ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - tcdsb.org

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLD I G N I T Y • E X C E L L E N C E • P R I D E

DECEMBER 2015

9 Bannerman StreetToronto, Ontario M6L 2S5

Tel. (416) 393-5358Fax. (416) 397-6315

Michael Caccamo, PrincipalRaffaela Gallo, Vice Principal

Angela Moscar, Head Secretary

School Hours of Operation:8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Gina Iuliano MarrelloSuperintendent

(416) 222-8282 ext. 2267

Sal PiccininniTrustee

(416) 512-3403

Sandra GriloCouncil Chair

(416) 222-8282Voice Mailbox #88358

St. Fidelis ParishFather Mose Gasparini

33 Connie Street North York M6L 2H8

(416) 247-8741

From the principal’s desk

1ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

We often hear the expression, “Charity begins at home.” How easy it is to be charitable with our loved ones. Christ’s challenge to us is to extend charity beyond our homes. As we enter the season of Advent, preparing our heart for the birth of Jesus, we will strive to live the virtue of charity through our thoughts, words and deeds.

The season of Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, and is a tremendously important part of the Catholic Church year. The first Sunday of Advent marks the start of the liturgical year and, of course, leads up to Christmas Day.

As we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome our newborn King, let us always remember to give thanks for the many gifts with which we have been blessed. December is a month of celebration and prayer. Jesus reminds us that it is in giving and sharing that we truly receive.

We have several events planned in our school to celebrate the Advent Season; our St. Fidelis parents are always welcome to attend. The school’s Advent Mass will take place on December 11th, beginning at 9:45am at St. Fidelis Parish Church. The JK/SK/Grade 1 Christmas Concert will be held at Don Bosco on Wednesday, December 9th at 6:30pm. The Grade 3s are hosting a Pioneer Christmas on Thursday, December 10th at 12:30. On Tuesday, December 15th, the grade 2s are presenting Christmas Around the World at 12:30, followed by a Christmas Café and Carols with Mrs. Vomero’s class at 2:00. Please see upcoming flyers for further information in regards to these events.

The entire staff at St. Fidelis School, wishes our students and their families a Holy and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with renewed hope and peace. May the spirit of Christmas bring peace to the hearts of everyone!

Yours in partnership,

Mr. Michael A. Caccamo Mrs. Raffaela GalloPrincipal Vice Principal

MONTH VIRTUE MONTH VIRTUESeptember Hospitality February LoveOctober Gratitude March ForgivenessNovember Peacemaking April JusticeDecember Charity May CompassionJanuary Courage June Faithfulness

TDCSB Faith & Character Development Monthly Themes

Virtue of the MonthCONGRATULATIONS to the following students.

They displayed the virtue of PEACEMAKING for the month of November.

CLASS GRADE STUDENTMs. Moreira JK/SK Anthony G / Emily TMs. Di Martino JK/SK Max DMs. Braga/Ms. Leite JK/SK Samantha VMs. Chiappetta JK/SK Giuliana PMs. Vomero 1 Francesco S / Diego GMs. Genova 1/2 Emma D / Sebastian AMs. Burrows-Ricci 1 Luis P / Giuliana RMs. Menegon 2 Stephania GMs. Bossio 2 Julia ZMs. Caruso-Buttigieg 2 Logan PMs. Di Nizio 2/3 Robert RMs. Zeppieri 3 Daniel RMs. Pignatari 3 Daria M / Nicholas VMs. Primier 3/4 Sky RMs. Muzzatti 4 Maya IMs. Pugliese 4/5 Shane HMs. Andino 5 Christian P / Ava PMs. Marino 5 Sofia C / Giuseppe SMs. Dodaro 6 AnnaMaria AMs. Querin 6 Alexandra S / Sebastian LMs. Reis 7 Valentina CMs. DeCarlo 6/7 Elora PMs. Ruggeri 8 Christopher CMs. Burella 7/8 Julia TItalian Julia R / Cristian F / Luca I

Virtue for the month of December is...

CharityCharity can be shown in

many ways!

Here are some examples:

• We should always remember those less fortunate than us, especially in a season filled with giving

• If we expect other people to do charitable acts towards us, we must first remember to show generosity towards others

• Charity starts from the home and moves forward in all that you do

• Let the Christmas season create Charity in your actions.



