February 2016
ST. CHARLES GARNIER SCHOOL
4233 Central Parkway East, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1M7
(905) 275-0509
Mississauga East
Family of Schools
Principal:
M.J. Vowles
Dear Lord,
Secretary:
D. Giansante
Let us huddle together this morning, our community, a place of warmth in our lives as
we share the flame of hope and connection. Let us allow the frost of isolation and
bitterness to melt away as we open ourselves to a sense of peace and spirit.
Catholic School
Council Chair/Vice Chair:
E. Gomes
A. Costa
Acting Custodians:
J. Costa
M. Bak
Superintendent:
T. Lariviere
Trustee/Past Chairman:
A. Abbruscato
(905) 890-0708
Ext. 24239
(416) 459-0126
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
4070 Central Parkway East
Miss., ON L4Z 1T6
(905) 273-6630
Parish Pastor:
Fr. Sol Paranas
Associate Pastor:
Fr. Charles Ogugbuaja
Secretary:
M. Morta
We extend our thoughts to all those who are cold this morning, lacking shelter or love
to keep them warm. Let us wrap our prayers around them and each other like scarves,
and wish each other safe journeys through the storm.
We pray for those who are living in persecution, in refugee camps, hoping for rescue.
May we be insulated from fear as the earth is insulated by the snow, and, like bulbs,
may we continue to grow and open inside, despite the cold, ready for the spring, to
stretch and grow towards justice.
Amen.
The Virtue for the
Month of February is…
RESPECT
“For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might
win more of them.” (1 Cor. 9:19)
God wants us to treat all people with the respect they deserve.
Respect…is seeing the goodness in others. It helps us to see others as God sees them, to
accept them as they are, and to treat them with dignity.
A respectful person...
Has a confident, positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others.
Honours the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.
Values and honours the important role of family in society.
Values the environment and uses resources wisely.
Honours the faith traditions, world religions and life journeys of all people of goodwill.
Visit our Website: http://www.dpcdsb.org/CGARN
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Principal’s Message
The time of year has come when parents and teachers
get together to discuss student progress. One of the
best ways to show your child the importance you
place in education is to come to school and discuss
with the teacher your child’s strengths and needs. Be
sure you leave with an idea or two of what you can
do to gain academic strength.
Thank you for taking the time to come and meet.
Research shows that one of the keys to academic
success is doing homework whether or not it is
assigned. You can help by setting aside a homework
period each evening.
The Dufferin Peel recommended home time can be
found in the front of your child’s agenda. If your
child comes home and says they have completed all
their homework have them read a book or novel or
have them review their notes. This will help in your
child developing great skills for the more difficult
years ahead. Spend a few moments and chat about
the work done or the book read. As always,
encourage your child to do their best. Should you
have questions feel free to write a short note in your
child’s agenda. We appreciate all the hard work you
do to support us.
Catholic Schools
Did you know that a Catholic school can never be simply a
place where students accumulate skills and information, a
place where they learn how to get ahead and sell their gifts
on the open market? If this were so, our schools would
prepare students for nothing more than a shallow life far
removed from the profound vision of life revealed by the
Gospel. (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (1989, “The
Texture of the Times para.7)
Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2016-2017
Last week was Kindergarten Registration. If you forgot to
register your child at St. Charles Garnier School,
please come in to the office as soon as possible so
we have an accurate count of classes to
accommodate for September.
For more information about registration and the
Full-Day Kindergarten program, call our school
office or visit www.dpcdsb.org.
Snow Stays on the Ground
When cold months arrive and snow and ice on the ground is
plentiful, we all like to play in it and with it. Throwing
snowballs and sliding on ice is fun. However, as much fun as
it is, snow and ice can be very dangerous when lots of people
are in a small area. In order for our school to be as safe as
possible, the school rule must be that snow “stays on the
ground”—no snowballs, kicking snow or any other activity
with snow or ice that could be harmful is permitted. There is
no sliding on ice. Please review this with
your child to create a safe school yard.
Cold Weather
In the colder weather we receive
numerous requests to allow children to remain indoors when
students have a cold, flu, etc. Please note that we cannot
comply, as we neither have the facilities nor the staff to
supervise these students. Moreover, Health Officials indicate
that the fresh air is good for children...not harmful, as long as
students are dressed appropriately. On extremely cold days,
particularly when the wind chill factor lowers temperatures
considerably, we will limit the amount of time that students
spend outdoors, or hold recess indoors. With the exception
of these occasions, we expect that all children will go
outdoors for recess and during the lunch break. Students
who are too ill to participate in regular school day activities
should stay home until feeling better.
