February 2016
Venerable Michael J.
McGivney Catholic School
Upcoming Events
February 2
450 Fernforest Drive, Brampton, ON, L6R 2P7
Phone: 905-792-0630
Website: http://www.dpcdsb.org/GIVNY
Principal:
J. Amodeo
Vice Principal:
V. Carey
Secretaries:
S. Del Gobbo
Superintendent:
L. Storey
Trustee:
S. Xaviour
St. Marguerite d’Youville Parish:
Fr. R. Mignella
Catholic School Council Chairs:
M. Licata
Rosary Apostolate (a.m.)
February 4
Black History Month Movie
Presentation for Gr. 4-8
(905.890.1221)
(905.792.7497)
February 10
Ash Wednesday Liturgy at
1:00p.m.
February 12
French Carnival
February 12
Prayer to Love God above all Things
God, my Father,
may I love You in all things and above all things.
Spirit Week-Red & White
Day
February 15
Family Day
May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in
Heaven.
Nothing is good that is against Your Will,
and all that is good comes from Your Hand.
Place in my heart a desire to please You
and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love,
February 16
Spirit Week-Wacky Hair Day
February 17
Spirit Week-Sports Jersey
Day
February 18
Spirit Week-Change Your
Style Day
so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace.
February 19
Spirit Week-Cultural Pride
Day
February 22
Virtue
Assembly-1:00p.m.
Page
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8
February 23
Guest Speaker-Duane
Gibson
VIRTUE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY —
RESPECT
In the month of February, we celebrate the virtue of
RESPECT.
Students will focus on this virtue in the classroom and
we remind them over the P.A. during the month of
February. Respect is always promoted at Venerable
Michael J. McGivney school but we bring particular
attention to it this month.
Students are encouraged to have respect for
themselves as well as those around them.
A respectful person….
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Treats himself/herself and everyone else with
equal consideration and courtesy
Uses a positive tone of voice and body language
Avoids swearing, name-calling, put downs, and
inappropriate gestures
Says “excuse me, please and pardon me”….
Avoids gossip
Upcoming Virtue Assemblies
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Feb. 22
Mar. 29
Apr. 25
May 06
Jun. 20
“Respect”
“Kindness”
“Love”
“Acceptance”
“Fairness”
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters are also made
available electronically on the
school website. In an effort to be
more environmentally friendly and
communicate with families in an
effective and timely manner we are
now distributing our Newsletters
via email.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER..
Venerable Michael J. McGivney
School has a Twitter Account.
Knights@McGIVNEYSCHOOL
We will be posting information
on this account throughout the
year.
NEXT SCHOOL COUNCIL
MEETING is April 4th @ 6:30.
Please join us.
All of our Virtue Assemblies will take place at 2:15 in the
gym. Parents are welcome to attend.
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BULLYING PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
What to Do If A Child Is...
Being Bullied
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Believe what they say, listen and try to
understand their feelings
Involve children in community activities to help
them make friends
Contact the school to talk about the problem and
get support
Witnessing Bullying
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Talk to children about issues such as bullying
and listen to what they think/feel
Help children plan what they will do if they see
someone being bullied
Get involved in working to prevent violence in
your school and community
Bullying Others
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Let children know, by your words and actions,
that bullying is not okay
Teach children to act in ways that show they
respect themselves and others
Acknowledge what is happening and accept
help if needed
Communication is important.
Create opportunities to talk with children.
WINTER WEATHER
We have had some extremely
cold weather lately. This is a
reminder that children need to be
dressed appropriately for the
weather. Our Board policy is that
recess is a part of the school day. We have
guidelines from the Board office that help us make a
decision as to whether it is too cold for students to go
outdoors.
If your child is prone to getting wet during recess or
lunch hour, please send a change of clothes,
especially socks and pants. With the arrival of the
colder weather, we continually remind students that
they are expected to remove their winter boots once
they enter the building. Please ensure that your
child has indoor shoes to be worn in school. Wet
floors and hallways can result in slippery conditions
which may result in injuries. There is another reason
children need to wear shoes indoors. If the fire alarm
rings, or if we need to evacuate the building, there is
no time to put on their boots. Proper footwear
should be worn for gym class.
