NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2013
5820 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 5J9
Telephone: (905) 814-9216
Fax: (905) 814-9217
Principal’s Message
Principal
T. Cruz
Principal
D. Della Rossa
Vice Principal
D. Carpe
Secretary
Secretary
S. Droy
S. Droy
Superintendent
Superintendent
Mississauga North
T. Cruz
Mississauga North
D. Oude-Reimerink
Parish
Merciful Redeemer Parish
Phone: 905-812-0030
Parish
Merciful Redeemer Parish
Phone: 905-812-0030
Pastor
Fr. Vid Vlasic
Associate Pastor
Fr. Robert Mignella
Pastor
Fr. Vid Vlasic
School Council Chair
Gail Bellissimo
Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the
darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our
preparations for Christmas.
Trustee
Associate Pastor
Fr. Robert Mignella
Esther O’Toole
Ward 9
Phone: 905-812-5163
Attendance Verification
School Council Co-Chair
Jennifer Rodrigo
Phone: 905-814-9216
Web Site
www.dpcdsb.org/OLMCY
School Council Co-Chair
Keith Mussar
Trustee
Esther O’Toole
Ward 9
Phone: 905-812-5163
Attendance Verification
Phone: 905-814-9216
Web Site
www.dpcdsb.org/OLMCY
DPCDSB is now on
Twitter! For the latest
board news and information, follow
us @DPCDSBSchools.
We who have so much to do seek
quiet spaces to hear your voice
each day.
We who are anxious over many
things look forward to your
coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many
ways long for the complete joy of
your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek
the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in
darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say,
"Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen.
During Advent we are called to prepare ourselves for
the coming of our Saviour. We are waiting for Christ’s
birth and prepare for that arrival with a great deal of joy
and energy. Christmas trees are decorated, presents are
bought or made, cookies are baked and cards are sent
out to all of our friends, families and colleagues. At
Our Lady of Mercy, we have set up our Christmas tree
in the foyer, decorated by students and we once again
have our mitt and scarf tree that will provide donations
to some families in the community. We wish to extend
a heartfelt thanks to our school community for their
support and generosity with the Eden Food Bank Drive.
We collected 417 pounds of food and collected $253.00
for Eden Food bank Toonie collection. A special thanks
to the Grade 7s in Mrs. Daley and Mrs. Valdivia’s class
who had the opportunity to visit Eden Food Bank and
learn how this special place supports our local families.
We are looking forward to our Advent mass which will
be held at the school on December 10th at 9:30 AM . We
will gather to celebrate as a family community this wonderful time of anticipation. Also, please join us on Friday, December 6th at 1:00 PM as we host St. Aloysius
Gonzaga Choir and Thursday, December 19th in the
morning for our annual Christmas Sing-A-Long.
We wish to thank the many parent volunteers who continue to help organize our Christmas Bazaar to be held
on the Wednesday, December 11th where students will
be able to buy items to give as gifts to others. We wish
to thank the community for their generosity in sending
in items to support the bazaar.
It is my heartfelt hope that you take the opportunity to
relax, pray and celebrate the birth of Christ our Saviour
during this most holy season.
May God bless you and your loved ones with love,
peace and happiness this Christmas and all through the
year.
D. Della Rossa
A blessing to carry you through the season:
May God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
The warmth of Christmas, which is love;
The belief of Christmas, which is truth;
The all of Christmas, which is Christ.
Amen
School Operations
Communication Updates
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
Registration for 2014-2015
Inclement Weather and School Closure
Kindergarten registration for the 2014-15 school year will take place
at all Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon,
Bolton and Orangeville on the following days:
Monday, January 27, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
* Snow Date:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
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:
