ST. URSULA SCHOOL
September 2015 Newsletter
“Where Wisdom Begins In Faith and Wonder”
The mission of St. Ursula school community is to ensure that home, Church and school are collaborative partners in
the building of an environment that reflects Catholic faith and values by celebrating each person as a member
of the Body of Christ and by challenging all to achieve excellence spiritually, socially and academically.
St. Ursula
11 Dwellers Road
Brampton, Ontario
L6X 5C1
Telephone:
905-454-5213
Fax:
905-454-7843
S. Wolfe
Principal
Prayer for a New School Year
God of wisdom and might, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind,
body, and spirit. Be with our children as they begin a new school year. Bless them
and their teachers and staff. Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace
and zeal to their hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
M. Miller
.5 Vice-Principal
G. Galati
Head Secretary
C. Tavares
Assistant Secretary
S. Steer
Superintendent
905-890-1221
D. D’Souza
Trustee
905-840-2707
St. Anne Parish
905-453-1303
Pastor
Fr. J. Cherickal
WELCOME
We extend a very warm welcome to all new staff families in our school
community. Thank you to staff for all your work in preparing to receive our
students on the first day of school. We regard ourselves as partners with parents
in the education of your children. Your support and input by contacting your
child’s teacher, volunteering in the school, or serving on our School Council is
valued and necessary to ensure the success of our students. Parent involvement
has been shown by research to have a major impact on student learning and
success.
We are looking forward to a productive and rewarding school year.
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
As the new school year begins, I see the excitement in your children’s eyes and
their expectations for a rewarding year filled with many rich school experiences. I
ask for your support and co-operation, as we work, learn and grow together
within our Catholic faith. I am very excited about our upcoming school year and I
look forward to building a partnership with the School Council, Church and
community, where together we can provide academic excellence within a strong
Catholic context. Your involvement in your child’s learning is vital. Please do not
hesitate to contact the school whenever you have a question or require further
information. Ms. Miller and I look forward to seeing you at our Open House,
liturgies and masses, at school activities throughout the year and during your
informal visits to the school.
S.Wolfe –Principal
M.Miller – Vice Principal
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
School Day
9:00 a.m. School Entry
11:03-11:18 a.m. Recess
12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch
2:25-2:40 p.m. Recess
3:30 p.m. Dismissal
Safe Arrival Program
For safety reasons, it is very important to notify the
school if your child is going to be absent or late.
Please call 905-454-5213 if your child is going to be
absent or late. This communication is vital to ensure
the safety of your child. If we do not hear from you,
Mrs. Tavares or Mrs. Galati will be calling to verify
your child’s absence.
Class Reorganization
Each year, schools are staffed according to projected
enrolment figures provided to us from the Planning
Department. Therefore, all classroom and teacher
placements are tentative when classes start up in
September. This year it was necessary to reorganize
some of our primary and junior classes. Children and
parents have been notified of the changes. We
appreciate your co-operation and patience.
Student Verification Forms
We appreciate your co-operation in keeping us up-todate regarding pertinent information for your child
E.g. change in address, telephone numbers, etc.
Accurate information is vital should we need to contact
you in an emergency situation. Please ensure that you
complete and return the Student Verification Forms
(even those whose information is correct) that have
been sent home with your child.
Welcome to Staff
We are very pleased to welcome new staff to St. Ursula
School this year.
M.Sousa (Gr. 4), R. Merino (Gr.4/5), M .Lesinski (Gr.
6 French Immersion)
We also welcome our new ERW’s H.Respoli and
M.Lewis.
Once again welcome back to Miss Yousif (Gr.3.)
We will also say a fond farewell to Mr. Mare our Full
time day custodian as he will be retiring. We wish Mr.
Mare all the best in his retirement and thanks for all of
his hard work at St. Ursula School.
FAITH
DEVELOPMENT
School Entrance
All students are expected to enter the
Virtue
of Acceptance
school with
their class at entry times.
