st. fidelis catholic school...distribution of ashes on ash wednesday. throughout the season of lent,...
TRANSCRIPT
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son.” John 3:16
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we move into the second half of the school year, it is a great time for students to look back at all they have accomplished thus far. They have been working diligently to reach goals and make strides toward achieving the Catholic Graduate Expectations. First Term Report Cards will be sent home on February 13th and parent teacher conferences will take place on February 13th and 15th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Communication with your child’s teacher is ongoing, and interviews are a great opportunity to sit down and discuss achievements and next steps. February 14th marks the beginning of Lent. We mark this liturgical season with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Throughout the season of Lent, we are called to reflect on the relationship we have with God and with our friends and family. During this time, we are encouraged to concentrate on strengthening these relationships. We can ask ourselves a simple question: “What must I stop doing or start doing to be the very good person God made me?” Prayer, fasting and giving alms are the three Lenten disciplines that will help us. When we pray to God, we strengthen our bond. Fasting reminds us that there is nothing more important than God and those in need. We may choose to give up one activity and replace it with one that will help others. Finally, almsgiving is charity. We can donate time, food, clothing or money to the poor. At St. Fidelis CS, our students are engaged in these three disciplines daily.The month of February, the month dedicated to love, also offers us the opportunity to reflect on how our actions must be guided by the idea that God says we are to love one another as He loved us. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, be patient and kind, and live our life in a way that makes others know we are followers of Christ.We appreciate your ongoing support! Student Success is always our priority. Together we foster a love for learning and collectively, we develop a strong and caring connection between home, school and church for the benefit of all our learners. Wishing you all a love-filled Valentine’s Day, and a very safe and enjoyable Family Day weekend!
Mackie ColuccioPrincipal
ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLD I G N I T Y • E X C E L L E N C E • P R I D E
FEBRUARY 2018
9 Bannerman StreetToronto, Ontario M6L 2S5
Tel. (416) 393-5358Fax. (416) 397-6315
Mackie Coluccio, Principal Laura Di Manno, Vice Principal Gerri Grossi-Capizzano, Head Secretary
School Hours of Operation:8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Michael CaccamoSuperintendent
(416) 222-8282 ext. 2267
Sal Piccininni Trustee(416) 512-3403
Cindy Palma CSPC Chair(416) 222-8282 Voice Mailbox #88358
St. Fidelis Parish Father Shibil John Pariyathu Padavil33 Connie Street North York
M6L 2H8 (416) 247-8741
From the principal’s desk
MONTH VIRTUE MONTH VIRTUESeptember Hospitality February LoveOctober Gratitude March ForgivenessNovember Peacemaking April JusticeDecember Charity May CompassionJanuary Courage June Faithfulness
TDCSB Faith & Character Development Monthly Themes
Ms. Mossa JK/SK Michela G
Ms. Ferrari JK/SK Nicolas PMs. Berardinelli JK/SKMs. Cogliano JK/SK Angel OMs. Moreira JK/SK Catarina DNMs. Leonetti 1 Chloe PMs. Burrows-Ricci 1 Kyle TMs. Genova 1 Melania PMs. Vomero 2Ms. Caruso-Buttigieg 2 Joseph MMs. Bossio 2/3 Brittyna HMs. Menegon 3 Elia Rose JMs. Pignatari 3 Ida DMs. Primier 3/4 Lily FMs. Andino 4Ms. Pugliese 4 Miguel DMs. Marino 5 Matthew PMs. Muzzatti 5 Tatiana SMs. Querin 5/6 Gemma SMs. Hrgetic 6 Elizabeth A Ms. Zeppieri 7Ms. Reis 7 Maria BMs. DeCarlo 7/8 Angelina CMr. Berardi 8 Chloe DMr. Ciardullo 8
VIRTUE RECIPIENTS FOR DECEMBER
Virtue of the MonthCONGRATULATIONS to the following students. They displayed the
virtue of Charity for the month of December.
Virtue for the month of January is...