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information, visit the Kindergarten Registration webpage.
[Link this to:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Schools/Kindergarten+Registration.htm]
Parents/Guardians should bring the following documents
when registering their child:
1.
Proof of age
2.
Original Catholic Baptismal Certificate of the Roman, Greek or Ukrainian Rite, for parent (one) and child (if the child has not been baptised, a
letter of counselling with the parish priest, to complete the process will
be accepted).
3.
Updated immunization records
4.
Proof of Canadian citizenship or of Landed Immigrant status
5.
Proof of address (utility bill, bank or credit card statement.
Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School
welcomes French Immersion!
The French Immersion Program at Divine Mercy Elementary
School was established as a Grades 1 to 4 program with Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School as the sister site that would continue the program for students in Grades 5 to 8. We are excited to
welcome the Grade 5 French Immersion Program and students at
Our Lady of Mercy beginning September 2 nd, 2014. Administrators of Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Mercy will be working
closely together to support a variety of transition activities.
Please contact the school office should you have any further
questions.
VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9
CHUM AM1050
CFTR AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640
CJCL AM590
CHFI FM98.1
CFRB AM1010
EZ ROCK FM97.3
CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5
FM93.1
FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540
CBC99.1
CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS
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 SERVINGST. ANDREW, ST. BENEDICT
AND ST. PETER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ANDR.F.
HALL SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CANCELLED FOR
TODAY.”
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 means that all runs listed under announcement #l PLUS the following are cancelled. All schools in the Town of Caledon and all
school runs that begin in the Town of Caledon. Individual schools will
be notified if this cancellation affects their 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 Catholic District School 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.
HISTORY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
On Friday, November 29th the Grade Four students and the
Grade 8 Youth Faith Ambassadors hosted a Friendship Day for
the Grade Four French Immersion students from Divine Mercy.
We wish to express our thanks to the students for their great enthusiasm and mentorship. A special thanks to Mrs. Cahill, Mrs.
Hillyer, Mrs. Read, Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. D’Emilio for
their support with the Friendship Day. Also, a warm thanks to
our School Council for purchasing the pizza lunch.
2. Has the Ontario government always supported separate schools?
Yes, as did its predecessor, the United Legislature of
Canada East (now Quebec) and Canada West (now Ontario) during its total life from 1841 to 1867. One of the
first pieces of legislation it passed in 1841 was the Common School Act, with a separate school clause.
Virtue of the Month
School News
December’s Virtue of the Month is:
Dressing Warmly
Affirmation:
I am hopeful.
I trust in God because He is merciful and faithful to His
promises.
My Hope is my steadfast anchor.
I ask the Holy Spirit to help and guide me.
What is Hope?
Hope is a theological virtue. It informs our Christian moral life
along with the virtues of Faith and Charity. Hope is manifested
in our desire to attain the kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as
our happiness. We place our trust in Christ’s promises and rely
on the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Why practice Hope?
You need Hope to trust in the promises of Jesus Christ. This
hope is always achieved with the grace and help of the Holy
Spirit. Hope answers our strong burning desires for happiness
and it informs our actions, making them pure of heart. It gives
us strength so that we do not become discouraged and hold on
steadily to our beliefs.
You are practicing the Virtue of HOPE when you…

