REMINDER OF JANUARY 20th P.A. DAY
Please note that there is a scheduled P.A. Day on
Monday, January 20th. Staff will be involved in
Assessment and Evaluation for First Term Report
Cards. There will be no school for students that
day.
VIRTUE CORNER
THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
Lord, of light and love,
let the radiance of your
presence be a light to
our path and a guide on
our journey.
Banish from us all
deeds of darkness,
that we may come to
your presence and walk
before you as children of light;
through him who is the light of
the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the month of January, our Virtue is SelfControl. God wants us to do what we know and
feel is right. A person with self-control:
• is patient;
• knows how to wait his/her turn
• can calm him/herself down and think
before reacting to situations;
• knows how to avoid physical aggression
(hitting, kicking, pushing, etc.);
• can think things through.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
WE WISH YOU ALL OF GOD’S
BLESSINGS DURING 2014
JANUARY 2014: INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Lending a Hand at St. Cornelius School
Important Report Card Update
Kindergarten Registration
Bus Cancellation Information
Page 2
Page 3
Page 3
Page 5
Self-Control helps us to resist the temptation to do
something that we will regret. It also helps us to
resist the temptation to do something that will
harm ourselves or others. Each time you exercise
self-control you grow stronger in the Lord and
invite peace to settle over your life as you avoid
any guilt you may feel from having made a poor
decision.
Together in Faith and Excellence
1
LEARNING ABOUT THE TRUE MEANING OF
CHRISTMAS THROUGH OUTREACH
On behalf of the students and staff at St. Cornelius, we
take this opportunity to express our sincerest
appreciation for your contribution of food, clothing,
hats, mittens, gloves, coats and Project Gift boxes. The
many families who were touched by your donations are
deeply grateful for your generosity.
An overwhelming 300 family Project Gift boxes were
collected, as well as a mountain of toys and a tree full of
Hope, (hats, mittens and scarves) during the month of
December. Bags and boxes of food engulfed the foyer
around the beautiful donated tree, which filled the
front of the school, and coats of all colours, and sizes
burst from its base.
St. Cornelius School Cram-A-Cruiser Christmas Food
Drive was very successful. Our school foyer was
overflowing with families’ generosity who
demonstrated that they live their faith and answering
this call to action. Students ‘crammed’ four Caledon
OPP cruisers with non-perishable food items to support
our local food banks. These generous donations have
modelled a peaceful message to many, especially during
the season of hope. Here at St. Cornelius – we care. All
members of the St. Cornelius community perpetuate
the message of charity and hope.
It is through the support of individuals like yourselves
that we are able to continue to strengthen our faith and
walk in the two feet of Jesus: Charity and Justice, and to
bring hope to our local and global communities.
As we embrace the new year, we will continue to lead
by example in the light of Christ. Again, thank you for
making these missions a reality.
OPERATION SMILE AT ST. CORNELIUS
In the spirit of Advent and the true meaning of Christmas
it is with great excitement that I, Mrs. McGee, share my
classes 2nd annual Operation Smile at St. Cornelius. With
there being so many worthy charitable organizations it is
one with a personal connection that I have chosen to
support. My Grade 4 / 5 class has amazed me with their
excitement and efforts this year. The class goal we set
out for ourselves this advent season was to raise enough
money to pay for one surgery ($240) for a child in a third
world country. We had many spirit days in our class
prior to Christmas that helped raise some funds and my
students earned much of their donations by doing odd
jobs at home to help out their parents and raise money
for our class cause. I am proud and deeply honoured by
the enthusiasm shown by my class in raising $ 1 397.85
and therefore surpassing our class goal of one surgery
and now being able to provide enough for five surgeries
and more. A special thanks to Mrs. Kelly and Ms. Leardi's
classes who shared extra donations. A very special
thanks to Mr. Zimmerman's class for raising enough
($260) for their own class surgery. I believe this will help
the students realize and truly appreciate the gift of
giving knowing all that we have done for others around
the world. We can honestly say we have helped provide
a new fresh start for lives of these kids by giving them a
new smile. I am humbled by my class’ efforts and would
like to offer them a special thanks. For additional
information on Operation Smile refer to their website:
http://www.operationsmile.org/
Together in Faith and Excellence
2
KINDERGARTEN ENTRY
SEPTEMBER 2014
PLANNING
FOR
Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten for the 2014-15
school year, will take place at St. Cornelius School on the
following days:
Monday, January 27, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, January 31, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
* Snow Date:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information about registration and the FullDay Kindergarten program, call 905-791-1039 or visit
www.dpcdsb.org.
