ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
2480 Thorn Lodge Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5K 1K5
Phone: 905-822-3183
Fax: 905-822-7540
Web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/ASSIS
February 2016
Edition
Principal
S. Donaghue
Vice- Principal
L. Ragozzino
Head Secretary
M. Franke
Assistant Secretary
D. McBeth
Superintendent
Mr. David Amaral
905 890-1221
Trustee
Ms. S. Hobin
Bus.:(905)890-1221
Cell: (905)301-1210
Email:
sharon.hobin@dpcdsb.org
Parish
St. Francis of Assisi Church
2473 Thorn Lodge Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5K 1K5
905-822-8132
Pastor
Father Bernard Vellozo
School Council Chairs
ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
The academic year is now more than halfway through
but there are so many wonderful events and activities
still to come. Our student youth faith ambassadors are
busy promoting our Catholic values and cookie sales
for Share Life.
During the month of January, our Grade 8 students
visited Dr. Simone’s warehouse. All classes from
Grades 1-6 began Hip Hop dance lessons. Our Junior
Boys Basketball team won the St. James Invitational
Tournament and our intermediate hockey team
participated in the All Saints Tournament. Our Grade 4
students led our Virtues Assembly on Self-Control and
the Rosary Apostolate team continues to visit our
school to pray the rosary with the students. Our Grade
7 classes have been skiing at Hockley Valley and the
RAID program has started for our Grade 6 students.
The ECO team continues their initiatives, including
Waste-Free Lunches and Waterbottle Wednesdays,
Winter Walk to School Day & Sweater Day.
For the Lenten season, we will be
ordering cheese pizza on Wednesdays.
We will continue with pepperoni after
Easter.
The St. Francis of Assisi community is
invited to our Ash Wednesday celebration
to be held at the school on Wednesday,
Feb. 10th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.. Our
Lenten Mass will be on Thursday
February 18th, 2016 at 9:00am.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
We continue to work in partnership with home, school
and parish to provide a superior Catholic Education for
your child (ren).
As we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day let us ask the Lord
above to fill our hearts and bless our souls with the
precious gift of love.
God Bless,
Mrs. Donaghue & Ms. Ragozzino
This month we will celebrate the virtue of
Respect. God wants us to treat all
people with the respect they deserve.
A respectful person…
S. Perrotta
O. Steele
LENT
St. Francis of
Assisi is now on Twitter!
For the latest school
information, follow us
@DPAssisi
We can make a fresh start too, and try to
keep in touch with God, to be less selfish
and more generous.
What Lenten
promises will you and your child (ren) try
to follow? The emphasis should be on
doing things for Jesus, rather than simply
on giving things up.
Lent is a time of repentance and a preparation for
Easter. It is forty days in length and reminds us of the
time which Jesus spent in the desert preparing for His
ministry. The word ‘Lent’ comes from ‘lencten’, a word
that means springtime. It is the time of the year when
the days are getting longer as spring gets closer. Lent
begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10th, 2016). During
Lent, the morning readings encourage us to say “yes”
to God and “no” to our own selfishness.
 Treats himself / herself and everyone
else with equal consideration and
courtesy.
 Uses a positive tone of voice and
body language
 Avoids swearing, name-calling, put
downs, and inappropriate gestures
 Says ‘Excuse me’, ‘Please’, and
‘Pardon me’ when necessary.
 Avoids gossip.
FROM THE OFFICE
MEDICATION
ARE YOU MOVING?
If you know your family is moving out of our St. Francis of
Assisi boundary, we would like to know. Each year, a number
of families move out of the area and it assists us in our
planning purposes to know whether students will be attending
our school next year. Please inform the office at your earliest
convenience.
UPDATE YOUR RECORDS
Parents, if your home phone number, cell number or work
number or email address has changed please notify the
school office. It is necessary to have current information in
order for us to keep in contact with you.
REPORT CARDS/PARENT CONFERENCES
Your child’s first term report card will be
sent home on Tuesday, February 2nd,
2016. Our Parent Teacher Conferences
will take place on the evening of
Thursday, February 4th, 2016 and
during the P.A. Day on Friday, February
5th, 2016. Your child's teacher will be sending home preferred
times for your parent/teacher conference. Your child’s teacher
is looking forward to discussing your child’s progress this term.
A reminder that students are not allowed to
bring any medication to school. This includes prescription and
non-prescription medication. As per Board protocol, all
medication must be stored in the office, accompanied by
appropriate paperwork and doctor signature. Please note that
this includes Advil, cough medication, puffers, etc. We thank
you for your co-operation in this matter. As always, we care
about the safety of all our students.
LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES
We would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school
community by NOT sending any lunches or snacks that
contain peanuts/nut products. We want St. Francis to be a
safe environment for all students. Thank you for
your assistance with this initiative. When
celebrating a special occasion, we continue to
encourage that only non-edible treats be sent to
school if they are to be shared with other students.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAY –
Monday, April 11, 2016
Terms of the recent contract settlement between the teacher
federations and the Ministry of Education included the
provision of an additional Professional Activity Day for the
2015-2016 school year for both elementary and secondary
schools. Recently, boards were directed to schedule this
additional Professional Development Day on or before April
15, 2016.
In the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the
designated additional Professional Activity Day has been
scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2016.
Therefore, there will be no classes for either elementary
or secondary students on Monday, April 11, 2016.
Thank you for your attention to this addition to the 2015-16
School Year Calendar.
FAMILY DAY
STUDENT MONITOR NEEDED
Monday, February 15th, 2016 will be a Provincial Holiday as
we will celebrate Family Day in Ontario. There will be no
school for students on this day.
We are currently in need of a Student Monitor at St. Francis.
The Student Monitor works Monday-Friday over the lunch
hour (11:25am -12:35pm) supervising students. The position
is effective immediately.
Please contact Ms. Ragozzino if you are interested.
WINTER PLAYGROUND RULES
We continue to promote playground safety at
Francis of Assisi School, especially during the
winter months.
The winter rules include:
 No throwing or kicking of snow or ice in any direction
 Remaining off of ice patches on the field or pavement
 Keeping off of high snow banks
 Keeping snow on the ground
 Not standing under icicles that accumulate along the
roof’s perimeter
 Staying off the field on days that it is designated unsafe
for students
Students who do not follow these rules are putting their own
safety and the safety of others in jeopardy. Therefore,
ongoing failure to follow the playground rules will result in loss
of recess time. Students will also be asked to complete an
incident sheet that will be sent home to be signed by a parent.
CLOSING DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
During the winter months, inclement
weather may cause disruption of bus
transportation and regular school
operations. A decision to cancel school
transportation and/or to close schools is
usually made by 6:00 a.m. and will be
announced on the following radio and TV stations.
Virgin Radio 99.9
CFRB AM 1010
CJCL AM 590
CJBC 860 AM
FM93.1
GLOBAL NEW
EZ Rock FM 97.3
CFTR AM 680
CHFI 98.1
FM Z103.5
CITYPULSE
FM Q107 AM 640
CHUM AM 1050
CFNY FM 102.1
CFRB 1010
AM 1540
CFTO
Also available on our Board Website: www.dpcdsb.org
In the colder weather we often receive requests to allow
children to remain indoors when they have a cold, flu, etc.
Please note that we cannot comply with these requests, as we
have neither the facilities nor the staff to supervise these
students. If you feel your child is not well enough to go
outside, it would be best to keep your child at home.
THE LUNCH LADY
Cold and Flu season is upon us. For
students who ordered from Lunch Lady
who are absent from school, we offer
parents a same day cancellation option.
Parents can contact the Lunch Lady
kitchen up to 8:00 a.m. same day to cancel their child’s lunch
and receive a credit to their account for the missed lunch. You
can contact Lunch Lady at (416) 878-3479.
REMEMBER: Health officials indicate that fresh air is
beneficial, as long as students are dressed appropriately.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
INDOOR RECESS REQUESTS
February is Black History month which coincides very well with
our school efforts to promote a positive understanding of
diversity in our community. Daily music, announcements,
assemblies and drum clinics will be provided for students
throughout the month.
DRY FEET, DRY CLOTHING
Colder weather is upon us! Please ensure that your child
comes to school prepared to participate in all activities,
including outdoor recess. All children should have hats,
scarves, gloves, warm coats and boots. As the rainy season
gives way to slush and snow, all students are reminded to
bring an extra pair of shoes to wear indoors during the winter
months. Fire regulations dictate that all students must have
footwear on at all times.
We would also like to advise parents of children in the primary
grades to send an extra set of clothes (track pants,
sweatshirts, socks, underwear) to school in the winter. These
clothes will be kept at the school to be used when the child is
wet from playing in the snow.
GOLDEN BOOT AWARD
Our hardworking custodian, Mr.
Parkinson, has taken note of the
shoes and boots lined up outside
the doors during the month of
January and picked the following
winning classes for the “Golden
Boot Award”: Ms. Ohinski, Mrs.
