ST. DAVID OF WALES
FEBRUARY 2014
Principal
B. Gillis
Secretary
J. Galloway
Trustee
Peter Ferreira
(416) 805-7110
Peter.Fereira
@dpcdsb.org
Superintendent
D. Amaral
905.890.1221
PARISH
Pastor: Fr. Joyson
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
A Valentine Prayer
I said a Valentine prayer for you
and asked the Lord above
to fill your heart and bless your soul
With the precious gift of love.
I asked Him for sincere love
The kind that's meant to stay
Just like the generous love
You give to those you touch each day.
I prayed for love from family
And from every cherished friend
Then I asked the Lord to give you
His love that knows no end.
WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN NIGHT
Welcome to Kindergarten Night will
be held on Thursday, May 8 at 6:30
p.m. All new Junior Kindergarten
students and parents/guardians are
invited to attend. This is for new JK
students only, please do not bring
siblings.
PANCAKE TUESDAY
On Tuesday, March 4, the St. David of Wales School
Council will be serving pancakes and juice to the students of
St. David of Wales to celebrate Shrove
Tuesday. This year, our pancakes will
be supplied by Lunch Moms. A
volunteer form will be going home with
students (please note in order to
volunteer you will need to have a
completed Criminal Reference Check). We look forward
to a fun, yummy, morning! If you do not wish your
child/ren to have pancakes, please send a note with
your child/ren.
ASH WEDNESDAY LITURGY
The custom of placing ashes on the
heads of the faithful on the
Wednesday before the First Sunday
of Lent probably dates back to the
fourth century. At the time, public
sinners would come to the Church
to have ashes placed on their heads
by the Bishop as a sign that they
wished to change their way of life, to do public penance
during Lent and to return to full union with the community
of God’s people. By the Middle Ages, it had become a
custom for all the faithful, to come on Ash Wednesday to
receive the Blessed Ashes as a sign that they wished to
change their way of life, do penance and strengthen their
commitment to Christ during the Lenten season. Please
join us for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy to be held in the
gym on Wednesday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m.
INTERMEDIATE READING PROGRAM
This year we will re-introduce the
Book Reading Club. Students from
grades 7 to 8 will be invited to read
from a selection of nominated fiction
books. Students will vote in May for
their favourite book. This reading
program will be under the supervision
of Mrs. Zoffranieri.
JUNIOR READING PROGRAM
This year we will re-introduce the Junior Reading Club.
Students from grades 4 to 6 will be invited to read from a
selection of junior fiction books. All participating Junior
students will vote in May for their favourite book. This
reading program will be under the supervision of Mrs.
Zoffranieri.
PRIMARY READING PROGRAM
Our primary students will listen to a
selection of ten new picture books
during Media Literacy Skills with Mrs.
Zoffranieri. All Primary students will
vote in May for their favourite new
fiction book. The new books were purchased by D. Amaral,
our Superintendent.
EQAO DATES FOR 2014
The following time span has been designated for the
Provincial EQAO testing. We ask that
parents of Grade 3 and 6 students
make sure that they mark these dates
on their calendar, and we ask that
parents do not book appointments at
all during this time span. Students
attendance during this time period is
absolutely essential! The test period
has been scheduled from May
26—June 6, 2014.
RECESS REMINDERS
We at St. David of Wales have a NO CONTACT policy.
This policy states that students are not to play any games or
be involved in any activities in the school yard that involve
physical contact. Games such as tackle football, touch tag,
manhunt, and like games are not allowed. If a game
develops during the course of a recess
break where contact becomes part of
the game or activity, students are
reminded to remove themselves from
that activity and to report the contact
to the nearest staff member on yard
duty. Staff can easily be identified by
their bright orange vests.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
February 15, was declared National
Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks
when the maple leaf flag was first raised
over Parliament Hill in Ottawa and
indeed, hundreds of communications
across Canada. Red and white were
designated as Canada’s official colours
in 1921 by His Majesty King George V. Check out the story
behind our greatest national symbol at Canada.gc.ca/
flagday.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
We are privileged to live in a city as
diverse as the Greater Toronto Area.
As Canadians, we welcome all
opportunities to celebrate our
differences and to learn more about
each other.
Black History Month, which is celebrated during the
month of February, is one such opportunity. During
this month, we will take time to develop greater
awareness and understanding about Black people in
Canada and around the World.
“I have a dream that my four children will
one day live in a nation where they will not
be judged by the color of their skin but by
the content of their character: I have a
dream today”.
