St. Sofia
Byzantine Catholic School
Sharing, Caring and Preparing
ШКОЛА СВЯТОЇ СОФІЇ
Virtue of the Month
St. Sofia School
c/o St. Kateri Tekawitha C. L.C.
3566 South Common Court
Mississauga, ON L5L 2B1
Tel: 905-625-0823
Fax: 905-412-3070
Website:
www.dpcdsb.org/SOFIA
Principal
P. Kasij
Secretaries:
N. Vereshchak
M. vanPutten
Superintendent
C. Blanchard
905-890-1221
Parish Priests
Rt. Rev. Dr. Roman Pankiw,
Pastor Dean
Rev. Roman Trynoga, Assistant
St. Mary’s Church
905-279-9387
Mitred Archpriest
Roman Galadza, Pastor
St. Elias Church
905-459-8888
A. da Silva
L. Zannella
S. McLauchlan
Caledon:
F. Di Cosola
People of Empathy
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Thanksgiving Prayer
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Vice-Principal
I. Sauvé
Trustees:
Brampton:
EMPATHY
416-706-5679
416-579-0126
416-659-5635
905-951-8898
Mississauga:
M. Pascucci
905-302-3096
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
S. Hobin
905-301-1210
A. Abbruscato
905-890-1221
T. Thomas
416-845-8225
P. Ferreira
416-805-7110
B. Iannicca
905-270-0536
E. O’Toole
905-812-5163
We thank you, O Lord,
for the many gifts that you have given us,
and especially for all the people
who enrich our lives each day,
for those who are willing to listen,
for friends who accept us as we are,
for people who bring out the best in us, for
critics who challenge us,
for parents, teachers
and pastors who guide us,
for those who set an example for us,
for all those who love us and care for us,
May God continue to bless them
for their goodness and love.
Amen.
On November 3rd, our school
will honour and pray for
Metropolitan Andrej Sheptytskyj.
His great leadership and determination
helped to renew
the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
He was a true pastor to his people.
God grant him eternal rest and may his memory be eternal.
October 2014
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can understand and name
their feelings
care about other’s feelings
listen for clues in tone of
voice
watch expressions and
body gestures for messages
notice when someone is
upset
can see and respect how
others look at things
know that others may
feel differently about
things than they do
respond generously to
help others
In this issue:
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Virtue of Empathy
OCSGE
Safe Schools
School Operations
Volunteers
Bullying Awareness and
Prevention
Homework Policy
School Council News
Green Team
EQAO Results
October’s Virtue: EMPATHY
God has given us the ability to form connections with each other — to live together.
Empathy helps us to connect and live together in safe, caring, inclusive communities.
An EMPATHETIC person…
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Listens attentively
Watches people’s body language
Notices and responds when someone is upset
Can name his/her feelings
Can see a situation from another person’s point of view
Knows that different people may feel differently about the same thing
Prayer for FAITH
Gracious and merciful God of all creation,
You made us to live together in communities.
We are nothing without relationships.
You have given us the virtue of empathy to ensure
that we are able to identify with and feel other people’s concerns.
We come to you now asking for the grace and strength to follow your plan and
to form a safe, caring, inclusive community here at St. Sofia.
May your gift of empathy lead us to know and feel your presence among us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, who lived to show us your way. Amen.
On reflection… How will I know that someone needs me to show empathy today?
Books about EMPATHY
Parents are encouraged to read with their children and to their children about this
month’s virtue.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
The safety and security of our students is of utmost importance.
We ask that you follow the routines and procedures set by the school.
ATTENDANCE
For safety reasons it is very important to notify the school if your child is going to be absent or late. Please call
(905) 625-0823 if your child is going to be absent or late. This communication is vital to ensure the safety of your
child. If we do not hear from you, our school office will be calling to verify your child’s absence.
ENTRY
Upon arriving by school bus, students will be dropped off at
the west side, main entrance doors and proceed directly to
their classrooms.
Thanks go out to all the parents who have been following
the entry and dismissal procedures.
Students arriving late must report to the office and get an
admit slip.
Parents Driving Students to School
Parents must arrive after buses have arrived at 9:05-9:20am
and released students for entry into the school. For student
safety, parents must not drive cars in the bus lanes, nor try
and drive past buses in the bus lanes.
