Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic Elementary School
25 Mount Royal Circle
Brampton, Ont. L6P 1W3
Phone (905) 913-1703
FAX (905) 913-2918
October 2012
Principal
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
Sonia Rotino
Secretary
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.”
Mary Doria
~
Superintendent
Max Vecchiarino
Trustee
Scott McLauchlan
Parish Priest
Father Papais
Matthew 25:39
Visit our School Website:
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Thanksgiving is a time for giving, and Our Lady of Lourdes School will be
having a food drive for Thanksgiving. Students are asked to bring in nonperishable food items (i.e. canned goods, baby food, etc.). The food banks
have been severely depleted and are in great need. 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!
www.dpcdsb.org/lourd
WORLD TEACHER’S 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.
DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For
the latest board news and
information, follow us
@DPCDSBSchools.
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.
www.connect2ENDviolence.ca
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!
Our Lady of Lourdes
SUPERVISION TIMES
OUR NEW PARK
Our Lady of Lourdes School is the proud new adopter of Lillie Roberts
Park!
Our Lady of Lourdes School has recently adopted Lillie Roberts Park for
the next two years through Brampton Clean City‘s Adopt-a-Park program. As the adopters of
the park, we must participate in a variety of activities and initiatives during the next two years
that are aimed at helping maintain and keep the park clean. Our first school-wide initiative
for the park is the ―Harvest Clean-Up‖ which will take place on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Brampton Clean City will be providing our school with biodegradable garbage bags, recycle
bags, sanitary gloves and ‗Clean up Safety Information‘ for the event. The ―Harvest Clean Up‖,
and more generally our participation in adopting Lillie Roberts Park, are just some of our Eco
Team‘s initiatives this year and will count towards our EcoSchool certification. Please look for
our school name to be posted on the park sign in the near future.
Daily attendance
and punctuality are
very important. If
your child is going to
be absent or lat for
school, please inform
the office at 905
913 – 1703.
BOOK FAIR
Thank you to everyone for
supporting our fall Book Fair.
We raised over $1200 for
the school which will go
towards purchasing new
books and resources for the
library.
Please note that teachers are
on supervision duty 15
minutes before the start of
the school day. For safety
reasons we ask that you do
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 staff
member.
TERRY FOX WALK
On Thursday, September 27, our students
participated in the Terry Fox Walk. Through
our walk, we are sharing his example of
generosity, spirit, and compassion and taking the
opportunity to make a difference in the lives of
so many people. Thank you for your generous
donations.
DRAPCE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
DRAPCE (The Dufferin-Peel Regional Association of Parents in Catholic Education) is starting a new initiative to collect school
supplies to send to Haiti. Students are asked to donate a pencil case with gently used school supplies. The supplies will be
shipped to Haiti for the new Christian school that is scheduled to open this fall.
We are currently concentrating on the collection of school supplies rather than milk bags. We will advise you if the situation
changes and milk bags will be needed once again. Thank you for your generosity.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
SCHOOL SAFETY FOR OUR STUDENTS
October 17—Bus Driver Appreciation Day
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. This is a fire route and busloading zone only.
October 24—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.
Page 2
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.
Brampton parking enforcement has been made aware
of our concerns and will be enforcing the by-laws on
the property.
October 2012
SNACKS AT SCHOOL
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
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 in a 10 minute or less time
frame. We also strongly encourage
healthy snacks and beverages to help
promote healthy eating habits.
On Wednesday, September 26, we held our School Council Elections and we take this
opportunity to congratulate the following members on their election to the School Council.
Suggestions for healthy snacks:
crackers and cheese, granola bars, cut
up fruits or vegetables, juice, water or
yogurt
The dates for future meetings are as follows:
We thank you for your cooperation.
Chair: G. Tsianakos
Treasurer: R. Fattore
OAPCE: J. Millson
Secretary: S. Dodge
Parish Representative: R. Corrado
Communication Editor: Y. Westover
Our parent representative is M. Okumura
Our teacher representatives are L. Deputat and K. Marsi and our non-teacher
representatives are M. Doria and M. McParland
We would like to thank the staff and parents who attended our very first Catholic School
Council meeting in September. 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. 7, Jan. 23, Mar. 6, Apr. 24 & June 5, at 7:00 p.m.
All parents are welcome and invited to attend.
HALLOWEEN
It is that time of the year again 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.
CHOCOLATE
FUNDRAISER
School Council is running a
chocolate fundraiser this year to
raise funds for student activities.
