Our Lady of Peace School
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Unwrap
September
2015
Newsletter
Blessing For a New School Year
DEAR GOD, AS A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS,
FILL THE HEARTS OF OUR CHILDREN WITH AN EAGERNESS TO LEARN
ABOUT THE WORLD YOU HAVE CREATED, ABOUT THEMSELVES,
AND, MOST OF ALL, ABOUT YOU.
BLESS OUR TEACHERS WITH THE GIFTS OF WISDOM AND PATIENCE,
THAT THEY MAY HELP THEIR STUDENTS FIND THE TRUTH.
GIVE OUR PARENTS GENEROUS HEARTS,
TO SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE AND LOVE THEIR CHILDREN.
C. Cauduro
Principal
J. Vieira
Vice Principal
Ape
R. Klobucar
d toy to t
HELP US ALL TO WORK TOGETHER TO FORM A COMMUNITY OF LEARNING,
THAT TEACHES NOT ONLY SKILLS FOR MATERIAL SUCCESS
BUT ALL THAT WE NEED TO LIVE OUR FAITH FULLY IN THIS WORLD.
AMEN
Head Secretary
L. Papaloni
Superintendent
Of Schools
(905) 890-1221
A. Podesta-da Silva
Trustee
Ward 4
D. D’Souza
Trustee
Wards 5 & 6
(905) 890-1221
A. Roberts-Lopez
School Council
Chair
Fr. J. Kolodynski
Pastor
St. Jerome’s
Parish
(905) 455-4260
SCHOOL
Principal’s Message:
The first day of school brings a sense of excitement and, as we return,
I trust that students, staff and parents have had the opportunity to enjoy
time with loved ones over the course of the summer and that everyone feels
rested and eager to get back to school.
As we begin the 2015-2016 school year, I would like to extend a very
warm welcome to new staff Ms. J. Morse, Ms. M. Quaranta (DECE), Ms.
Lima, Mrs. J, Ianiero, Mrs. S. Smith, Mr. J. Horemans (FSL), Ms. A.
Camilleri (SAT), Ms. A. Viullet (Psychologist), Mrs. Bothelo (SW) and to the
many new families to our school community. Of course, a big welcome back
to all of our students who are returning. Mrs. McLean (CYW), and Mrs.
Donovan (Sp. L) will continue to serve the students at Our Lady of Peace
School.
We are blessed to have a strong parish relationship with St. Jerome
Parish through Father Jan, an involved School Council, hard -working
trustees in Anna da Silva and Darryl D’Souza, a wonderful superintendent,
Lucy Papaloni, and supportive parents. Our staff is committed to working
with all of their partners in education to support your children in their
quest for knowledge, happiness and spiritual development. Together we will
work to ensure that this will be a very successful school year.
p
C. Cauduro
Principal
SCHOOL HOURS
Our Lady of Peace School hours for the
2015-2016 school year are:
Grades 1- 8
School Begins 9:00 a.m.
Recess (a.m.) 11:06- 11:21 a.m.
Lunch
12:01p.m. – 1:01 p.m.
Recess (p.m.) 2:24 - 2:39 p.m.
Dismissal
3:30 p.m.
FDK (a.m.) 9:00– 11:30 a.m.
(p.m.) 1:01 - 3:30 p.m.
STUDENT ABSENCES
We ask that you call the school on the
days that your child will be absent. This
is a safety precaution that can save
precious moments should there ever be
an emergency situation. Upon reaching
the school answering service please leave
the following information:
a) Date of absence
b) Student's full name
c) Grade level and teacher
d) Reason for absence
e) Date of return
Please continue to call each day that your
child is absent. When your child returns
to school, please provide the teacher with
a note regarding the specific reason for
the absence.
ENTRY AND EXIT
Teachers will be reviewing with their
students which doors to enter and exit.
Students are asked to use the assigned
doors for their entry and exit and to
proceed to the front of the school to meet
their parents. We ask that parents who
do not make use of the Kiss and Ride,
drop off or meet their children at the
sidewalk areas located at the front of the
school at the start and end of the day.
Parents are not to be in the yard with the
children during the school day.
VALUABLES
Students are requested not to bring
valuables such as cameras, cell phones,
iPods, electronic games, large amounts of
money or items of importance to school.
The school does not accept responsibility
for the above. All personal items and
school supplies should be labelle with
your child’s first and last names.
