St. Monica School
60 Sterritt Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6Y 5B6
Tel (905) 454-6346 Fax (905) 454-6349
www.dpcdsb.org/MONIC
Jan. 2016
To Start a New YEAR
A new year is unfolding-Like a blossom with petals
Newsletter
Mississauga Brampton
Central Family of Schools
curled tightly concealing the beauty within.
L. Papaloni
Lord, Let this year be filled with the things
Superintendent
that are truly good- With the comfort of warmth
in our relationships, with the strength to help those who
need our help and the humility and openness to accept help
from others. As we make our Resolutions for the year
ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all
things can be possible- with Your help and guidance.
Anonymous
P. Peroni
Principal
J. Vieira
Vice Principal
C. McIntyre
Head Secretary
Tish G., Vilma M.
Council Co-Chairs
A. da Silva
Trustee
(905) 890-0708 (ext. 20154)
anna.dasilva@dpcdsb.org
Dates to Remember
January 14: Gr. 5 Extend French Information Meeting 7 p.m.
St. Jerome’s Parish
January 4: Happy New Year! Welcome Back!
January 18: PD Day ; January 19-22 Waste Free Lunch
Fr. Jan Kolodynski
January 6: Gr. 2 Rosary
January 19/20: Drumming Presentations
Pastor
January 6: Gr. 7&8 English-St. Augustine-12:45 Drama
January 21: Gr. 8 EF Phantom Of The Opera
8530 Chinguacousy Rd.,
January 12: School Council Meeting 6:30 p.m. All Welcome
January 26: Gr. 3 Crawford Lake
Brampton, Ontario
January 12: CEC 7-8:30 FDK Differing Ability Session-Parents
January 26: Animation- Gr. 8 J. Conway, Gr. 8 M. Manalo
905-455-4260
January 13: Rosary Apostolate; Heb. B. Clinic
January 27: Animation Gr. 8 G. McLeod
Website: www.stjeromeparish.ca
ADDITIONAL DATES
PRE-ORDERED PIZZA DAYS: Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11; COOKIE SALES: Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9; Mr. Sub: Jan. 27 (for
those who pre-ordered)
January 9/10: Gr. 7&8 Confirmation Enrolment St. Jerome Parish for those who are registered; 5pm, 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon
January 16/17: First Communion Enrolment St. Jerome Parish for those who are registered; 5 pm, 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon
January 25: FDK Registration 7 p.m. January 26: FDK Registration 7 p.m. (SNOW DATE)
January 27-Jan. 29 FDK Registration 9-12; 1-3
January 29/Feb. 1: Gr. 7 Silver Creek; S. Guilherme, M. Zarkovic
February 2: Newsletter Distributed-Additional February Dates/Activities; Report Cards Sent Home Gr. 1-8
February 4: Interview Evening 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; 6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m., February 5: PD Day Reporting
February 9: School Council Dance-A-Thon (Cupid-A-Thon) Thanks for your pledges and/or sponsorships
February 10: Ash Wednesday, Rosary Apostolate
Attachments: Math, Eco
Principal’s Message:
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH:
This month we are focusing on “Self-Control”. Self
Control God wants us to do what is we know and
feel is right. A Catholic school is the ideal place to
practice and prepare to live a virtuous life. When we
act out these virtues, we are making the presence
of God visible in the world around us. We will be
participating in our own prayer that: your kingdom
come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
(Mt 6:10)
Best wishes to all St. Monica families for a very
peaceful and loving New Year. May 2016 see
Jesus fill your lives with His wonder.
Congratulations to S. Alves and her family on the
birth of their beautiful daughter-Penelope on Dec.
19, we wish her family continued God’s Blessings.
Farewell to C. Andrews, we thank her for her
commitment and dedication to the SNM students,
and we wish her well as she pursues her new
career as an occasional teacher.
PARISH
The teachers are ready to begin the New Year
with renewed energy dedicated to teaching your
children to attain educational success.
NEWS
St. Jerome’s Parish
Welcome to the new families that have moved
into our area, we are certain you will feel “at
home” at St. Monica School! A fond farewell to
those who have left St. Monica School, we wish
you every success! God Bless!
Tel: 905-455-4260, Fax: 905-450-6326
Remember to try to be kinder than necessary, for
everyone we meet may be fighting some kind of battle.
Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
“Catholic Schools aspire to a holistic influence in that they seek to
infuse the whole curriculum and the ethos with the Catholic
unifying vision. The Catholic character of a school is not
something extra appended to the otherwise neutral content of the
curriculum, to the otherwise instrumental process of teaching and
the otherwise non-ideological climate of the school. The
distinctively Catholic inspiration of a school leaves, on the
contrary, its internal mark on the whole curriculum and the ethos
of that school.” Stefaan E. Cuypers A Journal of Catholic
Education and Practice “The Ideal of Catholic Education in a
Secularized Society” June 2004. This is the moment to
continue to teach our faith! In Catholic schools we provide
space and time for the holy.
E-Mail: office@stjeromeparish.ca
Homepage: http//www.stjeromeparish.ca
Sunday Eucharist: Saturday 5:00 p.m.,
The Church uses the example of the Holy Family to
teach us how to live within our family of faith. We
are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and forgiving
toward one another. This is easily said but can only
be accomplished with the help of God who is love.
God empowers us to live in our families, our church
and our school in a patient, loving and peaceful way.
Fr. Jan “Our Good Father”
Fr. Jan was extremely busy this Christmas Season, we hope he
gets some well deserved rest this month.
ONTARIO CATHOLIC GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS
Throughout 2016, we will continue to work with Fr. Jan on the faith
formation of students, families and staff. We look forward to having
him at our school anytime!
Vision of the Learner This Month:
Important Dates:
A REFLECTIVE AND CREATIVE THINKER
WHO: Recognizes there is more grace in our
world than sin and that hope is essential in facing
all challenges. Creates, adapts, evaluates new
ideas in light of the common good. Thinks reflectively and
creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems. Makes
decisions in light of gospel values with an inform-ed moral
conscience. Adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating
learning from various subject areas and experience. Examines,
evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems
(physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the
development of a just and compassionate society.
January 9/10: Gr. 7&8 Confirmation Enrolment; 5 p.m., 9:00
a.m., 10:30 a.m., or noon (For those who are registered)
January 16/17: First Communion Enrolment; 5 p.m., 9:00 a.m.,
10:30 a.m., or noon (For those who are registered)
February 27, 10 a.m. Gr. 2 Reconciliation -St. Jerome Parish
St. Jerome Parish Youth News
The youth group meets weekly on Tuesday evening from 7:30-9 p.m. Feel
free to join in at the 7 p.m. mass before the meeting. Each week the
students explore their faith, play games and form many friendships. All
new members are welcome-Gr. 8-12.
To Send or Not to Send...
Cold and Flu season is upon us. We remind parents to please
use discretion in keeping your children home to recover. A child
who is coughing and sneezing, is not capable of learning—and
is in the position of infecting other children. If your child is well
enough to attend school, it is expected that they are well
enough to go outside for recess, however, please contact
the office for exceptional circumstances.
Winter Wear
Winter is here! Please assist us in encouraging your child to
dress appropriately for the cold weather. The students will
continue to play outside for 2 fifteen-minute recesses and 1
forty-minute lunch break. FDK-two (30-40 minutes outdoor
activities daily). Outdoor play is a healthy and invigorating
activity when students are wearing suitable clothing and warm
mittens. Please write your child’s name on boots, hats, mitts
and snowsuits. Children must change into their indoor shoes for
warmth, comfort and cleanliness.
Please put an extra pair of mittens and socks in your child’s
school bag in case they need a dry change.
It is winter in Canada. This means children need to dress
warmly. Here are some tips to help you ensure your child is
dressed for the cold:
• A hat is essential- 80% of body heat is lost through the top of
the head
• Mitts- to allow the fingers to stay together to generate
increased heat
• A windproof/ waterproof jacket- to maximize warmth and
maintain dryness on snowy days
• Winter boots- to provide traction to prevent slips and falls, to
keep feet dry and warm
• Waterproof pants- to ensure students are warm outdoors and
are dry when they enter after recesses
Remember, except under unusual conditions students go
outside at recess and over the lunch hour.
SAFETY-No Snowballs Permitted
Throwing snowballs on school property is ABSOLUTELY
PROHIBITED. Although it may seem like a fun activity, our
experience has shown that serious accidents can and do occur.
Students have been reminded on a regular basis through daily
announcements and teachers that while out for recess, snow
stays on the ground. It is for the safety of all of our students
that this procedure is in place. Parents are asked to reinforce
this safety rule with your child. Consequences will apply for
students who disregard the school safety expectation, and may
result in a formal suspension from school.
Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2016-2017
Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school
year, will take place at St. Monica on the following days:
Monday, January 25, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
* Snow Date:
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information about registration and the Full-Day
Kindergarten program, call St. Monica School or visit
www.dpcdsb.org.
Extended French Information Meeting
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enrol their child in a
Grade 5 Extended French class for September, 2016 are
invited to attend an information meeting at:
School: St. Monica School
Address: 60 Sterritt Dr.
Brampton, L6Y 5B6
Date:
Time:
Thursday January 14, 2016
7:00 pm.
Applications will be accepted at our school until 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016.
Outdoor/Indoor Shoes
Parents/Guardians! We need your help to keep our school
safe, clean and dust-free. Please send an indoor pair of shoes.
If you require assistance please contact the school.
Safe and Fair Play
Your child(ren)’s safety is a major concern. Thank you for your
assistance and cooperation with our enforcement of the NO
CONTACT and NO INTERFERING with other students’ rule.
Although it is normal for children to have disagreements, this
form of conflict does not appear to be a major problem, and is
resolved at the school level. Physical contact, interfering and
rough play is a concern. We are working with all children
(providing examples) to heighten awareness of what safe play
means. The children are cautioned frequently that the
components of Safe Play are NO CONTACT and NO
INTERFERING with other children. Students who play together
are of quite different athletic and/or intellectual abilities; to
ensure safety of students with varying abilities, you are asked to
reinforce these principles with your child(ren). As always you
will be notified if your child is in repeat violation of this rule.
Early to Bed….Early to Rise
Getting enough sleep is crucial to school success with academics, attitude, behaviour, social adjustment, effort, contentment and well-being. Research indicates that consistency in
this routine is extremely important for success at school.
REPORTING ABSENCES
If your child/children are going to be absent or late for school, we
ask that you call the school office and leave a message (905) 4546346. Let us know on a day to day basis if your child will continue
to be absent. As a safety precaution we will always try to contact
parents by phone if we have not received any messages. Your
continued cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Insurance
With all the activities that take place at school in the playground, the
gym and in sports, accidents happen. Dental injuries can occur
when 2 children accidentally bump heads or fall. The school
board does not carry accident insurance for students. Winter
outdoor activities, extra-curricular and excursions are an additional
reason you may wish to buy student accident insurance. An insurance package was sent home with your child(ren). This is optional
for families. You may purchase coverage for your child at
www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-KIDS
(5437). Please direct your questions to a Reliable Life Insurance
Representative.
GOING GREEN
Thanks to the numerous families whom submitted your e-mail
address for CASL/GOING GREEN. If you have not already
signed up for going green, you still can, please contact the
office. We will still send out paper copies of newsletters to
the youngest and only for those families whom did not sign
up for this option. FYI I am sending other informational numerous messages through this venue, so please consider
this option.
Columbian Squires St. Patrick Circle 2042 Invite
The Columbian Squires are the official youth organization of The Knights
Of Columbus. The Squires program develops leadership by allowing the
Squires to plan and carry out activities with advice, suggestions and encouragement from Knights Leaders. Squires also have fun and bond while
helping their Church and community through service. St. Patricks Circle
2041 would like to extend an open invitation to all Catholic boys age 10-18
to meet with us every Thursday night from 7-9pm at St. Monica School for
our weekly activity night where we play sports like basketball, soccer, floor
hockey and dodgeball. Every week we meet together to not only play but
to learn how to strengthen our Catholic Faith through prayer, reading the
gospel and learning how to pattern our lives around the Youth Christ. For
more information please contact Knights Of Columbus Youth Director Domenic Rutigliano at 905 459 0488 or by email at dmrdistributing@aol.com
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Choir
Thanks to D. Doyle, M. Hamilton, M. Manalo and C. Thornton,
who continue to lead our choir. Thanks to the students with their
beautiful voices who are committing to our choir!
Knights of Columbus Free Throw
Thanks to all classroom teachers for having the students try out
for Free throw during their gym classes. L. Gredi, G. McLeod, A.
Attinello and student helpers will soon be holding our in school
competition. The selected students will represent our school at
their competition in February.
BASKETBALL
Our coaches have been practicing with our students in preparation of their basketball tournaments. Thanks to M. Manalo, J.
Conway, L. Stott and L. Marasco for volunteering to coach and
practice with our students.
