Dufferin-Peel CDSB
ST. GERTRUDE SCHOOL
Guided by Faith, Committed to Excellence
NEWSLETTER
FEB/MARCH 2013
A Prayer for the Virtue of Respect
St. Gertrude School
You have done such a marvelous job of creating us and the world around us.
Among Your greatest gifts are our friends and acquaintances. They are the
yeast in the dough of life. They make life lively and interesting. We come to
You now asking for the grace and strength to keep a sense of respect. We hope
that by recognizing and honoring the shared Spirit in everyone we meet, we
can contribute to making our school a safer, more caring, more inclusive
community. May Your gift of respect help us to live each day with the
confidence that we are in the company of people who are not strangers but
who are our spiritual brothers and sisters. We ask this in the name of Jesus
our Brother, who lived to show us Your way.
815 Ceremonial Dr.,
Mississauga, ON
L5R 3S2
Tel:
905 568 7660
Fax:
905 568 8194
Principal
T. De Vellis Carino
Vice-Principal
P. Golin
Dear God,
Secretaries
D. Bachle
M. Cherubino
AMEN
Superintendent
Mississauga
Brampton Central
L. Kazimowicz
Trustee
T. Thomas
Parish
St. Francis Xavier
905 890 5290
Pastor
Rev. Msgr. Edgardo Elias
Salazar Pan
Principal’s Message
It’s hard to believe we are now in the month of February. This means we have
completed half the school year here at St. Gertrude. The students have been very busy
with their studies and extra-curricular activities. We would like to thank the parents
for their support through this first term reporting process. We believe as the Ministry
believes that “when parents are engaged, students improve, classrooms improve,
schools improve and the entire community benefits”.
We are thankful for the many dedicated teachers who work diligently to
provide a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment with a focus on continued
improvement. Our staff works selflessly to bring special clubs, sports and events to
our school.
Thank you to our families for their generous support of various Council and
School initiatives. We are especially looking forward to your participation in our
Mardi Gras dance-a-thon!
T. DeVellis-Carino, Principal
P. Golin, Vice Principal
Page 2
Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
THE MEANING OF LENT
When you send forth your spirit you renew the
face of the earth. Psalm 104:30
Lent consists of two parts: the first being the forty
days between Ash Wednesday and Passion
Sunday (Palm Sunday). The second part of Lent is
the time of Passiontide or Holy week. This year the
Liturgical Season of Lent begins on Wednesday,
February 13, 2013, Ash Wednesday.
What does the word “Lent” mean? Why have we
given this name to the time of preparation before
Easter? Lent comes from an old word meaning
“springtime.” During the spring, daylight increases,
trees begin to bud and flowers start to appear. The
new life that comes to the world each spring is like
the renewal of life that comes when we pray and try
harder to follow Jesus.
The ashes on Ash Wednesday serve two
purposes:
1. They symbolize, and remind us, that something
must die in order to bring about new life.
2. They are a symbol of sorrow and repentance
for sins committed. Historically, ashes were
placed on peoples’ foreheads as a sign of
repentance.
ASH WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, February 13, 2013, all students
from JK to Grade 8 will participate in Ash
Wednesday liturgies. Students will receive ashes,
reflect on readings and pray together as a faith
community in preparation for Lent and the Easter
season.
RECONCILIATION
Congratulations to our Grade 2 students who
received the Sacrament of Reconciliation
January 17th at St. Francis Xavier Church
OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR MARCH
Let us now pray...for the virtue of kindness so that
everyone we meet will feel like we are looking out for
their good. AMEN
FRIENDSHIP STRATEGIES
Parents can be helpful in addressing positive
behaviours that will allow their child to build lasting
friendships. Helping children
understand how to treat one
another and how to value and
make friends are important,
positive steps in eliminating
isolating behaviours.
THE TOP TEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FRIENDS
1. Show them kindness and respect.
2. Stick up for them.
3. Be supportive when your friends need help and
advice.
4. Tell the truth, but be kind about it.
5. If you hurt a friend, say you are sorry.
6. If you make a promise, keep it.
7. Put some effort into friendships: otherwise your
friends might feel neglected.
8. Don’t try and change your friends; accept them
the way they are.
9. If a friend hurts you and apologizes, accept the
apology.
10. Treat your friends the way you want them to treat
you.
REMINDERS
February 8 P.D. No School
February 18 Family Day School closed
March 11-17 March Break Holiday
OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR FEBRUARY
Let us now pray...for the virtue of respect so that
everyone we meet will feel like we are their brother
or sister in Christ. AMEN
FRENCH IMMERSION
Application forms deadline:
February 6, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Lottery: February 11, 2013 9:00 am
Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
February is “Black History Month.” This is a time
to celebrate the many achievements and
contributions of Black Canadians, who throughout
history have done so much to make Canada the
culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous
nation we know today. It is also an opportunity for
the majority of Canadians to learn about the
experiences of Black Canadians in our society
and the vital role this community has played
throughout our shared history.
