25 Mount Royal Circle
A Prayer Of Thanksgiving
Loving God, we thank You:
For peace within our favoured land,
For plenty from Your bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in Yours,
For truth to know Your law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow humans,
For light the goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for You,
Loving God, we thank You.
Amen
Brampton, Ont. L6P 1W3 Phone (905) 913-1703 FAX (905) 913-2918
During this month of October, we will be focusing on the virtue of Empathy.
There are days in our lives that we may see others come to school sad, afraid, frustrated, or even angry. To live the virtue of empathy is to walk in another’s shoes, truly striving to understand their situation and seeking ways to help them.
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:39
Principal
Sonia Rotino
Secretary
Mary Doria
~
Superintendent
Alex Tucciarone
Trustee
Scott McLauchlan
Parish Priest
Father Papais
Visit our School Website: www.dpcdsb.org/lourd www.connect2ENDviolence.
ca
.

Page 2 NEWSLETTER #2
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY
Wednesday, October 5th is United Nations World
Teachers’ Day and throughout Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board we recognize the many contributions of our teachers on this day. We would like to recognize and celebrate teachers, especially those at
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School, for their commitment and dedication to Catholic education.
Most of us can point to a teacher who has influenced us positively in some way. Take a moment to reflect on the teachers you have today, or have had in the past. If there is someone who has had a major influence on you in the past, has made learning fun and interesting, or has helped you to achieve success in some way, take a moment to thank that person if you can. Or simply thank one of your current teachers by telling them you appreciate them.
To our outstanding team of teachers, we would like to thank you for the work you do. You are the reason we have such an exciting, vibrant school and that our students continue to excel. You truly matter!
BOOK FAIR
Thank you to everyone for supporting our very first
Our Lady of Lourdes Book
Fair. We raised over $1200 for the school which will go towards purchasing new books and resources for the library.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Thanksgiving is a time for giving, and
Our Lady of Lourdes School had an overwhelming response to their first food drive for Thanksgiving. Students were asked to bring in non- perishable food items (i.e. canned goods, baby food, etc.) and we collected more than 1100 food items.
The Knight’s Table were amazed at our generosity and had to make 3 trips to pick up all the food items.
Thanksgiving is a time when we are called upon to help the less fortunate in our community. As we reflect and give thanks to God for all our gifts, let us show our love by helping those in need.
Thank you for your support!
STUDENT ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL - ON TIME
Parents are asked to ensure that their child will be at school, before the beginning of classes in the morning and afternoon. Students arriving after the bell rings lose valuable organizational time at the beginning of each session.
October 19—Bus Driver Appreciation Day
October 26—Child Care Worker and Early Childhood
Education Appreciation Day
Our Lady of Lourdes school community would like to thank our Bus Drivers and our Child Care Workers for a job well done. We recognize that student transportation services are an integral part of our daily operation and that Child Care Workers are dedicated and committed to educating and serving our children, their families and enhancing the quality of life in our community.
SCHOOL SAFETY FOR OUR STUDENTS
Our Kiss and Ride programme is set up to assist in the safe arrival of students to our school. Parents are reminded that they are not to leave their car parked in this area.
Parents are reminded that this is a fire route and bus-loading zone only.
Our driveway is a fire route and it is illegal to park there . Therefore, we are requesting that you please do not park in the lanes of the driveway. This is especially a problem in the morning, during the kindergarten dismissal time and at 3:15 p.m. If you need to park your car when dropping off or picking up your child please park in our parking lot or on the road.

