November 2016

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

Dear Families: Please join me in welcoming our newest additions to Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School’s teaching faculty, Mme. Ngnia (Grade 1) and M. Excellent (Grade 4). Their energy and experience will be valuable assets in further promoting French oral language among our students. Starting this month, OLW seeks to engage our students in a weekly French “devinette” or riddle as a starting point, which has as its aim the promotion of a love of French Oral Communication through rich, open dialogue based on a number of clues or “indices” on a variety of interesting topics. During this time of Remembrance, we look forward to our visit from my friend, Warrant Officer, Phillip Aviado of the Governor General’s Horse Guards who will lead the school in remembering the valiant women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice all, abroad and at home, in the name of peace, freedom, and democracy. Merciful Father, hear our prayer and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 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: 367

SAFE SCHOOL ARRIVAL PROGRAM

Please leave a message by calling the school at 416-393-5273 when your child will be absent or late. Please make sure that all students who arrive late check in at the front office.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Please ensure that all information regarding your child is up-to-date. We need to have the CORRECT HOME TELEPHONE, CELL NUMBERS, WORK NUMBERS, HOME ADDRESS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT. If these numbers change please let the school know promptly, IN WRITING.

LUNCH ROUTINES Students who remain at school for lunch (11:45-12:45) may NOT LEAVE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS anytime during the lunch hour. For safety reasons, we highly discourage parents/guardians from allowing their children to leave the school property unsupervised for lunch.

PIZZA LUNCH

Ordering is now closed and will resume for the second portion of the year at a later date after the Christmas Break.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL A reminder that all visitors must enter the school building through the front doors by using the video monitoring system and sign in at the main office. Entrance through the school yard doors or other entrances and exits, i.e. the Kindergarten wing is strictly PROHIBITED. In the interest of safety for all students and to ensure that classes are uninterrupted, we need everyone's total co-operation and understanding on this matter. If an item is being dropped off for your child or pick up is required for an appointment, please come by the office. We will contact the class directly. If you need to speak with your child’s teacher or the principal, kindly call and make an appointment. We are glad to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE POLICY

All students are expected to come to school dressed appropriately and in a manner that reflects the aims and atmosphere of a Catholic school. Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School has adopted a BLUE AND WHITE DRESS CODE.

DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP STUDENTS For the sake of safety, we ask that in the mornings you drop off your children in the appropriate sections of the school yard and leave them with our staff. This will help the students develop routines and it will also help our staff ensure a safe school yard. We kindly ask that parents do not enter the Kindergarten yard, most notably the anchored fenced area at the north east side of the JK/SK yard to maximize visibility for our staff during morning supervision. The bell rings at 9 a.m. Please ensure that your child is dropped off no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Parents should be aware that the supervision of the children remains their responsibility before and after school. Kindly note: There is NO SUPERVISION in the school yard before 8:30 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. Supervision in our school yard begins at 8:30 a.m. Location: Gym

Joyeux Halloween!

Wow! Staff and students from JK to Grade 3 marched with Halloween spirit as they populated our school hallways and gymnasium for our annual Halloween parade. It was truly a spectacle to behold as superheroes and superheroines, ghosts, goblins and princesses and warriors danced and dazzled an audience of curious onlookers. Thank you wholeheartedly to the amazing vision of our CSPC chair, Mrs. Stonehouse, our teachers, Mrs. Robertson, Mme. Bangala, Mme. Thokoly, Mme. Suzan, Mme. Guirguis, and our creepy but lovable Grade 6 critters who assisted in transforming the gym into a haunted, enjoyable play space of scary sights, eerie sounds, squishy horrors, dreadful dancing and spooky games! Until next Halloween…

