An Advent Reflecti

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October 2013 Edition
Principal
Mr. M. Cassar
Vice Principal
Ms. T. Owens
Head Secretary
Ms. S. McGee
Assistant Secretary
Mrs. G. Odoardi
School Council Chair
Mrs. E. Amorin
Mrs. C. Cabello
Superintendent
Mrs. S. Steer
Ward 6 Trustee
Mrs. L. Zanella
905-890-1211
Parish Team
Father Jan Gogolewski
Guardian Angels Parish
(905) 970 - 9175
We at Guardian Angels
School, dedicate ourselves to
creating and fostering a
spiritually rich learning
environment that empowers
the individual to take
responsibility for their
personal and interpersonal
growth and development.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Thank you to the Guardian Angels
community for attending our fabulous
Open House/BBQ held in September. The
event was a huge success. Over 500 people
attended for a fun-filled night that was
highlighted by a tasty BBQ, cotton candy,
ice cream and face painting for the kids.
We had the opportunity to speak with many
of you. You shared your hopes and dreams
for your children and were very
enthusiastic about how Guardian Angels
fits into those plans. On behalf of the entire
staff at Guardian Angels, we pledge to
work with you to help make those dreams
come true.
October will be a busy month. We
celebrated our Thanksgiving Mass where
paused to thank God for the many blessings
in our lives! It is our hope that you were
able to spend some time with family and
friends during the Thanksgiving weekend
to contemplate all that is good in our world.
Guardian Angels continues to be a leader
in Catholic education as our staff begins
the many co-curricular activities that
complement our rigorous academic
program. Volleyball, choir, soccer and
Cross Country are just some of the amazing
aspects of our school. Our Halloween
Dance is on the horizon too.
Parents on our School Council were
nominated and are poised to take a visible,
proactive and positive approach to
engaging parents in the education of their
children. We congratulate the entire School
Council member for stepping up and taking
an active role in supporting the school.
Sincerely,
Mark Cassar, Principal
Theresa Owens, Vice Principal
UPCOMING
Thursday, November 7, 2013.
Parent-Teacher-Student
Interview evening…
More Information to follow
Friday October 11…
is a Professional Development
Day for all staff.
There is no school for students.
Monday October 14…
is Thanksgiving Monday.
The School is closed.
School Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 @
6:30 PM …
Held in the library. Please join us!!
All parents are welcome.
THANKSGIVING FOOD
DRIVE
“Jesus made it very clear,
Whatever you do to the least of my brethren,
You do it to me.
Give a glass of water, you give it to me.
Mother Theresa
Thank you to all of our families for your generosity
in donating food for our food drive! Our school and
our Community thanks you for your support!
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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PRINCIPAL /VICE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
We would like to take this opportunity to
thank all the families who helped support
our Thanksgiving Day Food Drive. We
will be able to deliver a significant
amount of nonperishable food items to
those in our community that truly need
our support. . We often take many of our
blessings for granted and I feel truly grateful for the opportunity
to be part of the Guardian Angels community. The combined
efforts of everyone – parish, staff, students and parents – make
this such a vibrant and caring learning community. By working
together, we move forward as lifelong learners striving for
excellence in our personal, social, spiritual and academic
growth. Thank you also for supporting our efforts to build
community, work collaboratively, promote respect, and put
academics first. Together, let’s move from ‘me to we’.
Mr. Mark Cassar, Principal
Ms. Theresa Owens, Vice Principal
SCHOOL HOURS
Grades 1 - 8
9:00 AM – MORNING BEGINS
10:28 AM – RECESS BREAK
12:06 PM – 12:46 PM – RECESS
12:46 PM – 1:06 PM - LUNCH
1:06 PM – AFTERNOON BEGINS
2:29 PM– RECESS BREAK
3:30 PM – SCHOOL ENDS
SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Please note that supervision in the playground begins at 8:45
AM. Please do not leave your children unattended in the school
grounds before the teacher supervision begins.
THE VIRTUES INITIATIVE
A key aspect of the Board’s strategic direction is the continued
development of safe, caring, inclusive Catholic school commun
ities. As a Catholic Community, we are called to learn, grow an
d become more like Jesus. Catholic education provides us the
opportunity to integrate the virtues into our students’ daily
activity. The virtues will be covered every month during
announcements, in class during discussions, and at school
Living Our Faith Awards assemblies.
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September: Faith
November: Conscience
January: Self-control
March: Kindness
May: Acceptance
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together.
Empathy
helps us to connect
and live together in
safe, caring, inclusive
communities.
We
understand empathy to
mean the ability to
identify with and feel
other
people’s
concerns. We believe
that in a faith
community we are
nothing
without
relationships.
Relationships
that
grow in a spirit of
communion – an
understanding that we
share an identity based
on being created in the
image and likeliness
of God and in with
Spirit. An Empathetic
person believes that
we all share one Spirit;
that we are many parts
of one body because
we are all created in
the image and likeness
of God.
October: Empathy
December: Hope
February: Respect
April: Love
June: Fairness
This month we will focus on the virtue of Empathy. God has
given us the ability to form connections with each other – to live
We will be kicking off our fall
fundraising on the Thanksgiving Long
Weekend. It will run for three weeks.
We will be offering chocolate bars
provided
by
World’s
Finest
Chocolate. Chocolates.
These fundraising events generate funds that support initiatives
within the school. Monies raised through fundraising helped
provide new gym equipment, math resources for the classroom,
guest artists and subsidized the costs of trips. Please show your
support by selling a box of chocolates. We have fabulous prizes
this year including:
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5.
APPLE IPAD (top prize given to the student who sells the most
boxes…5 box minimum)
APPLE IPOD (second prize given to the student who sells the second
most number of boxes…4-box minimum.)
TWO TORONTO MAPLE LEAF TICKETS (third prize
given to the student who sells the third most number of boxes…4-box
minimum.)
A MOUNTAIN BIKE! (Fourth prize given to the student who sells
the fourth most number of boxes…3-box minimum.)
Plus 20 other prizes!!
The more you sell – the more you can win! A permission form
will come home for you to return to the school ONLY if you do