Student LifeMS. MARINO’S GRADE 5 CLASS ART IS DISPLAYED AT HUMBER RIVER HOSPITAL

MRS. PUGLIESE, MRS. MARINO, AND MRS. ANDINO’S GRADE 5 CLASSES VISITS QUEENS PARK


Student LifeOPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Congratulations St. Fidelis!!!!! With all your sincere contributions to the Operation Christmas child shoe box fundraiser, we have surpassed our goal of 300 shoe boxes, collecting an estimated 325 boxes. Your shoe box will make a child in a developing country very Happy this Christmas. We thank you for all of your support and donations. We wish you an enjoyable Christmas and an exciting new year with your families.

Love, Me To We Ambassadors and Mrs. Reis!

Student LifeGRADE 8 RETREAT


Student LifeMS. VOMERO’S GRADE 1 CLASS CREATING PATTERNS & WRITING TO SANTA


Student LifeBIKE RODEO


On Friday, November 6, 2015, the Grades 4-5 students participated in a bike rodeo with the Toronto police. Even Blinky the police car was here. Students participated in different stations with police officers on motorcycles giving high-fives as we passed them. There were contests like the turtle race as well. The rodeo was a lot of fun for everyone. Many thanks to the Toronto police for organizing this fun day for us.

Gabriela Oliveira and Nicole Miceli - Mrs. Pugliese’s class

Go Falcons Go!SPORTS


INTERMEDIATE GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAMCongratulations to our intermediate girls volleyball team who came in third place in the divisional tournament held at St.Conrad school on Tuesday, November 10th. Our girls represented our school with dignity, excellence and pride! We want to thank our coaches Mr. Ruggeri, Ms. Celli, and Ms.Dodaro for their leadership, dedication, and determination. A special thanks, also goes out to all of the parent volunteers who took the time to drive our team to and from the tournaments.

The team members are : Iolanda B, Briana L, Nicole C, Alexa G, Katrina K, Paula C, Stephanie L, Erica P, Jessica I, Daniele M, Emma I, and Olivia C

Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff and Students: Google Apps for Education is now available to students!! TCDSB Students now have a Google account!! Attached are flyers to inform students that they now have a Google account: one for JK-6 classrooms, and one for Gr 7-12 classrooms. Students can make use of their accounts immediately by following the directions on their respective flyers. Please note, students can make excellent use of Google Apps for Education and their email accounts, even if it is not being used in their classes. Students can use the apps for document creation, collaboration and for communication. Most importantly it provides them unlimited free cloud storage for their documents, sheets, slides, forms, calendar, contacts and classroom. To log on to their account, students go to: google.tcdsb.ca and use their board username and password to login. We will post the attached flyers around the school with this information, as a reminder to students interested in accessing this great opportunity! Parents/Guardians and Staff are asked to please share this information with their children/students. With thanks,Michael Caccamo


Username: Board Username Password: Board Password

google.tcdsb.ca To sign in, go to:

Your board email account is:

Board [email protected]


KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONS THROUGH S.O.A.R. BEGIN JANUARY 13, 2016

(GRADE 1-8 REGISTRATIONS ALSO AVAILABLE ON S.O.A.R)

Dear Parents/Guardians; Kindergarten Registration will begin for all Elementary Schools on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 10:00 am EST. Parents/guardians with children born in 2012 or earlier and who will be enrolling in Kindergarten, have the opportunity to apply on-line using the “Student On-line Admission and Registration” platform known as S.O.A.R. and found at the following link: http://soar.tcdsb.org Parents will be able to complete an application for registration from the convenience of their own home, the office, a public library, or anywhere there is internet access, 24 hours a day. The on-line application also offers access to translations in different languages with built-in help functions and features. Alternately, families may choose to register in person at our school. We will begin to accept registrations at 10:00 a.m., on January 13, 2016. As part of the registration process, school staff will meet with parents. These meetings may be scheduled on the electronic application or in person at the school. During the meeting, school staff will verify the original documentation required for registration. This consists of a Baptismal Certificate, Birth Certificate and/or Passport, Immunization record, proof of residence and Application for Direction of School support. Applications to register children in grades other than Kindergarten can also be completed on the online S.O.A.R. application. Please share this information with any parents/guardians with school aged children in the community. As in previous years, an extensive promotional campaign will be launched throughout the City of Toronto, with paid advertisements in the local media, posters in public centers, through the board website and on vinyl banners for display on school property. For further information, please contact our school office at 416-393-5358. For general inquires or further information you may contact 416-222-8282 extension 5314 or visit our website at www.tcdsb.org



ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S

PUNCTUALITYPunctuality is a characteristic and life skill we strongly encourage at St. Fidelis. It is important that a child develops this responsibility early in life for it will serve him/her well in years to come. For all aged children, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to ensure they get to school on time.

