ST. BRIGID CATHOLIC SCHOOL
“Live
October
2014
Newsletter
L.Papaloni…........Superintendent
905-890-1221
A. DaSilva…. ………..…Trustee
416 -709 -5679
V. Pugliese ……………Principal
C. Bianchi ……….........Secretary
L. Clark ... School Council Chair
PARISH
St. Jerome
8530 Chinguacousy Road
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 5G4
Tel: 905-455-4260
Fax: 905-450-6326
Pastor
Fr. J. Kolodynski
Love
Learn
Light”
PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING
O God of Love,
We thank you for what you have given us to enjoy;
For healthy minds and bodies,
for love, for family, for friendship;
for every gift of happiness.
We praise you for those that help us
by their example and encouragement,
especially those who dedicate their lives
to the cause of peace and love.
Help us to make their sacrifice worthwhile
by the way we live our lives in loving others.
Rekindle in the hearts of all people
the longing for peace
and the courage to build it into our lives
We ask this in Jesus’ name,
Amen.
School Hours
Start:
Recess:
Lunch:
Recess :
Dismissal:
8:50
11:00 – 11:15
11:55 – 12:55
2:20 – 2:35
3:20
Thanksgiving Day
Please note that Monday October 13th is Thanksgiving Day. As such, there will be
no school for students and teachers on that day.
Principal’s Message
It is hard to believe that we are already into the
second month of school. Our students have made
wonderful adjustments to their new classes and seem to be
thriving in their school work. I would specifically like to
acknowledge the students for their wonderful behaviour during
our first month of school.
I would like to thank all those parents who were able to take time
out of their busy schedules and come out to the school for our
Barbeque and Open House. It was nice to see so many families
in attendance. I believe this sends an important message to all
children about how much you, as parents, value school. Here at
St. Brigid School, we are always trying to find ways of further
strengthening the important relationship between the home and
the school. Open communication and dialogue are critical
factors.
With Thanksgiving weekend just around the corner, it is
appropriate that we take time to reflect and give thanks for the
many gifts that God has placed in our lives. Let us not forget to
appreciate:
 the many staff, students and parents involved in
ensuring the school year started successfully;
 our volunteers, staff coaches/leaders and all other
persons who give unselfishly of their time to our
children and are sometimes taken for granted;
 our families and friends without whom there would be
no true celebration;
 Father Jan, our spiritual leader at St. Brigid.
Let us also remember to be thankful for all the little things in our
lives. Often large issues consume us and the little pleasures and
treasures are forgotten. It is in the little things that God’s graces
are often revealed. On behalf of the staff of St. Brigid School,
we hope that each and every member of our school community
has a truly wonderful Thanksgiving.
V. Pugliese
Thanksgiving Food Drive
As is the tradition here at St. Brigid, we
continually strive to bring the Gospel Values to
life by supporting our community charities.
Thanksgiving is a very special time of the year when we, as a
school community collect non-perishable food items to help
those in our community who are in need. We want to thank all
the students and their families for their unbelievable generosity
towards this cause. Collected food items will be delivered to the
St. Louise Outreach Centre in time for the Thanksgiving long
weekend. It is important for all of us to be grateful for all we
have and to show this by aiding those less fortunate. Many
families will benefit from your generosity. Again, we thank you.
We also want to thank the school Diversity Team, who have
organized and promoted this important event in order to feed the
hungry.
Terry Fox Run
A big thank you to parents, students and staff for your active
involvement in making our Terry Fox fundraising effort on
Friday, September 27th such a great success! We are thrilled with
the response of our community to such a worthwhile event. It
was truly an inspirational day for all as we joined together as a
school community to support this very worthy cause.
Catholic School Council News
Thank you to all the members of the 2013-2014 Catholic School
Council. Your hard work and dedication to St. Brigid School
was truly appreciated by all the staff and students. Our next
School Council meeting will be on Monday October 20th, at 7:00
p.m. We encourage parents to attend our School Council
meetings and become actively involved in the school
community. Your input is greatly welcomed and appreciated.
