“Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge”
66 Main Street South, Brampton, Ontario L6W 2C6
Telephone: 905-451 - 1020 Fax: 905-451-0161
Principal:
P. Roul
Secretary:
A. Magalhaes
OCTOBER 2013
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Council Chair:
Jim Doran
Superintendent:
Sue Steer
(905) 890-1221
Trustee: Ward 3
Anna Podesta– da
Silva
(905) 890-1221
(905) 706-5679
Parish: St. Mary
Catholic Church
66A Main Street, South
Brampton, Ontario L6W
2C6(905) 451 - 2300
Fr. Liborio Amaral,
Pastor
Fr. Vargas Lara
(Associate Pastor)
Fr. Agustine Chan
(Associate Pastor)
WEBSITE:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/
MRYBR
Blessed are You, loving Father,
for all of Your gifts to us.
Blessed are You for giving us the gift of
family and friends.
We pause and give You thanks, Lord, for all these gifts:
For the rains that give life,
for the harvest.
As we rejoice in Your kindness,
We pray for those who are in need.
Open our hearts to them and teach us to be
generous to others as
You are to us.
Thank you, God!
Amen
Virtue of the Month – Empathy Virtue of
the month – Empathy
As a school, we continue to recognize and celebrate
the “Virtues”. During October, we are focusing on
the virtue of “Empathy”. We understand empathy to
mean the ability to identify with, and feel other
people’s concerns. We believe that in a faith
community, we are built on a foundation of
relationships.
An empathetic person: listens
attentively, watches people’s body language, notices
and responds when someone is upset, can see a
situation from another’s point of view, can name his
or her feelings, and knows that different people may
feel differently about the same thing. Each one of us
is challenged to exhibit and witness this powerful
virtue of “empathy”.
Student Accident Insurance…..
The forms for Student Accident Insurance have been
sent home. This coverage is optional, but very
affordable and it is highly recommended, especially
for those doing sports at the school and those
attending the school. Payment for the plan should be
sent directly to the insurance company and not to the
school. If you did not receive the package let us know
and another will be sent home.
Thanksgiving Weekend…
This is a reminder that Friday October 11 is a
PA Day and students will not be at school. Also,
Monday October 14 is a holiday and the school
will be closed. The St Mary staff would like to
wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Staff Update for 2013 – 2014…
Below is a list of our staff for 2013 - 2014:
S. Marchese
A. Swatogor
M. Inches
S. Esty
S. Magnone
S. Francis
M. Singh
R. Stokoe
E. Ozog
K. Pilon
J. Yoo
A. Michalsky
R. Poli
S. Kraszewski
A. Chudzynski
P. Wolfenden
A. Parapura
D. Andreacchio
G. Tesolin
M. Alves
L. Farren
A. Magalhaes
P. Roul
ELP
ELP
DECE
DECE
1
1/2
2/3
3/4
4/5
5
6
7
7/8
Library
SP.ED
SP.ED
Planning
ERW
ERW
Custodian
Custodian
Secretary
Principal
Thanksgiving Food Drive …
St. Mary Catholic School will be collecting nonperishable food items from October 7th to October 10th.
The items will be donated to many needy families in our
community. Each student at St. Mary Catholic School
is encouraged to bring one food item to school. Items
such as canned soup, beans, rice, noodles, cereal, and
tuna would be appreciated.
Your support and donations are truly appreciated.
Student Supervision Times…
Please note that teachers are on supervision duty 15
minutes before the start of the school day. For safety
reasons we ask that you NOT drop your child off at
the school prior to 8:15 a.m. Students are not allowed
in the school prior to 8:15 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m.
unless they are under the direct supervision of a
teacher.
Student absences …
We strongly encourage parents/guardians to
please call the school if your child is going to be
absent or late. You may phone the school at any
time and leave a message. Be sure to state your
child’s name and teacher’s name. The school phone
number is 905-451-1020 and press # 0 for the
attendance line.
When students are late they will need to go to the
office for a late slip before entering their classroom.
Family Vacations..
If your family will be taking a vacation throughout
the school year please inform the office in writing
prior to the trip. If your child will be looked after by
a relative or family friend while you are away please
inform the office of the contact information to be
used in the event of an emergency.
