The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
56 Oaklea Blvd, Brampton, Ontario, L6Y 4W7
Phone: 905-455-1001
Principal: D. Furlong
Vice-Principal: Peter Krolewski
Secretary: A. Mijandrusic
Fax: 905-455-3406
Superintendent: L. Kazimowicz 905-890-1221
Trustee: T. Da Silva - 905-459-7089
Parish: St. Jerome Church
Pastor: Fr. Jan Kolodynski
905-455-4260
NEWSLETTER #1
SEPTEMBER 2009
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
We Believe in Children
We believe the children
to be the future of our land;
So teach them well and
take them gently by the hand.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside,
Try to make life easier
by giving them “sense of pride.”
Let the children’s music and laughter ring out;
By your own life, walk and talk in faith,
don’t let them doubt.
We believe the children
to be the future of our land;
We know God won’t forget them…
He has carved them on the palm of His hand.
By Margaret Power
SCHOOL HOURS
JK/SK
Grades 1 – 8
8:30-11:00 or 12:30–3:00
8:30-11:30
12:30-3:00
Arriving on time is an important life skill!
Recesses
10:33-10:48
1:53-2:08
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the
families in our Pauline Vanier School community as
we start the 2009-2010 school year.
This year, Pauline Vanier Catholic School is part of a
new Family of Schools called The Mississauga
Brampton Central Family. I would like to warmly
welcome Liz Kazimowicz, Superintendent of Schools.
Her strong background in curriculum, her expertise
and leadership will benefit staff and students alike.
I would like to thank our former Superintendent of The
Brampton West Family, George Prajza, for his
leadership and curricular support to Pauline Vanier
School over the past years. His input and support was
appreciated.
Welcome back to all staff members, many of whom
were involved in academic courses over the summer.
The staff has worked hard last week meeting and
setting instructional goals in preparation for what
promises to be a memorable school year. I would like
to welcome Sue Grasman (JK/SK) and Eva DeSouza
(ESL pm) to the staff and wish Tony Gill success as
he continues his academic career at St. Augustine
Secondary.
Pauline Vanier School will continue to promote,
support and encourage the spiritual, academic,
physical, social, emotional growth and development of
all students. I eagerly anticipate a year of hard work
and exciting and meaningful activities and
experiences.
Open communication between home and school is
very important. Please do not hesitate to contact the
school at any time if you have questions or concerns.
A phone call on the onset of a concern usually
resolves the issue before it becomes a problem.
I look forward to meeting all of you at our BBQ &
Open House Curriculum Evening on Wednesday,
September 23rd. The BBQ will take place from 5:30
to 6:30pm. We will then gather in the gym for
introductions of staff and highlights. Teachers will
then meet with you in the classrooms to discuss class
and curricular expectations. Please remember to
return the BBQ order forms by September 11.
God bless you.
Deirdre Furlong
PAULINE VANIER STAFF 2009-2010
JK /SK
JK/SK
Gr. 1
Gr. 1/2
Gr. 2
Gr. 2/3
Gr. 3
Gr. 4
Gr. 4/5
Gr. 5/6
Gr. 6
Gr. 6/7
Gr. 7
Gr. 8
Gr. 8
FSL
FSL/Planning Time (0.7)
SERT
SERC/SERT/PT
SERT (0.1)
ESL 0.5
ESL 0.5
Library/Planning Time
ERW
Head Custodian
Evening Custodian
Secretary
Office Volunteer
Principal
Vice-Principal
M. DeSouza
S. Grasman
A. Prlic
C. Tersigni
T. Passarelli
M. Nichols
A.M. Henry
L. Stott
S. Monachino
S. Rondinelli
L. Cunic
M Vigneault
N. Pavic
P. Daniels
C. Connelly
K. Byrne
F. Cataldo
C. Thomas
T. Berry
M. Schaus
C. D’Souza
E. Desouza
S. Muzzatti
E. Myrie
M. Lima
R. D’Souza
A. Mijandrusic
J. Gomes
D. Furlong
P. Krolewski
Psychologist
Sp./Lang. Pathologist
Social Worker
Child Youth Worker
Teacher/Hard of Hearing
SAT (curricular support)
Lunch Hour Supervisor
K. Page
A. Donovan
S. Bidin
J. Campbell
B. Kist
F. Addente
T. Singla
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS BACK!
The Scholastic Book Fair will be in our School Library
from Monday, September 21 until Friday,
September 25. Students will have the opportunity to
browse through the Book Fair throughout the week
day. The Book Fair will be open during the Open
House on Wednesday, September 23rd.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
We continue to be very concerned about parking lot
safety. Please use the Kiss & Ride Lane (the
middle lane) when dropping off your children.
