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. Damian Ali
Associate Pastor:
Fr. Kim D’Souza
“Through A
Celebration Of Our
Faith All Who
Enter Our School
May Grow Together As A
Christian
Community”
December 2011
Volume 1, Issue 4
The circle of this wreath will remind us
of the coming of Christ,
whose love for us has no end.
The light of these candles will remind us
of the coming of Christ,
who is the light of the world.
The green of these branches will
remind us of the coming of Christ,
who brings us eternal life.
Let us bless the Lord.
By day and by night,
and through every season,
You watch over us, Lord.
We praise you for this Advent wreath.
It is the evergreen crown of Your people,
and it shines with the promise of victory.
By the light of this wreath
we shall wait in patience for your Son
our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will comfort our fears
and bring hope to our waiting world.
Amen
The staff of St. Joachim Catholic School extends our best
wishes during this Christmas season to all our families.
May you be blessed with gifts of peace, love and goodwill
towards all. May the promise of Christmas help to show
God’s boundless love for you and your family, and may
you be blessed with good health, prosperity and happiness
throughout the New Year as we strive to work with you
and for you in providing excellence in Catholic Education
in our community.
Inside this issue:
-Advent Wreath
-Social Justice
-School Council
-Christmas Break
-Christmas Collection
2
-Junior Volleyball
-Advent Mass
-Snow Stays on the Ground
-Cold Weather Guidelines &
Indoor Shoes
3
-Raptors—Learn to Dribble
Program
-Kiss & Ride
-Best Wishes to Fr. Damian
4
-Bus Safety
-Full Day Kindergarten
-French Immersion
-Prepare the Way of the Lord
5
-St. Joachim Carols
6
-Coats for Kids
-ShareLife Movie Day
-Pizza Day
-Dates to Remember
7
-December and January
Calendar
8
Virtue of the Month: HOPE
This month we celebrate the virtue of
Hope. We believe that God comes to
us as a real human who can show us
the way of life. God has given us this
Advent season year after year in order
to focus our minds and our hearts on
the good all around us.
A Person of Hope:
Keeps up a positive attitude
Sets and sticks to goals
Sees the good in others even when
they make mistakes
Works to include others
Page 2
ADVENT WREATH
Social Justice
at
St. Joachim
School
”Mats 4 Haiti”
Advent traditions reflect a spirit of
expectation and, therefore, unfold
gradually. The custom of an Advent
Wreath began in the 16th century in
Germany and was popularized
among Catholics with the liturgical
movement in the mid 1900’s.
The wreath may be any size, made
of evergreens, and either placed on
a table or suspended from the ceiling. The colour of the candles is not
an essential factor, because the
symbolism is primarily in the flame.
It is popular that 3 of them be purple, the traditional colour of Advent,
and one rose coloured, for the Third
Sun-day of Advent called Gaudete
(“Rejoice”) Sunday.
Wreaths have always been symbolic
of victory and glory. The Advent
Wreath’s symbolism goes beyond
this; lying in the tension between
Darkness and Light. Each year in Advent people wait once again in darkness for the coming of the Lord, his
historical coming in the mystery of
Bethlehem, his final coming at the
end of time, and his special coming in
every moment of Grace.
WOW!
SCHOOL COUNCIL
In two weeks
we collect 1600
milk bags! Way
to go St.
Joachim.
Please continue
to bring in your
clean, dry outer
milk bags.
The next formal meetings of the School Advisory Council will be on:
January 25, February 22, April 25 and May 30. The meetings will be held in
the library from 7:00pm to 8:00 pm. All parents are encouraged to attend.
CHRISTMAS BREAK
The last day for school will be Friday, December 23rd 2011. School
will commence in the New Year on Monday, January 9th, 2012.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
During the weeks of Monday, December 5 to
Wednesday, December 14th, St. Joachim will be
collecting gift certificates ONLY for the needy in our
school and St. Anne’s Church community.
Some suggestions for gift certificates include Food
Basics, Fresh Co., Zellers, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and
Bramalea City Centre. The student Faith Ambassadors will collect the vouchers from the classrooms
every day. Thank you to everyone for your continued generosity toward our Christmas drive!
December 2011
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 3
JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL
On Wednesday, November 23rd, the junior boys volleyball team participated in the Brampton North East Mini Tournament. Scores were very
close with a 3 way tie for 2nd place but not enough to advance to the
finals. The boys showed great determination, sportsmanship and positive attitude. Way to go boys! Thanks to Max M., Geoshaan G.T., Damian L., Arel U.,
Junior B., Oscar E., Matthew W., Eli P., Devante F., Kirk V. and Reginald G. A special
thanks to the coaches Mrs. Mc Caffrey and Mrs. Di Tosto who put their time and effort
in coaching the team. They are really proud of their team!
