December, 2015
4590 The Gallops
Mississauga, ON
L5M 3A9
Ph: (905) 828-4076
Fax: (905) 828-4740
Principal
J. Coughlin
Vice Principal
P. Basran
Head Secretary
C. Rogers
Director of Education
J. Kostoff
905-890-1221
Associate Director
Advent Prayer
Come, long‐expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your
Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God's own work for justice.
Come, long‐expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy.
I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Come, long‐expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail.
Amen
J. Hrajnik
905-890-1221
Associate Director
S. McWatters
905-890-1221
Superintendent
T. Cruz
905 –890–1221
Trustee
S. Hobin
Welcoming Advent and Christmas
The season of Advent is a time of expectation, waiting, caring, compassion, kindness, and hope.
We celebrate that the promise to the people of God is fulfilled. Besides remembering the first
Christmas, Advent is also a season to remember that Jesus will come again at the end of time.
Pastors
Fr. V .Vlasic
Fr. S. Birchall
Parish
Merciful Redeemer
2775 Erin Centre Blvd
Mississauga
Ontario, Canada
L5M 5W2
(905) 812-0030
School Council
Chair
S. DaSilva
School Website: http://www.dpcdsb.org/
RLIMA cultures, all nations, and all people.
During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare our hearts and our lives so that we will be able to fully celebrate Christmas. We must encourage the children to live Advent as a season distinct from Christmas. The seasons of Advent and Christmas should be a time of reconciliation and forgiveness, a time of reaching out to those we may have hurt by our words and our actions.
They are seasons in which we reflect on and continue our journey with Jesus.
On behalf of the staff at St. Rose of Lima, we wish you and your family a peaceful and blessed
Christmas.
“We must keep the light of Christ before us.”
Sincerely,
J. Coughlin,
Principal, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Elementary School
P. Basran,
Vice Principal, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Elementary School
Doing God’s Will Well 1

December Virtue – Hope
God helps up to keep working on a more peaceful world even when we feel discouraged.
Our Daily Prayer for December:
Let us pray for the grace and courage to be people of hope, people who can see, participate in and contribute to God's goodness emerging around us. AMEN
A hopeful person is ....
† inspired and inspires others
† optimistic
† one who seeks good things from life
† one sees the good in the world
From the perspective of the Catholic Graduate
Expectations, a person of hope…
† Sees more good than evil in the world
† Acts legally and morally
May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit . -- Romans: 15:13
Sometimes in life bad things happen to us that we cannot explain. During these times we tend to get mad at God for putting us through so much pain. We forget
God is always there for us and He does not want to hurt us. When you feel sad and alone, remember to never lose HOPE, pray to Jesus and things will get better.
Please note: All Virtue information is included in the front pages of your child’s agenda.
Advent Mass
Our school Advent mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 11th, at 9:30 a.m. in our school gym .
Celebrating Advent together as families gives us the opportunity to affirm our faith and to share the real meaning of Advent. Please join us and celebrate the Eucharist in community during this special season! Thanks to Father Vid, M. DiMauro and the Youth Faith Ambassadors for coordinating the
Advent Mass.
St.
Vincent de Paul Christmas Project
Once again, we are asking our school community to support families that are less fortunate than us. We will be accepting cash and gift card donations. Gifts will be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and distributed to needy families. We need your help to help struggling families this Christmas season.
“Learning Together”
Ontario Catholic School Graduate
Expectations
Distinctive expectations for graduates of Catholic schools are determined and shaped by the vision and destiny of the human person emerging from our faith tradition. Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest.
The Graduate is expected to be:
1. A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
2. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.
3. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
4. A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.
5. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
6. A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.
7. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.
New and Gently Used Clothing Drive
A big thanks to the Youth Faith
Ambassadors for organizing the clothing drive. All clothing will be dropped of at
Merciful Redeemer for the less fortunate.
2

