St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School
2350 Hurontario Street South
Mississauga ON, L5B 1N1
Phone: 905.277.2448 Fax: 905.277.5910
www.dpcdsb.org/siena
School Newsletter
Principal
G. Pedroso
Vice-Principal
R. Scicluna
Head Secretary
S. Waugh
Assistant Secretary
S. Jones
Superintendent
D. Amaral
905–890–1221
Trustee
B. Iannicca
905–890-1221
Parish
St. Catherine of Siena
2340 Hurontario St.
Mississauga, Ontario
L5B 1N1
905-272-1454
Pastors
Fr. Camillo Lando,
C.S. Pastor
Fr. Santo Cigolini,
C.S. in Residence
Fr. Mario Lorenzana,
C.S. Associate Pastor
School Council
Co-Chairs
Ms. Weerawarna and
Ms. Campinos
June 2015
A Prayer to End our Year
O God of all beginnings and endings, we praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings, with challenges and opportunities, joys and
sorrows. The days have passed quickly, O Lord. The weeks, the months, the seasons, the
holidays and holy days. While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each
day, sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate just what you have been
up to in our school. Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer. Let our efforts of
this past year bear fruit. Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion, and bless us, according to
your will. Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead, and guide each day as you have done
this past year. Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy. Bless our
graduates and those leaving our community. May we all continue to grow in age, wisdom,
knowledge and grace all the days of our lives.
Amen.
Administrator’s Message…
During the month of May, St. Catherine of Siena students actively participated in many new
activities and events. We began the month celebrating Catholic Education Week, which
included: our choir participating in ‘We are One’ at Celebration Square, Michael Wade author
presentation, Crowning of Mary Celebration, Joe Sax Event, Conversation Club Open House,
French Cafe, Hats Off 2 Kids Walk, Two Virtue Assemblies, the Tour 4 Humanity trip for one of
our Gr. 6 classes and a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium for all our Grade 6s. Our grade two and five
students visited the Peel Children’s Water Festival. We also had our Welcome to Kindergarten
evening, welcoming 50 new students and their families to our school. The month also saw us
celebrate the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation with our grades two and
eight students. The Grade 8s ended the month with their Confirmation retreat at Mount Alverno.
As we come to the end of another school year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank
the many individuals who make St. Catherine of Siena School a very active, engaging, and safe
place to be. This past year has been a very busy and highly successful year for everyone. The
many successes are due to the dynamic and warm relationships that exist at St. Catherine of
Siena School between staff, parents and students. We would especially like to thank the
teachers here at St. Catherine of Siena, who help our students learn the skills to be lifelong
learners and to walk in the light of Christ. Thank you as well to Mrs. Waugh and Mrs. Jones for
their warm and welcoming personalities. Every person who enters through our doors is treated
with dignity and respect. Thank you to Mrs. Paisana, Mrs. Lopez, and Mrs. Tereso for keeping
our school looking amazing. Thank you to Mrs. Lotito, Mrs. Omrow, and Mr. Bascombe for all
their work with the Breakfast Club. Thank you to Fr. Lando and his Parish team for providing
the spiritual leadership in our faith journey. Thank you to Bruno Iannicca, our trustee, for all his
support this year and thank you to our superintendent, David Amaral, for always being there for
us. To our graduates, and those students who are moving on, thank you for enriching us with
your presence, and we hope that St. Catherine of Siena will always be a part of your memories.
We hope everyone has a safe and restful summer and look forward to seeing you in September.
God Bless,
G. Pedroso and R. Scicluna
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
1
Virtue of the Month: Fairness
When we spend a lot of time immersed in a variety of
different media – TV, movie, magazine, radio we can
sometimes forget that life is not a competition. We are
made by God to live together, to share and to help each
other. You can’t be a Christian alone. Christianity is all
about living together in community – ideally, one big
happy family. When the urge to be superior takes over
a person’s life then fairness can go out the window.
