
St. Anthony News
A community of learning on a foundation of faith
TRANSLATE
Please feel free to click on the Translate button on the bottom of the newsletter to choose your language of preference! (Arabic, Spanish, Hausa, Portuguese, Taglog, Polish, Italian, Malayalam, Hindi etc.)
Hay una opción de traducción en el boletín informativo. W biuletynie znajduje się opcja tłumaczenia. هناك خيار ترجمه في النشرة الاخباريه
The Virtue for the month of September is Fatih
To begin the new school year, we’ll focus our attention on the first of our virtues – faith. Faith is the great virtue of believing in God and trusting that God is with us.
A faithful person believes that we are created, guided by and destined to be reunited with God. A faithful person believes that God’s plan for us includes the right to be safe, especially at school.
A Faithful Person...
- Prays regularly and reverently
- Learns from Scripture stories
- Honours people’s God‐given names
- Assumes that there is good in everyone
Prayer for a new School Year
Lord Jesus, we ask for Your help as we begin this new school year. Allow us to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before us. Open our eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings. Open our hearts and minds to new friends and new teachers. GIve us a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with our studies and courage to accept new opportunities. Help us to be attentive to one another and let us experience Your presence in our new friends. Amen
Message from Superintendent Wayne Brunton
Welcome Back!
As the new school year begins, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and support extended to us as we prepare for a new school year at St. Anthony. Sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the staff who have given of their time in order to prepare for the arrival of your children.
We wish to extend a warm welcome to all the new families to our school community and welcome back to all those who are returning. A special greeting is also extended to our Junior Kindergarten children who are starting school for the first time. May your days here be memorable.
We are all looking forward to an exciting year with an abundance of new learning in the 2021-2022 academic year. Our staff is dedicated and committed to working with our parents, parish and community partners as they support the children in their quest for a Catholic faith-based education. In cooperation with our Parish Team, our Catholic School Council, our Superintendent Mr. Brunton, our Trustee, Mr. Xaviour as well as you, the parents our school will work to support the well-being and achievement of your children.
Please note, you can follow us on Twitter @AnthonyBrampton for a window into learning at our school. Our school newsletters and regular updates will be emailed and readily available on our St. Anthony School website at https://www.dpcdsb.org/ANTHY.
Wishing you many blessings for the 2021-2022 academic year!
Patricia WIlliams
Principal
First Day of School!
All families will receive notification of their chid(ren)'s teacher and classroom via School Messenger.
Please see map below and look for applicable meeting zone. Teachers will be available to direct you and will be identifiable by their safety vests. In order to maintain distancing guidelines we are asking that only one parent/ guardian / caregiver bring your child(ren) to school. Parents are not permitted to enter the building with their child(ren). Teachers will meet the children in the designated zones in the school yard rain or shine.
Dismissal:
In order to maintain distancing guidelines we will be using a staggered dismissal. We will begin calling students for dismissal beginning at 2:50. Students will be dismissed in the same area as they entered in the morning. If you have a young child teachers will wait with them until they are directly given to an adult listed on his/her pick up list. Teachers will be asking who will be picking up your child on the first morning. If you have an older child, please ensure that they know how they are getting home and with whom.
Problem? If you have a question on the first morning, please talk to a staff member. There will be extra staff outside to help with lost and new students.
Reminders:
Please be reminded NOT TO PARK OR STOP your car for an extended period in the Kiss & Ride lane at anytime. Please observe parking signs.
Please be reminded that you are not allowed to photograph or video any child other than your own on school property. We discourage photography on school property due to privacy and safety concerns. As well, we discourage adults from observing children during lunch and recess play time. We strive to maintain a safe environment at all times for our staff and students.
Junior Kindergarten Start Dates
Junior Kindergarten Starting Dates:
The first day of school will be organized using student surnames. The team of educators will meet you in the kindergarten yard on your child's designated start day.
A-H: Wednesday, September 8
I - O: Thursday, September 9
P-Z: Friday, September 10
School Hours
In order to maintain social distancing and limit potential gathering in the school yard Dufferin-Peel schools will be allowing for soft entry to the school each morning. Students will be provided access to the school beginning at 8:15 each morning. Each of the designated entrance doors will be unlocked for students to enter and go to their resepective class. Parents are not permitted to enter the school doors with their chid(ren). Doors will be supervised by staff and locked again at 8:30.
It is important that your child arrive to school on time and ready to learn. Our school hours are as follows:
8:15 Students provided access to the school
8:30 Morning classes begin
10:00-10:15 RECESS
11:40am - 12:40 Lunch
2:05pm - 2:20 RECESS
2:50 Classes Begin Dismissal
3:00 End of School Day
COVID Self-Assessment
All staff and students must self-screen every day before attending school. If a student or staff member is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home from school and should consult their health care provider. Signs will be posted at entrances to the school to remind students, staff, parents/caregivers, and essential visitors of screening requirements.
