St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Email: St.BernardofClairvauxInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: dpcdsb.org/brnrd
Location: 3345 Escada Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: (905) 542-9203
Twitter: @StBernardDPCDSB

Dear God, in this New Year, I pray...

To live deeply with purpose,

To live freely, with detachment,

To live wisely, with humility,

To live justly, with compassion,

To live lovingly, with fidelity,

To live mindfully, with awareness,

To live gratefully, with generosity,

To live fully, with enthusiasm,

Help us to hold this vision and to daily renew it in our hearts, becoming ever more one with You, our truest selves.

Amen.

Happy New Year and welcome back all of our students, families and staff. We have celebrated Christmas, New Year's and this week we are celebrating the Epiphany of Our Lord. The Christmas season helps us to celebrate Jesus' birth, recognize His presence, and await His return as we continue our faith journey.

It is our hope that the Christmas break provided us all with valuable time with family to reflect on the greater gifts we receive each day. May the joy and celebration of Christ's birth bring a renewed sense of hope and love for us and all our loved ones.

As we journey into 2023, we wish everyone a year filled with peace, love, health and happiness. May God continue to guide and strengthen all of us in the coming year. Let us bring Jesus' spirit to our lives. Let the New Year spark renewal for the love of learning and achieving to the best of our ability.

Let January's renewal allow us to focus next on this month's virtue, the virtue of self-control and leave everyone who comes into contact with you, better than when they first came.

January is all about new beginnings. We are extremely excited to welcome our new principal, Mr. Rob Scicluna to the St. Bernard of Clairvaux family. We look forward to his energy, enthusiasm, guidance and focus on students.

Continue to be well, God bless and stay safe. On behalf of the entire St. Bernard of Clairvaux staff, we wish you and your family a New Year filled with many blessings, much happiness, good health, and contentment.

R. Scicluna

Principal

N. Laporte

Vice Principal

Please see below for a link to Trustee Corbet's website and January newletter.

A big thank you to our Catholic School Council for organizing our pizza days at St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Thank you to all of the volunteers who help make the pizza days such a success. Please note: there are a limited number of slices available for purchase each Friday for students at a cost of $2.00 per slice (first come, first served).

Our next Catholic School Council meeting will take place on Monday, February 6 at 6:30 pm in the library. All our welcome to attend.

January 9 - 13 - Kindergarten Registration Week

January 19 - Rosary Apostolate visits

January 23 - PA Day

January 25 - Vaccine Clinic

January 27 - Family Literacy Day

January 27 - Virtue Assembly for Self-Control

February 2 - Grade 8 Grad Photos

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm

Weekday Masses

Monday, Wednesday, Friday Mass 7:00 pm

Tuesday, Thursday Mass 7:30 am

Saturday Mass 9:00 am

Email: parishoffice@stjosephinebahkita.ca
Website: stjosephinebahkita.ca
Location: 3200 Thomas Street, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: (905) 826-1143

God wants us to do what we know and feel is right.

A person with self-control ...

• is patient with themselves and others
• knows how to share and take turns
• has the power to stand up for what is right
• looks for peaceful ways to solve conflict
• can think things through

Self-control helps us to resist the temptation to do something that we will regret or may cause harm to ourselves or others. By discipling our thoughts and actions, we resist reacting negatively to pressures from within ourselves or our surroundings, and act in a way that we know and feel is right. Developing loving habits helps us to respond positively to others in the actions and choices we make.

Each time we exercise self-control, we show our love for God and make way for peace in our lives.

Let us know pray ... for the virtue of self-control so that we will resist the temptation to cause harm to ourselves and others around us. AMEN.

I HAVE IDEAS!

• I have thoughts and opinions that matter
• I make good choices
• I have hope for the future
• I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer
• I know we are all equal and special

Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."

When Herod, the King, heard this he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel." Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."

When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12

We are so proud of the St. Bernard of Clairvaux students for their enthusiastic participation in our Advent fundraising initiatives. We were able to raise over $2500! Amazing! You truly are living the gospel by helping to provide for those in need.

Thank you to Mrs. Antezza, Mrs. Bunde, Mrs. Salema, Mrs. Craig and Mrs. Mauricette-Skyers for your dedication to this wonderful cause.

We look forward to more fundraising activities in the new year.

Thank you to everyone who supported our sock drive this year. We were able to collect over 1400 pairs of socks. Mrs. Vitale's grade 3/4 class was recognized by Mrs. Sauve with a pizza party for collecting the most pairs. Thank you to all families who participated in this initiative, it is greatly appreciated.

A special thank you goes to Madame Larson and Madame Fabbri for organizing this wonderful initiative.

Once again we are in awe of your generosity and support of our Christmas food drive. Boxes and boxes of food and empty egg cartons were packed up and picked up by Eden Food for Change. Thank you for sharing the Christmas spirit with our local food bank.

The New Year is a time for reflection as well as celebration. As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life, remember: each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained. Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached. Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought. Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears. And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come, because most importantly the New Year is a time of birth, new beginnings, and the celebration of life.

Eco Choices at Home

Being eco-wise is about celebrating creation and being good stewards with what we’re given. Here are some small, easy, green choices we can make at home.

• reduce harmful, single-use plastics (i.e., straws, bags, bottles)
• consider textile recycling (old textiles such as clothes, shoes, and bedding)
• place GOOS paper bins strategically around your house (kitchen, office) and encourage family members to use both sides of the paper before recycling
  
• recycle personal electronic waste
• continue using recycling and green bins at home
• save water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, doing the dishes
• save energy - Turn off lights during the day or when you leave a room

Together, we can all be friends of the Earth.

On December 6, St. Bernard of Clairvaux was once again able to hold our annual Teacher/Student Volleyball game in support of Jordan Socks.

