November 2008
PRINCIPAL:
S. Steer
VICE PRINCIPAL:
C. Klein
SECRETARY:
T. Crayden
SUPERINTENDENT:
E. McGuire
905-890-1221
STS. MARTHA AND MARY
PARISH TEAM:
Fr. E. D’Souza
905-625-5670
TRUSTEE:
M. Pascucci
905-624-3663
fax: 905-624-36823
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
INSIDE
Reporting Dates
Custody Issues at
School
School Council
Fundraiser
Early Release
Days p.6
STS. MARTHA & MARY
Catholic School
1760 Bough Beeches Blvd., Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2B9
905-624-9625
God our Creator,
Teach us to appreciate the virtue of patriotism;
a true and Christian love of our country.
Let us grow in a love for our country
that consists not of following the easy path,
but of working together to make Canada the land of
goodness that it should be.
Let our patriotism be such
that it will not exclude other nations
but include them in a powerful love.
God, we know that You want our world to be a happy home
for the entire human family.
Please help us to reach out in Christian kindness, charity
and unity to make this world a better place for all Your
children.
Amen
THE VIRTUE OF CONSCIENCE
God has given us the ability to know the
right and decent way to act and then to act
that way. We trust that the common Spirit
we share inspires us and guides us to make
good decisions if we allow our conscience
to become well-formed.
A person of conscience allows prayer and
scripture to influence him/her.
A person of conscience…
 Chooses to do the ‘right thing’ and
feels good about it
 Can see how his/her actions may
hurt others
 Admits his/her wrong-doing and
feels badly
 Says ‘sorry’ and tries to make up for
mistakes
 Keeps promises
†
A PRAYER OF CONSCIENCE
Gracious and merciful God of all creation,
During this season of remembrance, we
remember how You have gifted us with
free will.
You have given us the virtue of conscience
to ensure that we will know the good and
decent way to act and then choose to act
that way.
We come to You now asking for the grace
and strength to form and to follow our
conscience in order to bring to life Your
plan for a safe, caring, inclusive
community here at Sts. Martha and Mary
Catholic School.
May Your virtue of conscience free us to
make decisions that serve the good of all
Your people.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your
Son, who lived to show us Your way.
Amen.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
All parents are invited to
attend our annual
Remembrance Day
Service on November
11, 2008 at 10:30 am.
This service provides a
unique opportunity for all to offer our
gratitude and respect to our veterans,
peace-keepers and our God for the gifts of
freedom and democracy.
TERRY FOX FINAL TALLY
We are pleased to inform all community members that the staff and
students of Sts. Martha and Mary Catholic School have donated
$7 800.00 to the Terry Fox Foundation this year. In the past 12 years our
total donations have been $ 83 544.29. We should all take great pride in
the outstanding support we provide the Terry Fox Foundation.
COURTEOUS NEIGHBOURS
Students are reminded to act courteously while
traveling to and from school. Some of our
school neighbours are becoming increasingly
frustrated by an accumulation of litter, damage
to garden borders and crushed garden plants.
Your help in ensuring that the community
remains clean and that our students are more
respectful of other people’s property is greatly appreciated.
EARLY LITERACY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT TEACHER
(ELSAT)
This year Dufferin-Peel has assigned an Early Literacy
Special Assignment teacher who visits our school and
assists with the implementation of the primary
Balanced Literacy curriculum. We are most pleased
to introduce our ELSAT teacher, S. Presciutti.
Ms. Presciutti will work with Sts. Martha and Mary
primary teachers and the teachers in four other local
schools. Her mandate is to assist teachers in meeting the assessment
needs demanded of the primary curriculum and also to assist in the
implementation of the Balanced Literacy program.
Ms. Presciutti has already shown herself to be a welcome addition to our
primary division. The children currently in grade one have had the
opportunity to benefit from additional classroom help which in turn
helps to ensure greater learning success. We are excited to provide such
a collaborative teaching opportunity for our primary teachers and
students.
REPORTING TIME
Report cards will be going home on Tuesday, December 2. The parent,
teacher, student conferences for grades JK - 8 are scheduled for the
evening of Thursday, December 4 and during the day on Friday,
December 5. You are, however, encouraged to contact your child(ren)’s
teacher at any time you require clarification, or if you have questions or
concerns about your child’s progress.
Junior Kindergarten students do not receive formal reports cards during
the year. Senior Kindergarten students will receive their report cards in
June. Parents of Junior and Senior Kindergarten students will be
provided with opportunities to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss
progress during each reporting period.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
Thursday, November 13th is picture retake day at Sts.
