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SEPTEMBER, 2017
Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S.
School News
Principal’s Message Welcome back students, parents and staff and a warm welcome to all of our new families. We all look forward to a new faith-filled academic year at Transfiguration where ‘Together with One Voice: Harmonizing our Faith’ unites family, parish and school in a collaborative unit that provides our students with an optimum education rooted in Christ. Our exceptional teachers and staff are ready to provide excellent educational experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking, skills required to succeed in 21 Century Learning. Together with your assistance, the 2017-18 academic year will be a very successful one for all of our students. After a long summer it may be difficult to go back to school routines. It is important that you set aside time for homework, reading and establish a consistent bedtime. A good rest and a nutritious breakfast allow for the most favorable learning potential. We welcome back Mr. Fantinato in the Congregated Gifted Programme. We also welcome Ms. Viselli, who will teach grade 1-2, our new Health and Physical Education teacher, Mr. Posca and Ms. Magnone, our Educational Assistant. Due to technical difficulties, the Summer Edition of the newsletter was not possible and, therefore, the events of May and June are included herein.
Yours in Christ, Victoria Purri Principal *Thank you to Mrs. Vaccaro and class for their creation of the Transfiguration portrait above.
Transfiguration of Our Lord
55 Ludstone Drive Toronto, Ontario M9R 2J2 (416) 393-5276 Fax (416) 397-6075
Principal: Victoria Purri Superintendent: Flora Cifelli (416) 222-8282x2732 Trustee: Joseph Martino Ward 1 (416) 512-3401 Parish: Transfiguration of Our Lord Father George Parayil CSPC Co-Chairs: Daniela Dennis Jorge Martinez CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB) www.tcdsb.org/cpic OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto Enrollment: 405 Hours of Operation: 9:00a.m.-3:30p.m. Lunch Hour: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
________________________________
NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME: Call 416-393-5276 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.
Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow
@TCDSB on Twitter
School Hours 9:00 a.m. Morning Entry 10:42-10:57 Morning Recess
11:45-12:45 Lunch
2:10-2:25 Afternoon Recess 3:30 p.m. Dismissal
Virtue of the Month
Hospitality
Spread Kindness
Like Confetti
Many of our students were recognized for their kindness to others. At our school we have noticed that kindness is contagious. Let us remember that ‘no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted’ (Aesop). We encourage everyone to spread kindness like confetti. Whether it is in helping others, offering words of encouragement, sharing, including everyone in games or just being there for someone, kindness is very powerful.
Let us work together to keep all of our students safe
at arrival and dismissal. Please be mindful of the
traffic signs on Ludstone Road.
Do not park across the street from the school
or in the Bus Loading Zone.
Do not block the Church parking lot.
Do not use the staff parking lot for pick up or
drop off.
Thank you for your continued support.
Health and Safety
Safe Arrival of Children Safety is one of our primary concerns. Teachers will be on duty
to supervise the children at 8:45 a.m. Please be advised that
children should arrive at the school no earlier than 8:45 a.m.
Although there is a staff member on bus duty to assist in the
event of an early bus arrival, the staff duty in the schoolyard
commences at 8:45 a.m.
If your child is absent from school due to illness or any family
matter, it is your responsibility to notify the school. Dial the
school number and press ‘1’ for our answering machine. Please
indicate the name of the child, his/her teacher and the reason
for the absence. Attendance callouts are very time consuming,
and our office may not be able to contact you promptly. By
speeding up the process we can ensure the safe arrival of all the
children in a timely manner.
End of Day Pick Up
Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School dismisses at 3:30
p.m. It is the responsibility of the parent to make arrangements
for students to be picked up on time. We understand that
emergencies and delays happen occasionally, but please keep in
mind that our office staff cannot always keep a close eye on
children that are left behind, and we do not want to compromise
their safety
Accidents Despite the constant reminders and attention given to issues of
safety, occasional accidents do happen. In the case of minor
accidents (cuts, scrapes) band aids and ice will be provided. In
the event that a child continues to experience discomfort or is
in distress, it is the school’s practice to notify the
parent/guardian. It is absolutely imperative that the school has,
at all times, an up-to-date telephone number for your home and
work, as well as numbers for your emergency contact person.
