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:
J. Sequeira
Secretary:
Y. McCutcheon
Superintendent:
M. Vecchiarino
Trustee:
A. Da Silva
Pastor:
Fr. James Cherickal
Associate Pastor:
Fr. Paul Magyar
“Through A
Celebration Of Our
Faith All Who
Enter Our School
May Grow Together As A
Christian
Community”
January 2013
Volume 2 Issue 6
PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Loving God, thank you for the gift of a new year.
May it be a time to grow in Faith and love
And a time to cherish family and friends.
Walk with us each day
and grant a happy year to all the world.
May the light of Christ shine through us for others now and
forever.
Amen.
St. Joachim Clothing Swap
Thursday February 7th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
and
th
Friday February 8 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This is an opportunity for parents to browse and pick up
any items of clothing that they may need.
You do not need to bring anything to participate.
If you would like to contribute to the clothing swap please
bring clean, gently used items (coats, boots, pants, tops
etc.) on February 7th to the Old Gym. If you are sending
them via child –
please send in a bag clearly marked clothing swap.
Professional Activity Day –PD Day
Please note that Monday January 21st, 2013 is a
Professional Activity Day. There will be no classes.
Inside this issue:
-From the Library
-Cold Weather Guidelines
-Medications
-Christmas Gift Cards and
Donations to Breakfast Club
-Health Alert– Anaphylaxis
Policy Reminder
2
-Catholic Community Culture
and Caring School Climate
Survey
-Students Arriving Late
-Parking Lot
3
-Kindergarten Registration
-Kindergarten Entry Planning
Information Session for
Parents with Children of
Special Needs
-Peacemakers
4
-French Immersion
-Recess Rules
-Bus Cancellations/School
Closings
-School Council
5
-Math @ Home
-Extended French Information Meeting
6
-St. James Catholic Global
Learning Centre K-6
-Snow and Ice
7
-Dropping Off Your Child
-Use of School Phones
-Peel Public Health Session
for K-1 Parents
-Dates to Remember
8
Virtue of the Month: SELF CONTROL
This month we celebrate the virtue of
self-control.
Let us pray for the virtue of selfcontrol so that we will resist the temptation to cause harm to ourselves or
to others around us.
A Person of Self-Control:
 Is patient
 Knows how to wait his/her turn
 Knows how to avoid physical aggression
 Can calm him/herself down before reacting
to situations
 Can think things through and do what is
best for everyone
Page 2
January 2013
COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES
FROM THE
LIBRARY

Scholastic Book Fair
will be held in the Library on February 7 &
8. Families are welcome during Parent
Interview Evening and
PA Day.

Forest of Reading Book
Club for interested students from Gr. 4 - 6
beginning end of January.

Coming in Spring: Author Visit & Date to be
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 and shirt) that can be left at school or in
their backpack as it is often 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. It is also 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(ren) have a proper pair of running shoes left
at school or in their school bag on a daily basis.
MEDICATIONS
Parents are reminded in order for students to have access to medicine on a daily
basis or for us to store medication in the school there MUST be a consent form filled
out by a doctor. This includes students who need to temporarily take medication
for an illness (e.g. antibiotics). You may obtain the appropriate board required forms
from the school office or school website as you will need to take them with you to the
doctor to be signed. All medication is stored and distributed through the office. If
your child has a medical condition requiring specialized supervision, please notify
the school office.
CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS AND DONATIONS TO BREAKFAST CLUB
Thank you to our families and staff for participating in our Christmas drive to support needy families in our
school and St. Anne Parish community. Through your generosity and kindness, St. Joachim School supported many families with food and gifts. Your participation is deeply appreciated. We would also like to
thank families that donated money to our Breakfast Program in lieu of gifts. It is much appreciated!
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me.”
Matthew 25:35
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. We look forward to your understanding and
co-operation in making our school safe for all students.
January 2013
Volume 2 Issue 6
Page 3
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s Catholic School Climate Survey
“Love one another as I have loved you”
John 15:12
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
The Ontario Ministry of Education directive on Safe Schools, Positive School Climate and its Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy require that all schools across the province implement a School Climate Survey for students every
two years. Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board finds its direction and educational mission in the teachings of
Christ as revealed through Scripture, Church Tradition, and Church Teaching. The board and its school communities
are comprised of a faith-centred Eucharistic people who strive to form communities of learning that are Christcentred, inclusive and reflective of a culture that respects and cherishes life for all. As a Catholic school board, Dufferin-Peel has applied its distinctive Catholic lens to the Ministry of Education’s pillar: Community, Culture and Caring. A key component of this pillar in our board is the Catholic Community, Culture and Caring School Climate Survey.
