St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
665 Willowbank Trail,
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 3L6
Telephone: (905) 848- 5397
Fax: (905) 848-0738
Principal:
Head Secretary:
Superintendent:
Pastor:
D. Brkic
S. Ferenc
T. Lariviere 905 890-1221
Fr. Brian Clough 905 270-2301
Trustee: M. Pascucci (905) 302-3096
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Fax: 905 890-0888 Tel: (905) 890-0708
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
February 2015
A Prayer for Families
God made us a family.
We need one another.
We respect one another.
We love one another.
We forgive one another.
We work together.
We play together.
We worship together.
Together we use God's word.
Together we grow in Christ.
Together we love all people.
Together we serve our God.
Together we hope for heaven.
These are our hopes and ideals.
Help us to attain them,
O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
In February
we celebrate
the Virtue of
Respect
Virtues
Assembly
February
27th, 2015
at 10:30 a.m.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Feb. 3 Report Cards go home
Feb. 5 Interview Night
Feb. 5 Sweater Day
Feb. 6 PA Day – Interviews
Feb. 13 CCCC Survey closes
Feb. 13 Valentine’s Dance/Cookies distributed
Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day
Feb. 15 National Flag Day
Feb. 16 Family Day
Feb. 17 Shrove Tuesday
Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday
Feb. 27 10:30 Virtues Assembly
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
VIRTUE OF RESPECT
God has given us the virtues of friends and companions
to keep us company and to help us out along the way.
Every person in our lives carries the Spirit of God – and
so every person is our brother or sister through Jesus
Christ.
As brothers and sisters who share one Holy Spirit, we are
all valuable to God. We all deserve to be shown
courtesy, consideration, sensitivity and thoughtfulness,
which are different ways of saying respect.
That respect should come first and foremost from
ourselves. We have to respect ourselves and then we
will be able to respect others. We should also be able to
expect to be treated with respect by everyone we meet
– our brothers and sisters in Jesus.
Through prayer and concentration, we can get better at
respecting ourselves as well as respecting those around
us.
A Person of Respect…
 Treats himself/herself and everyone else with equal
consideration and courtesy
 Uses a positive tone of voice and body language
 Avoids swearing, name-calling, put-downs, and
inappropriate gestures
 Says ‘Excuse me’, ‘Please’, ‘Pardon me’
 Avoids gossip
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
February 15, 2015, will mark the 50th anniversary of the
National Flag of Canada. This special Flag Day is the perfect
opportunity to learn more about how our flag was created
and what it means to us.
February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in
1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white
maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in
Ottawa and hundreds of communities across Canada. Red
and white were designated as Canada's official colours in
1921 by His Majesty King George V.
Well before the coming of the first European settlers,
Canada's Aboriginal peoples had discovered the edible
properties of maple sap, which they gathered every spring.
According to many historians, the maple leaf began to
serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700.
OUR CATHOLIC
SCHOOL HERITAGE
6. What sacrifices did
Catholics have to make
to send their children to
separate schools?
Because the United Legislature of Canada East and Canada
West roughly had consisted of members advocating nondenominational common schools and half were in favour
of them, separate school legislation, for about fifteen
years, contained three obstacles to their existence:
(a) Catholics could
establish
and
support
a
separate school,
but
had
to
continue paying
common school
taxes.
Thus,
they paid tuition
for
their
children in the
separate school;
(b) The separate school had no permanence of
existence. If the local common school board hired
a Catholic as one of its teachers, then the separate
school ceased to exist. Separate schools kept
opening and closing in the early years;
(c) In the cities the separate school board required the
permission of the common school board to open a
new or an additional separate school. Sometimes
the permission was not forthcoming.
(d) The legislation required twelve Catholic heads of
family resident within a city, town or township
common school section. The townships’ common
school sections were so small that often there
were not twelve resident Catholic families.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
FOREST OF READING
The Forest of Reading book club has started at
St.Vincent de Paul school, thanks to Mrs. Pileggi!
Children from kindergarten to grade 6 will have the
opportunity to read recently published Canadian books
and decide which ones are their favourite! In the spring,
we will submit our choices and a winner will be awarded
based on the results submitted by all participating
schools. The program helps to develop recognition for
Canadian authors and Canadian books, contribute to the
financial stability of the Canadian publishing industry,
provide teachers, teacher-librarians, librarians, library
staff and parents with a meaningful tool for improving
literacy in schools and libraries and respond to
community interest and needs. This will be an exciting
journey for your son or daughter. Have them share their
favourite stories with you!
