ST. DAVID OF WALES
DECEMBER 2012
Principal
B. Gillis
Secretary
D. Gibson
Preparing for Christmas
Trustee
Peter Ferreira
(416) 805-7110
Peter Ferreira@dpcdsb.org
Superintendent
C. Saytar
905.890.1221
PARISH
St. Martin of Tours
1290 McBride Lane
Mississauga, ON
L5C 1M8
905.279-5742
SCHOOL HOURS
Grades 1-8
8:45 -11:45
12:45-3:15
Grades JK-SK
8:45-11:15 or
12:45-3:15
St. David of Wales
4200 Beacon Lane
Mississauga, ON
L5M 2N6
905.848-4200
WebSite
http://www.dpcdsb.org/
DWALE
Now we’ll stay awake,
And make our house clean,
With the brightest things of rend and green,
And we’ll wait for Jesus until he comes,
We’ll wait until he comes.
First we’ll put up a tree,
And shiny and bright,
With lights and balls
To shine through the night.
Then build Him a house,
With a little bed,
A place high enough
Not to bump His head,
Bringing sheep and shepherds
To see Him new-born
And a cow and a donkey
To keep Him warm.
O Good Lord Jesus,
Asleep in the hay,
Bless all little children
Each day and night.
Amen
On behalf of the staff of St. David of Wales Staff, I
extend our best wishes during this Christmas Season to
you and your family. We hope that you will be blessed
with the spirit and gifts of the first Christmas—peace,
love and goodwill toward all.
May the promise of Christmas help to show God‟s
boundless love and may you be blessed with good
health, prosperity and happiness throughout the New
Year as we strive to work with you and for you in providing excellence in Catholic Education in our community.
B. Gillis
DANCE-A-THON UPDATE
ANGELS ON THE TREE (Outreach Program)
On Thursday, November15, St. David of
Wales hosted a school wide Much Music
dance-a-thon sponsored by our School
Council and raised $6,578.10 to improve and enrich student
learning. Our Top Student Fundraisers were Arveen C., Jabez
M., and Nathan R.. These students won a $50 gift certificate
to a store of their choice. We also congratulate Ms. Barry’s
class for being the Top Fundraising class bringing in over
$1,400.00! The class has chosen to donate the money for the
class Pizza Party they’ve won to Sick Kids Hospital, and
should be commended for their generosity and for their fundraising efforts! Thank you to all of the families for supporting our fundraiser!
What can you do to help families in our community enjoy the
Spirit of Christmas?
Here’s how you can help...
a) Choose a tag from our Christmas tree with
the age and gender of a child
b) Bring in an unwrapped gift or gift certificate
to the school by Thursday, December 6
c) Receive an angel with your family name to
hang on our tree
CHRISTMAS BASKETS FOR FAMILIES
Again this year we invite our students to bring in new mittens,
gloves, hats, socks and slippers for our Mitten Tree. We are
also having our annual Christmas food drive at St. David of
MOVIE TIME
Wales in order to meet the growing needs of our local comSchool Council will host an afternoon movie
munity. Please send any non-perishable foods or hygiene
for grades 1—8 on December 14. Details to
products with your child/ren. Thank you for your ongoing
follow soon.
compassion and generosity and for encouraging our students
to understand the meaning of giving to all those in need. All
PIZZA LUNCH WEDNESDAYS
proceeds will be given to our families in need and items left
will go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society . Items will be
We will be sending out the pizza order forms for January to
picked up on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. We thank you
March pizza dates in December. In order to resume pizza
lunches the first week back in January 2013, we ask that par- in advance for your generous contributions.
ents/guardians return the orders by the due date. Late
THE SPECIAL GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
orders will not be accepted.
St. David of Wales School is pleased to
present “The Special Gift of Christmas” on Thursday, December 20 at
Our next School Council meeting will take place on Tuesday,
6:30 p.m. in the gym. Tickets are
December 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.. All are
$5.00 each. Tickets will be limited to
welcome to attend!
two tickets per family. St. David of
RECONCILIATION
Wales students do not require a ticket.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to join us for the afternoon
We congratulate all the students that celebrated their First
Dress Rehearsal on December 19th at 1:15 p.m. Thank you.
