Welcome back to O'Neil!
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And so another school year begins....
With the first week back to school finished, it was nice to see the halls filled with students, teachers, and staff. This is a great start to what will be an amazing year for all of us!
Monsignor O'Neil would like to welcome all returning students and staff back to school as well as give a big welcome to all new students and staff. This year we especially welcome Mr. Henry, who is our new Grade 7/8 teacher; Mrs. Mair, who will be Mrs. Rayner's Grade 5 teaching partner; and Mrs. Martin, who is temporarily teaching the Grade 5/6 class. We are also excited that Mrs. Thompson did not go far as she will be teaching music to both O'Neil and St. Joseph students.
Students, parents, and visitors, will need to be aware of our school securtiy system. Last year, the London District Catholic School Board finished installation and implementation of cameras and equipment at all elementary schools.
This enhanced safety and security for our students and staff means that all doors will be locked during school hours. Parents and guardians, please be advised that when you arrive at the school you will be required to press the buzzer located at the front door and locate yourself in front of the camera. Our secretary, principal, or staff member, will greet you using the intercom, and invite you to sign in at the main office. These school and board procedures help ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Also keeping school safety in mind, a reminder to all individuals wishing to volunteer must complete a Voluntary Screening Criminal Background Check. This includes parents or others who volunteer in the school, supervise on school trips or coach teams. Our volunteers are very important to us and we appreciate all of you for generously giving us your time. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer in any way, please contact the office where you will be provided with a letter to present to the police in order to initiate a criminal background check.
Currently, we are looking for volunteers to help pray the rosary with Grades 5 & 6. You would be needed for approximately 40 minutes a month. If you are interested in helping us, please contact Colleen Hanley at 519-842-3224.
Just a reminder, student agendas are being handed out again. The cost is only $5 for these faith-based planners, which prove to be a valuable tool in our education system. They are an excellent means of keeping track of homework, assignments, and tests, plus, it is a great way for parents and teachers to communicate. Once you have your planner, check out the Family Handbook (located in the front of the agenda) this contains our board's policy on personal electronic devices, and important information about our behaviour code.
Also a reminder that on September 17th, our school will be hosting our 'Welcome Back BBQ' between 5 and 7 p.m. Come and meet your child's teacher, take a tour of the school and have some yummy burgers and hot dogs. Father Tom Ferrera will gather all families outdoors at 5:30 p.m. for a blessing.
The Catholic Athletic Association (CTAA) has a brand new website to share with teachers, coaches, parents, and students. Just go to www.ctaasports.ca and find schedules for the intermediate volleyball, basketball, and soccer leagues as well as, pertinent forms and information. Also upcoming coaches meetings, rule changes and reminders, will be posted on this website. Check it out!
There is no doubt about it, our school is gearing up to have a fun, faith-filled, educational, and awesome year! At Monsignor O'Neil, we not only have the best teachers, staff, and principal, but we have the best students with the most school spirit in town too.... so lets make this year the best year yet!!
GO KNIGHTS!