On April 4th at 1:15 p.m., the students of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Barrie joined over 100,000 students across Ontario in taking a stand for our education.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Living as Joyful Disciples.”

Bring in any dead batteries!

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is in the process of setting up an efficient school to home communications system.

OFSAA remains the gold standard of sporting achievement for a high school. It’s no coincidence that the Jags, dressed in maroon and gold, give it their all at OFSAA year after year.

Every school has one thing that makes it unique, something that students find endearing and a source of pride.

Mrs. Litster's Grade 9 English students recently did some reporting on some current events here at St. Joseph's. Check out their news reports (attached).

I believe that I’m very lucky to be a student at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Barrie. I enjoy my classes, the staff, and my friends.

The laws around buying, using and possessing recreational cannabis have changed in the province of Ontario. This change in legislation does not have an impact on how we deal with possession, use and distribution of cannabis, alcohol or illegal drugs in our schools. Parents need to know that it remains illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to use or possess recreational cannabis. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol in Ontario. Regardless of age, cannabis is not allowed on school property or at school-related events at any time. As has always been the case, there will be consequences for students if they are believed to be in possession or under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or cannabis. This could include suspensions. Anyone found to be providing (distributing) cannabis to a person on school property will face disciplinary action, which could include expulsion from school and police involvement. We encourage families to be informed about the facts of cannabis legalization and the potential health risks for young people. The following resources will provide some useful information.

Mrs. Litster's Grade 10 English students recently did some reporting on some of the current events happening here at St. Joseph's. Check out their news reports (attached).

St. Joe's spirit wear now sold online.

We are a Scent Safe Environment As a Catholic community, one of our priorities is to nurture a sense of belonging and inclusiveness for everyone. That is why all of our schools and board office locations are designated as “scent free.” We know that allergies and sensitivities to scents can have severe health implications and so we must do everything possible to make sure that all students, staff and visitors with scent allergies and sensitivities are safe and fully included.

St. Joe’s is very busy and congested in the mornings before school starts. To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in our parking lot please do not drive into the sjo parking lot 2 or 3 car lengths and then stop to drop off your child. This results in a traffic congestion in the middle of the Cundles/Livingstone intersection at the lights. Parents are requested to drive and proceed all the way to the back of parking lot to drop off their children. This will help keep traffic flowing and ensure a more safe arrival to school. Parents are also reminded especially during these dark mornings that they must yield to pedestrians in sjo parking lot.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is required to keep up to date immunization records for all students who attend elementary or secondary school in the County of Simcoe and the District of Muskoka. Parents are responsible for reporting immunizations to the health unit each time their child receives a vaccine from their health care provider. It’s easier than ever to update your child’s immunization status. Go to www.smdhu.org/immsonline to update your child’s record, or call Health Connection at 705-721- 7520 or 1-877- 721-7520 (toll free). You work hard every day to make sure your kids are healthy and happy. Let us help out with the healthy part!

Follow @SMCDSB_SJO on Twitter to stay informed!