ST. VINCENT de PAUL ECO CLUB
In an effort to engage students in small environmental
initiatives that can have a big impact, St. Vincent de Paul
School has started an Eco Team lead by Ms. Anderson,
Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. DeFrancesco. Our Eco Team will
promote eco-friendly practices within the school and the
community.
Please help us maintain our Ontario
EcoSchools certification.
We will be having Waste Free Wednesdays. Staff and
students are asked to bring a waste free, litter-less, lunch
every Wednesday. Snacks and lunches can be packed in
re-useable containers that can be taken home, washed and
reused. Our water fountains offer free, cold water.
Students should bring re-useable water bottles, which can
be filled throughout the day.
On Thursday, February 5, 2015,
our school will be participating
in National Sweater Day. Staff
and students will be wearing
warm sweaters on this day, as
the temperature of the schools
will be lowered in an effort to
conserve energy.
Milk Bags Unlimited is once
again appealing to DPCDSB
schools to collect milk bags to
help in the Ebola Outbreak
efforts in Sierra Leone. Milk
bag mats are in great demand
and are currently being shipped to Africa and other
countries worldwide via Dr. Simone’s Missions. Please
send clean, dried milk bags (outer shell) with your child to
help with this social justice project.
Thank you for supporting our initiatives.
INTERMEDIATE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Last week our hockey team, along with 5 Father Daniel
Zanon players, participated in the annual All Saints Hockey
Tournament at Iceland Arena. They showed great
determination and sportsmanship and won bronze.
Congratulations to the Junior and Intermediate Boys and
Girls for a great play! Thanks to all the players and their
families. It was a tremendous success.
Thank you Mr. Antoniw, Mr. Fuoco and Mr. Martins for
coaching the team.
JUNIOR BASKETBALL
Our Junior Basketball Team have been working hard in an
effort to make it to the Family Tournament on February 26.
They have done extremely well so far. Thank you Ms.
Khoury and Ms. Grabowski for coaching the teams.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Dufferin-Peel is offering the Full-Day Kindergarten program
in all 123 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga,
Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville. Registration
materials are available for pick-up at the schools.
Parents/guardians are to register their child in person at
their designated Catholic school. To find out which Catholic
school is in your area, please contact our Planning
Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24440.
Parents/Guardians should bring the following documents
when registering their child:
· Proof of age of the child (birth certificate or passport)
· Original Catholic Baptismal Certificate of the Roman,
Greek or Ukrainian Rite, for parent (one) and child (if
the child has not been baptized, a letter of counseling
with the parish priest, to complete the process will be
accepted.
· Updated immunization records
· Proof of home address (2 pieces: utility bill, bank or credit
card statement, rental agreement)
· Proof
of
English
Separate
School
support
(may
be
done at the
time
of
registration
by
completing
an Application For the Direction of School Support
and/or Separate School Lease Agreement available at
the school.
EXTENDED FRENCH PROGRAM
Parent(s)/guardians, who wish to enroll their child in
a Grade 5 Extended French class for September 2015
need to submit their applications at St. Thomas More
Catholic School (3270 Tomken Road), which is the
designated centre for our area. Applications will be
accepted at that centre until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February
17, 2015.
FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM
Online registration for French Immersion Program is
currently open. Should the number of applications exceed
the number of spaces available, a centralized, computergenerated lottery will be held following the deadline.
French Immersion in Dufferin-Peel is open to any child
eligible to attend a DPCDSB school. Parents can enrol their
child at any French Immersion school, but transportation
will only be provided to those students who live within the
school’s boundary area and meet the criteria for busing.
Parents and guardians of students registered in the
program are responsible for ensuring that their children
arrive and depart safely each day to and from their
registered French Immersion site.
For more information about the French Immersion
program visit www.dpcdsb.org or call 905-890-0708 ext.
24307.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. St. Vincent de Paul
students will be celebrating this tradition during February
in a variety of lessons. Many literary sources are being
used to learn about the events.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE
Our next meeting is scheduled for April 21st, 2015 at 7:00
p.m. in the school library. CSC will be organizing a
Valentine’s Cookie Sale. All proceeds will be used to
support student programs and initiatives at the school.
Thank you to the School Council for sponsoring the
Valentine’s Dance on February 13, 2015.
