CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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Acting Principal: William Kwon Vice Principal: M. Dahdah

Secretary: K PagnelloSuperintendent: John Shain

416.222.8282 ext. 6582Chair/Trustee: Michael Del Grande

416.512.3407

CSPC Co- Chair: Elaine Murphy CSPC Co- Chair: June StonehouseCatholic Parent Involvement

Committee (CPIC) :www.tcdsb.org/cpic

Enrolment 363✝

Parish: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary3 Combermere Drive

Toronto, ON M3A 2W4416.445.1760

Father Jude CoyleMass:

Mon. - Fri. : 8:00 am & 12:20 pmSaturday : 9:00 am

Sunday : 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm & 7:oo pm

Reconciliation : Sat. 9:30am & 4:00pm

Dear Families:

First of all, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a safe and joyful Advent season. As I reflect on all of the selfless actions that I continue to witness within the Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School community, I am given solid assurance that our students are well aware of the importance of the birth of Jesus and the gift of his light and love in our world. I continue to witness this daily, from the quick response of our peer student peer mediators in addressing conflict out in the school yard and via our newly minted "Problem Box," to the generosity of our parent community and CSPC, students and staff and board personnel. Truly, I am delighted to see how everyone continues to give of their time to ensure that our Universal Nutrition Program remains viable, that school and community events are meaningful and purposeful, as aligned with our school goals, and that our most vulnerable members are not forgotten, as witnessed through our support of our Christmas families initiative.

May God bless everyone this Advent season, and have a Happy and healthy 2016!

 "At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God's own love and concern."

-Mother Teresa, Love: A Fruit Always in Season Sincerely,

W. Kwon

VIRTUES OF THE MONTHS SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER Elizabeth Magboo, Juliane Lopez, Benai Tumba, Caleb Bwamiki,

Raymond Chabok, Magi Rawdah, Tariq Hussanee, Aiden Sarmiento-Oblefias, Austin Norian, Jaezelle Lloren Rebello, Johnathan Mathieu,

Cassandra Matta, Sarah Attia, Olivia Violin, Alexis Athanaselos

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER OUR LADY OF WISDOM C.S. || 10 JAPONICA RD., TO., ON M1R 4R7 ☎ 416.393.5273 F. 416.393.5434

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 || OLW �2OUR LADY OF WISDOM C.S. || 10 JAPONICA RD., TO., ON M1R 4R7 416.393.5273 F. 416.393.5434

Peer Tutoring Literacy Program:   It’s time again for another round of the Peer Tutoring Literacy Program for this academic year, 2015-2016 at Our Lady of Wisdom CES. This program is built to help students to move or students that score between 60 to 80 % in grade 2 and 3 to help improve their reading skills; fluidity, pronunciation and comprehension. This program actually offers also the grade 7 students a great chance to develop their leadership skills as well as skills of commitment, engagement, empathy and community involvement. The grade 7 students are usually proud to mention their involvement with this program, as they transition into high school.

On November 17, 2015, 10 grade 7 & 8 students, together with Mme. Guirguis participated in an in-service offered at the boardroom of the CEC in preparation for the Toronto Catholic Film Festival TCFF. TCDSB in partnership with the Toronto Film School at RCC Institute of Technology is celebrating the year of the family through film.

Participants, students in grades 7-12, are invited and encouraged to explore their vision of family and create a short film 2-3 minutes in length that highlights their vision of Family. At the finale of the workshop, there was an announcement that the top 10 films will be screened at the Cineplex Yonge and Dundas Movie Theatre on April 21st. We wish the OLW team good luck!

WISDOM WARRIORS NEWS Our Lady of Wisdom's girls intermediate volleyball team played exceptionally well and tied for third place out of 5

teams. We are extremely proud of their team work and effort!

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY WHO CAME

TOGETHER AND ATTENDED THE ADVENT MASS ON MONDAY,

NOVEMBER 30TH.

Together with our school choir, students, families and our

neighbouring school parishioners we celebrated in the much anticipated beginning of the

Christmas Season

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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OLW Grade Sevens Learn About Climate Change

Changing the world? It’s a herculean task! But this generation is excited about the small changes that they can make that can help with big things in the future! On Thursday, November 19, ten grade sevens from Our Lady of Wisdom attended the first-ever elementary school workshop facilitated by Development and Peace (a Caritas organization), called “Create a Climate of Change.” We were among 150 intermediate students and their teachers. The organization has been offering workshops to secondary students for twenty years, and found there was

overwhelming demand from elementary school teachers and students, pushing for more involvement. To be considered for attendance at this event, students studied excerpts from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and wrote about what they think is the biggest issue with the environment today.

