February- March 2016 Edition
Principal
Mr. M. Cassar
CELEBRATING
DIVERSITY
Vice Principal
Catholic School
Council Meeting
Wed., March 2 @ 6:30 PM
Mrs. M. Thompson
Held in the library. Please join
us! All parents are welcome.
Head Secretary
Ms. S. McGee
LENT
Lent 2016 starts on February 10 and
ends on March 24
Secretary
Mrs. M. Kelly
School Council Chair
Mrs. A. Saunders-Georges
GuardianAngelsCSC@
Gmail.com or on Twitter
@GASchoolCouncil
Superintendent
Mrs. S. Steer
Ward 6 Trustee
Mr. D. D’Souza
905-890-1211
Parish Team
Father Jan Gogolewski
Guardian Angels Parish
10630 Creditview Rd.
(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.
FOLLOW US:
Guardian Angels places emphasis on celebrating
and promoting God’s gift of diversity amongst his
peoples. Black History Month will serve as the
platform for this celebration. A number of events will
take place to promote, celebrate and honour Black
History and diversity, in general.
Joy Lapps Lewis will visit Guardian Angels in
January and February to deliver apower-packed
musical workshops featuring Caribbean steel pan
instruments to students.
The library has a host of books on display related to
Black History as well as a bulletin board dedicated to
the topic. Daily announcements will also include
quotes and historical facts relating to Black History.
Our front foyer will be decorated with elements of
Black History to make this event a prominent part of
our school. We invite you to take a few minutes to
peruse it.
Lent is a season of turning to God in
simplicity as we prepare to celebrate the
joy of Easter. Our hearts feel heavy as
we remember our sins, but we are also
confident in God’s forgiveness.
Three great Lenten practices are prayer,
fasting and almsgiving (help the needy).
Doing these three things will help us to
keep Lent as a holy season. In our prayers
this Lenten season, let us be open to God’s
kindness as we promise to pray with more
love, avoid treats and make a contribution
to a charitable organization, such as
ShareLife or our own Guardian Angels
Parish.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
EVENINGS
We study Black History in order to:
We are excited about two Parent
Engagement evenings that we are
 Improve our present and future by remembering
organizing for our parent community
the past
tentatively scheduled for April 7 and
 Promote perseverance as an important life skill
May 10.
 Preserve and honour a great culture
 Preserve and develop our community
Our April session will focus on Health
 Inspire continued growth and excellence
and Wellness. Our May session will
include a variety of topics related to 21st
Our Virtues Assembly will focus on the virtue of
Century Learning.
RESPECT and that ties in well with respecting our
differences, while recognizing that we are all one
with God.
More information will follow. Please
save the two dates in your calendar.
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
School Hours
School Council Chair Update Mrs. Arlene
Saunders-Georges
Grades 1 – 8:
A Year in Full Swing
9:00 AM ......................... MORNING BEGINS
10:28 AM ....................... RECESS BREAK
12:00 to 12:20 PM ......... FDK LUNCH
12:06 to 12:46 PM ......... GRADES 1-8 RECESS
12:46 to 1:06 PM ........... GRADES 1-8 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 staff supervision begins.
How time flies! Already, we have passed
the mid-year mark of our school year! As
a School Council we are mindful of the
important role we play, as we constantly strive to achieve
our commitment to our students, working collaboratively
with our School’s Administration, parents, teachers and our
Parish. We are blessed with a wonderful team who work
joyfully, purposefully, peacefully, collaboratively, and fairly.
We have had a successful 5 months as a School Council,
achieving all that we have set out to do and we look forward
to continuing our service to the school community in the
months ahead. On behalf of all on School Council, I wish the
entire school community a wonderful New Year!
Principals’ Message
Guardian Angels School Council – Building Bonds
Together!
We
recognized
Ash
Wednesday
as
the
beginning of the season of
Lent, through our Ash
Wednesday
Liturgy
organized by our Grade
One classes. The ashes
were made from the
blessed palms used in the
Palm Sunday celebration from the previous year. The ashes
were christened with Holy Water and were scented by
exposure to incense. The ashes reminded us that God is
gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with
repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance
during the season of Lent, and the church calls on us to seek
that mercy during the entire Lenten season with re-flection
and prayer.
You know what they
say about all work and
no
play!
On
December 10, 2016,
School Council took
time off their hectic
schedules to relax
and have some fun at
our Christmas potluck celebration. A good time was had by
all, as members bonded with each other, shared jokes and
stories, enjoyed music, sang, danced and created special
memories.
Looking forward, we will focus our efforts on promoting the
virtues of RESPECT in February and the virtue of
KINDNESS in March.
We hope that your Family Day was a great opportunity to
connect with your loved ones!
Communication is important between school and home to
ensure that all are informed of student progress and
therefore we encourage you to continue to communicate
with your child’s teacher. The recent Parent-Teacher
interview night was symbolic of that effort to keep lines of
communication open. Stay in touch with your child’s
teachers and stay involved!
