September 2015
Inside this issue:
Staffing Information
Food Information/Snacks
Student Safety—Student Insurance
Bus Safety—Picture Day -Kiss N Ride
O Eternal God,
bless St. Valentine School
that we may be a lively centre for
sound learning, new discovery,
School Hours—Absences
Are You Ticked?
Student Information—Medication
Criminal Reference Checks
and the pursuit of wisdom;
Lunch Routines —Transportation
and grant that those who teach
Catholic Education Week 2016
and those who learn may find
you to be the source of all truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Valentine Catholic School
5610 Heatherleigh Avenue
Mississauga, Ontario
L5V 2V7
Brenda LeClair,
Principal
Emily Moran,
Welcome Back!
The staff at St. Valentine Catholic School extend a very warm welcome to all the new
families and to those returning to St. Valentine this year. We trust that over the summer you had the opportunity to rest, relax and to enjoy peaceful times with family and
friends.
Once again we extend a special welcome to our Junior Kindergarten students who begin school for
the first time and to all the new families joining our Catholic community. We welcome back Mrs. Fernandes. New to our Braveheart staff, we welcome Mrs. Frackowiak (gr 7) and Mrs. Murphy
(Teacher Librarian and planning time) We also welcome Mrs. Soares, Mrs. Zejmo, Ms. Haines,
Ms. Crevier and Ms. Ng as they fulfill contracts for our educators on maternity leave.
This week we begin a new academic year full of ambition and hope. As we begin our new year, let us
be reminded that God gives us each day as a gift…and He encourages us to untie the ribbons.
Vice-Principal
Franca Dodgson,
Secretary
David Amaral,
Superintendent of Schools
905 890 0708
Luz del Rosario,
Trustee - Ward 6
Karen Canlas,
School Council Chair
Msgr. Edgardo Pan
Pastor
St. Francis Xavier Church
905 890 5290
We are on the web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/VALEN
Volume 5, Issue 1
Page 2
Very Important Classroom Information
Below is our current school organization for opening day, September 8, 2015. This organization is based on projected enrolment established through the School Board. This year, through provincial funding, the government is capping primary classes
(JK—3) at 20 students per class and junior (4 –6 ) classes at an average of 24.5. Schools must be accountable to this guideline. It is understood that this Ministry initiative will result in more combined grade classes, with a reduced student-teacher ratio.
Based on enrolments within our boundaries during the first and second weeks of September, we may need to reorganize the
classes as you see them below. Therefore, please note that your child’s class is not final until after reorganization occurs. If
reorganization is necessary, it will take place during the Professional Activity Day scheduled for September 18, 2015. If your
child’s placement or teacher changes, you will be notified as soon as the information is available.
JK/SK —S. Diana, C. Soares, M. Zejmo ;
Grade 1—3: L. Almeida-Mejia, L. Kulik-Oliveira, R. Ali, A. Mancuso, C. Crevier, N. Ryan-Sampson;
Grade 4-6: C. Mahoney, K. Morris, C. Marino, J. Dutra;
Grade 7-8: P. Frackowiak, T. Ng, J. Huh;
FSL: L. Rundsztuk, S. Choy
Resource Teachers: J. Ruske, K. Boone, E. Kogut
ESL: K. Boone, L. Rundsztuk
Planning Time: C. Fernandes, E. Kogut, C. Murphy
Library: C. Murphy
ERW—K. Hudec, D. Oliveira, S. Lutes
DECE—A. Haines, C. MacIntosh, A. Bulat
Secretary: F. Dodgson;
Custodians: A. Quinsay (Head), T. Quinsay, H. Buenafe (Night); Cleaner: E. Buenafe
Vice-Principal: E. Moran
Principal: B. LeClair
The outstanding members at St. Valentine Catholic School look forward to working in partnership with parents and the St.
Francis Xavier Parish Team to provide an excellent Catholic education for all of our children.
Anaphylactic Shock—Classroom Snacks
We felt that all parents would like to be
aware that there are several students in
our school with a severe life-threatening
food allergy to peanuts and nuts. This
is a medical condition that can result in
death within minutes of exposure. Although this may or may not affect your
child’s class directly, please send foods
with your child’s lunch that are free from
nuts /nut products.
Further to this, as
part of “Sabrina’s
Law”, we are no
longer permitted to
allow treats for sharing with other students. On special occasions
(Halloween, Christmas) teachers will
advise students what foods they can
bring for their own consumption. To
acknowledge your child’s birthday, if
you would like to send something, items
such as pencils or “dollar store treasures” that are not edible would be appropriate. Thank you for your consideration and co-operation in making our
classrooms safer for students.
Follow us on Twitter: @ValentineDPCDSB
Volume 5, Issue 1
Page 3
School Safety—Reminder
Parents are welcomed to the school through-
system. Please be patient as there will be times when Mrs. Dodgson
out the year, however, for the safety of all
will need to be away from her desk and may not be able to admit you as
children, parents and visitors must use only
soon as you ring the buzzer.
the front door for entry and must sign in at
Visitors are not entitled to go to the classrooms as this is a disruption
the office and receive a visitor’s sticker each
to student programming. Since the hallways are busy during pick up
and every time you visit the building.
times, siblings and parents are asked to arrange with your child, a meet-
As a reminder, we are now required to keep all outside doors
ing place outside of the school. Messages and deliveries (keys, lunch-
locked, including the front doors. The only access point will be
es, etc.) are handled through the office. Please remember: to most
via the front doors and visitors will require entry through a buzzer
students in the school, you are a stranger.
We are on the web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/VALEN
Student Insurance Coverage
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of insurance coverage. Enrolment is required in
Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
writing—there are two options for enrolment:
School Board annually provides parents with infor-
1)
mation about cost-effective student accident insurance
by school and mail it in;
coverage via student courier. Although enrolment is
2)
voluntary, the board encourages parents to take ad-
Life at 1-905-522-7211 or 1-800-463-
vantage of the inexpensive insurance coverage, espe-
KIDS (5437).
cially if their child/children participate in sports, excur-
Parents alone have the right to insure their
sions/field trips, or, if the parents do not have dental
children.
Complete the traditional form sent home
Photocopy the form and fax it to Reliable
School Bus Safety Rules
The conduct of individual students on the bus directly affects the safety of
all students on the bus. The driver’s attention needs to be on the road. We
are requesting that all parents/guardians reinforce the School Bus Rules
with their child(ren). All students should:



