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
C. Blanchard 905 890-1221
Fr. John Facey 905 270-2301
December 2014
Trustee: Mr. M. Pascucci (905) 302-3096
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Fax: 905 890-0888 Tel: (905) 890-0708
mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org
THE VIRTUE OF HOPE
ADVENT
The circle of this wreath will remind us of the coming of
Christ, whose love for us has no end.
The light of these candles will remind us of the coming of
Christ, who is the light of the world.
The green colour of these branches will remind us of the
coming of Christ, who brings us eternal life.
My friends, let us bless the Lord.
By day and by night, and through every season,
you watch over us, Lord.
We praise you for this Advent wreath.
It is the evergreen crown of your people, and it shines with
the promise of victory.
By the light of this wreath
we shall wait in patience for your Son
our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will comfort our fears
and bring hope to our waiting world.
All glory be yours, now and forever.
Amen
PRAYER OF HOPE
Gracious and merciful God of all creation,
During this season of hope, we remember how you sent
your Son to be a beacon of goodness and light in the
world.
Give us eyes of hope to see the good in everything and
everyone around us.
Give us the grace and strength to be beacons of hope and
light for all who enter this school.
Let all who visit share our hope that this school will remain
a safe, caring, inclusive community.
May your virtue of hope guide our decisions for the service
of all your people.
We ask this in name of Jesus, your Son, who lived to show
us your way.
Amen.
This month we celebrate
the virtue of hope. We
believe that God comes to
us a real human who can
show us the way of life.
Let us pray for the grace and
courage to be people of
hope-people who can see,
participate in and contribute
to God’s goodness emerging
around us.
People of Hope…
· Keep up a positive attitude
· Can bounce back from
tough situations
· Set and stick to their goals
· See the good in others
even when they make
mistakes
· Work to include others
· Let others know that they
are good people
DATES TO REMEMBER
Dec. 3 at 10:00a.m.
Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 16 at 10:00a.m.
Dec. 16 at 6:00p.m.
Dec. 22
Dec. 25
Jan. 5
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
Choir at Sunrise Retirement Home
Advent Mass
Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert
Christmas Break starts
Merry Christmas!
Back to School
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
On Sunday, we entered the season of Advent, a time of
great anticipation, hope and charity. Our students and staff
have been busy organizing various initiatives to help the
members of our community who are in need. As always,
your support is greatly appreciated.
I hope that we can all come together to celebrate our
Advent Mass on December 3 at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick’s
Church and I definitely look forward to seeing you all at
our Christmas Concert.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome again
Mario Pascucci as our Catholic School Trustee. Mr.
Pascucci, who was re-elected on October 27th, is a great
advocate for St. Vincent de Paul School as well as Catholic
education in general. Congratulations!
I would also like to wish our Superintendent Mr. Blanchard
all the best as he begins his new position as
Superintendent of Strategic Planning, Policy and Special
Project and at the same time welcome Mr. Lariviere, our
new Superintendent of Missisauga East schools.
Finally, on behalf of St. Vincent de Paul staff, I would like
to wish everyone in our community a happy, peaceful and
blessed Christmas.
D. Brkic
Acting Principal
ADVENT MASS
Our school’s Advent Mass
is
on
Wednesday,
December 3, 2014 at 7:00
p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church.
We hope that all will be able
to join us to celebrate our
faith and pray as a
community. Please join us
for refreshments after the
mass.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Please join us on
December
16
either at 10:00 am
or 6:00 pm to
celebrate
Christmas
with
St. Vincent de
Paul’s students.
Donations
of
nonperishable
food for St. Vincent de Paul Society will be collected at the
door.
ANGEL TREE
It is through giving that children gain a sense of
responsibility towards others. Our Junior Youth Faith
Ambassadors along with Ms. Grabowski, Ms. Anderson
and Ms. Murphy are continuing our Angel Tree tradition to
support families in need through St. Vincent de Paul
Society. Families are invited to request a Christmas
Ornament indicating the age and gender of the child that
you will be providing a gift for. Please return your
ornament to the school along with a gift in a gift bag,
unwrapped.
CHRISTMAS HAMPER
This Advent season, Ms. Ricardo’s Gr. 8 class will be
sponsoring a family in need within our parish community
through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Patrick’s
parish.
They will be putting together a Christmas basket with gifts
and food items to help make their Christmas a little
brighter.
CANDY CANE DRIVE
Our Intermediate Youth Faith
Ambassadors and Ms. Ricardo
will be selling candy canes to
raise money for the St. Vincent
de Paul Society of St. Patrick’s
parish.
Beginning
on
Monday,
December 1st until Friday,
December 12th, the Intermediate YFA Elves will come
around to all the classes during lunch time, to sell candy
canes for 50 cents each or 3 for $1. All proceeds will go
directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to support needy
families and senior citizens in our community.
We thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS AND BOYS VOLLEYBALL
TOURNAMENT
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Congratulations to the Intermediate Boys and Girls
Volleyball Teams for a great season! Despite our best
efforts, hard work, we were unable to make it to the Family
Tournament. We wish our athletes good luck next year! Go
Vikings!
Thank you Ms. Khoury, Ms. Grabowski, Ms. Heinisch and
Mr. Antoniw for coaching the teams.