Thank you also for supporting our efforts to build
community, to build character, work collaboratively,
promote respect, and put academics first. Together, let us
move from ‘Me to We’. A reminder that February 15 is
Family Day and the school is closed.
Mark Cassar, Principal
Michelle Thompson, Vice Principal
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
School Council hosts Snack Booth at Christmas Recital
School Council hosted
the Snack Booth on
December 15 & 16,
2015 at our Christmas
Recital.
Everyone
enjoyed
delicious
cookies, popcorn and
other
delightful
snacks.
We
are
grateful to Council
member
Nunzia
Rositano, who successfully organised and coordinated the
operations for this event. Special thanks to the team of
parent volunteers who assisted- Kimberlee Glynn, Nadia
Arghittu, Lori Saroli, Daniela Cordi-Nardi, Jen Estevao and
Suzette Psaila. All proceeds from this fundraiser went
toward school activities.
Shrove Tuesday
Another successful Shrove Tuesday was hosted by School
Council on February 9th, when all students were treated to a
delicious pancake, a gift from our GA School to our children!
The tradition signals the beginning of our Lenten season
and was deeply appreciated by all. We say a big thank-you
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
to our Council member Daniela Nardi- Cordi, who planned,
organised and executed this school-wide event. Special
thanks to the team of hardworking parent volunteers who
distributed pancakes to the students: Josephine Wilson,
Saozinha Coelho-Pacheco, Natasha Konda, Davina
Rangoo, Yasamin Mikha, Yessenia Lopez, Bradley
Georges, Lori Saroli, Mervyn Dias, Millicent Sarroca,
Kimberlee Glynn, Anna Gonsalez, Kelly Chancay, Jim
Chancay and Andrea Crupi. Thank you to all parents who
sent in donations. These funds go toward the Building Fund
for our Parish.
Sub Lunch Days
Back by popular demand, we will be having
our Sub Lunch Days as follows: February
23rd, March 29th, April 26th and May 31st,
2016. Look out for order forms that are
coming your way for February 2016!
A Driving Force: The CCCSC- Central Committee for
Catholic School Council
CCCSC continues to play a strong training and supportive
role in the development of our school councils. A meeting of
all Parish Reps was held on Feb 4th, 2016. A meeting of all
Council Chairs was held on Feb 11th, 2016. For more
information
on
CCCSC,
visit
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CCCSC
Mark your Calendars!
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Parent Engagement Night- (Health, Wellness and
Exercise) April 14
Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony and Dinner- April 24
Movie Night-A Family Night of Fun at GA- May 6
Parent Engagement Night (21st Century Learning/Math)
May 10 Details to follow!
You Matter!
Would you like to be part of our parent volunteer team that
assists with events at the school? Do you have comments,
questions or ideas that you would like to share with us?
Then
send
us
an
email
at
GuardianAngelsCSC@gmail.com. Please join us at our
next School Council meeting to be held on March 2nd,
2016 in the Library. We want to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Arlene Saunders-Georges, School Council Chair
2015/2016 Catholic School Council Team:
Chairperson: .....................Arlene Saunders-Georges
Treasurer: ..........................Nunzia Rositano
Secretary: ..........................Lori Saroli
Parish Representative: ....Bradley Georges
OAPCE Representative: ..Daniella Cordi-Nardi
Members at Large:……….Nadia Arghittu
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Teacher Representative:..Mrs. Parris
Non-Teaching Representative: Mrs. Sivasankaran
School Council – Parish Update – Mr.
Bradley Georges
Lent: A Time for Renewal of Our Faith
Happy New Year to all
members of our school
community! And what a
wonderful time it is for us as
Catholics as we started our
Lenten season this week! A
time for reflection and for
renewal of our faith in the
Eucharist. I am sure everyone
received their ashes on Ash
Wednesday; and as a
reminder Ash Wednesday
was the first day of the Lenten
fast. Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence (no meat) and
fasting (less food). We are all urged to refrain from eating
meat on all Fridays during the season of Lent, because they
are days of abstinence.
I am especially happy to be your Parish Rep in this Year of
Mercy, as Parish Reps are being called to play a stronger
role in building the relationship between the church, the
school and families. I will be sharing what we are doing in
this monthly column of our school’s newsletter.
A Reminder: The Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee
Year of Mercy
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the
heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you
sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your
loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being
enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from
seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep
after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant
thief.
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words
that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: "If you knew the
gift of God!" You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
of the God who manifests his power above all by
forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face
in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your
ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that
they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:
let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved,
and forgiven by God.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its
anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of
grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed
enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim
liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to
the blind. We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and
reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Amen.
Deepening our Call to Mercy: The Pope’s Monthly
Meditations on Mercy
Throughout the Jubilee of Mercy, monthly reflections based
on Scripture passages that Pope Francis uses in his
Bull, Misericordiae vultus (MV) are posted. A scripture
passage is and a reference to paragraphs in Misericordiae
vultus is given. Each reflection offers a way to more deeply
embrace the call to embody mercy that is asked of every
Christian. You can use these reflections on your own, with
your family, or with small groups in our parish.
