H
St. Hilary Catholic
Elementary School
October 2014—Issue 2
5070 Fairwind
Mississauga, ON
L5R 2N4
Office: 905-568-0056
Fax: 905-568-8236
www.dpcdsb.org/hilry
Principal
T. Loftus
~
Secretary
C. DeRoia
~
Superintendent
L. Papaloni
~
Trustee
Thomas Thomas
~
Parish Priest:
Msgr. E. Pan
Associate Pastors:
Fr. J. Roldan
Fr. S. Savarimuthu
~
St. Hilary Prayer
Almighty God, Father, I know that I owe you this: to serve you always with my
thoughts and words. Your gift of speech to me has no greater purpose than to be a
servant proclaiming you, revealing to a world that does not know that you are the
Father of the Only Begotten Son.
Saint Hilary (300-368) Bishop and Doctor
Understanding Key Issues in Catholic Education
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.
Virtue of the Month:
Empathy
Stay Connected
Join the Dufferin-Peel ECommunity
www.dpcdsb.org
Follow DPCDSB on Twitter: @DPCDSBSchools
For the latest board news
and information.
During this month of October, we will be focusing
on the virtue of Empathy.
There are days in our lives that we may see others
come to school sad, afraid, frustrated, or even
angry. To live the virtue of empathy is to walk in
another’s shoes, truly striving to understand their
situation and seeking ways to help them.
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of
these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:39
Thanksgiving Prayer
O Gracious God, we give
You thanks for Your
overflowing generosity to us.
Thank You for the blessings
of the food we eat and
especially for this feast today.
Thank You for our home,
family and friends, especially
for the presence of those
gathered here.
Thank You for our health,
our work and our play.
Please send help to those who
are hungry, alone, sick and
suffering war and violence.
Open our hearts to Your love.
We ask your blessing through
Christ, Your son.
Amen
Page 2
St. Hilary Catholic Elementary School
Opening School Mass
Father Joshua Roldan celebrated our opening school Mass on September
22nd. It was a wonderful celebration reminding us of our many blessings. A
special thank you to Mrs. Orr and Mrs. Ribeiro’s classes for organizing the
Mass. Thank you to Mrs. Yamaguchi, Mrs. Stefaniuk and the choir for sharing your musical talents. We also greatly appreciate the many families who
took the time to join us on this special occasion.
October 13, 2014
Happy
Thanksgiving!
Schools are closed
Sacramental Preparation Events and Key Dates
First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation:
Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m.: Parents’ Meeting at Church (Mandatory)
Nov. 2 at 9:00 a.m.: Inscription Mass
Jan. 18 and Feb. 1 at Noon.: Preparation Masses
Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m.: First Reconciliation
April 18 at 10:00 a.m.: First Holy Communion Mass
Confirmation:
Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m.: Parents’ Meeting at Church (Mandatory)
Nov. 23 at 9:00 a.m.: Inscription Mass
Jan. 29at 7:00 p.m.: Preparation Mass
Feb. 19: Confirmation Retreat at Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre
April 16 at 7:00 p.m.: Confirmation Mass
Remembrance Day
Liturgy
November 11, 2014
11:00 a.m.
St. Hilary School
Please join us.
The Rosary Apostolate
We are proud to announce that The Rosary
Apostolate will be returning to St. Hilary School
this year. Each class will be visited once a month
by a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish’s Rosary
Apostolate group. They will be in the classroom
working
alongside the teachers to deliver the
messages about the Rosary.
receive their very own rosary.
Each student will
Page 3
World Teachers’ Day
Sunday, October 5th was United Nations World Teachers’ Day and throughout DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board we recognized the many contributions of our teachers .
We would like to recognize and celebrate teachers, especially those at St. Hilary School, for
their commitment and dedication to Catholic education. Most of us can point to a teacher
who has influenced us positively in some way. Take a moment to reflect on the teachers
you have today, or have had in the past. If there is someone who has had a major influence on you in the
past, has made learning fun and interesting, or has helped you to achieve success in some way, take a
moment to thank that person if you can. Or simply thank one of your current teachers by telling them you
appreciate them. To our outstanding team of teachers, we thank you for the work you do. You are the
reason we have such an exciting, vibrant school and that our students continue to excel. You truly matter!
Curriculum Night/ BBQ
Thank you to the parents and guardians who attended our Curriculum Night. It was a wonderful opportunity
to foster the home-school connection. Many thanks, also, to the Catholic School Council for providing
apples for everyone and for organizing the BBQ provided by Harvey's.
A special thank you to the Janicki family (idrinkcoffee.com) for their generous donation of delicious coffee
that evening!
Book Fair
A huge thank you is extended to everyone who supported the recent Scholastic Book Fair. We
would also like to thank our volunteers for their time, as the book fair cannot run without volunteers! They helped our students find their “just right” books and merchandise. Our library profited by adding over $400 worth of new books for the students to borrow. Again, thank you for your continued
support. Special thanks to Mrs. Stefaniuk for organizing and overseeing the event!
