Cardinal Ambrozic
Catholic Secondary
School
10 Castle Oaks Crossing
Brampton, On. L6P 3A2
Principal:
Mr. Lariviere
Vice-Principals:
Ms. Burazin
Mr. Clarkin
Ms. Tousignant
Secretary:
Mrs. D’Agostino
Chaplain:
Ms. Gillis
Figure 1. Stefano Gardiman Swimming. Adapted from “COBRA Swimming.” By M. Zuchetto, 2013, COBRA Swimming. Retrieved January 18, 2013, from http://
cobraswimclub.com/wordpress/2012/09/stefano-selected-to-swim-at-2013-australian-youth-olympic-festival-tour-team/. Copyright 2013 by COBRA Swim Club.
Lead Hand:
Mr. Mazzatelli
Trustee: Wards 7-10
Mr. McLauchlan
Parent Council
Chair: Mrs. Aidoo
Superintendent:
Mr. Vecchiarino
Pastor St. Patrick’s
Parish:
Rev. V. Papais
Congratulations Stefano!
Congratulations to Stefano Gardiman! According to Sports Xpress, “COBRA’s
Stefano Gardiman will be swimming and training as part of Team Canada at the
2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival. The competition will be held January
17 to 20, 2013 in Sydney Australia.” — Zuchetto, Melinda. (2013, January/February) COBRA Captures Bronze at Canada Cup. Sports Xpress.ca, Volume 2 (Issue 1), 14.
Greetings from Our Principal
By Mr. Lariviere, Principal
I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful new year! Please enjoy our Newsletter, which is full of all the great things that are going on in
River Hawk Land. Please continue to check out our website. Thank you as
always in supporting our community, and taking an active role in your
child’s education.
River Hawks
Soaring to
Success!
Santa Claus Parade 2012
Chaplaincy News
By M. Gillis, Chaplaincy Leader
The journey through our Year of Faith is greatly blessed by our time of Advent preparation. Daily morning reflections have introduced students to the stories of the Prophetic
men and women who foretold the coming of the Messiah into our world. God has indeed come to live within and among us in human form. Our world has been transformed by this gracious Divine/Human event. We have presented some challenging
connections for students to make with their present day lives. One of the big challenges we all experience is to actually create a space in our busy lives for God to find a
dwelling place. Just as Mary and Joseph had to accept this call to be parents and to
find a home to welcome Jesus, we each need to be in search of places and spaces
where we can welcome the Lord Jesus.
During Advent we have been involved in outreach works on behalf of the poor. Many
students and staff have responded to this call to care for God’s poor ones and have
generously provided food and gifts for our chosen families. It is in giving to others that
we share God’s goodness. We are the hands, hearts and feet of a gracious God.
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Before we leave for Christmas we will celebrate reconciliation as a school and will be invited to leave behind us failed promises, bad attitudes, habits and hurts we have given or received. On December 20 th, we
will gather as a School Community and celebrate Eucharist- the great feast of gathering and thanksgiving.
We will be offering prayers of thanksgiving for all the support parents, families and our school community
has given to students and staff alike. May each family be blessed with an abundance of Peace, Joy and
Goodwill this Blessed Season. May Peace reign in your hearts and homes.
Discover the World @ your Ambrozic Library!
By C. Crescenzi, Teacher Librarian
So far, 2012-2013 has been a terrific year in the library! The Ambrozic Library continues to be the
heart of the school for many students who come daily before school, and during lunch to read,
do research, and to use the computers.
Through recent purchases and generous donations, our library collection has really grown! The
library added 304 new titles this year, increasing our total collection to 4496 fiction and non-fiction titles.
In October, the library collaborated with Mrs. Venier’s grade 10 Communication Technology class to design inspirational reading posters. Using original photography, Photoshop and colourful graphics, students
had to create a slogan and print ad posters that would promote reading among our students. Four winners were selected by Ms. Crescenzi and Mrs. Van Ryzewyk. The winning posters will be added to the Ambrozic Library walls this spring!
Phys-Ed, Moderns, Social Sciences, Religion and Science classes have
continued to come to the library this year for MLA and APA presentations. Students have been using the MLA/APA library display
board and library website link for additional help.
CPT book talks have also continued this year for all English classes
grades 9-12. All English classes have come to the library for book
talks where they learn how to use Shelfari to select a novel for their
CPT. Shelfari is a database available through the library’s website
that displays all of the CPT novel titles for each grade and theme.
