San Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic School 100 Barondale Dr., Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 3R1 (905) 501-0400 Fax (905) 501-9275 http://www.dpcdsb.org/LRUIZ November 2014 Principal M. Harrison Vice-Principal A. Sodhi Secretaries N. Hajdinjak C.Walters Parish St. Francis Xavier Parish November is a month in which Catholics remember those we love who have passed away. In broader society November is a month where we celebrate our freedom and remember those, especially from the armed forces, who offered their lives in service for our country and for our freedom. It is a fitting month therefore to reflect upon the events which took place recently in Ottawa. We join with our Catholic brothers and sisters to remember those who have died. And we join with all Canadians in gratitude for the gift of those who would protect us. It is also noteworthy however that we are a nation built on freedom, tolerance and understanding. We proclaim these principles when times are good, therefore we must remember them when times and challenging. Pastor Msgr. Edgardo Pan (905) 890-5290 Trustee T. Thomas (905) 890-1221 Superintendent L.. Papaloni School Council Chair Silvia Rinaldi Attendance Verification Line (905) 501-0400 Press #1 A Prayer for Peace Lord, we pray for the power to be gentle; the strength to be forgiving; the patience to be understanding; and the endurance to accept the consequences of holding to what we believe to be right. May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred. We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, a new world where fear shall no longer lead people to commit injustice, nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others. Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we were created. Kiss and Ride Policy Update: October 2014-2015 The Kiss and Ride Policy of the City of Mississauga states: School Zone Safety (Kiss and Ride) Program Information This program satisfies the safety criteria of most parents as it allows for the delivery of the child to the school door or playground under the supervision of school staff and/or parent volunteers. The parent vehicle enters the school driveway stopping at the designated drop area. The child is kissed goodbye by the parent who then exits the school property confident that their child has safely reached their destination. At most school sites, school bus delivery occurs simultaneously, using a separate designated bus lane. The use of on-site pavement markings and signage assists in guiding parents into the appropriate "Kiss & Ride" lane. The school staff and/or parent volunteers in their orange traffic vests supervise and assist the student delivery activity. Traffic Safety Council members assist in the on-site implementation of the program working closely with school staff and parent volunteers, following up frequently at each location to ensure success. Several school sites in Mississauga accommodate a daily volume in excess of 150 vehicles plus school buses through the "Kiss & Ride" in a 20 minute period. At San Lorenzo Ruiz student safety is our number one concern. We value and appreciate the parent volunteers and staff who have managed our Kiss and Ride every morning and afternoon to ensure everyone’s safety. We are kindly reminding parents that if you are dropping off or picking up your child/children to: NEVER leave your vehicle. Kiss and Ride lanes are to be “moving laneways”, not parking spots. This ensures that emergency vehicles or busses may enter the school. Please do not leave your vehicle at any time. If you need to directly pick up your child, please park on the street. PARKING AUTHORITY WILL BE TICKETING CARS ($100.00 FINE) THAT ARE LEFT UNATTENDED. DO NOT BLOCK the entrance of the Kiss and Ride. Emergency vehicles and busses must always have easy and quick access to our school. Remain in your vehicle and move up as the traffic moves. As a rule, please move as far forward as you are able before stopping. PLEASE CONTROL YOUR SPEED. Kiss and Ride is the type of environment where students behave unpredictably and could quickly ‘pop out’ in front of you. Please give yourself the greatest chance of avoiding an accident. We are all working together to minimize risks to our children. Peel Police and the Traffic Authorities of the City of Mississauga have been and will continue to be doing random inspections. You may be charged a fine if you are not following Kiss and Ride Procedures. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. From our Neighbourhood Police Unit: Constable A. Mooken I know we are a few months into the school year, but I wanted to make sure I took a moment to introduce myself to all of the parents. I am Cst. Mooken and I will be the Neighbourhood Policing Officer (NPO) for San Lorenzo for the next two years. I have been a member of the Peel Regional Police for 8 years and have spent all of my time at 12 division in various units within the division and like to think I bring a vast amount of knowledge to my new task as NPO. I like to give back to the community and have volunteered with numerous agencies within the Region of Peel including the Brampton Santa Claus Parade where I am currently responsible for media relations. I am a strong proponent of volunteering and look forward to arranging opportunities to encourage the students to give back to their community. I aim to be more engaged within the school community and in the community at large. I will be at the school almost on a daily basis, so it is more than likely going to be my police car that you see parked out front so please don’t be alarmed. Look for sections in future newsletters where I will provide tips and suggestions to enhance safety and assist in crime prevention. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me through the school or email me at 3183@peelpolice.ca and I will do my best to address them as soon as possible. I look forward to working with you. THE VIRTUE OF CONSCIENCE In the month of November, we celebrate the virtue of Conscience. People of Conscience recognize and acknowledge the voice of God within. When we follow our conscience we make decisions that encourage and support truly loving relationships. Sometimes these decisions are not easy to make. We accept accountability for our own actions and make decision according to gospel values when we use our conscience and choose to be good. THE POWER OF A HOUR! BE AN IN-SCHOOL MENTOR! Make a difference in the life of a child in as little as one hour a week by volunteering to be an In-School Mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board matches elementary girls and boys with a caring adult mentor. Matches meet for one hour each week from September – June during school hours and on school property to share in fun activities such as playing board games, baking or playing sports. Children are in need of mentors in our schools and we need your help. You can make a significant difference by volunteering.The In-School Mentoring Program is currently offered in 25 DPCDSB schools across Peel. Call 905-457-7288 or visit www.bbbspeel.com for more information. NEWS FROM OUR BOARD 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 2015 are invited to attend an information meeting at San Lorenzo Ruiz School on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm. At the present time, our school is the designated centre for our area. St. Gertrude Elementary School on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 7:00 pm. The two nearest French Immersion Centres are: St. Gertrude and St. Pio of Pietrelcina FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION NIGHT Monday, January 26, 2015 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2015, Thursday, January 29, 2015 and Friday, January 30, 2015 from 9:00 am—3:00 pm Grade 8 Information Night at St. Francis Xavier When: Thursday, November 20th, 2014 Where: Gym Time: 6:30 p.m. **ONLY open to students that live within the St. Francis Xavier Secondary School Boundaries.** Holy Name of Mary On November 20th at 7:00 pm, Holy Name of Mary C.S.S. will be holding a Grade 9 Information Night for current Grade 8 students and their parents. As a regional all girls school, we would like to invite all eligible Region of Peel girls to apply. FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM INFORMATION MEETING Senior Kindergarten parents/guardians, who wish to enroll their child in a Grade 1 French Immersion class for September 2015 are invited to attend an information meeting : Page 2 St. Aloysius Gonzaga : Extended French When: Thursday, November 20th, 2014 Where: Cafetorium Time: 6:45 pm SPOOK-A-THON UPDATE Again this year, our major fund raiser, the Spook-A-Thon dance was a great success! All proceeds go to enhance instructional resources at San Lorenzo Ruiz School. Thanks to our School Council and parent volunteers for making this such a great success. Once again, we raised a huge amount— The success of this fund raiser is due to the tireless efforts of our parents who spent months collecting prizes, counting money, and drawing prizes. CCAT Testing Testing has been completed with all our grade 4 students. If you would like to know your child’s score, please contact Mrs. Taylor at the school. REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY On November 11th San Lorenzo Ruiz School will commemorate the sacrifice of thousands of Canadians who died in the war for us. HALLOWEEN CANDY DRIVE During the week of November 3-7th, we will be collecting any extra / leftover candy donations. All donations will go to Dr. Simone’s, Canadian Food for Charity. SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN On Wednesday, November 5th, your child will be able to take photos with Santa in the school library. Order forms have gone home already. P.A.L.S. IS UP AND RUNNING Over the past few weeks the school launched the P.A.L.S. program. This playground leadership program encourages physical activity and decreases recess conflicts. Twenty enthusiastic grades 6,7, and 8 students have volunteered and been trained to be playground activity leaders for the primary students. P.A.L.S. leaders are now out in the yard daily during the lunch hour recess encouraging exercise, fun, and the message that, "There is always room for one more." TRANSPORTATION UPDATE Currently Bus 1 and Bus 2 are at full capacity. We will not be issuing any more Courtesy Seat Requests at this time. ELEMENTARY PROGRESS REPORTS This year the Ministry of Education continues to implement a reporting system which embraces a Progress Report (in November) a Term 1 Report Card (in February) and a Term 2 Report Card (in June). The Progress Report will be going home on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. The Pr ogress Report is designed to show a student’s development of learning skills and work habits during the fall of this school year, as well as a student’s general progress in working towards the achievement of curriculum expectations. Please be aware, the Progress Report is not a formal Report Card. Students will not be receiving letter grades indicating achievement of overall expectations. Your son’s/daughter’s teacher will be holding an interview (Grades 1 to 8) on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2014, only for students where there may be a concern or further parental input may prove beneficial to support learning. Interviews will only take place if requested either by the teacher or the Parent(s)/ Guardian(s). There