ST. BONAVENTURE
SEPTEMBER 2012
NEWSLETTER
Principal: Mrs. S. Wolfe
Vice-Principal: Mr. J. MacSween
Head Secretary: Mrs. L. Pietrantuono
Assistant Secretary: Mrs. K. Leonard
Trustee: Mrs. L. Zanella
Superintendent of Brampton West Family of Schools: Mrs. C. Pitoscia
Parish Priest: Father Jan Gogolewski
OPENING PRAYER
Good and gracious God,
as our new school year begins,
fill the hearts of our students
with an eagerness to learn
about the world you have
created, about themselves,
and most of all about You.
Bless our teachers with gifts of wisdom
and patience that they may help students find the truth.
Give our parents generous hearts to
encourage and support their children.
Help us all work together to form a
community of learning that teaches,
not only the skills for success, but all that we need to live
our faith fully in the world.
Amen.
PRINCIPAL‟S MESSAGE
As the new school year begins, I see the excitement in
your children’s eyes and their expectations for a rewarding year filled with many rich school experiences. I ask
for your support and co-operation, as we work, learn and
grow together within our Catholic faith. I am very excited
about our upcoming school year and I look forward to
continuing to build our partnership with the School
Council, Church and community, where together we can
provide academic excellence within a strong Catholic
context. Your involvement in your child’s learning is
vital. Please do not hesitate to contact the school whenever you have a question or require further information. I
look forward to seeing you at our Open House, liturgies
and masses, at school activities throughout the year and
during your informal visits to the school.
S. Wolfe
WELCOME
CLASS REORGANIZATION
We extend a very warm welcome to all new families in
our school community. Thank you to staff for all your
work in preparing to receive our students on the first day
of school. We regard ourselves as partners with parents
in the education of your children. Your support and input
by contacting your child’s teacher, volunteering in the
school, or serving on our School Council is valued and
necessary to ensure the success of our students. Your
involvement has been shown by research to have a major
impact on student learning and success.
We are looking forward to a productive and rewarding
2012/2013 school year.
St. Bonaventure staffing for 2012/2013 is based on a
“projected” student enrolment that is calculated each
spring. This projected student enrolment number
attempts to take into account any new students who are
moving into our school as well as any students who may
be moving out of the area. This year St. Bonaventure had
an increase in enrolment which has effected our primary
(Grade 1- 3) class cap size. As a result this has caused
some reorganization of our grade 2 and grade 3 classes.
Below is the class reorganization which was effective
Monday, September 17th, 2012
SCHOOL HOURS
JUNIOR AND SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
A.M.
8:45 am to 11:15 am
P.M.
12:45 pm to 3:15 pm
Mrs. Sparkes
Mrs. Willett
JK/SK AM – A
JK/SK AM – B
Mrs. Sparkes
JK/SK PM – A
Mrs. Willett
Mrs. Cheng-Hayward
Mrs. Arena
JK/SK PM – B
JK/SK PM – C
1–A
GRADES ONE TO EIGHT
8:45 am - 3:15 pm
Lunch 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mrs. Killman
Ms. Beck
Ms. Black
Mrs. Hayes
Mrs. Lomasney
Mrs. Shakes
Mrs. Dearling
Mrs. Trueman
Mr. Deverell
Mr. Mowat
Mrs. Tuzi
Mrs. Patel
Mrs. Gallant
Ms. Poerba
1/ 2 – A
2–A
ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION
2–B
2/3 – A
3–A
3/4 – A
4–A
4/5 – A
5–A
5/6 – A
6–A
7—A
7/8 – A
8—A
Daily attendance and punctuality are very important. If
your child is going to be absent from school, or late, please
inform the office by leaving a message on the school‟s
attendance line at (905) 970-9069 ext. 2.
STUDENT SUPERVISION TIMES
Please note that teachers are on supervision duty 15 minutes before the start of the school day.
For safety reasons we ask that you not drop your child
off at the school prior to 8:30 am and to please pick
them up ON TIME at 3:15 pm.
VIRTUES
This year, we will again be focusing on a particular virtue
each month, making the presence of God visible in the
world around us. The Virtue for the month of September
is Faith.
Faith believes the incredible, sees the invisible and receives the impossible. A faithful person believes that
God’s plan for us includes the right to be safe, cared for
and included, especially at school.