Trust in God that there is some good in everything that
happens

Always do your best

Do not let doubts blow you off course

Stand by your friends and loved ones

Ask God to help you keep steadfast
You need more practice when you…
Winter is Here! Please ensur e that your
children are dressed appropriately for the
weather. Warm clothes, snow pants, gloves,
mitts, hats and boots are needed for outdoor
play. Having an extra pair of mitts and socks is always appreciated for children that play in the snow. Place items in a bag
with your child’s name on it. We recommend labeling all clothing items. This will prevent the overflow of items in the “Lost
& Found” box. All students must bring a pair of indoor shoes.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT TEACHER(SAT)
This year Dufferin-Peel has assigned a Special Assignment
Teacher who visits our school and assists with the implementation of the Junior and Intermediate literacy and numeracy curriculum. We are most pleased to introduce our SAT teacher, Ms.
Gal.
Ms. Gal will continue to work with Our Lady of Mercy staff to
assist them in further supporting the implementation of best practices in instruction and assessment for Junior and Intermediate
literacy and numeracy.
SANTA PICTURES
On Thursday, December 12th , Santa and
Mrs. Claus will be available for Christmas
photos. Pictures can be taken individually
and/or with siblings. The cost will be
$15.00. Pictures will be delivered early the
following week.
School Council News
 Give into your doubts
 Just do what is easiest at the moment
 Avoid prayer
 Don’t feel joy in life and hope for the future
Family Advent Mass
Everyone is invited to attend the
Family Advent Mass on Tuesday, December 10h at 9:30a.m. at
Our Lady of Mercy School.
Come and join in our Advent
liturgical celebration!
We would like to thank all Executive Members, parent representatives, and parents for supporting the many activities
that unfold at Our Lady of Mercy. We would like to thank
you for your ongoing support and partnership in Catholic
education.
If you can volunteer some of your time, please contact the
school and a member of the School Council will contact
you directly. For more information on Volunteering, please
refer to the G.I.F.T.S. Volunteer News that is sent home
every month. For more info call (905) 814-9216 or email
mercygifts@yahoo.ca
Please join us for our next Catholic School Advisory
Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at
6:30 p.m.
Anaphylaxis
Our Lady of Mercy is an allergen aware school.
There are pupils in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods.
Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe
life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe
and life threatening allergic reaction. The most
common allergen triggers are food, insect stings,
medications, exercise and latex. An anaphylactic
reaction involves symptoms from two or more body
systems. Safety of all our students is paramount.
We at Our Lady of Mercy, would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT
sending any lunches or snacks that contain any ingredients identified as food allergens for students in
your child’s class.
Please make sure that all of your children’s caregivers are aware of the food restrictions. We also ask
that you review the letters that were sent home at
the beginning of the school year that spoke to specific allergens in your child’s classroom.
For celebrations, we are once again asking that food
NOT be brought into the school since we cannot
control the ingredients in many baked items.
Your co-operation in helping to keep all our pupils
safe is greatly appreciated.
Holly Jolly Christmas Week
Our Lady of Mercy School takes pride in its Spirit weeks
throughout the year. This year Madame Guzman and some
of the Intermediate students have planned spirit activities as
follows:
Mon., Dec.16: Advent Retreat
Tues., Dec 17: Bring your favourite stuffed animal to school.
Dates to Remember
For more information, contact your local Catholic
school or call the Admissions Department at 905-8900708
ext.624500.
2 and
Constable Giordano Visits
December
3
6
6
8
10
11
12
13
13
15
16
16
18
Youth Faith Ambassador Liturgy
Gonzaga Music Concert 1:00PM
Learning Skills Checklist Sent Home
Second Week of Advent
Advent Mass - 9:30 am. at Our Lady of Mercy
Christmas Bazaar
Santa Pictures (AM)
EXCEL Trip to Square One
Youth Faith Ambassador Liturgy
Third Week of Advent
Advent Retreat
Welcome to our Korean Teachers
Grade 6s Silvercreek,Gr. 2/3s Black Creek
Pioneer Village
19 Last day of school before Christmas Break
19 Rosary Apostolate Visits(AM)
19 Christmas Sing A Long(AM)/Intermediate Dance(PM)
22 Fourth Week of Advent
January 2014
6 Classes resume
22 Catholic School Advisory Council Mtg@ 6:30PM
Merciful Redeemer Parish
Christmas Schedule
CHRISTMAS EVE - Tuesday, December 24
4:00, 6:00. 8:00, 10:00 p.m & Midnight
CHRISTMAS DAY - Wednesday, December 25
8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m.
Wed., Dec 18: Santa/reindeer/elf hat day
Thurs., Dec. 19: Red & Green Day, Sing-a-Long(AM)
Rainbow loom bracelets on sale at
Our Lady of Mercy!
The Grade 6 students will be making and selling rainbow
loom bracelets for $1.00 per bracelet. Students will be donating
the money from the sale for disaster relief in the Phillipines. Please
help support this great cause by buying a bracelet on December 12,
17 and 19!
New Year’s Schedule
NEW YEAR’S EVE - Tuesday, December 31
6:00 S
& 11:00 pm
NEW YEAR’S DAY - Day of Obligation
Wednesday, January 1
8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.