ND Jr. Irish are HCAA Champions!!
On a cloudy Thursday, in the city of Hamilton, the Jr Fightin' Irish Football team became Champions once again. For the 2nd time in 3 years, the Jr. Irish showed that they are indeed the class of the HCAA.
Though it took almost the entirety of the game, 59 minutes to be exact, the Irish showed guts and determination, topping the Holy Trinity Titans 18-17. Trailing with under 2 minutes to play, Irish QB Ryan McGuire took the game into his own hands, and the rest is history! Over 500 Irish Faithful made the bus trip to McMaster Stadium, 8 buses full of #NDPride and #NDEnthusiasm rolled down the QEW to cheer our boys on. The green and gold filled the stands, outnumbering Titans fans by a hefty margin. Though the Titans lead the game late, the sounds pouring out of the stands told a different story… 'Fightin…. Irish…. Fightin'…. |
Irish'. The Irish on the field fed off the energy from the Irish in the stands… and the results were magical!
Despite getting out to an early 8-0 lead, the Titans hung around, with the score at the half 8-7 in favour of the Irish. Early in the 3rd the Titans took an 14 - 7 lead, as the momentum of the game took a major swing towards the Titans side. The stout Irish defense bent a bit during the latter stretch of the game, and the Titans added 3 taking a 17 - 11 lead late into the 4th quarter.
Facing a deficit, and with their season on the line, the Irish went to work. A pass to the sidle from Ryan McGuire to Nick Callan went almost 45 yards from down to the Titans 4 yard line. Everything was coming up Irish, and the game seemed within their grasp… when tragedy struck. A 'too many men on the field' penalty back the Irish up 10 yards further from the endzone. The Titans defense held the Irish on 3 successive downs, and forced a turnover with less than 2 minutes on the clock. The Titans side of the stadium got loud, and celebration mode seemed imminent.
Despite getting out to an early 8-0 lead, the Titans hung around, with the score at the half 8-7 in favour of the Irish. Early in the 3rd the Titans took an 14 - 7 lead, as the momentum of the game took a major swing towards the Titans side. The stout Irish defense bent a bit during the latter stretch of the game, and the Titans added 3 taking a 17 - 11 lead late into the 4th quarter.
Facing a deficit, and with their season on the line, the Irish went to work. A pass to the sidle from Ryan McGuire to Nick Callan went almost 45 yards from down to the Titans 4 yard line. Everything was coming up Irish, and the game seemed within their grasp… when tragedy struck. A 'too many men on the field' penalty back the Irish up 10 yards further from the endzone. The Titans defense held the Irish on 3 successive downs, and forced a turnover with less than 2 minutes on the clock. The Titans side of the stadium got loud, and celebration mode seemed imminent.
DUTCH TULIPS, IRISH PRIDEBy Charleigh Goldberg
In the spring of 1940, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands were invaded by Nazi Germany. The Nazis used a tactic called “Blitzkrieg” which is German for “lightening warfare”. It is a fast-paced offensive attack that causes chaos through speed and surprise. Unfortunately for the Dutch, the Germans successfully sieged the Netherlands. Under German control, the Dutch suffered greatly. The Jewish populace was robbed of their rights and eventually sent to labour and death camps. Many civilians that remained in the Netherlands starve and froze during the Nazi occupation. To combat starvation, many ate tulip bulbs. In June 1944, 14,000 Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach in the largest seaborne invasion in modern history. The Allies were successful and began to liberate the Netherlands. The Allies were welcomed with open arms. What's Happening in #NDArt!Take a look at some of the amazing talent in our ND Art Program!
