Mary Fix September Newsletter
Learning & Living Through God
Prayer for a New School Year
486 Paisley Blvd. West
Mississauga, Ontario
L5B 2M4
(905)270-3140 Fax:
(905)270-3475
www.dpcdsb.org/
MAFIX
Principal: C. Duke
Eternal and Almighty God, who makes all things new, we thank You that today You have allowed us
to begin a new year.
Here in Your presence we make our resolution for the days to come.
We resolve to be faithful and true to those who love us and loyal to those who are our friends.
So that we may never bring worry to their minds or distress to their hearts.
We resolve to live in forgiveness and in kindness that, like Jesus we may go about always doing good.
We resolve in goodness and purity, that we ourselves may resist temptation, and that we may
strengthen those who are tempted.
Assistant: M. Kivell
Pastor: Fr. Lando
(905)272-1454
Trustee: B. Iannicca
(905)270-0536
We resolve to live in sympathy and gentleness that we may bring comfort to the sorrowing and understanding to those who are confused.
Superintendent:
We resolve to live in serenity and in self control, that no anger or passion may disturb our own peace
now the peace of others.
D. Amaral
God our loving Father, grant us the strength to be faithful people.
(905)890-1221
The Staff of Mary Fix and our blessed community members,
Amen.
Welcome Back!
As the newly appointed Principal to Mary
Fix I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back
to school and hope you all had a wonderful summer. I would
especially like to welcome our new families and first year
kindergarten students to the community as they embark on this
wonderful journey in the hopes of making wonderful memories.
My name is Cathrine Duke and I have had the pleasure of being
a Vice-Principal over the past two years at St. Veronica School
and St. Monica School. Being a former student of the Dufferin
Peel Catholic District School Board I have been fortunate to
continue to live out my faith within our schools. I am so pleased
to be placed at Mary Fix and welcome the opportunity to
working in collaboration with students, staff, families and all
community members. I look forward to a new year filled with
many positive learning experiences together, building
partnerships between home and school and a commitment to
the intellectual, emotional and social growth of all our students.
I look forward to meeting you all at our Open House this fall.
God bless.
- Principal C. Duke
Welcome back to all our wonderful
staff
D. Belisle, J. Buhajczyk, J. Burgess,
K. Cartwright, S. Chornous,
T. Coombes, V. Didio, L. Dinga,
M. Fera R. Franzone-Cadete,
J. Gaudencio, P. Hanson,
M. Kivell, A. Leja, V. Milicevic,
C. Murphy, L. Nucci, K. Patten,
M. Porco, E. Rebagliatti,
G. Senra, G. Sheehan,
M. Tay, J. Telfeyan,
and our newest member S. Severin
And our Student Monitors: Mrs. Maillousx , Mrs.
Brum and Mrs, Nunes
DPCDSB is on Twitter! For the latest
board news and information,
follow us @DPCDSBSchools.
PARENT INFORMATION
School Organization Changes
Each school year start-up often brings some
unexpected changes in terms of enrolment and
staffing. Staffing and class placements are
tentative and based on school enrolment.
All school organizational plans are subject to
review in early September, based on actual
enrolment. If reorganization is necessary and
your child is affected, you will be notified of
these changes on Thursday, September 11th.
Your patience and support are greatly
appreciated during this transitional time.
Student Information
A Verification Sheet will be coming home in
September. Take time to read this form
thoroughly and make any necessary
corrections/additions to ensure all information
is accurate and add your email address to
receive newsletters and other important
information electronically. Should any of your
contact information change, please inform the
office as they may have to contact you in an
emergency situation.
Nut Free Zone
We have some students who have serious lifethreatening allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and
associated products. Exposure to these products
may cause a severe allergic reaction for these
children which could potentially result in death. For
the safety of all of our children, please do not send
items containing peanuts, tree nuts or nut byproducts to the school. This warning includes
products such as Nutella. Further to this, as part of
“Sabrina’s Law”, we are no longer permitted to
allow treats for sharing with other students. Should
you wish to, for special occasions, please send in
non-food items such as stickers and pencils. Thank
you for your consideration and co-operation in
making our classrooms safe for all students.
Student Supervision Times
Please note that teachers are on duty 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the school day. Children dropped at school before 8:45am
are unsupervised and, for this reason, we cannot ensure their
safety during this time. In addition,
students are not allowed in
the school unless they are under direct supervision of a teacher.
