NEWSLETTER M ay 2 016 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI IS AN ALLERGEN AWARE SCHOOL Please report all ABSENCES & LATES by calling (905) 822-3183 A Mother’s Love A mother’s love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion, of sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, We, the faculty of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School celebrate spirituality and diversity through achieving, believing and community living in an inclusive Catholic environment. We, the parents of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School, in partnership with staff and students, are dedicated to our children’s spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development in a secure environment, at home and in class. Working together, we attain success by educating students to their full potential. For nothing can destroy it or take that love away … It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking … It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems. A many splendored miracle, man cannot understand, And another wondrous evidence of God’s tender guiding hand. Helen Steiner Catholic Education Week is scheduled for the week of May 1-6, 2016. This year's theme is "Opening Doors of Mercy”. The scriptural passage that guides our theme is, We, the students of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School, act and learn as a Catholic “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” ~Matthew 5:7 St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School 2480 Thorn Lodge Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5K 1K5 905.822-3183 phone 905.822-7540 fax Principal: Vice Principal: Secretaries: Pastor: Superintendent: Trustees: S. Donaghue L. Ragozzino M. Franke D. McBeth Fr. Bernard Vellozo D. Amaral S. Hobin R. del Rosario As we approach Catholic Education Week, we are reminded that our Catholic Education is truly a gift. We are able to profess, practice and minister our faith on a daily basis. We invite you to find ways to demonstrate your faith as a family, always looking for opportunities to reflect on how to find joy through the work we do as Catholics. S. Donaghue L. Ragozzino Principal Vice-Principal PARENT INFORMATION In light of the change of seasons, we would ask that you review with your child(ren) appropriate dress expectations. We ask for your support as we encourage a dress code that reflects the school as a place of learning. Please also review with your child(ren) that what may be acceptable in the primary grades may not be appropriate at the junior or intermediate level. Students who come to school with inappropriate attire may be given something from the Lost and Found to wear, or asked to phone their parents to arrange for a change of clothing. EQAO: May 25th—June 8th Grade 3 and Grade 6 dates are as follows: Wednesday, May 25: Grades 3 & 6 AM / Grade 6 PM Thursday, May 26: Grade 6 AM / Grade 3 PM Monday, May 30: Grade 3 AM / Grade 6 PM Tuesday, May 31: Grade 6 AM / Grade 3 PM Wednesday June 1: EQAO Make-Up Day AM/PM Thursday, June 2: Grade 3 AM / Grade 6 PM Friday, June 3: Grade 6 AM / Grade 3 PM Monday June 6: Grade 3 AM / Make-Up PM Please ensure your child is at school during these dates and periods. Do not schedule any appointments or trips during this time. STUDENTS MUST COME TO SCHOOL ON TIME! Helpful strategies for preparing students for Provincial Assessments: EQAO Assessments will begin promptly at 8:30 am. Please ensure your child arrives on time for school on these days. 1. Ensure that your child gets a good night sleep. 2. Ensure that they pack healthy snacks for recess. 3. Make this period as positive and stress free as possible. 4. Encourage your child to do the best that they can. 5. Set aside some time to discuss the assessments with your child before. during and after the assessment days. FLEX BOUNDARY POLICY Parents who have requested flex boundary admittance for their children will be considered on a yearly basis, taking into consideration the number of students enrolling at the school. Students attending under the Flexible Boundary Policy from grades 1 to 8 will receive a confirmation of their flex status by June 5th. 7th ANNUAL HATS OFF 2 KIDZ St. Francis of Assisi school will be participating in the 7th Annual Walk-a-thon in support of Hats Off 2 Kidz, Leukemia Research at Sick Kids Hospital on Thursday May 5th at 12:45pm. Hats off 2 Kidz is a charitable organization in the support of Leukemia Research for the Hospital for Sick Children & Sick Kids Foundation. To date, Hats Off 2 Kidz has raised over $800,000.00. On Event Day, the children are asked to wear a baseball cap and our school colours (RED, WHITE & BLACK) as a sign of support for children living with leukemia and the effects of chemotherapy. In the afternoon we will be having a popcorn & lemonade sale— PLEASE DONATE a toonie for the walk. Popcorn & lemonade will be available for $1.00 after the walk!! “Today we can give a child a reason to