1.
ST. CHRISTOPHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
1195 Clarkson Rd
Mississauga, Ontario L5J 2W1
Phone: 905. 822-0721
Fax: 905. 822- 0214
Web: http://www.dpcdsb.org/CHRIS
School Newsletter
Principal
C. Bova
Vice-Principal
A.J. Hilario
Office Team
K. Romani
Superintendent
D. Amaral
(905) 890.1221
Trustee
S. Hobin
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Bus: (905) 890.1221
Cell: (905) 301.1210
sharon.hobin@dpcdsb.org
Parish
St. Christopher’s
Catholic Church
1171 Clarkson Road
Mississauga, ON L5J 2W1
Phone: (905) 822-1171
Fax: (905) 8221311
www.stchristopher.on.ca
Pastor
Reverend Scott Young
School Council Chairs:
P. Robson & G. Patricio
November 2015
REMEMBRANCE DAY PRAYER
God our Father, your Son Jesus gave up
His life to free us from the power of sin and death.
He showed us that the greatest love is in giving up one’s life for others.
Today we remember those who fought and died for our freedom. We ask you to
bless and console them together with their families. Help us to understand the
sacrifices they made in leaving their loved ones to face the horrors of war. May
we never forget their generosity. May your Holy Spirit give us the courage to
resist evil in all its forms and show us how to be peacemakers through prayer
and action, lest we forget those who fought, suffered and died that we might
have the freedom and peace we enjoy today.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Tony Cosentino, RCCDSB
Virtue of the Month:
CONSCIENCE
Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God
and all people. (Acts 24:16)
God helps us to choose to be good people. Conscience is the voice of God
within us. Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing, but we must always
remember that the right thing to do is not always the easy thing to do.
A person of conscience…
 chooses to do the right thing, even when it is hard
 takes time to think and pray before making decisions
 knows that their actions and decisions affect all those around them
 thinks of others before themselves
From the perspective of the ONTARIO GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS,
A person of conscience…
 Makes decisions according to gospel values
 Accepts accountability for one's own actions
Our Daily Prayer for November
Let us now pray ... for the grace and strength to be people of conscience - people
who know the good and decent way to act, and then choose to act that way. AMEN.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THESE DATES:
November 5
November 11
November 17
November 19
November 24
November 30
December 4
December 10
Bus Evacuation drill day for all
Remembrance day & Virtues assembly
Progress reports go home
Progress interview conference evening
School Council Meeting 6:30 pm
Confirmation Grade 8
Virtues Assembly in pm.
Advent Mass 6:30 pm at the Church
December 21
January 18
February 10
February 15
March 4
March 10
March 14-18
March 25
Christmas Break …we will return on M. Jan.4
P.A. Day (Monday)
Ash Wednesday—Lent begins
Family Day
Virtues assembly in the a.m.
Lenten Mass at 12:30 pm
March Break
Good Friday
PROGRESS REPORTS
As per Ministry of Education guidelines, students in Grades 1-8 will receive progress reports on
Tuesday November 17th. Interviews for students requiring them, will take place Thursday
November 19th.
POPPIES
We will be selling poppies as a remembrance of all those who have fought for our country and for those still
“standing on guard”. Please bring in loose change to support the Canadian Legion before November 11.
PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE) Head lice are always present in the community. By checking your child’s
head once a week for head lice, you will catch it early and treat it before it has a chance to spread. Should
you suspect that your child(ren) have head lice, please notify the school. Please remember, an infestation of
lice is not a reflection of the cleanliness of your child. Please remind your students to refrain from sharing
hats, brushes, etc., at any time, but especially during the cooler months. Any infected student will need to be
rechecked before re-entry into class.
The Facts of LICE (Pediculosis)
 HEAD LICE are small insects that live on human hair.
 HEAD LICE can be a pest but they are NOT a health problem.
 People DO NOT get HEAD LICE because they are not clean.
 HEAD LICE is common in school aged children.
If you have any questions please contact the Region of Peel Health Department at 905.799.7700 or visit
peelregion.ca
“FOR SAFETY’S SAKE… Please review the following routines with regards to student safety at St.
