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
September 2015
Principal
G. Pedroso
Vice-Principal
R. Scicluna
Head Secretary
S. Waugh
Prayer for a New School Year
Dear Lord, as we begin this new school year, we gather once again as your community of
believers. We thank you for the energy and the spirit that you renewed in us through the
summer months. We thank you for the time to enjoy our family and friends and to reflect on
what is important in our lives. Let this year be marked by enthusiasm and love so that,
with the inspiration of your Spirit, we may continue to grow in our faith. Help us
to fulfill your hope for us with honest intentions and works of faith. Let us be
gentle with ourselves and bring laughter, joy and love to others.
We ask this in your name. Amen
Assistant Secretary
S. Jones
Principal’s Message…
Superintendent
D. Amaral
905–890–1221
On behalf of the entire school staff, I would like to welcome all students and parents back to St.
Catherine of Siena. It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome both new and
Trustee
B. Iannicca
(905) 270-0536
Parish
returning students, staff, and families to another school year. The staff has been hard at work
planning, preparing curriculum materials, and creating faith-filled and welcoming learning
environments for all our students. A huge ‘thank-you’ is extended to our custodial staff, Mrs.
Paisana, and Mrs. Lopez and Ms. Tereso for their many hours of work over the summer - the
school looks wonderful! Mrs. Waugh and Mrs. Jones have also worked countless hours to
ensure that the 2015-2016 school year will be a great success – their outstanding commitment
and dedication to the school is both a gift and blessing to our school.
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
Mr. Scicluna and I are both very much looking forward to working with all parents, students and
staff in the coming year, as, together, we embrace the task of guiding students on the path of
learning and achievement. As we move forward in the coming days and weeks, we welcome
your input and involvement in the learning of your children. If you have any questions, feel free
to contact your child’s teacher or the office. Please get involved in your child’s education by
participating in the various activities and events or perhaps by joining the Catholic School
Council. Your involvement in your child’s education is vital and truly rewarding.
As a community, we are successful when all members work together to establish positive
relationships that are open, co-operative and trusting. None being more important than the working
relationships we enjoy and foster with our Parish Team, our Scholl Superintendent (David Amaral),
School Trustee (Bruno Iannicca), and parents/guardians in our school community. The St. Catherine
of Siena staff is committed to working with its partners to continue supporting each child in their
quest for knowledge, happiness and spiritual development.
School Council
Co-Chairs
Wishing everyone a wonderful school year!
Ms. Weerawarna and
Ms. Campinos
Yours in Catholic Education,
G. Pedroso
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
1
September Virtue – FAITH
To begin the new school year,
we’ll focus our attention on the
first of our virtues - Faith. Faith
is the great virtue of believing
in God and trusting that God is
with us.
A faithful person believes that we are created, guided
by and destined to be reunited with God.
A faithful person believes that God’s plan for us
includes the right to be safe, especially at school.
Ontario Catholic School Graduate
Expectations
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:
From the perspective of the Catholic Graduate
Expectations, a fair person...
†
†
†
†
†
Prays regularly and reverently
Learns from Scripture stories
Honors people’s God-given names
Assumes that there is good in everyone
Accepts the God-given worth of themselves and
others
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
conviction of things not seen.
(Heb. 11:1)
Virtue Assembly:
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 @ 10 a.m..
Gr. K-8 (Hosted by Mrs. Connolly’s grade 4/5 class.)
Please note: All Virtue information is included in the
front pages of your child’s agenda.
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.
Parish Information:
Sacramental Preparation
St. Catherine of Siena
2340 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON L5B 1N1
T: 905-272-1454
E: office@stcatherine.ca
First Communion – Grade 2 Students
An Information Meeting and Registration will be held on
Mon., Dec. 7 or Wed., Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the
church. The Sacrament of First Communion this year
will be held Saturday, May 7, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Pastoral Staff
P Fr. Camillo Lando,
Fr. Santo Cigolini,
Fr. Mario Lorenzana,
C.S. Pastor
C.S. in Residence
C.S. Associate Pastor
St. Catherine of Siena Church Mass Times:
M-F
8:00am & 7:00pm
Saturday Vigil
6:00pm
Sunday
8:30am (English) 10:00am (Italian)
Sunday
11:30am and 1 p.m. (English)
Confirmation – Grade 8 Students
The sacrament of Confirmation this year will be
celebrated Wed., Dec 2, 2015 at 6 p.m.
