February 2012
PRINCIPAL:
K.J. Carey
SECRETARY:
T. Crayden
STS. MARTHA & MARY
Catholic School
SUPERINTENDENT:
C. Blanchard
STS. MARTHA AND MARY
PARISH TEAM:
Fr. E. D‟Souza
905-625-5670
www.stsmarthaandmary.org
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
OF TRUSTEES:
M. Pascucci
Mississauga Wards 1 & 3
(905) 302-3096
(905) 890-0708, x20161
Fax: (905) 890-0888
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
www.TrusteePascucci.ca
INSIDE
Around the
Halls
Kiss „n Ride
Safety
Reminders
Kindergarten
Registration
1760 Bough Beeches Blvd., Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2B9
905-624-9625
Prayer During Black History Month
Father of creation
Whose Son Jesus incarnated in time
And whose Spirit enlivens our lives today
May we honor the height of your creation,
the Human Family
In every hue that you chose to give each
person of our Human Family
Jesus, brother of us all
Your prayer to the Father “that they all may
be one”
Through the Holy Spirit
May we witness this Unity of One
Spirit of God in the month of appreciating
The gift of your children of African descent
May we be inspired to see your kingdom
mystery
In one facet of the jewel of our Human
Family’s descent
e-mail relays
Visit school website for regular updates: http://dpcdsb.org/MMARY or signup for one-way e-mail by sending your e-mail address to the main office.
A MONTH OF VIRTUES:
RESPECT
STS. MARTHA & MARY PARISH SCHEDULE:
The month of February, will focus on
the virtue of Respect. God wants us to
treat all people with the respect they
deserve.
A respectful person…
 Sees God’s presence in
themselves and others
 Uses a positive tone of voice
and body language
 Avoids gossip, swearing, namecalling, put-downs, and
inappropriate gestures
 Says ‘Excuse me’, ‘Please’,
‘ThankYou’
Sunday Mass Schedule:
 Saturday Vigil – 4:30PM
 Sunday – 8:30AM, 10:00AM, and 11:30AM
WANTED: ALTAR SERVERS
Sts. Martha and Mary Parish is in need of Altar Servers. Boys and Girls
who are in Grade three and above, who are willing to
make a commitment are welcome.
Please contact the parish office at (905) 625-5670
During the month of February, we will
celebrate the virtue of respect. God has
given us the virtues of friends and
companions to keep us company and to
help us out along the way. Every person
in our lives 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
courtesy,
consideration,
sensitivity and thoughtfulness which are
different ways of saying respect. That
respect should come first and foremost
from us. We have to respect ourselves
and then we will be able to respect
others. We should also be able to expect
to be treated with respect by everyone we
meet – our brothers and sisters in Jesus.
Through prayer and concentration, we
can get better at respecting ourselves as
well as respecting those around us.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is “Black History Month”. This
is a time to celebrate the many
achievements and contributions of Black
Canadians, who throughout history have
done so much to make Canada the
culturally diverse, compassionate and
prosperous nation we know today. It is
also an opportunity for the majority of
Canadians to learn about the experiences
of Black Canadians in our society and
the vital role this community has played
throughout our shared history.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS:
Grade 2 Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
First Communion: Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Confirmation classes continue, alternating Sundays,
to May 6 for boys and May 13, 2012 for girls.
Sacrament of Confirmation: Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 2:00
p.m.
** All sacraments celebrated at Sts. Martha and Mary parish
CATHOLIC SCHOOL HERITAGE
Why did Catholic parents and students have to pay tuition to attend
a Catholic high school after grade 10?
In 1871 the Ontario government passed an Act to Improve the Common
Schools and Grammar Schools of Ontario. This Act abolished common
and grammar schools and created public schools for grades one to ten
and high schools for grades nine to thirteen. The highest official with
the Department of Education, Egerton Ryerson, commented that the
1871 Act did not affect separate schools. The separate school boards
operating secondary school classes carried on, receiving funding from
grants and taxes. However, early in the twentieth century the
government passed legislation which forbade a separate school board
from offering education beyond grade ten if its boundaries fell partially
or fully within the boundaries of a high school district. Thus, all but one
separate school board (in Dublin) lost their ability to receive tax or
government grant financing beyond grade ten. Furthermore, if a separate
school board chose to continue operating grades nine and ten, it received
only elementary school grants for them.
