Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic Elementary School
25 Mount Royal Circle
Brampton, Ont. L6P 1W3
Phone (905) 913-1703
FAX (905) 913-2918
February 2015
Father,
Bless the love that brings people together and grows ever stronger in our hearts.
May all the messages that carry the name of your holy Bishop Valentine,
Be sent in good joy and received in delight.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Principal
Sonia Rotino
Secretary
Mary Doria
~
Superintendent
Max Vecchiarino
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students,
I write to inform you of my transfer from the Brampton
North-East Family of Schools to Dufferin-Peel’s Program
Department. I have very much enjoyed and treasured my
time as Superintendent of the Family of Schools and have
cherished learning alongside students, their families, our
parish teams and staff. I wish to extend my sincere
thanks to each and all who have made a difference in
Brampton North-East. It is true, as I daily witness first
hand, that “extraordinary lives start with a great Catholic
education.”
I also take this opportunity to welcome Denise OudeReimerink to the position of Superintendent of Schools for
Brampton North-East. Ms. Oude-Reimerink is an
experienced Supervisory Officer, who has previously
held the position of Superintendent of Schools, as well as
Central Office portfolios.
My very best wishes for all of you in the future, and for
all of God’s many blessings.
Sincerely,
Max Vecchiarino
Superintendent – Brampton North-East Family of Schools
Trustee
Shawn Xaviour
Parish Priest
As brothers and sisters who
share one Holy Spirit, we are
all valuable to God. We all
deserve to be shown
courtesy, consideration,
sensitivity and thoughtfulness,
which are all different ways
of showing respect.
Respect should come first and
foremost from ourselves. We
have to respect ourselves
and then we will be able to
respect others. We should
also be able to expect to be
treated with respect by
everyone we meet -our
brothers and sisters in Jesus.
Fr. Vito Marziliano
Visit our School Website:
www.dpcdsb.org/lourd
DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For
the latest board news and
information, follow us
@DPCDSBSchools.
2014-2015 LITURGICAL DATES
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Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day Liturgy, Wednesday, February 11, 9:30 am, gym
Ash Wednesday Para Liturgy, Wednesday, February 18, 1:00 pm in the school gym
School Mass, Friday, March 13, 9:30 am in the school gym
Stations of the Cross Para Liturgy, Thursday, April 2, 1:30 pm in the school gym
Easter School Mass, Thursday, April 16, 9:30 am in the school gym
First Communion, Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 2:30 pm (Deputat) and 4:30 pm
(Paolella), St. Patrick’s Church
Crowning of Mary School Mass, Wednesday, May 13, 1:30 pm in the school gym
Confirmation, Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 12:00 (Sette) and 2:30 pm (Costabile), St.
Patrick’s Church
Year End School Mass, Thursday, June 25, 1:30 pm in the school gym
www.connect2ENDviolence.ca
Our Lady of Lourdes
Dear parents, students, staff and administrators, support staff and friends
of our parish schools:
Blessings and Peace to everyone.
I wish to thank the parents and students of our schools who have made a
commitment to journey through these final weeks and months of preparation
for the celebration of the Sacraments of First Confession, First Communion
and Confirmation. Families who are still considering these moments of grace
for their children and their family, and especially anyone who may have
questions or concerns on these or other issues relating to our faith and
practice, please do not hesitate to call or come by the rectory or the church.
To make sure I am present when you come it is always best to make an
appointment. Please feel free to call, if I am not available when you phone,
please leave a message and your call will be returned (905/794-0486).
On Saturday, February 14, at 3 p.m. I am inviting parents and children who
are able to attend a meeting in St. Patrick’s Church, to talk about Lent and
the meaning behind these 40 holy days. It will be an hour of learning and
fun, followed by refreshments in the church hall. I hope many of you will be
able to join us.
In the meantime, we once again prepare for LENT, beginning on
Wednesday, February 18, through the celebration of the ASHES. I will
prepare the ashes and bless them as I bring them to each of the schools
ahead of time for celebrations on the 18. At St. Patrick’s Church, Ash
Wednesday celebrations will be held at 8:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Also, beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing every Sunday following
there will be an extra Mass celebrated in St. Patrick Church at 7:30pm.
As we approach this holy season, I invite each family to consider possibilities
of how, in our own individual ways, we can mark this time. How can we as a
family, as a community, as members of our various schools, as a parish,
grow closer to the love of God and neighbour. Can the journey of Lent
enable us to reach Easter renewed in our desire to do our part in creating
an environment of peace and solidarity, understanding and acceptance,
unity and respect in every aspect of life.
