November – December 2013 Edition
Principal
Mr. M. Cassar
Vice Principal
Ms. T. Owens
Head Secretary
Ms. S. McGee
Assistant Secretary
Mrs. Kelly
School Council Chair
Mrs. K. Pacheco
Mrs. C. Cabello
GAschoolcouncil@gmail
Superintendent
Mrs. S. Steer
Ward 6 Trustee
Mrs. L. Zanella
905-890-1211
Parish Team
Father Jan Gogolewski
Guardian Angels Parish
LET US REMEMBER!!
The end of October ended a busy month with
Halloween festivities taking place and many
ongoing activities including volleyball, chess,
Cross Country and more.
November will be no less busy. Our Living Our
Faith Ceremony will take place at the end of the
month. Progress Reports went home and of
course, our Parent-Teacher-Student Interview
Evening took place as well.
We had our Remembrance Day ceremony on
November 11. Many parents joined us As
Canadians, we paused in memory of the
thousands of men and women who sacrificed
their lives in military service. The poppy
symbolized our remembrance. Why the poppy?
The association between the poppy and war dates
back to the Napoleonic wars, when a writer saw
a field of poppies growing over the graves of
fallen soldiers. During the Battle of Ypres in
1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was
inspired to write the poem In Flanders Fields on
sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a
close friend who had died in battle.
(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.
The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the
poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada,
France, the U.S, Britain and Commonwealth
countries. The first poppies were distributed in
Canada in 1921. Today the volunteer donations
from the distribution of millions of poppies is an
important source of revenue for the Royal
Canadian Legion that goes toward helping exservicemen and women buy food, and obtain
shelter and medical attention.
CHRISTMAS VACATION
A reminder to parents that our Christmas
Vacation starts Friday December 20, and runs
to Sunday January 5, 2013.
UPCOMING
Classes resume in the New Year on Monday
January 6th, 2013.
GRADES K-3 Christmas
Concert
Tuesday, December 17 and
Wednesday, December 18
@ 7:00 PM
Please bring a new unwrapped toy to
support Peel Police’s Toys for Tots.
Next School Council Mtg
Wed., January 22 @ 6:30 PM …
Held in the library. Please join us!!
All parents are welcome.
December’s Virtue is HOPE
Christmas is a symbol of hope
God sent His only Son to save our
world. Please support our message
to our children supporting love for
one another
Canada is the greatest country in the world and
we paid the price to make it that way.
Sincerely,
Mark Cassar, Principal
Theresa Owens, Vice Principal
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
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PRINCIPAL /VICE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one
hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They
died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a
collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed
in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests
with our collective national consciousness; our future is their
monument.
These wars touched the lives of
Canadians of all ages, all races, and
all social classes. Fathers, sons,
daughters, and sweethearts: they
were killed in action, they were
wounded, and thousands who
returned were forced to live the rest
of their lives with the physical and
mental scars of war. The people
who stayed in Canada also served in factories, in voluntary service
organizations, wherever they were
needed.
A Canadian soldier
kneels at grave of
fallen comrade in the
United
Nations
Cemetery, Korea, April
1951.
(National
Archives of Canada PA
128813)
Yet for many of us, war is a
phenomenon seen through the lens
of a television camera or a
journalist's account of fighting in
distant parts of the world. Our
closest physical and emotional
experience may be the discovery of
wartime memorabilia in a family
attic. But even items such as photographs, uniforms badges,
medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life
of their owner. For those of us born during peacetime, all wars
seem far removed from our daily lives.
We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions,
our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and
our right to live under a government of our choice. The
Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief
that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being
threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can
be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom." 2
By remembering their service and their
sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of
freedom these men and women fought
to preserve. They believed that their
actions in the present would make a
significant difference for the future, but
it is up to us to ensure that their dream
of peace is realized. On Remembrance
Canadians departing for
active service in Europe
during the Second World
War, 1940. (National
Archives of Canada C38723)
Day, we acknowledge the
courage and sacrifice of
those who served their
country and acknowledge
our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to
achieve.
