ST. TERESA OF AVILA
6675 MONTEVIDEO ROAD
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
L5N 4E8
PHONE: (905)858-3462
FAX: (905) 858-1673
September 2014 Newsletter
Prayer of Return
Principal
M. Sturge
Vice Principal
E. Del Grosso-Milek
Secretary
J. Sequeira
Superintendent
Mississauga North
Family of Schools
T. Cruz
(905) 890-1221
Pastor
St. John of the Cross
Fr. J. Kalluvila
Trustee Ward 9
E. O’Toole
(905) 812-5163
ST. JOHN OF THE
CROSS PARISH
6890 Glen Erin Drive
Miss., ON L5N 2E1
Tel: (905) 821-1331
Fax: (905) 858-8486
Email:
stjohnofx@rogers.com
Website:
www.saintjohnofthecross.com
MASS TIMES
Weekends:
Sat. : 5:00 p.m.
Sun. : 8:00 a.m., 10:00
a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m
Weekdays: 9:00a.m.
PASTORAL TEAM
Fr. Joseph Kalluvila, O.Carm
Pastor
Fr. Abraham Kulanjiyil, O. Carm
Assoc. Pastor
John Cannon, Deacon
Kate Watkiss, Pastoral Associate
O Lord, we return from a time of rest, vacation, visiting.
We return from camps, travels, cottages.
Thank you, Lord for the summer.
It eases the mind, relaxes the body and soothes the soul.
We return to school, to routines and to lessons.
Thank you, Lord for our students, teachers and parents.
Strengthen all who instruct; guide all who learn.
Lord, keep us from getting so organized that there is no time for you.
Let us seek and serve you in everyone we meet;
Everywhere we go, and in everything we do.
As we return to our routines, let us not forget,
Who has sent us on this journey.
Amen
Principal’s Message
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am very pleased and honoured to join the community of St. Teresa of Avila school.
I wish to thank Mr. Matos, Mrs. Del Grosso-Milek and Mrs. Sequeira for their
invaluable assistance during this transition. I know I join all of you in wishing Mr.
Matos every success as he continues his work in Dufferin-Peel as Principal of St.
Herbert.
I view our school community as a partnership - students, parents and guardians,
parish and school members. Together, we enjoy a shared purpose of helping the
children in our care to be the best they can be- spiritually, intellectually, emotionally
and socially. Central to my role as principal is team building and the development of
relationships that will allow all partners to continue to co-operatively foster a safe
learning and living environment, where children are always first.
In a world in which change is the only constant, communication assumes a very high
priority. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to meeting and coming to know
each member of the St. Teresa of Avila community . Together we can build on the
past and continue to move into the future as a strong and vibrant community.
Sincerely,
M. Sturge
Principal
FAITH COMMUNITY
Our first school mass will be Wednesday, October 9th
at 10:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila school. Our opening
mass is a reminder of the importance of partnership
between the church, home and school as we all move
along our faith journey. All are welcome!
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
FIRST COMMUNION- For All Parents/Guardians
of Baptized Children- Grade 2 & above: Tuesday
September 16th- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. OR Sunday
September 21st- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at St. John of
the Cross Church
FIRST RECONCILIATION- Parents/Guardians will
have the option of choosing one of the following
dates: Monday November 10, 2014- 7:00 p.m.,
Wednesday November 19, 2014- 7:00 p.m., Monday
November 24, 2914- 7:00 p.m.
CONFIRMATION- Grade 8 & above: Meetings for
Parents/Guardians and Candidates: Thursday
October 2nd -7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m. OR Sunday October
5th- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at St. John of the Cross
Church
FOR CHILDREN NOT BAPTIZED
Grade 2 & above: Baptism, First Reconciliation, First
Communion, Confirmation : Call Kate at the Parish
office by Oct. 1st (905-821-1331 ext. 226)
School Hours
8:30- Entry Bell
10:30-10:45- Morning Recess
11:30-11:50 Grades JK-8 eat Lunch
11:50-12:30 Grades JK-8 Lunch recess
2:00-2:15- Afternoon recess
3:00- Dismissal
Yard Supervision
Please do not send your child/children to school
before 8:15 a.m. Staff supervision of students in the
playground begins at 8:15 a.m. To ensure your child’s
safety, we appreciate your cooperation and
understanding in this matter.
DRESS CODE
Our school is committed to standards of neatness,
cleanliness, modesty and good taste. Students are
expected to dress in attire suitable for the occasion
and appropriate to the school environment. Your
assistance and support is greatly appreciated.