Students must arrive to school before the 8:30am bell, and be present, in-line with his/her class, when the school bell rings at 8:30am. A student is not permitted to use the main door to access his/her classroom unless they are late. All students entering the front door at 8:30am or later are considered late and will receive a late slip.

Punctuality is one of the many duties of a pupil, as outlined in Regulation 298 of the Education Act. A pupil who is frequently late can be said to be in “habitual neglect of duty” and can be referred to the school principal and/or school social worker if the problem persists.

Thank you for your support in addressing this matter with your child!

REPORTING OF CANCELLATIONS OR CLOSURES DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Cancellation of school bus transportation or school closures due to inclement weather will be reported through the following vehicles:• News releases to all media outlets in Toronto (Note:

although the news release is provided to the media outlets, there is no guarantee that all television and radio stations will broadcast the information in a timely fashion.)

• Communications will endeavour to send an email to everyone on the TCDSB email exchange to advise them of any cancellations or closures.

• Communications will also send out the information electronically to E-News subscribers (Note: If you do not already subscribe to E-News, but wish to do so, please visit our website at www.tcdsb.org and click on the E-News icon on the top right hand side of the homepage).

• Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hour information line, 416-222-8282, extension 2873.

• The information will also be posted on the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org

• The Transportation Department will post this information on its website at:

http://www.torontoschoolbus.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL (CSPC) for 2015/2016

We are confident the new council will continue to work in tandem with the school as well as working with the many committees to continue the annual traditions and events.

1. Licinia Antonio2. Luciano Asenjo3. John Conidi4. Alenna Emer, Secretary5. Frank Foggia, OAPCE Rep6. Sandra Grilo, Chair7. Gina Isabella8. Brian Jahoor, Treasurer9. Pat Lanni

10. Suzy Marotta, Special Education Rep11. Marta Sampaio12. Elena Seymour, Vice Chair13. Jennifer Sgrignoli14. Stefania Sottile15. Bernadette Tucci16. Jeff Yorke

If you have any questions or concerns for a member of

CSPC, please call:(416) 222-8282

Voice Mailbox #88358



PARKINGA reminder to all that the school parking lot is for staff only. Please do not use it for parking, as we do not have enough spots for staff. There is absolutely NO PARKING in the handicap space at the front of the school. The fine is substantial and we need to have the space clear for the appropriate users that need it over the course of the day.

Please observe and respect the “in” and “out” flow in the school’s Kiss N’ Ride loop. A reminder to all that THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING PERMITTED ON BANNERMAN STREET. Everyone is encouraged to either walk to school, carpool, use the Kiss N’ Ride in the school parking lot, or to park on Grovedale St. or Rustic Rd. and walk to school. Police and Parking Enforcement have assured us that Bannerman will be closely monitored for proper use.


SCHOOL HOURSGeneral Entry: Morning SessionMorning Recess: Lunch:Afternoon Session:Afternoon Recess: General Dismissal:

8:30am8:30am – 11:15am10:12am – 10:27am11:15am – 12:15pm12:15pm – 3:30pm1:40pm – 1:55pm3:30pm

KISS n’ RIDEParents who drive their children to school are encouraged to use our Kiss n’ Ride program Volunteers tirelessly show up every morning and evening to ensure that our students are dropped off and placed safely into their parent’s vehicle The continued success of this program also depends upon the cooperation of the whole St. Fidelis Community.

Please follow the rules of the Kiss n’ Ride program and the directions of our volunteers in order to continue a safe arrival and departure for all our students. Also, please be reminded that the Kiss n’ Ride designated parking spaces are reserved for our volunteer parents only. Thank you to all!

SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAMStudent Illness or Absenteeism

If your child is to be absent from school for any reason, please telephone the school to inform the secretary before 8:30am of the day of absence. (We also have a voicemail box for your convenience to call at any time to leave a message.) This will reassure the school that your child is safe. If a child is absent, then we will call home if we have not been notified.