If
you
are
coming
to the school
One of the great wonders
of the during
world we live in is that
the
school
day are
please
use the
front
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to
no two
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alike.
Acceptance
describes
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enter the and
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door inofthe
our office.
ability Students
to look atwho
the attitudes
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morning
be recorded
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we this
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we see
– religion, age, gender, ethnic background, and
All
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office.
see avisitors
personmust
created
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God. An Accepting
person: is friendly and open to all God’s people, sees
Secure
Entry
at in
St.everyone,
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positive
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To ensure
that
St. Ursula
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and secure, our
there
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do things.
school doors will remain locked at all times. Parents
and
please press the intercom button located to
Mayvisitors
Crowning
the left of the front door. We ask for your patience and
One
understanding if there is a wait as the office gets
extremely busy at times. Please always use the front
doors for entry as safety of the students is our highest
concern.
Fire Drills, Lockdown and Emergency Evacuation
Procedures
Teachers and students regularly practice fire drills,
lockdowns and emergency evacuation procedures.
Each term we have 3 fire drills and over the year 3
lockdown drills. These drills include: safe exit from the
building in the event of a fire and safety actions in the
event of an intruder. If an evacuation of the school site
occurs, our alternate location is Homestead Public
School.
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Virtues
We are called as Catholics to put into practice, and
model for others, the teachings of Christ through our
words and actions. Throughout Dufferin Peel, we will
continue to integrate Virtues formation into all areas of
our school life, within the context of our faith.
Focusing on the virtues reinforces the qualities of
positive character development, with a specific virtue
being highlighted each month.
Faith (September) Empathy (October)
Conscience (November) Hope (December)
Self-Control (January) Respect (February)
Kindness (March) Love (April)
Acceptance (May) Fairness (June)
Opening/ Feast Day Mass
We look forward to coming together in
community to celebrate our liturgies
throughout the year. We will celebrate our Opening
Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday October 14th at
1:30 in the School Gym.
PROGRAM & CURRICULUM
BBQ and Meet the Teacher
We will be holding an Open House/BBQ on Tuesday
October 6th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The BBQ will
take place from 5:30 p.m.-6:30p.m and then parents
and students are invited to visit classrooms to meet
their teacher from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Order forms
have been sent out so please return them along with
payment by Friday September 25th 2015.
Homework Policy
A Dufferin-Peel Homework policy is in place at all
schools. If you would like to read the policy please
refer to your child’s agenda, which outlines the policy
or to our school website: www.dpcdsb.org/URSUL.
Professional Activity Day
Friday September 18th was a Professional Activity
Day. Teachers were involved in Faith and Curriculum
Development and activities.
*NEW Student Agendas
The agenda is an invaluable tool that is to be used by
your child to meet his/her learning needs. Not only
does it allow students the opportunity to develop good
study habits, it also serves as a valuable
communication tool between home and school. This
year the Parent Council has purchased the agendas
for the students from grades one to eight. If an
agenda is lost there is a $ 5.00 replacement fee .We
thank the parent council for this generous donation
AROUND THE HALLS
Terry Fox Walk
St. Ursula students will be taking part in their annual
Terry Fox walk on Friday October 2nd in the a.m.
Terry Fox was a great inspiration to all Canadians in
his efforts to conquer cancer. Students will be asked to
bring a “toonie” to school to donate to the Canadian
Cancer Society. We will all be participating in our
walk to honor Terry and raise money to help battle
cancer. More information to follow.
School Pictures
Thursday October 22nd is picture day for
all students at St. Ursula School. Our retake day will
be on Thursday November 26th. Be sure to come with
your great smiles!
DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF
MEDICATION AND EPI-PENS
If a child is required to bring medication to school,
procedures relative to the administration of medication
shall only be adopted:
 when requested by the parents/guardians; and when
authorized by a physician; and
 when medication must be provided during school hours
If a designated staff member must administer
medication, signed request/authorization forms from the
Parents/guardians and the supervising physician is
initiated and/or changed at the beginning of every school
year.