STUDENT FAITH AMBASSADORS
Thanks to J. Conway, T. Collier, A. Tac and C. Briganti for leading
our Faith Ambassadors, congratulations to the following students
who are committed to the youth ambassador group; Moises C,
Joelle A, Izaiah T, Luna A, Jerome W, Ayanna G, Lola A, Tristan Q, Israel G,
Anjelica G, Ciara P, Manny P, Ivana T, Mark N, Ronan J, James T, Daniella A,
Darwin G, Jada R, Shezan A, Salena G, Alissa L, Shilore G, Khari W, Adam S,
Sarah M, Emily H, Justin K, Dylan F, Dominic A, Peter P, Emma V, Natalie K,
Alyssa F, Catherine M, Ella S, Justine C, Belen F, Veronica T, Yasmine A, Kenya L, Danielle R, Delaine P, Anthony M, Anthony T, Yulia K, Devontay J, Rovic
Q, Alex L, and Christina J. Their lead with our Advent initiatives and
Refugee family were highly appreciated. Some of our Faith Ambassadors will be attending a commissioning ceremony/mass at
St. Francis Xavier Parish on Feb. 2. We thank J. Conway for taking these students to this special event, as well as the students
who will be representing us.
Student Council
Thanks also to our Student Council for their lead with Our Christmas Tree Of Warmth and Spirit Week. We thank them for all their
involvement throughout the school under the lead of M. Heitzner.
ECO/HEALTHY SCHOOLS
St. Monica continues to work on going green and being healthy .
(Please see attachment).
Let's continue working together to be an Eco-Friendly and Healthy
school community!
SCHOOL HOURS:
9:15-3:45
Bell to Bell, Time on Task
Arriving late for class means that a pupil misses a very important part of the day - the time when instructions for the
day’s activities are given, discussed and teaching begins.
Entering a classroom late is embarrassing for a child. It
interrupts the lesson for both the teacher and the other pupils. The habit or custom of punctuality is one that should
be established very early in a child’s school life. School
attendance and punctuality are legal requirements. We ask
for your co-operation in ensuring your child’s regular attendance by arriving before 9:15 a.m. Bell to Bell, Time on
Task!
School Council Meeting
VALUABLES
INFOpage - an online resource for information
about awards, scholarships, fundraising opportunities, educational resources, professional development opportunities,
parent/guardian resources and community events. To access the INFOpage, visit www.dpcdsb.org.
Just a reminder that students should not bring to school
items of value. These may be things of sentimental value or
monetary value. This is, also, not the place where cards or
any other collectibles are traded. Cell phones, cameras, ipods and other electronic devices should not be visible at
school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen
items.
Our next school council meeting will be held on Tuesday January
12 at 6:30 p.m. in our library, all are welcome to attend.
School Council & Community Bulletin Board
Located in the front foyer by the library. Feel free to check
the bulletin board regularly for School Council Updates,
School/Board Updates and Community events.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
Volunteers Needed Consider giving of some time to become involved in various aspects of school life. School
Council also requires volunteers to assist with their many
endeavours at our school, specifically our major fundraiser –
Valentine Dance-A-Thon, Potential Hockey Team and Mr.
Sub luncheons. Please come out and share your talents.
Many hands make light work. Don’t forget to get your required Criminal Reference Check.
Mr. Sub Lunches Wednesday January 27th is Mr. Sub
Lunch for those who preordered. Thanks to Tish G. and the
school council for coordinating and offering this additional
lunch option.
DANCE A THON
Please join us in promoting, supporting, seeking out sponsorships for our School council Dance-A-Thon on February
9, 2016. This is the major fundraiser led by our school
council. We require volunteers to assist with the pledge
collections, decorations, and just come out and have fun
dancing. We are asking you also to assist by bringing your
son/daughter’s pledge envelope to work, ask close neighbours and relatives to sponsor your child. All funds raised
will directly benefit the school-Health and Well Being!
You
may
go
to
www.stopr.ca for daily bus
cancellations or delays.
DPCDSB is now on
Twitter! For the latest
Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board
news and information
on schools, programs,
in-services, follow us on
Twitter
@DPCDSBSchools
MILK PROGRAM
We will be continuing our milk program at St. Monica School.
Thanks to M. Hamilton, C. McIntyre and our student volunteers
for co-ordinating and distributing.
Bus Cancellation 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 television stations: NOTE: If buses are can-
celled, Pizza, Mr. Sub, Dance-A-Thon, tournaments are cancelled!
POPCORN
We continue to have Popcorn and Cookie Sales
Bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Bring your toonies and
enjoy a bag of Kernels popcorn or for a loonie enjoy
a cookie. Thanks to M. Zarkovic and Gr. 8 students
and student council for coordinating.
