St. Maria Goretti Catholic Elementary School
121 Royal Orchard Drive Brampton, Ontario L6X 4K9
TEL (905) 454 - 4458
FAX (905) 454 – 0360
CHILDREN ARE OUR FOCUS. THEIR GOOD IS AT THE CENTRE OF ALL THAT WE DO
Principal
Superintendent
Trustee
Secretary
S. Mifsud
S. Steer
D. D’Souza
N. Eisan
Parish
Pastor
Associate Pastor
PARENT NEWSLETTER
St. Anne Church
Fr. J. Cherickal
Fr. F. Morrone
FEBRUARY 2015
Virtue of the Month: Respect
We all deserve to be treated respectfully by others. However, in order to be
respected we also have to respect ourselves. Everyone has a right to go to
school/work free of gossip, name-calling, and put-downs. We should expect to
be treated with respect by everyone we meet – our brothers and sisters in Jesus.
Prayer for Respect Important Message Regarding Parking Lot
All mighty God, giver of all that is good. We thank you for the precious gift of human life. Effective Monday, January 26, 2015, six Family Day parking spaces located in the front of the
Guide us to rare
espect all life. “Child Care Drop Off/Pick Up
Child Care Centre were opened. These
spaces
designated
for Day Care families only.
– “15 minute time limit.” These spaces are
Like St. Francis, help us to see the beauty and goodness in all living things Help us tnot
o imitate your respect for life Please note that these spaces
will
be available
throughout
the Kiss and Ride
p.m.).
Program daily (8:15-8:35 a.m. and 2:45-3:05
For the please
life of children, aking us glad with their enthusiasm If you have any questions,
feel freemto
contact
the
office.
For the life of young people, hoping for a better world For the life of the sick and disabled, teaching us humility For the life of the elderly, witnessing patience and wisdom. We thank you Lord. Like Blessed Mary, may we always say yes to your gift of life. Professional ActivityMay Days
Reporting
we hand
ave respect for all. to Parents Update
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reports will be sent home on Tuesday, February 3th with interviews taking place on the
Amen. evening of Thursday, February 5th and during
the day of February 6th. If you have a
scheduled interview with your child’s teacher and are unable to make the interview, please
contact the school.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Dufferin Peel Schools have a long history of celebrating Black History
Month with special events and activities held throughout the month of February. Throughout the month,
St. Maria Goretti School will have displays of famous Black Canadians, announcements highlighting Black
History and students will be engaged in various activities in their classrooms.
Staying In For Recess
Throughout the school year, with cold temperatures, and so many students recovering from,
or away from school because of colds, flu, etc., we receive numerous requests for children to
remain indoors during the nutrition breaks. Please note that we cannot comply, as we have
neither the facilities nor the staff to supervise these students. If your child is too ill to go
outside for the nutrition breaks, then he/she is too ill to be at school. On extremely cold days,
we limit the amount of time that students spend outside. We use the weather information
provided by Environment Canada and adhere to School Board Weather Guidelines.
Dressing For Winter Weather
Winter is here! Please encourage your child to dress appropriately for the cold weather.
Outdoor play is a healthy and invigorating activity when students are wearing suitable clothing
and warm mittens. Please write your child’s name on boots, mitts, hats, jackets and snow
pants. Children must change into their indoor shoes for warmth, comfort and cleanliness in
their classrooms. Please keep an extra pair of mittens, socks and even track pants in your
child’s school bag in case they need a dry change of clothes.
Ash Wednesday February 18th
Please join us on February 18th at 1:30 p.m. as we mark the Season of Lent by observing Ash Wednesday
through a Liturgy. This will mark the beginning of a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Ashes will be
distributed during the liturgy. Parents are welcome.
School Lenten Mass February 23rd
Our School Lenten Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. In the school Gym. Parents are welcome.
Drop Off And Pick Up
We understand that the weather is colder this time of year, however we must still keep
to the drop off and pick up routine to ensure the safety of our students. Do not Park at
the front of the school as it is a fire route and bus lane. A number of our parents
have been ticketed by Brampton Parking Control. The school bus has had difficulty
pulling up to the front as well. Please park your vehicle and walk your child to the door.
Safety must be first!
Catholic School Council
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, February 24th @ 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome.
New Date!
Lates
Our day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Students who arrive late
for class often miss vital instructional time, interrupt classroom
routines and disrupt the learning of others. Attendance and
punctuality are essential components of the elementary school
program. The Education Act dictates that “a pupil shall attend
classes punctually and regularly.” The Ministry of Education
indicates that poor attendance and frequent lates are often one
indication that a pupil is a ‘Student at Risk’ for successful
completion of a Secondary School diploma.
Throwing Snowballs
Playing in the snow can be a lot of fun; however the school has a rule
forbidding the throwing of snowballs and the kicking of snow onto others.
Students are constantly reminded of the dangers of throwing/kicking snow
and ice chunks. Students are reminded that this rule is in place to prevent the
injuries of others. We encourage students to constructively use the snow to
build snowmen or sculptures. Students getting caught throwing snowballs or
ice chunks will receive consequences. Please review these rules with your
children. Thank you for helping us make the playground a safe place.
BUS CANCELLATIONS/SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO BAD WEATHER
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 St. Maria Goretti
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 St. Maria Goretti 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.
SMG Goes Green!
The SMG Green Grizzly environmental club has been working hard planning and
preparing for several upcoming green events. This Thursday February 5th we will be
celebrating National Sweater Day at SMG. To conserve energy, our school’s
temperature will be reduced by two degrees and we are encouraging all students to
wear their most outrageous sweater as their show of support. In the afternoon we will
be holding a sweater day fashion show, where students will be able to strut their
outrageous styles on stage.
The Green Grizzlies are looking forward to continuing our efforts to make SMG green
with many more eco-friendly activities and events planned before June – so stay tuned!
Important Dates to Remember
February 3:
Reports Go Home
February 5:
National Sweater Day: “Ugly Sweater” Fashion Show – 1:30 p.m.
February 5:
Interview evening – Reporting to Parents on Evaluation and Student Progress.
February 6:
P.A. Day - Reporting to Parents on Evaluation and Student Progress.
February 10:
Family Engagement Evening (details will be sent home)
February 16:
Family Day - No School
February 18:
Ash Wednesday Liturgy – 1:30 p.m. (parents welcome)
February 23:
Lenten Mass – 11:00 a.m. – in gym – (parents welcome)
February 26:
Dental Screening for Kindergarten students
February 27:
Virtues Assembly at 1:30 p.m., (parents welcome)
February 27:
St. Maria Goretti hosts “Family Movie Night” (details will be sent home)
March 11:
Immunization Clinic for grades 7 & 8
March 16- 20:
March Break