2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

Our Lady of Sorrows

Newsletter

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH for DECEMBER: CHARITY

Christmas Season Prayer May the love that breathes life into all of humanity

Be born in us this Christmas season. May the love that brings forth all of creation,

Be born in us this Christmas season. May the love that overcomes hatred and brings healing,

Be born in us this Christmas season. May the love that forgives and renews,

Be born in us this Christmas season. May the love that brings the fruits of justice,

Be born in us this Christmas season. May the love that brings the blessing of peace,

Be born in us this Christmas season. May that Peace now be the gift we share with all our brothers and sisters.

From “A Gift of Peace,” by Richard Becher, in Shine On, Star of Bethlehem, CAFOD, 2004

AT A GLANCE: SOME IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

School Mass: Dec. 3 PD Day: Dec. 6 Santa Pictures: Dec. 12 Christmas Concerts: ELP, Gr.1 & 1/2 – Dec. 11 Gr. 2, 3, ME & Gr. 8 Instrumental – Dec. 17

SCHOOL MOTTO: Dignity, Courtesy, Respect

OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC SCHOOL 32 Montgomery Road, Etobicoke, Ontario M8X 1Z4 Telephone: 416-393-5246 Fax: 416-393-5031

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Antonio Morsillo / Maria Volpe PRINCIPAL / VICE PRINCIPAL

Maria Meehan, 416-222-8282 ext. 2732 SUPERINTENDENT

Teresa Lubinski, 416-512-3404 TRUSTEE

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church 416-231-6016

3055 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario M8X 1C6 PARISH

Julianne Renna

CSPC CHAIR

www.tcdsb.org/cpic 0BCPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)

www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

OAPCE TORONTO (PROVINCIAL VOICE FOR PARENTS)

725 8:30 a.m. -

3:00 p.m. 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

1BENROLLMENT HOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR

NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME

Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org Call 416-393-Phone# or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 2383. For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, please visit the website at www.tcdsb.org 2BStay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

WEATHER As the colder weather approaches, please ensure that students come to school well prepared. All students should be dressed appropriately, so that they may participate in all aspects of the school program. Warm weather jackets, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves, and warm boots will be necessary as the temperature drops. We recommend that you label all items. An extra pair of warm, dry socks in their bags is also recommended. Students who are well enough to attend school will go out for recess. In cases of extreme cold or weather, recess will be held indoors. SAFETY Our Play Yard Safety remains the same during morning drop-off - the only adults in the yard should be staff on-duty. This allows for easier visibility and greater safety for all of our students. All adults entering the school grounds must report to the office where we will be happy to assist you. Outside of the staff, the only adults permitted in the building are those who have been provided a lanyard with a school pass. This allows staff to easily identify intruders. Also students should not be using the front door to enter or exit the building unless they are late in the morning or leaving early during the school day (or entering YMCA prior to 8:15).

PARKING For those dropping off or picking up children at the front of the school, you are reminded to not infringe upon the fire route(s) and the Wheel Trans/Small Buses. In addition, designated handicapped parking spots are for those vehicles displaying proper handicap decals. To avoid cars backing up traffic on Montgomery and to allow the buses access to the loop, parents dropping off in the bus loop, in the morning, are reminded to drive to the far end of loop to drop off. Please see attached letter that was sent out last week. LOST AND FOUND Students and parents are reminded to check the lost and found on a continuous basis for any clothing or treasures that may have gone missing. The boxes are located at the base of the stairs going into the school gym. Contents of the lost and found will be cleared out the last week of each month, laundered and donated to charity. TOYS AT SCHOOL Students are being reminded that personal toys/playing items (ex., beyblades, trading cards) are not permitted at school.

2018 - 2019 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

LIBRARY CORNER On November 11 – 15, throughout the day and during Teacher-Parent Interview Nights, Our lady of Sorrows Elementary School hosted a Scholastic Book Fair for students. Students dropped in during their library time and recess to view and buy from a large assortment of various books. With every purchase made a percentage was donated back to the school. What a lovely time to buy a book, socialize with friends and promote literacy to our students. The profit will go to purchasing more books for the school library.

Thank you again for all your support. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year.

J. Di Michele Library Technician OLS PARISH CHURCH LIAISON

FIRST RECONCILIATION First Reconciliation (confession) will take place on: Saturday March 28th, 2020 from 3-4 p.m., at OLS Church. If you cannot bring your child on that day, you can take them to regular confession hour on any Saturday from 4-5 p.m. (besides Saturday of Easter Vigil). We will have a special celebration after the first confession. Children and their parents are welcome to celebrate together afterwards in the Parish Hall from 4-5 p.m.