It was a fierce battle with many intense sets and volleys (and a few tense moments for the teachers), but the teachers rallied to defeat the students 4 sets to 1. The teachers would like to wish the students better luck next time.

A special thank you to the students and teachers who volunteered to play and spectate. Fun was had by all.

Thank you to all of the families who participated in our first Family Gingerbread Night. Students and families waited patiently for the chance to see and take a photo with Santa and then decorate gingerbread houses. The cafe that served hot chocolate and cookies was a big hit.

Thank you to all who made this event so magical including Mrs. Craig, Mr. Le Brun, Mrs. Bagley (and her daughter), Ms. Comi, Mrs. Palmateer, Ms. Vien, Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Androulakis. A special thank you to the student volunteers (Jessica, Samantha, Maeve, Tiffany and Layth) who helped make this event such a success.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year.

We were honoured to have a large number of students share their talents with the school community at our Christmas Talent Show on December 21. We applaud every student's dedication and bravery in presenting their talent in front of family and friends. It was a joy to watch.

A special thank you to Ms. Vien and Mrs. Sauve for organizing this event with their student volunteers.

With great sadness, we said farewell to Mrs. Sauve on December 22 as she is moving on to be principal of St. Charles Garnier Elementary School. At a special presentation, students and staff said goodbye to Mrs. Sauve with a video, alphabet book, flash mob and gift. A perfect way to say not goodbye, but see you later. 'Once a bear, always a bear.'

Thank you Mrs. Sauve for your years of hard work and dedication to the St. Bernard of Clairvaux community.

Monday, January 23, 2023 is a Professional Activity Day for staff.

There will be no school for students. Staff will be involved in assessment and evaluation of pupil progress.

Edge Imaging will be coming to St. Bernard of Clairvaux on Thursday, February 2.

What to Expect and Some Tips

• The Photographer will be taking 4 different photos on two backgrounds. Your photo session will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
• Get a good night sleep so students are rested.
  
• A white collared shirt with a tie makes a classic look, but wear whatever makes you feel great! (Wearing a tie with a polo shirt does not product the best results as the tie does not sit well on a polo shirt)
  
• If you shave your face, remember to shave the morning of.
  
• Keeping makeup light and simple produces a timeless portrait. (Wearing very glossy lipstick reflects a lot of light and may result with a white glob on your lips)
  
• Keep jewelry small and simple makes a classic look and avoid unnecessary distractions in your timeless portrait.
  
• Two of the portraits will show your hands. (Clean and trimmed nails will avoid any unnecessary attention in your portrait. If you paint your nails have a look at them a couple days before to see if you need to do a fresh coat of nail polish.)
  
• Edge Imaging will bring a gown and sash for students to use during their session.
• A white dress shirt and tie may be available to borrow from the photographer but it is always a good idea to bring your own.
• Approximately two weeks after photo day your photo proofs will arrive at school, select your favorite photos and order online.
  

Don't forget to bring your smile!

First term report cards for students in Grades 1 - 8 and the FDK Communication of Learning will be sent home on Tuesday, February 14th. Along with the report card, you will receive a confirmation time for your call/online interview.

Gentle reminder: Parents/Guardians can also speak with special education, FSL, ESL and planning time teachers. If you wish to do this, please indicate it on the interview form.

Please see the link below for the Thrive Newsletter for January.

Math at Home

Are you looking for ways to engage your family in math activities at home? Connect learning between school and home with the Board's Math@Home newsletters.

This month the focus is on financial literacy. Have fun trying out the suggested activities at home.

Kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year at Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) schools will take place January 10-14, 2022. The DPCDSB offers the Kindergarten program in 125 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville.

Parents/guardians can register online at dpcdsb.org.

The following documents are required to complete the registration process:

• Proof of age of the child
• Original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) or original baptismal certificate from a church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome.
• Immunization Reference #’s from the local Public Health Unit
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
• Proof of home address
• Proof of English Separate School Support

Please refer to the Register for School webpage for accepted forms of documentation and submission process.

Inquiries about home school locations/boundary areas should be directed to the DPCDSB Planning Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24440.

Registration is open to Catholic children and children of Catholic parents. Kindergarten students must be at least four (4) years of age by December 31, 2022.

For more information, parents/guardians should contact their local Catholic school, visit the DPCDSB website at dpcdsb.org, or call DPCDSB’s Admissions Department at 905-890-1221.

Please review the attached information regarding the 2023/2024 Extended French program application for Grade 5 in DPCDSB.

Grade 4 parents/guardians who wish to learn more about Extended French or wish to enroll their child in a Grade 5 Extended French program for September 2023, are invited to attend the virtual information session on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 pm.

Microsoft Teams Live Meeting #2 Link*

Show your support for the Catholic education system, by ensuring you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter on your property tax designation.

By directing your tax support to the Separate (Catholic) School System:

• You may vote for Catholic School Trustees in Municipal elections
• Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools
• You show your support for the Catholic school system

To verify that you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:

• Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
• Check your Voter Information Card received during an election year (2022)
  
  

Have you moved?

Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. By default, your property taxes support your municipality's English public school board. Every time you move or if there is a change of ownership, it is essential that you register yourself as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter.

To register as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please contact the DPCDSB Admissions Department by phone at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or by email at admissions@dpcdsb.org.

If you are planning to move out of the St. Bernard of Clairvaux School area or change address within our boundaries, please let the office know as soon as possible.

Please keep us informed of any address, phone number or medical changes for your children. It is of the utmost importance that our records be up-to-date. If your child should get sick or hurt, we must have accurate contact information.

Mrs. Sauve and the chess team participated in the Guardian Angels tournament on December 8. The team played in many close matches and enjoyed every moment. They are looking forward to next the tournament.

Please see the link below for further reminders and general information.