Ms. Kajda, Ms. Restivo, Ms. Roman, Mrs. Van Ryzewyk and myself
are excited to announce the new Forest of Reading Book Club called
The Ambrozic Bookies! The Ambrozic Bookies meet the first
Wednesday of every month in the library to discuss the White Pine fiction selections. Our December reading selections are: All My Children by Catherine Austen and Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts. All staff and students are welcome to join us!
For our Christmas Book Display, all Ambrozic staff was asked to name
their favourite book. Our teachers' book titles were written on bookmarks and hung on the Christmas tree in the library. Students were
very excited to see their teacher’s picks. Thanks to all staff for participating!!!
Join the
Ambrozic Bookies!!!
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B. R. A. V. E. Update
By D. Jones , CYW and L. Zoffranieri, Academic Resource Teacher
The BRAVE (Brampton Riverhawks Anti-Violence Education) team has been up involved in many
activities and events so far this year. We are excited to have many new members—over 75 staff
and students. In October, we held our Girls Night out where grade 9 students had a chance to participate in both fun and educational workshops, including: spa, henna, friendship bracelets, video
games, cupcake making, Zumba, poetry and a body image workshop. The workshops were lead by senior
students, volunteers and staff. We also had the opportunity to hear from our keynote speaker Mrs. Anna
Aidoo. She shared her words of wisdom with both our girls and staff. Thanks to all student and staff volunteers for making this year another successful evening.
In November, the BRAVE team focused on anti-bullying awareness. We launched the month off with our first
ever tie a yellow arm band to raise awareness. In addition, BRAVE students put up many anti-bullying posters and made heartfelt announcements to raise awareness about victim impact awareness especially around
the serious issue of cyber-bullying. Grade 9 students had the opportunity to listen to Superwoman—Ms. Lilly
Singh who spoke against bullying. The assembly was facilitated by our BRAVE students.
In December, the BRAVE team launched our white ribbon campaign to help students and staff stand up to
violence against women. Students and staff distributed a white ribbon to anyone who wanted one as a reminder about the issue. In addition, posters and videos were created to raise awareness.
BRAVE is looking forward to the next few months which will see us take part in an anti-smoking campaign, Black History
Month, Slam Poetry Night, Multicultural Night and a mental health awareness campaign.
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BRAVE White Ribbon Campaign
Our New Future Aces Program
By D. Jones, CYW and L. Zoffranieri, Academic Resource Teacher
We are excited to have a new program join our Ambrozic community—Future Aces. The future
aces program was created by Mr. Herbert H. Carnegie, C.M., O. Ont., O.M.C., LL.D. (Hon). In October, a group 12 energetic senior students attended a one day leadership work shop. In early November eight grade 9 and 10 students had the unique opportunity to attend a 3 day conference at
Horseshoe Resort along with Mr. Chung, Mr. Hinds, Ms. Jones and Mrs. Zoffranieri. This conference was
very empowering and motivational for students. Students attended many workshops and listened to many
speakers who shared their journeys. In the end students took home many tools that they can use to create
meaningful programs back at Ambrozic. Our first activity was held on Wednesday, December 5 th when the
future aces group held our first ever hug or high five our school Riverhawk mascot to raise awareness for
mental health. The idea was created by the students to highlight this months virtue—HOPE. Students
learned many tips on how to reduce stress. They also received a sweet treat. Future Aces students will
also be giving out positive tickets when they
notice good deeds or random acts of kindness. Stay tuned!
The Passphrase is, “I Like
Myself!”.
Future Aces Mental
Health Awareness
Campaign
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English Department News
By M. Andreopolous, English Department Head
Another great year has begun and the English teachers at Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary
School have already begun their tireless efforts in bringing their love for literature and drama to
their classrooms.
In November students already had the opportunity to take their learning outside the classroom walls. Grade
11 students had the opportunity to see the theatrical performance of Macbeth while grade 9 students enjoyed a production of Romeo and Juliet at the Yonge Centre for the Arts in Toronto. Both trips were a huge
success and many students had their first experience with live theatre. Grade 9 and 11 students enrolled in
English second semester will have the opportunity to attend the same excursions in the
spring. Also, Ms. Dornford’s grade 11English College class and Mrs. Grossi-Sperandio’s grade
11 English Speaking and Presentations Skills class had the opportunity to go to Second City
where they learned techniques in becoming charismatic and effective speakers.
