Congratulations to the Improv Team from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, which recently won the right to represent the Kingston area at the Canadian Improv Games! The team won the Regionals and is now heading to the National Championships. Good luck in Ottawa in April to the team of Miguel Martins, Arianna Bullett, Claire Choiniere, Matt McGlashan, Andrew Hurt, Nick Lansdown, Kort Clifford and Sara Doyle. Thanks to coaches Ms. Rose and Mr. Stabile for getting the team ready!

United Way of Quinte’s Resource Development Coordinator, Curt Flewelling, attended a board meeting at Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board in Napanee to recognize Tim Buckley, a loyal supporter of ALCDSB’s annual United Way campaign.

“Each year, ALCDSB wraps up their United Way campaign with a wonderful pancake breakfast,” said Flewelling. “This year it came to our attention that Tim Buckley, Executive Chef for the Hospitality & Tourism program at St. Theresa’s Secondary School, has taken responsibility for preparing the breakfast over the past 13 years.”

At the board meeting, Mr. Flewelling presented Mr. Buckley with an award of merit to recognize his hard work and dedication to United Way of Quinte and to thank him for his continued support. “It has been my pleasure to be involved with the United Way breakfasts for the past 13 years,” said Mr. Buckley. “I look forward to 13 more. At least!”

Mr. Flewelling also presented ALCDSB with an Outstanding Commitment award from United Way of Quinte, normally presented to workplaces and volunteers at the organization’s annual Achievement Celebration for support of the annual campaign. “It is nice to have the opportunity to present the award at a board meeting with Director of Education DiRocco, the senior administration and trustees present and to thank them in person.”

ALCDSB raised nearly $16,000 for the 2013 campaign throughout their 19 locations in Hastings & Prince Edward Counties.

Jeff Brady and Christopher Forster, faculty at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, recently took seven Social Action Club students on a Kingston Street Retreat. During the day, the group worked at the St. Vincent de Paul Society, sorting clothes in the warehouse and cooking and serving lunch.

The student’s reflections on their experience:
“The Kingston Street Retreat was a truly amazing and eye-opening experience. It was wonderful to have to opportunity to help those in need first hand, as well as meet the people dedicated to providing this help on a daily basis. All too often we assume that there is little poverty in Kingston, but with opportunities to be involved in our community such as this one, we can raise awareness in order to help those that need it most.” (Nick, Grade 12)

“It was an awesome experience. While sorting out clothing donations in the warehouse we saw different people coming in and looking through the donations for things they could have for themselves and their children. It really made the problem of poverty in Kingston more real to me, rather than just a statistic. I was so happy to be able to help!” (Anna, Grade 10)

"Going on the Kingston street retreat was an eye-opening experience. I learned that people live in poverty for different reasons. I really enjoyed making lunch for people because it felt like I was really making a difference in somebody’s day!" (Tylynne, Grade 12)

The music departments of Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School and Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School will be performing a joint concert at Kingston’s Grand Theatre on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets will be on sale at the Grand Theatre box office starting on February 21 for $10.
Click here for full details

Why is it still so important that I designate my taxes to the Catholic School Board?

Recently, you received a Property Tax Assessment Notice from MPAC. By ensuring that you are registered as a separate school supporter, you are helping to deliver as powerful message to the Ontario government about the level of support for publicly-funded Catholic education in our district.

Now more than ever, it is essential that all partners in Catholic education work together to demonstrate in a tangible way, their commitment to and belief of Catholic education and in the protection and preservation of our educational system. One way to do this is by ensuring that your school tax support is designated English-Separate.

Being identified as an English Separate (Catholic) Supporter …
	Your children are able to attend Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic elementary schools You can vote for Catholic school Trustees You are counted as a supporter of Catholic education in Ontario
For information on changing your Direction of School Support Designation, contact your local Catholic school or click the “Direction of Tax Support” link.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board has long been a community leader in helping those in need. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to strengthen our communities by assisting those who are most vulnerable.

Although we are blessed to live in a rich province in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, many among us struggle financially. One in eight children and many people with disabilities are marginalized by poverty. Recognizing the inherent dignity of every human person, we are called by grace to respond in faith and love. The Catholic community has always been involved in service to the poor through Catholic agencies and organizations, through the actions of religious orders, and through the generosity of our parishes. "The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition. This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor.” _i

In the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, the social teachings of the Church are integrated into the curriculum and the broader life of the schools around a structure of service, education and action. Whether it is a food drive, a class discussion about poverty in our world, or participation in a public awareness action, Catholic schools have demonstrated consistent leadership in charity and justice. The caring and empathetic culture of our school communities is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, and is manifested in the principles of equity, inclusiveness and respect. In solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world, our school communities work to bring hope to people in need, both in our schools and in the broader community. By supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Holy Childhood Association, and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, our staff and students answer the call to action. Through our collective efforts, we can and do help those in need.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic Education Foundation redirected its fundraising efforts in 2007 to address the topic of poverty in our schools. To date, dozens of families facing financial crises have been aided through the Foundation. Through the creation of an Emergency Response Fund, schools have access to funds to support children and families in crisis, providing assistance in the form of food and clothing, the provision of eyeglasses, Epipens, or medical supplies, and many other financial needs.

Our school system is committed to supporting children and their families living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. At the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board “we accept the call to be imitators of Christ by embracing the Beatitudes through authentic witness at the school, community, and global levels. Rooted in our commitment to transmit our Faith and Catholic Tradition, we are inspired to build communities dedicated to the formation of young people who recognize their gifts and responsibilities to contribute to the transformation of the world into a more just and loving society for all.” ⁱⁱ _________________________________________
ⁱCatechism of the Catholic Church #2444
ⁱⁱ Strategic Plan

Making the transition from elementary school is an exciting journey for students and parents/guardians. We are pleased that you have decided to continue your journey in our Catholic Secondary Schools where young people are formed in their faith and educated to be responsible citizens of the world. This publication contains much of the practical information that can be helpful to you.