Safe Welcoming Schools

February 9th at 1 p.m. –School Yard Carmen Although this school event will be taking place in the new year, OLW is very excited to welcome the “inspiring story of independence matched with Bizet’s unforgettable music! In this age-appropriate adaptation of the famous opera, Carmen is a feisty little girl with a dark past - a newcomer to this country. When Tory Adair, the “coolest kid in school” tries to bully her, she stands up to him. Through Carmen’s story we look at the immigrant in Canadian society, the child who is different, schoolyard bullying, personal independence and the saving properties of art. With Bizet’s bewitching, infectious music, Carmen’s flamenco dancing and the action-packed story, The Schoolyard Carmen is sure to be Shoestring’s most popular adaptation yet!” The Anti-Bullying Challenge November 14 to 18th, 2016, marks Anti-Bullying and Prevention Awareness Week. Accordingly, we encourage students to continue to make use of the “Problem Box” as alternative safe means of reporting incidents in which assistance is required, on top of reporting directly to staff members any immediate concerns. We are inviting all classes to design and create a cartoon strip in print or digital format which explores the effects of bullying, how they can relate to instances of bullying, where to find support and who can help, what to do if one is bullied, and effective strategies which can used to combat bullying behaviours. Our hope is to feature a different class’ work and highlight discussion points for each ensuing school newsletter. Stay tuned…

A Visit from MP (Scarborough Centre)

Salma Zahid Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School welcomed MP for the federal riding of Scarborough Centre, Salma Zahid, on October 13, 2016, accompanied by her constituency assistant, Ms. Forrester. The interactive format of the encounter was hands down a very informative one, which re-affirmed the important work that members of parliament engage in for the betterment of their constituents. Ms. Zahid wasted no time in reviewing with the students from grades 1 to 8 the significance of the electoral process and gave the students a more in depth operational sense of the legislature and how laws are made with bills that are presented to the House of Commons, the ensuing voting process and the eventual ascent of the proposed bill to the upper house. Students also learned about MP Zahid’s involvement in many town hall sessions in which she continues to assist Canadians with Revenue, Citizenship and immigration related matters, as well as championing affordable housing strategy, considering that the riding which with Our Lady of Wisdom CES falls within has a 60 percent new immigrant composition. MP Zahid connected with students on a more personal level, as she detailed her own struggles as someone who also experienced immigration to Ontario back in 1999 with her family from Pakistan to seek better opportunities and an improved quality of life, emphasizing Canada’s diversity as an important unifying national aspect. The session ended with a live town hall in which students suggested additional greenspace and enhanced safety as priorities for their generation. Thank you for the beautiful Canadian flag lapels for the students, but more importantly your time!

Angel Foundation For Learning

Our Lady of Wisdom is pleased to announce that The Angel Foundation for Learning, the charitable organization devoted to assisting students within TCDSB schools, has approved our school’s funding request in support of our excursion to Montreal. Serving TCDSB students and making a positive difference, we congratulate The Angel Foundation for Learning for helping students since its inception in 1987. Donations to the Foundation are welcome and can be sent to: The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON M2N 6E8. Tax receipts for donations of $20.00 or more will be issued. For more information about the Foundation visit www.angelfoundationforlearning.org

Fundraising at OLW Dear Families: Please be advised of the following fundraiser which will be taking place at Our Lady of Wisdom CES, as planned by the CSPC: Terra Cotta Cookies. More information will follow in a flyer which will be sent home with students! This fundraiser will use the money for school programs like butterfly and chick hatchling, etc. Campaign runs 2 weeks: November 7-18th Call in order by: wed. Nov. 23rd Delivery date: Thurs. Dec. 8th @noon. Thank you to Ms. Brandiferri and the OLW CSPC fundraising sub-committee for organizing Terra Cotta this year!

Blue Jays Spirit Day at OLW Wearing their Blue and white finest, our staff and students cheered on our beloved Toronto Blue Jays during their ALDS and ALCS runs, while providing fundraising assistance to the Grade 8 excursion cause. Thank you to all for showing your Blue Jays Spirit and at the same time raising $150.50 to support our Grade 8 students. 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.

