St. Joachim
435 Rutherford Rd North Brampton, ON L6V 3V9
Telephone: 905.453.4472
Fax: 905-453-8615
Principal:
A. Alonzi-Peever
Vice-Principal:
M. Di Nunzio
Head Secretary:
D. Brunetti
Secretary:
Y. McCutcheon
Superintendent:
A. Tucciarone
Trustee:
A. Da Silva
Pastor:
Fr. Edward Murphy
Associate Pastor:
Fr. Kim D’Souza
“Through A
Celebration Of Our
Faith All Who
Enter Our School
May Grow Together As A
Christian
Community”
Volume 1, Issue 6
A Prayer For The Virtue Of Respect
Dear God,
You have done such a marvelous job
of creating us and the world around us.
Among your greatest gifts
are our friends and acquaintances.
They are the yeast in the dough of life –
they make life lively and interesting.
We come to You now asking for the grace and
strength to keep a sense of respect.
We hope that by recognizing and honoring
the shared Spirit in everyone we meet,
we can contribute to making our school a safer,
more caring, more inclusive community.
May Your gift of respect help us to live each day
with the confidence that we are in the company
of people
who are not strangers but who are our spiritual
brothers and sisters.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Brother,
who lived to show us your way.
Amen
Inside this issue:
-Cold Weather Guideline
-School Council
-PED’s
-Anaphylaxis Policy Reminder
-Pizza Days
2
-Our Catholic Heritage
-School Closings and Bus
Cancellations
3
-JK, SK and Full Day Learning
Registration
-Parent Reminders for Drop
Off and Kiss and Ride
-Shrove Tuesday
-Perfume/Aerosol Free
4
-Carnaval
-Black History Month
-Lates and Absences
5
-Snow and Ice
-Breakfast Program
-French Immersion
-Family Day
6
-Brampton Library
-Homework Tips
-Recess Rules
-No Dogs Allowed
-St. Joachim website
-March Break
7
-Region of Peel Public Health
-Crossing Guard
-Dates to Remember
8
Virtue of the Month: RESPECT
This month we celebrate the virtue
of respect.
Let us pray for the virtue of respect
so that everyone we meet will feel
like we are their brother or sister in
Christ.
A Respectful Person:
 Says “excuse me”, “please”,
“pardon me”

Avoids swearing, name calling,
inappropriate gestures
 Uses a positive tone of voice and
body language
 Treats him/herself and everyone
else with equal consideration and
courtesy
 Avoids gossip
Page 2
February 2012
COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES
SCHOOL
COUNCIL
The next meetings
of the School
Advisory Council
will be on :
February 29 (date
change) , April 25
and May 30.
Meetings begin at
7:00 p.m.
All are invited to
attend.
Pizza Days
The dates for Toonie
Pizza Days are listed
below for the remainder of the school
year. All of these
dates are on Tuesdays:
February 14 and 28
March 6 and 27
April 10 and 24
May 15 and 29
June 5 and 19
Students may purchase as many slices
as they wish, but they
must bring in their
toonies in the morning of the Monday
before at the latest
(no late orders will be
accepted). THERE
WILL BE NO
MONEY COLLECTED ON THE
PIZZA DAY.
The board policy recommends that
students go out for recess unless it
is below –25 degrees Celsius with
the wind factor included. Please
ensure your children are appropriately dressed for outdoor play with
hats, scarves, mittens, boots and
snow pants/snowsuit. On wet and
slushy days, students often get wet,
therefore it is helpful if students
have a change of clothing (e.g. sweat
pants, shirt, socks) that can be left at
school or in their backpack as it is
difficult for parents to leave work to
bring an extra set of clothes.
Weather conditions are reviewed
daily and decisions around outdoor
play and length of recesses are determined. Students should be prepared to go outside.
PED’s (Personal Electronic Devices)
To promote respect for the dignity of all members of our school community and to
enhance student achievement and safety, the use of PED’s is prohibited at St.
Joachim School and during school related activities (e.g. field trips, sports events).