Valentine’s Cookie Order Form
Send your friends, family and/or teachers
a Valentine Heart Shaped Cookie
Cookies - $2 each or 3 for $5
Cookie Orders must be in by February
10, 2015
- Agenda -

6:30 p.m. Meeting for Catholic School Council
Chairs, Administrators, Superintendents, and
Trustees to discuss Family priorities

7:30 – 8:30 p.m. 30 minute workshops on
how Inquiry is foundational to 21st Century
learning for all parents/guardians

All Parents, including Catholic School Council
Chairs are asked to register for your top 3
workshops of interest through survey
monkey by accessing the following link for
the ME/MBC Mississauga) Family of schools:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7JFX3ww
Cookies will be
distributed on Friday Feb 13th
PARENT ENGAGEMENT EVENT
Mississauga East Family of Schools
DPCDSB
Parent Engagement Evening
Learning in the 21st Century
All Catholic School Council Chairs and parents of our
school communities invited!
Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Catholic School Council Chairs)
Workshops for February 25th
1. Our Faith: Formation and Information
2. What does secondary inquiry look like in
the school library
3. Inquiry and the Secondary Math
Classroom
4. My Blueprint: The Essential Guidance
Tool
5. Technology in the Intermediate Classroom
6. Primary Science Inquiry
7. Inquiry in FDK
8. Technology in FDK
9. Responsive Classroom Design
10. Use of Technology (tablets) in the
Classroom/Blended Learning
11. Blended Learning in the 21st Century
Classroom
12. Inquiry in Primary Grades
13. Literacy, Responsive Classroom Design,
Social Media and Communications
14. Social and Environmental Studies
15. Math and Chores!
16. Next Generation Learning Support in
Math
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. (All parents)
Snow Date: March 3rd, 2015
St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School
2214 Cliff Rd, Mississauga
(905) 277 – 0990
Refreshments Provided
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
MINIMIZING DISRUPTIONS
We appreciate continued parental help and support in
minimizing disruptions to classes, whenever possible.
If you wish to discuss something with your child’s teacher,
we ask that you set up an appointment with the teacher.
Approaching the teacher, before, during and/or after
school makes it difficult for the teacher to focus on her/his
students. This also becomes a safety issue. Please leave a
message with the office and the teacher will call you back.
If your child is late, please have him/her report to the
office. PLEASE DO NOT ESCORT YOUR CHILD TO CLASS.
Please send a note in advance, to your child’s teacher
when your child needs to be picked up early, then meet
them in the office and sign them out.
If delivering lunches to your child at school, please write
your child’s and teacher’s names on lunch bags and leave
them on the lunch table in the front foyer. This would be
greatly appreciated.
COLD AND FLU SEASON
With cold and flu season upon us, 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. These practices are promoted on an
ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of colds and flu
increases, our board increases the cleaning of contact
surfaces, as well as reminds schools to review cold and flu
prevention with students and staff. Many resources are
utilized from our regional health units.
A reminder, as well, that
communicable diseases can be
contracted in public places
throughout the year. For
example, cold-related viruses,
such as Enterovirus, are
transferred from person to
person through hand contact.
Cold and flu viruses typically
peak from December through
February, but can start as early
as October.
Please assist us by reviewing
good hand washing procedures,
as well as other preventative measures, as outlined in the
various Peel resources available to you through their
website.
In addition, we remind parents to please use discretion in
keeping your children home to recover. A child who is
coughing and sneezing, is not capable of learning—and is
in the position of infecting other children.
For more information, visit the health unit website:
http://www.peelregion.ca/health
Direct links to the above information can be found in the
Parent Section of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board website at www.dpcdsb.org
COLD WEATHER
Except when the weather is extremely cold, all students
will be expected to go outside during all recesses. Students
who cannot play outside due to illness should remain at
home until they are feeling better.
It is imperative that students come dressed appropriately
to go outdoors. We recommend that children carry an
extra pair of socks and mittens/gloves in their backpacks.
We also ask our students to have a pair of indoor shoes at
school to help keep the classroom floors dry and clean and
to ensure their comfort and safety. While at school,
students must wear shoes at all times since they would not
have time to put them on in case we have to evacuate the
building.
SNOW SAFETY
We will keep
reminding all
students
of
our policy that
snow
must
stay on the
ground.
For
the safety of
all, there are to be no snowballs, kicking of snow or any
other activity involving snow or ice that could be harmful.
Although it may seem like a fun activity, our experience
has shown that serious accidents can and do occur. Sliding
on any hills created by snow ploughs, and sliding on ice are
also prohibited.
Please discuss these safety procedures and reinforce them
with your children – it is imperative that everyone adhere
to these rules.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
PEDICULOSIS (Head Lice)
Pediculosis is a problem which occurs from time to time
each year in schools. If cases are found we inform all
parents of the class involved by letter. If a child is infected,
we request that she/he be kept out of school until she/he
has been treated with the correct medicated shampoo.
