NOVEMBER: A MONTH TO REMEMBER
November is the month of Remembrance. For
Catholics this is a special time of year, as we are
reminded of the importance of the feasts of All Saints &
All Souls Day.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PRAYER
God our Father, your Son Jesus gave up His life to free us
from the power of sin and death.
He showed us that the greatest love is in giving up one’s
life for others.
We remember those who fought and died for our
freedom. We ask you to bless and console them together
with their families.
Help us to understand the sacrifices they made in leaving
their loved ones to face the horrors of war. May we never
forget their generosity.
May your Holy Spirit give us the courage to resist evil in all
its forms and show us how to be peacemakers through
prayer and action. Lest we forget who fought, suffered
and died that we might have the freedom and peace we
enjoy today.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
NOVEMBER 2014: INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Go Cougars Go!
School Council Christmas Marketplace
P.A. Day Reminder – Novmeber 14th
Bullying Prevention & Awareness Week
Page 2
Page 3
Page 3
Page 7
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1st, reminds
our community of those men and women (both known
and unknown) who have lived faithful lives in the
Church. On this day, we remember our saints in our
prayers and ask for their prayers and intercessions. The
historical roots of this celebration have to do with those
martyrs who died in the early Church. Later, Pope
Gregory VII declared this day to be the date we
remember all who lived and died for their faith.
All Souls Day, November 2nd, is a Roman Catholic day
of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have
passed away. The day purposely follows All Saints’ Day
in order to shift the focus from those in heaven to
those in purgatory. It is celebrated with masses and
festivities in honor of the dead. While the Feast of All
Saints is a day to remember the glories of Heaven and
those there, the Feast of All Souls reminds us of our
obligations to live holy lives and that there will be
purification of the souls of those destined for Heaven.
On November 11th, Canadians all across the country
stop and honour those who have served, at home or
overseas, in World War I, World War II, Korea and in all
peace missions all around the world. Memorial services
pay tribute to the more than 100,000 brave Canadians
who were killed in the service of their country. The
World War I Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month. As such, we stop and
remember on the 11th hour of November 11th. We will
be honouring Remembrance Day by having an assembly
on Nov. 11th at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to join us.
Together in Faith and Excellence
1
SPORTS’ CORNER
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
CO-ED JUNIOR SOFTBALL TEAM
Congratulations to the St. Cornelius Cougars’ Junior coed softball team. They travelled to Bolton on Oct. 1 to
participate in the family tournament. The students had
a great day at the fields and really came together as a
team, improving with every game. They made it to the
semi-finals! Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Jonkman and Mrs.
MacLeod were very impressed with the sportsmanship
and fair play exhibited by all the team members. The
cougars were well represented by Valentina, Beck,
Emma, Klara, Luca, Madison, Marcus, Mason,
Nathan, Amanda, Logan, and Samantha.
JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM
The Junior Boys volleyball team participated in the
BECDM Family of Schools Final at St. Michael’s High
School. The boys faced stiff competition but played
with determination and skill through round robin play.
Through no lack of effort, the boys did not advance
from round robin play. The coaches, Mr. DeRango and
Mrs. O’Donnell would like to thank these ambassadors
for St. Cornelius for the wonderful sportsmanship they
displayed. Special thanks to our assistant coach Thomas
for his support and enthusiasm, and to the following
players: Jacob F., Nathan C., Mason P., Nathan K., Beck
K., Logan L., Evan W., Peter A., and Marcus D. Well
Done Boys!
JUNIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Congratulations to our Junior Girls Volleyball Team who
traveled to St. Benedict School on October 9th to
compete in a mini tournament with the three
Orangeville schools.
The girls were on top of their game in the afternoon!
They won the battle against St. Peter and split a set
each against St. Andrew, but ended the day by placing
2nd to St. Benedict.
We are very proud of all the hard work and skill
improvement made this year!
