May 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
TRUSTEE:
Mario Pascucci
Mississauga Wards 1 & 3
(905) 302-3096
(905) 890-0708, x20161
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
INSIDE
Education
Week
Class Lists
2010-2011
Sports
STS. MARTHA & MARY
Catholic School
1760 Bough Beeches Blvd., Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2B9
905-624-9625
Mary the Mother of God – The Gospel of Life
O Mary,
Bright dawn of the new world,
Mother of the living,
to you do we entrust the cause of life;
look down, O Mother, upon us in your glory.
Grant that all who believe in your Son
may proclaim the Gospel of life
with honesty and love
to the people of our time.
Obtain for them the grace
to accept that Gospel
as a gift ever new,
the joy of celebrating it with gratitude
throughout their lives
and the courage
to bear witness to it
resolutely, in order to build,
together with all people of good will,
the civilization of truth and love,
to praise and glory of God,
the creator and lover of life.
Amen.
FAITH LIFE
VIRTUE OF ACCEPTANCE
One of the great wonders of the world
we live in is that no two people are
exactly alike. We may share
biological families or national
identity or cultural and ethnic identity
but we are all very unique and
distinct creations.
God breaks the mold every time, and
that is a fantastic fact of life!
It can also be a challenging fact of
life if it makes us afraid. Sometimes
differences are scary – especially if
we haven’t learned about or don’t
understand how people are different.
The virtue of acceptance describes
our ability to look at the attitudes and
actions of those around us and then
just stop and consider without making
judgments. The virtue of acceptance
means that we look beyond what we
see; a person’s skin colour, ethnic
background, religion, age, gender,
sexual orientation, and see a person
created and loved by God.
An accepting person…
•
•
•
•
•
Is friendly and open to all God’s
people, regardless of age, beliefs,
gender, culture or ability
Sees the positive traits in all
people even if she/he disagrees
with them
Avoids judging or stereotyping
others
Understands that there may be
more than one way to do things
Sticks up for the ‘underdog’
SUMMER READ BOOK FAIR
In the hopes of supporting your summer
reading our teacher librarian, Ms.
Duncan will be holding a Summer Read
Book Fair. Students can purchase books
during the weeks of June 8 to June 17, or
on the evening of Thursday, June 11
from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. The proceeds of
this book fair will be donated to our
Change for Change Program; specifically
to provide a much needed water filtration
system in Africa.
FIRST EUCHARIST
We are very proud of our grade two students who received their
First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at Sts. Martha
and Mary Church. They have been busily preparing to enter into
this sacrament through study, a visit to the church and through
song practice. The celebration of the Eucharist was both a happy
and holy event. May the many blessings you receive through the
Eucharist enrich you forever boys and girls!
CONFIRMATION
Congratulations to our grade eight confirmandi who
will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on
Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. It is with great
pride that family, staff and friends will join together
to witness this very important rite of passage. We
celebrate with each new confirmandi as they begin their journey
into a full communion with the Church and become disciples of
the Good News of Jesus Christ.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
Catholic Education Week was celebrated from May 3– May 7,
2010. During this week the Catholic community celebrated the
unique and distinctive contribution that Catholic schools make to
our students, our community and our province. Catholic
Education Week was an opportunity to celebrate the Mission of
our Catholic schools as they strive to integrate the Gospel values
of Jesus Christ in every aspect of the school’s life and curriculum.
This year’s theme was
“Rejoicing in Hope”
Five sub-themes, one for each of the five days of Catholic
Education Week 2010, helped students to understand the rich
meaning of this year’s theme:
Day 1…Hope in Our Hearts
Day 2…Hope in Our Homes
Day 3…Hope in Our Schools
Day 4…Hope in Our Communities
Day 5…Hope in Our World
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The staff, students and parent council of Sts.
Martha and Mary school would like to show our
appreciation for all the support we have received
throughout the year from all of our volunteers. If
you have volunteered any time this year, we
would like you to join us for a reception on May 25 in the
gymnasium; invitation to follow.
