DECEMBER
Principal’s Message
2014
98 Wanita Road
Mississauga ON,
L5G 1B8
Phone 905.891.7619
Fax 905.278.6539
Trustees
Mario Pascucci,
Bruno Iannicca,
Sharon Hobin,
Esther O'Toole,
Luz del Rosario,
Anna Abbruscato,
Anna Da Silva,
Thomas Thomas,
Darryl D’Souza,
Frank Di Cosola,
Shawn Xaviour
Superintendent
C. Blanchard
Principal
Brian Diogo
Lord Jesus,
Master of both light and darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our
preparation for Christmas.
We who have so much do seek quiet
spaces
to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over so many
things look forward to your coming
among us.
We, who are blessed in so many ways
long
for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the
joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in the
darkness,
yet seeking the light, to you we say,
“Come Lord , Jesus!”
2
School Council
School Council
3
Co-Chairs
Inquiry Corner
3/4/5
Registration Info
6
Jayhawk News
7
Take Note / Upcoming Dates
8
J. McCarthy
May God Bless You,
B. Diogo
Principal
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Living Our Faith & Eco News
M. Giovanniello
We would like to extend our congratulations to
all of our returning trustees and offer a warm
welcome to our new trustees, Luz del Rosario,
Darryl D’Souza and Shawn Xaviour. We wish
to thank our trustees that will be moving on for
all their support and hard work.
Amen
Secretary
A. Litster
On behalf of the staff of St. James Catholic
Global Learning Centre, I extend our best wishes during this Christmas season to all our families. We hope that you will be blessed with the
spirit and gifts of that first Christmas; peace,
love and goodwill toward all. May the promise
of Christmas help to show God’s boundless
love for both you and your family. May you be
blessed with good health, prosperity and happiness throughout the New Year as we strive to
work with and for you in providing excellence
in Catholic education in our community.
MYP Open House
We will be holding an Open House for our current Grade 5/6/7 parents and prospective Grade
6/7/8 parents looking to gain more information
about the MYP program. The meeting will be
held on Wednesday December 10th at 6:30 p.m.
in the gym.
PAGE
2
Living Our Faith
Virtue Corner
ECO NEWS
St. James Eco Team
DECEMBER ~ HOPE
The FDK Team Thanks You
This month we will celebrate the virtue of HOPE.
A person with hope…
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Expects the best to happen for everyone
Hold on to their dreams
Always count on God to help them in tough
situations
Trust that things will work out in God’s way
Look for something good to come out of
problems
Are looking forward to life’s blessings
Set and stick to their own goals
We believe that God comes to us as a real human who
can show us the way of life.
Last month our team put out a letter to the St. James community requesting donations of upcycled items for our
outdoor learning environment. We were very touched by
the generous response we received and send out many
thanks to you for rummaging through your cupboards and
basements for us.
Upcycling is the process of changing useless products
and unwanted waste into new materials or better quality
products. For example, old car and truck tires became a
climbing apparatus for our students and fabric scraps and
old CDs will soon be decorating our yard for the Christmas season. Upcycling is an important practice that
helps decrease the amount of waste going into our landfills. Therefore, as we say in FDK, “give yourselves a
pat on the back” and keep those upcycled items coming!
We understand that both the world and its people are
from God and so are essentially good. Furthermore, God
has given us this Advent season year after year in order
to focus our minds and our hearts on the good all around
us.
Year after year, we are reminded that God chose to send
His Son to us because we are worth it. God knows how
great we can be when we all come together.
ADVENT MASS
On Tuesday December 2nd we will be celebrating
our Advent Mass with Fr. Neil McMillan at 10:00
a.m. in the gym. Parents and families are invited to
join us in this special celebration as we give thanks
to God for our many blessings.
DECEMBER
2014
NEWSLE TTER
Going Green Together!
PAGE
3
School Council
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30pm
Childcare is provided. Feel fr ee to br ing along your
own mug or reusable water bottle and help us reduce our
environmental footprint.