During times of war, individual acts of heroism occur
frequently; only a few are ever recorded and receive official
recognition. By remembering all who have served, we recognize
their willingly-endured hardships and fears, taken upon
themselves so that we could live in peace.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
For those who were killed in battle,
For those who gave up their lives to save others,
For those who fought because they were forced to,
For those who died standing up for a just cause,
For those who tried to make peace,
For those who prayed when others had little time to pray,
For all humanity.
May God hold them in peace
May love flow over the Earth and cleanse us all,
this Remembrance Day for always.
Thank you also for supporting our efforts to build community,
work collaboratively, promote respect, and put academics first.
Together, let us 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
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.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
2
SCHOOL COUNCIL
With the Christmas Season upon us,
many different exciting activities are
planned at Guardian Angels. To start
our season, on Friday December 13
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting
our school for photos. Then on the
evening of December 17 & 18 will be our Primary Christmas
show. During this time, the Parent Council will be selling water,
Christmas cookies and Starbucks coffee. If you have pre ordered
your Poinsettia plant you may pick up and pay for you order
during these evenings or come by the office during the day of
the 17th & 18th. All proceeds from the above sales will go
directly back into the school via the School Council. If you are
interested in volunteering anytime, please email us at
gaschoolcouncil@gmail.com. Volunteers are always
welcome.
We look forward seeing everyone during these special times and
would like to Thank All Parents in advance for all of your
ongoing support and generosity. As a friendly reminder, all
parents are more than welcomed to attend our monthly Parent
council meetings that are held in the school library. Our next
Council meeting will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2014.
If you are attending, please be sure to email parent council at the
above mentioned email.
On behalf of the Parent Council, we would like to wish you and
yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!
Sheri Cabello & Kelly Pacheco
Co-Chairs, Guardian Angels SchoolCouncil
• Chooses to do the ‘right thing’ and feel 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
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.



November: Conscience
January: Self-control
March: Kindness



December: Hope
February: Respect
April: Love
SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Our fall fundraiser has ended
and it was a huge success. We
were
able
to
raise
approximately $20 000.00. This
fundraiser generated funds that
support initiatives within the
school. Monies raised through
fundraising helped provide
items like new gym equipment,
math and literacy resources for the classroom, guest artists,
speakers and classroom presentations. Fundraising also supports
and subsidizes the costs of trips. Most recently, these funds will
help offset the costs for Smartboards.
Congratulations to the many prize winners !!
THE VIRTUES INITIATIVE
6 MAIN PRIZES
A key aspect of the Board’s
strategic direction is the
continued development of
safe,
caring,
inclusive
Catholic
school
communities. As a Catholic
Community, we are called
to learn, grow and 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.
In the month of November,
we will celebrate the virtue
of conscience:
APPLE IPAD
APPLE IPODS
A SKATEBOARD
A MOUNTAIN BIKE
TORONTO MAPLE
LEAF TICKETS
Tiago R.
Dante T. and Antonio M.
Joshua U.
Jasmine E.
Nathaniel M.
10 SECONDARY PRIZES
A VARIETY OF
BOARD GAMES AND
TOYS
Riccardo C,. Ethan D., Ayesha
M., Matthew V., Andrew K.
Brielle J., Sophia R., Daniel P.,
Riley C., Connor P.
In addition, more than 100 courtesy prizes to other
individual winners.
Thank you to our parent community for your hard work and
support of this initiative!!! Together, we made a huge difference.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
3
Advent
kept at the school every day. Inexpensive running shoes with
white soles are the best choice. Students require indoor shoes in
the case of a Fire Drill or Emergency Evacuation, as there is not
sufficient time to put on shoes or boots. The Fire Drill can go
off in the wintertime, and therefore, we must evacuate the
building immediately.