Angel Foundation For Learning

Our Lady of Wisdom is pleased to announce that The Angel Foundation for Learning, the charitable organization devoted to assisting students within TCDSB schools, has approved our school’s funding request in support of our excursion to Montreal. Serving TCDSB students and making a positive difference, we congratulate The Angel Foundation for Learning for helping students since its inception in 1987. Donations to the Foundation are welcome and can be sent to: The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON M2N 6E8. Tax receipts for donations of $20.00 or more will be issued. For more information about the Foundation visit www.angelfoundationforlearning.org

Fundraising at OLW Dear Families: Please be advised of the following fundraiser which will be taking place at Our Lady of Wisdom CES, as planned by the CSPC: Terra Cota Cookies. More information will follow in November 2016 newsletter. This fundraiser will use the money for school programs like butterfly and chick hatchling, etc. Campaign runs 2 weeks: November 7-18th Call in order by: wed. Nov. 23rd Delivery date: Thurs. Dec. 8th @noon. Thank you to Ms. Brandiferri and the OLW CSPC fundraising sub-committee for organizing Terra Cotta this year!

VIRTUES OF THE MONTH

We would like to recognize all of the children and their exemplary modelling of the October’s virtue of Gratitude this past month. Congratulations to the following students: Mlle. Camellia JK/SK: Gratitude: Nicoletta Brandiferri, Warrick Blanco M. Jean JK/SK: Gratitude: Julia De Dominicis (SK), Veronica Bronny (JK). Mlle. Tymkewycz JK/SK: Gratitude: Ayden Thompson, Tea Hancock Mme. Yeung SK/1: Gratitude: Yzabelle Contemprato (Gr. 1) Angelou Torres (Gr. 1) Mme. Ngnia (Gr. 1): Gratitude: Isaiah Tarabay, Isabella Vollans-Blackson Mlle. Katherine (Gr. 1/2):Gratitude: Charlie Crisostomo, Daniel Hendrickson-Darroux Mme. Suzan (Gr. 2): Gratitude: Mikaela Yabut, Holman Abad, Kristina Pellos Mme. Thokoly (Gr. 3): Gratitude: Santino DiBueno, Dawn Pastoriza, Olivia Soars Mme. Mari Berje (Gr. 3/4): Gratitude: Lilac Juaneza, (Grade 4) Benai Tumba-Beia (Grade 4) Kayanne Mesa (Grade 3) Mlle. Falsetti (Gr. 4): Gratitude: Rafael Tengerian

M. Excellent (Gr. 4): Gratitude: Jaezelle Lloren, Aiden Sarmiento Mme. Bangala/Mrs. Robertson (Gr. 5): Gratitude: Elizabeth Velesrubio, Tim Ayyad Mlle. Caroline/Mlle. O (Gr. 5/6): Gratitude: Terrell Diep (Grade 5) Eduardo Viera-Martinez (Gr. 6) Mrs. Robertson/Mme. Bangala (Gr. 6): Gratitude: Danna Garcia Barron, Victor Codiamat Mme. Guirguis/Mlle. Caroline (Gr. 7): Gratitude: Sarah De Grano Mrs. Nardozi, Mme. Guirguis (Gr. 8): Gratitude: Arpsima Aziz, Rahel Benyam

Fresh From The Farm: Fresh From the Farm produce is almost here! I am proud to announce that Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School has collectively ordered 123 units of bundle A and 65 units of bundle B, taking in a fundraising profit of $905.40. We are proud to pilot a new fundraising initiative which is a joint effort through the provincial government of Ontario, Foodland Ontario, Dieticians of Canada, and the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The “Fresh From The Farm,” fundraising initiative will generate funds for a variety of important school initiatives and programs and assist in the continuation of many literacy, numeracy and STE(A)M learning experiences already implemented at the school level. Key Dates:

Ontario-grown Fruit and Vegetables For Sale

• Bundle A-$12 (5 lb potatoes, 3 lb carrots, 3 lb onions, 3 lb sweet potatoes)

• Bundle B-$15 (8 lb box apples) • October 12: Due date for student ordersNovember 8-

November 30: Deliveries to schools (M-Thursday, time T.B.A.)

