STUDENT VOICE & ACTIVITIES AROUND STM
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:
We are excited to inform you of the following Christmas activities taking place at STM
during the season of Advent.
Christmas Arts and Craft Night:
Families are encouraged to come out to a fun
-filled evening. Students and their families
will have the opportunity to create some
festive crafts together.
Wednesday, December 9 from 7:00-8:00pm
Many primary students are also preparing for our Primary
Christmas performances. We would like to welcome parents/
guardians and family members to the following performances
and remind everyone to sign in at the office, prior to proceeding
to the large gym for the performances.
Kindergarten Concert:
Tuesday, December 15 @ 1:10pm
Primary Concert (Grades 1, 2 & 3):
Tuesday, December 15 @ 1:55pm
“Cram a Cruiser with Gifts” and STM Food Drive:
Once again this year, our Youth Faith Ambassadors will be
collecting unused and unwrapped toys and
non-perishable food items to donate to the less
fortunate members of the St. Thomas More
Community. We thank Constable Tom
Rodziewicz and the Peel Regional Police for
supporting this great initiative.
Wednesday, December 2nd, campaign starts.
Thursday, December 10th final day.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario:
From November 16th to the 20th, staff and students at STM
took part in a province-wide initiative to stand up against bullying. Some of the activities that took place included; a boardwide Minute of Silence, the signing of the STM Anti-Bullying
Pledge by all staff and students, daily announcements by the
YFAs, Pink Day and a Roof Top Photo, Peel Police presentations and various classroom activities. Students who ordered
copies of the Roof Top Photo from LifeTouch will be receiving
them shortly.
JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL:
My Intramural Volley Experience: "I had a very supportive team. I got
a chance to meet new people from different grades. Everyone showed a lot
of team spirit and we won the championships which was a really proud
moment for all of us." Nicole Grade 6
INTERMEDIATE VOLLEYBALL:
Hats off to both the girls and boys intermediate volleyball team! Both
teams showed skill, hard work and dedication throughout the season. We
are all very excited for the Family Tournament coming up on December
2nd. Big thanks to Mrs. Venditti, Mrs. Kolenko and Mr. DiFilippo for
their time coaching and helping us reach the goals that were met. GO
GREY WOLVES! Paola Gr. 7
SCHOOL TRIPS:
All three Grade 8 classes (Mr. DiFilippo, Mme. DiIlio and
Miss Sequeira) experienced a terrific trip to The Riverwood
Conservatory during November. Students took part in water
quality studies and examined different sections of the Credit
River. Some were introduced to the exciting activity of Geocaching, while others took part in detailed microscope investigations of river and pond water samples. Everyone had a fantastic time, gained a new appreciation for water systems in our
region, and were very excited to find such a wonderful natural
conservation area so close to home. Many students plan to
visit the Conservatory again with their family and friends.
SCIENTISTS IN THE SCHOOL:
During the week of November 16-20, the primary classes were
involved in 'Scientists in School' workshops. Each child had an
opportunity to further explore their knowledge and understanding in each of the sessions offered. The grade 1 classes
had an exciting time using different materials and objects with
the culminating task being to build a newspaper stool that
could support an adult's weight. All teams succeeded in
'holding up' Mrs. Matteo, thankfully. The grade 2 classes enjoyed experimenting with the six simple machines with a final
task being to build their own toy cars using several simple machines. The grade 3 classes discovered more about what makes
structures strong and stable with their final test being building
a bridge that held up 4 heavy textbooks. All teams passed this
challenge with great enthusiasm. These 6 workshops would
not have been possible without the proceeds from 'Wonderful
Wednesday' sales and the many parents that volunteered their
time to allow the sessions to function.
100th ANNIVERSARY OF “IN FLANDERS FIELDS”
Congratulations to students at STM, who on November 11th,
were among over 100,000 students across Canada who recited
the commemorative and inspirational poem written by
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
VIRTUE OF HOPE
This month we will celebrate the virtue of
HOPE. We believe that God comes to us
as a real human who can show us the way of
life. We understand that both the world
and its people are from God and so are
essentially good. God has given us this
Advent season year after year in order to
focus our minds and our hearts on the good
all around us.