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the confiscation of the PED and/or
disciplinary action as outlined in the Catholic Code of Conduct.
It is the policy of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board that PED’s are
kept out of sight and turned off. The school assumes no responsibility for the
loss, recovery, or repair or replacement for any PED brought onto school property.
If the PED is confiscated, it will be the parent’s responsibility to pick it up at
the school.
HEALTH ALERT-ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY REMINDER
The staff at St. Joachim has been in serviced around the emergency procedures in
dealing with an anaphylactic reaction. There are a number of students in our school
who have serious, and in some cases, life threatening allergies. Even the mere exposure to these products may cause severe allergic reactions, that could potentially
result in death.
While these students may not be in your child’s class, or eat in the area your child
eats, we are most concerned with cross-contamination which may occur if a child
eats, for example, peanuts and then touches a book, chair, desk etc that may be
touched by the child with the allergy.
St. Joachim would appreciate the co-operation of the entire school community in
NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain peanut, nuts, shellfish or any other
life threatening allergens which could potentially harm a child.
Instead of bringing in food for birthdays or special occasions, we encourage
parents to bring in non-edible treats such as stickers, erasers, pencils, and
dollar store items. Students with anaphylactic allergies are encouraged to bring in
their own treats for special occasions. We look forward to your understanding and
co-operation in making our school safe for all students.
Volume 1, Issue 6
Page 3
OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL HERITAGE
(SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOUR INFORMATION)
1. How long have Catholic separate schools been educating Catholic children and contributing to the public good in Ontario?
For about 170 years. In the early 1800s there were separate schools in many cities, towns
and townships. In Peel, three separate schools opened before Confederation (1867): St.
James in Malton in the 1830s, St. John’s Agricultural College (1861) and St. Patrick’s (1861),
both in Wildfield.
2. Has the Ontario government always supported separate schools?
Yes, as did its predecessor, the United Legislature of Canada East (now Quebec) and Canada West (now Ontario) during its total life from 1841 to 1867. One of the first pieces of legislation it passed in 1841 was the Common School Act, with a separate school clause.
3. Why did the United Legislature of Canada East and Canada West keep improving
separate school legislation?
It responded to Catholic parents, trustees, bishops and priests, editors of the four Catholic
newspapers, members of the business and professional world, all of whom argued for legal
and financial rights for separate schools.
4. Was there opposition to separate schools before Confederation?
Yes, as now, there were advocates of one school system. Protestant spokespersons believed
in the adequacy of the common (now public) school’s basic non-denominational Christianity,
which constituted an important element of the common school’s religion lessons and their
readers. They held that beliefs specific to certain religions should be taught in the churches
and homes.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND BUS CANCELLATIONS
During the winter months, inclement weather may cause disruption of bus transportation and school
operations. A decision to cancel school transportation and or to close schools is usually made by
6:00am and will be announced on local radio stations. Ultimately, decisions to cancel transportation
are based on safety considerations and are made on the basis that once students are delivered to
schools it may be problematic getting them home if conditions do not improve or worsen.
Please check the Region of Peel‟s Transportation Department websites (www.stopr.ca and https://
businfo.stopr.ca/) to check for delays and cancellations.
Please make the safest decision when deciding whether to send your child to school on days when
severe weather warnings are issued. If buses are cancelled in the morning, they are also cancelled
at the end of the day. You must make other arrangements for your child to get home if you chose
to bring them to school. Please send a note with your child to inform the office about your travel
arrangements at the end of the day. If you chose to keep your child at home during severe
weather, and the schools are not closed, please call the school to leave a message that they
will be staying home.
Page 4
February 2012
Junior, Senior and Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2012-13
Registration for the 2012-13 school year will be held at all Dufferin-Peel Catholic elementary schools
on the following dates:
Monday, February 6th, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.*
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, February 8th, 9th & 10th 2012
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Snow Date only: Tuesday February 7th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
St. Joachim will be Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) as of September 2012. Registrations for students who live in our area will be given out during this time.
