2266 Council Ring Rd.
Mississauga, On
L5L 1C1
Ph:905-820-5115
Fax:905-820-9272
Principal: J. Igercich Vice Principal: P. Passarelli
Secretaries D. Langley, M. DeDominicis
SEPTEMBER
Beginning of the School Year Prayer
Loving God, you give us the new school year
and new friends with whom to share it.
Bless all who pray, work and learn together.
Grant a happy year to the entire world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Principal’s Message
It is my pleasure to welcome everyone back to another exciting year at St. Margaret of Scotland School. I wish to extend
a warm welcome to all of our new families and students who have moved into our community over the summer months
and extend a special greeting to our Kindergarten students who are beginning their school journey. I am confident that
you will find that St. Margaret of Scotland is a warm and joyful place to learn.
I am looking forward to working with Mrs. Passarelli our new Vice Principal, Father Bernard and the St. Francis Assisi
Parish team, our Trustee Sharon Hobin, Superintendent David Amaral our Catholic School Council, staff, students and
parents/caregivers as partners in Catholic education. It is such a privilege to be part of such a caring and supportive
Catholic community and I look forward to working together to help our students not only carry out the mission to be
“Braver, Wiser, Kinder” but to be transformers of the world we live in together.
Our staff has been busy getting ready for the new school year. I would like to thank our teaching and secretarial staff for
their preparations of the classrooms and the office area. A special “thank you” to our custodial staff who have worked
very hard throughout the summer to make our school a clean and safe environment.
As we begin this new school year, know that we will continue to strive for excellence in academics while working to
develop your children’s spiritual, emotional and social growth. As a Catholic community we will continue to model our
thoughts, words and actions after Jesus Christ and establish relationships that are built on the Virtues of our faith .
On behalf of the St. Margaret of Scotland staff I extend our best wishes for a successful school year for all.
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 905-890-1221
Director of Education: J. Kostoff
Associate Directors: S. McWatters J. Hrajnik
Trustee: Mississauga War ds 2 & 8
Sharon Hobin
(905) 301-1210
FAX (905) 569-9052
sharon.hobin@dpcdsb.org
Superintendent: D. Amaral
Parish:St. Francis of Assisi
Pastor: Fr. Bernard Vellozo
905-822-8132
The Virtues Program
A Catholic Faith Community is rooted in a set of common
beliefs which are inspired by the life, mission and teachings
of Jesus. As a Catholic Community we are called to learn,
to grow and to become more like Jesus in the way we see
and treat others. Our Catholic faith plays an important role
in helping us shape schools that are safe, caring and inclusive.
play. If you have any concerns, please contact us. Thank
you for supporting us as we support your child.
Holy Days of Obligation
It is important that our children continue to be exposed to
our Catholic Community through experiences at the parish.
The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and the Eucharist
is at the heart of the Church’s life. “Sunday is the day on
which the Paschal Mystery is celebrated in light of the Apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost Holy
day of Obligation in the universal Church.” [CIC, Ccn 1246
#1]
St. Margaret of Scotland will be continuing the “Virtues
Program” this year. This program is designed to help us
nurture virtue and character development in the lives of
our students. Each month, the entire school will focus on a
different virtue. Classroom activities and school wide activiThroughout the school year, students experience the mysties will all focus on the nurturing of a specific virtue.
tery of Jesus Christ through celebrations, liturgies and
We would appreciate your support in discussing these vir- mass. We encourage all of our families to maintain these
tues with your child and encouraging behaviours that
traditions and obligations throughout the year by attending
would demonstrate these virtues. Here is the list:
Mass as a family.
September - Faith October - Empathy November – Conscience December - Hope January – Self-Control February - Respect March – Kindness April – Love May – Acceptance – June – Fairness
Virtue for the Month of September: Faith
Opening/ Feast Day Mass
We look forward to coming together in community to celebrate our liturgies throughout the year. Please keep September 21 open as we will celebrate our Opening Mass at
9:00 a.m. Fr. Bernard Vellozo from St. Francis of Assisi
Church will join in our partnership in the development of
your children’s faith. Please see the attached liturgical
calendar for all sacraments and forthcoming masses
and celebrations.