smile tomorrow!” Just a reminder: Any requests for class placements for the 2016 –2017 school year must be submitted to the office no later than May 6th. Please refrain from requesting particular teachers. WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN EVENING All new Kindergarten children registered for September 2016 are invited to attend a workshop with their parent(s) on Tuesday May 26th at 6:00p.m. in the school gymnasium. The workshop will focus on strategies and activities for preparing your child to attend school. Each child will receive a Welcome to Kindergarten bag with magnetic letters and numbers, books, crayons, scissors, paper, glue, play dough and more. The materials are excellent for the children and their parents to use in preparation for Kindergarten. The resources are provided by the “Learning Partnership”, supported by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. PARENT INFORMATION First Holy Communion On Sunday, April 10th at 3:00pm our grade 2 students received the sacrament of Holy Communion at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. A special thanks to Mrs. Male, Mrs. Hyland and Mrs. Wittemund for all their support and organization for this sacrament. May 2—6 Catholic Education Week: celebrations all week May 3 Joe Sax Festival @ Iona May 3 6:30pm—Catholic School Council Mtg. May 4 9:30am—Grade 7 Confirmation Rehearsal and Reconciliation May 4 7:00pm—Grade 7 Confirmation May 5 Intermediate Basketball @ St. Joseph May 10-12 May 13 PA Day (no school for students) May 16 Track and Field Day—Grades 4-8 May 17 Red Maple Festival @ Harbourfront May 18-20 Grade 8 Graduation Information The graduation ceremony for our Grade 8 students is taking place on Wednesday June 29th. We will be having a liturgy and graduation ceremony at 10:00am at the school and then students will head over to Oasis Banquet Hall for their lunch and dance. More details to follow in the coming weeks. X-Movement @ SFA May 23 Grade 8’s to Camp Muskoka Victoria Day May 25-June 8 EQAO—Grades 3 and 6 May 25 8:50am—Crowing of Mary (primary) May 25 10:00am—Crowning of Mary (junior And intermediate) May 26 6:00-7:30pm—Welcome to Kindergarten evening June 1 Intermediate Girls Softball Tourney June 2 Intermediate Boys Softball Tourney June 9 Play Day SUMMER LITERACY CAMP June 13 PA Day (no school for students) Summer Literacy Camp will be held at a variety of locations from July 11-29, 2016. This extremely worthwhile program is offered to children S.K. to Grade 6 at a cost of $300 for all three weeks. The deadline for applications is May 27th. Your child’s teacher has further information available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Policelli June 13 6:30pm—Catholic School Council Mtg. June 15 Grade 7 Hep. B. & Grade 8 HPV June 16 Teams / Clubs Photo Day June 20 9:00am—Year-End Mass June 21&23 6:30pm—Talent Show June 27-29 Grade 3’s Swim to Survive GRADE 7 AND 8 SUMMER SCHOOL Grade 7 and 8 students are eligible to attend Remedial Literacy and Numeracy classes from July 4 to July 22, 2016. There is no cost for the program and busing is provided. The deadline for applications is May 27th. If you would like more information please contact Mr. Mullen. June 28 FDK Celebration June 29 Grade 8 graduation and luncheon June 30 Last Day of School Catholic Education Week Activities: May 2nd—May 6th This week we celebrate Opening the Doors of Mercy as our theme for Catholic Education Week. We here at SFA as a staff open our school doors and invite our community in to witness Catholic education in action. Thank you for supporting Catholic education. Mindfulness Monday – emphasis on being mindful & calming strategies Monday May 2, 2016 8:45am - Opening Liturgy (Mr. daSilva) – WELCOME PARENTS Mercy that Welcomes 11:31-12:31pm – LEGO Club (Grade 3) – Library Mindfulness Monday 11:31-12:31pm – Girls Workshop Grs 7&8 girls are invited to have lunch & chat about mindfulness, social media, well-being 2:50 Whole School Mindfulness Activity Let’s talk Tuesday – talk about Kids Help & well-being Tuesday May 3, 2016 Mercy that Loves Let’s Talk Tuesday Joe Sax Festival @ Iona Intra-Murals – Thibault (Teams 1 v 4 & 5 v 8) EQAO Tutoring, 6:30pm – Catholic School Council meeting – WELCOME PARENTS Wellness Wednesday – Emphasis on Sleep routines Wednesday May 4, 2016 Golf – Grade 6’s Mercy that Forgives 9:00 AM – Grade 7 Church rehearsal & reconciliation Wellness Wednesday 9:15-11:30 AM Mr. Mullen & diversity students to Iona 11:31-12:31pm – LEGO Club (Grade 1) - Library 7:00pm - Grade 7 Confirmation– WELCOME PARENTS Thoughtful Thursday – emphasis of random acts of kindness & thoughtfulness Thursday May 5, 2016 Mercy that Lives the Gospel Thoughtful Thursday Intermediate basketball @ St. Joseph (M rs. Belmonte & Mr. Simunec)-WELCOME PARENTS 9:00am – Primary Poetry Recital in gym – WELCOME PARENTS 10:00-11:30 – Junior Hallway Gallery Walk – WELCOME PARENTS 11:31-12:31pm – LEGO Club (Grade 2) – Library 12:45 – Hats off to SICK KIDS walk /Popcorn & Lemonade Sale – DONATIONS PLEASE – WELCOME PARENTS EQAO Tutoring Fun-Fit-Friday – emphasis on physical well-being / Stop-Drop-Dance Friday May 6, 2016 9:30 AM FDK Celebrations & Mother’s Day Tea—WELCOME PARENTS Mercy that Rejoices 10:36-3:00pm – PALS Training (Grade 5 students, Ms. Donaher & Ms. Ragozzino in the gym Fun-Fit-Friday 11:31-12:31pm – LEGO Club (Grades 4-6) – Library 12:45 Intermediate Division In-class drama presentations – WELCOME PARENTS VIRTUES Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for exemplifying the virtue of Love for April Class Mrs. Gatto Mrs. Vasquez & Ms. McLaughlin Mrs. Savoia & Ms. Avila Mrs. Furtado-Rego and Ms. Azucena Ms. Harty Mrs. Agathos Mrs. Hyland Ms. Male Mrs. Wittemund Student Vanessa M. Daniel H., Daniel S. Melanie P. and Chike U. Ella G., Olivia K., Gavin S. Valentina C., Brayden J., Liliana M. Nicole S., Marcel M. Marco M., Arielle S., Mika S. Hayden B., Bohdey S. Emmanuel K. Mrs. Thibault Erin S., Nolan D. Ms. Amoroso Jacob S., Maya P. Ms. Ohinski Julian M., Konrad S. Mrs. Jaseliunas Victoria T. Mrs. Siemons Maggie F. Mrs. Ferens Lucas L., Sutton B., Vivek A. Mrs. Rubini Matteo M., Tyler L., David E. Mr. Nasato Victoria U., Sabrina V. Mr. Condotta Ms. Alves Alec W., Dante J. Morgan S. Ms. Fitzgerald Rafe H., Juleeza M., Kerianne P. Mr. Naughton Ryan A., Makayla L. Mrs. Belmonte Shawn Y., Sandy K. Mr. Simunec John-Michael M. On Apr. 21st, St. Francis of Assisi’s colour houses participated in an afternoon of community building. The whole school gathered in the gym to meet the members of their colour house group and their teacher leader. Each student participated in activities with their group, including drawing or writing about their gifts and talents they can bring to their colour house on their own handprint. The afternoon ended on a high note as all of the colour houses gathered in the gym after placing their handprint on our school rainbow. EARTH WEEK AT SFA Under the leadership of our ECO Team, all students at participated in Earth Week activities, including: Making a pledge to keep our planet healthy On “Star Wars” day, R2D2 and ECO Team members collected used batteries to be recycled as part of our April Battery Blitz Going outside and writing Earth Week friendly messages on the sidewalk with chalk Participating in our first Colour House activity Watching the HBO documentary “Saving My Tomorrow” Participating in “Spring Clean Up” by cleaning out desks, cupboards, etc. Going outside to clean up the peace garden, playground pavement area, baseball diamond, field, park and tennis court area Congrats to the primary chess team for placing 4th at the Mississauga South chess tournament on April 30th and to all who represented SFA on that day. Our students all put forth their best effort and displayed good sportsmanship at the tournament. Primary Team: Christopher B., Robert C., Tyler W., Anthony N., James K., Albrent Z. Junior Team: Luca M., Anthony A., Xavier W. Cody B. Kyle S. Jonny L. Intermediate Team: Nicholas L. Andrew A. Kyle R. Sebastian R. Romnick D. On April 4th, the St. Francis of Assisi Jr. Hockey Team participated in the Annual St. Timothy’s Invitational Hockey Tournament. With only 1 loss (1-0) and 2 wins in round robin play, the team went on to beat All Saints school in the semifinal, before winning 9 -1 over Dolphin Public School in their tier Championship! Congratulations to the following players and coaches: Evan B., Andrew D., David E., Taye E-L., Lucas L., William L., Luca M., Brennan M., Nikko N., Julian P., Zackery P., Matthew S., Kadyn S., Jake W., Cameron C. and Nathan P., Coach Murphy, Coach Nebel, Coach Elmy, and Coach Mullen. A BIG shout out has to go to the solid support from the greater SFA family during the tournament! Go Flames Go! Intermediate Basketball Congratulations to both the boys and girls intermediate basketball teams for a very successful start to their seasons. Both the boys and girls teams finished the league play with a perfect 3-0 record! The teams will now have some time to fine tune their skills before they compete in the family finals at St. Joseph's high school on May 5. Best of luck to both teams- bring home the gold!!! SFA All the Way!!! JUNIOR HOCKEY 2016 - 2017 Modified School Year Calendar First day of classes Elementary and Secondary Schools First Day of classes Semester 2 Secondary School Year ends Elementary and Secondary Schools Number of school days for the 2016 – 2017 school year Number of Instructional Days in Elementary Schools Number of Instructional Days in Secondary Schools Number of Professional Activity Days in Elementary Schools Number of Professional Activity Days in Secondary Schools Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Friday, February 3, 2017 Friday, June 30, 2017 194 187 187 7 7 School Holidays for the 2016-2017 School Year Every Saturday and Sunday Labour Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Break (inclusive) Family Day Mid-Winter Break Good Friday Easter Monday Victoria Day