A person with Hope…
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Expects the best to happen for everyone
Holds on to their dreams
Always counts on God to help them in tough situations
Looks for life’s blessings
Please join us at our Virtue Assembly of Hope on Thursday,
December 17, 2015
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
Parents/guardians and family members are reminded to
enter and exit through the Main Entrance doors only.
Full Day Kindergarten:
Registration for the 2016-2017 school year will take place at St.
Thomas More School during the following dates/times:
Monday, January 25, 2016 (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
SNOW DATE ONLY: Tuesday, January 26, 2016
(7:00pm—9:00pm)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Thursday, January 28, 2016 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Friday, January 29, 2016 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
DIFFERING ABILITIES MEETING
9:30am for the following classes:
On Tuesday, January 12, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board’s Special Education and Support Services
Department will host a Kindergarten entry planning information
10:15am for the following classes
FDK2, FDK3, 1/2A, 1/2B, 3A, 3/4A, 5C, 6A, 6B, 7A, 8A, 8C session for parents and guardians of children with differing
abilities which affect their learning, such as vision, hearing,
speech, autism, physical/medical and/or developmental delays in
the cognitive and/or motor areas, who are entering
ADVENT MASS
Kindergarten in September 2016. The meeting will be held at the
Catholic Education Centre from 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. For more
information about this session, call 905-890-0708 ext. 24011.
Please join us at our Advent Mass on
Monday, December 7th at 9:30am.
WHAT: Parent Evening to Support the Transition of
Children with Differing Abilities into
The Mass will take place at St. Patrick’s Church
Kindergarten
and singing will be lead by our STM Choir.
Thank you to Mme Di Ilio and Mrs. Kolenko
WHEN: Tuesday, January 12, 2016
for leading our choir.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
*Snow Date: January 13, 2016
FDK1, 1A, 2A, 2/3A, 3B, 4/5A, 4A, 5B, 6C, 7B, 7C, 8B
Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on
WHERE: Catholic Education Centre – Room 301
our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the
40 Matheson Boulevard West, Mississauga
service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to
(Hurontario & Matheson)
hear the voice which announces his glory and open our
minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming.
For more information, parents/guardians should contact their
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
local Catholic school, visit the board website at www.dpcdsb.org,
or call the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board at
905-890-1221.
EXTENDED FRENCH
Information Meeting will take place on Thursday, January 14,
2016 at St. Thomas More School at 7:00pm in the Small Gym.
Deadline for EF applications is 3:00pm on
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 .
KISS & RIDE
COLD & FLU SEASON
The safety of all children and staff
must be considered as paramount at
all times. When dropping students
off at school, drivers are reminded of
the following:
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Watch for children/pedestrians
Advance vehicles forward to stop sign
As cold and flu season approaches, the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board continues to be vigilant in ensuring that our schools are clean and that
our school communities are educated
regarding good hand hygiene and cough
etiquette. Please assist us by reviewing
good hand washing procedures, as well
as other preventative measures, as outlined by Peel Health.
Resources available to you at the following website:
Children must cross at the designated crossing area
https://www.peelregion.ca/flu/
Never let your child walk between buses
For additional health related information, please visit:
Do not leave your vehicle unattended in fire routes
Arrive on time (supervision starts at 8:45am)
Do not let children out on the drive through lane
http://www.peelregion.ca/health
As always, children who are unwell, should be kept at
home.
Do not pick-up or drop-off at driveway entrances
Do not cut in front of other vehicles, advance in line
If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your
child, please advance forward towards stop sign
 Follow all posted traffic signs
PEEL POLICE PROGRAMS
Youth Education Department:
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour
with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb
and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”
In collaboration with the Dufferin Peel
Catholic District School Board, many informative programs are offered to positively engage and influence youth from Grades
1-8. We welcome Constable David Craig, who will be
our Youth Education Officer, and will be speaking to
classes on November 18th, 19th and February 25th.