Welcome To Our New Staff
We welcome Ms. Harty, who will be teaching grade 1
French Immersion, Ms. Palmateer who will be teaching
FDK, Ms. Goncalves who will be teaching FDK, Mrs.
Dollimore who will be teaching Grade 1/2, Ms. Stepniak
who will be teaching Special Education and Ms. Davidson
who has joined us as a Kindergarten teacher.
Volunteers
All volunteers must have a valid Criminal Record Check
(CRC) even for one-time events, such as field trip supervision. For all volunteers, CRC are free of charge. Further
information and forms are available through the main office or on the school website.
PLASP
PLASP operates Before and After School Programs at St.
Margaret of Scotland School for children up to 12 years of
age. The children are involved in fun-filled activities and
provided with nutritious snacks during this supervised period. For \more information, see the PLASP staff at St, MarSt. Margaret of Scotland is a Catholic community that respects and promotes the uniqueness of all its members. By garet of Scotland School before or after school or call the
following the teachings of Jesus, we pledge to provide eve- PLASP Head Office at: 905-890-1711 or visit
ryone with a safe, caring and peaceful environment, which www.plasp.com
ensures the respect and acceptance of all. Because of
these beliefs, bullying will not be tolerated. Your child
deserves a safe environment in which to work, learn and
2015/2016 Classroom Assignments
Our classroom placements have been made based on the
projections given to us last June and actual registrations
as of September 8, 2015. As families move in and out of
the school area fluctuations in student numbers occur.
Should reorganization of classes be required it will take
place on or prior to the Professional Activity Day on
September 18. Thank you in advance for your patience
and understanding as we start up this new school year.
More information will be sent home once our numbers
and staffing have been finalized.
Parents accept the responsibility for conduct, safety and
the wellbeing of students when they are given permission
to leave school property. We thank you for continuing to
support this safety routine.
If you are dropping lunch off for a student please write
the child’s name and classroom teacher on the lunch bag
and drop it off in the office. The student will be called to
the office to pick it up.
Attendance Verification and a Reminder about Absences
School Start Up Information
Daily attendance and punctuality are very important. A
St. Margaret of Scotland is committed to providing a safe, reminder for parents to call the school and leave a mescaring and inclusive school. During recess our responsibil- sage if your child is going to be late or away due to illness
or an appointment. Parents should also call to report their
ity is to create a healthy active environment for our students. This year we will once again be having a Primary child’s absence if the child is not participating in a scheduled field trip.
Recess and a Junior/Intermediate Recess.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIMES
The following is the daily instructional schedule for St.
Margaret of Scotland Elementary School:
At 8:00 a.m. there will be student supervision by the staff
in the school yard. Please do not drop off or send your
children to school prior to 8:00 am.
8:15am
9:38 -9:53am
10:21 -10:36 am
11:16 – 12:16 pm
12:16 pm
1:22—1:37 pm
1:42- 1:57 pm
2:45 pm
Entry and school day begins
Morning Recess—Primary
Morning Recess —
Junior/Intermediate
Lunch Hour
Afternoon Instruction begins
Afternoon Recess—
Junior/Intermediate
Afternoon Recess —Primary
Dismissal
The school yard is supervised during every recess, during
the lunch hour, fifteen minutes before school starts and
during bus loading at 2:45 pm. Students are to be
dropped off at school only during supervised playground
times. Parents are responsible for ensuring that child(ren)
are picked at the end of school day promptly at 2:45pm .
Lunch Time for Students- Leaving School Grounds
The school lunch hour is 11:16 a.m. – 12:16 p.m. When
children stay for lunch, they will eat with their classmates
and remain on school property throughout the lunch period. Supervision is provided by staff and a lunch supervisor. For safety reasons, students either stay for lunch or
leave for lunch every day. Changes to this routine are
done only with written permission by a parent/guardian.
Students are not allowed to call home to go out for
lunch. The office is very busy at this time and phones
are needed for office communication and emergency
phone calls. Students must sign in and out at the office.
The absence/late telephone line is (905) 820-5115, please
call by 8:30 a.m. You will be prompted to press 1. Please
leave a message indicating the date, your child’s name
(Please spell out the last name) and name of teacher and
grade level.