We want to thank and congratulate the following parents and
staff that make up the new Catholic School Council:
Chairperson:
Past Chairperson:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
OAPCE Representative
Parish Representative:
Teaching Representative:
Non-teaching Representative:
L. Clark
C. Dye
C. Mexner
S. Davis – Parsons
C. Mexner
A. Wong
K. Duliunas
K. Italiano
Chocolate Bar Fundraiser
This year, we will be selling World Finest Chocolates as our
major fundraiser for the year. All chocolate items are nut free.
Under the direction of our Catholic School Council, our school
fundraiser began September 23rd, with a very enthusiastic Kickoff Assembly. Students have been busily selling their chocolates
to their family and friends. We will continue with our fundraiser
until Wednesday October 15th.
Please ensure all
money/chocolates are returned to the school by that date.
Many thanks to our Fundraising Committee, for all their hard
work in organizing this event. We also want to thank our students
and their parents for their work, and the many volunteers who
have given up their time in support of this fundraiser. The money
raised will be used to enhance St. Brigid School.
Pizza Days
The Catholic School Council will be offering pizza one Friday a
month for this school year from Moga’s Pizza. Again, we will be
offering Chocolate Milk and a cookie with the pizza.
The following will be pizza days for 2014:
 Friday October 31st
 Friday November 21st
 Friday December 12th
A few reminders:
 Please remember to put names on pizza order form
 Please provide exact change as we will not be providing
change
 Please check your math to ensure the correct amount of
money is given for the order
 Please fill out one pizza form for each child you have,
please do not fill out one form for 2 or 3 children as we
do not know who gets what
 In the event that your pizza order form is lost, you can get
another one from Mrs. Bianchi as she has extra copies
Staffing Updates
We want to welcome Ms. V. van Stokkum to St. Brigid. She will
be replacing Ms. Finaldi, who is on maternity leave, and will be
working with Ms. Da Costa in the Full Day Kindergarten
program. Her enthusiasm and professionalism will be a
wonderful addition to our school.
It is with mixed emotions that we would like to extend our best
wishes to our custodian, Mr. R. Ford who is retiring at the end of
the month. Mr. Ford has been with our school since 1998 and
has dedicated himself to the staff, student and community ever
since. Mr. Ford has been an asset to our school and has worked
tirelessly to support our students and promote the Catholic
culture of St. Brigid School. He truly embodies all that it means
to be a St. Brigid staff member. We extend our best wishes to
Mr. Ford and his family and wish him every happiness in his
retirement. We’ll miss you Mr. Ford. Congratulations!
Halloween
We will be celebrating Halloween at school
with our students. Our celebration will take
place on Friday October 31st, for students from
Kindergarten to Grade 8. Students may bring a
costume to wear or display on Halloween.
We ask for your support in ensuring that costumes either worn
or brought to school are appropriate. For safety reasons, masks
are not to be brought or worn at school. Also, please do not send
replica weapons to school. The length of some costumes can
also be an issue. If they are too long they may cause your child
to trip on the stairs. We ask that students refrain from wearing
costumes that are frightening or inappropriate in a school setting.
Younger children frighten easily and we want this day
to be a happy day for them. All students must check
with their classroom teacher for appropriateness of
their costume.
Picture Retake Day
Pictures retakes will take place on Thursday, November 6th. If
your child was not at school on Picture Day, they will have their
individual pictures taken on November 6th. Also, if you
were not satisfied with the pictures taken on Picture
Day, you may have your child’s pictures retaken.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Check out our school web
site. Access the site
through the School
Board’s website at
http://www.dpcdsb.org/ce
c
1. A DISCERNING BELIEVER FORMED
IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH
COMMUNITY WHO:
 Illustrates a basic understanding of
the saving story of our Christian
faith.
 Participates in the sacramental life
of the church and demonstrates an
understanding of the centrality of
the Eucharist to our Catholic story.
 Actively reflects on God's Word as
communicated through the Hebrew
and Christian scriptures.
 Develops attitudes and values
founded on Catholic social teaching
and acts to promote social
responsibility, human solidarity and
the common good.
 Speaks the language of
life…"recognizing that life is an
unearned gift and that a person
entrusted with life does not own it
but that one is called to protect and
cherish it." (Witnesses to Faith)
 Seeks intimacy with God and
celebrates communion with God,
others and creation through prayer
and worship.