Confirmation – Grade 7 Students
An Information Meeting and Registration will be held on
Mon., Feb. 1 and Wed., Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the
church. If your child will be confirmed you must attend
one of these meetings. The sacrament of Confirmation
this year will be celebrated Wed., June 1 at 6 p.m.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
2
Message from our School Trustee
Dear Parents and Guardians:
I want to take this opportunity to
welcome you to the beginning of the
2015-16 school year. I hope your
summer was a safe and enjoyable one.
As I travelled throughout our community and beyond
during the recent past weeks, I was struck by the
number of happy parents and children I saw at church,
shopping malls, grocery stores and even the beach, as
back-to-school day crept closer and closer. In speaking
to parents, one of the themes that stood out was how
much everyone was looking forward to “getting back to
the routines and rhythms of school.” Well, we’re officially
back and, I hope that the first day was enjoyable and
memorable for both you and your child(ren).
I look forward to seeing you during the school year. If
you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
contact me at (905) 270-0536.
God Bless.
Bruno Iannicca
Trustee Ward 7
Mississauga DPCDSB
Special Welcome to…
A very special welcome is
extended to the following new
staff members: Mr. Boback
(ERTW), Ms. Davidson (LTO - FDK),
and Mr. Trilis (LTO – 3).
We welcome back Mrs. Rodrigues (LTO -1/2) and Ms.
Francone (PT/SERT).
Thank You…
A big thank you to our custodial staff: Mrs.
Paisana, Mrs. Lopez, and Ms. Tereso.
They have worked very hard over the
summer and have the school looking
amazing! Your work is greatly appreciated by the
students and staff.
School Hours
9 a.m.
11:08 – 11:23 a.m.
12:03 – 1:03 p.m.
1:03 p.m.
2:27 – 2:42 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Start Bell – school begins
Morning Recess
Lunch
Afternoon classes begin
Afternoon Recess
Dismissal
Staffing / School Organization
Professional Activity Day (P.A. Day)
The beginning of each school year is always marked by
unexpected changes which require all of us to be
understanding, accommodating and flexible. The
September school organization is based on projected
enrolment prepared by the Board’s Planning
Department. Such enrolment projection determines the
number of teachers assigned to the school and
consequently, the grade and class configurations.
In the event that student enrolment falls below or above
projections, an adjustment to the number of teachers
assigned to the school follows, which may affect the
placement of your child.
Friday, September 18, 2015 has been
designated as a Professional Activity
Day for teachers for faith development,
curriculum and reorganization (as
needed). There will be no classes for
students.
Staffing and student class placements are
still tentative.
Based on enrolment, we may need to reorganize the
classes. Therefore, please note that your child’s class is
not final until after reorganization occurs. If
reorganization is necessary, we will work as quickly as
possible to establish new student and/or teacher
assignments. We will endeavour to keep the best
interests of your child in mind if a new class placement is
required.
BBQ / Open House / Curriculum Night
Has been scheduled for
Thursday, September
24. We will begin with a BBQ
at 5 p.m. Food will not be
served after 6 p.m.
Order forms were sent home on the first day of school.
There will be a brief Parent Math Presentation at 6:15
p.m., and then teachers will be in their classrooms and
will provide information about the curriculum,
home/school communication and other items pertinent to
your child’s progress.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
3
Front Door Entry
Picture Day
The school photographer will be
Edge Imaging. Photographs of
students will take place on
Tuesday, September 22.
All JK to Grade 8 students will
have their picture taken in the
morning or afternoon.
Last year our school installed a front door
speaker/buzzer/video monitoring system.
The installation of this system allows us
to enhance the safety and security of
students and staff by locking the front
doors. This access protocol applies to all
visitors, including parents and guardians.
