ST. SOFIA
Byzantine Catholic School
Sharing, Caring and Preparing
ШКОЛА СВЯТОЇ СОФІЇ
St. Sofia School
3540 Havenwood Drive
Mississauga, ON L4X 1M9
Tel: 905-625-0823
Fax: 905-412-3073
Website:
www.dpcdsb.org/SOFIA
Twitter:
@StSofia_DPCDSB
Principal
J. Dmytrasz
Vice-Principal
I. Sauvé
Secretaries
N. Vereshchak
P. Trussler
Virtue of the Month
OUR EASTER PRAYER
LOVE
Alleluia!
We celebrate with great joy, O God,
The resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We think of the great happiness and excitement that was
experienced at the news of the rising of Jesus.
All that was promised came true in
and through his resurrection.
All his people were now able to feel great joy
even though they knew of his suffering and death.
Help us to carry the joy of this season with us each and
every day of the year. Alleluia!
Superintendent
T. Lariviere
905-890-1221
Parish Priests
St. Mary’s Church
905-279-9387
Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest Dr.
Roman Pankiw, Dean of Central
GTA, Pastor
Very Rev. Roman Trynoga,
Assistant
St. Elias Church
905-459-8888
“Christ is risen, He is truly risen!”
Mitred Archpriest, Roman
Galadza, Pastor
Trustees
Brampton:
A. da Silva
D. D’Souza
S. Xaviour
Caledon:
F. Di Cosola
Happy Easter!
416-706-5679
416-528-8515
416-528-9622
905-951-8898
Mississauga:
M. Pascucci
905-302-3096
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
S. Hobin
905-301-1210
A. Abbruscato
416-459-0126
T. Thomas
416-845-8225
L. delRosario
416-528-6447
B. Iannicca
905-270-0536
E. O’Toole
905-812-5163
APRIL 2016
Pleased join us at our next
Catholic School Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library
P.D. DAY on April 11, 2016
GOOD FRIDAY is April 29, 2016 (Julian Calendar)
School will be closed on these days.
In this issue:
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Virtue of Love
Catholic Education Week
Lenten activities
Green Team
EQAO Update
September 2016
Catholic School Council
Online Reporting Tool
Parish Activities
Summer School and
more!
April’s Virtue: LOVE
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
In April, we celebrate the virtue of LOVE. God has given us
many guidelines and examples of how to live our lives. He sent his Son, Jesus to make sure that we could see what life
could be like.
A Loving Person…
 Wants the best for others
 Is willing to make sacrifices for the good of others
 Learns from the heroic lives of saints and holy people
 Knows that we are all lovable
 Prays for others
REFLECTION…
Jesus made one lesson clear above all other lessons — the lesson to love. Love is not
about us — it is about forgetting ourselves and looking out for the good of the other.
That’s what Jesus did — he forgot about himself on purpose. He chose to give up his live for the good of others — us!
Becoming a truly loving person is challenging. It takes prayer and concentration to get used to making little sacrifices
for the good of others. Making little sacrifices on purpose so that others will have a bit of food, a bit of shelter, a bit of
peace, a bit of quiet, a bit of fun, a bit of friendship. Through prayer and concentration, we can get better at showing
love to everyone we meet.
A PRAYER FOR LOVE
Dear God, You have done such a marvelous job of creating us and the world around us.
You have placed this creation, including all the people we meet, in our care.
We come to you now asking for the grace and strength to love.
We want to love like Jesus loved — without holding back;
without wondering what’s in it for me;
So that everyone around us will know what your love looks like.
May we find the courage to forget ourselves on purpose for the good of your people.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our brother, who lived to show us your way. Amen.
Books to read with your child about love:
 The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
 The Shape of My Heart by M. Sperring & A. Paterson
 Stick Man by J. Donaldson & A. Scheffler
 When I Was
Born by I.M.
Martins & M.
Matoso
 Ivy Loves to Give
by Freya Blackwood
Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from May 1—May 6, 2016. During this week the Catholic community
celebrates the unique and distinctive contribution that Catholic schools make to our students, our community and
our province. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Mission of our Catholic schools as they
strive to integrate the Gospel values of Jesus Christ in every aspect of the school’s life and curriculum.
The scriptural passage that guides our theme is: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” ~
Matthew 5:7
Five sub-themes, one for each of the five days of Catholic Education Week 2016, help students to understand the
rich meaning of this year’s theme:
Day 1… Mercy that welcomes - Jesus and the Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Day 2… Mercy that loves - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Day 3… Mercy that forgives - The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Day 4… Mercy that lives the gospel - Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10)
Day 5… Mercy that rejoices - Healing of the Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)
We are fortunate and privileged to have the opportunity to provide not only learning experiences within the
context of our Catholic faith, but also, build upon the faith foundation and further develop our respective spiritual