ATTENDANCE & LATE ARRIVALS
A reminder to parents/guardians to
call in their children’s absences
and lates. It is the school’s
expectation that all students arrive
at school on time and be prepared
for class. Being consistently and continuously late
interrupts the class during lessons and creates delays
in the office. Please note that issues with lates and
absenteeism may involve the school’s Administration,
Child and Youth Worker and Social Worker. Thank
You for your support.
EXTENDED FAMILY VACATIONS FROM
SCHOOL
Many students have the opportunity to travel with their
families during the school year. While these trips,
requiring an extended absence, may be educational,
there will be learning, assessment, and participation
missed during the trip. Please discuss any plans for
extended family trips and the implications of an
extended absence with the principal, Mr. Amodeo.
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SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
During the winter months
inclement weather may cause
a 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 am and
will be announced on the following radio
stations:
Virgin Radio 99.9
98.1
CFTR 680
CHFI
EZ Rock 97.3
CJCL 590
93.1
CHIN 100.7
1540
CFRB 1010
CHIN
Z103.5
CFNY 102.1
ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE
EXPECTATIONS
I AM
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A LEARNER FOR LIFE!
I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
I always do my best
I build on my strengths and weaknesses
I set goals
I accept change
I am proud of the good things I do
I am thankful for the gifts of others
Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my
dreams, by living my life like Jesus.
CJBC 860
And TV Stations: CITYPULSE NEWS, CBC NEWS,
GLOBAL NEWS.
The most accurate and up to date information can be
found on the board’s website: www.dpcdsb.org
Parents & Visitors in the School
A reminder that all visitors
and volunteers, INCLUDING
PARENTS must come to the
office, sign in and pick up a
visitor sticker. Anyone not
wearing a visitor sticker will
be asked to return to the office to sign in and pick one
up.
SNOW and ICE
Throwing snowballs and
sliding on the ice can be fun.
However, as much fun as it is,
snow and ice can be very
dangerous when there are
many people in our school
yard. A large number of
student injuries happen
during the winter months. Students are reminded
constantly that snow must always stay on the ground
and that sliding on ice is not permitted. The safety of
our students is of the utmost importance to us.
Therefore, snowball throwing, kicking snow or ice, or
throwing snow at anyone, is not tolerated at Venerable
Michael McGivney School. Please have a
conversation with your child(ren) to help to re-enforce
this message.
We thank you for your cooperation in supporting a
safe environment at Venerable Michael J. McGivney
School.
Page 4 of 8
SAFETY FIRST
NATIONAL SWEATER DAY
Thank-you to all the parents
for their concerted effort at
helping to keep our students’
safety a priority when using
the Kiss and Ride lane in our
driveway.
To ensure the safety of students please follow these
guidelines:
 Use the Kiss ‘N Ride lane only; do not drop off your
child in the Drive-Thru lane.
 Drop children only when you reach the front of the
line at the stop sign or under the direction of the
supervisor on duty. Please wait your turn.
 Your child must exit the car on the right hand side
only.
 Your child must be ready to exit the car on their own;
if they are unable to exit on their own please park on
the street and walk your child in.
Please do not:
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drop your child off in the Drive Thru lane
allow your child to exit the car on the right hand side
into the drive thru lane
You may not leave your car unattended, in the Kiss N
Ride, the Drive Thru Lane or the FIRE LANE at the
front of the school at any time of the day.
INTERMEDIATE PUBLIC SPEAKING
COMPETITION
Congratulations to Persis A.
and Alvin A. who will be
representing our school at the
St. Marguerite d’Youville
Parish Speech Competition
on Saturday, February 27th.
Persis and Alvin won our
school speech competition
which was held on Thursday, February 4th, 2016.
On Thursday, February 4th,
Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools
and board sites turned down
the heat and put on a sweater
in honour of World Wildlife
Fund’s (WWF) National
Sweater Day. The event is held
each year across Canada to
raise awareness about the importance of energy
conservation.
According to the WWF, heating makes up 80% of all
energy used in homes and schools across Canada. If
every Canadian home and school turned down the
temperature of their home or school by two degrees
during the winter months, enough energy would be
saved to close an entire coal-powered plant.
At McGivney, our staff and students wore their
warmest, fuzziest sweater – or even their favourite
sweater - to honour this event.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
BASKETBALL FREE
THROW CONTEST
It was great to see the McGivney
spirit alive on a cold Saturday morning on January 23rd
as several gr. 4 to 8 McGivney students attended the
Knights of Columbus basketball free throw event.