• Thank you to our parent volunteers who are key to making this initiative a success!

Let’s Talk Science U of T Outreach Lands at

OLW!! Science Exploration is the name of the game, as Let’s Talk Science Outreach interactive programs touched down at OLW, starting with the “Echolocation” workshop for the Grade 2 classes of Mme. Suzan and Mlle. Katherine. Students learned about how animals see in their environment without the use of their eyes. Students learned firsthand the role of a transmitter and receiver in the science of echolocation and got involved in an echolocation investigation using readily available materials, as well as, enjoying an activity in which students tried to identify the location of others using received soundwaves. The grade 1 classes of Mme. Ngnia, Mlle. Katherine and Mme. Yeung took part in “A Feast for the Senses” and learned in depth how the five senses and sensory reception work through a series of experiential, practical, auditory and tactile activities focused on replicating the workings of the inner ear, the senses of touch, taste and smell. Thank you Gayathri and Linda from Let’s Talk Science for getting our budding young scientists off to a fantastic start!

ANNUNCIATION PARISH SACRAMENTAL REGISTRATION

Registration for Gr. 7 and 8 Confirmation will be October 4th, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. The Confirmation rehearsal will take place at 9 a.m. on May 9th, 2017 and the ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Exact Confirmation Sessions for Grade 7 and 8 are still to be determined, but the Retreat will take place on Saturday, May 6th, 2017. First Confession will take place at 7 p.m. On February 15th, 2017. First Holy Communion Registration meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on October 6th. The First Holy Communion ceremony will be held on April 29th and April 30th at 5 p.m. and May 6th and May 7th at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parents must register in order for their child to receive the sacraments of First Communion (Gr. 2), First Reconciliation (Gr. 3) or Confirmation (Gr. 7 and 8). A copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is required to register for First Communion and Confirmation.

Parish Corner:

Informed by discussion and planning from the Year of the Parish Launch meeting on October 5th, with our local parish pastor, Fr. Coyle and our community of schools, as well as, a further exploration of ideas during our November CSPC meeting to be held on 23rd, 2016, with an aim to strengthen our existing relationship with the parish, please stay tuned for information regarding an upcoming school and community event connecting our school and Parish (Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish). Date and time T.B.A.

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

Junior Achievement 2016 “JA Central Ontario is committed to engaging students and stakeholders in the Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, Durham and Simcoe regions with education programs focused on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.” On October 26th, guest speakers, Ali and John from SAP visited Our Lady of Wisdom to provide Grade 8 students with important and relevant life skills through the Economics for Success program. The JA program is an invaluable experience that will give students further insight into the demands of the global economy. Students were given the task of calculating the monthly costs of living associated with necessary items, such as food, utilities, rent, cell phone and Internet costs, furniture, transportation, entertainment and so forth and creating a realistic monthly budget which factors in their net monthly income based on a few simulated scenarios.

We Day 2016 at the ACC!

Ton October 19th, 2016, the OLW Me to We committee participated in the We Day concert. We learned many new things. But, the main thing that we learned was that if we come together to stop bullying, choose kindness and help those who are less fortunate than us, we can make the world a better place. We Day has affected us greatly, and now we want you to help us in our never ending mission! During the school year, we will have fundraisers to raise money that will go towards assisting children around the world in getting an education, better healthcare, and other necessities, as well as, collecting canned goods for those who need assistance here at home. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!” Thank you for your support. -The OLW Me to We Committee

Thanksgiving/Fall Food Drive at OLW Once again, thank you for your bountiful donations of canned and non-perishable foods during OLW’s Thanksgiving/Fall Food drive. Thank you to Mrs. Nardozi and the student leaders who collected and organized the incoming donations every day, leading up to the final pick up day by personnel from St. Francis Table. All of your generosity will go towards helping the most vulnerable members of our local community. Merci beaucoup!

