MARCH
2010
PRINCIPAL:
K.J. Carey
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
STS. MARTHA & MARY
Catholic School
1760 Bough Beeches Blvd., Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2B9
905-624-9625 facsimile 905-624-8089
TRUSTEE:
M. Pascucci
905-624-3663
A LENTEN PRAYER
INSIDE
Lent
Sacraments
Amendments
to Education
Act
Dates to
Remember
Good and Gracious God,
You call your people back to You
this Lent.
May this sacred season renew
Our desire to live fully the promises
Of our Baptism and to love You
With a whole heart
Through more frequent prayer,
Acts of charity and fasting,
May we remember that loving You
And one another is the most
Important thing we can do.
In confidence, we ask these things
Through Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
FAITH LIFE
VIRTUES
LENT IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL
This month we will celebrate the
virtue of kindness. God has given us
the gifts of friends and companions to
keep us company and to help us out
along the way. Every person carries
the Spirit of God – and so every
person is our brother or sister through
Jesus Christ.
As brothers and sisters who share one
Holy Spirit, we are all valuable to
God. We all deserve to be shown
concern for our welfare and our
feelings. We have all been given the
fruit of the Spirit called kindness.
Kindness can only be seen through
actions. It’s not enough to say I will
be kind or I am kind. We must show
that we are kind by our words and our
deeds.
Through prayer and concentration,
we can get better at showing kindness
to everyone we meet.
As Catholics we began to observe
Lent, the forty-day period before
Easter that began this year, on Ash
Wednesday, February 17th.
A Kind Person…
Says nice things about others so
they feel good about themselves
Sticks up for people who are
picked on or need help
Refuses to join others who are
insulting, intimidating, mean or
hurtful
Watches and looks for ways to
help those in need
EASTER FOOD DRIVE
We are ready to start our
Easter food drive. It is a
great opportunity for us to show our
Christian caring as we share our gifts
with others who are less fortunate.
We appreciate any food donations
and we will gladly pass them on to
the needy in our community. Please
drop donations off to the school
between March 22 – March 31.
During Lent we imitate Jesus, who
spent forty days in the desert in
prayer and fasting before beginning
His public ministry. Observing Lent
helps to cultivate the spiritual
discipline of making personal
sacrifices, reminding us of the
importance of spiritual truths over
earthly goods.
As we approach Easter, it is fitting that we meditate on the serious
subject of the sacrifice that Jesus made to save us from eternal
death and separation from God. He willingly and single-mindedly
embarked on His mission to teach the Good News and to die on
the cross as the ultimate and lasting sacrifice for our sins – the
sacrifice that God required.
This may be a good time to think about the blessings we have and
about the frivolous things we tend to hold onto. It may be a good
time to give up something we enjoy as a reminder of the true
meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice. We can also think of a Lenten
promise we wish to make. Most of all, we can strive to do good to
others as Jesus did to the many people He met along His journey.
It seems that God is more interested in a sacrifice of the heart than
in the things you give up for Lent. Let us find out more about
what is right in God’s eyes, by reading the Bible regularly,
especially with our children.
CONFIRMATION
Grade Eight Confirmation will be held on Sunday May 16, 2010
at 2:00 p.m., at Sts. Martha and Mary Church. Further
information will be forwarded from the Parish.
FIRST COMMUNION
Our Grade Two students are busily preparing to
receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist on
Sunday April 25, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. The entire
school community offers our prayers and
encouragement as these children further
prepare themselves to join our faith community
at Christ’s table through the Sacrament of the First Eucharist.
Please remember each of our Grade Two children and pray for
them as they come to know and understand the compassion and
love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
AROUND THE HALLS
PUBLIC SPEAKING
During second term, our Intermediate
students were involved in public
speaking presentations.
A formal public speaking contest was
held for Grade 7 and 8 students on
February 12, 2010. Our finalists and
their speech topics were:
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS BASKETBALL
Our intermediate girls basketballs finished their league game
season undefeated and went on to compete at the Mississauga East
Family of Schools tournament on Thursday February 18th.
Congratulations to our team:
Stephanie B. Tate P.
Claudia E.
Paula B.
Pamela B.
Abigail O.
Kaila P.
Samantha S.
Chelsea C.
Anne C.
Callan N.
Melissa M.
3rd Julia M. (Mrs. Maxymiw’s class)
2nd Callan N. (Mrs. Boot’s class)
1st Sylvia A. (Mr. Mandarino’s class)
Thank you to our coaches of the Intermediate Girls’ Basketball
teams, Mrs. Ford and Ms. De Simone!
Sylvia will represent Sts. Martha and
Mary School at the Royal Canadian
Legion Public Speaking Competition
on February 28, 2010. It takes many
hours of research, writing and
practice to make this event so
successful. Thank you to all students
and teachers for your extra efforts in
support of the public speaking
competition.
CHESS TOURNAMENT
Our School was well represented by
both our Junior and Intermediate
Chess teams at the Mississauga East
Family of Schools Chess Tournament
on Thursday February 4th.