 Understands that one's purpose or
call in life comes from God and
strives to discern and live out this
call throughout life's journey.
 Respects the faith traditions, world
religions and the life-journeys of all
people of good will.
 Integrates faith with life.
 Recognizes that "sin, human
weakness, conflict and forgiveness
are part of the human journey" and
that the cross, the ultimate sign of
forgiveness is at the heart of
redemption. (Witnesses to Faith)
School Masses
Father Jan will celebrate our School Opening/Thanksgiving
Mass on Thursday October 9th at 9:30 a.m. As with all special
events at school, parents are welcome to attend. The dates for
our school masses this year have been established. Please note
the following dates on your calendar:
Opening/Thanksgiving Mass
Advent Mass (at St. Jerome Church)
Easter Mass
End of Year Mass (at St. Jerome Church)
October 9
December 18
May 14
June 11
As always, your attendance at these masses is welcomed and
appreciated.
Catholic Education
When you choose to send your child to a Dufferin-Peel school,
we provide a holistic Catholic education. At St. Brigid we do this
through:
 Teaching excellent Religious & Family Life education in
each grade,
 living our faith daily through prayer, celebration and liturgy,
 building a safe, caring and inclusive community
 active involvement in charity and initiatives of social justice
from a Catholic context,
 participating in charity and social justice initiatives from a
Catholic context
 imbedding all that we do with Catholic values and content,
 working with the St. Jerome’ Parish team, Father Jan and
parents to prepare students for the sacraments
We consider our Pastor, Father Jan to be an integral member of
our school community.
Sacramental Preparation
Please be aware that sacraments are parish, not school
events. Preparation may be initiated by the school
through the Religious Education program. However, the
immediate preparation is the responsibility of the parents and the
Parish. Registration for all Sacraments takes place at St. Jerome
Church.
Parents of children who wish to have their child receive either
the sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time or the
sacrament of Confirmation are reminded that their child must be
registered at St. Jerome Church. Students may pick up a
registration package at any regularly scheduled weekend mass.
Please note that parents must attend a parents only
information session held at the St. Jerome Church.
First Communion Meeting – Tuesday October 28th at 7:30
pm.
Confirmation Meeting – Tuesday November 4th at 7:30 pm.
First Communion and Confirmation packages must be
completed and brought to the meeting, along with a copy of your
child’s Baptismal Certificate. The deadline for sacramental
registration is November 23rd.If you require any further
information, please do not hesitate to call the church at 905-4554260.
Progress Report Interviews
Student Progress reports will be sent home on Tuesday
November 11th. Parents are reminded that these are not Report
Cards. Interviews will take place on the evening of Thursday
November 13th. Please note that it is not necessary that all
students participate in Progress Report interviews, however
parents are welcome to request an interview. It is only through
communication and working together that we will achieve the
ultimate success of your child. First term report cards will be
sent home on February 3rd and first term interviews will take
place on February 5th and 6th. It is expected that all students will
be participating in the interview process at that point.
EQAO Results
Last spring, the EQAO reading, writing and mathematics
assessment was conducted in grade 3 and 6 classes across the
province. This assessment is considered a “snapshot” of the
children’s performance based on their respective grade level
expectation.
At St. Brigid we are proud of the achievement of our students
and use the data collected from the EQAO assessment, along
with other data collected, to improve instruction and focus
learning.
Grade 3
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
St. Brigid
79
96
83
Grade 6
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
(All Students)
Levels 3 & 4
DPCDSB
73
83
67
Province
70
78
67
(All Students)
Levels 3 & 4
St. Brigid
86
95
23
DPCDSB
82
82
57
Province
79
78
54
Volunteers
Volunteers play an important part in the life of any school
community. At the school level, they help to enhance the
learning opportunities available to students. They assist students
with reading, writing, academic drills and reinforcement,
educational games and in other activities that help to improve
specific areas of need. Please contact the school if you are
interested in volunteering.
We always appreciate your assistance, support and the sharing
of your many gifts and talents with our staff and students. Please
consider volunteering at your child’s school. Anyone working
in our school as a new employee or volunteer must have a
criminal reference check completed by Peel Police. Please
pick up the appropriate forms from the school office.