If your child should happen to be absent that day, picture
retakes will take place on: Tuesday, October 27.
School Driveway
We respectfully ask that drivers
refrain from stopping or parking in
the drive – thru lane in front of the
school. This area is a FIRE
ROUTE and fines for a violation are
high. Stopped or parked cars also
create a safety hazard.
Catholic School Council
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.
The aim of the Catholic School Council is to promote the
vision, values, sacramental life and Catholic practices of
the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the
Catholic community it serves and to advise the principal
and the Board.
Catholic School Council Elections
According to Ontario Regulation 612, School Council
elections must take place within the first thirty days of
each school year. Nomination Forms are
available at the office. All parent nominations
must be submitted by Wednesday, September
18, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
We encourage all parents to consider running for School
Council. It is a great opportunity to get involved in the
school community.
Our first Catholic School Council Meeting will take place
on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 6:00 p.m..
Safe School Initiatives
Before School Hours Supervision
For your child’s safety, we request that he/she not be on
school property until supervision begins at 8:45 a.m.
Attendance and Punctuality
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.
PLEASE CALL: 905-277-2448 Press # 1
Please leave the following information:
 Date of the absence
 Student’s full name
 Grade level and teacher
 Reason for absence
All students who arrive after 9:00 a.m. or 1:03 p.m. must
obtain a Late Slip.
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. Catholic Code of Conduct
The Catholic Code of Conduct can be found in the front
of your child’s agenda. Please review this information
with your child/children. Behaviour and school
expectations will be reviewed with all students at our
assemblies today.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
4
Respect for Self, Respect for Others
As a staff, we continue to work
together to provide example and
consistency in modeling Jesus’
message to our students. We will
assist and remind students of the
importance of being respectful and working together to
create a safe, caring, inclusive community.
Virtues Program / Peel Bullying Prevention
A virtue is a habit or established capacity to perform
good actions according to a moral standard. The Virtues
Program and Peel Bullying Prevention is intended to
raise awareness, promote conversation and enliven the
faith of both adults and children. Together with our
Religion and Family Life Programs, and the infusion of
Gospel values across the curriculum, the Virtues
Program comprises a comprehensive strategy that
supports the goals of creating and sustaining safe,
caring, inclusive and healthy school communities.
We would appreciate your support in discussing these
virtues with your child and encouraging behaviours that
would demonstrate these virtues.
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.
Kiss ‘n’ Ride @ St. Catherine of Siena
The safety of all the children is our shared concern and
priority. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PAGE
Kindergarten Drop-Off
In support of our Safe Arrival
procedures here at Siena,
students in Kindergarten begin
entrance into their classroom
at 8:45 a.m. FDK students will
enter from the Kindergarten
doors in the FDK play area.
Crossing Guard
As a matter of safety, students and
adult escorts are reminded to use
the cross walks.
The City of Mississauga Crossing
guards are on duty:
Paisley Blvd. W. / Confederation Dr.
8:30-9:05 // 11:40-12:13 & 12:20-12:58 // 3:30-4:05
Hurontario St. / Paisley Blvd.:
8:30-9 // 12:03-12:13 & 12:38-1:03 // 3:30-4:00
Hurontario St. / Queensway
8:30-9 // 12:03-12:13 & 12:38-1:03 // 3:30-4:00
Paisley Blvd. W. / President Blvd.
8:30-9:10 // 3:30-4:00
Please continue to instruct your child regarding safe
passage to school; i.e. crossing with the guard, and/or at
signed locations, walking with a friend, and to always
watch out for vehicles. Use side-walks and painted
pathways and avoid crossing or walking through the
parking lot.
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,
attached, 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 DufferinPeel 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.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
5
Volunteers - Criminal Reference Check
We are pleased to welcome our
volunteers for another year to
supporting learning in our school.
We appreciate their commitment &
support and look forward to a great
year! In accordance with the Safe
Schools Act, all volunteers, including those going on
one day school trips, must have a Criminal Reference
Check.
Criminal Reference Checks
Anyone working in our school as a new employee or
volunteer must have a Criminal Reference Check
completed by the Peel Police. CRC are free of charge
for volunteers. Forms will be available from the office
and at the Community Information Board.