Students are expected to exit the car only when
their car reaches the front of the line where staff
are standing rain or shine. Students are to exit on
the right passenger side where staff will be standing
to escort your children across the bus lane to the
sidewalk safely. Please do not allow your child to exit
on the left side as it is the Drive Through Lane.
Please do not allow your children to disembark in
front of the school’s main entrance. Bus drivers
are not expecting children to be exiting cars at that
location. As buses drive around the curve into the
bus lane they expect car doors to open where staff
are standing to escort the children.
At the end of the day, Kiss & Ride students will be
waiting near the Kindergarten fence (next to the
large white PLASP sign) and will be escorted by
staff to the car at the front of the line.
Students are not permitted to run/walk between
the buses or other cars in the lanes at the front of
the school. Should you choose to park your car, you
can safely walk your child from the designed Safe
Wait Zone and cross at the front of the Bus & Kiss &
Ride Lane.
The small parking area in front of the
Kindergarten Yard is really the PLASP Day Care’s
Parking Area for children between the ages of 2 ½
- 5 who are being dropped off at the Day Care. If
there is space, parents of JK/SK students may park in
the designated parking areas. Cars may not idle or
stop/park in the round-about lane blocking traffic.
Parents of older students are reminded to use the
Kiss & Ride Lanes.
YARD SUPERVISION
The school property is supervised from 8:15 a.m.
until 3:15 p.m. on school days. Please do not send
students to school prior to 8:15 a.m.
At 3:00 pm, Bus students are expected to line up
immediately in their Bus Designated Area located in
the front hallway.
For safety reasons, students walking home are
expected to walk directly home at 3:00 p.m.
BBQ - OPEN HOUSE
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Pauline Vanier’s BBQ – OPEN HOUSE - Curriculum
Night will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd.
The BBQ will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Parents
are invited to gather in the Gym for 6:45 p.m. School
Staff will be introduced and Information regarding the
School Council Nomination Process will also be
shared.
You will then have an opportunity from 7:00-7:45 p.m.
to meet the teachers, view your child’s classroom and
receive information about the 2009-2010 school year,
curriculum, and classroom expectations.
Parents of Intermediate students are asked to
remain in the Gym at 7:15pm for a presentation
regarding Team and Leadership Building overnight
trip at Camp Muskoka.
As partners in education, teachers and parents
working together can make learning an exciting and
rewarding experience for their children.
For safety reasons, please notify the school if
your child is going to be absent or late.
The SAFE ARRIVAL PHONE NUMBER IS 905-4551001. The answering service is available 24 hours a
day. Leave a message with the following information:
• Your child’s first and last name, spelling of the
last name
• Your child’s grade and teacher’s name
• Whether your child will be absent or late. Please
send a note when your child returns stating the
reason for their absence.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The Book Fair will be open the evening of our
OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, September 23.
Purchases may be made at this time. (Visa,
Mastercard, Debit, cheques, or cash are all accepted
forms of payment)
Students who do not have an opportunity to purchase
items that evening will be able to buy items on the
following day. All proceeds from the Book Fair will be
used to purchase new materials for the Library.
Parent Volunteers are needed to help make this
fundraiser a success. If you are able to help with set
up or help as a cashier, please contact S. Muzzatti at
the school.
As required by the Education Act and Ministry of
Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board
annually provides parents with information about costeffective student accident insurance coverage via
student courier. Although enrolment is voluntary, the
Board encourages parents to take advantage of the
inexpensive insurance coverage, especially if their
child/children participate in sports, excursions/field
trips, or if parents do not have dental insurance
coverage.
Enrolment is required in writing. (forms will be sent
