The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 56 Oaklea Blvd, Brampton, Ontario, L6Y 4W7 Phone: 905-455-1001 Principal: W. Bodsworth Superintendent: L. Kazimowicz 905-890-1221 Trustee: T. Da Silva 905-459-7089 Secretary: A. Mijandrusic Parish: St. Jerome Church Pastor: Fr. Jan Kolodynski 905-455-4260 NEWSLETTER #1 SEPTEMBER 2010 Prayer for a New School Year Lord, Son of God, We come together to share and to learn, individuals who devote our talents and time to work toward a common goal. We share this goal: the well-being and betterment of our community, our students and staff. Lord, you were the greatest teacher of all. As we work together this school year, help us to be mindful of your ways. May our decisions and actions on behalf of our community, students and staff Reflect your wisdom, patience, courage and love. Amen 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! It is often difficult to “catch up” when the first part of the class is missed. Recesses 10:33-10:48 Fax: 905-455-3406 1:53-2:08 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE As your new principal, I would like to welcome back all returning families to the Pauline Vanier School community. A very special welcome is extended to all new families, and to children beginning kindergarten for the first time. School start-up is an exciting adventure for us all! As the 2010-2011 School Year begins, I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and support that has been given to me as I transition into my new role here at Pauline Vanier School. Staff members have worked hard setting up their classrooms and planning exciting units of instruction for what we hope will be a memorable year. Our custodial staff has worked diligently to create a welcoming school environment for our students and staff. School Council members are already enthusiastically involved in spear-heading several projects. Pauline Vanier School will continue to foster the spiritual, academic, physical, social, emotional growth and development of all students. We eagerly anticipate a year of excitement and meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Above all, we pledge our commitment to creating a nurturing CATHOLIC FAITH experience for your children. 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. I look forward to meeting all of you at our BBQ & Open House Curriculum Evening on Monday th September 27 . May God bless us on our shared journey! Wendy Bodsworth PAULINE VANIER STAFF 2010-2011 JK /SK JK/SK Gr. 1 Gr. 1 Gr. 2 Gr. 2/3 Gr. 3 Gr. 4 Gr. 4/5 Gr. 5/6 Gr. 6 Gr. 7 Gr. 7/8 Gr. 8 FSL FSL/Planning Time (0.2) SERT SERC/ PT SERT (0.1) ESL 0.4 ESL 0.5 pm Library/Planning Time ERW Head Custodian Evening Custodian Evening Custodian Secretary Office Volunteer Principal M. DeSouza S. Grasman A. Mayer A. Prlic A. Lum (T. Passarelli) L. Stott A.M. Henry C. Tersigni (L. Cunic) N. Pavic A. Gutt (S. Rondinelli) M. Vigneault S. Monachino C. Connelly P. Daniels K. Byrne M. Santos C. Thomas A. Tac (T. Berry) C. D’Souza C. D’Souza E. DeSouza S. Muzzatti E. Myrie M. Lima R. D’Souza Francis Musoke A. Mijandrusic J. Gomes W. Bodsworth Psychologist Sp./Lang. Pathologist Social Worker Child Youth Worker Teacher/Hard of Hearing SAT (curricular support) Lunch Hour Supervisors K. Page A. Donovan S. Bidin J. Campbell B. Kist D. Linardic T. Liem, C. Brohart, J. Reyes FAITH & PARISH The Virtues Program As Catholics, we are called to put into practice the teaching of Christ through our words and actions. Our school board takes very seriously its obligation to foster the development of virtues in the lives of our students. Thus, throughout the school year, virtue education is integrated into all areas of school life. We believe that a focus on the virtues reinforces the positive character attributes that should are the hallmark of an authentic Catholic Christian lifestyle. Each month we will highlight one virtue. The virtues we celebrate are as follows: Faith (September) Empathy (October) Conscience (November) Hope (December) Self-Control (January) Respect (February) Kindness (March) Love (April) Acceptance (May) Fairness (June) Classroom activities, school-wide assemblies and announcements over the P.A. will focus on the nurturing of the specific virtue of the month. We would appreciate your support in discussing these virtues at home and encouraging behaviours that demonstrate them. As we grow in virtue together, we make the presence of God visible in the world around us. Our Virtue for September: FAITH To begin the new school year, we’ll focus our attention on the first of our virtues—faith. Faith is the great virtue of believing in God and trusting that God is with us. A faithful person believes that we are created, guided by and destined to be reunited with God. A faithful person believes that God’s plan for us includes the right to be safe, especially at school. A faithful person… • • • • • Prays regularly and fervently Learns from Scripture stories Honours people’s God-given names Assumes that there is good in everyone Accepts the God-given worth of themselves and others. Sacramental Preparation Sacraments are parish, not school events. Initial preparation for the sacraments is delivered by the schools through the religion program. However, immediate preparation is the responsibility of the parents and the parish. Children do not receive a sacrament just because they are in a particular grade at school. Registration for receipt of the sacraments takes place at a meeting at St. Jerome’s Church. It is the parent’s responsibility to attend mass and read the parish bulletin to ensure that important registration and deadline dates are not missed. Catholic schools assist the parish in preparing children to live a life of faith that is rich in Catholic traditions and teachings. STUDENT SAFETY Safe Arrival Program 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. If you do not contact the school by 9:00 a.m. we will attempt to contact you. 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 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 gym. Students who walk to and from school are expected to walk directly home at 3:00 p.m. Student Accident Insurance As required by the Education Act and Ministry of Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board annually provides parents with information about cost-effective student accident insurance coverage. 