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InsideND - En FrancaisDuring November the HCDSB celebrates Anti-Bullying Week. Our French Language Students wrote a 6 word poem around 'Intimidation' (which means bullying in French)
Sièges vides, où sont les personnes. - Madisson Fonseca
Intimidation c'est mauvais, ne pas faire. - Anonyme L'intimidation peut affecter tout le monde - Anonyme Enfant intimide, gâche vie, victime pleure. - Anonyme N'intimidé pas, ce n'est pas gentil. - Anonyme |
Notre Dame's November
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Notre Dame Artisans in Action
Under the leadership of Mr. Nason and Mr. Wozney, Notre Dame’s construction students are producing and selling charcuterie boards this holiday season. These multipurpose gifts can serve cheese, prepared meats, desserts and serve as cutting boards. Not only are the charcuterie boards functional, but also a work of art! Each unique board is crafted from locally, sustainably sourced hardwood trees and the finest natural wood grains are exposed through the manufacturing process.
The charcuterie board initiative marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for woodworking at Notre Dame. With new a new, state-of-the-art saw mill, manufacturing students will have the opportunity to mill their own lumber and construct unique woodworking projects. |
Students from business, art and construction have partnered to manufacture, market and sell ND charcuterie boards. The cross-curricular project has truly united students across a variety of disciplines. We welcome you to join in this community initiative by purchasing one of our unique creations for yourself or a loved one. Quantities are limited. If you wish to purchase an ND charcuterie board, please do so through School Cash Online.
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Our Collaborative Christmas Project:
St. Paul the Apostle Youth Ministry and Notre Dame Manufacturing
By Ardene Ouellette
(Mrs. Oullette is a proud Notre Dame Mom and a Pastoral Assistant at St Paul's Parish) St. Paul the Apostle’s Youth Ministry Group has 48 youth members in Gr. 5 – 8 and 22 leaders that attend high school and university. Each year, the Youth Ministry Group prepares an outreach gift to support the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides Christmas gifts to vulnerable members of our Burlington community through the Christmas Angel Tree Program.
This year, St. Paul the Apostle’s Youth Ministry Group is collaborating with ND’s Manufacturing class. Mr. Vicic’s students crafted and painted 120 table-top ornament |
stands to hold the Christmas ornaments decorated by the members of the Youth Ministry Group. The delightful decorations will be distributed among residents in Burlington’s nursing homes who will be alone this Christmas. The decorations will brighten their rooms and spirits over the Christmas period. This collaborative effort highlights St. Paul the Apostle’s Parish and Notre Dame’s shared commitment to carrying out Christ’s work in our community.
The Youth Ministry Group extends many thanks to Mr. Vicic’s students and looks forward to collaborating again in the future.
The Youth Ministry Group extends many thanks to Mr. Vicic’s students and looks forward to collaborating again in the future.
Behind the Scenes of ND's Annual Dodgeball Tournament
By Daniella Lopez The halls were buzzing with anticipation on the morning of November 20th, 2019. After nearly four weeks of intensive preparations, it was showtime for Mr. Downey’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing class. It was DODGEBALL DAY! In order to host an event of this magnitude, Mr. Downey’s students commenced preparations in October. First, a master “To-do” list was created. To ensure all necessary tasks were completed on-time, the class was organized into committees. |
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- The Advertising Committee was responsible for marketing the tournament on Instagram and televisions throughout the school.
- The Buyout Committee organized tournament packages for participants and supervised buyout ticket sales.
- The Scheduling Committee was responsible for scheduling and score-keeping.
- The Videography Committee produced the tournament video.
- The Game Day Committee created the much-loved playlist and refereed the tournament.
- Three “Jacks of all trades” supported the committees.
- The Presidential Committee delegated tasks and supervised preparations.
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On the morning of November 20th, the Sports and Entertainment Marketing class completed the final preparation: gym set up. The last-minute stresses that built during the final days before the tournament finally melted away. There was no time to panic. It was showtime. As the balls began to fly, Mr. Downey’s students were busy behind the scenes, ensuring the tournament ran smoothly for participants and spectators.
