Cardinal Ambrozic
Catholic Secondary
School
10 Castle Oaks
Crossing
Brampton, On.
L6P 3A2
905-913-2989
Principal:
Mr. Lariviere
Vice-Principals:
Ms. Burazin
Ms. Tousignant
Secretary:
Mrs. D’Agostino
Chaplain:
Mr. Minardi
Lead Hand:
Mr. Mazzatelli
Trustee: Wards 7-10
Mr. McLauchlan
Superintendent:
Mr. Vecchiarino
Pastor St. Patrick’s
Parish:
Rev. V. Papais
Cardinal Ambrozic Secondary Celebrates
Mass with the Ambrozic Family
Greetings from Our Principal
By Mr. Lariviere, Principal
Welcome Back River Hawk community! It feels like only yesterday we experienced a 97%
graduation rate with our Class of 2013. The staff and students are already actively participating in the wide variety of student engagement activities offered here at the school. Our
student athletes, leadership groups and extra time and support initiatives are well on their
way and rooted in providing all of our students the opportunities to improve themselves as
individuals and students.
I am pleased to have the opportunity once again, to lead such a dynamic and innovative
learning community. Our outstanding senior administration, teachers, support staff, parent
council, parishes, and parents working collectively are what make our Cardinal Ambrozic
Community thrive.
As always we are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for our students to become 21 st century learners while developing our Catholic Graduate Expectations. Once again, we have a number of great parent involvement opportunities this year
and we encourage you to get out and experience our Parent Night Out (dates to follow).
Our River Hawks Soaring to Success Inquiry focus this year is an on-going effort to support our students in their critical and collaborative thinking skills in all their learning.
Again, welcome back and please follow us on our school website and Twitter link. Thank you for choosing Cardinal Ambrozic and
Catholic Education.
God Bless!
Mr. T. Lariviere
River Hawks
Soaring to
Success!
Chaplaincy News
By A. Minardi, Chaplaincy Leader
It’s official. I’m back….After 2 years at home with my children, helping and doing my part in raising my
family, I return to my place of work, or better yet, my 2 nd home here at Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School to continue the great and many works of all staff and students as we enter our 5 th year
of instruction in the City of Brampton.
I’m both thrilled and ecstatic of what I have come to recognize upon my return. A school that now
houses all classrooms and 7 portables. A staff of close to 100 and a student body of just under 1300. An
Eco-friendly school and High Skills Majors in sports and non profit social justice. Many new faces, but
with much to provide and yield as we continue to move forward as God’s Hands here at CA.
As we come into a new school year, let us be mindful of the following graces that we have been given
by God and by God Alone:
God’s Love in all of Creation
We have been created in God’s image and God loved us into being. We did not choose God, but rather
he chose us, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (Jn 5:16), therefore there are no words or actions that can ever take us away from God’s infinite love and mercy.
Human Dignity and Respect
Being created in the image of God we are affirmed in our humanity an inherent human dignity and respect that comes from God, Our Creator, who treats all of His creation equally and with no judgement. We are loved just as we
are, right here, right now in our life- "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10).
Our Faith
This is a gift which was given freely to us in the Sacrament of Baptism. God forever promised us a covenant of new life in Jesus
Christ. A life which has secured for each and every one of us eternal rest in the Lord. The resurrection of the Lord is the greatest
testament of the gift of faith which we have been given. Therefore, in all we do, let us grow this gift of faith and share it with others, "We are God’s Hands"- St. Teresa of Avila.
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Discover the World @ your Ambrozic Library!
By C. Crescenzi, Teacher Librarian
Welcome river hawk readers! The Ambrozic library is back into the swing of things with students coming in before school and on their lunches to take out books, research, read and use the computers. We also have a new
addition in the library this year, Ms. Tang! Ms. Tang will be our library technician until April.
The library has also been busy with grade 9 library orientations. All grade 9 homeroom classes will be visiting the
library during the month of September where students will learn how
the library works. In particular, taking our books, using our library databases, and
searching our circulation system. The library has also been busy with Social Sciences, Religion and Science classes coming for MLA, APA and how to do research
presentations.