Be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to their stop time
Never play close to the road
Be ready to board the bus by waiting in an orderly
line

Board the bus in single file, use the handrail and sit
down in their seat as quickly as possible

Listen to the driver









Always remain seated while the bus is moving
Do not throw anything out of the window
Keep aisles clear of objects (backpacks, lunches, etc.)
Not shout or cause any other unnecessary noises
Never put any part of your body out an open window
Be sure to look all ways before crossing the road
Do not damage the bus in any way
Do not throw garbage on the floor
Do not consume any food or drink on the bus
Bus privileges will be revoked if need be. Thank you for your support in
ensuring that our students journey safely to and from school.
Picture Day
Our Picture Day is on Thursday October 1. All JK to Grade 8 students will have their pictures taken in the morning or afternoon. If
your child should happen to be absent that day, a picture make‐up session will be held on Thursday, November 5th, 2015.
Page 4
September 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
Thu
2
Fri
3
Sat
4
5
PA Day—no
school for
students
6
7
8
Labour Day—
First day of
14
15
no school
13
9
10
11
12
16
17
18
19
school
PA Day—no
school for stu-
dents
20
21
22
23
24
25
Pizza Days begin
QSP
30
1
2
5:30 pm—Meet
Picture Day
9:30—
Assembly
Lunch Lady
begins
27
28
29
the Teacher
Barbeque and
Open House
Beginning of
Year Mass (at
church)
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You
can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Dr. Seuss
26
Page 5
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
It is our pleasure to invite all parents to consider being a member of our Catholic School Council. Please note that our Catholic
School Council will be comprised of parents, school faculty members (teaching and non-teaching) and an appointed parish community representative. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to support school activities and students through involvement
and fundraising. If you are interested in being a member, please visit the office to pick up a nomination form after September
17th. Forms and a brief biography must be submitted to the office no later than Friday September 25th. If an election is necessary, it will be held on Wednesday September 30th.
The first Catholic School Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday October 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.
All parents and guardians are invited to join in the Catholic School Council General Meetings.
REMINDER:
If you are renewing magazines previously purchased through QSP (school fundraising) or that are on the QSP list, you can do
so online and still support St. Valentine! Simply go to www.qsp.ca and enter the school code: "18412". Our Fall
campaign will begin September 23rd, 2015.
THANK YOU!!
The hard working and successful members of last year’s council were:
Mrs. Canlas (Chair), Mr. Fong, Mrs. Balestra, Mr. Canlas, Mrs. Kwan, Mrs. Pegas-Ferreira, Mrs. Lasquite, Mrs.
Giove, Mr. Mathias, Mr. James, Mrs. Fendley, Mr. Huh, Mrs. Dimaapi and Mrs. Dodgson.
We wish Mrs. Balestra and Mrs. Pegas-Ferreira all the best as they “graduate” with their last elementary child to
secondary school! Your contributions have been immense and you both will be missed!
We thank ALL council members for their contributions to the St. Valentine School community this past year!
Volume 5, Issue 1
Page 6
We are on the web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/VALEN
Kiss N’ Ride
The success of this program is de-
pendent upon parents, guardians, mem-
bers of our community, staff and students becoming knowledgeable about
the program and committed to following
across the school building and into the
school yard. Drop off time begins at
8:15 a.m. as yard supervision begins at
this time.
Parents should NOT be using the bus
lane in front of the school to drop off
students—this area is for school bus
use only.
As in previous years, we rely on volun-
the basic principles.
teers for the success of our Kiss N’
Please drive to the end of the Kiss’n
Ride program. If you are able to volun-
Ride and drop off your child. They will
