ST. BONAVENTURE
MARCH 2012
NEWSLETTER
Principal: S. Wolfe
Vice-Principal: T. Loftus
Head Secretary: L. Pietrantuono
Assistant Secretary: M. Tavares
Trustee: L. Zanella
Superintendent of Brampton West Family of Schools: G. Prajza
Parish Priest: Father Jan Gogolewski
HOW TO FAST
Give up complaining——focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism——become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments——think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry——trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement——be full of hope.
Give up bitterness——turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred——return good for evil.
Give up negativism——be positive.
Give up anger——be more patient.
Give up pettiness——become mature.
Give up gloom——enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy——pray for trust.
Give up gossiping——control your tongue.
Give up sin——turn to virtue.
Give up giving up——hang in there!
(Source Unknown)
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
School Council meetings are held on Wednesday
evening at 7:00 pm in the school library on the following dates. All are welcome!
 March 21
 April TBA
 May 16
LOST AND FOUND
Our Lost and Found boxes are overflowing with pants, shirts, coats, mittens and
hats.
Between March 6 - March 9 the lost and found items will
be placed on tables in the atrium for students and parents
to go through.
PARISH UPDATES
Dates for Reception of the
Sacraments:
First Holy Communion
June 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church
on Malta Avenue
Confirmation
April 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm at St. Leonard‘s Parish
MARCH BREAK
March 12 to March 16
SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED
simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves—
a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating
Lent is the time of preparation for Easter, the greatest lobster misses the whole point!
feast of the Church. During Lent, we are asked to focus n changing our lives through prayer, penance, and
love. In doing these, we try to become more like Almsgiving: It should be obvious at this point that
Christ in our love for God and others. The Lenten Sea- almsgiving, the third traditional pillar, is linked to our
son begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Thursday baptismal commitment in the same way. It is a sign of
of Holy Week (up to the beginning of the Mass of the our care for those in need and an expression of our
Lord's Supper). The term Lent comes from a Middle gratitude for all that God has given to us. Works of
English word that means springtime. Like the season charity and the promotion of justice are integral
of spring, Lent is a time of renewal.
elements of the Christian way of life we began when
we were baptized. (from CyberFaith.com)
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
CELEBRATING LENT
The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are
prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is important to see
how each of these link to the renewal of our baptism.
Prayer: More time given to prayer during Lent should
draw us closer to the Lord. We might pray especially
for the grace to live out our baptismal promises more
fully.
Fasting: Fasting is one of the most ancient practices
linked to Lent. The early Church fasted intensely for
two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
This fast was later extended and became a 40-day
period of fasting leading up to Easter. Vatican II
called us to renew the observance of the ancient paschal fast: "...let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it
be celebrated everywhere on Good Friday and, where
possible, prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that
the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be
attained with uplifted and clear mind" (Liturgy, #110).
Fasting is more than a means of developing selfcontrol. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of
hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting
should be linked to our concern for those who are
forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from
the injustices of our economic and political structures,
those who are in need for any reason. Thus fasting,
too, is linked to living out our baptismal promises. By
our Baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of
showing Christ's love to the world, especially to those
in need. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that
so many people in our world experience every day,
and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that
suffering. Abstaining from meat traditionally also
linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat
for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a
spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES

unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please do not walk your children through the two Kiss
‗N Ride lanes. This is very unsafe and drivers may not
see you in time. Take the time to walk around the Kiss
‗N Ride lanes.
There is no parking in the driveway. This is a
fire zone and blocks the flow of traffic.
In the interest of student safety, a call or a note
to the office reporting student absences is
required. Please let us know if you know that
your child is going to be late or absent.

Attendance calls can be made after school hours, seven
days a week for your convenience. Our attendance
number is (905) 970-9069 then press 2.
FRONT DRIVEWAY
STUDENT SUPERVISION TIMES
Please note that teachers are on supervision
duty only 15 minutes before the start of
the school day and 15 minutes at the
end of the day.
The front of the school is for BUSES ONLY.
CARS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARK, DROP
OFF or PICK UP students in the driveway or bus lane
located at the front of the school.
Please refrain from blocking the driveway so that desigFor safety reasons we ask that you not drop your child nated Board personnel can access it when needed.
off at the school prior to 8:30 a.m., to please pick them
up ON TIME at 3:15 p.m.
CROSSING GUARD
Kindly assist us in reminding children to cross with the
Crossing Guard at Leagate when coming to
and going home from school.
GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL
The Crossing Guard is on duty at 8:15-8:45
am and 3:15-3:45 pm. Thank you for your coCongratulations to the members of the Intermediate Boys
operation in looking out for the safety of all
and Girls basketball teams for a great season.
our students.
The girls placed third during their mini tournament, while
the boys placed first at their tournament. The boys continTRAFFIC SAFETY
ued on and received fourth place at the Brampton West!