Clothing guidelines
• Clothing should be neat, clean and without tears
and/or holes;
• Halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, low cut
tops, mesh shirts, muscle shirts, cut-off shorts,
midriff tops which do not cover the abdomen and
bandanas are inappropriate attire for school (walking
shorts are permitted);
• Patches, symbols or sayings on clothing shall not be
offensive to anyone who might read them, nor should
they promote negative messages;
• Sunglasses and headwear such as hats/caps/visors
are inappropriate in the school building and
classroom;
• Flip Flops are not recommended as they pose a safety
hazard. Running shoes are best for outdoors.
Student Information
It is important that we have up to date records of your
address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts in
the event that the school must contact you regarding
your child. Please inform the office or your child’s
teacher if any information changes throughout the
year.
Student Absence and Arrival Time
We ask that parents continue to call to notify the
school if their child will be absent and/or late. Your
phone call to the school saves us time trying to
ensure your child is safe. Remember that you can call
the school twenty-four hours a day to report your
child’s absence at 905-858-3462- press 1. Upon
reaching the school answering service please leave
the following information: a) Date of absence
b)Student’s full name c) Grade level and teacher d)
Reason for absence e) Date of return.
Students who are late must report to the office
and sign in. School staff is on duty at 8:15 a.m in
the morning. There is no supervision for students
before 8:15 a.m. and students should not be
dropped off prior for safety reasons. Students
should arrive at 8:25 a.m. to line up and enter the
school with the rest of the class and avoid being
late. Please continue to call on each day that your
child is absent.
Staffing
September 2014 school organization is based on
projected enrolment established through the School
Board. Again this year the government is capping
primary (JK-3) at 20 students. It is understood that
this Ministry initiative has resulted in more combined
grade classes, with a reduced student-teacher ratio.
Based on enrolments within our boundaries during the
first two weeks of September, we may need to
reorganize the classes. Please note that your child’s
classroom assignment is tentative until new
enrolments or withdrawals are completed during
this time frame. If your child’s placement or
classroom teacher changes, you will be notified. Only
those students affected by reorganization will be
moved.
Storage and Administration of Medication
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all
medication and forms are updated annually for any
student who requires medication to be administered
at school. If your child requires medication please
have the necessary forms completed and return
them, along with any medication, to the office as soon
as possible. Forms are available at the school office.
Medical Alert-Anaphylactic shock- Nut
Allergies
Please be aware that there are students in our school
with a severe life-threatening food allergy
(anaphylaxis) to NUTs and PEANUTs. This is a
medical condition that causes a severe reaction to
certain allergens and can result in death within
minutes. Although this may or may not affect your
child’s class directly, please send lunches and snacks
to school with your children that are free from
peanuts or nut products. We ask that you do not send
in food products for the whole class to celebrate
birthdays or social occasions. A donation of a book or
game to the classroom is a safe alternative to food
products and will be enjoyed so much longer by the
children. Please feel free to contact your child’s
teacher if you have any concerns or questions. We
thank you for your co-operation and attention to this
health watch.
PED Policy
A reminder that AS PER BOARD POLICY, students
and visitors are not allowed to bring PERSONAL
ELECTRONIC DEVICES like cell phones, pagers,
IPods, MP3 players, cameras, etc, to school. They are
NOT to be used on school property or during school
related activities, such as field trips or sporting
events. If one is brought to school it must be turned
off and stored away out of site in their knapsacks
during school hours. If the policy is not followed,
these items, especially cell phones, could be
confiscated and parents will be informed and may be
required to pick them up in the office. Parental
support is requested and greatly appreciated.
Picture Taking
Picture taking is not permitted by the public or media
without signed parental consent. Please be aware that
no pictures of students are to be posted on the internet. Parents are reminded that due to confidentiality
and privacy laws, pictures should NOT be taken at
school events such as concerts, sports games, or
liturgical celebrations. Your cooperation and support
is greatly appreciated.
Professional Activity Day
Friday, September 12, 2014 is a Professional
Activity Day. Students do not attend school on this
day. Teachers will be involved in professional
development and reorganization of classes if
necessary.
Visitors to our School
All visitors and parents are asked to enter the building
through the front door and report the office. Please
sign in and obtain a visitor’s sticker if you plan to
remain in the building, for any reason, during school
hours.
Criminal Reference Checks
Anyone working in our school as a new employee or
volunteer must have a Criminal Reference Check
completed by the Peel Police. CRC are free of
charge for volunteers. If you are considering
volunteering for a school trip during the school year,
please get a form in the school office.
School Council
Elections of the new School Council will take place on
Wednesday, September 24, 2014. A nomination form
was sent home but you are invited to pick up
application forms in the main office until nominations
close on Tuesday, September 23rd at 3:00 p.m.
Results of the new School Council Executive members
will be published in the October newsletter.