FAITH is the great virtue of believing and trusting in
God. Our faith helps us to remember the importance of
God in our lives, and calls us to deepen our relationship
with God, when things are going well and when they are
not.
Thank you, parents, for continuing to review all virtues:
Faith, Empathy, Conscience, Hope, Self-Control,
Respect, Kindness, Love, Acceptance and Fairness
with your children.
Together we can continue to make a difference and help
to make the world a better place for ourselves, our children and those generations which will follow.
LUNCH HOUR
During the lunch hour, all students who stay for lunch are
expected to remain at school, and all students who go home
for lunch are expected to go home every day. If there is a
change in the regular lunch hour procedure for your
child, parent/guardians are asked to provide the
teacher with a note explaining the change. A letter has
gone home with your child in regard to your child’s lunchtime arrangements. Please indicate your child’s regular
lunchtime arrangements, sign the form and return it to the
school as soon as possible. There is also a section for parents to sign authorizing lunchtime arrangements in the student agenda. Parents are asked to ensure that both the form
and the section in the agenda are signed and returned to
school.
DELIVERING LUNCHES
When delivering your child’s lunch to school please advise
your child in advance you will be doing so, and write his/
her name and teacher’s name on the bag. Your child can
come down to pick it up from the lunch table with minimal
disruption to the class. The lunch table is
located in the hallway, in front of the office.
We would greatly appreciate your
co-operation in this matter.
LEAVING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
PED POLICY
When it is necessary for your child to leave school early,
please send a note to your child’s teacher advising him/
her of the time that you will be picking your child up.
Your child will be asked to meet you in the office at the
indicated time. When dropping off or picking up students during school hours, please go to the office to
sign your child in or out.
As part of our efforts to promote
and maintain a positive Catholic climate in
our schools, the Board maintains a policy
regarding Personal Electronic Devises (PEDS) on school
property. In this regard, all PEDS must be kept out of
sight, turned off and not used within school premises or
during school-sanctioned activities. To prevent the loss
or damage of PEDS, we ask students to leave electronic
devices and games at home as the school cannot be responsible for their safe keeping. Parental support is
requested and greatly appreciated.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
All visitors and parents are requested to enter the
building through the front door, and to go directly to the
office. Please understand that during instructional time,
teachers are not available to meet with you or to take
phone calls. Students are expected to enter and exit
through their designated doors. These reminders are outlined for safety, security and protection of staff and
students in our school.
KINDERGARTEN YARD
We will be asking all parents to bring their kindergarten
children to the gate of the kindergarten yard before school
and to allow only the children to enter the yard with
teacher supervisors. With the large number of students in
kindergarten, we believe this will allow more space and a
safer environment for the children. Parents are welcome
to remain by the fence outside of the kindergarten yard if
they wish. We ask for your co-operation in observing this
procedure for the safety of the children.
CROSSING GUARD
Kindly assist us in reminding children to
cross with the Crossing Guard at Leagate
when coming to and going home from
school. The Crossing Guard is on duty at 8:15 - 8:45 am
and 3:15 - 3:45pm. Thank you for your co-operation in
looking out for the safety of all our students.
PARKING LOT SAFETY/KISS AND RIDE
Our school driveway is a matter of great concern in
regards to the safety of our students.
Please use the Kiss „n‟ Ride lane at the SIDE of the
school to drop off or pick up your child.
For the safety of all of our children, CARS ARE ALSO
NOT PERMITTED TO DROP OFF or PICK UP
students in the driveway or bus lane located at the
FRONT of the school.
STUDENT AGENDAS
We ask that you make a special note of your child’s
student agenda as it contains the school Code of
Behaviour, expectations, serves as an invaluable tool to
assist them with daily homework planning, develops
proper organizational skills and good study habits. The
agenda is also a daily means of communication
between teachers and parents and a way to assure that
homework is being completed each night. The cost of the
school agenda is complimentary and is being subsidized
by the school, however, students will be expected to
submit a replacement fee of $5.00 if their agenda is
lost or damaged.