Courage“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God.”(Isaiah 41:10)
Joao C
Corey P
Matthew C
Julian M
Leanna H
MONTH VIRTUE MONTH VIRTUESeptember Hospitality February LoveOctober Gratitude March ForgivenessNovember Peacemaking April JusticeDecember Charity May CompassionJanuary Courage June Faithfulness
TDCSB Faith & Character Development Monthly Themes
Ms. Mossa JK/SK Luca R
Ms. Ferrari JK/SK Julia GMs. Berardinelli JK/SKMs. Cogliano JK/SK Giuseppe AMs. Moreira JK/SK Aivy TMs. Leonetti 1 Luca CMs. Burrows-Ricci 1 Gabriel MMs. Genova 1 Liam PMs. Vomero 2Ms. Caruso-Buttigieg 2 Julia MMs. Bossio 2/3 Jude BMs. Menegon 3 Alessia VMs. Pignatari 3 Tiago DMs. Primier 3/4 Antonio TMs. Andino 4Ms. Pugliese 4 Stephania GVMs. Marino 5 Nicole DMs. Muzzatti 5Ms. Querin 5/6 Tamia GMs. Hrgetic 6 Andrew LMs. Zeppieri 7Ms. Reis 7 Mara LMs. DeCarlo 7/8 Simona GMr. Berardi 8 Drile MMr. Ciardullo 8
VIRTUE RECIPIENTS FOR JANUARY
Virtue of the MonthCONGRATULATIONS to the following students. They displayed the
virtue of Courage for the month of January.
Virtue for the month of February is...
Love“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Christian L
Itzel M
Perla G
Cristian F
Eduardo E
Cristina A
Student LifeOur WE LEADERS participated in I-Lite: Intermediate Leaders in Training Event
held at Bishop Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School. Students participated in inspiring leadership workshops, listened to
motivational speakers, and were given networking opportunities.Congratulations girls and boys for representing St. Fidelis Catholic School.
MATH Try these problems solving questions at home!!
Grade 7/8 Math question: The diagonal of a square measures 12 cm. Which of these represents the area of the square?
24√2 cm 72 cm 72 sq. cm. 48 sq. cm.
Grade 5/6 Math question: A children’s store sold items worth $6000 last year. 16 percent of this amount was earned by selling toys, 36 percent by selling books and the rest by selling baby products. How much money did the store earn by selling baby products?
$2500 $2780 $2880 $2960
Grade 3/4 Math question: Rania created a record by running 110000 seconds continuously. Which of these represents this time in hours, minutes and seconds?
28 hours, 35 minutes and 20 seconds 29 hours, 45 minutes and 34 seconds 30 hours, 33 minutes and 20 seconds 31 hours, 45 minutes and 34 seconds
Grades 2/3 Math question: Joe started training for an event by spending 15 minutes on Monday. After this, he increased his training time by 5 minutes every day. For how many minutes did he train on Saturday?
30 minutes 35 minutes 40 minutes 45 minutes
ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S
PUNCTUALITYPunctuality is a characteristic and life skill we strongly encourage at St. Fidelis. It is important that a child develops this responsibility early in life for it will serve him/her well in years to come. For all aged children, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to ensure they get to school on time.
Students must arrive to school before the 8:30am bell, and be present, in-line with his/her class, when the school bell rings at 8:30am. A student is not permitted to use the main door to access his/her classroom unless they are late. All students entering the front door at 8:30am or later are considered late and will receive a late slip.
Punctuality is one of the many duties of a pupil, as outlined in Regulation 298 of the Education Act. A pupil who is frequently late can be said to be in “habitual neglect of duty” and can be referred to the school principal and/or school social worker if the problem persists.
Thank you for your support in addressing this matter with your child!
REPORTING OF CANCELLATIONS OR CLOSURES DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Cancellation of school bus transportation or school closures due to inclement weather will be reported through the following vehicles:• News releases to all media outlets in Toronto (Note:
although the news release is provided to the mediaoutlets, there is no guarantee that all television andradio stations will broadcast the information in atimely fashion.)
• Communications will endeavour to send an email toeveryone on the TCDSB email exchange to advisethem of any cancellations or closures.
• Communications will also send out the informationelectronically to E-News subscribers (Note: If youdo not already subscribe to E-News, but wish to doso, please visit our website at www.tcdsb.org andclick on the E-News icon on the top right hand sideof the homepage).
• Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hourinformation line, 416-222-8282, extension 2873.