AROUND THE HALLS
YOUTH EDUCATION OFFICER
We welcome Constable Cannon to our
school who is working with the grade
six students for a series of
presentations entitled
Reduce, Abuse in Drugs
(R.A.I.D.).
PUBLIC SPEAKING
The Public Speaking
contest for the grade
7 and 8 students is
up and running.
The first place
finisher of the school event will proceed
on to the Royal Canadian Legion
competition held on Sunday, February
26, 2012. Although we celebrate all our
winners, only the student taking first
place may represent Sts. Martha and
Mary School at the Royal Canadian
Legion Competition.
I believe and this government believes that the Catholic education
and values taught in your schools are key to shaping the character
and future of our great province. We support you, we believe in
you and we thank you for your hard work."
Regarding Bill 13, The Accepting Schools Act:
"Catholic schools, educators and trustees are our natural allies
because Catholic values include love, inclusion, acceptance and
empathy and Catholic schools are some of the most proactive
when it comes to bullying prevention and awareness."
INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ & GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
TEAMS
The coaches of the Intermediate Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball
teams, Mrs. Ford, Ms. De Simone, Ms. Prajza and Mrs.Sim,
would like to thank each team member for a wonderful season
thus far. All the players have shown great sportsmanship, skill
and determination. Our teams will be involved in league play
games and pending the outcome of the season, may be involved in
the Family and Board tournaments.
THE HON. LAUREL BROTEN,
MINISTER OF EDUCATION, spoke
(via recorded video) at the OCSTA‟s
annual Catholic Trustees' Professional
Development Seminar. The Minister‟s
recorded message was tailored
specifically to the interests and
concerns of Ontario's Catholic school
trustees.
FRIENDSHIP STRATEGIES
Parents can be helpful in addressing positive behaviours that will
allow their child to build lasting friendships. Helping children
understand how to treat one another and how to value and make
friends are important, positive steps in eliminating isolating
behaviours.
The Minister's Message:
Among the comments shared by the
Minister were the following key
statements for Catholic school boards:
1. Show them kindness and
respect.
2. Stick up for them.
3. Be supportive when your
friends need help and advice.
4. Tell the truth but be kind about
it.
5. If you hurt a friend, say you’re
sorry.
6. If you make a promise, keep it.
7. Put some effort into your friendships; otherwise your friends
might feel neglected.
8. Don’t try to change your friends; accept them the way they
are.
9. If a friend hurts you and apologizes, accept the apology.
10. Treat your friends the way you want them to treat you.
"We are so fortunate in Ontario to have
a diverse, publicly funded system. The
interplay of English, French, and
Catholic is not only what makes us
special, it is also what makes us so
successful."
"Across the province Catholic schools
are known for engaging students and
parents, building strong schools
communities and getting results when it
comes to student success.
The Top Ten Ways to Keep Your Friends
SCHOOL COUNCIL CORNER
FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES:
Through the ongoing success of School
Council run initiatives such as “Pizza
Days”, which thus far this year has
raised over $11,000, we project that we
will be able to fulfill our “wish list” of
items to be purchased for the betterment
of our school. Some of the items that
we have purchased through our
fundraising efforts include: new
xylophones and the ongoing upkeep
related to our instrumental program,
Dance-a-Thon prizes, school
presentations such as “Scientists in the
School”, Grade 8 graduation mementos,
and the Family Advent Mass and
Social. School Council thanks you for
your ongoing support of our efforts to
ensure that we make Sts. Martha and
Mary School the best it can be!
MARLIE’S FAMILY
SKATE PARTY
Always a community
favourite, this year‟s
“Marlie‟s Game and
Family Skate Party”
was another success,
special appreciation to parent
representative, Mr. Christopoulos, for
organizing this family event. A great
game and fun for all!
PROGRANT APPLICATION
This year, School Council will be
applying for the “Parents Reaching
Out” (PRO) grant from the Ministry of
Education for implementation in the
2012/2013 school year. This grant is
provided to encourage parent
engagement at the local, regional and
provincial levels. It is specifically
designed to support parents in
identifying barriers to parent
engagement in their own community
and to find local solutions to involve
more parents in support of student
achievement and well-being.