STAFFING
September 2015-2016 school organization is based on projected
enrolment established through the School Board. The government
continues to cap primary (1-3) class sizes at 20 students. It is understood
that this Ministry initiative has resulted in more combined grade
classes, with a reduced student-teacher ratio. Based on enrolments
within our boundaries during the first two weeks of September, we may
need to reorganize the classes. Please note that your child’s present
classroom assignment is tentative until new enrolments or withdrawals
are completed during this time frame. If your child’s placement or
classroom teacher changes, you will be notified. Only those students
affected by reorganization will be moved.
SCHOOL DRIVEWAY / KISS AND RIDE
In the interest of safety, please use the designated entrance of the school
driveway to drop off and pick up your child during morning/evening
Kiss’ n Ride. Do not park in the drop-off lane, block the bus lane or
double- park in the visitor parking lot. Students and parents walking to
school are reminded to stay on the sidewalks and to use the crosswalk
when walking to and from the parking areas to the front of the school.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Transportation is provided for JK/SK and Grade 1-8 students at Our
Lady of Peace School who meet the Board distance eligibility for
busing. At present we are reviewing all eligible student seats. Requests
for a courtesy seat application are to be made in writing and sent to Ms.
Vieira by September 25th for review as per Board policy. No Courtesy
seats will be made available until the Transportation Department gives
us the go ahead in October.
TEXTBOOK POLICY
Textbooks are the property of the school and are loaned out to students
with the expectation that they will be returned at the end of the school
year in good condition. The teachers keep a record of each textbook that
students are given. Please help to keep our costs down by encouraging
your child to take proper care of them. There will be a replacement cost
to the student if the textbook is damaged, lost or not returned at the end
of the school year.
CATHOLIC CODE OF CONDUCT
The Catholic Code of Conduct sets standards of behaviour that
promote, encourage and foster a shared commitment to gospel values in
daily life, respect for the dignity of persons created in God’s image,
responsible participation in the civic life of the school community,
peaceful conflict resolution, respect for diversity, and a commitment to
exemplary conduct, conscientious work, and service to others. At Our
Lady of Peace we continue to work together to provide a safe, caring,
inclusive and healthy Catholic school community for all.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAY
Friday, September 18th is a Professional Activity Day. Students do not
attend school on this day. Teachers will be involved in faith-based
activities and professional development.
VISITORS IN THE SCHOOL
In order to insure the safety of students
and staff, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board requires ALL
visitors (including parents, guardians,
volunteers) to use the front doors located
near the main office, ring the bell to enter
the school, sign in, and pick up a visitor’s
sticker upon entering the building.
Anyone not wearing an identification
sticker will be asked by staff to return to
the office to sign-in and pick one up.
This procedure will help students and
staff in recognizing our many visitors at
Our Lady of Peace School. If you are
picking up your child at school at a time
other than regular dismissal, we ask that
you report to the office to sign them out.
Arrangements will be made for your
child to meet you at the office. If you
intend to send someone else to pick up
your children, please write a note to the
classroom teacher or inform the office.
THE LUNCH TABLE
Once again, a table has been placed in
the foyer for lunches. Please ensure that
your child’s name is on the lunch bag/
container. We are encouraging nutritious
lunches. Classes are not to be
interrupted for students to pick up
lunches. Please let students know in the
morning if they should expect to have a
lunch dropped off. They should be
responsible to come down and pick up
their lunch from the table. We cannot be
responsible if a lunch goes missing. We
stress that there are students with food
allergies and therefore students are not
to share food. Please check with your
child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Y.M.C.A. CHILD CARE SERVICES
Y.M.C.A. Daycare operates before and
after school programs, in this school, for
children up to 12 years of age. If
interested please contact Nicole Mei in
their office at (905) -455-6445.
MEDICAL ALERT – ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK - NUT ALLERGIES
This year, as in the past, we continue to have students with severe, life
threatening food allergies to NUTS (PEANUT). This is a medical
condition that causes a severe reaction to certain allergens and can
result in death within minutes. Although this may or may not affect
your child’s class directly, please send lunches and snacks to school
with your children that are free from peanuts or nut products. We ask
that you do not send in food products for the whole class to celebrate
birthdays or social occasions. A donation of a book or game to the
classroom is a safe alternative to food products and will be enjoyed so
much longer by the children. Please feel free to contact your child’s
teacher if you have any concerns or questions. We thank you for your
co-operation and attention to this health watch.
STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are
updated annually for any student who requires medication to be
administered at school. If your child requires medication, please have
the necessary forms completed and return them, along with any
medication, to the office as soon as possible. Forms are available from
Mrs. Klobucar in the school office.