Fairness, the belief that everyone deserves an
opportunity to succeed, is not always about making
things exactly equal. Some people need a bit more
time, space, money, and support to have an equal
chance to succeed. And they deserve that chance.
Our Daily Prayer for June:
Let us now pray for the virtue of fairness - the desire to
live by the rules of God’s kingdom everyday of our lives.
From the perspective of the Catholic Graduate
Expectations, a fair person...
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Listens to all sides before forming opinions
Shows good sportsmanship at all times
Refuses to twist rules to avoid consequences
Works to bring about peaceful solutions to
problems
Cheers on the successes of others
Can balance their own rights and
responsibilities with those of others
I do not mean that there should be relief for others and
pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance
between your present abundance and their need, so
that their abundance may be for your need, in order that
there may be a fair balance. (2 Cor. 8:13-14)
Virtue Assembly:
Thursday, June 11, 2015 @ 10 a.m.
Gr. K-8 (Sitas/Barrasso/ English)
Distinctive expectations for
graduates of Catholic schools
are determined and shaped by
the vision and destiny of the
human person emerging from
our faith tradition. Catholic
education views human life as an
integration of body, mind, and
spirit. Rooted in this vision,
Catholic education fosters the
search for knowledge as a
lifelong spiritual and academic
quest.
The Graduate is expected to be:
1. A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith
community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery
of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer,
forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
2. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and
listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in
light of gospel values.
3. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who
solves problems and makes responsible decisions with
an informed moral conscience for the common good.
4. A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who
develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.
5. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning,
dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of
all and contributes to the common good.
6. A caring family member who attends to family,
school, parish, and the wider community.
7. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic
social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the
sacredness of human life.
Trustee Message
Parish Information:
St. Catherine of Siena
2340 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON L5B 1N1
T: 905-272-1454
E: office@stcatherine.ca
Dates:
June 9
Ontario Catholic School Graduate
Expectations
Year End/Graduation Mass @ 9:30 a.m.
June 23 Graduation Ceremony in Church Hall
@ 7:30 p.m.
Dear Parents & Guardians:
As I visit schools, attending plays, talent shows, reading
to classes, as well as attending Parent Council
meetings, the most common comment I hear is, “Where
has the year gone?” And, I can’t argue with that. It’s my
sentiment as well.
As we get closer to the end of the 2014-15 school year, I
want to thank you for choosing a Catholic Education for
your most prized possession, your children. Our Catholic
school system’s foundational pillars of Home, School
and Church are more than a philosophical concept; they
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
2
are truly the basis of our success, year in and year out.
This year, we can point to our graduation rates, which
are among the highest in the province, as well as our
consistently high and upward trending EQAO scores,
among the indicators of this success.
Over the past year, I am sure you have seen the growth
of your children, spiritually, physically and intellectually,
as they continue their journey to becoming the young
women or young men that you want them to be.
I wish all of you a safe and happy summer. For those
whose children are graduating, I trust that you will
continue to see the value in the Catholic education that
your child has received and that you will continue to be a
Catholic school supporter. For those whose children who
will continue their education in Dufferin-Peel schools, I
look forward to seeing you in September.
May the Lord continue to bless you and watch over you
and your family.
Sincerely, Bruno Iannicca
Trustee Ward 7, Mississauga DPCDSB
First Holy Communion
On Saturday, May 9, many of our grade 2
students received Jesus in First Holy
Communion. They were like little angels, so
happy to receive Jesus in their souls. We
pray that as they continue to grow in their
faith, they will be able to receive Jesus in
Holy Communion every week. Congratulations!
Confirmation
On Wednesday, May 27, the grade 8 students
celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. It
was a solemn and beautiful ceremony
witnessed by staff, family and friends who were
there to support the Confirmandi. It is the hope of the
school and the Church that the newly confirmed will
continue to grow in their faith and use the gifts of the
Holy Spirit bestowed on them. Congratulations to all who
took this first step to adulthood in their faith journey.
