December 2016

December Newsletter Our Lady of Wisdom CES|| 10 Japonica Rd, Toronto, ON M1R 4R7 416-393-5273 F: 416-393-5434

Dear Families: I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a safe and joyful Advent season. I continue to feel blessed and very proud of the many instances of generosity and selflessness that I am fortunate enough to witness. It is through the collective actions of students, staff members and the parent community, specifically the time that everyone invests in helping the less fortunate and the shared resolve to show love to those who are in most need of support, which reveals our understanding of God’s will in the birth of His Son. During this time of waiting, rediscovery and adoration during the Advent season, it is quite easy to forget what this time of the year signifies. However, this is not the case at Our Lady of Wisdom CES. May the eternal light that is Jesus, the Son of God, continue to shine brightly in all that we do. May God bless everyone this Advent season, and have a Happy and Healthy 2017! Sincerely, W. Kwon Principal

Principal: W. Kwon Superintendent: P. Aguiar 416-222-8282 Ext. 2267 Trustee: M. Del Grande 416-512-3407

Parish: Annunciation of the Blessed

Virgin Mary 3 Combermere Drive

Toronto, ON M3A 2W4 416-445-1760

Pastor: Fr. J. Coyle Mass: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m., 12 p.m.

Saturday: 9.a.m. Sunday: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.,

12:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Reconciliation: Sat. 9:30 a.m. & 4 p.m. CSPC Chair: J. Stonehouse CSPC Vice-Chair: C. D’Alleva Email: cspc.ourladyofwisdom@tcdsb.org CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB) www.tcdsb.org/cpic OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto Enrollment: 362

Kindergarten Registration for

September 2017 The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in 2013 to register for Kindergarten beginning Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. EST. Registration options:

• Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online at: https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx. A follow up with visit to the school to present the required documents will be scheduled following the online application.

• In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents.

Information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314, www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

Additionally, Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School will be having an “Extended Registration Night” on Thursday, January 19th, 2017 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

COLD WEATHER ALERTS

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts Extreme Cold Weather Alerts will be declared by the Medical Officer of Health when conditions are expected to be associated with elevated health risks for vulnerable individuals. The intent of calling an alert is to: • Warn people who are vulnerable to cold weather and their

service providers and caregivers that such conditions are expected or already exist in the City;

• Urge vulnerable people to take measures to protect their health;

• Trigger response activities by City and community partners to protect vulnerable people within the city (e.g., enhance services).

The Cold Weather Response Plan is in effect each year between November 15 and April 15. During this time period, the Medical Officer of Health issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius or colder or wind chill of -20 or colder in the next 24 hours. TCDSB’s Weather Conditions Protocol: “In the interest of student health and school performance, the TCDSB is in support of students being outdoors during recesses whenever possible. However, students will remain indoors during inclement weather. Students will remain indoors when the temperature, or the temperature in conjunction with the wind speed, creates a wind chill factor that could possibly lead to frostbite.” Recommendations:

Students should dress in layers of warm clothing with an outer layer that is wind resistant

Wear a hat, mittens and scarf and face mask Wear slip resistant, insulated boots/footwear Occasionally, students get their pants and socks wet during

recesses. During the colder, wetter/slushy and snowy weather, please assist the school by providing your child with an extra pair of pants, a top, and socks in the event of an emergency

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 exchange to advise them of any cancellations or closures

• Schools will be asked to update their phone messages to reflect the status of school operations.

• Communications will also endeavour to 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 and click on the E-News icon on the top right hand side of the homepage)

• Twitter will also be used to provide updates throughout the day. Follow the Board at Twitter@TCDSB.

• 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 as an alert—this will appear on the home page of the website as well as all school pages.

• Please contact Kody of Trinco Trans for any questions relating to bus cancellation at 416-737-4350

The Anti-Bullying Challenge What would you do in the following situation???