Reconciliation on Saturday, November 24. The celebration
Come and join in our celebration of this joyous season.
of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be at
masses between SaturCHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR‟S MASS SCHEDULE
day, April 13 at 10:30
Confessions for Parishioners
a.m. and Sunday, April
Thursday, December 13—7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
14 at 2:00 p.m. and
Christmas
Eve
Saturday, April 20 at
Monday,
December 24—5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:00
10:30 a.m.
p.m. & 12:00 midnight
Christmas Day
CONFIRMATION
Tuesday, December 25—10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon
New Year‟s Eve
Bishop Boissonneau will be at St. Martin of Tours to adMonday, December 31 - 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
dress the Confirmation candidates on Friday, February 1st
New Year‟s Day
at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, January 1—8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and
12:00 noon
Our Grade 8 Confirmation will be held on Friday, April 26
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
@ St. Martin of Tours Church, 7:00 p.m.
FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION MEETING
STUDENT ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY
Senior Kindergarten parents/guardians, who wish to enroll
their child in a Grade 1 French Immersion class for September , 2013 are invited to attend an information meeting at
St. Margaret of Scotland on Thursday, January 17, 2013
at 7:00 p.m. The deadline for submission of Applications
is 2:00 p.m. February 6, 2013
It is important for students to be at school on time and ready
to work. When students are late they miss important information and routines. We realize that throughout the year
there will be times when a child is sick and will have to miss
school. In the event that your child is late or absent, please
call the school at (905) 848-4200 press “1” for the attendance
line and leave a message. When leaving a message, please
state your child’s name, teachers’ name and the
reason for absence or lateness. Students who
arrive late to school must proceed to the office
to get a late slip.
EXTENDED FRENCH INFORMATION NIGHT
Grade 4 parents who wish to enroll their
child in a Grade 5 Extended French Program for September, 2013 are invited to attend an information meeting at St. Philip School, 345 Fairview Rd., W.,
Mississauga on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 @ 7:00
p.m. The deadline for submission of Applications will be
3:00 p.m. February 6, 2013
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2013-2014
Registration for Junior and Senior Kindergarten for the
2013/2014 school year will take place at St. David of Wales
School on the following days:
Monday, January 28, 2013 7:00—9:00 p.m.
*Snow Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 7:00—9:00 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, January 30 & 31 9:00—
11:00 a.m. and 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1 9:00—11:00 a.m. And 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
All children born in 2009 and who are otherwise eligible
(see below) may attend Junior Kindergarten beginning in
September, 2013. Senior Kindergarten children who are
otherwise eligible may attend if born in 2008. Both Junior
and Senior Kindergarten are voluntary programs. The parent/guardian should bring the following documents when
registering their children:
a) Proof of Age
b) Original Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate of Baptismal Certificate of other rite in communion with the
See of Rome (if the child has not been baptized, a letter
of counseling with the parish priest, to complete the
process will be accepted.
c) Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate of one parent
d) Updated immunization records
e) Proof of Canadian citizenship or of Landed Immigrant
status
f) Proof of address (utility bill, bank or credit card statement)
PHONE SYSTEM
You have 3 options when calling the school
(905) 848-4200
Press # 1 If you are calling to report your child‟s
absence or if your child will be arriving
late
Press # 2 to leave a message for a specific teacher
Press #0 to reach the main office
YARD SUPERVISION
Please remember teacher supervision, in both the main yard
and Kindergarten courtyard does not commence until 8:30
a.m. Afternoon Kindergarten students are not supervised
until 12:30 p.m. in the Kindergarten courtyard. Parents/
guardians are asked not to drop off their children prior to
these times as students will be unsupervised.
JUNIOR GIRLS‟ VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to the Junior Girls’ Volleyball Team for their
winning record during this year’s regular season play. The
Dragons served themselves a 5 and 0 record, and qualified for
the Mississauga South Family Tournament. While they did
not advance to the semi-finals, the girls were definitely
among the top in sportsmanship and class,
both on the court and off. Terrific job girls!
Thanks to: Amica A., Isabel D., Kaitlin D.,
Samantha D., Stacey F., Precious H., Noelia
M., Olivia P.
Coaches: K. Barry, B.