Students will not be permitted to wait in the office until the bell
Criminal Reference Check
If you wish to volunteer your services in the
school, transport students and/or assist on trips
you must submit a Criminal Reference Check (CRC). Applications are available in the office and are of NO COST to you. All parents with valid
CRC’s must
year.
complete a Criminal Offence Declaration (COD). every
Important Medical
Information
Please make sure that the
school is aware of any
important medical
information regarding your
child in order that we can be
properly prepared to deal
with an emergency situation.
All medication must kept
in the main office and
paperwork needs to be
completed by both the
parent and prescribing
physician. Written permission must also be provided to
the office for administration
of non-prescription
medications, i.e. Tylenol,
seasonal allergy medicine,
etc. Forms are available in
the office. Students are not
permitted to carry nonprescription medicine in
their backpacks.
Visitors to the School
Front door entry is now
monitored. In addition, to
ensure the safety of all
students and staff, visitors
must sign in and wear a
visitor tag or relevant
identification. Please check in
with the office upon entry.
From:
YMCA Child Care
YMCA is pleased to partner
with Mary Fix School again
this year and we are proud to
offer the before/after school
program for kindergarten and
school-aged children. My
name is Muna Hassan, I am
the new on-site supervisor.
We have spots available so
feel free to drop in and speak
to me or call:
(905)276-9322 x-202
PARENT INFORMATION
Attendance
Use of School Phones
Please call the school if your child is going to be
absent. This is vital to ensure the safety of your
child.
Automated Attendance Line:
(905) 270-3140, extension 1
Please provide your child’s name, grade, teacher
name and the reason for absence.
Fire and Lock Down
Drills
In accordance with Ministry regulations, three
fire drills will be held in
the Fall and three in the
Spring. While we hope
that a real fire situation
never arises, this practice
will help prepare students in the event of a
real fire. Schools are also
required to conduct Lock
Down Drills. These procedures will be reviewed
with students during
this month. Our local
Peel Fire Department
recommends that all
homes have a fire safety
plan. This is something
you can practice at home
with your own family.
Ask them about our
school drill procedures.
Safety First!
Students will only be permitted to use the
school phone in the case of emergencies. An
emergency is considered to be an injury or
illness. Permission must be given to the student
by both their classroom teacher and the office to
us the school phone. Students are not permitted
to use cell phones to make phone calls.
Kiss & Ride
The safety of all our students is imperative. Mornings can sometimes be a rush,
but in all circumstances safety comes
first. We strongly encourage you to walk,
or to take advantage of our Kiss ‘n’ Ride
lane in the morning from 8:45 am to
9:00am. Please drive to the end of the
Kiss n’ Ride and drop off your child,
where they will then walk on the sidewalk
to the yard. Your support is greatly
appreciated.
STOPR
STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region)
can be contacted at: www.stopr.ca
School Website & E-Newsletter
Newsletters, Calendars and other relevant
Information will be posted on the Mary Fix
website at: www.dpcdsb.org/MAFIX
The school must receive permission (renewed
annually) to collect and use personal email
addresses. Email addresses will remain strictly
confidential. Paper copies of all communications
will continue to be available.
Student Insurance
Coverage
As required by the Education Act
and the Ministry of Education,
the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board annually provides
parents with information about
cost-effective student accident
insurance coverage via student
courier. Although enrolment is
voluntary, the board encourages
parents to take advantage of the
inexpensive insurance coverage,
especially if their child/children
participate in sports, excursions/
field trips, or, if the parents do
not have dental insurance
coverage.
Enrolment is required in
writing-there are two options for
enrolment:
1) Complete the traditional form
sent home by the school and
mail it in;
2) Photocopy the form and fax it
to Reliable Life at 1-905-5227211 or 1-800-463-KIDS (5437).
Parents alone have the
right to insure their
children.
ANNOUNCEMEN TS
Trustee Message
School Council News
Dear Mary Fix Community,
School Council would like to welcome back all
students and teachers. We hope everyone enjoyed
a wonderful summer and we wish you all a
successful school year. We have an excellent and
hardworking School Council and encourage you to
consider serving on the School Council for the
2014-15 school year.
I’d like to take this opportunity to
welcome you back for another year of
learning, growth and memorygenerating experiences at Mary Fix. If
you are new to the community,
welcome! This is an outstanding
school and I know your child(ren) will thrive here.