Merciful Redeemer Parish
Christmas Schedule
Congregated Gifted Parent
Information Session
Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24, 2015
4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm & Midnight
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2015
8:30am, 10:00am & 11:30am
New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31, 2015
6:00pm, 11:00pm
New Year's Day: Friday, January 1, 2016 - Holy Day of Obligation
10:00am, 11:30am & 7:00pm
Think Green Newsletter
Thank you to all parents who have responded to our invitation to receive the newsletter electronically. We are pleased to forward our school newsletter electronically to those who have signed up for this option. It is not too late for other interested families to sign up for this Think Green option. Forms are still available at the office to request this method of receiving the newsletter.
Kindergarten Registration (2016-2017)
Kindergarten registration for the 2016-
2017 school year, will be held at St. Rose of Lima on:
Monday, January 25, 2015 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 27, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 28, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, January 29, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Snow date:
Tuesday, January 26, 2015 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For more information, parents/guardians should contact the school, or visit the board website at http://www.dpcdsb.org.
Parent Evening to Support the Transition of Children with Differing Abilities into
Kindergarten 2016
There will be an information session for parents of children with differing abilities including vision, hearing, autism, physical/medical and/or developmental delays who are transitioning to Kindergarten in September
2016. The information session will be held at the
DPCDSB Board Office (CEC) in Room 301 on Tuesday,
January 12, 2016, from 7 - 8:30 p.m
. (Snow date:
Wednesday, January 13, 2016). Parents are also reminded to register their child at their school on
Monday, January 25 from 7- 9 p.m
. (Do mention to staff you r child’s needs).
· Learn about the Regional Gifted
Program
· Meet the teachers
· Meet other potential students
· Learn about the student visit in June
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: St. Rose of Lima Library
Extended French Parent
Information Meeting
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
@ 7:00 p.m
Parents/guardians of grade four students who would like to enroll their children in a grade five Extended French class for September 2016, are invited to attend an information meeting in the Library at St. Rose of Lima
School, 4590 The Gallops, Mississauga.
The deadline for registration is Tuesday, February
16th, 2016 @ 3:00 p.m.
In the case of a lottery it will be held @ St. Rose of Lima School at a date to be announced later.
Appropriate Dress-Cold Weather
The days are getting colder as the winter season arrives. We ask that students dress appropriately; ie. coats, gloves, mitts, boots etc.
Please be advised that students are kept indoors at recess during the winter months only when the weather conditions are extremely cold. (When the wind chill equivalent temperature is minus 25 degrees
Celsius or lower, as per school Board policy).
Eden Food Bank
Students of Rose of Lima participated in the
Give a Toonie,
Feed a Family initiative to support the Eden Food Bank.
The food bank serves many individuals in western Mississauga. A big thank you to members of our Student Council for making announcements and collecting money for this worthwhile cause. We were able to raise $170.05.
Learning Together 3

Public Speaking Competition
Congratulations to all students who demonstrated their public speaking skills in their classrooms. One of our students finished first in the Mississauga
North Family Speech Competition. Way to go!
Camp Muskoka
Our Grade 5 students enjoyed their trip to
Camp Muskoka this year. The wet weather did not stop them from enjoying the outdoors, walking along trails and building shelters. This trip generously supported by teachers at the junior and intermeidate level, was successful in broadening student relationships. Based on enthusiastic student feedback has strengthened students feelings of inclusion and well being. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of our Grade
5 students to work co-operatively.
Mr. Lego Visits Lima
On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, grade 1-6 students will be attending a presentation at our school about building Lego. Mr. Lego makes the link between Social Studies, Science, Math and Literacy and will be offering 5 sessions during the lunch hour.
Sessions will cost $10.00 each. More information will be given at the presentation.
Junior & Intermediate Girls’ and Boys’
Volleyball Teams
The Junior and Intermediate Girls and
Boys Volleyball teams have enjoyed their league play in the Mississauga
North Family of Schools league.
Congratulations to the teams for their commitment and fine school spirit. Our boys team advanced to the Family Tournament where they displayed wonderful skill and sportsmanship. Many thanks to S. Kerr, F. Gabelle, and M. DiMauro for their commitment of time, talent, expertise and enthusiasm.
Appointments
Parents are requested to provide the teacher with a note if it is necessary for a child to leave for an appointment.
Please meet the child at the main office and sign him/her out. On return to school the student must report to the office and sign back in. Prior arrangements are to be made with your son or daughter to minimize classroom disruptions.
Bus Cancellation /School Closures
A decision to cancel school transportation, and/or to close schools, due to inclement weather conditions is usually made by 6:00 a.m. For information listen to the following radio stations:
VIRGIN RADIO FM 99.9; CHUM 1050;
CFTR AM 680; CFNY FM 102.1; AM 640;
CJCL 590; CHFI FM 98.1; NEWSTALK
1010 AM; EZ ROCK FM 97.3; CJBC (FR)
AM 860; FM Z 103.5; FM 93.1; FM Q107;
CHIN FM 100.7/AM 1540; CBC 99.1;
CITYPULSE; GLOBAL NEWS; CTV
CANADA AM.
School Holidays for the 2015-16 School
Year
Christmas Break
(inclusive)
Family Day
Mid-Winter Break
(inclusive)
Good Friday
Monday, December 21, 2015 to
Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016 to Friday,
March 18, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Easter Monday Monday, March 28, 2016
Victoria Day Monday, May 23, 2016
Professional Activity Days
Term 1 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress,
Monday, January 18, 2016
Reporting to Parents, Friday, February 5, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic context , Friday,
May 13, 2016
Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress,
Monday, June 13, 2016
“Learning Together” 4