• The information will also be posted on the Board’swebsite at www.tcdsb.org
• The Transportation Department will post thisinformation on its website at:http://www.torontoschoolbus.org
CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL (CSPC) for 2017/2018We are confident the new council will continue to work in tandem with the school as well as working with the many committees to continue the annual traditions and events. If you have any questions or concerns for a member of CSPC, please call 416-222-8282 voice mailbox 88358.
2017-2018 Council Members are: Cindy Palma, ChairLucy Schroeter, Vice-Chair Maria Sekowski, Treasurer Silvia Batista, Secretary Linda Lisi, Member at LargeAlenna Emer, Member at Large Melissa Haber-Tonks, Member at Large Paulette Thorne, Member at Large Licinia Antonio, Member at Large Susy Marotta, Member at Large Michael D'Agostino, Member at Large Pina Felleti, Member at Large
Mauro Carabetta, Member at Large Bernadette Tucci, Member at Large Amandio Neves, Member at Large Sandra Grilo, Member at Large Nadeen Rashed, Member at Large Sonia Pippo-Yuen, Member at Large Jane Silva, Member at Large
PARKINGA reminder to all that the school parking lot is for staff only. Please do not use it for parking, as we do not have enough spots for staff. There is absolutely NO PARKING in the handicap space at the front of the school. The fine is substantial and we need to have the space clear for the appropriate users that need it over the course of the day.
Please observe and respect the “in” and “out” flow in the school’s Kiss N’ Ride loop. A reminder to all that THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING PERMITTED ON BANNERMAN STREET. Everyone is encouraged to either walk to school, carpool, use the Kiss N’ Ride in the school parking lot, or to park on Grovedale St. or Rustic Rd. and walk to school. Police and Parking Enforcement have assured us that Bannerman will be closely monitored for proper use.
ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S
SCHOOL HOURSGeneral Entry: Morning SessionMorning Recess: Lunch:Afternoon Session:Afternoon Recess: General Dismissal:
8:30am8:30am – 11:15am10:12am – 10:27am11:15am – 12:15pm12:15pm – 3:30pm1:40pm – 1:55pm3:30pm
KISS n’ RIDEParents who drive their children to school are encouraged to use our Kiss n’ Ride program. Volunteers tirelessly show up every morning and evening to ensure that our students are dropped off and placed safely into their parent’s vehicle. The continued success of this program also depends upon the cooperation of the whole St. Fidelis Community.
Please follow the rules of the Kiss n’ Ride program and the directions of our volunteers in order to continue a safe arrival and departure for all our students. To ensure the safe exit and entry of all students, please place car seats behind the driver’s seat where possible. Also, please be reminded that all students are to exit and enter from the rear passenger side, and the Kiss n’ Ride designated parking spaces are reserved for our volunteer parents only. Thank you to all!
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAMStudent Illness or Absenteeism
If your child is to be absent from school for any reason, please telephone the school to inform the secretary before 8:30am of the day of absence. (We also have a voicemail box for your convenience to call at any time to leave a message.) This will reassure the school that your child is safe. If a child is absent, then we will call home if we have not been notified.
When a student returns to school after an absence, he or she must bring a signed and dated parental or medical note to explain the reason. If you are picking up your child early, please send a note to your child’s teacher. Please be sure to report to the office to sign them out. If you are returning before the end of the day, please sign your child back in at the office.
If children are not feeling well, please give them an opportunity to recuperate at home. It is assumed that if children are well enough to be at school, they are also well enough to take part in recess. Children need time to get some fresh air and stretch their muscles. If they are dressed properly, they will be able to do this in comfort, even on our cold Canadian winter days.
Also, please ensure we have a current emergency number where you can be contacted.
In the event of an evacuation at St. Fidelis CS. our students & staff will be escorted to one of the following locations:
St. Francis Xavier CS53 Gracefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6L 1L3Phone:(416) 393-5271
Maple Leaf PS301 Culford Rd, North York, ON M6L 2V4Phone: (416) 395-2670
St. Fidelis Catholic Church33 Connie StToronto, ON M6L 2H8Phone: (416) 247-8741
PEDICULOSISPediculosis, commonly known as LICE, is a common, but pesky problem in schools and among children.
Children are reminded not to share caps or hats, combs and brushes, or other hair accessories. Parents are encouraged to check scalp regularly and to use preventative measures to ensure that their child(ren) do not contact lice.