Valuables School Property
Students are requested not to bring
valuables, items of importance or
money to school. The school does
not accept responsibility for the
above. Every effort will be made to
help students find missing items.
Personal items should be marked
with your child’s name.
Peanut and Other Life Threatening
Allergies, Sabrina’s Law Anaphylaxis
Reaction
As we begin the new school year, we
would like to inform you that St.
Catherine of Siena School is an
allergen aware school. There are
pupils in attendance at our school who
suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to
certain foods, such as peanut and nut products.
Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe
and life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe
and life threatening allergic reaction. The most common
allergen triggers are food, insect stings, medications,
exercise and latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves
symptoms from two or more body systems.
We would appreciate the cooperation of the entire
school community by NOT sending any lunches or
snacks that contain peanuts/nut products. We want St.
Catherine of Siena to be a safe environment for all
students. Thank you for your assistance with this
initiative.
A written communication will be sent to the parents of
children notifying them of the nature of a life threatening
allergy when it is specific to their child’s classroom. Your
continued cooperation in support of our efforts to create
a safe and healthy learning environment for all is greatly
appreciated!
Please do not send birthday
snacks / cakes / treats into
the school. There are many
alternatives such as stickers
and pencils.
We appreciate the cooperation of the entire school
community. We want St. Catherine of Siena Catholic
School to be a safe environment for all students.
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.
Distribution and Storage of Medication
Some of our students require
medication during the school day. All
medication is to be stored in the
office, except where directed by a
physician. Board Policy requires
that we have signed
request/authorization forms from
parents and the supervising physician in the office.
These forms are available in the office.
We have sent information home to each parent in
this situation, at the end of last year, that we have
been made aware of and encourage you to follow up.
If you have not received these forms - especially for
EpiPens - please contact the office. In some cases of
asthma, the doctor may advise that a student should
carry an inhaler. We comply with advice of doctors in
these situations, but we must be made aware of the
arrangements.
When medication is approved for storage, it must be
labeled with the student’s name, name of medication,
prescription information and dosage. The medication is
to be brought to the school in the bottle that was
provided by the pharmacist. Please do not have students
deliver medication to the office; it should be brought in
by an adult. Medication that is sent to school without
the proper documentation will not be stored or
dispensed by school personnel. This also applies to
over-the counter medications such as, Tylenol, aspirin,
ibuprofen, cough medicine, Benadryl, and allergy
medications.
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
6
Communication
Lunch Policy
Open communication between home and school is very
important. Although we will be reporting to you formally
during the year, please do not hesitate to contact us at
any time if you have questions or concerns. A phone call
at the onset of a concern usually resolves itself before it
becomes a problem. On our part, if we have any
concerns about your child, we will also contact you at the
earliest opportunity. Please use your child’s agenda to
maintain communication with the teacher. If you wish to
meet with a teacher please phone the school for an
appointment. Thank you!
Anti-Spam Legislation
On July 1, 2014, Canada’s Anti-Spam
Legislation (CASL) came into law. It
prohibits the sending of commercial
electronic messages, including e-mails
that encourage participation in a
commercial activity, unless the sender has received the
recipient’s consent prior to sending the message.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and St.
Catherine of Siena School require your consent to send
any electronic messages which promote, advertise or
offer for sale goods and services, such as, school
photos, trips and fundraisers. A form was sent home on
the first day of school asking for your consent to
receiving electronic communications, which may contain
commercial electronic messages, such as the examples
described above. If you are interested in receiving
emails from the school, including the monthly newsletter,
please sign and date this form (along with your most
current email address) and return it to your child’s
teacher. You may withdraw your consent at any time by
notifying the main office.
Homework Policy
Please refer to your child’s agenda that outlines the
Board’s Homework Policy.
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 such 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.
Please be reminded 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.
Students eat lunch daily from 12:03
to 12:23 p.m. With the locked front
door policy, 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 have your child’s lunch
labeled with their name and class, and place it on
the lunch table. When lunches are delivered late, it
reduces the amount of time that students have to eat.