Vasquez and Ms. Agathos. Students were given the “Golden
Boot” trophy for their winning week. By lining up the boots
neatly, students are practicing being good community
members and contributing to keeping their environment clean.
Keep up the great work everyone! We look forward to seeing
who next month’s winners will be.
SPORTS
CLUB CORNER
JUNIOR GIRLS / BOYS BASKETBALL
ECO NEWS
The Waste-Free Lunch Week was a big
success. Much awareness was raised
regarding how much garbage each
student/classroom creates and
conversations were had about how to
reduce, reuse and recycle more efficiently.
Thank you to all of the teachers and students for their support.
The Eco team is working hard to prepare future ECO
initiatives such as the Battery Blitz, Earth Hour and The Great
Gulp Challenge. Information will be tweeted out shortly. In the
meantime, please collect your old and used batteries. Send
them to school and we will recycle the batteries for you in an
ECO friendly way. Thank you from your SFA Green Friendly
Eco Team.
CHESS CLUB
Checkmate!
Primary, Junior and Intermediate chess
began in January. SFA girls and boys are
spending many lunch hours honing their chess skills in
preparation for the chance to compete in the upcoming
Mississauga South Chess Tournament. Parents, good luck
competing against your child(ren) in chess!
SCRABBLE CLUB
The scrabble club for Grades 4/5 students
has begun.
Students meet every
Wednesday at 11:50 in Room 206. Make
new words, meet new friends! Come out and play!
Club run by Ms. Amoroso and Ms. Rubini
INTRAMURALS
Grades 1 and 2 students will soon begin participating in
intramurals. Students will play in the gym over the lunch hour,
about 2 times per week, during the months of February and

March. Grade 8 students will demonstrate leadership by
being coaches and referees. We look forward to a great
season!
The Jr. Girls Basketball team participated in
the St. James Invitational Tournament
on Friday, January 15th, 2016. As they start
the basketball season this month, the girls
have been practicing and learning new skills to use for the
games they will be playing. We wish our Jr. Girls Team
and Coaches Mr. Nasato and Ms. Azucena the best of luck in
their upcoming season. Our first game will be on Monday,
February 8th at St. Luke. Thank you to the parents who have
been supporting our team.
Congratulations to the Junior Boys basketball team who won
the Inaugural St. James Invitation Junior Basketball
Tournament on January 19th. Good luck to the boys and
coaches Mr. DaSilva and Mr. Mullen, as they embark in
seasonal play starting on Monday, February 8th at St. Luke.
HOCKEY NEWS
Junior hockey started on January 28th with SFA's
first skate at Huron Park Arena. The
team's second skate will take place on February
11th in preparation for the All Saints Junior
Hockey Tournament happening at Iceland on
February 24th and 25th. Go Flames Go!
Intermediate hockey started in January with the team
participating in the 9th Annual All Saints Intermediate Hockey
Tournament. After round robin play on January 27th, the team
was ranked 1st in the 32 team tournament. Good luck to the
team coached by Mr. Naughton, Mr. Mullen, and Mr.
Jardine as they enter the playoff round at Iceland on Tuesday,
February 2nd! Let's Go Flames!
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday
March 1st, 2016 at 6:30p.m. in the school
library. All parents are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
Tentative Agenda
 Welcome - Council & Updates
 Approval of minutes for January 2016 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
 Fundraising: Chocolate Fundraiser
 School Updates
February 2016
Sun.
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
• “Bigger Than That” AntiBullying Assembly 9:00 am
Report Cards sent
home
• National Sweater Day
7
8
•Grade 7’s skiing
•Chocolate
money due
9
• Shrove Tuesday
Pancakes provided
for all students
•Junior Basketball
@ St. Luke
10
• Ash Wednesday
Paraliturgy @ 10:00am
• “Earth Rangers”
Assembly @ 12:40pm
Friday
5
P.A. Day Reporting to
Parents
• Parent-Teacher Interview
evening
(no school for
students)
11
• Public Speaking
Competition
am – Intermediate
pm – Junior
12
• Primary Skating at Erin Mills
@ 10:00-11:00am
Sat.
6
13
•Youth Education
Officer @ SFA
• Valentine’s Day
dance
• Junior Hockey at Huron
Park @ 4:00-5:00pm
14
15
Family Day
(no school)
21
22
•Grade 7’s skiing
•Hep B clinic
16
•Junior Basketball @
St. Christopher
18
•Junior Basketball @ St. • Lenten Mass @ 9:00am
Louis
• Mississauga South Public
•Junior Skating at Erin
Speaking Competition @ St.