At this time of the year we are planning for the season
of Advent that leads to Christmas and the beginning of
a new liturgical year. As a community we came
together on December 5th to celebrate our Advent
Liturgy.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The
focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth
of Jesus Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation
of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent.
Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000-yearold event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God,
the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation
might be reconciled to God. Prayers and our
attendance and participation at Mass enrich our
waiting for Jesus. May God bless you all in this Holy
season.
December is a busy month with our preparations
collecting food donations for those less privileged and
we, the Christmas concert and our Advent Faith Day.
May the Christmas Holidays be a time to rest and
renewal of one’s faith in our God.
At a time of reflection, remembrance, and anticipation,
we thank you for your support and consideration.
Reflect in your minds and hearts with this …” Let there
be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me”.
RECONCILIATION FOR GRADES 3-8s
To help our students prepare for the coming of the Advent
season, Father Jan will be at Guardian Angel’s school on
Monday, December 3rd, to hear confession for all baptized
students from grades 3-8. The classroom teacher will help
students prepare for the sacrament by reviewing what the
children should say when they enter the confessional, by helping
reflect on the weaknesses, and challenges we all face. Please
note that only students who are baptized Catholic and have
received the sacrament of Reconciliation will participate in this
celebration.
INDOOR SHOES
Once again, for the purpose of student health and safety, we are
requesting that all students, FDK through to Grade 8 have indoor
running shoes with non-marking soles. These shoes are to be
KINDERGARTEN PLANNING FOR SEPT 2014
For Parent(s) of Students with Special Needs
There will be an information session for parent(s)/guardian(s) of
children with special needs including vision, hearing, autism,
and 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.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Fr. Jan is working together with our grade 2 and grade 8 teachers
in preparing our students. Parents of these students have an
opportunity to meet with Father Jan following Sunday Mass
over the next few weeks. We welcome the continued
partnerships formed linking parish, home and school.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
4
RECONCILIATION and FIRST COMMUNION
Grade 2 Parent Information Meeting
December 1st , 2013 after 12:00 (noon) Mass @St. Edmund
Campion Secondary School
Celebration of the Sacrament:
RECONCILIATION March 19th, 2013, 9:15 a.m.
@ Guardian Angels
FIRST COMMUNION May 25th, 3:00 p.m.
@ Our Lady of Fatima
CONFIRMATION
Grade 8 Parent Information Meeting
December 8th, 2013 after 12:00 (noon) Mass
@ St. Edmund Campion Secondary School
Celebration of Sacrament: May 31st, 2013 5:00 p.m.
@ St. Edmund Campion Secondary School
ME TO WE – PROMOTING RESPECT
The students at Guardian Angels School really are angels. They
are very eager to reach out and make a difference in the world.
The Me to We club and Christian Leadership in conjunction
with the Student Council are coordinating various initiatives that
will help our local community as well as other communities
around the world. Please consider supporting our students as
they strive to make a difference in the world.
Donate to Philippine Typhoon Relief-The students are making
bracelets, paper cranes and
bookmarks to sell. Product
will be on sale at the school
library during morning
recess starting Monday,
November 18. All monies
raised for the Philippine
Typhoon Relief fund will
be contributed to the Archdiocese of Toronto and will be eligible
for the matching of donation program sponsored by the
Canadian government. Bracelets, Paper Cranes and Bookmarks
are priced at $1.00 each.
Toys for Tots/Canadian Tire Money- The students are collecting
new, unwrapped toys to support the Peel Police “Toys for Tots”
drive. There is a special need for toys/gifts for the 11 to 14 age
group. The toys are distributed to local families in need during
the Christmas season. Canadian Tire money is also being
collected. The Peel Police will use the Canadian Tire money to
purchase toys/gifts for the Toys for Tots program.
Food Drive- there is also a need for canned food during the
month of December for the local Food Drive.
