learning sessions.
    Recovery Learning for Semester 1 courses will occur on the following dates: February 4, 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2025. Further details to come.

First day of Semester 2 Classes: Wednesday, 5 February

  • School Day: A
  • Regular Schedule
  • Dress Code I

Semester 1 Report Cards Mailed: Thursday, 6 February

Revised Cell Phone Policy: Effective: February 5, 2024

Our school's revised cell phone policy was introduced during the school assembly on Monday, 20 January. The updated policy builds on the success of our existing guidelines, which have already contributed to a more focused classroom environment with fewer distractions. These revisions aim to further support students in developing responsible phone habits that promote both academic success and personal well-being.

Prior to the assembly, the administration consulted with Student Council to ensure student perspectives were considered in the policy’s implementation and communication. Their feedback helped shape how the revised policy will be rolled out and how expectations will be communicated. In addition, Jeff Laping, VPS, conducted class visits throughout the week to address any questions from students and provide further clarification.

Rationale for the Changes

Our goal with the revised policy is not to remove phones entirely but to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially. Some of the key changes include:

  • Restricted phone use in hallways, which encourages better focus in class, improved social interactions, and safer school spaces.
  • Clear expectations and consequences, ensuring fairness and consistency in enforcement.
  • Designated spaces for phone use, with efforts to ensure adequate availability.

We acknowledge that some students have expressed concerns about not being able to use phones in hallways throughout the school day, and others feel that responsible users should not be penalized for the actions of those who misuse their devices. While no policy is perfect, we believe these revisions are reasonable, fair, and ultimately aimed at fostering a safe and distraction-free school environment.

Next Steps

The revised policy will take effect at the start of Semester 2 on Wednesday, February 5. To support this transition:

  • Signage will be posted to clarify restricted and permitted areas.
  • Parents are encouraged to support the policy by reinforcing expectations at home and avoiding contacting students during instructional time unless necessary.
  • Ongoing updates and reminders will be provided to ensure clarity and success.

Parent Support and Resources

The current cell phone policy and the revised version are available in the document linked below. To enhance clarity, the revised policy has been restructured, and key updates have been highlighted for your convenience.

We kindly ask for parental support in implementing this policy by encouraging responsible phone habits at home. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the changes, please feel free to contact the principal.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and support in fostering a learning-focused and respectful school community.

Advancement News

38th Annual SPHS Fashion Show – Shamrocks & Shenanigans

The St. Paul’s High School Class of 2025 is proud to present Shamrocks & Shenanigans, the 38th Annual Fashion Show on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Victoria Inn & Conference Centre. This event promotes the latest fashions from local retailers in coordination with Swish Modelling Agency and includes auctions and raffles with prizes from local businesses. Student volunteers create a lively and entertaining show in support of the Magis Fund, a fund that provides financial assistance to students who require assistance to ensure they can be full participants in school life.

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT Checkout - St Paul's High School

Sponsorships are available at Sponsor Checkout - St Paul's High School

The Fashion Show Committee is also soliciting prize donations for Live, Silent or Rainbow Auctions. For your donation, you/your business will receive recognition on signage at the event, and have your brand in front of parents, alumni, and local business owners.

Contact Kerri J. Moore, Head of Advancement at kjmoore@stpauls.mb.ca or 204-831-2325 for more information about sponsorship opportunities and prize donations.

SPHS Building Fund

If you’ve not yet made your contribution to the SPHS Building Fund for the 2024-2025 school year, please consider doing so.  The Building Fund was established in an attempt to offset some of the capital costs associated with major repairs and maintenance of our almost 60-year-old building. We rely on our families to share in the responsibility to ensure that the school can continue to function efficiently and avoid deterioration, with a suggested donation of $500 or more. All donations of $20 or more are eligible for a full tax receipt for their contribution.

Contributions to the Building Fund can be made by contacting Kerri J. Moore, Head of Advancement at kjmoore@stpauls.mb.ca or 204-831-2325.

Grad Suits - EPH Apparel

Eph Apparel held a brief presentation with the Grade 12s on Wednesday, 22 January. We have included the information covered in the presentation for your reference below.

Eph Apparel - Book your custom grad suit appointment! Look at fabrics, styles, and customize your look for Grad. Eph Apparel has an exclusive Grad Deal - Suit, Shirt and Tie. Please see poster for more information.

To book please call ahead, as it is by appointment only. For appointment it takes about 1 hour for a fitting. 

REMINDER:  For a custom fit suit takes between 7–10 weeks from when you are fitted and place your order to completion.  

Ensure you book an appointment as soon as possible, January, February and March of 2025.

Deadline to order is April 15th, 2025.

You can click the QR Code on the poster to book your appointment. 

You can also find this information on our St Paul's High School website under Events, under Grad Info.

Here is the Link:  Grad Info - St Paul's High School

We have linked the poster below for your reference.

Thank you so much and please contact Kate at kbrito@stpauls.mb.ca if you have any questions.

From the Counselling Department

Scholarships

Is your son going to WESTERN next year?  Students with a 90% average in gr. 12 can apply for the National Scholarship Program at Western.  There are several scholarships using one application.  Applications are due to Ms Kolton by noon on February 3rd to be considered for school sponsorship. 

Open House

Red River College Polytech is hosting their Open House on February 19th, 5-8 pm.  No registration is required.

Special Language Exams

Students who speak and write in another language other than French or English, should consider challenging the Wpg 1 Special Language Exams.  All information can be found below and on their website.  Questions can be directed to Mr Comeault.

  • Examinations are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17 at Technical-Vocational High School.
  • Examinations are open to non-resident and international/exchange students.
  • A fee of $70 will be applied to non-resident and international/exchange students.
  • Division residents can register at www://permission.click/rexVN/ca and non-division residents can register at www://permission.click/BQa1z/ca.
  • Registration opens Monday, February 3 and the application deadline is Tuesday, February 25.

From the Parent Guild

Volunteer Officer – We Need you! Please consider this request!

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 ASAP so that the individual can shadow Gillian and learn about the software program. Please consider this particularly important role in supporting the Parent Guild!If you have any questions regarding the role, please email, parentguild@stpauls.mb.ca

We hope to see you there! Please Join US! 

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

Bake Sale – Thursday, February 6, 2025

The next bake sale will take place on February 6th with requests for baked good from families of students in Grade 10. However, if families of students in other grade levels wish to donate, your baked goods will be much appreciated!

Items are sold at .50 Cents each or three for $1.00 with some of the larger items at $1.00 each.

Volunteers Needed:

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

If you are interested in taking on one of these events or need more information, please contact Gillian Hauser at parentguild@stpauls.mb.ca