When a student returns to school after an absence, he or she must bring a signed and dated parental or medical note to explain the reason. If you are picking up your child early, please send a note to your child’s teacher. Please be sure to report to the office to sign them out. If you are returning before the end of the day, please sign your child back in at the office.

If children are not feeling well, please give them an opportunity to recuperate at home. It is assumed that if children are well enough to be at school, they are also well enough to take part in recess. Children need time to get some fresh air and stretch their muscles. If they are dressed properly, they will be able to do this in comfort, even on our cold Canadian winter days.

Also, please ensure we have a current emergency number where you can be contacted.

PIDICULOSISPediculosis, commonly known as LICE, is a common, but pesky problem in schools and among children.

Children are reminded not to share caps or hats, combs and brushes, or other hair accessories. Parents are encouraged to check scalp regularly and to use preventative measures to ensure that their child(ren) do not contact lice.

MEDICATIONPrincipals, teachers and support staff of the TCDSB are not permitted to administer any type of prescription medication during the school day, unless we have written, authorization signed by you the parent, and the prescribing physician. The forms to dispense any medication must be updated on a regular basis and are available from the school principal. Please be advised that staff in TCDSB schools will not dispense non-prescription medications to students.

Students who require an Epi-Pen must have 2 Epi-Pens at school. One to be kept in the office and one to be kept with the student at all times. Students that require “puffers” should have one at school and at home.

All medications will be stored in the main office. Please notify the school if your child suffers from any type of allergy.

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERTAllergen-Aware Environment

Please take special note that we have children in our school who have a very serious, life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, peanuts, all nut/peanut products, all seafood products, called Anaphylaxis.

We are notifying all parents that students should not bring any nuts, peanuts, peanut butter or any food containing nuts or peanut products such as peanut oil, sesame seeds, etc., as well as any seafood products to school.

We ask that you DO NOT bring any personal baking or other treats to the school to share with the class. This is important to ensure the safety and welfare of these children.


LUNCHTIME RULES & LUNCH PROGRAMTo further ensure student safety, students will not be permitted to leave school property to purchase a lunch at a neighborhood food establishment unless they are signed out and accompanied by the parent or guardian of the child, or an authorized adult. The responsible adult must have previous written consent from the parent, a record of which must be on file in the school office.

Children are encouraged to eat lunch at home. Children going home for lunch should leave the school no later than 11:15am and return to the school yard no later than 12:15pm.

If your child eats lunch at school, please ensure that he/she brings a lunch to school every day. We ask that lunches not be brought to school for the students. For those odd times when students do forget their lunches, we ask that lunches brought in be clearly marked and left on the lunch table outside the main office by 11:15. Students can pick up their lunch during the lunch period. Parents Guardians will not be permitted to drop off lunches in the classrooms, nor will students be permitted to pick up their lunches during class time. This is to minimize disruption during important instructional time in the classroom.

T H E E C O C O R N E R

P l e a s e d o n a t e E Y E G L A S S E S a n d P O P C A N TA B S t o t h e o f f i c e ! .

We R e u s eWe R e c y c l e

We G i v e !


SAFETY REMINDERS

ONLY SOFT, “NERF-TYPE” BALLS ARE PERMITTED IN SCHOOL YARD AT RECESS.

WALK HOME IN A GROUP or with an ADULT; AVOID WALK-ING HOME ALONE!! CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 9 SHOULD NEVER WALK HOME ALONE.

There is always more safety in numbers!!


SCHOOL BUSESPlease note that if your child is registered to ride the school bus, he or she must ride the school bus and not take the liberty to walk home on any given day. All students on buses must ride the buses to and from school every day.

INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL BUS DELAYSTraffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly true during the winter months when snow and ice can be a major factor.

The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide information about school bus delays digitally through their website at http://www.torontoschoolbus.org

Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus routes that are being impacted.

DRESS CODE & STUDENT UNIFORM

Students of St. Fidelis School are to dress in the school’sappropriate dress code or uniform, which consists of thefollowing: a navy blue bottom (pant, kilt, skirt, or short); a plain white or navy blue shirt or top, with or without aschool crest; and a white or navy blue sweater or pullover, also with or without the school crest. Examples of items not allowed are: jogging pants, spaghetti strap tops, jean material, white pants, black tights, and short-shorts.