MEDICATIONPrincipals, teachers and support staff of the TCDSB are not permitted to administer any type of prescription medication during the school day, unless we have written, authorization signed by you the parent, and the prescribing physician. The forms to dispense any medication must be updated on a regular basis and are available from the school principal. Please be advised that staff in TCDSB schools will not dispense non-prescription medications to students.
Students who require an Epi-Pen must have 2 Epi-Pens at school. One to be kept in the office and one to be kept with the student at all times. Students that require “puffers” should have one at school and at home.
All medications will be stored in the main office. Please notify the school if your child suffers from any type of allergy.
ANAPHYLAXIS ALERTAllergen-Aware Environment
Please take special note that we have children in our school who have a very serious, life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, peanuts, all nut/peanut products, all seafood products, called Anaphylaxis.
We are notifying all parents that students should not bring any nuts, peanuts, peanut butter or any food containing nuts or peanut products such as peanut oil, sesame seeds, etc., as well as any seafood products to school.
We ask that you DO NOT bring any personal baking or other treats to the school to share with the class. This is important to ensure the safety and welfare of these children.
ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S
LUNCHTIME RULES & LUNCH PROGRAMTo further ensure student safety, students will not be permitted to leave school property to purchase a lunch at a neighborhood food establishment unless they are signed out and accompanied by the parent or guardian of the child, or an authorized adult. The responsible adult must have previous written consent from the parent, a record of which must be on file in the school office.
Children are encouraged to eat lunch at home. Children going home for lunch should leave the school no later than 11:15am and return to the school yard no later than 12:15pm.
If your child eats lunch at school, please ensure that he/she brings a lunch to school every day. We ask that lunches not be brought to school for the students. For those odd times when students do forget their lunches, we ask that lunches brought in be clearly marked and left on the lunch table outside the main office by 11:15. Students can pick up their lunch during the lunch period. Parents Guardians will not be permitted to drop off lunches in the classrooms, nor will students be permitted to pick up their lunches during class time. This is to minimize disruption during important instructional time in the classroom.
SAFETY REMINDERSONLY SOFT, “NERF-TYPE” BALLS ARE PERMITTED IN SCHOOL YARD AT RECESS.
WALK HOME IN A GROUP or with an ADULT; AVOID WALKING HOME ALONE!! CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 9 SHOULD NEVER WALK HOME ALONE.
There is always more safety in numbers!!
ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S
SCHOOL BUSESPlease note that if your child is registered to ride the school bus, he or she must ride the school bus and not take the liberty to walk home on any given day. All students on buses must ride the buses to and from school every day.
INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL BUS DELAYSTraffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly true during the winter months when snow and ice can be a major factor.
The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide information about school bus delays digitally through their website at http://www.torontoschoolbus.org
Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus routes that are being impacted.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR SHOESWe remind all students from grades JK to grade 8 to have indoor and outdoor shoes ready each day!
INCLEMENT WEATHEROn days when the weather is inclement the students may be permitted to enter the building at 8:15am from the rear doors. On such days, the recess periods may be indoor and those students who stay for lunch will be supervised in the building. Weather conditions must be particularly severe; cold weather alone does not warrant an early entry into the building or indoor recess periods.
Those decisions will be made accordingly. It is important for children, particularly the younger children in the primary grades, to come to school dressed properly for the weather.
A reminder to everyone that students who are well enough to be at school are well enough to go out for recess. We do not have personnel to supervise students who wish to stay in for recess due to illness. If they are too ill to go out for recess, then they should be home for the day. This will allow for quicker recovery and less teaching and learning time lost to illness.
DRESS CODEThe Dress Code for Pupils Policy of the TCDSB:• Reflects the mission of the Board, which includes
providing a safe and welcoming learning environmentthat is an example of Catholic community and sense ofbelonging in all our schools
• Endorses and supports our commitment as visiblerole models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines,teachings, and integration of Catholic beliefs into thetotal learning experience
• Contributes to providing a learning and workingenvironment that is respectful of the needs and well-being of all individuals.
APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE: • A plain solid navy blue bottom – pants must be worn
around the waist and skirts/shorts must be knee-length; jogging pants are permitted for all students; leggings/tights are permitted for girls up to grade 6
• A plain solid white or navy blue top-with or without theschool crest
• A plain solid navy blue cardigan, sweater, hoodie orpullover – with or without the school crest
• Shoes for indoor wear and shoes for outdoor wear• *****NEW******St. Fidelis SPIRIT WEAR
INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE:• Clothing with logos;• Short shorts/skirts, halter tops, cut-off tops, low cut
tops or tops that are buttoned too low, bare midriffs,tank tops, spaghetti straps, sleeveless shirts that arebaggy/revealing;
• Jeans• Tights/leggings for students in grade 7 & 8;• Hats/caps/bandanas/gloves/sunglasses worn inside
school;• Language and/or representations on attire that
indicates gang affiliation (e.g., gang colours/bandanas), that depicts violence, profanity, racial orgender discrimination or discrimination of any kindwhatsoever, or that otherwise demeans an identifiableindividual or group;
• Oversized jewelry such as earrings or necklaces/make-up and/or body art/markings.
February Message from your Trustee
There are many great activities in our schools and around the City this
month, especially with Family Day on Monday the 19th. It’s a great
opportunity for all of us to take a short break and spend some time with
our loved ones.
Just a reminder that junior kindergarten registration began on January 17. If
you have a child, or know someone else who does, that is entering
kindergarten in September, please visit tcdsb.org to register.
As we near the midway point in our school year, it is a good time to remember the critical
importance of safety when we pick up and drop off our children at school. A moment’s
inattention is all it takes for a tragedy to happen. Please be extra vigilant in and around school
zones and, if possible, walk with your children to school to help reduce congestion in our drop
off areas and help make our school communities safer for all.
As always, remember to express your love and gratitude to those you cherish everyday but especially this Valentine’s Day.
Sincerely,
Sal Piccininni
Trustee Ward 3
Walking is good for everyone!
We are excited to announce that we have begun an in‐depth Active and Safe Routes to School program called School Travel Planning that will help us make it possible for more children to walk or cycle to school. School Travel Planning has had much success in increasing children’s physical and mental fitness and reducing traffic congestion and emissions at schools across the nation.
This program asks that we share our concerns about why children are not walking or cycling so that we can determine the barriers preventing children from walking and cycling to St. Fidelis CS. Our concerns will then be shared with people like city planners, school planners and police so that we can benefit from their support and advice if we need big‐picture changes to our streets or enforcement.
We ask that you complete an online survey to share your concerns about your child’s school journey. Your thorough and honest responses will make our solutions plan more successful. The survey can be accessed at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BaselineStFidelis
Please complete this survey by Monday, February 12 at 12PM. Thanks for your help!
If you are interested in helping with this program, please call the school.
Did you know that you can also get points and discounts for walking or biking? The Carrot App gives you points on Aeroplan® Miles, SCENE®, Petro‐Points™, More Rewards®, and Drop based on the number of steps walked. https://www.carrotrewards.ca/home/ The Biko App calculates your cycling kilometers which you can redeem for discounts at various restaurants, stores, and other services. https://bikoapp.com/about.html
Walk and bike to school to improve your neighbourhood, the environment, and your health. Spend more time with family and less time in traffic. Get healthy. Save more.
Thank you!!
Office of the Director of Education
80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6E8 Tel. (416) 222-8282
January 30, 2018
Dear TCDSB Parents/Guardians:
The Ministry of Education is consulting on the future of student transportation in order to find out how transportation services can be improved to better serve students, families and communities. A “Discussion Paper on a New Vision for Student Transportation in Ontario” is part of the Ontario government’s “new vision” to explore innovative options and suggest new approaches to enhance the quality and effectiveness of student transportation.
As part of the public engagement process, TCDSB community members who rely on student bus transportation to get to school are encouraged to get involved and participate directly through the online consultation platform at:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-new-vision-student-transportation
Further details are also available via the Board’s website at: www.tcdsb.org.
Your feedback will help the Ministry understand what’s important to you when it comes to student transportation and provide guidance for future policy development such as funding and accountability. The consultation process is open until March 29, 2018. A report back on the results of the province-wide consultation will be released in fall 2018.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support of Catholic education.