What are Corporal Works of Mercy?
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of
Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all
others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are
charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their
bodily needs". They respond to the basic needs of humanity
as we journey together through this life. Here are the seven
(7) Corporal Works of Mercy and suggestions and words of
advice for living them out in our daily lives.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
FEED THE HUNGRY
GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY
SHELTER THE HOMELESS
VISIT THE SICK
VISIT THE PRISONERS
BURY THE DEAD
GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR
What are Spiritual Works of Mercy?
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the
Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians
and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus
attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered
to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our
neighbor in their spiritual needs". Here are the seven (7)
Spiritual Works of Mercy and suggestions and words of
advice for living them out in our daily lives.
1. COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL
2. INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT
3. ADMONISHING THE SINNER
4. COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL
5. FORGIVING INJURIES
6. BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY
7. PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
we encourage parents to pray the Rosary daily, with their
children.
Lenten Schedule
During lent evening Mass is celebrated from Monday to
Thursday at 7:00pm. Stations of the Cross is held every
Friday at 7:00pm followed by Holy Mass at 7:30pm.
Heart to Heart Valentines Dinner and Dance
Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life and the
5:00pm Saturday Choir present their 7th Valentine Dinner
and Dance on Saturday February 13, 2016 at 7:00pm at
Century Gardens Recreation Centre at 40 Vodden Street
East, Brampton. Tickets are $40.00 per adult and $25.00
per child. All proceeds go to the construction of the Church
for Guardian Angels Parish. Tickets can be purchased after
Sunday masses.
Lenten Choir Festival
A Lenten Choir Festival will be held on Saturday March 5 th,
2016 from 6:30 pm to 9:00pm at the Guardian Angels Parish
Hall. Tickets are $10.00 for adult and $25.00 per family. All
proceeds go toward building our church.
Special dates in February
February 8th: Saint Day for St Josephine Bakhita
February 11th: World Day of the Sick. Please pray for all
who are sick.
February 11th: Our Lady of Lourdes. The Blessed Virgin
Mary first appeared to a humble Bernadette Soubirous for
the first time on 11th February 1858.
Fund Raising for the Church
Through the generosity of the Parishioners, our GA Parish
Hall was built. The task is not yet completed and
parishioners are encouraged to support the Parish’s
fundraising initiatives.
We would love to hear from you and welcome your
feedback! Please send all comments, suggestions to
GuardianAngelsCSC@ gmail.com
Bradley Georges, School Council Parish Rep.
Living Our Faith & Catholic Virtues
Rosary Apostolate at Guardian Angels School
Our school continue to embrace the work of the Rosary
Apostolate who guides our children in the Mysteries of the
Rosary and their meaning to our daily lives. These sessions
are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month and our
students reflect on the life of a particular saint. In this Year
of Mercy, students in Grades 4 -8 are led in teachings of
Christ as it related to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of
Mercy. We are happy to have this program in our school and
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
A key aspect of the Board’s strategic direction is the continued
development of a safe, caring, inclusive Catholic school
community. 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.
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
January: ........ Self-control
February: .......Respect
March:............ Kindness
April: ..............Love
May: ............... Acceptance
June: ..............Fairness
The virtues will be covered every month during morning
announcements, in class during discussions, and at our school
Living Our Faith Awards.
Our next Living Our Faith Awards will take place on:
Monday, February 29, 2016
Grades K-4 @ 9:30 AM
Grades 5-8 @ 11:00 AM
Jesus spent a major part
of his time on earth
modelling us about the
preferential option for the
poor and the weak. He
spent an extraordinary
amount of time showing
how to follow God’s rules,
the rules of the kingdom.
We must learn to follow
His example.
In the month of February,
we will celebrate the
virtue of RESPECT. We
all deserve to be shown
courtesy, consideration,
sensitivity
and
thoughtfulness, which are
different ways of saying
respect. That respect
should come first from us.
We have to respect
ourselves and then we
will be able to respect
others. Through prayer
and concentration, we
can become better at
respecting ourselves as
well as respecting those
around us.
A respectful person…
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Treats him/herself and everyone else with equal
consideration and courtesy
Uses a positive tone of voice and body language
Avoids swearing, name-calling, put-downs, and
inappropriate gestures
Says ‘Excuse me‛, ‘Please‛, and ‘Pardon me‛
Avoids gossip weather online or in person
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Le Carnaval de Quebec
On Monday, February 8th,
Guardian Angels hosted
its third annual French
Carnival…also known as
“CARNAVAL”.
To kick off the event, an
assembly took place in the
gym where we gathered as a
community to learn about
the history of “Carnaval”. As music played throughout the
school, our day officially began. Our Grade 8 students ran
the activity stations and our Grade 7 students were team
leaders. Students from JK to Grade 6 had the opportunity
to participate in a variety of events such as; Loto (Bingo),
Bâtons de hockey (Mini-stick hockey), Les Masques
(Designing masks), Courses de bateaux (Boat Races),
Sculptures de sucre (Building Sculptures), Jouer avec
Bonhomme (interactive smart-board activity) and many
more!