Martha and Mary School. Picture retakes are for students
who were absent on picture day or who have significant
concerns regarding the quality of the photo. Pictures will
be returned in plenty of time for Christmas.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
ACTIVE STUDENTS
SCHOOL COUNCIL FUNDRAISER
An overwhelming thanks goes
out to our parent and school
community for your support of
our Dance-A-Thon. With great
happiness we announce that
last year’s fundraising total has been
surpassed. Our current pledges indicate a
total of $11 200.00 raised and pledges
continue to arrive! We would like to thank
the School Council Fundraising Committee
for their dedicated efforts. Your children
benefit at the hands of this enthusiastic
committee.
INTERMEDIATE VOLLEYBALL TEAMS
The coaches of both the Intermediate Girls and Boys Volleyball teams
would like to thank each team member for a wonderful season. All the
players have shown great sportsmanship, skill and determination.
Coaches: M. Maxymiw, N. Wanuch, A. Patola and A. Feather
The money that is raised through the
school Dance-A-Thon benefits the
educational and social environment that
is a part of your child’s school life.
• Fundraising supports the acquisition of
additional school resources and programs
such as: Mad Science performances,
sound systems, instrumental music,
sports teams and literacy programs.
• Fundraising also helps to teach children
their responsibility as Catholic members
of society to reach out to others i.e.,
Share Life, food drives, community
needs and the needs of Sts. Martha and
Mary Parish.
SCHOOL COUNCIL EVENTS
Parents please plan to join us in the
gymnasium on November 5th for the
presentation by Michael Reist, “Raising
Children in a New World”. There is no cost
for this Ministry sponsored event and
seating is limited to the first 400 parents.
Many have pre-registered, but please have
no fear that additional seating will be
available for any interested parents. This
event promises to provide information,
tools and strategies for all those interested
in supporting their children in an ever
changing environment.
NEXT MEETING
The Sts. Martha and Mary School Council
invite you to join us on the evening of
Monday, November 24th. The council will
be addressing their budget requirements
and will look to the school staff for budget
priorities for the expenditure of the funds
raised during the 2008/2009 school year.
BOYS
Brendan A.
Diego C.
Damian D.
Alec D.
Matthew F.
Adrian F.
Christopher L.
Timothy P.
Spencer P.
Matthew S.
Christian S.
Szymon W.
GIRLS
Sylvia A.
Anne C.
Paige C.
Kiana D.
Alessia F.
Melissa M.
Sandra P.
Kate R.
Lina S.
Sara W.
Natalia W.
Our teams have enjoyed successful league play. Our intermediate boys
successfully competed at the Family of Schools’ Tournament and placed
4th overall.
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
A note of pride follows our Family of Schools’ Cross Country meet.
We are extremely proud to announce that each of our runners were
successful in crossing the finish line! From 1st to 120th , each participant
has a success story to share and much to celebrate in achieving their
personal best. Thank you to our dedicated cross-country coaches,
I. Schweiger, N. Wanuch, J. Wanuch, J. Ford and L. DeSimone.
Eighteen students advanced to the Board Meet on October 28, 2008.
Students who attended the board finals are indicated with italics and
those who place within the top 15th are also noted. Congratulations to all
our competitors!
Brendan A.
Paula B.
Megan B.
Alex C.
Sean C.
Daniel D.
Jason D.
Alec D.
Claudia E.
Daniel F.
Bianca F. 6th Kristine G.
Kristian L.
Chris L. 15th Matthew L.
Alexia M. 3rd
Jessica M.
Dylan J.
Callan N.
Tim P.
Jessica P.
Spencer P.
Juliana R.
Amy S.
Sonja S.
Anthony S.
Chris S.
Matthew S.
Agnes S.
Martha S.
Nick W.
Sam W.
Sarah W.
Special thanks is extended to our parent volunteers and cheerleaders.
Your support of our team is greatly appreciated.
This is a commendable group of young athletes and coaches. Each
came out early in the morning and on Saturdays for their practices.
Congratulations on your spirit and enthusiasm!
CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN
“Yamilet’s smile was tentative, shy even, as
she stretched out her arms to receive the
brightly wrapped shoebox. She did not
know what was inside, but she clung to the
box because it was the most beautiful thing
she had ever been given.”
This year, the Student Leadership has
decided to continue to support the charity
event, ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Last
year we experienced outstanding results.
Classes, teachers, individual students and
their families made seventy shoeboxes. We
would like to ask everyone to support this
very important initiative by sending in a
small monetary donation or by supplying a
small token to include in our shoeboxes.
Our school community offers great support
and thanks to student leadership and Ms.