PROGRAM
EQAO ASSESSMENTS
The grade three and six students of
Sts. Martha and Mary School
continue to prepare for the EQAO
assessments of Reading, Writing and
Mathematics. The grade three
students will write the test the week
of May 31 - June 4 and grade six
students will write during the week of
June 7 - 11. The results of these tests
will be received in the fall of 2010.
How to prepare your child for the
test? It is very important that you
take the time to talk to your child and
help reduce the anxiety related to any
type of testing situation. You should
also be sure that your child has
enough sleep, eats a nutritious
breakfast and is well hydrated. It is
important that if your child is in grade
three or six that they be in full
attendance during the assessment.
GRADE 7 AND 8 SUMMER
SCHOOL
Summer school is available to grade
seven and eight students as
recommended by the principal.
Summer school will be held for
remedial literacy, numeracy and ESL.
There is no cost for this program.
Classes run from July 5 to July 23,
2010. Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to
12:00 p.m. Busing is provided from
home school pick up points. The
deadline for applications is May 28,
2010. Classes are being held at
Metropolitan Andrei School. Further
summer school information is
available through your child’s
teacher.
SUMMER LITERACY CAMP
Application forms for Summer Literacy Camp for Senior
Kindergarten to grade six students are due May 28, 2010.
Enrolment is for either two or four weeks for a fee. Hours will be
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Four week program July 5-30; two week
program either July 5-16 or July 19-30th. No
transportation is provided. Contact your child’s
teacher to discuss this possibility for your child and
to obtain an application form.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2010
The staff of Sts. Martha and Mary School will meet over the next
few weeks to discuss class placements for September 2010. When
determining placement, some of the criteria we consider are:
academic ability, work habits, study skills, maturity, social factors
and placement history. Due to our size, we are limited in our
placement options. When more than one class per grade exists,
we strive to create a balance of gender, ability and behavioural
needs.
Since you know your child best, we always appreciate your input
concerning any special needs your child(ren) may have. With this
in mind, we ask that if you have feedback for us, please provide it
to us in writing. We ask that you submit your feedback to the
principal by Friday, May 14, 2010. In your letter please include
your child’s strengths, needs and a description of their learning
style including the type of learning environment that would
provide your child with the most success. Please do not make
specific requests for a teacher as current and tentative
assignments may change between now and September.
When staff meet they will take into consideration the overall
needs of the students in relation to the make-up of the class. They
will also take into consideration any parental feedback they have
received. It is not always possible, given the variables that go into
devising a class, to accommodate all parental requests. Wherever
possible we will meet requests, but the final decision rests with
the principal and the teaching staff.
COMBINED CLASSES
As the population of Sts. Martha and Mary declines,
combined grades will become a necessary reality at our
school. This is a reality in many of the schools in the eastern area
of Mississauga. As teachers prepare class lists they consider
many factors, such as the learning styles of students, a balance of
abilities and class culture. Being in a combined grade is in no
way prejudicial to a child’s education. Within Ontario all schools
are bound by a strict teacher pupil ratio. This will be particularly
evident as we strive to meet the hard cap of 20:1 in the primary
grades and the guidelines of 25:1 in grades four to eight. Until we
finalize our enrolment in September, all class arrangements and
teacher placements will be tentative.
CO-CURRICULAR
TRACK AND FIELD DAY
As has been our recent tradition, a
track and field day was held on May
5th. (Rain date = May 7th) During
this event, all grade 4 – 8 students
will have an opportunity to compete
in up to three events. Our track and
field team will be selected based upon
top competitors from each event.
Practices will be held before and after
school during the month of May and
June in preparation for the family and
board meets. Team members should
mark June 8th on their calendars as
this is the date for the Mississauga
East Track and Field meet at St.
Marcellinus Secondary School.
We extend our appreciation to Ms.
Loncarich, Mrs. Hammond and Mrs.
Scherer for organizing this event and
also thank the many coaches who
have volunteered their time to train
our many participants.
INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL
LEAGUE
The
Intramural Volleyball League
wrapped up on Friday April 16th, after
3 successful months of league play.
INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ SOCCER
The intermediate soccer teams are preparing for a short but
competitive season. As always, Sts. Martha
and Mary is proud of the great sportsmanship,
skill and determination that have been shown
both on and off the field. We extend our
thanks to our coaches Mr. Mandarino, Ms.
Addario and Madame Daly and the many
supportive parents who cheer on our teams
and assist with transportation. All the best at
your tournaments: Girls’- May 13 and Boys’ - May 14, 2010.
Boys Team:
Adrian P., Adrian F., Daniel D., Daniel F., Frank, Jason, Kacper,
Max, Michael B., Michael T., Nicholas, Oliver, Sean, Tyler
Girls Team:
Abigail, Chantal, Chelsea, Claudia, Julia, Kayla, Kiana, Marina,
Melissa, Pamela, Paula, Samantha, Sara, Stephanie, Tate
GO MAVERICKS!
JUNIOR BASKETBALL
Our junior basketball coaches have enjoyed a very successful
season and wish to thank team members and parent volunteers for
their enthusiasm and support. The Junior teams have represented
Sts. Martha and Mary in true Maverick tradition both on and off
the court. Both our teams are celebrating a very successful
season. The Girls team continued on to the Family Level
tournament on May 4th at St. Paul Secondary School.
Way to go Mavericks! We are very proud of you!
Many thanks to our fabulous coaches: Ms. De Simone and Mrs.
Ford. (Junior Girls Team Coaches), Ms. Prajza and Ms. Addario
(Junior Boys Team Coaches)
Team 6 were the champions!
Congratulations to …… Alex, Bruno,
Dana, Emma, Grace, Jacob, Matthew
Melanie, Robert, and Victoria!
Thank you to Ms. Prajza, Ms.
Addario, and Ms. Bellini-Kavals for
their organization and support!
Junior Girls
Amanda A.
Emily A.
Alex C.
Melanie C.
Dana C.
Bianca F.
Jessica M.
Ania N.
Juliana R.
Cassandra R.
Victoria S.
Sara. V.
Junior Boys
Adrian
Brandon
Bruno
Christian
Daniel
David
Jacob
Justin
Leo
Ryan
Scott
SAFE SCHOOLS
SAFE SC
CRIMINAL OFFENCE
DECLARATIONS
All volunteers who have had a
Criminal Reference Check must pick
up and fill out a Criminal Offence
Declaration form at the school office.
Criminal Reference Check
applications are also available at the
school office.
WARM WEATHER DRESS
We would like our students to be
neat, clean and comfortable for
learning. Students are expected to
dress in a manner and attire suitable
for the occasion, and appropriate to
the school environment.
Boys must wear full-length t-shirts
with a sleeve. Girls are not to wear
anything strapless or have bare
midriffs. Tank tops and crop tops are
not acceptable nor are very short
shorts. Shirts with offensive
language or pictures are not allowed.
This directive is addressed more
toward junior and intermediate
students. A little more latitude is
given to younger students. If students
do not adhere to these guidelines,
parents will be called and/or
alternative attire will be provided.
We trust you will assist us in
maintaining a sense of dignity with
respect to the clothes that are worn to
school.
PARKING ON ROWNTREE CRT.
Our neighbours on Rowntree Crt. ask
the flexibility and patience of the
parents and students who access
Rowntree when picking up and
dropping off children. The large
amount of parents who access this
convenient spot have created a safety
concern when children run between
cars, and when parents block
driveways or double park. Please set
a good example for your children by
being a good neighbour and by
following all traffic safety bylaws.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDs) ON SCHOOL
PROPERTY
As part of our efforts to promote and maintain a positive Catholic
climate in our schools, the board adheres to a policy regarding
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) on school property. In this
regard, 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 can not be
responsible for their safe keeping.
INTERNET SAFETY/VIDEO GAMES
As parents you are encouraged to be vigilant about your child’s
use of the computer. Many of the students are
using “Face Book” “Hotmail” “Blogs” and
“MSN”. It is important that you be aware of
the messages your child may be sending or
receiving. Some of the communication is
inappropriate as are the names being used.
