ST. CORNELIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
16066 Innis Lake Road, Caledon East, ON Tel. (905) 584-2245 Fax (905) 584-0924
Principal: G. Graci Vice Principal: A. Cavaliere Superintendent: L. Storey Pastor: Fr. B. Glynn
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
LENTEN PRAYER
On February 10th, we begin our season of Lent. Lent
offers us a very special opportunity to grow in our
relationship with God and to renew our baptismal
promise. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an
opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray
more deeply, experience sorrow for what we have
done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in
need. As Pope Francis shared, “Dear brothers and
sisters, how greatly I desire that all those places where
the church is present especially our parishes and our
communities, may be islands of mercy in the midst of
the sea of indifference.”
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome to
new families that have joined our St. Cornelius
Community in the new year! We extend our gratitude
to Ms. DeVoy and Mrs. Campbell for their
contribution to our school and wish them all the best
in their future endeavors. We extend our warm
wishes to Mrs. Milonas and congratulate her on the
birth of her beautiful baby girl. Welcome back to Ms.
Leardi (Gr. 7) and Ms. Ricitano (Gr. 6) and Ms. Arbelo,
who will be teaching Gr. 4 in Mrs. Milonas’ absence.
Also a warm welcome to Mrs. Burt, our new
permanent head secretary.
We are happy to share that parents/guardians can
“Follow” us on Twitter to receive updates school
events, initiatives, and class activities that teachers
are doing with their students. We will post
information about school closures and bus
cancellations. We already have 63 Followers!
FEBRUARY 2016: INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Look at all we do at St. Cornelius!
Additional PA Day on April 11, 2016
St. Cornelius Cougars Hockey Team
Classroom Interruptions
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Follow us as we share experiences of how we grow
together in Faith and Excellence:
@StCorneDPCDSB
Sincerely,
Mrs. G. Graci-Papayanakis & Mrs. A. Cavaliere
Together in Faith and Excellence
1
As per our Catholic Board
Learning Plan, St. Cornelius
School continues to Create
Catholic conditions for wellbeing and engagement and
at the core of every
opportunity for learning and leading in an environment
that is safe, caring, equitable and inclusive. These fun and
engaging activities help us to get through the cold winter
months. Some of the activities that are engaging our
students include: Primary, Junior and Intermediate Chess
Clubs, the Lego Club for Gr. 1 & 2 students, the Knitting
Club, the Eco-Club, Milk Bag Weaving, European
Handball Intramurals for Gr. 4-6, Youth Faith
Ambassadors, Choir, The Intermediate Division “Colour
Me Happy” Club, Junior/ Intermediate Hockey Team,
and Karate Kids for Gr. 1 to 4 students.
OPERATION SMILE
In the spirit of Advent and the true
meaning of Christmas, it is with great
pleasure that I share the 4th annual
Operation Smile for my class at St.
Cornelius. With the help of the
December Spirit week and the school
wide colouring contest, my class raised over $700 for
Operation Smile this year. My Grade 1 class and the
amazing Operation Smile team surpassed our class goal
of one surgery and we raised enough for three surgeries
and because we were able to submit our donations
before December 31st. Operation Smile matches our
donations, therefore, we are changing the lives of six
children in a third world country.
My Operation Smile Team consisted of: Emily, Erin,
Sylvia, Madalyne, Elizabeth, Alliana and Orlaith. We can
honestly say we have helped provide a new fresh start
for lives of these kids by giving them a new smile.
Sincerely,
Mrs. McGee
ST. CORNELIUS 2015 HOCKEY SEASON
IS UNDERWAY!
Over forty talented hockey players tried out for our
Cougar Team this year. It is always very hard picking
from such large and talented group of athletes. Our
chosen team is very fortunate to represent our school at
four tournaments:
 Thursday January 28th (if we qualify part 2 is
played either Feb. 2nd) at Iceland (Mississauga)
 Friday February 26th at Caledon East Arena
 Wednesday March 8th (if we qualify part 2 is
played Mar. 9th) at Alder St. Arena (Orangeville)
 Friday April 1st at the Powerade Center in
Brampton.
