HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
November 2015
Principal
N. Poerba
Vice Principal
A. Cassar
Head Secretary
P. Figliomeni
Superintendent
Denise
Oude-Reimerink
Trustee
Shawn Xavior
St. Patrick Parish
11873 The Gore Road
Brampton, Ontario
L6P 0B2
905-794-0486
Pastor
Father Vito
School Council Chair
2015-16
K. Dancy
DPCDSB
@DPCDSBSchools
HOLY SPIRIT
@dpholyspirit
25 Bloomsbury Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6P 1W9
Phone: 905-794-8039 Fax: 905-794-1285
Website: http://www.dpcdsb. org/SPRIT
PRINCIPAL AND VICE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
As Catholics and Canadians, November is a
significant month of remembrance. All Saints
Day, All Souls Day and Remembrance Day invite
us to be mindful of all those who we know that
have sacrificed their lives for us. May God forever give them rest and may we continue to live
our lives through our good words and actions.
As we continue to grow as a Faith community, let
us pray for one another that God may give us
strength to be Peace Keepers and Makers and
role models for our children.
On November 11th, Canadians all across the
country recognize the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served for the cause of
peace and freedom. World War One Armistice
was signed on the 11th hour on the 11th day of
the 11 month and that is why November 11th is
called Remembrance Day. Our Remembrance
Day Service will be held on November 11th at
10:30 AM in the school gymnasium. Parents are
welcomed to join us in honouring those people
who have given their lives so that our families
could live in peace and freedom.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord Jesus, You said to your disciples
“Blessed are the Peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
You know how much the world needs Your peace.
Yet in so many places in the world there is only
war and conflict.
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
Transform human hearts,
Give our world a desire for peace,
And help us to see You in others.
We pray in Your Holy name.
Amen
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
This month we will celebrate the virtue of conscience. God has given us the ability to know
the right and decent way to act and then to act
that way. We trust that the common Spirit we
The positive environment of the Holy Spirit
share inspires us and guides us to make good
School community continues to thrive. Many
decisions if we allow our conscience to be wellstudents have been involved in volleyball, choir,
formed.
SWAG (students with a goal), cross country, flag
A person of conscience allows prayer and scripfootball, office and library helpers.
ture to influence him or her. A person of conscience: chooses to do the ‘right thing’ and feels
Yours sincerely,
good about it; can see how his or her actions may
N. Poerba, A. Cassar
hurt others; admits his or her wrong-doing and
feels badly; says ‘sorry’ and tries to make up for
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
mistakes; and keeps promises.
In preparation for All Souls Day,
we invite you and your family to write the name of Our conscience assembly on November 30,
loved ones that have passed away in your family in 2015. All are welcome.
our Book of Remembrance found on the Altar.
The Book of Remembrance will be displayed in the
front hall for the month of November. During the ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Corner
month of November we will remember and contin2. Peel Health Message
ue to pray for the loved ones we have lost.
Teaching for The Father Inspired by The Son Guided by The Holy Spirit
PARISH REMINDERS
CONFIRMATION
Sessions for Grade 7 & 8
Session 2: November 12, 5-6pm or November 14, 10 –11am
Session 3: November 26, 5-6pm or November 28, 10 - 11am
Grade 8 Students and Sponsor
Sunday November 29 @ 1pm followed by a meeting @ 2pm
Grade 8 Confirmation
December 5 @ 12:00 (Lara) and 2:30pm (Gismondi)
FIRST RECONICLATION AND FIRST COMMUNION
Parent Meeting: Saturday November 21@ 3-4pm
Enrollment Ceremony: Sunday December 6
ADVENT RETREAT November 28: 3 –4 pm
OFFICE REMINDERS
VISITORS TO SCHOOL
Please remember to other children, you are a stranger. When you
come to the school, please report to the office, sign in, and take a
tag. Prior to leaving, sign out and return your visitor’s tag.
Any individuals wandering the school without appropriate identification
will be asked to go to the office. Please help us monitor a safe and
welcoming environment for your children.
