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Holy Trinity High School Parent Newsletter | October 16 2026
Message From the Principal
Hello Holy Trinity families;
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and that you were able to spend time with family and/or friends.
Gr. 9 - 12 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews were held yesterday. It was good to see many of you here. Thank you for partnering with us in your child(ren)'s education! We will hold Gr. 7/8 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews on November 19th.
Looking ahead, Wednesday, November 4, is Take Our Kids to Work Day for our Gr. 9 students. This is an amazing opportunity for rich career learning experiences.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Cori Pinault
Principal
Halloween Costume Considerations
With Halloween just around the corner, the countdown is on to find the perfect Halloween costume. As tempting as it may be for students to dress up in pretty much anything they want to be, it is important to consider a more thoughtful approach to whether the costume is culturally sensitive and appropriate. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cultural appropriation is “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect the culture.” Halloween is a fun event, and with some creativity and imagination, parents can help their child(ren) when deciding on a costume that aligns with a culturally sensitive Halloween. Being proactive can help all of us to avoid uncomfortable situations at school and in our community, and can help us ensure that Halloween is a fun event where all students feel safe and honoured. Of course, costume choices may not include masks or prop weapons.
Student Services Updates
College Information Program, October 26 5:30-7:00 PM, Algonquin College
Join us at the Algonquin College Student Commons (Building E) on October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for an exciting opportunity to explore post-secondary options from across Ontario. Meet representatives from more than 20 colleges, discover programs that match your interests and career goals, and get personalized answers about admissions and student life. Plus, experience Algonquin College firsthand with a campus tour showcasing our innovative labs, learning environments, and student spaces. More Information and Link to Register here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/openhouse/college-information-program/
Carleton University Open House - October 24, 2026
Ottawa University Open House - October 25, 2026
Loyalist College Open House - October 17, 2026 Info HERE
Algonquin College Open House - November 7 2026
Algonquin College Open House - November 7 2026
Student Services will update the Community Service Opportunities page on their website throughout the year as opportunities become available. Please check back often for activities by which students can complete their 40 hours of community service required for graduation.
Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN)
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) will be hosting again this year, another edition of the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop for Black students and their families. Join online on Wednesday, October 28th from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET.
This workshop is open to all Black students who are currently in Grade 8 or high school. Access to this information is vital and helps Black students and their families make informed decisions about funding options and their continued educational journeys. Register for the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop
https://bit.ly/BFCNWorkshopOctober28
Also, the BFCN Scholarship Directory is available as a resource for obtaining additional scholarships.
Parent Council Paint Night Fundraiser
Save The Date! Parent council will be running a paint night fundraiser again this year on November 20th. Cost: students $25 and adults $30. Registration and more information can be found on school cash online.
Catholic School Parents Association Update:
October’s Monthly CSPA meeting will take place on Wed, Oct 28th at the OCSB Board Office beginning at 7PM. Learn about the practitioner services offered by the Special Education and Student Services Department and discuss effective use of School Council agenda templates and a month-by-month to-do list. Register HERE.
Careers Beyond the Screen: The Apprenticeship Pathway in an AI World - A Parent Evening, with award-winning employment researcher Dr. Jon Callegher, is taking place on Wed, Nov 4th, at St Pius X High School beginning at 6:30PM. Register HERE.
The University of Waterloo - Beaver Computing Challenge (BBC)
The Beaver Computing Challenge will be written on Thursday, November 19. Please see Ms. Hubble in room R308 if you are interested in writing this contest. The deadline to register is October 22. The BCC is a problem-solving contest with a focus on computational and logical thinking. Questions are inspired by topics in computer science but only require comfort with concepts found in mathematics curriculum common to all provinces.
Grade Nine Province-Wide Take Our Kids To Work Day - November 4th
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 is the province-wide Take Our Kids To Work Day for all grade nine students. If you wish for your child to participate, please review this information letter and return the permission form to your child's homeroom teacher.
Christmas Pop-Up Donations
We are seeking donations for our upcoming Christmas Pop-Up Sale! If you have any new or gently used items—such as holiday decor, books, games, toys, or small household gifts—that you would like to contribute, please drop them off at the main office or deliver them directly to Tanya Hertner’s classroom (R301). Thank you so much for your generosity and support in making this event a success for our students!
Skilled Trades Opportunity For Grade 7 and 8 Students
There will be a virtual, interactive presentation held in the Learning Commons on Monday, November 2nd at 9:30 am. Employment Researcher Dr. Jon Callegher will explain the Skilled Trades to students and the pathways available to them when they get to high school. Please click here to register your child to attend this presentation.