From recent purchases and generous donations our collection has grown! We
have added 500 new books, 10 new magazines and 2 new newspapers to our collection. Our eBook collection has also grown as students now have access to over
3500 non-fiction titles.
I am very excited to announce that the Ambrozic Bookies are continuing with the
Forest of Reading book club this year. Miss Restivo and I are eager to hear the
selections made for the White Pine program. All staff and students are welcome
to join the conversation!
Eco News
By C. Crescenzi, Teacher Librarian
Congratulations Ambrozic, we successfully completed another year as part of The Ontario EcoSchools Program where we
received a GOLD rating!!! We excelled in the areas of teamwork and leadership, energy and conservation, waste management, school ground greening and environmental stewardship.
One of the most exciting projects that we took part in was the EcoSchools Video Project. The EcoSquad and students from
the Communications Technology Program worked together to make a documentary on how to complete a waste audit and
how to communicate the results. The documentary was shown at the Living Arts Center as part of an Eco Film Fest. What a
terrific opportunity!
GO GREEN AMBROZIC!!!
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B. R. A. V. E. Update
By D. Jones , CYW and L. Zoffranieri, Academic Resource Teacher
Stand Up with B.R.A.V.E this Year!
GIRLS NIGHT IN PROMISES TO BE A FUN EVENT!
Welcome back to a new school year! B.R.A.V.E stands for Brampton Riverhawks Anti-Violence Education. We are looking for new members to join our team and we welcome anyone interested. Many of the programs we implement focus on; violence prevention, victim impact awareness, conflict resolution, mental health awareness, diversity and equity, community building, and promotion on health and wellness. Many of the students who participate in BRAVE are
able to deal with life situations in a positive manner and co-exist in harmony. This group is opened to all students and
continues to provide a sense of connection and leadership opportunities. We will be announcing our first meeting date
on the PA and at http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/TBrave/. One of the first exciting events we will be
hosting will be our annual Grade 9 Girls Night Out. All grade 9 girls are invited to attend this event on the evening of
Friday, October 25th. We have many fun activities such as a spa with nail art, make up, henna, hair braiding. We also
have educational sessions on bullying, self-esteem, healthy eating and
goal setting. Our theme for this year is courage and we have some special surprises in store for our girls. We also have some amazing guest
speakers planned. Senior BRAVE students will be guiding our grade 9s
on this night.
Our New Future Aces Program
By D. Jones, CYW and L. Zoffranieri, Academic Resource Teacher
FUTURE ACES is Back! Earn Yourself a Positive Ticket for Prizes by Following our House Virtues.
Herbert H. Carnegie, C.M., O.Ont., O.M.C., LL.D. (Hon) was the creator of the Future Aces program. We are
lucky to have a Future Aces program at our school. Our team is made up of 20 students with students from
each grade represented. Senior students will attend a leadership workshop in the fall and junior students
will have a chance to attend a 3 day overnight leadership trip at Horseshoe Valley in November. Our Future
Aces leader will meet with our group twice a month (Thursdays) to help us plan engaging student activities. We will
also have a school wide assembly on the future aces program hosted by the amazing Bernice Carnegie. Check out
their website at http://www.futureaces.org/ for more information.
What are the positive tickets about? If a student is caught in the act of doing something good, they can earn a positive ticket. Their name will go into a month draw for a great prize. Take a look at the virtues hanging up on Cardinal
Ave. and this will remind you about what we are looking for. We are very excited about how the Future Aces Creed
ties in well with our existing Virtues. Good Luck Everyone and we hope you are caught
doing a random act of kindness!
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Link Crew
By T. Abbruscato, Academic Resource Teacher
Link Crew is a transition program at Cardinal Ambrozic designed to help our new grade 9 students adjust to
high school life. Link Crew is made up of a group of dedicated Grade 11 and 12 students from diverse backgrounds in our Ambrozic community. Link Leaders are trained to act as positive role models and mentors to
steer grade 9’s in the right direction.
Link Leaders began this year by hosting the Grade 9 orientation on August 28th. The goal was to welcome
grade 9’s to Ambrozic, have them become familiar with each other and their surroundings, as well as promote several
messages about how to be successful in high school.
