Dufferin-Peel CDSB
ST. GERTRUDE SCHOOL
Guided by Faith, Committed to Excellence
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2012
St. Gertrude School
815 Ceremonial Dr.,
Mississauga, ON
L5R 3S2
Tel:
905 568 7660
Fax:
905 568 8194
Principal
T. De Vellis Carino
Prayer For A New School Year
Dear Lord, as we begin this school year, we gather once again as a community of believers.
We thank you for the energy and the spirit 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 honesty, 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.
Vice-Principal
P. Golin
Secretaries
D. Bachle
M. Cherubino
Superintendent
Mississauga
Brampton Central
L. Kazimowicz
Trustee
T. Thomas
Parish
St. Francis Xavier
905 890 5290
Pastor
Msgr. Edgardo Pan
Council Chair
T. Chiappetta-Sacchetti
Principal‟s Message
Welcome back to another exciting school year St. Gertrude! As we begin this school
year, we continue to be “guided by faith and committed to excellence” . We are looking
forward to working closely with all staff, parents, parish and community partners to
provide a safe, healthy and inclusive school community for all. Also, a special welcome
is extended to the families who are new to our school.
We trust that the summer has given you time for relaxation and renewal. We look forward to another wonderful year with many opportunities for learning and growing. We
hope you feel comfortable and involved with your child‟s learning throughout the year.
You are encouraged to become active partners in the education process. We invite you
to volunteer in the school whenever opportunities are presented. Please share your
ideas, encouragements and concerns with us so that we can provide the best possible
learning environment for your child.
The 2012-2013 school year will be a challenging and exciting year as we implement
many new curriculum initiatives set out by the Board and Ministry.
We are part of the Mississauga Brampton Central Family of Schools. We look forward to
working with our Superintendent, L. Kazimowicz and our trustee, T. Thomas.
We are thankful for the pastoral guidance provided by the parish team at St. Francis
Xavier Church and look forward to working with Msgr. Edgardo Pan and our parish
priests, Fr. Wenceslao Abalos and Fr. Susairaj Savarimuthu. They will be visiting the
school and celebrating masses and the Sacraments throughout the year.
St. Gertrude is an active school which relies on teamwork and cooperation. We are truly
blessed to have a devoted parish team, an involved school council, supportive parents
and a professional, dedicated staff.
T. De Vellis Carino
Principal
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Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
SCHOOL HOURS
St. Gertrude School hours for the 2012-2013 school year
are:
Grades 1 - 8
Lunch
JK/SK
08:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
12:20 p.m. - 02:50 p.m.
08:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
12:20 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Please be advised that recess time in the morning is
10:23 a.m. – 10:38 a.m. Recess in the afternoon is
1:47 p.m. – 2:02 p.m. Students will eat in their
designated classrooms from 11:20 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
and then go outside from 11:40 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
STUDENT ABSENCES
As in the past, we ask that you call the school on the
days that your child will be absent. This is a safety
precaution that can save precious moments should there
ever be an emergency situation. We thank you for your
continued support in following this procedure.
Upon reaching the school answering service, please
leave the following information:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Date of absence
Student's full name
Grade level and teacher
Reason for absence
Date of return
Please continue to call each day that your child is
absent. When your child returns to school, please
provide the teacher with a note regarding the specific
reason for the absence.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAY
Friday, September 14th is a Professional Activity Day.
Students do not attend school on this day. If we need
to reorganize due to changes in enrolment,
reorganization will take place at this time.
Follow Dufferin‐Peel on Twitter
(@DPCDSBSchools)
for the latest news and information about
the Board
PICTURE DAY
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 is
Picture Day for all students at St. Gertrude
School. Pictures will be returned in plenty of
time for Christmas.
STAFF AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2012
GRADE
TEACHER
ROOM NUMBER
JK/SK
S. Martelli
102
JK/SK
D. Bagnarol
101
1
N. Sanderson
115
1/2
A. McGuire
119
1 - F.I.
A. Viti
114
1 - F.I.
H. Bahsous
111
2
M. Koziol
107
2/3
D. Putzu
120
2 - F.I.
R. McIntosh
112
2 - F.I.
K. DeFaria
113
3
D. Planche
110
3
A. Amendola
109
3 - F.I.
K. Valiquette
215
3 - F.I.
T. Borisenko
219
4
A. Marsala
108
4/5
A. Petrasek
214
4 - F.I.
N. Benevides
216
4 - F.I.