Transfiguration of Our
Lord: Staff List 2016-17 Classroom Teachers: Grade Teacher Room #
ELP1 L. Marra 121
L. Oppedisano
ELP1 M. Martin 120
E. Pasquali
SK/1 P. Collaco 116
Gr. 1 M. Iozzo 124
Gr.1/2 A. Viselli/ K. Sgro 103
Gr.2 L. Grisolia 105
Gr. 2/3 A.Vaccaro 106
Gr. 3 N. Montagnese-Giordano 104
Gr. 4 M. Genta
Gr. 4/5 L.M. Fiaschetti 217
Gr. 5 S. Zurzolo 214
Gr. 6 L. Liuzzi 215
Gr. 7 M. Novalski 212
Gr. 7/8 D. Di Cecco 206
Gr. 8 M. Iori 207
Congregated Gifted Programme: Gr. 6/7 D. Fantinato 208
Gr. 7/8 A. Sebastiano-Gri 211
Gifted WD J. Nazzicone 202
Specialty Teachers:
Special Ed. L. Lessa 202A
French C. Anderson 210
French S. Dadjeu 210
Vocal Music D. Giancola
Instrumental J. Krzyszkowski
Physical Ed. L. Grossi
Physical Ed. P. Posca
Support Staff:
Secretary J. Panin
Clerk Typists I. Furlano (Tuesday)
L. Grise (Friday)
Library A. Nicolucci
E.A. L. Dal Bello
E.A. M. Magnone
E.A. M. Toscano
Guidance M. Meffe
Head Custodian J. Hrgetic
Custodians (P.M) E. Marchese, C. Carrera
APT L. Burke
Social Worker F. Hilb
School Psychologist M. Wilson
Cell Phone Policy
The use of cell phones is not allowed during school
time. We have had many incidents regarding privacy
concerns, as well as students posting during school
hours on social media. All personal communication
devices such as cell phones are to be powered off
and stored out of view in instructional spaces and
washrooms. Use of these devices in other areas of the
school, school property, or on school trips during
school hours is also prohibited.
If your child needs to contact you, he/she is to come
to the office and use the school phone. Non-
compliance will result in confiscation of the cell phone
until dismissal time.
See board policy # S.S. 09 included in TCDSB code of conduct.
Visitors to Our School
All visitors to the school are asked to report to
the office upon entering the school. Visitors
are welcome, however, for the safety of our
students, we need to know who is in our school
and the reason for the visit. Once approved,
you will be asked to wear a Visitor Pass
lanyard.
Allergies
Many students in our school, when exposed to an
allergen, have severe and potentially life threatening
allergic reactions. TCDSB’s policy is to create
allergen-aware environments. In order to protect the
health and safety of our students and staff, we will
comply with the regulations and procedures of
Sabrina’s Law. Specific allergies will be indicated
outside the child’s classroom door.
We are a NUT-Aware Environment. We have
students with anaphylaxis and, therefore, we ask that
you make a conscientious effort to check labels for
nuts and assist with making our school a safe
environment for all of our students. No parent wants
to receive a phone call regarding the distress of their
child.
We discourage children from sharing food. As was
initiated last year, for the safety of all, edible treats
are not allowed for Birthdays, Celebrations and
Holidays.
Thank you for your understanding.
AGENDAS
We encourage ongoing dialogue with the home, and
we rely on your assistance to reinforce at home the
good work and study habits which we will be
promoting at school. The agendas include important
information such as school routines and rules, and are
an excellent organizational/ communication tool. The
cost of the agendas will be $10.00. Please forward to
your child’s teacher at your earliest convenience.
