St. Faustina School March 2015 3420 McDowell Drive Mississauga, ON L5M 6R7 Tel. 905-821-2607 Website: www.dpcdsb.org/FAUST Administrator’s Message The month of March is upon us and St. Faustina, as always, continues to be a faith-filled community. In the month of February, we celebrated the virtue of Respect, and in March, we focus on the virtue of Kindness, fostering as a safe, caring, healthy and inclusive school community. We continue our Lenten journey as a community of faith engaging in prayer, fasting and alms giving as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. MARCH Newsletter DUFFERIN-PEEL C.D.S.B. During this Lenten season, we reach out to others in many ways. As we come together as a community, we not only help others but also strengthen our bond and caring for one another. We thank you, in advance for your monetary contributions and also for all your support in the many school activities that will be taking place. We would like to also extend a warm welcome to new staff members Ms. Maccrone, Mrs. Perkovic and Mrs. Fenech. Moreover, the entire community at St. Faustina would like to congratulate Mrs. Odo as she has accepted a position as a Vice Principal. Sadly Mrs. Odo’s last day at St. Faustina is Friday March 11, 2016. We wish her well and God Bless her in her new role! We also take this opportunity to thank, as always, all the parents of our Catholic School Council and all of our parent volunteers who continue to be vibrant members of our community supporting our students in so many different ways. The Valentines Day Dance and the Family Movie Night that were sponsored by the Catholic School Council were a great success. The Big Box of Card Fundraiser was a huge success. We would like to thank the St. Faustina community, the staff, school council volunteers and the grade 8 student volunteers for their tremendous support. Finally, on behalf the staff of St. Faustina, we wish everyone a happy and joyous Lenten and Easter Season. Yours in Catholic Education, A. Milanetti & E. Oliveira A Easter Prayer Inside this Issue: - Catholic Education - Weather Info - D.P.W.Z. - Sports Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. Amen. CATHOLIC EDUCATION For the Catholic Church, education is not just about the transmission of knowledge and the acquiring of skills and tools for success in life. While Catholic education does include formal religious education classes, it is so much more. It includes the open expression and celebration of faith and opportunities for a relationship with God through the entire syllabus of the school. SACRAMENTS First Communion Congratulations to our Grade 2 students who celebrated their Sacrament of Reconciliation on February 25, 2016. Fifth Gathering is on March 6th at 10 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Secondary School First Communion is on May 22nd at 3 p.m. at the parish of Merciful Redeemer Confirmation Confirmation Cross (Grade 7) is on March 5 (any weekend mass) at St. Joan of Arc Secondary School Fourth Gathering is March 28th at 3:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Secondary School. Confirmation is on April 17th at 7 p.m. at the parish of Merciful Redeemer HOLY WEEK Holy Week commemorates the Passion of Christ. This year St. Faustina will be celebrating Holy week from March 21st– 25th, 2016. Please see below for faith events/ excursion that will take place during the week: - Tuesday March 22nd, our grade 8 students will be taking part in a retreat at the Queen of Apostles - Wednesday March 23rd, our grade 7 students will be taking part in a retreat at the Queen of Apostles - Wednesday March 23rd and Thursday March 24th, our grade 8’s will be taking us through the Stations of the Cross. -Friday March 25th, Good Friday—There is no school for our students -Sunday March 27th – Easter -Monday March 28th—Easter Monday—There is no school for our students ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS I CARE! I love God, myself and my family CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK I care about and respect my ‘family’ at school, an Church, in the community, and As you may know, Catholic Education Week will occur on May 1-6, 2016. This years theme is the world “Opening Doors of Mercy. Our students will be involved in a variety of activities highlighting I care about and respect God’s creation Catholic Education. Look for our Catholic Education Week Brochure in the upcoming weeks and everything in it with more information. M A R C H 20 1 6 Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus. Page 2 ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA PARISH WORSHIP SCEDULE 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. ST. FAUSTINA IS AN ALLERGEN AWARE SCHOOL Please be mindful that many students in our school have severe life threatening allergic reactions to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, tree nuts, legumes, eggs, fish and other foods and substances – we ask that you are careful when providing lunches and snacks for your child(ren) and their classes. As in the past, a written communication is sent home to parents of children notifying them of the nature of a life-threatening allergy when it is specific to their child’s classroom. Board policy also dictates that all food taken to school must be consumed indoors (this includes snacks, lunches, etc.). Time will be provided for children to consume their snacks and lunches within their classrooms. Your continued cooperation in support of our efforts to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all is greatly appreciated. M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 3 CROSSING GUARD AND STREET SAFETY REMINDERS Please be mindful of the following rules when crossing and parking on the street: 1. Please obey the traffic rules 2. Park where you are supposed to park your car, do not park it illegally. 