Safety at OLW

Thank you to M. Bruno and our group of Peer Student Mediators, largely recruited from the ranks of our junior grades. These “Peer Student Mediators” are actively engaged in a mission to keep our school grounds safe during lunch recess, our longest period of non-instructional time and assist in troubleshooting together with staff during recesses affected by inclement weather. The Peer Student Mediators log the type and frequency of conflict and actively engage the younger students involved in resolving conflict through a Think, Decide and Act framework, as well as, proactively reporting any unsafe conditions to staff members out on supervision duty. This year, our Peer Student Mediators are Abby S., Gabby M.C., Milan R., Kiara E., Alexis M., Haylee D., Jessica B.P., Eden K., Isaac A., Arielle T.H., Noelani H., Maria Y., Zoe V.R., Hailey D., Jordana C., Arpsima A., Ava S., Eva P., and Olivia V.

EVERFI/NHL Cyberbullying Workshops for Grades

5-8 Students in Grades 5 to 8 took part in Everfi’s Digital Citizenship modules with Alessandra Tino. They learned never to leave themselves vulnerable online, that information stays on the cloud and that the Internet can be used to crowd source. Students learned about ways to create a responsible digital presence and using the Ignition module and Future Goals Module with a focus on digital relationships and respect with a pre and post assessment on cyberbullying knowledge.

Remembrance Day Services at Wisdom 2016-2017

Wt. Phillip Aviado visited with students in JK to Grade 8 and put into perspective the importance of the many freedoms that we enjoy as a result of the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces involved in armed conflict and peacekeeping missions around the world. He also spoke about witnessing areas in the world where children are sold as commodities and daily survival is a constant priority, as well as, giving the students a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Canada’s involvement in military campaigns and naming Sidney Lewis as a 12- year old soldier who fought in the Battle of the Somme.

FNMI Visit with an Elder

Aaron Bell, an Objibway Storyteller from the White Pine Dancers visited with the students in the Grade 5/6 class on Nov. 4th to engage the students in an interactive lesson touching upon Iroquoian culture music and the story of Turtle Island and how the animals assisted Sky Woman through the creation of shelters. Students learned in depth about the Aboriginal mandate to protect the Earth, land, water and sky, as well as, the importance of inclusive decision making in

Iroquoian society.

Fundraising at OLW School Wide fundraising:

o Thanks to the generosity and motivation of the many participants and parent volunteers, our Fresh From the Farm fundraiser has been a great success bringing in approximately $905.40

Funds will go towards Robotics Programs-Logics Academy, Science programming via the Ontario Science Centre, Creature Quest Duck Hatchling program, Session D May 11-June 15, 2017 for all 3 ELP classes

o CSPC Terra Cotta Cookie Dough Fundraiser has netted approximately $9072 in funds so far.

o In addition, thank you to all of the parent volunteers, staff and students for making our first Grade 8 BBQ fundraiser a success. Funds totaling $688.26 were raised from the fundraiser and all proceeds will go towards the Grade 8 graduation trip to assist in bringing down costs for ALL students. The second BBQ generated $619.29 and the Grade 8 raffle which took place on Nov. 17th and 21st generated funds which amount to $157.70

o Also, thanks to Mrs. Nardozi, Mrs. Shirley, and all parent volunteers for another successful Scholastic Book Fair with proceeds totaling $732.

Let’s Talk Science U of T Outreach Continues at OLW!!

Let’s Talk Science Outreach interactive programs continue at OLW, and they have greatly enriched the science programming across the board. Students in Grade 5 took part in “The Science of Yoga” workshop in which they learned all about the muscles in the body while doing various different yoga poses, such as, Warrior I and II. Students in Grade 3 made edible versions of DNA helixes by building models that simulated bonding the chemical bases, C, T, A, G. They also learned how errors in DNA can cause mutations, leading to disease or an increase in diversity Grade 6 students took part in an interesting workshop entitled, “All About Birds,” exploring how birds have evolved and how they use specific physical adaptations to ensure their survival. We look forward to our remaining workshops for our Grade 4, 7 and 8 students, “CD Spectroscope,” “Fossil Snowflakes,” and “DNA Extraction from Fruit.” Thank you to Vernon, Asha and Keerthana!