Snacks, baked goods and soft drinks will be provided by the parents that volunteered to help organize this event. Families are also invited and encouraged to attend the 5:15 mass on that day. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this, please come and discuss them with us at our parents, support meeting on December 12th. FIRST COMMUNION Please find below the dates of the Masses of First Communion for this year.

• Saturday, April 25th, 2020 at 10:30 AM (Last name A-E)

• Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 at 10:30 AM (Last name F-M)

• Saturday, May 9th, 2020 at 10:30 AM (Last name N-S)

• Saturday, May 16th, 2020 at 10:30 AM (Last name T-Z)

CONFIRMATION Please find below the dates of the Confirmation Masses for this year. There will be three Masses, the candidates have been divided into balanced groups.

• Mass 1 : Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 7:30 PM (Last name A-G)

• Mass 2: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 7:30 PM (Last name H- P)

• Mass 3: Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 7:30 PM (Last name Q-Z)

If you have a conflict and wish to request a change of date, please contact the church.

2018 - 2019 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

COMMUNITY GIVING COMMITTEE

With the spirit of the Christmas season upon us, it is that time of year to look into our hearts with gratitude and help those who are less fortunate. During the month of December, our school community will support the following initiatives: Christmas Giving Tree We are asking for new, unwrapped hats, scarves, mittens and socks (adult and children sizes) to adorn this year’s Christmas Giving Tree. All of these winter accessories will be donated to children who are in desperate need to stay warm during the upcoming cold winter season at Our Lady of Victory Elementary School. Last year, through your heartfelt generosity, our school community donated a total of 219 winter accessories. This year our goal is to exceed that amount. Let’s see if we can beat last year’s total and donate more winter accessories to children in need! We will be collecting hats, mittens, scarves and socks from Monday, December 2nd up until Wednesday, December 18th. Christmas Shoeboxes Students from JK to Grade 5 will support the Shoeboxes for Children in Need initiative, whereby a shoebox is filled with new/gently used items for a child in need in Africa or Central America. The wrapped Shoeboxes can be brought to the school and placed under the Christmas Giving Tree. All donations will go to the Canadian Food for Children Organization. We will be accepting

your Shoeboxes up until Wednesday December 18th. More details and a suggestion list can be found in the attached letter. Sponsor a Family Our Lady of Sorrows School will once again be working in conjunction with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to support needy families in our parish through the donation of Christmas gifts. This year, the grade 6, 7 & 8 classes will help support a total of ten families. All gifts must be in no later than Tuesday, December 11th. Please see attached letter. CERTIFICATES FOR VIRTUES OF THE MONTH We continue to recognize a student from each class whose daily efforts contribute to nurturing our Catholic school community. NOVEMBER CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS The following was considered when selecting recipients for the virtue of PEACEMAKING:

• students who demonstrate calm and instil peace in others

• students who remain level-headed when under pressure

• students who generously forgive others • students who promote and practice conflict

resolution

Please see attached list of student names.

2018 - 2019 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 Children born in 2016, are eligible to attend Junior Kindergarten in September 2020! The Elementary Student Online Application for Registration (S.O.A.R.) for enrolment September 2020 will be available beginning WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST. Important Note: the current link to the Student Online Application for Registration (S.O.A.R.) on the TCDSB website is for enrolment for the current school year. Applications entered for September 2020 enrolment on the current 2019/2020 application, will not be accepted. Applications for September 2020 enrolment must be entered on or after January 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST. For further information on the S.O.A.R. application please follow this link: https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/AdmissionsandRegistration/Pages/Elementary-Online-Application---General--Information-.aspx

November 26, 2019 Dear Parents/Guardians, It is a priority at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all our students and parents. Parking and traffic congestion continues to be a challenge and affects the ongoing safety of our students at Our Lady of Sorrows and our neighbours. Bus Loading Zone - School buses must not be blocked from entering our bus loop and bus loading zone. Parking in our Bus Loading Zone is not permitted at all, even if it is for a few minutes. Please note that fines for such offences are significant. When dropping off your children in the morning, please move your car up to the far south of the loading zone so that your children may enter the yard at the south entrance. Montgomery – There is no parking or stopping allowed along Montgomery for any reason at all! This poses a serious safety concern for our children. The Police and Parking Enforcement Officers have been informed and will be monitoring the situation very closely. Please familiarize yourself with all restricted areas. We ask that you choose safety over convenience. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Community Center – Firstly, there is no parking anywhere in the Community Centre Parking lot other than in a marked parking spot. There is no parking along the Bus Loading Zones, nor can we park blocking in any cars that are appropriately parked in parking spots. This is extremely dangerous to the safety and well being of all our children. There are plenty of parking spots in the rear of the lot farthest away from the building but safe. LETS CHOOSE SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE! You can help to promote the safe arrival and departure of the children by following these few simple rules: a) obey all traffic and parking regulations; b) be patient - arrive a few minutes earlier in the morning or a few minutes later in the afternoon; c) arrange carpools to reduce traffic; d) walk your child to school or park a block away and walk; e) please review safety with your child at home. By choosing safety over convenience, we can maintain a safe environment for our children and eliminate traffic hazards near and around our school neighbourhood. We thank you for your continued patience and co-operation and know that our neighbours will appreciate your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me should have any questions or concerns at 416-393-5246. Sincerely, A. Morsillo