Grade 8 Graduates
To our Grade 8 graduates, best
wishes as you leave us to enter high
school. Your accomplishments and
contributions to our school are
appreciated and will be fondly
remembered. Continue to be the best that you can be,
and influence one another in a most positive way. We
feel very privileged to have crossed your path.
Congratulations from the staff and students of St.
Catherine of Siena Catholic School.
Farewell
Best wishes to Mrs.
Cover and Mrs. Zador
who will be retiring this
year. Also, goodbye to
Ms. Barasso and Ms.
Prince who will be
leaving for jobs at other
schools. Their contributions, both inside the classroom
and in various activities and initiatives throughout the
school community have provided a substantial benefit to
our school. Each will be fondly remembered and missed.
Best wishes to Mrs. Rodrigues and Ms. Silva as they
continue in their careers, providing quality education to
the students they serve. They have successfully filled
the roles of Long Term Occasional teachers for staff
members on various leaves of absences.
We know that you will join us in thanking all of these
great people for the outstanding work they’ve done here
at St. Catherine of Siena School, and in extending our
best wishes for their continued success and happiness.
Confirmation 2015-2016 (next year)
An update on information we've
received from Father Lando
regarding Confirmation plans for
next year. Next year there will be
two grades being confirmed.
The first group to be confirmed in 2015-2016 will be the
grade 8s (this year’s grade 7 students). Their
confirmation will be taking place late October/early
November. These students will be asked to register
before the end of this school year. More information will
be coming home as plans are finalized.
The second group to be confirmed in 2015-2016 will be
the grade 7s (this year's Grade 6 students). Their
confirmation will take place after Easter (April or May).
Their registration will occur at the beginning of the
school year.
As more information comes our way we will let you
know.
Graduation Ceremony
Grade eight graduation activities will take place on
Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Students will
leave to Le Treport Banquet Hall for lunch
and a dance, returning back to the school
for 4:30 p.m. The Graduation Ceremony
(certificates, awards, and liturgy) will take
place at the Church Hall beginning at 7:30
p.m. All parents and family are
encouraged to attend the Graduation
Ceremony.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
3
Siena Awards Award Winners!
Nepal Earthquake Relief
When teachers notice a
student(s) living out the
virtues, here at school, they
will give out a SIENA Award
Slip to the student(s).
As we do in so many instances, we in the Dufferin-Peel
community stand with our brothers and sisters in Nepal,
ready to assist with the relief efforts related to the
catastrophic damage incurred as
a result of the April 25
earthquake. The federal
government announced that it
will match any donations made
for these efforts up until May 25.
Through our Pizza Days, we at
St. Catherine of Siena were
able to donate $1000 toward
the relief efforts. Please pray for the victims of this
natural disaster and those who have been displaced.
> K-3: Aidan B. (Bialecka) and Gabriella B. (Connolly
> 4-6: Julia N. (Connolly) and Denver L. (Hyacienth)
> 7-8: Kurt V. (Tropea) and Evon S. (Torun)
These students have been acknowledged school wide
through a P.A. announcement and have their picture
posted on our SIENA Award / Virtue board. Teachers
focused on, although not limited to, the virtue of the
month.
PA Day
A reminder to all parents that Monday,
June 8, 2015 will be a P.A Day for all
students, as teachers will be engaged
in a variety of Assessment and
Evaluations throughout the day.
Report Cards
The report card for Term 2 will be going home on
Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Because our staffing is
tentative, the Provincial Report Card will
only state the grade level for next year. It
will not contain the room number or
teacher; this information will be shared
with students in September.
Hats Off 2 Kidz
On Friday, May 8, 2015, along with
many schools across the city,
we held a Walk-a-Thon in support of
Leukemia Research at Sick Kids Hospital. We
were able to raise $300. Together We Will.
School Council
Next Meeting: Wednesday,
June 3 at 7 p.m.
Communication between home and school is greatly
enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic
School Council. All parents/guardians are
encouraged to come out to meetings and participate.
EQAO Grade 6 Testing
Year End BBQ
Our year end BBQ is set for
Thursday, June 18 from 5 – 7
p.m. More information will be
coming your way.