May the Lord bless the journey of each individual, family and community,
during this sacred time of renewal and new beginnings.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
As in the past, we ask that you call the
school on the days that your child will be
absent or late. This is a safety precaution
that can save precious moments should
there ever be an emergency situation.
Thank you for your continued support in
following this procedure.
If your child will be late or absent from
school, it is very important that you
notify the school before 9:00 a.m. by
leaving a voice mail message on the
attendance line at 905-913-1703 and
pressing 1, for the attendance voice
mail. Speak clearly and leave the
child’s FIRST and LAST NAME, the
teacher’s name, and the reason for the
absence or lateness.
If you need to pick your child up earlier
than 3:15, we ask that you please send a
note to your child’s teacher in the
morning, advising them of the time
required for pick up and the reason. We
cannot interrupt classes for unannounced
departures.
School starts at 8:45am and at 12:55pm.
Students should be at school with enough
time to line up with their classes. Please
note that if they do not arrive on time to
make it to their line as the bell rings, they
need to enter through the front doors.
With friendship,
Prayer During Black History
Month
Fr. Vito Marziliano.
OUR LENTEN PROMISES
Lent 2015, a period of forty days during the church’s liturgical year, begins
on February 18th and ends on April 2nd. It is time for Christians to turn
away from sinfulness as they prepare for the joyous feast of Easter. It is a
time for prayer, penance, sacrifice and works of charity for others. We will
be distributing ashes to the students after our 1:00 pm Ash Wednesday
celebration at the school. Parents are welcome to attend. On that day, the
students will receive their Lenten bracelets. We hope that students will wear
the bracelets for the forty days of Lent and remember to perform an extra
act of kindness every day.
Page 2
Dear God,
You have done such a marvellous job of
creating us and the world around us. You
have placed this creation, including all
the people we meet, in our care. We
come to you now asking for the grace
and strength to be accepting of others.
We admit that we can never fully know
Your plan for the people around us.
Grant us the strength to admit that our
role is to invite others to participate in
Your saving plan and then to accept the
choices that they make in their own lives!
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our
brother. Amen
February 2015
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENT(S) OF STUDENTS IN SK
The French Immersion Online Application System will be open for submissions
from January 12, 2015 to February 8, 2015. 11:59 p.m. To apply, go to
www.dpcdsb.org. The French Immersion program is open to all students who are
eligible to attend Grade 1 in Dufferin-Peel schools in September 2015.
If more details are required, please review the board website for up-to-date
information. You may also contact your child's present school, the principal of
the French Immersion school in your area, or the board's Program Department at
905-890-0708 ext. 24332.
http://www.dpcdsb.org/cec/programs/languages/french+immersion.htm.
LUNCH & TREAT DAYS
Pizza days are Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Rainbow Lunches are on Tuesday, February 3, 10, 17 and
24.
Pita days are February 13, 20 and 27
Treats will be offered on Thursdays and we will be selling
popcorn, baked chips and Terra Cotta cookies for $1.00 each.
LOST AND FOUND
Please be sure to check
the Lost & Found in the
gym on Interview Evening
Thursday February 5 for
any items that may
belong to your child(ren).
We will be donating all
remaining
items
during
the
Mar ch
Break.
21st CENTURY LEARNING - PARENT
ENGAGEMENT EVENING
Parents are invited to attend Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board’s Parent
Engagement Event at St. Josephine Bakhita School
on February 10 from 7:30 through 8:30. The
event will feature thirty minute workshops on how
inquiry is foundational to 21st Century Learning.
Parents are asked to register through survey
monkey by accessing the following link for the
BW/BNE/MBC Family of Schools.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCTX2Q9
IT`S HEARING & VISION
SCREENING TIME!
School Screening Association will be
visiting our school this year on
February 26, 2015 to conduct their
clinic. Your child’s hearing and vision
should be screened every year.
 Growing
children are very
susceptible to middle ear
problems. One of the best ways to
prevent hearing loss is early
detection of middle ear function
issues.
 A visit to an audiologist costs
upwards of $50.00 and is not
covered by O.H.I.P. However, if
your child is referred to a hospital
clinic by your doctor, the cost is
covered by O.H.I.P.
 A Free vision screeing is included
with the Hearing Clinic. Eye
Examinations are covered by
OHIP.
A fee of $15.00 is collected to help
offset the cost of bringing this clinic
to our school. A permission form will
be sent home with your child,
approximately 2 weeks before the
clinic date. Please fill out the form,
include $15.00 fee and return to the
school prior to the
clinic date.