T h e f u n dr a ise r be ga n o n
September 18 and will be
completed by October 9. Students
are asked to return all monies and
unsold chocolates by this date.
Please see the Parent Council
newsletter for further information.
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.
Page 3
Our Lady of Lourdes
GLOBAL LEARNING CENTRE
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is exploring a regional Global Learning Centre for elementary students from
Kindergarten to Grade 6
What is a Global Learning Centre? This regional program will offer a focused exploration of 21st century learning skills and an
opportunity to provide immersion in project-based, inquiry learning that is responsive to social justice and a global Catholic world
view. The vision for this site is to begin the process to become an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program candidate
school.
Take the Survey
We want to hear from you! For more information and to complete an online interest survey, visit www.dpcdsb.org (September 28
to October 19)
Location: St. James Catholic School Port Credit, Mississauga Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Magazine orders are due
Monday, October 17th.
Order online at www.qsp.ca.
Our school number is 33183
Need a Great Gift Giving Idea? Top
Selling magazines: People, Canadian
Living, ChickaDee, Maclean's, Canadian
House & Home, Sports Illustrated and
Chatelaine.
HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION
It is important that our children continue to be exposed to our
Catholic Community through experiences at the parish.
The Sunday celebration of the Lord‘s Day and the Eucharist
are at the heart of the Church‘s life. Sunday is the day on which the
Paschal Mystery is celebrated in light of the Apostolic tradition and is to
be observed as the foremost Holy day of Obligation in the Universal
Church. [CIC, Ccn 1246 #1]
Throughout the school year, students experience the mystery of Jesus
Christ through celebrations, liturgies and mass. We encourage all of our
families to maintain these traditions and obligations throughout the year by
attending Mass as a family.
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 check your own child‘s head. If you find
them to also be 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.
Page 4
October 2012
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.
THIS MONTH’S HEALTHY HABIT
(A TIP FROM THE LUNCH LADY)
Put out the CARROTS!!
Your children are always watching you, even
when you think they‘re not paying attention.
Instead of telling them to eat more vegetables,
why not turn your words into actions and see
what happens? Keep a dish of carrots or other
raw veggies [no need for dip] out on the table
and grab a couple of pieces each time you walk
by. Keep it low key. Don‘t comment on whether
the kids partake or not. Just keep a steady
supply on the table and make sure the kids see
you nibbling.
YOU are the Role Model and your
actions speak LOUDER than
words! So, if you just realized
you don’t eat enough vegetables
yourself, now is a good time to
take your own advice.
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 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.
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, along with our Registered Public Health
nurse, Alicja Petruccelli, will 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 and 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.
If you would like to receive a hardcopy of the monthly school newsletter and P.A. Day reminders, please complete and return to
the office. One request per family please:
Student Name:_____________________ Teacher Name: __________________ Grade: _____
If you would like to receive the newsletter and P.A. Day reminders by email please submit your email address:
____________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________ Date: _______________________________
Page 5
Our Lady of Lourdes
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 Online Safety Rules:
I will not give out any personal information online without my parents' permission. This includes my name, phone number, address, email, 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.
YMCA
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PIZZA
LUNCHES AND TREAT DAYS
YMCA Child Care Services operates Before and After School
Programs at this school. At this time there is availability in the
program. If you are interested,
please contact Mrs. Lopez at: (905)
857-3531 ext 310.
Pizza lunch will be on the following Wednesdays:
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Dec. 5, 12 and 19
EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS
Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30
All lunches must be pre-ordered with the forms provided
each term and returned to the school on the due date.
.
$1 & $2 cookies, baked chips & popcorn, will be
available beginning in October on Fridays before lunch.
Thank you to the school council volunteers who will be
assisting with the co-ordination of other lunch programs
and the organization of money and forms collected.
Page 6
Educational trips which extend learning opportunities in the curriculum
areas do take place. Teachers need to follow appropriate Board
procedures. A limited number of trips may be planned by teachers.
BY LAW the school must have on file permission
forms which must be signed by the parents/
guardians. If on the day of the excursion your child
did not return his/her form, and the parents/
guardians cannot come into the school to sign the
permission forms, the student will remain at the
school. Verbal telephone permission if never
acceptable.