M. Silva
217
5
K. Gibson
218
5/6
A. Lonardi
220
6
M. Wasilewski
213
6/7
B. Shelsen
206
7
I. Cassano
202
8
A. Beaton
203
8
B. Todoschuk
208
SERT
C. Bryce
117
SERC
N. Gentili
207
SERC
D. Marques
212
FSL/PT
F. Marchand
205
FSL/PT
K. Tessar
204
PT
P. DeLuca
103
PT
M. Kapov
118
PT
K. Cinapri
100
PT
K. Curran
100
Library/PT
I. Talerico
Library
ERW
J. Harry-Turner
ERW
J. Colacchio
ERW
L. O’Connor
ERW
A. Holjevac
ERW
M. Green
Secretary
D. Bachle
Secretary
M. Cherubino
Custodians
R. Sapulete, T. Kulpinski, M. Angel,
R. Savoia
Principal
T. De Vellis Carino
Vice Principal
P. Golin
Please note that classroom assignments may be
temporary for the first two weeks of school as new enrolments or withdrawals may require reorganization. The
Ministry regulations of class size allows little flexibility in
class configurations.
Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
SCHOOL COUNCIL
There will be a Catholic School Council meeting at St.
Gertrude School on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at
6:30 p.m. in our school library.
Nomination forms for parent/guardian
representatives on the Catholic School Council for the
2012-2013 school year will be available in the school
office between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Completed nomination forms must be received in the
school office by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday,
September 20, 2012.
If needed, the election for parent/guardian
representatives to the Catholic School Council will
take place at St. Gertrude school library on Tuesday,
October 2, 2012, at 6:30 pm by secret ballot. Eligible
voters must vote in person. Proxy voting is not
permitted. An appointed steering committee will assist
with the implementation of election procedures.
Our first School Council meeting will follow the
election on October 2, 2012.
I look forward to seeing you at the Catholic School
Council information meeting and thank you for your
continued support of your school.
STUDENT 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. Enrolment is voluntary, however, as of
Sept. 2012, to participate in any extra curricular activities, parents/guardians will have to confirm
that their children are covered by accident insurance. The Board encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive insurance coverage especially
if your child participates in sports, excursions/field trips,
or if parents do not have dental insurance coverage.
Brochures and a declaration letter will be sent home
with your child soon. The signed declarations must be
returned to the school.
If you have any questions, require assistance or prefer
to enroll online or by phone, please contact the Client
Services Department of Reliable Life Insurance through
one of the following options:
1 800 463 5437 or 905 523 6525
E-mail: insuremykids@reliablelifeinsurance.com
Web: www.insuremykids.com
The information is also posted on the board
website:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/cec/students+and+Parents/
Page 3
SCHOOL MASS AND SACRAMENTAL
PREPARATIONS
Our first school Mass is Tuesday, September 18 at
9:00 a.m. in the gym. Parents are invited to attend.
During the course of the year, the school, our priest and
our parents have the privilege in preparing students for
three of the sacraments:
Reconciliation
Grade 2
Tuesday, January 16, 2013, 9:00 a.m.
Holy Communion
Grade 2
Saturday, May 4, 2013 , 10:00 a.m.
Confirmation
Grade 8
Thursday, May 30, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Although the school plays a major role in Sacramental
preparation, parents, as the primary instructors of faith,
are key in preparing their children to receive these
Sacraments. Preparatory meetings have been organized
for parents. These meetings will provide you with an opportunity to be an integral part of your child’s spiritual
growth in these sacraments.
IMPORTANT PARENT MEETINGS @
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH
Tues. Oct. 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion parents
meeting.
Sat. Nov. 3 and Sun. Nov. 4, 2012
First Holy Communion Inscription at all Masses.
Tues. Nov. 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Confirmation parents meeting with Bishop Boisseneau.
Sat. Dec. 8 & Sun. Dec. 9 2012
Confirmation Inscription at all Masses
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
The new transportation guidelines
were effective September 2010. The
eligibility is based on the students’
home address.
Grades K to 1: 1 km
Grades 2 to 4: 1.6 km
Grades 5 to 8: 2 km
Parents are reminded to access information on the Transportation website (www.stopr.ca). This site
contains information regarding school transportation
eligibility, delays and cancellations.
Courtesy transportation (empty seat ridership)
applications are available at the school office. Courtesy
transportation will not be allocated until mid to late
October.