Student Dress Code
Board Policy states that all
students are expected to dress
in clean, neat and practical
attire. Appropriate attire is the
criterion for acceptable dress
that most often reflects our
attitude toward any given situation. The expectation here
is that we avoid recreational wear such as: tank tops,
halter tops, muscle shirts, tube tops, spaghetti straps,
short shorts, cut offs, hats/headgear, wallet chains and
shirts with inappropriate logos/symbols. The items are
contrary to both the philosophy of our Catholic schools
and the standards that we set as parents and educators.
The EQAO (Education Quality
and Accountability Office)
testing of our Grade 6 students
is rapidly approaching.
Test Dates are June 2, 3, and 4
Please try to avoid scheduling any doctor’s
appointments or anything else that will take your
child out of school during the testing dates.
Students will complete the three tests during these four
days. The tests will be administered in the morning and
early in the afternoon. Students will not receive
homework during these test days, although they are
encouraged to continue with their daily reading each
evening. We encourage the students to get plenty of
sleep and eat a good breakfast in order to ensure the
highest degree of success. Please provide your child
with an extra beverage (water bottle) to help keep
him/her hydrated during the day and throughout the test.
We will also be providing an extra snack in class during
each of the tests days for all students.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
4
Concussion Policy and Protocol
Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board has
developed a Concussion
Policy and Guidelines for
students. Anytime a
student reports to the office
with a head injury, the
parent/guardian will be
contacted and the incident will be entered into the
school’s Head Injuries log. Your child will be given an
information pamphlet entitled “We want to give you a
heads up…Concussions are serious.” This pamphlet
outlines the signs and symptoms of concussions; it does
not mean your child does or does not have a
concussion. It includes information about what to do if
you suspect your child has a concussion and how a
concussion is treated. School staff cannot diagnose a
concussion. If your child has been diagnosed with a
concussion by either a medical doctor or nurse
practitioner there is a procedure we are to follow.
Guidelines have been developed by Dufferin-Peel CDSB
to support a 10-phase “Return to Activity” process
following a diagnosed concussion. These guidelines
include 5 phases for “Return to Learn” followed by 5
phases for “Return to Play.” With parental consent,
school administration will work collaboratively with
school psychology staff to monitor your child’s progress
through the 10 phases. For more information, please
contact the school.
Medical Concerns
If your son / daughter has any medical concerns, please
ensure that you inform the school. Information may be
shared directly with the classroom
teacher / office. If medication is
required, forms will be sent for
completion by parents and the family
doctor. All information is held in
confidence.
students thrive at school and at home. These facts
sheets are available on the school website, and one will
be included in each of the next five newsletters.
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Raising Confident and Resilient Children
Healthy Sleep, Healthy Child
Talking to Teens About Stress
Making the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Interview
How to Help Your Teen Survive Exam Week
Stress
The Online Reporting Tool
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School board has
developed a new way to
help nurture a safe, caring
and inclusive school
environment. The Online Reporting Tool is intended for
students in grades 3 – 8 who become aware of bullying
incidents and negative behaviours. The student can
simply ‘click’ on the link found on our school’s website to
fill out the report. The report will then be directly emailed
to the principal and/or vice principal and will be dealt with
accordingly. It is important to recognize that the Online
Reporting Tool is an alternate reporting option. It is best
practice to speak directly with a responsible adult at
home and/or in the school.
Let’s Wash Our Hands
Hand washing when done correctly is
the single most effective way to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases such
as the flu. Please help us to reinforce
the proper techniques with your child.
1) Wet our hands
2) Soap our hands
3) Wash our hands
4) Rinse our hands
5) Dry our hands
6) Use paper towels to turn taps off.
Warm Weather Precautions
During the warmer days of spring and
early summer, students are advised to
wear and bring sunscreen and a hat
when outdoors at recess. Drinking
extra water will help with hydration.
Weather conditions are monitored
during the school day for heat alerts and other unsafe
conditions. Time and activities outdoors are adjusted
according to this information.