On Wednesday, November 23rd, the Junior Girls Volleyball Team participated in the
Brampton North East mini tournament. The girls showed great determination, sportsmanship and positive attitude. They represented St. Joachim with pride! The players
are: Patience .A., Angela .A., Mary .T., Emily .O., Stefanie .M., Rosalinda .E., Pioginy,
Jeanell, Oceana .J., and Ana Maria O. A special thank you goes to their coaches Mrs.
Petruccelli and Mrs. Napoli who put their time and effort in coaching the team.
ADVENT MASS
Please note that our Advent mass has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 7th at
1:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to join us for this, or any mass throughout the year.
SNOW STAYS ON THE GROUND
As winter approaches – we remind
students that “Snow Stays on the
Ground”. Every child in the school
has been made aware of the importance of this rule in preventing injury to others. Please assist us by
reviewing with your child, the dangers of throwing snowballs and the
importance of preventing injury to
other children. Together we will create a schoolyard, which is safe for all.
COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES & INDOOR SHOES
Winter’s here and therefore
please ensure your children
are dressed appropriately.
Children who are too sick to
go outside at recess should
be resting at home. We
ask parents to ensure that
children come with mitts/
gloves, winter outerwear,
hats, boots and scarves.
We also recommend that
students bring an extra pair
of socks and mitts and have
a pair of indoor running
shoes. Running shoes are
the minimal safety requirement for the mandated Daily
Physical Activity. It is imperative that all students
have a proper pair of run-
ning 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.
Page 4
RAPTORS—LEARN TO DRIBBLE PROGRAM
On Friday, November 25, 2011, St. Joachim was fortunate to have the Toronto Raptors Basketball Developmental and Educational Program come host their new Learn
to Dribble Program. The presentation focused on the notation of D.R.E.A.M., which
stands for dedication, responsibility, education, attitude, and motivation. Raptors Youth
coaches and special celebrity coach Jerome Williams (Junkyard Dog) explained the
program, and provided a 1-hour clinic to a selected group of students from Grades 3 to
8.
Along side the presentation, students were given an opportunity to tour their “New Raptors Fan Mobile”. The first of its kind in the NBA, this truck and trailer offered students
an exclusive opportunity to view inside the players’ locker room. The MFZ gives fans the
ultimate behind the scenes look that is unlike anything they have seen before allowing
them the opportunity to live like their favourite players and experience what it would be
like to be a member of the Toronto Raptors.
KISS & RIDE
A special thank you to all parents who are
using the Kiss and Ride safely and correctly.
It was established to provide convenience
and safety for students and parents driving to
our school to drop off and pick up their children. We encourage parents of grade one
and grade two students to pick up and drop
off their child at the Kiss and Ride to avoid
having to park. Please call the office if you
want to add your child’s name to the list of
those students who are escorted to the Kiss
and Ride area at the end of the day.
Parents are asked NOT to exit their cars
while in the Kiss and Ride lane. This creates a very dangerous situation in the drive
thru lane. If you need to exit the vehicle in
order to unload your children, please park
on a neighbouring street to do this safely.
A few other safety reminders include:

The inside line (which is the lane closest
to the school) will be the drop off lane
and the outside lane will be the drive
away lane.
 Do not park in the drop off lane, it backs
up traffic for all parents, simply wait for
your child to be escorted to the car
 Do not make a left turn from the Kiss
and Ride. The signage was put up after a recommendation and approval
from Brampton Safe City Council and
City Council.
BEST WISHES TO FATHER DAMIAN
We would like to thank Father Damian for his many years of
service to St. Anne Parish and St. Joachim School communities. God Bless him in his future endeavours.
December 2011
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 5
BUS SAFETY
Ensuring student safety on the bus is an important goal at St. Joachim school.
Even if your child does not take a school bus daily, every child needs to know bus
safety rules for when they take the bus for school field trips, or trips to the church.
Please go over the following safety rules with your children:
 Listen to the bus driver at all times, they are the adult on charge
 Go directly to your seat when you get on the bus and remain seated until the bus
stops at your intersection
 Never eat, drink, fight, horseplay, or swear on the busDo not open or close windows
 Do not vandalize bus seats, or any property on the bus
 Respect private property while you are waiting for the bus
 If someone is misbehaving on the bus, tell the bus driver
 If you get hurt on the bus or you see someone get hurt on the bus, let the bus
driver know right away and inform the school right away
Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2012-13
Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten for
the 2012-13 school year, will take place at
St. Joachim on the following days:
Monday, February 6, 2012*
7:00-9:00 p.m.