Please keep us informed if this happens to your child.
DRIVEWAY/ KISS AND RIDE SAFETY
Many thanks to parents / guardians who have been using
the correct and safe procedure for dropping their children
off in the morning in our Kiss and Ride program. Our
driveway is made safer when everyone cooperates. Please
ensure you have pulled up to the front of the drop line to
let children in or out of your car. The driveway gets very
congested as 9:00 a.m. approaches, and many students are
arriving after the bell rings. Please be aware that it is our
expectation that children arrive at school on time and
prepared to work.
LUNCH HOUR ROUTINES
A reminder that students who regularly stay for lunch are
NOT permitted to leave school property without a signed
and dated note from parents each time they leave school
grounds. Students either go home for lunch or stay in
school for lunch. Thank you for supporting this important
safety routine.
PARENTS IN THE SCHOOL YARD
Thank you for your cooperation of parents and caregivers
from not entering the schoolyard when dropping off their
children.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
Supervision begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Please do not bring/send your children to school earlier
than this time. Given safety concerns, it is not a good idea
to leave your children outside unattended. Please make
other arrangements for the care of your children prior to
8:45 a.m. Please meet your child at the school at 3:30 p.m.
when students are dismissed.
LATE ARRIVALS
All students from FDK to Grade 8, should start school on
time. This prevents interruption of classes and loss of
information for the students. A student is considered late if
the school bell has rung and they are not in line and
entering the school with their classmates. Being
consistently and continuously late interrupts the classroom
during lessons, creates delays in the office and sets a poor
example for those who do arrive on time. Please
encourage and assist your child(ren) to recognize that
punctuality is a responsibility, which all students should be
developing.
SABRINA’S LAW-ANAPHYLAXIS
If your child has a severe reaction to peanuts, peanut byproducts, bee/wasp stings or any other allergies or medical
conditions, please let the school know as soon as possible.
It is essential that the information you provide to us is
accurate and up-to-date.
There are various forms which need to be completed by
you and your family doctor if it is necessary to store an
epipen/medication at school. We continue to have
students with severe, life threatening allergies to nuts and
peanuts. Although this may or may not affect your child’s
class directly, we require your continue cooperation in
sending foods to school that are free of peanuts, nuts, or
their by-products. We cannot guarantee that any
classroom is nut free, but we are attempting to minimize
the exposure and keep everyone as safe and healthy as
possible.
IMMUNIZATION
Ontario Law (Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990)
requires all school age children to be immunized against
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
The law requires Peel Health to keep up-to-date records of
your child’s immunization. In the past we have had a
number of students receive letters of suspension from
school due to records not being updated at the Health
Department. It is your responsibility to forward the
information to Peel Health. Whenever you have your child
immunized, inform the Health Department. Your child,
before turning age 7, must have the Age 4-6 Booster for
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio. All necessary immunization
records for your children must be sent to Peel Health. You
may fax your up-to-date information to PeelHealth at 8407144 or call 791- 7800 ext. 7661.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/BUS CANCELLATIONS/SCHOOL
CLOSURES
During the winter months inclement weather may cause
disruption of bus transportation and regular school
operations. A decision to cancel school transportation
and/or to close schools is usually made by 6:00 a.m. and
will be announced on the following radio stations:
CKFM
CFNY
CHIN
CFRB
CHUM
CJCL
CHAY
Q107
DC103FM
CHFI
CJMR
CHWO
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
680News
CBC
AM640 CISS FM
CHEZ
CIAO
CJBC(Fr.)
affect your family, please ensure that our office and
classroom teachers are aware of custodial agreements
between parents. We require that a copy of all legal
documentation be kept in your child’s school records.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
With all the activities that take place at school in the
playground, the gym and in sports, accidents happen.
Dental injuries can occur when 2 children accidentally
bump heads or fall. The school board does not carry
accident insurance for students. Fall outdoor activities,
extra-curricular and excursions are an additional reason
you may wish to buy student accident insurance. An
insurance package was sent home with your child(ren).
This is optional for families. You may purchase coverage for
your child at www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free
at 1-800-463-KIDS (5437). Please direct your questions to a
Reliable Life Insurance Representative.
Student Accident Insurance Brochures are sent home with
students at the beginning of each year. Please contact the
office if you are still interested in Student Accident
Insurance.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
St. Vincent de Paul School is required to conduct three fire
drills in the fall and three in the spring. We will also be
conducting two lockdown drills throughout the year.