EQAO INFORMATION
Each year, all Grade 3 and 6 students in Ontario
are assessed in reading, writing and mathematics.
Developed by the Education Quality and
Accountability Office (EQAO) and after consulting
with more than 1,000 teachers, as well as parents
and the broader community across Ontario, these
assessments go beyond traditional tests of the
past. Their ultimate purpose is to improve student
achievement.
This year the EQAO assessment for Grade 3 and
Grade 6 students will run from May 27th to June
7th. We ask that parents of students in these
grades ensure that their children are in attendance
during these weeks.
Visit DPCDSB on the web for Board and School
profiles at http://www.dpcdsb.org/EQAO.
COURT NEWS
The boys and girls in Grades 7 and 8
wrapped up a month of intermural
play with tryouts for our school
teams. The students who were
chosen are looking forward to an
exciting season of league and
tournament play. Students in Grades 5 and 6 are
participating in intermurals that will culminate in
early March with the picking of our junior teams.
Go Gators!!
INTERMEDIATE BASKETBALL
Tournaments coming February 19th.
Page 3
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ST. GERTRUDE
Our students and teachers have been active, not only
in the classroom, but in the gym, hallways, and library.
Some of the activities that students are currently involved in include:
Chess Club
Science Olympics
Student Council
Dance Clubs
Ballroom Dancing
Art Clubs
Fitness Team
Pals
Hockey Fever
Basketball Teams-Intermediate/Junior
Raptors Game Community Event
PUBLIC SPEAKING GRADES 4-8
As part of the language curriculum, our
students in Grades 4-8 will be involved in
planning, preparing and presenting
speeches. A student from each classroom
will be selected to represent their classmates in the
gymnasium. Our school competition will be held on
Monday, February 11, 2013. The Junior competition
will be held in the morning, 8:45-10:00 and the
Intermediate competition, 10:40-11:00. Currently all
students are diligently preparing their speeches.
Good luck to all.
IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION MESSAGE FROM
PEEL PUBLIC HEALTH
Peel Public Health will be reviewing immunization
records of all students.
Peel Public Health must have proof that your child has
been fully vaccinated (immunized) according to the
Ontario Immunization Schedule.
If you receive a letter, please ensure that your child
has received the required vaccine(s), then give the
date(s) your child received the vaccine dose(s) to
Peel Public Health immediately to update your child’s
record.
For more information, please call Peel Public
Health at 905-799-7700.
Or visit www.ImmunizePeel.ca.
Translation services are available.
Page 4
Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
SAFETY IN THE SCHOOL YARD
Everyone wants a peaceful school yard full of
students who play nicely with each other and show
kindness and acceptance to all. As parents you
want your children to be respected and to show
respect to others. Throughout the year we focus on
many activities that will assist children in playing
safely and respectfully. At regular meetings our
staff is in-serviced on active school yard
supervision; they are alert to activities that indicate
unsafe play. The school staff is diligent in watching
for bullying behaviour, unsafe play or yard
conditions, and playful activity that may lead to
aggressive behaviour.
Given all of this, it is recognized that children are
children and do not always make safety conscious
decisions. Be it at home or at school, accidents can
happen and the best of children can sometimes
place themselves in harmful positions.
Like you, the staff of St. Gertrude want children to
have fun at recess while practicing safe, active and
appropriate play. In order to achieve this goal we
share with you some of the many practices we
reinforce during announcements, within our
classrooms and while on recess supervision. Your
assistance in reinforcing these rules will help in
keeping all the children safe while at school… and
maybe while playing in your neighbourhood as well!
OUTDOOR PLAY
 Respect each other by being polite, friendly and
cooperative.
 Allow others to play in games.
 Choosing to play fairly and safely when playing
games.
 Playing with acceptable toys and equipment.
 Respecting school property and the
 environment.
 Lining up quietly when the bell rings.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOURS
 Standing in the middle of, or walking through,
active games such as football or soccer.
 Leaving school property without permission.
 Calling people names, harassing or making fun
of others.
 Swearing and/or using inappropriate
language.
 Making inappropriate or offensive gestures.



Aggressive or Rough behaviours:
-fighting
-pushing or shoving
-tripping
-grabbing or lifting someone
-checking or hitting someone
-scratching, pinching, spitting
Throwing unsafe objects: snowballs, ice, rocks,
sticks, sand, etc…
Playing unsafe or rough games: wrestling,
tackling, red rover, play-fighting etc...
COLD AND FLU SEASON
Cold and flu season is back and so too are
children’s illnesses. Please use discretion in
keeping your child home to recover. A sick child is
not in a state to learn but is in a position to infect
others. Remember, if your children are well enough
to attend school, they are well enough to go outside
at recess. If there is a medical reason why your
child must remain indoors, we require a Doctor’s
note.
