2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

Monthly Message:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Monthly Message: October’s virtue is GRATITUDE, how apropos that we will be

celebrating Thanksgiving in just a few short days. Our quote for this month is

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad” Psalm 118:24.

“Thanks” is a simple word, but it is a precious fountain of faith in God, and it fills

our hearts with a readiness to cherish everything we have. Although the world is

currently experiencing economic challenges, and we may have difficulty saying

thank you for some of our hardships, sometimes this can release us from that

sense of entitlement that can prevent us from really seeing God’s grace in our

daily lives. The choice to be grateful is not always without effort.

October is a busy month for curriculum and testing. The general findings

will be discussed at our School Improvement Team meetings and will be shared

with our CSPC. This year, we will continue to focus on a few SEF indicators

namely Student Learning skills, Student Engagement and Reading

Comprehension Skills/Numeracy. We plan to work with all of you to continue

working toward student success in all areas.

Experiential activities are a key school focus. Through the generous

support of the CSPC, we have promoted partnership programs through a variety

of classroom excursions. We hope to continue this practice this year. This allows

our students the benefit of experiencing a real “hands on” approach to learning.

The CSPC and parent community will be heavily depended on you to subsidize

the cost of many opportunities for our students. Please support our CSPC and

the school in the fundraising events throughout the year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

“Gracious God, you nourish and protect us,

You heal us in body and in mind.

Deepen in us the spirit of gratitude,

And join our voices,

With all who offer songs of Thanksgiving.

S. Lofranco Principal

St. Aidan CATHOLIC SCHOOL

3521 Finch Ave. E.

Telephone: 416-393-5350 Fax: 416-393-5588

Mr. S. Lofranco

PRINCIPAL

Mr. K. Malcolm 416-222-8282 ext 2263

SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. M. Del Grande 416-512-3407

TRUSTEE

St. Aidan Catholic Church 416-494-2704

3501 Finch Ave. E.

PARISH

Father Steven

CSPC CHAIR

www.tcdsb.org/cpic

CPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)

www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

OAPCE TORONTO (PROVINCIAL VOICE FOR PARENTS)

298 9:00am-3:30pm 11:45-12:45

ENROLLMENTHOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR

NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME

Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org

Call 416-393-5350 or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 5320.

For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, visit www.tcdsb.org

Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter or Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram

October 2018

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

Student of the Month September: Hospitality

Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude

increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social

comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-

esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments

EQAO Results 2017-18

St Aidan scored very well in the 2016-2017 Provincial Assessment (EQAO) for grade 3 and grade 6.

Our results were:

Gr 3 Reading 65%, Writing 65%, Math 57%

Gr 6 Reading-79%, Writing-68%, Math 39%

Congratulations to our students and their teachers who worked hard to achieve these results!

LI/1 Rodilyn D.

ELP/1 Rose W.

ELP/2 Teyanna C.

01/1 Brandon B.

01-02/1 Alyssa N.

02/1 Dheebika K.

03/1 Cameron L.

03-04/1 Aeron D.

04/1 Rihanna C.

05-06/1 Destiny S.

06/1 Jervin C.

07/1 Michelle B.

08/1 Marudaa G.

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

Please be aware that some of our students have extreme allergies to nuts, especially

peanuts. We are asking that any treats/foods you send to school with your child be peanut /nut free.

Most treats that are purchased from a grocery store will indicate whether or not they are nut free.

Walk, Wheel to School Month October

Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages schools to get ready, get set and to get active! Let's get walking and wheeling to school.

The benefits include: reduced congestion, improved community safety, opportunities to talk about the environment and learn safety

skills. It's also a great way to fit physical activity into the day, which can energize students, improve self-esteem and foster readiness

to learn.

October 4--Walk to School Day: an opportunity for all of us—students, staff, families—to focus on improved health and

well-being, active lifestyles and building safer communities for everyone

Guidance Corner

Mrs. Fantinato is our school Guidance Counsellor. She visits the school on a regular basis to deliver classroom

programming and to offer individual counselling services. A reminder that High School open house nights will

begin this month. A full listing of the dates can be found on the Board website:

www.tcdsb.org<http://www.tcdsb.org>. Please make time to visit the high schools of interest to see what they

have to offer - parents of Grade 7 & 8 students are welcome to attend. Feel free to follow her on twitter

@jfantinato

CSPC

Congratulations on our new CSPC for 2018-19. Our first meeting will take place on Wednesday October 10 at

7pm in the school library. All parent are welcome!