journeys as individuals and as community of builders.
Catholic Education Week begins on a Sunday to highlight the partnership that remains the foundation of Catholic
Education between our Catholic schools and local Catholic parishes. Throughout Catholic Education Week, we ask
you to reflect on the significance of Catholic Education’s presence and contribution on our Church, and in our
society.
We invite all members of our community, to participate in the
celebrations and activities that will mark the celebration of
Catholic Education Week 2016 in our schools. Stay tuned for
further information about the activities our students will be
participating in during this
exciting week!
Catholic Community, Culture and Caring
In dealing with daily interactions with their peers it is helpful for students to develop strategies to deal
with situations of conflict or anxiety.
At St. Sofia we encourage the students to use their 'WITS'. This strategy teaches the children how to
deal effectively with minor situations, thereby empowering them to solve minor situations that may
arise with their peers. Emphasis is also placed on insisting that they seek adult assistance whenever a
situation is physically or emotionally hurtful.
Please take time to discuss with your child what they may have learned through using this method.
Parental input, encouragement and knowledge are always key in a child's development of new skill sets.
Our teachers and staff also use strategies and lessons from the Region of Peel Public Health—Bullying Prevention program.
February’s message is: “Telling an adult about bullying is not tattling.”
Feel free to check out their website: http://www.peelregion.ca/health/bullying/
Online Reporting Tool at www.dpcdsb.org/SOFIA
WE ARE CALLED BY GOD
“Help one another. This is what Jesus teaches us. This is what I do. And I do it with my heart.” ~Pope Francis
INTENDED PURPOSE
The Online Reporting Tool: Promoting a Positive School Climate is intended for students who become aware of bullying incidents and negative
behaviours impacting the school community. It is designed to provide information that will help promote a positive school climate. If you have
any questions about this tool, please contact Pahn Dmytrasz or Pani Sauvé
WHAT IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY?
If this is an emergency, please call 911.This form is intended for non-emergencies.
WHAT IF IT'S A CRIMINAL MATTER?
If you are posting to report a crime and/or reporting on a criminal matter, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
WHAT IF I JUST NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE?
If you need to speak to a counsellor immediately, you may choose to contact the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or Kidshelpphone.ca.
WHAT OTHER STEPS CAN I TAKE?
Before completing this form, please discuss the incident with your family (parent/guardian). You can also talk to an adult at school that you feel
you can trust. For example, this could be:
- a favourite teacher
- child and youth worker
- social worker
- chaplaincy leader/ priest
- school principal and/or vice-principal
- neighbourhood police officer.
IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL?
When you fill out this form,you are NOT REQUIRED to provide your name or any other identifiable information anywhere. If the information
provided is anonymous, it may be dealt with in a general way as there is no means to respond specifically when there is limited information provided. DEPENDING ON THE KIND OF INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE, you may be identifiable. In some cases, if you are
identifiable based on the information provided, the school principal/vice-principal may approach you to provide a little more information on a
confidential basis. If you choose to identify yourself as part of the reporting process, the principal/vice-principal may follow up with you directly
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO MAKE FALSE REPORTS?
When we are called to seek The Good, it means that we are called to be kind. We are not called to hurt or to harm others - nor are we called to
lie. In the event that an untrue or malicious statement about someone or something is reported, please know that it will be subject to possible
discipline according to the Catholic Code of Conduct.
WILL PRINCIPALS KEEP THESE FORMS?
Yes. All reports filed will be securely stored by the school principal and will be kept on file for one year.
LENTEN SEASON & EASTER ACTIVITIES
April is the month in which the Church continues the solemn Great Fast in preparation for the Great Feast of
Easter. We prepare our hearts for the joy of Christ’s Resurrection through liturgical services, spiritual readings,
Lenten missions , fasting and prayer. Students are preparing for Easter by learning hahilky and preparing for
various Lenten projects. Many thanks to Pahn Baran for leading these initiatives.
BRIGHT TUESDAY
On Bright Tuesday, May 3, 2016, our St.Sofia students
and staff will attend the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s
Church at 10:30 AM.
Thank you to our Catholic School Council for providing
the transportation for our students that day.
HOLY COMMUNION and
HOLY CONFESSION
All parents are welcome to attend!
CHERNOBYL TRAGEDY PANACHYDA