We look forward to seeing the many talented players
that didn't make the team represent our school in a
Share Life charity hockey game against the teachers on
Friday March 11 at the Caledon East arena. The whole
school comes to watch the game and all proceeds go to
Share Life. Any interested parents willing to lace up and
join the teacher bench for a fun afternoon of
hockey please contact Mrs. McGee at the school.
INTERMEDIATE
COLOUR ME
HAPPY CLUB
The Grade 7 and 8 classes
have been participating in
“The Colour Me Happy” Club at recess on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There have been
such a positive response from our students! Students
have been colouring and listening to relaxation music
with their peers and teachers. Colouring sheets are
provided however, if students have their own colouring
book, they are more than welcome to use that too!
Did you know…colouring is a form of meditative art and
it is believed that it relaxes the mind, body and spirit?
This creative activity makes us feel calmer, mentally
clearer, happier, and more relaxed. Some other benefits
include: the opportunity to be social, reduce stress and
anxiety, train the brain to focus, help with fine motor
skills and vision and most importantly, it is fun and
enjoyable!
Together in Faith and Excellence
2
NOTICE TO PARENTS REQUESTING TO
SWITCH BUSES
The
office
receives
numerous requests for one
time use bus passes. Our
Board protocol under the
direction from STOPR, our
Transportation Department,
indicates that this should only be used for emergencies.
Please do not use these for playdates. We have 17 buses
and
need
to
coordinate
with
Parkview
Brampton/Caledon and drivers. In addition, parental
requests for students to take alternate buses home must
be made in writing. We thank you for your cooperation!
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.
In the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the
designated additional Professional Activity Day has
been scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2016. Therefore,
there will be no classes for either elementary or
secondary students on Monday, April 11, 2016. Thank
you for your attention to this addition to the 2015-16
School Year Calendar.
REMINDER OF FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MINIMIZE
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS
In order to respect the classroom learning environment,
we try to minimize interruptions during class time. If
you are picking up your children early, please write a
note in your child’s agenda to their teacher and your
child can wait in the office. Of course, there are times
when last minute situations may arise, however, we
appreciate your cooperation. If you are dropping off
something, we have a table with labels set up in the
office to ensure your child receives it. Thank you for
your ongoing support.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
WHEN BUSES ARE CANCELLED
If your child usually walks to school and buses are
cancelled, please call the school to report his/her
absence.
SAFE ENTRY PROTOCOL
Thank you for your support in following our safe schools
protocol where our school doors are locked, all visitors
report to the office and only students and staff are in the
school yard. Please note that daily at 9:00 a.m. there is a
staff member on duty on the field to escort those
students who walk using the path at the back of the
school yard. However, during inclement weather, when
students are not playing in the yard from 9:00-9:15 a.m.,
students may be escorted by parents/guardians to the
front door of the school. Thank you for your cooperation
in following these important safety procedures.
LOST AND FOUND
Our school’s Lost and Found Box is a good place to start
looking for missing items. Periodically, we remind
students to check the box for any items they may have
lost. Please remind your child(ren) to check the Lost and
Found Boxes if anything is lost.
Just a reminder that the Provincial Family Day holiday is
on Monday, February 15, 2016. The school will be closed
on this date. Enjoy your day!
Together in Faith and Excellence
3
NEWS FROM OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL
COUNCIL
SHROVE TUESDAY
On Tuesday, February 9th, the Catholic School Council will
be hosting a Pancake Dinner in the school gymnasium
from 5:00 p.m. - 7: 00 p.m. Thank you to all of the St.
Cornelius families who have shared an interest in
participating. We look forward to seeing you there!
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for council members
to support our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, if you are
interested in helping the school, please send an email to
Carol (petrini.minime@sympatico.ca) to confirm your
attendance.
Also, please don't hesitate to join a Council meeting to
find out what our Catholic School Council does for your
children to make their school a better place. Our next
meeting is on Monday, February 22th at 6:30 p.m. All are
welcome!
BIG NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY!!