Visitors to the School-Pick-Up and Drop-Off Policy
All visitors to our school must report to the office. At this
time they will be required to sign in and to wear a visitors
badge during their stay. When leaving visitors must sign
out from the office and return the visitor’s badge. If for
any reason you wish to drop something off or pick your
child up at any time other than dismissal please do so
through the office. A class may be in a different area of
the school other than the classroom, (e.g. Resource Centre, Gym etc.), thus it is much easier to have the child
summoned by the secretary from the office rather than to
go searching for them. This expectation also applies to
the schoolyard for while you are known to your children
and their friends you are a stranger to others.
Student Accident Insurance
The forms for Student Accident Insurance have been sent
home. This coverage is optional and while highly recommended, it is a personal decision between you and the
insurance provider. Payment for the plan should be sent
directly to the insurance company and not to the school.
If you do not receive this package let us know and another package will be sent home.
Emergency Incident Policy
We have a detailed fire/emergency evacuation and lockdown policy. We will be practicing many times over the
course of the school year. You need to know that in case
we have to evacuate the school, our evacuation site is
Brookmede Public School or St. Katerina Tetakwitha Catholic School.
Allergy Aware School
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE
As we begin a new school year we would like to inform you
that St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Elementary School, is
an allergen aware school. There are pupils in attendance
who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to
certain foods, such as peanut and nut products, and seafood. Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe
life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life
threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen
triggers are food, insect stings, medications, exercise and
latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from
two or more body systems. We would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT sending any
lunches or snacks that contain nuts, nut oils or derivatives
(e.g. peanut butter, peanuts, or peanut oil ), seafood,
shellfish, sesame and whole eggs which could potentially
harm a pupil. Please do not send food for birthdays
or special occasions. There are many alternatives
such as stickers, pencils or donate a book or game
for the class to enjoy.
Road Safety
Some driving tips for motorists in school zones and
residential neighbourhoods:
 Reduce speed in schools zones.
 Be ready to stop at all times. Children do not always
notice oncoming traffic.
 Be aware of school zone signage.
 Always try to make eye contact with children wanting
to cross the road.
 Be patient and wait for children to complete their
crossing before proceeding.
 Obey all yield, stop and traffic signal controls. It's the
law.
 Stop when directed to do so by a crossing guard.
When crossing intersections with or without signals,
students should:
 Stop before stepping into road
 Increase visibility and indicate crossing intention to
motorists
If you have any questions please talk to your child’s teach-  Wait for the pedestrian walk signal
er or the school staff.
 Look in all directions before crossing
 Stop, Look and Listen for traffic
Thank you again for your cooperation in this important is Cross safely when the road is clear
sue.
 Walk, don't run across the road
Distribution of Medication
 Where possible, use the buddy system
Should you require that the school store medication for
 Watch for turning vehicles
your child during the school day, there are forms that need
The Peel Regional Police urges motorists to drive safely and
to be completed by you and your doctor.
responsibly with a reminder to all road users that "Road
Safety is a shared responsibility”.
Please note that we are unable to administer medications.
Liquid medications (ie: amoxicillin) should be brought to
Kiss and Ride Programme
school in a container with the required dosage (ie: mediPlease note that when dropping your child off at school use
cine syringes available from your local drug store, or other
the middle “Kiss and Ride” lane and have your child exit
containers that your child can use).
from the right hand side of the vehicle. At this point the
child may walk to the sidewalk. Parents should not exit the
IF YOUR CHILD HAS A LIFE THREATENING ALLERGY,
car as this creates a safety concern as the left lane is for
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY. WE NEED TO KNOW!
exiting traffic. Please note that the Kiss and Ride is for
drop off only. There is no parking or stopping in front of
Head Injury Policy
the school at entrance (7:50-8:20 a.m.) and dismissal
When a student receives an injury/bump to the head
times (2:15 -3:00 p.m.).
(however minor), it is a Board Policy that we inform parents. A phone message will be left at one of your contact
We wish to thank you in advance for adhering to the rules
numbers. We ask that you check your child when they get
for our Kiss’N’Ride Programme. While there may be some
home for any signs of a concussion or illness.
inconvenience and people must wait a little longer, the
safety of our children is our foremost priority.