VOLUNTEERS IN THE SCHOOL
We are pleased to welcome our volunteers for another year to support
learning in our school. We appreciate their commitment & support and
look forward to a great year! Anyone working in our school as a new
employee or volunteer must have a Criminal Reference Check completed by Peel Police. CRC are free of charge for volunteers. Forms will
be available from the office and at the Community Information Board.
Anyone who completed a Criminal Reference Check last year is required to sign a Criminal Reference Declaration, annually. Please see
office staff.
FIRE DRILLS AND LOCKDOWNS
In accordance with Ministry regulations, three fire drills will be conducted in the fall and three in the spring per school year. While we hope
that a real fire situation never arises, this practice helps prepare stuSCHOOL HOURS
dents in the event of a real fire. In addition, our School Board has esOur school hours remain the same as in previous years.
tablished lockdown procedures should a high risk incident involving
9:15
Start Time
weapons occur in the school, or on school property, that could endanger
12:00 -1:00
Lunch
the lives and safety of students and staff. We will practice the Emergen3:45
End Time
cy Lockdown Procedure with students two times during the school year
Students are expected to arrive at school between 9:00 am and review it periodically. You can visit the board website at
to 9:15 am. unless a staff member has arranged for your http://www.dpcdsb.org/cec for posted updates and alerts
child to come early (e.g. a practice or other extra-curricular
activity). Teacher supervision begins at 9:00 am. Students
are dismissed at 3:45 pm. Please wait outside the doors
HEALTH AND WELLNESS REMINDERS
your child exits at dismissal time and not in the front foyer. Your
support in adhering to these times and locations is greatly appreciated.
LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES
We would appreciate the cooperation of the entire
ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION
school community by NOT sending any lunches or
Please help us to save valuable time and ensure the
snacks that contain peanuts/nut and/or fish products.
safety of your child by calling in all absences. We
We want Holy Spirit to be a safe environment for all
thank all parents/guardians who continue to call the
students. Thank you for your assistance with this initiaschool when their children are absent. Your support ensures that our
tive.
Safe Arrival Program works efficiently to ensure the safety of our students. PLEASE call the school at 905-794-8039. When calling please RECESS BREAKS
state the child’s first and last name (spell the last name), grade, teacher Recess Breaks serve a special purpose in the school routine, except
and reason for absence.
in unusual cases, students are not excused from going outside. StuWhen we do not receive your call, we are concerned about your child. dents who have the flu, heavy coughs or colds should be kept at
We then call home, your workplace or an emergency contact number. home, due to the contagious cold germ.
Please let us know if your telephone numbers change.
Are You Getting The Answering Machine?
IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
We are requesting your assistance. This system, which allows parents
The cold fall winds are blowing and winter is just around
to call in student absenteeism 24 hours a day, supports our Safe Arrithe corner. Please continue to remind and encourage your
val Program. If both lines into the school are busy, your call is automatchild(ren) to dress appropriately for the weather with warm
ically routed to the School Answering System. The office staff picks up
hats, mittens, coats and boots.
the phone messages on a regular basis and will relay messages to
staff members.
BE SMART, GET A HEAD START
Arriving Late For School
Head lice are always present in the community. By
It is important for all students that they arrive on time for school. Stuchecking your child’s head, once a week, for head lice,
dents who are late for school are required to report to the office to obyou will catch it early and treat it before it has a chance
tain an Admit Slip prior to going to class.
to spread. Should you suspect that your child(ren) has
COLD AND FLU SEASON
As cold and flu season approaches, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board continues to be vigilant in ensuring that our
schools are clean and that our school communities are educated
regarding good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. These practices are promoted on an ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of colds
and flu increases, our board increases the cleaning of contact surfaces,
as well as reminds schools to review cold and flu prevention with students and staff. Many resources are utilized from our regional health
units. Cold and flu viruses typically peak from December through February, but can start as early as October. More information can be found
at Peel Health at www.peelregion.ca/health.
Please refer to Peel
Health attachment. SAFETY REMINDERS
LATE BUSES
Due to circumstances over which we have no control at the school,
buses are often irregular in schedules. We realize that this is an inconvenience for you when picking up your children at the bus stop. Fortunately we now have a website where parents can check for bus delays
and cancellations. The website is www.stopr.ca. At the school when
buses are late, students remain under the supervision of the teachers or
administration.
