ST. PAUL SECONDARY SCHOOL’S
Course Selection under way

WINTER ISSUE, 2011
815 Atwater Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L5E 1L8 Phone: 905-278-3994
Web: stpaulss.org
Fax: 905-278-1163
Trustees
B. Iannicca, Mississauga Ward 7 - 905-270-0536, bruno.iannicca@dpcdsb.org
M. Pascucci, Mississauga Wards 1 & 3 - (P) 905-302-3096, (F) 905-890-0888, mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
Superintendent
Mr. C. Blanchard
Principal
Mr. P. Schmidt
Vice-Principal
Ms. C. Iacobucci
Chaplain
Mr. B. Finamore
Student Services/ARD
Mr. B. Bonnah
Guidance Counsellor A - K, ELL
Ms. E. Wasiuk
Guidance Counsellor L - Z, SHSM
Mr. J. Multari
Youth Care Worker
Ms. V. Williams
St. Dominic Parish Pastor
Fr. Philip Jones
Heartbeat Editor
Mr. T. Brugmans
Magazine Layout & Design
Mr. T. Brugmans
Cover Photo
A. Sykes

What is the best way for a parent or guardian to stay in touch with school events or academic assistance?
St. Paul publishes four newsletters each year but thanks to the advent of e-mail, it’s simpler and less costly to send occasional bulletins out to parents directly to their mail address.
For example, our school exam schedule is currently on the front page. The school’s commitment to providing help in our EQAO testing is featured in the bar on the right side under
Literacy. Our site is in the process of changing its look but will be available throughout this process.
Parents who wish to view our morning announcements on a daily basis may go to the website and click on the
Studio30 link.
At the beginning of the second semester, grade 9, 10 and 11 students will be asked to return a form that includes a request for a parent e-mail address that is exclusive to the parent. We have many addresses already, but if you haven’t done so to date, please contact
Ms. Vella, in our main office to provide an address. We have found that, in addition to our Signboard and the phone Synervoice system, this method is the quickest and most reliable form of communication to parents.
Parents may contact their child’s teacher directly at any time and parent teacher interviews are the ideal format to discuss their progress. In the second semester, parent teacher interviews are scheduled on Thursday, March 24.
I was asked when my child registered if my son or daughter has an IEP or an IPRC. What does that mean?
In addition to our e-mail system, our
St. Paul website tracks events in the school and provides quick, accessible information for parents. The site is www.dpcdsb.org/PAULS and can be book marked on your Favourites for fast facts.
The majority of students enrolled in a secondary school will not have an IEP.
An IEP ( Individual Education Plan) is a written plan describing the special education program and/or services required by a particular student, based upon a thorough assessment of the students strength and needs - that is, the strengths and needs that affect the students ability to learn and to demonstrate learning. An IEP includes
accommodations which are the special teaching and assessment strategies, human supports and/or individualized equipment required to enable a student to learn and to demonstrate learning.
An IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) is a committee established by the Board under
Regulation 181/98. The IPRC meets and decides if a student should be identified as an exceptional pupil and, if so, the placement that will best meet the student’s needs (Caring and Safe
Schools in Ontario. Pgs. 37, 38).
Most IPRC’s are done in elementary school and students will carry an IEP with them into secondary school. If a student transfers schools, the IEP follows them.
Our January newsletter is full of all sorts of news and reports that I encourage you to enjoy and share with your family.

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The night sky is usually illuminated by the glow of thousands of street lights, flashing business signs and the presence of smog and pollution seem to permanently blot out the stars in heavens. Occasionally, when the Maple Leaf’s are playing a home game or there is another big event at the Air Canada Center, bright spot lights dance in the sky. Perhaps you have seen them? The spot lights have been permanently installed on the east side of the
ACC and are turned on to indicate that something big is happening inside.
The spot lights also fill the sky during the
Royal Winter
Fair and the Canadian National Exhibition. The lights call our attention to the fact that something amazing is happening at the source of this luminous energy.
When I see these spot lights in the city sky I often think of the three
Wise Men. Our Catholic Tradition has named them Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. These Wise men saw a light dancing in the heavens and the followed the light, bearing gifts, to the little town of Bethlehem in Judea, where they found the Holy
Family with the new born
Baby Jesus.
What lights do you follow? I know that in my own life I have sometimes followed lights that led me to places that did not bring me peace and happiness.
The lights that lead to the ACC have not brought us any happiness... no
Stanley Cup since 1967! In earlier years, I thought that the lights of university or college would lead me to happiness. I thought that the lights of a good job would lead me to happiness.
I thought that the glow of a nice car or new home would bring me peace.
I now know that the only thing that will bring me true peace and happiness is the light that leads to
Jesus. Jesus is the source of true peace and happiness. Jesus is the source of unconditional love. I guess that’s why we call the Kings from the East Wise
Men because they followed the right star?
I pray that all of the lights that we will follow in 2011 will lead us to Jesus.
Please keep your head up and eyes in the sky!