Thank you to the following students for representing
the school very well:
Alexandra, Sabina M., Nicole R., Vanessa N.,
Mahalia, Tehila R., Steve M., Jermain M.,Baraka,
Ose, Romelle, Robert, Stephan M., Nicolas G.
Six of these students placed first in their age group
and are invited to the district competition on Feb.
20. Congratulations to:
Alexandra
9 yr old girls; Steve M. 9 yr old boys
Romelle
10 yr old boys; Mahalia 11 yr old girls
Vanessa
12 yr old girls; Tehillah 13 yr old girls
Good luck!
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ECO SCHOOLS UPDATE
From January 18th-22nd,
our school participated in a
“Waste Free Lunch
Challenge”. The goal was
to reduce the amount of
waste we produce by 50
percent by ensuring all
students continue to bring
in reusable containers and water bottles. Each day
the garbage cans were weighed and overall each
class was able to reduce their waste from 2.5 lbs a
day to 1.5 lbs a day. If we continue this achievement
throughout the year, we will be able to reach our goal
and continue on our quest for GOLD level status!
Let’s all try to remember to bring in reusable
containers/water bottles and continue to make
McGivney a Green and Clean place to be!
26th,
On January
the Earth Rangers were at our
school. They taught students about ways they can
get involved and ensure our animal species continue
to survive and thrive. The Earth Rangers brought a
variety of animals to our school, such as the
Peregrine Falcon, Legless Lizard and Tortoise.
Students were able to see for themselves how these
animals’ habitats are being destroyed and ways that
we could prevent this from happening. All staff and
students were encouraged to become an “Earth
Ranger” and help educate and empower others to
Bring Back the Wild.
KNIGHTS GIRLS’ INDOOR SOCCER
The McGivney Knights Girls’ Soccer team participated
in the OLOP Invitational Tournament on January 26th
at the Soccer Centre in Brampton, featuring 22 schools
from across DPCDSB.
The girls played very well
finishing first in their
division and third overall in
the tournament losing in
the semi-final to eventual champions, St. Therese,
from Mississauga.
The highlight of the day was a thrilling Quarter Final
win in a Penalty Shootout!!! The Girls should be
extremely proud of their accomplishment considering
they played against schools with much more soccer
experience. Isabella V. was the team MVP showing
tremendous skill and class on the field of play, and
serving as a goalkeeper in the Quarter Final overtime
and saving three penalties in the Shootout!!!
Team members included: Isabella V., Brianna J.,
Vanessa N., Sophia R., Taniah H., Roberta L, Hailey,
Annalia P., Noel A., Tehillah R., & Mareena C.
Ms. Fantin + Mr. Basciano congratulate the girls for
their hard work, and determination and the many
parents who attended to support and cheer our girls!!!
Mr. Basciano reminds the girls that they should be
extremely proud of their accomplishment - they proved,
with hard work and determination, everything is
possible!!! Way to Go Girls!!!!
MCGIVNEY KNIGHTS BOYS’ INDOOR
SOCCER
The McGivney Boys’
Soccer Team
participated in the
OLOP Invitational
Indoor Soccer
Tournament on January
27th at the Soccer
Centre in Brampton.
Our Knights reached the final match in the 26 team
tournament, featuring schools from across DPCDSB.
The Boys went undefeated finishing first in their
division on the way to the playoff finals. The highlight
of the day was the thrilling quarter-final match where
the boys came back from a 2 goal deficit to tie the
game with only 10 seconds to go. The Boys went on to
win the match in a Penalty Shootout.
The Boys demonstrated a tremendous level of
commitment, skill, and most importantly sportsmanship
throughout the tournament. Although fatigue and
injuries finally caught up with the Boys in the Final
Match, our Knights walked off the field with their heads
up high for giving it their all.
The Boys’ Soccer Team were presented second place
medals and a Finalist Banner that will soon hang in our
gym. A special honour was presented to McGivney’s
Sebastian D. by the tournament organizers and
officials as the Most Sportsmanlike Player in the
tournament showing the Virtue of Respect and
Empathy on the Field of Play! The coaches also
Page 6 of 8
acknowledge the play of Kai G. as the team MVP for
the tournament.