What did the students think?

“If one [species] dies the other ones [are] going to die [then] one after the other they all fall. And sooner or later [we’ll] fall

[too].” - Kaiden

“Since I live on the [Earth], I want to be conscious of [what’s] happening around me.” - Daniel D.

“People should have more common sense about pollution and have a way to stop it. With all the technology we have today, shouldn't there be a way to destroy all the garbage

and pollution we create?” - Amalia

At the workshop, students learned about the root causes of climate change. They examined a case study of a refugee (with the presenter, Luke Stocking, reiterating that while we might hear the numbers, four million refugees is a statistic, but one is a tragedy). They saw a video with a message from Ethiopians, showing the current conditions and hearing people talk about what the farming seasons used to be like. They participated in several interactive activities, supporting their current opinions or helping them form new ones. The most exciting activity of the day was more than just swatting around balloons: it was a demonstration of how the cause and effects regarding greenhouse gas emissions are different for richer countries, such as Canada, and poorer countries, such as those in the Global South. Students brought this knowledge back with them as they returned to school, as well as plans to participate in a campaign that lets our new prime minister know, through actions promised on a postcard, that the younger generation is concerned about the environment and our country’s place in making positive change a reality.

EQAO Update:

Individual Student Reports: These will be sent home and include the student, school and board level results only. Due to teacher federation labour action in the English-language public school system, not all students participated in this year’s assessment. Therefore, provincial level results are not provided. Pamphlets will be going home to parents/guardians of this year’s grade 3 and 6 cohort. Please got to the EQAO website to access a Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Child’s results.Gr. 3 Math 5 year trend (2010-2015): 72-61-60-62-68Gr. 6 Math 5 year trend (2010-2015) 66-67-68-75-82Gr. 6 Reading 5 year trend (2010-2015) 73-82-84-88-91 Gr. 6 Writing 5 year trend (2010-2015) 90-87-89-92-97

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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Code Re(a)d: learn the TCDSB’s Code of Conduct! Under the section “Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship,” there are standards set out for all members of the school community, including students. One of these is: “show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.” Have you ever looked at the lost and found bin towards the end of the year? If so, you would see wonderful “stuff”, piled high and forgotten. How do we treat the property of others? A jacket at the side of the building, an eraser that has fallen off a desk… it is important to remember that although it might be unclear who owns something, it does belong to someone and should be treated with respect. Maybe try to help find its owner if it has been misplaced. What if it’s not misplaced, and it’s obvious to whom it belongs? That’s even more reason to leave it alone out of respect.

Discussion Question

You are going into the school building from the music portable. You find cards on the ground, the kind from your favourite game! There are no students around.

What would you do?

Today, Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School welcomed Carina and Mona Lina from the University of Toronto’s Let’s Talk Science STEM outreach programs. Students’ imagination took flight as they investigated species of birds and took part in a hands on investigation about a variety of birds and simulated using a variety of ready-made and available materials, how birds find, eat and digest food in their environment. Students from the 3 Grade 1 classes learned a great deal about Birds and their physical adaptations, specifically how certain beaks are suited to helping them catch and eat certain types of foods in their habitats.Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, Canadian charitable youth development organization focused on skills development through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They create and deliver experiential STEM-based learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators (Kindergarten to Grade 12). Through Let’s Talk Science Outreach engages more than 3,500 enthusiastic postsecondary student volunteers at over 40 universities and colleges across Canada, inspiring discovery in more than 250,000 children and youth.

U of T @ OLW

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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CYBERBULLYING WITH OFFICER JENNIFER WILSON Thank you to our Community Liaison Officer, Jennifer Wilson, for visiting with the intermediate students in Grade 7 and

8 on November 20, 2015 to forewarn students about the dangers of the Internet and the impact of "Cyberbullying." Students were fully engaged as they learned about the connections between cyberbullying in Canada and

its increased prevalence, specifically that "Girls between 14 to 16 send 100 texts a day," as well as, Officer Wilson's startling stats on 6.5 million Social Networking sites being used by students who are 13 years of age and under. Thank

you for spreading the word and building a greater awareness amongst our youth and the connection between Cyberbullying and mental health.