Duncan and Ms. De Simone for their
contribution in supporting this very
important event. Student leaders have
already begun the hard work of getting
classes organized and shoeboxes ready for
the due date of November 24th . We hope
that this year’s ‘Operation Christmas Child’
will be as big a success (or even bigger) as
it was last year.
Parents all over the world are grateful for
the difference ‘Operation Christmas Child’
makes in their child’s lives. For families
like Yamilet’s, a simple shoebox filled with
small items and a note of encouragement
brings much joy.
EQAO ASSESSMENT
Last spring, an assessment of reading, writing and mathematics was
conducted in all grade 3 and 6 classes in Ontario by the Education Quality
and Accountability Office (EQAO). This assessment is considered a
“snapshot” of the children’s performance based on their respective grade
level expectations. Individual student results have been sent home with
our grade 4 and 7 students. Sts. Martha and Mary School continues to be
proud of the achievements of our students and teachers.
# Students at or
above Level 3, 4
Grade 3, 2008
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
School
73%
87%
77%
Board
65%
71%
68%
Province
61%
66%
68%
School
76%
93%
78%
Board
70%
72%
62%
Province
66%
67%
61%
Grade 6, 2008
A detailed outline of our current results can be accessed at
www.eqao.com . Sts. Martha and Mary’s school goals and action plan
have been posted on our school website, www.dpcdsb.org/MMARY
DATES TO REMEMBER….
November 3-4: Dental Screening JK, SK, grade 2 and 8
November 3: Peace PALs conflict resolution training
November 4: Cawthra Park Open House – 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
November 5: Michael Reist Presentation 7 p.m.
November 9-13: Book Fair / Evening purchases on Wed. Nov. 14
November 13: Mad Science Presentation grade 1 and grade 2
Picture Retakes
November 14: P.A. Day, No Classes and Office Closed
November 17: See Hear Screening
November 18: See Hear Screening
November 24: 7 p.m. School Council Meeting
November 26: Holy Name of Mary Information Night 7 p.m.
Iona Arts and Culture Pathway Open House 7 p.m.
November 29: Grade 8 Confirmation Enrollment, any mass
December 2: Report Cards go home
December 4: 3:30 – 9:00 p.m. Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
December 5: P.A. Day, Gr. JK -8 Conferences
December 10: Primary Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m.
December 17: 10 am Sts. Martha and Mary School Advent Mass
December 19: Last day of classes, Christmas Break
SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVES
PEDICULOSIS
A problem which seems to occur at least
once a year in most schools is pediculosis
or head lice.
Head lice are parasites which have been
common among human beings for
centuries. They are not connected in any
way with dirt, neglect, and so on. Anyone
can be infested with them. Unfortunately,
in recent years, they have become quite
common throughout North America. In
order to control these pests, we shall do the
following and request your full cooperation.
If even one case is found in the school, we
shall inform all parents of children in that
class. We will be checking friends and
classmates, and if necessary, we will call in
the Health Unit. However, we would ask
that you also check your own children and
if you find them to be infested, we ask you
to let us know so that we can help you get
the proper treatment and take the necessary
precautionary measures.
Even if cases are not reported from the
school, it is a wise precaution to check your
children periodically.
If your children are infested, we will be
asking you to keep them out of school until
after they have been treated with the correct
shampoo and their heads are entirely clear
of both lice and nits (eggs). If we all
cooperate with these procedures, we may
not entirely escape outbreaks, but we will
be able to bring them under control
quickly.
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
On rare occasions, we are faced with
difficult situations in which non-custodial
parents arrive at our school asking to visit
with their child or take their child home
after school. We are best able to serve and
protect the child when we are made aware
of legal custody arrangements, visitation
rights and special instructions. If legal
custody matters affect your family, please
ensure that our office and classroom
teachers are aware of custodial agreements
between parents. We require that a copy of
all legal documentation be kept in your
child’s school records.
INJURIES AT SCHOOL
It is the goal of all staff that students enjoy both indoor and outdoor
activities at school and remain safe and healthy at all times. It is an
unfortunate fact that accidents do happen and that injuries must be dealt
with in the quickest and most prudent of manners. At Sts. Martha and
Mary School numerous school members have chosen to become
certified in First Aid and annual recertification is a school priority. As
such there is always someone, certified in First Aid, available to address
any issues of a minor or serious nature. Our school policy is to err on the
side of caution when dealing with a potentially serious injury. Agendas
are used to inform parents of minor injuries and phone calls are made to
alert parents to any injuries that may require monitoring.