UPCOMING BOARD INFORMATION
NIGHT
There will be an information session for
parent(s)/guardian(s) of children with special
needs including vision, hearing, autism,
physical/medical and/or developmental delays
who are transitioning to Full Day Kindergarten
in September 2014. The information session
will be held at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board -- Catholic Education
Centre, Room 301 on January 22, 2014, from
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Snow date Thursday,
February 6, 2014. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are
also reminded to register their child at our
school office. Official registration dates are
January 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
January 29th, 30th, and 31st, 2014, from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Snow Date for evening
registration is January 28th, 2014, from 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION
MEETING FOR 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their
child in a Grade 5 Extended French class for September,
2014 are invited to attend an information meeting at:
Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Holy Family School, 61 Allan Drive Bolton – L7E 1P7
At the present time, the above mentioned school is the
designated centre for our area. Applications will be
accepted at that centre until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday,
February 12, 2014.
IMPORTANT REPORT CARD UPDATE
Parents please note that First Term Report Cards will be sent
home on Tuesday, February 4th, followed by interviews on
Thursday, February 6th. We look forward to discussing your
child(ren)’s progress.
HEALTH MATTERS
A gentle reminder to parents/guardians that all
communicable diseases must be reported to the school
office (e.g. chicken pox, measles, Fifth disease).
Students should remain at home until they are no
longer contagious. We are required to report monthly
to the Region of Peel Health department any contagious
diseases in our community.
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
Great News! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! We
will have hundreds of books at great prices as well as
activity kits, book marks, posters and other
accessories. Students will be invited down as a class to
browse the Book Fair and create their wish lists from
Mon. Feb. 3 to Wed. Feb. 5. No purchasing will happen
during this time. Students will be invited to purchase
books from Thurs. Feb. 6 - Tues. Feb. 11. The Book
Fair will be open the evening of Thurs. Feb 6 from 3:30 8:00 pm for browsing and purchasing. Please stop by
and check out the great books and accessories!
Asking for Volunteers! If you have a couple of hours
free between Friday, January 31 and Tuesday, February
11, and you would like to help with the book fair, please
contact Ms. Jonkman. We would love to have you!
STAYING IN FOR RECESS
In the colder weather we receive
numerous requests to allow children to
remain indoors when students have a
cold, flu, etc. Please note that we cannot
comply, as we neither have the facilities nor
the staff to supervise these students. Moreover, Health
Officials indicate that the fresh air is good for children NOT harmful, as long as students are dressed
appropriately. On extremely cold days, particularly
when the Wind Chill Factor lowers temperatures
considerably, we will limit the amount of time that
students spend outdoors, or hold recess indoors. With
the exception of these occasions, we expect that all
children will go outdoors for recess and during the
lunch break.
Together in Faith and Excellence
3
SCHOOL COUNCIL CORNER
KISS ‘N RIDE STUDENT SAFETY
We hope that everyone had a blessed
Christmas season! The parent council is
continuing to bring you events through
2014 to help raise funds for the school and
create community building opportunities.
We continue to have ongoing concerns
with student safety at our Kiss ‘n Ride
There is only one safe crossing point for
your students when they are left off at the
Kiss ‘n Ride. Teachers are there to escort the students safely
across. Please let your child off close to the front of the Kiss
‘n Ride so that they are safe crossing with the teacher on
duty (orange vest). We cannot ensure their safety at
unsupervised areas. Your child’s safety is our priority.
Christmas Marketplace
The Marketplace on December 7th was a great
success. We had a great number of local vendors come
out to showcase their wares with a great raffle at the
end of the day. Thank you to parents and students who
came out to pick up those extra Christmas gifts and to
support the event. Hope to see you next year at our
annual event!
Upcoming School Events
Our next School Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday
January 14th @ 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Tuesday, March 4th – We are excited to host another
Pancake Event for Shrove Tuesday – last year’s event
was a great success and an excellent community
event. -If you are interested in volunteering your time
to help make this event happen please contact Melanie
Johannink at Johannink@mac.com. More details will
follow.