Christopher. Please remember, your own children are precious to you but our priority is the safety of all
children and staff members.
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KISS AND RIDE: Students are to leave from the passenger side only.
Drivers, please stay in your car.
Do NOT park in the Kiss and Ride lane.
Drive up to the front of the lane so that the number of unloading cars in maximized.
Be patient and follow the direction of the teachers and/or volunteers in orange vests.
If your children cannot get out themselves, please do not use the Kiss and Ride. Instead, use the parking lot
near the church.
PARKING IN THE FIRE LANE
 Please be aware that parking in the fire lane is a by-law violation subject to ticketing and a monetary
fine. Aside from this, those who park in this lane are jeopardizing the safety of the 400 plus students and
staff in the school.
 By-law enforcement officers will randomly check. You risk the chance of being ticketed if you are parked in
the fire lane (north lot of the school).
 Please be reminded that there is NO Smoking on any school property, including the church parking lot.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS:
 Please be advised that the supervision of students, by staff members, begins at 8:00 am.
 We respectfully remind you that students should not be dropped off at the school before this time.
Again, the safety of our entire school community is paramount to us. Please share this information with your
caregivers. As always, if you require any clarification, please contact the school.
WINTER WEATHER
During the winter season, the school receives calls from concerned parents as to how we determine when children
will or will not be allowed outside for recess. Dufferin‐Peel CDSB Policy uses a Wind Chill factor of ‐25 C as the
determining temperature. Students will not be sent outside for recess if it is colder than this.
Students should come dressed appropriately for weather (hats, mitts, etc.) Students cannot walk through the
school with wet boots or shoes, for health and safety reasons. We must insist on indoor shoes. Please note that
in the event of an emergency evacuation, students will not have the opportunity to put boots on. Where possible,
please put identification on your child’s belongings. Throughout the winter the lost and found box fills up with
unidentified clothing.
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. If your child is not feeling well we encourage you to keep them home to avoid the spread of illness. The
expectation at our school is that all children will go outdoors for recess and the lunch break.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: VISITORS IN THE SCHOOL
As you can imagine, it is very difficult to keep track of the many visitors we have each day at St.
Christopher School. Staff and supply teachers cannot possibly know all of the adults who enter
each day. In an effort to ensure the safety of our students, we are asking for your understanding
and cooperation in following these requests. Parents are not permitted to be in the school yard at
any time. Although you may be known to your own child you are a stranger to the other students in
the yard. Please share this information with your caregivers as well.
 Please, at all times, report to the office when entering the school. Please use the main doors.
 Adults should not be in the school halls or classes before, during/after class time.
 If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, please pre-arrange a time or leave a note in the agenda.
Thank you for considering the safety of our students.
Cross Country
Sadly, the Cross Country season has come to an end. Students from Grade 4 to 8 began training in September. On
October 20, this group of dedicated athletes represented St. Christopher at the Family Cross Country Meet at
Erindale Park. We had three first place finishes, Marcus T. in Grade 5, Ryan G., in Grade 6 and Maria M. in Grade
6. Also, congratulations to the Grade 6 boys who finished first overall, and second at the Board Cross Country Meet.
Marcus M-T., finished third and Maria M. finished fifth at the Board Meet. We want to congratulate all members of
this year’s Cross Country team: Luke, Andrew, Nicholas, Bebi, Rachel, Patrick, Quajo, Cameron, Julian, Noah,
Jack, Dante, Miguel, Emma, Ryan, Andrew, Marcus, Maximus, Sonia, Brianna, Maria, Solomon, Sierra, Michael S.,
Michael, Kye, Leo, Ovpet, and Matthew. Your coaches are very proud of you!
Athletic Council News
We’ve recently formed our Athletic Council of grade 7’s and 8’s, with the help of our Minister of Sports – Francis and
our teacher supervisors Mrs. Halchuk and Mrs. Perdue.
The members of this year’s Athletic Council include Francis, Nicole N., Michael S., Michael H., Michael N., Nicholas ,
Patrick M., Patrick C., Jack, Mark, Amy, Nicole V., Sophia, Inessa, Nicole C., and Rachael. Written by: Nicole V. & Sophia W.