Intermediate Girls players are: Sydney, Dana, Nana,
Our school driveway is a matter of great concern in
Katrina, Chantelle, Claire, Savanna, Ester, Rayn, Ivie and
regards to the safety of our students. Therefore, we are Shawnika.
reminding you again to use the Kiss ‘n’ Ride lane to drop
off or pick up your child. You cannot park your vehicle in Intermediate Boys players are: Sheian, Maynard, Kwasi,
the Kiss ‗n‘ Ride lane before school or at dismissal time Matthew R., Martin, Kyle, Matthew S., Silas, Mark and
during the day. When using the Kiss ‗N Ride program to Steven.
drop off or pick up students, please remember:
Thank you to all members of both teams for their hard

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We clear the Kiss ‗N Ride usually in 10 minutes.
Please be patient we are all BUSY but SAFETY comes
first.
The inside lane (closest to the school) is the only lane
where cars can stop to drop off their children in the
morning and pick up their children in the afternoon.
Drivers should not be parking and leaving their
vehicle to walk to the school to pick up their child.
The outside lane is a drive thru lane. This means that
there should be no stopping and/or loading or unloading of students.
If your child is not at the Kiss ‗N Ride area at
dismissal time, please park in one of the spaces
available in the parking lot or circle around once more.
Students are not permitted to cross the parking lot
work and dedication. WAY TO GO!
FOOD DAYS
Pizza: Every THURSDAY EXCEPT
the last Thursday of each month
Mr. Sub: LAST THURSDAY of each month
is Sub day
Kernels Popcorn: $2.00 per bag
WEDNESDAYS
(note change from Thursdays)
TRANSPORTATION
CANCELLATIONS /
SCHOOL CLOSURES
PEDICULOSIS
During the winter months inclement
weather may cause disruption of bus transportation and
regular school operations.
A decision to cancel school transportation and/or to
close schools is usually made by 6:00 a.m. and will be
announced on the following radio and television
stations:
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9
CFTR
CFNY FM102.1
CJCL AM590
CFRB AM1010
CJBC (FR)
FM Z103.5
FM Q107
AM1540
CITYPULSE
CTV
CHUM AM1050
AM680
AM640
CHFI FM98.1
EZ ROCK FM97.3
AM860
FM93.1
CHIN FM100.7
CBC99.1
GLOBAL NEWS
Want to check bus cancellations and late
routes on-line???
A problem which seems to occur at least once
a year in most schools is pediculosis or head
lice. Head lice are parasites which have been
common among human beings for centuries.
They are not connected in any way with dirt,
neglect, and so on. Anyone can be infested with them.
Unfortunately, in recent years, they have become quite
common throughout North America. In order to control
these pests, we shall do the following and request your
full cooperation.
If even one case is found in the school, we shall inform
all parents of children in that class. We will be monitoring
friends and classmates, however, we would ask that you
also check your own children and if you find them to be
infested, we ask you to let us know so that we can help
you get the proper treatment and take the necessary precautionary measures. Even if cases are not reported from
the school, it is a wise precaution to check your children
periodically. If your children are infested, we will be asking you to keep them out of school until after they have
been treated with the correct shampoo. If we all cooperate
with these procedures, we may not entirely escape outbreaks, but we will be able to bring them under control
quickly.
Visit STOPPR.com
COLD WEATHER IS HERE!
In colder weather we often receive requests for students
to remain indoors when students have a cold, flu, etc. If
your child is not well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor recess, you are asked to keep them
home until they are well.
On extremely cold days, particularly when the wind chill
factor lowers, we follow Board Policy by limiting the
amount of time students spend outdoors. With the exception of these occasions, all children will participate in outdoor breaks. We ask parents to ensure that children
wear hats, scarves, gloves, winter outerwear and
boots. Where possible, please put identification on
your child’s belongings.
Primary students are encouraged to have an extra dry
shirt, pants and socks in their backpack in the event
their clothing gets wet or soiled.
DATES TO REMEMBER
March 9
March 12-16
March 17
March 20
March 21
March 23
March 26
March 27
March 30
April 5
April 6 - 9 Inclusive
April 10
April 16
April 18
April 20
April 24
Lenten Mass (all are welcome)
March Break
St. Patrick Day
First Day of Spring
Lenten Liturgies
Grade 8 Graduation Photo Day
Magazine Assembly
Grade One Luncheon
Lenten Liturgies
Lenten Liturgies
Easter (no classes)
Day of Pink (Gr. 6 - 8)
Gr. 8 Confirmation Retreat
Easter Mass
Round 2 Vaccines
Confirmation - St. Leonard 7pm
DANCE-A-THON RESULTS
Congratulations St. Bonaventure! Our February dance-a-thon was a huge success.