Clothing in Cold Weather
Children go outside for 2 recesses and lunch hour each day.
During morning announcements, we remind students to wear
all winter clothes. Children should come to school with
winter boots, winter coats, snow pants, hats and mittens. An
extra pair of mitts and socks is a good idea on snowy days.
Children should practice dressing so they can
dress independently (including zipping zippers).
Indoor Shoes
Cyber Awareness and Peel Police Safety Presentations
Students must have a pair of “indoor
shoes” at school. This ensures they have a
clean dry pair of shoes to wear indoors.
Wearing wet shoes or socks is unsafe and
feels uncomfortable. Dirty shoes make floors slippery. If your
child tends to get wet during recess times, please consider
sending a change of clothes to school, especially socks and
sweat pants and remember to label all clothing with your
child’s name.
On January 11th, Officer Frappe from Peel
Regional Police visited our school to
discuss Internet/digital Awareness and
digital citizenship with our students.
Officer Frappe next visit to our school will
be on February 20th to conduct more
Safety Presentations for all our students.
We greatly appreciate the level of
awareness Peel Police is bringing to our students and
community.
Physical Education Safety:
Criminal Reference Checks
As per the Physical Education Safety
Guidelines:
“Students must wear appropriate clothing
for Physical Education classes. Running
shoes
are
a
minimum
uniform
requirement. Shorts or sweat pants and tshirts are examples of appropriate
clothing. Some ill-fitting clothing, scarves,
jewelry, hard-soled shoes and socks without shoes can inhibit
movement and possibly cause injury during active movement.
Hanging jewelry must not be worn. Jewelry which cannot be
removed and which present a safety concern (e.g. medical
alert identification jewelry) must be taped. Long hair must be
secured so as not to block vision.” Otherwise students cannot
participate in gym.
In compliance with Ministry directives, a Criminal Reference
Check is REQUIRED if you wish to volunteer your services in
the school, or assist on trips. Copies of the Criminal
Reference forms are available here at the
school and are signed by the Principal. We look
forward to having you join us on trips etc.
Please consider completing a CRC.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Peel Regional Police CYBER Academy
Peel Regional Police have developed a
breakthrough
concept
in
crime
prevention, the CYBER Academy. The
crime prevention experts at Peel
Regional Police have designed a
certificate program that will help keep
you, your children and families safe
while using the Internet. During this
course, you will learn the basics of
Computer Safety, Social Media, Cyber-Fraud, Predators / Chid
Exploitation, Media Distraction and Cyber-Bullying. Please
see the flyer attached and register on-line at
www.peelpolice.ca. Courses run from Feb 16th h to Mar. 8th,
2016.
Please see January Newsletter for details.
Late for School
We still continue to have several students arriving late in the
morning. School begins at 8:45 a.m. Please
ensure your child arrives on time to line up and
enter with their class. When a child is late, she/
he misses valuable teaching time and causes a
disruption to the classroom teacher and the
other students in the class, especially when lessons have
already begun in the class. Developing excellent work habits
and time management skills can maximize a child’s learning
potential. Please check your child’s report card to ensure
your child is arriving at school on time. If you know your child
will be late or absent, please leave a message on our 24 hour
Attendance Line at 905-275-0509, press 1, before 9:00 a.m.
Parents are reminded that it is the parents’ responsibility to
call in your child’s absence or late for each day. We do
thank the parents who are diligently calling in when your child
is absent or late.
Ash Wednesday
Our liturgical season of Lent begins with a school mass on
Wednesday February 10th and continues until Easter. We are
encouraged to say “yes” to God and “no” to our own
selfishness. We can make a fresh start too, and try to keep in
touch with God, to be less selfish and more generous. What
Lenten promises will you and your child(ren) try to follow?
The emphasis should be on doing things for Jesus, rather than
simply on giving things up. Parents are
invited to join us on Wednesday, February
10th at 9:30a.m. for our school Mass.
Report Card and Parent /Student/Teacher Interviews
ACADEMICS
Sharing (use) of Student’s Personal Information Notice
Student Transition between Elementary
and Secondary
As our students progress from
elementary school to secondary school,
important information is shared
between the schools. This information,
as listed below, eases your child’s transition to secondary
school. Sharing it between schools also improves our ability to
program effectively to the benefit of all students. The transfer
of each student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR); a file
containing the complete record of a student’s educational
progress, also occurs at this time. The information used for
the transition process is limited, secure and protected at all
times.
a) Student Information provided to a secondary school in
advance of a student’s arrival includes:
Student Demographics
Student Achievement
Student Attendance
b) Information about a student’s performance in secondary
school provided to the former elementary school includes:
* EQAO 9 and 10 Results * Credit Accumulation
 Report Card Achievement Data * Course Selection
Black History Month
February is “Black History Month”. This is a time to celebrate
the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians,
who throughout history have done so much to make Canada
the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation
we know today. It is also an opportunity for the majority of
Canadians to learn about the experiences of Black Canadians
in our society and the vital role this community has played
throughout our shared history.