teer your time before the school day
then walk on the sidewalk and walk
begins, please contact the office.
School Hours
Student Absences
Our school hours remain unchanged from last year.
Student safe arrival at school is paramount. If your child is
absent, please call the school attendance line at 905 890
Please note the following:
0909 and Press 1. This procedure helps to ensure the
8:00 School Office Opens
safe arrival of all students. If your child is late for school,
8:15 Supervision Begins
they must check into to office before proceeding to class.
8:23 Morning Bell
We encourage ALL students to arrive on
10:30 Recess
time as the new secure entry protocol
11:25 Lunch
changes the procedure for admitting tardy
12:25 Afternoon Bell
students.
2:05 Recess
Children must be signed out at the office by
3:00 Dismissal
an adult.
4:00 School Office Closes
Are You Ticked?
Direction of school support has long been an issue for Catholic school boards in Ontario. The
fact is that, unless the municipality is notified, the
ernment perception of support for Catholic education.
We want to bring a greater awareness around
school support designation, for assessment pur-
this matter and in past years, have created the
address.
If you would like more information on school sup-
poses, automatically defaults to public school sup- Are You Ticked? campaign as the communication vehicle for this awareness.
port when an individual or family moves to a new
This may have an impact on students’ eligibility to port designation or would like us to help you
attend Catholic elementary schools, trustee repre- check or change your school support designasentation on school boards, and on gov-
tion to the Catholic system, please call us at
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24512
Volume 5, Issue 1
Page 7
Updating Student Information — Medication
Student information forms will be
numbers. Please return the Student
the school to store and distribute your
sent home with your child during the
Information Forms promptly to the
child’s medication during the school day.
first week of school. It is very im-
classroom teacher.
These must be completed by the parent
portant that this information be up-to
Please contact the
-date. In the event of illness or injury
office to obtain the
of your child at school, we must have
appropriate medical
current contact names and phone
forms if you require
Criminal Reference Checks
and doctor. If your child has a sever e
medical condition or allergy, please meet
with school administration to provide up
to date information.
Lunch Hour Routines
If you plan to drop off your child’s lunch, please assist
A reminder to ALL
parents who would like
us in efficient distribution by reminding your child to
school this year—
bag with the child’s name and teacher/grade. There
who would like to ac-
lunch.
to volunteer at the
come to the office at lunch time. Please label the lunch
including those parents
will be a spot inside the office where you can drop the
company classes on field trips or teams to ath-
A reminder that students who regularly stay for lunch are NOT permit-
is now required.
from parents each time they leave school grounds. We encourage con-
the police to complete the check so please
Thank you for supporting this important safety routine. A form regard-
The required forms are available in the office.
child’s teacher promptly.
letic events—a current criminal reference check
ted to leave school property unless indicated by a signed and dated note
During busy times, it can take 6-8 weeks for
sistency. Students either go home for lunch or stay in school for lunch.
plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
ing lunch routines will be sent home this week. Please return it to your
Bus Transportation
Bus transportation is provided by the Dufferin-Peel Roman Catholic Separate
School Board only to those students who
live more than the distances outlined below,
or more, from the school.
tion under the Empty Seat Policy in Octo-
front doors of the school about one week
ber each year.
before school starts.
Permission to ride under this policy is pro-
Safe and considerate behaviour while
vided under the following conditions:
travelling to and from school is an expecta-