By Martin Luther King
INDOOR SHOES / EXTRA CLOTHING
With the arrival of colder weather, and
increased precipitation, we would like to
ensure all students are dry and
comfortable when indoors. We ask that
you ensure your child has a pair of
shoes that he/she wears only when indoors at school.
You may wish to have your child keep a change of
clothing at school, including extra socks and mittens.
Be sure such clothing is labeled and easily identified by
your child.
SNOW & OUTDOOR PLAY
We would appreciate your support in
reinforcing the school rule that snow
stays on the ground. For everyone’s
safety we do not allow snowballs,
kicking snow, or any other snow/ice
activity that could potentially lead to
harm or injury.
IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION
MESSAGE FROM PEEL HEALTH
Peel Public Health will be reviewing immunization
records of all students at our school from January
2014.
Peel Public Health must have proof that your child has
been fully vaccinated (immunized) according to the
Ontario Immunization Schedule.
If you receive a letter, please ensure that your child has
received the required vaccine(s), then update Peel
Health as instructed in the letter.
For more information, please call Peel Public Health at
905-799-7700 or visit www.ImmunizaPeel.ca.
SCHOOL POLICY ON THE USE OF PERSONAL
ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)
To promote respect for the dignity of all
members of our school community and to
enhance student achievement and safety, the
use of a PED is strictly prohibited in the
school (including portables) or during school
related activities (such as retreats, field trips,
sports events, etc.).
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the confiscation
of the PED and/or disciplinary action as outlined in the Catholic
Code of Conduct. The school and the Dufferin-Peel CDSB
assume no responsibility for the loss, recovery, repair or
replacement for any PED brought onto school property. It is
the policy of the Dufferin-Peel CDSB that PEDs are to be kept
out-of-sight, turned off and not used within school premises or
during school sanctioned events. To prevent the loss or
damage of PEDs, the school encourages students to leave their
PEDs at home.
P.A DAY
A reminder that there will be no school on Friday, March 7.
It is a Professional Activity Day.
MARCH BREAK
We would like to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable
March Break. This year it takes place March 10 to March
14 inclusive. We return to school on Monday, March 17,
2014.
INCLEMENT RECESS—WINTER SEASON
The winter season is upon us. Please ensure that your child is
properly dressed for outdoor play in a Canadian winter. It is
a school expectation that all students go outside for
recess for exercise and fresh air.
At rest, an unprotected person
is able to maintain their core
body temperature until the
temperature falls to or below
minus 25o Celsius. The main
risks of exposure to extremely
cold weather for relatively short
periods (recess or lunch
periods) is that of frostbite.
Someone who is protected by
clothing or is physically active may be able to withstand
exposure to colder temperatures. Consideration will be given
to reducing the amount of time outdoors for children (Grade
8 and under) when the temperature is –20o Celcius or colder.
When the temperature or equivalent wind chill is –25o Celsius,
children must be kept indoors.
DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
For the safety of our students, parents/
guardians and staff, please do not bring
dogs on school property when you
are picking up or dropping off students.
Several students have severe allergies and
animals may be unpredictable when
confronted by a group of children.
Thank you for helping to keep the school environment safe
for all!!!
FAMILY DAY
This is a reminder to parents that Monday, February 17 is
designated as Family Day. There will be
no classes for students on that day.
Enjoy your children!
YOUTH FAITH AMBASSADORS
LENTEN ACTIVITIES
Our Faith Youth Ambassadors together
with the student council would like to
ask the community to participate in our Lenten activities.
We will be collecting:
 Non perishable food (cans, pasta, baby food, etc.)
Thank you for your continued support in our
school activities.
C. Zoffraniere & S. Metlin
Student Faith Ambassador Leaders
VALENTINE’S DAY
Prayer To Respect Others
As I walk down dusty roads or
busy concrete boulevards,
Help me, God, to take the time
to see in the eyes of the other.
To recognize the other, in
order to respect.
As I encounter many people,
many races,
Help me to appreciate the
hand of the other,
To recognize those hands that create and build in order to
work together.
As my path calls me to various places,
Help me to learn to walk together with others on paths that
lead to peace,
Recognizing that by walking with others,
In working together we learn to recognize ourselves in the
other
To recognize and appreciate our differences
And begin to recognize what love is about.
ABCENSES AND LATES
If your child will be late or absent
from school, it is very important
that you notify the school
before 8:45 a.m. by leaving a
voice mail message on the
attendance line at 905-848-4200 and
pressing 1. You should speak
clearly and leave the students
FIRST and LAST NAME, the
teacher's name, and the reason for
the absence or lateness.
