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
With the upcoming hustle and bustle of Christmas
shopping, the house to decorate and presents to wrap,
it is important, as Catholics, to remember that Advent
has already begun. It is a difficult season to celebrate
because of the commercialism of the secular world in
which we live. At this time, we keep in mind people who
are less fortunate. St. Cornelius School Community is
participating in many social outreach initiatives such as
Project Gift and Cram-A-Cruiser where students are
given opportunities to love in the light of Christ.
ADVENT PRAYER
Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as
you revealed to us by an angel the coming
of your Son as man, so lead us through
his suffering and death to the glory of his
resurrection, for he lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever.
Amen.
DECEMBER 2015: INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Grades 1-8 Dance Showcase –Join us!
School Outreach Initiatives
Kindergarten Concert- Join us!
Bus Cancellations and Delays
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According to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year,
Advent has a twofold nature: It prepares us for
Christmas, when we recall Christ’s first coming among
us, and it is also a time when we look forward to His
second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is the
season of joyful expectation. Our challenge, as Catholics,
is to help our children to look beyond the materialism of
Christmas and focus on the spiritual preparation.
As a school community, we will be exploring many
avenues during Advent amidst the frantic energy of
preparing for December 25. For example, we will be
lighting the candles on our Advent wreath, and praying
and reflecting on the readings of Advent during our
morning prayers, just to name a few. How wonderful it
is that as Christians, we do not liturgically celebrate
Christmas until December 25 and after, giving us the
opportunity to focus our attention on the true meaning
of the season! On behalf of the staff, I wish you and your
family a very blessed and holy Christmas.
Respectfully,
G. Graci-Papayanakis
CHRISTMAS BREAK
Our Christmas break begins on Saturday,
December 19th. Children return to school for
classes on Monday, January 4th, 2016. From
the staff at St. Cornelius, we wish you and your
family a joyous and peaceful Christmas
holiday.
Together in Faith and Excellence
1
BULLYING AWARENSS WEEK A SUCCESS!
During Bullying Awareness and Prevention week,
November 16-20, Ontario students and staff participated
in learning about bullying and its effect on student wellbeing and learning. St. Cornelius School participated in a
variety of activities to help increase awareness and
prevention of bullying and support student wellbeing. Each morning, throughout the week, students
heard daily reflections about using empathy to open our
eyes to the pain of others.
To kick off the week, students participated in Superhero
Day where students and staff demonstrated that a hero
is an ordinary person who does a little bit “extra” to help
others.
On Tuesday, students in Gr. 6, 7, and 8 presented the
Bullying Prevention and Awareness Kickoff Liturgy and
Assembly. Students learned how to be people of
Conscience, to identify signs of bullying, and what
bystanders can do to help.
All students from K to Gr. 8 participated in a Drumming
Workshop lead by Baba Williams, where students
learned about unity and community building through
drumming. Students learned about “Ubuntu” a South
African term which means “I am what I am because of
what we are.” As a school community, we signed the
school pledge to promise to stand up to bullying by using
our virtues in our daily interactions with others.
A great deal of learning took place this week that
addressed that we can all make a difference in
addressing bullying.
Bullying is a behavior, and
behaviours can change. As a school community, we are
committed to stand up to bullying by using our virtues in
our daily interactions with others.
JOIN US FOR OUR BALLROOM DANCE
SHOWCASE
Students in grade one through
eight have been busy learning and
practicing various styles of dance over the past few
weeks. They are very excited to perform their moves!
Parents and guardians are invited to attend a final
“Showcase” performance on Monday, December 7,
2015 in the school gymnasium. We appreciate the
contribution of a non-perishable food item upon entry.
Thank you to instructors, Ms. Monique and Ms. Carole
of “Future Steps” for their expert instruction, patience,
and guidance throughout the program. Since its
inception in 2006, Future Steps has taught close to
30,000 students across Southern Ontario, with
resounding success. The program promotes fitness,
physical strength, flexibility and stamina, but also helps
to improve social and communication skills, along with
opportunities for increased self-esteem and selfdiscipline.
Thank you to our School Council for supporting the Arts
and Physical Education through this particular “Dance”
initiative.
Students are reminded to wear dark pants and a red,
green or white top on performance day. Appropriate
footwear (e.g. running shoes) is required.
9:45am-10:30am
Mrs. McGee, Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. MacLeod, Mrs.
McDonnell, Mrs. Kelly,
Mr. Furtado, Ms. DeVoy, Mr. DeRango (8’s).