Good Grades start
with Good Hearing
and Vision
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CULTURE AND CARING SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY 2014-2015
The Ontario Ministry of Education focus on Safe Schools and Positive School Climate as well as its Equity and Inclusive
Education Strategy requires that all schools across the province implement a School Climate Survey for students every
two years.
The Catholic Community Culture and Caring School Climate (CCCC) Survey will take place late January 2015 for
elementary students. Students in Grades 3 through 12, as appropriate, will be offered the opportunity to participate in
the survey.
Parent/Guardian Survey
A parent/guardian CCCC School Climate Survey has also been developed to provide parents/guardians an opportunity
to express feedback regarding their children’s school climate experiences. Parents of all students in all grades, K through
12+ are invited to participate.
Implementation Information
All CCCC School Climate Surveys are anonymous on-line surveys. Participants will access the surveys via a secure link
within a generic user account hosted within Dufferin-Peel’s firewall. The account containing the survey links will only be
available during the field test and live survey periods.
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Our Lady of Lourdes
REPORTING - INTERVIEWS
ECO TEAM
The Student-Parent-Teacher Interview is
designed to complement the Ontario
Report Card by enabling parents to
communicate with teachers, to offer useful
information, and to ask relevant questions
about their child’s progress in order to
support their child’s learning.
A formal written report will be sent home
on Tuesday, February 3, 2015. Interviews
will be held during the
evening
on
Thursday,
February 5 and during the
day on Friday, February 6.
February is going to be an exciting month for the EcoTeam. “Walk/Wheel to School Wednesdays” continue
and despite how cold it was in January, the students still
made the effort to walk to school. On Wednesday,
February 4, 2015 we had our “Winter Walk Day” special event. Our
Eco-Team was outside greeting everyone who walked to school on that
day. Thank you for your participation in this initiative.
In addition to our “Winter Walk Day” initiative, our school and many
other schools in the board will be participating in “National Sweater Day”
on Thursday, February 5, 2015. We are encouraging students to wear
thick sweaters to show support for this initiative, and of course to stay
warm. Also, we are asking students to wear a sweater that they can tell
a story about, as students will be encouraged to share their story in their
classrooms. National Sweater Day started in 2010 and it aims to bring
awareness to energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Additionally, it encourages people to lower their thermostats in
their home all winter and stay warm by layering clothes. We hope
everyone participates on Thursday, February 5th, and at home throughout
the winter.
In 2012-13, a challenge was issued to all Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board (DPCDSB) schools to collect milk bags. Milk Bags Unlimited
is once again appealing to DPCDSB schools to collect milk bags to help
with the Ebola Outbreak efforts in Sierra Leone. Milk bag mats are in
great demand and are currently being shipped to Africa and other
countries worldwide via Dr. Simone’s Missions in Mississauga. This social
justice project keeps non-biodegradable plastic milk bags out of our
landfills and recycled into sleeping mats for the needs of others around
the world. We are encouraging students and their families to bring in
clean, dried milk bags (the outer shell only).
MORNING DROP OFF
The separate Bus & ‘Kiss and Ride’ Lane
were developed to increase safety for all
students. Thank you in advance for your
support to ensure safety for all children.
When you drive your children to school,
please remember the following:
1. The Bus Lane is strictly for buses: No cars,
vans or other vehicles should ever be in the
bus lane.
2. The Kiss & Ride Lane is designed for
parents who drive or pick up their children
at school: Never, ever leave your car
parked in this lane! Drive to the front of
the line.
3. The drive through lane is strictly for
driving through: Do not park in this lane. If
you feel you must personally escort your
child, then please use the parking lot and
accompany your child to the fence line.
4. Please do not park in the driveway and
wait for your child(ren)!: Students are not to
be entering the school by the front door
unless they are being dropped off after
the second bell has rung.
Community members are reminded that
parking on school property overnight is not
permitted. During the winter months, snow
removal equipment must be able to
remove the snow. Vehicles remaining on
the property overnight or
during the day that do not
belong to staff or to parents
volunteering during the day
will be towed away at the
owner’s expense.
Page 4
Interesting Facts about the program:
Previously the mats were painstakingly crocheted, sometimes taking days
or weeks to complete one mat. In 2014, a weaving technique was
developed, using a simple wooden loom. An adult size mat can now be
completed in just under 3 hours.
Nothing is wasted, unused cuttings and broken bags are now being
shredded and used to stuff pillows. Each mat is shipped with a pillow
inside.
For the last year, Dr. Simone’s Warehouse has been using the rolled up
mats to secure container contents and then
distributing mats upon arrival.
This initiative can be used to support our EcoCertification! We encourage you to once again
send the milk bags to school and deliver them to
Mrs. Deputat’s classroom.