Monday, September 5, 2016 Monday, October 10, 2016 Monday, December 26, 2016 to Friday, January 6, 2017 Monday, February 20, 2017 Monday, March 13, 2017 to Friday, March 17, 2017 (inclusive) Friday, April 14, 2017 Monday, April 17, 2017 Monday, May 22, 2017 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Elementary Schools – Professional Activity Days Friday, September 16, 2016 Principal’s Day: Re-organization/Faith Development Friday, November 18, 2016 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Monday, January 23, 2017 Term 1 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress Friday, February 10, 2017 Reporting to Parents Friday, May 12, 2017 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Monday, June 12, 2017 Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress Friday, June 30, 2017 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. St. Sofia Only – Professional Activity Days Friday, September 16, 2016 Principal’s Day: Re-organization/Faith Development Friday, November 18, 2016 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Monday, January 23, 2017 Term 1 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress Friday, February 10, 2017 Reporting to Parents Friday, May 12, 2017 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Monday, June 12, 2017 Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress Friday, June 30, 2017 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Secondary Schools – Professional Activity Days Friday, September 16, 2016 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Friday, November 18, 2016 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Thursday, February 2, 2017 Principal’s Day: Semester Turnaround Friday, May 12, 2017 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context Wednesday, June 28, 2017 *Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities Thursday, June 29, 2017 *Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities Friday, June 30, 2017 *Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities *Semester and year end evaluations and school wide promotion meetings; contact parents with summer school recommendations, OSR and report card preparation; inventory management of books, equipment, learning materials; curriculum development for new course outlines; goal setting for the upcoming school year. Secondary Schools – Examination Days Semester 1: January 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 2017 Semester 2: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 2017 February 1, 2017 – Instructional Day – Examination Review June 27, 2017 – Instructional Day – Examination Review Summer Literacy Camp 2016 Community Information A Literacy Reinforcement and Enhancement Program for Students SK through Grade Six Oral Language: Reading: Writing: Listening and Speaking Fluency, Motivation, Comprehension Text Forms and the Traits of Writing Writing Process (Retelling and Proficient Reader Strategies) Foundational Skills: Phonemic Awareness, Letter Sound Identification, Concepts about Print, Hearing and Recording Sounds in Words, High Frequency Words Friday Fun Days! Spelling/ Phonics/ Working with Words/ Grammar / Vocabulary Development Reader’s Theatre Literacy experiences Literacy Camp provides a fun and innovative environment for learners! Small group and individual attention for students Balanced literacy curriculum with lessons planned for your child’s individual learning needs REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration is available only through teacher referral. Dates: Monday July 11th – Friday July 29th Days: Weekdays Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cost: $300 for full 3-week session MISSISSAUGA Father Daniel Zanon 450 Hillcrest Ave. St. Bernard of Clairvaux 3345 Escada Dr. St. Catherine of Siena 2350 Hurontario St. S. St. Gregory 1075 Swinbourne Dr. St. John of the Cross 3180 Aquitaine Ave. St. Louis 1450 Lewisham Dr. St. Pio of Pietrelcina 4765 Huron Heights Dr BRAMPTON Lester B. Pearson 140 Howden Blvd. St. Angela Merici 83 Edenbrook Hill Dr. St. Jean-Marie Vianney 75 Jordensen Dr. Ven. Michael J. McGivney 450 Fernforest Dr. St. Nicholas BOLTON 120 Harvest Moon Drive Registration forms are available at all Dufferin-Peel Elementary Schools after March Break. For registration information please call 905-891-9263 ext. 0 Offered by the Department of Adult and Continuing Education Registration Forms to be submitted to school by May 27, 2016. Parent Seminar ____________________________________________ What: A series of 4 interactive workshops for parents and care-givers that teaches you how to instill in your children both the love and skill of reading. You’ll gain on-the-spot training in how to use simple, fun activities and loving interactions to see immediate and sustained success in reading. BONUS: You’ll receive a fabulous kit to get you going right away. When: Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., May 10, 17, 24 & 31 OR Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., May 