The Scholastic Book Fair is
coming to St. Cornelius! January
29 - February 10. Lots of great
books and fun stuff!! Drop by
the library on Thursday evening,
Feb 4 for a Fun Family Event! If
you make a purchase, drop in a
ballot for your chance to win $50 in books, $25 for
yourself and $25 for your child's classroom. See you
there!
LITERACY TIPS FOR PARENTS
1. Read from a variety of sources. Reading and
writing are linked – success in one supports
success in the other. Read stories, newspapers,
advertisements, instructions, etc. to your child
every day and then discuss what you have read.
2. Encourage your child to write. Children love to
make their own birthday cards, write thank you
notes, make place cards for the table, or send an
email to a friend. Save old cards from birthdays
and holidays to recycle for homemade cards.
Whenever possible, let your child see you writing
– grocery lists, instructions on the family
whiteboard, emails, etc. – and get them to help.
3. Writing can be done anywhere. Have lots of
magnetic letters or words on the fridge. Get a
box of chalk and write your names on the
driveway or sidewalk. Get a white board – it can
be used again and again.
4. Play writing games. Make a game of letter
finding. Show them how to form a letter and
then go letter hunting in your house or in a book
– count the number of "Ds" on a page. Find a
picture they like and have them write words or a
sentence about it.
5. Help children build their vocabulary. Try
rhyming games starting with one word such as
"mat". Say and write down all the words that
rhyme, like "cat", "hat", "fat" and "splat". You'll
be surprised how fast their word list grows.
6. Explore the meaning of words. Create a word
book at home and have your child add words as
they're learned. Have them note the words they
use the most and talk about why.
7. Write to each other. Write notes to your child
and leave them in interesting places, like the
lunch box. Ask them to write a reply or come up
with something new. If they have their own
email, email each other. Have kids email jokes to
family and friends.
8. Don't limit what you write with or what you
write on. The sky's the limit – pudding, sticks or
fingers in mud, earth, snow and sand, sparklers,
steamed up windows and mirrors, and bubble
soap markers for some sudsy learning.
9. Writing comes in all shapes and sizes. Point out
different ways writing is used – letters, signs,
advertisements, instructions – and explain why
they are different. Also point out different ways
letters are created – printed, cursive and fancy
variations. Let them be inspired to create their
own letter art.
10. Start writing at an early age. Children often
learn to write before they can read. Encourage
this by showing them how to print their name or
the names of friends and other family members.
Buy them notebooks with lines so they can learn
to make their letters correctly or a practice book
with letters they can trace.
Source: Ministry of Education- Tips and Tools for
Parents http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc/eng
Together in Faith and Excellence
4
and understand how to effectively and safely report to
an adult.
MATH AT HOME
We would like to
share
some
information
to
support math at home
and how to make
math part of your
child’s day.
Tattling/ratting is defined as telling in order to get
someone into trouble, or telling when there is no one
being hurt and no rule being broken that could result in
a dangerous situation.
Telling is defined as reporting unsafe behaviours to an
adult in order to get help for someone – to get someone
out of trouble.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:






Point out how you use math in your day
Encourage your child to show you how they use
math
Include your child in everyday activities that
involve math-making purchases, measuring
ingredients, counting out utensils or other
household items, measuring a room, buying
groceries and reading a flyer
Play games and do puzzles that involve mathcard games, snakes and ladders, dice games
Work with your child to solve problems that use
mathematical thinking and reasoning
Have them use mathematical tools- calculators,
rulers, measuring cups, containers of various
shapes, etc.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
- use incidences where one child is telling you about
sibling behaviour to help children identify whether they
are tattling or telling
- practice with your child how to ‘tell an adult’ about
bullying (what happened, how they feel, what help they
desire)
- develop awareness of the ‘reasons’ children state for
not reporting bullying to adults
Consider visiting http://oame.on.ca/mathies for
resources such as games, learning tools, activities,
supports for students and a FAQs section for parents.
This site is appropriate for K-12.
SAFE SCHOOLS FOCUS FOR FEBRUARY
– Telling an Adult about Bullying is Not
Tattling
This month’s focus is the difference between tattling and
telling. In dealing with bullying situations, students are
encouraged to use the strategy, ‘telling an adult’.