After 9:20am, parents can park in the school parking lot(west
side, directly opposite St. Sofia main entrance), in the
southwest corner parking, or at the neighbouring mall and
walk with their child(ren) to the school.
Prior to 9:05 am there is no supervision available for
students, therefore parents cannot drop off students early.
Parents are prohibited from parking at Erin Mills Middle
School or the other parking spots designated for DPCDSB or
A.C.A.L. staff.
DISMISSAL
At the end of the school day, students are dismissed by their
classroom teachers and proceed directly to their bus lines or
board called buses.
Please be advised that your child needs to present a note
from parent/guardian to the teacher if there are to be any
changes in dismissal routine.
Parents Picking Up Students Early
Parents are asked to also park in the school parking
lot (west side, directly opposite St. Sofia main entrance), in
the southwest corner parking, or at the neighbouring mall
and walk back with their child(ren) from the school.
Buses begin to arrive at St. Sofia as early as 3:45pm,
therefore if you must pick up your child(ren), please plan to
arrive and leave the school property before buses arrive for
dismissal.
As always, parents should give written notice to the
school indicating an early pick-up. This note should be given
to the classroom teacher. Students will be sent to the office
at their scheduled pick-up time.
If you arrive at the school to pick-up your child(ren)
without a note, we thank you for your patience as it will take
a little longer for the office to locate your child’s class, notify
the classroom teacher, your child to pack up, and then make
their way to the office.
Visitors & School Safety
Our desire is to extend a hospitable welcome to all of our visitors
and to maintain a safe learning environment. In the interest of
safety, we must have the same expectation of everyone who visits
the school.
A reminder that all visitors and volunteers, INCLUDING PARENTS
must come to the office, sign in and pick up a visitor sticker.
Anyone not wearing a visitor sticker will be asked to return to
the office to sign in and pick one up.
We thank you for your cooperation in supporting a safe
environment at St. Sofia.
SAFE SCHOOLS: DUFFERIN-PEEL- PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
AND SCHOOL SAFETY (BILL 212)
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board’s initiative to create safe, caring,
inclusive and healthy school
communities is rooted in our Catholic
identity, in particular, our shared belief
in the dignity of all persons created in
God’s image; Jesus’ model of
discipleship, as the supreme exemplar of how to live faithfully in community; the
importance of cultivating a culture of respect; the Catholic values of Christian service
and concern for the common good; or obligation to the weak, the marginalized, the
hurt and the lost; our call to be the “face of Christ,” especially to the most
challenging and disengaged learner; the importance of offering students
opportunities to change, to make amends, restore relationships and be welcomed
back with love, forgiveness and support; a philosophy of discipline that focuses on
the spirit of Jesus’ law of love, rather than the letter of the law. Safe School Policies
include the Interim Omnibus Policy; Bullying Prevention Policy and Progressive
Discipline Policy.
ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS
I AM A BELIEVER!
Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE A VOICE!
Because I have voice, I will use it lovingly, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE IDEAS!
Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE!
Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams,
by living my life like Jesus.
I AM A TEAM PLAYER!
Because I am a team player, I know that “Together is Better”, and we will live our lives like Jesus.
I CARE!
Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES!
Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and will live my life like Jesus.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Interested in volunteering at St. Sofia School for 2014-2015? During the school year, volunteers support
programs and activities at the school. We appreciate and rely on parents who can devote a small portion of
their time to help.
People who volunteer in school are now required to have completed Criminal Reference Checks, which can
be picked up from our school office. Once the form is completed, your volunteer service can begin. If you are
interested in participating in volunteering, please do not hesitate to contact our school office. We look
forward to working with you for the betterment of all students at St. Sofia School.
TRANSPORTATION
STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) deals with all busing issues on behalf of Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as bus companies and STOPR work to finalize routes
and drivers.
Riding the bus is a privilege. Please remind your children of the importance of following the safety
rules that were outlined at the beginning of the year. Parents, please be reminded that you should NOT
be boarding buses for any reason. If you have concerns, call STOPR at 905-890-6000 OR 1-800-668-1140.
Please consult the STOPR website, www.stopr.ca for any questions or concerns with regards to your
child’s bus transportation information. Information about Late and cancelled buses as well as contact
phone numbers can be found on this website.
Please call STOPR if you have questions or concerns. Pleases have your child’s OEN (Ontario Education
Number) ready when calling. STOPR will not be able to give out student information without it. You can
find the OEN number on the report card or by contacting the school.