Suppliers that offer school uniform items are: Gino’s Fashions (www.ginofashion.com/uniforms) and RJ McCarthy’s (www.rjmccarthy.com). Uniforms do not need to be purchased through our suppliers, as the school’s crest on the clothing is optional. Parents may choose to purchase regular navy blue bottoms and a white or navy shirt at another location. Please write your child’s name on all uniform items, as many lost items are returned to the office.

It is essential that all students be in dress code from thebeginning as this sets the tone for the school year. We wish to send a consistent message to all students that the uniform will be strictly enforced. For older students, please remind them that it is their responsibility to ensure they come to school in dress code and you may refer them to the student agenda.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SHOESWe remind all students from grades JK to grade 8 to have indoor and outdoor shoes ready each day!

ON APPROPRIATE WINTER CLOTHINGAll students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. We ask that students keep an additional pair of shoes at school for indoor purposes. For safety reasons, students should be wearing boots or outdoor footwear in the winter and running shoes indoors.

CONDITIONS WARRANTING INDOOR RECESSESChildren need an opportunity to get exercise and free play time outdoors; however, weather conditions sometimes warrant that indoor recesses, lunch periods and pre-entry periods be considered necessary for student and staff safety. Rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, extreme winds and extreme cold.

Cold weather: when temperature and/or wind-chill factor indicates -18C or lower, children will remain indoors due to risk of frostnip and frostbite.


Kindergarten Registration Starts January 13, 2016The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in 2012 to register for Junior Kindergarten beginning Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. EST.

Registration options: Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online beginning at 10 a.m. EST on January 13, 2016, at SOAR.tcdsb.org, and follow up with a visit to the school to present the required documents. The online application is available at: https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx

In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents beginning January 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. EST. To accommodate the busy schedules of parents, all elementary schools will host an evening registration session during the month of January. Parents are asked to contact their local Catholic school for specific dates and times.

Registration documents: • Child’s Birth Certificate or Passport/Immigration documents

if child was not born in Canada • Child’s Catholic baptismal certificate (or proof of Catholicity

of parent)• Proof of residency in Toronto (some examples: a lease

agreement, utility bill) • Immunization Record

Information is available by telephone at 416-222-8282 ext. 5314, or by visiting https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/EarlyYears/KindergartenRegistration/Pages/default.aspx

French Immersion and Extended FrenchNew for September 2016, French Immersion begins in Junior Kindergarten

The Extended French Program is offered to students beginning in grade 5 at several TCDSB sites. Interested parents are encouraged to attend an information evening to learn more about the program. Please note dates, times and locations for sessions planned for December through to February: https://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2015/Pages/French-Immersion-and-Extended-French.aspx

Resources for Students Heading to High SchoolHelping students prepare for high school

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Documents/AFTER%208%20TRANSITION%20GUIDE%202015.pdf

Transition Guide for Parents is available in several languageshttps://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Pages/default.aspx

For High School Students Preparing for GraduationCheck out this website http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/graduate.pdf if you are unsure of all the requirements for graduation.

Application Deadlines for Post-Secondary StudiesJanuary 16, 2016--Deadline to submit your completed University application to the OUAC. http://www.ouac.on.ca/deadlines/ February 1, 2016—Application deadline for community colleges http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply

Celebrating The Year of the FamilyVisit the website for resources https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Year-of-Family/Pages/default.aspx.Toronto Catholic Family Film Festival Coming April 21st Top 10 Films will be screened at the festival to be held at Cineplex Cinemas, Yonge and Dundas. Check out the trailer for the festival: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UTLQ61tntVM&feature=youtu.beAnd all the other information and resources: https://www.tcdsb.org/tcff Film submissions accepted until February 19th.Play it ForwardThe pilot project involves schools who are engaging in a charitable initiative focusing on helping a family, locally or abroad, and sharing their experiences via Skype with one of their partner schools. The initiative blends the Year of the Family with our ongoing focus on living our Catholic values by putting faith into action. On December 7th, St. Sebastian, Fr. Serra and St. Anselm will engage in their first online chat discussing what they have done, and will be doing for the Year of the Family. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Play-it-Forward.aspx Archdiocese of Toronto’s Project HopeA reminder to all that the Archdiocese of Toronto has passed the midway point of its 100-day “Project Hope” $3 Million