As you know, the Ministry has replaced
three provincial report cards with two
provincial report cards and one progress
report that went home at the beginning
of November. The first term report cards
went home Tuesday, February 2nd and
parent/teacher/student conferences took
place on Thursday, February 4th and
Friday Feb 5th. Junior and Senior Kindergarten students do
not receive a formal report card at this time. Conference
forms went home and interview times were listed on report
card envelopes. All parents are encouraged to schedule an
interview with their child’s teacher. If you were unable to
attend on the scheduled days, please request a phone
interview.
EQAO
The EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office)
testing of our grade 3 and 6 students will take place from May
25th through to June 8th. Please avoid scheduling any
doctor appointments or anything else that will take your child
out of school during the testing dates. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Reading with your Children
“The single most important thing you
can do for your children’s education is
read to them, starting from the day they
are born.” (Richard Worzel, one of
Canada’s leading futurists)… “You are
encouraged to give your child your TIME. Especially take the
time to read to your child.” How about spending some time at
your local library? The best value your tax dollars will ever
get you. Wonderful books to read for free.
Raz-Kids
Raz-Kids is an interactive on-line resource where students
have access to hundreds of books that are filled with
animation and sound effects. Students first listen to the story
and are exposed to fluent reading. Then they are able to
record their own voice when rereading the book. The on-line
site also has comprehension quizzes on what they have just
read. In addition, this site has an incentive where students
earn stars for reading as they complete the activities.
Through Raz-Kids, students can further develop their reading
fluency, comprehension skills and gain confidence in reading.
Many thanks to our School Council for funding this on-line
resource for our students in Full Day
Kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3.
MARK THE DATE…
February 15th is National Flag Day
Family Day Holiday
February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in
1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple
leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and
indeed, hundreds of communities across Canada.
Monday, February 15th, is Family Day. The school is closed.
We hope you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
March Break
Red and White were designated as Canada’s official colours in
1921 by His Majesty King George V. Check out the story
behind our greatest national symbol
canada.gc.ca/flagday.
March Break this year runs from Monday, March 14th to
March 18th inclusive. School is closed this week and we
return to school Monday, March 21st.
ON THE HEALTH WATCH…
Medication and the Safety of other Students
2015-16 School Year Calendar
Additional Professional Activity Day:
Monday, April 11, 2016
Terms of the recent contract settlement between the
teacher federations and the Ministry of Education
included the provision of an additional Professional
Activity Day for the 2015-2016 school year for both
elementary and secondary schools. Recently, boards
were directed to schedule this additional Professional
Development Day on or before April 15, 2016.
A reminder that students are not allowed to bring ANY
medication to school. This includes
prescription
and
non-prescription
medication. As per Board protocol, all
medication must be stored in the office,
accompanied by appropriate paperwork
and doctor signature. Please note that
this includes Advil, cough medication,
cough drops, etc. We thank you for your co-operation in this
matter. As always, we care about the safety of our students.
Head Lice Check
Therefore, there will be no classes for either
elementary or secondary students on
Monday, April 11, 2016.
This is a reminder for all parents/guardians to
check their children’s hair on a regular basis for
lice and/or nits. If you notice a case of lice,
please notify the school. By working together,
we can reduce the number of head lice cases in
the school. If you need more information, please
contact the school office and we can provide literature
provided by the Region of Peel. Please teach your child the
importance of NOT sharing hats, combs and other clothing
articles.
Thank you for your attention to this addition to the
2015-16 School Year Calendar.
Eat RIGHT Ontario – Food Choices when Money is Tight
In the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the
designated additional Professional Activity Day has
been scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2016.
Eating together also supports healthy eating habits for adults
and children. But it can be hard to serve healthy meals at
home that the whole family will enjoy. Please visit
www.eatrightontario.ca/en/budget for great tips on how to
make meals fun and interesting.
