St. Matthew Catholic
Elementary School
September 2015
Blessings For A New School Year
280 Kingsbridge Garden Circle
Mississauga, ON
L5R 1L2
Tel: 905 890-6898
Fax: 905 890-7611
www.dpcdsb.org/MATHW
Principal
E. Plastina
~
Secretary
N. Russo
~
Superintendent
L. Papaloni
~
Trustee
A. Abbruscato
~
Parish Priest:
Fr. C. Macatangga
Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe . Send your spirit upon these students and fill them with
your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies
and draw ever closer to you, the source of all knowledge. Look upon these teachers.
Let them strive to their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavour always to
bring the truth to eager minds. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Virtue of the Month: Faith
Principal’s Message
To begin the new school year, we will
focus our attention on the first of our
ten virtues – faith. Faith is the great
virtue of believing in God and trusting
that God is with us. A faithful person
believes that we are created, guided by
and destined to be reunited with God.
A faithful person believes that God’s
plan for us includes the right to be safe,
especially at school.
Stay Connected
Join the Dufferin-Peel
E-Community
www.dpcdsb.org
Follow DPCDSB on
Twitter: @DPCDSBSchools
For the latest board news
and information.
ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL
BBQ/OPEN HOUSE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
BBQ - EATING TIME IN GYM (5:30pm – 7:00pm)
CLASSROOM VISITS (6:30pm –8:00pm)
Welcome to the new school year and
warm greetings to all families of our
school community. I am confident that
our partnership of Church, home and
school will yield success for all students
as they meet the challenges of this
school year.
The school year began with a
significant re-organization but through
collaboration, I am certain that we will
be successful in creating the best
possible, positive learning environment
for our students.
Thank you to the teachers who have
been hard at work planning, preparing
curriculum materials, and creating faith
-filled and welcoming learning
environments for our students. Thank
you to our custodial staff who worked
extremely hard throughout the summer
to prepare the school for September.
Thank you, also to Ms. Russo for her
efforts in preparing for the new school
year.
Thank you to the community for your
warm welcome and I look forward to
seeing all of you at our Open House.
In partnership, E. Plastina
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OPENING SCHOOL MASS
Thursday, October 8th at 1:15 p.m. in the school gym. All are welcome!
Grade 2
Family of Schools Parent Meeting for First Communion
September 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
First Reconciliation
December 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
First Communion
April 30, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
Grade 7
Family of Schools Meeting for Confirmation
September 16, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Confirmation Preparation Sessions for Grade 7 Students
February 7, 14, 21, 28, March at 11:15 a.m.
Confirmation Rite of Enrolment Mass
March 13, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
Confirmation
May 1, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
Grade 8
Family of Schools Meeting for Confirmation
September 16, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Confirmation Preparation Sessions for Grade 8 Students
October 11, 8, 25, November 8, 29 at 11:15a.m.
Confirmation Rite of Enrolment
November 15, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
Confirmation
May 1, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
Please contact Cristo Rei Parish at 905 270-1133 if you require further information.
ST. MATTHEW WALKS FOR TERRY!
On Wednesday, September 30th, the staff and students of St. Matthew will participate
in a walk to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox’s inspirational Marathon
of Hope and to help keep Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer alive! Staff and students
will be asked to donate a toonie to the cause. All monies raised will be forwarded to The
Terry Fox Foundation to further the cause of cancer research. Please join us and help supervise this event.
More information will follow.
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St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
SCHOOL HOURS
A.M. Entry
8:50 a.m.
A.M. Recess
10:35 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Lunch Hour
11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Lunch Recess
11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students eat lunch in classrooms
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
P.M. Recess
2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dismissal
3:20 p.m.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
Thank you to parents who submitted nominations to be members of the School Council. Our School Council elections will be on Thursday September 24th between 8:30 am. & 7:00 p.m. if required. Our first School Council
meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. All parents are welcome to attend
ALLERGY AWARENESS
Life threatening allergies, including anaphylaxis, can pose a
very significant risk to student safety, and in June 2005, the Ontario government passed Sabrina’s Law, which addresses issues affecting students with life threatening allergies.
St. Matthew School is an allergen aware school. There are children in attendance who suffer
from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as peanut and nut products. Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions.
As part of our effort to reduce the risk for students with life threatening allergies, the staff members of St. Matthew
School have been in-serviced in recognizing the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction. Staff are aware of
emergency procedures in dealing with an anaphylactic reaction, which is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction.
Please DO NOT send any lunches or snacks that contain peanuts or nuts which could potentially harm a child.