are no formal progress reports for J.K. and S.K students Page 3 Are You Ticked? Direction of school support (taxes) has long been an issue for Catholic school boards in Ontario. The fact is that, unless the municipality is notified, the school support designation, for assessment purposes, automatically defaults to public school support when an individual or family moves to a new address. This may have an impact on students’ eligibility to attend Catholic elementary schools, trustee representation on school boards and on government perception of support for Catholic education. We want to bring a greater awareness around this matter and have created the Are You Ticked? Campaign as the communication vehicle for this awareness. If you would like more information on school support designation or would like us to help you check or change your school support designation to the Catholic system, please call (905) 890 -0708 ext. 24512. VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL AND SIGN-IN PROCEDURES For safety reasons we remind you that all visitors must report to the office and sign in. Please do not go into the school yard or to your child’s class without signing in first and receiving approval and a visitor sticker. REMEMBER, TO YOUR CHILD YOU ARE THE PARENT.TO THE OTHER STUDENTS YOU ARE A STRANGER. SO ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE REPORT TO THE OFFICE FIRST AND SIGN IN. Students must sign in or out when: they are late arriving to school in the morning or afternoon or when they have a parent note granting permission to leave the school early for appointments etc. NO STUDENT IS TO BE DISMISSED DIRECTLY FROM THE CLASSROOM BY TEACHERS OR PICKED UP AT THE CLASSROOM BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS ETC. ALL MUST COME TO THE OFFICE AND SIGN IN OR OUT. REMINDER: MORNING SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Please be reminded that supervision of students begins at 8:00 a.m. daily. Please do not drop your child prior to this time. STUDENT PICK-UP Please ensure that arrangements are made to pick up your child on time at the end of the day following school or practices. The office closes at 3:45 - students are not supervised from this time onward. Page 4 LATE ARRIVALS It is important that your child arrive at school on time. Late arrivals have a direct impact on learning in school and they also disrupt the classroom teacher during lessons. Your assistance is appreciated in supporting your child’s learning by reinforcing that punctuality is an important responsibility that should be developed not only for success in school, but later in life as well. INTERRUPTIONS IN THE SCHOOL DAY Please try to help us in reducing the amount of interruptions during the school day by informing your child of their pick-up and drop-off information and lunch arrangements through notes to your child’s teacher. If last minute information needs to be shared, please try not to call into the school near the end of the day as the phone lines are very busy and messages are often difficult to deliver to students and teachers. LUNCH AND HOMEWORK TABLE Please let your child know that you will be dropping off their work or their lunch. During recess breaks, your child can come to the foyer to get their belongings. We have provided labels for the items. Please clearly indicate your CHILD’S NAME AND TEACHER. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. INSURANCE With all the activities that take place at school in the playground, the gym and in sports, accidents happen. Dental injuries can occur when two children accidentally bump heads or fall. The school board does not carry accident insurance for students. Fall outdoor activities, extracurricular and excursions are an additional reason you may wish to buy student accident insurance. An insurance package was sent home with your child(ren). This is optional for families. You may purchase coverage for your child at www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-KIDS(5437). Please direct your questions to a Reliable Life Insurance Representative. Student Accident Insurance Brochures are sent home with students at the beginning of each year. If you did not receive one please call the school. RECESS BREAKS Recess breaks serve a special purpose in the daily life of the school. Students area expected to go outside for fresh air and exercise. If you child is sick, please keep him/her at home until they are well. This prevents the risk of your child spreading their illness throughout the classroom. There is NO indoor supervision at recess as staff are occupied elsewhere or on duty outside. Please be advised that students are kept indoors at recess during the winter only when the weather conditions are extremely cold. INDOOR SHOES In order to promote a safe and clean learning environment for all students we ask that your child have indoor only running shoes to wear while in the gym. These running shoes can also be used as “indoor shoes”. Please ensure that your child has a different pair of shoes to wear outdoors, as we are finding that the dirt collects in the running shoes soles and is brought into the gym and classrooms, posing a safety hazard for the children. Thank you for your cooperation. USE OF AGENDAS In order to minimize the number of students using the phone to call home for forgotten assignments, lunches, forms, etc. we remind parents and students to check agendas and calendars regularly. VALUABLES Just a reminder that students should not bring to school items of value. These may be things of sentimental value or monetary value. This is, also, not the place where cards or any other collectibles are traded. Cell phones, cameras, ipods and other electronic devices should not be