SANTA’S VISIT
Santa visited St.
Vincent de Paul
School
on
November 19. Our
youngest students
were very excited
to see him perform
some magic tricks!
The annual Santa
Claus photos were
taken the same day.
Thank you to our
Catholic
School
Council for the
time and effort you
spent
organizing
the event.
You
made our students
very happy!
There will be an information session for
parent(s)/guardian(s) of children with differing
abilities including vision, speech, hearing, autism,
physical/medical and/or developmental delays who
are transitioning to Kindergarten in September
2015. The information session will be held at the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board -Catholic Education Centre, Room 301 on
Thursday, January 8, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. Snow date Tuesday, January 13,
2015, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are also reminded to register
their child at our school office.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20,
2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. We would like to
acknowledge our appreciation for all the members of the
Catholic School Council who have worked so hard at
providing valuable and positive enhancements that assist in
the education of the students – the students benefit greatly
from your time and efforts. Thank you!
ST. VINCENT de PAUL CHOIR
Our choir, directed by Mme. Ciminelli, will be performing
a medley of Christmas carols once again at Sunrise
Retirement Home on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:30
a.m. Our songs of glory and praise will certainly warm
many hearts and minds with songs of inspiration, hope,
faithfulness, and celebration for our seniors in the greater
community. What a wonderful gift for this special
Christmas season!
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LIBRARIAN
Gently used book donations are accepted throughout the
year.
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION MEETING
Parent(s)/guardians, who wish to enroll their child in
a Grade 5 Extended French class for September 2015
are invited to attend an information meeting at:
St. Thomas More Catholic School
3270 Tomken Road,
Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 7 p.m.
At the present time, the above mentioned school 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
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold
a series of public information meetings in Mississauga and
Brampton for parents and guardians interested in enrolling
their children in the board’s French Immersion Program
for the 2015-2016 school year. The information sessions
are intended to provide parents and guardians with an
overview of our French Immersion Program, the criteria
for admittance, and changes that can be expected from the
regular program.
French
Immersion
Schools
Session Location
Date and Time
Our Lady of
Providence
St. Angela
Merici
St. Joachim
Our Lady of
Providence
35 Black Oak
Drive
Brampton
Tuesday,
November 25,
2014
7:00 p.m.
St. Gertrude
St. Pio of
Pietrelcina
St. Gertrude
815 Ceremonial
Drive
Mississauga
Wednesday,
November 26,
2014
7:00 p.m.
Divine Mercy
St. Elizabeth
Seton
St. Margaret of
Scotland
St. Margaret of
Scotland
2266 Council
Ring Road
Mississauga
Thursday,
November 27,
2014
7:00 p.m.
Online registration will begin following the French
Immersion Parent Information sessions with the deadline
for submissions to be announced. Should the number of
applications exceed the number of spaces available, a
centralized, computer-generated lottery will be held
following the deadline.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board offers
the French Immersion Program starting in Grade 1 at eight
school sites. Students registered in this program will spend
90% of their day learning in the French language. All
subjects and activities in the French Immersion classroom,
except for Religion and Family Life, will be delivered in
French. In Grades 2 and 3, 70% of the instruction will be in
French, with the proportion of English increasing to 50% in
later years.
For more information about the French Immersion program
visit www.dpcdsb.org or call 905-890-0708 ext. 24307.
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
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
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. As always, children who are unwell,
should be kept at home. 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 AND SNOW
We have already seen some snow last month and
experienced very cold temperatures. 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.
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.
BULLYING
PREVENTION
WEEK
During Bullying
Prevention week,
November 16th 22nd,
our
Diversity Team
shared valuable
messages
with
the entire school
during morning
announcements.
They promoted a
culture of care,
respect
and
inclusion for all
through efforts
to
eliminate
bullying.
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.
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
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
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
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 as student
supervision in the yard begins at 8:45 a.m. and not before.
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 840-7144 or call 791- 7800
ext. 7661.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/BUS CANCELLATIONS
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
680News
AM640 CISS FM
CHEZ
CBC
CIAO
CJBC(Fr.)
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
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
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.
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 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.
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.
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Our last day of classes before break for our Christmas
holidays is Friday, December 19th, 2014. Classes will
begin again on Monday, January 5, 2015.
OUR CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
HERITAGE
1. How long have
Catholic separate
schools been
educating Catholic
children and
contributing to the
public good in
Ontario?
For about 170 years.
In the early 1800s
there were separate schools in many cities, towns and
townships. In Peel, three separate schools opened before
Confederation (1867): St. James in Malton in the 1830s, St.
John’s Agricultural College (1861) and St. Patrick’s
(1861), both in Wildfield.
2. Has the Ontario government always supported separate
schools?
Yes, as did its predecessor, the United Legislature of
Canada East (now Quebec) and Canada West (now
Ontario) during its total life from 1841 to 1867. One of the
first pieces of legislation it passed in 1841 was the
Common School Act, with a separate school clause.
3. Why did the United Legislature of Canada East and
Canada West keep improving separate school legislation?
It responded to Catholic parents, trustees, bishops and
priests, editors of the four Catholic newspapers, members
of the business and professional world, all of whom argued
for legal and financial rights for separate schools.
We wish you
peace and joy this
Christmas Season!
“A Love of Christ and a Love of Learning”