ST. LUCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS
25 Kanata Rd., Brampton, Ontario L7A 3R2
Telephone: (905) 840-3121 Fax: (905) 840-6137
NEWSLETTER #1
SEPTEMBER 2015
Principal
J. Tollis
Vice Principal
J. Lise
Head Secretary
D. Cassar
Asst. Secretary
D. Barreira
Parish
Guardian Angels
(905) 970-9175
www.guardianangelsparish.com
Pastor
Fr. Jan Gogolewski
guardianangels@bell.net
Superintendent
S. Steer
(905) 890-0708
Trustee
D. D’Souza
School Council Chair
S. Haidenschuster
Board Chairperson
M. Pascucci
Director of Education
J. Kostoff
MPP
V. Dhillon
ENLIGHTENED THROUGH THE EYES OF FAITH
A New Journey Begin
e
We come together to celebrate our new journey
as a community of believers and learners.
Each of us brings many wonderful gifts and talents
to our school community.
This is what makes St. Lucy School such a unique place
to learn and grow as children of God.
As we begin this new year,
we pray for God’s blessing to continue to grant us:
knowledge, patience and fortitude,
and to guide us to be a ‘beacon of light’.
May we use our gifts in the cultivation of skills and values,
that will assist us in becoming the best that we can be.
Amen
VIRTUE FOR SEPTEMBER: FAITH
To begin the new school year, we will focus on the first of our virtues, Faith.
School Hours
8:15
9:00
11:00
11:55
12:15
12:55
*2:35
3:30
4:00
School Office opens
Entry Bell
Morning Recess
Lunch
Lunch Recess
Afternoon Bell
Afternoon Recess
Dismissal
School Office closes
A faithful person believes that we are created, guided by and destined to be
reunited with God.
A faithful person believes that God’s plan for us includes the right to be safe,
especially at school.
A Faithful Person….





Prays regularly and reverently
Learns from Scripture stories
Honours people’s God-given names
Assumes that there is good in everyone
Accepts the God-given worth of themselves and
others
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for Students
ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
September has arrived and a new school year is upon us!
Many wonderful experiences and opportunities await as
we transition from the hot days of summer to the cool
days of fall.
Welcome to our new and returning students and their
respective families, as well as, to our new Junior
Kindergarten students as they begin their educational
journey.
Welcome back to our returning staff, who have been
working diligently these past few weeks preparing
classrooms and curriculum for our students.
A special welcome to the new staff of the St. Lucy School
community: L. Ancho, A. Bartlett, L. Bartolini, T. Hofmann,
A. Khalid, and LTOs: C. Valbuena, A. Guzik, and S. Pinto.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to our Administrative
Assistants, D. Cassar and D. Barreira and our Custodial
team, T. Pietrantuono, D. Deslandes and R. Vestitas who
have worked tirelessly in preparing our school for our
students and opening.
We recognize that the successes of our students and
school are a result of a mutual respect and understanding
for one another. A school community functions best
when all of its members collaborate in a climate of civility
and commitment to gospel values. Being proactive and
taking preventative measures are essential in promoting
appropriate behavior in our school that aligns with our
Catholic School Graduate Expectations.
Working
together in providing a safe, caring, inclusive and healthy
Catholic school environment is paramount to learning.
The staff of St. Lucy School are committed to working in
partnership with parents, school council, Guardian
Angel’s Parish, Trustee D’Sousa, Superintendent Steer
and the community to provide the best opportunities to
nurture our students’ sense of well-being and support
their unique educational needs.
Best wishes for an awesome school year!
J. Tollis
FAITH ACTIVITIES
GUARDIAN ANGELS PARISH
Masses are celebrated at:
Guardian Angels Parish Hall
@the corner of Creditview/Sandalwood
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and
Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Our Pastor is Father Jan Gogolewski
Phone: (905) 970-9175
Fax: (905) 970-1054
guardianangels@bell.net
SCHOOLS NEWS
ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION PROGRAM
We ask that parents call the school before 9:00
a.m. on the days when their child/ren are absent
or when they know they will be late. The
attendance line is accessible 24 hours. This is a
safety precaution that can save precious moments
should there ever be an emergency situation. We
thank you for your continued support in following
this procedure.
