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Good Shepherd’s Good News
www.dpcdsb.org/gshep
Ju n e 2 0 1 4
Good Shepherd Elementary School
28 Red River Drive
Brampton ON, L6R 2H9
Phone: 905.791.1039
Fax: 905.791.9856
Principal
A. Brunette
Vice Principal
M. Daddabbo
Office Staff
N. Jacques
D. Canal
Superintendent of Schools
L. Storey
(905) 890-0708 ext. 24240
Trustee
S. McLauchlan
Parish
St. Marguerite d’Youville
(905) 792-7497
Prayer for Summer
Lord God, We put ourselves into Your hands, and pray that You
will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of
summer. May we all help make our home a place of relaxation,
joy, love, peace and safety. May we be generous and
considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping
others enjoy the blessings of summertime. We ask this through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The school year is coming to a close. We would like to take this
opportunity to thank all the members of the Good Shepherd School
Community for working together to make our school a wonderful place.
To the teachers, whose dedication and commitment have provided
opportunities for students both academically and spiritually. They work
extremely hard and are genuinely concerned about all the children in
their care. A special thank you to Mrs. Jacques and Mrs. Canal for the
wonderful work they do each and every day helping our school run so
efficiently. We could not operate as well as we do without them. As well,
thanks to our custodial staff, Mrs. Irving, Mrs. Mirabelli, Mr. Cuevas and
Mr. Marinoni, who keep our school clean and safe.
We would also like to thank Father Romeo and Father Pat for their
assistance with the continued faith development of all our students, in
particular those who have received the sacraments of Reconciliation, First
Communion and Confirmation.
To our Grade 8 students, we wish you the best in your future endeavours.
To the parents of our graduates, we thank you for your support over the
years.
To parents and students who will be leaving our community and joining
another school community in the fall, we wish you well.
Enjoy the rest and relaxation the summer brings –
see you in September!
Pastor
Father R. Tolentino
June Virtue of the Month – Fairness
This month we celebrate the virtue of fairness.
God wants us to treat each person as we would like to be
treated. Fairness is the ability to be open minded and act
in a just and fair way. Fairness allows us to treat others
with mercy and compassion and to feel and act with and
for another person.
People of fairness…

Treat others as they would like to be treated.

Listen for God’s advice before forming opinions.

Think W.W.J.D. when faced with moral choices.

Show good sportsmanship.

Know that relationships are more important than
possessions or popularity.

Give special consideration to those who need extra
support.

Work to bring about peaceful solutions to
problems.

