The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 56 Oaklea Blvd, Brampton, Ontario, L6Y 4W7 Phone: 905-455-1001 Principal: D. Furlong Secretary: A. Mijandrusic Fax: 905-455-3406 Superintendent: L. Kazimowicz - 905-890-1221 Trustee: T. Da Silva - 905-866-8106 Parish: St. Jerome Church Pastor: Fr. Jan Kolodynski 905-455-4260 NEWSLETTER # 6 May 2010 The Virtue of Acceptance! ACCEPTANCE If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together. Now, you are the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:26-27 Dear God, You have placed this creation, including all the people we meet, in our care. We come to you now asking for grace and strength to be accepting of others. Grant us the strength to admit that our role is to invite others to participate in your saving plan, and then to accept the choices that they make in their own lives. Amen 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. The virtue of acceptance describes our ability to look at the attitudes and actions of those around us, and then to just stop and consider without judging them. 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 willing to treat everybody as a member of the group is non-judgmental understands that there may be more than one right way to do things sees the positive traits in all people Martin Luther King said “God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us.” PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONGRATULATIONS It is with mixed feelings that I inform you that I will be retiring effective June 30, 2010. After 41 rewarding years working as an educator, the time has come to say good-bye. Although I am looking forward to travelling and working on projects I have put on hold over the years, I will truly miss the incredible students, staff, and parents at Pauline Vanier Catholic. I feel truly blessed to have had the privilege of serving Pauline Vanier Catholic as your principal for the last two years. Congratulations to our proud parents Mr. & Mrs. Cunic. Baby Christian is doing well. What an honour it has been to work with the talented and committed staff who offer so much to children both in the classroom as well as in extra-curricular activities and opportunities! The talents and gifts shared by your children in the Cinderella Musical, Talent Show, Math Mania, Science Olympics, Design & Tech, and their amazing leadership in various Outreach Projects, Spirit Days, their support of younger students while mentoring them, as a Reading Buddy and PALS in the schoolyard, as well as their positive impact at striving to be “the very best they can be,” has been heart-warming. Thank you to all parents for the caring support you provide to your children. Families working in close connection and communication with the school and parish create that support network that children develop and thrive in. A special thank you to all parent volunteers especially those who give so much of their time to work on our School Council, planning, organizing, and supporting activities and events that create a richer learning environment for all students. Many of the special extras offered at the school would not have happened without all their hard work. Mrs. Wendy Bodsworth has been appointed as the next Principal of Pauline Vanier Catholic School. We have already begun meeting to ensure a smooth transition. Mrs. Bodsworth has worked with Dufferin-Peel as a teacher, consultant, and administrator. She is an exemplary educator with heart and is truly committed to Catholic education and to providing a learning environment where all children can thrive. Thank you and God bless you all. Deirdre Furlong, Principal IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO MOVE We are in the process of planning staffing and organizing classes for the 2010-2011 school year. If you are planning to move out of the Pauline Vanier Catholic School area or change address please let the office know as soon as possible. PARENTAL INPUT FORM for 2010-2011 Parents are invited to offer input regarding the instructional style and learning environment that they believe would best meet their child(ren)’s needs. It must be understood that it will not be possible to respond to all requests; however staff will take into account the considerations you have listed on the form. Forms must reach the Office by May 31, 2010. VICTORIA DAY HOLIDAY - SCHOOL IS CLOSED on Monday, May 24, 2010 This is a reminder to parents that Monday, May 24th is a designated holiday. There will be no classes for students on that day. SCHOOL GROUP ROOF TOP PHOTO FRIDAY, MAY 21 9:30 am If you are interested in purchasing an 8 X 10 group photo for $13.00, please have your child pick up an envelope at the Office. ONE IN HOPE DIVERSITY CONFERENCE Thank you to Mr. N. Pavic for leading our grade seven representatives at the Mississauga Brampton Family Diversity Conference on May 7th. Our Reps: Antonia R., Joseph C., Dimithra A., Erica B., Christian B., Daniel D., Claudia H., Mithoon P., Emma R., and Shanisha W. heard inspirational speakers Clifford Young and Orlando Bowen share life experiences and the importance of standing together in faith with “One Voice, One Team.” CALLED TO ACTION Pauline K., Betelehem G., Mario C., Tosan A., and Dennis S. were “Called To Action” on May 7th, 2010. They were part of a social justice conference where they were privileged enough to hear Dr. Simone speak. They participated in sessions that opened their minds to many social justice issues and how they can be a part of the solution. They were also able to hear Daniel Frankavilla and many other inspirational speakers who have made great strides by being involved with social justice issues in third world countries. YOUNG AUTHORS AWARD Congratulations to Emma R. for winning the Dufferin-Peel OECTA Elementary Young Authors Award. She won in the grade 7-8 Division for a Play entitled “The Christmas Party.” We are so proud of you Emma! MATH MANIA SILVER MEDALISTS Congratulations to our Intermediate Math Team – Leighes P., Crysta E., David K., Jimmy G., and Alyssa B. for winning the silver