home on September 8/09) Forms can mailed or
Faxed to Reliable Life at 1-800-463-5437 or
1-905-522-7211.
Parents alone have the right to insure their children.
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Friday, September 18 – no classes
There will be no classes on September 18 as Staff will
be involved in Faith and Professional Development
Activities.
As we review our student numbers this week, it may
become necessary to reorganize classes. If changes
occur, parents will be notified of the revised
organization. It is hoped that any changes will be
completed by September 18.
A reminder that the eligibility distances for student
transportation are as follows:
JK and SK….
1.0 km
Grades 1-4 …. 1.6 km
Grades 5-6
2.0 km
Grades 7-8
3.2 km
All eligible bus students will receive a bus tag on
Sept.8 (Bus #1-blue) (Bus #2-green) (Bus #3-red)
(Bus #4-yellow)
EMPTY SEAT/FILL UP THE BUS POLICY
ATTENDANCE
For the benefit of the learning of all children, we
expect all students to arrive at school on time.
Students who arrive after the 8:30 a.m. bell, must go
directly to the office to pick up an admission slip.
Please keep in mind, once all students have entered
the building at 8:30, the front door will be opened for
late students only following Morning Prayer and the
National Anthem. So please ensure your children
arrive prior to 8:30am.
If it is ever necessary that your child be dismissed
early, please write a note to the teacher. We will not
dismiss a student for any reason without parental
consent. Your child must also be signed out at the
office by an adult if leaving school prior to the
3:00 p.m. dismissal.
Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements
may apply for a seat in accordance with the “Empty
Seat Policy”. Request Forms will be available in the
Office. Requests will be reviewed and the limited
seats will be assigned in October on the basis of
youngest and furthest distance as per Board policy.
Please review with your children the STUDENT
TRANSPORTATION School Bus Safety Rules.
The conduct of individual students on the bus directly
affects their safety and those of their classmates.
Incidents of poor behaviour on the bus are reported in
writing by the bus driver to the principal. Depending
on the seriousness of the incident, a warning may be
issued to the student, parents may be called, bus
privileges may be suspended or other disciplinary
action may be taken. Parents will be financially
responsible for any damage to the bus caused by
their child.
CROSSING GUARDS
SEPTEMBER’S VIRTUE – FAITH
Students are reminded to take advantage of the
crossing guards and obey all road safety rules.
Crossing Guards are at the following locations:
1) Ray Lawson at Acadian Heights (W.L.)
Mid-Block 8:00-8:30 a.m.
3:00-3:30 p.m.
As we work and grow together, we’ll try to become a
more virtuous school, thus making the presence of
God visible in the world around us.
2) Oakley Blvd. at Pauline Vanier (S.S.)
Mid-Block 8:00- 8:35 a.m. 3:00- 3:30 p.m.
SCHOOL AGENDAS
“If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan.” School
Agendas have been ordered for all students from
Grades 1 to 8. These will be used to promote
organization, time management and goal setting.
There is a plastic envelope at the front of the agenda
for carrying important notes, School Newsletters,
School Council information, and notices highlighting
important events.
Please take the time to review with your child the
Safety Reminders, the Code of Conduct and the
Virtues that are highlighted for each month.
Please send in $5.00 per child to cover the cost of
the agenda. See attached form
EARLY RELEASE DAYS
There are no classes for students during the
afternoon on Early Release Days. Students in
Grades 1 to 8 are dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Staff
engage in Curriculum planning and development
during the afternoons.
First Term:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 PM
Second Term: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 PM
INTERVIEW EVENING DATES
Report cards are sent home on the Tuesday prior to
Interview Evenings.
First Term: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Second Term: Thursday, March 25, 2010
A virtue is a habit or established capability to perform
good actions according to the moral standards
reflected in the gospel. A Catholic school is the ideal
place to practice and prepare to live a virtuous life,
following the example of Jesus.
This month we will focus on FAITH. God made us to