Girls team members include: Madelin B., Aliyana B.,
Olivia C., Thea L., Amanda M., Samantha M., Aliya N.,
Emma P., Valentina R., Ashleigh S.
Coaches: Ms. Areblo, Mrs. Burke, Ms. D’Allessandro,
and Mrs. Morrison
Congratulations to the St. Cornelius Cougars CrossCountry Running Team! Our team of sixty-eighty
runners successfully completed individual races of
between 2.1 km and 3.9 km at the Family of Schools
Meet at Monora Park in Orangeville on October 17. We
congratulate students for their effort to train during
lunch hours and for their determination and team spirit
shown on race day! Thirty-three students qualified to
compete at the Board Meet Championship by placing in
the top 15 of their individual races and/or by
contributing to a qualifying team score. Team
placements include:
1st place overall: Gr. 6 girls, Gr. 7 boys, Gr. 8 boys.
2nd place overall: Gr. 5 boys, Gr. 6 boys.
Students who qualified for the Board Championship
(October 30 at Centennial Park, Etobicoke) include:
Grade 5: Victoria S., Madison K., Malcolm D., Joshua M.,
Antonio R., Massimo R., William E.
Grade 6: Sabrina B., Valentina R., Olivia C., Samantha G.,
Ashleigh S., Tara J., Jacob F., Mason P., Calum T., Beck
K., Nicholas Mag.
Grade 7: Alexandra L., Oriana P., Hayley M., Peter M.,
Patrick D., Joao C., Adam C., Kyle P.
Grade 8: Jada C., Stephanie C., Jordan F., Jonathan N.,
Nicholas C., Sal M., Kieran B.
Coaches: Mrs. Foley, Mr. Hayes, Mrs. Coward, Mr.
Gregoric
Thank you to Mrs. Balzan for her assistance at the
“finish” line and for organizing and setting up our school
shelter/tent! Mr. Johannink helped out at the “start”
line guiding our runners into their starting blocks! Thank
you to all parents/guardians who helped support our
students with encouraging words and cheers!
INTERMEDIATE CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM
Congratulations to the Intermediate Co-Ed Softball
Team who competed in our Family of Schools
Tournament on Thursday, October 2nd. Mrs. Kehoe and
Ms. Cerullo would like to thank the team for displaying
great sportsmanship both on and off the field. The team
demonstrated great effort, spirit and encouragement!
Thank you to all the parents who came out to support
the team and help with transportation. Thank you to
Mrs. Balzan for her coaching assistance and support at
the tournament. Team members: Jordan F., Ethan G.,
Anthony G., Kieran B., Nicholas C., Aiden L., Cassandra
E., Stephanie C., Jada C., Georgia M., Jillian H., and
Laryssa T. Coaches: Mrs. Kehoe and Ms. Cerullo
Together in Faith and Excellence
2
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
SUPPLY LUNCH TIME SUPERVISOR NEEDED
Thank you to everyone who participated
in our very successful reading campaign
this year through QSP! We raised funds
to be used for lots of programming and
activities you will be seeing throughout
the school year. We appreciate your support –
participation in these programs makes such an
incredible difference to our school offerings! Please be
sure to come out on November 29th 9:00am – 3:00pm to
our Christmas Marketplace and continue to support
your community and your school!
We are in need of a supply student monitor, which is a
paid position for 1.2 hours. This person would be called
on occasion when our current lunchtime student
monitors are absent. Please contact Mrs. Graci at the
school if you are interested.
Christmas Shopping Right At Your Doorstep! Come out
& see all that Caledon has to offer. Over 40 Vendors
showcasing Goods & Services. Free to all residents of
the community & surrounding areas. Support Caledon
by shopping through Local Retailers and providing a
fundraising opportunity to St. Cornelius School.
Christmas Trees for Sale by Davis Feed, Raffles, FREE
pictures with Santa & much more! Visit our Facebook
page for further details:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-CorneliusChristmas-Marketplace/1504873766435087
Also, stay tuned for a Poinsettia fundraiser that will be
happening in December – save your poinsettia
purchases to benefit your school and your children –
more information to follow shortly. As well, we thank
our Catholic School Council for their support of the
2014-15 Artists and Scientists in the School program.