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Thank you to Mr. Brugmans and the
Studio30 crew who produced a video that highlights the exciting things happening at
St. Paul. The evening included presentations on our Specialist High Skills Major
(SHSM) programs unique to St. Paul.
These are the Secondary High Skill Major pathways that lead students to earn a Red
Seal on their Ontario Secondary School
Diploma. Interested students are asked to meet with their guidance counselor to confirm enrolment for the 2011-2012 school year. Thank you also to our student volunteers who took photos, supported teachers, presented our broadcast, and happily guided parents and potential students around our school campus. We look forward to meeting our new students in August at the
Grade 9 Orientation morning!
It’s hard to believe, as it seems like the new school year has just begun, but the process for registration for 2011-2012 is well underway.
Guidance counselors presented course selection information to all students prior to the Christmas holidays. Students were shown how to apply on-line using the
St. Paul website and personal password system through a video produced by our
Studio30 Crew. This application process is now standard throughout all secondary schools within our Dufferin-Peel School
Board. Students were asked to submit their selections and $60.00 activity fee upon return to school after the holidays.
Changes to selections may be made when students receive their Verification Sheets in early April.
Thanks to the exceptional work of our
Broadcasting SHSM students and the support of Mr. Brugmans!
All students MUST have their registration completed as soon as possible to ensure the development of their timetable for next year can begin on time! Thanks to all parents and families who have ensured the timely completion of this process!
College applications for equal consideration are due February 1. While applications may be submitted after this deadline, acceptances will be offered first come, first served.
University applications were due January
12. Final marks are submitted to OUAC by February 16. Students are reminded to check their on-line applications to verify marks and check the status of their application. Students taking Night School courses must submit their mid-term and final marks to their guidance counselor so that their academic file can be updated.
Not going away for March Break? Why not visit/tour an Ontario College or University campus? Students are encouraged to look at the information posted outside the Student Services area for details on this valuable experience. Scholarships are available for many post-secondary programs. Visit the websites for more information: http://www.studentawards.com
http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
Semester Two Night School courses run from February 9 - May 25. Registration information is available in Student Services.
Class of 2011:
Graduation Information
Graduation Photo Sessions will be organized February 7-18. There is a registration fee of $25.00 to book a session.
Graduation Invitations will be mailed to all eligible Potential Graduates in early
March. Students are required to submit gown forms and fees by April 20th, 2011.
Semester Two Information
• Mid-Term Parent Teacher Interview
Night is Thursday, March 24th.
• Semester Two mid-term report cards will be sent home Thursday, April 21.
• The EQAO Ontario Secondary
School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is
Thursday, March 31.
We wish you all a healthy, happy, successful, Semester Two!!

O h
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a n ight
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The audience of close to 400 enthusiastic students, family members and friends were treated to a remarkable show of 26 sharp, stellar numbers. After 2 months of planning, taping, editing and rehearsing, the cast and crew showcased another night of first-rate entertainment. Brought together under the direction of Mr. Brugmans, Mr.
Mandarino, Ms. Tobin, Ms. Richardson and Mr. Penkul, the show was strung together by our capable Emcee’s: Victoria Bettencourt, Stephen Covic, Tamara
Sestanj and Victor Verbitsky.
The music on stage was off-set with pre-taped video clips that added a wonderfully hilarious break from the stage performances. These short movies were shot and edited by the Studio30 Crew, who also worked behind the scenes taping the show. Video, sound, light and stage crews worked hard to give the audience a professional show.
Door prizes were plentiful again this year and we’d like to thank Universal Music
Group, the Morell family and the Semko family for their donations of some great prizes. Capping off our list as the grand door prize this year was an Xbox 360 with
Kinect!
After 3 hours of top-flight entertainment, the night came to an end with cheers from a very energetic audience. We would like to thank everyone for their work in making Talent Night 2010 such a success.