Math That Matters!

What happens when you take a problem which originates in reality, challenge students equipped with tape measures, class lists, and Google Sheets in Grades 5 and 6 to find a solution and provide mathematical “Justification”? You end up with engaged groups of students intent on solving the problem of optimizing space for OLW during monthly mass, relentless until the answer becomes apparent. This was precisely the case as Mlle. Caroline tasked her students to take measurement of the pews at Annunciation Parish, based on the current seating plans for the family of schools, calculate the common difference and apply it to terms in a pattern, all the while trying to find the pattern rule and making observations about the differing lengths of some pews in relation to architectural reasoning. Well done math sleuths!

VIRTUES OF THE MONTH

We would like to recognize all of the children and their exemplary modelling of the November’s virtue of Peace this past month. Congratulations to the following students: Mlle. Camellia JK/SK: Peace: Roman Viera, Davante McLean, Caleb Vitug Zoe Seguirre M. Jean JK/SK: Peace: Lauriena Horani Kayla King Mlle. Tymkewycz JK/SK: Peace: Adrian Salazar Jasmine Pillai Mme. Yeung SK/1: Peace: Martina Kelada Gabrielle Paguirigan Mme. Ngnia (Gr. 1): Peace: Maria Tahhan Nathan Gregory M. Roussel/M. Henry (Gr. 1/2):Peace: Gr. 1-Jacob Lectura Gr. 2-Zachary Baricaua, Charlemagne Crisostomo Mme. Suzan (Gr. 2): Peace: Jahsanna Daniel Blunae Forest Victoria Hayes Mme. Thokoly (Gr. 3): Peace: Camila Abad, Jordan Pangan, Dominique Simarmata Mme. Mari Berje (Gr. 3/4): Peace: Gr. 3-Andre Scott Gr. 4 Emil Tawil Mlle. Falsetti (Gr. 4): Peace: Marcus Georgey

Mme. Yango (Gr. 4): Peace: Jayden Connors, Mackenzie Silva Mme. Bangala/Mrs. Robertson (Gr. 5): Peace: Tim Ayyad Somia Touray Mlle. Caroline/Mlle. O (Gr. 5/6): Peace: Jonathan Matthieu Ava Soars Mrs. Robertson/Mme. Bangala (Gr. 6): Peace: Milan Reindorf, Sarah Attia Mme. Guirguis/Mlle. Caroline (Gr. 7): Peace: Jerome Pangan Mrs. Nardozi, Mme. Guirguis (Gr. 8): Peace: Daniel Dillon, Matthew Faminial Visit to St. Michael’s Cathedral In celebration of the beginning of the season of Advent, Mlle. Belanger and members from the junior grades of OLW’s choir visited St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica and became audience to a free, informal concert of Christmas music performed by the primary, junior and senior choirs of St. Michael’s Choir School (My elementary alma mater) on Friday, November 25, 2016. Not only was this a chance for the students to hear some fantastic festive music, such as, the primary choir’s renditions of “Il Duce Jubilo” and a “Sussex Carol,” but it was also a wonderful opportunity to bring them to the newly restored Cathedral Basilica, in the heart of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

OLW ADVENT MASS 2016-2017

Dear Families: Advent mass: (The season of Advent is upon us!) The family of schools: OLW, St. Isaac Jogues and Annunciation will have its signature annual Christmas/Advent mass on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Annunciation Parish with choir performances scheduled to begin at the church at 6:30 p.m., followed by mass and then light refreshments in the parish hall. We hope to see you there! School Events:

o The OLW choir will be taking part in a Vocal performance at the Centre Accueil D’Heritage on Dec. 13th and the intermediate instrumental bands will perform on Dec. 8th to bring some holiday cheer to our French Canadian elderly community who may often feel lonely during this time of year. Mme. Thokoly and Mme. Suzan’s students will also be presenting care packages of sweets and French conversation that comes from the heart.

o On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 10 a.m., we will be showcasing our Grade 5 and 6 classes, as well as, all three of our Junior/Senior Kindergarten classes during a Christmas performance for the families of those students who are available to attend. The respective teachers of these classes have been busy preparing the children to sing a collection of Advent and Christmas inspired French and English songs.