I certainly hope that you had a wonderful holiday. I’d
normally say a wonderful “summer” holiday, but it felt more
like spring and fall weather then it did summer weather!
My hope is that the past two months has given us all an
opportunity to recharge our batteries and get ready for the
challenges of another school year.
In this regard, I look forward to seeing you around the
school and at school functions. In addition, I encourage you
to get involved with the Catholic School Advisory Council at
Mary Fix as this is the forum where school and board
issues regarding your children are discussed.
Again, welcome and I look forward to seeing you.
God Bless.
Bruno Iannicca
Trustee Ward 7
Mississauga DPCDSB
Self-Nomination forms will be available at the office
Sept 15th to 18th.. Deadline for submitting
nomination forms: Thurs, Sept. 18 at 4pm. If
needed, the election for parent/guardian
representatives will take place by secret ballot prior
to the first meeting on September 18th. Eligible
voters must vote in person.
Our first school council meeting will be held on
September 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the library - all
are welcome.
Open House will take place on
Thursday, October 25th from 6:00pm -8:00pm
This year our BBQ will be serving M & M Meats
burgers and hot dogs. If you are interested in
volunteering, please let us know or just join us at
our School Council meeting to sign up.
CATHOLIC RATEPAYERS
Check your Tax Bill to Ensure Proper Tax Support
If you are a Catholic ratepayer, we urge you to check your property tax bill to
ensure that your support is directed to your local Catholic school board, in our
case, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. If you are a tenant,
you can verify your support by contacting our Admissions Department at
(905)890-0708, ext. 24511, 24512, or 24519, or your local municipal office.
By ensuring that you are accurately recorded as a Catholic school supporter,
you can help deliver a powerful message to the government about the level
of support for publically-funded Catholic education in Ontario. To be eligible
to vote for the your local Catholic school board trustee, you must be
registered as a separate school supporter.
MISSISSAUGA SOUTH FAMILY OF SCHOOLS:
“A FAMILY OF FAITH”
MESSAGE FROM DAVID AMARAL, SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
September 2, 2014
Dear Families:
Welcome back to what promises to be another exciting academic year filled with opportunities for learning within the
context of our Catholic Faith! A special welcome to all of our students who may be joining our Mississauga South Family
of Schools, and, in particular, to our Junior Kindergarten students who are beginning their journey in learning in their
Catholic School. I hope that the summer was spent safely and provided many memories for years to come.
You have chosen a Catholic education for your child. I encourage you to continue to advocate for the right to a Catholic
education, for as Pope Francis, our Holy Father, declares, “Catholic educational institutions offer to all an approach to
education that has as its aim the full development of the person, which responds to the right of every person to access
to knowledge. However, they are also called upon to offer, with full respect for the freedom of each person and using
the methods appropriate to the scholastic environment, the Christian belief, that is, to present Jesus Christ as the
meaning of life, the cosmos and history.” Jesus is indeed at the very center of our mission in Catholic education. We will
continue to celebrate the story of Jesus, and of Catholic Education this year within the theme of Catholic Education
Week, “Exploring Paths of Joy”. We continue to walk with Jesus as did the disciples on the way to Emmaus.
The Mississauga South Family of Schools is a very active and vibrant Family of Schools where the love of Christ can be
found in our hallways, our classrooms and in our daily endeavors. The Family consists of 22 elementary schools and 4
secondary schools, all of which are served by extremely dedicated Administrators, teachers and support staff who put
the needs of every child first and truly believe in the potential of each and every child. 8 parishes support our schools’
liturgical plans, working in partnership with teachers and students to provide spiritual nourishment and development of
our students and their teachers. Furthermore, our school communities are privileged to be served by 4 dedicated
trustees: Mario Pascucci (chair of the board, Wards 1 and 3), Sharon Hobin (vice – char of the board, Wards 2 and 8),
Peter Ferreira (Wards 6 and 11) and Bruno Iannicca (Ward 7), each of whom brings with them a wealth of experience
and a relentless passion for Catholic Education and the success of all students.