Toys, Canadian Tire Money and Canned food may be sent in
throughout the month of December or dropped off on the nights
of the Christmas concert (Tuesday, December 17 and
Wednesday, December 18).
Thank you for supporting our students as they strive to make the
world a better place for everyone. They really are angels!
STUDENT COUNCIL
Our student council has been very active in planning fun-filled
activities for all students. Here are some of the activities we are
currently organizing:
Christmas Cookie Grams:
From Monday, November 18th to
Friday, November 29th the student
council will be selling Christmas
Cookie Grams for $1. The cookies
are pre-wrapped Terra Cotta (nut
free) cookies, which will be
offered in five delicious flavors:
Vanilla
Snowman,
Ginger
Teddies, Chocolate Chip Delite,
White Chocolate Chip Fudge Delite, and Oatmeal Chocolate
Chip Delite. Students will receive Cookie Gram Tags for each
cookie they wish purchase to be returned with their money.
Proceeds of the sales will go toward the Christmas activities and
initiatives planned by the Student Council. Cookies need to be
ordered by December 2nd in order for delivery before Christmas
Break.
Christmas Dance: On December 13 we will have a Christmas
Dance for grades K -8. Each division will be given a time slot
during the day. The funds from the cookie sales will fund our
dance.
November 29th – Swap Day – Dress like your teacher and
teachers dress like your students. If your children are invading
your closet for ties and scarfs, now you know why.
Is your favorite Christmas character from a movie, cartoon, or
the Bible? The possibilities are endless. Get your Rudolf
antlers, angel halo, or Santa hat. Dress like Kevin from Home
Alone, The Grinch, or one of the three Wise Men.
Christmas Caroling: In conjunction with the school choir, we
will spend the morning of December 19, caroling in the school
gym. The choir will lead the school in fun Christmas carols and
songs with lyrics on the big screen for all students to sing along.
Our student council will also be performing “The Legend of the
Candy Cane” to keep
students focused on the
true
meaning
of
Christmas. As always,
parents/guardians
are
welcome. We would
love to see you there.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
5
MRS SEPE AND MS. PEPIC’S
KINDERGARTEN CLASS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The beginning of the school year has been a very busy time in
kindergarten. On October 28th the Full-Day Kindergarten
students went on a field trip to Downey’s farm. While there, the
students had the opportunity to play in the playground, walk
through the corn maze, play in the hay, learn about different
types of pumpkins as well as go on a wagon ride. All students
were able to take a small pumpkin home with them and the
teachers received a large pumpkin for their class, which was
later carved into a jack-o-lantern.
We have just completed the following units of the curriculum
for the Grades 1-2: Building a Foundation and Parachute. We
are now working on our manipulative skills unit and looking
ahead for December, the balance, stunts and tumbling program.
Mr. Valezi organized our Fourth Primary High Octane and
Educational "Jiggi Jump" party for the 29th of January @ 9:30
am to all primary grades. The cost of this program is
supplemented by our Chocolate fundraising initiative just
completed.
Within our Health subject area, we are currently learning about
school, street and home safety. Looking forward to our new
Dental Health Unit.
The grades 3-7 have just completed the Co-operative skills and
Volleyball Units. We are presently finishing our Flying Disc
Unit, next is the unit of Dance. This week all Guardian Angels
students are testing their Cardio-Respiratory/Endurance
Capabilities. (BIP TEST) which we will do again in January and
April. Looking forward to seeing all of our students trying to be
more active outside of school, whether it is walking more or
joining any of their favorite activities.
Mr.Valezi is always thinking about how we as Guardian Angels
Staff and Students can be healthier and fit for a more enjoyable
life. Stay tuned for our Health Committee Team which will
commence soon.
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.