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment
Please ensure that you adhere to this direction in order to decrease any potential outbreak.
Monitoring and Responding to Reports of COVID-19 Symptoms
No Lunch Drop Off
Masks
Outdoor Learning
Visitors
PD Day
St. Anthony Terry Fox Walk: September 17, 2021
Although it will look different, in order to allow for social distancing and individual class groupings, St. Anthony staff and students will be supporting Terry Fox's legacy as we walk in an effort to support cancer research. This year, St. Anthony students and teachers will walk laps around our school field. Donations for the Terry Fox Foundation will be accepted via School Cash Online. Thank you for your support!
Absence Reporting
The purpose of this program is to ensure that your child arrives safely at school. Please call the school at (905) 792-2282 to inform us if your child(ren) will not be attending school for the day or if they will be late. We have an answering machine so that you can call during the evening and early morning hours. If you do not contact the school, we will attempt to contact you. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
School Textbooks
School textbooks are school property and are loaned to
the students annually. The expectation is that textbooks will be returned at the end of the school year. Students are responsible for these textbooks and will be asked to pay if these books go missing or have been vandalized. The cost of an average textbook is about $50.00 each. Please encourage your child to take care of textbooks!
Child Safety
The Child and Family Services Act compel educators to report any issues that may compromise a child’s welfare. If a staff member suspects any issue that may affect a child’s safety, then the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) must be contacted. It is not the role of the educator to investigate. That is CAS’s role.
Allergies In The Classroom
As we begin a new school year, we would like to inform you that St. Anthony is an allergen aware school. There are pupils and staff in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as dairy, peanut and nut products. Exposure to even the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen triggers are food, insect stings, medications, and latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from two or more body systems. We at St. Anthony School would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain nut or nut byproducts which could potentially harm a pupil. Please make sure that all of your children’s caregivers are aware of the food restrictions. Please do not send food for birthdays or special occasions. We look forward to your co-operation in making this a safe year for all of our pupils.
Bussing
STOPR - Transportation Procedures
The distance criteria for transportation eligibility must be more than:
1.0 kilometer Kindergarten and Grade 1
1.6 kilometers for Grades 2 – 4
2.0 kilometers for Grades 5 – 8
3.8 kilometers for Grades 9 – 12
If your child is moving to grade 2, grade 5, or grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year, their eligibility status for transportation may be changing. Eligibility information can be accessed at the website noted below. In order to adhere to COVID health and safety guidelines, STOPR will not be granting courtesy seating.
All transported kindergarten and grade 1 students are required to be met by a parent/caregiver when disembarking from their bus on their return trip from school.
Contacting STOPR
Internet: www.stopr.ca. This website provides up to date delay and inclement weather cancellation information in addition to policy, procedures and frequently asked questions businfo.stopr.ca. Please consider registering for notice of alerts regarding issues such as buses running behind schedule. The STOPR website also allows parents to access information specific to “what school do I attend” and “am I eligible for transportation”. This site also provides parents access to specific bus stop location and pick up and drop off times for their children if eligible for transportation.
Telephone: STOPR: Phone: 905 890-6000
Toll free: 1-800 668-1140
Please return Nomination forms by Friday, September 17, 2021
School Council Nomination and Election Information
The purpose of Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC) is, through the active participation of Parents/Guardians, to improve student achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to Parents/Guardians. A Catholic School Council’s primary means of achieving its purpose is by making recommendations in accordance with this policy and regulation to the Principal of the school and to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Also, to help the Principal and the Teachers bring appropriate community resources to the school and to help the Principal and the Teachers ensure that Parents/Guardians recognize and exercise their right to participate in the education of their children
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTION
School council nominations need to be submitted by:
Head Injuries
When a student receives an injury/bump to the head (however minor), it is a Board Policy that we inform parents. You will be contacted by phone, a phone message will be left at one of your contact numbers or a note will be left in your child’s agenda if you are unavailable. This is precautionary only and we ask that you check your child when they get home for any signs of a concussion or illness. Agenda’s should be checked by parents daily for this reason, as well as to check for any notes from the teacher or office. A copy of the concussion brochure is always available on our school website.
Indoor Shoes
Water Bottle
Suggested Learning Materials
- pencil case
- markers
- pencil crayons
- crayons
- ruler
- glue
- school safe scissors
- pencils
- pens
- erasers
- calculator
Verification Forms
In the event that your child becomes ill at school or is injured in an accident, it is imperative that we contact you or a person designated by you as an alternate. Our information on file must be accurate and current. Details to follow regarding digital submission of your child's verification. Upon receipt of the form, please sign and return as soon as possible. It is crucial that you contact us with any changes as soon as they occur.