BULLY FREE ZONE
LIBRARY
Students please continue to be good library citizens by placing books
in a safe, clean place at home, use clean hands when handling them,
and returning them on time. There is a one week loan period for primary students and a two week loan period for juniors and intermediates. Mrs. Regner
FAMILY ADVENT MASS
Our Family Advent Mass will be held at Holy Spirit on December 7,
2015 at 7:00pm. Please note this on your calendars. It is a wonderful way to capture the “true meaning” of Christmas with your family.
Once again we will highlight the gifts of our Choir.
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Following are the dates which have been identified for Kindergarten
registration for the 2016-2017 school year. One central system-wide
permit will be issued for the use of elementary schools on these
dates.
Monday, January 25, 2016
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(Snow Date: Tuesday January 26, 2016)
January 27-29, 2016
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Parent Evening to Support the Transition of Students with Differing Abilities into Kindergarten
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 – CEC Room 301, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
(Snow Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016)
SPORTS DESK
BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM
Everyone needs to Learn to Live in Peace
As many of you are aware we are collaboratively working with Peel Health on a school wide “Comprehensive
Bullying Prevention Program. In November classroom
teachers and students will focus on creating and decorating a “Peace Place”. This place is to be used as a place for reflection
and conflict resolution. It is a place that encourages students to reflect
on, discuss and try to solve difficulties they are experiencing. This idea
of having a ‘calming’ space is used in schools, workplaces and family
homes.
Tips for parents:
 help your child learn to recognize early signs that they are becoming agitated or upset
 create a calming space or reflection area in your home
learn the steps of the conflict resolution model the school uses and
apply those strategies at home.
OHL GAME
All students in Grades 4-8 will have the unique opportunity to be present at a live OHL hockey game specifically for school aged children!
The game will be played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga between the Oshawa Generals and Mississauga Steelheads. The date
for this fun event is scheduled for November 18th with game time
between 11:00am – 1:00pm. The cost for each student is $15 and
that includes transportation and the ticket to the game. Come out as a
volunteer and join the 4000+ fans cheering on the future stars of the
NHL! Mr. Tallevi
SCHOOL EVENTS
MILK PROGRAM
Thank you to all the families that have supported our Milk Program. A
new milk order has been sent home and is posted on the school
websites. Students also have the opportunity to purchase milk at the
office during lunch for $1.00.
NOVEMBER’S HEALTHY EATING TIP
Make Breakfast a Family Affair at your House!
Childhood is the time we learn to talk, walk and eat. In fact, the kinds
of food we eat as kids will determine what we eat as adults. If we
learn to eat a balanced diet young, then we are more likely to do so
for the rest of our lives and this in turn will influence the habits we
instill in our own children. So if you insist that your children start the
day with a healthy breakfast, make sure that you are leading the way
by doing the same
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
As is the tradition here at Holy Spirit, everyone was invited to help with
our food drive. Throughout the school year, we will be holding many
food drives and fundraising events to raise money for those less fortunate. The Thanksgiving Food Drive was very successful and thank you
to all who participated. Together we have made a difference. A special
thank to the SWAG Team that counted and packed items.
HARD CANDY COLLECTION
Mrs. Ingleson’s class is collecting hard candy for Dr. Simone’s
Warehouse where the hard candy will be distributed to children suffering from malnutrition. Malnutrition shuts down the
body’s digestive track and often children cannot eat, even
when regular healthy food is given to them. However, the doctors have discovered that candy, with its high content of sugar can start
the digestive track working. This allows these children to consume food,
thus saving their lives. Please help us save children’s lives. Donate
your hard candy until November 13, 2015.
HELPING HANDS-CHRISTMAS OUTREACH PROJECT
During the month of November both staff and students will help those in
need at Christmas time. This year we are assisting approximately two
families and a number of seniors citizens. In order to provide dinner,
some gifts, and much needed personal and hygiene products we will be
hosting a variety of fundraising events. A flyer will be sent home soon
with important event information and due dates. Thanking you in advance for your support.