We have started planning the intramural games for the juniors so that they will begin in November. Some of the
games include: beach volleyball, nuke ball and many more games.
Primary Games will start in the New Year. Some new games to look forward to include: parachute, the cat and
the mouse, and “What time is it Mr. Wolf?”. The athletic council is looking forward to the students’ participation
during the lunch hour. The Athletic Council will ref these games. We look forward to a very active year of sports at
St. Christopher.
Student Parliament News
The Elections for our new student parliament for St. Christopher School took place on
October 9, 2015. We would like to congratulate all the students who ran for a position on
Student Parliament. The following students were elected for positions on this year’s
parliament: Prime Minister: Joy P., Minister of Christians in Action: Tamara N., Minister of Sports: Francis. S., Minister
of Communication: Leo T., Minister of the Environment: Carlos T., and Minister of Education: Nicole .N. Our youth
faith ambassadors are: Michael G., Joanna M., Michael S., Sophia W., Nela R., Sonia M., Avery B., Emma G., and
Stephanie V. The class reps are: Tiago P., Alexia P., Maria M., Danielle H., Beck L., Liam A., Michael S,. Nicole C.,
and Nicole V.
Our first meeting took place in the library on October 21, 2015 and it was a great success. We discussed the
following: 1. A Halloween Dance, with decorations and prizes, a pumpkin decorating contest where each class
decorates a pumpkin, which would be used for prizes at the dance; 2. More fundraising initiatives for Haiti (lollipop
sales were a big success, thanks to everyone who supported this cause), and 3. New ideas for student parliament
and much, much more. Stay tuned for what comes next…
Youth Faith Ambassadors
This year, St. Christopher’s Youth Faith Ambassadors, will continue to raise funds for people who need it. At the
beginning of the year, we had the opportunity to meet Father Saveur from Haiti, who told us all about the outcome of
last year’s “shoeboxes for Haiti” project. We had the students bring in shoeboxes filled with school supplies for the
children in Haiti, who were going to get the chance to go to a new school. Father Saveur came and visited our
school, and told us all about how happy and thankful the kids were to receive such great school supplies. He also
told us a bit about the earthquake, in Haiti, which happened in 2010, and how we had been a big help to them. This
year, we sold lollipops, for 50 cents. All of the proceeds were going to Haiti. So far we have raised more than
$600.00. The ambassadors also helped out with the annual thanksgiving food drive. We gave each class a box, and
gave them a wide variety of things to bring in. The outcome was amazing; we received many boxes overflowing with
food, and other non-perishable food items that would help families in need not only at Thanksgiving, but also for the
next few month. We sent all the boxes to Compass. Please look out for more YFA news and fundraising initiatives.
Next SCHOOL COUNCIL Meeting:
Tuesday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m.
All parents/guardians are encouraged
to come out to meetings and
participate.
ONE TIME DONATIONS DUE Friday November 13.
We get it. You’re tired of fundraisers. We’ve got fundraiser fatigue, too. But our school needs funding ($25,000) to
pay for things that enhance our children's overall school experience like Scientists in the School, Artists in the
School, technology and classroom supports, team uniforms and school beautification. All of which directly
benefit your child.
At your request, School Council is offering the option to send a one-time contribution per family in lieu of participating
in several fundraisers. 100% of the proceeds will go back to the school and benefit your child.
Without your help, these programs won’t happen. We're thrilled to receive your contribution (cash or cheque). Please
make cheques payable to St. Christopher School. If you require a tax receipt, please complete the attached
Donation Remittance Form. Donations of $25.00 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt if requested.
Tax receipts are issued in the new year in February.
We ask that all donations be submitted to the office by November 13, 2015.
We thank you for your generous contribution! With your support, St. Chris kids can do great things!