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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not want to participate. Otherwise, one box per family will come
home with the oldest or only child. For parents who prefer an
alternate of how to support Guardian Angels, donations of
$40.00 will be accepted in lieu of selling a box of chocolates.
FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRS
It is hard to believe that
summer has come and
gone and we are well
into fall. With the leaves
changing to the bright
brilliant fall colors could
only mean a few
things..... Thanksgiving,
Halloween and our first Parent Council meeting of the year. We
had a terrific turnout this past meeting on Wednesday October
2nd, but would like to encourage parents to attend these
meetings. This gives everyone an opportunity to be involved in
your children's school, be the voice of ideas and to be a part of
the school that your child attends. Your child appreciate it
knowing that you as their parent are involved in the planning of
some of the fun upcoming activities. This also gives parents the
opportunity to get to know some of the people within your
community. Do not look at the Parent Council as a chore look
at it as a fun adventure that you will always be able to share with
your kids. Years down the road, they will thank you for it. What
better gift to receive from your child when he or she looks at you
and thanks you for all that you have done for their school. Our
next parent council meeting is tentatively scheduled for
Wednesday November 13th at 6:30 pm.
Guardian Angels open house was a great success, we would like
to thank all those involved in the preparation and the planning
on such a terrific evening, and we certainly hope that everyone
enjoyed himself or herself. This year Guardian Angels school
is striving towards becoming a gold certified Eco School
therefore, we would kindly request as much assistants from the
parent or caregivers when packing your children's lunches. This
would help a great deal and would encourage the children to be
environmentally conscious.
Regarding fundraising, our first fundraiser are World’s Finest
Chocolates.....yum!! I know we all look forward to this. Please
sell what you can for every little bit helps and there are some
terrific prizes up for grabs. We would also like to remind all
parents that when we do these fundraisers the money that is
raised goes into assisting with the cost of many different events
ie. Assist with keeping the costs down for bussing for school
trips, helps to pay for prizes for special events, school sport
uniforms etc... So let us work hard on these fundraisers and try
to raise as much as we possibly can.
Last but not certainly not least, I would like to wish everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving for we all have so much to be thankful for.
Including the love, family, friends, health and Jesus. We should
also be very thankful and blessed for all those men and women
that have given their lives and fought for our freedom and
continue to fight for peace around the world. If not for them, we
would have nothing to be thankful. Please remember to wear
your Poppy proudly during the month of November and support
our veterans. A hug or a big Thank you to our veterans goes a
long way. As well I would like to wish everyone a happy
Thanksgiving and a safe and spooky Halloween.
Sheri Cabello & Kelly Pacheco
Chair, Guardian Angels Parent Council
DANCE IN SUPPORT OF ONE OF OUR OWN
Guardian Angels student Antonio Mastroangelo was diagnosed
with Leukemia in March. He also has
Down Syndrome.
The medical
expenses can be overwhelming. A
dinner dance for the family to help
support their son. It will be held at
Vasco da Gama Hall, 25 Fisherman
Drive Brampton on November 23rd at
6pm. Tickets are: $75 for adults and
$25 for children. There are many
prizes to be won.
For more
information, please contact Kelly Pacheco 647-271-4154
SCHOOL LITURGY
Our School Opening Mass will was on Thursday, October 3,
2013 @ 9:15 AM. Father Jan Gogolewski led students and staff
in our first liturgical celebration of the school year. Grade Three
classes did an amazing job preparing the celebration with Mrs.
Lyons, Ms. Schmalz and Ms. Schiavone organizing the choir
and music. Many parents joined us, which helped make our first
mass this year very special.
TERRY FOX EVENT
This year, to celebrate the Terry Fox
Run, students, staff and parent
volunteers
participated
in
a
community event to raise funds to
support Cancer research. The event
was a tremendous success. Weather
cooperated, providing a wonderful
opportunity to enjoy an autumn walk around the school.
Students were entertained through a weeklong awareness
campaign that included an assembly, a staff-student volleyball
game and BINGO on the announcements each day. All monies
raised went to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Thank you to Mrs. McCannel for her dedication and support
towards this worthwhile cause. She has organized this event
since 2004 and we have raised almost $13,000. Thank you to all
the staff and students who made the event such a success.
Special thanks to the following staff who helped organize the
10th Annual Terry Fox Event: Mrs. Stoker, Mrs. Parris, Mrs.
Gibson Power, Mrs. Fournier, Mr. Merino, Mrs. Kotarska, Mrs.
Sivasankaran, Mrs. Kotarska and Mr. Morris. A special thanks
to our Volleyball players, both students and staff, who
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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participated in our fun volleyball game and to our staff who
participated in Crazy Hair Day. Thank you to our school
community for supporting another successful Terry Fox Event.
for 2013. Your child may be eligible for transportation to and
from school if you live beyond the following distances:
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TELEPHONE CALLING THE SCHOOL
Each day our office receives numerous phone calls from parents
with messages for their children. With the lines tied up, these
calls are often left as messages on our
machine. In an effort to ensure that we do
not miss one of these messages and not get
it to your child on time, we ask that you
please ensure that arrangements are made
the night before and children know what
they are to do after school. In addition, we
encourage parents to send lunches, notes and messages in the
morning with their child(ren) in an effort to avoid interruptions
at the classroom level. We understand that emergencies do
happen and we will do our best to assist in these situations.
Thank you for your cooperation.
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY
JK /SK/Gr. 1
Grades 2 - 4
Grades 5 - 8
1.0 km
1.6 km
2.0 km
For eligible students, bus pick up and drop off times are
available using your OEN number (this is on your child’s report
card every year). Should you have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact the Transportation Department (1-800-6681140 or 905-890-6000) directly.
As per board policy, any courtesy seats will be granted mid
October 2013. During the month of September, only those