O h
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Stratford Excursions
The next trip to Stratford will occur in
Semester 2 for students of Ms. Bentivoglio and Ms. Romao. The students will be able to see Grapes of Wrath on April 26. Then the students of Ms. Bentivoglio, Ms. Tobin and Ms. Romao will venture to see Jesus
Christ Superstar on May 24. classes were a big part of the St. Dominic’s Caring and Sharing food hampers collection in the week before Christmas.
The students helped organize, sort and wrap the food boxes, delivered items and with the always support and direction of our chaplain, Mr. Finamore, were once again instrumental in making a positive difference in our community. Congratulations to all.
and Procedures, and the St. Paul Grade 9
Welcome Brochure. Please see the St. Paul website: www.dpcdsb.org/PAULS/Departments/English/
Please support your son or daughter and help make these trips a successful theatregoing experience.
Teacher Web
Many teachers at St. Paul use the Teacher-
Web website to help students and parents stay on top of assignments, homework and dates. If a teacher has a website, visit the site with your son or daughter and make sure that they consult it on a regular basis.
The site is: http://teacherweb.com/ON/
StPaulSSDPCDSB/ Soulpepper Theatre’s
A Raisin in the Sun
Students of Ms. Kim and Ms. Tobin experienced live theatre when they ventured to see the great Soulpepper production of A
Raisin in the Sun on November 16. The stage production was enjoyed by all and connected students with their classroom study of Lorraine Hansbury’s classic play.
This was not a dream deferred!!
Ontario Secondary School
Literacy Test
In Grade 10, students take the Ontario
Secondary School Literacy Test, which measures whether or not they are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is one of the 32 requirements students must meet to earn an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma. The secondary school literacy requirement is described in the Ministry of
Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum
No. 127.
Showcase 2011
Mr. Kay’s drama class presented their
Showcase Performance for 2011 on Friday, January 21, in the Drama Studio. The plays presented were: The Four Hags of the Apocalypse Eat Salad at their Gen-
eral Meeting (Lindsay Price), Jane/Doe
(Amy Gajaria), and Wanted: One Groom
(Claudene Rease)
Young Authors 2011
Contest
Each year, the Ontario English Catholic
Teachers Association (OECTA) is proud to sponsor the annual Young Authors
Awards. The awards celebrate the writing talents and accomplishments of students, who submit short stories, poems, plays or non-fiction (essay, article or report) in both
English and French. A collection of the winning entries is published in book form each year. Interested students should see
Mr. Kay or visit the website at http://www.
oecta.on.ca. The due date is fast approaching and students should submit to Mr. Kay by February 18.
This year, the date for the OSSLT test is
May 31, 2011. Elsewhere in this newsletter, should be information on Literacy
Blitz Week. Grades 9 and 10 teachers are committed to making sure that their courses support the OSSLT initiative and that the students are prepared for the test.
Parents and students are strongly urged to visit the EQAO website (www.eqao.com); it is a well designed website with Teacher,
Parent and Student sections containing helpful information.
School Play 2011
At this time, the teachers of St. Paul are attempting to once again organize a school play. Students are asked to stay tuned for announcements regarding auditions in the first weeks of Semester 2. Stay tuned to
Studio30 for announcements and check any postings on the English Department office door or the Drama Room door.
Shakespearience Semester 2
Mr. Kay has been able to book the Shakespearience group come to St. Paul on April
27. The students of Mr. Kay’s drama will be able to attend, as well as all other interested Drama students. It promises to be a very effective and innovative workshop. Students should be reminded to check the
English Department office on the second floor for many other writing contests, speaking events and opportunities to participate and gain experience using their talents in the community.
English Christmas
Volunteer Collection
Ms. Tobin’s English 2P1 and English 4C1
English, Drama and ESL
Department Website
We have made some progress in the updating of our St. Paul English Department website. There is now an Introduction page as well as launches that lead students, parents and interested partners in the St.
Paul community to topics such as: Ministry Profiles (English, Drama and ESL),
Recommended Websites from the St. Paul
English Department, Ministry Glossary of
Literary Terms, St. Paul Approach to Plagiarism, the DPCDSB Homework Policy
The website of this organization, Shakespearience is well worth the visit and it is demonstrative of the ability of these actors to inspire students in the ways of the Bard.
Check out the website at: http://www.shakespearience.ca/wordpress/ index.php

