NEW BEGINNINGS!

An Interview with
Notre Dame's New Principal
Mr. Roberts

By: Rachel Perrino (Grade 10)
​Students, teachers and parents of Notre Dame; I am sure you have all heard the news that this October our school welcomed our new principal, Mr. Roberts. This name might be familiar to some of you as Mr. Roberts was part of the Notre Dame community a few years ago as one of our Vice Principals. Mr. Roberts is very excited to have returned and to be wearing Green and Gold again. During Mr. Roberts' first week here, I had the opportunity to have a (socially distanced) meeting to welcome our new principal. 

Throughout the dialogue, my questions are bolded as ​R​, and Mr. Roberts’ responses are bolded as MR.
 
R​: “Good afternoon, Mr. Roberts, and welcome. My first question for you is: tell us about your career experiences leading up to becoming principal at Notre Dame?”
MR​: “Well, as a young person, I wanted to be a hockey player. I played in Major Junior A hockey, but I didn’t make it to the NHL Then I started to work in Youth Ministry; I worked with Youth groups all around Toronto and Hamilton. From there, I went into teaching. I was a teacher at Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board; I taught Religion and did Student Success. From there, I became a Vice Principal here at Notre Dame for two years; and then I went up to Bishop Reding, in Milton, and was a Vice Principal there… and now I’ve come back to Notre Dame- I just missed it so much- and became Principal just this week. It’s very exciting!” 
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An Interview with New HCDSB Superintendent of Education
​ Mr. Cordeiro

By Easton McGillicuddy (Grade 12)
As I am sure you’re all aware, this October signified Mr. Cordeiro’s last year as principal of Notre Dame. The school has been in good hands, and this will continue to be the case; both Mr. Cordeiro, and our new principal Mr. Roberts, truly bleed Green and Gold with Irish Pride. In Mr. Cordeiro’s last week, I had the privilege to have a (socially distanced) sit down to reflect on his years of service. 

​Throughout the dialogue, my questions are labelled E, and Mr. Cordeiro’s responses will be labelled MC. 
 
E: If you could summarize your time at ND in one word, what would it be, and why? 
MC: Fortunate. I had the great pleasure of meeting students with tremendous talents in a variety of areas, whether that be the arts, music, athletics, best buddies, prefects, student council, business leadership, or STEAM. They have volunteered their time to the life of the school and successfully balanced extra-curriculars and the sacred space of the classroom. As for the staff, I feel we have built very positive relationships and have learned a great deal of which I will carry with me to my new role for many years to come.  

What's Cookin' @ ND?

 Click the images below for an array of images of student work & projects from the month of October

Notre Dame: En Francais

Some of our French Language students were challenged to write a '6 word poem' in French...  the inspiration is a legendary story where author Earnest Hemingway' wrote a famous 6 word poem at a dinner party...  below are some of the results!
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​2020 est nul, n’est-ce pas?

Mon chien a mangé mes devoirs.

Madame, je peux pas t’entendre.

Je suis si fatiguée et confusée.

Madame, mon wifi ne fonctionne pas.
Bloqué en maison, avec ma caméra.

Bienvenue à McDonalds, que voudrais-tu ?

Madame, c'est temps pour une sieste.

Qui a vu cette pandémie venir?
​
Travaille maintenant pour réussir plus tard
Vivre la vie, quand tu peux.

Essayer toujours mais, ne réussir jamais.

Peu de gens voient la vérité.

Un visage souriant, une åme brisée.

As I See It...

A new feature,  from the talented Olivia Shaw,  a Grade 11 student...  every month Olivia will sketch Notre Dame,  from her perspective...
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Mr. G teaching Buddhism!
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Our Festive Fall Spectrum Decor!
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The Many Faces of the ND Staff

Co-op In An Age of COVID

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​September and October were very busy months in the Co-operative Education Department!  Although school looks a lot different, the co-op teachers (Mr. Barbati and Mrs. Gatza) have been able to provide an excellent program for all Quadmester one co-op students. Co-op students had an intensive two-week pre-employment session that included topics such as resume writing, cover letters, interview skills, labour laws and workplace safety.  Mr. Barbati was able to develop new and exciting physical and virtual opportunities for students as many businesses have gone virtual – and they’ve invited our co-op students to work with them.  In addition to new virtual placements, there are placements in the community where students can be placed.  Of course, the safety of the (physical) co-op placement is paramount when matching a student with an employer.
 
It is exciting and encouraging to see our students actively participating in the workplace on a daily basis in placements that include the construction technology, electrical technology, computer technology, automotive technology, audio installation, medicine, teaching, the arts, science, retail, veterinary science, accounting, business administration, medicine, pharmacology, and cosmetology.  Not only will students benefit from these experiences gained outside the classroom, but each student will have regular performance appraisals documented in an individualized SCELP (Student Co-operative Education Learning Plan) completed by their employers and teacher to further develop valuable employment skills.  

Wellness Wednesday's @ ND

Enjoy these bi-weekly videos from the dynamic duo of Ms. Peace (CYC) and Miss Peitroiusti (Social Worker)!   
Their aim is to provide the ND Community with some general tips about Mental Health & Wellness!