The buyout commenced with a presentation by Bridging the Gap Halton. Notre Dame’s annual Dodgeball Tournament is a fundraiser that partners with charities within our community. Bridging the Gap Halton is a charitable organization that supports homeless and at-risk youth and was selected as the recipient of this year’s donation. |
Even A Snow Storm Can't Stop the Fightin’ Irish

Cheryl De Lugt is a self professed very proud Fightin' Irish Football Mom.
Below she shares a story from the ND Jr Fightin' Irish Football Season.
November 11, 2019, Remembrance Day is a day that we recognize, honor and pause to pay respect to the many courageous men and women who served our country to allow us the freedom that we all enjoy today. On that same day Environment Canada reports the snowiest November 11th ever on record with 13cm of snow accumulation that ambushed Burlington.
The Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish junior football team was getting ready for their semi final game against St. Ignatius of Loyal on November 14th. With a huge amount of snow already covering the field and the forecast calling for the snow to continue falling all day something amazing took place on the Notre Dame sports field. A clear message was that if the snow was not cleared off of the field there would be no game. With that in mind a number of students and athletes from the team took it upon themselves to put the effort in and make it a priority to clear every inch of snow off the field. They stayed after practice and started shovelling the field without mitts or hats, they were determined to make their field playable.
One day to game day, the field is nowhere near being game ready, so the entire team spent the day shoveling for several hours straight. As a proud football mom I needed to try and help. I put an urgent call out to the Notre Dame parent community. “If anyone could come to the school with shovels and or snow-blowers”.
Below she shares a story from the ND Jr Fightin' Irish Football Season.
November 11, 2019, Remembrance Day is a day that we recognize, honor and pause to pay respect to the many courageous men and women who served our country to allow us the freedom that we all enjoy today. On that same day Environment Canada reports the snowiest November 11th ever on record with 13cm of snow accumulation that ambushed Burlington.
The Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish junior football team was getting ready for their semi final game against St. Ignatius of Loyal on November 14th. With a huge amount of snow already covering the field and the forecast calling for the snow to continue falling all day something amazing took place on the Notre Dame sports field. A clear message was that if the snow was not cleared off of the field there would be no game. With that in mind a number of students and athletes from the team took it upon themselves to put the effort in and make it a priority to clear every inch of snow off the field. They stayed after practice and started shovelling the field without mitts or hats, they were determined to make their field playable.
One day to game day, the field is nowhere near being game ready, so the entire team spent the day shoveling for several hours straight. As a proud football mom I needed to try and help. I put an urgent call out to the Notre Dame parent community. “If anyone could come to the school with shovels and or snow-blowers”.

The response was overwhelming from students at the school, to parents and even members of the community who arrived at the school to lend a hand. This quote came to mind when I witnessed what happened at Notre Dame “What is Teamwork? Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success”- Henry Ford
The morning of the game, the field was still not ready due to five more centimetres of snow and ice that fell throughout the night. A number of parents were on the field early in the morning chipping away at the ice and dragging it off the field with tarps. Students and staff also came out to help throughout the morning. This game had to happen after all the effort that everyone had put in.
The morning of the game, the field was still not ready due to five more centimetres of snow and ice that fell throughout the night. A number of parents were on the field early in the morning chipping away at the ice and dragging it off the field with tarps. Students and staff also came out to help throughout the morning. This game had to happen after all the effort that everyone had put in.