PSYCH 5 TO THRIVE
Psych 5 to Thrive
consists of five fact
sheets that serve as
an introduction to five
strategies to help
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Head lice are always present in the
community, and are not a reflection of a
child’s cleanliness. By checking your
child’s head once a week for head lice,
you will catch it early and treat it before it
has a chance to spread. If cases are found in the school,
we shall inform all parents. If your child does have head
lice, we ask you to keep them out of school until after
they have been treated and their hair is entirely clear of
both lice and nits (eggs.) Any infected student will need
to be checked before re-entry to class. A reminder to
refrain from sharing hats at any time, but especially
during the winter months.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
5
Text Books
Electronic Devices/Valuables
All text books must be returned to the
classroom teacher by June 26. Letters
for unreturned items will be sent home
with students regarding the cost if lost.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Students are asked not to bring to
school any valuables, items of
importance, toys, or other items
valuable to them. Examples of these
items may include (but not limited to)
Game Boys, expensive sports equipment,
cell phones, MP3 players, trading cards, cameras, etc.
The school will not assume responsibility for the
care and loss of these items. Cell phones, MP3
players, Ipods, digital cameras and all PEDs are not to
be used on school property. It is against School and
Board policy to have these devices on school property or
at any school sanctioned event.
Volunteers Make a Difference
We wish to express our sincere
appreciation to the many parents and
members of our school community who
have given generously of their time,
energy and talents to benefit the
students of St. Catherine of Siena
School. Volunteer contributions have made a positive
difference in the lives of our students. Together we make
our school a success.
The Power of an Hour - Volunteer today
to be an In-School Mentor
Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Peel in
collaboration with
the Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board matches elementary girls
and boys with a caring adult mentor. Matches meet for
one hour each week during school hours and on school
property to share in fun activities. The result -- increased
self-esteem, better grades and improved relationships
with family and peers.
Children are in need of a mentor in schools in your area.
Volunteer today! Call 905-457-7288 or visit
www.bbbspeel.com
End of the day pick-up, please keep the
Doorways clear
In support of our Safe School procedures here at Siena,
we are asking the doorways at the back be kept clear
and accessible for students to make their way out to the
school yard. It is imperative that teachers are able to see
a child’s parent before allowing them to
leave (Gr. 1-3). To help with this, we ask
parents/guardians to stay well clear of
the exit doors. This is a safety concern
for our students, we want to make sure
they are not walking home alone. We ask
for your continued cooperation in this
very important safety procedure.
Anaphylaxis Reaction Reminder
On our school website, in the Parents
section, you’ll find a copy the school’s
2015 Annual Offence Declaration
for Volunteers. This declaration
saves parents from completing
another Criminal Reference Check,
if done within the year. If you have a Criminal Reference
Check here at the school, we’re asking you to please
complete, sign and submit this declaration to the office.
As there are a number of
students in our school who
have a severe life threatening
allergy to nuts, we ask our
families to refrain from
sending to school any food, etc. that contains nut
products (i.e. peanut butter sandwiches, snacks with
nuts, etc.). While we cannot guarantee a “Nut Free” or
“Allergen Free” environment, you can help to reduce the
risk to our students by not sending in peanuts, nuts of
any kind, products containing nuts, nut oil, or nut byproducts, foods that MAY have come in contact with nuts
or nut products and fast food or commercial snacks (i.e.
Timbits) where ingredients are unclear. Thank you!
We're very thankful and appreciative of everyone’s
commitment and support to the students of St. Catherine
of Siena!
Breakfast for Kids
If you're interested in helping at the school, and do not
have a Criminal Reference Check, we are more than
happy to give you the necessary forms to be signed and
completed. Criminal Reference Checks are free of
charge for volunteers. All volunteers, including those
going on one day school trips, must have a Criminal
Reference Check completed by the Peel Police.
We are looking for more Adult volunteers to help with
this program. If interested, please see Mrs. Pedroso.