Catholic School Council
On Monday, October 6th, we held our Catholic School Council election for this year. The executive members for
2014-2015 are:
Co-chairs: M. Da Costa and S. Sukhu
Parish Rep.: M. DaCosta
Treasurer: J. Hart
Secretary: S. Olenroot Pinto
Volunteer Coordinator: A. Guerra
Co-Fundraising Coordinators: E. Ladislao and S. Olenroot Pinto
OAPCE Rep: D. Groppo
Teacher Reps: B. Tremblay, C. Stefaniuk
We look forward to working with our Catholic School Council this year. All are welcome.
Future meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 3, Dec.8, Jan. 26, April 13 and June 1.
St. Hilary Catholic Elementary School
Page 4
St. Hilary Walks for Terry!
On Friday, September 26th, the staff and students of St. Hilary
School participated in a walk to commemorate the 33rd
anniversary of Terry Fox’s inspirational Marathon of Hope.
We thank all families for your generous contributions of $1435.00.
These donations have been forwarded to The Terry Fox Foundation to further the cause of cancer research.
Chocolate Fundraiser
The Catholic School Council’s major fundraiser will involve the sale of World’s Finest Chocolates. Chocolates
were sent home on October 7th. The campaign will run until Friday,
October 24th. Your continued support is greatly appreciated to help
raise funds for programs and resources for our students.
Pizza Days: Every Wednesday
Pizzas must be pre-ordered with the forms provided, and, returned to the school on the due date. Many thanks to the
parent volunteers who organize these events. Please contact the school
if you are able to assist on those days.
Homework Tip:
Designate a quite
working space.
Distractions and
Battery Collection
Pop Can Tabs
Please collect and send in your
used batteries to the school.
Batteries will be brought to a
recycling center for
appropriate disposal.
Please continue to send in your
pop can tabs. The Royal
Canadian Legion uses the tabs
towards the purchase of
wheelchairs for those in need.
homework do not mix.
Provide a space for your
child to do homework in
an area that is free from
distractions such as the
television, computer,
games, friends, pets,
and telephones.
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home on Tuesday, November 11th.
Interview evening will be Thursday, November 13th. Teachers will be
contacting parents only if there is a need for an interview.
Page 5
DROPPING AND PICKING UP STUDENTS IN FRONT DRIVEWAY
The number of incidents
related to traffic circulation at
the front of the school and in
the Kiss and Ride area during
morning arrival and afternoon
dismissal has risen. These
incidents include vehicles
parking and pulling out of no
parking zones and parking in
bus lanes, to name a few.
Parents are reminded not to
leave their cars parked in the
lanes in the front driveway.
Our driveway is a fire route
and parking is illegal. If you
need to park and get out of
your car when dropping off or
picking up your child, please
park in the parking spots at the
front of the school, or, on the
street as permitted. Please also
refrain from blocking the bus
lane so that the school bus is
able to enter and exit the
driveway safely and on
schedule.
It is imperative that
parents and guardians who
drive their children to school
adhere to the traffic circulation
plan and
comply with the
traffic and parking signage on
the site. It is equally imperative
that all
drivers follow the
direction of staff managing the
traffic circulation on the school
site. Thank you for your
consideration and co-operation
with this important matter.
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST PROVIDE THE SCHOOL WITH A VALID
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECK BEFORE THEY CAN ATTEND ANY
SCHOOL TRIPS, VOLUNTEER TO WORK WITH STUDENTS AT THE
SCHOOL, OR PARTICIPATE ON CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL.
PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR FORMS.
Cross Country
On October 24, 2014 St. Hilary’s
Cross Country Team will participate in a very
challenging race at Terry Fox Stadium. Our
athletes are currently training for the big day.
Stay tuned for results in our next newsletter .
Thank you to Coaches Mme. Fantin, Mrs.
Slabikowski, Mrs. Paniconi and Mr. Bury, for
your time and efforts in preparing the team!
Run Hawks Run!
Hands-Off Policy
In order to ensure the comfort and safety of all, we
expect students to adhere to the “Hands-off Policy” at
the school. “Play fighting” is also not permitted. Every
student has been made aware of the importance of
these rules.
Please assist us by reviewing these expectations with
your child. This will help to make our school
environment a safe and positive place for all of our
students.
Page 6
St. Hilary Catholic Elementary School
Pediculosis
Although not a communicable
disease, pediculosis (head lice) is a
concern to parents and teachers.
Each year it is common for
outbreaks of pediculosis to occur.
Head lice are parasites and are not
connected in any way to dirt or
neglect. Anyone can be infested
with them. In order to control these
pests, we shall follow the
procedures outlined below. We
request your full co-operation.
proper treatment. This
information can also be obtained
from a pharmacist or Peel Health
Department.
If a case is found in the school, we
will inform all parents of the
students in that class with a special
letter. We then request that you
check your own child’s head. If you
find them to also be infested, we
would ask that you contact us so
that we may advise you of the
If your child does become
infested with head lice, we will
ask you to keep them out of
school until after they have been
treated with the correct shampoo
and their hair is entirely clear of
both lice and nits (eggs).
