St. Monica School
60 Sterritt Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6Y 5B6
Tel (905) 454-6346 Fax (905) 454-6349
www.dpcdsb.org/MONIC
Feb. 2014
Diversity Reflection
May the peace of Christ travel with us throughout
our earth.
Our earth – the planet of life Our earth – full of one race- the
human race
Newsletter
Mississauga Brampton
Central Family of Schools
L. Papaloni
Superintendent
Our earth – with China, Philippines, India, Canada, Peru………
P. Peroni
Our earth – which houses nations of every shape, language and
way of life.
C. Duke
Always lead us back to the teacher of loving justice and cleareyed compassion,
Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen
Principal
Vice Principal
C. McIntyre
Head Secretary
E. Wesoloh
Assistant Secretary
TBD
Council Co- Chair
A. da Silva
Trustee
Dates to Remember
February 13: Mr. Sub Day; Boys Junior Basketball-St. Kevin
(905) 890-0708 (ext. 20154)
February 3: Newsletter Distributed
February 14: School Council Dance-A-Thon (Cupid-A-Thon)
anna.dasilva@dpcdsb.org
February 4: Report Cards Go Home Gr. 1-8
February 17: Family Day-NO SCHOOL
St. Jerome’s Parish
February 5: Walk To School Day Canada
February 20: Family Movie Evening Share Life-6:00 p.m.
Fr. Jan Kolodynski
February 6: Interview Evening 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.;
February 21: Science Olympics-Junior St. Brigid
Pastor
6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m.; Used Book Sale
February 12: Rosary Apostolate, Jr. Girls Basketball-St. Kevin
Once Upon A High School Burton ManorScenes 11 a.m.
8530 Chinguacousy Rd.,
Brampton, Ontario
905-455-4260
ADDITIONAL DATES: Pizza Days: Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 6
February 22 & 23: Confirmation Enrolment St. Jerome Parish; 5 p.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon
February 26: 6 p.m. School Production Once Upon A High School
February 27: Day Production Once Upon A High School
March 1: 10:00 a.m. Gr. 2 Reconciliation St. Jerome Parish
March 3: Newsletter Distributed
March 5: Ash Wednesday
March 7: MOE Day-No School for students
March 10-16: March Break-ENJOY
ATTACHMENTS: Catholicity Newsletter, Home&School, Council-Link
Website: www.stjeromeparish.ca
Principal’s Message:
Although we’ve only been back since
January 6, we have been very busy with
a number of various activities. St.
Monica School has so many extracurricular activities thanks to the great
staff and our dedicated parents for
supporting these activities and/or
assisting through volunteering and/or
driving. All activities are noted in this
newsletter. In addition, some of our
dedicated staff have attended
professional activity in-services to
continue in their dedication to provide
the best educational opportunities for
your child. Our school council is highly
commended for all they do, as well as for
their LINK newsletter. This community
is blessed to have such a dedicated school
council. I hope you find the time to
thank our dedicated staff for their lead
with your children, as well as the school
council for the extras they provide. This
school is truly blessed!
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH:
This month we are focusing on
“Respect”. Respect God wants
us to treat all people with the
respect they deserve. 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)
We My Daily Prayer: Dear God, as I begin this day Let
me turn my thoughts to you, And ask Your help in
guiding me in everything I say and do. Give me the
patience that I need to keep my peace of mind, and with
life’s cares I hope, Dear God, some happiness to find. Let
me live but for today, not worrying what’s ahead, for I have trust
that you will see I get my “Daily Bread”. Give me the courage to
face life’s trials and not from troubles run, let me keep this thought
in mind, “Thy Will” not “Mine”, be done. And if some wish I do not
get though I have prayed to Thee, help me to believe and
understand You know what’s best for me. I’ve failed you many
times, I know, But when tonight I rest, I hope that I can kneel and
say, “Dear God, I’ve tried my best.”
“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7
PARISH NEWS
St. Jerome’s Parish
Tel: 905-455-4260, Fax: 905-450-6326
E-Mail: office@stjeromeparish.ca
Homepage: http//www.stjeromeparish.ca
Sunday Eucharist: Saturday 5:00 p.m.,
Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Fr. Jan “Our Good Father”
Throughout 2014, we will continue to work with Fr. Jan on the faith
formation of students, families and staff. We welcome him at our
school anytime! Father’s lead and guidance with our Gr. 2
Reconciliation program is sincerely appreciated. Father’s welcome
and inclusion of our students during the First Communion Enrolment
on the weekend of Jan. 25/26 was inspirational and students felt
“special” while awaiting their First Communion in May.