October 2012
DUFFERIN PEEL CONTINUING EDUCATION
Welcome to International Languages Elementary School Level
26 languages offered throughout DPCDSB
For details refer to our Fall 2012 Adult and Continuing Education Flyer posted on our website at www.dpcdsb.org/cec/cne or
call 905-891-9263 ext. 0
The elementary school International Language program (JK-8) takes place on Saturdays beginning September 8 through June 1
(Sundays at St. Herbert) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Parents who wish to register their child in this program may attend a walk-in registration at the school which offers the language
of interest to them, on Saturdays (Sundays at St. Herbert) from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. as of September 8. Registration is ongoing
(space permitting) throughout the school year.
For specific International Language classes not currently offered please call our office at 905-891-9263 ext. 0.
Welcome to the Adult ESL Programs
 Adult ESL and Citizenship Programs are offered throughout Mississauga and Brampton
 Registration is on-going for many of these programs that run during the day and in the evenings seven days a week
Please see our Fall 2012 Catalogue posted on the board website at www.dpcdsb.org/cec/cne or call 905-891-9263 ext. 0
Welcome to Adult FSL (French as a Second Language Classes)
 Adult FSL programs are offered at all our Adult Learning Centres
 Classes are offered during the day and in the evenings
Please see The Adult and Continuing Education Fall 2012 Catalogue posted on the board website at www.dpcdsb.org/cec/cne
or call 905-891-9263 ext. 0
Join the DPCDSB Adult and Credit and COOP Programs
 We offer Accounting, Office Administration, and Coop Work Experience for Foreign Trained Professionals
 Registration is ongoing throughout the year
Please see our Fall Catalogue posted on the Board website at www.dpcdsb.org/coopcentre
Call 905-362-0701 for classes in the North or 905-891-3034 for classes in the South
NEW FALL 2012 - Microsoft Academy & New Location Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
 Learn ABC‘s of Computer
 Register for your accreditation exam at our NEW Microsoft Academy Testing Centre
 Registration is ongoing throughout the year
CCAT TESTING
During October, the grade 4
students will be administered the
Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test.
The results of this test are used to
identify students who may be
eligible for academic challenge
programming. These tests will be
conducted within the regular
classroom environment during the
month of October.
Photo re-take day
will be held on
Friday, October 19,
2012.
THE ABCS OF MENTAL HEALTH
The Hincks Dellcrest Centre has designed a resource specifically
for Educators and Parents titled ―The ABC‘s of Mental Health‖. It
promotes the mental health of children and adolescents, provides
information with regards to how children‘s needs change as they
get older, identifies behaviours that might indicate a problem
and provides practical suggestions for interventions. You can find
the resource at: www.hincksdellcrest.org/
abc. If you want to access social work
support, please contact our school social
worker Ms. M. Hunt through the school
office.
Page 7
October 2012
SUN
7
MON
2
Freeze DNA
Comic Workshop,
grades 2-6
QSP Kick off, 1:00 Pizza Day
pm
8
9
Chocolate
fundraiser ends
15
22
THU
3
FRI
SAT
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
Pizza Day
Grade 6,7 & 8
softball
tournament
Harvest Clean-up
for ECO club
Zumba 6:307:30pm
Zumba 6:307:30pm
RAID grades 5&6
16
17
18
19
PALS Training
Bus Driver
Appreciation Day
Family Cross
Country Meet
Pizza Day
RAID grades 5&6
Family Cross
Country Meet
(rain date)
23
24 Childcare
25
26
Zumba 6:307:30pm
Worker and Early
Childhood Educator
Appreciation Day
RAID grades 5&6
Virtue Assembly,
1:00 pm
Zumba 6:307:30pm
21
WED
1
no school for
students
14
TUE
20
27
Pizza Day
Intermediate
Volleyball Mini
tournament (Girls
am, Boys pm)
28
29
30
31
Board Cross
Country Meet
Pizza Day
Zumba 6:307:30pm
Snow White antibullying
presentation
The virtue of
the Month is
Upcoming Events
16 P.D. Day Provincial Priorities & Faith Development
November
21 Ballroom Dance showcase for parents, 7:00 pm
1
22 Immunization Day Meningitis, Hepatitis B, HPV, Junior
Volleyball Mini Tournament
RAID—Grades 5&6, Intermediate Family Volleyball
Tournament
6
Progress report sent home, Zumba 6:30-7:30pm
December
8
Interview Evening (as needed for particular students)
7
9
Remembrance Day Service, 10:45 am, Picture re-take day
14-19 Anti-bullying week
14 Silver Creek trip, grade 5
School Advent mass and Grade 8 Enrolment and
presentation of crosses, 9:30 am
24—Jan 4 Christmas Break