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Dear Alumni,
St. Patrick’s High School has had another great year since I have last updated you. We ended the 2009- 2010 year with many great accolades. Our sports teams, as always, did very well and we are setting the pace in many sports again this academic year (2010 – 2011). We continue to excel in the arts with many nominations for CAPPIES awards in the dramatic arts. We expect great things from our featured play, “The Boys of St. Pat’s” which you can read about in this issue of the newsletter. Our band continues to collaborate with the Intermediate school Band and will be heading to New York City with their instruments very soon. A new accomplishment was added to our list last year. St. Patrick’s High School won the highest recognition possible, gold status, as an eco-school. The hard work of our staff, parents and students paid off. In addition to all the new eco-friendly initiatives in the school, this summer, solar panels will be installed on our roof.
As I explained last year, the staff and students of St. Patrick’s High school are always looking for ways to improve. Last year we had a major focus on improving communication. This was accomplished by improving our website and communication with parents by phone and e-mail. This year we are extending this to communication among and between staff, students and the community. In the Fall, we had a moving presentation for all students called Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel was the first young victim of the horrendous Columbine shootings. Her surviving brothers started a programme to empower young people to make a positive difference in the lives of others. This presentation has been the impetus for leadership training of our students this year. Students have learned that one small act of kindness can make a huge difference. We will continue the positive momentum started with this presentation throughout the year. Students are learning to communicate with each other in a positive way.
The St. Patrick’s community has always communicated in a meaningful way with the wider community. The annual Breakfast for Cancer was another great success. In April 2010, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation presented us with a plaque to thank us for our overall contribution of $100 000 for cancer research and treatment. It was a proud moment as this plaque was presented to us with live TV coverage. Come and join us again this year on Thurs April 28, 2011 from 6:30 – 9:00 am for our annual fundraising breakfast.
I look forward to another excellent year here at St. Patrick’s High School and the opportunity to continue to work with the Alumni Association. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Alumni Association for both their moral and financial support. The hard work, dedication and generosity of these volunteers are very much appreciated. Alumni are making a difference in the lives of St.Pat’s students.
Mary Donaghy
Principal
www.ottawacatholicschools.ca/sph