Congratulations to our Junior team
who finished 6th at the tournament.
Mariam G.
Max L.
Elvis L.
David Ad.
Daniel Ad.
Daniel G.
And, to our Intermediate Team who
placed 3rd, winning a bronze medal.
Ben M.
Frank C.
Viktoras M. Adrian P.
Nicolas Gr. Nicholas S.
Many thanks to Mr. Mandarino for
your guidance and leadership!
CHEERLEADING CLUB
Teachers aren’t the only educators in our school. Under the
direction of Mrs. Maxymiw and Mrs. Bellini-Kavals, Vanessa P.
and Astrid F. have used their talents to run a cheerleading club
during the month of February, every Wednesday over the lunch
break. Vanessa and Astrid wrote and choreographed the cheers to
music. The club offers opportunities for student leadership,
development of peer relationships and fosters school spirit. GO
MAVERICKS!
Team captains: Vanessa P., Astrid F.
Cheerleaders: Joshua L., Sean C., Jessica P., Natalia W., Athena
H., Chelsea C., Emily W., Zoe R., Julia P. and Samantha C.
ALL STAR READING PROGRAM
We continue to seek parent volunteers to assist
with the All Star Reading Program. All Star
Reading is an exciting component of our reading
program where coaches are matched with
students to spend 1 – 3 sessions per week on targeted reading
strategies.
Parent volunteers are always needed within this rewarding
program. Please contact Ms. Klein if you can spare a morning or
afternoon once week on a consistent basis.
VOLUNTEERS AND CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
The school community has been blessed by the kindness and
generosity of many volunteers. If you are working directly with
children, you must complete a volunteer criminal reference check.
Forms are available at the office, and take about 6 – 8 weeks to
process at the Peel Police Department. If you already have
completed the CRC (criminal reference check) and have it on file
at our school office, you must sign an annual declaration form
each year, which you can obtain from Mrs. Crayden at the office.
Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Klein, our Vice Principal, if
you have any further questions.
SAFE SCHOOLS
INTERNET SAFETY
We are asking all parents to be aware
of what their children are doing on
the internet and make sure their sons’
or daughters’ activities
on the internet are
completely appropriate.
It would be helpful to
know your son’s or
daughter’s email address, log on
names and passwords. Make regular
checks, look at the computer screen
and make sure the computer is set up
in an area that is frequently
supervised by an adult.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the unforeseen event that we
should have an emergency at the
school, we will evacuate to:
Sts. Martha and Mary Parish
1870 Burnhamthorpe Road East.
905-625- 5670
DATES TO REMEMBER
March 1:
P.A. Day – no school for children
March 3:
2nd Dose Hep. B and Gardisal
March 4:
Grade 8 Graduation Photos
March 15-19: March Break
March 23:
Reports sent home
March 24/25: Grade 7’s at A.G.O.
March 25:
Term 2 Interviews
March 30:
Const. Jackson visits JK/SK, Gr. 4, 6
April 1:
Holy Thursday Stations of the Cross
April 2
Good Friday
April 4:
Easter Sunday
April 5:
Easter Monday
April 8:
Easter Liturgy of Celebration 9:30 am
April 27:
School Council 7 p.m.
May 3-7:
Catholic Education Week
April 20;
Grade 2’s visit Sts. Martha and Mary
Church
April 25:
First Communion 2:00 p.m.
May 16:
Confirmation 6:30 p.m.
May 23
Pentecost
May 24
Victoria Day – statutory holiday
June (TDB) EQAO, Grades 3 and 6
June 28:
Grade 8 Graduation
SAFE PLAY
All students are
consistently reminded
of the safe play
expectations within the school and
outside. This is especially important
on days when the field is out of
bounds and the play area is limited to
the pavement. On these days we ask
that students play only with tennis
balls or with small utility balls.
Footballs are allowed only in the
field. Body contact activities, shoving
and pushing are not acceptable
behaviours at school. We applaud
those who play appropriately and
safely. Thank you to the students who
also remember to stay clear of the
side doors as well as the garbage bins
while they are outside at recess. Safe
play is everybody’s business.
ARE YOU MOVING?
We are in the process of planning classes and staffing for
the 2010– 2011 school year. If you are planning to move
anytime between now and September, and your child will
no longer be attending Sts. Martha and Mary, please
complete and detach this box and return it to your child’s
teacher.
Child’s Name: ____________________________________
Date of Move: ____________________________________
Teacher’s Name: __________________________________
Location you are moving to: ________________________
SCHOOL COUNCIL CORNER
AROUND THE HALLS
STS. MARTHA & MARY
MARLIES FUN DAY
Our
community
anticipates a
highspirited
night at the
Ricoh
Coliseum when Sts. Martha
and Mary cheers on the
Toronto Marlies on Sunday,
March 7, 2010 at 4:00 p.m..
This fun filled evening of
action packed hockey promises
to be a memorable community
event. A family fun skate with
Duke, the Mascot, following
the game promises to be a
highlight.
We extend our
thanks to School Council,
especially,
Mr.
Jim
Christopoulos, for organization
of this event.
