Principal's Letter - School Startup
- NDRS Webmaster
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Dear Parents of Students:
As the new school year nears, I am pleased to be able to provide some worthwhile information that will hopefully serve to assist you as we begin the 2025/26 school year. I hope that all of you have had a restful and enjoyable holiday and are looking forward to a successful, productive, and exciting school year.
Staffing Update
There will be several returning members and new additions to our staff this year:
➢ Sister Natalie Doummar - CE & English
➢ Ms. Katrina Roseos – Science & Math
➢ Mrs. Katarina Tomas - Program Support, CE & Foods
➢ Ms. Niamh Kilkenny - Career Ed, CE & PHE
➢ Mr. Steve Moretto – Science & Math
➢ Ms. Clarisa Bautista - Educational Assistant
➢ Mrs. Cherylyn Klinger - Counselor
➢ Mrs. Dionne Chan – Counselor
➢ Ms. Michelina Baylon – Bookkeeper /Office Assistant
➢ Father Bruce-John Hamilton - Archbishop’s Representative (Corpus Christi)
➢ Fr. Patrick Le - School Chaplain (Corpus Christi)
First Week Schedule
Tuesday, September 2
Grade 8 & New Student Orientation — No school for Grades 9-12
(Orientation information will be emailed separately)
Wednesday, September 3
Regular Schedule for all students — Dismissal at 2:45pm
Thursday, September 4
Regular Schedule for all students — Dismissal at 2:45pm
Friday, September 5
Regular Schedule for all students — Dismissal at 2:45pm
Summer Dress Code
Optional Summer Dress Code is in effect until October 31. Please peruse our website (www.ndrs.org) to access all dress code stipulations that will be in effect throughout the 2025/26 school year. It is very important that all families become familiar with the expectations to help set your children up for success. If you are not sure, please contact the administration prior to purchasing an item that may not be permitted at school.
Acceptable summer options for boys:
Formal dress code (black dress shoes or any color runners)
Sports socks (white, grey, navy, or black) are permitted
If choosing the walking shorts:
Navy blue or black walking shorts (no cargo shorts or side pockets)
School golf shirt
Any color running shoes. No flip flops or sandals.
Sports socks (white, grey, navy, or black) are permitted
Acceptable summer options for girls:
Formal dress code (black dress shoes or any color runners)
Sports socks (white, grey, navy, or black) are permitted
If choosing the walking shorts:
Navy or black walking shorts (no cargo shorts or side pockets)
School golf shirt
Any color running shoes. No flip flops or sandals
Sports socks (white, grey, navy, or black) are permitted
If uncertain, please check first. Parents and/or students who choose an option (of shorts) that may or may not be acceptable should check with the school administration prior to purchasing them. Sending pictures would be very helpful.
New Grey and Navy Polos
We have received several inquiries regarding the purchase of the navy and grey polo shirts that are new additions to the Notre Dame uniform this year.
Cambridge has confirmed that the next pre-order date for the navy and newly introduced grey golf shirts will be October 10th. As of that date, families can order the new options.
Traffic Reminders
A reminder to all parents that drop off and pick up along Venables Street or Parker Street should be done on the school side of the street only. Parking on the opposite side of the street can be very dangerous. When students are dropped off or picked up on the opposite side of the street, it is strongly advised that they cross the street at a crosswalk (Venables and Renfrew) or at the corner (Parker and Renfrew). As well, please avoid blocking the entrance/exit to the staff parking lot.
Students or parents attempting to cross in the middle of the street may receive respectful reminders not to do so. Parents are asked to cooperate with our traffic parent volunteers as they are doing their best to keep all our students safe.
Drop-off must, in no way, include stopping on, in front of, or across the street from the fire hall property at the west end of the street. We have received concerns from the fire hall that parents have been stopping and, at times, parking in that area before and after school. As well, please avoid stopping on or directly in front of any of our neighborhood business establishments. It is in our best interest to maintain positive relationships with all who live or work near the school.
Finally, a reminder that the staff parking lot is not available to students and parents during school days from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please be advised that unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
We thank you for your understanding and your anticipated cooperation with respect to these important reminders. Please refer to the School Handbook on our website for further reminders related to drop-off before and after school.
Notable Upcoming Non-School Days
Tuesday, September 30
National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Monday, October 13
Thanksgiving
Friday, October 24
Professional Development Day
Monday, November 10
Professional Development Day
Tuesday, November 11
Remembrance Day
Friday, November 21
Professional Development Day
Photo Day
On Monday, September 8, Artona will be at the school for Photo Day. Grade levels will be called to the multi-purpose room throughout the morning. All students are required to be in uniform and be wearing the school sweater or one of the approved school crewnecks (blue or grey). There will be a re-take day scheduled later in September.
Grade 8 Parents Information Evening
There will be an in-person information evening for grade eight parents on Wednesday, September 10, beginning at 6:00 PM. The evening will include a breakout session for all Grade 8 parents, including Band parents, at approximately 6:45pm. More details will be forthcoming regarding the evening’s itinerary.
It is with great enthusiasm and sincere optimism that I look forward to the start of another school year at Notre Dame Regional Secondary.
Yours in Christ,
Mr. R. DesLauriers
Principal
