Published on
Feb 14, 2025
Categories
Weekly Update

Monday, 17 February: No School

Addressing Vaping at St. Paul’s: A Community Effort

Vaping remains an ongoing concern. At St. Paul’s, we are committed to education, prevention, and support. As part of our health curriculum, we educate students about the risks associated with vaping and smoking, helping them make informed choices. To further deter vaping at school, we have installed vape detectors in certain areas of the school. However, addressing this issue requires a collective effort between the school, students, and families.

We are aware that some students have been vaping in the locker room area, and this needs to stop. As a reminder, the locker room is not a gathering space. Students should not loiter in this area–they may freely access their lockers but must then proceed to class. In response to ongoing concerns, we have increased supervision in areas of concern and will apply consequences to students who choose not to follow school expectations.

School Policy on Vaping and Tobacco Use

Possession or use of tobacco in any form, including vaping devices and liquids, will result in a disciplinary response at the discretion of the Vice Principal of Students (VPS). If a student repeatedly violates this policy, more serious consequences will follow. Vaping devices containing THC or other controlled substances will be addressed according to the school’s drug and alcohol policy.

While we will enforce our policies, our goal is not to be punitive toward students who are willing to work with us. If your son is struggling with vaping or wants to stop, we encourage him to speak with his school counsellor, who can provide support and resources to help.

We encourage parents to have open discussions with their sons about the dangers of vaping. To assist with these conversations, Talking With Your Teen About Vaping provides helpful guidance. In addition, Canada Health offers a variety of materials for schools, parents, and students to better understand the issue and promote healthier choices.

By working together, we can reinforce healthy decisions and create a supportive environment for our young men. Thank you for your cooperation in addressing this important issue.

Wednesday, 19 February: Late Start for Students

Schedule IV is in effect. 

Thursday, 20 February: Grade 11s Visit University of Manitoba

All grade 11 students will visit the University of Manitoba on Thursday, February 20th for Info Days. Attendance will be taken at 9:15 am and 2:00 pm on campus at St. Paul’s College. Students have the day to explore the campus, listen to faculty presentations, and take tours. Transportation is not being provided by the school. Drop-off is available in front of the college, public transit runs frequently to the campus, and free parking is available in Q Lot. Permission slips have been provided to each Grade 11 student and are due no later than February 18th. Additionally, a campus map and a schedule of presentations have been shared with Grade 11 students.

Schedule of Presentations

Friday, 21 February: Grade 10 Retreat

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the upcoming Grade 10 Retreat at St. Paul’s High School to help students and parents prepare for this important experience.

 

Q: Do fathers/mentors participate in the in-school portion of the retreat?

A: No. Only students participate in the morning of The Grade 10 Retreat.

 

Q: Do the students need to go back to school after the Mentor Afternoon?

A: No. The students are dismissed from school at lunch and do not need to come back. 

 

Q: What is the dress code for the day?

A: Grade 10 students are on Casual Dress Code for the day. 

 

Q: Will the students be served food?

A: Light snacks (chips, cookies, juice) will be provided in the morning. Breakfast and lunch will not be served. 

 

Q: Is attendance mandatory at The Grade 10 Retreat?

A: Yes. All Grade 10 students are required to attend the retreat. Students must be dropped off between 8:00 and 8:30 am at the Multiplex and picked up at 12:05 pm at the same location.

 

For any other questions, please contact Mr. Christian Martinez, Campus Minister, at cmartinez@stpauls.mb.ca or (204) 831-2337. 

From the Counselling Department

Parent Videos to Help Students Pick Courses for Next School Year

The Counselling Cepartment will finish visiting classes to present next year’s course offerings by the end of next week. This will assist students in Grades 9–11 in choosing appropriate courses for their aptitudes and interests, as well as ensuring pre-requisites are met for post-secondary studies. Video presentations of this information will be be made available to parents. Links to parent videos will appear in the Weekly News on Friday, February 28th.

Application Deadline for Local Universities

A reminder to families that the application deadline for the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg is March 1st.

Math Options for Next School Year

Need more information or advice before helping your son pick his math course for next year? Are you unsure what the difference is between Essential, Applied, and Pre-Cal Math? Want to know what faculties at university require each math course? Wondering if your son should take Intro to Calculus 45S/Advanced Math or Calculus AP 42S? The Counselling Department has prepared a short video to help guide you through the math choices.

Math Video

Engineering Outreach Day at U of M

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering will be hosting an Outreach Day on February 26 to give students an overview of the faculty. Outreach Day will run from 9:00am to 2:30pm, with a pizza lunch being provided for students. The day will involve presentations from students, faculty and industry experts, tours of labs and the facility, and a design challenge with prizes to be won.

This is the same program that was offered in semester one.  It is open to students in grades 10-12.

Parents will need to excuse their son from classes at St. Paul’s on this day if they are attending the event.

Sign up deadline is February 21st at 4:30 pm

Signup here: Outreach Day Registration Form February 2025

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 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.

2024 Tax Receipts 

The Business Office will be mailing out 2024 tax receipts by the end of this month

Please note that if your son is in grade nine, you will not receive a tax receipt for this taxation year. It will instead be issued for the 2025 taxation year. 

If you do not receive yours by mid-March, please email Kerri Keane (kkeane@stpauls.mb.ca)