In class, the students have been participating in sorting and
patterning inquiries, which then lead the students into an apple
inquiry where students learned about different kinds of apples,
and the life cycle of an apple. The students also used apples to
stamp apple patterns, conducted surveys asking fellow students
about their favourite kind of apple and whether or not they like
apple pie and apple cider. At the end of the inquiry, the students
were able to make their own pattern fruit kabobs using apples as
well as other types of fruit.
Along with the inquiries, students continue to learn letters,
letter-sounds, sight words, numbers and counting and many of
the SK students are now reading.
We also have an ECE student, Ms.
Camilla Giuliana from Sheridan
College who will be in our class
every Monday and Tuesday until
December 10.
In addition, we are currently
working on a 2D shape inquiry.
Students are describing shapes, finding shapes in the classroom,
and making pictures using shapes. We will soon be preparing
for our Christmas concert.
CHOIR
The choir has been singing their way
into the hearts of many this year. We
have the amazing opportunity to sing the
National Anthems at a Raptors game on
February 27, 2014. Although we are
only able to take 25 choir members to
sing at the Raptors game, the entire choir has been invited to
spread Christmas joy and sing at Fortinos on December 11 th at
10:30. Parents are welcome to attend this exciting musical
event. Do not forget all are welcome to enjoy the choir’s singing
at the Christmas Mass on December 18th at 9:00 AM.
NEW ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Please welcome Mrs. Kelly as our newly hired Assistant
Secretary. She will add another dynamic element office staff.
Mrs. Kelly has varied experience and will be an asset to our
community. We are thrilled to have her aboard!
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
6
PRIMARY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Guardian Angels Primary Division is proud
to present “Christmas Angels” Christmas
Concert. The concert will take place over
two nights, December 17th and December
18th at 7:00 PM. The children are excited to
perform Christmas songs to ring in this
joyous Christmas season. Information will
come home shortly that will confirm the day
that your child’s class will be performing. In
addition, we have a secret finale song that
will fill everyone with the Christmas spirit.
SPECIAL VISITORS TO GUARDIAN ANGELS
This month, Guardian Angels had teachers from Korea come
and visit our school. These teachers toured the different
classrooms and were very impressed with our students. They
were able to engage with our students, see the different activities
and learning that is happening in our classrooms. The Korean
teachers commented on the politeness and respectfulness of our
students at Guardian Angels! We appreciate the opportunity for
different cultures to be a part of our school community. Well
done Guardian Angels!
CROSS COUNTRY
On October 16th the Cross Country team participated in the
family wide meet held at Chinguacousy Park. The team
consisted of Fiona B., Leah D., Abigail M.,
Samantha P., Valerie S., Jordan W., Kieran B.,
Robert L., Kyle P., Christian R., Grace D., Eric
B., Scott C., Jaden G., Tyren M., Lloyd M.,
and Jacob R.
of Reading visit www.accessola.com and search for the Forest
of Reading section to view this year’s nominated titles.
WIKIS FOR EDUCATION
Many of the students will be talking about their Class wiki
and/or Forest of Reading wiki.
You ask… what is a wiki? A
wiki is: “A Web site developed
collaboratively by a community
of users, allowing any user to
add and edit content.” Mrs.
McCannel,
the
Teacher
Librarian, has been introducing
the concept of wikis to the
teachers and the students. We started exploring wikis with the
Forest of Reading wikis that students used to post comments and
respond to other student’s comments about the books that they
were reading.
Some class wikis have been developed to support Inquiry units
for the Social Studies curriculum. The wikis are monitored by
the Teacher Librarian and/or the classroom teacher and are
password protected. Only individuals invited into the wiki are
allowed to participate and the students have been taught how to
be responsible wiki users. The students have really excelled in
their use of wikis and it has been exciting to see this online
technology excite our learners. What a wonderful way to merge
technology with learning.
AUTHOR VISIT
Congratulations to Samantha P., who finished
first in the grade 6 girls division, Christian R.,
who finished second in the grade 6 boys division and Jaden G.,
who finished second in the grade 8 boys division. Eight
members of the team advanced to the Board finals on November
5th at Centennial Park. All students put forth an excellent effort
and displayed sportsmanship. Thank you to the coaches: Mrs.