ALL HALLOW’S EVENING/ALL SAINTS/ALL SOULS DAY
Halloween was originally a Christian Holy Day. Halloween is a shortened form of
All Hallow’s Evening. It is the evening before the Feast of All Saints on the
Roman Calendar. For Byzantine Catholics this is the Feast of ВСІХ СВЯТИХ—
the Sunday after Pentecost. On All Saints Day and All Souls Day we remember
the reposed who need our prayers. It is also a time to learn about the Saints
who have loved God and us. Decorations and costumes reflect the colours of
the fall season- orange and black. The harvest of pumpkins, colourful gourds
and bountiful fruit—given to us by God– remind us of the goodness in our
world . Archpriest Roman Galadza
Please Note - On October 31st, students will be allowed to dress in fall colours
- orange and black. No costumes are to be worn during the school day.
Lost & Found: Please remember to Label your items!
Students at St. Sofia School wear a uniform. In order for students to identify their clothing we
encourage you to label each article. As well, school and lunch bags should be labeled. In the event that
your child loses a personal item you may sign in at the office and then go and check the “Lost and
Found” box located outside our main office.
TERRY FOX WALK/RUN
St. Sofia students took part in the Terry Fox Walk/Run on
September 26th. Staff and students had a great time.
The school raised $887.00 to support
Terry Fox’s dream to cure cancer.
Thank you to all for your enthusiastic support of this event.
A special “thank you” to Pani Joan for organizing this event!
Bullying Awareness and Prevention at St. Sofia
The key message for October is…
“Bullying is Not Acceptable”
Through various activities the students will understand the vast array of behaviors that can be
bullying (physical, verbal, social) and explore the emotional impact of those behaviors on others. Students develop the ability to understand and apply the definition of bullying through
constant exposure, repeated use and consistency. Using the same definition of bullying
throughout the school and at home allows both students and adults to more effectively prevent and deal with bullying situations.
Bullying is: Being mean to others, on purpose, to hurt them or their feelings
Bullying Behavior: is intended to hurt, is repeated and involves unequal power and control
Tips for Parents/Guardians:
 review the definition of bullying with your children
 talk with younger children about inside and outside hurts
 talk with older children about intimidation, gossip, rumors and cyber bullying
 encourage children to share their feelings about bullying behaviors that they have experienced, witnessed or engaged in
Bullying Strategies
Parents can also be helpful in addressing bullying
behaviour with their children. Helping children understand how to treat one another and to value and
make friends is an important, positive step to eliminating bullying behaviour.
St. Sofia’s Anti-Bullying Oath
I will not bully others.
I will not stand by while others are bullied.
I will report bullying whenever I see it...because I have the power of one.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
PLAN
We have already had our first Fire Drill and will soon
be having our Lockdown Practice. Teachers and
students have practiced safe exit from the building
in the event of a fire, precautions in the event of a
bomb threat, and safety actions in the event of an
intruder. In the unforeseen event that we should
have an emergency which requires evacuation from
our school, our alternate site is:
St. Ignatius Loyola Church
2300 Burnhamthorpe Rd. West
Mississauga
Safety regulations and Board Policy require us to
have this contingency plan in place. In such an
event, your child will remain at St. Ignatius Loyola
Church until we contact you.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Students who are ill, have the flu, severe
coughs and/or colds should be kept home from
school. Not only is it very difficult for a sick
child to attend to the demands of the school
day, it is also unwise to have classmates
exposed to cold and flu germs. In the event
that your child becomes ill or injured at school
it is imperative that we contact you or a person
designated by you. Please ensure that your
contact person can be easily accessed
throughout the day.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board
is now on
TWITTER!
For the latest Board news and
information
FOLLOW US ON Twitter
@DPCDSBSchools
NUT-FREE
SCHOOL
School can be a very frightening environment for a
child with a severe allergy to peanuts or nut
products. In an effort to further promote a safe and
secure environment for all our children we ask your
support in sending nut free snacks and lunches. We
must take into consideration that these children are
not isolated to any particular grade level and, like all
students, utilize the computer lab, washrooms,
library and physical education equipment. We do not
allow snacks outside at recess to minimize allergen
exposure. We ask that you place careful
consideration to school lunches and snacks and
refrain from sending in items that are made of, or
contain nuts or peanuts. We offer our heartfelt
thanks for your support.