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 television stations:
VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9
CHUM AM1050
CFTR AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590
CHFI FM98.1
PIZZA
NEWSTALK1010 AM
EZ ROCK FM97.3
FM Q107
Pizza days will continue every Thursday for those who preordered. Thanks to D. Doyle, J. Conway and
the Gr. 8’s for coordinating and all staff for
coordinating orders, as well as all families for
submitting forms on time and appreciating this
special luncheon.
CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5
YOU Make A Difference!!!
Thank you to all parents/guardians who:
•volunteered to coordinate /assist with the Mr. Sub
luncheon (Tish)
•contact the teacher or office with a concern or
compliment
•volunteer on a regular basis or quick notice basis
•assist your children in following our Code of Conduct, and safe bus procedures
•support all efforts of our school council
•continue to respect our Kiss and Ride procedures
and are adhering to this practice
•have been seeking out sponsorships for our dance-a
-thon; Vivette, Finuzza, Yarlene, Anthony, Vilma, et
al
Inclement Weather Conditions
On the days when the weather is extremely hazardous or
conditions seem to be deteriorating throughout the day,
parents may decide to keep their children home in the
morning, or not have them return after lunch, for reasons of
safety. On days when the weather is extremely hazardous,
please listen to a radio station for information regarding the
operation of school buses. If the bus does not run in the
morning, there are no buses in the afternoon.
“Guided by the Spirit…growing as a family”
FM93.1
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1
CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS
CANADA AM
CTV
We will be communicating one of six standard messages to the radio
stations. The six announcements and their effect on the transportation
system are as follows: (Please note that the highlighted text only will
be communicated by the radio stations).
1) “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES
SERVING ST. ANDREW, ST. BENEDICT AND ST. PETER ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND R.F. HALL SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CANCELLED FOR
TODAY.”
2) “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES
AND PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON
ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY”. This means that ALL buses which operate
into, out of, and within the Town of Caledon are cancelled for the entire day.
3) “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
BUSES AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE
TOWN OF CALEDON AND THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY”. This means that all runs listed under announcements #l and #2 are cancelled. Individual schools will be notified
if this cancellation affects their school.
4.) “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE CITY OF
MISSISSAUGA ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY.” This means that
ALL buses which operate into, out of, and within the City of Mississauga
are cancelled for the entire day.
5) “ALL DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AND PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES ARE CANCELLED
FOR TODAY.”
This means that ALL transportation services provided by the DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board,
including buses, vans and taxis have been cancelled for the entire day.
6) “ALL BUSES ARE CANCELLED AND THE SCHOOLS AND OFFICES OF BOTH THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ARE CLOSED”.
This means that ALL Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and
Peel District School board schools and offices are closed to all
students and staff.
Going waste-free for a week
Dear Parent/Guardian:
In an effort to engage students in small environmental initiatives that can have a big impact, our school is
participating in the week-long Waste-Free Lunch Challenge that begins Tuesday January 19th to
Friday January 22nd.
The challenge is a province-wide program of the Recycling Council of Ontario. School lunches are a major
source of waste in Ontario – the average student’s lunch generates a total of 30 kilograms of waste per
school year, or an average of 8,500 kilograms of waste per school per year. With your assistance, we can
make a great contribution to reducing waste, every day.
Please help your child pack waste-free lunches for our event and help us fulfill a number of goals:
Celebrate and learn about Waste Reduction Week using a “3Rs” approach to reduce, reuse and recycle
so that less waste is created from school lunches.
Reduce the cost of waste disposal so the school’s resources can be put to better use.
Encourage fresh and nutritious lunches (many pre-packaged lunch items contain significant amounts of
sodium, preservatives and fat).
Broaden the understanding of materials that we can recycle, how recycling works and promote recycling
in school and at home.
Help you reduce the cost of lunches: a waste-free lunch can cost as little as $2.50 per day, whereas a
regular lunch containing pre-packaged items can cost $4.50 or more per day.
Parents and Guardians are invited to visit www.wastefreelunch.com to download various resources and to
watch instructional videos about how to shop for and pack a waste-free lunch and for other resources.
Please see the back of this note for more tips on creating waste-free lunches. We look forward to your
support and hope you will consider packing waste-free lunches on a regular basis following the WasteFree Lunch Challenge.
Sincerely,
St. Monica’s Eco-Team and Healthy Schools Team
Go Green Giants! It’s Cool to be an Eco School!