SNACKS AND SPECIAL TREATS
Our students continue to eat their school snacks inside, either 5 minutes
before recess or after recess breaks. This helps to avoid the problems
presented by bees and wasps as well as those problems that arise from litter
in the yard.
As you are aware many of our students suffer from allergies. The
parents and students at Sts. Martha and Mary have been extremely
careful and supportive in promoting a nut free environment. With a safe
environment in mind, we ask that you please consider not sending in
food items to mark special occasions such as birthdays. Children with
food allergies are excluded when birthday items enter the classroom.
They have been trained not to take a chance on any item
that hasn’t been prepared by their parent. Special
events can be marked with a new book for the
classroom library, or a new pencil for each child.
Rest assured, teachers do acknowledge and celebrate
birthdays even if a treat doesn’t mark the special
nature of the day.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
Visitors to the school are required to stop in at the office to sign in and
receive a visitor’s sticker. As the current design of the office makes it
difficult for our secretary to notice visitors entering and exiting the
school, a bell has been installed in the office area. The door chime that
has been installed allows our administrative staff to be more aware of
the entry and exit of visitors to the school.
Staff enter the school by utilizing the keyless card access at the front
and parking lot entrances. This enables us to keep the side door locked
at all times.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
In the unforeseen event that we should have an emergency in our
school, we will evacuate to Sts. Martha and Mary Church. Safety
regulations require us to have a contingency plan in place should an
emergency occur. In such an event, your child will remain at Sts.
Martha and Mary Church until we contact a parent or guardian.
WINTER WEATHER
During the winter
season, many parents
are concerned about
school policy on
outdoor recess. It is
generally accepted
that when the wind
chill factor drops below –25oC, students
should not go outside for recess. DufferinPeel C.D.S.B. policy uses a wind chill of
–20oC as the determining temperature for
modified recesses. At Sts. Martha and
Mary, students will remain inside when the
wind chill is reported at –20oC or lower and
we will modify the duration of lunch recess
when the temperature reaches –18oC. As
always, ensure your child is prepared for
the extremes of Canadian weather.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sts. Martha and Mary has a school website! Please visit www.dpcdsb.org and link
to the elementary site @ Sts. Martha and
Mary to gain information about the school,
parish and council.
FOOD DRIVE
Please support our Christmas Food Drive.
Non-perishable food items will be collected
between Dec. 1st - Dec. 12th
EARLY RELEASE DATES
The Early Release Dates for the upcoming
school year have been finalized.
Please mark the following on your
calendars. There are no afternoon classes:
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Students who attend full day classes will be
dismissed at 12:00 p.m. JK/SK classes are
cancelled for the afternoon.
INCLEMENT WEATHER AND TRANSPORTATION
With the winter season fast approaching, we would like to remind you
of bus cancellation procedures. Occasionally, because of inclement
weather or other emergency situations, buses may have to be cancelled.
Information regarding bus cancellation and other emergency
information announcements can be obtained by listening to the
following radio stations or by visiting www.dpcdsb.org
AM
640AM
NEWS
680 AM
CHUM
104.5 FM
CHFI
98.1 FM
CHIN
100.7 FM
CBC
740 AM
CKDX
88.5 FM
CISS
92.5 FM
SRC
90.3 FM
Q107
107.1 FM
Make sure the announcement is for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board. If transportation is cancelled, the schools will remain
open except under extraordinary circumstances and when an
announcement is made that Dufferin-Peel schools are closed. If buses
are cancelled and parents or guardians choose to bring their child to
school, it is also their responsibility to pick them up at the end of the
day.
IMPORTANT SACRAMENT PREPARATION DATES
Schedule for confirmation classes at Sts. Martha and Mary Parish:
Boys
Nov. 2, 2008
Nov. 16, 2008
Nov. 30, 2008
Dec. 14, 2008
Jan. 11, 2009
Jan. 25, 2009
Feb. 8, 2009
Feb. 22, 2009
Mar. 8, 2009
Apr. 5, 2009
Apr. 26 (Quiz)
Girls
Nov. 9, 2008
Nov. 23, 2008
Dec. 7, 2008
Dec. 21, 2008
Jan. 18, 2009
Feb. 1, 2009
Feb. 15, 2009
Mar. 1, 2009
Mar. 29, 2009
Apr. 19, 2009
May 10 (Quiz)
Confirmation: Saturday, May 23rd, 2008 6:30 p.m.
PRIMARY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The students of the primary division wish to invite
their parents to a special presentation of “The First
Christmas” on Wednesday, December 10th , 2008, at
7:00 pm in the school gymnasium. Doors open at
6:45 pm. This evening of song promises to be a
highlight of the Christmas season.
.