Sacramental Dates
Reconciliation: Saturday March 1, 2014 10:00 a.m.
First Communion: Saturday May 10, 2014 5:00 p.m.
Confirmation Enrolment: Feb. 22 or Feb. 23 (5 p.m., 9, 10:30 or noon)
Confirmation: Thursday June 12, 2014 7:00 p.m.
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. New members Gr. 8-12 are always welcome.
The group is currently practicing for the Good Friday presentation of
The Way Of The Cross. All new members are welcome for both
acting and singing roles.
To Send or Not to Send...
Extended French Information
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.
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enrol
their child in a Grade 5 Extended French class for
September, 2014 are reminded that applications will be
accepted at our school until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 18th,
2014.
Outdoor/Indoor Shoes
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.
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.
Public Speaking
On February 5th we are having our Grade 7-8 Public Speaking
Contest. We will announce all participants in our next
newsletter. Special acknowledgements to staff for preparing
the students and to all the students who worked diligently on
public speaking initiatives.
St. Monica Website
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.
D. Porter is commended for her diligence in maintaining our
website. This takes time, and we appreciate her time and talent
in keeping the community informed through technology.
Anti Racism and Equity Plan
In following through with board policy at St. Monica School we
believe that every student is a unique individual created by God
and for God. To this end our respect for all learners is
embedded in the learning process to help all achieve to their
potential considering the various needs, diverse talents,
heritage, background, areas for growth. Co-operation,
tolerance and acceptance are continued requirements at St.
Monica School.
ECO Schools
REPOTING 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) 454-6346. 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.
We are committed to further educating our students and
families on GOING GREEN.
Garbage, trash, rubbish, junk—no matter what you call it, waste
is ugly and it’s a big problem all around the world. You put your
garbage on the curb and it disappears, and you never have to
think of it again, or do you??? Are the landfills FILLING UP!!
For further information on waste management and recycling
please visit the following site.
www.peelregion.ca/pw/waste
Professional Development Day: February 17,
2014: Family Day-No School for children, enjoy spending this extra day and quality time with your family.
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. Bell to
Bell, Time on Task! In following through with respect for our
country and our faith, we will not be pressing our buzzer to
allow entry from approximately 9:20-9:25 a.m., thank you for
your understanding.
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.
Student Accident Insurance Brochures are sent home with students at the
beginning of each year. If you did not receive one please contact us at the
school.
STUDENT YOUTH FAITH AMBASSADORS
On January 21, 2014 J. Conway took nine of our student faith
ambassadors to the MBC commissioning mass. Fr. Joshua
was inspiring and our students brought back some great ideas which were shared with all faith ambassadors of initiatives
that we would like to see at our school.
SCHOOL PLAY ONCE UPON A HIGHSCHOOL
Come one, come all, On Wednesday February 26 our major
school production will take place in our gymnasium at 6:30
p.m. You will be able to purchase tickets through an order
form. Tickets are $5.00 per person. PLEASE NOTE: Doors
for seating will not open until 6:00 p.m. This is a very exciting
and uplifting play with singing, dancing and acting. We look
forward to your participation, you will not be disappointed!
Dufferin Peel Skills Canada
Once again we will be entering teams, this year-a potential 8. Congratulations to the students who are committing themselves to this
activity, and thanks to D. Porter and J. Mason for their lead with the
students. The competition will be held on March 18th. More information to follow.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Choir
Thanks to D. Doyle, M. Hamilton, M. Manalo and S. MacDonald
who continue to lead our choir. Thanks to the students with their
beautiful voices who are committing to our choir! The DVD/CD is
exceptional, we have many talented students and staff.
Hip Hop
M. Manalo continues to
work with this dance group,
we are looking forward to
future competitions. Bravo
to all the students who are
committing to this group.
The group performed exceptionally well at Burton
Manor, the smile on the residents faces and the sparkle in their
eyes said it all.
Knights of Columbus Free Throw
Students ranging in age from 10-14 from several schools will be
participating in the annual Free Throw Competition on February
4th at our school. This annual event is sponsored by the Knights
of Columbus who will supervise and judge the competition. We
appreciate our students who tried out and who will be competing
under the direction of L. Gredi and T. Deleo. We wish them well!
BASKETBALL
Our coaches have been practicing with our students in preparation of their basketball tournaments. Thanks to M. Manalo, S.