Extended vacations-over the course of the school year we find that many students go on extended vacations

(outside of regularly scheduled holidays) and miss weeks or even months of instructional time. It is now a

requirement of the Ministry of Education that parents must inform the school in writing prior to the vacation. We

thank you in advance for helping us remain compliant with this regulation.

Terry Fox Walk On Friday September 28th, St. Aidan school participated in the Terry Fox Walk for Cancer. All students and staff enjoyed the brisk 20 minute walk in the school community and managed to raise money that will go to support his dream. Thanks to Ms. Armenta, the Health Action Team, staff and students for making this a successful event!

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) For many reasons, IEPs are developed for some students, who have specific needs with academic or self-regulation. IEPs

will be sent home in October.

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

WE Day

On Thursday, September 20th, 2018, at the Scotiabank Arena, Jermyn, Angel, Lance, Eve, Mark, Kiara,

Raymond, Nikkel, Ashlee, along with Ms. Law, attended WE Day. WE Day is about helping to make a change

in the world. We saw some very influential people who were brave enough to share their stories, like Ann

Curry, who gave a very good speech. Some other people we saw there were Lily Singh, LaurDIY, Kareem

Abdul-Jabbar, and many more. Mark and Craig Kielburger inspired us to “Get Doing!” meaning that even

young people can change the world we live in to make it a more positive one for ourselves and the future

generations. We would love to go to WE Day again!

By: Nikkel, Eve, Kiara, and Ashlee Students Success and Attendance at School There has been a growing concern regarding student’s attendance and arriving on time for the beginning of school. Students

achieve better success when they arrive to school on time ready to begin the school day. In the rare occasion that you child

does arrive to school after the bell, please report to the office to receive a school admit slip. In order to minimize any

disruptions to class already in session and to support student transitions parents are asked to allow students to accompany

to class by another student or staff member. If you have any questions regarding the attendance or late policy please refer

to Board website policies at www.tcdsb.org. Thanks for your cooperation in your child’s education

Halloween: Its Christian Origins

In the Christian tradition there has been a custom of "dressing up" since the early Christians celebrated the "breaking of bread" and then continued the celebration with a party. Within the Christian tradition a Halloween costume party becomes a sharing of the communion of saints on hallowed eve. Stripped of commercialization and superstition, the heart of Samhain, a Celtic summer’s end festival is profoundly Christian. It is a recognition of the genuine presence of darkness that continually challenges the light. In November we are aware of the shortening of the days and the waning of the power of light and life. This is not only a physical reality, but a psychological and spiritual metaphor. The gloom of winter is setting in, and we need to be prepared to cope with it. Liturgically, All Saints/All Souls is an important preparation for Advent: it is a recognition of the coming of the darkness that in its turn will be overcome by the coming of the LIGHT. Simply put, if there is no darkness there

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

is no need for Advent and Christmas; but if there is darkness, it must first be recognized and accepted before it can be challenged. On the other hand, Hallowed Eve is also a celebration of the whole Christian community's ability to overcome death. Rooted in the church's experience of the Risen Christ, the whole communion of saints - living and dead - celebrate their power over darkness. During the Halloween season, the communion of saints celebrates its victory over the season of death and the time of darkness. During the two Christian feasts of All Saints and All Souls we continue to celebrate the triumph over darkness and the communion of saints.

Halloween Safety Rules

Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult.

Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least 2 buddies go with you.

Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.

Make sure that you are wearing a flame retardant costume.

Wait until you get home and your parents check your candy before you eat it.

Be very cautious of strangers.

Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.

Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns.

Visit only houses where the lights are on.

Walk on sidewalks and driveways.

Cross the street at the corner or at a crosswalk.

Take a cellular phone with you, if possible.

Carry a flashlight.