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Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
HEPATITIS B & HPV INOCULATIONS
Peel Health will continue to offer free immunization
against Hepatitis B for students in Grade 7, as well as
HPV for Grade 8 girls. If you have any questions please
call the Peel Health Department at (905) 799-7700. The
following dates have been assigned to St. Gertrude
School:
note to the classroom teacher or inform the office. We
thank you for your co-operation in supporting a safe
environment at St. Gertrude.
HEP B (girls & boys)
Dose #1 Sept. 20
HPV (girls only)
Dose #1 Sept. 20
Dose #2 TBA
Dose #2 TBA
Dose #3 TBA
PED Policy
The school follow the current Board policy regarding
Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s). Items such as
cameras, cell phones are not permitted on school
property. However, if you choose to provide your child with
a cell phone, please be reminded that it must be turned
off and out of sight throughout the school day. Please refer
to the student agenda for details regarding PED’s.
The school does not accept responsibility for the above.
Personal items should be marked with your child’s name.
Health Departments, by law, must keep a current
record of your child‟s immunizations. It is the
responsibility of the parents to keep their child‟s
records up to date.
OPEN HOUSE/CURRICULUM NIGHT
This is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, 2012
from 7:00 – 8:00 in the evening.
You are encouraged to attend this evening to meet your
child’s teacher and learn about this year’s program.
BOOK FAIR
Ms. I. Talerico, our Teacher Librarian, will host a book
fair in the Library from September 19th to 23rd. Further
information will come home with your children shortly.
SECURITY AT ST. GERTRUDE
A reminder that all visitors, including parents, must
come to the office, sign in and pick up an identification
badge. Anyone not wearing an identification badge will
be asked to return to the office to sign-in and pick one
up. This procedure will help students and staff in
recognizing our many visitors at St. Gertrude School.
Please note that the school yard is designated for
authorized staff and students only. Starting at 8:05,
staff wearing orange vests are on duty to supervise
students until the bell rings. When the bell rings, the
classroom teachers will come to the entrance doors to
collect students.
At the end of the day, parents are asked to wait outside
the school at your child‟s exit door at dismissal times.
Please do not wait in the school (this includes the front
foyer) as this can be disruptive to the daily programs in
the classes, the library and the office area.
If you are picking up your child at school at a time other
than regular dismissal, we ask that you report to the
office to sign him/her out. Arrangements will be made
for your child to be sent to the office. If you intend to
send someone else to pick up your child, please write a
VALUABLES
Students are requested to leave , valuables such as
iPods, electronic games, money or items of importance.
SCHOOL DRIVEWAY / KISS „N RIDE
Starting at 8:05 am, staff is on duty at the front
of the school. When dropping off or picking up
your child, in the interest of safety, please
always use the south entrance (walkway in
front of the front doors). Students are to use the
walkway and proceed to the school yard at the back
of the school.
Cars must not park in the driveway at any time. We have
buses running at all dismissal times this year, including at
the end of the day.
In June, we sent home a letter requesting parents to
volunteer for our “Kiss’n Ride” program. We are still in
need of volunteers. If you could help out please call the
school. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
CROSSING GUARD
We are very pleased to have Mrs. Suida back as our
crossing guard at the north side of the school. We are
asking that all children who need to cross Ceremonial
Drive, use the crossing guard. The safety of our children is
always our first priority.
ENTRY AND EXIT
Teachers will be reviewing with their students which doors
to enter and exit. Students are asked to use the assigned
doors for their entry and exit. We ask that parents meet
their children outside the school and along the fence near
the appropriate door.
LUNCH TIME SUPERVISORS (Student Monitors)
We have three paid lunch supervisors at the school
supervising students during the lunch hour. We do need
substitute supervisors to be available in the event that a
regular supervisor is ill or unavailable. Please contact the
school office for additional information.
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Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
THE LUNCH TABLE
Once again, a table has been placed in
the foyer for lunches. Please ensure that
your child’s name is on the lunch
container. We are encouraging healthy
lunches. Classes are not to be
interrupted for students to pick up
lunches. Please let students know in the morning if they
should expect to have a lunch dropped off. They should
be responsible to come down and pick up their lunch.
We cannot be responsible if a lunch goes missing. We
stress that there are students with food allergies. Please
check with your child’s teacher.
TERRY FOX WALK
This year St. Gertrude School will
participate in the annual Terry Fox Walk/Run
for cancer research on Friday,
September 28, 2012.
St. Gertrude School will be participating in
the “Toonie for Terry Walk” along with
other schools in Dufferin-Peel. Teachers will
be talking to their classes about the
importance of Cancer Research and the impact that Terry
Fox had throughout our country. Parents are welcome to
join us for the walk. Further information will go home in a
permission letter at a later date.