Lunch Routines
Thank you for completing the Lunch Permission Form and returning it to your child’s teacher. This will ensure that the school is aware of where you prefer your child(ren) to be over the lunch hour. Any changes to the agreement throughout the year must be submitted in writing to the teacher and/or office. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Once children have arrived back at school, they must remain on school property. They are not permitted to leave school again without written permission. Due to COVID guidelines, please be advised that we are unable to allow for services such as Uber Eats nor are we allowed to have lunches dropped off during the school day. Please ensure your child comes to school with a lunch, water and any snacks each day.
Student Accident Insurance
The Board takes every precaution to provide a safe learning environment for students, but accidents can and do happen. Some families have private accident insurance which is able to respond to costs arising from injuries. However, many families do not.
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board annually provides parents with information about cost-effective student accident insurance coverage via your child. Although enrollment is voluntary, the board strongly encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive insurance coverage, especially if their child/children participate in sports, excursions/field trips, or, if parents do not have dental insurance coverage.
Parents alone have the right to insure their children. An acknowledgment form(GF401) wiil be sent home with the accompanying brochure. It must be signed and returned to the school to ensure an awareness that the board does not provide insurance and that you have received the insurance brochure. It is a requirement for the participation in excursions and/or extra-curricular activities.
Medical
If your child has a medical condition, please ensure that the school is aware of it by submitting the proper forms and medication as soon as possible.
Breakfast Program
The St. Anthony Breakfast Program will be starting soon. Any students participating will be required to have parent consent. Letters outlining the program, as well as consent forms, will be sent home by the end of the month.
Although we do receive some funding for the program we ask that you please consider supporting our school breakfast program! Support can be made in the form of cash donations via the donations tab on our school website (please see donations link on side bar as illustrated in image below). You may also consider donations of applesauce, yogurt, gift cards (Costco or Sobeys). We appreciate any support offered!
Curriculum Corner
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day
Personal Electronic Devices (P.E.D.s)
BYOD– Bring Your Own Devices
Our vision of education in Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools is rooted in the gospel values of faith, hope and love. All sectors of society, including the education sector, must work to keep pace with our rapidly changing world. Our teaching and learning environments - our schools and classrooms - must continue to change and adapt to ensure that our students continue to succeed. Our students and staff are already engaged as 21st century learners, living and shaping ways of being, becoming and belonging in our world. St. Anthony School is a PED ready school. DPCDSB Personal Electronic Device Use form with Wi-Fi Network Student Agreement will be signed for all new registrations. It is also be available on our website for download. Please read it over and have yourself and your child sign it so that they may bring their devices to school to be used for educational purposes as directed by staff.
Personal Electronic Devices on Board Premises and/or Board Sanctioned Events for Educational Purposes:
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board acknowledges the value of the use of technology for learning. Students are permitted to register and use personal electronic devices (PEDs) on board premises and/or board sanctioned events for educational purposes, under the direction of staff and only with parent/guardian permission (GF 066, Network User Application and Agreement). Students may register their PED for the purpose of connecting to the board wireless network. Students are required to adhere to the student “Personal Electronic Device Used with WI-FI Network Student Agreement” and the “Network User Application and Agreement.” Please be advised that the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will not be responsible for any cost incurred through the use of personal data plans.
PEDs are to be used responsibly and should not interfere with learning; their use must comply with the Catholic Code of Conduct, board policies and procedures. Any personal communications (i.e., phone calls, text messages, etc.) will continue to be directed through the main office. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in a loss of PED privileges and/or any other consequences deemed necessary by school administration.
The school principal may authorize limited acceptable uses of personal electronic devices during school-sanctioned activities for a specific designated purpose outside of instructional spaces and/or in common areas.
Students are responsible for the safety and security of PEDs at all times and the Board assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen devices.
School CashOnline
Don't Forget to Get yourself set up on School CashOnline as we are no longer able accept cash payment.
https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com
You will need your child’s name and date of birth. Use of student number is optional.
Should you encounter any difficulties, you can use the parent help desk at 1 (866) 961-1803 or the support link on the school cash online website.
PAY WITH: Credit Card or Debit Card
1. Create Your Profile:
Go to https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ and click on "Get Started Today".
2. Confirm Your Email:
Check your inbox for the email confirmation and click on the link inside. Sign in with your new login details.
3. Add a Student
Click "Add Student" and fill in the required fields with your child’s details:
1. School Board name
2. Select a school
3. Legal First Name
4. Legal Last Name
5. Birth Date (Month/Day/Year)
Helping Our Children Learn
We believe that parents/guardians are the primary teachers of their children. Our goal is to educate every child well and to maximize student achievement and well-being. We will provide ongoing resources through the board and school websites to enable parents and guardians to be better informed and to participate fully in their childs education. Visit https://www3.dpcdsb.org/parents/help-your-child-learn/help-your-child-learn to explore a variety of student engaging websites.
SUPPORTS FOR HOME
Peel Children's Centre
Registration is open for our summer workshops for parents/caregivers and youth! Learn more and register online at http://WhereToStart.ca.