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like the message is getting out, that a
Healthy Active Lifestyle is the way to a healthy, happy future. Thanks to all of the Varsity athletes and coaches for their continued dedication to living our motto, Everything with Heart. rez, Steffany Beaulieu, Meghan Forestell, Emily Ulewicz, Laura Colacci and Arianna Vassalo and 3 grade 10’s;
Madeleine Moniz, Samantha Pankros and Stephanie Di Tella. We wish the girls luck with the remainder of the season.
The senior girls volleyball team is continuing their winning streak under the coaching of Mr. Vicars and Mr.
Connelly.
Congratulations to the Varsity Boy’s
Basketball team for winning a gold medal at the Rick Hansen Invitational tournament held in January.
The Varsity Boy’s Hockey team is busily preparing for their trip to Timmins for the OFSAA hockey championships in March.
After last years impressive finish, top four out of 60 teams in Tier 1 and an
OFSAA birth in Perth Ontario, the girls have had a lot to live up to this year with the majority of the team returning for this season.
The weight room continues to be busy
Monday’s thru Thursday’s and will be accepting new members at the beginning of the semester in February. The fee of $30 enables us to upgrade and service the equipment on a biyearly basis.
The girls have an impressive 5 – 1 record going into the exam break and a Silver medal at the St. Marguerite
D’Youville tournament earlier in January. The girls have one regular season game left and a tournament at St. Joan of Arc on February 10, prior to the playoffs this year, where they hope to follow in last years footsteps.
For the first time in recent history,
St. Paul has put together a Junior
Girls Volleyball team to compete in
ROPSSAA league play. Even though they are a young, inexperienced team they have made great strides so far this year, and look to have a bright, promising future. With a couple of games left in the season, there is still hope of even making it to the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The team is made up with 9 grade 9’s;
Victoria Cordovado, Catherine White,
Rebecca Rukavina, Stephanie Gutier-
The team members this year are:
Tanya Piitz, Luba Sulypka, Emily Porfido, Kelsey Forestell, Nicole Kolenda,
Katelyn Turk, Lilla Matteliano, Niamh
Burke, Patricia Gluszak, Amanda
Forest, Jacklyn Medeiros and Cara
Coutts. Good luck with the rest of the season.
The senior boy’s basketball team is having an outstanding season thus far.
The team has won 7 games with only
1 loss.
In early January, St. Paul won the Rick

Hanson Invitational tournament for the second year in a row. In early February, the team will travel to Windsor,
Ontario, to participate in the Riverside Basketball Classic with some of the best teams in the province. Also in February, the team will begin the playoffs and their quest for spot in the provincial championships.
The junior boys basketball season is just getting underway and the team is off to a great start. They have been very competitive in the first 3 games and placed third in the Brampton
Christian Academy Tournament.
The majority of the team’s games will be played in February as this talented group will compete for a playoff position.
Mr. Derry and Mr. Mandarino have organized a ski & snowboard club which will include two evening outings to
Hockley Valley on February 10 and 17 and a full day trip to Blue Mountain on February 25. All students will have their skill assessed and placed into appropriate groups for lessons. This is a wonderful opportunity to expose your children to the joys of outdoor winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Rentals are also available for a nominal fee.
St. Paul is looking for 4 students to represent St. Paul at the annual Mississauga Marathon on Saturday May
14th, 2011. The student relay is a co-ed race and will require 2 girls and
2 boys.
The top 3 teams will be awarded with prizes. Any students interested in running, should sign up on the phys-ed bulletin board.
For more information check: www.mississaugamarathon.com.
able mental illness begin before age
14, and ¾ begin before 24
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people age
14-24
• 10% of boys and 11% of girls age
4-11 have symptoms of depression
• Mental-health problems in children are expected to increase by 50% by
2020
• 15-24 year olds are more likely to have social phobias and bipolar disorder
• 52% of Ontarians whose parents have experienced a mental health problem also experience a mental disorder
• Women are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, while men are more likely to experience antisocial personality type disorders
Good Mental Health is generally having a positive outlook, being comfortable with yourself and others, and being able to meet life’s challenges and demands. Unfortunately, one in five students will be struggling with mental health disorders.
Mental illness can seriously impair a child’s success at school and their interaction with peers. According to studies, too many students with mental-health problems are not being diagnosed and treated. Students struggling with mental health disorders, miss 40% more school days than students without mental illness and 30-
50% of those students, underachieve at school.
Signs of Depression:
• Feelings of despair and hopelessness; low self-esteem
• Feeling detached from life and those around you
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of sadness; crying for no reason
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Thoughts of suicide
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Persistent recurring headaches or frequent gastrointestinal upsets
Mental Health problems can show up as disruptive behavior, bullying, mood swings, non-compliance and distraction. Currently, mental health education is covered in the Grade 11 Health and Physical Education curriculum.
However, not every student takes gym and may miss out on learning about the importance of early detection and the signs and symptoms of the various disorders.
Here are some staggering facts:
If you are concerned that your child may be exhibiting any of the above mentioned signs, call CAMH - the
Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health (cmha.ca) or Children’s Mental
Health Ontario (kidsmentalhealth.ca) and follow up with your family doctor.
Seventy per cent of childhood mentalhealth problems can be solved through prevention, early diagnosis and intervention. Exercise is a good coping strategy for promoting good mental health.
• Half of all lifetime cases of diagnos-