In addition to helping students become acquainted
with the school, Link Leaders help Grade 9 students
understand the importance of school spirit, establishing relationships, getting involved and how to be academically successful.
Link Crew Leaders
pledge to continue to
be positive role models in the Ambrozic
community. We look
forward to the many
events ahead of us
this year!
Get Ready Program
By N. Roberts, Student Success Teacher
During the last week of August Cardinal Ambrozic welcomed 170 new Riverhawks through the “Get Ready” program. The new Grade 9 students were introduced to the vision of High School life that includes uniforms, a rotating
schedule and positive attitude. They spent five mornings reviewing numeracy, literacy and study skills.
At the beginning of the program the halls were filled with a nervous anticipation which was transformed into hopeful expectation of the coming year. It was a joy to have the
school buzzing with the energy and life of new students.
School buzzing with the energy and life of new students!
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Media Trip
By C. Grossi-Sperandio, English Teacher and F. Dovigo, Communication Technology Teacher
Students in Mrs. Grossi-Sperandio's EPS 3O1 class, Effective Presentation and Speaking Skills are
looking forward to stepping out of their own communication comfort zones and to assessing the
communication skills of those in various workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to strengthen their own communication skills by attending a Second City workshop and to
assess the effectiveness of workplace communications in various Toronto locations such as
Kensington Market, Chinatown and the Eaton Centre.
Ambrozic Travels
By F. Groe, Hospitality & Tourism and Technology Teacher
Wouldn’t it be nice to savour the smells, tastes and aromas while taking in the beautiful sceneries in Paris,
Provence, Nice or Sienna? If you answered yes...Well, think and dream no longer! This is your opportunity to
take part in this once and a lifetime experience and savour in the very best culinary adventures that French
and Italian cuisine have to offer!
Cardinal Ambrozic students and staff along with EF Educational Tours will be traveling a total of 11 glorious days departing Thursday March 6, 2014 and returning
Sunday March 16, 2014 to such destinations as Paris, Provence, Nice, Monaco,
Eze, Florence, Sienna and Rome taking in all of the wonderful sites and attractions
which include Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the palace of Versailles, an Olive oil mill
in Provence, the Vatican and also take part in a few culinary adventures at the
famous Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris to Lella’s cooking school in Sienna
overlooking the beautiful Tuscan countryside!
For those interested in partaking in this amazing experience, please see Mr. Groe,
Ms. Pallotta, Mrs. Bevilacqua or Mr. Vella for further details and to obtain an information/student permission form package. Also, please
stay tuned to the morning announcements for any important updates regarding trip payment and permission
form deadlines and any information meetings that you may
need to attend.
March 6, 2014 — March 16, 2014
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Ambrozic Fashion Frenzy
By C. Venier, Fashion and Technology Teacher
Cardinal Ambrozic’s fashion students are buzzing with excitement as they begin the Fall term.
Our Focus:
As the fashion industry is a business, our program is built to reflect this reality. Students will walk
away with a practical view of the fashion industry and get an opportunity to apply their course knowledge to
creatively solve design problems. Specifically, they will design clothing collections for a specific market; one
they will research from a business standpoint.
Course Highlights and Learning Goals:
Grades 11 and 12 students’ learning goals are centered on the fundamentals of design and construction.
Specifically, students will learn how to sew using industry standard practices and how to communicate their
design ideas effectively. In addition, fashion students will gain invaluable knowledge in marketing, the Canadian apparel industry, textiles, the global marketplace, and environmental responsibility. A semester end
fashion show will feature their creations. The fashion program is purposefully structured as to foster a high
level of critical thinking skills that will in turn help students in all areas of study in support of our school’s
learning goals.
Design and Construction Skills:
 Sewing with Industrial Machines
 Styling
 Measuring and Fitting
 Reading and Using Commercial Patterns
 Illustrating
 Designing
Other Skills:
 Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
 Time Management
 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
 Team Work
 Researching
 Project Planning
 Presentation
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Administrative Items
Important Dates:
Spirit Wear Days Semester 1:
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Opening Mass: September 6
Picture Day: September 11
Academic Update: October 4
Open House: October 10 , 6:30-8:30 p.m.