Luke 1:30-31 RAID Program:
The RAID program (Reduce Abuse in Drugs), is a 5 week
program offered to Grade 6 students. Constable Holly
Faulkner will be at STM in March and April to meet with
the students for 80 minutes and provide the corresponding lesson.
Neighbourhood Police Unit
Every school year, all schools are assigned NPU officers
(Neighbourhood Police Unit). Please join us in welcoming
Constable Tom Rodziewicz to St. Thomas More.
His role will be to promote positive relationships by visiting our school regularly throughout the year. We would
like to thank Constable Tom for joining us at our National
Anti-Bullying Awareness Week and participating in our
Rooftop Photo. He will return on December 2nd to promote the “Cram a Cruiser with Gifts” campaign and to
assist in our school lock down practice at 9:30am.
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME
Start Time
9:00 a.m.
AM Recess
11:11 a.m.
Lunch
12:06 p.m.
PM Recess
2:29 p.m.
Dismissal
3:30 p.m.
We applaud students who are on time for class and ask all
students to make a concerted effort to come to school
in a timely manner, with all homework completed,
ready to learn. Punctuality and preparedness are valuable
life skills. In the workplace, deadlines must be respected.
Parents/guardians will be notified of students who are
repeatedly late.
FOOD REMINDERS
We would like to remind parents that there
are a number of students in the school with
life threatening allergies to various food
products. Birthday celebrations and
festivities for special occasions are part of
the educational experience, however, we are requesting
that parents not send food items to their child’s class.
Instead, consider alternative treats, loot bags, stickers,
etc., to ensure the safety of all of our students.
Please drop lunches at the table in the
hallway outside the office and remind your
child that his/her lunch is being dropped
off at the school. Parents are also
encouraged to leave after dropping off their
child’s lunch and not to open the door for
other parents. We are asking for your cooperation in this
matter to enhance student safety and ensure that your
child(ren) will have enough time to eat their lunch.
SCENT FREE ZONE
St. Thomas More has implemented the
Dufferin-Peel initiative “WE SHARE THE
AIR.” This is a scent awareness campaign
for staff, students and the school community,
that will help keep our students with severe
allergies and sensitivity to scents safe in the school
environment. We are asking staff, students and visitors to
our school to kindly avoid using perfumes/colognes in
our school environment.
BUS STUDENTS
ELIGIBILITY DISTANCE
JK/SK-Gr. 1
Gr. 2-4
Gr. 5 - 8
1.0 KM
1.6 KM
2.0 KM
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Inclement Weather:
As colder weather and winter approaches
bus transportation may face some disruptions, including delays and cancellations. Please refer to attached insert for
information for media announcements.
Parents/guardians can also subscribe to
have any delays or cancellations sent directly to their e-mail by registering at stopr.ca.
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9, CHUM AM1050, FTR
AM680, CFNY FM102.1/AM640, CJCL AM590,
CHFIFM98.1, CFRB AM1010, EZ ROCK
FM97.3, CJBC (FR) AM860, FM Z103.5,
FM93.1, FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540,
CBC99.1, CITYPULSE, GLOBAL NEWS, CTV
CANADA AM
REMINDER OF BUS RULES
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be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes ahead of
pick-up
follow all directions from the driver, especially
when getting on and off the bus
go directly to a seat and stay seated until the
driver opens the door for drop-off
keep all belongings inside the bus
sit quietly at all times
speak only in conversational tones
no eating on the bus
do not speak with the bus driver while the bus
is in operation, unless necessary
BRRR…. COLD WEATHER IS HERE!
Colder weather is here again! Please
ensure that your child comes to
school prepared to participate in all
activities, including outdoor recess.
All children should have hats,
scarves, gloves, warm coats and
boots, labeled with their names.
If you feel your child is not well enough to go outside, it
would be best for you to keep your child home. Health
officials indicate that fresh air is beneficial, as long as
students are dressed appropriately.