WINTER DRESS
It is imperative that all students
come to school ready to
participate in all activities,
including outdoor recess. Please
ensure that your children come to school prepared
to go outdoors. Students will be kept indoors if
temperaure is -25 degrees Celsius or colder.
Waterproof outerwear, hats, gloves and boots will
keep them warm and dry. As well, all students must
have indoor footwear. This is imperative in the
event of an emergency evacuation, since students
will not have time to put on their boots if they have
to evacuate the building. Please send your child to
school with extra socks, as these tend to get wet
very easily.
WEBSITES TO KEEP YOU INFORMED
Please visit www.dpcdsb.org.gertr
to gain information about the school, parish and
council.
DPCDSB is on Twitter!!!
Follow the latest board news and information
@DPCDSBSchools
Bus Information:
Information relating to transportation visit
www.STOR.com
Guided by Faith, Committed to Excellence
EMERGENCY SCHOOL PROCEDURES
There may be days during the upcoming winter
months when inclement weather presents a potential
safey hazard to our students. It is essential that
parents and children discuss the procedures that
they wish to follow for safe arrival at home. For
students that do not take the bus please determine:
 the best way to walk home
 with whom the child should walk
 where the child should go if there is no one home
 how the child should find help if wind and snow
are so strong that they cannot see the way home.
For students that take the bus, it is a fact that bad
weather may cause delays for student pick up at bus
stops. Please ensure that your child has a safe
place to go if the bus is late or does not arrive. If you
notice that a student is stranded at a bus stop,
please attempt to contact the child’s parent. It is not
recommended that parents volunteer to drive another
child to school without the permission of the child’s
parent. If you decide to transport your child to school
because buses have been cancelled, please ensure
that you have made arrangements for their return
home at the end of the school day. On inclement
days, please:
Listen to the radio for bus cancellations. If
possible, arrange for car pooling.
Page 5
VALENTINE’S DAY
A gentle reminder that St. Gertrude school is an
allergy aware school and supports a nut free policy.
Although we appreciate the thoughtfulness of
parents sending in food items, due to food
allergies, it is against school policy to share any
items.
Items such as pencils or stickers can be sent to
school to acknowledge special occasions such as
birthdays or Valentine’s Day.
Thank you for your consideration and
co-operation in making our classrooms safer for all
students.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The next school council meeting will be held
on
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 6:30 pm
All are welcome to attend!
Thank you to all our volunteers for their valued
efforts. We are always looking for additional
volunteers. If you have your Criminal Reference
Check completed and can offer one or more
mornings a week, we would be happy to speak to
you about an opportunity to volunteer.
Page 6
Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
REMEMBERANCE DAY ESSAY/POEM/
POSTER CONTEST
Congratulations to Cassandra C. for placing
first in the Royal Canadian Legion contest
which took place in November.
February 5:
Do not cry for me
February 7:
Do not cry for me, I may be dead
And don’t lie in the same bed
I am alive within you through it all
I have had my time
Just because I am gone does not mean my memories have
to go too
Remember me smiling as we did it all
Because if you don’t then don’t remember me at all
February 8: P.A. Day No School for students
Do not cry for me I have no regrets
All the memories we shared you should not forget
My path has ended now I must go
This is my journey I have to go alone
Now I lay beneath the ground
And all I hear is your heart pound
February 19: Intermediate Basketball
Tournament
Do not cry for me for I was proud
For when I died guns were very loud
Throughout my life you took care of me
For now I have fallen on my knees
For as you watched me drive away
You did not know it would be the last day
Throughout the years we grew up together
You know you will be in my heart forever
Do not cry for me, I had to leave
But do not waste your time to grieve
You lay a poppy beside my grave
And this will mark a special day
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh
month
We take two minutes of silence to pray
For all the people who gave their lives away
We call this Remembrance Day
Lest we forget
By Cassandra C.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Virtue Assembly 12:30 pm
Report Cards go home
Interview Evening
February 12: School Council Meeting 6:30 pm
Community Raptors Game
Dance a thon
February 13: Ash Wednesday
February 21: Confirmation Prep Mass 7 pm @
St. Francis Xavier Church
February 26: Lenten Mass 9:30 am @
St. Francis Xavier Church
March 7:
Virtue Assembly @ 9:50 am
March 8:
Ballroom Dancing Performance
March 10:
First Holy Communion Prep Mass
@ St. Francis Xavier Church
1:30 pm
March 11-15 MARCH BREAK
March 29:
Good Friday
PIZZA DAYS
Monday, February 4
Monday, February 11
Monday, February 25
Monday, March 4
Monday, March 18
SUB DAYS
Wednesday, February 6
Wednesday, February 20
Wednesday, March 6
Wednesday, March 20