GIVE ‘N RIDE
As we are approaching the glorious season of welcoming the birth of
our Savior to our world, we remind ourselves that this is the season of
giving and sharing. The Give ‘n Ride event will help raise money for
some families in need during Christmas. Students and staff will greet
the cars driving into our school parking lot and collect loose change.
Give ‘n Ride will take place on Monday, November at 9 @ 9:00 am and
Tuesday, November 27 at 9:00 am. Your prayers and support for our
community is appreciated. May God bless our families, our children and
our Country.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL CORNNER
CSC CHRISTMAS MARKET
On November 21, 2015, from 10:00-1:00pm’ our CSC will be hosting
a CSC Christmas Market.. The CSC is still in need of volunteers,
bakers and children’s book. For more information please contact the
CSC Chair, Karen Dancy at 905-794-8039. Santa will be visiting the
Market, more information to follow.
Volunteers
We are still looking for volunteers for our CSC Christmas Market on
November 21st, 2015 If you are interested to help please contact
Karen Dancy via the school at 905-794-8039 or at
karendancy@gmail.com.
Baked Goods
We are still looking for parents to bake for our CSC Christmas Market on November 21st, 2015. If you are interested to help please
contact Karen Dancy via the school 905-794-8039 or at
karendancy@gmail.com.
Books Wanted
We are looking for gently used books that are appropriate for JK to
Grade 8 students. Books will be sold during the CSC Christmas Market. We will accept books until November 16, 2015.
NEXT CSC MEETING
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday November 25 at 7:00
pm. in the Conference Room. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
IMPORTANT DATES
November 1
All Saints Day
November 2
All Souls Day
Grade 8 RAP visit
November 3
Resilience Assembly
November 6
Photo Retakes
November 10
Peel Safety Village (Grade 5)
FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION MEETING
Senior Kindergarten parents/guardians, who wish to enroll their child in
a Grade 1 French Immersion class for September, 2016 are invited to
attend an information meeting at: St. Angela Merici on Wednesday
November 11, 2015 at 7:00 pm. November 11
Remembrance Day Liturgy
November 17
Progress Reports sent home
November 19
Parent Teacher Interviews
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION MEETING
Grade 4 parent (s)/guardian (s), who wish to enroll their child in grade 5
Extended French class for September, 2016 are invited to attend an
information meeting at St. Jean Brebeuf, 63 Glenforest Road, Brampton, L6S1L8 on Thursday January 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm. At the present time, the above mentioned school is the designated centre for our
area.
November 21
CSC Christmas Market
November 24
Grade 8 Retreat
November 30
Conscience Liturgy
December 5
Grade 8 Confirmation: 12:00 / 2:30
December 7
Advent Mass @ 7 PM
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Juniors to Rose Theatre
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
25 Bloomsbury Avenue
Brampton, Ontario L6P1W9
Tel: 905-794-8039 Fax: 905-794-1285
http://www.dpcdsb.org/SPRIT
ST. PATRICK PARISH
11873 The Gore Road
905-794-0486
church@stpatrickswildfield.com
October 30, 2015
Dear parents, students, teachers and staff of our parish schools:
Greetings and blessings to all of you and all who are dear to you. By now our children have all settled in their new
grades, for some their new schools, new friends, new challenges. We at St. Patrick’s Church have also been blessed
with new families arriving and settling in our community. I am especially grateful for the families who have
welcomed the invitation to renew their commitment to Sunday Eucharist as they prepare for those special and
grace-filled events that will see their children celebrate their First Reconciliation, their First Eucharist and their
Confirmation. I hope you will find our community a place of welcome and please remember that if there is anything
I may do for you, I am only a phone call away.
For anyone still searching for a place to worship, find St. Patrick’s or other parishes in your neighbourhood, a family
ready to open their arms and welcome your presence, your needs, your prayers. May you experience the love of
Jesus in our journey together.
The month of November begins with a very special feast. On its first day, we celebrate the Saints. We are reminded
that in baptism we have all been called to share in the life of the Holy One, the Son of God who came among us to
share the Father’s love. On the following day, November 2, we remember our brothers and sisters who have gone
before us, marked by the sign of faith. We pray that they be fully welcomed in the place prepared for them since
the foundation of the world. During the entire month of November we will remember your loved ones at all masses.