SCHOOL BUS COURTESY SEAT POLICY
At this time, transportation is only
available to students who are deemed eligible by the Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR). Those
wishing to access the Courtesy Bus Seat policy are asked
to pick up an application form at the school office and
return it to Mr. J. MacSween. Depending on availability,
seats will be allocated no earlier than October as per
STOPR’s transportation policy. The Courtesy Bus Seat
policy requires parents/guardians to apply every year for a
seat on the bus if they live beyond the eligibility requirements. Please visit https://businfo.stopr.ca for detailed
information. Questions and/or concerns can be addressed
by calling Student Transportation of Peel Region
(STOPR) directly at 905-890-6000.
BUSSING
Students who are eligible to take the school bus should be
waiting at their bus stop at least ten minutes prior to the
scheduled bus arrival time. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that kindergarten children are met at the bus
stop shortly after 11:15 am. Children who do not see a
parent or babysitter will remain on the bus and will be
returned to the school to be picked up there by the parent/
babysitter.
DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF
MEDICATION AND EPI-PENS
If a child is required to bring medication to school,
procedures relative to the administration of medication
shall only be adopted:
 when requested by the parents/guardians; and when
authorized by a physician; and
 when medication must be provided during school hours
If a designated staff member must administer
medication, signed request/authorization forms from the
parents/guardians and the supervising physician is
initiated and/or changed at the beginning of every school
year. These forms are available through the school office.
The required authorization forms and the medication is to
be delivered to the principal or designated person by the
parents/guardians or other responsible person.
All
medication will be stored in a safe location in the Health
room. Medication must not be kept in the child’s
possession (i.e. pocket, backpack, etc.) or in the
classroom.
AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING
NUT ALLERGIES
Did you know that peanuts are the leading cause of
severe allergic reactions followed by shellfish, fish,
tree nuts and eggs?
We have several students at St. Bonaventure who have
life threatening allergies to nuts, especially peanuts. We
are asking that you make St. Bonaventure a peanut safe
school by refraining from sending your children with
peanut butter or other products containing nuts or nut oils
(e.g., nutella). If these students come into contact with
anything containing nuts, nut oils or derivatives, it could
be life threatening for him/her.
It is only necessary that physical contact with these
substances be made, even on a second hand basis. For
example, a severe reaction may occur should the child
touch a desk, toy or book previously handled by another
student who has touched peanut butter, peanuts or peanut
oil. Children with severe food allergies are advised to be
very much aware of his/her allergy and have been told by
their parents of the danger of sharing snacks.
Students are discouraged from sharing snacks.
In our Catholic School Community we have an
obligation to be responsible for one another. Thanking
you in advance for your continued support, co-operation
and understanding regarding this matter.
STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Your child received a package of forms when school
started; containing a lunch letter, school excursion, media,
internet and their Student Verification form (blue form)
which contains your address, phone numbers, emergency
contacts and health information as it currently exists in
our computer. We ask that you take a few minutes and
check over this information to ensure that it is accurate.
Please make any changes needed directly onto the sheet
and return it to your child’s teacher this week. Please add
area codes for all phone numbers.
ALL SHEETS NEED TO BE SIGNED AND
RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL as soon as possible
even if there are no corrections needed. It is very
important that we have accurate phone numbers and
emergency contacts.
HEPATITIS AND HPV INNOCULATIONS
Peel Health will continue to offer free
immunization against Hepatitis B for students
in grade 7. It is given as a series of two
injections over a period of six months. Grade
8 girls are also given the opportunity to
receive the HPV inoculation.
If you have any questions, please call the Peel Health Department at (905) 799-7700. The following date has been
assigned to St. Bonaventure School:
 Dose #1 Hep B for Grade 7‟s - October 3
 HPV for Grade 8 girls - October 3
FIRE DRILLS AND LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
We are required to conduct three fire drills in the fall and
three in the spring. We are also required to practice two
lock down drills during the year. Lock down drills involve students moving away from the classroom door to a
location within the classroom away from windows. Lights
are turned off and the doors are locked. These practices
are to ensure that students and staff are prepared in case
we should need to go into lock down. Lock down would
be initiated by police and Board security personnel.
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
Parents are reminded of the Ministry and Board Policy
that requires all volunteers to provide the school with a
valid (dated within the last six months) Criminal
Reference Check before they can begin working with
students. These forms are available in the school office.