Sepe, Mrs. Ward-Cooper, and Mr. Morris for all of their hard
work and dedication to the team.
Canadian author Helaine Becker will be coming for an Author
visit to Guardian Angels School to
help celebrate Family Literacy Day
(http://abclifeliteracy.ca/
familyliteracy-day-2014). All students from
Kindergarten through Grade 8 will be
able to see the author when she visits
on Friday, January 24. More
information about the author can be
found at http://www.helainebecker.
com/. Stay tuned for more details.
Please return all overdue library
books.
FOREST OF READING
MRS SCHMALZ’S CLASS
The Forest of Reading titles have been announced. The students
are very excited about the various reading programs, which are
run through the school library: Blue Spruce (grades 1, 2 and 3);
Silver Birch Express (grades 3 and 4); Silver Birch- Fiction and
Non Fiction (grades 5 and 6); and the Red Maple (grades 7 and
8). All students in Grades 1, 2 and 3 will be participating in the
Blue Spruce program through visits to the school library. The
Silver Birch and Red Maple programs are run as a reading
program starting in January. For more information about Forest
On November 26 Miss
Schmalz's students are
going on a field trip to the
Kortright
Centre
for
Conservation to participate
in the Team Building and Low Ropes outdoor education
program. This special program allows participants to develop
group skills such as working together, sharing ideas, trust,
problem solving, patience, and leadership. We are looking
forward to this exciting opportunity!
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
7
We have just finished our Math unit on Patterning, and have
started Data Management. We are learning about collecting
data and using that data to create different kinds of graphs. See
if you can see any graphs or data being collected and organized
in your daily life! We are also working on words of the week
that we organize into different categories. Read your words to
someone at home and tell them about how we organize them
into groups!
MRS DARMI-FETZ and MS. STICHT’s CLASS
In our classroom, the kindergarten children have been talking
about snow and Christmas. Since Play based learning focuses
on their interests, we decided to plan activities around snow. ie,
Snow flake art and counting Christmas balls As for our Inquiry,
we have been working on the changes of seasons. We picked a
particular tree outside and record the changes we see every
month by drawing pictures, asking questions and discussing the
changes. Our findings are displayed outside our classroom.
MRS. GRAESSER’s &
MRS. SIVASANKARAN’s CLASS
The students in Mrs. Graesser’s and Mrs. Sivasankaran’s FDK
class enjoyed participating in a science
inquiry which focused on Our Body. They
learned the importance of the heart, brain,
muscles and bones and how these parts of our
body work. We then conducted an inquiry on
patterning and looked for patterns on our
clothes, in the school, in the classroom and
went for a pattern walk in our environment. We are now
investigating two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional
figures, and the relationship between each.
The children are also very excited about a project we are
becoming involved in which focuses on learning about countries
around the world. In addition, we are working very hard on
preparing for the Christmas Concert.
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.
CHESS CLUB
From October to December, Chess Club will be on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday at lunch recess in the library. All
students are welcome! If you are a beginner, it is recommended
that you attend the chess Workshop on Monday in the Computer
Lab.
This workshop helps students
to develop their chess skills. The
11th Annual Guardian Angels
Chess Tournament will be held in
December and all students can
participate. From January to May,
Chess Club will continue, but will
only be held on Mondays. Thanks to all students for attending
Chess Club and for displaying their fantastic chess skills.
Thanks to Mr. Buzdon, Mrs. Di Muzio, Mr. Merino for their
work on this initiative.
BUSSING FOR 2013—2014
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 for 2013. Your child may be eligible for transportation
to and from school if you live beyond the following distances:
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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 were
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.
LE CARNAVAL DE QUEBEC!
