25 Kanata Rd., Brampton, Ontario L7A 3R2
Telephone: (905) 840-3121 Fax: (905) 840-6137
NEWSLETTER #1
SEPTEMBER 2014
www.guardianangelsparish.com
School Hours
Amen
 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
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for Students

ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
September has arrived and a new school year is beginning!
Many rewarding experiences and opportunities await as we transition from the “lazy days” of summer into the “busy-ness” of fall.
A warm welcome is extended to our new and returning students and their families as well as to our new Full Day
Kindergartners as they begin their journey into learning. Many fun-filled experiences and adventures await.
Welcome back to our returning staff, who have been working diligently these past weeks preparing classrooms and curriculum for our students. Together we welcome new staff to the St. Lucy School family, J. Lise, Vice-Principal, C. Valbuena,
S. Silva, M. Hilderbrandt, E. Nowak, L. Lubrick, and W.
Whiteman-Saunders.
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. Vestidas who have worked tirelessly in preparing our school for our students.
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 respect, civility and commitment to gospel values. Also, proactive and preventative measures are essential in order to promote appropriate behavior in our school that aligns with our Catholic School Graduate
Expectations. We must all work together to provide and sustain a safe, caring, inclusive and healthy Catholic school environment. The staff of St. Lucy are committed to working in partnership with parents, school council, Guardian Angel’s
Parish, Trustee Zanella, Superintendent Steer and the community to provide the best opportunities to nurture our students’ sense of well-being and support their unique educational needs.
God bless and best wishes for an amazing school year!
Julie Tollis
FAITH ACTIVITIES
GUARDIAN ANGELS PARISH
Masses are celebrated at:
St. Edmund Campion Catholic Secondary S.S.
275 Brisdale Drive, Brampton
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 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
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 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.
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.
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for Students

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/ Meningitis & HPV –Monday, October 20, 2014
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 will be dismissed out their entry doors and 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 the forms sent home on September 2, 2014 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. Named “Sabrina’s Law” in honour of an Ontario student who died following an anaphylactic reaction in 2003.
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 by you
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for students and your family doctor if it is necessary 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 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 etc.). We offer our heartfelt thanks for your support in making our school a safer environment for all.
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. 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.

POLICY ON CELL PHONES AND MP3
PLAYERS (PEDs)
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board has the following policy regarding P ersonal E lectronic D evices
(cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players etc.) in place for all schools:
As part of our efforts to promote and maintain a positive
Catholic climate in our schools, all PEDs must be kept out of sight, turned off and not used within school premises or during school-sanctioned activities. To prevent the loss or damage of PEDs, we encourage students to leave their
PEDs at home as the school cannot be responsible for their safe keeping. The school is not responsible for loss and/or damages. PEDs may be confiscated and parents/guardians will be contacted. Parental support is requested.
REPORTING HEAD INJURIES
Even when it may appear to be insignificant, parents will be informed of all reported head injuries at school. 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.
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 12, 2014. 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 costeffective 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
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for students 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
2) Photocopy the form and fax it to Reliable Life at 1-
905-522-7211 or 1-800-463-KIDS (5437).
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.
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 2014 – 2015.
Please submit a letter requesting a courtesy seat to Mr.
Lise by October. 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? 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.
SCHOOL EVENTS AND NEWS
BOOK FAIR
St. Lucy’s Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be held from September
18 th – 25 th and will be open from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on
Curriculum night (September 18th).
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 18 th f rom 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 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday,
September 18 th . The family BBQ night will take place before
Curriculum Night. Pre-order forms will be forthcoming.
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for students
KISS ‘N 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.
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.
We need volunteers to help with the Kiss ‘N Ride program from 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. daily. If you can help on one or two days per week, please call the office (905) 840-3121.
PICTURE DAY
Tuesday, September 23 rd 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 12 th 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.
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 2014 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 before September 12, 2014.
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 Thursday, September 18,
2014. In the event that an election is necessary, a list of parent nominees together with brief biographies will be sent home on
Monday, September 22, 2014 and an election (if necessary) on
Wednesday, September 24, 2014. Our first School Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 1 st 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 Wednesday, September 24, 2014. Rain date will be
Thursday, September 25, 2014. More information to follow.
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 and be stored at the office. If your child rides their bike to school, please remind them to lock it.
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
Professional Activity Day – Friday, September 12, 2014
No School for students
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, September 5, 2014
• Virtue/ School Assembly – Gym @ 9:30 a.m.
Friday, September 12, 2014
• Professional Activity Day – No School for students
• Reorganization Day
Thursday, September 18, 2014
• School Council Nominee forms due
• Family BBQ – 6 p.m. Curriculum Evening – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
• Picture Day - Smile!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
• School Council Election 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ( if required )
• Terry Fox Walk
Thursday, September 25, 2014
• Terry Fox Walk – Rain Date
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
• School Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 3, 2014
• Virtue Assembly – Empathy - Gym @ 1:15 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 2014
• Thanksgiving Day – No School
REMINDERS
Items to return:
1.
Student Insurance - to be sent directly to Reliable
Insurance
2.
Emergency Early Dismissal Consent Form – to be returned
3.
Letter Lunch - to be returned
4.
Elementary Physical Education Curriculum -
Element of Risk & Medical Information Form – to be returned