We would like to keep the classrooms allergen free. If your child’s teacher has sent home a note regarding specific
food allergies please provide other options for your child for lunch. Please make sure that all of your children’s caregivers are aware of this request.
We also ask that you only bring non-edible treats for special occasions to share with others in the classroom.
There are many alternatives to bringing in food for birthdays and special occasions. Some suggestions are: stickers,
gift certificates, erasers, dollar store toys or items. If you have any questions, please talk to your child’s teacher or
the school administration.
Some people are sensitive to fragrances. We ask that all students and adults when entering the school, be aware of
this and avoid wearing strong scents.
Page 4
DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF MEDICATION AND EPI-PENS
If medication must be administered at school, signed request/authorization forms from the
parents and the supervising physician must be completed. These forms are available in the
office. The required forms and the medication are given to the office where it will be housed
in a safe location. The medication must be in the original packaging with the correct labelling.
Please do not send any medication in Ziploc bags or other containers. Medication must not be kept with the
child (i.e. pocket, back pack etc.) or in the classroom; with the exception of epi-pens and inhalers. Students
should administer the medication in the office with the supervision of an adult. If you have any questions or
if this applies to your child, please speak to someone in the office.
PARKING/SCHOOL DRIVEWAY/ KISS ‘N RIDE
Safety is our priority. All parents/guardians are asked to respect the NO PARKING zones at the front of the
school. This area is reserved as a fire route and for buses only. Please follow the directional signs and various painted line/wording in the parking area.
In the interest of safety, we ask for the cooperation of all parents/guardians/care givers who drive children to
school. Please use the Kiss ‘N Ride lane at the front of the school to drop your children off in the morning,
and/or pick them up at dismissal.
We ask parents/guardians/care givers to follow directions from the staff on duty to facilitate a smooth process. There is absolutely NO PARKING IN THE KISS ‘RIDE LANE. Should you need to assist your child
out of the car, you will need to park in the parking lot. Please do not drop students off before 8:35 a.m. as
there is no supervision before this time.
SAFE ARRIVALS - ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION
The Safe Arrival Program is designed to ensure that your children arrive safely at school
each day. We appreciate your cooperation in calling the school to let us know that your
child will not be attending or will be arriving late. Please call the office at: 905-890-6898
When it is necessary for your child to leave school early, please send a note to your child’s
teacher advising him/her of the time that you will be picking your child up. When dropping
off or picking up students during school hours, please go to the office to sign your child in or out of
school.
STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Your child will receive a Student Verification form which contains your address, phone numbers, emergency
contacts and health information as it currently exists in our computer. We ask that you ensure that it is accurate. Please make any changes needed directly on the sheet, and return it to your child’s teacher this week.
It is very important that we have accurate phone numbers and emergency contacts. ALL SHEETS NEED
TO BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL as soon as possible even if there are no corrections needed.
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St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
VOLUNTEERS
We highly encourage parents/guardians to volunteer their
time at St. Matthew School. We value your talents, experience, knowledge and skills. If activities and programs such
as Book Fairs, special events, and trips are to continue, the
school will require volunteers. Please call the school if you
are interested.
NEWSLETTERS
School Newsletters will
be sent home during the
first week of the month.
They serve as a means of
communication between
home & school. Various
school events, procedures,
reminders
and
other
board,
parish
and
community information
that
needs
to
be
communicated will be
provided
in
the
newsletter.
Newsletters and other
important information are
also available on the
school
website:
www.dpcdsb.org/
MATHW
VOLUNTEER CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST PROVIDE THE SCHOOL WITH A VALID CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECK BEFORE THEY CAN ATTEND ANY SCHOOL
TRIPS, VOLUNTEER TO WORK WITH STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL, OR ON
THE SCHOOL COUNCIL. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR FORMS.
LUNCH HOUR
During the lunch hour, all students who stay for lunch are expected to
remain at school. All students who go home for lunch are expected to go
home every day at noon. If there is a change in the regular lunch hour
procedure for your child, parent/guardians are asked to provide the
teacher with a note explaining the change. A letter will be going home with your
child regarding your child’s lunchtime arrangements. Please indicate your child’s
regular lunchtime arrangements, sign the form and return it to the school as soon
as possible.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
A front door speaker/buzzer/video monitoring system is installed at the front doors
of the school. Visitors may gain entrance by pressing a buzzer which activates a
speaker and video camera system. All visitors, including parents/guardians must
sign into the office and wear a Visitor’s badge. In this regard, parents/guardians
are encouraged to:

Arrive at school on time to allow children to enter with their classmates to
avoid front entry lates.