Safety
This is the time to teach and remind students that the safThis year our Walk on Wednesday/MarchOns Mercredi proest way to cross the street is under the direction of the
gram will continue. This project will continue and will help
Crossing Guard. All people should wait until the guard anreduce the use of cars in our “kiss and ride” lanes and in
nounces that it is safe to cross. Please be aware that chilthe school community. Additionally, walking will help us
dren learn through example and that adults should model
exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
safety by crossing at these designated spots.
School Bus Transportation
Below is the path to access the updated Catholic School
The transportation system is a joint venture between the
Council Procedures and By-Laws:
Dufferin-Peel Catholic, and the Peel District School Boards.
There are many new registrations throughout these diswww.dpcdsc.org
tricts as well as kindergarten and primary students who
↓
are eligible for transportation often are brought to school
Catholic Communities
during the first couple of weeks before parents begin ac↓
cessing the transportation. Once the system settles we
Central Committee for Catholic School Councils
begin filling up the bus under the “Courtesy Rider” Policy.
This policy states that:
1.
Application for transportation under this policy
must be forwarded to the school in the form of
a letter to the Principal before September 30th.
2.
The Principal will allocate extra seats, according to
Board Policy.
3.
Students riding under this policy will access the
bus at an existing bus stop.
4.
This service, based on availability, may be with
drawn at any time, and should not be considered
to constitute a precedent or establish a right.
5.
This application covers the current school year
only.
Volunteers Needed 2015-2016 School Year!
An active and enthusiastic School Council is essential to
the success of any school. Sincere appreciation is extended to all those parents who participated in the School
Council last year. Your efforts have contributed to the education and development of all of our students here at St.
Margaret of Scotland Catholic Elementary School.
Volunteers are needed as members of the 2014-2015 St.
Margaret of Scotland Catholic School Council. Many vital
programs are funded and made possible by the work of
our school council members. These programs include the
following: books for our school literacy program, student
agendas, and school presentations (i.e. student excursions, guest speakers, in-school arts programs, technology). Without the ongoing support of our School Council,
these programs will be in jeopardy.
School Council Elections
Elections and/or the selection of executive positions for
the 2015- 2016 Catholic School Council will be conducted
Monday, October 5, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Forms will be available in the office for anyone interested in being part of the
School Council executive for the school year 2015-2016.
The deadline for submission of these forms is 3:00 pm on
Friday, September 17, 2015.
The updated document, Catholic School Council Procedures and By-Laws, is now housed on the Dufferin-Peel
website.
↓
CSC Procedures & Bylaws (top toolbar)
Please mark these dates down in your calendars and do
come out and participate. YOUR PARTICIPATION IS
VERY MUCH NEEDED!
Make a gift of your time by joining the St. Margaret of
Scotland Catholic School Council and make our school a
better place for your children!
Open House and Barbeque
Our school Open House and barbecue will be held on
Thursday, September 24. All food must be pre-ordered,
no sales on site. The following schedule will be followed:
5:30pm to 6:30pm BBQ
5:30pm to 7:00pm Classroom Visits
PARENTAL HELP IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE BARBECUE EVENT CAN TAKE PLACE. PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE
ON OUR SCHOOL VOICEMAIL IF YOU CAN ASSIST.
You will be given an opportunity to meet your son/
daughter’s teacher Please keep this date open on your
calendar so that you can attend this very important event.
Terry Fox Walk
The Fall of 2015 marks the 35th year of the amazing and
courageous charity run of Terry Fox. A Terry Fox charity
event will be held here at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic. Further details will be sent home with students soon.
Students will once again be asked to donate a “Toonie for
Terry” to support the work of the Terry Fox foundation.
Excursions and Field Trips
Educational trips which extend learning opportunities in
curriculum areas do take place. Teachers need to follow
appropriate Board procedures. A limited number of trips
may be planned by teachers.