students who live in the bussing area are eligible to ride the
school bus. Parents are asked to write a letter to the
Principal/Vice Principal to request an empty seat. Letters will be
accepted until September 28th. After that date, you will receive
notice of any empty seats available. Preferences will be given to
students from Grades 1 – 4.
PARENT COUNCIL 2013-2014
We celebrated World Teachers’ Day on October 5, 2013 in
order to commemorate all the hard work and dedications our
educators provide our children
every day. Most of us can point to
an educator who has influenced us
positively in some way. Take a
moment to reflect on the teachers
you have today, or have had in the
past. If there is someone, who has had a major influence on you
in the past, has made learning fun and interesting, or has helped
you to achieve success in some way, take a moment to thank that
person if you can or simply thank one of your current teachers
by telling them you appreciate them. THANK YOU STAFF!!!!
EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS
Educational trips that extend learning opportunities are
encouraged. Teachers must follow appropriate Board
procedures and by law, the school must have on file permission
forms which must be signed by parents. VERBAL
PERMISSION cannot be accepted.
BUSSING FOR 2013—2014
We are pleased to announce our 2013-2014 Catholic School
Council team. It is the role of the Council to advise and consult
in a collaborative and respectful manner, with the school staff,
on matters that pertain to the school as a whole. We would like
to welcome:
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Principal: Mr. Cassar
Vice Principal: Ms. Owens
Council Chairpersons: Mrs. Pacheco, and Mrs. Cabello
Teacher Representatives: Mrs. Graesser and Mrs. Sepe
Non-Teacher Representative: Mrs. Sivasankaran
Parish Representative: Mrs. Saunders-Georges
Treasurer: Mrs. Rositano, Mr. Andrade (support)
Secretary Mrs. Saroli (Mrs. Arghittu support)
Members at large based on first week’s attendance:
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E. Amorin, L. Machado, A. Caringi, D. Cordi Nardi, N.
Arghittu, L. Saroli, J. Njoki, K. Cosgrove, S. Neslon, P.
Nelson, W. Lewis, C. Spence, T. Morgan, S. Rachner, M.
Belgrave, S. Joaquim, S. Lopes, J. Wilson, N. Rositano, J.
Estevao, R. Mehuish, E. Andrade, P. Cordeiro, M. Romano
Our next meeting is November 13th at 6:30 p.m.
The board has a system to determine eligibility using a GPS
software system. We request that
you
visit
the
website,
http://businfo.stopr.ca. Once on
the site, you will have to change
the school year to 2013- 2014 and
then enter your address, grade
level of your child and School
Board, and it will inform you if
your child is eligible for bussing
OUR PARISH TEAM
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Father Jan
Gogolewski and the Parish Team of Guardian Angels Parish to
our school. We truly appreciate all of their hard work and above
all their dedication to the entire Guardian Angels Community.
We look forward to their spiritual guidance with our staff and
students!
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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OPEN HOUSE BBQ – MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
The annual BBQ and “Meet the Teacher”
evening occurred Monday, September 23rd.
The BBQ was held from 5:00 PM to 6:30
PM and teachers were available to meet
families in their classrooms after the BBQ.
Three clowns attended entertaining the kids, face painting and
balloons for everyone. We also had an ice cream truck and a fire
truck available to add the festivities. We had an excellent time
socializing with you and having fun coming together as a
Catholic School Community.
SCHOOL SECURITY PROTOCOL
We have taken proactive measures to secure the safety of staff
and students by locking the front door.
Visitors may gain entrance by pressing
a buzzer mounted on the wall, beside
the door. The buzzer activates a 2-way
speaker and camera system. The Office
will then be able to tell who is at the
door through a TV monitor and thus, regulate visitor access to
the school.
MASSES
Celebration
Date and Time
Location
Remembrance Day
Monday, November 11
@ 9:15 AM
Wednesday, December 4
@ 9:15 AM
School
Advent Mass
Wednesday, December 18
@ 9:15 AM
School
Virtue Mass
Wednesday, February 5
@ 9:15 AM
Wednesday, March 5
School
Advent Confessions
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
School
SUNDAY MASS
We should all be faithful to our parish
church, be involved in it, participate
actively in the liturgy and attend
Mass on Sunday regularly.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church says: #2180 …the precept of the Church specifies the
law of the Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy
days of obligation the faithful are bond to participate in the
Mass.”
#2181 = The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and the
confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the
faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of
obligation, unless excused for a serious reason. Make every
effort to attend Mass every Sunday. Without Sunday we cannot
survive in our faith.
LIVING OUR FAITH AWARDS
We celebrate student success by holding
once-a-month assemblies. There are three
awards per class given out: Living Our
Faith Award, Most Improved Award
and an Academic Award.
The assemblies start with a brief liturgical reflection. This
process provides an intimate and special opportunity for
students and parents to celebrate success. Our first assembly
will be Wednesday, October 30, 2013. All parents are
welcome to join us. Parents of children receiving awards will
receive personal invitations.
GUARDIAN ANGELS WEBSITE
In Class
Lenten Mass
Thursday, April 3
@ 9:15 AM
School
Resurrection/Easter Mass
Wednesday, April 23
@ 9:15 AM
School
Year End Mass/ Guardian
Angels Feast Day
Wednesday, June 18
@ 9:15 AM
School
Special Masses
First Reconciliation
Date and Time
Wednesday, March 19
@ 9:15 AM
Location
School
Confessions for
Grade 8
Students
First Communion
Wednesday, March 19
@ 10:30 AM
School
Sunday, May 25
@ 3:00 PM
Our Lady of
Fatima Parish
Confirmation
Saturday, May 31
@ 5:00 PM
St. Edmund
Campion School
Every few days, Mrs. Gallant updates the website with letters,
information and other pertinent items. Looking for a document
or information? Need to contact our School Council Chair?
…check out our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg Thanks
to Mrs. Gallant for up keeping the website.
SAFE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Guardian Angels is a Catholic community that respects and pro
motes the uniqueness of all its members. By following the teac
hings of Jesus, we pledge to provide everyone with a safe, carin
g and peaceful environment, which ensures the respect and acc
eptance of all. Because of these beliefs, bullying will not be to
lerated. Your child deserves a safe environment to work, learn
and play in. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
PIZZA DAYS
The process for pizza days has changed this year for a number