End of the Day Parking
Dismissal time is a very busy time of day and the
safety of our students must be our number one priority. As such,
please be aware that at the end of the school day pylons are
placed at the entrance of the school driveway. This is done to
prevent vehicles from driving on school grounds while students
are exiting the school grounds. The gates at the parking lot are
also closed at this time, and will not be opened until our students
and busses have left school grounds. If you are parked in the
parking lot, we ask that you respect our policy and wait until our
gates are opened by a staff supervisor. Also, please be aware that
our drive way is one way, with the entrance at the east end of the
school. Please do not enter the school grounds through the exit
drive at the west end. We thank you for your cooperation.
Parking Enforcement
City of Brampton Parking Enforcement officers have been
vigilant in enforcing city parking by-laws in the area around the
school. Please be aware of where you park your vehicle. There
are fire hydrants and other No Parking / No Stopping areas that
need to be observed.
Please note that vehicles in the Kiss ‘N’ Ride lane should not be
left unattended, as they could be ticketed. Please do not park in
the Kiss ‘N’ Ride Lanes and walk your child to their entry point.
If you wish to walk your child, we request that you park on the
street and escort your child. Cars parked in the Kiss ‘N’ Ride
create a very dangerous situation and also impede the flow of
traffic.
Also, please be aware that only vehicles that have a handicap
sign displayed in their vehicle are allowed to park in the handicap
parking spots in the school parking lot. Under no conditions
should vehicles without a handicap sign park in these designated
areas.
Kiss ‘N Ride
Please note that it is extremely important that parents drive
slowly and cautiously while on school grounds. The lane closest
to the curb is for BUSSES ONLY. The Kiss ‘N Ride lane is the
middle lane. Please follow the procedures outlined below when
using the Kiss ‘N Ride lane:
Drive your vehicle in this lane and proceed to the furthest
point closest to the front doors of the school.
STOP
Child(ren) must exit your vehicle by the right hand side
door(s) only
Drive to the end of the Kiss ‘N Ride lane and cautiously
proceed into the Drive-Thru lane once all children have
left your vehicle
Do not park in the Kiss ‘N Ride lane. If you need to enter
the school, please park your vehicle in the school parking
lot or on the street.
You
may
go
to
www.stopr.ca for daily
bus
cancellations
delays.
or
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL:
Please be advised that for reasons of safety, no child
should bring any form of medication to school
without prior approval from the office. The school
will store and distribute necessary medication, if a Request Form
(available in the office) has been filled out and signed by the
parents/guardians; and when authorized by a physician; and
when medication must be provided during school hours.
Please note, all students who require Epi-pens (except those
in kindergarten) are required to wear them during the school
day. Please check with your local pharmacist for locations to
purchase pouches for Epi-pens.
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Vending Machine
At St. Brigid School, we do have a vending machine that sells
white and chocolate milk, juice, water and crackers. All items
are $1.25. Any orders are collected with the morning attendance
and distributed to students just before lunch.
School Day and School Yard Supervision
Yard Supervision begins at 8:35 a.m. For safety reasons, please
do not send your child to school until then. Our supervisors wear
orange vests when they are out so that they can be easily visible
to a child in need. For reasons of safety, students are expected
to go home at the end of the school day, unless supervised by a
parent or staff member for a scheduled school activity. If there
are any changes to dismissal arrangements, please contact the
office or with a note to the teacher.
Twitter
DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For the latest board news and
information, follow us @DPCDSBSchools.
Nut Allergies
St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School is an allergen aware
school. We have a number of children in our school who have
severe life threatening allergic reactions to nuts, peanuts, peanut
butter, peanut oils and any peanut by-products. For some
children, even the smell of nuts can bring on a severe attack. We
need your cooperation! We do not want to put any child at risk,
therefore ask that NUTS, NUT BUTTER, NUT OILS AND
ANY NUT BY-PRODUCT NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE
SCHOOL.
Please do not send any lunches or snacks that contain
nuts/peanuts or nut by-products.