Save the Dates: Curriculum Night: Thursday, September 21st: - 6:30-8:00p.m.
CSPC AGM and Elections: Wednesday, September 27th @6:45 p.m.
Student Information Updates, Media
Release and Excursion Forms
Important Excursion/Media Release forms will be sent
home this week. Please take this opportunity to update our
records. If there has been a change from last year, we ask
that you complete the sections that require current
addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts. Please
return the Student Data forms only if changes are
necessary. We also ask that you supply the school with an
email address.
In an effort to choose a more ecologically sensitive
method of communication, we will provide school
newsletters, calendars, letters, and notifications by email.
Email addresses will not be shared with the school
community. We will be happy to provide a hard copy if
you do not want to receive school communications by
email.
Administration of Medication
Principals, teachers and support staff of the Toronto Catholic
District School Board are NOT permitted to administer any
type of prescription medication during the school day, unless
we have written signed authorization from you, the parent
AND the prescribing physician. The forms to dispense any
medication must be updated on a regular basis and are
available from our school office. These forms, once completed,
are kept on file at the school. This includes, most importantly,
Epipen prescriptions for students with allergies. If your child
has an anaphylactic allergy, an up to date Epipen(s) M UST be
supplied to the school. Please note that the school requires 2
Epipens: one for the office and one should be with the student at all
times. Should you require additional information or have any
questions about this protocol, contact the Special Services
Department at (416) 222-8282 ext. 2486.Your co-operation in
this matter is greatly appreciated.
Special Services Department As part of the TCDSB’s goal of Fostering Student Achievement and Well Being, the Special Services department endeavours to support our special education students in achieving academic excellence and meeting the Ontario Catholic Graduate School Expectations. The department offers a variety of supports to students based on their need(s) and/or identification(s). For further information please visit the Special Services department link: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/Pages/default.aspx Parents/caregivers are reminded that if they require support in accessing the Special Services department link, they may ask the school principal for assistance. Alternately, for families who require access to a computer to visit the site, they may access an electronic device through the Toronto Public Library.
CSPC News
The Catholic School Parent Council at
Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S. is a
very vibrant one. CSPC meets monthly to
discuss school issues on academics, arts
and athletics. This wonderful group of
parents works collaboratively to support
the school, students and families.
Last year, through some very enjoyable
fundraising activities, CSPC raised
enough funds to provide the school with a
new computer lab. KUDOS! The
computer lab will be set up in the school
library. These activities were organized
and accomplished through the many
creative and selfless efforts of our
Council. Many thanks to CSPC for
supporting the Scientist in the School
programmes, field trips, dances, fun fair,
dance programme, anti-bullying
presentations, athletics transportation,
teachers’ wish lists etc.
For our new parents, please consider
joining our CSPC this year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
PARENTS
ATTENDANCE Our school has established procedures to monitor regular
attendance at school. Prolonged absence or sporadic
attendance will result in a lack of continuity in learning.
Chronic lateness or absences are tracked by our computer
system and will cause the generation of an automatic
referral to guidance and or social work. Note that this is a
TCDSB tracking system.
RECESS All students are required to go outside during recess. We
will not, of course, send children out during severe
weather, but please ensure that your child is always
dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. If your
child is too ill to go outside then you are asked to keep him/her
at home until he/she feels better.
FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are held on a regular basis to ensure that the school
can be evacuated in an orderly, panic-free manner in case
of an emergency. The first will be in September. The
wearing of indoor shoes is mandatory since fire drills are
unannounced and every person must leave the building
when the fire alarm sounds. Varied lockdown drills will
also be held throughout the school year.