World Teachers’ Day…
On October 5th, Dufferin-Peel schools will join the
Chorus of voices world-wide to acknowledge the key
role teachers play in guiding children, through the
life-long learning process. World Teachers' Day
gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank
the dedication and value of our teachers at
St. Mary Catholic School.
School Council Pizza Days…
Pizza Days will be offered every
Wednesday for students. The money
raised will be going back into the school.
The students will be offered cheese pizza
and it will cost $1.50 per slice. The money will be
collected every Wednesday morning.
Please bring your own snacks and drinks.
Hot Dog Days…
The students will be offered a hot dog lunch
that includes a hot dog, bag of chips and a juice
for $3.00. The Hot dog days are scheduled for
Friday October 18
Friday November 8
Friday November 15
The money will be collected the day of the hot
dog day.
The Lunch Table…
We have many parents who drop off lunches for their
children at school. A table has been placed in the
office for lunches. Lunches MUST be labeled with
your child’s name. Classes are NOT to be
interrupted for students to pick up lunches. Please let
your child know in the morning if they should expect
to have a lunch dropped off. Then at lunch time your
child can come down and pick up their lunch.
Health Alert…
We want to thank the staff, parents and students
for the success of our Open House/Meet the Teacher
Night on Monday, September 16, 2013. A special
thank you goes to the School Council members who
worked so hard to put together our delicious BBQ. It
was wonderful to see so many St. Mary Catholic
School families who were able to come out and join
us. A Special thank you to our local trustee Anna Da
Silva and our Superintendent Sue Steer for spending
part of the evening with us.
In each newsletter I bring to your
attention that there are students in
a number of our classes who have
a serious, and in some cases, life
threatening allergy to peanuts, nuts
and peanut and nut by products.
Even the mere exposure to these products may cause
a severe allergic reaction for these children which
could potentially result in death. While these students
may not be in your child’s class, or eat in the area that
your child eats lunch, we are most concerned about
cross contamination which may occur if a child who
eats a peanut product touches a chair, desk, book or
any object that may be touched by a child with this
allergy. On behalf of these students and their parents
I ask for your co-operation to ensure that peanut and
nut products are NOT sent to the school. We
encourage ALL students NOT TO SHARE FOOD
with any classmates.
The classroom teachers in their letters home as well
as my monthly newsletters have asked that instead
of food for celebrations that you bring in non-edible
treats such as pencils, bubbles, stickers or a
donation of a book to the school or classroom library
with your child’s name inside.
Pediculosis …
Although not a communicable disease, pediculosis
(head lice) is a concern to parents and teachers. Each
year it is common for outbreaks of pediculosis to
occur. Unfortunately, in recent years, head lice have
become increasingly common throughout North
America. They are parasites which have been
common among human beings for centuries. They
are not connected in any way with dirt or neglect.
Anyone can be infested with them. If a case of lice is
found at school, we inform all parents by way of a
special letter.
 If cases are found in a classroom, we shall inform
all parents of students in that class. We request
that you also check your own children and, if you
find them to be infested, we would ask you to let
us know so that we may advise you of the proper
treatment for them. This information can also be
obtained from a pharmacist or the regional health
department.
 Even if cases are not reported from the
school, it is a wise precaution to check your
child’s head periodically. Teach them not to
use other people’s combs or hair brushes.
 If your children do become infested by head
lice, we will ask you to keep them out of
school until after they have been treated with
the correct shampoo and their hair is entirely
clear of both lice and nits(eggs).
Security at St. Mary Catholic School…
A reminder that all visitors INCLUDING PARENTS
must come to the office, and sign in every time they
need to come into the building during the day.
Visitors need to sign out when they are finished as
well.
If you are picking up your child at school at a time
other than regular dismissal, we ask that you report to
the office. Arrangements will be made for your child
to be sent to the office. If you intend to send someone
else to pick up your children, please inform the office.
We thank you for your cooperation in supporting a
safe environment at St. Mary Catholic School.
Volunteer Police Checks….
We as a staff greatly appreciate the efforts of our
parent/guardian volunteers. These individuals enable
us to enrich the curriculum for our students. Board
policy requires that all volunteers must produce a
police check to the principal of the school. These
forms are available in the school’s office. We ask that
you complete the form and take it to the local police
station with two pieces of identification (one with a
photo).