MacDonald for volunteering to coach and practice with our students.
Science Olympics
J. Mason and D. Porter, are taking the lead with our Science
Olympics, some of our students will be competing on Feb. 21.
We wish them every success.
Student Council
Thanks also to our Student Council for their continued lead
throughout our school. We thank them for all their involvement
and suggestions. Acknowledgements go out to M. Heitzner, L.
Gredi and P. Simpson for their lead with the students. They are
currently working on Valentine-O-Grams: Orders for Heart
Shaped cookies will take place in the next few weeks for the low
price of $1.00. All cookies will be delivered on Feb. 14.
Please support this student council service to our students.
VALUABLES
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.
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 Used Book Sale 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
Thursday February 13th is Mr. Sub Lunch.
Thanks to Tish G. for coordinating and offering this
additional lunch option.
SCHOOL COUNCIL DANCE A THON
Please support our school council on behalf of YOUR children. 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 form to work, ask close neighbours and relatives to
sponsor your child. All funds raised will enhance the “mind,
body and spirit” of our students through health and wellness
activities and projects throughout the school. Our Dance A
Thon will be held on February 14th.
Dancing Schedule: 9:30-10 :40 Gr. 1-3
10:45-12:05 Gr. 4-6
1:15-1:45 Full Day Kindergarten
Are You Ticked? – Catholic Ratepayers Have You Checked Your Tax Bill to
Ensure Proper Tax Support?
Help us to maintain our right to publicly funded Catholic Education – if you are a
Catholic ratepayer, we urge you to check your property tax bill to ensure that your
support is directed to your local Catholic school board, in our case, the DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board.
If you are a tenant, you can verify your support by contacting our Admissions
Department at 905-890-0708 ext 24511, 24512 or 24519 or your local municipal
office. By ensuring that you are accurately recorded as a Catholic school supporter, you can help deliver a powerful message to the government about the level of
support for publically funded Catholic school board trustee, you must be registered as a separate school supporter.
School Council & Community Bulletin Board
Located beside the library. Feel free to check the bulletin board
regularly for School Council Updates, School/Board Updates and
Community events.
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.
Parents and guardians of Dufferin-Peel students can stay up-todate with the latest board news and information by joining the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board E-Community. Members will receive the latest news and information by email, including media releases, school activities and events, board highlights,
school and transportation cancellations, plus useful tips for parents. Sign up online TODAY!
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
1:50-3:22 Gr. 7-8
All welcome!
School Council Meeting
Our next school council meeting will be held on
Wednesday February 12th at 6:30 p.m. in our library,
all are welcome to attend.
You
may
go
to
www.stopr.ca for daily bus
cancellations or delays.
MILK PROGRAM
Helping Your Child at Home
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.
Racism Hurts the Health of our Community
POPCORN
We continue to have Popcorn and Cookie
Fridays. Bring your toonies and enjoy a bag of
Kernels popcorn or for a loonie enjoy a cookie.
Thanks to M. Zarkovic, N. Leo and Gr. 8 students and student council for coordinating.
PIZZA
Pizza days will continue twice a month on
Thursdays. This month February 6 and
February 20. 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.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centre
St. Monica School is very proud to continue to host the Parenting
and Family Literacy Centre at our school. This program welcomes parents and caregivers with young children from birth to
age six to engage in learning and playing together. The program
is FREE and will be open Monday-Friday from 9:20 a.m.- 12:50
p.m. in Room 101. Mrs. Appiah-Kubi, the parent worker continues to welcome families. The goal of the program is to help
young children make an easier transition to kindergarten, to foster their early literacy and numeracy skills as well as to support
parents and care-givers and enable them to be successful in
their parenting role. Please note, OLDER siblings are NOT permitted in the Parenting and Family Literacy Centre during school
hours.
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.
Racism is a form of violence. It is an attitude or behaviour towards others
that is based on skin colour, culture, or religion.
Racism is expressed through physical violence, discrimination, slurs, jokes,
intimidation, or threats.
Myth: Racial jokes don’t hurt anyone; they are just made in fun.
Reality: Racial jokes or slurs make differences between people seem negative. These "jokes" cause feelings of helplessness, fear, hurt, and anger.
Myth: "There’s nothing I can do about racism. It’s not my issue, so it’s out of
my control."
Reality: Racism will not disappear on its own. We all have a responsibility
to address racism, even if it is just to acknowledge that it exists.