Margaret of Scotland
Mills @ 10:00-11:00am
23
17
24
•Argos Huddle Up
assembly @ 10:00am
•Pink Shirt Day
•All Saints Junior Ice
Hockey Tournament
28
29
• Virtues Assembly
@ 10:55am
•Drum Clinic
25
•Primary Skating at Erin Mills
@ 10:00-11:00am
•Junior Basketball Family
Tournament @ Iona
•Drum Clinic
•Drum Clinic
UPCOMING KEY DATES:
•March 1
Junior Skating at Erin Mills @ 10:00-11:00am
•March 1
Catholic School Council Meeting @ 6:30pm
•March 4
Youth Education Officer @ SFA
•March 9
Mississauga Youth Faith Rally @ Pope John Paul II
•March 14-18 March Break
•March 25
Good Friday (no school)
•March 28
Easter Monday (no school)
•March 30
Mississauga South Chess Tournament @ St. Luke
•March 31
Virtues Assembly @ 2:15pm
19
• Grades 4-8 FreeThrow Competition
@ St. Monica
20
26
27
Volume 3
February
Operations:
Numbers are used to describe
quantities, to count, and to add,
subtract, multiply, and divide. It is
important to recognize when each
operation is appropriate to use and
which tool and/or strategy is most
helpful when solving problems.
Web Resources:
Developing Mindsets that Promote Growth
What do we mean by “growth mindset”?
Growth mindset is a belief system that suggests that one’s
intelligence can be grown or developed with persistence,
effort and a focus on learning.
- Mary Cay Ricci
Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset:
Tip # 5. Praise Effort, Practice and Process – Not Outcome
 When your child succeeds, talk about the work that went
Nelson Math has a home connect for grades 3-8
http://www.mathk8.nelson.com/companion.
html
H
into the success (e.g., “You worked hard on the project
and I’m so happy you did well.”)
 Praise persistence and perseverance (e.g., “I’m so proud
of you for not quitting.”)
Family Math Activities K-3
Big Bi
Ideas
There are many situations to
which an operation is applied,
and there are many
procedures, (algorithms) for
each operation.
 Three people shared some grapes. They all had
the same number of grapes. How many might
there have been? How many do you think there
might not have been? Discuss with your child.
Measurement from 4-6
Big Idea: There are many situations to which an
operation is applied, and there are many
procedures, (algorithms) for each operation.
 There are two types of bread (white and
brown) and 3 types of cheese (cheddar, swiss
and mozzarella). How many ways can you
combine them to make different sandwiches?
Discuss the operations used with your child.
Grades 7 & 8: Continuing the
Conversation about Financial
Literacy!
Let’s discuss how “Advertising” affects our
money decisions…
Discuss with your child which of the following
advertising techniques do you think is the most
effective at influencing your opinion about a
product or service?
1. Repetition – repeating their message over
and over again in an ad or a series of ads
over time. (eg: “I’m lovin’ it”, “Just do it!”)
2. Conformity – aims to have you “get on
board”, be “in” and “get with it”.
3. Imitation – using a celebrity associated
with the goods or service. The advertiser
hopes that those who like and respect the
celebrity will imitate the behaviour by
using the product.
“Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” Luke 6: 29-30
Parent Seminar
Parent Seminar
A series of four interactive, stress-free workshops for parents and
A series of four interactive, stress-free workshops for parents and
care-givers that provides the tools they need to teach children
care-givers that provides the tools they need to teach children
with any level of ability both the skill and love of reading. It is
with any level of ability both the skill and love of reading. It is
on-the-spot training in how to use simple, fun activities and loving
on-the-spot training in how to use simple, fun activities and loving
interactions to bring immediate and sustained success in reading.
interactions to bring immediate and sustained success in reading.
When: Wednesdays, 7 - 9:30 pm, Feb. 3 - 24, 2016
R
O
Fridays, 9:30 am - 12 pm, Feb. 5 - 26, 2016
When: Wednesdays, 7 - 9:30 pm, Feb. 3 - 24, 2016
R
O
Fridays, 9:30 am - 12 pm, Feb. 5 - 26, 2016
Where: The Story Garden, Sheridan Centre
Where: The Story Garden, Sheridan Centre
Cost: $99 per 4 week session
Cost: $99 per 4 week session
read with
NO CHARGE!
... read for
Visit thestorygarden.ca to register today! 647.213.0061
read with
NO CHARGE!
... read for
Visit thestorygarden.ca to register today! 647.213.0061