Cheer on the successes of others.
IMPORTANT DATES
 May 26-June 6 – EQAO Gr. 3 and 6
 June 4-6 – Intermediate Montreal Trip
 June 6 – Autism Awareness – Wear Blue
 June 9 – PD Day – no school for students
 June 12 – Election Day
 June 12 – Cram the Cruiser
 June 12 – Track and Field Family Tournament
 June 16 – Volunteer Appreciation
 June 18 – Year End Mass @ D’Youville 1:00
 June 19 – Play Day at Professor’s Lake
 June 24 – Recognition Assembly
 June 25 – Report Cards sent home
 June 25 – Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony
 June 26 – Talent Show
 June 27 – Grade 8 Grad lunch/Dance
PD Day:
Monday June 9th, 2014
No School For Students
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Good Shepherd’s Good News
Welcome To…
We would like to welcome, Ms. Peter into the grade 7 class
who will be part of the Good Shepherd staff until the end
of the year.
Farewell To…
As another school year approaches an end we would like to
take this opportunity to acknowledge a number of staff
members that will not be part of the Good Shepherd
community next year. We would like to say goodbye to Mrs.
Bailey who spent time with us covering for Mrs. Thimio who
is off on maternity.
We are also saying goodbye to Ms. de Souza, Mrs.
Costantino, Mrs. Gerges and Mrs. Kiernander who will be at
new schools in September. Thank you for your commitment
and dedication to the students of Good Shepherd. All of
your contributions over the years create a positive
community for staff and students. We know that you will
make a difference in your new school communities and
continue to be positive influences on the children that you
teach.
We also bid farewell to Mrs. Daddabbo who was only here
for one year as Vice Principal. She has been assigned full
time to St. Jean-Marie Vianney starting in the new school
year. We welcome Ms. Chambers to Good Shepherd in
September
Finally, we would like to wish a huge congratulations to
Mrs. Marks who will be retiring at the end of this year. Her
dedication to our students and the life of Good Shepherd
school will not soon be forgotten. We wish her well as she
begins this next chapter in her career.
Student Council News
The Good Shepherd Student Council has been very busy
with a variety of clubs and activities. From February to
April students enjoyed expressing their creative talents by
working with different mediums of art such as fabric
painting, ceramics, sketching and painting. We even had a
wonderful guest artist, Rob Brunette, who taught the
students how to sketch animated drawings. We currently
have Bollywood dance workshops for junior students,
where students are able to learn basic Bollywood steps.
Students are also enjoying a first Nations workshop;
students get to experience the traditions and ceremonies
of the First Nations people. Student Council also started a
Self-Esteem initiative for Grades 6-8, which is teaching
students about boosting their self-confidence and seeing
themselves in a positive light. Council members have
planned many different activities that help students to
respect themselves as individuals and as Catholics. Many
of these activities were made possible through the SpeakUp Grants. The grant money was well spent and the Good
Shepherd students are really enjoying all events. Lastly, we
would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe
and fantastic summer.
www.dpcdsb.org/gshep
School Council Corner
On the weekend of May 24th, the 75th OAPCE
conference was held. Two parent representatives on
school council attended.
Grade 7 students
Christopher and Ashley, along with Mrs. Rapallo
(council member) designed a banner that was
displayed at the conference.
We would like to thank this year’s school council for
all their hard work and dedication as they act on
behalf of your children. This year through their work
and fundraising the school has benefited from:
 Agendas for grades 1-8
 Sub Days
 Much Music Dance
 Gifts for our sacramental years
 Graduation bus
 Playday lunch
Next council meeting and election is tentatively
scheduled for October 2, 2014. We invite all parents
in our community to join our school council at this
time and be an integral part in decisions about our
school.
2014 - 2015 School Year Calendar
First day of classes: Tuesday, September 2, 2014
School Year ends: Friday, June 26, 2015
Number of school days for the 2014 – 2015 school year 194
Number of Instructional Days in Elementary Schools 188
Number of Professional Activity Days in Elementary Schools 6
School Holidays for the 2014-2015 School Year
Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 13, 2014
Christmas Break Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 to Friday, Jan. 2, 2015
Family Day Monday, February 16, 2015
Mid-Winter Break Monday, Mar. 16, 2015 to Friday, Mar. 20, 2015
Good Friday Friday, April 3, 2015
Easter Monday Monday, April 6, 2015
Victoria Day Monday, May 18, 2015
Elementary Schools – Professional Activity Days
1. Fri. Sept. 12, 2014 Principal’s Day: Re-organization/Faith Dev.
2. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic context
3. Mon. Jan. 19, 2015 Term 1 Assessment/Evaluation of Progress
4. Friday, February 6, 2015 Reporting to Parents
5. Monday, May 11, 2015 Provincial Priorities in a Catholic context
6. Mon. June 8, 2015 Term 2 Assessment/Evaluation of Progress
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Good Shepherd’s Good News
Healthy School
Healthy Schools Committee is calling all students to lace
up their walking shoes and get ready for Walking
Wednesdays. Please encourage your children to make
an effort to walk to school every Wednesday in June,
and participate in our Walk to School Initiative.
www.dpcdsb.org/gshep
Warm Weather Dress Code
With the arrival of warm weather, we need to review
appropriate dress for the school day. The Board endorses
and promotes student dress code consistent with the
values, traditions and distinctiveness of Catholic schools
and the common good. We are committed to standards of
neatness, cleanliness, modesty and good taste.
The expectation here is not that a student come to school
in his/her “Sunday Best”, but that they not wear purely
recreational wear such as: tank tops, halter tops, short
shorts, cut offs, and shirts with inappropriate logos.
Bikes, Roller blades and Skateboards
Roller blades, scooters and skateboards are not allowed
on school property. It is a liability issue and we are not
set up to supervise activities using these items. Students
who ride bikes to school must walk them on school
property. A reminder to all of our students that the law
requires all children wear proper bicycle helmets.
If we feel that your child is dressed inappropriately, we
will call home and ask that your child go home and get
changed or clothes be brought for him/her.
We respectfully ask parents to monitor what children are
wearing before they leave for school.
Dance Team Showcases at Rose Theatre
The junior and intermediate dance team under the