Highlighting Upcoming Events to Celebrate the “Year of the Parish”

Informed by further in-depth discussion and planning from our November CSPC meeting with our local parish pastor, Fr. Coyle and OLW’s Catholic School Parent Council, with an aim to strengthen our existing relationship with the parish, please be informed of the following upcoming initiatives:

o Through Pauline Media, “My First Missal” will be sold in the New year at the school/community level with “ALL” proceeds going to ShareLife with a specific request to have Annunciation Parish and Our Lady of Wisdom accredited (Timeline in January)

o Engaging the students who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in a “Street Patrol” planned for February 8th in conjunction with Tim Leeloy of ShareLife, directly connected to service back to the local community, living gospel values and acting on the OCGE, specifically, “A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.”

o Assisting to Father Coyle the morning of Good Friday to help clean areas of the Parish (Students, potentially staff)

o Parish/School Community BBQ-as planned by CSPC (June 14th or 16th)

o Promotion of the various ministries (i.e., lectors, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, choir…) during Catholic Education Week: Walking Forward Together, liaise with Serra House

o Advent Families Campaign through Social Work Dept. (Ms. Sitt and Annunciation Parish)

TRUSTEES 2016 – 2017 Wards 1. Joseph Martino 416-512-3401 5. Maria Rizzo 416-512-3405 9. Jo-Ann Davis 416-512-3409 2. Ann Andrachuk 416-512-3402 6. Frank D‘Amico Vice-Chair 416-512-3406 10. Barbara Poplawski 416-512-3410 3. Sal Piccininni 416-512-3403 7. Michael Del Grande 416-512-3407 11. Angela Kennedy, Chair 416-512-3411 4. Patrizia Bottoni 416-512-3404 8. Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 12. Nancy Crawford 416-512-3412 Karina Dubrovskaya, Student Trustee 416-512-3417 Rhea Carlisle, Student Trustee 416-512-3413

Math Corner

Mlle. Camellia’s JK/SK class busy at work translating patterns based on a variety of attributes, such as, la taille, le direction, la couleur, et la forme.

Monthly Update from the Board December 2016

The Kindergarten Registration for September 2017 The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in 2013 to register for Kindergarten beginning Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. EST. Registration options:

• Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online at: https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx. A follow up with visit to the school to present the required documents will be scheduled by the school following the online application.

• In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents. Information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314, www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration French Immersion and Extended French The Toronto Catholic District School Board offers French Immersion and Extended French programs at several TCDSB sites. The French Immersion program is offered to students beginning in Junior Kindergarten. The Extended French Program is offered to students beginning in grade 5. 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 available on the French Immersion and Extended French sites. Information: (416) 222-8282 ext. 2540 or https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/EarlyYears/KindergartenRegistration/Pages/French-Immersion.aspx. LTAP and LTPP

The Toronto Catholic District School Board has launched a consultation on its proposed Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) and Long Term Program Plan (LTPP).

All parents, staff, students and Catholic school stakeholders are invited to participate and provide input into the proposed actions outlined in the draft Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) and Long Term Program Plan

(LTPP). Two separate consultation surveys (one for each plan) have been prepared to facilitate this consultation

process. The links to the online surveys can be accessed by clicking on the links above. The deadline for responding to the surveys is Monday, January 9, 2017 at Noon.