The largest winter Carnival in
the world! Le Carnaval de
Québec!” Experience one of
Quebec's most famous cultural
events celebrated annually for
59 years! Guardian Angels will
be hosting our very own schoolwide winter Carnival in the
month of February, 2014. You
will get an opportunity to meet
the ambassador and very
famous personality of this celebration, Bonhomme Carnaval!
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
8
He is the living incarnation of the snowmen that have enchanted
children of Québec City for generations. Bonhomme is the
ambassador of this celebration as well as the symbol of the
festivities during this joyous period of the year! For more
information about the history of Carnaval visit
http://carnaval.qc.ca/en/about/history/. This initiative is made
possible in part by our fundraising efforts. Thank you to Mr.
Caputo, Ms. Gunia and Mrs. Scornianchi for taking the lead on
this initiative.
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
Advent Confessions
Wednesday, December 4
@ 9:15 AM
School
Advent Mass
Wednesday, December 18 @ 9:15
AM
School
Wednesday, February 5
@ 9:15 AM
Wednesday, March 5
School
Virtue Mass
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 next assemblies will be:
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November 25 Grades K to 4 and November 28
Grades 5-8
January 27 Grades K to 4 and January 30 Grades
5-8
All parents are welcome to join us. Parents of children
receiving awards will receive personal invitations.
GUARDIAN ANGELS WEBSITE
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
Lenten Mass
Thursday, April 3
@ 9:15 AM
School
Resurrection/Easter
Mass
Wednesday, April 23
@ 9:15 AM
School
Guardian Angels is a Catholic community that respects and
promotes the uniqueness of all its members. By following the
teachings of Jesus, we pledge to provide everyone with a safe,
caring and peaceful environment, which ensures the respect and
acceptance of all. Because of these beliefs, bullying will not be
tolerated. Your child deserves a safe environment to work,
learn and play in. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
Year End Mass/
Guardian Angels
Feast Day
Wednesday, June 18
@ 9:15 AM
School
VOLUNTEERS
Ash Wednesday
Liturgy
In Class
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
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.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
9
BULLYING PREVENTION AND
AWARENESS WEEK
Guardian School was proud to
participate in the Ministry of
Education’s
Bullying
Prevention and Awareness
week
in
November.
Throughout the week students were engaged in a variety of
activities which reinforced our school’s commitment to stop
bullying of all forms. Daily bullying prevention tips and prayers
over the announcements.
The school also held a moment of silence on honouring the
memory of those who have been bullied. Guardian Angels
School is proud of our school’s commitment to put an end to
bullying of all forms. Our focus on the What Would Jesus Do,
the virtues, respect, non-violent interventions and
communication are all helping to create a safer, happier
environment that focuses on student well-being.
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.
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.).
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.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
ATTENDANCE
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
10
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
birthdays have their names called during the morning
announcements as well.
NUT ALLERGY AWARENESS POLICY
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.
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.
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!
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
NUT ALLERGY AWARENESS POLICY
IN 9 LANGUAGES
TAGALOG
Mayroon kaming mga mag-aaral sa paaralan na may malubhang
buhay nagbabala allergies nuwes. Mangyaring huwag
magpadala ng anumang mga mani, kulay ng nuwes ang mga
produkto tulad ng mga mani, peanut butter o tsokolate kumalat
na naglalaman ng mga mani, atbp sa paaralan kasama ang
inyong anak. Salamat sa inyo.
ARABIC
‫ الرجاء‬.‫لدينا طالب في هذه المدرسة مع الحياة القاسية التي تهدد الحساسية الجوز‬
‫عدم ارسال اي المكسرات ومنتجات الجوز مثل الفول السوداني وزبدة الفول‬
‫ وما إلى ذلك إلى‬،‫السوداني أو المكسرات التي تحتوي على الشوكوالته ينتشر‬
.‫ شكرا لك‬.‫المدرسة مع طفلك‬
ITALIAN
Abbiamo studenti di questa scuola, con grave pericolo la vita
allergie dado. Si prega di non inviare i dadi, i prodotti dado come
arachidi, burro di arachidi o diffonde cioccolato contenente
nocciole, ecc a scuola con il vostro bambino. Grazie.
