Are you following us on Instagram yet? It's a great place to stay connected with some of the daily activities that happen at St. Bernadette (Please note, we do not do follow backs). Check us out and follow us today to see why St. B's is the best! @stbe.rnadette
If you've requested a follow but weren't accepted yet, please send us a DM or an Edsby message with your IG Handle so we know it's a family from our school. Thank you.
Our Link Tree site also has a list of school-related information and websites that you need and are easily accessible. Check it out and save it! (https://linktr.ee/stbernadettecs)
In this issue:
- St. B's Arts Night - Tuesday, May 5 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Considerations for 2026/2027 Class Placements
- Are you Moving by September 2026?
- Our school is participating in Jump Rope for Heart!
- Ontario Health and Peer Relations Study (Gr 4-8) - This Week
- Hey, Ms/Mr _________, what were you like in the 80s/90s Challenge
- Happening This Week and Beyond
St. B's Arts Night - Tuesday, May 5 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
Considerations for 2026/2027 Class Placements
We will soon begin the process of establishing class lists for September 2026. In order to determine the best placement for your child, the staff consider the following criteria: Academic needs of students; Balance of gender; Number of students with special needs; Group/peer dynamics. Although we make every effort to make the best educational decision in placing students in classes, you may be aware of additional needs of your child(ren) in terms of their learning style, strengths, learning preferences and/or peer dynamics.
If you would like to share this information, outlining these particular needs, please complete the form below for Mr. John Linhares, Principal, by Monday, April 27th, 2026. We do not accept requests for particular teachers. These requests will not be considered as our lists are developed to ensure balanced classrooms using the above criteria and staffing is subject to change.
Are you Moving by September 2026?
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, we kindly ask families to let us know if your child(ren) will be moving or will not be returning to St. Bernadette Catholic School by September 2026. If this applies to your family, please complete the form below and return it to the school office as soon as possible. Please note complete as much information as you can at this time, and the last day of school for students is Thursday, June 25, 2026. This information is essential as it supports our class organization process and helps us make thoughtful and appropriate student placements for next year. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Our school is participating in Jump Rope for Heart!
St. Bernadette is proud to be participating in the Heart & Stroke’s Jump Rope for Heart Event starting on April 7, 2026. Students will learn EASY healthy habits and raise funds to support lifesaving heart and brain research. We are very pleased to announnce that we have surpassed our $3 000 goal to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation. THANK YOU!! On May 28th, students of families in each class who raised the most money will be invited to dunk our Principal, Mr. Linhares, and a few of our staff are also going to be dunked as well. Check out our Instagram Page as we've been announcing some staff who will be participating as well for a great cause.
We can keep those donations coming by donating or register to create your own fundraising page to share with family and friends. Visit our school’s fundraising page to get started:
Ontario Health and Peer Relations Study (Gr 4-8) - This Week
Schools are always working to make safe and inviting learning environments for students. One way to measure the effectiveness of our efforts is to ask students questions about their experiences with bullying, discrimination, and their perceptions of the school environment, as well as their thoughts and feelings about their health and behaviour. Toward this aim, the DCDSB has connected with a uOttawa research team to support data collection requirements of the Ministry of Education. It is also in partnership with School Mental Health Ontario called the Ontario Health and Peer Relations Study (HPRS; www.hprs.ca). This voluntary, online survey will be distributed in your child’s school on the topic of student safety, bullying, relationships, health, and behaviour (e.g., screen time use, physical activity) between April 27-30. School surveys provide us with very valuable information and help us to: ● understand how safe students feel at school ● check whether programs to support safety and inclusion are working ● build and maintain a positive school environment
Further information on safe schools survey requirements is provided by the Ministry of Education. If you would like to view the survey, please go to the following link: · https://www.hprs.ca/survey-parent/g · Please use the access code: parent We encourage you to discuss the survey with your child. If you do not want your child to participate, then action is required on your behalf: please contact Mr John Linhares or Ms Selvia Gad via an Edsby message with your family's decision to opt out your child from the study. Please do so by Monday, April 20. Your child’s participation (yes or no) will have no impact on their activities, relationships, or learning opportunities. We fully respect your decision regarding your child’s participation. If you or your child have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal. You can also connect with the HPRS team at healthpeerrelations@uottawa.ca. Sincerely, DCDSB
Hey, Ms/Mr _________, what were you like in the 80s/90s Challenge
Having some fun around St. Bernadette is part of why we are such a great place to be. Our latest challenge online invites students to guess the names of three staff members based on their 80s/90s pictures. The quiz is in our Instagram Bio, but I'm attaching it below as well. Let's have some fun! Students who get all three correct will be given a little prize. There will be several of these challenges over the next few weeks.
Happening This Week and Beyond
Coming Up:
- Arts Family Night - Tuesday, May 5 starting at 5:30pm (Details to come)
- Hot Dog Lunch - Friday, May 15th - Proceeds supporting Grade 8 Grad DJ- Orders open on School Cash Online
Need a spot where all our important information is in one spot! Book mark our LinkTree! School hours and information, spirit wear link, how to report an absence, school year calendar- it's all there!
Credits:
Created with images by Vera Kuttelvaserova - "flowering spring cherry tree close-up and light bokeh" • Monkey Business - "Group Of Elementary School Pupils Sitting On Floor In Classroom" • chika_milan - "Stack of moving boxes in new house"