Monthly Update from TCDSBDecember 2015

Monthly Update from TCDSBDecember 2015

Emergency Refugee Resettlement Campaign. The goal is supporting the settlement of 100 refugee families within the Greater Toronto Area as soon as possible. Schools are encouraged to partner with their local parish to raise funds for this worthwhile effort. Get more information online: https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/project-hope.aspx

Upcoming Events• Advent Begins November 29th• Resources online here: https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/

season-of-advent.aspx• International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December

3rd https://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities.aspx

• International Human Rights Day, December 10th https://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2014/Pages/International-Day-of-Persons-with-Disabilities.aspx

• Christmas Break: December 21-January 1 inclusive (Classes resume Monday, January 4th

• Eastern Rite Christmas January 7th

Visit the TCDSB Website www.tcdsb.org to get all the news and information from around the board, including athletics, news for parents and students.

Follow the board on Twitter @TCDSB to get updates as they happen. Or subscribe to Enews and receive regular email updates. https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

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Advent/Christmas Greeting At this time of year, we are always reminded of how grateful we are to all the families who have chosen a Catholic education for their children. This especially true during this, our Year of the Family. I commend all the parents in our Catholic school communities for laying the groundwork for their children’s future success by nurturing and supporting their academic, emotional, physical and spiritual development.

It is a privilege to work in partnership with our families as students continue their journey through elementary and secondary school and beyond.

As your elected local representative, I am here to serve you and I welcome your emails and phone calls. I encourage each and every one of you to stay informed about the issues impacting on education by visiting our board website at www.tcdsb.org. If you use Twitter, please remember to follow the school board @TCDSB to get the latest information throughout the day. If you prefer receiving news via email, the board also provides a free digital newsletter. You can subscribe to that online at http://www.tcdsb.org/News/eNews/Pages/default.aspx.

During Advent and Christmas, more than ever, as our thoughts turn to our own families both near and far, we are drawn together by the bonds of love and friendship.

To all in our own TCDSB family, I wish you all a healthy, happy and restful Christmas holiday, and continued success, happiness and prosperity in the new year.

Sal Piccininni Trustee, Ward 3 Toronto Catholic District School Board 80 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, ON M2N 6E8 Tel/Fax: 416-512-3403 or Paulina Daniel 416-222-8282, ext. 2660 E-mail: [email protected]

December 2015

REPRESENTING:

Elementary Schools:

Immaculate Conception St. Andre St. Bernard St. Fidelis St. Francis de Sales St. Francis Xavier St. Jude St. Matthew St. Roch St. Simon Venerable John Merlini

Secondary Schools: Chaminade St. Basil-the-Great

Superintendents: Gina Iuliano-Marrello 416-222-8282, ext. 2267

Parishes: Immaculate Conception St. Bernard de Clairvaux St. Jane Frances St. Fidelis St. Matthew St. RochSt. Philip Neri St. Jude

November 30, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Communications Department 80 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M2N 6E8

Media Contact:John YanSenior Coordinator of Communications, Public and Media Relations416-222-8282 ext. [email protected] us on [email protected]

The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates more than 92,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, serving close to half-a-million Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto. As the world’s largest publicly funded Catholic school system, we educate students in an inclusive learning community rooted in the love of Christ, where they are challenged to grow in grace and knowledge and to lead lives of faith, hope and charity.

At Toronto Catholic we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action.

Angela Kennedy Acclaimed as Chairof the Toronto Catholic District School Board

Angela Kennedy Trustee for Ward 11, was elected as the new Chair of the Toronto Catholic District School Board at the annual Caucus meeting held this evening.

A Trustee for 15 years, Angela is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. She recently received recognition as the longest serving employee of Toronto East General Hospital, dedicating 45 years of health-care service to the east Toronto community. Dedicated to public office and service, during her four terms as Trustee for Ward 11, Trustee Kennedy has served as Chair of the Board, Vice-Chair, and also as Chair and Vice-Chair on various board committees.

The new chair says she is committed to acting in the best interest of Catholic ratepayers. “This is a critical time for us,” says Ms. Kennedy. “As the largest publicly funded Catholic school board, we must stand up for what we believe in. It will require caring, compassionate leadership.”

She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to student success, equity, fairness, dignity and respect for all.

Frank D’Amico, CD, Trustee for Ward 6 was elected as Vice-Chair of the Board. He has served as a Trustee of the Board since 2010.