of reasons.
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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First, the one staff member who ran the every other week
program is no longer at Guardian Angels. As such, Ms. McGee,
our secretary, has graciously offered to run the pizza program.
Because this is an extrememy time-consuming process, we do
not have the ‘manpower’ to collate orders weekly. If at least 4
parents are willing to commit to helping Ms. McGee every
week, we may be able to switch to allowing weekly pizza orders.
For now, it will remian a month by month process. Other
benefits to ordering once per month include:
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Your child carrying money to school only once
Peace of mind that lunch is taken care of once a week
The option of buying a package or indicual items
The second change came in the pizza supplier. The Ministry of
Education mandates that food sold in school must meet
nutritional standards – particularly in the quantities of
ingredients like fibre, sodium, sugar and fat. Last year’s vendor
did not meet these standsrds. As such, Dominoes has been
contracted since they can order the product that meets our
nutritional guidelines. The cheese, pepperoni, sauce and dough
all meet the standards. Because our pizza program eliminates
many of the artificial ingredients found in cheaper products, the
cost is slighlty higher. It is still significantly cheaper than the
price if you walked into the store to buy it. Even the cookie
meets guidleines for fibre ands sugar content and is all natural.
September’s orders topped 65 pizza resulting in over 500 slices
being delivered weekly. That’s double the volume we did last
year. Clearly, most parents love the value for the dollar and the
ease of ordering once. We will continue to use the once a month
ordereing at this time until consistent volunteers come forward.
Partial and late orders are not accecpted. Thanks to Ms. McGee
and all the student runners as well as all of our volunteers for
supporting the program. If you wish to volunteer to help out,
please contact Ms. McGee at the school.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers play an important role in the
life of our school community. They help
to enhance the learning opportunities
available to students and make a
difference in the academic life of our
students. If you can spare some time to
read with students, help teachers in the classroom (other than
your own child’s) assist in the literacy room, photocopy, count
money for special events etc., we need you!
If you are interested in volunteering within the school, please
contact Mrs. Moniz-Amaral, our volunteer coordinator. Please
note that anyone working or volunteering in our school must
have a criminal reference check completed by the local police
service before volunteering can begin.
VALUABLES
A reminder that AS PER BOARD POLICY, students are not
allowed to bring PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES like
cell phones, pagers, iPods, MP3 players, cameras, etc. to school.
These items, especially cell phones, will be confiscated and
parents will be required to pick them up from the office.
Please keep your child’s valuables at home. Staff cannot be
responsible for any valuables that your child brings to school.
Money, jewelry, Pokemon cards, electronics, toys, etc., should
be kept at home. “Wheelie shoes” and “Bay Blades” are not
allowed at school.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Just a reminder to students and visitors to the
school that PED’s such as cell phones, cameras,
iPod, electronic games etc are NOT to be used
on school property or during school related
activities, such as field trips or sporting events.
If students have a cell phone for use on the way
home after school, it must be turned off and
stored away out of site in their knapsacks
during school hours. Devices may be
confiscated, and parents will be required to pick
it up from the Principal/Vice Principal.
SCENT FREE POLICY
Children are discouraged from wearing perfume and cologne to
school. Some of our students and staff have asthma and
allergies. The smell of perfume can trigger allergic reactions
and breathing difficulties for them.
CHILD ILLNESSES
Please keep your child at home if he/she is
sick. We discourage children who have a
fever, are coughing, vomiting, or have a
runny nose, from coming to school. They will recover from
their illness much quicker if they are resting at home.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES
The conduct of individual students on the bus directly affects the
safety of all the students on the bus. The driver’s attention needs
to be on the road. We are requesting that all parents/guardians
reinforce the School Bus Rules with their child(ren). All
Students Should:
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Be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to their stop time.
Never play close to the road.
Be ready to board the bus by waiting in an orderly line.
Board the bus in single file, use the handrail and sit down
in their seat as quickly as possible.
Listen to the bus driver.
Always remain seated while the bus is moving.
Do not throw anything out of the window.
Keep the aisles clear of objects (backpacks, lunches, etc.).
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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Do not shout or cause any other unnecessary noises.
Never put any part of your body out an open window.
Be sure to look all ways before crossing the road.
Do not damage the bus in any way.
Do not throw garbage on the floor.
Do not consume any food or drink on the bus.
Bus privileges will be revoked if need be. Thank you for your
support in ensuring that our students journey safely to and from
school.
ATTENDANCE
TEXTBOOKS
School textbooks are school property and are loaned to the
students annually. The expectation is that textbooks will be
returned at the end of the school year. Students are responsible
for these textbooks and will be asked to pay if these books go
missing or have been vandalized. The cost of an average
textbook is about $50.00 each. Please encourage your child to
take care of textbooks!
FREE DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Please call to register an absence (905) 595-0909, press 1 for the
attendance. You can call 24hrs. An answering machine is
available to take information. Please provide your child’s name,
grade and teacher’s name. If an absence is not reported, our
policy is to call home to verify student absenteeism. A parent or
guardian must sign out students who leave early. A reminder to
parents and students that an expectation set out from the
beginning of the year clearly indicated that all students must
arrive to school on time.
Being consistently and continuously late
interrupts the classroom during lessons,
creates delays in the office and sets a poor
example for those who do arrive on time.
Please note that issues with lates and absenteeism will be dealt