NEWSLETTER #2
STUDENT SUPERVISION TIMES
Please note that teachers are on supervision duty 15 minutes before the start of the school day. For safety reasons we ask that you not drop your child off at the school prior to 8:30 a.m. Students are not allowed inside the school prior to 8:45 a.m. or after 3:15 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher.
STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL MATERIALS
The school will provide your child with the regular school materials such as pens, pencils, workbooks and textbooks. Therefore, it is not necessary that you purchase any such materials. However, it is important that children learn to make proper use of these materials and with this in mind, your child’s teacher will explain our expectations in this matter to the children.
One of our expectations is that students will be responsible for the replacement of lost books or damaged materials including texts or library books, both of which can be quite expensive.
Please check your home often for textbooks and return them to the school as soon as possible.
Thank you for your co-operation.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
The dates for future meetings are as follows:
Page 3
On Thursday, September 29, we held our School Council Elections and we take this opportunity to congratulate the following committee members:
Chair: G. Tsianakos Treasurer L. Sanginesi
OAPCE J. Millson Secretary L. Looknauth
Our parent representatives are: Y. Westover, C.
Menel, M. Vaglica, S. Dodge and L. Magaton.
Our teacher reps are L. Deputat and K. Rennick and our non teacher rep is M. Doria
We would also like to thank all the staff, parents and our trustee S. McLaughlin who attended our very first
Catholic School Council meeting last week. We truly appreciate everyone’s time and dedication to ensure a successful school year for our students, staff and parent community.
We encourage all parents, to come out and assist our
Catholic School Council by volunteering their time with upcoming fundraising and special events.
Nov. 17, Jan. 19, Mar. 22 & May 17, at 6:30 p.m.
All parents are welcome and invited to attend.
MATS FOR HAITI
Our Lady of Lourdes is collecting milk bags to contribute to the Mats for Haiti project. The mats will be delivered and donated to the children in Haiti giving them a cleaner, bug free place to sleep. These mats are also used in medical facilities as they are easy to clean.
Approximately 500 to 600 bags are needed to make one mat. Therefore, we hope to collect as many milk bags as possible throughout the school year. A team of students have volunteered and decorated boxes to collect and store the bags in at school on a regular basis.
This is a worthwhile project for our school to be involved in to support those in need. Since our assembly on Sept. 30 we have already collected enough bags to make one mat. Visit this site to learn more…. http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/vrideo/146530
The video at the City TV News website was filmed at
St. Rita School this past June and showcases Angela
Kesthely and Lisa Longo, the two women who came to present at our school assembly.
CHALLENGE TESTING
Challenge testing for all grades 4 students will take place during the week of Oct. 17. For additional information on this test, please contact Mrs. Sasso.
SNACKS AT SCHOOL
As part of our school effort and board policy to reduce the risk of life threatening allergies for our students and our commitment to keeping our schoolyard as clean as possible, we allow students to eat their snacks indoors.
Students are given time to eat their snacks just prior to or just following each recess. In order to facilitate the timely co-ordination of snack time, we ask that students and parents remember to include snacks that can be eaten relatively tidy in a 10 minute or less time frame.
We also strongly encourage healthy snacks and beverages to help promote healthy eating habits.
Suggestions for healthy snacks: crackers and cheese granola bars cut up fruits or vegetables
Juice Water Yogurt
We thank you for your cooperation.