BY LAW the school must have on file permission forms
which must be signed by the parents/guardians. If on the
day of the excursion your child did not return his/her
form, and the parents/guardians cannot come into the
school to sign the permission forms, the student will remain at the school. VERBAL TELEPHONE PERMISSION
IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE.
Hepatitis B. & Meningitis Inoculations Gr 7 & HPV
Vaccinations Gr 8 Girls
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
will receive free HPV Vaccinations. If you have any questions please call the Peel Health Department at
905-799-7700.
St. Margaret of Scotland Liturgical Calendar 2015/2016
Masses
Opening Mass
Advent Mass
Ash Wednesday Paraliturgy
Lenten Mass
Year End Mass
September 21, 2015: 9:00 a.m.
December 10, 2015: 9:30 a.m.
February 10, 2016: 12:30 p.m.
February 29, 2016: 9:30 a.m.
June 16, 2016: 9:30 a.m.
ALL THE MASSES WILL BE AT ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board - Homework Policy and Procedures
Sacraments-FIRST COMMUNION
The board-wide policy and procedures approach homework
from a Catholic perspective that recognizes the importance
Parent/Guardian Information Meeting – Dates
of family time and honours the bonds between school,
family and parish. As a community, we recognize that the
Saturday, September 26, 2015 –
stronger these bonds, the more effectively our students are
10:00 a.m.
able to learn and to develop the unique talents and gifts
Thursday, October 1, 2015 – 6:30
with which they are blessed.
p.m.
@ St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Please find the complete ELEMENTARY Summary in the
Hall:
front of your child’s agenda or visit the school website under General Information—Academics.
Sacraments-CONFIRMATION Grade 8 only
Around the Halls: School Pictures
Tuesday, September 29th is picture day for all students at Parent/Guardian Information Meeting – Dates
St. Margaret of Scotland School. This will allow for pictures
to be ready before Christmas. 'Edge Imaging' will be proOctober 8, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
vided with class lists containing personal information
October 10, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
(students' ID, names, grades and homeroom). These lists
October 17, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
will be returned when the photography sessions are com@ St. Francis of Assisi Parish
pleted. If you do not wish your child's personal information
to be shared with 'Edge Imagine', please contact the Prin- Parents please plan to attend a meeting listed above at the
cipal of the school immediately. As well, if you do not wish church to receive information regarding your child’s
sacrament. Your child was given a letter from the church
your child to participate in the actual taking of the photoregarding the documentation you should bring to the
graphs, please notify the Principal of the School immedimeeting to register your child. Your child’s teacher will have
ately.
extra copies.
Extracurricular Activities
There is lots of excitement around the school as students
wait to hear of upcoming opportunities that await them.
The involvement of staff is wonderful in sharing their ideas
and in demonstrating such willingness to voluntarily take
on extra- curricular activities. We thank staff for their time
and expertise to enhance the opportunities provided for
your children.
Professional Activity Day
Please note that Friday, September 18 is a
Professional Activity Day. Teachers will be
involved in Faith and Curriculum development
activities as well as reorganization of classes if
necessary. There is no school for students on
this day.
For your planning purposes, the 2015-2016 School Year
Calendar has been attached. As well, it is in the front of
your child’s agenda (Gr 1—8)
Grade 7 Confirmation information nights will be available at
a later date.
Upcoming Events:
Professional Activity Day
Sept. 18
Opening Mass (at school)
Sept. 21, 9:00 a.m.
Open House BBQ
Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m.
School Council Elections
Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
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

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

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
From Your Catholic School Trustee
Sharon Hobin
Dear Lord, please bless us as we begin this new school year and guide us to be your beacons
of light on earth.
Welcome to everyone including our new students and their families. To our Full Day
Kindergarten parents who are joining us for the first time we thank you for choosing a Catholic
education for your child or children. We endeavor to give all our students the desire to learn so
as to understand better God's world in a respectful, non-threatening environment. This is
fundamental to our philosophy of Catholic education.
A special welcome to our grade nine students who are now on a new adventure. Your four years
will fly by. Take advantage of all the great opportunities that are offered to you. We are very
proud of our Link Crew and Get Ready for Secondary School programs. Never be afraid to ask
questions. I hope that you have a Link Crew Leader to help you along the way.