Thank you for your support
For safety reasons, if a student is going home for lunch,
a written request signed and dated in your
child’s agenda or a separate note from you is
required for each occurrence.
Lunch Time - Students Signing Out
Only students in grades 7 and 8
having a note may sign-out 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.
Use of School Telephone
All students are reminded to have
sports equipment and after school
arrangements made prior to
coming to school each day. The
school phone is to be used for
emergency purposes only.
Student Accident Insurance
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of
Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board annually provides parents with information about
cost effective student accident insurance coverage via
student courier. Although enrolment is voluntary, the
board encourages parents to take advantage of the
inexpensive insurance coverage, especially if their
child/children participate in sports, excursions/field trips,
or, if parents do not have dental insurance coverage.
You may purchase coverage for your child at
www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free at 1-800463-KIDS (5437). Please direct your question to a
Reliable Life Insurance Representative
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
7
Student Information Forms
Terry Fox Walk
Student information sheets for each child have been
sent home in a brown envelope. All sheets should be
returned to the appropriate classroom teacher by no
later than Thursday, Sept. 17. This information will help
us to update our records.
Walk to support cancer research will take place on
Wednesday, September 30, 2015.
Student Verification Forms will be sent home, we ask
you to return this form as well, even those which have
correct information.
Student Agendas
Agendas will be distributed during the
first week of school. Students in Grades
1 – 8 will receive an agenda. The
student agenda is a tool for time
management, organizational skills and
home-school communication.
Dress Down Days
St. Catherine of Siena
Faculty participates in
Dress Down Fridays.
To participate in these days, staff donates money to
ShareLife in support of many charities. Dress Down
Fridays begin September 11.
Before and After School Care
Mississauga St. Catherine of Siena YMCA Centre
Children aged 4-12 years
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-9 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.
Contact Information:
P: (647) 924-0240
E: StCatherineofSiena@ymcagta.org
W: www.ymcagta.org/en/families/child-careprograms/before-after-school/index.html
DPCDSB is now on Twitter!
For the latest board news and information, follow us
@DPCDSBSchools.
Breakfast Club for Kids
Breakfast Club begins September 13.
ALL students are welcome to come;
what a great way to start of your school
day. We would love some parent
volunteers to help with the breakfast
club. If you’re interested please come
and see us. A criminal reference check will be required,
that is if you’ve not done one already.
This is always a fun event which reminds us of a great
Canadian hero, Terry Fox. It also reminds us of how we
can help with the on-going efforts of many to continue
the research that leads to better treatments, and
hopefully a cure for cancer. All students and staff will
participate by walking around the school, and are
encouraged to donate a “Toonie for Terry”. All monies
collected will go
directly to the Terry
Fox Foundation.
Please encourage
your child to dress
appropriately for the
weather that day.
Thank you for your
support!
Play in Peel recreation app
Imagine that all of Peel’s recreation, arts, culture and
library activities were stored in one, easy to access
place. A teenage boy could search for a drop-in
basketball game using his phone on the bus after
school. A mom could search for story time for her sixyear-old at a facility that also has a painting class for her
– within walking distance of home.
Meet the new Play in Peel recreation app for our region.
Play in Peel allows you to customize your recreation
experience, for yourself or your whole family, at home or
on the go, at www.PlayInPeel.org.
This web app curates programing from the City of
Mississauga, City of Brampton, Mississauga Library,
Brampton Library, Caledon Library, Mississauga Arts
Council, Brampton Arts Council and the YMCA. You can
search by location, age, date, registration vs. drop-in,
time of day, day of week and by keyword with the click of
a few buttons on your phone, tablet or computer.
The Peel Children and Youth Initiative led the
development this one-stop-shop for recreation with the
support of Microsoft Canada. We know that youth and
families can experience barriers when trying to find or
register for programs. We also know that access to
recreation has many positive outcomes, improving
mental health, physical health, education attainment and
social inclusion for our young people.
Play in Peel today – visit www.PlayInPeel.org.