FUNDRAISING SPOOK-A-THON:
A huge thank you to all students, staff, and parents who
helped make our Fundraising Spook-A-Thon a success.
We were able to raise just over $10 000 for our students
programs and activities.
PLANT-A-GRANT:
At the end of last year, many families picked a ‘Plant-AGrant’ envelope to help the school research different
grant opportunities and come up with ideas for various
grants. More details, along with the grant information
list, can be found on the school’s website on the parent
page (under Forms and Attachments). Please submit
your ideas to the council e-mail address: stjamesCGLCcouncil@gmail.com .
Inquiry Corner
The Grade 6/7 class has been
working towards creating their
own documentaries. As they
build and inquire through this
unit, they are learning of the
importance of research, reflection and collaboration.
They are posed with inquiry of
how Documentary films are created to present ideas,
facts, and opinions to an audience and allow for
viewers to respond and develop their own opinion.
Through this development and inquiry process the
students have been able to connect many other subject areas, their prior knowledge, new found research, and even some fun new technology based
skills to create their own masterpieces.
SCHOOL SECURITY:
A Police safety audit was performed of our outdoor area
and no concerns were brought forth. Additional details
will be shared at the December council meeting.
2014-2015 PROGRAMS/ITEMS FUNDED BY
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO CSC
-Gingerbread cookies for all students
-Hallowe’en Spook-A-Thon Glo Bracelets & Pizza
Lunch for all students
-Caribou Math Contest program for grades 3-7
-RAZ kids on-line reading program for K-3
-The Great Big Crunch Apple Event
-Bussing to church 2 school masses
-Welcome Back BBQ
-Academic Team Golf Shirts
-Council meeting supplies (reusable cups, refreshments)
-Childcare costs for council meetings
For meeting minutes and other council information, visit
us at www.dpcdsb.org/JAMEE/Parents/
DECEMBER
2014
NEWSLE TTER
The Grade 6/7 class ‘Actors Extradonaire’. Be prepared for A True Christmas Story…this year at our
St. James Christmas Concert. Our students in Grade
6 and 7 will take lead this year and be the lead actors
for our play. While taking their skills in drama and
translating our precious story to a work of art for all
of you to see. Save the date for Wednesday, December 17, 2014 for your glimpse of what tr ue inquiry and collaboration mean at St. James.
PAGE
Inquiry Corner
As a Catholic school, rooted in faith, we celebrate the Virtues every month and recognize students who have demonstrated these
virtues in their classroom or around the
school. This month we are celebrating the Virtue of
Hope. We encour age our students to r emember
that God helps us to work for a more peaceful world
even when we feel discouraged.
We have a hope and eagerness to learn challenging
ourselves to take risks all the whole celebrating the
mystery of God through word, sacrament, prayer,
forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
4
Inquiry Corner
The IB Attribute for this month is risk-taker/
courageous. Students who are risk-takers and courageous are resourceful and resilient in the face of
challenges and change. They approach uncertainty
with forethought and determination; and work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. Risk-takers and courageous students are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. I am willing to make mistakes. I am confident and have the courage to try
new things.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13)
The Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
Vision of the Learner:
The graduate is expected to be: A Discerning Believer formed in the Catholic Faith Community who celebrates the signs and sacred mysteries of God’s
presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living. A discerning
believer actively reflects on God’s Word as communicated through the scriptures; develops attitudes
and values founded on Catholic social teaching and
acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.
The IB Attitude for this month is enthusiasm. Students will be encouraged to strive to understand
the enjoyment of learning and willingness to
demonstrate their best effort.
DECEMBER
2014
NEWSLE TTER
PAGE
Inquiry Corner
FDK Unit of Inquiry
During their recent unit of inquiry under the
transdisciplinary theme of W ho W e Are, the
FDK classes inquired into the nature of the self;
beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends,
communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it
means to be human.
5
Inquiry Corner
To further the students’ understanding of building positive
friendships by caring for others and treating others with respect, the FDK classes embarked on a trip to Downey’s
Farm. This excursion gave students the opportunity to engage in an activity filled day with their friends, appreciating
each other for who they are.