As a token of recognition, certificates were given to all
participants. The best part of all, we were able to meet the
ambassador and very famous mascot of the Quebec
Carnival itself “Monsieur Bonhomme”. It was an honour to
have Bonhomme join us and cheer the teams on as we
celebrated together and experienced one of Quebec’s most
famous cultural events. The French Team would like to
thank Monsieur Cassar & Madame Thompson for their
support, all staff for their support and all students for their
participation and enthusiasm towards this initiative. A
special thank-you to members of our school and parent
council for volunteering their time and efforts.
Thank you to our mystery parent who played the role of
Bonhomme! VIVRE LE CARNAVAL!! And thank you to
Monsieur Caputo, Mademoiselle Gunia, Mademoiselle
Motalleb and Mademoiselle Yarra for organizing this
amazing event.
Black History
From Skin to Steel and Beyond
From Skin to Steel and Beyond
challenges students to develop a
general
understanding
of
steelpan, its history and its
present cultural and social
contributions to communities
throughout the world and locally.
Simultaneously students will
develop their understanding of
foundational
music
skills
including beat, metre, rhythm,
tempo, pitch, melody, harmony,
dynamics, timbre, texture and
form. They will experience
elements of performance and
creation as well as reflecting and responding to the works of
professional musicians, their own works and the works of
their peers.
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
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Students are taught using a combination of rote, letters
and notation
Projected Outcomes
Depending on their grade level, students will learn to
play up to two short pieces or grooves (2 to 4 minutes
of performance for class).
Students will be challenged to work together and
encourage each
All students will be encouraged to continue to learn
about the art form beyond the classroom.
They may also receive information about how they can
get involved in their local steelpan community from
attending performances to joining a community group.
Music Workshops for Grades 3, 4 and 5
Mimi O’Bonsawin
is
a
singersongwriter. From
as early as she can
remember, music
has been a way for
her to connect to
the
world,
to
explore new ideas,
listen to stories,
and learn about
other people and to raise a voice about things that matter to
me.
She believe that we all have powerful stories to tell and
meaningful songs to sing.
Her First Nations and French Canadian roots run deep and
have nourished an appreciation and respect for the
importance of both music and story!
Through her program, Rhythm & Rhyme, Mimi help
students explore how the art of song writing can become a
way for students to tell their own stories and connect with
the stories of others.
Mimi’s workshops with the grade 3, 4 and 5 students will
explore the sources of inspiration that surround us every
day. Songs come from being attuned to the life that we live
and experience every day. We’ll also think about where
songs go after they are written. How do we bring them to the
world so that others can appreciate and enjoy them?
Reconciliation for Grades 3-8 Students
Reconciliation has been scheduled
for Friday, April 22 @ 9:30 AM.
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
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
that only students who are baptized Catholic and have
received the sacrament of Reconciliation will participate
in this celebration.
Junior Boys Basketball
On
Monday
February 1st, the
junior
boys’
basketball
team
traveled to Notre
Dame Secondary
school
for
the
annual
junior
basketball invitational tournament. The boys demonstrated
excellent teamwork, fair play, and determination all
tournament long. After losing their first game by just one
point, the team rallied to win their last three round Robin
games by staying positive and working together.
The boys continued their winning ways into the playoffs by
beating Holy Spirit Catholic School in the quarter finals.
Eventually the winning streak came to an end in the
semifinals as the eventual tournament champions from St
Kevin. Mr. DaCosta and Mr. Morris wish to congratulate the
boys on a hard fought tournament in which they showed
many great things for the season to come. Congratulations
boys and best of luck to the junior girls who are participating
in their invitational tournament very soon.
Safe School Mission Statement
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. Thank you for supporting us as
we support your child.
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:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/GANGL Thanks to Mrs. Gallant for
maintaining the website.
Volunteers
Volunteers play an important role in the life of our school
community. They help to enhance the learning opportunities
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
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. Di Muzio, our volunteer coordinator.
Please note that anyone working or volunteering in our
school must have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed by
the local police service before volunteering can begin.
Pizza Days
Pizza orders are for one month at
a time. Partial and late orders are
not accepted. Envelopes will
come home monthly for you to
place your order by the due date.
Thanks to Ms. McGee and all the
student runners as well as all of
our parent and student volunteers for supporting this
initiative. Domino’s is our pizza supplier. Their pizza meets
the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Food Guidelines.
Guardian Angels Eco Team
Bus Cancellations and School Closures
During the winter months, inclement
weather may cause disruption of
bus transportation and regular
school operations. A decision to
cancel school transportation and/or
to close schools is usually made by
6:00 a.m. and will be announced on
the following radio stations:
VIRGIN RADIO 99.9, CFTR 680, CFNY 102.1, EZ ROCK
97.3, CJCL 590, CHFI 98.1, CFRB 101, CHIN 100.7
FM/1540 AM, CJBC, Z103.5, 93.1 FM, CITYPULSE,
GLOBAL NEWS, CBC
You will hear one of four standard messages:
1. “DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD BUSES SERVING ST. ANDREW, ST. BENEDICT
AND ST. PETER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND R.F.