7/8 Phys Ed Dept Updates
The 7/8 Phys Ed dept is offering many sports, Athletics, and Intramural Activities this school year. Please invite your 7/8 student to check out and save THIS PAGE to see what is upcoming at Trinity!
France & Belgium Commemorative Vimy Trip
NOW OPEN TO Gr 9 - 12 STUDENTS*
It is not too late to register for the 2027 Commemorative Trip to France & Belgium. In April 2027, Holy Trinity staff and students will be travelling to France and Belgium, where they will participate in the 110th Vimy Ridge Commemoration Ceremony, visiting Paris, Normandy and Belgium. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip! Spaces are limited. Please see THIS POSTER, which contains information and the application form (QR CODE) or pick up an application in person (N213 or N205).
YOUTH GROUP FRIDAY, October 16th
The Rock (grades 6-8) 6:30-8:30 p.m.
J.A.M. (grades 9-12) 8:30-10:00 p.m.
THEME: ’St. Francis’ Night 🙏
OCTOBER: The Month of the Holy Rosary 💙
CONTACT Cathy Koss for more info: youth@holyredeemer.ca
Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Easy40
Need somewhere to volunteer? Easy40 brings Ottawa volunteer opportunities and organizer links together at https://easy40.ca/opportunities. Browsing is free and does not need an account. Check age requirements and follow each listing's signup instructions. An Easy40 account is not an application to an outside organizer. Confirm your place before attending unless the listing says drop-in, and check school-hour eligibility with Guidance.
Volunteer Ottawa
Volunteer Ottawa aims to guide youth through the volunteering process with these free resources. As a high school student, it is important to understand where to look for an opportunity and the proper steps to take. Browse these resources to get started!
Watsons Mill
Do you have what it takes? Watson’s Mill in Manotick wants you to join our cast and crew for a truly haunting experience. We need volunteers to help with make up and costuming, as well as to scare our visitors and leave them frightened of things that go bump in the night.Haunt Night volunteers will be needed for the evenings of October 22, 23, and 24 from 5pm – 9:45pm. All time spent as part of our cast and crew can be used towards the 40 hours of community service needed to graduate.
Please sign up by emailing haunt@watsonsmill.com. See THIS POSTER for more info.
Final Assessments – Exams and RSTs – School Year Calendar
Grade 9 - 12 students’ examinations and Rich Summative Tasks (RSTs) WILL NOT be rescheduled for holiday or travel convenience, and all appointments should be scheduled so as not to conflict with exams and RSTs. If a medical problem arises, a Vice Principal must be contacted prior to the exam or RST. Medical certificates will be required to permit alternate arrangements for final examinations in these cases. Students and Parents/Guardians can refer to the OCSB website for the Grade 9 - 12 calendar. These calendars identify the first and last day of school, PD days, Statutory Holidays, Board Holidays, and High School exams. As a general rule, it is prudent to avoid any planned student absences during the months of January and June as this is when RSTs and exams are scheduled.
Important Dates
Oct. 20 - Parent Council Meeting (7:00 pm in Learning Commons)
Oct. 23 - St FX University visit at lunch in Atrium
Oct. 26/27 - Grade 7 Immunization Clinic
Oct. 27 - 30 - Grad Photos (you must have your photo taken during this time period for it to be in the yearbook)
Oct. 28 - St Paul University visit at lunch in Atrium
Oct. 29 - Ontario Tech University visit at lunch in Atrium
Nov. 2 - 6 - OCSB Careers Week and National Skilled Trades week
Nov. 2 - Algonquin College visit at lunch in Learning Commons
Nov. 3 - Civics/Careers Turnaround Day
Nov. 4 - Waterloo University visit at lunch in Atrium
Nov. 4 - Take Our Kids to Work Day (Gr. 9s)
Nov. 4 - Gr. 7/8 Ottawa 67s Game Day
Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day
Nov. 12 - Gr. 7/8 Progress Reports available on Parent Portal
Nov. 17 - Parent Council Meeting (7:00 pm in Learning Commons)
Nov. 19 - Gr. 7/8 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Nov. 19 - Gr. 7 - 12 Early Dismissal Day (1:20 pm)
Nov. 20 - PD Day (No School)
Nov. 20 - Parent Council Paint Night 7:00 pm
"May the Word of God nourish our hearts and our minds and lead us to the fullness of life." - Pope Leo
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