Student Monitors
A very special thanks goes out to our lunchroom
supervisors/student monitors who continue to serve
us throughout the year. We are grateful for their
dedication to our community. We are looking to
include more parents/guardians on our Student
Monitor team. Please consider giving of your time to
help us. Any support that you can offer would be
greatly appreciated. Many hands make light work! If
you are interested in helping, please call the office.
Farewell and welcome!
We want to wish Ms. Peters well as she leaves us. We
are grateful to her for her contribution of music for
our Grade 4 to 8 students. At the same time, we
welcome back Mrs. Saab. She will be picking up
where Ms. Peters left off. We are very fortunate to
have such talented staff with us here at Pope John
Paul II School.
We would also like to welcome D’Youville College
student teacher, Ms. Ottati who is working with Mrs.
Schembri.
We will also be hosting Nipissing
University student teacher, Ms. Woodall who will be
working with Mme. LaRosa.
Awareness of Fragrances
Fragrances and scents are
found in a wide range of
products
including
perfume,
aftershave,
deodorant, soap air fresheners, fabric softeners,
laundry detergents, facial tissues and candles.
Exposure to fragrances and other scented products
may trigger adverse health reactions (e.g., asthma
attack, anaphylactic reaction and shortness of breath)
in individuals with asthma, allergies, migraines or
chemical sensitivities. Other less serious but equally
debilitating symptoms include headache, sore throat,
runny nose, sinus congestion, wheezing, dizziness,
anxiety, anger, nausea, fatigue, mental confusion and
an inability to concentrate. In order to support those
individuals with sensitivities to fragrances and
scents, and to possibly prevent others from
developing such sensitivities, we are asking for your
cooperation in avoiding the use of spray perfumes
and fragrances in the school. In particular, students
should use roll-on deodorants after gym classes.
Often spray deodorants are misused in the change
rooms and hallways.
Christmas Wishes
On behalf of our teaching staff and administration we
would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for all the
wonderful wishes at Christmas time.
We would like to remind parents
of the need to have a network of
support to care for children especially
in case of midday illness. As we go through
this difficult time when everyone is anxious about the
spread of germs please note that Peel Health
repeatedly recommends that the best practice to
prevent the spread of viruses is:
 wash hands with soap and water thoroughly
and often
 to cough or sneeze into a sleeve or tissue
 stay home if you are sick
When children become sick during the course of the
school day, a plan needs to be in place to care for
him/her. As with all medical issues, we continue to
take direction from Peel Health on how to best
respond to community illness.
Immunization Records
Please be advised that there may be times when Peel
Public Health conducts a review of student
immunization records. In that regard, please note
that under Section 266 (2.1) of the Education Act, the
Medical Officer of Health is entitled to disclosure by
the school principal, upon request, of the following:
a) The pupil's name, address and telephone number
b) The pupil's birth date
c) The name, address and telephone number of the
pupil's parent or guardian
Thank you for your support in ensuring that all
immunization records are up to date with Peel
Health.
Primary Christmas Concert
Congratulations to all our primary student angels
who performed in the Christmas concert. The
students reminded us all of the true joy of the season.
Special thanks to all of the staff for their efforts in
preparing the students.
It was a wonderful
experience for all who were involved.
Catholic Community Culture and Caring School
Parent Survey
In accordance to Bill 13, Ministry of Education
mandates that school boards across the province
have a Learning Plan that reflects Catholic
Community Culture and Caring Foundational
principle. Dufferin-Peel is entering the next phase of
its CCCC School Climate Surveys. Findings from these
surveys are intended to support the Catholic Board
Learning Plan. Please reference the letter included
here in this newsletter.
Library News
Book Fair: Thank you once again to the school
community for the wonderful support given to the
book fair. We thank the parent volunteers who
offered their time to help out and the students for
their support through purchases made. All proceeds
will go towards purchasing new resources for our
library.