A Panachyda
will be said
over the PA
system on
Tuesday, April
26, 2016
to
commemorate
the lives lost
to this terrible
tragedy.
†
First Holy Confession/Reconciliation will be held on
Thursday, April 14, 2016. First Solemn Holy
Communion Liturgy will be held on Sunday, May 1,
2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Mississauga.
Please pray for each of our Grade 2 children as they
come to know and understand the compassion and
love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
DIVERSITY CLUB
The Diversity Club is a group that
focuses on confronting prejudice in our
society and teaching the value of
embracing and respecting differences.
Then students learn to gain new
insights, examine learned behaviours,
challenge biases and become
empowered agents of change through
courageous conversations, role-playing,
and responding to case scenarios and multimedia presentations. The
students are excited to attend our Family Diversity Conference at Philip
Pocock S.S. on April 15! Thank you to Pahn Chwartacky and Pani
Tetrault for leading this group!
GREEN TEAM NEWS
April 22nd is Earth Day
This is great opportunity to pack a litterless lunch!
YES, PLEASE!
St. Sofia is proud to
continue its efforts
to support the environment by responsibly recycling
batteries. Never
throw batteries in
the garbage! Students are encouraged to bring in
their used batteries
for recycling. The
used battery bin is
located on the main
floor hallway outside the main office.
NO, THANK YOU!
REUSABLE lunch carrier
NO paper or plastic bags
REUSABLE containers
NO plastic wrap, sandwich bags
foil, waxpaper or styrofoam
REUSABLE drink bottle or
thermos
NO single-use cans or juice boxes
CLOTH NAPKIN to wash and
re-use
NO paper napkins
SILVERWARE to wash and reuse
NO plastic forks/spoons
HEALTHY snacks (fruit,
veggies, yogurt, cheese,
whole grains)
NO overly packaged/processed
snacks
THE GREAT GULP!
Is an annual event held every spring to
help create awareness about the importance of Peel drinking water in our lives. All students were invited
to take a synchronized drink of tap water at 12:00pm on April 1st! We are now entered in a draw to win
a tap water refill station.
E Q A O U P D AT E
Every student in Grade 3 and 6 in the province of Ontario will take this provincial
assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics. This year the EQAO assessment
will take place between May 25th and June 6th. Kindly avoid booking dental, doctor appointments or vacations during this time. The actual test will take six
days to administer. Visit DPCDSB on the web for Board and School profiles:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/EQAO
EQAO PARENT TIPS: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Stay Positive
 Always celebrate your child’s successes and hard work each day.