PEDICULOSIS
We would like to bring to your attention a problem
that occurs from time to time each year in most
schools. The problem is infestation by head lice
(pediculosis). If cases are found in the school, we
shall inform the parents. If your children do become
infested by head lice, we will ask you to keep them
out of school until after they have been treated with
the correct shampoo and their hair is entirely clear of
both lice and nits (eggs). Your cooperation is
appreciated as we quickly try to control outbreaks.
If you have any concerns, please contact the office.
CASUAL FRIDAYS
You may have noticed that the staff at St. Sofia
School are dressed casually on Fridays. Through
their generous donations made on these Fridays,
we are supporting ShareLife and the many
charities affiliated with the United Way of Peel
(Christian charities).
SCHOOL AGENDAS
HOMEWORK POLICY
Thank you to our Catholic School Council for so
generously funding our school agendas, which have
been provided for the children in Grades 1 to 8. As you
know organizational skills are imperative in the success
of a child in school. Your child is responsible to record
their homework, upcoming projects/assignments,
important dates, and teacher notices in their agenda.
We are asking that you, as a parent, check your child’s
agenda on a daily basis and initial it. The teachers will
be reviewing the importance of the agenda with their
students and we ask that
parents take the time to go
over it with your child(ren).
Following consultation with system stakeholders, a
Dufferin-Peel homework policy document (Kindergarten
to Grade 12) was adopted to foster consistency across
the board in this area.
TEXTBOOK POLICY
Textbooks are the property of the school
and are loaned out to students with the
expectation that they will be returned at
the end of the school year in good condition. The
teachers keep a record of each textbook that students
are given. Please help to keep our and your costs down
by encouraging your child to take proper care of them.
There will be a replacement cost to the student if the
textbook is damaged, lost or not returned at the end of
the school year.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
The policy addresses the following:
 definition of homework
 characteristics of effective homework
 types of commonly assigned homework
 general and specific procedures
 reporting of homework
 roles and responsibilities of administrators, teachers,
students, and families
The homework policy may be viewed in full at:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/homework
A summary of the key features of the document is
available in the student agenda. Below are some helpful
Be’s to support families in the homework process:
Be
positive
Be
consistent
Be
available
Be
attentive
Be a
role model
Wednesday, September 24th was our school’s
Curriculum Night. It was a wonderful opportunity for
students and their families to meet the staff of St. Sofia
School. We appreciate your time in establishing the
important home-school relationship.
Special thanks to our trustees, Mr. M. Pascucci and
Mrs. A. Abbuscato and Mrs. S. Hobin for to Fr. Roman
Pankiw for giving a special blessing.
We would also like to thank the Catholic School Council
for their support of our students and families through
the ice cream truck which was a great hit! Best wishes
to all for a wonderful school year!
Be a
cheerleader
Be
observant
Be
involved
Communicate a positive attitude towards
homework
Develop a homework routine that includes a set
time and a regular space for completing
homework, free from distractions.
Encourage independent work on the part of
your child, but be available for assistance.
Provide guidance, not answers.
Take a few minutes every day to chat about the
school day. Listen attentively to your child.
Let your child see you reading, writing, and
using math during homework time.
Praise your child for the effort displayed in
completing homework.
Note any signs of frustration that your child may
display while completing homework. If it
appears difficult or confusing or if there are
errors, encourage your child to ask the teacher
for help at school the next day.
Participate in school functions that offer you the
opportunity to stay connected to your child’s
learning.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL 2013-2014
Congratulations to our new Catholic School Council for the upcoming school year:
Peter Dowhal
Chair
Oksana Voloshyn
Co-Chair
Wasyl Saluchok
Treasurer
Joanna Iwaniura
Secretary
Nataliya Shved
Parish Representative
Evhen Ladna
Community Representative
Paul Tolomiczenko
OAPCE Representative
Pani Neave
Teacher Representative
Pani Kasij
Principal
Pani Sauvé
Vice-Principal
We thank the Catholic School Council for their interest and support on behalf of our school community.
All parents are invited to our next Catholic School Council meeting which will be held on Monday, October 20,
2014 at 7 pm in the Computer Lab.
All meetings are held in our school Computer Lab at 7:00 p.m.