Even if cases are not reported
from the school, it is a wise
precaution to check your child’s
head periodically.
Encourage
your children not to put on other
people’s hats or scarves. Inform
them not to use other people’s
combs or hairbrushes.
When a child returns
to school, he /she
must report directly to
the office and be
checked by the principal or
designate before proceeding to the
classroom or the yard. No one is to
be re-admitted to class without
being checked. If we all follow
these procedures, we may not
entirely escape outbreaks, however,
we may prevent some cases, and,
bring others under control quickly.
Thank you for your cooperation in
this matter.
Halloween
It is that time of the year already
when our children will want to visit
their neighbours for trick or
treating. In school, we will remind
them about the safety rules so that
they can both enjoy the evening and
stay safe. In addition, we will also
be stressing the fact that the most
important aspect of our activities at
this time of year is the celebration of
two great Feast Days. On November 1st, we honour all the Saints of
our Church and we are encouraged
to pray that we might all emulate
their example in our daily lives.
We will remember all those who
have gone before us in faith by
celebrating the Feast of All Souls
on November 2nd. Again, we are
reminded that while those who
have died are out of sight, they are
not out of mind or beyond our
prayers. Thus, just as we pray for
each other in life, it is consoling
and a fact of faith that we can be
one with them in prayer after
death. Throughout our school
activities then, we will focus on
these essential aspects of the two
great Feasts. Catholic
School
Council will be hosting the annual
Halloween-Dance-a-thon for all
grades and the fun of dressing up
on October 31st. Masks, weapons
and long costumes that drag on the
ground are not permitted for safety
reasons. In this way we can be sure
to enjoy the day and promote the
safety of all students.
Welcome to New Staff
Please join us in welcoming the following new staff to St. Hilary School:
L. Bartnik: Gr. 4 Classroom Teacher
A. Falco: DECE
L. Consiglio: ERW
D. Pacheco: DECE
B. Tocarz: ERW
M. Bury: CYW
Page 7
Schools Front Door Monitor System
All visitors, including parents/
guardians must sign into the office and wear a Visitor’s badge. Access during lunch time
may be delayed depending on the availability of staff who are required to monitor the
new system.
In this regard, parents/guardians are encouraged to:

Arrive at school on time to allow children to enter with their classmates and to avoid lates/disruptions.

Send lunch with your child in the morning to limit traffic through the front door at lunch time.

We respectfully request that you limit your visits to the school during the daytime as much as possible in
order to protect the instructional time and reduce interruptions.
Fire Drills
We will be having fire drills for students to practice exiting the school building at the
sound of the fire alarm. This is also a good reminder to parents to practice home fire
escape and to check smoke alarms in your homes.
Hold & Secure and Lockdown Procedures
There may be situations where the school, under the direction of the Peel Regional
Police, may need to have a “hold & secure” or a “lockdown”. The School Board has
mandated that lockdown procedures be added to the school’s safety routines. The
lockdown procedures attempt to secure students in their own classrooms in the event
that there is a high risk incident about to unfold in the school or in dealing with the
presence of an individual in possession of a dangerous article on school property.
Student
Supervision Times
P.A.L.S Program
The P.A.L.S. Program, (Playground Activity Leaders in the
School) encourages all children to participate in activities regardless of their gender,
size or ability. P.A.L.S. is a peer-led program in which Grade 6 students are trained
to plan and lead fun and safe activities on the playground at recess. The objectives of
the
program are to:
 Increase physical activity
 Decrease conflicts and reduce the incidence of playground bullying
 Provide a leadership opportunity for students
Please encourage your children in grades 1- 4 to take advantage of these activities on
the playground at recess. The P.A.L.S. leaders wear pinnies to help identify them.
Thank you to Mrs. Dias, Mrs. Paniconi, Mr. Bury (CYW) and Stephanie Grayson
(Peel Public Health Nurse) for supporting the program.
Please note that
teachers are on
supervision duty 15
minutes before the
start of the school
day. For safety
reasons, we ask
that your child does
not arrive at the
school prior to 8:45
a.m.
Page 8
Important Dates
October 6
Catholic School Council Elections 6:30 p.m.
October 8
Walk to School Day
October 9
First Holy Communion Parents’ Meeting
7:00 p.m. at Church
October 13
Happy Thanksgiving. Schools are closed.
October 17
Rosary Apostolate
October 24
Fundraising Chocolate and Money Due Back at
School
October 27
Elections Polling Stations at St. Hilary School
October 29
Picture Re-takes 9:00 a.m.
October 31
Council -Sponsored Spook-a-thon Dance
November 1
All Saints’ Day
November 2
First Holy Communion Inscription Mass
9:00 a.m. at Church
November 4
Confirmation Parents’ Meeting
7:00 p.m. at Church
November 11
Progress Reports Sent Home
November 11
Remembrance Day Liturgy 11:00 a.m. at School.
All are welcome to attend.
November 13
Parent-Teacher Interviews (As needed)
November 14
P.A. Day. No school for students.
November 23
Confirmation Inscription Mass
9:00 a.m. at Church