Page 4
NEWSLETTER #2
PEDICULOSIS
Although not a communicable disease, pediculosis
(head lice) is a concern to parents and teachers. Each year it is common for outbreaks of pediculosis to occur.
Unfortunately, in recent years, head lice have become increasingly common throughout North America. They are parasites, which have been common among human beings for centuries. They are not connected in any way to dirt or neglect. Anyone can be infested with them.
When a case of lice is found at school, we inform parents of the infected classes by way of a special letter.
In order to control these pests we shall follow the procedures outlined below. We request your full co-operation.
If a case is found in the school, we will inform all parents of the students in that class. We then request that you infested, we would ask that you contact us so that we may advise you on the proper treatment for them. This information can also be obtained from a pharmacist or the regional Health Department.
Even if cases are not reported from the school, it is a wise precaution to check your child’s head periodically.
Encourage your children not to put on other people’s hats or scarves, even when playing. Inform them not to use other people’s combs or hairbrushes.
If your child does become infested with head lice, we will ask you to keep them out of school until after they have been treated with the correct shampoo and their hair is entirely clear of both lice and nits (eggs).
When a child returns to school, he /she must report directly to the office and be checked by the principal or designate before proceeding to the classroom or the yard.
No one is to be re-admitted to class without being checked. If we all follow these procedures, we may not entirely escape outbreaks, but we may prevent some cases, and bring others under control quickly.
HOMEWORK TIP OF THE MONTH
The Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board’s homework policy may be viewed in full at dpcdsb.org/ homework. This month’s homework tip:
Develop a positive attitude.
It is important that family members come to an agreement on the positive value of homework. Gaining this consensus sets the stage for a successful learning environment within the home. Remember…the attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.
HALLOWEEN
It is that time of the year already when our children will want to visit their neighbours for trick or treating. In school, we will remind them about the safety rules so that they can both enjoy the evening and stay safe. In addition, we will also be stressing the fact that the most important aspect of our activities at this time of year is the celebration of two great Feast Days. As you know, on November 1 st
, we honour all the Saints of our
Church and we are encouraged to pray that we might all emulate their example in our daily lives. On the following day, November 2 nd
, we will remember all those who have gone before us in faith by celebrating the
Feast of All Souls. Again, we are reminded that while those who have died are out of sight, they are not out of mind or beyond our prayers. Thus, just as we pray for each other in life, it is consoling and a fact of faith - that we can be one with them in prayer after death.
Throughout our school activities then, we will focus on these essential aspects of the two great Feasts. However, we will not dampen two great gifts which all children have - an active imagination and a fascination with the afterlife. Hence, students will not be denied the fun of dressing up on October 31 st , however masks and weapons are not allowed and long costumes that drag on the ground are not permitted for safety reasons. In this way we can be sure to enjoy the day and promote the safety of all students.
Student council is organizing a Halloween dance for all students . Participation is optional, however if you wish your child to participate, we ask that you send in
$1 for kindergarten students & $2 for each grade 1-8 student to cover the cost of the Disc Jockey.
Ontario Educational Resource Bank 2011-2012
This Ministry run resource site continues to grow with now over 26 000 resources that include lesson plans, assessments, video clips and interactive learning tools.
Resources can be accessed by teachers and also by parents and students. Parents looking for additional support resources for their K-12 children can access this site:
Login information for Students/Parents is :
Username: dpcdsbstudent
Password: oerbs

Newsletter #2
Page 5
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT TEACHER
Once again this year, all schools in Dufferin-Peel will have a Special Assignment teacher visiting each school in the system to assist with the teaching of primary/ junior literacy or numeracy across the curriculum. At
Our Lady of Lourdes, the SAT will be working in partnership with classroom teachers to implement the JK-
Grade 3 numeracy plan. She will be working with groups of students as well as individual students alongside the classroom teacher to target the learning needs of all students. This teacher may be working in your child’s classroom from time to time throughout the year and there may be times when your child works with the
SAT as part of a small group or individually.
We are excited to provide a collaborative teaching opportunity for all of the primary students in our school.
Our goal is rooted in the faithful practice that each individual is a child of God and belongs to our Catholic community of learners. We would like to welcome Mrs.
Tucci as our SAT this year.
Barry Shainbaum will be presenting at Loyola Catholic
High School on Monday October 24 at 7:00pm. This event is free for parents and is paid by the Ministry Parent Engagement Grant.
He is a celebrated photographer, broadcaster, author and true survivor...however he is above all, a captivating inspirational speaker, addressing diverse audiences that span mental and emotional health groups to highend corporations.
Drawing from personal struggles he brings his listeners hope and inspiration, motivating them to overcome adversity and reach for their personal goals and dreams.
From Nelson Mandela and Jane Goodall to Arun Gandhi and Shimon Peres, Barry has traveled the world to photograph and interview the world's most noted icons of hope and heroism, and he brings their empowering messages to you. Please join us.
Magazine orders are due
Monday, October 17th.
Order online at www.qsp.ca
.
Our school number is 33183
Magazines ordered online arrive 4-6 weeks faster!
Need a Great Gift Giving Idea? Top Selling magazines:
People, Canadian Living, ChickaDee, Maclean's, Canadian House & Home, Sports Illustrated, Chatelaine
Children’s Technology Workshops will be starting lunchtime workshops involving Video Game Design
(Grades 3-6) and Lego-Robotics (Grades 2-6) later this fall. Registration for these sessions will be issued in the upcoming weeks.
As well, Brampton Parks and Recreation will be offering an afterschool Homework Help program where students pay as they go ($2) and receive extra help.
More information to follow.
PALS PROGRAM AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES
The P.A.L.S. program, (Playground Activity Leaders in the School), offered by Peel Health encourages all children to participate in activities regardless of their gender, size or ability.
P.A.L.S. is a peer led program in which students in
Grades 5 and 6 are trained to plan and lead fun and safe activities on the playground at recess.
Mrs. Deputat and Mrs. Mastrangelo have volunteered to be trained by the Public Health Nurses and will in turn train our students to implement this program in our school.
The objectives of the program are to:
 Increase physical activity
 Decrease conflicts and reduce the incidence of playground bullying
 Provide leadership opportunities for students
Please encourage your younger children in grades 1-4 to take advantage of these activities on the playground once the students have been trained and are ready to lead the activities. The P.A.L.S. leaders will be wearing red pinnies to help identify themselves.
We look forward to working in partnership with Peel
Health in order to promote a healthy and active life style in a safe playground environment at school.