11:15am-12:00pm
Mrs. O’Donnell, Mrs. Moretta, Ms. Cerullo, Mrs. Burke,
Mr. Pitcher, Ms. Marks, Mme. Zingaro (7’s), Mrs.
Cancelliere.
1:30pm-2:15pm
Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Kozjan, Mrs. Kehoe, Mrs. Milonas,
Mrs. Leitch, Mr. LaRosa,
Ms. Arbelo, Ms. Scarcello.
Please note: the order of classes in each of the schedules
above does not reflect the order of performance.
Together in Faith and Excellence
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KEEPING THE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS AT ST.
CORNELIUS!
1. CRAM-A-CRUISER
We are very excited to support Caledon OPP with this
important initiative being held on Wednesday,
December 9th. We are hoping to
collect enough non-perishable
food items to fill 4 Caledon OPP
cruisers! Please refer to the flyer
sent home on November 30th.
2. PROJECT GIFT!
If each Family donated just ONE Box - then we would be
sending hope to 400 children!
Thank you to all students, staff, parents and community
members that are participating in our Project Gift
Initiative and for making this initiative so successful. We
will continue to accept your gifts of hope until
December 16. Your generous donations have modelled
a peaceful message to many. Here at St. Cornelius – we
care. All members of the St. Cornelius community
perpetuates the message of charity and hope.
3. OUT OF THE COLD CHALLENGE
As a form of Adult faith development we are encouraging
all parents and guardians to send in their gently used
ADULT sized winter coats for donation to people in need
who are in transition. Often our first thoughts at this
time are the children - as an example our PROJECT GIFT
mission.
However many times the adults in our community are in
need of our kindness as well. The winter outerwear will
be accepted in the front foyer of St. Cornelius in two
different bins, one for men and one for women. Your
generosity is greatly appreciated.
4.
($240). We hope to change someone’s life one smile at
a time. A few of my former students, that call
themselves the Operation Smile Team, have expressed
interest in having a colouring contest and a spirit week
for the whole school with the proceeds going to this
year’s Operation Smile. Spirit Week will be the last week
before Christmas holidays.
Monday, December 14th – Santa Hat, Reindeer
Antlers or Elf Hat Day
Tuesday, December 15th –Sport Jersey Day
Wednesday, December 16th – Christmas
Colours Day (red and green)
Thursday, December 17th – Twin Day
Friday, December 18th-Pajama Day
If you are interested in helping my class make a
difference please support our Spirit Week and submit a
colouring page with a $2 donation to be judged with all
proceeds going to Operation Smile. The Operation Smile
Team will collect all colouring pages by Tuesday
December 15.
Thanks in advance,
Mrs. McGee
P.S – Last Year my class made a Cookbook with recipes
from families all throughout the school. There are
limited copies left (10 or so). If anyone is interested in
purchasing for a reduced rate of $10 please let me
know.
UPCOMING KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS
CONCERTS
December 11- Kindergarten Concert at 10:00 a.m. and
1:45p.m.
Please be advised due to fire code regulations, we are
requesting no more than 4 guests per student at our
Kindergarten concert. We can’t wait for our kindergarten
friends to shine!
OPERATION SMILE
In this spirit of Advent and the true meaning of
Christmas it is with great excitement that I, Mrs.
McGee, share my classes 4th annual Operation Smile at
St. Cornelius. My students in the past have amazed me
with their excitement and charitable efforts. Our grade
one class goal is to raise enough money for one surgery
Together in Faith and Excellence
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RAZ Kids READING PROGRAM
KISS ‘N RIDE STUDENT SAFETY
Dear Parents/Guardians:
A reminder that the grade 1 to 3 classes have received
funding from the Catholic School Council for a valuable
educational website www.raz-kids.com. Children can
read and listen to books at their reading level.
Afterwards they can take a quiz to check for
comprehension. Students can log in to their account
from home. If you have any questions about logging in,
or about your child’s password, please contact your
child’s teacher. Happy reading!
Attention parents! There is only one safe
crossing point for your students when they are
left off at the Kiss ‘n Ride. Teachers are there to escort the
students safely across. Please let your child off close to the
front of the Kiss ‘n Ride so that they are safe crossing with the
teacher on duty. We cannot ensure their safety at
unsupervised areas.
BUS DELAYS DUE TO WEATHER
With winter weather fast approaching, it is possible that
buses may be delayed at times. Please be flexible in
understanding that runs may be delayed due to poor
weather conditions. We suggest that you please check
www.stopr.ca for up- to- the- minute bus delay information.