Upcoming Meeting dates for 2014-2015
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November 17, 2014
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December 17, 2014
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January 26, 2015
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February 23, 2015
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March 23, 2015
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April 27, 2015
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May 25, 2015
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June 15, 2015
Celebrating world teacher’s day—October 5, 2014
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared World
Teacher’s Day to celebrate and recognize the good work of teachers and those who support them,
in upholding and promoting our tradition of excellence in Catholic education by supporting students
and their families, that we are widely considered to be a leading school board in Ontario.
We take this opportunity to say congratulations and thank you to all those individuals who have
made and continue to make a difference in the lives of our students. Please take a moment to
reflect on a teacher or teachers who have had a positive impact on your life.
May God continue to bless our teachers and all that they do!
ST. SOFIA GREEN TEAM
The GREEN TEAM is comprised of students from grades 4- 8 who want to help "green" St. Sofia by participating
in various activities that reduce the ecological footprint of our school. We have registered St. Sofia with Ontario
EcoSchools and hope to be certified as an "EcoSchool" by the end of June. For further information regarding
Ontario EcoSchools visit: http://www.ontarioecoschools.org
Here are some ways you can help the GREEN TEAM:
1. Plan a waste-free meal: Reuse containers and reduce waste. There are a lot of ways you can cut back on
lunch waste (and save money).
2. When you go to the grocery store: buy chips, cookies, crackers, applesauce, carrots, yogurt, cheese, soup,
and other food in bulk, not single-serving packages; buy juice in large bottles, not small boxes or pouches;
and try not to buy plastic sandwich bags, plastic water bottles, disposable utensils, paper napkins, or paper
lunch bags. (And don't forget to bring your own reusable grocery bags to the store.)
3. When you pack your lunch: put sandwiches, small fruit, snacks, and other food in reusable containers,
preferably glass; put juice or water in a reusable bottle; and put metal utensils, a cloth napkin, and your
food and drink in a long-lasting reusable lunch bag or box.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
*Boomerang Lunch
Everything that comes to school goes back home to be recycled or composted.
*Trash-free Tuesdays
Parents are asked to assist students in bringing a litterless lunch to school on Tuesdays.
The GREEN TEAM would like to thank all members of our school community for their continued efforts to
reduce the amount of waste we use, and help our world be a cleaner, brighter, and greener place!
WITS—Walk away, Ignore, talk it out, seek adult help
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, teachers will encourage 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. Thank
you for your continued support of this strategy.
YMCA Before & After School Program
The St. Sofia YMCA Before and After School program is a quality licensed program meeting the needs of all children
and families. Hours of operation are 7:30—9:15 a.m. and 4:00—6:00 p.m. The YMCA strives to have the healthiest
children in the community. We offer 45 minutes of physical activity each day and activities that support the
children’s development and growth. We are catered for morning/afternoon snack by Real Food for Real Kids. For
further information about our program, please contact Acting Director, Fay Lyder at 289-971-0154.
St. Sofia EQAO Results
We are very excited to announce that the EQAO results for St. Sofia are in! Congratulations to all our students
and teachers for continuing to do excellent work in Reading, Writing and Math! The following data shows the
percentage of students who reached or performed above the Ontario Provincial Standard.
GRADE 3
Reading: 81% at or above the provincial standard (board 73%, province 70%)
Writing: 81% at or above the provincial standard (board 83%, province 78%)
Math: 76% at or above the provincial standard (board 76%, province 67%)
GRADE 6
Reading: 85% at or above the provincial standard (board 82%, province 79%)
Writing: 96% at or above the provincial standard (board 82%, province 79%)
Math: 59% at or above the provincial standard (board 57%, province 54%)
The results of these assessments mark the fifth consecutive year in which the percentage of Dufferin-Peel
students achieving at, or above, the provincial standard (Levels 3 or 4) in Grades 3 and 6 has met or exceeded
the provincial averages.
Board and individual school results are available on the board website at www.dpcdsb.org. Additional
information on various assessments can be obtained through the EQAO website at www.eqao.com.
Mathematics Homework Help
The Ministry of Education and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board are committed to increasing student success in mathematics and as a
result the board has been invited to participate in a Homework Help Pilot
Expansion Project again this year.
Every student in Grades 7 to 10 in the board is eligible to register and use
the free online tutoring service. Students
from across the board will be given
information on how to login by their
classroom teacher who will introduce this
wonderful homework support opportunity to
their students.
To assist with registration, more specific
information will be forwarded to respective
parents by the classroom teachers.