ND Cross Country @ OFSAABy Rachel Heaney
Eyes focused. Feet in place. Snow falling. Heart racing. Singlet on. Arms strong. Adrenaline kicks in. Its go time in 3....2....1..... GO! You hear the gunshot and start running like a cheetah, hunting pray in an open plain. My pray is the finish line. And I will do anything to catch it. There is no such thing as “giving up”. There is no obstacle that can prevent me from completing my race. I live for the rush I experience as I cross the finish line. I, like my fellow cross-country athletes, am not just any athlete. I am a warrior that finishes every race on empty. Under the leadership of Ms. Messenger and Mr. McDermott, Notre Dame’s cross-country team experienced love, laughter and success this season. Incredibly, the Junior Girls’ and Junior Boys’ squads, as well as individual athletes Kayla Overholt and Alyssa Zenn qualified for OFSAA! Go ND! Vertical Divider
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ND Student Council Update By Emily Nobes
At the end of May 2019, with elections done, our Council determined, and our slate cleaned, ND's 2019/2020 Student Council began to prepare for this year. After a successful Pink Day, which brought in record donations for the Terry Fox Foundation, the enthusiasm to continue the momentum was high, and the Student Council began to brainstorm. Halloween was just around the corner, and a severe lack of Halloween spirit had been observed in the previous years, so it was up to the Council to fix it! In collaboration with Business Leadership, we began to plan a haunted house, continuing a tradition that had been halted three years ago. “The collaboration between Student Council and Business Leadership was an amazing opportunity.” said Katelyn Starr, Class President of Business lLadership. “It was so great to see a past ND tradition resurrected.” The event ran over two lunches, but the set up was a full day task. The Drama Room and stage were transformed into the desolate scene of a zombie apocalypse. Sound effects were recorded, Leadership Executives were transformed into the undead, and Council practiced their most gut wrenching screams. For $2 students had the chance to brave the #NDApocalypse, and that they did. |

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and with that, a new/old tradition had been (re)born .
It was a quick turnover though, Council dove right back in to begin planning our next initiative! The grades 9/10 dance that would be happening on November 21st was quickly approaching! Student Council chose a 'Tiki Beach' theme as snow fell outside their meeting room windows.
“It was such an awesome experience to see our grade 9 and 10 students to have so much fun.” Says Sophia Divita, Student Council Co-Prime Minister.
The excitement of planning and running an event like a dance is unparalleled. To see the energy on the dancefloor as a result of our planning and execution was an amazing feeling.
Student Council runs throughout the entirety of the school year, so there’s always new events on the horizon, as well as behind the scenes work to make the school a better place. Meetings take place every Monday after school in Room 226, and the beginning of each meeting is always reserved for visiting requests, so, whether you come on behalf of a club looking for some support, have a question about an upcoming project, or have an idea to share, council’s door is always open, and we are always excited to hear from you.
It was a quick turnover though, Council dove right back in to begin planning our next initiative! The grades 9/10 dance that would be happening on November 21st was quickly approaching! Student Council chose a 'Tiki Beach' theme as snow fell outside their meeting room windows.
“It was such an awesome experience to see our grade 9 and 10 students to have so much fun.” Says Sophia Divita, Student Council Co-Prime Minister.
The excitement of planning and running an event like a dance is unparalleled. To see the energy on the dancefloor as a result of our planning and execution was an amazing feeling.
Student Council runs throughout the entirety of the school year, so there’s always new events on the horizon, as well as behind the scenes work to make the school a better place. Meetings take place every Monday after school in Room 226, and the beginning of each meeting is always reserved for visiting requests, so, whether you come on behalf of a club looking for some support, have a question about an upcoming project, or have an idea to share, council’s door is always open, and we are always excited to hear from you.
STEAM Update: November 2019

By Emily Nobes
STEAM is back, and better than ever!
Since October 9, the lecture hall has been buzzing on Wednesday afternoons, brimming with eager members of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Club. “STEAM 2.0” is here.
This year’s executive team - Emily Nobes (CEO), Sean Clarke (CVO), David Pires (Club Administrator), Ana Paula Rocha (Communications Director) and Matthew Evans (Technology Officer) - had a clear vision for “STEAM 2.0” and hit the ground running mid-September. The team set to work editing and improving meeting structures, formulating new activities and brainstorming a theme for the year. We are pleased to announce the theme for the 2019-2020 school year is “Climate Change”. We are designing our projects and annual conference in accordance with our theme. Over the past five weeks, the club’s members, numbering over sixty, have taken part in weekly STEAM activity. Each week, our activities are based on a different letter of our acronym.