Appointments to Statutory and Standing Committees included:• Supervised Alternative Learning: Patrizia Bottoni, Nancy Crawford (alternate)• Student Achievement and Well Being, Catholic Education and Human

Resources Committee: Chair Jo-Ann Davis; Vice-Chair Nancy Crawford• Corporate Affairs, Strategic Planning and Property Committee: Chair Patrizia

Bottoni; Vice-Chair Maria Rizzo• Catholic Parent Involvement Committee: Garry Tanuan, Maria Rizzo

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Work alone…work in teams…involve younger students in your school communityTop 10 films will be showcased at the first ever

TORONTO CATHOLIC FAMILY FILM FESTIVALCineplex Cinemas Yonge & Dundas (10 Dundas St. East, Toronto)

APRIL 21, 2016 Winners will be invited to attend the festival with their families and teachers.

Visit our website for detailed information www.tcdsb.org/tc�

DEADLINE FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS: FEBRUARY 19, 2016For inquiries, please email: tc�@tcdsb.org · #TW1V and #TCFF

LIGHTS...CAMERA...ACTION!Create an original short film to share your vision of family

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and not so overwhelmed

• Pay attention to your own mood. Often your mood is reflected in your child’s/student’s behavior. If you are uptight and tense, you may see this behavior in your child/student.

• Talk with children about expectations for gifts and holiday activities.

• Maintain family traditions, even if a parent is missing. Traditions can have a grounding effect, which let’s children know that even though some things have changed, other things have not.

• Schedule some rest and relaxation. A well rested child will be less irritable and much happier.

Alleviating some of the holiday stress with allow everyone to enjoy a Christmas filled with love, laugher and special memories.

(Information obtained from resources listed below).

Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Newsletter

1

Christmas is a wonderful time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ and enjoy time with family and friends. The holidays bring fun and excitement, as well as heightened stress. Many children are surrounded by adults who are busy with shopping for gifts, baking, decorating and concerned about their holiday budget. For other children who come from a family in which there is divorce, separation or remarriage, it may be a time when they are reminded of what’s changed and what’s different in their life. As a result, it can be difficult for some children to relax and enjoy the holidays. It is important for teachers and parents to recognize when a child is feeling the holiday stress. Signs to look for include:

• Tears for what appear to be minor reasons

• Nervous behaviours eg.nail bitting

• Physical complaints

• Withdrawal

• Regression to younger behaviours Parents and teachers can help all children to feel less overwhelmed during the holidays by:

• Maintaining some of your regular routines and activities. During the holidays children’s routines are often disrupted. Doing some routine activities helps a child feel grounded

December, 2015

Keeping the Spirit of Christmas

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December, 2015

Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention “on purpose” to what is happening in the moment. It is noticing and developing an awareness of what we are sensing in the present moment: what we can see, hear, smell, touch, and feel. Mindfulness is helpful for children and youth because it gives them the opportunity to pause and get control over their emotions (emotional regulation) and to calm down. Teaching students to take the time to quiet their minds enables them to learn healthy habits of thinking and feeling. Students who practice mindfulness display increased attention, organization, and self esteem and less negative emotions, anxiety and depression.

The following are some

Mindfulness

“But the angel said to them, do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is “Christ the Lord”.

Luke 2:10-11

ways that you can practice mindfulness with children and youth:

Mindful Breathing teaches students to focus on their breathing and the rise and fall of their belly as they breath. Our breath brings oxygen to our brain and body, which creates a sense of calm. Remind students to breath mindfully before a test or exam to create the sense of calm and focus they require to perform their best.

Mindful Listening is the ability to listen accurately to others with our minds and hearts without interrupting. Practice paying attention to all the sounds in the room, or paying attention to the many instruments in a song. When students are not paying attention encourage them to use mindful listening to regain focus.

Mindful Eating is noticing how certain foods look, smell, feel, and taste. It teaches children to become aware of what they’re eating as well as how they’re eating. This allows them to savour every mouthful and recognize what foods are good for them and what aren’t.

Mindful Seeing allows us to see things more slowing and notice details. It helps to quiet everything down and to feel more relaxed. Ask children to look around and point things out they have never seen before, or go out into nature and take notice of something of interest.

(Information was obtained from resources listed below)

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December, 2015

We pray for mindfulness, for the attentiveness that leads to discernment of God’s will and God’s ways.

We pray for mindfulness of our own hearts and minds.

Help us to be aware of how we react in thought, speech and action.