On extremely cold days, we limit the amount of time that
students spend outdoors. We obtain our weather information from the Environment Canada and follow Board
guidelines. With the exception of these occasions, it is our
expectation that all children will go out for recesses and
the lunch break.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES
FundScrip Fundraiser:
The FundScrip Fundraiser package was sent home to every family. This is
an easy way to raise funds for the school simply by buying gift cards to
locations where we spend our money each day! You simply choose the gift
cards that you would like to purchase and send your order form and
cheque, made payable to St. Thomas More School Council, to the school
office by December 7, 2015. The cards will be delivered to you by
December 16, 2015.
Catholic School Council Annual Report of the 2014-2015 School Year:
Every year an annual report is completed which highlights the events,
achievement, and activities of the school council that took place during the
school year. It also includes goals and financial reporting. The following are
the highlights of the report:
Summary of Achievements and Activities Undertaken in 2014-2015:
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September:: Open House/BBQ evening for the school community
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January: Math Lego Evening funded by Pro Grant
December 2
ME Family Volleyball Tournament
“Cram a Cruiser with Gifts” starts;
9:30am Lock Down Practice
December 4
Region of Peel Gr. 7/8 Immunization
December 4-7
Flags at Half-Staff (National Day of
Remembrance on Violence Against
Women)
December 7
9:30am Advent Mass
@ St. Patrick’s Church
December 8
Rosary Apostolates
Pizza Day
December 9
Wonderful Wednesdays
6:30pm Christmas Night @ STM
December 10
Gr.6EF—Silvercreek Trip
“Cram a Cruiser with Gifts” Final Day
December 13
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 14
Gr.6-Silvercreek trip
December 15
Pizza Day
Kindergarten Concert (Large Gym)
@ 1:15pm
Grades 1-3 Concert (Large Gym)
@ 1:55pm
December 16
Wonderful Wednesdays
December 17
Virtues Assembly-Hope
December 18
Last Day of school before holidays
December 20
3rd Sunday of Advent
December 21January 1, 2016
Christmas Holidays
October: Zumba Night (Pro-Grant: Healthy Mind/Body/School
Community)
February: Pancake Tuesday event for ShareLife
May: Extended French Parent Welcome Evening
June: Frozen Yogurt provided to every student; Freezies provided for
Play Day
Net proceeds from fundraising supported student activities in the classroom ($150.00 to each teacher); and trips (school buses), physical activity
equipment, Extended French Welcome Evening; Sacramental celebrations,
smart board lease; and ShareLife. *Fundraising Initiatives: QSP Magazine;
Christmas Wreaths; Santa Picture night; Pizza Tuesdays.
Highlights of Funds Raised for 2014-2015
Opening Balance as of September 2014:
Net Proceeds:
Closing Balance as of August 2015:
$2, 821.92
$18, 765.50
$1, 362.97
GOALS FOR THE FUTURE:
Promote more parent engagement with babysitting available: i.e. Mental
Health focus; continue to support classroom activities: $150.00 for each
classroom; continue to fund school “wish list” requests that support overall
needs of the students and continue to support special events (i.e. Aussie
X). This may include school presentations, physical activity equipment, the
Arts, bussing for school trips, Extended French Welcome Evening,
Sacramental celebrations and ShareLife; and continue to encourage more
parent volunteers to support initiatives in the school.
School Council has approved the following initiatives and expenditures for this school year:
Sacramental celebrations
Classroom teacher allocation
Presentation (X-Movement)
Wish List Items*
$ 800
$3600
$2500
$5000
*To support the Arts, in-class presentations or divisional assemblies, trips,
or to enhance physical activity in school. Thank you to all the families for
your continued support. Parents/Guardians are reminded that Approved
Minutes from previous meetings are available in our school office.
St. Thomas More School Council
M. Nicoletti, Principal
Please join us at our next Catholic School Council Meeting on Tuesday,
January 19th, 2016 at 7:00pm in the Library.
Upcoming Events in 2016
January 4
January 12
January 14
January 18
January 19
January 25
January 27
School Re-opens
Rosary Apostolates
EF Information Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
PA DAY—No School for Students
7:00pm Catholic School Council
Meeting
Gr.7—Ripley’s Aquarium Trip
Gr.6EF, 7EF and 8EF—Living Arts
Centre Trip