2015 Annual Offence Declaration
for Volunteers
The Breakfast Club provides
meals/snacks for any students every
morning beginning at 8 a.m. in the
school’s Breakfast Room. All
students are welcome.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
6
Attendance and Punctuality
Are You Moving
All students are expected to attend
school regularly and punctually. In the
event that your child will be late or
absent, please call the school and
follow the prompts to leave a
message. This can be done 24 hours
a day. For students who are absent and for whom a call
is not received, we will attempt to contact you.
If you are planning a move, or
have already moved, please
let us know. If you are moving
to a new school we will give
you a Transfer Form to take
with you to the new school.
We will be preparing classes for September 2015 and
this information will be helpful in determining class sizes.
In the past we have had to reorganize our classes in
September due to unexpected transfers.
PLEASE CALL: 905-277-2448 Press # 1
Please leave the following information:
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Date of the absence
Student’s full name
Grade level and teacher
Reason for absence
Before School Hours Supervision
For your child’s safety, we request that children not be
on school property until supervision begins at 8:45 a.m.
If the bell has rung, all students (Gr. 1‐8) who may be late, are to go to the back of the school and join a line. If there are no students, and the doors are closed you are to come to the front of the school and obtain a Late Slip. Lunch Drop-Off
With the front door policy (locked), we encourage
students to bring their lunches with them in the morning.
If you are delivering your child’s lunch
to the school, we will open the doors at
noon. Please do not block the
doorway, and have your child’s lunch
labeled with their name and class, and
place it on the lunch table.
Please be reminded that the lunch hour is from
12:03 p.m. – 1:03 p.m. Where children stay for lunch
they will eat with their classmates and remain on school
property.
Lunch Time - Students Signing Out
Only students in grades 7 and 8 having a note may signout at lunch without a parent/guardian being present.
Students in K-6 who do not regularly go home for lunch
must be signed out with a parent/guardian.
If you currently live outside the school boundary and are
attending St. Catherine of Siena on a flex boundary
request, you will need to request flex boundary for next
year. The “Flexible Boundary” procedure is
reviewed annually. Please note that flex boundaries
will be looked at on a case by case basis and are not
guaranteed from year to year. If you are requesting flex
boundary, please note that transportation is your
responsibility. The Board will not provide either
transportation or additional supervision for students
admitted under this procedure. Note, the students
admitted under this procedure do not automatically
become eligible for the Secondary School serving the
school. A separate request must be made to the
Secondary School Principal.
Are you Ticked?
Make Sure Your School Support
Designation is English Separate
(Catholic). It’s a powerful message
in support of Catholic education.
To verify that you are registered as an English
Separate school supporter: (i) Check the assessment
section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice,
and (ii) Check your Voter Information Card received by
mail during the month of May
We can help you register or change your direction of
school support. Contact the Admissions Department at
905-890-0708 ext. 24512. For more information, visit
www.dpcdsb.org
Communication
In an effort to be more environmentally
responsible, St. Catherine of Siena School
provides information electronically to
families through our school website and
through direct email to students’ homes. We will be able
to send you our school newsletter, as well as any
important updates, efficiently and effectively if we have
your email address. Of course, should you prefer not to
give us your email address, we will provide a paper copy
of the newsletter to your child to bring home. Thank you
to the many parents and guardians who chose to have
our newsletter emailed to them.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
7
Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Club
*Please register by Monday, June 15, 2015*
We are pleased to be able offer your child the
opportunity to join the Ready, Set, Read! Summer
Reading Club. This program is an exciting project
offered jointly through the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board and the Public Library system. There is
no cost to participate in the Ready, Set, Read! Club. All
children in Grades 1, 2, and 3 and their families are
invited to join.
Why: To reinforce reading strategies introduced throughout the
school year and to sustain reading development over the
summer months in a fun parent/child interactive environment.
What: Each week for 6 weeks, Dufferin-Peel teachers will be
modelling and demonstrating a variety of reading
comprehension strategies during read-aloud sessions.