HEPATITIS B and HPV INOCULATIONS
Peel Health will continue to offer free immunization against Hepatitis B
for students in Grade 7. It is given as a series of two injections over a
period of six months. Grade 8 girls are also given the opportunity to
receive the HPV inoculation. If you have any questions please call the
Peel Health Department at (905) 799-7700. The following dates have
been assigned to Our Lady of Peace School:
Hep. B Dose #1/ HPV: September 30, 2015
Dose # 2: TBA
STUDENT INSURANCE
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of Education, the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board annually provides parents
with information about cost-effective student accident insurance
coverage via student courier. Although enrolment is voluntary, the
Board encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive
insurance coverage especially if your child participates in sports,
excursions/field trips, or if parents do not have dental insurance
coverage. Enrolment in writing is required. There are two options for
enrolment: 1) Complete the traditional form and mail it in or 2) Apply
online to Reliable Life at www.insuremykids.com
SCHOOL AGENDAS
As you know organizational skills are imperative in the success of a child
in school. To assist in this process, school agendas have been ordered for
the children in Grades 1-8. Your child is responsible for recording their
homework, upcoming projects/assignments, important dates, and
teacher notices in their agenda. We are asking that you, as a parent, check
your child’s agenda on a daily basis and initial it. The teachers will be
reviewing the importance of the agenda with the students and we ask
that parents take the time to go over it with your child(ren).
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE /B.B.Q.
Our annual B.B.Q. and Meet the Teacher
Open House will be held on Thursday,
October 1, 2015. This is a wonderful
opportunity for you to:
 Meet your child’s teacher(s) and
learn about the 2015-2016 school
year, curriculum, expectations
 Socialize with members of the
community at the B.B.Q. hosted
by the parents of School Council
The evening begins with a B.B.Q. and
Social from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Meet the
Teacher from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Order forms
will sent home. All food is to be ordered
and pre-paid by Monday, September 21st.
Thank you to our School Council.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Elections of the new School Council will
take place on September 29, 2015. You
are invited to pick up application forms
in the main office from September 8th
until nominations close at 3:30 on
September 28th. The first meeting of the
Our Lady of Peace Catholic School
Council will be held on Tuesday,
September 29th at 7:00 p.m.
TERRY FOX WALK
Again this year Our Lady of Peace will
participate in the Annual School Terry
Fox Walk/Run for Cancer Research. We
will be hosting our walk the morning of
Friday, September 25, 2015. Parents are
invited to join us for the walk and to all
families are asked to donate $5 to help us
support this very worthy cause.
LIBRARY NEWS AND BOOK FAIR
To start our school year, Our Lady of
Peace will host The Fall Scholastic Book
Fair September 28th to October 2nd. The
family event will take place on Thursday,
October 1st at our Annual BBQ and Meet
the Teacher night. Make sure you stop
by the library and support this fantastic
literacy fundraiser. The Book Fair will
open at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Keoughan would
like you to know that students may
begin to sign books out of the library the
week of September 21st.
PED POLICY
As part of our efforts to promote and maintain a positive Catholic climate
in our schools, the Board has made revisions to the policy regarding
Personal Electronic Devises (PEDS) on school property. Until the new
policy is rolled out, all PEDS (especially cell phones) must be kept out of
sight, turned off and not used within school premises/hours or during
school-sanctioned activities. To prevent the loss or damage of PEDS, we
ask students to leave electronic devices and games at home as the school
cannot be responsible for their safe keeping. Parental support is
requested and greatly appreciated.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS AT ST. JEROME PARISH
All students in grades 2, 7 and 8 will receive a letter regarding the
sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation from St.
Jerome’s Parish as well as a permission form for the school to share
student information with St. Jerome this month. If you wish to celebrate
these sacraments at St. Jerome’s Parish you should: a) Be a registered
member of the parish b) Pick up the First Communion or Confirmation
Registration Form after any of the weekend masses September 12
through to October 4th c) Return the bottom portion of the registration
form to the classroom teacher d) Attend the Parent Information
Meetings scheduled for October 20th at 7:30 p.m. (Communion) and
October 27th at 7:30 p.m.(Confirmation Gr. 7 & 8) at the parish.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Our Thanksgiving Food Drive will run from September 28th to October
9th in support of St. Louise Outreach. As a school community we are
asking for your support in collecting non-perishable food items. The
outreach program is very grateful for your continued support and
generosity.