Upon reaching the school voice
messaging service, please leave the
following information:
a) Date of absence
b) Child's full name
c) Grade level and teacher
d) Reason for absence
e) Date of return
Parents and students are reminded that being
on time is an important life skill. It is difficult
to “catch up” when the first part of the class has
been missed.
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
In keeping with the Safe Schools Act, all volunteers
including those going on one day school trips
MUST have a Criminal Reference check. The
Criminal Reference Check for volunteers is free
but does take a few weeks for the paperwork to be
processed.
If you already have a Criminal
Reference Check on file at the school, please
ensure you have completed the yearly Criminal
Offence Declaration form with the office.
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult
situations in which non-custodial parents arrive at
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
school asking to visit their child or to take their child
home after school. We are best able to serve and protect
students when we are made aware of legal custody
arrangements, visitations rights and other special
instructions. If legal custody matters affect your family,
please ensure that our office and classroom teachers are
aware of any custodial arrangements that may affect
your child during school hours.
ECO INITIATIVE
Stewardship and sustainability initiatives
geared to conserving and protecting our
natural resources and reducing our
footprint on the planet have been
introduced over the last few years. It is through this
commitment and passion that we continue to adopt
environmentally-responsible practices. This fall when
you receive your verification form, families will be asked
to provide an email address, in order that communication
can be sent electronically. A reminder that our
newsletters are always available on our school website.
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
Emergency response procedures in the event of a fire,
bomb threat, serious accident/injury or of an intruder,
have been established and are revised on an ongoing
basis. All students and staff will participate in practicing
emergency procedures. In the event that it is necessary
to evacuate the school, our site for relocation is
Rowntree Public School on Queen Mary Drive.
ENTRANCE INTO THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT
In order to ensure the safe entry of children onto
our school property, students are directed to
enter the school and remain on the sidewalk as
they enter the school yard. Students will be
directed to enter the school yard/field (at the
west entrance) and to walk around the
perimeter of the fenced school parking lot. Thank you for
your cooperation in keeping our students safe.
HEPATITIS B/ MENINGITIS INOCULATIONS
Peel Health will continue to offer free
immunization against Hepatitis B and
Meningitis for students in Grade 7 and the
HPV immunization to female grade 8
students. The injections are given as a series of two
injections over a period of six months. If you have any
questions please call the Peel Health Department at (905)
799-7700. The following dates have been assigned to St.
Lucy School:
Dose #1HepB/ Meningities & HPV – Nov. 19, 2015
Second dose date - TBA
LUNCHTIME ROUTINES
There are two options for lunch:
1. Staying for Lunch: All students
who indicate that they will be
staying for lunch are expected to be in the
designated lunchroom areas every day for lunch.
Any student who stays for lunch is required to
follow the lunchroom expectations. Any student
who cannot follow those expectations may forfeit
the privilege of staying for lunch.
OR
2. Going Home for Lunch: Students who go home
for lunch are expected to do so all year. Students
who go home for lunch are not to return to school
before 12:15 p.m. as there is no yard supervision
until that time.
Students who stay for lunch are not permitted to
leave school property without a signed and dated
note from parents each time they leave school
grounds. We encourage consistency. Please
complete all forms sent home throughout the
month of September and return to your child’s
teacher indicating whether your child will or will
not be staying for lunch.
MEDICAL ALERT– Sabrina’s Law (Anaphylactic)
Sabrina’s Law is an Act to protect anaphylactic
pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. If
your child has a severe allergic reaction, for
example to peanuts, peanut by-products,
bee/wasp stings etc., please let the school know
immediately. It is essential that the information
you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date.
There are numerous forms which need to be
completed in order to store and dispense an
epipen or any other medication at school.
ALLERGEN AWARENESS
We continue to have students
with severe, life threatening allergy
to certain foods, such as peanuts
and nuts. This is a medical condition that may
cause severe and life threatening reactions to
certain allergens within minutes. Although this
may or may not affect your child’s class directly,
we require your continued cooperation in sending
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
foods to school with your child that are free from
peanuts, nuts or their by-products.
