St. Bernadette School
DUFFERIN-PEEL CDSB
1060 White Clover Way,
Mississauga, Ontario : L5V 1G7
TEL: 905 501 9498 FAX: 905 501 9501
"Faith, Discipline, Excellence"
N O V E M B E R ,
2 0 1 3
Principal:
Virtue of the month
conscience
M.J. Vowles
Secretary:
M. Trigiani
Superintendent:
D. Amaral
905 890 1221
Trustee:
Peter Ferreira
905-890-1221
416-805-7110
peter.ferreira@dpcdsb.org
St. Martins of Tours Church
Fr. J. Pottackal
REMEMBRANCE AND PEACE
Lord Jesus Christ, Those whom we remember this
month are examples of your words “greater love
than this no one has than to lay down one’s life for a
friend.”
This month we remember all those who lived and
died for us: their energy and their effort to defend
our freedom for our loved ones and for our country.
Teach us to appreciate the value of patriotism…. A
true and Christian love of country.
Let us grow in a love for our country that consists
not of following blindly, but of working together to
make it the land of goodness that it should be.
++++++++++++
God helps us to choose to be good people. Conscience is the voice of God within us. Our conscience reminds us how to
act towards other people and how to be
good to others. Sometimes it is hard for
us to do the right thing, but we must always remember that the right thing to do
is not always the easy thing to do. At
home, please reinforce that a person of
conscience:




Chooses to do the right thing, even
when it is hard
Takes time to think and pray before
making decisions
Knows that actions and decisions
affect all those around us
Thinks of others before themselves.
905 279 5742
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
C.S.C. Co-Chairs:
P. Gaspari
J. DeCosta
School Hours
8:30 - School Entry
10:30- Recess
11:00-Kindergartden Dismissal
11:30 - Lunch
12:30 -Afternoon Start
1:55-Recess
3:00 Dismissal
Follow us on Twitter
@DPCDSBSchools for the latest news and information about the board, schools,
programs and services.
We’re on the Web!
http://www.dpcdsb.org/
BERNA
November is the month we set aside as Christians to remember those who have joined God in
Heaven. On November 1st we celebrate all Saints Day and November 2nd we celebrate All Souls
Day. On November 11th with the rest of the country we celebrate Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who died that we might be free. We have a “Book of Life” we have placed by the altar
in the front foyer. I encourage you and your family to spend some time in prayer and create a
page to add to our book to commemorate your loved ones. Classes will be coming to the altar to
pray and add their page as well. This is a wonderful time to remember the great people who have
come before us.
Congratulations!!!!!
After 28 years of dedicated service to the Dufferin Peel Catholic District
School Board Mrs. Trigiani, our dedicated secretary is retiring. The organization and presence she has offered teachers, staff, students and
parents over the last 17 years at St. Bernadette will be missed. It is with
tears we say farewell and with joy we wish her well as she begins this
new phase in her life. Her last day is November 29, 2013. Thank you,
Mrs. Trigiani.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
As part of our outreach program, St. Bernadette School conducted a Thanksgiving Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul
through St. Martin of Tours Parish. St. Vincent de Paul sent
a note of thanks to our school community for helping those
in need. Thank you to all of you.
WELLNESS
Attendance at school is mandatory according to the Education Act. If your child is going to be away or ill please contact the school and leave a message. When your child returns to school he/she should feel well enough to participate
in all school activities including recess. Attendance Reporting Number: 905-501-9498, press #1.
CAMP MUSKOKA GRADE SEVEN & EIGHT TRIP
The Grade 7 & 8 teachers are organizing an excursion to
Camp Muskoka in Bracebridge, Ontario from February 18,
19, 20, 21/2014. The students will be participating in a number of activities at Camp Muskoka. The students will be