Thanks to Eli and Joga, soccer freestyle specialists, from Freestyle Soccer Inc. for rolling out their Freeze Out Bullying Program at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School on a sunny November 16th. Using their multitude of freestyle soccer tricks and personal stories with an emphasis on “being inclusive, speaking up assertively, not aggressively, reporting responsibly and safely, demonstrating respect, role modelling, compassion and empathy, respecting others privacy and reputation and cyberbullying,” these gentlemen engaged all of our students to be responsible leaders in their lives and in their own right with a mission to eliminate instances of bullying. Students's feedback about the workshop included increased confidence in knowing their roles and being prepared to act as Upstanders to any and all forms of bullying.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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The students in Mme. Tymkewycz’s class had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the life cycle of a chick through a hands-on Chick Hatching Program from

Green Acres. Towards the end of October, we received an incubator and 12 chicken eggs. The eggs were placed in the incubator and the anticipated wait

began. We observed the eggs for 3 weeks. Finally, a day and a half early, our new baby chicks started popping through the shells. This was a long process because our new members had to stop and rest every so often. We had a surprise waiting

for us the next day. We observed 5 new baby chicks that had hatched in the incubator. The sixth chick joined our community around lunch time the same day.

After waiting 24 hours for the chicks to dry, the chicks were moved into the brooder box. They had to have a stable temperature of 95 degrees and students were responsible for feeding and giving the chicks water. Furthermore, through this experience, the students learned compassion and empathy toward others.

We wish the chicks well in their life at the farm. We will miss you chicks!

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

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THANK YOU Congratulations, the OLW

community raised over $10,000 during the Terra Cotta Cookie campaign!

We are flying through the year and are happy to announce that we have been able to see the fruition of our team efforts. Our subcommittees have been working away on projects to help make our community stronger,

and bring programs into the school that compliment school curriculum and much more!

We would like to take this moment to wish you and yours all the best during this Holiday Season. Let’s take the time to appreciate the love and support that surrounds us and pray for those in less fortunate situations.

Let’s do what we can to reach out to those who are in need.

- CSPC TEAM

THANK YOU To the volunteers

involved in the distribution of Cookies -

you were amazing!Much thanks!

THANK YOU To the teachers who the staff who dedicate their

free time to extra curricular activities that often go

unnoticed

THANK YOU To the Academic Committee

who assisted with suggesting & locating the U of TSTEM

initiative & Chick Hatchlings.

COMMUNICATION BOARD

CSPC has obtained a new bulletin board that has been placed just inside the front doors that will contain up to date information in regards to projects, initiatives and

the latest news. Here you will find volunteering opportunities, community events, and the monthly

bulletin. We hope to soon get one placed just inside the east side entrance. This has been done as part of the

Communications Subcommittee Initiative to help keep parents in the loop.

EVENTS FOR THE FAMILY

SHAKESPEARE IN ACTION December 5, 2015 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Albert Campbell Library 496 Birchmount Road

Ages 7-12

SPECTACLE OF LIGHTSFour sites on Toronto’s Waterfront are

being lit up for this night market. Lights are draped across the spiral tree at The Westin

Harbour Castle Hotel, the fire truck and snowflake motif at the Fire Hall, and the Tall Ship on the Amsterdam Bridge at

Harbourfront Centre. In addition to the lights, the Toronto Music Garden includes

fully animated music notes, harps and canopy are on display.

CSPC UPDATE

WHAT’S NEXT?

Kernels Pre-paid Order Forms for the second term will be distributed within the first two weeks of December

Safety Committee is investing time in safer parking lot signage & safety FDK pinnies for excursions

PRO-GRANTS are in the works

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 2015

EVENTS FOR THE

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VOLUNTEERS : Please remember that being a volunteer does not always mean you need to be IN the school to help! We appreciate feedback, ideas and any assistance in any way you can! We have many roles that allow you to help from home - doing what you can on YOUR schedule. IF you’re interested in helping please send us an email at

cspc.ourladyofwisdom@tcdsb.org for more information. YOU CAN FIND US ON TWITTER FOR UPDATES @CSPC_OLW

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 416-393-5273. For general inquires or further information you may contact 416-222-8282 extension 5314 or visit our website at www.tcdsb.org

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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.

Prayer for Mindfulness

Suggested Readings and Websites:

Books Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda – Lauren AlderferA Boy and A Bear – Lori LiteThe Mindful Way to Study: Dancing with your Books – Jake J. Gibbs Mindfulness Meditations for Teens – Bodhipaksa10 Mindful Minutes – Goldie Hawn

Websites www.mindthebump.org.au www.nasponline.org www.mindfuleducation.org

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead

patricia.marra-stapleton@tcdsb.org

Marci Buhagiar, Psychological Associate

marci.buhagiar@tcdsb.org

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

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 20

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Celebrating The Year of the Family Visit 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.be And all the other information and resources: https://www.tcdsb.org/tcff Film submissions accepted until February 19th. Play it Forward The 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 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