Letters will be sent home with the students whose
classroom members have specific allergies. Please check
with your child, and in their backpack, for letters
regarding the type of allergy and products to be avoided.
Please pay careful consideration to school lunches and
snacks and refrain from sending in items that are made
of, or contain, nuts or peanuts (peanut butter, Nutella,
Wow butter etc.). We offer our heartfelt thanks for your
support in making our school a safer environment for all.
***Due to many Anaphylactic Allergies in our school,
it is requested that NO treats be sent to school,
especially when celebrating special occasions as
birthdays, Hallowe’en, Christmas etc.
MEDICATION
Please note that school staff cannot dispense medication
of any kind without the proper authorization and a
properly labeled container, (i.e. prescription bottle or
original over the counter container).
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication
and forms are updated annually for any student who
requires medication to be administered at school. Forms
are available at the school office or from your child’s
teacher. Please check and note expiry dates on all
medication.
PARENTS IN THE SCHOOL YARD
During school hours when teachers are on supervision
duty in the schoolyard, parents are asked to refrain
from being in the schoolyard. Teachers will deal with
any issues that may occur. The intention of this request is
not to suggest that parents are not welcome at the school,
rather, this request is to protect all parents and students.
Any correction of inappropriate behaviour should come
from a teacher, not from a parent. If a parent observes
inappropriate behaviour, please discuss your concern
with the teacher who is on supervision duty or with the
administration staff.
REPORTING HEAD INJURIES
As per Ministry of Education directives, our Board has a
Concussion protocol in place. All students who sustain a
head injury during the school day, even when it may
appear to be insignificant, parents will be informed and a
Concussions Are Serious pamphlet will be sent home. The
intent is not to alarm parents, but to keep you informed
of potential danger of any injury involving the head.
Please remind your child to let a staff member
know immediately, if they are hurt at school.
If your child sustains a concussion as a result of a
school incident or as a result of an activity outside
of school, it is important that you inform the
school as soon as possible.
SECURITY AT ST. LUCY SCHOOL
At St. Lucy School, we welcome parents and
visitors to the school. However, a reminder that
all visitors, including parents, must stop at the
office before proceeding anywhere else in the
school, to sign-in and pick up an identification
badge.
Anyone not wearing an identification badge will
be asked to return to the office to sign-in and pick
one up. This policy is in place to provide a safe
and secure environment for your children. We
thank you for your co-operation in supporting a
safe environment at St. Lucy School.
STUDENT INFORMATION
It is vital that we have up-to-date records of your
address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts
in the event that the school must contact you
regarding your child. Student Verification forms
will be sent home after the re-organization day,
Friday, September 18, 2015. Please sign and
update all forms and return them to the school as
soon as possible, even if no changes are required.
STUDENT INSURANCE
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 parents do not have
dental insurance coverage. Enrolment is required
in writing so there are two options for enrolment:
1) Complete the traditional form and mail it in
directly; or
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
2) Photocopy the form and fax it to Reliable Life at 1-905522-7211 or call 1-800-463-KIDS (5437) or visit
www.insuremykids.com .
Parents alone have the right to insure their children.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
Yard duty supervision by teachers occurs every day.
Supervision is in place in the mornings from 8:45 a.m.
to 9:00 a.m., during all recesses, at lunch hour, and at
3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Parents are reminded that students should not be
dropped off at the school before 8:45 a.m. in the
mornings. The school cannot assume responsibility
for the safety of the children before 8:45 a.m. Equally,
after school each day, students should be picked up at
3:30 p.m. promptly.
The daily schedule is as follows:
8:45 a.m. – Supervision begins
9:00 a.m. – Classes begin
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Morning Recess
11:55 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12:15 – 12:55 p.m. – Lunch Recess
12:55 p.m. – Afternoon Classes begin
*2:35 – 2:50 p.m. – Afternoon recess
3:30 p.m. – Dismissal
Please note that afternoon recess has changed to begin at
2:35 p.m. this year.