THANK YOU FROM SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
The members of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Martin of Tours
Conference wish to thank you, the Staff and the Students of
St. David of Wales, for your kind donation of food towards
our Christmas Hamper Program. All food received was
given to our Neighbours in Need for Christmas. Thank you
for your continued support. God Bless You.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL HERITAGE
Ontario’s Catholic schools
go back as far as the 1600s.
A formal system was
established in 1841, and the
Scott Act of 1863 gave the
Catholic community the
right to establish and
operate publicly funded
Catholic schools. Since
then, Catholic schools have
made a tremendous
contribution to the vitality
and success of Ontario’s
education system, which
ranks among the best in the
world.
Today, Ontario’s Catholic education system consistently
produces high levels of students achievement. Further,
graduates are taught the virtues and values of the Catholic
faith—including community, responsibility, accountability,
collaboration, caring and family—making them not just good
students, but good citizens.
GRADE 1 FRENCH IMMERSION
Important notice for Parent(s)/
Guardian(s) of students in SK/
Year 2 Kindergarten: The
French Immersion Online
Application System is now
open for submissions. To apply, go to www.dpcdsb.org.
Applications will be accepted until February 28,
2014.
Reminder:
• All eligible submissions are accepted and, in the event that
the number of applications is greater than the number of
spaces available at a French Immersion school, a centralized,
computer-generated lottery will be held at a date yet to be
determined.
• Some French Immersion schools offer Grades 1 to 8 and
others offer Grades 1 to 4, with Grade 5 to 8 offered at a
nearby school. Please refer to the Board website for more
information.
• Parents and guardians of students registered in the
program are responsible for providing transportation for
their child(ren) to and from their registered French
Immersion school. *****Please note that for students living
inside the regular school boundaries of a French Immersion
school, eligibility for student transportation is based on the
policies established by the school board.*****
• A successful placement in the French Immersion School
does not guarantee placement of younger siblings in future
years.
If more details are required, please review the board
website for up-to-date information. You may also contact
your child's present school, the principal of the French
Immersion school in your area, or the board's French as a
Second Language Consultant at (905) 890-0708 extension
24307.
MEDICAL CONCERNS
If your son / daughter has any medical
concerns, please ensure that you inform
the school. Information may be shared
directly with the classroom teacher /
office. If medication is required, forms
will be sent for completion by parents
and the family doctor. All information is
held in confidence.
BE SMART, GET A HEAD START
Head lice is always present in the
community. By checking your child’s
head once a week for head lice, you will
catch it early and treat it before it has a
chance to spread. Should you suspect
that your child(ren) have head lice, please
notify the school.
Remember, an infestation of lice is not a reflection on the
cleanliness of your child. In fact, students with appropriate
hygiene habits are as susceptible to lice as any other
group. A reminder to all to refrain from sharing hats at
any time, but especially during the winter months. Any
infected student will need to be checked before re-entry
to class. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Peel Health (www.peelregion.ca/jhealth/) is available to
provide advice to parents, school staff, and students about
treatment and prevention. They can be contacted at 905791-7800.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Be sure to visit our school website. All newsletter,
calendars and other pertinent information is always
updated. Our website address is
http://dpcdsb.org/DWALE
FLU SEASON
We are heading into the flu season. Being parents
ourselves, we are only too aware of the work pressure
you experience when providing care at home for a child
who is ill. Nevertheless, aside from being the best course
of action for your child, keeping your sick child at home
may also serve to limit the spread of influenza in the
community of school children and staff. Below, you will
find just such advice coming from the Health Department.


Stay home! Don’t drag yourself into work or school.
You’ll only infect your colleagues or classmates.
Stay away from people who are elderly, chronically ill,
or have respiratory problems.
ARE YOU MOVING?
If you are planning a move, or
have already moved, please let
us know. You are required to
complete new assessment forms
even if you move within our
school boundaries. If you are
moving to a new school we will
give you a Transfer Form to take with you to the new
school. If you are moving but would like your child to
remain at St. David of Wales, please submit your
request in writing. We will be preparing classes for
September 2014 and this information will be helpful in
determining class sizes. In the past we have had to
reorganize our classes in September due to
unexpected transfers.