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 were sent home the first day of school with your child. If you have not done so already please mail or FAX the form to Reliable Life at 1-800-463-5437 or 1-905-522-7211. Parents alone have the right to insure their children. Visitors to the 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. We also ask all parents walking into the schoolyard identify themselves to the teacher on duty. Messages and deliveries (house keys, lunches, dry mitts, etc.) are handled by the office. There is a table in the front foyer for lunches. Please write your child’s name on the lunch. Criminal Reference Check 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. Emergency Protocol Emergency response procedures in the event of a fire, bomb threat, serious accident/injury or an intruder have been established and are revised on an on-going basis. 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 either South Fletchers Sportsplex & Community Centre at Ray Lawson & McLaughlin Rd or Hickory Woods School. The students will also have an opportunity to practice Hold & Secure (danger in the neighbourhood) and Lock–Down (danger within the school) procedures. Student Sign Out In the interests of student safety, all students must sign out when leaving the building and sign in when they return; parents must report to the office when picking up their children during school hours and sign their child out; all bus students will remain at school for lunch, unless a parent or their designate, picks them up and follows the above procedure; all other students who normally stay for lunch may not leave the school during the lunch hour unless a parent or their designate picks them up and follows the same sign-out procedure. Grade 7 and 8 students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at lunch time unless they have a signed/dated note from a parent/guardian. Students who leave school property are not permitted to carry food or beverages back onto school property when they return. Custody of Children On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult situations in which non-custodial parents arrive at school asking to visit their child or to take their child home after school. We are best able to serve and protect students when we are made aware of legal custody arrangements, visitation rights, and other special instructions. If legal custody matters affect your family, please ensure that our office and classroom teachers are aware of any custodial arrangements that may affect the safety and well-being of your child(ren) during school hours. Parking Lot Safety We are 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 on duty, rain or shine. Students are to exit on the right passenger side where staff is available to escort children across the bus lane to the sidewalk safely. Please do not allow your child to exit on the left side of the vehicle, as it is the designated 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 only 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. STUDENT TRANSPORTATION Eligibility Distances Change A reminder that the eligibility distances for student transportation have changed as follows: JK and SK & Grade 1 Grades 2-4 inclusive Grades 5-8 inclusive 1.0 km 1.6 km 2.0 km Primary Bus Protocol All students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 who are eligible to ride the bus will receive a RED PRIMARY PROTOCOL bus tag. Students wearing these red tags must board and disembark at a specified stop, and must be MET BY AN ADULT. Please be aware that if the child’s parent, guardian or babysitter is not present to meet the bus, the driver will return the child to the school. All “red tag” students will be part of an attendance tracking system as they board the bus in the evening. If you decide that your child will not take the bus on any given afternoon, please report this change of plans to the office prior to 3:00 p.m., so that your child is not reported missing from the bus line. Empty Seat/Fill up the Bus Policy Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the bus may apply for a courtesy seat in accordance with the “Empty Seat Policy”. Parents who are requesting consideration for an empty seat must apply in writing to the school. 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. Parents are advised to write a letter to the principal outlining the rationale for wanting busing, along with all pertinent details e.g. age, grade, teacher, siblings, health issues, etc. Behaviour on the bus Please review the School Bus Safety Rules with your children. 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 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. 2) Oakley Blvd. at Pauline Vanier (S.S.) Mid-Block 8:00- 8:35 a.m. 3:00- 3:30 p.m. SCHOOL RULES & ORGANIZATION Verification Form Please check the information on the student verification sheet your child will bring home this week. The data you provide will be used to update our records so that we may contact you in case of an emergency. Please return the form to the school a.s.a.p. noting any changes in phone numbers, address, etc. 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 case of an early closure. Please include these arrangements on the form. Playground Safety Lunchtime Protocols In-Line skates, roller blades, scooters, and skateboards are not permitted on school property. There is no storage space and these can be dangerous in crowds of children. 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. Wheelies (running shoes with a wheel on the heel) are not to be worn at school. They are unsafe in school hallways shared by others. 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. Internet Safety 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. Discourage them from providing any personal information. Teach your children to be “net smart” just like you would teach them to be “street smart.” Attendance For the benefit of all children, we expect 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. If it is ever necessary that your child be dismissed early, please write a note to the teacher. We will not dismiss a student without parental consent. Also, your child must be signed out by an adult at the office if leaving prior to the 3:00 p.m. dismissal. If your child is absent from school please write a note upon his/her return explaining the reason for the absence. 