3. Cross where you are supposed to cross the street, following Sam’s (our crossing guard) directions. These basic rules will help ensure the safety of our students and all in the community. NEW RULES AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS AND SCHOOL CROSSINGS Starting January 1st, 2016, drivers (including cyclists) must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers and at school crossings where there is a crossing guard displaying a school crossing stop sign. These rules apply at pedestrian crossovers identified with specific signs, road markings and lights – the new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present. Drivers and cyclists must wait until children, school crossing guards and all pedestrians have completely crossed the road! WINTER WARNINGS-DRESSING FOR COLD WEATHER We experience cold weather and with winter here we need to prepare. It is important for students to come prepared to participate in all activities, including outdoor recess. Please ensure that your child(ren) is/are dressed appropriately for colder weather by having hats, scarves, boots and mittens or gloves. Children will go outside for recesses and for 40 minutes during the lunch hour. On extremely cold days, we may limit the amount of time that students spend outside. We obtain our information from Environment Canada Weather Information and we follow Board Guidelines which are: -25OC or colder with wind chill, students are kept inside -20OC to -24OC with wind chill, amount of out-door time will be reduced If it is warmer than -20C with the wind chill, students will be expected to be outside during the entire recess period. Please ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. INCLEMENT WEATHER, SCHOOL CLOSURES and BUS CANCELLATIONS If you During the winter months inclement weather may cause disruption to 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 following radio stations: VIRGIN RADIO FM 99.9 CHUM AM 1050 CFTR AM 680 CFNY FM 102.1 CHFI FM 98.1 CJBC (FR) AM 860 FM Q107 CBC 99.1 CTV CFNY AM 640 CFRB AM 1010 FM Z103.5 CHIN FM 100.7 CITYPULSE CANADA AM CJCL AM 590 EZ ROCK FM 97.3 FM 93.1 CHIN AM 1540 GLOBAL NEWS The message usually takes the following form: “All buses for the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board have been canceled.” This means that buses are cancelled for the entire day. Or, to indicate school closures: “The schools and offices of the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board have been closed.” Should the announcement refer to cancellation only in the COUNTY OF DUFFERIN, this does NOT affect St. Faustina School. M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 4 KISS ‘N’ RIDE PROGRAM Please follow these guidelines when using the Kiss and Ride program at St. Faustina: The Dos: Children are to be dropped off or picked up, using the drop off lane between the hours of 8:45 and 9:00 am and 3:30-3:45 pm. Full day Kindergarten children will be able to be picked up at 3:15 pm to alleviate volume and traffic flow at the end of the day. As cars enter the school driveway, please turn right and proceed in a slow and cautious manner, around the perimeter of our parking lot. The drop off and pick up lane is directly in front of the kindergarten yard. Students are no longer dropped off or picked up in front of the school. This lane is reserved for buses only. Children are to exit the car in a safe and careful manner, with their backpacks ready to avoid a long wait time in the drop off lanethe children will be assisted by a teacher if assistance is required. Children are to exit the vehicle on the right side of the car, onto the landing, for safety purposes. Cars are to exit the driveway in a slow and cautious manner and are encouraged turn right in order to ease the flow of traffic. The Don’ts: Cars are not to enter the Kiss and Ride drop-off lane with any speed-they must proceed in a very slow and cautious manner Cars are not to stop at the entrance of the driveway and let children out-this is a very dangerous and unsafe practice Please do not attempt to move into the drop-off lane from the drive thru lane, unless directed by a teacher. Under no circumstances are cars to access the bus lane or park in the bus lane; if you need to enter the school, please use the parking lot Do not in park in front of the school in the bus lane. Students are to be dropped off at the Kiss n’ Ride ‘n’ COLD AND FLU SEASON As cold and flu season approaches, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board continues to be vigilant in ensuring that our schools are clean and that our school communities are educated regarding good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. These practices are promoted on an ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of colds and flu increases, our board increases the cleaning of contact surfaces, as well as reminds schools to review cold and flu prevention with students and staff. Many resources are utilized from our regional health units. A reminder, as well, that communicable diseases can be contracted in public places throughout the year. For example, cold-related viruses, such as Enterovirus, are transferred from person to person through hand contact. Cold and flu viruses typically peak from December through February, but can start as early as October. Schedules of local Flu Clinics. are available on the Peel Health and WDG websites. For more information, visit the Peel Health website: http://www.peelregion.ca/health Direct links to the above information can be found in the Parent Section of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board website at www.dpcdsb.org STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) STOPR is providing bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The STOPR website address is www.stopr.ca. This website provides access to up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations due to inclement weather. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the following website: businfo.stopr.ca. STOPR Telephone Contact Information: Transportation West: 905 890-0614 M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 5 BRINGING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL—D.P.W.Z. Designated Parent Waiting Zone Portables It is wonderful that so many parents and guardians accompany their children to school. The Designated Parent Waiting Zone (D.P.W.Z.) is located in the gravel area just south of the portables and on the path south of the soccer field. We ask that parents and guardians drop off their children in the school yard area. If parents and guardians would like to wait until the bell rings, please wait in the D.P.W.Z. Your help and support in keeping the children safe is appreciated. SCHOOL LATE POLICY It is very important that students arrive to school on time and ready to work, as late arrivals disrupt instructional activities and classroom routines. We respectfully request that whether students walk or are driven to school, that they are at school before the bell rings at 9 am. Once the bell has rung, students who come in through the front doors must get a late slip form the front office. To assist with monitoring student’s tardiness we will be monitoring the number of times they arrive late. Students should not arrive before 8:45 a.m. since there is no Yard Supervision until that time. We thank you for your continued support. REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES Daily attendance and punctuality are very important. Thank you to all parents who have been calling the school when your child has been absent due to an illness or an appointment. Please continue to report a student absence, to the school at 905-821-2607 and press 1 for attendance. If you are leaving a message, please Speak Clearly, indicate the date, SPELL your child’s name and indicate your child’s teacher, grade and reason for absence. INDOOR/OUTDOOR SHOES In order to keep our students warm and comfortable and to help keep their workplace clean, please ensure that your child has a pair of “indoor shoes.” This will reduce the amount of dirt and mud brought indoors. It will also assist our custodial staff in keeping our school clean. W.I.T.S. St. Faustina School has continued to use the WITS program. This is a program aimed at helping students learn strategies to deal with problem situations appropriately and independently. M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 6 JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM Congratulations to the Junior Boys Basketball Team for a very exciting season. Mr. Boles and Mr. Figliola are very proud of the team. Congratulations to the following team members for their dedication throughout the season: Josh, Luke, Lucas, Jeffery, Francesco, Adam, Justine, Leo, Ethan, Julian H, Julian C and Andre. Good Job Boys! & Thank You Coaches! JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM Congratulations to the junior girls basketball team for an amazing season! The girls were extremely dedicated, they came to practices with enthusiasm, drive and determination. Your coaches are very proud of you! Congratulations to the following team members for an excellent season: Melanie, Sabrina, Arianna, Mya, Eniola, Madeline, Arianna, Denitsa, Avery, Mia, Brianna and Alyssa Thank you to the coaches, Mrs. Anstee & Mrs. Fushino for all their efforts in working with the Junior Girls Basketball team this year! JUNIOR ICE HOCKEY Our intermediate co-ed ice hockey team participated in a Board Tournament on Wednesday, February 24th and Thursday February 25th played with a lot of heart and perseverance. Congratulations to all of the members of the team: Lucas B., Luke K., Francesco N., Julian H, Mason H., Joshua D., Joshua M., Emily G., Ben B., Tristen B., Mia B., Jordyn J., Kyle H., Nathan H., and Jayden R. Thanks to Mr. Daly and Mr. Pendergast for coaching. THE N.H.L. @ ST. FAUSTINA Thank you again to everyone who donated hockey equipment for our Newbie Hockey League. All of the students thoroughly enjoyed the early Friday mornings. The community was thrilled that so many students were able to skate away with a set of new skills and many fond memories. A special shout out to all the players who concluded their season on March the 4th. We are looking forward to next year! Thank you to M. Pendergast for leading the N.H.L. CHESS Congratulations to all students who participated in the three chess selection tournaments for the school teams which occurred on Friday February the 19th & 26th, 2016. Members of the Primary, Junior and Intermediate Chess teams that will be competing at our upcoming Mississauga North Family of school tournament on March 4th, 2016. Team members include: Primary: Matthew, Simon, Jarrod, Evan, Matteo & Damian