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
Wed., March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
All parents are welcome.
February 2015
LIBRARY UPDATE
February is a busy month in the library. Our
students are involved in the Forest of Reading
program which brings an excellent selection of
recent Canadian children’s books to the attention
of Ontario children. The Forest of Reading® is
Canada’s largest recreational reading program!
How do the programs work?
Children read a minimum of 5 out of the 10
nominated titles and then vote in the spring for
their favourite book. Students in Kindergarten
and grade 1 are reading the Blue Spruce
selections during their scheduled library times.
Grades 4 to 6 and grades 7 and 8 are
independently reading Silver Birch and Red
Maple selections, respectively. Junior and
Intermediate students will be given the
opportunity to join a recess book club.
Encourage your child to read, read, read!
Over 250,000 students from JK to
Grade 12 read Forest of
Reading® books every year. The
Forest of Reading® program is
meant to encourage the love of
reading.
Students in grades JK to 3 have been registered with the online
program Raz Kids. This is an excellent program that is tailored to
each child’s reading level and students earn online rewards for each
book read. Parents are encouraged to continue to use the program
on a regular basis. Thank you to School Council for providing the
funds to purchase this great resource!
CHESS CLUB
Our chess club is in full swing! Students are spending lunch recesses
practicing the game. We will hold an in-school tournament for all
chess club members to determine which students will participate on
the Our Lady of Lourdes Chess Teams. These students will then
represent our school at the Family level competition. The Brampton
North East Chess Finals will be held at Lester B
Pearson Catholic School on Tuesday April 7, 2015.
Thank you to Mme. Mastrangelo and Ms. Ignoto for
running the club and coaching the teams. Good luck
to all our players!
GIFTED INFORMATION NIGHT
March 5th: Information Evening for Self Contained Gifted Class
candidates @ St. John Bosco 4:30-5:30 pm.
EXTENDED FRENCH PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their child in a
Grade 5 Extended French class for September, 2015 are reminded
to submit their applications to St. Jean Brébeuf at 63 Glenforest
Road, Brampton, by 3:00pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2015.
P.A.L.S. PLAYGROUND ACTIVITY LEADERS IN SCHOOLS
We continue to run the P.A.L.S. program in our school. The main
goals of this program are to; encourage students to be physically
active by playing games at recess, prevent bullying from
happening at school and to give older students the opportunity to
become leaders on the playground. Sincere thanks are extended
to the Region of Peel Public Health network, our organizers Mme.
Mastrangelo, Mrs. Champsi, and our student leaders for
volunteering to help in this activity.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!
Winter 2015 DPCDSB Adult and Continuing Education program flyers have been distributed. You are invited to join in
these exciting community programs. Register now for lifelong learning opportunities! Call 905-891-9263 ext.0 or register
at www.dpcdsb.org/cec/cne
Computer ABC’s Day Program
French as a Second Language
General Interest Programs
Citizenship & ESL Classes
Car Maintenance for Women
Health and Fitness
International Languages
Much Much More
Secondary Night School Credit
Adult Coop and Credit
English as a Second Language
Page 5
Our Lady of Lourdes
Student council is hard at work arranging a Valentine’s Dance for all the students. The
dance will take place on Friday, February 13, 2015.
Students are encouraged to wear red, white or pink for the dance!
Students will have the opportunity to win jars of candy in the “Valentine Candy” contest. Students can make their guesses
on Thursday, February 5 and 12. Guesses will be $0.50 each or 3 for $1.00.
Spirit Week is coming during the week of March 9 to 13. Details will follow shortly!
Wear your Our Lady of Lourdes Spirit Wear every Friday!
“SPEAK UP” STUDENT CONFERENCE
Our Junior Girls and Boys basketball teams started their
season in January and will compete in the tournament on
Wednesday, February 11. Thank you to Ms. Ignoto and
Mrs. Malfara for coaching the teams.
As well, our Primary fitness club is in full swing!
NATIONAL SWEATER DAY
National Sweater Day will be observed board-wide on
Thursday, February 5, 2015, providing an opportunity for
employees and students to learn about the importance of
saving energy, while at the same time, reminding us to use
less heat throughout the winter. Here at Our Lady of
Lourdes, we are excited about participating in this
initiative.
The heat in our school, classrooms and other board
facilitates will be turned down by 2% on National
Sweater Day and students and employees are
encouraged to wear a sweater. So on this day, please
remember to dress accordingly.
Page 6
On January 28, 750 our Grade 7 students participated in
the "Speak Up" Student Conference at Cardinal Ambrozic
Secondary School. This conference focused on student
voice and had a dual purpose: to inspire students to
"speak up" and use their voice to impact change for the
common good; and to collect student ideas and thinking
about improving education, student well-being, Catholic
education, and other issues that are important to students.