Participants will receive a “Parent Toolkit” and “Student Toolkit”
to help support reading throughout the summer.
Who: Students in Grade 1, 2 and 3 and their family members.
NEXT YEAR
Opening Day Procedures September 2015
The first day of school can be
hectic for students – especially
if they are new to our school,
and our opening day
procedures! On the first day of
school, staff will be outside
wearing safety vests, and will
have signs indicating grade
levels. Students will assemble in front of the appropriate
grade level and will be directed into a classroom for
room allocation. In this way, classes are quickly
established, students are matched with their teacher,
and everyone proceeds to their specific classroom. See
you on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
2015-2016 School Calendar
Where: Select Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and
Orangeville Public Libraries
When: 1 hour weekly (dates and times will vary depending on
library locations)
Please access the link on our school
website, www.dpcdsb.org/SIENA, to
view the school calendar for
elementary and secondary schools.
Information also attached.
Registration Website:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Ready_Set_Read
Picture Day
Green Team News
The school photographer will be
Edge Imaging. Photographs of
students will take place on
Tuesday, September 22, 2015.
All JK to Grade 8 students will
have their picture taken in the
morning or afternoon.
Throughout the year, St. Catherine of Siena School has
implemented many campaigns to tackle waste at our
school. We have worked hard to make a positive change
for our planet. On April 15 we held our second whole
school waste audit where one day’s worth of waste was
sorted. As a result of all our hard work, our school was able
to show a substantial reduction in our daily waste
production. A total waste reduction of 48.6% was achieved.
Way to go Siena!
Opening BBQ
The students of Siena continue to demonstrate acts of
kindness as they bring in their milk bags that are
repurposed into sleeping mats for the people of Sierra
Leone. To date, we have collected 6 full boxes! As we
enter the last month of the school year, we hope to collect
enough milk bags to send off yet another full box or two.
Our yearlong Radical Recycling program continues to be a
great success with our students. Each week, classes are
given feedback on their success at correctly putting items in
the recycling or garbage bins. The classes that won in April
were Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. Zenga, Ms. English, and Ms.
Torun. For May, there are many classes that are in a tie
position. The students are giving it their all and trying their
best to win the monthly trophy!
Terry Fox Run
As we head into our summer break let us remember all that
we have learned and be true stewards of God’s creation
and protect this precious gift He has given to us.
Go GREEEEN!
St. Catherine of Siena Opening BBQ is tentatively
scheduled to take place on Thursday, September
24, 2015. This event is a wonderful way to meet other
members of the school community, teachers,
administration, parents and students alike. It would be
an outstanding
opportunity to meet
Catholic School Council
Members, hear about the
role, and consider putting
forth your name for
nominations.
The National School Terry Fox run
takes place Wednesday,
September 30, 2015. See the
September newsletter for more
information.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
8
2015
MONTH of JUNE
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
Thursday
4
3
Friday
5
Int. Girls Softball
Tournament
Saturday
6
Int. Boys Softball
Tournament
Catholic School
Council Meeting
EQAO-- Gr. 6
7
8
10
9
PD DAY
Year End and
Graduation Mass
13
12
11
Virtue Assembly
@ 10 a.m.
S.A.C.
Movie Day
Hep. B / HPV
Shots
14
15
18
17
16
Volunteer Tea
ELL Trip
(Ms. Sluga)
19
20
26
27
Intermediate
Family Soccer
(Tier 1)
School BBQ @ 5
p.m.
21
24
23
22
25
Play Day
28
Gr. 7 (Sgro) to
Silvercreek
Grade Eight
Graduation
Intermediate
Family Soccer
(Tier 2)
Gr. 7 (Devito) to
Silvercreek




First Day of School
Picture Day
Opening BBQ
Terry Fox Run
Junior Family
Soccer (Tier 2)
Report Cards go
Home
Play Day
(Rain Date)
Junior Family
Soccer (Tier 1)
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Year- End
Assembly
INFORMATION FOR DPCDSB PARENTS REGARDING
SCHOOL START UP TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES
FOR SEPTEMBER 2015
 If your home address will be changing during the summer, please notify the office staff at your child’s school
prior to June 30. Address changes received after June 30 will not be reflected in the planned bus routes to
commence in September and may result in transportation services not being available for your child during
the first weeks of school. Parents will be responsible for their children getting to and from school until
appropriate transportation service is arranged.