medal at the Math Mania Family competition. They demonstrated great team work. Thank you to Mr. C. Connelly for coaching the team. JUNIOR SCIENCE OLYMPICS Our Junior Reps on the Science Olympics Team- Jason A., Gabrielle B., John-Karl T., Adwoa A., and Isis T. placed fourth as they competed with enthusiasm, creativity and terrific sportsmanship. They received the Virtue Award at the Science Olympics as they were recognized as the team that worked together, supporting and encouraging each other and other teams during their presentations. Thank you to Mr. T. Gutt for coaching the team. JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL Congratulations to our Junior Boys Basketball team – Deon E., Marvin L., Ivan P., Tosan A., Adam C., Jaliel H., and Hunson M., for placing second at the Mississauga Brampton Central Family Tournament. The team went on to represent the Family at the Board level showing great skill, endurance and determination. Thank you to Mr. N. Pavic for coaching the team. ICE-CREAM FRIDAYS Terra- Cotta Ice Cream Cookies will be available for sale on Fridays for $2.00. CATHOLIC RATEPAYERSCheck your Tax Bill If you are a Catholic ratepayer, we urge you to check your property tax bill to ensure that your support is directed to your local Catholic School Board, in our case, the Dufferin-Peel catholic District School Board. If you are a tenant, you can verify your support by contacting our Admissions Department at (905) 890-0708, ext 24511, 24512 or 24519, or your local municipal office. By ensuring that you are accurately recorded as a Catholic school supporter, you can help deliver a powerful message to the government about the level of support for publically-funded Catholic education in Ontario. In order to vote for your local Catholic School Board Trustee, you must be registered as a separate school supporter. EQAO Our grade three and six students will be participating in the Provincial EQAO assessments. Our grade six students will be writing the tests on June 1, June 2, and June 3. Our grade three students will be writing the assessment on June 7, June 8, and June 9. It is very important that your child is present during the assessment. We are asking that you ensure that your child is at school on time for a 8:30 am start. DRESS CODE With the warmer weather approaching, we request parents’ support and cooperation in ensuring that students are neat, clean and appropriately dressed for school. Students are expected to dress in a manner that is suitable and appropriate to the school environment. Clothing must be free from offensive, suggestive or questionable language and pictures. Hats or sweatbands should be removed in the school building. Bandanas are not allowed to be worn on school property. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. The following clothing is not suitable for school: tank tops, crop tops and halter tops, muscle shirts, skirts and shorts must be longer than arm’s length, midriffs must be covered, shoulders tops must be covered, inappropriately tight fitting clothing and miniskirts. Clothing that is acceptable for a six-year old student may not be appropriate for a 10 to 13 year old student. Appropriate clothing must be worn for physical education classes including running shoes. Please refer to the agenda. THANK YOU TO THE SCHOOL COUNCIL Thank you to the School Council for covering the cost of the Loretta Penny Presentation on Biodiversity – The Wonders of Wetlands. EARTH WEEK A special thank you to Ms. A. Tac for organizing a Spirit Earth Week. Honourable Mentions to the following classes who helped clean the school yard and neighbouring parks: Mr. Connelly’s, Mr. Daniel’s, Mr. Monachino’s and Ms. Tersigni’s classes. Winners of the Earth Week Poetry contests: Intermediate: Daniel D. Junior: Isis T. Primary: Veronica S. Honourable Mentions: Primary: Melanie W., Jalen S., Junior: Maeve R., Michelle K., Intermediate: Emily T., and Claudia H. HEALTH SPIRIT WEEK: Thank you to our Youth Faith Ambassadors for organizing our Healthy Eating Week. A special thank you to the Region of Peel Health for their support, for providing Food Guides and healthy eating handouts, and prizes to encourage the eating of vegetables and fruits for snack. Winners of the Health Week Poster Contest: Damian J., Claudia H., and Betelhem G. Congratulations for the powerfully relayed messages to Eat Healthy. BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PLASP Child Care Services operates Before and After School Programs at this school. The Before School Program operates from 7:30 am and continues until school begins. A nutritious breakfast is served daily. The After School Program begins once school is dismissed and goes until 6:00 pm. Children participate in recreational activities, are served a nutritious snack daily and have time for homework. Fee assistance is available. Registration for September 2010 starts on May 10th, 2010. To register your child, visit the PLASP Program Director, Before or After School. For further information, call 905.890.1711 or visit the website at www.plasp.com. GRADE EIGHT GRADUATION Monday, June 21 – Grad Luncheon and DanceThe Mandarin Garden Banquet Centre from 11:00 to 2:15 Thursday, June 24 – Grad and Year-End Mass at 9:00 am Honourable Mentions were awarded to: Christina M., Gabrielle B., Jessica R., Nicole G., Leah A., and Daniel D. Thursday, June 24 – Awards Ceremony at 6:30 pm SUMMER LITERACY CAMP 2010 SK GRADUATION This is a reminder that the Dufferin-Peel C.D.S.B. will be offering a Summer Literacy Camp. This camp is designed to reinforce literacy for students from SK to grade 6. Literacy Camp provides a fun and innovative environment for learners. The dates of the camp are from July 5th to July 30th. A two week block is $200.00. Transportation is not provided. Monday, June 28 – All SK students from both am and pm program will gather at 10:30 am in the Gym. The closest school location is St. Veronica on Novo Star just south of Derry Rd. and off Mavis Rd. June 30th is the last school day REPORT CARDS Report cards will be sent home on Monday, June 28th.