Please ensure that your child knows how to get home on
a daily basis. If the plan changes, please send a note to
your child’s teacher.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for St. Lucy
School will be provided in
accordance with the policy
set out by the Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School
Board.
Students who were eligible for transportation last year
under the “Courtesy Seat Policy” must reapply for the
school year 2015 – 2016. Please submit a letter
requesting a courtesy seat to Mr. Lise by October 12. As
in previous years no decisions about riding the bus will
be made prior to the middle of October.
A reminder of the following rules for all students who are
transported by school bus (school excursions included).
Students are required to:
a) Carry their bus card at all times;
b) Be at their bus stop at least 5 minutes
before pick-up time.
c) Listen to the driver and teacher when
getting on and off the bus, especially when
a road must be crossed.
d) Go directly to their seat and remain seated
properly, facing the front of the bus until
they are let off the bus.
e) Follow all instructions from the bus driver
or teachers, especially about where they
put their belongings – keep aisle clear.
f) Not to eat or drink, fight, swear or other
types of inappropriate behaviour.
g) Not open or close windows unless the
driver permits it.
h) Keep all belongings, including hands and
arms, inside the bus.
i) Respect property while waiting for their
school bus or on the bus.
j) Not speak to the bus driver while the bus
is in operation unless it is absolutely
necessary.
WEB
ACCESS
TO
TRANSPORTATION
INFORMATION
Student Transportation of Peel (STOPR) is a
consortium formed by agreement between the
Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board and
the Peel District School Board, for the purpose of
providing
a
common
administration
of
transportation services for students residing in
Peel Region.
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 forms frequently asked questions, and links to
each Board’s websites.
In addition parents may also access information
specific to: what school do I attend? and am I
eligible for transportation?
At the following website, https://businfo.stopr.ca
Parents who are eligible for transportation may
access specific bus stop location and pick up and
drop off time information on this site. This site can
also be accessed from the stopr.ca website.
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
SCHOOL EVENTS AND NEWS
BOOK FAIR
St. Lucy’s Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be held from
September 21st to September 25th and will be open
from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Curriculum night (September
24th).
Your Book Fair support returns to the
school in the form of Scholastic product and
funds for growth of our Library collection.
So please come out and instill the love of
books and lifelong learning in your children!
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents and Guardians are invited to meet their
children’s teachers, discuss basic expectations for the
year and ask any questions about curriculum on
Thursday, September 24, 2015 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
ST. LUCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL FAMILY BBQ
NIGHT
A warm welcome is extended to all families to come to
the Family BBQ night from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday,
September 24, 2015. The family BBQ night will take
place before Curriculum Night. Pre-order forms will be
forthcoming.
KISS AND RIDE PROGRAM
The Kiss ‘N Ride reserved for
parent/guardian drop off and pick up of
their child(ren), is located at the west
side of the school.
Parents are asked to drive right up to the
stop sign where staff/parent volunteers
will supervise student drop off/pick up.
Please note, in the interest of safety, staff
and volunteers have been instructed not to open/close
car doors and or assist children in and/or out of vehicles.
Should your child require assistance to exit your vehicle,
please consider using the visitor parking. Parents who
utilize the Kiss n’ Ride lane are not permitted to park
and leave their vehicles unattended. Please remain
in your vehicle at all times.
Please be mindful of the “no stopping” and “no
parking” areas on the road and on school property, as
bylaw officers often visit unannounced and ticket parking
violators. As always, your continued cooperation is much
appreciated and allows us to provide the safest
environment for everyone.
PICTURE DAY
Thursday, September 24th is
picture day for all students at St.
Lucy School.
Pictures will be
returned in plenty of time for Christmas.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAY
Friday, September 18 is a Professional Activity
Day. Students do not attend school on this day.
Teachers will be involved in various Professional
Development
activities
and
possible
reorganization of classes will occur on this day.
REORGANIZATION
Appreciation is extended to all parents and
students for their patience as the school year
begins. Please note that staff assignments are
based on projected enrolment established in April
by the School Board. At present, our projected
enrolment is not consistent with our actual
enrolment. There may need to be some
adjustments made as a result of changes in
student numbers over the summer. Only after
careful consideration and in the best interest of
effective programming for all students will
changes be made. Parents of children being
affected will be notified directly on or before
September 18, 2015.