The conference was based on the Ministry of Education's
Speak Up forum. Discussions and feedback from the
conference will be shared with other students, teachers,
administrators, board personnel and Ministry
representatives.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Developing Mindsets that Promote Growth
What do we mean by “mindset”?
Mindsets are the assumptions and expectations we have for ourselves and others. These attitudes guide our behavior and
influence our responses to daily events.
- Dr. Robert Brooks
Operations: Understanding
Tips for Fostering a Growth Mindset:
Numbers
Tip # 1. Practice What You Preach
Numbers are used to describe
quantities, to count, and to add,
 Model growth-mindset thinking with your child.
subtract, multiply, and divide.
 Explain how you deal with challenges and how you continue to learn.
Understanding numbers and
 Don’t label yourself in ways that demonstrate a fixed mindset
knowing how to combine them to
solve problems helps us in all areas
 “I’m a terrible cook.”
of math.
 “I always had trouble in math too.”
Family Math Activities 4-6
Family Math Activities K-3
Look for situations involving proportional thinking in real
life. Have your child explain his or her thinking.
Involve your child in using numbers to solve problems and make everyday decisions:
 Mr. C is driving and he has noticed that his lights are not
 “We need six tomatoes to make our sauce for din-
working at full strength. They are dimming and losing 25% of
their brightness. Should he drive at night? Why or Why not?
 Gabriella promises to help her sister to do her paper route
ner; and we have only two. How many more do
we need to buy?
 “Two guests are coming to eat dinner with us.
each day. Her sister says she’ll give her one quarter of her
profits. Is this a good deal for Gabriella? Explain why.
How many plates do we need? How many utensils?
Grades 7 & 8: Your Money Decisions!
Let’s discuss some factors affecting “Money Decisions” Think about the last item of clothing that you bought.
What factors affected your decision?
 Emotions: Was it how you felt looking at them?
 Friends and Peers: Was it your fr iends and what you thought they would think about your choice?
 Customs, Traditions, and Habits: Was it because it was the style of clothes that you have always tended to wear in
the past?

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Family Members: Did other family member s have any influence on your choice?
Latest Styles and Fads: Was it because of any latest style or fad?
Advertising: Was it because of any commer cial, ad, pr omotion, or celebr ity endor sement?
Incentives: Was it because of a “sale” that was on or a discount coupon that you had?
Your Values and Confidence: Was it because of what you thought – and what you
wanted – and your own sense of values, style, and knowing what you want?
So teach us to number
our days, that we may
apply our hearts unto
wisdom
Psalms 90:12
Which of the above factors do you think have the most influence on your money decisions?
Elementary Program Team 2015
Page 7
February 2015
February’s Virtue is
SUN
1
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
2
3
4
5
6
Saidat Antibullying
presentation - to
be rescheduled
Term 1 Reports go
home
Winter Walk to
School Day
National Sweater
Day
P.A. Day Reporting to
Parents - no
school for
students
Make your
Valentine Jar
Guesses
SAT
7
Parent/Teacher
Interview Evening
8
9
15
22
10
11
BNE School
Council Parent
Engagement
Evening - St.
Josephine Bakhita,
6:30pm
Our Lady of
Make your
Lourdes Feast Day Valentine Jar
Liturgy, 9:30am
Guesses
Junior Basketball
Tournament
Extended French
program
applications due
16
17
18
19
20
21
Family Day—no
school for
students
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday
Para liturgy,
1:00pm
23
24
26
27
28
School Council
Lenten Pancake
dinner, 6:30-8 pm
12
25
International
Student Program
information night
13
14
Valentine’s Dance
Valentine cookies
distributed
Candy Jar winners
announced
Virtue Assembly
2pm
Upcoming Events
March
April
3
School Council Parish Rep Meeting with Bishop
Boissoneau
2
Holy Thursday, Easter Food Drive ends, Stations of the
Cross Presentation, 2:00pm
5
Information Evening for Self Contained Gifted Class
candidates at St. John Bosco 4:30-5:30 pm
3
Good Friday
13
Lent Liturgy, 9:30am
5
Easter Sunday
6
Easter Monday
16-20 Mid-winter Break—No school for students
23
Easter Food Drive begins
7
Chess Tournament at Lester B. Pearson school
25
School Council Meeting, 7pm
8
Lockdown Drill
31
Virtue Assembly, 2pm
16
Easter school mass, 9:30 am
19
Grade 2 First Communion
22
School Council Meeting, 7pm