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School 32 Montgomery Rd., Toronto, ON M8X 1Z4

Telephone: 416-393-5246 • Fax: 416-393-5031 www.tcdsb.org/ourladyofsorrows

Dear Parents, In keeping with December’s Virtue of the Month, Charity, we are requesting that our grades JK-5 classes continue to take part in the tradition of the SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN. In previous years, we have had much success with this campaign. The recipients are so grateful for the gifts that are generously donated by our families. This particular drive is one of the many ways that Canadian Food For Children, an amazing local organization, run by Dr. Andrew Simone, helps children out all over the world. The shoebox(es) will go directly to a child in need in Africa and/or Central America. From December 2 - 18, we are inviting each student to fill a shoe box with new and/or gently used items. If you wish to be part of this wonderful cause, please follow the steps below:

• We suggest you send in a shoebox that is of the same gender and age as your child. Age ranges include: 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12. We would ask that children in grades 4 and 5 give special consideration to the older children in need (12 -14, 14-16) as there is a low supply of shoeboxes for this age range.

• Fill the box with a variety of items of your choice: Some ideas are: School supplies (paper, pencils, pens, crayons, folders).

Toys(balls, cars, cards, dominoes, dolls – no war related items please). Keeping clean supplies (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, hair clips and elastics). Sewing and knitting supplies (thread, needles, scissors, materials, wool). Bags (very useful to carry the food and other gifts). Candles (for the dark nights).

• Write a note or draw a picture for the recipient as an expression of kindness

• Tape the shoebox shut. • Decorate or gift wrap the shoebox if you’d like (not necessary). • Mark the age and gender of recipient on a label and tape it to the

shoebox. • Write the name of your school and city on the shoebox. • Take the shoebox to school.

As always, thank you for your support!

Shoeboxes for Children in Need Ideas – a more comprehensive list:

• Hard candy, gum (please double bag all candy!) • Pencils, coloured pencils, sharpener, erasers, pencil case • Crayons, pens • Ruler, glue stick, safety scissors • Colouring book, markers, notepads • Running shoes, socks, water shoes, flip flops, shoe laces • Hand held toys, balls: Tennis balls, bouncy balls, puzzles • Hat, sunglasses, scarves, bandanas, gloves • Small flannel throw (Roll it up! It will fit!) • Bean bag, hacky sack • Small dry erase board and markers • Unopened happy meal toy • Toy binoculars, inflatable balls, Lego • Solar-powered flashlight • Harmonicas, recorder, tambourine • Jump rope, paddle ball, yo-yo • Handheld Etch-A-Sketch • Small board books • Slinky, flash cards, miniature checkerboard and checkers • T-shirts, plastic poncho in packet, drawstring bag, balloons • Crafting kit (beads, etc.), toy toolkit set, • Plastic eating utensils, sippy cup/cup with a lid

GROOMING AND HYGIENE ITEMS

• Comb, brush • Mild soap (Please put in plastic bag or travel container.) • Toothpaste (This too! Be sure it's in a plastic bag.), toothbrush • Colourful bandages, hand wipes, small pack colourful tissues • Lip balm, emery board/nail clippers

IDEAS FOR GIRLS

• Package of multi-coloured Sharpies, travel sewing kit (10-14 girl) • Hair ribbons, ponytail holders, barrettes • Small pots/pans with spatula • Doll

IDEAS FOR BOYS

• Ball cap • Soccer ball with pump • Cars, trucks • Kazoos, compass • Hammer, nails (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging) • Screwdriver, screws (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging +

Zipper bag) • LED keychain (10-14 boy) • Duct tape (10-14 boy), tape measure (10-14 boy)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In the true charitable spirit of the Advent season, Our Lady of Sorrows School will

once again be working in conjunction with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to

support needy families in our parish community through the donation of Christmas

gifts. This year, the grade 6, 7& 8 classes will help support families in our parish.

We have a wide variety of families made up of single parents and their children.

Most parents are facing significant health and financial challenges with little

support. All have needed some help from St Vincent de Paul this past year.

Your child’s classroom teacher will have a detailed list of information regarding

each family’s specific needs/wishes, including toys and clothing sizes for each

child. If you are interested in participating, please have your son/daughter sign up

in class so that we avoid duplications/omissions. If possible, please wrap each gift

and clearly label the child’s gender and age on the gift. Please do not identify

yourself on the label.