visible at school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We ask that students dress appropriately (i.e. coats, gloves, mitts, boots etc.). Where possible please put identification (your child’s initials) on your child’s belongings. If they are dressed warmly, they are better prepared to participate in outdoor activities during recess and noon hour. Page 5 PLASP Child Care Services After School Program PLASP Child Care Services Operates an After School Program at San Lorenzo Ruiz School. The After School Program begins once school is dismissed and goes until 6:00 p.m. Children participate in recreational activities, are served a nutritious snack daily and have time for homework. Register Today! Fee assistance is available. THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE On behalf of San Lorenzo Ruiz School, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many families that very generously donated non-perishable food items for our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your donations were truly appreciated by the Knight’s Table, a local organization helping families in Mississauga and Brampton. Junior Volleyball Congratulations to the Junior Girls’ and Boys’ Volleyball Teams for their achievement this season. With excellent teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship, both the boys and girls advanced to the Family tournament. Both teams played with spirited determination. “Angel” Hair for Kids Ms. Nimchuk is issuing a challenge to all students, parents and teachers to: “GROW YOUR HAIR”!!!! “Angel Hair for Kids” is a program of “A Child’s Voice Foundation” that provides wigs and hair loss solutions to financially disadvantaged children in Canada who have lost their hair due to a medical condition or treatment. All of the hair collected will be donated to “Angel Hair for Kids”. What better gift could you give to a child suffering from cancer or another difficult disease? To become an “Angel”: The Junior Girls’ were in first place going into the semi-final game, but unfortunately they were defeated. The coaches, Mrs. Duliunas and Mrs. McHeady, were especially proud of the way in which the girls supported one another and demonstrated sportsmanlike play against the other teams. Many thanks to the Intermediate student coaches as well! KNITTING CLUB We are up and running and could use an extra pair of hands...knitting hands! If you can knit and would be willing to help out on a Monday lunch hour, please let us know. We are also accepting donations of knitting needles (sizes 4.5-6) and balls of yarn. Students are learning an important life skill while participating in the knitting blankets for the homeless project. Page 6 Contact Ms. Nimchuk, to volunteer. Minimum hair length for donation is 30 centimetres. Permed, bleached or treated hair is NOT acceptable. Pull curly hair straight to measure the minimum 30 cm. Gray hair is acceptable. Note: Ms. Nimchuk’s hair has been donated twice in the past and she will be making a third donation along with all individuals who vounteer.This is your chance to give dignity to a sick child and at the same time, get a new “look” for yourself from a pro. Remember, your hair will grow back! The children that you help may never be able to grow hair. Hair donations will be collected during Lent. This is part of almsgiving. Ms. Nimchuk Peel Transportation (STOPR) Inclement Weather: Bus Cancellation / School Closures During the winter months inclement weather may cause disruption of 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 and television stations: VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CFRB AM1010 FM Z103.5 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 GLOBAL NEWS CHUM AM1050 CJCL AM590 EZ ROCK FM97.3 FM93.1 CBC99.1 CTV CFTR AM680 CHFI FM98.1 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Q107 CITYPULSE CANADA AM Please note that the highlighted text only will be communicated by the radio stations: “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES SERVING ST. ANDREW, ST. BENEDICT AND ST. PETER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND R.F. HALL SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY.” “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES AND PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY”. This means that ALL buses which operate into, out of, and within the Town of Caledon are cancelled for the entire day. “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON AND THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY”. This means that all runs listed under announcements #l and #2 are cancelled. Individual schools will be notified if this cancellation affects their school. “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY.” This means that ALL buses which operate into, out of, and within the City of Mississauga are cancelled for the entire day. “ALL DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY.” 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. “ALL BUSES ARE CANCELLED AND 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 and Peel District School board schools and offices are closed to all students and staff. 24 Pizza Day Confirmation Inscription Mass at 12:00 pm Fun Lunch 17 Remembrance Day Pizza Day 25 18 Progress Reports go home 11 10 23 16 9 26 19 12 ents @ 12:00 pm 7:00 pm School Council Meeting @ 6:45 pm 5 Confirmation Meeting for par- Photo Re- Wednesday Santa Photos 4 Tuesday takes 3 Monday First Holy Communion Inscription Mass @ 2 Sunday 27 Info Night St. Francis Xavier and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parent 20 Interview Night 13 Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring starts 6 Thursday November 2014 28 21 14 7 PA DAY Friday 29 22 15 8 1 Saturday