travelling by coach bus. Some of the activities will include
the following: campfire building, a low and high ropes challenge course, the longest zip-line in Ontario, team building,
and leadership experiences. All activities provided relate
directly o the Ministry of Education Curriculum Expectations.
We look forward to enjoying this excursion with the students.
URGENTLY NEEDED STUDENT LUNCH MONITORS
Full-Day Kindergarten Registration for 2014-15
Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten for the 2014-15 school
year, will take place at St. Bernadette School on the following
days:
Monday, January 27, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, January 31, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
* Snow Date:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information about registration and the Full-Day Kindergarten program, call our school office or visit www.dpcdsb.org.
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION MEETING
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their child in a
Grade 5 Extended French class for September, 2014 are invited
to attend an information meeting at:
School: St. Rose of Lima
Address: 4590 The Gallops
Date: January 14, 2014
Time: 7:00 pm
At the present time, the above mentioned school is the designated centre for our area. Applications will be accepted at the centre until 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 2013.
PRE-IB INFORMATION (Grade 8-> Grade 9)
http://www.dpcdsb.org/STFXS ->/Guidance/Courses->IB Program
Pre-IB Information Night for Grade 8 students will be held at:
St. Francis Xavier Secondary School
50 Bristol Road West
Time: 6:30 p.m.; in the cafeteria
Do you have some time each day? We need student monitors to supervise over the lunch hour, each day.
We also require emergency monitors to cover occasionally
when the regular student monitors are ill. You will require a
Criminal Reference Check. Contact the school office if you
are interested.
ST. JOSEPH’S GRADE NINE INFORMATION NIGHT
Parents of grade 8 students are invited to St. Joseph’s Grade 9
Information Night on:
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
7-9 p.m.
Events begin promptly at 7pm in the cafeteria. Please arrive on
time in order to participate in all the events of the evening. Students accompanied by parents/guardians are also welcome.
Dates To Remember
Nov. 2, 8, 10, 12: Confirmation Rite of Enrolment
St. Martin of Tours Parish
Nov. 5 - Reports go home
Nov. 6 - Sub Day
Nov. 7 - Parent/Teacher Conferences Evening
Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day
Nov. 12– 12:30 pm Gr. 6-8 Covenant House
presentation
Nov. 15– Go Transit Presentations
Nov. 18– 8:30 JK, Scientist in the School
Nov. 19 –JK/SK, Scientist in the School
Nov. 20 –Sub Day
Nov. 23 - 10:30 am 1st Reconciliation at St.
Martin of Tours Parish
Nov. 26- 9:30-11:30 Fr. Joyson Visits
Nov. 27 - 6:30 pm Catholic School Council
Meeting
Nov. 28– 9:30-11:30 Fr. Joyson Visits
Dec. 4– Immunization Day, Gr. 7 Meningitis
and Gr.8 Girls HPV Round #2
Dec. 4– Sub Day
Dec. 11– 1:00 pm Christmas Mass, gym
Dec. 11- Christmas Fun Night
Dec. 17– 9:00 a.m.Christmas Concert
Dec. 20– Last Day of school before Christmas
Holidays
CULTURE SHOCK AT: St. Joseph Secondary School
SCHOOL SAFETY
Located at 5555 Creditview Rd., would like to invite all parents,
students and community members to CULTURE SHOCK 2013.
Our multicultural festival will feature traditional ceremonial costumes, music, art, religion, dance, literature, history and complimentary food samples from around the world. We have over 200
students from more than 20 countries preparing this event for the
evening of November 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Advance
tickets are available for $5.00 at St. Joe's in the atrium during all
3 lunches from Monday November 11th through to Thursday Nov
21st. Tickets at the door will cost $7 per person. We hope you
can join us. For more information, call 905-812-1376 ext 74219.