6, 13, 20 & 27 Where: The Story Garden at Sheridan Centre Cost: FREE! (The $99 cost for each participant is being covered by a Parents Reaching Out grant from the Ministry of Education!) * Please note that this is a parent/adult only workshop. We are unable to provide childcare. Register: Email jane@thestorygarden.ca or call 647-213-0061 or drop by The Story Garden to sign up in person. Visit thestorygarden.ca to learn more. ___________________________________ Volume 3 May Probability: A number from 0 to 1 that shows how likely it is that an event will happen. Developing Mindsets that Promote Growth What do we mean by “growth mindset”? NEW The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. – Carol S. Dweck Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset: Tip # 8. Point Out the Perseverance/Effort of Favourite Athletes and Stars Web Resources: http://www.tvokids.com/search?search=probability Family Math Activities K-3 Big Bi Ideas In probability situations,one can never be sure what will happen next. Try this game during a car ride: Call out events and have your child decide the likelihood that it will happen using the words equally likely, less likely, more likely, certain or impossible. You are limited only by your imagination! (e.g. we will swim in January, a dinosaur is coming to the local zoo, the leaves will change in the fall) Discuss what habits (focus, goal-setting, daily practice, commitment) enabled the athlete to be so successful. Try to avoid referring to a star athlete’s “natural” talent or “effortless” ability (it was hard work!). Grades 7 & 8: Continuing the Conversation about Financial Literacy Let’s discuss the function of money… There are 3 basic functions: 1. To Purchase 2. To Save 3. To Give Discuss with your children, how these functions integrate into your family life. Try to make explicit connections to these functions in order to support your child’s understanding of the role and value of money. Probability from 4-6 Experimental Probability (a real-life experience): Suppose we have three pairs of socks in a drawer, one blue pair, one green pair, and one red pair. What is the probability of getting a matching pair if we reach into the drawer and, without looking, pick two socks? Try it out! Theoretical Probability (based on analyzing what could happen): Suppose you have three pairs of socks in the laundry, one blue pair, one green pair, and one red pair. Now suppose that somehow four socks disappear. Which is more likely: that the two socks that are left will match or that they will not match? “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 1-4) PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Keaton Centre, 5685 Keaton Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario. L5R 3H5 Phone: 905 890-6000 1 800 668-1140 Fax: (905) 890-6033 www.stopr.ca SAVE THE DATE! April 2016 Dear Parents, On Saturday, August 27, 2016 we will be holding our twenty-fourth annual YOUNG RIDER ORIENTATION DAY for ALL Kindergarten children. The intent of the day is to introduce children to school buses in an informal setting prior to the first day of school. We encourage you to participate by bringing your kindergarten children and elementary age siblings to a one hour program between the hours of 9:00 am and 12 noon. Bus rides and a school bus safety video are only part of the informative fun. All Young Rider Days have been tremendous successes. We look forward to having a wonderful time with each of you and your children. Detailed information concerning site locations will be provided in April. Sincerely, Tom Howe, Manager, Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) WELCOMING ALL KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN TO YOUNG RIDER ORIENTATION DAY Introduce your children to school buses prior to the first day of school Saturday, August 27, 2016 9:00 am – 12:00 noon We encourage you to participate by bringing your kindergarten children and elementary age siblings to a one hour program between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. Bus rides and a school bus safety video are only part of the informative fun! To confirm your attendance and preferred time slot, please contact one of the bus companies listed below in June 2016. REGION East Mississauga BUS COMPANY First Student Canada (Wolfedale Division) TELEPHONE # 905 270-0561 Central Mississauga Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc. 905 276-2224 West Mississauga Attridge Transportation 905 855-7771 Bramalea Parkview Transit 905 857-9894 Brampton Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc. 905 362-1967 Caledon/Dufferin Parkview Transit 905 584-0400 LOCATION Philip Pocock SS 4555 Tomken Rd. Mississauga, ON Fr. Michael Goetz SS 330 Central Parkway W., Mississauga, ON West Credit SS 6325 Montevideo Rd. Mississauga, ON Chinguacousy SS 1370 Williams Parkway Brampton, ON Turner Fenton SS 7935 Kennedy Road S., Brampton, ON Humberview SS 135 Kingsview Dr., Bolton, ON