To our grade twelve students - I wish you all the best in your last year of Catholic secondary
school. You will be thinking about college, university, apprenticeships or the world of work.
This is the time you have been waiting for –senior students! I hope you make the best of this
exciting year.
Your Board of Trustees has approved a balanced operating budget of $922, 901,010 with 89.7 %
of this budget going to salaries and benefits. We have 149 schools, 84,000 students and 10,000
employees. We are the second largest Catholic school board in the province. We have very
strong links to our parishes so we will see our priests visit our schools as well as many of our
students who will visit our parishes for Mass and the sacraments. We are blessed that our priests
make a special effort to visit with our students.
If you have transportation questions please remember you can call STOPR at 905-890-6000 or 1800-668-1140 or check our web site at www.dpcdsb.org. Click on schools and then student
transportation. Transportation was removed from the trustees’ purview under Bill 177 several
years ago.
Parents, please support and join your Catholic School Council. It is a great opportunity for input
and better understanding of what is happening in education both locally and provincially. You
will be amazed at how much you will learn and how much you can contribute to your child’s
school.
Please do not hesitate to contact me. I wish you the very best for this school year and always.
May the good Lord always hold you in the palm of His hand.
MESSAGE FROM DAVID AMARAL
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, MISSISSAUGA SOUTH FAMILY OF SCHOOLS
September 8, 2015
Dear Families:
Welcome back to another year of learning! A special welcome to all of our students who may be joining our Mississauga
South Family of Schools, and, in particular, to our new Full Day Kindergarten students who are beginning their journey in
learning in their Catholic School. The Mississauga South Family of Schools is a very active and vibrant Family of Schools
where the love of Christ can be found in our hallways, our classrooms and in our daily endeavors. The Family of Schools
consists of 22 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools, all of which are served by extremely dedicated
Administrators, teachers and support staff who put the needs of every child first and truly believe in the potential of
each and every child. 8 parishes and pastoral teams support our schools’ liturgical plans, working in partnership with
teachers and students to provide spiritual nourishment and development of our students and their teachers.
Furthermore, our school communities are privileged to be served by 4 dedicated trustees: Mario Pascucci (chair of the
board, Wards 1 and 3), Sharon Hobin (Wards 2 and 8), Luz del Rosario (Wards 6 and 11) and Bruno Iannicca (Ward 7),
each of whom brings with them a wealth of experience and a relentless passion for Catholic Education and the success
of all students.
Pope Francis states, “The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful. True education
enables us to love life and opens us to the fullness of life.” Therein lies the transformative power of Catholic education;
a treasure that has been forming quality young men and women… young men and women who are not only solid
academically but well-rounded citizens who have contributed positively to our society, both locally and on a global scale,
for over 170 years. You have chosen a Catholic education for your child. I encourage you to remain steadfast in your
efforts to ensuring that the enduring gift of Catholic education is protected and promoted. Jesus is indeed at the very
center of our mission in Catholic education. We will continue to celebrate the story of Jesus, and of Catholic Education
this year within the theme of Catholic Education Week, “Opening Doors of Mercy”. All schools will continue their focus
on responding to the Board’s Strategic Plan, as set out by our trustees, namely the tenets of: Catholicity, Catholic
Learning Environment, Catholic Community Engagement, Parish-Home-School Relationships, Stewardship of our Physical
Environment, Technology, and Sacredness of our Environment.
The education of any child is indeed a co-operative endeavor. As parents, you are requested to be part of your child’s
education. You are encouraged to ask questions about your child’s learning and to work collaboratively with your child’s
teacher and school to ensure that your child is receiving the highest quality Catholic education. We look forward to
continue working with you, your child’s “first teacher”, as we endeavor to provide a high quality, Catholic education that
supports the spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social, and physical capabilities of each individual to live fully
today and to meet the challenges of the future, thus enriching the community.
I wish you, the families within the Mississauga South Family of Schools, a very successful and productive year full of
wonder and learning and witnessing the love our Lord has for us. Our vocation in providing your child with the highest
quality Catholic Education is a privilege and one we hold very dear; it is indeed a sacred trust.
God Bless,
David Amaral
Superintendent of Education