KOREAN
더 너트 제품이 학교에서 허락되지 않는 것이 상기하시기
바랍니다. 우리는 직원 번호와 너트 제품에 잠재적으로
치명적인 아나 필 락 시스 감성을 가지고 학생들이
있습니다. 땅콩, 다른 견과류, 또는 기타 너트 제품을
보내지 마십시오. 우리는 아래의 여러 언어에서 동일한
메시지를 제공하고 있습니다. 감사합니다
VIETNAMESE
Xin được nhắc nhở rằng không có sản phẩm từ hạt được cho
phép trong trường học. Chúng tôi có một số nhân viên và sinh
viên có khả năng nhạy cảm phản vệ gây tử vong cho các sản
phẩm từ hạt. Xin vui lòng không đậu phộng, các loại hạt khác,
Nutella hoặc bất kỳ sản phẩm từ hạt khác. Chúng tôi đã cung
cấp cùng một thông điệp trong một số ngôn ngữ dưới đây. cảm
ơn bạn
POLISH
Mamy uczniów w tej szkole z ciężkim zagrożeniem życia
nakrętką alergii. Prosimy nie wysyłać żadnych orzechów,
produktów nakrętki jak orzeszki ziemne, masło orzechowe lub
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
11
pasty czekoladowe zawierające orzechy, itp. do szkoły z
dzieckiem. Dziękuję.
it passed in 1841 was the Common School Act, with a separate
school clause.
PORTUGUESE
Temos alunos na escola com a vida grave ameaça alergias porca.
Por favor, não enviar qualquer nozes, castanha produtos como
amendoim, manteiga de amendoim ou spreads de chocolate com
nozes, etc para a escola com seu filho. Obrigado.
GUARDIAN ANGELS DATES
CHINESE
我们已经严重威胁坚果过敏的生活在这所学校的学生。请
不要发送任何坚果，如花生坚果制品，花生酱或坚果等含
有与您的孩子学校的巧克力利差。谢谢。
SPANISH
Tenemos estudiantes de esta escuela con la vida graves que
amenazan la alergias a las nueces. Por favor, no envíe ningún
frutos secos, productos de frutos secos como los cacahuetes,
mantequilla de maní o se extiende el chocolate con nueces, etc
a la escuela con su hijo. Gracias.
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.
Monday, Nov. 25
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Thursday, Nov. 28
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Monday, Dec. 2
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Monday, Dec. 9
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Friday, Dec. 13
Monday, Dec. 16
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Tuesday, Dec. 17
Wednesday, Dec 18
Wednesday, Dec 18
Thursday, Dec. 19
Friday, Dec. 20
Monday, January 6
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Living Our Faith Awards for
grades K to 4
Living Our Faith Awards for
grades K to 4
 Grade 7 immunization shots
Confessions in the AM
Peel Police presentations to grade
4 and 5 classes
HEAL network presentations to
grade 7 classes
Christmas dance for students
HEAL network presentations to
grade 8 classes
Concert night 1 @ 7 PM
Concert night 2 @ 7 PM
Advent Mass in the gym @ 9:30
Christmas caroling in the gym
No school for students
School starts again
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!!
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.
AMAZING THINGS HAPPENING
AT GUARDIAN ANGELS
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! Below also
are pictures of some of our fundraising prize winners!
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 legislation
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
12
We want you to read our
newsletter!
Answer the question below and you
can help your child win a free slice of
pizza courtesy of
Mr. Cassar and Ms. Owens.
Answer:_____________________________
Child’s name: _________________________
Teacher:____________________________
Date: ______________________________
Please return to Ms. McGee ASAP.
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
13
Visit our website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
14