Look for
information to come home in
the near future.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
GENEROSITY
Your generosity made a big
difference to a lot of families
in the Bloor Dixie Community
Centre this Christmas. The
mittens, hats and gifts donated
to the Centre put a smile on
many faces.
It is such a
wonderful opportunity for our
children and families to
experience the gift of giving at
such a blessed time of year and
to show people that someone
cares about them. Thanks to
Mr.
Criminale
for
his
assistance in setting up the tree
and to the many volunteers for
organizing and delivering the
gifts!
SCHOOL COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Catholic School Councils are an integral part of the school
community, working in partnership with the home, school and parish.
We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated members of parent
and staff volunteers who meet regularly as authentic partners of
School Council to foster good will and interest in the common good
that enhances the learning opportunities for the students. Potential
items for future School Council can be forwarded to a School Council
member or the school office at 905-624-9625. Remember that the
School Council meetings are not intended to address specific and
individual parental or student matters. These should be addressed
directly to the school administration.
“Catholic School Councils are an
invitation to the community to become
involved in the local school. Our success
is always amplified when we work
together with mutual respect and
understanding.
We must work
collaboratively to preserve and strengthen Catholic education in all
that we do.” Director, John B. Kostoff
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Council meeting minutes are available at the school website found on
the Board website: www.dpcdsb.org Once on the website, scroll
down to Sts. Martha and Mary Catholic School, under Elementary
Schools. Then you will enter the school website and can click on
School Council found on the top tool bar section in order to enter the
section of the website dedicated to School Council news. Or, you can
find a copy of the minutes from the Council meeting posted on the
bulletin board located just outside the school office.
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING CHANGES:
The March 23 and June 15, 2010 council meeting have been
cancelled.
NEXT SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING:
Tuesday April 27, 2010
School Council will not be meeting March 23 and June 15,
2010 as previously scheduled.
Our meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Library.
Hope to see you there!
TRUSTEE:
MR. PASCUCCI VISITS
SCHOOL COUNCIL:
Tuesday, February 16th, School
Council welcomed, Trustee,
Mr. Pascucci to the meeting. It
was a wonderful opportunity
for him to provide updates
from the board as well as make
connections to the school and
community members. On
behalf of school administration
and School Council, we would
like to thank Mr. Pascucci for
his efforts to represent the
community and for his time to
join us at the School Council
meeting.
EDUCATION ACT
AMENDMENTS (formerly
Bill 157):
Effective February 1, 2010, the
Education Act was amended to
introduce new Safe Schools
legislative
changes
and
requirements. Furthermore, all
DPCDSB employees were
required to receive mandatory
training. Highlights of the
legislative
changes
were
shared with members of the
community at the January, 26th
School
Council
meeting.
These highlights included:
Review of Education
Act ‘Keeping Our Kids
Safe at School, Bill
157’
Review of Safe Schools
Act, Catholic Code of
Conduct, Bullying
Prevention and
Intervention and
Progressive Discipline.
Legislation requires: all
school staff to report
serious incidents; all
boards must have
appropriate policies
and guidelines in place; all serious incidents that may lead to
suspension and/or expulsion must be recorded on ‘Safe
Schools Incident Tracking Form’ in Provincial database and
filed in respective student’s Ontario Student Record (O.S.R.)
INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL:
Starting February 18, through to April 1, 2010, junior students in
grades five and six will have the opportunity to participate, during
lunch recess, in Intramural volleyball. The intramurals will provide
opportunity for Intermediate students to develop leadership skills
through roles as Team captains and/or referee. We would to thank Ms.
Prajza for coordinating this athletic opportunity as well as a number
of staff who have volunteered to supervise the program during the
lunch hour.
EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM:
September 2010, full day Early Learning Program, for children ages 4
and 5 years, will be implemented across the Province. Here in
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, 45 classes will
commence in 16 schools predetermined by the board based upon
Ministry guidelines. Early Learning Programs are expected to be
fully implemented over a five year phase in process.
Presently, Sts. Martha and Mary school has not been identified as a
site for Early Learning Program and therefore, will continue to
operate both Junior and Senior Kindergarten half-day programs.
PEEL REGION PUBLIC HEALTH IMMUNIZATION:
On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, Peel Public Health nurses will be at
the school to administer second vaccination for Hepatitis B, for
students in Grade seven and HPV (Gardisal) for female students in
Grade eight.
For more information consult Peel Region Public Health website:
www.Peelregion.ca and/or contact them by phone at 905 799-7700.
LENTEN JOURNEY… THINGS YOU CAN DO IN YOUR
HOME OR WITH YOUR FAMILY THAT ARE SPIRITUAL:
Pray the Stations of the Cross
Read, meditate, contemplate or pray
Perform an act of mercy, try and make it an unexpected one,
also try to do this every day of Lent
Attend mass on Sunday
Be kind and think, what would Jesus do (WWJD)? Try this:
Put five pennies in one pocket and try to compliment five
people during the day, and as you do this transfer one of the
pennies to your other pocket.