Christ the King School 3240 Garthwood Road Mississauga, Ontario. L5L 5A3 Phone: (905) 569-0220 Fax: (905) 569-2797 School website: www.dpcdsb.org/CKING October 2015 Newsletter Principal A. Lang A Thanksgiving Prayer Secretary L. DeAgazio It is good to begin school in Autumn Parish St. Francis of Assisi 2473 Thorn Lodge Dr. Phone: 905-822-8132 Fax: 905-822-6620 Pastor Fr. Bernard Vellozo Superintendent Mississauga South D. Amaral Phone: 905-890-1221 (ext. 24007) when farmers are bringing in their harvest of good things to eat. Just as the work of the farmer has produced fruit, so our work in this school will bring us the nourishment of God’s word. God, our Creator, you provide food for our bodies, ideas for our minds, and your love for our hearts. Bless the fruit that we share as a symbol of the time and friendship that we will share during this Thanskgiving time! Be with us now and forever! Trustee Sharon Hobin Wards 2 & 8 Phone 905-890-1221 Sharon.hobin@dpcdsb.org School Council Mrs. Dupuy~Co-Chair Mrs. Pinto~Co-Chair Board Chairperson Mario Pascucci Director of Education John Kostoff Absentee Reporting 569-0220 Option 1 OCTOBER VIRTUE ~ EMPATHY This month we will focus on the virtue of Empathy. God has given us the ability to form connections with each other—to live together. Empathy helps us to connect and live together in safe, caring, inclusive communities. We understand empathy to mean the ability to identify with and feel other people’s concerns. We believe that in a faith community we are nothing without relationships. Relationships that grow in a spirit of communion, and understanding that we share an identity based on being created in the image and likeness of God and being imbued with one Spirit. We are many parts of one body. An empathetic person believes that we all share one Spirit; that we are many parts of one body because we are all created in the image and likeness of God. All Virtue information has been added to the front pages of your child’s agenda.* CTK THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE Our Youth Faith Ambassadors will be collecting the following items throughout the week of Oct. 1, 2015 - Oct. 8, 2015 for the Eden Food Bank Thanksgiving Food Drive: Cold Cereal Canned kids pasta (Chef Boy-r-Dee, etc…) Condensed Soup Chunky Soup Instant Coffee Miscellaneous Items - ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, salsa, BBQ sauce. Juice (large cans or bottles) Toilet paper, paper towels Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Body Wash, Toothpaste We thank you in anticipation of your kindness and generous spirit that is so often found amongst all of us at Christ the King and also for assisting the children in our very own community!!! PROGRESS REPORTS Students in grades 1 through 8 will receive a Progress Report on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. This report will communicate the student’s progress thus far as well as next steps for improvement. A teacher/parent interview is optional and will take place during the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2015. TELEPHONE SCHOOL CALLS TO THE We continue to have parents who expect students to be called from the classroom for a variety of reasons. Please be advised that instructional time will not be interrupted, unless there is a clear emergency. Each day we receive numerous phone calls from parents with messages for their children. When our phone lines are tied up, these calls are often left as messages on our machine. In an effort to ensure that we do not miss one of these messages, we ask that you please ensure that arrangements are made the night before so that children know what they are to do after school. Please inform your child’s teacher in writing if you will need to pick up your child for a medical appointment that could not be arranged after school hours. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL AFTER 2 PM WITH THESE CHANGES. It is very disruptive, and difficult for us to ensure all of these messages are delivered near the end of the school day. Your cooperation with this is appreciated. CTK 25th Anniversary On September 24, 2015, Christ the King Catholic School celebrated 25 years of excellence in Catholic Education with staff, students, and community members both past and present. Joining the festivities were honoured guests, Trustee Shawn Xavier (a former CTK graduate) who spoke on behalf of our Trustee Sharon Hobin, Associate Director Sheila Mc Watters and Superintendent David Amaral along with many former administrators and staff. The school opened in September 1990 and was officially blessed on May 26, 1991 by Fr. Robitaille. Over the past 25 years the school has worked in partnership with St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the home to become a centre of learning; a place where who enter feel warmly welcomed and accepted. The evening was enjoyed by all. Thank you to the 25th Anniversary Committee: Mrs. Michisor, Mrs. Marquez, Mrs. Colaco, Mrs. Lopes, Mrs. Marques, Mrs. Beechener, MRs. Pinto, Mrs. Jarvis, Mrs. Mabini, Mrs. Dupuy, Mrs. Viloria, Mr. Lobo, Mrs. Gawronski, Miss DaRosa, Mr. Morra and the Tech Team, Mr. Masson, Mrs. Kennedy and CTK Choir for their musical gifts. Student Lunches We have had numerous students attending school without a lunch. A proper nutritious lunch is essential in enhancing your child’s performance for the afternoon. You will be contacted if your child does not have a lunch and will be asked to assist in rectifying the situation immediately. Thank you for your cooperation. School Website - http://dpcdsb.org/CKING Be sure to visit our school website. All newsletter, calendars and other pertinent information is always updated. SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS Yard duty supervision by teachers occurs every day. Supervision is in place in the mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., during all recesses, at lunch hour, and at 3:15 p.m. dismissal. Parents are reminded that students should not be dropped off at the school before 8:30 a.m. in the mornings. The school cannot assume responsibility for the safety of the children before 8:30 a.m. After school each day, students