Feedback gathered through the consultation process will help inform the decisions of Trustees regarding final recommendations for the LTAP and LTPP at the Board meeting in February 2017. For more information regarding the LTPP and the LTAP, please visit https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/PlanningandFacilities/ConsultationsLTAPLTPP/Pages/Default.aspx We thank you for your involvement in these important discussions. Year of Parish—Promote Your Parish Project As we continue to celebrate our Year of the Parish we want to know what makes your pastor and/or your parish unique. Students are invited to create a short video, or piece of original artwork, write a short story, poem or letter, or express themselves in any way artistically to highlight the relationship that the students have with the local parish and/or the priest/pastor at their church. “Promote Your Parish” and let’s celebrate the many ways that our parishes and our parish priests contribute to our schools and communities. Submit the completed projects via email to parish.project@tcdsb.org. We will be sharing the submissions via the board’s website as well as Twitter. In addition, plans are underway for a showcase of student submissions—videos, art and written pieces—during Catholic Education Week. Watch for more details about that event soon. Deadline for submissions: April 7, 2017 Visit the website for criteria and other details. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearoftheParish/Pages/Parish-Family-Day-Celebration.aspx

Toronto Police Service Seeks Crossing Guards Interested individuals should drop in to their local police division to inquire about application. Advent Has Begun For prayers, liturgies & other resources: https://www.tcdsb.org/Pages/Season-of-Advent.aspx Get Ready for High School Everything you need to know can be found in the Transition Guides for parents and students: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Pages/default.aspx https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/TransitionGuidesOct282016/TCDSB_STUDENT_GUIDE.pdf Preparing for Post-Secondary Education? University application deadline: January 11, 2017 https://www.ouac.on.ca/deadlines/ College application deadline: February 1, 2017 http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/important-dates OSAP information for students--Find more information about the Ontario Student Assistance Program:

• New! Free tuition for eligible students • OSAP Presentation

Dates/Events to Note:

• Staff Arts Christmas Concert, December 2nd https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/staff-arts-christmas-concert-and-wine-and-cheese-social.aspx

• System-wide PA Day December 2nd • International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd • International Human Rights Day, December 10th

Christmas Break A reminder that schools are open through to December 23, 2016. Christmas holidays begin Saturday, December 24th and continue through to Sunday, January 8th. Classes resume, Monday, January 9th. Our Eastern rite families will celebrate Christmas on January 7th. We wish everyone a safe, happy and blessed Christmas.

Our Lady of Wisdom CES Calendar of Events December

2016

Year of the Parish Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

Virtue of the Month is “Charity”

Note: Extended registration at OLW for JK/SK Jan. 19th, 2017 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Note: French Immersion Parent Information Night: Jan. 19th at 6 p.m.

Advent Mass at 7 p.m. @ Annunciation Parish, Choir at 6:30 p.m.

PA Day: Faith Day and Provincial Priorities/Math Staff Arts Christmas

International Day of Persons with Physical Challenges

4 5 6 7

8 Terra Cotta

9 10 Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch

Arrives Lunch Lady Instrumental Band at Centre Accueil

At the Heart of the Action D and Peace at St. Bonaventure

International Human Rights Day

11 12

13 14 15 16 17 Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch Choir at Centre Accueil

OSC Gr. 5/6 Trip CD Spectro Let’s Talk Science Workshop Gr. 4 External Lockdown Drill

Lunch Lady

Term 1 Pizza Orders Due!

18

19 20 21 22 23 24 Lunch Lady

Virtues Assembly for Sept-Nov 2016

Pizza Lunch Rosary Apostolate Visit

Grade 5, 6, Kindergarten Christmas Concert at 10 a.m.

Christmas Sing Along: Whole School Lunch lady

Last Day of classes

Christmas Eve

25 26 27 28

29 30 31 Christmas Day

Christmas Break

Christmas Break Christmas Break

Christmas Break Christmas Break

Note: Lunch Lady stops in Dec. after Dec. 22nd, 2016, and Pizza lunch resumes for the New Year on Jan. 10/17.