SAVE THE DATE!! Friday May 2nd - for adults
only! School Council will again be hosting a Dance at the
Royal Ambassador as a community building event and
fundraiser for the school. What a great opportunity to
come out and meet some new people in the school
community and also see some familiar faces. Dust off
your dancing shoes! Be sure to save the date on your
calendar as it is going to be a great evening. More details
will follow in our next newsletter.
DRESS FOR WINTER
All of us have a more enjoyable time
outdoors in the winter season when
we are dressed appropriately. This
means warm coats, boots, mitts,
scarves, hats and snow
pants for the younger students.
Always dress for unexpected
weather activities. We suggest that
students in the primary grades have a change of shoes
& clothing at school in case they get wet outside.
ONGOING QSP MAGAZINE FUNDRAISER
QSP are always available throughout the entire year
online at www.qsp.ca for new and renewal
subscriptions. Our school's number is #8391. Each and
every order counts! Remember the money raised
through our fundraiser benefits all our children with the
many enrichment activities throughout the school year.
Questions? Call QSP Customer Service1-800-667-2536.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Please visit our school website on a regular basis. There
are important dates and information which will keep
you up to date and informed. Our website address is in
the letterhead on the first page of this newsletter. Also,
visit stopr.ca for up-to-date bussing information, e.g.,
delays due to weather. Save it to your Favourites!
Together in Faith and Excellence
4
BUS SAFETY
BUS CANCELLATIONS and SCHOOL CLOSING
Maintaining safety on the bus is a shared responsibility.
Students, parents, our bus drivers and the school are
needed as partners to ensure the safe transporting of
students to and from our school. We require everyone to
be committed to following the behavioural expectations
of riding the bus. Those who choose not to comply with
the safety and behavioural standards put all users of the
bus at risk. Drivers are instructed and have an obligation
to issue pink slips to students who choose not to comply.
The school in turn will contact parents to work together
to help students make appropriate choices. Please
review the expectations with your children. We thank
you for your support and cooperation in our effort to
provide safe transportation for your children.
During the winter months inclement weather may cause
disruption of bus transportation and regular school
operations. A decision to cancel school transportation
and/or to close schools is usually made by 6:00 a.m. and will
be announced on the various radio and T.V. stations in the
greater Toronto area. Kindly refer to the attached
information sheet at the end of this newsletter for further
details. It is suggested that this page be posted somewhere
in your home for future reference. A further option is to
contact the school as bus cancellation information will be
recorded by 7:00 a.m. on our school’s answering machine.
All students are reminded that there is to be no food or
drink on the bus at any time. There are many children
who suffer from food allergies. Touching a seat where
another child has consumed an allergen can result in
anaphylaxis for those with severe allergies. We are also
concerned about possible choking.
In the interest of safety, we remind all students that they
are to remain seated at all times when the bus is in
motion. “Indoor” voices are expected to minimize driver
distraction. Weather plays a significant factor in the
timely arrival of your child’s bus. Drivers are given the
right to make judgment calls as required especially in
rural situations. Safety is the primary concern and all
decisions are made with this as the highest priority. Your
patience and flexibility in understanding this variable is
really appreciated. Should you have any questions or
concerns, please contact the school.
A reminder of our valuable transportation website for
up-to-the-minute delays due to weather, mechanical
problems, etc. Visit www.stopr.ca.
BUS DELAYS DUE TO WEATHER
With winter weather fast approaching, it
is possible that buses may be delayed at
times. Please be flexible in understanding
that runs may be delayed due to poor
weather conditions. We suggest that you
please check www.stopr.ca for up- tothe- minute bus delay information.
SAFE SCHOOLS FOCUS FOR JANUARY –
Conflict is Inevitable; Bullying is Not
The key message in January is “conflict is inevitable,
bullying is not”. The grade specific activities provide
opportunity for students to learn to differentiate
bullying from the daily conflict situations everyone
faces. Students also learn how to use an assertive form
of communication known as “I-messages” to deal with
conflict and prevent bullying.
Everyone faces conflict in daily life and through it can
learn to negotiate and build relationships. Bullying is a
form of violence that leaves no room for negotiation
and seeks to tear others down rather than build
relationships.
Tips for Parents:
- help your children apply the definition of bullying to
determine if a situation is bullying or conflict
Does one person have more power than the
other? Is the behaviour intentional / on purpose?
Does it keep happening? (Answering yes to
these questions indicates bullying; answering no
indicates conflict)
- use teachable moments and ‘what if’ scenarios with
your children to help them differentiate bullying and
conflict
- talk with your children about the difference between
being passive, aggressive or assertive
- encourage the use of assertive communication such as
“I-messages” in your family
I feel….when…and I would like (or I need)….