STEAM is back, and better than ever!
Since October 9, the lecture hall has been buzzing on Wednesday afternoons, brimming with eager members of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Club. “STEAM 2.0” is here.
This year’s executive team - Emily Nobes (CEO), Sean Clarke (CVO), David Pires (Club Administrator), Ana Paula Rocha (Communications Director) and Matthew Evans (Technology Officer) - had a clear vision for “STEAM 2.0” and hit the ground running mid-September. The team set to work editing and improving meeting structures, formulating new activities and brainstorming a theme for the year. We are pleased to announce the theme for the 2019-2020 school year is “Climate Change”. We are designing our projects and annual conference in accordance with our theme. Over the past five weeks, the club’s members, numbering over sixty, have taken part in weekly STEAM activity. Each week, our activities are based on a different letter of our acronym.

Week 1 - NASA Engineering. Students participated in a challenge designed by NASA to land a “satellite” on the “moon”. Due to size and budget constrictions, we were forced to settle for fishing wire, a cup, a marble, and a target. Students designed a fully autonomous system to land the marble on the target.
Week 2 - Science Labs. With the support of the amazing teachers that supervise our meetings and bring our ideas to life, students participated in biology, physics and chemistry labs.
Week 3 - Pumpkin Carving (Arts). Perfectly timed, week three of our STEAM tour fell a day before Halloween. What better way to celebrate the arts than with some spooky pumpkin festivities?
Week 4 - Math Escape Room. Aliens invaded Notre Dame for about an hour and planted a deadly virus on three teachers. Members of the club worked through various math challenges to decode clues and free the teachers of their handcuffs. Once freed, the teacher were cured and the virus was eliminated! Don’t worry, no biological threats were introduced in the process of this escape room.
Week 5 - Metal Engraving (Technology). To blend technology and arts, students were presented with a 3x3 piece of steel, some packing tape, and creative freedom to design a stencil. Students observed the executive team manufacture metal engravers using saline, a battery, wires, and a Q-tip. The system used electrolysis to eat away at the top layer of the metal, leaving behind a dark, design in the metal piece.
Week 2 - Science Labs. With the support of the amazing teachers that supervise our meetings and bring our ideas to life, students participated in biology, physics and chemistry labs.
Week 3 - Pumpkin Carving (Arts). Perfectly timed, week three of our STEAM tour fell a day before Halloween. What better way to celebrate the arts than with some spooky pumpkin festivities?
Week 4 - Math Escape Room. Aliens invaded Notre Dame for about an hour and planted a deadly virus on three teachers. Members of the club worked through various math challenges to decode clues and free the teachers of their handcuffs. Once freed, the teacher were cured and the virus was eliminated! Don’t worry, no biological threats were introduced in the process of this escape room.
Week 5 - Metal Engraving (Technology). To blend technology and arts, students were presented with a 3x3 piece of steel, some packing tape, and creative freedom to design a stencil. Students observed the executive team manufacture metal engravers using saline, a battery, wires, and a Q-tip. The system used electrolysis to eat away at the top layer of the metal, leaving behind a dark, design in the metal piece.
As this first chapter of “STEAM 2.0” comes to an end, preparations for our first STEAM day of the 2019-2020 school year are only just beginning. With a new theme, new members and returning expertise, we are developing a fresh set of activities for attendees. Elementary students and their families are welcome to join us on November 30 from 10am-12pm for fun STEAM activities and an informative Q&A forum. You don’t want to miss this!
Fightin' Irish November Sports Update
Fall Sports Season has ended and our Winter Sports Seasons are just getting fired up!
Jr Football - HCAA CHAMPIONS - See article above Cross Country attended OFSAA in Sudbury, see article above! ND Boys Hockey is undefeated so far in league play! ND Girls Hockey last years GHAC Champs look to book a return ticket to OFSAA. |
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