Regards,
Rory McGuckin Director of Education
Copy: All Trustees All Superintendents
St. Fidelis Catholic School 9 Bannerman Street, Toronto, Ontario M6L 2S5
Tel.: 416-393-5358 / Fax: 416-397-6315
Parent Surveys for Before and After School Programs
As of January 18, 2018, parents, of currently‐enrolled Year 1/Junior Kindergarten students, willbe provided with a survey to indicate interest for a Before and After School Licensed Child Care Program to potentially open. A minimum of 20 positive surveys and then 20 registrations will be needed in order to consider a program.
During that same week, parents of currently‐enrolled children from the ages of 6 ‐12 will be able to access a Before and After School survey online through the following link: https://soar.tcdsb.org/soarsurvey2/schoolagesurvey.aspx
A minimum of 25 positive surveys and then 25 registrations will be needed in order to consider a school‐age program for 6 – 12 year olds. Before and After/After School Programs generally operate on a cost‐recovery basis therefore minimum numbers are required in order to be financially‐viable.
Completed surveys (whether online or paper copies) are due by Friday, February 16, 2018. For school sites that have an existing Before and After School and or just After School Program (authorized recreation), parents are still welcome to complete the surveys to show interest in a program that may not currently be available in the school.
Note that every effort will be made to open programs where there is sufficient interest. This is contingent upon identifying a qualified third party agency that accepts the opportunity to open a program within a school site.
Monthly Update from the Board
February 2018
Registration for Kindergarten, French Immersion, Extended French and Night School as well as eClass continues during February. Visit the Board’s website for informationwww.tcdsb.org
Director’s Annual Report 2016-2017 Check out some of the highlights of the past school year in the newly published edition of the Director’s Annual Report. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/directors-annual-report-2016-2017.aspx
Audited Financial Statements 2016-2017 The audited financial statements for the past school year are available online: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BudgetandFinance/Documents/Toronto%20Catholic%20DSB%20-%20Audited%20Stmt%2016-17.pdf
February is… African Canadian Heritage Month
https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx
Psychology Monthhttps://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/psychology/psychologymonth/Pages/Psychology-Month.aspx
National Inclusive Education MonthLearn more about the TCDSB’s Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education Policy:https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/hm24.aspx
TCDSB Energy Conservation Month: 4 Days - 4 Themes - One Month:Join the TCDSB each Friday in February to save on energy:https://www.tcdsb.org/board/environment/energymonth/Pages/default.aspx
o National Sweater Day - February 2, 2018o Flip the Switch Friday – February 9, 2018o Phantom Friday - February 16, 2018o Energy Education Day - Friday, February 23, 2018
Winter Walk Day 2018 Winter Walk Day will be taking place this year on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Winter Walk Day is 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. Click here to register or for more information.
Province Announces Funding for New Childcare Spaces In December 2017, the Province of Ontario announced funding for the expansion of childcare programs with the addition of more than 400 childcare rooms in approximately 200 schools across the province. TCDSB will see an additional 14 childcare centres in its schools across the city including: Father Serra, Blessed Pope Paul VI, Pope Francis, Santa Maria, St. Andre, St. Barnabas, St. Bernard, St. Dominic Savio, St. Edmund Campion, St. Gerald, St. Jean de Brebeuf, St. Jude, St. Kevin and St. Nicholas of Bari.
Angel Foundation For Learning Some of our dearest friendships are rooted in our childhood years from discovering the world and new experiences together. Through our School Allocations Program the The Angel Foundation for Learning attempts to make sure that ALL students are able to participate in school trips to build friendships, spark their imaginations, and create memories. Support us in this work by participating in our Cents Off, coming out to play at our events or donating directly.
Opportunities/Information for Students Toronto Star and Toronto Public Library Annual Short Story Contest
The 2018 Short Story Contest is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who lives in Ontario.The annual contest is co-sponsored by the Toronto Public Library and the Humber School forWriters. Entrants can write on any topic they want. Stories must be original, previouslyunpublished and no longer than 2,500 words. Entries are limited to one per person. There is nofee to enter the contest. All submissions must be received by 5 p.m., Wednesday, February 28,2018. Details:https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/ShortStoryContest.aspx
18th Chinese Arts and Literary Contest for Youth (CALCY)Open to all Ontario students from junior Kindergarten to Grade 12Recital, Choral Speaking, Parent-Child recital, Solo Singing, Story Telling, Calligraphy, GeneralKnowledge QuizDownload a registration form from the 18th Chinese Arts and Literary Contest for Youth websiteand mail to: CALCY, Box 107, A14-4261 Hwy 7 East, Unionville, Ontario L3R 9W6Inquiry and Downloads www.calcy.caRegistration Deadline February 23, 2018https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/Chinese-Arts-and-Literary-Contest.aspx
Information about Scholarships, Awards and Bursarieshttps://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/AwardsScholarshipsBursariesContests/Pages/default.aspx
Ontario Making OSAP Application Process Easier for StudentsOntario is making it easier for students receiving OSAP to plan, budget and pay for their collegeor university education. For the first time, students applying to college or university who haveapplied for OSAP can now go online to see the estimated tuition costs for each of the programsthey have applied to and the estimated amount that will be covered by OSAP.