Junior: Santiago, Gerald, Ethan, Ian, Tristan & Raja Intermediate: Adam, Delano, Devante, Trinity, Vincent & Anthony Congratulations to all our Chess team members and good luck on March 4th. Go Falcons! M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 7 ECOSCHOOL REPORT Monday and Friday: Car-Free/Walk to School and Makeover Mondays All students are encouraged to walk, ride a bike, or skateboard to school. During the winter months, why not buddle up and walk to school; get some exercise, fresh air and interact with your neighbours! Tuesday and Thursday: Litterless Lunch All students are encouraged to pack a lunch with 3 or more reusable containers, including a water bottle (litterless!!). All hallway drinking fountains have water-bottle filler attachments, so students can refill their water bottle easily! Please remind your child that if they don’t finish their lunch, they can re-pack it in their reusable container and take it home to eat it later---avoid uneaten lunches in the garbage and be mindful of those who less fortunate. Wednesday: Recycling Day On Wednesday afternoons, eco-reps check, record, and empty classroom recycling bins along with exciting music played over the PA system! Thursday: Litterless Lunch Friday: Car-Free/Walk to School Why wait until Earth Hour in March? To conserve energy, the staff and students of St. Faustina will be participating in Earth Hour every Friday from 2:00 to 3:00. All hallway lights will be dimmed, classroom lights will be reduced, and blinds will be up for natural classroom lighting! Thank you for your cooperation in helping St. Faustina continue to be an eco-friendly school, GOLD standard! Upcoming Events: The Great Gulp - Wednesday, March 21st Earth Hour - Thursday, March 24th @ 2:00 p.m. & around the World on Saturday March 19th @ 8:30 p.m. Earth Day - Wednesday, April 22nd IDLE-FREE SCHOOL ZONE Our school area is an idle free zone, just like all of the city of Mississauga. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. So , if you drive your children to and from school, please turn off your engine when parked outside the school. Turn Your Key, Be Idle-Free TML FUNDAMENTALS This program is designed to give students the opportunity to try skating. Community Centres operate this program with local schools. The City of Mississauga and partners provide the equipment and instructors. Students in grades 3, 4 & 5 at St. Faustina are looking forward to participating in this program at Erin Mills Twin Arena during March and April. M A R C H 20 1 6 Page 8 St. Faustina School CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL Principal The St. Faustina Catholic School Council is comprised of parents, school faculty members (teaching and non-teaching) and an appointed parish community representative. Vice Principal All our invited to our next Catholic School Council (CSC) meeting on Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. A. Milanetti E. Oliveira Head Secretary C. Walters Assistant Secretary ARE YOU MOVING? P. DeSousa Head Custodian S. Rochon School Council Chair J. Van der Zee-Poelking Dufferin-Peel CDSB As planning has begun with respect to formulating classes and general school organization for the 2016-2017 school year, please inform the office as soon as possible if you are planning to move between now and September 2016. Also, if you have already moved and not informed the office of your new address, please do so immediately as our school records must be accurate at all times. Personnel Director of Education M. Mazzorato 905-890-1221 Associate Director John Hrajnik 905-890-1221 Associate Director S. McWatters 905-890-1221 Superintendent T. Cruz 905-890-1221 Trustee E. O’Toole 905-812-5163 ST. FAUSTINA IS ON TWITTER Follow us @StFaustDPCDSB For the latest board news and information, follow DPCDSB @DPCDSBSchools MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS This year St. Faustina is participating in the ‘Adopt a School’ program in partnership with the Mississauga Steelheads hockey team. Fill out and return the ballot below to be entered into a draw to win tickets. Students are reminded to only select games that they know they are able to attend. We will offer tickets for the following games: Parish St. Josephine Bakhita Parish Temporarily located at St. Joan of Arc Secondary School 3801 Thomas St. Parish Office: 289-997-2105 1. Choose a Game or Games Wednesday, March 16 @ 7:00 p.m. vs. Oshawa Generals Pastoral Team Fr. Mark Villanueva Friday, March 18 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Peterborough Petes Sunday, March 20 @ 2:00 p.m. vs. Niagara Icedogs 2. Fill in your name ____________________________________ 3. Who is your teacher: _________________________________ Return this ballot to the office for your chance to win! MARCH2016 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 2 3 Pizza Day FRIDAY 4 SAT/SUN 5/6 Lunch Pails Mississauga North Chess Tournament @ Our Lady of Mount Carmel 7 8 9 10 Pizza Day 11 12/13 Lunch Pails 14 15 16 17 18 March Break March Break March Break March Break March Break No School for Students No School for Students No School for Students No School for Students No School for Students 21 22 23 24 25 26/27 The Great Gulp Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week Holy Saturday Grade 8’s @ Retreat to Queen of Apostles Pizza Day Holy Week (Holy Thursday) Stations of the Cross Grade 7’s @ Retreat to Queen of Apostles 28 29 30 Happy Easter Easter Monday Pizza Day No School Stations of the Cross 19/20 -Good Friday (No School) Earth Hour 31 /