Forest of Reading: The library will be running the
Forest of Reading Programs again this
year. Mrs. Condotta will be reading 10
newly published picture books to
grades 1, 2 and 3 as part of the Blue
Spruce Program. Silver Birch Express
and Silver Birch Reading Programs will
be offered to grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 students. Red
Maple will be available for our intermediates.
Students are encouraged to sign up with Mrs.
Condotta and start reading. Feel free to check out
nominated titles at www.accessola.org. The Forest of
Reading Program provides students with a wonderful
opportunity to become involved in reading good
quality Canadian literature. Thank you to the Parent
Council for their support in helping to purchase
books for the program.
Tumble Book Library: - Online database of picture
books, read-along chapter books and so much more
available at home or school.
Check out our school website for more details.
Student Lateness
There has been a gradual increase in the
number of students arriving just as the
bell rings. Please note that classes begin at
8:30 sharp and students should arrive at
school prior to that time in order to ensure
that they are prepared to begin work on time. Please
review the need to be punctual with your children.
Once the last of the student lines have entered the
building at the back, the doors are closed and locked.
A child who is coming in late must report to the office
for a late slip as part of the safe arrival program.
Lateness is a disruption to the class and other
students. Please try to impress upon your child the
need to be on time.
Rough Play
While outside during recess students sometimes find
themselves engaging in inappropriate activities that
involve rough play. Pushing, shoving, tackling, play
fighting and wrestling are all unacceptable activities
that compromise student safety. Please reinforce
with your children the inherent dangers of rough
play even when the intent is fun.
Snowbank Safety
In the event of a substantial snowfall, Student
Transportation is concerned that students may be
playing in the snowbanks and possibly creating an
unsafe pick up and /or drop off for students. When
the snowbanks are high, the appropriate location to
wait for the bus would be where the area has been
shoveled and a pathway exists. Parents are asked to
discuss this safety rule. As well, bus drivers have
been instructed to be cautious about where students
are dropped off.
Parent Volunteers
We are very fortunate to have many beautiful
decorations for the Christmas season. Such a display
would not be possible without the help of our parent
volunteer crew who put up the Christmas
decorations and then came in and took them all
down. The contribution of your time during such a
busy season is greatly appreciated.
In addition, many volunteers from the Parent Group
helped with the distribution of Hot Chocolate during
our Christmas Cafe. Thank you for organizing our
Christmas Care Projects – the community here has
been very generous in making donations for those
less fortunate. We are so lucky to have people who
just jump in to help out in so many ways.
Snow Stays on the Ground
Every year about this time we need to remind
students that throwing snowballs and/or kicking
snow is prohibited on school property - before,
during or after school hours. If students are caught
throwing snow in any fashion, their behavior will be
addressed by the staff on duty and by the office.
Thanks to all for your cooperation.
Grandfriends
Our Grade 7 and 8 Youth Faith Ambassadors visited
the residents at the King Nursing Home just before
Christmas. Students engage with the residents by
playing cards and Bingo, making crafts and
conversing in small groups.
Extended French Program
The Dufferin-Peel Board of Education offers the
Extended French program at St. Cornelius School for
this area. Currently, the Extended French program
starts in grade 5 with half of the program taught in
French. More detailed information will be available at
a parents’ meeting to be held at St. Cornelius School
on Tuesday, January 15th at 6:30 pm.
Inclement Weather
So far we have been very fortunate with our winter
weather. Please be prepared in case buses are
cancelled. Just before Christmas we sent home a flier
identifying radio stations to listen to and messages to
listen for in case the weather is questionable. Current
information will also be posted on the Board website
and the transportation website: www.stopr.ca
Dufferin-Peel hosts parent information session
for Kindergarten entry planning for children with
special needs
On Thursday, January 17, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board’s Special Education and
Support Services Department will host a
Kindergarten entry planning information session.