Some additional suggestions for Christmas gifts include: Gift cards to Walmart, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc. Non perishable food items please

All gifts must be in no later than December 11th

Please note that participation is strictly voluntary. Thank you in advance for your

generosity in this charitable endeavour. We appreciate your ongoing support of

both our school and parish communities.

May God continue to bless you and your families this Advent season,

Mr. A Morsillo Ms D. Sutej

Principal Grade 8 Teacher

OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

32 Montgomery Road

Etobicoke, Ontario

M8X 1Z4 Telephone 416-393-5246 Fax 416-393-5031

NOVEMBER VIRTUE CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS

PEACEMAKING TEACHER GR. STUDENT NAME

Ms. Culotta and Ms. Arena ELP Noah H Ms. Carlson and Ms. Gallo ELP Benjamin M Ms. Husarewych and Ms. Gill ELP Michael M Ms. Morra and Ms. Iuele ELP Juliana PS

Ms. Wyslobicky 1 Leo D Ms. Tino 1 Theadora P

Ms. Maxwell 1 Leah B Ms. Kapinski 1/2 Evelyn P Ms. DeCaria 2 Matheus N

Ms. Henderson 2 Audrey B Ms. Senior 2/3 Victoria I Ms. Ignoto 3 Johnathan P

Ms. Mantelos 3 Barron B Ms. Gaul 3 Cleo R

Ms. Luongo 3/4 Kyan P Ms. Avila 4 Emma K

Ms. Susidko 4 Owen M Mr. Pinto 4/5 Ben V Mr. Goles 5 Zachary G

Mr. Celebre 5 Blythe C Ms. Gomes 6 Elliott F Mr. Myall 6 Hunter G

Mme. Kennedy 6 Matthew C Ms. Cugliari 6/7 Melaina P Ms. Miceli 7 Talia T Mr. Ferrari 7 Megan B Ms. Smith 7 Sarah M Mr. Fallico 8 Daniel J Ms. Mior 8 Connor W Ms. Sutej 8 Cameron F

Ms. Rebelo ME Caleb P

December 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 -Swim to

Survive (3/4,4/5) -Gr. 2 excursion

(Henderson) -Lego Club (gr. 1)

3

-Advent Mass OLS Church 1:15 p.m.

Grades 1 - 8 - Beading Buds

-Lego Club (gr. 1)

4 Pizza Lunch

Lego Club (gr. 2)

Arts Express

5 Gr. 1/2, 2, 2/3

excursion

Lego Club (gr. 3-5)

Arts Express

6 PD DAY NO SCHOOL

7

“It’s not how much we give

but how

much LOVE we put into

giving.” -

Mother Teresa

8

9 Swim to

Survive (3/4,4/5)

Lego Club (gr. 1)

10

Beading Buds

Lego Club (gr. 1)

11 -JK/SK, Gr. 1 & 1/2 Christmas Concert

AM - Dress Rehearsal 1 PM - Parents’

Performance

-Lego Club (gr. 2)

12 Santa Pictures Gr. JK - 6 & ME Class visit

-Lego Club (gr. 3-5)

13 CHRISTMAS

SWEATER DAY

Chess Club

14

15 16 -Education Council

-Swim to Survive (3/4,4/5) - Gr. 2 excursion (DeCaria, Kapin., Wysl.)

-Lego Club (gr. 1)

17 -Gr. 2-3, ME, Gr. 8 Inst. Concert

AM - Dress Rehearsal 1 PM - Parents’

Performance - Beading Buds

-Lego Club (gr. 1) -Gr. 7&8 Gifted excur.

18 -ELP Breakfast with Santa

-Gr. 5 Gifted excursion

- Gr. 6 excursion - Pizza Lunch

-Lego Club (gr. 2)

19 Gr. 2 & 7 Mass

OLS CUP—

Hockey Tournament

Lego Club (gr. 3-5)

20

Civvies Day

(toonie fundraiser)

21 “For me

Christmas has

always been

about this:

contemplating

the visit of God

to his people.”

–Pope Francis

22

30

23

30

24

. 31

25

26

27

28

CLASSES RESUME JANUARY 6th

“And now abide with faith, hope, charity, these three; but the

greatest of these is charity.” (1Corinthians 13: 1) vIRTUE OF THE MONTH - CHARITY

1st WEEK OF ADVENT— Light one purple candle

2nd WEEK OF ADVENT— Light one purple candle

3rd WEEK OF ADVENT— Light one pink candle

4th WEEK OF ADVENT— Light one purple candle

CHRISTMAS BREAK DECEMBER 21 - JANUARY 5, 2020

JANUARY CALENDAR TO FOLLOW

Tuesdays—Lunch Lady

Thursdays— Rose Reisman Lunch