with strictly, and may involve the school’s Administration,
Child Youth Worker and Social Worker. Please help us teach
your children the value of promptness.
DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
As a school, we have implemented the government mandated 20
minutes of daily physical activity. Ask your child’s teacher
about the program or visit the Ministry’s Website at:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/dpa_boards.pdf
The Region of Peel Health Services is promoting Healthy Smiles
Ontario, a free dental program to students who meet the
program’s eligibility requirements. Healthy Smiles Ontario is a
new program for children 17 and under who do not have
access to any form of dental coverage. If eligible, children will
be able to visit a licensed dental provider such as a dentist or
dental hygienist for basic dental services including fillings, xrays and scaling at no cost to the family. Children are eligible if
they:
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 live in Peel
 have a valid Ontario Health card
 are under 18 years of age
 are members of a household with an
Adjusted Family Net Income of
$20,000 per year or less AND
do not have access to any form of dental coverage
(including government funded programs like Ontario
Works)
Please contact Peel Public Health at (905) 799-7700 for more
information regarding Healthy Smiles Ontario Program and to
book an appointment for a free dental screening.
STUDENT INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
We will be sending home REACT forms for parents to fill out
in the event that your child has a medical concern. The form
requires information on the medical issue, and a picture of the
child. Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication
and forms are updated annually.
If your child requires medication, please have all pertinent forms
completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon
as possible.
A reminder that children are not allowed to
keep ANY medication on their persons, in
their desk, backpack or anywhere in their
classroom, unless ordered by their doctor. In
such case, documentation is necessary. All
dispensing and storage of ANY medication must occur from the
Office.
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.
Although enrolment is voluntary, the board and school
recommends parents take advantage of this inexpensive
insurance coverage, especially if your child participates in sports
or field trips, or if parents do not have dental insurance coverage.
A Chipped tooth or broken glasses can happen unexpectedly.
Please complete the forms the school provides and mail it or you
can apply on line at www.insuremykids.com
PERMISSION FORM PACKAGE
Recently you received a number of permission and information
forms to fill out. Please do so at soon as possible and return them
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
7
to your child’s teacher. Thank you to those parents who have
returned the packages already. Thank you.
Please be reminded that no nut
products are allowed in school. We
have a number of staff and students
who have potentially fatal anaphylactic
sensitivities to nut products. Please do
not send peanuts, other nuts, Nutella or
any other nut products. Thank you.
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
On occasion, we are faced with difficult situations in where noncustodial parents arrive at school asking to visit or remove their
child. We are best able to serve and protect students when we
are made aware of legal custody arrangements, visitation rights
and other special instructions. If legal custody matters affect
your family, please ensure that our office and classroom
teachers are aware of any custodial arrangements that may affect
your child during school hours.
HEAD INJURY POLICY
When a student receives an injury/bump to the head (however
minor), it is a Board Policy that we inform parents. A phone
message will be left at one of your contact numbers. This is
precautionary only and we ask that you check your child when
they get home for any signs of a concussion or illness.
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
When a student has a birthday,
we give them a birthday card and
a WHAT WOULD JESUS DO
BRACELET.
Students with
birthdays have their names called
during the morning announcements as well.
REVERSE LUNCH TIME
We have seen great success with the reverse lunch process this
year. Children eat their lunches in the last 20 minutes of the
lunch hour. Benefits include: more in class teaching time,
students finish their lunches completely. Teachers have noticed
students being more calm and ready to learn for their afternoon
classes. Less food is wasted and students transition to the
afternoon work period more easily.
DROPPING OFF LUNCHES
Lunches should be dropped off
between 12:00 PM and 12:30
PM. Parents can simply place
their child’s lunch in the
appropriate class basket. Class
runner will deliver the lunches to the classrooms. Parents will
label the lunch with the student and teacher’s name. Student
helpers earn volunteer hours delivering the lunches. Note that
priority will be given to dealing with office and student needs
not answering the new front doorbell, so if you choose to drop
lunches and other materials off late, you will need to exercise
patience. Thank you in advance.
HEALTHY SNACKS
We have noticed a number of students coming to school with
soda pop and “energy drinks” like Red Bull. Red Bull is banned
in several countries because of its adverse health effects. One
can contains 80 mg of caffeine and 8 oz. of sugar and will
increase hyperactivity. One pop can contains enough sugar
to negatively affect the pancreas and increase weight and
energy levels.
Guardian Angels is working hard to promote healthy eating.
These drinks defeat the purpose. Please provide water, juice, or
milk in your child’s snacks and lunches!!
PROGRESS
CARDS
REPORT
Students will bring home a Progress
Report Card on Tuesday, November
5, 2013. It will communicate the
student’s progress in various subjects
as well next steps for improvement. Teachers will contact
parents if an interview is requested.
OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL HERITAGE
A Historical Understanding of Key Issues Related to Catholic
Education: Our Catholic School Heritage
1. How long has the Catholic separate schools been educating
Catholic children and contributing to the public good in Ontario?
For about 170 years in the early 1800s there were separate
schools in many cities, towns and townships. In Peel, three
separate schools opened before Confederation (1867): St. James
in Malton in the 1830s, St. John’s Agriculture College (1861)
and St. Patrick’s (1861),
both in Wildfield.
2.
Has
the
Ontario
government always supported
separate schools?
Yes, as did its predecessor,
the United Legislature of
Canada East (now Quebec) and Canada West (now Ontario)
during its total life from 1841 to 1867. One of the first pieces of
NUT ALLERGY AWARENESS POLICY
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8