These drills are standard practice across the Board and
ensure that in the event of a real emergency our students
and staff can respond quickly and appropriately. If you
have any questions or concerns regarding these drills
please speak to your child’s teacher or the main office.
In rare circumstances, our students and staff may need to
evacuate the building as a result of an emergency in the
building or in the nearby community. Our evacuation site
is John Cabot Secondary School. Board regulations and
safety precautions require this contingency plan. Should
an evacuation be necessary, you will be notified as soon as
possible and your child will be held at John Cabot School
until we make direct contact with a parent/guardian.
THE POWER OF AN HOUR!
In-School Mentoring Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters in collaboration with the DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board matches students in
Grades 2 – 5 with a caring adult mentor. Matches meet for
1 hour, once a week at the child’s school, during school
hours and on school property. Together they share in fun
activities such as crafts, board games, playing basketball or
talking. The result – increased self-esteem, better grades
and improved relationships with family and peers.
Students are in need of mentors at schools throughout
Peel Region.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Visit www.bbbspeel.com to learn more about In-School
Mentoring.
STUDENT MONITORS NEEDED
We are currently accepting applications for supply student
monitors. This is a paid position. The successful candidates
come in for approximately 1 hour over the lunch hour. The
position involves supervising the students in various
classrooms for twenty minutes and then supervising the
schoolyard for 40 minutes. You will be required to
complete a Criminal Reference Check. If you are interested,
please pick up an application form at the office.
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult situations in
which non-custodial parents arrive at our school asking to
visit with their child or take their child home after school.
We are best able to serve and protect the child when we
are made aware of legal custody arrangements, visitation
rights and special instructions. If legal custody matters
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS
Friday February 6th, 2015 is a Professional Activity Day,
with no school for students. That day is designated for
Parent/Student/Teacher conferences.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE PROGRAM
PLASP currently has spaces available at St. Vincent de Paul
School. Children are involved in fun-filled recreational
activities and are provided nutritious snacks in a warm and
caring environment.
For information, please contact Ms. Murray regarding
kindergarten or Mrs. White for school Age children.
You may also access www.plasp.com for more information.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
Volume 6
February 2015
Developing Mindsets that Promote Growth
What do we mean by “mindset”?
Mindsets are the assumptions and expectations we have for ourselves and
others. These attitudes guide our behavior and influence our responses to daily
events.
- Dr. Robert Brooks
Remember the Ontario Educational Resource Bank? Try ELO1411070,
Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset:
Tip # 1. Practice What You Preach
 Model growth-mindset thinking with your child.
 Explain how you deal with challenges and how you continue to
learn.
 Don’t label yourself in ways that demonstrate a fixed mindset
 “I’m a terrible cook.”
Operations:
Understanding
Numbers
Numbers are used to
describe quantities, to
count, and to add,
subtract, multiply, and
divide. Understanding
numbers and knowing
how to combine them to
solve problems helps us
in all areas of math.
 K-3
Family Math Activities
Family Math Activities 4-6
Involve your child in using numbers to solve
Look for situations involving proportional thinking in real life. Have
problems and make everyday decisions:
your child explain his or her thinking:


“We need six tomatoes to make our sauce for

Mr. C is driving and he has noticed that his lights are not working
dinner; and we have only two. How many
at full strength. They are dimming and losing 25% of their
more do we need to buy?
brightness. Should he drive at night? Why or Why not?
“Two guests are coming to eat dinner with us.

Gabriella promises to help her sister to do her paper route each
How many plates do we need? How many
day. Her sister says she’ll give her one quarter of her profits. Is
utensils?
this a good deal for Gabriella? Explain why.
Grades 7 & 8: Your Money Decisions!
Let’s discuss some factors affecting “Money Decisions”… Think about the last item of clothing that you bought.
What factors affected your decision?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Emotions: Was it how you felt looking at them?
Friends and Peers: Was it your friends and what you thought they would think about your choice?
Customs, Traditions, and Habits: Was it because it was the style of clothes that you have
always tended to wear in the past?
Family Members: Did other family members have any influence on your choice?
Latest Styles and Fads: Was it because of any latest style or fad?
Advertising: Was it because of any commercial, ad, promotion, or celebrity endorsement?
Incentives: Was it because of a “sale” that was on or a discount coupon that you had?
Your Values and Confidence: Was it because of what you thought – and what you
wanted – and your own sense of values, style, and knowing what you want?
So teach us
to number
our days,
that we may
apply our
hearts unto
wisdom
Psalms
90:12
Which of the above factors do you think have the most influence on your money decisions?
Elementary Program Team 2015