live together as a family community. We will pray for
the grace and strength to be people of faith - people
who can truly believe that God’s plan for us includes
the right to be safe at school.
LUNCHES
Whenever possible, students are encouraged to go
home for lunch. If this is not possible, students are
welcome to eat lunch at school. Students, who eat
lunch at school, are expected to remain on school
property within the school boundaries, for the duration
of the lunch break.
For safety and supervision reasons, if you are giving
your child permission to leave school property at
11:30 a.m., a note signed by the parents, must be
sent to the school.
VERIFICATION FORM TO UPDATE SCHOOL
RECORDS
Please check the information on the student
verification sheet your child will bring home this week.
The information you provide on this form will be used
to update our records so that we may contact you in
case of an emergency. Please return it to the
school asap.
On rare occasions, usually due to extreme weather
conditions, buses may be called to bring students
home before the regular dismissal time. It is the
responsibility of
every
parent
to
have
arrangements made in advance with a neighbour
or relative, in the event that no one is home.
Please include this information on the verification
form.
EQAO ASSESSMENT DATES
It is important that we have up-to-date information
regarding your child. Should there be changes in
phone numbers or addresses during the school year
please notify the office immediately.
Monday, May 31, 2010 to Friday, June 11, 2010
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
Two weeks have been set aside by the Ministry of
Education for students to write EQAO Provincial
assessments.
Please avoid booking medical
appointments and vacations at this time.
All parents who volunteer in the school or who plan to
volunteer on class trips must complete a Criminal
Reference Form. These are available at the Office. If
you have previously supplied us with your Criminal
Reference Check, please contact the Office for an
Offence Declaration Statement.
These must be
updated each year.
Third Term: Report cards - June 28, 2010
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
NUT FREE SCHOOL
In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board requires
that ALL VISITORS use the front doors located near
the office, identify themselves by signing in, and pick
up a visitor’s sticker at the office upon entering the
building at all times.
Due to stringent anaphylaxis policies based on
Sabrina’s Law, students, staff members and parents
are asked not to bring any foods containing nuts to
school. Some children are so sensitive that even the
smell of peanut butter or nuts can cause problems
and could be fatal.
Messages and deliveries (house keys, lunches, dry
mitts etc.) are handled through the front office. There
is a table outside the Office for lunches. Please write
your child’s name on the lunch.
School Board policy now prohibits any food or
beverages (water is permitted) from being present
and or consumed outside in the school yard or on
the bus. Students will be permitted to eat their
snacks in the classroom prior to or after recess.
All parents, volunteers and school guests are asked
to follow school board procedures in relation to Safety
of Students and Trespass to Property Act.
We ask all parents walking into the schoolyard
that you identify yourself to the teacher on duty.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
Volunteers are always needed in the classrooms,
Library and All Star Reading. No experience is
needed, just a willingness to commit an hour or two a
week. Sharing your gifts and talents will enrich the
learning experiences of our students.
All volunteers working with children in the school must
have completed a Criminal Reference Check. Forms
are available in the office.
STUDENT EVACUATION
In accordance with Ministry regulations, three
evacuation drills will be conducted in the Fall and
three in the Spring. This practice is to help prepare
students in case an evacuation from the school is
ever necessary. Should the school have to evacuate
the site, we will gather at the Community Centre at
Ray Lawson & McLaughlin
The students will also have an opportunity to practice
a Hold & Secure (danger in the neighbourhood) and
Lock –Down (danger within the school) procedures.
Strategies that parents, students and staff can
continue to use to help keep our school safer for
children with allergies:

Avoid sending foods from home that may
contain nuts, or nut products such as: peanut
oil, peanut butter, peanut sauce, peanut
meal, mixed nuts, ground nuts and
macadamia nuts.
Hydrolyzed vegetable
protein may also contain peanuts and is not
considered safe for people with nut allergies.

Read food labels carefully. Avoid products
that do not carry a list of ingredients.

Clean hands and face immediately after
eating peanut butter, or nut containing
products, before heading off to school.

Avoid sharing snacks and drinks
Thank you for your support, cooperation, and
sensitivity in helping to make our school safe for
students with nut allergies.
VALUABLES
Students are requested not to bring valuables, items
of importance or money to school. The school cannot
assume responsibility for items brought to school.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE (PED)
DISTRIBUTION
MEDICATION
AND
STORAGE
OF
Due to safety issues and concerns, medication must
not be sent to school with students. We ask that
when possible, the medication be taken at home
during lunch hour, or a schedule is arranged for
medication to be taken just prior to school and/or right
after school.
To promote respect for the dignity of all members of
our school community and to enhance student
achievement and safety, the use of a PED is strictly
prohibited in school, on school property, or
during school related activities (such as retreats,
field trips, sports events, etc.)
For the safety of all children, medication for
serious health issues and/or allergies MUST be
stored in the office. Students may not leave
medication in their desk or knapsack at any time.
Personal Electronic Devices which include any
current or emerging wireless Handheld Technologies
or Portable IT Systems that can be used for the
purpose of communication, entertainment, data
management, word processing, wireless internet
access, image capture/recording, sound recording
and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.
For distribution of medication, medical forms are
available at the office. They must be completed by the
attending physician and signed by the parents.
All PEDS must be kept out-of-sight, turned off and
not used within school premises or during
school-sanctioned activities.
We ask that students leave all electronic devices
and games at home as the school can not be
responsible for their safe keeping. Cell phones are
permissible as long as they are turned off, kept
out of sight, and not used in or on school
property.
USE OF SCHOOL BOOKS/MATERIALS
Students also receive a number of textbooks for their
personal use and will be able to borrow books from
the library.
Due to the cost of books, we expect students to be
responsible for these books. Please encourage your
child to handle books with care. Students will be
charged for lost and/or damaged books.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Each child is expected to participate in the Physical
Education Curriculum. The Ministry of Education
requires all students to engage in Daily 20 minutes
Physical Education workouts (DPA).
An Elementary Physical Education Curriculum –
Element of Risk and Medical Information Form will
be sent home the week of September 8. Please
complete the form and return it to your child’s
teacher.
Proper clothing should be worn for gym activities: (Tshirt, runners, shorts or jogging pants). Students are
reminded never to leave jewelry, money or other
valuables in change rooms, washrooms or the
classrooms.
NETWORK USER POLICY
Use of the computer and Internet is guided by board
guidelines and teacher/adult supervision. All students
and parents are required to sign a Network User
Policy before students will be permitted to access the
Internet. This form must be returned to your child’s
teacher before they can use the computer.
PEDICULOSIS
This early in the school year, it is important to bring to
your attention the problem which occurs at some time
in most schools at least once every year. Head lice
are parasites which have been common among
human beings for centuries. They are not connected
in any way with dirt or neglect. If a case is found in
our school, we shall inform parents of the students in
that classroom. We will be checking friends and other
family members. We ask that you also check your
own children regularly. If your child is infested, please
notify the office.
DRESS CODE:
Board policy states that all
students are expected to dress in clean, neat and
practical clothing. School guidelines are:
1. the top of the pants must meet the bottom of
the shirt with no exposure of midriff or
undergarments at anytime
2. shorts and skirts must be (mid-thigh) which
are neither too tight or tattered
3. halter tops, spaghetti strap tops, tank tops,
muscle shirts and mesh shirts may not be
worn. Shirts must cover the top of the
shoulder
4. clothing with offensive, suggestive and/or
inappropriate
statements
or
pictures
(including advertisements for alcohol or
tobacco products) are not permitted.
Thank you for your continued support and
cooperation for a dress code which reflects our
Catholic school environment as a place for some
serious work accompanied by standards of sensitivity,
politeness and decorum.
Students who wear unacceptable clothing to school
may be removed from class and/or sent home to
change.
SAFETY REMINDERS
In-Line skates, roller blades, scooters, and
skateboards are not permitted on school property.
There is no storage space.
Wheelies (running shoes with a wheel on the heel)
are not to be worn at school. They are unsafe in
school hallways shared by 400 other students.
PROTECT YOUR CHILD “ON-LINE”
Here are some helpful tips to keep your child safe.

Take an active role in protecting your child’s
privacy whenever they are asked to submit
personal information.

Monitor your child’s on-line behaviour and
know the sites they visit frequently.

Be clear with your children on appropriate
net behaviour, that is, the amount of time it’s
okay to be on the net, times when the
computer can be used, and what they are
allowed to do.

Set up clear rules with your children.

If other children visit your home and use
your computer, make sure that they follow
your rules.

Monitor any chat rooms that your children
want to visit and discourage them from
providing any personal information.

Children are legally not permitted to use
FACEBOOK, MSN, etc to trash talk about
other students.


Even if the site is appropriate for their ages,
you still don’t know who may be lurking in
the wings, reading the kids’ messages
posted to the site.
Teach your children to be “net smart” just
like you would teach them to be “street
smart.”
TERRY FOX WALK/RUN
Pauline Vanier Staff and students will be walking for
Terry on Friday, September 25 because they know
they can Make a Difference!
More information will follow.
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Elementary International classes are available to
students in grades JK to 8. No prior language
experience
is
necessary.
International
Languages programs comply with the Ministry of
Education curriculum and will be of interest to
students who wish to preserve their language
and cultural heritage and to those who wish to
study the language and heritage of another
culture. Students attending schools outside of
the DPCDSB may also register for these
programs. Enrolment is limited at each location.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served
basis. Classes will be cancelled if there is
insufficient enrolment.
Continuous Elementary International Languages
Registration begins Saturday, September 12,
2009 to June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Please register at the I.L. site where you
would like your child to attend, on
Saturdays only. Day schools do not accept
registrations
Please bring Proof of Age and any health concerns
information to the registration. NOTE: THERE IS
A $25.00 (per student) NON-REFUNDABLE
MATERIALS FEE. (cheque, Visa, or MasterCard)
ATTACHMENTS:
BBQ Order Form
School Year Calendar
School Council Nomination Letter & Form
Physical Education Participation Form
Walking Excursion &
Inclement Weather/Early School Closure Form