should be picked up at 3:15 p.m. promptly. During the course of the year, our school assists the parish in preparing students for the three following sacraments: Reconciliation Grade 2 First Holy Communion Grade 2 Confirmation Grade 7 & 8 Although the school plays a major role in sacramental preparation, parents, as the primary instructors of faith, are key in preparing their children to receive these sacraments. Preparatory meetings have been organized for parents. These meetings will provide you with an opportunity to be an integral part of your child’s spiritual growth in these sacraments. CCAT – GRADE 4 TESTING THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH: The Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test will be administered to all grade 4 students in late October or early November. In order to qualify for additional testing and the enrichment program, students must score at the 95th percentile or above on two of the three areas, and at the 90th percentile in the remaining area. If parents do not want their child to participate in this test, please contact the classroom teacher. ANIMALS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY It is important for the safety of all our students that no dogs be brought on to school property before, during and after school hours. Even the gentlest dogs can get over excited with so many distractions and children. Please keep your pet safe at home for their safety and that of the students. Sacrament of Reconciliation – date/time TBD Sacrament of First Holy Communion – April 24, 2016 at 3pm Sacrament of Confirmation – Dec. 16 at 7 pm (Grade 8 students only) Sacrament of Confirmation (grade 7) – TBD (after January) PEDICULOSIS A problem, which seems to occur in most schools, is Pediculosis or ‘head lice’. Head lice are parasites that have been common among human beings for centuries. They are not connected in any way with dirt, and/or neglect. Anyone can become infested with them. Unfortunately, in recent years they have become quite common in North America. As a preventative response we request your cooperation in dealing with this nuisance. Please remind your child not to share hairbrushes, combs and hats. If you discover that your child has ‘inherited’ lice, please notify the school and do not send them to school until the appropriate course of treatment has been completed and the hair is entirely clear of both lice and nits (eggs). KISS ‘N RIDE PROGRAM Reminder of the Process; The Kiss ‘N Ride reserved for parent/guardian drop off and pick up of their child(ren)is located at the front of the school. Parents are asked to drive right up to the stop sign where staff/parent volunteers will supervise student drop off/pick up. Please note, in the interest of safety, staff and volunteers have been instructed not to open/close car doors and or assist children in and/or out of vehicles. Should your child require assistance to exit your vehicle, please consider using the parking lot. A friendly reminder that students are NOT ALLOWED to walk to/ from the parking lot unattended by an adult. Please be mindful of the “no stopping” and “no parking” areas on the road and on school property, as bylaw officers often visit unannounced and ticket parking violators. As always, your continued cooperation is much appreciated and allows us to provide the safest environment for all. *NEW*: PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES at CTK* Starting October 29, 2015 The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board acknowledges the value of the use of technology for learning. Students are permitted to register and use personal electronic devices (PEDs) on board premises and/or board sanctioned events for educational purposes, under the direction of staff and only with parent/guardian permission. Students may register their PED for the purpose of connecting to the board wireless network. Students are required to adhere to the student “Personal Electronic Device Used with WI-FI Network Student Agreement” (GF 337) and the “Network User Application and Agreement (coming home soon). Please be advised that the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will not be responsible for any cost incurred through the use of personal data plans. PEDs are to be used responsibly and should not interfere with learning; their use must comply with the Catholic Code of Conduct, board policies and procedures. Any personal communications (i.e., phone calls, text messages, etc.) will continue to be directed through the main office. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in a loss of PED privileges and/or any other consequences deemed necessary by school administration. The school principal may authorize limited acceptable uses of personal electronic devices during schoolsanctioned activities for a specific designated purpose outside of instructional spaces and/or in common areas. Students are responsible for the safety and security of PEDs at all times and the Board assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen devices. Our Parenting and Family Literacy Centre is open and welcomes families with children 0-6 years to come and enjoy arts & crafts, circle time, gym and outdoor play, along with other fun family activities. It is a free program that we offer to everyone in the community. No pre-registration is required—just drop in anytime during centre hours! The program is open Monday – Fridays from 8:45 a.m – 12:45 p.m. in room 122. For more information, please contact Parent Worker Ms. C. Tsang at 905-569-0220, ext. 38459 or just drop in to say hi! Lockdown/Fire Drill Procedures For your information, during this past month we have rehearsed with students, a number of emergency response situations including lockdown and fire drills. All schools are required by Board policy to practice these procedures throughout the year. Participation is essential for precautionary purposes only, so that in the event of an actual emergency, students will be prepared to respond in a safe and responsible manner. If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact the school. Daily Physical Activity The Ministry of Education has mandated that every school