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
8
Message from the library
Staffing / School Organization
Welcome back!! I can’t wait to start book exchange with
all of our students. The office is working hard to prepare
and organize the students’ names in order for the library
computer to begin book exchange. Book exchange
should begin in the library the week of September 28.
Every class has an assigned day and time to visit the
library to borrow and return books once a week, unless
there is a holiday. I encourage parents to motivate their
child(ren) to read every evening at home. Please help
remind your child(ren) to have their library books in their
school bags the night before their scheduled library time.
Students will not be permitted to borrow additional books
unless the previous books are returned first. Students
should remember to take care of the books and keep
them in the same condition. Please keep the books in a
“safe” place away from food and/or beverages, infants
and pets. Any damaged or lost books must be replaced
at the cost of the students. A note will be sent home in
the agenda.
The September school organization is based on
projected enrolment prepared by the Board’s Planning
Department. Such enrolment projection determines the
number of teachers assigned to the school and
consequently, the grade and class configurations.
In the event that student enrolment falls below or above
projections, an adjustment to the number of teachers
assigned to the school follows, which may affect the
placement of your child. Below is the current
organization at St. Catherine
of Siena:
Scholastic Book Fair
Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the Siena Library!!!
Students will be visiting the Book Fair throughout the
week. Families are welcome to visit the Book Fair in the
library during the hours listed below. Our Family Event
Night will take place during the Open House/BBQ on
Thursday, September 24 from 5 – 7:30 p.m..
A Book Fair flyer, along with a letter including additional
information regarding a raffle to win Scholastic prizes,
will be sent home with every student. Thank you in
advance for supporting the Scholastic Book Fair
fundraiser, and for believing in books and the importance
reading has on your child.
Ms. Ivancsics
Ms. Davidson
Mrs. Zagalak
Mrs. Duncan
FDK A
FDK B
FDK C
FDK D
Ms. Arango
Mrs. Sitas
1A
1B
Mr. English
Mrs. Rodrigues
1/2A
1/2B
Mr. Brennan
Mrs. Bialecka
2A
2/3A
Mr. Tirilis
Mrs. Sobala
3A
3/4A
Mrs. Zenga
Mrs. Connolly
4A
4/5A
Ms. Hyacienth
Mrs. Sherriff
5A
5B
Mrs. Cargioli
Mrs. Tropea
6A
6B
Mon. 21 – Wed. 23 -- 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thurs. 24 - Sept. 24 -- 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(BBQ Night) 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 25 -- 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Closed during lunch hour)
Mr. Devito
Ms. Sgro
7A
7B
Mrs. Leblanc
Ms. Torun
8A
8B
Debit and Credits are accepted. No personal cheques,
please."
Mrs. Bagin-Kotyk
SERC
Ms. Leo
Mrs. Cose
Ms. Shoufani
Mrs. Ferraro
Ms. Francone
Mrs. Venchiarutti
Ms. Sluga
Mme. Jorge
Mme. Posteraro
Teacher Librarian
SERT
SERT/ESL
SERT/ESL
SERT/SL/PT
SERT/ESL/PT
ESL/PT
FSL
FSL
Scholastic Book Fair Dates: September 21 – 25
Thanks again,
Ms. Leo, OCT
Many Hands, Many Lands, One Heart, One God
9
MONTH of
SEPTEMBER
Calendar
Sunday
September 2015
Monday
Tuesday
8
Wednesday
9
Thursday
Friday
10
11
17
18
Saturday
12
FDK – Parent
Information Night
6 p.m.
13
14
15
Start of the Year
School Assembly
Gr.1-4 @ 9:30
Gr. 5-8 @10:15
20
21
Sept. 21-25
27
28
16
Opening School
Mass 9:30 a.m.
22
23
24
25
26
Oct. 1
Oct. 2
Oct. 3
Oct. 8
Oct. 9
Oct.10
BBQ – Open
House 5-7 p,m.
(Food 5-6 p.m.)
Picture Day
29
19
PA DAY
30
Virtue Assembly
(Faith)
Terry Fox Walk
School Council
Meeting @ 6 p.m.