HALL SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CANCELLED FOR
TODAY.” This message does not affect Guardian Angels
School.
2. “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD BUSES AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD BUSES IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON AND THE
COUNTY OF DUFFERIN ARE CANCELLED”. This
message does not affect Guardian Angels School.
3. “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
BUSES ARE CANCELLED.” ALL Transportation services
provided by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board have been cancelled for the entire day.
4. “THE SCHOOLS AND OFFICES OF BOTH THE
DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ARE
CLOSED.” ALL schools are closed to students and staff.
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
On February 3, Guardian Angels participated in Walk to
School Day… Winter Walking Tips to promote throughout the
winter:
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Keep hands and head covered to prevent heat loss.
On really cold days wear a scarf over your face and
mouth.
Wear warm, waterproof boots.
Wear a warm coat that deflects the wind.
Woolen clothing helps to retain the heat.
Wear clothing or carry knapsacks with reflective material
– it’s important to be seen.
If possible, change wet clothes at school – tuck an extra
pair of socks and mitts into knapsacks
Since 2010, over a million Canadians have participated in
National Sweater Day at their schools, workplaces and
homes. On February 4th, Guardian Angels participated in
National Sweater Day. National Sweater Day is a fun way
to learn about the importance of saving energy
and to inspire us to use less heat all winter. Heating
accounts for 80% of residential energy use in Canada and
is a significant source of emissions. If all Canadians lowered
their thermostats by just 2 degrees Celsius this winter, it
would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4
megatons – that’s equivalent to shutting down a 600
megawatt coal-fired power station or taking nearly 700,000
cars off the road!
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
Did you know that school lunches are a major source of
waste in Ontario? In fact, the average student’s lunch
generates a total of 30 kilograms of waste per school year,
or an average of 8,500 kilograms of waste per school year.
In an effort to engage students in small environmental
initiatives that can make a big impact, Guardian Angels is
participating in Waste-Free Lunch Wednesdays. Please
help support us in this initiative by packing lunches, snacks
and drinks using reusable containers, drink bottles and
utensils.
Snow Stays On The Ground
Students are reminded that
“Snow Stays on the Ground”.
Frequent reminders are made on
the morning announcements.
Students are encouraged to
constructively use the snow that
winter brings to build snowmen, forts, or snow sculptures.
Swim To Survive
Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving
Society survival training program
focused on providing Grade 3
students with basic swimming
skills in an attempt to eliminate
drowning in Canada and to teach
swim safety. We would like to extend the opportunity for our
third graders at Guardian Angels to participate in this very
beneficial program.
The goal is to have every Grade 3 student in Ontario
achieve the basic Swim to Survive Standard. The program
will be held at the Cassie Campbell Community Centre and
will consist of 3 sessions, which include in-water and
classroom lessons. There is no charge for the program. We
will jump in the water in March.
From The Library
Forest of Reading
This year’s Forest of Reading titles
have been announced, and an
overwhelming show of support has
been shown by our GA Readers. Just
a reminder to all readers that they
MUST have read all of the 10 titles on
their respective book lists to vote.
Also a reminder to students that
access to this years’ books is limited
to those registered in the Forest of Reading Club. For more
information
about
Forest
of
Reading
visit
www.accessola.com and search for the Forest of Reading
section to view this year’s nominated titles.
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
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.” Mr. Monardo continues the use of Wikis
throughout the 15/16 school year.
In addition to the class and school-generated Wikis, many
teachers have begun to use digital classrooms, and the
library is no exception. With new access to our digital and
print catalogue via our enterprise server, students can
access free educational content.
Please go on the school website to access our “Library” link
at the bottom of the page, where they can digitally access
our entire catalogue online. They can even manage their
accounts and check due dates using their personal 9 digit
access code.
Just a friendly reminder to return overdue library books so
that other students may enjoy them. There also may be
letters sent home for lost books requesting payment. We
kindly ask that you replace lost books and help keep our 19
000 volume collection as the pride of our school Board!!
Happy Reading!
Marco Monardo, Teacher Librarian
A Prayer for St. Valentine
Cupids. Candy. Flowers. Lacy
hearts. Strange, isn't it, that the
best-known Christian saint on the
secular calendar -- a holiday
devoted to romantic love -- is a
martyr for the Christian faith?
Saint Valentine did "die of love", to
be sure -- but not of the romantic sort! Strange, also,
considering its enormous popularity, that this saint's feast
no longer appears on the Church's calendar. (Officially,
February 14th marks the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodias,
9th century missionaries to the Slavs.)
How did the "Saint" disappear from Valentine's Day? Can
we "re-Christianize" the celebration of this popular holiday?
Who is Saint Valentine, anyway? There are three different
Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, mentioned in the early
martyrologies for the date of February 14th.