Important Reminder About Liability Insurance All parents are reminded to consider checking the adequacy of their liability insurance through their homeowners’/tenants’ insurance

policy to cover claims arising out of injuries caused by their child at school. Student Accident Insurance application forms are forwarded

to schools for distribution, and can also be purchased on-line at www.insuremykids.com. TCDSB’s Risk Management continues to

strongly promote this product as an inexpensive form of dental, disability and life insurance.

Monthly Update from the Board

October 2018

Municipal Election October 22, 2018

New ward boundaries will be in effect Existing Trustee Wards, including the local Catholic schools they represent, remain unchanged and the new

boundaries DO NOT come into effect until December 1, 2018. These changes do not affect the current number of Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustees which will remain at

12. However, it impacts the distribution areas of Trustee Wards and the local schools they represent.

https://www.tcdsb.org/board/trusteesoftheboard/pages/new-trustee-ward-boundaries.aspx

PLEASE NOTE: Although these changes do not come into effect until December 1, 2018, registered Catholic ratepayers

will be voting for candidates based on these 12 new Trustee Wards for the Municipal Election on October 22, 2018. For

more information regarding elections: https://myvote.toronto.ca/home

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

OAPCE-Toronto hosts a Catholic School Trustee Meet and Greet October 1, 2018 at the Catholic Education

Centre https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/oapce-toronto/pages/default.aspx

TCDSB Seeks Parent/Community Representatives Representatives are needed for:

Safe Schools Advisory Committee (October 5, 2018)

Indigenous Advisory Committee (application deadline October 12, 2018)

Details online: https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/pages/current-openings--parent-membership-on-commmittees.aspx

Night School Begins October 1st and 2nd Details here: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/pages/default.aspx

CPIC Elections October 2, 3 and 15 Become a Voice for Catholic Parents

Representatives sought for Wards 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Election October 2, 2018.

Elections October 3, 2018 for vacancies in Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9

Election of Parent Members at Large, October 15, 2018 at the Inaugural Meeting.

https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/cpicelections/pages/default.aspx

High School Open Houses Open houses are happening this fall in all TCDSB secondary schools. For a complete list of dates, times and locations

visit https://www.tcdsb.org/school/openhouses/pages/default.aspx

TCDSB School Donations Donations to schools are used to enhance local fundraising efforts, which support school initiatives that are not funded

through Provincial Ministry of Education grants. School Cash Online makes donating to schools easier than ever, and all

donations of receive a tax receipt. Click here to learn more or donate today: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Pages/TCDSB-

School-Donations.aspx

Newcomer Conference we Belong--October 12, 2018

https://www.tcdsb.org/forcommunity/newcomers/pages/newcomer-conference-registration.aspx

Interim Trustee Coverage for Ward 4 Schools Ward 4 Trustee Patrizia Bottoni has tendered her resignation from the Board of Trustees effective September 20,

2018. The Board thanks Ms. Bottoni for her years of service to the Board and to the Catholic school communities in

Ward 4, and wish her well in her future endeavours. Her departure leaves a vacancy in Ward 4, but given that we are just

four weeks away from the election of Catholic School Board Trustees on October 22nd, the Board has decided not to fill

the seat in the short term. Schools in Ward 4 will be represented by Trustees Sal Piccininni and Maria Rizzo, who have

volunteered to support the Ward 4 area until the new Board of Trustees takes office on December 1, 2018.

The breakdown of Trustee representation is outlined below:

Trustee Sal Piccininni (sal.piccininni@tcdsb.org 416-512-3403)

Blessed Margherita of Citta di Castello

James Cardinal McGuigan

St. Augustine of Canterbury

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

St. Charles Garnier

St. Jane Frances

St. Wilfrid Trustee Maria Rizzo (maria.rizzo@tcdsb.org 416-512-3405)

Madonna

St. Conrad

St. Jerome

St. Martha

St. Norbert

St. Raphael

St. Robert

TCDSB thanks Trustee Piccininni and Rizzo for their willingness to be a voice for Ward 4 schools.

Angel Foundation For Learning By attending The Angel Foundation for Learning's, An Evening to Feed the Soul Gala on November 9th, wondrous

things are made possible!