*Snow Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday,
February 8, 9 & 10, 2012
9:00-11:00 a.m.
1:00-3:00 p.m.
For more information, call 905-453-4472
or visit www.dpcdsb.org.
FRENCH IMMERSION
A French Immersion meeting will be held for all Senior Kindergarten parents who are
thinking of enrolling their children next year in our French Immersion Program for grade
one.
You are invited to attend an information meeting at St Joachim School on:
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 7:00 pm.
The deadline for submission of applications will be 2:00 pm on February 8th, 2012
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD…
In preparation for the Solemn Feast of Christmas – The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take
place at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, 115 Vodden Street East, Brampton, Ontario on
Sunday December 11th, 2011, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Twelve Priests will be available to hear
confessions in the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Spainish
and Arabic. All are welcome.
Page 6
St. Joachim Carols The entire school community is looking forward to our upcoming
evening on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011. We are expecting
a large number of people to attend a fun evening of caroling, taking a photo with Santa and refreshments.
Caroling – will take place in the Library. Our Grade 8 students
will be performing a special song in the Old Gym
Photo with Santa – Photos with Santa will be available beginning
at 6:30 p.m. in the New Gym. Pictures will be taken with our
school digital camera and by school staff. We anticipate a large
turnout and to help expedite things, we will only be able to take
one picture per family. Each family will receive a 4x6 photo.
Families are asked to donate a canned good to have your
photo taken with Santa. All photos will be distributed to the
students before December 21, 2011.
Poinsettia Pick-up— will take place in the New Gym.
Parking – Where possible please walk to school or car pool—
parking is always limited. The school yard will be open to increase
our parking capacity. Please be careful arriving to school and leaving when parking in the school yard.
Supervision & Safety – All students attending are expected to
have their parents in attendance.
St. Joachim is a wonderful community. We look forward to a great
evening during such a festive and joyful time as we prepare for the
coming of our Lord Jesus. We thank the School Council for
supporting this evening.
December 2011
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 7
COATS FOR KIDS
Our community police officers will be collecting winter coats for those
who are attending school in sub-zero temperatures without a coat.
Gently used coats will be collected by officers, cleaned and distributed
to those who need something warm to wear this winter. If you would
like to contribute, please drop off your donation to the school office.
ShareLife Movie Day—December 16
On December 16th, there will be a movie day. Grades 1-4 will attend in the
morning and grades 5-8 in the afternoon. We are asking for a donation of
$1.00 and the students will receive a peanut-free candy cane to enjoy while
they watch the movie.
PIZZA DAY
Is on Tuesday, December 20th. Money will be collected Wednesday,
December 14th to Monday, December 19th, we are no longer taking
orders the day of as the order needs to be in the day before.
Thank you for the co-operation.
DATES TO REMEMBER
DECEMBER
2Officer Lyon Visit
7–
Advent Mass 1:30 p.m.
St. Joachim Carols
Evening 6:30 –8:00
8–
Officer Lyons visit
12Officer Lyons visit
15a.m. Notre Dame Music
Visit
16 - ShareLife Movie Day
19Pizza $ due
20–
Pizza Day
2210:30 a.m. Hope
Assembly
23– Last day of School
before Christmas
JANUARY
9–
Back to School!
10French Immersion
Info. Meeting 7:00 p.m.
16PA Day—no school
31 - 1:30 p.m. Self Control
Assembly
FEBRUARY
2Evening: Reporting to
Parents
3PA Day—no school
Reporting to Parents
67:00 p.m. Kindergarten
Registration
7Snow date for
Kindergarten
Registration
8, 9, 10– Kindergarten
Registration
9-11a.m., 1-3 p.m.
12 - 2:00 p.m. deadline for
French Immersion
applications
20Family Day—no
school
December 2011
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
Officer Lyon’s
Visit
3
4
Second Sunday of
Advent
5
6
7
Lunch Moms
1:30 Advent Mass
6:30 St. Joachim
Carols
8
Officer Lyon’s
Visit
9
10
11
Third Sunday of
Advent
12
Officer Lyon’s
Visit
13
14
Lunch Moms
15
a.m. Notre Dame
Visit
16
ShareLife Movie
Day
17
18
Fourth Sunday of
Advent
19
Pizza $ due
20
Pizza Day
21
Lunch Moms
22
10:30 a.m. Hope
Assembly
23
Last Day of
School
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Christmas
January 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
Happy New Year!
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Back to School
10
7:00 p.m. French
Immersion Parent
Meeting
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1:30 p.m. SelfControl Assembly