One is described as a priest, another a bishop. Both
apparently were martyred in the second half of the third
century and buried at different places on the Flaminian Way
outside of Rome. The third St. Valentine was martyred in
Africa with a number of companions. Almost nothing is
known about any of these early Christian men -- except that
they died for the love of Christ!
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
The popular customs connected with Saint Valentine's Days
probably originated in medieval Europe. At that time, when
"courtly love" was in flower, there was a common belief in
England and France that on February 14th, precisely half
way through the second month of the year, the birds began
to pair.
Thus, we read in the 14th century English poet, Geoffrey
Chaucer's "Parliament of Foules":
This belief about "lovebirds" is probably the
reason Saint Valentine's
feast day came to be seen
as specially consecrated to
lovers, and as a proper
occasion for writing love
letters and sending lover's
tokens. The literature of the fourteenth and fifteenth-century
in both France and England contain allusions to this
practice.
This association with romantic love, along with the medieval
revival of interest in classic literature, no doubt led to the
"paganizing" of this martyr's feast, so that the Roman god,
Cupid (the counterpart of Eros in Greek mythology),
supplanted the saint in the celebration of the feast. In
Roman mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, was a winged
immortal who had the mischievous habit of shooting
invisible arrows into the hearts of mortals, which inflamed
them with blind and helpless passion -- for the next person
they might see.
According to legend, while awaiting execution, he wrote
notes of instruction, affection and encouragement to the
Christian community in Rome, which were secretly
delivered by a boy who visited him in prison. It is ironic that
a Roman Christian who died defending the faith is now
chiefly associated with a pagan god, Cupid!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father
You gave Saint Valentine the courage to witness to the
gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it.
Help us to endure all suffering for love of you, and to seek
you with all our hearts; for you alone are the source of life
and love.
Grant that we may have the courage and love to be strong
witnesses of your truth to our friends and family and to the
whole world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever. Amen.
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Mrs. Galifi’s Great Grade 3s
Mrs.
Galifi’s
class
continues to work hard this
term in all subject areas. In
math,
we
are
just
beginning our unit on
measurement.
The
students are loving working
together measuring various objects in the classroom using
both standard and non-standard unit of measure.
In the next month, we will be working on measuring the area
and perimeter of different shapes and telling time using the
analog clock. In language, students are having fun working
on procedural writing. For their final task, the students will
be required to create step by step instructions on how to
complete an activity of their choice. As part of their media
mark this term, the students did a wonderful job creating a
poster and a commercial on a product designed by them for
a specific audience. They all learned so much from doing
this project and were so proud of themselves when
presenting their posters to the class.
Using the inquiry-based learning model in social studies, the
students had the opportunity to research information on
various aspects of the early First Nations people of Canada.
They did a great job collecting their information and
representing it artistically through a diorama, model,
scrapbook or a poster. The final products turned out
amazing and included so much detail and creativity!
As term begins, our focus will be more geared towards
preparing for EQAO and getting the students comfortable
and familiar with the test. We will be doing a lot of practice
questions in class and reviewing all the strategies we have
learned throughout the year so far to solve various math
problems and language comprehension questions. I am
very excited to begin term two and look forward to all the
great learning yet to come!
Mrs. Sepe’s Superb Grade 1s
Wow! It’s hard to
believe that we are
now in the month of
February.
The
children have been
very busy learning
new things every
day. In Language
Arts, the students have completed retelling the story of The
Gingerbread Man and we are now working on procedural
writing (i.e., How to Build a Snowman).
In Math, we have finished collecting and categorizing data
into graphs, and we are now learning how to measure
objects using non-standard units of measurement (i.e.,
paperclips, snap cubes and Popsicle sticks). We just
measured our classroom carpet and found out that it is 123
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
snap cubes long. Don’t forget to follow our class on Twitter
@MrsSepeGA to see all the great learning taking place in
Room 107.
Mrs. Lorusso’s Grade 5 Bunch
What a great
start to 2016! The
students
returned
to
school
with
enthusiasm;
willing and ready
to learn new
things.
They
have been working hard collaborating with each other in all
areas of the curriculum; math, science, social studies and
language.
Some feedback from the Lorusso Bunch on what we
have been learning and what our classroom is all about.
Cassidy: Right now in math we are learning about 3-D
figures. We are learning how to identify 3-D figures by t heir
nets. With our math partners, we played a fun game on the
I-pads called Kahoot. We also constructed a cube net in as
many ways as possible.
Jodi: We did a fun activity in procedural writing.
We constructed a plane using step by step instructions and
graphics to help us build a plane that would fly properly.
Lucianne: In Science, we are so excited to start learning
about the human body. It will be very cool to learn about
how our body works together.
Lucas: Our classroom is a positive place to learn and have
fun.
Chantelle: The classroom is very comfortable. When we
work, we can go to different areas in the room such as the
couch or the coffee table.
Reubenn & Ethan: When you enter our classroom it is 21st
century because we have couches, comfy chairs, a smart
board and computers.