Although this sounds simple and logical, there are many
difficulties and roadblocks associated with this strategy.
Younger children struggle to understand the difference
between telling and tattling, while older children
struggle with their desire to deal with situations
independently. The goal of telling an adult is to keep
children safe. Students will learn to identify the
difference between telling and tattling (reporting and
ratting), explore reasons students don’t report bullying
Together in Faith and Excellence
5
VIRTUE CORNER
NATIONAL SWEATER DAY- FEB. 4TH
Our Virtue for the Month of
February is Respect.
God wants us to treat all
people with respect they
deserve.
A respectful person:
• uses a positive tone of voice and body language
• avoids swearing, name-calling, put downs, and
inappropriate gestures
• says “Excuse me”, “Please”, “Pardon Me”
• avoids gossip
Turning down the thermostat
by just a few degrees can make
a big impact –To learn about
the importance of saving
energy St. Cornelius School
participated
in
National
Sweater Day on Thursday
February 4th.
NEWS FROM ST.
EVANGELIST PARISH
JOHN
THE
Ash Wednesday Feb. 10 2016- Don't Give
Up Chocolate for Lent
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Together in Faith and Excellence
6
Mar. 8:
Mar. 9:
IMPORTANT
DATES:
PLEASE PLACE DATES ON
FAMILY CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
Feb. 6:
Feb. 8:
Feb. 9:
Feb. 10:
Feb. 11:
Feb. 12:
Feb. 15:
Feb. 16
Feb. 17:
Feb. 18:
Feb. 19:
Feb. 20:
Feb. 22:
Feb. 25:
Feb. 26:
5:00
p.m.
~
Enrollment Mass for
Mr.
De Rango’s Class at St. John the Evangelist
Parish
P. M.- “The Money Tree” Financial Literacy
Performing Arts Presentation
Shrove Tuesday
Gr. 6 DARE Graduation
Karate Kids Gr. 1s
Pancake Dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
in the school gym
Lent
Begins:
1:30
p.m
~
Ash
Wednesday/Lenten Mass in the gym. All are
Welcome!
Pizza Day
Dental Screening for JK, SK and Grade 2s
Karate Kids for Gr. 2-4
Just Catering Lunch–Rescheduled Date Due
to Bus Cancellations on February 3rd
Family Day- Enjoy the Holiday!
Karate Kids for Gr. 1s (Last Class)
Gr. 7 Confirmation Retreat at the St. Francis
Centre
PM- Gr. 4-6 Earth Rangers “Battery Blitz”
Presentation in the gym
7:00 p.m.- Reconciliation for our Gr. 2
students at St. John the Evangelist
Gr. 8 Confirmation Retreat at St. Francis
Centre
Sub Day
Karate Kids Gr. 2-4 students (Last Class)
5:00 p.m. Enrollment Mass for Ms. Marks’
Class at St. John’s the Evangelist Parish
6:30 p.m.- Catholic School Council Meeting
Pizza Day
Caledon East Hockey Tournament
Robert F. Hall Drama Presentation
for Gr. 4-8 Students in the gym
BECDM Hockey Tournament
St. Cornelius Cougars Hockey Tournament at
Alder St. Arena in Orangeville (Tentative)
Pizza Day
Mar. 10: Staff-Student Hockey Game for ShareLife at
Caledon East Arena
Pizza Day
Mar. 13-18:March Break
Mar. 21: HPV/ Meningococcal Vaccinations for Gr. 7
and 8 students
Mar. 24: Sub Day
Mar. 25: Good Friday
Mar. 27: Easter Sunday
Mar. 28: Easter Monday- No School
Mar. 31: 9:45 a.m. ~ Easter Mass in the gym
All are welcome.
Mar. 31: Pizza Day
Follow us on Twitter
@StCorneDPCDSB
MARCH
Mar. 3:
Mar. 5:
Sub Day
5:00 p.m.- Ms. Marks’ Enrollment Mass at St.
John the Evangelist Parish
Together in Faith and Excellence
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