This meeting is for parents and guardians of children
with special needs which affect their learning, such as
vision, hearing, physical, developmental or autism,
who are entering Junior, Senior or Full-Day
Kindergarten in September 2013. The meeting will be
held at the Catholic Education Centre from 7:00 p.m.
– 8:30 p.m. For more information about this session,
call 905-890-0708.
Kindergarten Registration
Junior and Senior Kindergarten registration for the
2013-14 school year, for children not already
registered, will be held at all Dufferin-Peel Catholic
elementary schools on January 28 from 7:00-9:00
p.m. and January 30, 31 and February 1 from 9:0011:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p..m.
For more information, parents/guardians should
contact their local Catholic school, visit the board
website at www.dpcdsb.org, or call the DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board at 905-8901221.
Hockey
Thanks to the parents, students and staff for
supporting our Intermediate Hockey teams once
again. The team members include, Dalton C., Jacob B.,
Daniel B., Rocco A., Nicolas S., Daniel M., Jordan L.,
Andrew R., Jared P., Jesse S., Jocelyn C., Caitlin M.,
Michael H., Justin D., James W. and Justin B. Special
thanks to our coaches, Mrs. Mangiapane and Mr.
Barnett.
GREAT Program
Our Grade 7 students are participating in a program
offered by the local OPP. This program is called
GREAT, Gang Resistance and Education Training. The
G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based
curriculum designed to produce knowledge,
attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of
facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal,
cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and
extended teacher activities. The goal is to prevent
youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while
developing a positive relationship among law
enforcement, families, and our young people to
create safer communities. Taught in the classroom
(grade 7) by specially trained, uniformed law
enforcement officers, G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention
curriculum is a life-skills competency program
designed to provide students with the skills they
need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. We
are looking forward to working with Constable
Sanghera.
St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre
In September 2013, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board will open a new regional
elementary school in the Port Credit area of
Mississauga. The St. James Catholic Global Learning
Centre, located at 98 Wanita Road in Mississauga, will
provide
diverse
and
specialized
learning
opportunities to students from Kindergarten to
Grade 6, with a global focus consistent with DufferinPeel’s tradition of excellence in Catholic education.
An information session will be held on January 16 at
7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre located at
40 Matheson Boulevard West in Mississauga.
Registration will take place on January 21 from 7:00
p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and January 22 to 25 from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Learning
Centre located at 2495 Credit Valley Road in
Mississauga. For more information about the St.
James Catholic Global Learning Centre, call 905-8900708 ext. 24004 or visit www.dpcdsb.org/JAMES.
Term One Report Cards
Term 1 report cards will be sent home on Tuesday,
February 5th. Parent/student/teacher interviews will
be scheduled for the evening of Thursday, February
7th and during the day on Friday, February 8th.
Parents will receive interview scheduling forms.
There will not be report cards for Junior or Senior
Kindergarten students at this time of year. However,
interviews will be available for the parents of our
Kindergarten students.
Student Illness
Students who are ill should be kept home where they
are most comfortable and can get better sooner. A
child who is too ill to go out for recess is too ill to be
at school. Your cooperation to keep your child home
when he/she is ill is appreciated. We do not have the
facilities to care for sick children at school and we are
concerned for the health of others who may
unnecessarily be exposed to the spread of viruses
and other illnesses.
Food Drive And Soap Donations
Again this year, the grade 8’s will be travelling to Dr.
Simone’s warehouse at the end of January to pack
containers, that will be sent to several developing
areas of Africa. We are collecting bar soap and food
donations, especially rice, canned fish or meat to
send with the grade 8’s. Please support our food
drive and Soap for Hope campaign. Thank you.
Youth Faith Ambassadors
We would like to recognize the leadership of our
students who are involved in events which actively
demonstrates their faith in action. Those Grade 8
students include Arianne P., Alexcia D., Sarah S., Leia
M., Marina C., Nicole N., Lauren M., Alena T., Emma S.,
Victoria P., Lisa T., Nicole C., Brianna A., Tara R.,
Daniel M., Daniel B., Erika D., Lauryn P., Jocelyn C.,
Madison O., Alexis F. and Analia S. They meet
regularly under the guidance of Mrs. Attard.