These curriculum based programs compliment student
learning in the classroom and are a great deal of fun!
Council encourages all parents to join us at our monthly
meetings. You are always welcome to attend as a
guest. Our next council meeting is on Tuesday,
November 4th at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing
you there!
P.A. DAY REMINDER – NOVEMBER 14TH
School is closed as teachers are involved in professional
development.
BALLROOM DANCE INSTRUCTION
We are happy to announce that “Future Steps”
Ballroom Dance instruction is coming to St. Cornelius.
Our school council has approved funding of this great
program which will be offered as an enrichment to both
the “ARTS” curriculum (specifically “Dance”) and the
“Physical Education” curriculum. Dance not only has the
potential to improve fitness, physical strength, flexibility
and stamina, but can also help to improve social and
communication skills, along with opportunities for
increased self-esteem and self-discipline. Since its
inception in 2006, "Future Steps/Burlington Dance Club"
has introduced ballroom and hip-hop dance to close to
30,000 children in Southern Ontario with resounding
success. Starting the second and third week of
November, students in grades 1 through 8 will have the
opportunity to take part in weekly ballroom dance
lessons for a period of five weeks, culminating with a
final showcase performance for parents/guardians on
Tuesday, December 16 during the school day. More
information will be forthcoming.
ROOTS OF EMPATHY PROGRAM
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom
program that has shown significant effect in reducing
levels of aggression among school children by raising
social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.
At the heart of the program are a neighbourhood infant
and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks
over the school year. The grade 6 students in Mr.
Pitcher's class at St. Cornelius School have the
wonderful opportunity to watch Baby 'Cynthia' grow
and will learn about themselves and their peers by
participating in the Roots Of Empathy program. Stay
tuned for Roots of Empathy updates throughout the
school year!
PUMPKIN MASH WAS A SMASH!
FRENCH IMMERSION INFO. MEETING
The students and staff once again enjoyed their day at the
Pumpkin Mash on October 31st. The decorations were
incredible and the music was awesome! A very special thank
you to our parent volunteers who spent hours decorating
the gym: Mrs. Balzan, Mrs. Soares, Mrs. Godino, Mrs. Niro,
Mrs. Facchini, Ms. Smith and Mrs. Dimitrio!
Year 2 Kindergarten parents/guardians, who wish to
enroll their child in a Grade 1 French Immersion class
for September, 2015 are invited to attend an
information meeting at Our Lady of Providence School
on Tuesday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Together in Faith and Excellence
3
STUDENT FAITH AMBASSADORS
OPERATION SMILE
A congratulations goes out to the Youth
Faith Ambassadors!
Mrs. McGee is calling all Chefs in the St.
Cornelius Community, “we are looking for your
help. If you enjoy to cook and like sharing your
recipes we would love to get a copy of your
favourite recipe and share it with everyone in a
2015 St. Cornelius Cookbook.”
On October 23, 2014, the members of our St.
Cornelius Faith Ambassadors participated in
a day of Commissioning at St. Marguerite
D'Youville Parish in Brampton along with all Brampton
East, Caledon, Dufferin, and Malton family of schools.
Our students were involved in various faith based
activities such as a mass, tableaus, learning about
saints, and created a collective mission statement for
the faith ambassadors. It was an exciting day for
celebration of our faith for our young leaders. Our
students for the 2014-2015 year are: Elysa A., Nicholas
M., Isabella B., Sarah I., Joey R., John S., Adam C., Paige
S., Paige J., James S., Ethan B., Sierra G., Kaitlyn V.,
Antonietta R., Dante D., Christina F., Kyle P. Together,
we will grow spiritually in serving others as Jesus did.