Funds are made available to schools through the School Allocation Fund to help reduce the costs associated with

school trips or leadership activities so that all students share these invaluable experiences.

TCDSB students will be assisted with some of life's basic needs such as warm clothing or food through the Social

Work Emergency Fund.

TCDSB students will be able to attend Summer Camp and after-school sports activities through the AFL Camp

Fund.

You, your friends and co-workers will enjoy a gala encompassing all the magic of the Gatsby era!

For more information about the Angel Foundation for Learning or how to get your tickets for the Evening to Feed the

Soul Gala, go to www.angelfoundationforlearning.org.

Staff Arts Presents Shakespeare on the Green November 2,3, 9, 10

https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/staff-arts-presents-shakespeare.aspx

International Languages (Elementary) Program Update: October, 2018

International Languages Parent Survey On July 12th, the Board of Trustees of the TCDSB approved a motion to survey parents in all TCDSB elementary schools to

determine whether parents wish to continue or initiate an International Languages (Elementary) program at their child’s

school.

Surveys will be sent home with the progress report the week of November 12th, with the only or oldest child in each

family. Families are asked to complete one survey per family and submit it to the school principal by November 27,

2018. Should parents wish to have a translated version to assist with the completion of the English survey, they are asked to

request a copy from the school principal or a special web page will be set up with translated versions of the survey.

Translations will be available in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Arabic, Filipino, Chinese

(Simplified and Traditional) Tamil, and Italian.

To ensure that results reflect the school community, surveys will be coded to ensure reliability, as well as, surveys from

67% of all families in the school must be completed and returned in order for the results to be considered viable. In the

current schools that offer International Languages within the five hour school day, in order to determine if the program is

to be continued using the Board approved model, or to move the IL program to an alternative model, the majority of 51%

should be attained for the preferred selection.

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

For updated information regarding the International Languages Program please visit:

https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/schoolprogramsk12/internationallanguages/pages/change-to-international-

languages-program.aspx

Dates to Note

October is…

Autism Awareness Month

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Latin-Hispanic Canadian Heritage Month

Learning Disabilities Month

Walk to School Month (Walk to School Day October 3)

National Principal’s Month

Elementary Cross-Country—various dates)

October 1—International Day of Older Persons

October 2—National Custodial Workers Day

October 4—Rosary Day https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Rosary-Day.aspx

October 5—World Teachers’ Day

October 5—System-wide PA Day

October 7--Thanksgiving

October 10—World Mental Health Day https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/mhs/Pages/Default.aspx

October 11--International Day of the Girl https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/international-day-of-the-girl.aspx October 15-21 Waste Reduction Week

October 17--International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 20—CSPC and School Administrator Welcome and Orientation Event

October 22-26--School Bus Safety Week

October 24—Early Childhood Educator and Childcare Worker Appreciation Day

October 31 – All Hallows Eve

November 1—All Saints Day

November 2—All Souls’ Day

Never Miss Out on the Latest News and Information: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter, Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram, subscribe to ENews, visit our website

www.tcdsb.org to receive a weekly update via email: https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Psalm 92:1-4

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to thy name, O Most High: to declare thy steadfast love in the

morning, and thy faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For thou, O Lord,

hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of thy hands I sing for joy.

2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong

Please keep this calendar for your records

Please note – payments are now online, please do not send cash to the school.

TCDSB SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2018-2019

Number of school days 194

Number of Professional Activity Days 7

Labour Day September 3, 2018

First Instructional Day September 4, 2018

P.A. Day Provincial Priorities October 5, 2018

Thanksgiving Day October 8, 2018

Parent – Teacher Conferences November 16, 2018

Faith Day December 7, 2018

Christmas Break December 24, 2018–January 4, 2019

Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting January 18, 2019

Parent – Teacher Conferences February 15, 2019

Family Day February 18, 2019

Mid-Winter Break March 11–15, 2019

Good Friday April 19, 2019

Easter Monday April 22, 2019

Victoria Day May 20, 2019

Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting June 7, 2019

Last day of classes for elementary students June 27, 2019

P.A. Day Provincial Priorities June 28, 2019