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CHRIS/
POINSETTIAS ORDER
Though it may be hard to believe, the holiday season is fast approaching. In anticipation of this busy time, 2015
represents the 3rd year we are offering our poinsettia service to families in our school community. We are fortunate
enough to be able to source these amazing poinsettias from Zomer’s Nursery again this year.Feedback from
purchasers last year was very positive with many indicating that their poinsettias lasted long after Christmas! The
poinsettias come in 3 different sizes (6”, 8” and 10”) and are available in red, white, pink, Tri-Colour (white, pink and
red) and Red Glitter (red poinsettia with white flecks). All poinsettias will come with a care label.
Order forms are due back at school by Friday, November 13th.
Poinsettias will be ready for pick-up on Thursday, December 3rd from 2:00 to 6:30pm.
Payment can be made by cash or cheque. Please make cheques payable to St Christopher School Council.
Orders forms are available on the school website: on the main home page. http://www.dpcdsb.org/CHRIS/
Parent engagement matters. Study after study has shown us that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children's education,
and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved. It is recognized that parent engagement is a key factor in the enhancement of
student achievement and well-being.
Grade 8 Confirmation November 30, 2015
Advent Mass 6:30 pm December 10, 2015
Ash Wednesday 12:30 pm February 10, 2015
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Family Life Education in Catholic Schools
The Institute for Catholic Education has provided these information pamphlets
regarding the new Health and Physical Education Curriculum. These were
provided to each family. Included in these pamphlets are:
 a Message from the Bishops;
 An Explanation of Family Life Curriculum in Catholic schools;
 An explanation of how FLE and HPE are related.
 A grade by grade breakdown of the Family Life curriculum areas of focus
 Acknowledgement of concerns -- generally reassuring overview of how all
content is presented in a way consistent with faith and Church teaching.
 Points to sources for more information.
FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION MEETING
Year 2 Kindergarten parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their child in a
French Immersion class for September, 2016 are invited to attend an
meeting at:
ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND ELEMENTARY
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12 at 7pm
Grade 1
information
EXTENDED FRENCH PARENT INFORMATION MEETING
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their child in a Grade 5 Extended
French class for September, 2016 are invited to attend an information meeting at:
ST.CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL
Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00pm
Information & application forms will be distributed at this session. At the present time, the above mentioned
school is the designated school for our area. Applications will be accepted at that school until 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016.
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSIONS
Holy Name of Mary- November 19 at 7pm
St. Martin- December 2nd at 7pm
These information sessions are intended to provide parents and guardians with an overview of
the programs and services and to provide Grade 8 students with an opportunity to tour the
school and talk to current students about the transition into high school. Information is also listed on the Dufferin Peel
Catholic School Board website and will include other school’s information.
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Registration for Junior and Senior Kindergarten (FDK) for the 2016-2017 school year, will take place at All Saints on
the following days:
Monday, January 25, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thursday, January 27, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.**
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
**SNOW DATE: Tuesday January 26, 2016 7 p.m – 9 p.m.
For more information about registration and the Kindergarten program, call the School or visit www.dpcdsb.org.
PLEASE REVIEW THIS INFORMATION ABOUT:
KISS AND RIDE LANES
The Kiss and Ride lanes are an area of concern for the safety of all our students, staff and
parents.
Here are the expectations and procedures for the Kiss and Ride Lane:
 The yellow striped lanes are for walkers and please obey the teacher on duty.
 The lane entitled “Kiss and Ride” is for you to drop off your children. The children are to exit the vehicle from the
passenger side closest to the school. There is absolutely no parking in this lane.
 The final lane closest to the Church is the drive through lane for drive through traffic. This is not for stopping, or
parking.
If you need to stop the car, get out and help your child out of the car you are to use the parking lot. The “Kiss and
Ride” area is not to be used for parking purposes.
Also no one should be driving in the parking area in the west end of the school to drop off or pick up
children or park in the fire route area. All students should be dropped off and picked up in the “Kiss and
Ride” area. You risk the chance of being ticketed.
The safety of our students, teachers and community is our priority. Thank you, for your cooperation in this matter. If
you have any concerns about this matter, please contact the office.
Entrance
Exit
Church
Drive through Lane: No Parking/No stopping
Kiss and Ride Lane Drop Off
No Parking
Garbage
Bunker
Busses Only