Applications received after 3:00 p.m. on February 10th 3:00 p.m. will be placed on our waitlist. If necessary, the lottery for Full Day Kindergarten will be on Thursday February 16th, 2012.
Junior Kindergarten - Children must be 4 years old by Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Kindergarten - Children must be 5 years old by Dec. 31, 2012
Parents/Guardians should bring the following documents when registering their child:
 proof of age
 original Catholic Baptismal Certificate of the Roman, Greek or Ukrainian Rite, for parent (one)
and child (if the child has not been baptized, a letter of counselling with the parish priest, to complete the process will be accepted)
 updated immunization records
 proof of Canadian citizenship or of Landed Immigrant status
 proof of address (utility bill, bank or credit card statement)
PARENT REMINDERS FOR DROP OFF AND KISS AND RIDE
Please remember that students should NOT be dropped off at school before 8:45 in the morning as
teachers are not in the yard to supervise until 8:45. Students are also expected to go straight
home after school at 3:30 as no supervision is provided. Please remind your child to go straight home
and not to a friend’s house without your permission.
Please remember that parents can NOT park or leave their cars in the Kiss and Ride lane. Parking
Control from the City of Brampton has been giving tickets for this as it is a designated fire route.
SHROVE TUESDAY
PERFUME/AEROSOL FREE SCHOOL
Shrove Tuesday will be on February 21st,
2012. It is also known as Pancake Tuesday as it is the last day before the long
fast during Lent for Catholics. Our Grade
8 students will prepare pancakes for our
whole school. As a snack, each child will
receive a pancake and a beverage on
Shrove Tuesday.
Thank you to our
Grade 8 students and teachers for taking
on this initiative again this year!
Just a reminder to parents that we are a perfume and
aerosol free school. We have many students, as well
as teachers who have allergies and are affected when
these are sprayed. Please allow your children to only
bring roll-on or stick deodorants to school when
needed for gym classes. Any perfumes or aerosol
spray deodorants will be confiscated by the office for
parents to pick up. Thank you for your cooperation for
the health of all our staff and students.
Volume 1, Issue 6
Page 5
CARNAVAL
To celebrate our French culture, St. Joachim will be celebrating Carnaval the week of February 13th –
17th, 2012. Activities will include:
Bingo or “HIVER” card for each class; “Ou est bonhomme?”; Morning Trivia; “Lottery”; Bonhomme
Decorating contest – each class gets a large blank bonhomme to decorate. Each day will have a
Theme:
Monday – Toque & Mittens
Tuesday – Red, Pink and White (Valentine’s Day)
Wednesday – Canada Day – wear your Canada gear (or red & white) in honour of Flag
Day
Thursday – Jersey Day
Friday – Scarf day
Carnaval History from http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en/about/history
Since the beginning of the French colony, the habitants of New France created a tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. The custom of celebrating from the end of January
until mid-February has long been popular.
The first large winter Carnival in Québec City, the world's snow capital, took place in 1894. Often faced
with winter’s hardships, the city's population reinvented this popular tradition with a winter celebration
that warmed up the hearts of all. The first official edition of the Québec Winter Carnival took place in
1955. The Carnival snowballed into an undeniable manifestation for the entire Québec City population,
and was an important vehicle for tourism and economical activity in the city.
From one winter to the next, the Carnival enriched its activity program. We have since added even
more popular activities, such as winter sports, snow sculptures, and activities based on the traditional
Québec lifestyle, such as canoe races and dogsled races. The Québec Winter Carnival is the largest
winter carnival in the world today, and is third on the List of Top Carnivals after the famous carnivals in
Rio and New Orleans.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is “Black History Month”. During the month of February we recognize,
highlight and celebrate the gifts that our rich cultures and racial diversity enable
us to experience and enjoy. On the morning of February 23rd, poet/author
Nadine Williams will be coming to our school to share her art of storytelling
through poetry and music.