SCHOOL AGENDA PLANNERS
Premier school agendas have been
ordered again this year for students in
grades 1 - 8. Organizational skills, time
management
and
homework
completion are essential components of the
learning skills, supported by the use of this
agenda.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Please consider becoming involved
in St. Lucy School Council. All
parents are welcome. If you are
interested in becoming a member
of our School Council executive, visit the office
and pick up a nomination form. Forms and a
brief biography must be submitted to the office by,
September 18 , 2015. In the event that an election
is necessary, a list of parent nominees together
with brief biographies will be sent home by
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 and an election (if
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
necessary) on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Our first
School Council meeting will take place on Wednesday,
September 30th at 7 p.m. in the school library. Results of
the new School Council Executive members will be
published in the October newsletter.
TERRY FOX WALK
St. Lucy staff and students will be participating in the
Terry Fox Walk on Friday October 2nd, with a rain date
set for Monday, October 5th. More information to follow
under separate cover.
VALUABLE PROPERTY AT SCHOOL
The school cannot assume responsibility for private
property. Students are discouraged from bringing
valuable items to school. Students are reminded that cell
phones must remain powered off while on school
property. If your child rides their bike to school, please
remind them to lock it up at the front of the school.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
Parent volunteers are always welcomed at St. Lucy
School. If you are interested in volunteering at the school,
please contact the office at (905) 840-3121.
All
volunteers must have a Criminal Reference Check
completed before working with students in the school.
Parents who wish to volunteer for school trips also
require a Criminal Reference Check. Forms may be
picked up from the office.
PLASP AT ST. LUCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
PLASP offers a before and after school program at St.
Lucy School. If you are in need of child care and
interested in registering your child into this program
please contact the PLASP Head office at 905 890-1711 or
the PLASP Program Director for St. Lucy School before
8:30 a.m. or after 3:15 p.m. at (905) 840-3121.
2014 - 2015 Fundraising Summary
Throughout the 2014 – 2015 school year, the St. Lucy
School Council raised over $13,000 in profits through
their fundraising efforts (i.e., Chocolate sale,
Sub/Pita/hot dog Lunches, Movie Nights, wreath sales,
Pizza/Chip/popcorn Day, BBQ and Fun Fair). The focus
was to provide tools and experiences that enhance
student learning and education. Below is a summary of
the initiatives made possible by the school’s fundraising
efforts:
 Healthy Snacks – Cucumber Crunch
 St. Lucy Day Postcards

Special Event Treats (i.e., Halloween
Dance, Hockey Day, Valentine’s Day,
Christmas, Easter)
 Special Event Prizes (i.e., Terry Fox Lunch,
Pumpkin Carving contest, )
 Pancake Tuesday
 Pretzels for Holy Thursday
 Reconciliation Celebration Snacks
 Sacramental Gifts
 Guardian Angels’ Church Building Fund
Donation
 Scientists in the School Classroom
Presentations
 Author Presentations/Artists in the School
 Student Agendas
 Willy Wonka Play - Props
 Intermediate Ballroom Dance Program
 Hip Hop Dance Program
 Intermediate Boys/Girls Day
 Grade 8 Graduation Celebrations (i.e.,
Décor, Refreshments)
 Staff/Student Appreciation BBQ
Thank you for your on-going support of these
initiatives.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, September 18, 2015
• Professional Activity Day – No School for
students
• Reorganization Day
• Nomination forms due for Catholic School
Council
Monday, September 21 to 25, 2015
• Book Fair begins
Thursday, September 24, 2015
• Picture Day - Smile!
• BBQ / Curriculum Night 6 – 8 p.m.
• School Council Election (if necessary)
• Book Fair Open 7 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
• First School Council Meeting
Friday, October 2, 2015
• Terry Fox Walk-a-thon
Monday, October 5, 2015
• Rain date for Terry Fox Walk
Monday, October 12, 2015
• Thanksgiving Day – No School
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 18, 2015
No School for students