Beginning in mid-January 2013, and in support of the board’s Safe, Caring, Inclusive and Healthy School Communities’
initiative, Dufferin-Peel will be administering its Catholic Community Culture and Caring School Climate Survey to
students, as appropriate, in Grades 3 to 12. The data from this survey will allow our school to understand the school
climate from the students’ perspectives.
The survey will be confidential and anonymous in nature, and will take approximately 20 minutes. The survey contains
questions about students’ general information (i.e., school name, grade, gender, years at the school), general safety
and inclusion (i.e., feeling safe, concerns, feeling welcome and included, etc.), general school climate (i.e., friendly, accessible, inclusive, etc.) and will provide opportunities to identify bullying concerns and/or pro-active supports in bullying prevention.
In addition to the student survey, parents/guardians are also invited to participate in an on-line survey. The parent/
guardian survey is intended to allow parents/guardians to share their child’s/children’s school climate experience at
school. There are two versions of the survey: one for parents/ guardians of students in elementary school
(Kindergarten to Grade 8) and one for parents/guardians of students in secondary school (Grades 9-12).
The parent/guardian surveys will be posted on the board’s website at www.dpcdsb.org between January 22 and February 28, 2013. The survey links are:
Elementary: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCCCSurveyK8
Secondary: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCCCSurvey9to12)
The surveys may provide opportunities for conversation with your son(s)/daughter(s) regarding inclusivity and wellbeing at school. Please contact the school if you have any additional questions, concerns, or comments.
Thank you for your support of improved student achievement and well-being.
Sincerely,
A. Alonzi-Peever
STUDENTS ARRIVING LATE AT SCHOOL
We have had an increase in the number of students who arrive late to school in the mornings and after lunch. Especially
as more wintry weather approaches, it is very important that
students arrive to school on time and ready to work, as late
arrivals disrupt instructional activities and classroom routines.
School starts at 9:00am and at 1:00pm. Students should be
at school with enough time to line up with their classes.
Please note that if they do not arrive on time to make it to
their line as the bell rings, they need to enter through the front
doors to pick up an admit slip before going to class.
PARKING LOT
Community members are reminded that parking on school
property over night is not permitted. During the winter, snow
removal equipment cannot
properly navigate around cars.
Vehicles that remain on the
property overnight will be towed
at the owner’s expense. Thank
you for your cooperation.
Page 4
January 2013
Junior, Senior and Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2013-2014
Kindergarten registration for the 2013-14 school year will take place
at all Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville on the following days:
Monday, January 28, 2013
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, February 1, 2013
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
* Snow Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Full-Day Kindergarten – Children must be 4 or 5 years old by Dec. 31, 2013
For more information, visit: http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Schools/
Kindergarten+Registration.htm.
Dufferin-Peel hosts Kindergarten entry planning information session for parents
of children with special needs
On Thursday, January 17, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s Special Education
and Support Services Department will host a Kindergarten entry planning information session.
This meeting is for parents and guardians of children with special needs which affect their
learning, such as vision, hearing, physical, developmental or autism, who are entering Kindergarten in September 2013. The meeting will be held at the Catholic Education Centre from
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For more information about this session, call 905-890-0708 ext. 24011.
WHAT:
Kindergarten Entry Planning for Children with Special Needs Parent Information Session
WHEN:
Thursday, January 17, 2013
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Catholic Education Centre – Room 301 (Third Floor)
40 Matheson Boulevard West, Mississauga (Hurontario & Matheson)
PEACEMAKERS
Again this year, we will be starting the peacemakers initiative. Students in grades 5 and 6 will
be helping as peacemaking leaders to assist grades 1 to 3 students to solve conflicts that occur during recess times. Our peacemakers will be receiving training soon. Peacemakers will
be easily identifiable by their yellow pinnies, so students can approach them with their issues.
As always, teachers are outside on duty to also monitor and aide in this process.
A peacemaker is someone who:
Cares and accepts others
Is patient
Helps and affirms others
Is creative and comes up with solutions to problems
Is flexible and can see more than one side of a problem
Tries their best to work out conflicts peacefully
Believes everyone deserves to have their side of the story heard.