PICTURE DAY
Individual student photos and class pictures will be taken Friday,
October 16, 2015 for all students. More information will be sent home
with the students closer to the date.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Sept. 8;
School Begins
Sept. 18;
P.A. Day No Classes
Sept. 21;
BBQ Order Forms Due
Sept. 25;
Terry Fox Walk “Fiver for Terry” 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 28;
Book Fair Begins, Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins
Rain Date for Terry Fox Walk
School Council Nominations Due by 3:30 p.m. in Office
Sept. 29;
First Pizza Lunch From Grabba Pizza $2.50 per slice
School Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. in Library
Sept. 30;
Gr. 7 Hep B/ Gr. 8 Girls’ HPV Dose 1
Oct.1;
Annual BBQ (6-7 p.m.) and Open House (7-8 p.m.)
Oct. 6;
Opening School Mass 9:30 in Gym, Pizza Lunch
Oct. 9;
Food Drive Ends, Liturgy in Gym @ 1:45 p.m.
Oct. 12;
Happy Thanksgiving Monday- No Classes Today
Ontario Catholic School
Graduate Expectations
Adapted Wording for Elementary Students
I AM A BELIEVER!
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I believe that God is an awesome God
I believe and have faith in God
I believe that God is with us always
I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer
I believe in the stories of the bible
I believe in the stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
I believe in the Church community, celebrating Mass and the seven Sacraments
I believe in forgiveness
Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE A VOICE!
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I speak, write and listen as Jesus would want me to
I care about others and speak up for them
I am honest
I think carefully before I react or speak
I respect all people and their languages
I listen to the Word of God
Because I have a voice, I will use it lovingly, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE IDEAS!
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I have thoughts and opinions that matter
I make good choices
I have hope for the future
I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer
I know we are all equal and special
Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE!
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I use my gifts and talents to me by God
I always do my best
I build on my strengths and weaknesses
I set goals
I accept change
I am proud of the good things I do
I am thankful for the gifts of others
Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus.
I AM A TEAM PLAYER!
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I co-operate with others in all that I do
I value everyone’s work
I respect and listen to others
I think of others before myself
I follow rules of fair play
I work hard in school so that I can build my community and make it a better place
Because I am a team player, I know that “Together is Better”, and we will live our lives like Jesus.
I CARE!
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I love God, myself and my family
I care about and respect my “family” at school, at Church, in the community, and the world
I care about and respect God’s creation and everything in it
Because I care, I pray for all of my “families”, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES!
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I am a peace-maker
I am fair
I am forgiving
I follow rules and do my share
I help the poor and care for people in need
I stand up for what is right
I know that life is precious
I respect and protect the world and all that is in it
Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and will live my life like Jesus.
Parents (YMCA/School Parents)
and Visitors to the school are to
use the Kiss and Ride to drop
children off. There are 8 visitor
parking spots in the Visitor Parking
that can be used. Cars are NEVER
to be in the school yard, Bus Lane,
Emergency Lane or Staff Parking
Lot.
Tarmac for Students Only
Soccer Field
Our Lady of Peace School
YMCA
JK/SK Yard
8 Visitor
Parking Spots
Bus and Emergency Lane NO PARKING
Kiss and Ride Drive DROP OFF ONLY
Drive Through Lane – NO STOPPING
Staff
Parking
Only
No Drive
Through
Traffic
Allowed
2015 - 2016 School Year Calendar
First day of classes Elementary and Secondary Schools
First Day of classes Semester 2 Secondary
School Year ends Elementary and Secondary Schools
Number of school days for the 2015 – 2016 school year
Number of Instructional Days in Elementary Schools
Number of Instructional Days in Secondary Schools
Number of Professional Activity Days in Elementary Schools
Number of Professional Activity Days in Secondary Schools

School Holidays for the 2015-2016 School Year
Every Saturday and Sunday
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Break (inclusive)
Family Day
Mid-Winter Break
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016
194
188
188
6
6
Monday, September 7, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015 to Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016 to Friday, March 18, 2016 (inclusive)
Friday, March 25, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Elementary Schools – Professional Activity Days
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Monday, January 18, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Principal’s Day: Re-organization/Faith Development
Term 1 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
Reporting to Parents
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
St. Sofia Only – Professional Activity Days
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Curriculum/Faith Development
Reporting to Parents
Curriculum/Faith Development
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
 Secondary Schools – Professional Activity Days
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Principal’s Day: Semester Turnaround
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Semester and year end evaluations and school wide promotion meetings; contact parents with summer school
recommendations, OSR and report card preparation; inventory management of books, equipment, learning materials;
curriculum development for new course outlines; goal setting for the upcoming school year.
 Secondary Schools – Examination Days
Semester 1: January 26, 27, 28, 29, February 1, 2016
Semester 2: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2016
February 2, 2016 – Instructional Day – Examination Review
June 27, 2016
– Instructional Day – Examination Review