These forms are available through the school office. The
required authorization forms and the medication is to be
delivered to the principal or designated person by the
parents/guardians or other responsible person.All
medication will be stored in a safe location in the Health
room.Medication must not be kept in the child’s
possession (i.e. pocket, backpack, etc.) or in the
classroom.
AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
NUT ALLERGIES
Did you know that peanuts are the
leading cause of severe allergic reactions followed by
shellfish, fish, tree nuts and eggs?
We have several students at St.Ursula who have life
threatening allergies to nuts, especially peanuts. We are
asking that you make St. Ursula a peanut safe school by
refraining from sending your children with
peanut butter or other products containing nuts or nut oils
(e.g., Nutella). If these students come into contact with
anything containing nuts, nut oils or derivatives, it could
be life threatening for him/her.
It is only necessary that physical contact with these
substances be made, even on a second hand basis. For
example, a severe reaction may occur should the child
touch a desk, toy or book previously handled by another
student who has touched peanut butter, peanuts or peanut
oil. Children with severe food allergies are advised to be
very much aware of his/her allergy and have been told by
their parents of the danger of sharing snacks.
Students are discouraged from sharing snacks.
In our Catholic School Community we have an
obligation to be responsible for one another. Thanking
you in advance for your continued support, co-operation
and understanding regarding this matter.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for students who reside
more than the following distances as calculated
through Geoquery. Kindergarten- Gr. 1: 1.0 km
Grades 2-4: 1.6 km
Grades 5-8: 2.0 km
The website http://businfo.stopr.ca allows you to click
on student login, enter your child’s OEN number,
street/house number, school and grade, to display your
eligibility for transportation.
Courtesy seats will be assigned through the Transportation department only mid-October. In
October, schools are permitted to submit potential
names for a courtesy seat to Transportation
Department. If you are requesting courtesy
transportation, a letter is to be submitted to the school
by September 25th detailing the name, age and grade
of the student, and the reason for the request.
The following criteria will be taken into consideration:
student age, distance from home to school, and
enrollment stability and if a sibling is already riding
the bus. All students in Grades K-1 who ride the bus
must wear a Primary Protocol tag on their bag and
must be escorted by an adult both to get on and off the
bus. If granted a courtesy seat, students will receive a
bus pass which must be visible to ride the bus.
KISS IN RIDE & SAFETY IN OUR PARKING
LOT
The Kiss & Ride drop-off/pick-up is located
at the east side of the building. Please drive through
the driveway at the front of the school and pull along
the inside lane marked to drop off your children. Have
your children exit to the right only, onto the sidewalk.
Cars must not be left unattended in this area. If you
wish to accompany your child (ren) to the fence, your
car must be parked in the parking lot or in appropriate
areas on the street. The purpose of the Kiss & Ride
lane is to maintain a continuous flow of traffic whereby
children can be dropped off safely.
If you are choosing to park your car, please drive
through the left lane and around to the parking lot.
Stopping to drop off your children in this “drive
thru” lane is not permitted.
We remind all walkers to use the designated crosswalks, and not to walk across the driveway. Please be
aware that bikes, scooters, and skateboards must not be
used on school property.
Grade
Thank
1 you for your patience inR.Davis
respecting our efforts to
Grade
1
V.Azevedo
ensure the safety of our students, your children!
Grade
1/2 Safety First!
J.Iantorno
Remember
Grade 2
T. Nicosia
CROSSING GUARD
Kindly assist us in reminding children to cross with the
crossing guard when coming to and going home from
school. The crossing guard is on duty from:
7:50-9:05
2:40-3:10
3:30-4:00
Thank you for your co-operation.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The Board takes every precaution to provide a safe
learning environment for students, but accidents can
and do happen. Some families have private accident
insurance which is able to respond to costs arising from
injuries. However, many families do not. Under the
Education Act, Ontario School boards are empowered
to: “provide by contract with an insurer under the
Insurance Act, accident and life insurance for pupils,
the cost of which is to be paid on a voluntary basis by
the parents or guardians.” The “Basic Plan” coverage
for school days only can be purchased annually for
$3.50 per child and includes a 10 year dental benefit
feature. Family discounts are available. Please contact
the school if you did not receive one. Participation in
extra-curricular activities or excursions will require
acknowledgement of receipt and awareness of Student
Accident Insurance available to parents.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
School Council Elections
Please see the information attached regarding
the nomination of parents interested in being
involved in the St. Ursula School Council. Nomination
forms are to be returned to the school office no later
than Friday September 25th. An election will be held
on Wednesday, October 7th if the number of candidates
extends beyond the number of positions. If not, the
candidates shall be acclaimed. PLEASE consider
becoming part of the School Council!!