PROJECT GIFT
―
Similar to the collection of gifts in a shoebox project,
the St. Cornelius youth faith ambassadors are heading
up the collection of gifts and items in small plastic
containers to send with Dr. Simone to areas that would
benefit not only from the goods, but also the plastic
boxes. Once the gifts are received the families can
utilize the box to store food and clothing to keep them
dry and free of contamination.
In the spirit of Advent and the true meaning of
Christmas it is with great excitement that I, Mrs.
McGee, share my classes 3rd annual Operation Smile at
St. Cornelius. A few of my former grade four students
have expressed interest in making a St. Cornelius
Cookbook to sell with the proceeds going to Operation
Smile. My students in the past have amazed me with
their excitement and charitable efforts. Instead of giving
gifts to each other and especially myself, I ask students
for donations to Operation Smile i.e. coins: nickels,
dimes, quarters etc. In the past, many students did
extra chores to raise money, spoke to other family
members about our class undertaking and sometimes
gave their own money to help our class accumulate
donations. This year our class goal will be to raise
enough money to pay for one surgery ($240) for a child
in a third world country.
So if you are interested in helping us make a 2015 St.
Cornelius Cookbook with proceeds going to Operation
Smile we would love to share your recipes. Please send
all recipes to:
Cornelius.cookbook@yahoo.ca
For additional information on Operation Smile refer to
their website:
http://www.operationsmile.org/
St. Cornelius students are being asked to plan with their
families and purchase a small box with a sealing lid,
then fill it with items such as: a toothbrush, toothpaste
soap, toys, clothing, small books and hard candies, etc.
Thank you for sharing your recipes with us and watch
for them in the upcoming 2015 St. Cornelius Cookbook.
A note will be sent home with students with a label to
utilize for the box. This label will identify the items
purchased (for a boy or girl and their age). Look for
further notice in your child's agenda.
Thank you to the family who donated a
lovely sofa to our library. It gives us
another cozy spot to read and is much
appreciated by both students and staff.
LIBRARY NEWS
Looking for volunteers! If you have a spare hour
during your week and would like to get involved in the
library, please contact Ms. Jonkman. Some of the
support volunteers can offer would include shelving,
stamping and repairing books, reading with students
and working on the computer. Thank you!
Together in Faith and Excellence
4
MESSAGE FROM OUR ECO-CLUB
IMPORTANT OFFICE REMINDER
The ECO-CLUB is up and
running at St. Cornelius and
we're here to help!
For the safety of all children at St. Cornelius School, we
kindly ask that you always sign in at the main office
whenever you visit the school whether it be picking up a
child for an appointment or dropping off a lunch. There
should never be a reason to go directly to your child’s
classroom. Also, we ask that you only use the main
doors during school hours (parents of children in the
YMCA Program can still use the side door before/after
school). Lastly, parents we ask that if are you in the
foyer it is for quick drop offs and pick ups. For the safety
of all our students, we ask parents to not remain in the
front entrance. Thank you for your cooperation.
Once again we are registered
to participate in the Ontario
Eco-Schools challenge. The
Ontario Eco-Schools is an
environmental education and certification program that
helps school communities develop both ecological
literacy and environmental practices so they may
become environmentally responsible citizens and
reduce the ecological footprint of their schools. Last
year, we were granted a GOLD acknowledgment award
for our efforts. This year we are aiming to continue
reaching our Eco-School goals!
Just how are we going to do better?
1. Litterless Lunch Wednesdays or every day is back!
Please do your best to send your child to school with all
reusable containers or recyclable goods. Remember,
reusable is always best!
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION
MEETING FOR 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enroll their
child in a Grade 5 Extended French class for September,
2015 are invited to attend an information meeting at:
Holy Family School, 61 Allan Drive Bolton – L7E 1P7
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
2. "Water Bottle Watch" – Classes will be monitored by
an Eco-club member to see which classed have the
largest number of students with re-fillable drinking
containers.
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 17, 2015.