GATEWAY CAMPUS
Catholic Education Centre Schools Program
Once again, we are delighted to welcome the Catholic
Education Centre Program to our school. This is a Ministry of Education funded program that provides an alternative learning opportunity for students who require specialized support. The focus on literacy, numeracy and overall
student achievement and well being. This program responds to the educational needs of young people for
whom the regular pattern of school and/or family life is
interrupted for a variety of reasons. The Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board continues to offer support
for these programs in collaboration with community
agencies and the Ministry of Education. We look forward
to another successful year welcoming our CEC School
Program students, as well as their parents/guardians.
OPEN HOUSE
Our Open House will be held on
Wednesday, September 26th. The BBQ
will take place from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Classroom visits
will be from 6:00pm to 7:30 pm.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Picture day for all our students will be held
on Friday, October 12th. Retake day will be
held on Friday, November 9th, 2012.
PARISH NEWS
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN GRADE 3, 4, 5,
6 AND 7 WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AT SCHOOL.
Guardian Angels Parish is providing classes to prepare
your child for this Holy Sacrament. Classes begin
Sunday, September 23, 2012. Please contact Guardian
Angels Parish at 905-970-9175.
DPCDSB is now on Twitter!
For the latest Board news and information, follow us at
DPCDSBSchools.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
There are two primary roles of the Catholic School
Council:
 to promote the vision, values, sacramental life and
Catholic practices of the School Board and the
Catholic community it serves
 to being an advisory body to the Principal and the
School Board
As well, the School Council’s role is to establish and
maintain good communication flow within and among the
school community, the parent community and the
community at large.
They also play a role in
improvement of students learning by:
 complimenting educational directives and programs
 working to support and promote Catholicity, both in
the school and in the parish
 building community through support of sports, school
spirit and community events
The School Councils are comprised of parents/guardians,
teaching and non-teaching representatives, a parish
representative and administrators. Parents and guardians
form the majority on Council.
 6-10 parents and/or guardians of students enrolled in
the school shall form a majority
 the Principal
 a member of the teaching staff
 a member of the non-teaching staff
 a parish representative (designated by the local
parish)
 one person appointed by the Ontario Association of
Parents in Catholic Education
We welcome your participation and encourage you to
consider being a member of the School Council. A
nomination form for the St. Bonaventure School Council
will be available at the school office from September 26
during school hours. Completed nomination forms
must be submitted by 4:00 pm on Friday, September
28th, 2012. Elections will take place at the first School
Council meeting on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 pm
in the school library. All are welcome to attend.
MEDIC ALERT
“No child without”
What is “No Child Without”?
Safe guarding your child’s health is our priority. That is
why the Canadian Medic Alert foundation is partnering
with the Lions Clubs of Canada and with the assistance of
the Government of Canada to introduce the “No Child
Without” program at NO COST to families. With the rise
in childhood diabetes, asthma and allergies, it’s estimated
that one in five children has a medical condition, allergy or
special need that should be communicated to emergency
medical personnel in an emergency period. The “No Child
Without” program has been created to provide these students (age 4 - 14 birthday) with the 24 hour protection of
the Medic Alert emergency information services.
Please read the attached brochure for additional
information.
DATES TO REMEMBER
SEPTEMBER
22
First Day of Autumn
26
Open House and BBQ
27
Kid Essential Luncheon
28
Terry Fox Run
28
School Council nomination
forms due - (available at the office)
OCTOBER
A MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL COUNCIL
Do you want to get an early start on your Christmas shopping? St. Bonaventure School Council can help you get
started. This year School Council will be holding a fundraiser through DFS Canada. They offer a variety of items
including, gift wrap and gift products, Eco-totes, Stationery, Candles and Jewelry. . Catalogues will be sent home
with the students this month. This is a chance to help support the school. All profits from this fundraiser will go directly back into the school.
Please come visit the School Council table at Open House
on Sept 26. We will have a few of the items on display.
Thanks in advance for your support.
Please join us in welcoming our new Vice-Principal Mr.
J. MacSween, our new assistant secretary Mrs. K. Leonard,
Susan Keeping FSL teacher, Anne Atzori ERW, Cathy
Fowler ERW and Amanda Walter CYW.
We also welcome back to the classroom Mrs. Arena and
Mrs. Patel.
3
Hepatitis B Clinic (All Grade 7
students) and HPV Clinic – for Grade 8
girls only
3
First School Council Meeting 7:00 pm
8
Thanksgiving Day - no school
12
Picture Day
31
Halloween