Dogs are not allowed on school property. A dog’s behavior and response around strangers can be unpredictable; for example, dogs jump on visitors or children.
Although dogs can be good pets for some, they can be
scary to some other people, and pose an allergic response to others. Therefore, dogs must not be exercised on school property or brought to school when dropping off or picking up students.

Electronic devices and toys—Students are encouraged
to bring a ball or skipping rope for recess. A deck of
cards is a good idea for inclement days. Parents are
encouraged to have students leave other toys at home.
They are easily lost, misplaced or broken. In keeping
with the board policy all electronic devices should be left
at home as well. We cannot be responsible for items
that break or go missing.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION DID YOU KNOW…
...WHY Catholic Schools can’t operate as part of just one
publicly funded school system? The Catholic school
system offers a distinctive and valuable approach to
education. For Ontario, this distinctive approach would
be compromised within the context of one umbrella
board where administrative and financial control would
often be in the hands of people who do not support, or
may even oppose, our vision of education. A separate
governing structure is essential for Catholic Schools.
The Constitution guarantees and recognizes the right
of Catholic parents to govern and manage the education of their children. The highest courts in the land
have consistently upheld this right. (Ontario Catholic
Trustees Association)
DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For the latest Board news and
information, follow us on Twitter @DPCDSBSchools
WE REMEMBER….
November is a time for us to remember those who have
joined God in heaven. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’
Day are opportunities to try to recapture the memories
of those we love and cherish. This month is also a time
to remember those who worked so hard that we may
have peace. On Monday, November 11th at 10:30 we
held a Remembrance Day liturgy in the gym. This is
the time to share with the students an understanding
and appreciation for those who have made our country
what it is today.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters will be sent home the first week of each month
with the youngest or only child in the family. A copy of the
newsletter is available on the school’s website and additional
copies are available in the office. If you wish to receive a
copy, please notify the office.
SECURITY AT ST. BERNADETTE
Thank you to all parents as we adjust to the new school camera entry system. Access to school is more limited, but this
system helps us ensure we know those entering the building.
As you leave please ensure those entering also use the doorbell. This maximizes student safety. Please remember to
exit promptly.
VOLUNTEERS
We are always in need of volunteers to assist or supplement
the excellent work and teaching that occurs at our school. If
you are interested, please contact Ms. Ferrao. All volunteers
on trips, helping in school etc. REQUIRE a current CRC in
keeping with Board Policy. These can take weeks to acquire.
Please get forms from the office today so you will be able to
come along on trips and outings. Should we not have
enough volunteers with CRC’s, trips may have to cancelled.
STUDENT LUNCHES
POPPIES
We will be selling poppies as a remembrance of all those
who have fought for our country and for those that are
still fighting for our country. Please bring in loose
change for the Canadian Legion.
Thank you to parents who send their children daily with
lunches. For the few times your child “forgets” his or her
lunch please drop off lunches labelled with your child’s name
on the lunch table BEFORE 11:15 a.m. This ensures your
child will have enough time to eat before heading out at
11:50. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO OUT THE
DOORS TO PICK UP A LUNCH.
Remember at St. Bernadette our focus is eating healthy.
Make healthy food quick and easy to grab by:
 Cut-up fruit and veggies
 Whole grain, low fat crackers and cheese
 Mini muffins
 Trail mix
 Baked tortilla chips with salsa or bean dip
ECO-NEWS
PROGRESS REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS
The first formal report card will be going out on February 4, 2014.
A Progress Report will go home on November 5, 2013. Teachers
will request interviews with parents of students they have concerns about. Interviews will take place on the evening of Thursday, November 7th. Confirmation of the interview time will be
sent home with the progress report.
GRADE 2 RECONCILIATION
The St. Bernadette Eco- team is now up and running for the
2013-2014 school year. We have two representatives from every class from grades 3 to 8. Our new pillar for this year is energy conservation, however; we will also be continuing with our
previous year’s initiatives in waste reduction. Some of the initiatives we will be continuing for this year are the following:
Mondays- Blinds up, lights off day-Blinds go up when the sun
is out, blinds go down when the day is done.
Tuesdays- Boomerang lunch- all lunches and snacks that are
not eaten are to be returned home and composted or saved for
another day. No untouched fruit or vegetables are to be thrown
out. They can be saved for another day.
Wednesdays-“Walk to school Wednesday”- Walk or bike
ride, to and from school -frequent walker/rider passports will be
handed out this year, an award will be given to our frequent
walkers and or riders.
Thursdays- we encourage students to “Taste the TapThursdays” and avoid bringing in juice boxes or bottled
water, we would like to see more re-usable water bottles.
Fridays- litterless lunch day, absolutely NO GARBAGE in
the lunch bags. All items are to be in resealable/reusable containers. The class with the least amount of garbage for the
month will be awarded the “golden lunch box”.
As always, we will continue with banning the bottle to avoid
plastic consuming our landfills and killing our wildlife.
We also encourage parents to download or simply view our
newsletter online, this will avoid a paper copy from being put in
the trash, which as a result affects our eco-systems. We will
also be sending our notes and letters through the youngest and
only child to support our efforts in conserving our forests
by using less copy paper.
GOOS bin (Good on One Side), bins are in all classrooms,
this paper is used by our students to colour, write rough drafts
and to do math problems.
As for our energy initiatives for Eco certification 2013-2014, we
will be encouraging, “lights out no doubt!” This initiative is to
remind students of the importance of conserving energy by
simply turning off the lights and computers. When a room is
empty, there is no need for a light to be on. Please encourage
this at home as well.
The Eco team has many more fun and exciting Eco initiatives
planned to help save our environment. Stay tuned to our school
newsletter for upcoming events such as:






National sweater day
Walk to school day
Community swap day (i.e. Garage sale)
Eco-source/energy audit
Earth Day
School greening events
The Grade 2 students, who registered with the church, will be
receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday, November 23rd at St. Martin of Tours Church at 10:30 a.m.
ADVENT MASS
Please join us as we celebrate our Advent Mass together on
December 11th at 1:00 p.m. The mass will be held at the school.
It is a wonderful opportunity to give praise and glory to God as
the community of St. Bernadette School. A special thank you to
Father Joyson, Father Gigo and the parish team at St. Martin of
Tours for their spiritual guidance and support!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Our school Christmas Concert will take place on December 17th
at 9:00 a.m. All classes JK-8 will participate. Parents/guardians
are invited to attend.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Once again we will encourage our students to share their bounty
with those who are less fortunate by bringing in items to support
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Baskets. At this time we are sponsoring 4 families in need. Here are a few suggestions of items
that have been requested for the families. Student Council will
be preparing the Christmas baskets. Thank you for your continuing generosity for those in need.
Wish List
Turkey vouchers
Gift Certificates
Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Socks
Toys for children
Toiletries
Canned Meat
Canned Fruit
Chocolates/Candies
Movie Passes
Sports Equipment
Books
More details will be sent home shortly
ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
November 29,30, Dec., 1,2013- 6:30-9:00 pm
At Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
“On the Way to Bethlehem” is an outdoor Christmas Nativity Pageant.
Arriving anytime from 6:30 until 8:30 pm, visitors will enter the large reception area in Gambrel Barn, where they will enjoy the music of the
mass choir. When ready, groups will travel the road to Bethlehem with a
“guide”. On their 30-45 minute outdoor journey, visitors will witness King
Herod’s court, interact with Roman Soldiers, shepherds, magi, innkeepers
and fellow travelers to reveal the Christmas story. At the end of their
journey, visitors will follow a lamplight walkway to the refreshment area,
where their “passports” will be stamped, and they can enjoy a warm drink
and a cookie. When ready, they will be given a wagon ride to the exit.
This is primarily an outdoor experience so it is important to dress warmly
and wear comfortable walking shoes or boots.
For more information e-mail “info@onthewaytobethlehem.ca”
Cost: Adults $.5.00 , Children Free.
SPORTS AT ST. BERNDETTE
Bara Bara Bara Barracudas!!!
Congratulations to our Junior Girls Volleyball team
who competed in the Family of Schools Tournament. Their hard work and dedication paid
off! From bumping to serving our girls showed
true sportsmanship and worked well as a team. We are so
proud of you for all your efforts! Go Barracudas GO!
As the season closes we wish the Intermediate students luck in
their upcoming games.
This year our cross country team came out strong.
Students from grades 5 - 8 ran anywhere from 2km
to 4km on the trails of Centennial Park. A big congratulations goes out to the whole team for making
St. Bernadette proud.
Cheers to - Jayden, Robin, Darren, Matthew,
Amos, Jacob, Jonathon, Danny, William, Nicholas, Alex, Madeline, Vanessa, Jah-waun, Julia, Lily, Mrs. MacRury & Mrs.
Weeks.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Congratulations to our newly elected student council! The student council includes a group of dedicated grade 7 and 8 students who demonstrate their leadership by assisting in the planning and implementation of many school activities.
> The 2013-2014 student council members are:
> Prime ministers - Kelly F. and Madeline C.
> Deputy prime minister - Alex M.
> Treasurer - Nicholas M.
> Secretary - Erica R.
> Media director - Sabrina C.
> Good luck on your 2013-2014 endeavours!
WEATHER
Weather is very unpredictable in the Fall. The news indicates
snow is right around the corner. Please send your child wearing
layers that can be removed or added depending on the weather.
Ensure your child practices zipping, buttoning etc. so they can
get ready independently to go outside. Continue to send rainwear on wet days. An extra set of clothes at school is a great
idea in case of a slip/fall. Please ensure that your child brings a
pair of indoor shoes to school, label the shoes for our primary
students. Running shoes are preferred because they are safe
and can also be used for gym. Also ensure that the shoes have
non-marking soles. Be sure your child can tie his/her shoes.
We appreciate your continued support!
CARS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Please note the following reminders:
 All parents driving their child(ren) to school
are encouraged to use our Kiss n’ Ride. There are 3 lanes
in front of the school. The right lane is for school buses.
The Kiss n’ Ride is the middle lane. You MUST remain at
the steering wheel at all times to use this lane. The left
lane is the Drive Thru lane, for those leaving the Kiss ‘n
Ride. You cannot stop or pick up students from the Drive
Thru lane.
 Our school parking lot is intended for use by staff and visitors (including parents) having business in the school
(volunteering, meeting with staff). It is not meant as a convenient pick-up/drop-off area particularly before and after
school when volume of traffic is significantly higher.
 The marked handicapped spot in the parking lot is designated for handicapped drivers and for parents picking up/
dropping off physically challenged students as arranged by
the office staff.
 If using the Kiss n’ Ride to pick up your child (ren), never
leave your car unattended as the driveway is a designated
fire route. You will be ticketed.
 For everyone’s safety, honour the “one way” signs. Do not
exit through the entry driveway.
MINISTRY PARENT RESOURCE
Supporting your Child’s Learning through Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting
This document, available in 22 languages, supports parents in
better understanding assessment and evaluation practices as
outlined in the new Growing Success document. The following
link can take you directly to the PDF version:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/reportCard.html.
BULLYING VS CONFLICT
There is a difference between Bullying and Conflict. Here is a
chart that suggests some of the differences.
KINDERGARTEN DROP-OFF
BULLYING
-happens in secrecy or
out of the way places
-someone is targeting
one person
-threats are used & bullies
hurt people with words or
actions
-are not friends with their
targets
CONFLICT
-happens where everyone
can see what’s happening
-usually has lots of people
around & involved
-may involve fighting, but
both people fight & it
usually stops quickly
-after usually the problem
is worked out & people
are friends again
Parents are to drop off children at the gate. Please ensure you hold the
gate for your child to enter and ensure it closes after. Only students are
allowed in the JK/SK playground area.
*most important — bullying results in one person feeling like he/
she is in danger.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
CHRISTMAS FUN NIGHT
The next St. Bernadette School Council meeting will be held on
Wednesday, December 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the conference
room. Please come out and join us.
Mark December 11, 2013 on your calendar. Our CSC will be
organizing a Fun Night for families. More information to come.
Look for the upcoming yellow brochure.
ST. MARTIN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Regional Sports Program SHSM Information Night will take
place on:
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
7-9 p.m.
St. Martin SS, cafeteria
PEEL HEALTH—HEALTHY EATING
QUINOA CRANBERRY MUFFINS
Makes 12 servings
Quinoa (pronounced kee-nwa) is a great grain to keep in your pantry. It cooks quickly (in about 12 minutes) and can be used for muffins, soups and as a side dish.
PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)
Ingredients
Head lice are parasites which have been common among human beings for centuries. They are not in any way connected
with dirt, neglect, and so on. If your child has lice, it is your responsibility to notify the school. We will send a note home indicating that there has been a case in the class, and ask parents
to check their own children.