School Bus Courtesy Seat Policy
At this time, transportation is available to students
who are deemed eligible only. Please access the
following website to determine if your child is eligible
for transportation businfo.stopr.ca.
Those wishing to access the Courtesy Bus Seat policy
are asked to put their request in writing and return it
to the office. Depending on availability, seats will be
allocated mid to late October. 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.
JK - Grade 1
Grades 2 - 4
Grades 5 - 6
Grades 7-8
1.0 Km
1.6 Km
2.0 Km
3.2 km
Toonie for Terry/Terry Fox Walk
Again, this year we are proud to participate in the
Annual Terry Fox Walk/Run for Cancer research.
Please send in your toonies for this worthy cause to
support cancer research. The event will take place on
Wednesday, September 24, 2014. More information
to follow.
Open House/Curriculum night
Our annual Open House will be held on Thursday,
September 18, 2014. Mark this date on your
calendars and plan to attend to meet your child’s
teacher. More information will follow.
PLASP UPDATE
The Peel After School Program will run again this year.
If you would like more information please call 905890-1711
School Agendas
School agendas have been ordered for children in
Grades 1-8 to assist your child in organizing his/her
time. The teachers will be reviewing the importance
of the agenda with their students. Your child is
responsible to record their homework, upcoming
projects/assignments, important dates, and teacher
notices in their agenda. We are asking that you check
your child’s agenda on a daily basis to keep informed.
Hepatitis B and HPV Inoculation
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 first date that has been
assigned to St. Teresa of Avila School is Sept. 26 th.
Dose #1 Hepatitis B-Grade 7, HPV- Grade 8 girls.
Custody of Children
On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult
situations in which non-custodial parents arrive at
school asking to visit their child or to take their child
home after school. We are best able to serve and
protect students when we are made aware of legal
custody arrangements, visitation rights and other
special instructions. If legal custody matters affect
your family, please ensure that our office and
classroom teachers are aware of any custodial
arrangements that may affect your child during
school hours.
Fire Drills/Lock Down 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 involves 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.
Textbook Policy
Textbooks are the property of the school and are
loaned out to students with the expectation that
they will be returned at the end of the school year in
good condition. The teachers keep a record of each
textbook that students are given. Please help to
keep our costs down by encouraging your child to take
proper care of them. There will be a replacement
cost to the student if the textbook is damaged, lost
or not returned at the end of the school year.
Pizza Days
Information will be coming home shortly.
Student Insurance
“The Board takes every precaution to provide a safe
learning environment for students, but accidents can
and do happen. Some families have private accident
insurance which is able to respond to costs arising
from injuries. However, many families do not.
For students arriving before 8:30 am:
If you are attending the Breakfast Club, please
ring the bell once and wait for a response
If you are not attending the Breakfast Club,
please go around the school and assemble in
the yard
Under the Education Act, Ontario School boards are
empowered to: “provide, by contract with an insurer
under the Insurance Act, accident and life insurance
for pupils, the cost of which is to be paid on a
voluntary basis by the parents or guardians.” R.S.O.
1990, c.E.2, s. 176, par. 4.
Coverage may be purchased at any time during the
school year. As the cost is very competitive, it will
remain the same regardless of when it was purchased.
The best value for parents exists in purchasing the
insurance in September. Coverage becomes effective
at the date of purchase”.
Upcoming Dates
You may purchase coverage for your child at
www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free at 1800-463-KIDS (5437).” Please direct your question
to a Reliable Life Insurance Representative.
Student Accident Insurance Brochures are sent home
with students at the beginning of each year. If you
do not receive one please contact the school. “
Participation in all extra-curricular activities or
excursions will require acknowledgement of receipt
and awareness of Student Accident Insurance
available for purchase.
This information is also posted on the Board’s
website under the “Student & Parents”,
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Students+and+Parents/.
September 12
P.A. Day/Reorganization
No class for students
September 18
Open House/Curriculum night
September 22
Picture Day
September 23
School Council Nominations close
at 3:00 p.m.
September 24
School Council elections- 6:30 p.m.
September 24
Terry Fox Walk
September 26
Virtue Assembly- 9:00 a.m.
October 10
Opening Mass- 10:00 a.m. at school
DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For the latest board
news and information, follow us
@DPCDSBSchools.
Front Door Monitor System
For visitors and parents to our school, in order to
assist you better:
Please stand facing the camera and ring the
bell once
Please wait for a response….remember, schools
are busy places!
For the safety of our students, we ask that you
always state the reason for your visit
We also ask for your patience and understanding if
there is a wait at the doors. Often our school
secretary is away from her desk for photocopying
etc. Thank you for your cooperation and support!
Please visit our St. Teresa Avila
website at:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/AVILA