Fernando: A very welcoming and friendly environment. We
work together in math with our math partners. Whenever we
learn a new subject, Mrs. Lorusso makes it fun and
interactive.
Noah W: We do a lot
of
activities
that
involve the virtues
such as our Respect
posters this month.
Respect sounds like
kind words, look like
people helping each
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
other, and feels like belonging.
Andrea: As soon as you enter our classroom you will feel
welcomed and part of our family.
Evan: The amount of education you get in this classroom is
good for a grade 5 classroom. All the students are nice and
friendly and we work together very comfortably.
Mrs. Sousa’s Grade 8 Class
In our last year of elementary school,
we believe in making this year
memorable and fun. In our classroom,
this is executed by our learning
environment.
This month we are
celebrating Black History Month, and
we are participating by learning about
and
researching
Black
Jazz
Musicians.
We have been using technology in our
classroom that not only assists us in completing our
assignments, but makes learning and working more fun.
We regularly use iPads, computers and the Smartboard,
along with learning to use the applications on Microsoft
365. Our teacher, Mrs. Sousa, is assisting us in completing
our goals of achieving our academic aspirations. She
motivates us to consistently complete our given tasks and
makes sure we are prepared for our future. So far, our year
has been successful and we will strive to continue our
journey. By: Leah, Gabriel P., and Matthew.
Mr. Valerio’s Grade 5 Class
In math we discuss math
strategies and vocabulary that we
have learned and then we answer
a problem with a partner. Pairs are
selected to share their ideas with
the class or we do a gallery walk
and learn about how our peers
solve problems. We like sharing
our answers and working with other students. This way
stronger math students get to help those that are not
confident in math and students can see other math
strategies that they might want to use. This month we are
learning addition, subtraction and estimating. Next, we’ll be
dealing with MONEY!!!
In Science we are learning about the properties of sound
and light. Students enjoy performing hands-on experiments
and investigating how different materials are affected by
light and sound. At the end of the unit we will be creating a
light device or sound instrument. Doesn’t that sound
GREAT?
In Social Studies, we are learning about ancient
civilizations. We will have the opportunity to research and
learn about an ancient civilization of our choice and then we
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
will be comparing it to another that we have studied in class.
We enjoy discovering new and interesting things about
these ancient civilizations, including how the Greek gods,
such as Zeus, are like superheroes.
Mrs. Galifi
@lgalifi
GA Eco Team
@GAecoteam
Ms. Yarra
@MlleYarraGr5
Mrs. Thompson
@MrsTGA
Mrs. Petrusa
@MrsPetrusa
Mr. Da Costa
@Gangels_6
Ms. El Choli
@ms-elcholi_GA
Mrs. Baker and Mrs.
Sivasankaran
@GAFDK102
Mrs. Valentini
@jvalentini1
Ms. Pileggi
@MsPileggi
Mrs. Sepe
MrsSepeGA
Mrs. Villamagna and
Mrs. Smith
@GAFDKRM104
Mrs. Insanic
@MrsInsanic
Mrs. Sanna
@GAngelesScience
Masses
Celebration
Date and Time
Ash Wednesday
Liturgy
Wednesday,
February 10
@ 9:30 AM
Lenten Mass
Friday, March 4
9:30 AM
Resurrection/ Easter
Mass
Friday, April 8
@ 9:30 AM
Crowning of Mary
Liturgy
May TBA
@ 9:30 AM
Brampton West
Grade 8 Mass
Friday, June 10
@10am
Year End Mass
Friday, June 17
@ 9:30 AM
Special Events
Date and Time
First Reconciliation
Grade 2 , 7 and 8
Friday, April 22nd
@ 9:30 AM
First Communion
Sunday, April 24th
@ 3:00 PM
Confirmation for
Grade 7 and 8
students
Location
All events take
place in the gym
at Guardian
Angels School
Location
Guardian Angels
School
Thursday, April 28 @
7 PM
Guardian Angels
Parish
Dropping off Lunches
Follow Us On Twitter and the Web
Mr. Cassar
@GAngelsschool
Lunches should be
dropped off:
FDK –before 12 PM
Mrs. Gibson Power
@MrsGP_GA
Grades 1-8 between
12:00 PM and 12:30 PM.
Mrs. Commisso
@GACommisso
Mrs. D’Armi Fetz
/Ms. Medeiros
@GAFDK103
Parents will label the lunch with the student and teacher’s
name. Parents can simply place their child’s lunch in the
appropriate class basket. A class runner will deliver the
lunches to the classrooms. Student helpers can earn
volunteer hours delivering the lunches.
Mrs. Parris
@MrsParris_GA
Mrs. Sousa
@MrsSousaGA
Ms. Galos
@MsGalos
Mrs. Gallant
@MrsGallantAtGA
Ms. Wajzer
@MsWajzerGA
School Council
@GASchoolCouncil
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Note that priority will be given to dealing with office and
student needs not answering the new front doorbell, so
dropping off lunches after 12:30 PM may delay your entry.