3. Other environmental initiatives we will be involved in
are: making sure every class has a GOOS paper box,
spring planting in the peace garden, Weekly Recycle
audit, Waste Audits, Earth Hour, IDLE Free Zones, Green
Thumb Club School Beautification, etc.
HALLOWEEN CANDY DRIVE
The key to successfully implementing the ECO-CLUB’s
green initiatives is to create a meaningful
environmental change at our school. But without the
full support of parents, teachers, custodians and
administrators it will be very difficult. So let’s get
together and with our own two hands, we can change
the world.
Malnutrition shuts down the body’s
digestive track and often children
cannot eat, even when regular healthy
food is given to them. However, the
doctors have discovered that candy,
with its high content of sugar can start
the digestive track working. This allows children in third
world countries to consume food, thus saving their
lives. Please help us save children’s lives. Please collect
and drop off hard candy in a plastic bag to the main
office this week and the church until November 13th . If
you have any questions, please call Father Bob at 905990-0080.
2013-2014 EQAO RESULTS Our current grade 4
& 7 students EQAO testing results have now been
published. Please refer to our website for our full
report. Individual results were sent home.
Together in Faith and Excellence
5
SCHOOL YARD SAFETY
Thank you for your cooperation with ensuring the safety
of our students by following our school safe practice of
students and staff only in the school yard. During
inclement weather we will be calling indoor recess and
students will come directly into the school when they
arrive between 9:00 -9:15 a.m. Since there are no
students in the yard, and the teachers are supervising
indoors, parents may walk their children to the school
and students may enter using the back door. We
appreciate your cooperation as we work together to
keep our school safe.
A person of CONSCIENCE:
• Chooses to do the "right thing" and
feels good about it
• Can see how his/her actions may
hurt others
• Admits his/her wrong-doing and
feels badly
• Says "sorry" and tries to make up
for mistakes
• Keeps promises
UPCOMING KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS
CONCERT
Please join us! More information to follow soon.
Wednesday, December 17th Kindergarten Concert at 6:307:30 p.m.
Please be advised due to fire
code regulations, we are
requesting no more than 4 guests
per student at our Kindergarten
concert.
NOVEMBER VIRTUE: CONSCIENCE
We are very excited to be congratulating students who
have demonstrated the virtue of the month with a
positive message over the announcement and a virtues
pencil presented to them from Mrs. Tavares and Mrs.
Graci. Each month we will have a school wide assembly
focusing on the virtue of the month. Please refer to
child's agenda for date of Virtues assembly. All are
welcome to attend!
This month we will celebrate the virtue of CONSCIENCE.
God has given us the ability to know the right and
decent way to act and then to act that way. We trust
that the common Spirit we share inspires us and guides
us to make good decisions if we allow our CONSCIENCE
to be well-formed. A person of CONSCIENCE allows
prayer & scripture to influence him/her.
BOARD GAMES NEEDED FOR INDOOR
RECECSS ACTIVITIES
We are asking for donations of any ‘gently used’ board
games (with all pieces included) for students to use
during our rainy day indoor recesses. Please send in to
the Main Office if you do have any you would like to
contribute to the school. Students thank you!
Together in Faith and Excellence
6
NOVEMBER “SAFE SCHOOL” FOCUS
EVERYONE NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO LIVE IN
PEACE
In November students will focus on the message of
peace. Peace is defined as inner contentment, serenity
and harmonious relations. Students will
create a unique ‘peace place’ in
each of their classrooms. The
‘peace place’ is an area identified
and decorated by students that
they can use to take a moment for
personal reflection or to resolve
conflict with another student. This
idea of having a ‘calming’ space is used in schools,
workplaces and family homes.
Tips for parents:
- help your child learn to recognize early signs that they
are becoming agitated or upset
- create a calming space / reflection area in your home
- learn the steps of the conflict resolution model the
school uses and apply those at home
BULLYING AWARENESS & PREVENTION
WEEK
Students will be involved in
various anti-bullying initiatives
and discussions. We will begin
with our kick off assembly
November 17th. Stay tuned as
we work together as
peacemakers!