Math Corner

Athletics Update Cross Country

Congratulations to our Wisdom Warriors cross-country team who placed 3rd overall at their divisional meet on October 13th. Chelsea Boushel, Jordanna Connors, Abby Banks and Jayden Connors all received medals for placing top 3 in their races. A total of 26 runners qualified for the regional meet which was held on October 19th. Our athletes ran well and made OLW very proud! We are extremely proud of our 11 city championship qualifiers who raced all the top runners in Toronto's Catholic District School Board.

Another congratulations goes to all of our Running Club participants. The running club is a great way to practice for such meets and is an excellent way to stay active throughout the initial months of school. Unfortunately, as usual, we must halt the running club for the year but look forward to seeing everyone back next year! Now on to Intermediate Volleyball...

Our Lady of Wisdom would like to also extend our sincerest gratitude to the Pastoriza family who has graciously donated an array of new tennis and badminton equipment for the Physical Education classes. We appreciate such generosity and look forward to being able to use this equipment very shortly!

Lastly, another shout out to Coach Tynes who has started a Friday morning basketball clinic for any children in grades 4 and up. The kids are having a great time and learning various basketball skills. We look forward to the upcoming season in February. GO WARRIORS GO!

Women’s Varsity Hockey at MAC

Together amidst the crowds of 2500 students

and staff from over 25 schools across the GTA, Mlle. Caroline, Mme. Guirguis and Mme. Stephanie

cheered alongside the Grade 7 and 8 students, as they took in the a varsity level home opener, a

fast paced women’s hockey game between the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Ryerson Rams on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Students experienced first-

hand how the top lines of both of these teams, one, a top ten team in Canada, the Toronto

Varsity Blues create advantageous situations through perseverance, team work, excellent

offence in power play scenarios and quick and accurate goal scoring. The highlight of the day

was Mme. Stephanie’s selection to participate in the ceremonial pre-game puck drop, highlighting Mme. Stephanie as a teacher who always goes above and beyond and has made extraordinary contributions to Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Elementary School, for the students and the

community at large.

Blues Buddy Up Program at Our Lady of Wisdom CES

Thank you to Leila Lomp, Coordinator, Community Partnerships and Outreach Activation University of Toronto Varsity Blues Athletics for bringing the Blues Buddy Up Program to OLW, specifically further cultivating leadership skills within our junior students in Grades 4 and 5. Ms. Falsetti, Monsieur Excellent and Mrs. Robertson’s students had a lovely day interacting with their peers and several varsity athletes from the University of Toronto, engaged in games of trust, active listening and honest communication, in which one peer guides another across a floor covered in pucks among other character building activities. “The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are excited to deliver our Blues Buddy Up program at schools throughout the TDSB and TCDSB. Blues Buddy Up is a leadership and character building initiative, created and delivered by University of Toronto Varsity Blues athletes. The active and participatory presentation is designed to target personal and interpersonal skill development in elementary aged students. BLUES philosophy: Believe, Learn, Understand, Excel, Succeed, will be used to frame these ideals.”

Rosary Apostolate

It was wonderful for staff and students to pray the rosary together with Mrs. Morin, Ms. Tillo

and numerous other colleagues from the Rosary Apostolate. We look forward to our monthly

visits, culminating in the Crowning of Mary, as we continue our relationship which has its basis in

prayer and an active response to the Trinity and Mother Mary. Thank you to the women of the

Rosary Apostolate for their selfless donation of time and guidance to our students, mindful of the first Catholic Graduate Expectation, “A DISCERNING BELIEVER formed in the

Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God’s presence

through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.”