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. Agendas were sent home the first day of school. Please submit $4.00 for agendas in Grades 18 and $2.00 for kindergarten booklets. Valuables Students are requested not to bring valuables, sentimental items, or money to school. The school cannot assume responsibility for items brought to school. Personal Electronic Devices (PEDS) 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.) 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 cannot be responsible for their safe-keeping. Cell phones must be turned off, kept out of sight, and not used in or on school property. Use of School Books 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. home September 7th. Please complete the form and return it to your child’s teacher. Proper clothing should be worn for gym activities: (T-shirt, 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 was th sent home on September 7 and must be returned to your child’s teacher before he/she can use the computer. 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. 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 and Intramural Element of Risk form was sent PROGRAM & CURRICULUM Professional Development Day Friday, September 17th – no classes th There will be no classes on September 17 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 within the week with a minimum of disruption. 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. International Language Program 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. For the remainder of the day, the staff engage in curriculum planning and development. First Term: September 30, 2010 Open House-Curriculum Night Pauline Vanier’s BBQ, Open House & Curriculum Night will be held on Monday, September 27th. The BBQ will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Parents are invited to gather in the gym immediately following the BBQ. School Staff will be introduced and information of general interest will 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 2010-2011 school year, curriculum, and classroom expectations. Reporting and Interview Dates Progress report sent home: November 2, 2010 Interview evening: November 4, 2010 (as needed) First Term: Thursday, February 3, 2011 Friday, February 4, 2011 Second Term: Reports go home June 28, 2011 EQAO Assessment Dates May 30 to June 10, 2011 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. Volunteers Welcome Volunteers are always needed in the classrooms, Library, Breakfast Club, Kiss and Ride, and All Star Reading. No experience is Elementary International classes are available to students in grades JK to 8. International Languages programs comply with the Ministry of Education curriculum and are 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. Pauline Vanier School is the site for one of these International Language Programs. The first scheduled day of classes was Saturday September 11, 2010. No prior language experience is necessary. STUDENT HEALTH Distribution/Storage of Medication 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. 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. For distribution of medication, medical forms are available at the office. They must be completed by the attending physician and signed by the parents. Nut Aware School 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. 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. 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. Pediculosis 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. Positive Hygiene Reminders Monitor: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) keep them home and contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe. Practice good hygiene: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way. Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. SPECIAL EVENTS Open House & BBQ The BBQ will take place on Monday, September 27th from 5:30 to 6:30pm, followed by opening remarks and staff introductions in the gym. After this formal introduction, teachers will be pleased to meet and greet parents in their classrooms beginning at 7:00 p.m. Please remember to return the BBQ order forms, no rd later than Thursday, September 23 . Scholastic Book Fair is Back The Scholastic Book Fair will be in our School Library on Thursday, September 23th for browsing, Friday th September 24 for student purchases and th Monday, September 27 for the evening of our OPEN HOUSE. Purchases may be made at this time. (Visa, Mastercard, debit, cheques, or cash are all accepted). Parent Volunteers are needed to help make this fundraiser a success. If you are able to help with set up or as a cashier, please contact S. Muzzatti at the school. Terry Fox Walk/Run Pauline Vanier Staff and students will be walking th for Terry on September 30 knowing they can truly make the difference in the goal to discover a cure for cancer! Pizza Day-Every Tuesday Pizza Day will begin on Tuesday, September 21st. The cost is $2.00 per slice. Parents: We Need You Both the Breakfast Club (Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 8:40 a.m.) and Kiss ‘n Ride (8:15-8:30 a.m.) need parent volunteers in order to sustain our level of commitment and service. If you can help out one or two days a week, please contact the office. The future of these programs depends on you! Pauline Vanier School Fundraiser The chocolate fund-raiser will be launched at nd an assembly on September 22 , 2010. Money raised will go towards equipment and educational resources for the school. On rd September 23 the chocolates will go home. Funds and outstanding chocolate must be th returned on October 12 for the final draws. School Council Those interested in participated in our parent council are invited to consider self-nominating for a council position. Applications are due th th September 28 (form went home Sept.7 ). th The first scheduled meeting is October 4 at 6:30 p.m. in library.