Page 6
NEWSLETTER #2
CYBER SAFETY
The Internet has brought many benefits, but it has also raised some safety concerns such as the potential for crime and predators. To make sure children have a safe and rewarding experience on the Web, parents must understand the sites children are exploring and using and the safety issues they may face.
The Canada Safety Council recommends that children who use the Internet follow these rules:
Online Safety Rules
 I will not give out any personal information online without my parents' permission. This includes my name, phone number, address, e-mail, location of my school, my parents' work address/ telephone numbers and credit card numbers, and my picture. This goes for anywhere on the Internet, including e-mail, chat rooms, newsgroups - even Web sites that promise me free stuff or prizes, or on Web pages that I make myself
 When using the Internet, I will always use a pretend name or nickname that doesn't reveal whether I'm a boy or a girl
 When creating a password, I will make one up that is hard to guess but easy for me to remember. To avoid having it stolen, I will never reveal it to anyone
(except my parents) - not even my best friend
 I will not respond to any message that makes me uncomfortable. I will show an adult right away
 I will arrange to meet a friend I have made on the
Internet ONLY if one of my parents has been informed and will be present
 I will not send an insulting or rude message to anyone online. This is called "flaming" and it is not good
Netiquette
 I will not disable any filtering software my parents have put on the computer
 I will not open e-mail, files, links, pictures or games from people that I don't know or trust. I will always ask an adult first
 I will not take words, pictures or sounds from someone else's Web site without their permission
 I will not believe everything I read on the Internet. I will always check the source of the information and confirm it with my teacher, parent or librarian
Source: Media Awareness Network
The use of computers by children needs to be monitored closely by parents. Children should never have computers in bedrooms, especially if there is a webcam attached to the computer.
Pizza
Oct. 12, 19, 26
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Dec. 7, 14, 21
Jan. 11, 18, 25

NEWSLETTER #2
Page 7

9
2
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
3
QSP Kick off
4
Softball
Tournament
Pizza Lunch
World Teacher’s
Day
Open House &
12
Pizza Lunch
6
Power of One
Bullying
School
Presentation
7
Opening & Thanksgiving
School Mass
(9:30 a.m., Gym)
13 14
8
15 10
Thanksgiving
Day
(no school)
11
21
Family Cross
Country Meet
(rain date)
22 16
23
30
17
QSP
Fundraiser
Ends
24
Rapunzel
Presentation
9:00 am
Halloween Dance
Picture Retake
Day
25
Board
Cross Country Meet
Progress
Report issued
19
Pizza Lunch
Intermediate
Volleyball
Bus Driver
Appreciation Day
26
Pizza Lunch
Child Care Worker
& ECE
Appreciation Day
20
Family Cross
Country Meet
27
Progress
Report
Interview
Evening
28
1:45 pm
Virtues Assembly
2:15 pm
Diabetes
Presentation
Gr. 5 to 8
29
Upcoming Events for November:
1 All Saints Day
2 All Souls Day
11 Remembrance Day Service-10:45 a.m. Gym
18 Professional Development Day
28 Gr. 7 Hep B & Gr. 8 HPV Clinic
30 Virtue Assembly—2:30 pmmn