A Message from Ward 7 Trustee Mike Del Grande

On October 20th Board meeting, Board staff provided a report for the Board's next Long-Term Accommodation and Program Plan. The major focus is on French Immersion for some elementary schools and Specialist High Skills Major programs at secondary schools. There are other recommendations but, to my mind, they do not address several key areas that I raised more than 20 years ago. Some of these areas are: · Two Strategically located schools that offer year round schooling. · New and expanded programs during and after school specialty programs using retired specialists or industry experts for gymnastics, track and field, basketball, premed courses, music, technology, robotics, computer coding, math specialist, languages etc. · Flexible start up times. · Fostering superior every day academic performance The world is changing and in my opinion Ontario’s education system lags behind. Send me an email and tell me what the Board needs to do to satisfy today's and tomorrow's educational requirements. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the above areas of concern as well as any other ideas you think the Board should pursue. Sincerely, Mike Del Grande Trustee – Ward 7 mike.delgrande@tcdsb.org

As space is limited to a maximum capacity of 20 students in each robotics club, for Grades 1-3 and 4-6, students will be selected based on a lottery system overseen by teaching staff and administration. More details to come.

The Forest of Reading is HERE at Our Lady of Wisdom 2016-2017… Collections from the Prix Peuplier, (a reading program that invites young people to participate in read-alouds of French books written by Canadian authors. Using a Forest of Reading Passport, students are then invited to vote for their favourite book after having read at least five books in the age appropriate collection) and Prix Tamarac, (a program that invites young people to read French chapter books of 100-250 pages in length by allowing them to vote for their favourite books (fiction and non-fiction) from a selection of the best Canadian books written in French) for Grades 2-4 and 5-8 have arrived. The program will officially be kickstarted this month!

Monthly Update from the Board November 2016

The Year of the Parish: The Celebration Continues We look forward to continuing the celebration of the Year of the Parish throughout the school year. It is a wonderful opportunity for our schools and parishes to connect, or re-connect, and plan activities and ongoing initiatives together that will support the important partnership between Family, Church and School. Parents, school administrators, parents, teachers, pastors and parish representatives were invited to sit down for some preliminary discussions earlier this year. To see the many ideas that came forward from those Year of the Parish Conversations, visit our website https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearoftheParish/Pages/Ideas-Conversation-Starters.aspx More information about our pastoral plan here: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearoftheParish/Pages/default.aspx November’s Virtue is Peacemaking Find all the monthly resources associated with our virtues of the month online https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/VirtueoftheMonth/Pages/Default.aspx Free English as a Second Language Courses for Adult Immigrants The TCDSB Adult Education Program offers free language training courses for eligible adult immigrants at various locations across Toronto. After an assessment of language ability, eligible immigrants can enroll in our courses throughout the year. For more information and to locate courses using our online Course Finder, visit https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/AdultEducationESL/Pages/Default.aspx. The 2016-2017 TCDSB Awards Season has begun! Nominations are now open for the following awards which will be presented at Awards Night on May 1, 2017: DEADLINE: third Friday in January (January 20)

1. TCDSB Alumni Award: open to TCDSB alumni who are still active in the Catholic community and who have distinguished themselves in their career or accomplishments.

2. TCDSB Award of Merit: open to former staff, parents and trustees who have made outstanding contributions to the TCDSB and to Catholic education (can only be considered for award after a three-year period has passed since departure from the TCDSB)

3. **NEW** Friends of Catholic Education Award: open to members of the general public (individuals or organizations) who have accomplished extraordinary service to Catholic Education but who may not be Catholic.