Currently, they are organizing the Food Drive and
Soap Donations for Dr. Simone’s warehouse.
Athletic Council
This year we continue to expand the leadership
opportunities for our students with an Athletic
Council. We would like to thank all the students who
applied. This year the Grade 7 and 8 students serving
on the Council will be Jacob D-S. Daniel D., Lucas C.,
Jocelyn C. Makana M., Nicole N., Connor M., Aaron B.,
Marina C., Sydney B., Jordan C. and Joseph Q. We are
grateful to the staff who are working with these
students. Currently, they are organizing intramural
opportunities for our Junior students.
Bullying Prevention Speaker for Parents
The School Council has received special funds from
the Ministry of Education to help parents be engaged
in the school. Under this initiative, they have invited
Andrew MacLean to speak on the evening of January
23 at 7:00 p.m. He is a well known speaker who has
prepared a high energy bullying prevention
presentation. This is intended to be interactive with
lots of time provided for discussion and debate.
In order to help ensure that parents can attend, the
School Council will provide babysitting at the school
that night.
Caledon Parks and Rec Activities at PJP II
This year we have been developing contacts with our
community partners. Beginning Thursday, January
17, the Town of Caledon will be offering activities
after school from 3:00 to 5:30 in our Gym 1. There is
a fee of $40 for these activities. It is intended to
promote healthy, active living. If you are interested
in this program, please contact the Recreation Co-
ordinator for the Town of Caledon, Dana Smith, at
905-857-3313 ext. 253.
Intermediate Girl’s Basketball Team
Congratulations to all the girls who tried out for the
team! Those representing the school at the Bolton
Tournament on February 12 will be Sydney B.,
Amanda F., Charlotte B., Xena A., Jocelyn C., Deanna
D., Britney G., Zoe A. and Makana M. Thank you to the
dedicated coaches, Mrs. Farquhar and Mrs. DeAngelis.
Intermediate Boy’s Basketball Team
The boys team has now been selected and they are
preparing for the Bolton Basketball tournament to be
held at St. Michael’s Secondary School on Friday,
February 15.
Congratulations to the following
students who will represent the school, Michael M.,
Michael H., Michael I., Daniel B., Aidan W., Andrew R.,
Christopher S., Jessie I., Dalton C., and Devin E.
Special thanks to coaches Mr. MacNeil and Mr.
Pusztai.
Dance Team
Once again we have a Dance Team who will represent
the school at a Board Dance Event on May 1.
Practices have already begun for the following
dedicated individuals: Adriana D., Charlotte B.,
Darcey C., Julia P., Veronica V., Anastasia M., Julia E.,
Veronica C., Salina G., Alessia A., Maia R., Luca F. and
Leah D. Special thanks to the Dance coaches, Mrs.
Pennella, Mrs. Cameron, Mrs. Isopo and Mrs. DeCaria.
Spectators at Tournaments and Games
Please note that our teams represent our school at a
number of games and tournaments and those team
members are supervised by the coaching staff. Only
those players participating at these events should be
in attendance. Students are not excused from their
responsibility to attend school for the purpose of
supporting friends at these events.
Fifth Disease-Please Inform the School
Fifth disease has the potential to put staff, volunteers
and other parents, who may be pregnant, at risk. As a
school we are asking, if your child shows symptoms
of fifth disease please bring him/her to your family
physician to obtain an actual diagnosis. Symptoms
may include: mild usually non febrile infection, a
“slapped cheeks” rash on the face followed by a fine
lace like rash on the trunk and extremities, rash may
be more pronounced during exercise, stress or
environmental changes (e.g. temperature and
exposure to sunlight). In exceptional cases, the rash
can take up to 5 weeks to disappear entirely. In the
event that your child is diagnosed with fifth
disease, could you please inform the school.