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this
process please feel free to contact the school.
Driveway Safety…
The Front Driveway… Your assistance is
required in helping to use the bus loading zone
located closest to our school. Please respect our drivein drop off points. Students and parents are reminded
to follow our already established procedure for
dropping off. Please share the above information
with family members or care givers who may be
picking up or dropping off your child. As a reminder,
we do not have a kiss and ride because we have a
parking lot that children walk through to get into
school. Please remember to park your car in the
designated areas. Thank you in ensuring the safety of
your child as well as all students at St. Mary Catholic
School.
Bus Transportation…
Transportation for all Peel Region schools is under
the direction of Student Transportation of Peel
Region (STOPR). Should you have any questions
and/or concerns regarding school bussing, please visit
www.stopr.ca or call (905) 890-6000.
The Terry Fox Walk…
On Thursday September 12, 2013
St. Mary Catholic School
participated in its annual Terry
Fox Walk. The day was a great
success. We would like to thank
Mr. Ozog and Ms. Magnone
helping to organize this event.
Everyone worked hard to keep Terry’s dream to find
a cure for cancer. The St Mary School community
raised over $1500 that was donated to the Terry Fox
Foundation.
A single dream, a world of hope.
Peel Regional Police “Street Proofing”
techniques…
Please take this opportunity to review “street proofing
techniques” with your children, as well as reminding
them of the importance of being extra vigilant,
particularly when traveling to and from school.
1. Tell your children to never go anywhere with
a stranger, not to talk to strangers and to never
take anything from them. You have to teach
them what a ‘safe stranger’ is in case they
need help. A safe stranger includes a police
officer, a fire fighter, a cashier, etc.;
2. Develop a ‘what if’ game for your children,
to get them thinking of how they would
respond if they felt threatened or afraid.
3. Know whom your children play with and
where they go. This includes keeping a list
of their friends’ phone numbers.
4. Encourage your child to use a buddy system
instead of walking alone.
5. Know the route that your children take to and
from school, and tell them to go directly
home or to their babysitter after school.
Evacuation Drills/Lockdown Drill….
We are required to conduct three fire drills in the
fall and again in the spring, as well as one
lockdown practice in preparation for events we
pray will never occur. We have had one of our
successful fall fire drills and plan to have the
remaining two in the near future. Our lockdown
practice on Tuesday October 8, 2013.
During lockdown practice, children will be
instructed to move as far away from the doors
and windows as possible. They will be on the
classroom floor, lights out and window blinds
drawn. Children will be expected to be quiet
during this practice. There will be an
announcement made instructing everyone to
“initiate lockdown procedures” followed by
ringing of the school bells.
Once declared safe, another announcement will
be made ending lockdown procedures. Teachers
will go over the procedures and try to minimize
anxieties around the need for this type of drill.
We ask for your support in helping children
understand the need for this type of practice.
Electronic Communications…
Thank you to all the families who signed up to
receive communications from the school
electronically. We have a total of 116 email
addresses, representing approximately half of
the families at St Mary. If you wish to sign up
please send a letter indicating your email
address and family name.
As we transition to the new process you will
receive an electronic version and paper version
for the month of October and November to
ensure all email addresses are correct.
Halloween/All Saints Day/ All Souls
Day…
It is that time of year when our “little ones” will
want to visit their neighbours for trick or treating. In
school, we will remind them about the safety rules
so that they can both enjoy the evening and stay
safe.
Halloween
Safety…
 Choose
brightly
coloured
costumes
 Use face paint instead of masks
 Plan a safe route with your child
 Remind your child of road safety rules
 Accompany your children
 Remind children not to enter homes
 Check the treats before allowing your
children to eat them
Chocolate Fundraiser…
Our Chocolate fundraiser ends Tuesday October
15th, 2013. Please send in all money and unsold
chocolates on or before that day. Thank you for
your continued support. You will find updates in
future newsletters outlining the money raised
and the distribution of funds throughout the
school.