Also in the library and under the expert direction of our Teacher-Librarian, Ms. Crescenzi,
the English Department is fostering regular reading by incorporating it into their daily lives as
well as in their Culminating Performance Tasks. We thank Ms. Crescenzi and her
library staff for their continued guidance and concern for our students.
Image from Microsoft Publisher 2007
Throughout the semester, English teachers have been diligently working with their Grade 9 and 10 classes in
preparation for the upcoming Literacy Test this spring. Parents are encouraged to keep their son or daughter
reading everyday to help cultivate their reading and writing skills and encourage them to become lovers of
learning for life.
The English Department wishes everyone in the Cardinal Ambrozic community a Happy New Year.
Christmas Concert 2012
By V. Frasson, Music Teacher
The Spirit of the Christmas Season has begun. On Thursday December 13 th, the music students of
Cardinal Ambrozic presented their Annual Christmas Concert. It began in the morning, as 150 Elementary School students as well as Senior Citizens were treated to a special concert. The second
concert of the day began at 7:00 pm, as students in the Grade 9 Concert Band,
Choir, and Senior Concert Band and special student performers performed music from the past semester as well as many Christmas classics.
Image from Microsoft Publisher 2007
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Ambrozic Dancers Go to the Ballet
By M. Ramalho, Dance/ Social Science Teacher
On Thursday December 6th, 2012 students from the grade 10 open
dance classes travelled to The Rose Theatre Brampton to view The
Nutcracker. This ballet is a timeless holiday tradition for audiences
of all ages. The ballet was presented by The State Ballet Theatre of
Russia. Students who attended the show appreciated the performance quality
and shared their critiques of it with each other afterwards. “It was amazing to
see the movements we learned in class being performed on stage by professional dancers,” one student commented. Other common student reactions
were about the “amazing costumes,” “strong lifts and partner work,” and
“entertaining characters.” Thanks to everyone who was involved, it was a
great day!
Physics...a Roller Coaster!
By A. Iannotta, Science Teacher
The grade 11 physicists were busy having phun building
their very own phenomenal roller coasters. Rollercoasters were built with many fabulous themes: dinasours, winter wonderland, space aliens and even live
Beta fish just to name a few…..Bazinga!!!
…Bazinga!!!
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News From Academic Resource/PIP/ASD
By G. D’Ippiloto, Academic Resource/PIP/ASD Department Head
Academic Resource
December was a busy month as we prepared for exams and culminating activities. Looking
forward, we are very excited to have our first group of graduating students explore post secondary options. Our grade 12 students are busy thinking about this next important transition.
Students are reminded to check out our Academic Resource Website at http://
teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/JD'Ippolito/ for information about how to access accommodations at the post secondary level. We would like to thank all parents, teachers, students and support
staff for all of their help and we wish everyone a Happy New Year.
PIP – Planning for Independence
Our Planning for Independence Program was very busy in the month of December as students had the
opportunity to participate in excursions to the grocery store and mall to purchase goods for families in
need. Our program did quite a bit of baking and meal preparations with goods purchased during these
excursions. Students walked away with real-world skills such as how to properly checkout at vendors
using debit and cash payment methods. A reverse integration method has been used in our severe
needs classroom on several of our ‘cooking’ days, and all students involved greatly benefitted from the
experience. Lastly, some of our students have taken on the task of collecting and alphabetizing attendance during first period, which has given opportunities for interaction with many wonderful students
and staff members.
ASD Program
On October 26th, the ASD Diploma Support Program was pleased to host Peter Vermeulen for the
morning. Mr. Vermeulen, who holds a Masters degree in Psychology and Pedagogical Science and a
PhD in Social Sciences and currently works as an autism consultant and lecturer at Autisme Centraal
in Belgium, was in Toronto to present at the Geneva Centre’s International Symposium. Mr. Vermeulen enjoyed meeting with our students and was interested in learning more about our program
at Cardinal Ambrozic.
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Ambrozic Fashion Frenzy
By C. Venier , Fashion/Technology Teacher
Red Carpet Style
Lots happening on the Fashion front!...our grade 11 fashion students dolled themselves up for our red carpet photo shoot. Students applied fashion design and colour theory to style a classmate for a mock Red Carpet Movie Premiere, as you can see
here featured on the magazine covers.