Send lunch with your child in the morning to limit traffic through the front
door at lunch time.

We respectfully request that you limit your visits to the school during the
daytime as much as possible in order to protect the instructional time and
reduce interruptions.
Page 6
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The Board takes every precaution to provide a safe learning environment for students, but accidents do
happen. Some families have private or workplace accident insurance which is able to respond to costs
arising from injuries, however, many do not. Please be advised that the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board does NOT provide accident or life insurance for students. Parents are strongly encouraged
to purchase coverage for your child using the form being sent home in early September, by going online at www.insuremykids.com, or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-KIDS (5437).
BEHAVIOUR CODE
STUDENT AGENDAS
For the safety and well-being of all students, it is
necessary to implement a number of rules and
expectations regarding acceptable behaviour in
the school. The School Behaviour Code is based
on The Catholic Code of Conduct. Students
will be reminded about the Code during the
month of September. We ask that you take the
time to read through the Behaviour Code in the
student agenda with your child.
Every student in Grades 1 to 8 has been provided with
an agenda by the school. Please review your child’s
agenda regularly, as it contains a great deal of important
information. It serves as a tool to assist
with homework planning and organizational skills and a means of communication between teachers and parents.
BUS COURTESY SEAT POLICY
Our Transportation Department provides bussing for students based on their age and distance from the school.
Check http://www.stopr.ca to determine if your child is eligible. If you have any questions please call the
appropriate number:
Transportation West of Hwy 10: 905 890-0614
Special Education:
905 890-6362
Students who are not eligible for transportation may request the use of empty seats through an
application to the school office. If you would like your child to be considered under the “Courtesy Seat Policy” in October, please make this request in writing to the school in September, and include the following information:
Your child’s name, grade, the classroom teacher’s name, the street names of the established stop you are
requesting, (no new stops will be added to the existing runs), and the reason for your request.
If it is determined that a seat is available for your child, you will be notified by the school in October.
PLASP CHILD CARE CENTRE
The PLASP Child Care Centre is a licensed child care facility offering a variety of programs for children
from ages 18 months to 12 years of age. Part time and full time care are available. For more information,
please contact PLASP at 905 890-1711.
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St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
PEDICULOSIS
Although not a communicable
disease, pediculosis (head lice) is a
concern to parents and teachers.
Each year it is common for outbreaks of pediculosis to occur.
Unfortunately, in recent years,
head lice have become
increasingly common throughout
North America. They are
parasites, which have been
common among human beings for
centuries. They are not connected
in any way to dirt or neglect.
Anyone can be infested with them.
When a case of lice is found at
school, we inform parents of the
infected classes by way of a special
letter. In order to control these
pests, we shall follow the
procedures outlined below. We
request your full co-operation.
If a case is found in the school,
we will inform all parents of the
students in that class. We then
request that you check your own
child’s head. If you find them to
also be infested, we would ask
that you contact us so that we
may advise you of the proper
treatment for them. This
information can also be obtained
from a pharmacist or Peel
Health Department.
Even if cases are not reported
from the school, it is a wise
precaution to check your child’s
head periodically. Encourage
your children not to put on other
people’s hats or scarves. Inform
them not to use other people’s
combs or hairbrushes.
If your child does become
infested with head lice, we
will ask you to keep them out of
school until after they have been
treated with the correct shampoo
and their hair is entirely clear of
both lice and nits (eggs).
When a child returns to school,
he /she must report directly to the
office and be checked by the
principal or designate before
proceeding to the classroom or the
yard.
No one is to be re-admitted to class
without being checked. If we all
follow these procedures, we may
not entirely escape outbreaks, but,
we may prevent some cases, and,
bring others under control quickly.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
We will be having fire drills for
students to practice exiting the school
building at the sound of the fire
alarm.
There may be situations where the
school, under the direction of the
Peel Regional Police, may need to
have a “hold & secure” or a
“lockdown”. The School Board
has mandated that lockdown
procedures be added to the
school’s safety routines. The
lockdown procedures attempt to
secure students in their own
classrooms in the event that there
is a high risk
incident about to
unfold in the school
or in dealing with the presence of
an individual in possession of a
dangerous article on school
property.
UPCOMING EVENTS...
September 24
September 30
October 1-16
October 7
October 8
October 12
OPEN HOUSE BBQ 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Terry Fox Walk ( More Info to Follow)
School Council Chocolate Fundraising Drive
School Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Opening/Thanksgiving Mass at 1:15 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day
Page 8