September 2013
To: The School Community of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Elementary School
Greetings,
As we enter into the new school year, I wish to extend my greetings to returning families and
those families new to the Brampton West Family of Schools. It is my prayer that you have
enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer, filled with memories that will bring you great joy. I also
pray that any difficulties encountered over the summer, were met with the support, love and
care of friends and family. September is a time of mixed feelings, excitement as we begin a
fresh year, and often apprehension as we address new and unfamiliar territories; be it new
friends, new teachers, new schools, new administrators. Each change provides an opportunity
for growth, as we allow the Holy Spirit to support us in building our self-confidence. With each
change we grow in the knowledge that every new possibility strengthens our character.
Within our schools we are fortunate to have dedicated staff who have worked diligently to
prepare the school and classrooms for learning. I know that your child is being greeted to a
classroom that is supported not only by devoted teachers, but also school administrators,
administrative assistants, custodians and support staff who have spent many hours preparing
for the upcoming school year.
Your school is a part of the larger Brampton West Family of Schools, we are an area that is
constantly growing and welcoming new students and their families. At the end of August 2013
our population of 12000 students includes children in grades JK - 12 with new enrollments
occurring every day. We consist of 16 elementary schools and 3 secondary schools. Three
parishes support our schools’ liturgical plans, working in partnership with teachers and students
to provide spiritual nourishment and development. Our school communities are privileged to
be served by dedicated trustees: Anna da Silva, Frank Di Cosola and Linda Zanella, each offering
a wealth of experience and a relentless passion for Catholic Education and the success of all
students.
As the newly appointed Superintendent to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Elementary School, I have
the unique blessing to work with your Trustee Linda Zanella, the team from St. Anne Parish and
the administration and staff of St. Maria Goretti. I look forward to the upcoming year, as I
anticipate learning with each school team. We have much to learn from each other as we
endeavour to support progress for all learners within each aspect of their educational wellbeing: spiritual, social, emotional, academic and physical.
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Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga, ON L5R 1C3
As your children mature they will be faced with influences that will both challenge and confirm
the foundation of their faith. The common language and support we share as role models in
their lives will impact greatly on your child’s values as we prepare them to become Catholic
graduates of the future and responsible citizens within our global society. The staff that
comprise the Brampton West Family of Schools is happily committed to working with its
partners to continue to support each child in their quest for knowledge, happiness and, above
all, spiritual development.
I wish you, the families within the Brampton West Family of Schools, every success as you
embrace this new school year. I pray that the Love of God, our Heavenly Father, continues to
be evident within each relationship and that we continue to hold dear the privilege of Catholic
Education.
May the 2013 / 2014 school year be richly blessed with many fond memories, success and
health.
S. Steer
Superintendent,
The Brampton West Family of Schools
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Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga, ON L5R 1C3