The initiative that will be presented to
the Ontario Ministry of Education‟s
PROGRANT committee for approval is
an interactive parent and student evening event entitled “Cooking
and Moving with Parents and Students”. This special evening will
support parent participation in an exciting Cooking and Moving
Class with their child and inspire family understanding and
interest in healthy eating. Stay tuned for updates on this
application, which will be presented to the Ministry of Education
by School Council no later than May 13, 2012.
UPCOMING SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
Parents are welcome to join School Council for our next meeting
on Tuesday Apr 24, 2012 at 7pm in the library.
NUTRITION NUGGETS – ORANGE ATTACK
Since February is typically the gloomiest month of the year for
many, what better way to liven up our spirits than to celebrate
bright and cheery orange vegetables!
Orange veggies are anything but ordinary! The vibrant, appetiteenticing colour is more than just “good for your eyes”! Carrots,
long known as the “king of vegetables” are the richest source of
antioxidants and Vitamin A of all vegetables. They are full of
fibre (>2g/medium carrot) and protect us against cancer! Sweet
potatoes are packed with Vitamins A, C and E, Calcium,
Potassium, Iron and Fibre. Talk about your powerhouse of
nutrition! They are known to stabilize blood sugar levels, and
some very strong clinically controlled trials prove their ability to
uplift your mood by elevating levels of serotonin, the “feel good”
hormone, in your brain.
To stage an “orange attack” at your house, cook and puree one or
both of these mild flavoured veggies and add to quiche, meatloaf
or hamburgers, soups, pasta, eggs, or quesadillas! (They are
camouflaged into recipes without even the pickiest of the picky
being aware!!) Adding them to spaghetti or pizza sauce decreases
the acidity of the sauce which can aid in better digestion in those
people bothered by stomach acid or heartburn. Or, try this recipe
for Sweet Potato Fries that are a favourite staple at my home . . .
SWEET POTATO FRIES
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes , peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-wide
strips
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. dried Italian herb seasoning
Dash of pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil
coated with cooking spray.
Spread the sweet potato strips out onto
the baking sheet in a single layer, coat
with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and
spices, turning them over to evenly coat
on all sides with oil and spices.
Bake for 30 minutes, turning every 10
minutes with spatula. Serve warm with
plum sauce.
HINT: The key to great sweet potato
fries is cutting them into uniformly
sized strips and turning as directed!
12 QUICK INTERNET PRIVACY
TIPS FOR PARENTS
It can be tough raising children in a
digital environment. Many, however,
don‟t fully understand the impact that
some online activities may have on
their privacy. Most children don‟t
realize that information and photos they
post today can turn up years into the
future.
Talk to your kids.
Try it out.
Keep up with the technology.
Make restricting privacy settings a
habit.
Make password protection a priority.
Emphasize the importance of protecting
mobile devices.
Remind your kids that what they post
on the Internet is not always private.
Teach your kids to think before they
click.
Stress the importance of knowing your
real friends.
Teach your kids that their personal
information is valuable.
Let your kids know that you are there if
they make a privacy mistake.
Set a good example.
TRANSPORTATION
SCHOOL CLOSURES
CANCELLATIONS /
A decision to cancel school transportation and/or close schools,
due to inclement weather, is usually made by 6:00 AM. Only the
Director of Education has the authority to cancel transportation
and/or close schools. Please listen for DUFFERIN-PEEL
CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD cancellations or
closures. Announcements are made on the following radio
stations:
CFNY – FM 102.1
CFRB – AM 1010
CFTR - 680 AM
CHFI – FM 98.1
CHIN FM 100.7
CHUM AM 1050
CJCL – 590 AM
AM 640
AM 1540
EZ ROCK 97.3
FM 93.1
FM Q 107
FM Z103.5
VIRGIN RADIO – 99.9
Announcements are made on the following TV stations:
CITY PULSE
CFTO
CBC CP 24
GLOBAL
SIGN UP FOR ONE-WAY E-MAIL:
Join the group of 120 families that have chosen to sign-up for oneway e-mail messages from the school and receive regular updates
of school and board important information relays, school events,
mass, liturgies and the like. Not only will you help us to reduce
paper distribution and become a more environmentally friendly
school, but also, you will receive more frequent updates from
school administration.