LATES AND ABSENCES
School begins at 9:00 a.m. Please ensure your child is on time for school. If you are dropping your child
off after 9:00 a.m. please use the front of the school. Students must a get a late slip to be admitted to
class. When a child is late, he/she misses valuable teaching time and causes a disruption to the lessons
being started in the class. Developing excellent work habits and time management skills can maximize a
child’s learning potential. For students that are consistently late or absent, letters will be sent home and
the attendance officer may be involved.
Thank you for those parents who are diligent in calling when your child is going to be absent or late. Our
secretary spends valuable hours trying to contact parents when a child is absent and the parent has not
contacted the school. Please continue to call and leave us a message regarding your child’s absence. This will save us time in the office.
Page 6
FAMILY DAY
Just a reminder
that Monday
February 20th is
Family day.
There will be
no school for
students.
February 2012
SNOW AND ICE
As snow and ice are a
reality in the winter
months we want to ask
parents to review with
their children that throwing snowballs and sliding on ice are NOT allowed at school. As
much fun as snow and ice
can be, it can also be extremely dangerous when
there are many people in
one area. Most student
injuries happen during the
winter months. In order
for our school to be as
safe as possible, the
school rule must be that
snow stays on the
ground—no snowballs,
kicking snow or any other
activity with snow or ice
that could be harmful.
The safety of all of our
students is our number
one priority.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
We are pleased to announce that we are introducing a Breakfast Program
here at St. Joachim School. The program will offer a selection of healthy
breakfast items such as: bagels, toast, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cream cheese,
cheese, milk and juices.
All students are welcome to join, as we believe that missing breakfast can
often lead to both physical and academic difficulty throughout the day.
There are many reasons why children do not eat breakfast, including our
busy lifestyles. Some children are just not ready to eat breakfast before
leaving home. If you are finding it difficult to get your child to eat breakfast,
the Breakfast Program may be the answer for you.
INDOOR SHOES
It is imperative
that all students
have a proper pair
of running shoes
for Physical Education
classes.
Running
shoes
with platforms or
wheels are not
safe. Please ensure your child
has a proper pair
of running shoes
left at school or in
their school bag
on a daily basis.
Our program is supported through the Breakfast for Kids organization. We
would also appreciate the support and welcome donations from our parents
or the community. We are asking students to bring a donation of $0.25 for
each breakfast. The program will begin on the morning of Monday, February 6, 2012 and will run from 8:20 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. Students are to enter
the school through the Kiss and Ride doors and proceed to the Staff
room. Children should not be dropped off before 8:20 a.m.
We require that each interested child have a permission form completed.
This does not mean that each child that is enrolled will be expected to participate every day; it simply means that when your child joins us, it is with
your permission and that we will be informed of any potentially harmful food
allergies. Your child is expected to demonstrate proper behaviour in this
program. Permission forms were sent home to all students from Grades 1
to 8 and our morning Kindergarten classes mid January.
If you are able to provide financial support, or direct us to possible supplier
contacts, please contact Mrs. Napoli or Mrs. Alonzi-Peever.
FRENCH IMMERSION
We are continuing to accept applications for our French Immersion. The application
deadline is Thursday February 8th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. After February 8th applications
will be placed on our waitlist. If needed, a lottery will take place on February 15th,
2012 at Our Lady of Providence School.
Volume 1, Issue 6
Page 7
Brampton Library—Calling All Young Writers and Artists!
If you are a student who has a way with
words or likes to paint or draw, Brampton Library’s Inspirations program is just
the thing for you.
Elementary and secondary school students (Grades 1 through 12) who live or
go to school in Brampton are invited to
send the Library their unpublished short
stories, poems, and/or artwork between
January 9 and March 31, 2012. One
short story, one poem, and one piece of
artwork will be selected for each grade
level by an independent selection panel
and all the selected submissions will
appear in a published book, Inspirations
2012: Brampton Library’s Journal of
Youth Writing & Artwork. The selected
authors, poets, and artists will be recognized for their achievements at the Inspirations Reception on June 7, 2012.
For complete details or to download an
official entry form, visit
www.bramptonlibrary.ca. Official entry
forms can also be picked up at any Library location. Submissions can be emailed with completed official entry
forms to mconduit@bramlib.on.ca
(Grades 1 – 8) and sdey@bramlib.on.ca
(Grades 9 – 12) or dropped off at any
Library location.