We thank you for joining us in prayer, both in church and at home, and we pray that the love of God in us may be
translated into concrete actions every day of our life.
With friendship,
Fr. Vito Marziliano,
Pastor
St. Patrick’s Church.
SACRAMENT DATES
Confirmation for Grade 8’s: Saturday December 5, 2015 @12:00 / 2:30 PM
First Reconciliation: January 26, 2016 @ 7:00 PM for Holy Spirit/ St. Patrick School
First Communion: Saturday April 16, 2016 @ 12:00 / 2:30 PM
Confirmation for Grade 7’s: Monday May 2, 2016 @ 7:00 PM
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
CSC CHRISTMAS MARKET
Saturday November 21, 2015
The Catholic School Council of Holy Spirit Elementary will be
holding a Christmas Market on Saturday November 21, 2015
from 10:00 to 1:00pm in the gym. Come by and see what our
vendors have to offer, enjoy a yummy treat from a food truck or
take a photo with Santa.
Volunteers
We are still looking for volunteers for our CSC Christmas Market on November 21st, 2015.
If you are interested to help please contact Karen Dancy via the school 905-794-8039 or
at karendancy@gmail.com.
Baked Goods
We are still looking for parents to bake for our CSC Christmas Market on November
21st, 2015. If you are interested to help please contact Karen Dancy via the school 905794-8039 or at karendancy@gmail.com.
Books Wanted
We are looking for gently used books that are appropriate for JK to Grade 8 students. Books
will be sold during the CSC Christmas Market. We will accept books until November 16,
2015.
INFORMATION LETTER Partnering for Change Dear Parents/Guardians: At Dufferin‐Peel Catholic District School Board, we believe that we are called to create a Catholic learning and working environment that is safe, caring, inclusive, and welcoming. Together with Central West Community Care Access Centre (CW CCAC), the Dufferin‐Peel community is continuing with a model of support for students that began last year in some schools. The integrated occupational therapist (OT) model of support was developed and studied by CanChild, a research centre at McMaster University. This model provides educational opportunities for our teachers to learn more about how children develop motor skills and how they can promote motor skill development through classroom activities. In this model, the OT works in the school with select students. She assists teachers, where appropriate, in learning more about motor development in all children and how to help children who may be having difficulty with some motor skills. OTs are health professionals who work with children in many different settings and who have an expertise in fine and gross motor skill development. Fine motor skills are related to tasks such as printing and writing, cutting with scissors, opening juice boxes and doing up zippers. Gross motor skills include activities like jumping, getting onto the school bus, climbing stairs and running. As you may know, the school has a team of staff (resource teachers, support staff) who work with educators to help students achieve their greatest potential. The OT will be part of the school team process and will be in the school on a scheduled basis. She will spend time in our classrooms, gym, and playground. She will observe children and work with school staff to offer instructional methods that may make it easier for children to learn and engage in motor‐based activities. If the OT feels that your child is continuing to have difficulty learning new motor skills, more than is typical for his/her age, she or another member of the school team will contact you. The OT will be spending much of his/her time in kindergarten and primary classrooms supporting the many activities children do at this age to help develop their motor skills. The OT will be working at the school with the broader school team and will be available to teachers to provide support as needed. She/he will work with teachers to share useful information and ideas that support student learning. Educational sessions will be offered for parents as well – watch our school newsletter for details. We hope that you will introduce yourself to the OT when you are in the school to attend a parent function or to visit your child's classroom. If you have concerns about your child’s ability to do motor‐based activities at home, feel free to let the OT know. If you have any questions about this project, please talk with your child’s principal. You may also contact Susan Wynes at CW CCAC, at 905‐796‐0040 ext. 2333. LOVING LEARNING AND LEADING We believe that each one, created in the image and likeness of God, is called by name into the Dufferin‐Peel community, to realize the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations to the fullest extent possible as we all journey from the early years to vocation. “Each one called by name” (Isaiah 43:1) October 2015