Lagac, & A. Howard
JUNIOR BOYS‟ VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to the Junior Boys’ Volleyball Team on a
great season. This years’ team included: David D., Manny
E., Jordan E., Jeremy L., Jabez M., Martin M., Justin N.,
and Matthew P. The boys faced tough competition this season. Many of the matches came down to a 3rd game tie
breaker to determine a winner. The boys are to be commended for how well they represented our school! Thank you
for your hard work and dedication. Coaches: K. Barry, A.
Howard, & B. Lagac
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
KISS „N RIDE
Inclement Weather
Please note that cars are not to use the bus lane at any
time. Parents/guardians are also asked to use our proper Kiss
’N Ride lanes and not to pull into the bus lanes.
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 and television stations: VIRGIN RADIO FM 99.9,
CFNY FM 102.1/AM640, CFRB AM 1010, FM Z103.5,
CHIN FM 10.7/AM1540, CITY PULSE, CHUM Am 1050,
CJCL AM 590, EZ ROCK FM 97.3, FM 93.1, CBC99.1,
GLOBAL NEWS, CFTR AM680, CHFI FM98.1, CJBC (FR)
AM860, FMQ107, and CTV.
We will be communicating one of four standard messages to
the radio stations. The four announcements and their effect
on the transportation system are as follows: (Please note that
the highlighted text only will be communicated by the radio
stations.)
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. David of Wales 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 us at St. David
of Wales School.
3. “THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD BUSES ARE CANCELLED.” This
means that: ALL Transportation Services provided by the
Dufferin-Peel District Board and the Peel District School
Board, including buses, vans and taxis 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.” This means that: ALL Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board and Peel District School
Board schools and offices are closed to all students and staff.
The Dufferin-Peel web-site home page will also have this
updated information. You may also go to www.stopr.ca
for daily cancellations or delays.
Parents/guardians please do not leave your car unattended in
any of the Kiss “N Ride lanes at any point in the school day,
most especially at lunch time. If you are dropping off a lunch
for your child please park your car in a designated parking
spot or on the street. We ask that parents use extra caution
when using our Kiss “N Ride lanes in the winter months.
Please drive safely and take your time,. Our focus is always
to keep all of our students
safe.
BUS RULES
Please review the following
rules with your child(ren) if
they are transported by bus.
Listen to the driver.
Remain seated at all times
Speak in conversational tones (no yelling)
Refrain from using inappropriate language
Do not eat/drink on the bus
SNOWBALLS
When the cold months arrive and
snow and ice on the ground is plentiful, we all like to play in it and
with it. Throwing snowballs and
sliding on the ice is fun. However,
as much fun as it is, snow and ice,
can be very dangerous when lots of
people are in a small area. In order for our school to be as
safe as possible, the school rule must be that snow and ice
stays on the ground. There will be no snowballs, kick-
ing snow or any other activity with snow or ice that
could be harmful.
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR HEALTHY EATING
A healthy mind depends on a healthy body. Students who eat
healthy food are better prepared to learn and are more likely
to succeed in school. Schools are now complying with the
Ministry’s new School Food and beverage Policy that includes comprehensive nutrition standards. The policy officially started in September, 2011. Please continue to send
healthy snacks and lunches for your child to enjoy at school.
MESSAGE FROM OUR
TRUSTEE, PETER FERREIRA
improve the learning experience and environment for all
our 21st century learners. Recently our board held a congress for all principals and senior administrators in order
to reflect on our 21st century schools and what it involves.
As Christmas quickly approaches, we find ourselves
With new and improved technological advancements in
preparing during this Advent season. As Catholics we the classrooms such as smartboards, advanced computers
commemorate it in many ways. We anticipate the
and programs, more hands on learning experiences, and
celebration of Jesus’ birth, prepare to close out anby empowering our students to be innovative and creative
other liturgical year and make plans to spend time with thinkers and problem solvers, we are preparing our stufamily and friends, As stewards of catholic education, dents for successful careers and new jobs of the 21st cenwe embrace the opportunity Advent offers us to make tury. Most importantly our students are receiving a
the coming of Christ more meaningful in the lives of
Catholic education. One that will be illuminated in spirit
our students. Pope Benedict XVI explains: “Advent
of Christ and will reflect our gospel values through all
is the spiritual season of hope par excellence, and in
aspects of the school environment. Our students will
this season the whole Church is called to be hope, for
leave our schools not only modeling the gospel values,
itself and for the world.” The promise of the Lord’s
but embrace stewardship along with our Ontario Catholic
goodness is all around us—we have only to be attenSchool Graduate expectations.