You will require your child’s OEN number which you can find
on their report card.
As a result of the new sidewalk on the north end of the school
connecting to the Pathways community, we have a teacher
on duty to supervise student safely into the yard. We ask that
you remind your child (children) to be cautious at the end of
this sidewalk where the driveway begins as cars and busses
are entering our parking lot. We ask that your child does not
walk on the school driveway, but rather the grass portion.
Thank you as we continue to work together to ensure your
child’s safety is our priority.
GRADE 5 EXTENDED FRENCH
INFORMATION MEETING FOR 2016-2017
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION MEETING
BUS CANCELLATIONS and SCHOOL CLOSING
During the winter months inclement weather may cause
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 a.m. and will be
announced on the various radio and T.V. stations in the
greater Toronto area. The following message “THE
DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
BUSES AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES
IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON ARE CANCELLED”, means
that bus runs for St. Cornelius will be cancelled.
Parents/Guardians and students can check on
cancellations/closures notices information will be posted on
our school website- a yellow ALERT banner at the top of the
page will advise of any cancellations, alternatively, you can
check the board twitter account for updates on bus
cancellations and school closing on @DPCDSBSchools or
phone 905-890-1221 to hear a recorded message, or you can
subscribe to eCommunity email blast at www.dpcdsb.org
where you can receive board information on a regular basis
and receive cancellation notices.
Grade 4 parents/guardians who wish to enroll their
child in a Grade 5 Extended French class for September,
2016 are invited to attend an information meeting at:
School: Holy Family School
Address: 61 Allan Drive, Bolton, ON, L7E1P7
Date: Thursday, January 14, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
At the present time, the above mentioned school is the
designated centre for our area. Applications will be
accepted at that centre until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
February 16, 2016.
Together in Faith and Excellence
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FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
INFORMATION FOR 2016-2017
Following are the dates which have been identified for
Kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year.
One central system-wide permit will be issued for the use
of elementary schools on these dates.

Full Day Kindergarten Registration
Monday, January 25, 2016
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
SNOW DATE: Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Full Day Kindergarten Registration
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
SNOWBALLS/ SNOW FORTS
Now that the snow has arrived, it is of
importance to remind students that
St. Cornelius has a strict rule of
forbidding the throwing of snowballs.
Every student has been made aware of the importance of this
rule in the preventing of injury to others. A snowball that hits
another student and causes injury can be seen as a weapon.
Students have been informed about the consequences for
throwing snowballs and that ignoring this rule can result in
suspension. We have also had issues with students building
snow forts. Many students have gotten into various
arguments and fights over who owns which snow fort and
who is allowed into it. Students are well aware of the Snow
Fort Code of Ethics. Those failing to follow the simple rules
will be given consequences for their actions. We have been
sharing the following over morning announcements:
S- snow stays on the ground
NO- no standing, sitting, sliding down hills
Thursday, January 28, 2016
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
W- winter wonder: building, snow angels, snowmen, snow
forts!
Friday, January 29, 2016
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
STUDENT ILLNESS-STAYING IN FOR RECESS
Parent Evening to Support the Transition of Children
with Differing Abilities into Kindergarten 2016
There will be an information session for
parent(s)/guardian(s) of children with differing abilities
including vision, hearing, autism, physical/medical
and/or developmental delays who are transitioning to
Kindergarten in September 2016. The information
session will be held at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board -- Catholic Education Centre, Room 301 on
Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Snow date, Wednesday, January 13, 2016, from 7:00
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are also
reminded to register their child at their school. Official
registration dates are Monday, January 25th from 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Snow Date for the evening
registration is Tuesday, January 26th, 2016, from 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additional registration dates are
January 27th, 28th and 29th, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m.
Students who are ill should be kept home where they are
most comfortable and can get better, sooner. A child
who is too ill to go out for recess is too ill to be at school.
Your co-operation to keep your child home when he/she
is ill is appreciated.
INDOOR FOOTWEAR
Students are expected to wear shoes in the school
building at all times. Please note that in the event of an
emergency evacuation, students will not
have the opportunity to put on
shoes, boots, clothing articles, etc.
Please ensure that your child has an
extra pair of shoes at school, to keep
their feet dry and warm during snowy weather.