NEWS FROM ST. MARGUERITE d’YOUVILLE
PARISH
Team Members Included: Tehail S., Joshua D., Kai
G., Sebastian D., Sebastian S., Michael D., Joel O.,
Bryson B., Tristan N., Tobi B., Samuel O., Jaydan R.,
Michael M., and our two courageous goalkeepers
Fabian P. and Michael T.
Family of Faith Campaign - The Arch Diocese of Toronto
has asked parishioners to contribute to the Family of
Faith Campaign over the next 5 years. The raised funds
would go to help restore and build up parishes in need
around our Arch Diocese. St, Marguerite d'Youville had
a goal set of $750,000.00. A total of 364 families have
chosen to participate with a total of $1,159.000.00 over
the next 5 years.
Ms. Sadurski & Mr. Basciano thank the boys and the
many parents who dedicated their time to support our
students for a wonderful day!!! Lastly - Mr. Basciano
would like to remind the Boys that in his eyes - you are
all Champions!
Family Day
The parish will have a percentage of the amount which
will be able to be used towards 2 screens in the parish, a
new visible sign outside, to build up our youth ministries,
to update the office computers, software and more. A
warm ‘Thank you’ to all the families that have
contributed.
Sacraments of Reconciliation - Grade 2's February 17 &
20 as well as Confirmation candidates February 22
Lenten Mission will be held on Monday February 22 Wednesday February 24 and Led by Father Joby from
the Divine Retreat Centre Toronto
Monday February 15, 2016
This holiday celebrates the importance of families
in our community. Be sure to spend time with those
you love!
Alpha is running on Wednesday's from 6:30 - 9:00 in the
parish hall; included this year is a Children's program.
The city of Brampton offers a variety of Family Day
activities at your neighbourhood community centre.
The Edge youth program invites students from grades 6
to 8 and runs 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.
Click here to view hours of operation for Brampton
Community Centres on Family Day.
The Knights of Columbus is hosting their first Valentine's
Dinner Dance at St. Marguerite d'Youville High School
on February 13th, 2016 @ 6:30
For more information please contact 905-792-7497 ext
223 or email:smdedgeyouthministry@yahoo.com
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An interactive presentation by
Sherry Campbell M.A. RSW
OACCPP (R)
About Sherry Campbell
A presentation for parents, teachers, students
that demonstrate principles of living and encourage a
healthy, resilient and meaningful life. This presentation
is of interest to parents who wish to promote a solid
foundation of healthy living, and prepare their children
for the inevitable challenges and struggles they will
face in their futures.
It focuses on developing personal resiliency in
our children as the survival strategy for the 21st Century.
Too often parents buffer their children from the
reasonable and natural consequences of their own
actions. Parents that overprotect or rescue their
children rob them of the opportunity to develop a
track record of success in dealing with the pitfalls of life.
This often leaves a child without the self-worth and
problem solving skills necessary to function in society.
This presentation encourages children to respond to life
by choice rather than react to life by chance.
I Overcome Failure
II Deal with Disappointment
III Cultivate a Healthy Self Image
IV Delay Gratification
V Contribute to Others
VI Deal with Struggles of Life
VII Become Assertive rather than Aggressive
VIII Examine their Choices
Sherry Campbell M.A. RSW OACCPP
(R)Psychotherapist
Sherry is a professional speaker as well as the principal
psychotherapist and owner of Sherry Campbell
Counselling Group. She is a registered Psychotherapist
with the Ontario College of Social Workers and
Registered Social Service Workers (RSW), and also with
the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors,
Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP).
Sherry earned her Master’s Degree in Life Span
Developmental Psychology and has extensive training
and experience in trauma, marital, individual, group
counselling as well as personal growth. Sherry also
holds her certification in Critical Incident Stress
Debriefing, providing immediate onsite assistance to
organizations in need.
Sherry’s clinical experience includes almost 20 years
as a psychotherapist with children, teens and adults.
Sherry has worked as the sexual abuse, trauma and
domestic violence psychotherapist in the Niagara
Health System.
Recognized as the Greater Niagara Chamber of
Commerce Outstanding New Business of 2011and
Women In Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 and
most recently received the 2013 Business Excellence
Award from the
Greater Fort Erie
Chamber of Commerce.
As a psychotherapist, counsellor and Coach,
Sherry provides all clients with professional,
confidential, non-judgmental and
ethical service.
For more information visit
www.SherryCampbellGroup.com
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