This Week at SPS – News and Reminders (Sept. 13 to 18, 2026.)
Dear St. Patrick CES Families,
Thank you so much to all of our families for helping make the first week of school such a smooth and wonderful transition! It is hard to believe week one is already behind us. With school teams and extra-curriculars already kicking off, there is a lot of excitement in the air. Please take a moment to review the upcoming activities and key information below:
🦁 Virtue of the Month: Courage Courage means finding strength in difficult times and relying on the Holy Spirit to step out of our comfort zones. This September, we celebrate:
- Students stepping into new classrooms and standing up for what is right.
- Educators taking on the sacred responsibility of guiding young hearts and minds.
🎓 Catholic Graduate Expectation
- A Self-Directed, Responsible, Lifelong Learner (OCSGE 4)
Our goal is to help students fall in love with learning as they explore God’s creation and embrace their educational journey this year.
🤝 Community & Equity Events We honour both civic and religious traditions as part of our broader community:
- 🛠️ Labour Day: Celebrating the dignity of work.
- 🏃 Terry Fox Run: Standing in solidarity to raise funds for cancer research and celebrating a Canadian hero’s courage.
- 🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30): We wear orange to honour Indigenous survivors, celebrate resilience, and affirm that Every Child Matters.
TERRY FOX RUN
Each fall communities across Canada and the world come together to continue Terry Fox’s legacy to raise awareness of cancer. Terry Fox Run Day is an excellent opportunity for all students and families to get active for an incredible purpose. On September 20, we encourage all students and families to safely participate in a Terry Fox Run in any way you can.
For families unable to participate in this event in the community, St. Patrick’s will once again be engaged in this activity as a school. Further details can be found in the letter below.
Attention to our Parent Volunteers: To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, the York Catholic District School Board has updated and standardized its volunteer screening process in accordance with the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025 and Ontario Regulation 521/01.
What You Need to Know Before Volunteering
- VSC Requirement: All volunteers must obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and submit the required paperwork to the school office before participating in any student-facing activities (including Catholic School Council, field trips, classroom helper roles, and school events).
- Clearance First: Paperwork and VSCs must be processed and approved prior to your first volunteer engagement.
If you plan to volunteer this school year, please contact the main office as soon as possible so we can provide you with the necessary agency letter to request your VSC.
Thank you for your ongoing support, cooperation, and commitment to keeping our school community safe!
CSC NEWS: This is an important message about the St. Patricks Catholic School Election process for this the 2026/27 academic year. CSC Nomination Form 2026/2027
As a parent/guardian of a child at this school, you are eligible to self-nominate or nominate another parent/guardian of a child at this school to be a voting member of the Catholic School Council. Attached below is the Google Form for the nomination process. Please ensure that you respond before 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with your nominations.
Curriculum Night: We hope you will join us for our Curriculum Night / Open House on Thursday, September 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is a perfect opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, visit the classrooms. The Catholic School Council will be providing a free treat as well as selling Candy Apples and Pies. See the link for details: /CSC Open House Information. We look forward to seeing you.
2026–2027 CIVVIES DAYS: The last Friday of each month will be celebrated as Civvies Day. Families may choose to support ShareLife in one of two ways: (1) A one-time annual donation of $20 per student through School Day (covering all Civvies Days for the year), OR (2)A monthly contribution of a loonie or toonie brought in on each Civvies Day. Our first Civvies Day is being held on Friday, September 25, 2026. Your generosity makes a difference! To learn more about how your donations support those in need, please visit sharelife.org
YCDSB Digital Tools Informed Notice: This update ensures compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information Act (MFIPPA) and outlines your privacy rights under Ontario’s Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act (EDSTA / O. Reg. 52/26).
- Who it affects: Parents, guardians, and students aged 16+
- What it covers: How approved digital tools collect, handle, and protect student information.
Digital Tools Informed Notice Statement 2026
Important Dates:
September
17 Open House @ St. Patrick’s from 6 to 7pm
24 Terry Fox Walk
25 Civvies Day – Donations collected go to Sharelife
28 Rowan’s Law Day – Purple Shirt Day
30 Truth and Reconciliation Day/ Orange Shirt Day
October
1 Picture Day
12 Thanksgiving