If you currently live outside the school boundary and
are attending St. David of Wales on a flex boundary
request, you will need to requires flex boundary for
next year. The “Flexible Boundary” procedure
is reviewed annually. Please note that flex
boundaries will be looked at on a case by case basis
and are not guaranteed from year to year. If you are
requesting flex boundary, please note that
transportation is your responsibility. The Board will
not provide either transportation or additional
supervision for students admitted under this
procedure. Note, the students admitted under this
procedure do not automatically become eligible for
the Secondary School serving the school. A separate
request must be made to the Secondary School
Principal . If you would like to be considered for flex
boundary for the 2014-2015 school year, please
submit your request in writing by March 8. 2014.
Please include the reasons for your request.
GRADE 2 FIRST COMMUNION
The rite of enrolment will be during
masses between Saturday, February
22nd and Sunday, March 3rd. The
celebration of the Sacrament of First
Holy Communion will be the
following masses: April 26th at 10:30
a.m., May 3rd at 10:30 a.m., or May
4th at 2:00 p.m. You must be
registered with the church to receive
First Communion this year.
GRADE 8 CONFIRMATION
Our Grade 8 Confirmation rehersal and confession
will be held on Thursday, April 24th at 10:00 a.m.
The Grade 8 Confirmation will be held on Friday,
April 25th at St. Martin of Tours Church, 7:00 p.m.
DATES TO REMEMBER
February 3
February 4
February 5
February 5
February 6
February 10
February 14
February 17
February 22
February 23
February 28
March 1
March 2
March 4
March 4
March 5
March 7
March 10
March 21
April 2
April 4
April 14
April 18
April 21
April 22
April 24
April 25
April 26
Virtue Assembly 11:15am
All are welcome to attend
Term 1 Report Cards go home
Pizza Days Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Catholic School Council
Interview Evening
Rosary Apostolates Visit
Olympics Winter Play Day
Family Day-No School
Rite of Enrolment 5pm
Rite of Enrolment 8am, 10am, 12pm
Olympics Playday Rain Date
Rite of Enrolment 5pm
Rite of Enrolment 8am. 10am, 12pm
Pancake Tuesday
Virtue Assembly 9:45am
All are welcome to attend
Pizza Days March 5, 19, 26
Ash Wednesday 2:30 pm
All are welcome to attend
PA Day
March Break Begins (March 10-14)
Gr 8 to meet Bishop Boissonneau at
St. Martin of Tours Parish
Catholic School Council Meeting
Gr 4-8 Field Trip Gregg LeRock
Rosary Apostolates Visit
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Immunizations Gr. 7 (Hep B) & Gr. 8
(HPV)
Gr 8 Confirmation Rehearsal 10am
Gr 8 Confirmation 7pm at St. Martin
of Tours
First Holy Communion 10:30am
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION OF PEEL REGION (STOPR)\
BUS CANCELLATIONS/SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO BAD WEATHER
2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
A reminder that 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 tv stations:
VIRGIN RADIO FM 99.9
CHUM AM 1050
CFTR AM 680
CFNY FM 102.1
CJCL AM 590
CHFI FM 98.1
CFRB AM 1010
EZ ROCK FM 97.3
CHIN FM 100.7
CJBC (FR) AM 860
FM Z103.5
FM 93.1
AM 1540
AM 640
FM Q 107
CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWSCBC
CFTO
Dufferin-Peel Catholic Institute for International Education International Student Program
Now Accepting Applications
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is now accepting applications from international students who
wish to study in our outstanding elementary and secondary schools.
Education means the world to us.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) is Ontario’s second largest Catholic school board
operating 149 school facilities (including 123 elementary and 26 secondary schools) throughout Mississauga,
Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. Schools are connected to and supported by Catholic parishes and our faith.
Internationally recognized for excellence in education.
One of the truly defining characteristics of a Dufferin-Peel education is the diversity that comes with having a
student body from over 150 countries. We celebrate both our internationalism and the uniqueness of each
member of our community - students, staff, parents, and parish. As a school community we are greatly enriched
by this diversity.
Opening minds to a better world.
Located just west of the City of Toronto, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and less than a 90 minute drive
to Niagara Falls and the U.S. border, Dufferin-Peel is home to the Toronto Pearson International Airport,
Canada’s largest airport with non-stop service to 180 destinations in 60 countries around the world. Plus, the
region boasts an extensive network of local and regional train and bus services with direct connections to 16
universities and colleges within a 60 kilometre radius.
Students wishing to apply to our International Education programs are encouraged to visit our website at
www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Programs/International+Students/ or to contact:
Rita Borg, Principal of the International Student Program
rita.borg@dpcdsb.org
(905) 412-3341 Ext. 31460