PERSONAL PROPERTY Parents are requested to see that their children’s
clothes, boots, gloves, scarves, running shoes, lunch
kits, etc. are marked with the child’s name. Clothing can
be misplaced and many children have identical or similar
clothing. If a child has lost or misplaced an article of
clothing, there is a good chance it will be in the Lost and
Found box. Children should look in this box; parents are
also encouraged to come to the school and look for lost
items.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Fitness and development of kinesthetic skills are an integral
part of each child’s program. Physical education affects fitness
and has a marked influence on healthy attitudes and habits. All
students are expected to participate in the prescribed course of
study (dictated by the Ministry of Education) except in the
case of illness or injury.
DISCIPLINE and GENERAL CONDUCT It is our goal to have a well-disciplined school and to enable our
students to choose appropriate behaviour and to develop the
skills for lifelong learning. Together, parents, teachers and
students can help each other recognize that appropriate
Behaviour is learned and self-discipline is a sign of growth.
Any applied discipline must seek to teach and be progressive.
We discipline with dignity.
“What does the Lord require of you?
To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God. “ Micha 6
SACRAMENTAL and RELIGIOUS
INSTRUCTION Religion is integrated within all aspects of the education experience and
that is one of the reasons we can say that “Catholic Schools are schools with a difference.” The children in our school, with the help of
parents, priests, and teachers, are made ready to receive the Sacraments.
All children must take part in religious instruction and celebrations and may not be excused from participation. We also encourage the children
to attend Sunday Mass regularly with their parents, as the Mass is the
very centre of our worship.
BOARD WIDE DRESS CODE Consistent with board-wide dress code for all elementary
schools, Transfiguration has a colour dress code for all
students registered. To assist you when purchasing
articles of clothing for your children please note:
TOPS: should be WHITE or NAVY: dress shirt/blouses,
t-shirts, golf shirts, turtlenecks, white or navy sweater,
vest or pull-over.
BOTTOMS: NAVY dress pants or cotton pants, walking
shorts, skorts, yoga pants or capri pants (no jeans). Please remember that all tops and pants are to be plain with no visible logos, stripes, plaids, etc. As always, clothing should provide appropriate coverage.
Undergarments and midriffs should be covered. Shorts
and skirts should fall to mid-thigh or fingertip length. If
you are unsure if an item conforms to the code please
check with your child’s teacher.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS,
ROLLERBLADES AND PETS
We encourage students to bicycle to school. Just a
reminder—proper fitting helmets are required. All
students are expected to walk their bicycles when on
school property. Bicycles must be locked. The school
DOES NOT assume responsibility for lost or stolen
bicycles, so please use a good lock. Skateboards,
scooters and rollerblades should not be brought to school
or used on school property. Pets, regardless of size or
breed or ‘cuteness’, should not be brought into the yard
or school between the hours of 8:30 and 4:00, unless they
are part of a supervised visit program. Pets should also
be kept away from students being supervised by the
PLASP program which continues until 6:00 pm.
Mental Health Initiatives 2017-18
Support for schools in developing a mentally
healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on
the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.
Building partnerships with community
agencies, families, and parishes.
Inclusion of mental health to school SLIPs
safeTALK suicide awareness workshops for
staff available via PAL
“Reading” Our Kids: What are our children telling us? (Psychology Foundation of Canada)
Heading “back to school” is like starting a NEW YEAR. Like any beginnings, there is excitement and anxiety all wrapped up into the same situation. As Parents and caring adults we often wonder about how to distinguish when a young person may be having trouble navigating the anxiety part of the equation. Stress is a normal part of life, and learning about it and how to make it “ work “ for you , is a lesson that pays dividends well into the future. Helping children recognize four signs and symptoms of their own stress is key to helping them become confident and productive adults, according to experts at The Psychology Foundation of Canada. The Psychology Foundation of Canada’s Kids Have Stress Too! program is a broad based prevention program which includes videos, lesson plans and various age-appropriate tool kits. An integral part of the program is helping to identify, and having the children themselves recognize, the signs and symptoms of stress with these four indicators:
1. CHANGES IN YOUR BODY: tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, rapid heartbeat, being cold or hot, skin rash, shakiness, disturbed sleep, fatigue, illness
2. KNOWING YOUR MIND: poor concentration, forgetfulness, difficulty problem solving, being easily distracted, confusion, being irrational
3. CHECKING YOUR EMOTIONS: fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, worry, anger, panic, being hyper-sensitive, irritable, or feeling helpless or hopeless, withdrawing and difficulty regulating emotions
4. DEVIATIONS IN BEHAVIOURS: whining, crying, nail- biting, day dreaming, fighting with others, being overly cautious, performing poorly in school, eating more or less than usual, bullying, having difficulty calming down, not listening, participating or cooperating, remaining quiet, or becoming detached or withdrawn.