Oct.4
Oct. 5
Oct. 6
Oct. 7
Virtue Assembly
Kiss and Ride at Siena 
Follow the arrows on the driveway to the drop‐off/pick‐up area (in front on the Kindergarten yard). Please do not use the Bus Loading zone (right next to the sidewalk) as this area is meant for buses or emergency vehicles. 
Pull up as far as you can, it allows more cars to use the Kiss’n’Ride. 
Do Not Park or Get out of Your Vehicle in this area, even if only for a few seconds. Parents who wish to get out of the car are asked to park in the designated visitor parking in the front and at the side of the school. 
Students are to exit the vehicle on the passenger side (right side). 
Once your child has left the car, please exit right away at the south end of the school, driveway closet to the Fire Department. 
Please drive slowly and carefully in these lanes at all times. 
Please do not walk your children through the Kiss’N’Ride lanes, this can be unsafe. Exit Enter Turn Right avoids back‐up Drive Thru Lane / NO STOPPING / NO PARKING NO CARS are to be driving in this area from 8:45 – 9:10 a.m. and 3:30‐3:45 p.m. BUS LOADING – / NO STOPPING / NOPARKING MESSAGE FROM DAVID AMARAL
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, MISSISSAUGA SOUTH FAMILY OF SCHOOLS
September 8, 2015
Dear Families:
Welcome back to another year of learning! A special welcome to all of our students who may be joining our Mississauga
South Family of Schools, and, in particular, to our new Full Day Kindergarten students who are beginning their journey in
learning in their Catholic School. The Mississauga South Family of Schools is a very active and vibrant Family of Schools
where the love of Christ can be found in our hallways, our classrooms and in our daily endeavors. The Family of Schools
consists of 22 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools, all of which are served by extremely dedicated
Administrators, teachers and support staff who put the needs of every child first and truly believe in the potential of
each and every child. 8 parishes and pastoral teams support our schools’ liturgical plans, working in partnership with
teachers and students to provide spiritual nourishment and development of our students and their teachers.
Furthermore, our school communities are privileged to be served by 4 dedicated trustees: Mario Pascucci (chair of the
board, Wards 1 and 3), Sharon Hobin (Wards 2 and 8), Luz del Rosario (Wards 6 and 11) and Bruno Iannicca (Ward 7),
each of whom brings with them a wealth of experience and a relentless passion for Catholic Education and the success
of all students.
Pope Francis states, “The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful. True education
enables us to love life and opens us to the fullness of life.” Therein lies the transformative power of Catholic education;
a treasure that has been forming quality young men and women… young men and women who are not only solid
academically but well-rounded citizens who have contributed positively to our society, both locally and on a global scale,
for over 170 years. You have chosen a Catholic education for your child. I encourage you to remain steadfast in your
efforts to ensuring that the enduring gift of Catholic education is protected and promoted. Jesus is indeed at the very
center of our mission in Catholic education. We will continue to celebrate the story of Jesus, and of Catholic Education
this year within the theme of Catholic Education Week, “Opening Doors of Mercy”. All schools will continue their focus
on responding to the Board’s Strategic Plan, as set out by our trustees, namely the tenets of: Catholicity, Catholic
Learning Environment, Catholic Community Engagement, Parish-Home-School Relationships, Stewardship of our Physical
Environment, Technology, and Sacredness of our Environment.
The education of any child is indeed a co-operative endeavor. As parents, you are requested to be part of your child’s
education. You are encouraged to ask questions about your child’s learning and to work collaboratively with your child’s
teacher and school to ensure that your child is receiving the highest quality Catholic education. We look forward to
continue working with you, your child’s “first teacher”, as we endeavor to provide a high quality, Catholic education that
supports the spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social, and physical capabilities of each individual to live fully
today and to meet the challenges of the future, thus enriching the community.
I wish you, the families within the Mississauga South Family of Schools, a very successful and productive year full of
wonder and learning and witnessing the love our Lord has for us. Our vocation in providing your child with the highest
quality Catholic Education is a privilege and one we hold very dear; it is indeed a sacred trust.
God Bless,
David Amaral
Superintendent of Education
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