P.A Day: October 11
Thanksgiving: October 14
Parent Interviews: October 17, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Academic Awards Ceremony: October 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Girls Night In: October 25
Take Our Kids to work Day: November 6 (grade 9’s)
Permission forms are due October 25th.
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Mid-Term Report Card: November 12
Academic Updates: December 12
Christmas Music Concert; December 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
P.A. Day: December 20
Christmas Break: December 23 to January 3
Semester 1 Exams: January 22-28
Semester 2 Begins: January 31
OSSLT Literacy Day: March 27
Prom: June 6
Graduation: June 24
September 25
October 1
October 16
October 31
November 13
November 27
December 11
December 17
Pyramid of Interventions:
At Ambrozic, student success is dependent on a full
school team effort and response when a student is
experiencing difficulty learning. The Ambrozic Pyramid of Interventions is a structural pyramid of proactive strategies and responses to ensure students
have the opportunity to experience success. If you
require further information please contact the
Guidance Department or Administration.
Sabrina’s Law
We have a number of Ambrozic students who have life threatening allergies to food products including peanuts and
all types of nuts. If peanut butter or even the smallest amount of peanut oil or any type of nut enters the body by
touching or eating, severe life threatening symptoms occur and without immediate medical treatment the student
could die. Our concern is for foods where peanuts or nuts might be a “hidden” ingredient, and where cross contamination may occur by touching computer keys, or a ball previously handled another student who had peanut/nut oil
on their hands. The school cafeteria , vending machines and the food our hospitality class uses is nut free and adheres to Sabrina's Law. We do realize this request may require added effort for you when packing your child’s lunch
and snacks; however, we wish to express sincere appreciation for your support and understanding regarding this life
-threatening condition. Students requiring administration of injection medication—epi-pen— who have not already
contacted the main office for the appropriate emergency forms are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Health Issues? - Contact the Main Office
House System:
Students at Cardinal Ambrozic are randomly assigned to Houses. They participate in various spirit activities throughout the year in their House group. Students are awarded points on a regular basis for their participation in clubs and
teams and for random acts of kindness. The house with the most points is rewarded at the end of each month with a
celebration of success and individual spirit awards are given. At the end of the school year a House Gala celebrates
student success and a house cup is awarded. The House banners which were graciously donated by the parent council
C.A.R.E. fund are proudly displayed on Cardinal Ave. The pictures of the hands are from our own staff and students.
The house names were selected by our student prefects and are as follows:
Courage , Justice, Loyalty, Perseverance, Faith, Hope, Empathy
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Administrative Items
River Hawk Parking Lot:
To ensure the safety of all students and alignment with the recommendations of the Brampton Safety Council, we
are requesting those who enter our premises to abide by the directional signage and respect the 15 km/hr speed
limit. We will be installing 5 speed bumps to deter speeding on our property.
We would ask that if your child drives to school that they refer to the conditions in the student agenda.
Please remember school busses always have the right of way. Please continue to respect the staff that is on bus
duty directing traffic afterschool.
Religious Accommodation Requests, 2013-2014
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is committed to providing quality Catholic education. The Board recognizes that the school system gives pre-eminence to the tenets of the Catholic faith, congruent with the protection
afforded in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Constitution Act, 1982 and confirmed in the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms.
The Board acknowledges that any form of social or cultural discrimination is incompatible with Catholic moral principles and is in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Board and its staff are committed to the elimination of
discrimination as outlined in Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy and the Ontario Ministry of Education
Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119, in a manner which is consistent with the exercise of the Board’s denominational rights under section 93 of the Constitution Act, 1867 and as recognized in section 19 of the Ontario Human Rights
Code.
The Board is committed to the values of freedom of religion and freedom from discriminatory or harassing behaviours
based on religion and will take all reasonable steps to provide religious accommodations within the legal rights afforded to the Catholic school system. Students requesting religious accommodations must present written notice from
their parents/guardians specifying their accommodation needs relating to religious observances, including holy days on
which they will be absent from school. This notice should be made in advance (preferably at the beginning of each
school year) to ensure that scheduling of major evaluations, such as tests, assignments or examinations, takes the religious observances into consideration.