tion. Repeated misbehaviour on the bus
may result in the loss of riding privileges.

Due to the revised eligibility of ridership
that occurred last spring, many previous
JK – Grade 1
1.0 km
riders are no longer eligible (letters were
Grades 2 – 4
1.6 km
Grades 5 - 8
2.0 km
students, parents may apply for permission
for their children to receive bus transporta-
thest away are considered first.
Empty seat riders must use an existing
Empty seat requests are only valid for
the current school year and are dependent on availability and may be
If empty spaces on the buses permit room
for riders in addition to the designated bus
The youngest students who live far-
stop—NO NEW stops will be added.

sent home last year).
Distances:



Bus stops are posted each year on the
withdrawn at any time.

Applications will be available in the
school office beginning September 21,
2015.
We are on the web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/VALEN and Twitter: @ValentineDPCDSB
Volume 5, Issue 1
The Last Word
Page 8
INTRODUCTION
The new school year offers us an opportunity to reflect upon our personal, professional and spiritual growth and to set some
new goals. The theme chosen for the upcoming 2016 Catholic Education Week is:
Catholic Education: Opening Doors of Mercy
Pope Francis has declared 2016 a “Holy Year of Mercy” as a way for the Catholic Church to “make more evident its mission to
be a witness of mercy”. The year will be celebrated from December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016. Throughout the year there
will be a series of jubilee celebrations on the theme of mercy for teenagers, deacons, the sick and disabled, prisoners, catechists
and clergy. As well, Pope Francis will open the Vatican’s Holy Door on December 8. The Holy Door is opened to evoke the
concept of forgiveness, which is the main focus of a Holy Year.
The theme of human sin and God’s mercy is illustrated in 15 of the 16 bronze panels that make up the current Vatican door, with
episodes from both the Old and New Testament, including the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Annunciation, and the merciful Father and the Prodigal Son.
Catholic Education Week 2016 combines both the theme of mercy and the act of opening doors of reconciliation, mercy, and
forgiveness to all around us.
The sub-themes for Catholic Education Week 2016 are as follows:

Monday: Mercy that Welcomes – (Jesus and the Woman at the Well, John 4:1-42))

Tuesday: Mercy that Loves – (The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37)

Wednesday: Mercy that Forgives – (The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32)

Thursday: Mercy that Lives the Gospel – (Zacchaeus, Luke 19:1-10)

Friday: Mercy that Rejoices – (Healing of the Paralytic, Luke 5:17-26)
Catholic Education Week Prayer
God of Love and compassion,
help us to open the door of mercy in our school communities,
in our families and in the world.
Let mercy guide our living and bring us closer to the heart of the gospel.
May we live as Jesus with mercy that welcomes, loves, forgives
and calls us to live the gospel joyfully.
+Amen.
We are on the web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/VALEN and Twitter: @ValentineDPCDSB