Make-up Artist Tutorial
On November 29, Our Grade 11 and 12 Fashion students had the opportunity to learn the basics of makeup application from Jhinell Raimondo, a professional makeup artist.
Fashion Design Challenge
The “Fashion Design Challenge” allowed our Grade 12 students to design
an outfit using their Research and Inquiry Skills combined with their Critical
Thinking Skills. Congratulations to Gavrie T., Natalie I., Annica F.C., and
Temi D. for their winning outfit.
An ECO Fashion Update
Our grade 11 students designed clothing out of used T-Shirts. Students
learned to work with knits, elastic and how to sew gathers. Outfits looked
fantastic! Thanks to our staff who was very generous in donating gently
used T-shirts.
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Mock Bail
By C. Lindsay, Social Science Teacher
Seven grade 11 Law students competed this year in the annual Peel Mock Bail Competition
held at the Brampton Courthouse on November 9th. This is an annual competition and features
8 high schools from the Peel area. They compete in front of current Justices of the Peace in a
mock bail situation. In only our second year Cardinal Ambrozic came home tied for second
place. We also proudly returned winning the Ontario Justice Education Network’s Collegiality
Award. This award was presented to the students who exemplified the qualities of courtesy, respect,
civility, cooperation, and professionalism that are fundamental to both the justice system, and to Canadian society. This says a lot about how our students conducted themselves and how they were perceived by others at the tournament.
We had a surprise visitor at this year’s competition as Mr. Walter Gretzky opened the event with some
inspiring words of encouragement for all the students.
Congratulations go out to the members of this year’s Ambrozic Mock Bail team! Way to go Riverhawks!
This year’s team includes: Aaron Atwal, Tanvir Bal, Barmandeep Bath, Meha Chavhan, Ifeoluwa Oyelade,
Thesook Sathananthan, and Tristan Williams
“Communications” Trip to Toronto
By F. Dovigo, Communication Technology Teacher and C. Grossi, English Teacher
On Wednesday, December 5th 2012, students in Mrs. Grossi-Sperandio’s Effective
Speaking and Presentation Skills course and Mr. Dovigo’s Communication Technology course had the opportunity to visit the CBC, its Children’s TV Museum, the studio set of Hockey Night in Canada, and Bell Media’s CP24, E-Talk, and Business
News Network. The downtown Toronto walking tour ended on a high with the
students participating in the live taping of New Music Live on Much music. Students were able to assess
the communication skills of various people in their work environments, and also photograph interesting
landmarks, building and intersections. Despite the cold weather and the long day, this trip was a semester highlight for many.
CBC
CP24
E– Talk
Much Music
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Ambrozic Travels
Gr. 10 and 11 Washington, D.C Trip
Sun April 21st –Thurs April 25th
$650-$750
The Trip includes:
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Transportation via 1/47 passenger Motorcoach
3 nights accommodation at the Hampton Inn Bowie
Breakfast daily at your hotel
1 group breakfast at a Gettysburg restaurant
Image from Microsoft Publisher 2007
1 group dinner in Washington, D.C.
Visit to the Gettysburg Visitors Centre including the Cyclorama and New Birth of Freedom
film
1.5 hour guided Battlefield tour in Gettysburg
Visit the Newseum Museum
3 hour guided illuminated monuments tour of Washington
Visit the Smithsonian Institute Museums including the Holocaust Museum
Visit to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment
Ticket to a Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays baseball game
Attend the play Shear Madness at the Kennedy Centre
Walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery
Visit to Iwo Jima
Visit to the International Spy Museum
Shopping at Pentagon City Mall
Shopping at Grove City Outlets
RBC Youth Student Package Insurance - includes emergency medical coverage
includes all applicable taxes and service charges
24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. Emergency Contact Number while on tour
Europe Trip
Ms. Buta, Ms. Pallotta, Mr. Sowinski, and Mr. Venier will be traveling with Ambrozic
students to Paris, Provence and Barcelona from March 7– 16.
New York City Drama/ Photography Trip
Mr. Bevilacqua, Mrs. Bevilacqua, Ms. Dornford, Mr,
Dovigo and Mrs. Van Ryzewyk will be taking Ambrozic
students to New York City from April 17th-21st.
Image from Microsoft Publisher 2007
Image from Microsoft Publisher 2007
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Cardinal Ambrozic welcomed Korean
teachers from January 14 to January
18. Students and staff had the opportunity to share in their stories of culture and history.