legislation it passed in 1841 was the Common School Act, with
a separate school clause.
3. Why did the United
Legislature of Canada
East and Canada West
keep improving separate school legislation?
It responded to Catholic parents, trustees, bishops and priests,
editors of the four Catholic newspapers, members of the
business and professional world, all of whom argued for legal
and financial rights for separate schools.
4. Was there opposition to separate schools before Confederation?
Guardian Angels School recognizes the cultural event of
Halloween but attention will be paid to the religious significance
of All Saints Day, which is the honoring of the whole Church
Triumphant united to Christ in the enjoyment of the vision of
God.
Costumes
Students can wear their costumes on Halloween Day. We ask
that your child come to school dressed in their costume. Please
keep in mind that we are a Catholic school and students need to
be dressed appropriately even at Halloween. No masks or
replica weapons and knives are allowed.
Yes, as now, there were advocates of one school system.
Protestant spokespersons believed in the adequacy of the
common (now public) school’s basic non-denominational
Christianity, which constituted an important element of the
common school’s religion lessons and their readers. They held
that beliefs specific to certain religions should be taught in the
churches and homes.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
5. Why did Catholics find the non-denominational religious
education of the common school unsatisfactory?
2. Do wear light colored clothing, so
drivers can see them
Catholics wanted separate schools where all the beliefs of the
Catholic Church would be taught, where the pupils would live
their faith in a sacramental and community manner in proximity
to the parish church and priest, and where religion would
permeate the reading, literature and history curriculum.
Furthermore, as modern times arrived, the multiculturalism of
the public school’s student body necessitated the eradication of
the teaching Christianity.
3. Do carry a flashlight, so your child
will be able to see on dark streets.
HALLOWEEN IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
During the early years of Christianity, the church leaders found
it best to add the new religious ideas to earlier, already
established beliefs. All Saints Day was proclaimed on
November 1st so that the people could continue to celebrate a
familiar festival, which respected the spirits. The mass that was
said on that day was called Allhallowmas so the evening before
became known as Hallows Eve, or Halloween. Eventually the
church recognized that Halloween had become a culture event
rather than a religious event.
Please remind your children of safety guidelines for
Halloween:
1. Don’t wear a face mask, so your
child will be able to see clearly
4.
Do go out with an adult, or an older brother or sister,
if under 12 years of age.
5.
Do stay away from cars, and strangers in cars.
6.
Do watch cars and look both ways when crossing the
street.
7.
Do wear costumes above their shoes, so kids will not
trip.
8.
Do not to eat any treats until
they are home, and their
parents/guardians have checked
it.
9.
Do not treat or treat alone.
10. Do make sure your parents
know the route you are taking.
Implications for Schools:
Halloween should be considered a cultural ritual in which
children participate. In today’s culture, it is rarely a celebration
of the Celtic religion. Children today often dress in costumes,
which reflect the heroes of the culture, for example, Batman.
GRADE 7 AND 8 HOMEWORK HELP
While some claim that Halloween’s association with the
Ancient Celtic religion is a threat to Christianity; clearly the
Church did not when establishing All Saints Day and the Day
for the Commemoration of All Souls. In the same way, Father’s
Day is a cultural event, which does not detract from our
understanding of God as Father.
Visit the Homework Help website for free help from Ontario
certified teachers. On this site, students have access to live chat
rooms between the hours of 5:30-9:30 from Sunday to Thursday
and 24/7 resources such as videotaped lessons and interactive
tutorials. Homework Help is ideal for understanding homework,
reviewing lessons, studying for tests, and searching math topics.
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
9
Register today at https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/. All you need to
register is your student OEN number, which is found on your
report card.
If you have additional questions, please contact your classroom
teacher. Parents and students, check out these websites for math
fun and help!
Primary: www.mathisfun.com
Junior: www.mathfrog.ca
Intermediate: www.wiredmath.ca
DOGS
Just a reminder to parents that we have many students who are
allergic or are scared of dogs. Dogs are NOT allowed on school
property. If you are walking with your dog in the morning, you
must remain off school property. Thank you for your assistance.
PARENTS VISITING DURING RECESS
Parents are reminded that they should NOT be at the fence area
during recesses or around the school property. This is
permitted ONLY in the mornings for drop off and at the end of
the day. While your child knows you, you are a STRANGER
to everyone else. Your child needs time
to socialize and play with other children.
Parents who come onto school property
during school hours must sign into the
office and wear a visitor’s badge. Anyone
loitering in the parking lot or near the
field will be approached by staff and
asked to leave the property.
SOCCER UPDATE
Congratulations goes out to the girls’ soccer team who played
an excellent tournament on October 2nd. The girls played with
great skill, effort, and determination, and made it to the semifinals. The girls only let in two goals the entire day, due to their
amazing defensive skills. Way to go girls –Guardian Angels is
very proud of you! The team members are: Brianna L., Melanie
A., Emily D., Kristyn D., Valerie S., Meghan R., Samantha P.,
Isabella T., Alina U., Naomi B., Leah D., Alexis D., Jessica D.,
Isabel C., Rebecca F. Thank you to coaches Mrs. Bedford, Mr.
Sutherland and Ms. Schmalz for their hard work and dedication.
learn from the advice from figures as Martin Luther King III,
Chris Hatfield and Spencer West.
This experience opened the eyes of our students to want to take
the focus out of only their lives to how they could help their
entire school, community and the world. Building on this event,
the students have formed their own
group of Me To We at Guardian
Angels. This group has already
gotten themselves involved with the
food drive taking place in October
and plan on starting a clothing drive
for those in need starting in
November.
Great job Angels!
Thank you to Mr. Labuda, Mrs. McCannel and Mr. Merino for
supporting this initiative.
STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Nominations were handed in, campaigning was done, speeches
were made, and the students have spoken. This year’s elected
Student Council Executive has now been announced.