HEALTH & SAFETY
Visitors
All visitors entering the building must go to the office
first, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge.
Schoolyard
When dropping your child off at the
schoolyard, please refrain from
entering the fenced play areas. From 8:45 a.m. through
recess and lunch, your child is supervised by our staff.
HEPATITIS AND HPV INNOCULATIONS
Peel Health will continue to offer free
immunization against Hepatitis B for students in grade
7. It is given as a series of two
injections over a period of six months. Grade 8 girls are
also given the opportunity to receive the HPV
inoculation. If you have any questions, please call the
Peel Health Department at (905) 799-7700. The
following date has been assigned to St. Bonaventure
School:
 Dose #1 Hep B for Grade 7’s - November 6, 2014
 HPV for Grade 8 girls - November 6, 2014
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECK (CRC)
Parents are reminded of the Ministry and
Board Policy that requires all volunteers to
provide the school with a Criminal Reference Check
before they begin working with students. Trip
volunteers will also be required to obtain a CRC.
Forms are available at the office, and the process is free
for volunteers. If you have previously volunteered St.
Ursula School, and have done the CRC, you are
required to complete a Criminal Offence Declaration
before beginning volunteering at the school this year.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Oct. 2nd
Oct.6th
Oct.7th
Mon. Oct 12th
Oct. 14th
Oct. 22nd
Oct. 28, 29, 30
Oct.30th
Oct.31st
Terry Fox Run
School BBQ /Meet the Teacher
Walk your child to School
School Council Mtg. 7:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Monday –No School
Opening Mass 1:30 p.m.
School Photo’s
Confirmation Registration
@ St. Anne’s
Halloween @ School
Halloween
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
St. Ursula School Staff 2015-2016
FDK
FDK
FDK
Grade 1
Grade 1 /2
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 3 /4
Grade 4
Grade 4 /5
Grade 5
Grade 5 F.I
Grade 5 F.I.
Grade 6 F.I.
Grade 6
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 8.
Grade 8
FSL
FSL/Planning
Planning
Planning
S.E.R.T.
S.E.R.T./E.S.L.
S.E.R.T./S.E.R.C.
S.E.R.T./Planning
E.R.W.
E.R.W.
ERW.
ERW.
T. Morelli
B. Bisa
K. Bignell
S. Croome
H.King
R.Davis
T. Nicosia
C. Boyle
K. Faria
M. Briganti
I. Basiukiewicz
N. Yousif
M. Sousa
R.Merino
T.de Souza
A.Mensah
T.Staffieiri
M.Lesinski
R.Marcello
L.Blake
A.Moscatinni
N.Policelli
J.Cioffi
J.Atkinson
C.McCallen
D.Rak
J .Thibodeau
D.Pendergast
J. O’Brien
J.Palmer
H.Workman
L.Cheaney
L. Baptista
T.D’Silva
H.Respoli
M. Lewis
C.Y.W.
Psychologist
Social Worker
Speech Pathologist
S.Messina
C. Patterson
S. Bidin
S.Haji
Head Custodian
Night Custodian
Night Custodian
V. Mare
M. Fernandes
M. Mare
Head Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Vice-Principal .5
Principal
G. Galati
C. Tavares
M. Miller
S.Wolfe
We welcome all the new staff members to our School!
We also welcome our New French Immersion students
to our School!