O mnia c um c
OrDe
EQAO Literacy Test:
Student Success Plan
Student Council
Student Council started off the year with a great first semester!
The OSSLT will be written on Thursday,
March 31, 2011. What are we doing to help students succeed?
The Grade 9 Orientation day in the summer went well, and we could tell that they were excited for the upcoming year. The Breakfast Club returned, giving students the opportunity to buy their breakfast in the morning, and its donation-based structure gives students an inexpensive way to get a healthy meal in the morning. The Welcome Back BBQ was very successful, and ran smoother than ever thanks to the help of staff and other student council members.
• Grade 9 students are writing a simulation test on the same day as the OSSLT.
• Three literacy focus weeks are taking place throughout the school year to help students practice.
In October we had our STP 1O1 Fun Night; an evening designed for the grade 9 students to meet new people in their grade and to get to know their classmates better. Halloween was a hit! Congratulations to the students who won the costume contest and those who were brave enough to participate in our Fear Factor.
• St. Paul will be offering ten free 1 hour after school literacy classes commencing in February 2011.
• Access to former OSSLT tests is provided on our school website under EQAO
OSSLT Tests then under Interesting links.
Our big event this semester was the Christmas Snow Ball in December, yet another huge success! Special thanks go to all the council members who attended and our DJ
KTV who provided great music for the evening and helped us all cut loose! We are currently in the process of planning Semi-Formal which will be held at Le Treport Banquet
Hall on Friday, February 18. Tickets are being sold during the lunches and after school directly from Ms. Caldarelli. Tickets purchased before February 4th will be at the Early
Bird rate of $45 each. The full price of $50 each will be from February 7-11.
On behalf of Student Council and our teacher advisors, we hope that everyone was successful first semester and that second semester brings you nothing but good news! We look forward to more exciting events and continuing to boost student spirit!
Looking Ahead
Semester 1 Reports Home ........February 7
Grad Photos .......................February 7 - 18
Civvies Day ............................February 16
Semi-Formal Dance ...............February 18
Family Day .............................February 21
School Council Meeting ........February 23
March Break ............March 14 – March 18
Progress Reports ..........Week of March 21
Civvies Day ................................March 23
Parent-Teacher Night .................March 24
EQAO Literacy Test ...................March 31
School Council Meeting ................April 6
Holy Week .............................April 18 - 22
Civvies Day ..................................April 20
Good Friday .................................April 22
Easter Monday .............................April 25
Music Ministry
The St. Paul Music Ministry gathers every Wednesday after school in the music room to sing praises to the Glory of God. The choir has performed at each of the St. Dominic
Church school masses; the opening school mass saw the choir welcome the new school year with smiles and great voices. At the Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day presentations, the choir stepped up its game and sang beautifully for the St. Paul community.
In November, the choir members took their voices north of the city to participate in a festival in Bolton. Ms. Karen Burke, a York University music professor, guided and taught them new techniques that were used for the final performance. The choir prepared two gospel pieces and performed the songs with love and talent. “I am really impressed with these kids,” Ms. Burke stated after the performance.
In the future, the St. Paul
Music Ministry will continue with song selections of praise and worship and also add in multicultural and Gospel songs. The choir is always accepting new members and students are encouraged to join and sing along.
Thank you, St. Paul, for your continuous support!