Remind your child that the assessment will have questions asking them things that they have already learned
in class.

Please avoid scheduling appointments during EQAO.

Be your child receives enough sleep every night so that they are rested.

During test days ensure that your child eats a healthy full breakfast and remember to keep a positive and
relaxed attitude in the home environment.

Do not force your child to study for these tests. They are already working hard at school.

For additional information on grades 3 and 6 testing visit the EQAO website at www.eqao.com and click on
“Parent Resources”.
Reading With Your Child
 Remember to keep reading fun and share how much you like to read. Parents are the best
role models to demonstrate love of reading. Children learn by example.

Encourage your child to read a variety of texts including fiction and non-fiction.

Have your child orally reflect, relate and retell what you are reading.

Reading with your child may also include: newspapers, menus, magazines, e-mails, recipes, maps
Writing With Your Child
 Demonstrate ways in which you use writing in everyday life.
 Writing may include: lists, invitations, friendly letters, journal, e-mails, instructions.
Doing Mathematics at Home
 Play with numbers.
 Do mental calculations such as estimating grocery or restaurant bills. How much of a tip
do we give our pizza delivery person? Demonstrate to your child the practical uses of
mathematics in daily life. For example, shopping, cooking, building, sewing and the like.
 Encourage your child to communicate their answers using pictures, numbers and words.
Something to Remember:
Although EQAO offers important information about your child’s learning, it is only one part of the puzzle. The
levels achieved on EQAO will not be a part of your child’s report card. The results of your child’s EQAO scores will
be provided to each family in the fall of 2016.
Combined Classes
BUS BEHAVIOUR & ROUTINES
Please continue to reinforce with
your child(ren) that behavioural
expectations are the same when
traveling on the bus to school or
when on a school trip . Students
who cause problems on the bus will
be given a pink slip. After the first
pink slip there is a warning from the vice-principal;
second pink slip a written warning to parents; third
pink slip suspension from the bus for a time and
written notification to parents.
Moving? School Organization 2016-2017
School organization for next year is in the planning
stages. Timelines for making decisions about the
number of classes and teacher assignments will be
tentatively determined by the end of June. To help
us with our planning for September 2016, it would
be appreciated if you could let us know now if you
will be MOVING out of our school area or
CHANGING SCHOOLS for the fall.
Combined classes have become a necessary reality at our
school. This is a reality in many schools in Mississauga. As
teachers pre-pare class lists they consider many factors, such
as the learning styles of students, a balance of abilities and
class culture. Within Ontario all schools are bound by a
teacher pupil ratio. This is particularly evident as we strive to
meet the hard cap of 20:1 in the primary grades. Until we
finalize our enrolment in September, all class arrangements
and teacher placements will be tentative.
Creating Classes for 2016-2017
We will be beginning the process by making up the class
lists for 2016-2017 school year. This is a complex
process, and is done in consultation with this year’s
teachers, support staff, and administration. In each class
we strive for a balance of learning styles, a balance of
gender, a balance of learning needs, and a cross-section
of abilities. If you, as a parent wish to provide input into
the process, please take into consideration the following
guidelines:
 Input must be in written form to Pahn Dmytrasz no
later than Wednesday, April 6, 2016.
 Frame your request in terms of educational contexts
e.g. your child’s learning needs/style; information not
already known to the school; tips on what has
worked best for your child in the past.
 Please be advised that letters which cite names of
individual teachers, or names of children you wish to
be placed with your child will NOT be considered.
There is NO GUARANTEE that requests will be fulfilled,
but all will be considered.
OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL HERITAGE
MYTH: Catholic schools are the same as public schools, except with
religion.
REALITY: While both Catholic and public schools teach a curriculum
mandated by the Ministry of Education; our schools are in view
with the Catholic perspective; a lens, if you will, through which all
curriculum action is viewed. The curriculum is enhanced by the
gospel values in the school working together with home and parish
to ensure that our students are formed in the traditions of Catholic
faith (Roman Catholic or Byzantine) through spiritual, academic,
and social development. (Exerpt from “The Director’s Bulletin”, DPCDSB)
S T. S O F I A C AT H O L I C S C H O O L C O U N C I L
Please join us at our next Catholic School Council
meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 6:30pm in
the Library. All are welcome to attend!
The “PARENT TOOL KIT” is available for download
at: http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/
Parent_Engagement/PA%20Downloads/CODE%
20Parent%20Toolkit.pdf
The Parent Tool Kit has been developed to support the work parents do as the
first and most important teachers of their children. This resource provides
ideas to support learning at school and at home. When students know learning
is valued by their family, learning becomes a high priority for them.
We need you! Come and get involved in the Catholic School Council!
Joining our Catholic School Council is one way for parents to show their children that they value Catholic
education. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board recognizes the importance of the partnership of
schools, parents/guardians, the Church and the community in creating a positive learning environment for
students. It is hoped that Catholic School Councils will build upon the successes of those volunteers who have
come before them who have supported Catholic schools in Dufferin-Peel for several years.
The purpose of a Catholic School Council is, through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil
achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents. A Catholic School Council’s
primary means of achieving its purpose is by making recommendations, in accordance with policy and regulation,
to the principal of the school and to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS for PARENT VOLUNTEERS
As you are aware, any individual who works as an employee
of the Board or volunteers to assist with our programs
MUST have a Criminal Reference Check (CRC) completed by
the Peel Police.
ALL volunteers MUST have a valid CRC EVEN FOR ONETIME EVENTS, such as field trip supervision.
We strongly recommend
that parents/guardians who
are interested in supporting
school programs in this
manner, please begin this
process ASAP. Further
information and forms are
available from our school
office.
Extra-Clothing for Students
Due to the spring thaw and unpredictable
field conditions at school, an extra set of
clothes is a great idea in case of slips/falls.
Teacher / Supervisors on duty do their best
to ensure that students stay out of muddy
areas. Students are also regularly reminded
to be mindful of where they play. We
appreciate and thank you for your continued
support.
Please remind your child
to have a pair of INDOOR
shoes at school. Primary
students may have to
label shoes as well.
FRACTIONS
Learning about fractions extends childrens’ understanding of our number system. While whole numbers
represent quantities of whole units, fractions signify parts of whole units or parts of sets. Although
fractions are all around us, learning about fractions is difficult for some children. Identifying
fractions in our environments makes them meaningful and easier to visualize.
Developing Mindsets that Promote Growth
What do we mean by “mindset”?
Mindsets are the assumptions and expectations we have for ourselves and others. These attitudes guide
our behavior and influence our responses to daily events. - Dr. Robert Brooks
Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset:
Tip # 3. Set appropriately high expectations and provide support.
 Expectations should focus on habits, effort, and growth, not grades.
 Provide your child with other supports (extra help, additional resources). Don’t assume that “you
could do it easily if you just tried harder.”
Family Math Activity K – 3
A fraction shows the relationship between a part and a whole.
With your child, gather several similarly shaped objects, such as a piece of paper, a towel, a placemat, a
picture frame, a magazine and a book.
Ask your child to show you one half of each object, perhaps by using a ruler to mark the halfway point.
This is an opportunity for your child to see that fractional portions must be of equal size.
Extension: Ask your child to show you one fourth of each object.
Family Math Activity 4-6
Big Idea: Numbers tell us how much or how many
 Ask what real-life situations might these fractions describe:
- Two fifths 2/5
- Three sixths 3/6
- Five eighths 5/8
For example: Five eggs have been eaten from the dozen. This represents 5/12 of the set. Can your child
describe the fraction of eggs eaten (5/12) and the remaining eggs (7/12)?
GRADES 7 & 8: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT YOUR MONEY DECISIONS!
Let’s discuss some factors affecting “Money Decisions”…
 Ask your child to keep a log for one week of all the times, instances, or circumstances that he/she has an encounter
with money (e.g., a subway ride, buying gum at a store, going to the bank or ATM, buying an app).
 Ask your child to make a list of all the ways in which money enters into his/her daily life.
 Discuss with your child his/her money encounters (e.g., what was the total value of your money encounters?)
Note: Consider factors that affect money decisions: emotions, friends and peers, customs, traditions, habits, family
members, latest styles and fads, advertising, incentives, and personal values.
PARISH LENTEN & EASTER SCHEDULES
Dormition of the Mother of God
Ukrainian Catholic Church
www.stmaryscawthra.com
Please visit St. Mary’s
website to find out more
information regarding
times for Divine
Liturgies, Vespers, and
other parish events and
activities.
St. Elias the Prophet Church
www.saintelias.com
Please visit St. Elias’
website to find out more
information regarding
times for Divine
Liturgies, Vespers, and
other parish events and
activities.
SUMMER LITERACY CAMP
Year 2 FDK–Gr.6 from July 11—29, 2016
The Summer Literacy Camp is a half-day literacy
intervention program. The program is designed to
meet the following criteria: 1) Student performance
is at Level 1 or 2 in Reading/Writing. 2) Instructional
level is not more than one year below age
appropriate grade level. 3) If ELL, the student
performs at ELL Stage 2 or higher.
Cost: $300.00 for 3 weeks. Family discounts
available. 10% for each additional child.
Locations throughout Dufferin-Peel.
Your child’s teacher must recommend registration.
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/CNE
SUMMER SCHOOL
GR. 7 & 8 from July 4—July 22, 2016
The Elementary Summer School
Program is intended to improve
literacy and numeracy skills.
The principal recommends Gr. 7 & 8
and Gr. 7 & 8 ESL students for summer
school. Students must be Level 2 or
below in achievement to be eligible.
Students will receive instruction in
literacy skills and mathematics
strategies.