Help us to be aware how we can always be open to the grace that can shape us in new ways.

We pray for mindfulness of what is happening to others.

Help us to be present to their sorrow and suffering.

Help us to be aware of the injustices that touch others’ lives.

We pray for mindfulness, to be aware of how God is calling us to be agents for peace and justice.

Help us to be aware of the words we are called to speak, of the actions we are called to take part in, of the compassion we are called to offer in a world so wounded, so in need.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

(Adopted from educationforjustice.org)

Mental Health Initiatives 2015-2016 • TCDSB Mental

Health and Well-Being Strategy 2015-18 to be released soon

• Support for schools in developing a mentally healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca

• SAFE TALK suicide awareness workshops for staff available via PAL

• Stop the Stigma Secondary School Symposium Dec.1st

• Building partnerships with community agencies, families and parishes

Prayer for Mindfulness

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December, 2015

Fostering The Family:

The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “ Together With one

Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family , Parish, and School” 2015 focuses on the

FAMILY

Engage in fun family activities during the Christmas season :

• Bake cookies • Build a snowman • Go sledding or skating • Watch a movie • Help at the food bank • Attend Mass together as

a family

Suggested Readings and Websites:

Books

Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda – Lauren Alderfer

A Boy and A Bear – Lori Lite

The Mindful Way to Study: Dancing with your Books – Jake J. Gibbs

Mindfulness Meditations for Teens – Bodhipaksa

10 Mindful Minutes – Goldie Hawn

Websites

www.mindthebump.org.au

www.nasponline.org

www.mindfuleducation.org

www.mindfulnesseveryday.org

A Laugh A Day…

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead

[email protected]

Marci Buhagiar, Psychological Associate

[email protected]

Did you know…..

The average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. The average adult laughs just 17 times a day.

What can you do to laugh more?

Dr. W. Fry, Stanford University

10 or more hours of sleep

Keep your child’s bedtime about the same time every night and on weekends. Create a bedtime routine with your child.

Keep TVs, video games and computers out of your child’s bedroom. The light and sound from screens prevents children from sleeping.

Avoid food and drinks that have caffeine (colas, chocolate, tea, coffee).

Practise deep breathing together to help relax before bedtime.

Encourage your child to be active during the day.

5 or more vegetables & fruit

Have vegetables and/or fruit with meals and snacks.

Fill half the plate with vegetables and fruit.

Eat meals or snacks together as often as you can. Children are more likely to try foods when they see adults enjoying them.

Avoid giving your child snacks high in sugar, fat and salt.

Keep fruit in a bowl on the table and cut vegetables in the fridge so that they are ready to eat.

Try a new vegetable every week; ask children to help pick it out. It could take 10 or more times before children taste and accept a new food, so keep trying!

2 hours or less of screen time

Limit the time children spend on the TV, computer (outside of school work), electronic games and other screens.

Turn off the TV when no one is watching.

Eat meals together as a family with the TV turned off; encourage everyone to talk about his/her day.

Spend free time being active as a family by going for walks, biking or visiting a nearby playground. Keep a bag of play and sports equipment to bring outside.

Have games, puzzles, crafts and books ready when children are looking for activities.

Follow these tips every day to promote your child’s physical health and mental well-being:

More information Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide

healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines csep.ca/guidelines

0 sugar-sweetened drinks

Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks. They have a lot of calories, but contain few or no nutrients.

Offer children water throughout the day. Pack a reusable water bottle for school.

Encourage children to drink 2 cups of milk or milk alternatives each day for calcium and vitamin D.

Limit juice to no more than one cup of unsweetened 100% juice per day. Choose whole fruit and vegetables more often than juice.

Avoid energy drinks and sports drinks.

get enough sleep make healthy food and

drink choices be more active limit the time they spend in

front of screens

1 hour or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity

Provide the space and time for children to be active.

Have children choose some activities every day that increase their heart rate and make them out of breath some of the time. Some examples include soccer, swimming, dancing, skipping or playground games.

Practise basic movement skills like throwing, running and jumping with your child.

Plan to do something active as a family every day, inside or outside. Put on music and dance after dinner, play an active game after school, or take a walk together before or after meals.

Involve children in household chores such as carrying groceries, sweeping or vacuuming the floor.

Encourage walking or cycling to school, the store or to the park.

Into Kids’ Health!

... remember these numbers to help your child:

PH1409SS221

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