When on Guardian Angels
Property
When there is snow or rain on the
ground…..be careful! Our custodial
and maintenance staff continue to
work with plant services contractors
to remove ice and snow, broken tree branches and other
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
debris from our site. For everyone’s safety, please note the
following:
What can WE do to help make things better ?
Please let us know if you see any concerns while on our
school/board properties.
1. Encourage your kids to walk when possible.
2. Park on adjacent streets. Avoid Heatherdale if possible.
3. Consider not entering the Kiss and Ride…drop your kids
off by the sidewalk and they can walk the remaining few
feet, allowing you to drive away.
4. Carpool…fewer cars saves gas, is faster and helps the
environment.
5. Qualified children can take the school bus.
6. If you drive, arrive well before 9 AM - avoid the rush.
7. Do not get out of your car. That will just make things
much slower and frustrate the drivers behind you.
8. Wait your turn to get to the Kiss and Ride curb and your
child will come to you.
9. Finally – be patient, please. THANK YOU!
Kiss and Ride Lanes
Tentative Upcoming Dates
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Please walk carefully when on school/board property;
do not run.
Please ensure students dress appropriately for the
conditions. We ask all visitors to wear proper footwear
for the conditions.
Although efforts have been undertaken to clear
sidewalks, paths, patches, parking lots and paved play
areas, in some cases, ongoing freezing temperatures
combined with the base of ice will continue to make
areas slippery.
Our parking lots do have ice buildup. Please exercise
caution when leaving your vehicles. As always, please
drive safely.
Please do NOT leave your car in the Kiss
and Ride Lane. If you need to come into
the school, you must park. in a parking
spot. These rules are enforced and you
could be fined if not abiding by Brampton’s
By-laws.
If walking your child to school in the morning
or picking them up at the end of the day,
parents are asked to remain either behind
the black fence by the parking lot, on the path closest to
the school, or on the perimeter of the school pavement.
This is for your child’s safety, as teachers on duty cannot
distinguish parents from “strangers” in the yard with such a
large school. NOTE: parents are responsible for arranging to
pick up their child on time at the end of the day. Students from
grade 2 to 8 are released at their exit door.
Kindergarten and Gr 1 students ONLY are released from
the Kindergarten fenced yard. Those parents must pull
up to the Kiss and Ride curb and their child will come
to them. A teacher will be on duty to assist.
Only bus students exit at the end of the day through the
front doors. Students walking with siblings are asked to
have a meeting spot at the back of the school.
Kiss & Ride: When it Snows
Once it snows, several difficulties arise:
 Narrowing streets and fewer spots to park
 Fewer parking spots for staff
 More cars and a busier Kiss and Ride
While it is easy to understand the frustration experienced by
drivers, the By-laws remain the same. As we instituted
changes, Kiss and Ride enter and exit times averaged 6-10
minutes….quite efficient.
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Parents are welcome to join us for any events below. Please
contact the school ahead of time to confirm times and dates.
Mon. Feb. 15
Wed. Feb. 17
Tues. Feb. 23
Wed. Feb. 24
Fri. Feb 26
Mon. Feb. 29
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Wed. March 2
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Fri. March 4
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Mon. March 7
Wed. March 9
Thurs. March 10
Fri. March 11
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March 14- 18
March 21
Thurs. March 24
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Fri. March 25
Sun. March 27
Mon. March 28
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Tues. March 29
Fri. April 1
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Family Day – school is closed
Steel Pan workshops all day
Sub Lunch Day
Steel Pan workshops all day
Steel Pan workshops all day
Living Our Faith Awards

9:30 AM Grades K-4

11:00 AM Grades 5-8
Steel Pan workshops all day
School Council mtg @ 6:30
PM
Steel Pan workshops in the
PM
Lenten Mass @ 9:30 AM in
the gym
Mr. Stern’s and Mr. Valerio’s
classes at Silvercreek
Outdoor Education Centre
Steel Pan workshops all day
Steel Pan workshops all day
Rosary Apostolate visit GA
Steel Pan showcase in the
gym @ 9:30 AM…parents
welcome to watch
St. Patrick’s Day spirit day
March Break
Holy Week
Mr. Buzdon’s class at
Silvercreek Outdoor
Education Centre
Good Friday. School is closed
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday. School
closed
Sub lunch day
Brampton West Chess
Tournament @ GA
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL
PICTURE THE MOMENT
Read our newsletter!
Win a free pizza slice, from Mr. Cassar and Mrs. Thompson.!
What’s the date of the Orlando Bowen Parent
Engagement Night?
Answer: ___________________________ _____
Pictured are students and staff
celebrating our Living Our Faith Awards,
dancing the day away at our Valentine’s
Day Dance and welcoming our Carnavale
guest, Bonhomme to our school!
FOLLOW US:
Twitter: @GAngelsschool
Child’s Name: ___________________________
Teacher: ________________________________
Date:
_________Please return to Ms. McGee ASAP
Website: WWW.DPCDSB.ORG/GANGL