ECO EAGLES-WASTE AUDIT
nd
On Friday January 22 , Mrs. Valentine’s class and the Eco
Eagles team participated in a waste audit. In the waste audit
we had to sort recycling, garbage and compost. It was very
interesting. We sorted through 5 bags and we found a lot of
waste that was not in the right place. We even presented
what we learned to the whole school. Here are some of our
findings:
- We are wasting a lot of paper…we need to use both sides
-We should try to bring litter less lunches and reusable water
bottles
-We need to empty juice boxes and containers before we
recycle them
-We need to use less paper towels…1 is enough
-We need to take the time to sort our waste properly
A golden eagle has a golden heart…so eco eagles remember
to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Aldrey ( Grade 3)
On Thursday February 22 my grade 3 and 4 class went to
Riverwood Conservancy. Have you heard of it? It’s a place
where you can let a black capped chickadees eat black oil
sunflower seeds right from your hand. If you’re lucky you can
see deer, coyotes, red tailed squirrel’s beavers and ducks. On
our trip we had a guide named Allison. She was great. She
helped us make a bird feeder. She took us on a long hike on
the beautiful trails. Birds were flying all over the place and
singing all sorts of songs. Then we went inside where we saw
huge tanks with turtles, crayfish and snakes. Our guide was
great and she taught us all about the animals. She told us that
in summer you can even see salmon jumping in the river.
Riverwood is a beautiful place right here in Mississauga. The
best thing is it’s free to the public! You should go. Our class
had an amazing time!
Makayla (grade 3)
SHROVE TUESDAY
On Shrove Tuesday, February 9th, Ms. Sappong’s Grade 7/8
class will be preparing and serving pancakes to all of our
students as part of their Lenten service activities.
Below is a list of the ingredients that will be used. Please
inform your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.
For the Pancakes:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Skim milk powder
Vegetable oil
Water
with Nut-free syrup
The students will also be collecting canned goods for the
Open Door Charity at Square One. Please send a can of tuna,
beans or vegetables along with your child on Tuesday.
Thank you for your support of our school and have a Blessed
Lenten Season!
PSYCHOLOGY MONTH 2016
Department of Psychology, Dufferin-Peel CDSB
HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT TRAUMATIC EVENTS
It seems that every day, something tragic happens somewhere in the world, such as school shootings, fatal car collisions, extreme weather conditions and terrorist attacks. Children's lives are
touched by trauma on a regular basis, no matter how much parents
or teachers try to keep the "bad things" away. Instead of shielding
children from the dangers, violence or tragedies around us, adults
should talk to kids about what is happening.
The conversation may not seem easy, but taking a proactive
stance, discussing difficult events in age-appropriate language can
help children feel safer and more secure.
As much as adults may try to avoid difficult topics, children
often learn or know when something sad or scary happens, because
of their exposure to media, such as TV, Facebook, or Twitter. If
adults don’t talk to them about it, a child may overestimate what is
wrong or misunderstand adults’ silence. Be aware because difficult
news and tragedies are happening regularly. So, be the first to bring
up a difficult topic. When parents tackle difficult conversations, they
let their children know that they are available and supportive.
Guiding the Conversation
Find a quiet moment. For parents, this could be after dinner or while making the next day’s lunch. For teacher’s, it could be after
recess or lunch if a student seems troubled. This is time and place where your children can be the center of your attention.
Find out what they know. For example, there was a shooting at a school or a bomb set off in another country. Ask them "What
have you heard about this?" And then listen. Listen. Listen. And listen more.
Think about what you want to say or how you want to respond. Some advanced planning may need to take place to make the
discussion easier. If you do need to think about it, acknowledge the child’s concerns and get back to them soon. You don’t
always have to respond off the top of your head.
Share your feelings with the child. It is OK to acknowledge your feelings with childr en. They see you ar e human. They also
get a chance to see that even though upset, you can pull yourself together and continue on. Parents and teachers hear it often:
Be a role model. This applies to emotions, too.
Tell the truth. Lay out the facts at a level they can understand. You do not need to give graphic details. For example, young
children may not fully understand what death means and you may have to explain it in a way they can understand, such as no
longer feeling anything, not hungry, thirsty, scared, or hurting; we will never see them again, but can hold their memories in
our hearts and heads). Remember, it is OK to say, "I don’t know." Sometimes the answer to the question is "I don’t know."
"Why did the bad people do this?" "I don’t know" fits.
Above all, reassure. At the end of the conversation, reassure the child that you will do everything you know how to do to keep
them safe and to watch out for them. Reassure them that you will be available to answer any questions or talk about this topic
again in the future. Reassure them that they are cared for.
Source: American Psychological Association, Psychology Help Center. For further information please contact your school Psychology staff or Dr. Debra Lean, Chief
Psychologist.