Prime Minister – Sarah P.
Deputy Prime Minister – Bryan D.
Minister of Finance – Kushal M.
Minister of Social Justice – Julia L.
Minister of Student Affairs – Alexis D. and Delroy M.
Minister of Environment – Zicco F.
Minister of Athletics – Lucas F.
Parliamentary Secretary – Jaden G.
Congratulations to all the winners. All of the nominated
candidates showed an outstanding effort during this year’s
campaign. Grades 4 to 8 classes are now choosing their class
representatives to add to the elected executive student council.
Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, October 16 th during
lunch recess. The elected students are anxious to get started
planning this year’s fun filled activities for all students at
Guardian Angels. The Guardian Angels Student Council is the
student voice of the school. They will be planning school wide
special events and fun activities (dances, spirit days, and social
justice initiatives) throughout the year. Stay tuned for all the
details as they become available. Thank you to Mrs. Gallant, Mr.
Merino, Mrs. Galos and Mr. Caputo for their work on this
initiative.
ME TO WE
13 students of Guardian
Angels school took part in
Toronto's annual Me To We
Day at the ACC in
September.
This event
allowed the students to not
only
see
thoughtful
entertainment acts but they were able to hear the stories and
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
10
We want you to read our
newsletter!
Answer the question below and you
can help your child win a free slice of
pizza and a drink courtesy of
Mr. Cassar and Ms. Owens.
Answer:_____________________________
Child’s name: _________________________
Friday, Oct 11