A SPECIAL VISITOR
Mr. Della Mora, Superintendent of Education, visits Ms. Grisolia’s Grade 2 Class.
POETRY CORNER
Created by:
Ms. Vaccaro’s
Grade 3 Class
Coaches Mr. Marra and Mr. Schiafone are
very proud of the Intermediate Girls and
Boys Soccer Team. Congratulations to the
girls for their Championship win!
Well Done!
Congratulations Sister Marcella! Recipient of the 2016-17 Exceptional Volunteer Award
‘Staff and students at Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School are proud to nominate Sister Marcella Bresnihan, from the Faithful Companions of Jesus religious order. She is a former principal of this school when it was first built. In these last few years Sister Marcella has been volunteering generously of her time at the school. Her visits are filled with a deep and reverent knowledge of our Catholic faith, positive and encouraging interaction with the students and a gracious and kind smile for everyone. In her kind and gentle manner she is able to draw out students that may not necessarily share their experiences or concerns. She is reassuring and comforting to everyone no matter their age or circumstance in life. Sister Marcella is a wonderful blessing to our school community. We are ever so proud to call her part of our “family”. Although she would hesitate in being recognized because she is so humble, I truly believe she deserves to be recognized for making an immense impact on our students and our staff. Thank you for considering our nomination of Sister Marcella.‘ Thank you to Mrs. Panin for taking on the initiative of completing the application on behalf Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S. Sister Marcella was presented with the Exceptional Volunteer Award by M.P. Borys Wrzesnewskyj at a ceremony on June 11, 2017.
End of Year Music Celebration: Thank you to Ms. Krzyszkowski for her
dedication to the Instrumental Music Band.
Well done, students!
BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK
Thank you to the many boys and girls who rode
their bikes or walked to school. Many thanks to
Ms. Grossi for coordinating the event.
The Year of the Parish: Father George celebrates with
Transfiguration of Our Lord,
St. Marcellus and St. Maurice
school communities.
HIP HOP DANCING: Message of Respect and Kindness
ERROL LEE “EACH LIFE IS UNIQUELY AND
INHERENTLY VALUABLE” -
Teach your Children the
Power of Prayer
TRUSTEES 2017-18
Wards
1. Joseph Martino 5. Maria Rizzo 9. Jo-Ann Davis 2. Ann Andrachuk 6. Frank D’Amico, Vice-Chair 10. Barbara Poplawski 3. Sal Piccininni 7. Michael Del Grande 11. Angela Kennedy, Chair 4. Patrizia Bottoni 8. Garry Tanuan 12. Nancy Crawford Rhea Carlisle, Joel Ndongmi, Student Trustee
Rory McGuckin, Director of Education 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON ∙ Website: www.tcdsb.org
School Year Calendar
2017-2018 Labour Day September 4, 2017
First Day of School September 5, 2017
Thanksgiving Day October 9, 2017
Christmas Break December 25, 2017–
January 5, 2018
Family Day February 19, 2018
Mid-Winter Break March 12-16, 2018
Good Friday March 30, 2018
Easter Monday April 2, 2018
Victoria Day May 21, 2018
Last day of classes June 28, 2018
Seven Professional Activity Days:
October 6, 2017
November 17, 2017
December 1, 2017
January 19, 2018
February 16, 2018
June 8, 2018
June 29, 2018