Dear St.Clare Families,

It’s hard to believe that we’re now in the month of May! Thanks to everyone for your work during a very unusual and unprecedented month of April. 

This week the Ministry of Education announced a new return to school date of Monday, June 1st for students. Please know that this date may be extended if it is still determined that it is not safe for staff and students to return to school environments. There are provincial groups working on the logistics of what a return to school would look like; no doubt you have heard of some proposals in the news. At this time, no details have been shared, other than the requirement for the plan to be approved by Public Health to ensure the safety of staff and students. 

We know that everyone continues to do their best with learning at home.  Please continue to adapt the suggestions from staff to suit your family needs and schedule.  Thank you for continuing to maintain contact with your child’s classroom teacher.  Your feedback, questions and/or concerns are valuable and assist with planning so please don’t hesitate to contact us at the email addresses at the end of this newsletter.

Emma Paxton, Creator emma@imagistic.co.uk   

Used with permission

Catholic Education Week Activities  

I am so very thankful as a proud Catholic educator that we have a choice to support learning in a faith-filled environment.  The OCSB celebrates Catholic Education Week with a twist this year as we go virtual. The theme this year is Igniting Hope.   Each day has been identified with a different focus which you can choose to explore with your family in a number of ways…  draw a picture, perform and act of kindness, write and/or send a message of hope, or perhaps find something in nature.  If ever there was a time when the world needed a little hope, we are certainly living it now.  

• Monday - For the ones we love - send a message of hope to someone in your family

• Tuesday - For the ones who teach us - send a message of hope to your teacher(s)

• Wednesday - For leaders - send a message of hope to a leader in your community/world (government leaders, school board leaders, your parish priest, Archbishop Prendergast, Pope Francis) 

• Thursday - For those in need and those who care for them - send a message of hope to a nursing home, hospital, The Mission, Shepherds of Good Hope, frontline and healthcare workers

• Friday - For yourself - send yourself a message of hope - for today and the future 

Link to Virtual  CEW mass at 10 am on May 5th, from the Basilica in Ottawa

Online Registration is Open for New Students

Do you still need to register your little one for Kindergarten? Unsure how since schools are closed? You can now register online! Submit your application and once OCSB schools reopen you can complete the process! Visit https://www.ocsb.ca/register/ to get started!

Stay in Touch

We hope you’re doing well and free from worries and the health concerns brought on by Covid-19. Do stay in touch with the school. Messaging from St. Clare School and the Ottawa Catholic School Board will be shared directly to your email address through School Messenger or you may check announcements on the St. Clare Website. You may also follow the school on Twitter. Should you wish to communicate with staff, including myself, email is the best method. Please send emails to staff through the school account clare@ocsb.ca. 

Happy Mother’s Day - Sunday, May 10th

To all the moms, On behalf of the staff, you are wished you a lovely day and some time to pamper yourself with your favorite activity.  You are in our prayers for an awesome day with your family.  

Take care, 

Martine Mitton

Principal