St. James Catholic Elementary School
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Catholic Elementary School
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St. James Families Gather for Classroom Read Alongs on Family Literacy Day 📖

Posted on by Erin Kendall

St. James School proudly celebrated Family Literacy Day today with a special event that brought students and families together through the joy of reading. Parents in Mme Hagen’s class joined their children in the classroom to share stories and foster a love of literacy.

“We are grateful to the parents who took the time to participate in this meaningful experience,” said Jody O’Daiskey, Principal of St. James School. “Engaging families in literacy activities helps strengthen students’ reading skills and fosters a lifelong love of learning.”

Family Literacy Day, recognized nationwide, highlights the importance of reading and learning together as a family. At St. James School, initiatives like today’s event reinforce the school’s commitment to creating enriching opportunities that support student success.

St. James School extends its appreciation to all parents who attended, with a special acknowledgment for those who participated from Mme Hagen’s class. Their involvement made the day a memorable and impactful experience for students.

St. James School Stands United Against Bullying on Pink Shirt Day 👚

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Staff and students at St. James School proudly wore their pink shirts today in a powerful show of support for anti-bullying awareness. Participating in Pink Shirt Day, the school community demonstrated its commitment to fostering kindness, inclusion, and respect for all.

Pink Shirt Day is recognized annually as a global movement to stand against bullying and promote a culture of empathy and support. By wearing pink, students and staff at St. James School sent a strong message that bullying has no place in their community.

“At St. James, we believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where every student feels valued,” said Principal Jody O’Daiskey. “Today, we stand together to show that kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.”

The school engaged in various activities throughout the day to encourage positive relationships and reinforce the importance of standing up for one another.

St. James School remains committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.

St. James Students Learn the Art of Curling at Copper Cliff Curling Club 🥌

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Students at St. James School had an exciting opportunity to step onto the ice and learn the fundamentals of curling during a special visit to the Copper Cliff Curling Club.

Mrs. Slonina and Mme Ranich’s classes spent the morning honing their skills in the popular winter sport, guided by experienced instructors. Students learned the basics of sweeping, delivering stones, and working together as a team—valuable skills that promote coordination, strategy, and sportsmanship.

“This hands-on experience was a fantastic way for our students to engage in physical activity while learning about one of Canada’s most beloved sports,” said Mme Ranich. “It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they embraced the challenge of curling.”

St. James School extends its gratitude to the Copper Cliff Curling Club for providing this engaging learning experience and for fostering a love of sport and teamwork among students.

St. James School Students Shine at Walden Winter Carnival Boxcar Derby 🏁

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Mme Widder’s Grade 3 students at St. James School showcased their creativity and enthusiasm at this year’s Walden Winter Carnival Boxcar Derby, where they raced their handmade boxcars in an exciting display of innovation and teamwork.

The students worked hard to design and build their boxcars, and their efforts paid off with incredible performances at the event. A special congratulations to Jessica, who placed third in Best Dressed, and Charles, who secured second place for Furthest Distance. Their achievements reflect the dedication and ingenuity of all participants.

St. James School extends its gratitude to the parents who supported this initiative, particularly those who helped transport the boxcars to the carnival. Their involvement was instrumental in making this hands-on learning experience a success.

The school community is incredibly proud of all the students for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and creativity. Events like these reinforce the importance of collaboration and experiential learning at St. James School.

St. James Grade 1 Students Explore Emotional Awareness with Ontario SPCA Visit 🐶

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On February 11th, Grade 1 students at St. James Catholic Elementary School had a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of emotions—both their own and those of animals—through an interactive visit from the Ontario SPCA.

Led by engaging discussions and educational videos, the session helped students recognize that, just like humans, animals express emotions in different ways. By observing how animals react to joy, fear, or stress—whether through wagging tails or seeking a quiet space—students drew meaningful connections to their own emotional experiences.

One student shared that learning about their dog’s feelings made them more attentive to its needs, while others reflected on how the videos helped them better understand their own emotions. The experience encouraged students to become more empathetic, not only toward animals but also toward their peers, fostering greater emotional awareness and understanding.

This visit was a valuable opportunity for students to develop mindfulness and compassion, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and respecting the emotions of all living beings.

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