1 cup (250 mL) quinoa, rinsed

2 cups (500 mL) water

1 ¾ cup (425 ml) whole wheat flour

½ cup (125 mL) loosely packed brown sugar
Even if cases are not reported by the school it is a wise precaution to check your children periodically and let us know if you
find an infestation. If your children are infested, we will ask
you to keep them out of school until after they have been treated and their heads are entirely clear of both lice and nits (eggs).
The child/children must be checked by the office before returning to class.

1 ½ tsp (7 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon

½ cup (125 mL) dried sweetened cranberries

¾ cup (175 mL) skim milk
Although we may not entirely escape outbreaks of pediculosis, if
we all cooperate we will continue to keep it under control
quickly.

1 egg

2 tbsp (25 mL) canola oil

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract

Canola cooking spray
INDOOR SHOES
Students are not permitted to wear boots inside the school,
even if they are fashion boots. Students are reminded to keep a
pair of indoor shoes at school. These can be shoes that they
wear for gym. Please remember that shoes worn in the gym
are not to have dark soles.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Lightly spray a 12 cup
muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a medium sauce pan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 12 minutes.
SAFE PLAY
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar,
baking powder, cinnamon and cranberries. Add 2 cups
(500 mL) of cooked quinoa.
At St. Bernadette School, your child (ren’s) safety is a major
concern. The children are cautioned and reminded frequently
that the components of Safe Play are NO BODY CONTACT and
FEET ON THE GROUND. SPEAK AS JESUS WOULD
SPEAK. Please support our ongoing efforts to keep your child
(ren) safe
In a second bowl, combine the milk, egg and vanilla. Add to
the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide
BULLYING PREVENTION & WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM
the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake for 25
Dufferin Peel Staff, Parents and Guardians are invited to attend
a Bullying Prevention & Wellness Symposium:
Where: St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School
50 Bristol Rd. W.
Mississauga
When: Wednesday, November 20, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Please register at: http://osca.ca/en/events/keydates/dpcdsb
minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or
freeze for use later.
Nutritional information per serving (1 muffin)

Calories: 190

Protein: 5 g
Fat: 4 g