All that is required is to submit your e-mail address to our
school secretary, Mrs. Crayden, which can be delivered in a note
from you by your son/daughter, and then sit back and see how
better informed you will be.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
February 2: Parent/Teacher Interview Evening (Grs. 1-8)
February 3: PA Day - Term 1 Reporting to Parents
February 6: 7 – 9pm Junior & Senior Kindergarten Registration
February 7: Snow Date**Kindergarten Registration 7 – 9pm
February 8: French Immersion forms due for SKs and Gr. 4s at
Immersion sites by 2 and 3 p.m. respectively
February 8, 9, 10: JK/SK Registration 9–11 am, 1–3 pm
February 8: Mississauga East School Council at Corpus Christi
February 14: Intermediate dance for ShareLife
February 20: Family Day (no classes)
February 22: Ash Wednesday liturgy 10:15 am (Lent begins)
March 12-16: March Break
Frustrated with the wait…. Make
a point to only turn right when
exiting the school parking lot. If
you need to travel west bound,
turn right out of the parking lot and
then left on Chalkdene Crescent;
this will bring you back to Bough
Beeches, just west of the
entrance to the school.
NOTE: There is no Kiss
& Ride for our afternoon
Kindergarten class.
Parents are asked to
park their cars on the
street and walk their
child to class. PLEASE
DO NOT LEAVE
VEHICLES
UNATTENDED IN KISS
& RIDE, BUS OR
THROUGH LANES IN
THE DRIVEWAY, THIS
IS A TRAFFIC
VIOLATION and cars
can be ticketed by the
City of Mississauga
Parking Authority and/or
Peel Regional Police.
Good for you, good for your child, good
for the environment…
If you live within 4 blocks of the school,
please consider walking… even on cold
days. Not only will this help us manage
the busy Kiss & Ride, it’s also good for
your child’s health. Children should get
60 minutes of exercise every day.
Please be kind to staff supervising the
driveway and Kiss & Ride, particularly,
when asking you to regard safety
guidelines…. remember it is your child’s
safety as well as others that they have in
mind. A friendly greeting of,’ Good
morning’, is a nicer way to start your day.
Are your children ready to exit the
car??? When you are near the
teachers on duty, unbuckle
seatbelts and ensure that
backpacks are ready to go and on
your child’s lap. If your child
requires assistance to unbuckle,
please consider parking along
Bough Beeches Blvd., rather than
backing up the drive through
lanes. DO NOT PERMIT
CHILDREN TO EXIT ON LEFT
SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS THIS
IS A MOVING TRAFFIC LANE.
Still frustrated with the wait… the
busiest time of the morning drop
off is between 8:55 and 9:00.
Come right at 8:45; but please
remember, if the Kiss& Ride
pylon isn’t out or there is no staff,
you may have arrived too early.
Supervision only begins at 8:45.
Children should not be left
unattended on the school yard
prior to 8:45 a.m.
Junior & Senior Kindergarten Registration for 2012-2013
Registration for the 2012-2013 school year
will be held at all Dufferin-Peel Catholic elementary schools
February 6, 2011 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
*Snow Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
February 8, 9, 10, 2012 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Junior Kindergarten - Children born in 2008
Senior Kindergarten - Children born in 2007
Parents/Guardians should bring the following documents when registering their child:
 Proof of age
 Original Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate (for parent and child) or Baptismal
Certificate of other rites in communion with the Holy See of Rome (if the child has not been
baptized, a letter of counseling with the parish priest, to complete the process will be
accepted)
 Updated immunization records
 Proof of Canadian citizenship or of Landed Immigrant status
 Proof of home address (utility bill, bank or credit card statement)
 Proof of English Separate School Support (may be done at the time of registration by
completing an Application For the Direction of School Support and/or a Separate School
Lease Agreement available at the school)
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
An information session for parents of children with special needs such as vision, hearing, physical,
developmental or autism that are entering the Board for the first time in September 2012, was held at
the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Office, on Tuesday January 17, 2012. If parents
were unable to attend this information meeting, they can make inquiries by contacting the main office
or discuss it at the time of registration. It is essential the school is informed of children with special
needs as this may have direct bearing upon placement in September.
For more information, contact the school at 905 624-9625 or call the Admissions Department
at 905-890-0708 ext. 24500.