Together in Faith and Excellence
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INCLEMENT WEATHER REMINDERS
Our winter season is here! At this time we
would like to remind all students to dress
appropriately for the season by wearing
the proper winter attire which should
include hats, gloves/mitts, winter coats
and boots. When students are dressed properly for the
winter conditions, they can go outside and enjoy some fresh
air and activity in comfort. There will be a few times during
the course of the year where a recess may be shortened or
held indoors due to extreme cold temperatures. Our school
board policy states that although consideration should be
given for keeping students indoors during recesses when the
wind chill reaches –20 C, students are to be kept indoors
during recesses when the wind chill reaches –25 C. In the
colder weather, we receive numerous requests to allow
children to remain indoors when students have a cold, the
flu, etc. Please note that we cannot comply, as we neither
have the facilities nor the staff to supervise these students.
Moreover, the health officials indicate that the fresh air is
good for children….not harmful as long as they are dressed
appropriately.
is all done through a private number given to the
Council from the app. The Council will send out regular
reminders for our school fundraisers, lunch and milk
programs and special events hosted by the council.
If you are interested in signing up for this follow the
steps below:
1. Please text this number 289-276-0836
2. with the message of @sccsc1516
3. Final instructions will be texted back to you
Please stay tuned in the New Year for more fun
events! Thank you to everyone for your participation
and support of our programs. The Catholic School
Council wish you and your families a blessed holiday
season.
SAFE SCHOOLS FOCUS FOR DECEMBER –
EVERYONE NEEDS TO FEEL INCLUDED
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated and
came out to our 4th Annual Christmas Marketplace you
helped to make this event a huge success. It was a very
busy day with many visitors through and several fun
activities for all to participate in – your support is
appreciated – this is an amazing community event held
by our school.
Our Poinsettia and Christmas Greens program was also
a great success and poinsettias/Christmas Greens have
all been delivered to the school for pick up.
Our Big Box of Cards fundraiser has also wrapped up
and final prizes will be distributed in the next few
weeks. Due to your overwhelming support in this
fundraiser, we were pleased to provide a Pizza Party for
the ENTIRE school, not just the winning class, as a huge
THANK YOU for all your support. If you have not yet
received your ordered boxes, they are in the main office
for pick up during school hours.
If you have not done so already please join our
Reminder App group, which allows parents and
guardians to sign up for text message reminders from
the Catholic School Council. It is 100% private, no
personal cell numbers will be given or exchanged, and it
In December the focus is on
including and accepting others.
The message “we all want to feel
included” underscores the idea
that all of us desire the same thing
and we all have some
responsibility in creating an
atmosphere that is inclusive. Students will learn the meaning
of empathy and explore feelings associated with being
excluded. Research shows that bullying behaviours
demonstrate a lack of empathy toward others. Students will
also look at how to help someone feel included and examine
ways of strengthening their friendship building skills.
Tips for parents:
 talk with your children about ways to build friendships
with others;
 reinforce the message that even if we aren’t good
friends with someone we can still be friendly,
considerate and welcoming;
 use ‘teachable moments’ (e.g., family situations,
media, and movies) to explore empathy with your
children and help them relate to and understand
how others are feeling.
Together in Faith and Excellence
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DECEMBER VIRTUE
December Virtue of the Month is HOPE
People of Hope:
 Keep a positive attitude
 Can bounce back from a tough situation
 Set and stick to their goals
 See the good in others even when they make
mistakes
 Work to include others
 Let others know that they are good people
The daily prayer of HOPE for December is:
Let us now pray...for the grace and courage to be people
of Hope. People who can see, participate in and
contribute to God’s goodness emerging around us.
Amen
IMPORTANT DATES- DECEMBER 2015
December 4: Karate Kids for Gr. 2-4
December 7: Future Steps Dance Showcase (see
schedule above)
December 8: Karate Kids for Gr. 1
December 8: 6:30 p.m. Catholic School Council MeetingAll are welcome!
December 9: R. LaRosa’s Class to Silvercreek Outdoor
Education Centre
December 11: Karate Kids
for Gr. 2-4
December 12: 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Enrollment
Mass at St. John the
Evangelist Parish - Ms.
Scarcello’s class
December 14 – Santa Hat,
Reindeer Antlers or Elf
Hat Day
December 15: Karate Kids
for Gr. 1
December 15 –Sport Jersey Day
December 16 – Christmas Colours Day (red and green)
December 17 – Twin Day
December 17: 9:45 a.m. Advent Mass in gymnasium. All
are welcome.
December 18-Pajama Day
December 18- 9:30 a.m. Advent Sing-A-Long
Dec. 22 - Jan. 2: Christmas Break
Attachments
Math at Home & Cram-a-Cruiser Flyer
Together in Faith and Excellence
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