HOMEWORK TIPS
Provide guidance, not answers
Homework is a key way for your child to learn independent, lifelong skills. Giving
answers regularly or doing homework FOR your child does not help him or her understand concepts or develop skills. As well, it prevents the teacher from understanding where your child may require further support back in the classroom. If your
child demonstrates signs of frustration with the homework being assigned, it is important to discuss this with your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
RECESS RULES
The safety of all students at St. Joachim is our number one priority. Students are
often reminded during announcements and assemblies of the important rules to follow at our school. Please review the following rules with your child:
Keep your hands and feet to yourselves
No verbal insults or inappropriate language
Treat all people with respect, especially adults at the school
Respect school property (especially treat the washrooms like you would your
own washroom at home)
Play only no contact games outside
Stay on school property at all times
Rocks, gravel and snow stay on the ground.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
Just a reminder that no dogs are allowed on school property. Dogs often frighten
children, some students have dog allergies, and we want to limit the liability of students getting scratched or bitten by a dog. Please have your child meet you on the
public pathway, or sidewalk if you are picking them up from school.
ST. JOACHIM
WEBSITE
Please visit our
school website
at
www.dpcdsb.org
/JOACH
We have listed
upcoming
events, school
information,
school hours,
newsletters and
links to other
websites you
may find helpful.
MARCH
BREAK
March Break
will take place
From Monday
March 14th to
Friday March
18th, 2011.
There will be
no school for
students that
week.
Volume 1, Issue 6
Page 8
Toothy Tips for Parents from Region of Peel Public Health
Current information on dental health in Peel indicates that more than 1 in 3 children have been affected by cavities. Cavities can lead to infections in the mouth, pain, poor eating habits, speech
problems and expensive dental treatment. Parents can play an important role in helping to give
their child a healthy smile.
Here are some tips for you and your children:
1. Have your children brush their teeth two times a day for at least two minutes
each time. The most important time to brush is before bed time.
2. Supervise and help your child with brushing and flossing until they are able to
tie their own shoelaces.
3. Use Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide* to choose healthy foods and
snacks. Healthy food choices can help to prevent the start of cavities.
4. Take your child to the dentist regularly.
Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) Program
If you can’t afford to take your child to the dentist, you can bring them to a Peel
Public Health dental screening clinic for a free dental screening. You may qualify for dental care
through the CINOT program if you meet eligibility criteria. For more information, or to book a
dental screening appointment, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
CROSSING GUARD
Students are reminded that if they need to cross the street, they must walk to the crosswalk in
front of the school and cross with the guard (at the lights). Students are not permitted to cross
near the Becker’s store. Teachers are on duty at the front of the school at the end of the day to
remind students of these important safety rules.
DATES TO REMEMBER
February
2Reporting to Parents Evaluation and
Pupil Progress (Interview Night)
Book Fair
3PA Day (no school)
Reporting to Parents Evaluation and
Pupil Progress (Interviews)
6 -Kindergarten (FDK) Registration 7:009:00 p.m.
7-Snow date for FDK Registration
82:00 p.m. Deadline for French
Immersion applications
8,9,10—Kindergarten Registration
9:00-11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
10-Meningitis & HPV Clinic
13th– 17th Carnaval Week
13-Intermediate Mini Tournament
14- Pizza Day
20-Family Day (No School)
21-Shrove Tuesday
22 – Ash Wednesday Liturgy 1:30 p.m.
23-a.m. Nadine Williams presentations
24-Int. Family Basketball Tournament
27-1:30 p.m. Respect Assembly
28- Pizza Day
29Gr. 3 to 6 Author visit,
Int. Board Basketball Tournament,
School Council 7:00 p.m.
March
6- Pizza Day
9- Gr. 6 RAID Program
12-16 March Break
23- 9 a.m. Gr. 6 RAID Program
27- Pizza Day
30- Gr. 6 RAID Program