During this unit the students focused on understanding the central idea that our unique characteristics and abilities form who
we are and that we are all special people. The following lines
of inquiry were used to clarify and develop the understanding
of the central idea: similarities and differences amongst friends,
ways of making and keeping friends, characteristics that make
people unique and special, and respecting the uniqueness of
others.
The teachers acted as facilitators throughout the process as
students engaged in the inquiry process by asking questions,
researching and discovering things on their own about their
unique personalities and friendships with others.
The teachers used provocations to support the beginning stages
of the inquiry process for the students. They asked: What is a
friend? What makes a friend special? What is it that you and
your friend like to do? How are you special? What makes you
different from others? How do others care for you? How
should we treat others? How can you show respect to others?
Students engaged in a variety of activities to support their understanding of their unique identities and the how to develop
positive friendships. Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Johnson captured
students showing acts of friendship and invited them to explain
how they were being a good friend. For example, one student
labeled his picture “We help someone when they are sad.”
Ms. Navarro and Ms. Carreon’s students created self-portraits
using small blank canvases and reflected upon the features that
make them unique and special. The students took time to look
at each other’s portraits and comment on the similarities and
differences between them. They were able to explain how their
differences make them unique and special friends.
Throughout this unit of inquiry the FDK students developed
many PYP skills, attitudes and learner attributes. The students developed their social skills while engaged cooperatively in activities in the classroom as well as on the field
trip. The students also developed their communication skills
as they communicated their ideas and feelings about their
unique characteristics that make them special. Teachers also
observed the interactions (non-verbal communication) between students. Finally, the students improved their selfmanagement skills by using the class’ essential agreement to
engage in appropriate play with others.
The Learner Attributes the students demonstrated during this
unit were principled and open-minded. Students were principled because they demonstrated an understanding of the
appropriate behaviours need to ensure the development of
positive friendships. The students were also open-minded
because they were open to the ideas of others. They demonstrated an acceptance of all and recognized the diversity that
exists amongst them.
The students demonstrated the attitude of respect. Throughout the unit of inquiry they learned how to treat others with
respect and be respectful of others’ unique qualities.
DECEMBER
2014
NEWSLE TTER
St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre
REGISTRATION DATE CHANGE
Kindergarten to Grade 8: 2015-16 School Year
December 2, 2014
Please note the following change to the registration dates for Kindergarten to Grade 8 at St.
James Catholic Global Learning Centre for the 2015-16 school year.
Registration for St. James will take place on February 2, 2015 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and on
February 3, 4, 5 and 6, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
February 3, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, has been designated as a snow day for St. James registration.
Potential registrations for Kindergarten for the St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre are
advised to register at the home school during the Board-wide registration dates.
Kindergarten registration for all other elementary schools in Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board for the 2015-16 school year will be held on January 26 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
and January 28, 29, 30 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
January 27, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, has been designated as a snow day.
Information regarding the lottery process for all registrations at St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre will be made available prior to the February 2-6, 2015 registration
dates through St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre.
St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre
98 Wanita Road, Mississauga ON, L5G 1B8
Phone: 905-891-7619 | Fax: 905-278-6539
Brian Diogo, Principal
PAGE
Jayhawk News
Jayhawk News
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Changing Weather
Students are asked to ensure that they have a pair of
indoor shoes at school. We ask that children change
their footwear when they come inside in an effort to
keep our classroom floors clean.
Children are expected to participate in recess activities and are reminded to dress for the weather. Children may also wish to have a change of clothing at
school in the event that they get wet while playing
outdoors.
The main risks of exposure to extremely cold weather for relatively short periods (recess or lunch periods) is that of frostbite. Someone who is protected
by clothing or is physically active may be able to
withstand exposure to colder temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended that consideration be given
to reducing the amount of time outdoors for children
(grade 8 and under) when the temperature is -20 degrees Celsius or colder. When the temperature or
equivalent wind chill temperature is - 25 degrees
Celsius or lower children will be kept indoors.