For nomination forms and information, click here: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/CatholicEducationWeek/Pages/AwardsNight.aspx Prime Minister’s Awards Do you know a terrific teacher or early childhood educator? Consider nominating them for a 2016-17 Prime Minister’s Award! This prestigious program honours innovative and outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers and early childhood educators who are helping prepare Canadian youth for the challenges of tomorrow. Looking for inspiration? Check out some of our previous teaching and early childhood education award recipients. 2016-17 nomination packages are now available at www.pma.gc.ca. 2016 OCSTA Short-Video Contest for Students OCSTA is now accepting submissions for the fall 2016 short-video contest for grade 4-12 students in Ontario’s publicly funded English Catholic schools. The contest theme for 2016 is:

"The Story Behind the Name of our Catholic School” This year’s theme is designed to encourage students to delve into the history of the person/saint for whom their school was named, and to be creative in telling that story. Deadline November 28, 2016 https://www.tcdsb.org/forstudents/opportunitiesforstudents/pages/2016-ocsta-short-video-contest-for-students.aspx

Humanitarian Aid for Haiti As you are aware, Hurricane Matthew battered Haiti on October 4, 2016 causing widespread damage, flooding, and landslides. The storm destroyed both crops and food reserves, many homes and schools, even entire villages. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been impacted by this recent natural disaster. To learn more and find out how you can help, visit: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Humanitarian%20Aid%20for%20Haiti.aspx Get Your 40 Hours : Student Community Involvement Community service for our TCDSB students is more than a diploma requirement. Our TCDSB community members are called to apply Catholic social teachings in all that we do; invited by our board vision to be people who “transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action”. The experience gained through community involvement allows students to grow in knowledge and appreciation of themselves and their God-given gifts, and to find meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good. It is hoped that this experience early in their high school years will continue to motivate our students to stay involved and to answer the call to support Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and sacredness of human life in their community involvement experiences. All students who earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma must complete 40 hours of community service. Find resources, information, and volunteer opportunities here: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Communityservice40hours/Pages/Default.aspx November Events/Observances:

• November is Aboriginal Education Month • November 1--All Saints Day • November 1-7--Down Syndrome Awareness Week—“See the Ability” • November 2 --All Souls Day • November 2--Take Our Kids to Work Day • November 6-12—Treaties Recognition Week • November 8—A Catholic Call To Serve • November 11--Remembrance Day • November 14-19--Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week • November 18—PA Day • November 22--Memorial Mass to Celebrate the Lives of Staff and Students in the TCDSB Community at 7

p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre • November 27—Advent Begins • November 28—TCDSB Caucus/Inaugural Meeting—including election of Chair, Vice-Chair

For more information or resources connected to any or all of these events/initiatives, visit the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org.

Get all the latest news Follow @TCDSB on Twitter to get the news as it happens. Or subscribe to Enews to receive information via email one or more times per week. https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

Happiness is definitely in the eye of the “beholder”. For some of us small things can make us immensely happy. For other, we can at times, overt look the small triumphs of happiness and focus on the negative. If we think about people we know, we can often categorize them in to a “glass half full or glass half empty” dichotomy. There is much exciting evidence to suggest that happiness contributes to physical health. According to an article in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science (2014) entitled “ The How of Happiness”, the happiest people had an average heart rate of about 6 fewer beats per minute. In addition a 2010 student cited in the same article indicated that over a ten year period, persons who rated themselves

Healthy Habits for Happiness

agencies, families, and parishes.

safeTALK suicide awareness workshops for staff available via PAL

Psych. And SW supporting Newcomer Mental Health

Mental Health Initiatives 2016-17

as happier on a 5 point scale demonstrated a drop in coronary heart disease. 5 Habits for Happiness ( The Science of Happiness , Time Magazine, 2016) SLEEP MORE People who have better sleep have a better chance at achieving emotional well-being, according to a 2014 analysis. The happiest people get and average of 8 hours a night; 42% of adults in the US get less than the recommended minimum of 7 hours

Support for schools in

developing a mentally healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.

Inclusion of mental health to school SLIPs

Building partnerships with community

EXERCISE: Physical activity boosts the actions of endorphins, which may be natural mood enhancers. GET OUTSIDE: Studies have found that sunshine boosts the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and may combat depression. EAT MORE FISH: In a review of studies that tracked the consumption of fish and emotions, subject who ate more fish demonstrated a lower risk of depression. SMILE: A 2012 student found that people who smiled enjoyed a lower heart rate during stress recovery scenarios and a smaller drop in positive emotions during stressful tasks.