The education of any child is indeed a co-operative endeavor. As parents, you are requested to be part of your child’s
education. Research has indicated that there is indeed a correlation between parental involvement and student
learning, achievement and well-being. You are encouraged to ask questions about your child’s learning and to work
collaboratively with your child’s teacher and school to ensure that your child is receiving the highest quality Catholic
Education. We look forward to continue working with you, your child’s “first teacher”, as we endeavor to provide a high
quality, Catholic education that supports the spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social, and physical capabilities
of each individual to live fully today and to meet the challenges of the future, thus enriching the community.
I wish you, the families within the Mississauga South Family of Schools, a very successful and productive year full of
wonder and learning and witnessing the love our Lord has for us. Our vocation in providing your child with the highest
quality Catholic Education is a privilege and one we hold very dear; it is indeed a sacred trust.
David Amaral
Superintendent of Education
Mississauga South Family of Schools
FAITH
PASTORAL DATES - 2014/2015
Sacraments Registration at the church
Registration (Parents & Candidates) Enrolment
First Holy Communion:
Monday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. - or Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Confirmation:
Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. - or Monday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Sacraments Celebrations at the church
First Reconciliation - Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. (Mary Fix and Fr. Daniel Zanon)
First Holy Communion - Saturday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Confirmation - Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. (Mary Fix and Fr. Daniel Zanon)
School Mass at school
Opening Mass - Wednesday, September 24th at 9:30 a.m.
Advent Mass - Monday, December 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Feast Saints - Tuesday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m.
End of School Year/Graduation Mass - Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m.
Reconciliations
Wednesday, December 3 at 9:15 a.m. (Grade 3-8)
Wednesday, March 25 at 9:15 a.m. (Grade 3-8)
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m.
FAITH
Virtues Program
This year all schools we will continue
to participate in our VIRTUES
program that will focus on a monthly
virtue. The Virtues Program will help
us to nurture virtue and character
development. We will post the Virtue
winners of each class in our monthly
newsletter. Students will be selected
according to their teacher’s
observation of your child’s
demonstration of a particular virtue.
This month we will focus on the virtue
of Faith. Faith is an attitude, which
encourages us to involve God in our
lives and helps us to develop and
maintain our relationships with God
and with others. Please join us for
our monthly Virtues assemblies.
Look for details in upcoming
Newsletters.
“No Child Without”
The No Child Without program offers a free MedicAlert membership to Mary
Fix students between the
ages of 4 and 14 years of
age. If your child has a
medical condition, allergy,
or is required to take
medication on a regular
basis, consider a MedicAlert membership through
this program.
For further information visit
the No Child Without website at:
www.nochildwithout.ca.
Parish
News
We are truly blessed to
welcome back Fr. Lando
and a devoted parish
team from St. Catherine
of Siena Parish. Please
join us for our school
opening mass on
Wednesday,
September 24th in the
gymnasium at 9:30
am. Be sure
to sign in at
the office.
TERRY FOX RUN
On Friday, September 26th, Mary Fix
School will participate in the National
Terry Fox School Walk/Run Day. On
this day
students will participate in
a local walk/run to commemorate
Terry Fox’s efforts to raise money for
Cancer Research. Students are asked
to donate “ A Toonie for Terry”. Let
us continue to
demonstrate our
generosity of spirit and support those
in need.
Please ensure that you sign and return your child's walking excursion
form in order for them to participate
in this event. A special thanks to Mrs.
Senra who organized this event.
Rain date is Monday, September 29th.
September 2014
Let us now pray for the grace and strength to be people of faith - people who can truly believe that God’s plan for us
includes the right to be safe at school. AMEN
Sun
7
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 Labour Day
2 Welcome Back!
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12 Reorganization
Day
13
International
Languages
Registration
No School for Students
today
14
15 First Communion
Registration Mtg for
Gr 2 Parents, 7:30pm
@ Church
16 Confirmation
Registration Mtg for
Gr 8 Parents, 7:30 pm
@ Church
17
18 6:30 p.m. School
Council Election (if
required)
7 p.m.—School
Council Meeting
24 Opening School
Mass 9:30 a.m.
25 Open House BBQ 26 Terry Fox
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Run/Walk
See alternate dates below
21
22 Confirmation Registration Mtg for Gr 8
Parents, 7:30pm @
Church
28
29 Terry Fox Run/
Walk (raindate)
23 First Communion
Registration Mtg for
Gr 2 Parents, 7:30 pm
@ Church
19
20
27
Please don’t forget to call the Attendance Line to report late or
absent students:
Attendance Line: (905)270-3140 ext. 1