Tips for Parents
Actions and thoughts; be a good role model.
•Teach your children respect, acceptance and understanding by treating
others the way you, yourself, would like to be treated.
• Comfort children who have been targeted by racism. Let them know they
are special and valued.
• Expose your children to various cultures- celebrate the differences!
This is the moment to continue to teach our faith! In Catholic
schools we provide space and time for the holy.
Let Us Not Forget! One Solitary Life
YOU Make A Difference!!! Thank everyone who:
•volunteered to coordinate /assist with the Mr. Sub luncheon-Tish G.
•sought out prize donations for our dance a thon-Joanne S. (for the
majority of our donations), Concetta M., Nancy M., Tish G.
•coordinated all dance a thon templates (Luana F. ) and who created
our pledge form (Melanie K.)
•will be gathering pledges for our Dance-A-Thon
•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; particularly our Major fundraiser-Dance-A-Thon, and Used Book Sale
•continue to respect our Kiss and Ride procedures and are following
our safe school drive way practices
•support, appreciate and understand our need for RESPECT during
O’Canada and Prayers
ECO/HEALTHY SCHOOLS
St. Monica's staff and students are doing an outstanding job working together to make
the school a happier, healthier and more eco-friendly environment! With Walking
Wednesdays and Waste-free Fridays underway, everyone is doing their best to
contribute. For those students who haven't had the chance to participate, don't worry,
Walking Wednesdays and Wastefree Fridays will continue for the remainder of the
year. At the end of each month, a class is rewarded for complying with the waste-free
guidelines here at St. Monica's. Also, after a powerful presentation from Peel-Waste
Management, the students at St. Monica's are trying more than ever to make our
school even more green. We look forward to working together as a school community
to continue making St. Monica's a healthy and green school. We are pleased to follow
through with our cartridge recycling program initiated by our school council. We
delivered our cartridges to our parish St. Jerome’s to contribute to their recycling
initiatives.
Winter Walk Day
IT'S WINTER! DON'T HIBERNATEWALK TO SCHOOL AND CELEBRATE!
Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 is Winter Walk Day across Canada.
Walk to school or at school for daily physical activity, a healthier environment, safer streets, making friends and ... having fun!
Can’t walk to school? We can hold a Winter Walk Day during school, yes around our playground!
TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR WINTER WALKING
1.Keep hands and head covered to prevent heat loss
2. On really cold days wear a scarf over your face and mouth
3. Wear warm, waterproof boots
4. Wear a warm coat that deflects the wind
(Woolen clothing helps to retain the heat)
5. Wear clothing or carry knapsacks with reflective material – it’s important to be seen.
6. If possible, change wet clothes at school (Tuck an extra pair of socks and mitts into knapsacks)
Below -25oC is considered too cold for walking so move your walk in-doors or select another day for outdoor activities or walking to school.
Our Catholic School Heritage
Catholics wanted separate schools where all the beliefs of the Catholic Church would
be taught, where the pupils would live their faith in a sacramental and community
manner in proximity to the parish church and priest, and where religion would permeate the reading, literature and history curriculum. As modern times arrived, the multiculturalism of the public school’s student body necessitated the eradication of the
teaching of Christianity.
Catholics had to make many sacrifices to send their children to separate schools in these early years. The
United Legislature of Canada East and Canada West roughly had consisted of members advocating nondenominational common schools and half were in favour of them. As a result, separate school legislation
was designed with a number of obstacles to their existence:
1. Catholics could establish and support a separate school but had to continue to pay common school taxes.
They were in effect then paying tuition for their children in the separate schools
2. The separate schools had no permanence of existence. If the local common school board hired a Catholic
as one of its teachers, then the separate school ceased to exist. This resulted in Catholic schools opening and closing in the early years.
3. In the cities, the separate school board required the permission of the common school board to open a
new or an additional separate school.
4. The legislation required twelve Catholic heads of family resident with a city, town or township common
school section. The townships’ common school sections were so small that often there were not twelve
resident Catholic families.
These obstacles were gradually removed throughout the 1850’s and 60’s. Double taxation was eliminated. It
no longer mattered if there was a Catholic teaching in the common school. Catholic school boards no longer
needed permission of the common school board to open a new or additional school. The number of Catholic
heads of family to establish a separate school was lowered from twelve to five and as a result, the number of
separate schools grew considerably.
Thank you all for continuing to be involved in your child’s Catholic Education.
Together we are all stronger through Vision and Dedication!