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day we honour the men and women who served Canada. We reflect on the sacrifices of those who have died so that we may have freedom and peace. Encouraging discussions and participating in activities about Remembrance Day encourages students to become “socially minded” and fosters feelings of empathy. Students can say “thank you” in many way:

• Engaging in creative writing about Remembrance Day

• Using social media to spread the word about commemorative events at your school. Using the mobile app “Veterans Matter”

• Invite a Veteran or a Canadian Armed Forces member as a guest speaker

• As a class watch online interviews with Veterans in “Heroes Remember” (a searchable database)

• Read the poem “In Flanders Field” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

• Write the troops and let your Canadian Armed Forces members know you appreciate them

• Wear a poppy • Create a Remembrance Wall where

students can write down thank you notes to Armed Forces or a special memory of someone they lost or miss in their lives.

Did you know….. • November 11th is the day that

World War I ended. It is also known as Armistice Day

• An Armistice was signed at the end of World War I at 11:00am on November 11, 1918.

• The peace treaty that ended World War I is the Treaty of Versailles and it was signed in 1919

• Poppies are a symbol of World War I because they grew in some of the places where battles were fought

• Poppies are sold by the Royal British Legion to raise money to support people in the armed forces

For further information and a teaching guide for Remembrance Day visit the Royal Canadian Legion website at: www.veterans.gc.ca www.legion.ca

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 24:4

Fostering Connections with Parish: The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “

Together With one Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family , Parish, and School” 2016

focuses on the Parish As a family we can honour the memory of loved ones by:

• Sharing special memories • Praying together • Continuing family

traditions

Suggested Readings and Websites: Books Resiliency: Strategies for Parents and Educators by Virginia Smith Harvey A Great Attitude by Sandi Hill When I Feel Good About Myself by Cornelia Maude Spelman Websites National Association of School Psychologists: www.nasponline.org www.raisingresilientkids.com www.parentbooks.ca

A Smile A Day…

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead patricia.marra-stapleton@tcdsb.org Marci Buhagiar, Psychological Associate: marci.buhagiar@tcdsb.org

Our Lady of Wisdom CES Calendar of Events November

2016

Year of the Parish Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Virtue of the Month is “Peace”

Aboriginal Education Month

1 2

3 4 5 Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch French Devinette Begins All Saints Day

Take Kids to High School Day All Souls Day

Lunch Lady STMP open house at 7 p.m.

Aaron Bell: Creation story workshop for Gr. 5/6

6 7 Lunch Lady

I

8 9 10 11 12 Int. Boys vball

OAPCE mtg. at CEC 6 p.m. Digital Citizen wkshps. Gr. 5-8

Int. Girls Vball divisional Pizza Lunch Catholic Call to Action

The Science of Yoga workshop Gr. 5

Lunch Lady

Remembrance Day Service Wt. Aviado

13

14 15 16 17 18 19 Bullying Prevention and Awareness week begins

High School Forms Due Int. boys Vball Reg. Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch Int. Girls Vball Reg. Rosary Apostolate

Officer Wilson Cyberbullying, identity theft Mass at 1:15 p.m. Grade 8 BBQ #2

PT Interview 5-8 p.m. Lunch lady

PA Day and PT Interviews 9-11:30 a.m.

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 City Int. Boys

Vball Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch City Int. Girls Vball Gr. 8 DNA workshop CSPC 6:30 p.m.

Lunch Lady Pizza Party for Halloween Bingo winners Photo retake Day

27 28

29 30 Advent Begins Lunch Lady

Pizza Lunch Gr. 7 Fossil

Snowflakes workshop

Note: Lunch Lady Continues every Monday and Thursday, Pizza lunch is every Tuesday.