Please discuss this very important issue with
your child(ren). Many of the video games being played by our
children are too violent and have an “R” rating. The Minister of
Education calls this disturbing and distasteful. Also, in light of
the many abductions of children via the internet we remind you to
be fully aware of what your child(ren) is/are doing on the
computer. Always be aware of whom your children are
associating with and where they are at all times.
SAFETY FIRST
Please review the following Safe School Procedures to help us
provide a safe learning environment for your children.
1. The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. Supervision begins at
8:45a.m. Children should arrive no earlier that 8:45 a.m.
2. If early dismissal is needed, parents/guardians are asked to
pick up children at the main office and sign them out.
3. If students are arriving late due to an appointment etc… they
must sign in at the office and acquire a late slip.
4. All absences must be called in to the school’s attendance line
905-624-9625 ext. 1.
5. All parents and visitors must sign in at the office and attain a
visitor’s pass. Please wait in the office for school personnel to
meet you. All school volunteers have a volunteer identification
badge that must be worn whenever they are in the building.
6. Parents must never park in the driveway of the school. Please
use available parking spots or park on Bough Beeches rather
than in the lanes currently used for buses or Kiss and Ride.
SHARELIFE
DATES TO REMEMBER:
A Gift of Kindness, Twice as Nice...
You can double the impact of your
generosity
Contributions to ShareLife can have a
bigger impact than ever this year
through the ShareLife Community
Challenge! A generous donor has
pledged to match all new and
increased gifts to the 2010 ShareLife
campaign, up to a total of $500,000.
This gift applies to our school
fundraising efforts as well.
If you are a new ShareLife donor,
your gift will be doubled. If you have
given in the past but didn’t contribute
in 2009, your gift will be doubled this
year. If you’re a regular ShareLife
donor and you increase your gift from
the amount contributed last year, the
increase of your gift will be matched
as well.
Whether you contribute at the parish,
online, or through our school
ShareLife fundraising activities, the
impact of your gift will be maximized
in a special way this year.
For more information, visit
www.sharelife.org.
You can work WONDERS!
EARTH DAY
Earth Day was a huge success at Sts.
Martha & Mary School, on April 22!
Many classes participated in the Earth
Day challenges and poster contest.
The class winners of the poster
contest were:
Primary:
Mrs. Ford’s class
Junior:
Ms. SanFilippo’s class
Intermediate: Mrs. Boots’ class
Thank you to Ms. Addario and Ms.
Daly for organizing such a wonderful
event!
May 3 – May 7: Education Week “Rejoicing in Hope”
May 3
Community Mass at Sts. Martha & Mary
Parish at 10:15 a.m.
May 16: Confirmation 2:00 p.m.
May 4: School Council Guest Speaker Pasquale Fulginiti
May 4: Mississauga East Junior Basketball Tournament
May 5: Junior/Intermediate Track and Field Day
May 7: Track and Field Day Rain Date
May 11: Grade 2, artists in the classroom
May 13: Rockwood Homeowner’s Assoc. Mtg. 6pm gym
May 19: Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Night at 6:30 pm
May 25: Volunteer Appreciation @ 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
May 25: School Council meeting
May 27: Mrs. Sim’s Grade 2s, Mad Science
May 28: Grade 2’s to the Peel Water Festival
May 31- June 11: Grade 3 and 6 EQAO Assessments
June 3: Team Photo Day, Grade 8 fun picture
June 7-11:Grade 3’s @ Pioneer Village
June 7: Ms. Addario’s Grade 2s, Mad Science
June 8: Mississauga East Family Track & Field Meet
June 10: Grade 6s, Mad Science
June 16: Play Day Grades 1 - 8
June 17: Kindergarten Play Day
June 28: Grade Eight Graduation, 7 p.m.
June 29: Reports go home
June 30: Last day of classes
September 7:
Classes Resume
September 17: Professional Activity Day
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Please join us at our next School Council meeting on
Tuesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Resource Centre
MOVING OUT OF THE AREA?
If you are planning to move and you know that your
child will not be attending Sts. Martha and Mary
School in September, please call the school office.
If you are moving and you would like your child
to continue to attend Sts. Martha and Mary
School because of daycare situations, you must
express this in writing to the principal before the
end of May.