REMINDERS AND RESOURCES: COLD AND
FLU SEASON
As cold and flu season approaches, the Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board continues to be vigilant in
ensuring that our schools are clean and that our school
communities are educated regarding good hand
hygiene and cough etiquette. These practices are
promoted on an ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of
colds and flu increases, our board increases the cleaning
of contact surfaces, as well as reminds schools to review
cold and flu prevention with students and staff. Many
resources are utilized from our regional health units.
A reminder, as well, that communicable diseases can be
contracted in public places throughout the year. For
example, cold-related viruses, such as Enterovirus, are
transferred from person to person through hand
contact. Cold and flu viruses typically peak from
December through February, but can start as early as
October.
Regional Health Unit Resources
Please assist us by reviewing good hand washing
procedures, as well as other preventative measures, as
outlined in the various Peel Health and Wellington
Dufferin Guelph (WDG) resources available to you
through their websites. As always, children who are
unwell, should be kept at home.
Flu Clinics
Also available on the Peel Health and WDG websites,
are the schedules of local Flu Clinics.
One of the many exciting opportunities for students will
be a positive school community builder which
empowers students with tools to develop physical,
mental, social and emotional well-being. St. Cornelius is
very excited to host “Groovin’ Kids’ workshops on
November 19 and 21 during the Bullying Awareness and
Prevention Week. Students will focus on self awareness,
confidence and healthy peer interactions, while
celebrating unity and individuality to represent a
positive community....and being active at the same
time! Permission forms to participate in this activity will
be sent home shortly.
For more information, visit the health unit websites:


Peel Health website:
http://www.peelregion.ca/health
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Health website:
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Direct links to the above information can be found in
the Parent Section of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District
School Board website at www.dpcdsb.org
Together in Faith and Excellence
7
IMPORTANT DATES:
ATTACHMENTS
PLEASE PLACE DATES ON FAMILY
CALENDAR
November 3rd – Just Catering for Kids
November 4th – Catholic School Council Meeting at
6:30 p.m.
November 5th – Grade 8 Shadow Day at RF Hall S.S.
November 6th – Picture Retake Day / Class Picture
Day
November 6th – Pizza Day
November 8th – 5:00 pm Confirmation Enrolment
Mass (Mrs. Bell’s students) at St. John the
Evangelist Parish
November 10th – Just Catering for Kids
November 11th – Progress Reports Sent Home
November 11th – Remembrance Day Assembly 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
November 12th – Mass for Grades 4, 5 and 6
students–– 10:00 am- All are welcome.
November 13th – Sub Day
November 13th – 4:00 – 9:00 pm –
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
November 14th = PD Day – No School for Students
November 17th-21st- Bullying Awareness and
Prevention Week
November 17th – Just Catering for Kids
November 19th – ‘Groovin’ Kids’ Workshops
November 20th – Rosary Apostolate
November 20th – Pizza Day
November 21st – ‘Groovin’ Kids’ Workshops –p.m.
November 24th – Just Catering for Kids
November 27th – Sub Day
November 29th – St. Cornelius Marketplace
December 1st, 8th, and 15th – Just Catering for Kids
December 4th and 18th – Pizza Day
December 6th – 5:00 pm – Confirmation Enrolment
Mass (Mr. DeRango’s students) at St. John the
Evangelist Parish
December 11th – Sub Day
December 16th- Ballroom Dance Showcase- Gr. 1-8
December 17th – 9:45 am – Advent Mass in
gymnasium. All are welcome.
December 17th- Kindergarten Concert at 6:30 a.m.
December 18th – Rosary Apostolate
December 18th – Mrs. Leitch’s Grade 5 class to
Silvercreek Outdoor Centre
December 22nd – January 2nd – Christmas Break
1. Christmas Marketplace Flyer
2. Math at Home
Together in Faith and Excellence
8