This year our school exceeded our projected goal and raised over $10,000. The money collected will be used to bring the
Aussie X Experience to our school in May, purchase new technology, help subsidize transportation costs for trips and
buy new literacy materials for the school.
Thank you everyone for your continuous support and generosity.
Class Prizes:
Movie Day
Sundae Party
Pizza Party
Mandarin Lunch
Teacher Name
Ms. Beck – Grade 1
Mrs. Cheng-Hayward – Grade 1
Mrs. Tuzi - Grade 1
Ms. Marques – Grade 5
Mrs. Hayes– Grade 3
Ms. Black – Grade 1/2
Mrs. Dearling - Grade 4
Mrs. Lomasney – Grade 3
Mrs. Killman – Grade 1
Mrs. Stehle – JK/SK
Mrs. Sparkes – JK/SK
Mr. Deverell – Gr. 7
Mrs. Shakes- Grade 3/4
Mrs. Willett - Grade 6
Mrs. Dunec - Grade 6
Mr. Mowat – Grade 5
Mrs. Gallant – Grade 7/8
Ms. Poerba – Grade 8
Collection over $100.00
Collection over $250.00
Collection over $500.00
Collection over $750.00
Prize
Movie Day
Movie Day
Movie Day
Movie Day & Sundae Party
Movie Day & Sundae Party
Movie Day & Sundae Party
Movie Day & Sundae Party
Movie Day & Pizza Party
Movie Day & Pizza Party
Movie Day & Pizza Party
Movie Day & Pizza Party
Movie Day & Pizza Party
Mandarin Lunch
Mandarin Lunch
Mandarin Lunch
Mandarin Lunch
Mandarin Lunch
Mandarin Lunch
Proposed Schedule for Brampton
Northwest Connects
Need to Know Parenting Events for
Winter/Spring 2012
Register at: www.bnconnects.org
Select: ―Register for an Event” and select the event.
Monday April 16th, 2012
How to Communicate so Children Will Listen (for
parents of children 3-12 years of age)
Communication is the key to positive and respectful relationships. Improve your listening skills and learn respectful communication.
Thursday April 26th, 2012
Course:
Surviving Peer Pressure (for parents of children 9
years of age and up)
All children are influenced by their peers. How do we
instill inner courage in our children so they trust their own
feelings and make good decisions? Strategies discussed
will give parents the tools to encourage children to think
for themselves, gain confidence and have the courage to
say NO!
Wednesday March 21st, 2012 (This course runs for
8 weeks)
Thursday May 10th, 2012
If you have difficulties registering, email:
info@bnconects.org or call 905-846-5450.
Positive Discipline
Positive Discipline focuses mainly on parenting with dignity and respect. The topics covered are parenting styles,
establishing family atmosphere, understanding your
child‘s behaviour (and misbehaviour), respectful discipline, effective communication, and establishing groundwork for cooperation in the family. This course can be
effective for parents of any age, as the basic philosophies
apply to young children, middle aged children, and teenagers.
This course will help parents to understand how they currently parent, why they parent that way (often because
that‘s the way they were parented and that‘s the only
―style‖ they know), and how they want to parent. We will
help parents to examine what they want for their children
later in life, and how to help build the skills and set the
groundwork in place to set their children up for success.
Each topic covered allows a parent to examine the potential outcome of positive discipline parenting and indentifies what their children are learning from the parenting
method.
Workshops: (A workshop runs for one night)
Tuesday March 27th, 2012
Strengthening Your Stepfamily
Find new ways of dealing with the struggles encountered
in blended families. The topics will include: finding a
parenting approach that suits you both; helping children
adjust and feel comfortable with the new family structure;
responsibilities of a step-parent.
Understanding Your Child's Behaviour (for
parents of children 1 through 6 years of age)
All behaviour is motivated by a need to connect and belong. Parents will examine effective responses to children‘s behaviour and explore methods that children use to
connect by looking at the four goals of misbehaviour.
Thursday May 17th, 2012
Facebook 101 (Provided by speaker Chris Vollum)
Parents will learn to…
 Set Facebook & Formspring‘s basic, advanced and
hidden, search, privacy and posting tools.
 Grasp, completely, the vast user impact of Facebook‘s most recent Privacy Settings.
 Identify what happens when they download any of
Facebook‘s more than 850,000 third-party applications
such as “Farmville,” “Mafia Wars,” “Honesty Box”
and “Bumper Stickers.”
 Ask the single most critical question to evaluate each
of their Social Networking Friends & Followers.
 Distinguish between a Social Networking Friend,
Acquaintance and Stranger – and the potential, and permanent, impact it can have on their real-world reputation
and career.
 Understand how to fully customize their profile to
limit access to certain Facebook & Formspring Friends
(Followers), and allow full access to others.
 Learn what really happens to the information they
post to their profile and to their Friend‘s profiles.
 Witness the ―Hotel California‖ syndrome of Facebook (You can check out any time you like…)