supervision of Mrs. Rosero and Mr. Di Natale showcased
their talents at the Rose Theatre for the BEACON family
of schools showcase. Students choreographed their own
pieces and presented them in front of other schools,
parents and community members. Both teams received
Bronze recognition. Way to go on your first showcase!
Congratulations goes out to the junior team: Anabella D,
Melissa Z, Nicole R, Cassandra H, Madison M, Beyonce F,
Mikayla S, Adrianna A, and the intermediate team made
up of: Anne-Marie J, Fiker A, Kellene H, Annetha B,
Alicia D, Brianna M, Aliyah J, Uwa I, Afi A, and Alessia F.
Food Drive
Our food drive continues until June 12. Please consider
donating non-perishable food items to the Knights of
Columbus. The needs of our community extend past
holiday collections. Any donation will be accepted with
sincere appreciation. Students are hoping to collect
enough food items to “Cram” Officer Rob’s cruiser!
Graduation Mass
Our Grade 8 students will celebrate their Graduation
Mass and Ceremony on Wednesday, June 25th at St.
Marguerite d’Youville Church at 7:00 pm. On Friday,
June 27th the students will enjoy a luncheon and dance
at Pearson Convention Centre starting at 11:00 a.m.
Talent Show
Parents are invited to join us on June 26th for the show
as the students of Good Shepherd share their many
gifts!
We also encourage students to wear a hat for the times
they are outside in the sun and to apply sun screen in the
morning prior to arrival.
Playday at Professor’s Lake
On June 19th we will be bringing the whole school to
Professor’s Lake to enjoy some outdoor games and
activities, sand castle building, and fun in the sun!
A hotdog lunch will be provided by the School Council.
Information and permission forms were sent home last
week! Please return them as soon as possible.
Please let your child’s teacher know if you are available
to assist on that day! A Criminal Reference Check must be
on file in the office in order for you to attend.
Library Books, Textbooks, Other School
Property
If you find items belonging to the school please drop them
off as soon as possible or if you find materials in the
summer, you can drop them off before school begins in
September.
Thank You Volunteers!
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the many
parents and members of our school community who have
given generously of their time, energy and talents, to
benefit the students of Good Shepherd. Your
contributions have made a positive difference.
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Good Shepherd’s Good News
Opening Day Procedures-September 2, 2014
We will continue to register students during the last
week of August and into September. Therefore, class
lists will not be finalized at this time and students will
be told who their teacher is on the first day of school.
We will be posting class lists in the gymnasium on
September 2, 2014.
The school doors will be opened at 8:30 a.m. Parents
are invited to check the class lists in the gym and
then take their child to class.
J.K. students will have a staggered entry to school.
Parents will be contacted prior to school commencing
to schedule a date and time to meet with their child’s
teacher.
The school office will be open starting on Monday,
August 25th, 2014.
Bus lists will be posted on the front doors the last
week of August. Students who rode the bus this year,
using the Courtesy Seat Policy, will need to request to
ride the bus in writing once again, in September.
Bus Transportation
Transportation information will be available during
the week of August 25th, 2014. To find your child’s
bus stop and times for pick up and drop off, go to
www.stopr.ca. Click on Your Child’s Bussing
Information and then on STUDENT LOGIN. You will
need your child’s Ontario Educational Number (OEN)
which you will find on the report card. Also, as usual,
the bussing information will be posted on the school’s
front door during this week.
In planning for your child’s transportation needs in
September, please keep in mind the school board
guidelines regarding eligibility.
JK – Grade 1 - 1.0 kilometre
Grades 2 – 4 - 1.6 kilometres
Grades 5 – 8 - 2.0 kilometres
Please note that unless students fall within the policy
guidelines they will not be eligible for transportation
in September. This might mean that a grade K-4 child
is entitled to transportation, but a grade 5 sibling in
the same home will not be.
As in the past, parents/guardians will be able to apply
under the ‘Empty Seat’ policy in September for those
children who are not eligible for transportation on the
first day of school.
Autism Awareness
Friday June 6th
Wear Blue
www.dpcdsb.org/gshep
www.dpcdsb.org/gshep
DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF MEDICATION
AND EPI-PENS FOR SEPTEMBER 2014-2015
If a child is required to bring medication to school,
procedures
regarding
the
administration
of
medication shall only be adopted:
· when requested by the parents/guardians; and when
authorized by a physician; and
· when medication must be provided during school.
A designated staff member must administer
medication; hence, a signed request/authorization
form from the parents/guardians and the supervising
physician, must be obtained. These forms are
available through the school office. The required
authorization forms and the medication shall be
delivered to the principal or designated person by the
parents/guardians. All medication will be housed in a
safe location. Medication must not be kept in the
child’s possession (ie. pocket, back pack, etc.) or in
the classroom except for Epi pens.
A reminder to parents that you will need to pick up
any medications and/or Epi Pen for your child that
has been stored in the office this year on June 27th
or give your child written permission to take his/her
medication home on the last day of school.
Lost and Found
If you believe your child may have something in the
lost and found please come check the lost and found
bin by June 20th. All lost and found articles will be
donated to charity after this time.
Changes at St. Marguerite D’Youville Parish
It is with sadness that we announce the re-assignment
of Father O’Dea, parish priest of St. Marguerite
d’Youville Parish. He will be going to St. Edward the
Confessor in North York. Rev. Robert Mignella will be
the new pastor of St. Marguerite d’Youville Parish.
Rev. Bernard Alphonsus will be the new associate
pastor. We wish Father O’Dea well as he takes on his
new position and we welcome Rev. Mignella and Rev.
Alphonsus to the community.
Hope for Haiti Container
Mrs. Brunette and Mrs. McLoughlin will be joining
other Dufferin-Peel employees on an outreach trip to
Jacmel, Haiti. We will be gratefully accepting
donations of the following much needed items:
Men and women’s t-shirts, Adult and children’s
underwear, school supplies, toiletries, shoes
The Haiti Mission Team will distribute container
donations via Diocese of Jacmel and Caritas
International in July 2014.
Please send your donations in by June 13, 2014