BIRTHDAY “TREATS”
Everyone likes to acknowledge someone’s birthday and
children especially enjoy this special moment. However,
cake, candles and loot bags are birthday party elements
that we suggest parents distribute at parties hosted in
your own home.
PLASP CHILD CARE SERVICES
PLASP operates before and after school programs in this
school, for children up to 12 years of age. There are still
some places available. Please contact PLASP Child Care
Services at 905 890-1711 or come see the PLASP staff
here at the school before 8:30 am or after 3:00 pm. Feel
free to visit their web site at : www.plasp.ca
We realize that parents mean well when sending treats
into classes for celebrations and birthdays. However,
many of our students suffer from various allergies.
These children experience a variety of effects when
exposed to the allergen, including anaphylactic
shock. Anaphylaxis is a serious, sometimes life
threatening reaction. In an effort to ensure the
safety of all students, we ask that you do not send in
food items for these occasions. You may provide
non-edible items, eg. pencils.
TEXTBOOK POLICY
Textbooks are the property of the school and
are loaned out to students with the
expectation that they will be returned at the end
of the school year in good condition. The
teachers keep a record of each textbook that
students are given. Please help to keep our
costs down by encouraging your child to take proper
care of them. There will be a replacement cost if the
textbook is lost or not returned at the end of the school
year.
SCHOOL AGENDAS
As you know, organizational skills are imperative in the
success of a child in school. To assist in this process,
school agendas will be handed out to the children in
Grades 1-8. Your child is responsible to record their
homework, important dates, teacher notices and so on in
their agendas. The agenda is also an excellent
communication tool between the teacher and the parent.
We are asking that you, as a parent, check your child’s
agenda on a daily basis and initial. You will
also notice that the Board has included the Catholic
Code of Conduct and Homework Guidelines in the
agenda. The teachers will be reviewing this with their
students and we ask that parents take the time to go
over it with their child(ren). The School Council is
thanked for purchasing the agendas for the students.
STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication
and forms are updated annually for any student who
requires medication to be administered at school. If your
child requires medication, please have the
necessary forms completed and return them, along with
any medication, to the office as soon as possible. Forms
are available at the school office.
MEDICAL ALERT – ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK Peanut Allergies
This year, as in the past, we will continue to
have some students with severe life
threatening food allergy to NUTS (PEANUT)
ALLERGIES. This is a medical condition that
causes a severe reaction to certain allergens
and can result in death within minutes.
Although this may or may not affect your child’s class
directly, please send foods with your child to school that
are free from peanuts or nut products.
To celebrate special events such as birthdays, we ask
that you do not send food products. Special pencils,
stickers or erasers, are some safe, non-edible
alternatives. Please feel free to contact your child’s
teacher if you have any concerns or questions. We thank
you for your co-operation and attention to this health
watch as we continue strive to keep all our students safe!
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Guided b y Faith, Committed to Excellence
VIRTUES PROGRAM
Within our Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board, we will be integrating virtues formation into all areas of our school life within the context of our faith. The “Virtues Program” will help us to nurture
virtue and character development in the lives of our students. It is truly character development within
our Catholic School Environment. We will embrace the challenges as we continue to implement the
Virtues Program within our school in the year 2011/12. Each month we will focus as an entire
school, on one of the virtues. We will begin with a liturgy in the school gym.
A Litany of Virtues
For the gift of Faith – that God calls us to strive for holiness as we grow together as a family rooted in Christ.
For the gift of Empathy – to care about everyone’s feelings.
For the gift of Conscience – the means by which God helps us to choose to be good people.
For the gift of Hope - to keep working for a more peaceful world even when we feel discouraged.
For the gift of Self Control – to have the courage to do what we know and feel is right.
For the gift of Respect – to treat all people with the honour and dignity they deserve.
For the gift of Kindness – to be moved to give generously to those around us.
For the gift of Love – to see the goodness in everyone we meet and to serve one another’s needs.
For the gift of Acceptance – to make room for everyone no matter how different they may look or act.
For the gift of Fairness - to treat each person as we would love to be treated.
Faith – Our Virtue For September
To begin the new school year, we will 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.
A Faithful person is someone who …
- Prays regularly and reverently
- Learns from Scripture stories
- Honours people’s God-given names
- Assumes that there is good in everyone
- Accepts the God-given worth of themselves and others