January 2013
Volume 2 Issue 6
Page 5
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 Wednesday January 16 th, 2013
at 7:00 pm.
For more information go to http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Programs/French+Immersion/
The deadline for submission of applications will be 2:00 pm on Wednesday February 6th, 2013
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.
BUS CANCELLATIONS/SCHOOLCLOSINGS (WEATHER)
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 the following radio and television stations:
VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9
CHUM AM1050
CFTR AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640
CJCL AM590
CHFI FM98.1
CFRB AM1010
EZ ROCK FM97.3
CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5
FM93.1
FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540
CBC99.1
CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS
CTV
Please listen for one of the following announcements (Please note that the highlighted text only will be
communicated by the radio stations)– which would affect our school:
“THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES ARE CANCELLED.” This means that:
ALL Transportation services provided by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and The
Peel District School Board, including buses, vans and taxis have been cancelled for the entire
day.
“THE SCHOOLS AND OFFICES OF BOTH THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ARE CLOSED.” This means
that:
ALL Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board ad Peel District School Board schools and
offices are closed to all students and staff.
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.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The next meetings of the School Advisory Council will be on January 24, February 21, March 7, April 18,
May 16 and June 13 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Page 6
January 2013
Extended French Information Meetings
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold a series of public information meetings in
Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville for parents and guardians interested in enrolling
their children in the board’s Extended French Program for the 2013-2014 school year. The information
sessions are intended to provide parents and guardians with an overview of the Extended French Program, the criteria for admittance, and changes that can be expected from the regular program.
Tuesday January 15, 2013 7:00 p.m.
St. Anne 124 Vodden Street, Brampton
905-459-7621
January 2013
Volume 2 Issue 6
Page 7
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.
January 2013
Volume 2 Issue 6
Page 8
DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD
Parents please remember that the front driveway entrance by the office is NOT to be
used to drop off or pick up students. Students are not to be entering the school by the
front door. Please use the Kiss and Ride dedicated spot at the side of the school. Students are not to enter the front doors of the school unless they are being dropped off late.
Please do not park your car in the bus lane at the front of the school at anytime.
Thank you for following these steps to ensure the safety and supervision of all our students.
Use of School Phones
Students will only be permitted to use the school phone in cases of emergency. An emergency is
considered to be an illness or injury. Calling home because you’ve forgotten gym clothes, homework, or wanting to go to a friend’s house are not considered emergencies. Students are not to be
texting or calling parents from their cell phones at school. Phone calls home are only made through
the office. We thank you for your cooperation with this policy in advance.
PEEL PUBLIC HEALTH SESSION FOR KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1
This session will offer helpful tips to assist your child with a smooth transition from to
school and ensure they are well prepared for learning. Peel Public Health will assist you
with some helpful suggestions to get your child(ren) on track! More information will come
home with your child(ren).
Wednesday, January 23rd and Wednesday February 27 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
DATES TO REMEMBER
January
16- Martin Luther King Day, 12 p.m. Environment Club-Green Wall Workshop, 7 p.m. FI
Information Meeting
17-7 p.m. Family of School Council Meeting
21-PA Day Term 1 Assessment – No School
23- a.m. Notre Dame visits Grade 8s (Course
selection), 6:30 p.m. Peel Public Health Session
for K-1 Parents
24- 7 p.m. School Council Meeting
28- 7:00 p.m. JK/SK Registration
29- 7:00 p.m. JK/SK Registration (snowdate)
30-Feb. 1 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. JK/SK Registration
February
5-Reports go home, Meng & HPV 2nd dose
6-2:00 p.m. deadline for FI Applications
7-Reporting evening, p.m. Scholastic Book Fair
& Clothing Swap
8-PA Day Reporting to Parents, a.m. Scholastic Book Fair & Clothing Swap,
13-Ash Wednesday
15-Int. Bball Minis @ St. Anthony (girls a.m.,
boys p.m.)
18-Family Day – No School
19- Int. Bball Mini (snow date)
21- Reconciliation Grades 3-8 @ School , 7
p.m. School Council Meeting
22-Int. Bball Family Finals @ St. Anthony (girls
a.m., boys p.m.)
25-Int. Bball Family Finals (snow date)
26-12:00 p.m.Int. Boys Bball Boards @ St.
Roch
27-1:40 p.m. Virtues assembly, 6:30 p.m. Peel
Public Health Session for K-1 Parents
28- 12:00 p.m. Int. Girls Bball Boards @ d’Youville