If further information is required regarding Religious Accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Principal
Catholic Education in Dufferin-Peel Report to the
Community 2013
We are pleased to present you with the Board’s fall 2013 edition of Catholic Education in Dufferin-Peel: Report to the
Community 2013, a document highlighting events, activities and accomplishments across the board over the 2012-13
school year. The highlighted areas are grouped in alignment with our System Direction pillars. The report is available
on the board website at http://www.dpcdsb.org/NR/rdonlyres/FBD77489-7093-4165-B54C73A3BC15E151/122853/2013ReporttotheCommunity.pdf and on the Communications Portal http://dp24/
communications/.
This document is being distributed to parents/guardians, staff, parish priests, the Archdiocese, our MPPs and MPs, local mayors, and to others in the community through libraries, and community centres.
The success of this board is due to the collaborative efforts of many. Our common vision, standard of excellence and
shared faith values are evident in all that we do and is certainly reflected in the great work highlighted in this report.
Thank you for your role in helping make Dufferin-Peel one of the leading school boards in Canada.
Executive Council
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Are You Ticked?
Direction of school support has long been an issue for Catholic
school boards in Ontario. The fact is that, unless the municipality
is notified, the school support designation, for assessment purposes, automatically defaults to public school support when an
individual or family moves to a new address.
This may have an impact on students’ eligibility to attend Catholic
elementary schools, trustee representation on school boards,
and on government perception of support for Catholic education.
We want to bring a greater awareness around this matter and
have created the Are You Ticked? campaign as the communication vehicle for this awareness.
If you would like more information on school support designation
or would like us to help you check or change your school support
designation to the Catholic system, please call us at (905) 8900708, ext. 24512.
STOPR—Student Transportation of Peel Region
Internet Access to Information
The STOPR website address is www.stopr.ca. This website provides access to up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations due to inclement weather. This site also contains transportation policies, procedures, forms and frequently asked questions, and link to each Boards’ websites.
In addition to the stopr.ca website, parents may also access information specific to what school do I attend, and am I
eligible for transportation, at either www.stopr.ca or the following website, businfo.stopr.ca. Beginning the last
week of August to the end of June each year, parent(s)/guardian(s) of students who are eligible for transportation
may access specific bus stop location and pick up, and drop off information on these sites.
To find our your child’s transportation information, please follow these instructions:
· Type in the website address: businfo.stopr.ca
· Click “student login”
· Enter your child’s OEN number (indicated on report card), street/house
number, school and grade
· Click “login”
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Workshop: Empowering Parents
Cyber Bullying and
Internet Safety
Ambrozic Guidance Department
Mr. A. Sowinski - Counsellor (A - Ge)
Ms. T. Pacheco - Counsellor (Gi - O)
Mr. M. Taylor - Counsellor (P - Z)
Mr. N. Roberts - School Success Teacher
Ms. D. Jones - Child & Youth Worker
Ms. K. Holleran - Psychologist
Ms. L. Masciulli - Social Worker
Ms. M. dos Santos - Receptionist
Post-Secondary Information Universities
Ontario Universities' Fair, Sept. 27 - 29, 2013
10am to 5 pm daily, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
 Early November - Students receive PINS and start applying online.
 December 19th - School recommended application
deadline.
January 15th, 2014 - Final date for applying.
University School Visits:
 York U - Sept. 23
 U of T - Oct.15th
 Guelph/Humber - Oct. 21st
 Ryerson - Oct.28th
Evening Session :
November 14th, 6:00 to 8:30pm - PARENTS Welcome
Colleges
Ontario College Information Fair
October 21st, 6:30pm to 9pm &
October 22nd, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place ,Toronto
October - Students can start applying
Feb. 1st, 2014 - Last date to apply for College
School Dates:
Ambrozic College Fair, October 18th, Period 1 (students
only)
Instructional Sessions: How to Apply to College and University
Thursday, November 21st, 2013 -- 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
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The Ambrozic Family
Ambrozic Welcomes York Student Teachers
For a hard copy of this issue, please contact the Main Office.