The distance criteria for transportation eligibility is:
1.0 kilometer Kindergarten and Grade 1
1.6 kilometers for Grades 2 – 4
2.0 kilometers for Grades 5 – 8
3.8 kilometers for Grades 9 – 12
If your child is moving to grade 1, grade 5, grade 7 or grade 9 in the 2015-2016 school year, their eligibility
status for transportation may be changing. Eligibility information can be accessed at the website noted below.
Parents who received letters in April of this year indicating that the transportation eligibility status for their
children is being revised due to eligibility reassessment are reminded that this change will occur effective
September 1, 2015.
 All transported kindergarten and grade 1 students are required to be met by a parent/caregiver when
disembarking from their bus on their return trip from school.
 Courtesy transportation, which is assignment of ineligible students to available, empty seats on buses, will not
be initiated prior to October 5. No exceptions.
 Please be aware that during September and early October, STOPR priorities are eligible students requiring
transportation service, bus overloads, and route timing adjustments.
 Requests for additional or adjusted bus stop locations, route adjustments, and challenges to eligibility status
will not be addressed until late October.
 Please be patient. STOPR provides transportation services for approximately 62,000 students to 350 schools
on 1,300 buses. This is accomplished with an operations staff of 15. Every effort is made to complete required
adjustments as quickly as possible, but there are limitations to the volume of changes which can be
appropriately communicated and implemented each week.
 All transportation operations issues are the responsibility of STOPR and not either Board or individual
Trustees.
Contacting STOPR
Internet:
www.stopr.ca. This website provides up to date delay and inclement weather cancellation
information in addition to policy, procedures and frequently asked questions
Businfo.stopr.ca. This website allows parents to access information specific to “what school do I
attend” and “am I eligible for transportation”. This site also provides parents access to specific bus
stop location and pick up and drop off times for their children if eligible for transportation
Telephone: STOPR:
Phone:
Toll free:
STOPR Administration: Phone:
905 890-6000
1-800 668-1140
905 890-0708 ext. 23220
2015 - 2016 School Year Calendar
First day of classes Elementary and Secondary Schools
First Day of classes Semester 2 Secondary
School Year ends Elementary and Secondary Schools
Number of school days for the 2015 – 2016 school year
Number of Instructional Days in Elementary Schools
Number of Instructional Days in Secondary Schools
Number of Professional Activity Days in Elementary Schools
Number of Professional Activity Days in Secondary Schools

School Holidays for the 2015-2016 School Year
Every Saturday and Sunday
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Break (inclusive)
Family Day
Mid-Winter Break
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016
194
188
188
6
6
Monday, September 7, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015 to Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016 to Friday, March 18, 2016 (inclusive)
Friday, March 25, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Elementary Schools – Professional Activity Days
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Monday, January 18, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Principal’s Day: Re-organization/Faith Development
Term 1 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
Reporting to Parents
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
St. Sofia Only – Professional Activity Days
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Curriculum/Faith Development
Reporting to Parents
Curriculum/Faith Development
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Term 2 Assessment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
 Secondary Schools – Professional Activity Days
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context
Principal’s Day: Semester Turnaround
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Principal’s Day: Year End Reporting and Activities
*Semester and year end evaluations and school wide promotion meetings; contact parents with summer school
recommendations, OSR and report card preparation; inventory management of books, equipment, learning materials;
curriculum development for new course outlines; goal setting for the upcoming school year.
 Secondary Schools – Examination Days
Semester 1: January 26, 27, 28, 29, February 1, 2016
Semester 2: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2016
February 2, 2016 – Instructional Day – Examination Review
June 27, 2016
– Instructional Day – Examination Review