tive and prepare the Lord’s way as we hear John the
Baptist proclaim in the gospel. During this season of
I wish to thank all our parents, volunteers, who have
hope, may we open our hearts to God’s love as we
given the St. David of Wales school community so much
prepare to welcome Christ into our lives and homes.
help and have willingly assisted both students and staff
throughout the first term. My family and I wish to extend
As we come to the end of the calendar year, 2012, it is to all members of the St. David of Wales school commualso important for us to reflect upon and celebrate our nity a hope that the Christmas Season will be filled with
successes over the past school year. As in previous
the peace and joy of Christ and that the New Year will
years, there is much to be proud of. Dufferin-Peel
bring much health and prosperity for all. To everyone,
continues to be leaders in Catholic education in the
best wishes for a joyous celebration of the wonderful hope
21st century. With the collaborative efforts of home,
represented by the birth of our Lord, the Prince of Peace.
school, and parish working together, our board contin- Many blessings for the new year ahead!
ues to exceed provincial standards in student achievement, and remain a hallmark for Catholic education.
God Bless,
As we embark on a new year, we continue to strive to
Peter Ferreira, Trustee, Mississauga Ward 6 and 11.
LOST AND FOUND
COLD AND FLU SEASON
During the week of December 17, Lost and Found items
will be placed on tables in the downstairs hall. We ask that
students check these tables for any lost clothing. Any
items that remain at the end of the week will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Please use discretion in keeping your
children home to recover if they are ill.
A child who is coughing, wheezing, etc. is not in a state to
learn and will only infect others. If a student is sent to
school, it is assumed that they will participate in all
aspects of the school day, including outdoor recess.
We do not provide individual indoor supervision. We also
remind parents/guardians to dress students for our weather
conditions. We will be having outdoor recess, weather permitting, as much as possible. At all times, we follow the
Board guidelines for inclement weather. The students enjoy going out, especially if they have their snowsuits, boots,
hats and mittens.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, January 21 — P.A. Day
Monday, December 3 Junior Division at
Living Arts Centre a.m. only
Report Card Writing Day for Teachers
Tuesday, December 4
11:00 a.m. Virtue Assembly
Thursday, January 24—
Grade 3 Swim To Survive at Huron Pool
Wednesday, December 5
Gr. 7 & 8
Peel Health—Immunization,
Pizza Day
Thursday, December 6—1:00 p.m. Advent Mass @ St.
David of Wales - All families are welcome to attend.
Friday, December 7—Santa Photos
Tuesday, December 11—School Council Meeting and
Social, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12—Pizza Day
Wednesday, December 19—Pizza Day
Christmas Concert Rehearsal
Thursday, December 20
Christmas Concert JK—Gr. 8 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 23—Pizza Day
Monday, January 28
Kindergarten Registration, 7—9 p.m.
Tuesday, January 2 - Snow Date for Kindergarten
Registration 7– 9 p.m.
Wednesday, January 30—Pizza Day
Wednesday, January 30 & Thursday, January 31
Kindergarten Registration 9:00—11:00 a.m. and 1:00—
3:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1 - Kindergarten Registration
9:00—11:00 a.m. and 1:00—3:00 p.m.
Monday February 4 - Virtue Assembly—Respect—
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 5— Report Cards go home
Friday, December 21—Christmas Caroling and Drama
Performances at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 6—Pizza Day
December 24 to January 4, 2013 - Christmas Break
Friday, February 8— P.A. Day
Monday, January 7 - First Day Back after Christmas
Holiday
Wednesday, February 13—Pizza Day
Wednesday, January 9—Pizza Day
Monday, February 18— Family Day ( no school for
students)
Thursday, January 10- Gr. 3—Swim To Survive at
Huron Pool
Wednesday, February 20—Pizza Day
Monday, January 14 - Virtue Assembly—Self Control—9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 16— Pizza Day
Thursday, January 17— Gr. 3 Swim To Survive at
Huron Pool
Thursday, February 7 - Interview Evening
Wednesday, February 27—Pizza Day
Monday, March 4— Virtue Assembly—Kindness—
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 6—Pizza Day
Monday, March 11—Friday, March 15—
March Break