St. Mary School Council Update…
We would like to thank the School Council of 20122013 for their hard work and dedication to ensure a
successful school year. We are very pleased to inform
you that many of our Council members have returned
for the 2013-2014 year, and we welcome some new
members to our School Council. We look forward to
working in partnership to help enrich our school
community.
The School Council is always looking for
volunteers; please let the office know if you are
interested in volunteering.
Congratulations to this year’s School Council:
Chair: Jim Doran
Secretary: Laura Benner
Treasurer: Lisa Yetming/Sandra Tavares
Parish Rep: Jean Doran
OAPCE: Open
Community Rep: Tina Nielsen-McMillen,
Teaching Rep: – Mr. R. Poli & E. Ozog
Non-teaching Rep: C. Sevigny
Committee members: R. Croteau, P. Kolodziej, R.
Bastone, D. Medeiros, and M. Birmingham.
K. Sguigna, M. Montgomery, S. Morris, E. Partyka,
S. Quinn
Dates for School Council Meetings – 2012-2013:
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Tuesday, June 4, 2014
All meetings will begin at 6:00 in the staff room.
The St Mary School Council supports many
initiatives at the school to benefit all students.
Most recently the school council provided money
to offset the cost of the student agenda that each
student uses to communicate between home
and school.
YMCA…
St. Mary YMCA Extended Day program offers
care for children 4-12 years of age. For more
information please contact Melissa Simone at
(647) 924-01030 or e-mail stmary@ymcagta.org
You may also contact Susan Scarfo at
(905)
453-2442 or email susan.scarfo@ymcagta.org
Currently Region of Peel has no waitlist. We do
offer space for subsidized care.
Construction Update…
The renovations to the school
continue to progress well.
The foundation for the
extension of the kindergarten
rooms has been created and
the concrete floors have been
poured. You will begin to see
the new walls go up shortly. We, as a school,
are planning the transition of the kindergarten
classes to their new rooms in the near future.
Thank you for your continued patience and
support throughout the process.
No Child Without…
St Mary School is registered with the No Child
Without program that provides one free Medic
Alert braclet for any child that requires one due
to life threatening allergies or medical
conditions. If you would like a brochure or more
information please speak to your child’s teacher
or pick up information in the office.
Eye See – Eye Learn…
The Eye See – Eye Learn program is offered to
all JK students attending school. In partnership
with a local optometrist your child will receive
an eye exam and if required one free pair of
glasses. This program is only available to
students in Junior Kindergarten. More
information will be coming home soon to those
students, or you may speak to your child’s
teacher for a brochure.
St Mary Athletics…
Intramural…
The junior intramural soccer will begin on
Fridays at lunch. If you wish to participate you
must return a signed permission form prior to
starting.
Soccer…
Congratulations to the boys’ soccer team as the
participated in the Brampton West Soccer
Tournament. The boys enjoyed the sunny day
and good weather with teammates and friends.
Junior Volleyball…
The boy’s and Girls’ volleyball teams are
practicing hard for their upcoming tournament.
We would like to wish both teams the best of
luck as they represent St Mary School in
competition.
Cross Country…
The team is training for the run that will happen
on October 16th, 2013. The hard work and
effort will pay off as the students compete
against other students from schools in the local
area.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 5th – World Teacher’s Day
October 7th – Bus Patroller Training
October 8th – Lock Down Drill
October 11th – PA Day
October 14th – Thanksgiving
October 15th – Return all chocolates and money
October 16th – CCCSC meeting for School Council
October 18th – Hot Dog Day
October 22nd – Picture Re-takes
October 22nd – Grandparents Mass
October 23rd – Cardinal Leger Open House &
Presentation (Grade 8 Parents)
October 31st – Hallowe’en Spook-A-Thon
November 5th – Progress Reports Go Home
November 7th – Progress Report Interviews
November 11th – Remembrance Day
LET US BE THANKFUL
Let us be thankful for the blessing we receive.
Let us be thoughtful of others.
Let us remember dear and close friends.
Let us have faith in tomorrow.
Let us live life as a Golden Rule.
Let us find sunlight through the clouds.
Let us believe.
Let us be the people we have the ability to be.
Let us have understanding.
Let us say this thanks in prayer to God for the
gifts He has given.
Amen.
Attachments:
1. School Council Letter