For other opportunities for students including community service hours, employment, training and contests, see https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/default.aspx
TCDSB Awards Night is May 7, 2018 Nominate a student or staff member for our annual awards. Deadline for each award: Third Friday in February.
Sister Mary Hamilton Award for Exceptional Students Ashif Jaffer Award for Excellence in Special Education Support The Father Andrew Cuschieri Award
February’s Virtue is Love Please visit our website for the monthly resources connected to the virtue of the month. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/VirtueoftheMonth/Pages/Default.aspx
Other Event Notices: ShareLife Week March 18-24, 2018
Board Wide ShareLife Civvies Day is Friday, March 23, 2018The money raised through the annual ShareLife campaign supports Catholic charities in Toronto,across Canada and overseas. Many of these charities are very familiar to TCDSB students, staffand families, including Covenant House, Rosalie Hall, Providence Healthcare, the Office ofRefugees and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. More informationabout ShareLife and the agencies it support can be found here:http://www.sharelife.org/Public/ShareLife-List-of-Agencies
Lift Jesus Higher Rally March 3, 2018https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/News/2017-2018/Pages/lift-jesus-higher.aspx
February 2: World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life February 13: Shrove Tuesday February 14: St. Valentine’s Day
https://www.archtoronto.org/Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=95 February 14: Ash Wednesday; Lent Begins
https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Lent-and-Easter-Resources.aspx
February 16: Lunar New Year February 16: Board-wide PA Day February 19: Family Day
Winter Weather Has Arrived Don’t miss out on information relating to cancellations or delays in school bus service. Sign up to receive alerts through the TSTG parent portal https://www.torontoschoolbus.org or follow @TCDSB on Twitter for the latest updates.
Never Miss Out on Important Information Visit www.tcdsb.org for regular updates. Follow @TCDSB on Twitter. Subscribe to E-news, and receive news and information sent right to your email.
https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx
TCDSB SPECIAL SERVICES – PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH
13th Annual Dr. Mary Anne McCarty-Mayor Memorial Psychology Symposium
Presentation for Parents and Educators
HELP YOUR CHILD (AND YOURSELF) FLOURISH: HOW TO REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY AND ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH
February 22, 2018, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor,
80 Sheppard Avenue East
This practical workshop addresses strategies supporting the physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual components of well-being. It will include positive psychology and cognitive behaviour
techniques, as well as mindfulness and relaxation techniques that help manage stress, build resiliency and support good mental health. Participants will walk away with strategies that can be
used both at home and in the classroom. Presenters: Rita Alekian, Dr. Marie-Josee Gendron, Grace Labao-Martins (TCDSB Psychology
Department)
Registration is free –Spaces are limited -Please register at https://web1.tcdsb.org/Conference/Logon.aspx (under Special Services)
OR by calling (416) 222-8282 ext. 2626
More information will be available on the TCDSB Psychology Department website https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/psychologyMonth/Pages/Psychology
-Month.aspx?l=1453124935728
.
etc.) is to listen to the person we care about
describe a problem, and RESIST the impulse to
jump in and solve the problem for them. Our
nature, is to fix – solve and move on. In fact,
one of the most powerful things in a
relationship is to listen, without judgement, and
to just be with the other person. Colier writes
“Really, we just want our experience to be
heard, listened to, understood, and cared about.
We want someone to know how it is for us in
this moment, in this life, and to keep us
company in our experience—exactly as it
is. What we want is for our experience to get to
just be, without having to change into
something else.” Essentially we can only feel
loved to the degree we fell listened to. For
parents and educators, the take away message
is that listening to our children is very
important. But this is hard to do when we feel
the impulse to “jump in” and fix things or
correct things.