PD DAY – no school for students
Monday, Oct 14

Tuesday, Oct 15

Thanksgiving Monday – School is
closed
Peel Health HPV and HEP
immunizations for gr. 7/8 students
Wednesday, Oct 16

Cross Country Even
Monday, Oct 21

Fire Drill
Tuesday, Oct 22

Continuation of Peel
Presentations to students
Monday, Oct 28


Lock down drill
Kindergarten classes on trip to
Downey’s Farm
Wed., Oct. 30

Living Our Faith Awards
o Grades K-4 @ 9:30 AM
o Grades 5-8 @ 11:00 AM
Thursday, Oct 31

Halloween
Police
AMAZING THINGS
HAPPENING AT
GUARDIAN ANGELS
Teacher:____________________________
Date: ______________________________
Please return to Ms. McGee ASAP.
GUARDIAN ANGELS DATES
Wednesday, Oct 2


Parent Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Picture Day
Thursday, Oct 3

Opening School Year Mass
9:30 AM @ Guardian Angels
Saturday, Oct 5

World Teacher’s Day
Monday, Oct 7

Peel Police Presentation to students
Wednesday, Oct 9

Chocolate fundraiser kick off
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
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Students are encouraged to visit Mr. Cassar and Ms. Owens to
show off their amazing work and accomplishments. This
positive reinforcement helps to build self-esteem and promote
trust and respect between students and staff. See the next page
for some pictures of great students doing great work!
Visit our website: www.dpcdsb.org/guardg
12
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