From Your Catholic School Trustee
Sharon Hobin
I am so pleased that Marianne Mazzorato is our new Director of Education Designate. She will become our Director on January 15, 2016. As you know our current Director John Kostoff will be retiring in the new year. John has devoted many years as a teacher, superintendent, associate director and director to Dufferin-Peel and so it is with much gratitude that we wish him well.
Ms. Mazzorato has been a teacher, principal, superintendent, and spent a few years working with the Ministry of Education in the EQAO department. She brings to us much enthusiasm, a true belief in Catholic education and a goal to provide the best opportunities for each student. Ms.
Mazzorato believes “positive relationships imbued with trust, confidence and competency increases the likelihood that Dufferin-Peel will continue to be a vibrant board as evidenced through increased student achievement and well-being, system morale and well-being, growth and leadership of everyone in the organization and the confidence of parents, our partners in Catholic education, parishes, and the public at large. Each and every child deserves our collective commitment to help them succeed in all aspects of their growth, well-being and development.”
Thank you to all of our schools for the heartwarming tributes to our veterans on November 11th.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to our veterans of all wars and conflicts. We are blessed to live in this great country and, with the events of the last weeks, we continue to value freedom and resolve to always stand for and protect that freedom. My parents were veterans of World War II so I wear my poppy with great pride and in remembrance of them.
Thank you to all of our administrators and teachers for their hard work. It shows again and again and as ever, in our 2015 EQAO scores. And while we can always improve we know that we can be assured that our students are reaching the goals that have been set for and by us. Each school will continue to develop their own plans for improvement. Results can be found on our Dufferin-
Peel web site.
During this Advent season many of our schools will be taking part in Advent Masses, liturgies, concerts, breakfasts with Santa and many other activities. I love this time of year in my schools and I encourage you to attend one or more of these Masses and events. These touching events will bring the true meaning of Christmas to the forefront in your minds and hearts.
Please consult the Dufferin-Peel web site for minutes of meetings, meeting schedules, current events, news and more. The web address is www.dpcdsb.org
I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas and the very best for 2016. May God continue to bless us and to change hearts from evil to good, bringing peace to all of us.

January 25, 2016
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.*
January 27, 28, 29, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
*Snow Date: January 26, 2016
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District
School Board
For more information, visit

January 25, 2016
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.*
January 27, 28, 29, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
*Snow Date: January 26, 2016
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District
School Board
For more information, visit

6
Sunday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
Grade 5s to
Peel Safety
Village
4
Sub Day
5
13
20
27
7
Rosary
Apostolate
9:30 am
8
Lego
Introduction
Grades 1-6
@ 9:30 am
9
Catholic School
Council Meeting
@ 7:00 pm in the Library
10
14
21
15
Talent Show
Jr. and Inter.
Hockey Team
Practice 7-
8am Vic
Johnson Area
22
16
FDK/Gr 1 trip to
Erin Meadows library 9:30-
12:00
17
23
Christmas Vacation
24
28 29 30 32
Christmas Vacation
11
Advent
Mass at
9:30 am
12
Pizza Day
18
Sub Day
Last Day
Before
Christmas
Holidays
25
19
26

3
Sunday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Happy New
Year!
2
4
Welcome Back!
5 6 7 8
Sub Day
9
10
17
24/31
11
Rosary
Apostolate, 9:30 am
18
PA DAY
Extended French
Applications can be submitted
12
Extended
French
Information
Night, 7 pm
19
13
20
14
21
25
FDK Registration
7 pm to 9 pm
26
FDK
Registration
7 pm to 9 pm
(Snow Date)
27
FDK Registration
9 am to 3 pm
28
FDK
Registration
9 am to 3 pm
15
Pizza Day
16
22
Sub Day
Eco Rangers
Presentation
Grades 1-6 at 1:30 pm.
23
Grade 8
Confirmation
Crosses @
Merciful
Redeemer
29
Pizza Day
30
FDK
Registration
9 am to 3 pm