The Month of February is often celebrated
with a focus on Love and Valentines. At the
heart of Love is communication,
communication of emotions, and
communication of feelings. But,
communication can be tricky for some. Often
we talk more than we listen! My wise aunt
always used to say “God gave you two ears
and one mouth for a reason”! There is much
wisdom in that advice. Listening, when done
well can not only help the love portion of our
relationships, but all aspects of relationships.
Sometimes we may feel that “just” listening
is passive and not really helpful. Deep and
present listening is often more helpful than
any well-intentioned advice could ever be.
In an article published in Psychology Today,
Nancy Colier LCSW, Rev. reminds us that
one of the most difficult things to do in a
relationship (parent – child, spouse, friends
Student Mental Health and Well-Being
Newsletter
Love and the ACTIVE Role of Listening
February, 2018
TCDSB Mental Health Services provided by Psychology, Social Work, and Guidance personnel
We’re pleased to send you the February edition of the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Newsletter. Please feel free to share and pass it along.
March
February, 2018
Fostering The Family:
The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “Together with one
Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family, Parish, and School” 2018 focuses on the
PARISH
Family, Parish and School – Unity in Diversity…
Though it is our goal to highlight in depth each community of faith from the educational “village” of family, parish and school every year, it is imperative for us to remember that each of these communities is not simply a discordant or isolated entity; instead, each with the richness of its diversity adds greatness to the harmony of God’s music of love. In other words, the unity of the whole (family, parish and school) does not and should not undermine the uniqueness of the individual. This relationship of unity in diversity reflects St. Paul’s notion of many parts, one body (1 Cor. 12:12-26). This present pastoral plan challenges us as a Board to continue to encourage this ‘symphony’ and build a harmony with ‘ONE VOICE’ in order to develop, celebrate and nurture the wholeness of the human person in our beautiful but sometimes discordant world
With the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th, the Month of February is often associated with LOVE. Our Catholic Faith is anchored in Love. God is “love”.
St. Paul reminds us ….
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Mental Health Initiatives 2017-2018
Support for schools in developing a Mentally HealthyClassroom. A 30 min presentation available to your school by Social Work or Psych. More Info on the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.
Building partnerships with community agencies,families, and parishes. safe TALK suicide awarenessworkshops for staff available via PAL under SpecialServices
Look for Mental Health Offerings on the SecondaryPD day on Feb. 16, 2018
Although fixing and correcting, and guiding are
important too, listening allows our children to “hear”
us. Make sure to find time to listen, to still our minds (
and mouths ) so that we can be with them and their
experience. Listening is one of the most profound and
powerful things we can bring to our relationships.
Psychologytoday.com (Blog “Inviting a Monkey to
Tea”) Tea”, N. Colier)
March
February, 2018
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Leader [email protected]
February is “Psychology Month” PSYCHOLOGY IS FOR
EVERYONE!
HELP YOUR CHILD (AND YOURSELF) FLOURISH: HOW TO REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY AND ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH
February 22, 2018, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor, 80 Sheppard Avenue East
This practical workshop addresses strategies supporting the physical, social,
cognitive, emotional, and spiritual components of well-being. It will include
positive psychology and cognitive behavior techniques, as well as
mindfulness and relaxation techniques that help manage stress, build resiliency
and support good mental health. Participants will walk away with
strategies that can be used both at home and in the classroom.
Presenters: Rita Alekian, Dr. Marie-Josee Gendron, Grace Labao-Martins (TCDSB
Psychology Department)
Registration is free –Spaces are limited -Please register at
https://web1.tcdsb.org/Conference/Logon.aspx
Suggested Readings: Books: “ The Power of Off: The Mindful Way to Stay Sane in a Virtual World “ Nancy Colier, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Interfaith Minister.
“ The Art of Stillness: Adventures In Going Nowhere” , Pico Iyer
Articles : Active Listening and the Art of Empathic Conversation “
https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/active-listening/
A Laugh a day:
St. Fidelis CS is
Hiring a
LUNCHTIME
SUPERVISOR MONDAY to FRIDAY
11:15am-12:15pm
This is a paid position.
Please call the school office for additional information.
416-393-5358
Follow us……
@FIDELISinfoTCD