in Ontario conduct 20 minutes of daily physical activity. Each teacher has been asked to establish a time on their schedule that is convenient in their curriculum. Staff will also be participating in the activities therefore you may find that casual attire is frequently worn. TERRY FOX RUN Thank you for making the 2015 Terry Fox Walk-a-thon a big success. The students raised $410.25 in donations to fund research to find a cure for cancer. The winner of the Terry Fox t-shirt Raffle was Maia G. in grade 7. She and all her friends led the CTK students on a walk around the neighbourhood shouting, "We are from CTK and we walk for Terry Fox today!". Way to go, CTK!!! A special thank you to Mrs. DiRisio for organizing this special event with the assistance of Gr. 7 students with their great morning announcements. Thank you to everyone for your continued support! Eco Team Christ the King school has received a Gold status for the last three years with Eco-Schools. Christ the King School will once again be participating in the Ontario Eco Schools initiative. Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible citizens and reduce the environmental footprint of schools. The key areas of focus and achievement are: Teamwork & Leadership, Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization, School Ground Greening and Curriculum, and Environmental Stewardship. October's activities: Planting of flower bulbs in our new garden—(Please send any flower bulb donations to Mrs. Gizzi or Miss DaRosa) Every Wednesday - Litterless Lunch and no microwave day October is International Walk to School Month October 19-20 Waste Reduction Week in Canada Students will be surveyed periodically regarding Eco-School initiatives at CTK Bring in your electronics to our green bin. Evolution Recyling will be coming back in early November to pick up our bin. Bring your items to school and drop them off for recycling. Items We Recycle Batteries (all types) Computer parts/components Monitors Receivers and speakers Telephones Cameras Cellular phones Computers and Laptops Copiers Computer keyboards/mice Microwaves Modems Printers and Scanners Radios Printer Cartridges Wires Servers and networking equipment Televisions UPS Batteries Video players/projectors/recorders HALLOWEEN SAFETY It is that time of year already when our “little ones” will want to visit their neighbours for trick or treating. In school we will remind them about the safety rules so that they can both enjoy the evening and stay safe and well. Choose brightly-coloured costumes Use face paint instead of masks Plan a safe route with your child Remind your child of road safety rules Accompany your children Remind children not to enter homes Check the treats before allowing your children to eat them In addition, we will also be stressing the fact that the most important aspect of our activities at this time of year is the celebration of two great Feast Days. November 1st we honour All Saints Day in our church, and we are encouraged to pray that we might emulate their example in our daily lives. On the following day, November 2nd, we will remember all those who have gone before us in faith by celebrating the Feast of All Souls. Again, we are reminded that while those who have died are out of sight, they are not out of mind or beyond our prayers. Pupil Accommodation Review Policy Public Consultation The Ministry of Education released the new Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline (PARG) in March 2015. This guideline sets expectations for all school boards on managing and reviewing underutilized school space, including potential school closures, and for the greater coordination and sharing of planning related information between school boards and other community partners. The guideline requires all school boards in the province to develop or revise Pupil Accommodation Review Policies and to invite public input into the policy before it is finalized. A survey to collect feedback on the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s draft amended Policy 6.51 Pupil Accommodation Review will be available for review and comment on the Board’s website at www.dpcdsb.org until 4:30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2015. Supporting documents will also be available for reference and review. Please consider reviewing and providing input on this policy. CROSS COUNTRY The CTK Cross Country team has been selected and the team is currently practicing for the Mississauga South Cross Country meet scheduled on October 20th at Erindale Park. The Dufferin-Peel C.D.S.B. Cross Country meet finals will be held on October 26th at Centennial Park Congratulations to the following students; Grade 4/5 Girls Chloe Natalie Grade 4/5Boys Jeremiah A. Kalil Grade 6 Boys Steven Grade 7 Girls Nelitta Tiffany Grade 7 Boys Lucas T. Grade 8 Girls Nyla Megan Grade 8 Boys Dominik Mate Emily T. Michael M. Madison Enrique Emily D. Jada Evalyn Tina Glaiza Melody Logon Jacob Thank you to Mrs. Gizzi and Mr. Celeste for preparing the team. Before and After School Programs PLASP Child Care Services operates Before and After School Programs for children up to 12 years of age at this school. The Before School Program operates from 7:30 a.m. until school start. A nutritious breakfast is served daily. The After School Program begins once school is dismissed and goes until 6:00 p.m. Children participate in recreational activities, are served a nutritious snack daily and have time for homework. Before and After School Programs for Full Day Kindergarten Children PLASP also operates Before and After School Programs, at this school, follow the Kindergarten curriculum based on children learning through play. Breakfast, snacks and age appropriate activities are provided daily. Early Learning and Child Care Centre Children from 2½ to 5 years can attend the PLASP Centre at this school to learn and grow, prior to starting school. The centre is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is staffed by Early Childhood Educators. Children who attend kindergarten at school are escorted to and from the centre by PLASP staff. Fee assistance is available. Visit www.plasp.com and register your child online today.