Rather than …You made me….when you…and you need
to…
Together in Faith and Excellence
5
DUFFERIN- PEEL CATHOLIC INSTITUTE FOR
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
JANUARY VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is now
accepting applications from international students who
wish to study in our outstanding elementary and
secondary schools.
Education means the world to us.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
(DPCDSB) is Ontario’s second largest Catholic school
board operating 149 school facilities (including 123
elementary and 26 secondary schools) throughout
Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.
Schools are connected to and supported by Catholic
parishes and our faith.
Internationally recognized for excellence in education.
One of the truly defining characteristics of a DufferinPeel education is the diversity that comes with having a
student body from over 150 countries. We celebrate
both our internationalism and the uniqueness of each
member of our community - students, staff, parents, and
parish. As a school community we are greatly enriched
by this diversity.
Opening minds to a better world.
Located just west of the City of Toronto, on the north
shore of Lake Ontario, and less than a 90 minute drive to
Niagara Falls and the U.S. border, Dufferin-Peel is home
to the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s
largest airport with non-stop service to 180 destinations
in 60 countries around the world. Plus, the region boasts
an extensive network of local and regional train and bus
services with direct connections to 16 universities and
colleges within a 60 kilometre radius.
Students wishing to apply to our International
Education programs are encouraged to visit our website
at
www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Programs/International+Students
/or rita.borg@dpcdsb.org , (905) 412-3341 Ext. 31460.
Together in Faith and Excellence
6
IMPORTANT DATES: PLEASE
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PLACE DATES ON FAMILY CALENDAR
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January 9th – Pizza Day
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January 9th – Grade 1,2
and 2/3 classes skating at
Caledon East Arena – 10:15 – 11:15
a.m.
January 9th – DARE 9:30 a.m. - Mr.
Pitcher's Class, 10:15 am - Mr.
Gregoric/Mr. Zimmerman Grade 6
January 10th – Grade 3, 4 and
4/5 classes skating at Caledon East
Arena – 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
January 13th- Just Catering for Kids
 January 14th – Catholic School
Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.- All are
Welcome!
 January 16th – Grade 5, 6 and
6/7 classes skating at Caledon East
Arena 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
January 16th – Subway Lunch
January 17th – Grade 7 and 8 classes
skating at Caledon East Arena 10:15 –
11:15 a.m.
January 20th – P.D. Day – No
school for students
January 22nd – Rosary Apostolate
January 23rd – Pizza Day
January 23rd – DARE 9:30 a.m. - Mr.
Pitcher's Class, 10:15 am - Mr.
Gregoric/Mr. Zimmerman Grade 6
January 24th – Grade 7 Hep. B and
Men C. – 2nd dose and Grade 8 Girls
HPV 2nd vaccination
January 25th – DeRango - Enrollment
Mass 7:00 pm
January 25th – Grade 5, 6 and 6/7
classes skating at Caledon East arena
10:30 – 11:30 p.m.
January 27th – Just Catering for Kids
January 27th – JK/SK Registration
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. –Library (see info in
newsletter)
 January 27th and 28th – See Hear
January 29th – 1st Holy Communion
Parent Meeting – 7:00 p.m. at St. John
the Evangelist Parish
January 29th – Intermediate Mass - St.
John the Evangelist Church 10:00 am
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January 29th – January 31st – Jr. and
Sr. Kindergarten Registration in Health
room
January 30th– Subway Lunch
 January 30th – DARE 9:30 a.m. - Mr.
Pitcher's Class, 10:15 am - Mr.
Gregoric/Mr. Zimmerman Grade 6
January 30th– Kindergarten Zoo
Presentation
January 31st – Graduation Photos
February 3rd – Just Catering for Kids
February 4th – Report Cards go
home
February 6th – Pizza Lunch
February 6th – DARE 9:30 a.m. - Mr.
Pitcher's Class, 10:15 am - Mr.
Gregoric/Mr. Zimmerman Grade 6
February 6th –
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
February 7th – Grade 1,2 and 2/3
classes skating at Caledon East Arena –
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
February 7th – Pizza Day
On behalf of the staff and students of St. Cornelius
Catholic School, we wish you and your family a
very happy and prosperous 2014!
Together in Faith and Excellence
7