Winter Wear
We are proud to announce that all the students of
St. James School (JK to Grade 7) will be putting
on a spectacular performance on Wednesday
December, 17th at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Parents, grandparents and additional guests are
welcome to attend the dress rehearsal performance
at 1:30 p.m.
We also ask that for admission to the concert that
you bring a non-perishable food item to support
our food drive. Once again we are collecting nonperishable food items for The Compass in our
community. Please bring your donations to the
front hall of the school.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Please ensure that the snowpants
and gloves/mittens that your child
is wearing are water resistant as
many students are coming back
into class with wet clothing. In some cases the items
do not have an opportunity to dry before the student
goes back out for recess. Leaving an extra pair of
gloves/mittens is advisable at this time of year.
Winterland of Gingerbread
We look forward to seeing all the families that are
taking part in our gingerbread decorating /Santa event on Thursday
December 4th, 2014 at 1:30 p.m..
It will be an enjoyable family event
shared by all.
DECEMBER
7
2014
NEWSLE TTER
Please be reminded that the school is closed for
Christmas holidays December 22nd, 2014 –
January 2nd, 2015.
The first day of classes in the New Year is
January 5th, 2015.
We, the staff of St. James wish you and
your family a very joyous Christmas and
may your New Year be filled with God’s
Blessing.
PAGE
8
Take Note
Take Note
Parents In The Yard
Visitors
For your child’s safety we request that he/she not be on
school property until supervision begins at 8:45 a.m.
Please do not drop your child off at the school prior to
8:45 a.m.
We would also like to remind you that parents should
drop off/pick up their children outside the school gates.
Parents are not permitted to be in the school yard at any
time. Although you may be known to your own child
you are a stranger to the other students in the yard.
Anyone entering the school must come to the office
right away. The school is a very busy place and we
have many visitors/parents dropping in for a variety
of reasons. To ensure we maintain the integrity of
the classroom program by avoiding interruptions, and
for the safety of our students, all visitors must come
to the office. We ask that you also convey this
information to older brothers and sisters of our
students. This way we know that anyone in the halls
or in the school yard an authorized visitor. All
students leaving the school early will be released
through the front office as they must sign out. If
Kiss and Ride
The safety of our students and parents is of great
concern to us here at the school.
Please drive SLOWLY through the Kiss and Ride lane
as well as the drive through lane.
Please do not block the Kiss and Ride zone and areas
that would hinder the movement of cars.
Cars cannot be left in the lanes at any time.
Student Absences/Lates
Please use our 24 hour answering service to inform the
school of late or absent students. We must hear from a
parent or guardian if a student will be absent,
arriving late or leaving early. Phone 905-891-7619
If a pattern of unexcused lateness or absents
becomes apparent, parents will be contacted by
the school.
UPCOMING DATES
Dec
2 - Advent Mass 10 a.m. in gym
Dec
4 - Gingerbread/Santa Event 1:30 p.m.
Dec 10 - MYP Open House Info Night 6:30 p.m.
Dec 15 - Gr. 4 & 5 Silvercreek Trip
Dec 17 - Christmas Concert 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
DECEMBER
2014
NEWSLE TTER
your child arrives late we ask you to NOT accompany them to class.
Snack and Treats for Students
We are asking that all parents please refrain from
bringing in eatable snacks and treats to the
classrooms. Several students in our school suffer
from a severe food allergy to all nuts, peanuts and all
nut products. There is also a Ministry PPM where
the purpose of this memorandum is to set out
nutrition standards for food and beverages in publicly
funded elementary schools in Ontario. For more
information about the new PPM please visit, http://
www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/150.html. If
you would still like to do something special for the
classroom, a small non-eatable gift for each student
or perhaps a classroom gift, i.e. board game for
inclement recess, may be a great alternative. Again,
we thank you for your co-operation.
Be sure to visit our school website. All newsletters
and other pertinent information are always updated.
http://dpcdsb.org/jamee
St. James is now on Twitter! For the latest news
and information, follow us @StJamesDPCDSB