Operation Christmas Child
In past years, the staff and students of St. Brigid have
participated in Operation Christmas Child. Once again, as the
Christmas season slowly approaches, we are getting into the
spirit of giving. Operation Christmas Child is a fun and simple
hands-on project of Samaritan’s Purse that brings joy and hope
to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled
shoeboxes. We hope that many underprivileged children will
have a gift to open and a smile on their face because we are once
again choosing to share God’s love. Classes will determine
whether their gift will be for a boy or a girl, the child’s age
category and students can bring in small items (school supplies,
hygiene items, small toys) to fill a shoebox. The project will need
to be completed by mid-November in order for the gifts to be
delivered in time for Christmas to these needy children in
orphanages in war-torn countries in over 130 countries
worldwide. Your support in Operation Christmas Child will be
greatly appreciated, making an eternal impact in the lives of
these children. Thank You!!
Dates to Remember
Oct. 1
It’s Hearing and Vision Screening time!!!
Oct. 2
Oct. 7
School Screening Association will be visiting our school this
year on Thursday December 11th to conduct their clinic
Your child’s hearing and vision should be screened every year
Oct. 8
Growing children are very susceptible to middle ear
problems and one of the best ways to prevent hearing
loss is early detection of middle ear function issues.
Oct. 9
Oct. 10
A visit to an audiologist costs upwards of $50.00 and is
not covered by O.H.I.P. However, if your child is
referred to a hospital clinic by your doctor, the cost is
covered by O.H.I.P.
Oct. 13
Oct. 14
Oct. 15
Your child’s hearing is not being monitored unless they
are being seen by an Audiologist or and E.N.T.
Oct. 17
A Free vision screeing is included with the Hearing
Clinic. Eye Examinations are covered by OHIP.
Oct. 20
A fee of $15.00 is collected to help offset the cost of
bringing this clinic to our school
Oct. 21
A permission form will be sent home with your child,
approximately 2 weeks before the clinic date. Please fill out the
form, include $15.00 fee and return to the school prior to the
clinic date.
Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24
Good Grades start with Good Hearing and Vision
Oct. 27
Oct. 29
Oct. 30
Oct. 31
Student Vote
Once again Ontarians are going to the polls next month, and once
again St. Brigid is holding Student Vote. In the days leading up
to the election, we will be holding an assembly with our junior
and intermediate students wherein both the role of municipal
governments and the platforms of the candidates will
be illuminated so that when our students vote in the simulated
election they will be able to make an informed
choice. The Student Vote program teaches our students that
learning about the electoral process is both a life skill and a
responsibility for citizens fortunate enough to live in a
democracy.
ATTENDANCE
VERIFICATION
905-454-0316 & PRESS 1
Nov. 4
Nov. 5
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
Nov. 10
Nov. 11
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 14
Nov. 17
Nov. 18
Nov. 19
Nov. 21
Nov. 26
Silvercreek – Mrs. Serrentino
Lunch Moms
Picture Day
Thanksgiving Food Drive Ends
Mr. Sub Day
Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament @ St.
Brigid
Silvercreek – Mr. Fitzpatrick
Lunch Moms
Thanksgiving Mass – 9:30
Rosary Apostolates
Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament @ St.
Brigid
Thanksgiving Day – No School
3R’s Workshop – FDK to Gr. 8
Chocolate Fundraiser Ends
Junior Girls Volleyball Family Finals @ St.
Gertrude
Lunch Moms
Junior Boys Volleyball Family Finals @ St.
Barbara
Brampton A’s presentation – FDK to Gr. 8 –
9:30
Catholic School Council Mtg. – 7:00 pm.
Mr. Sub Day
St. Roch Regional Arts Program presentation –
Gr. 8
Lunch Moms
Student Vote Assembly
School Bus Evacuation practice
Student Vote
Cross Country Meet @ Terry Fox Stadium
Municipal Elections
Lunch Moms
Board Cross Country Finals @ Centennial Park
Halloween Dance
Pizza Day
Mr. Sub Day
Lunch Moms
Picture Retake Day
Rosary Apostolates
Harvest Clean Up
Harvest Clean Up – Rain Date
Remembrance Day
Progress Reports sent home
Lunch Moms
St. Augustine visits Gr. 8’s
Interview Evening
P.A. Day
Catholic School Council Mtg. – 7:00 pm.
Mr. Sub Day
Energy Water Conservation presentation –
FDK to Gr. 8
Lunch Moms
St. Augustine Gr. 8 Information Night
Pizza Day
Lunch Moms