St. Christopher School

1195 Clarkson Road North

Mississauga ON , L5J 2W1

905 822-0721

Email:St.ChristopherInfo@dpcdsb.org

Principal - I. Sauve

Vice Principal - C. Fernandes

Secretary -T. Lanceta

Trustee - Herman Viloria (Mississauga Ward 2)

Superintendent - D. Radic

Parish - St. Christopher's Parish

Priest-Fr. Steven Kwon

St. Christopher School Hours

Supervision Begins 8:00 a.m.

School Begins 8:15 a.m.

Recess (a.m.) 9:38-9:53

Lunch:11:16-12:16

Recess (p.m.)1:39-1:54

Dismissal 2:45 p.m.

1171 Clarkson Road North
Mississauga, ON
L5J 2W1
t: 905.822.1171
e: stchristophersmi@archtoronto.org

Jesus, you said that it is by our love that we are known to be your followers.

Give me the courage to accept your call to love one another, as you love me.

Allow me to understand that to be of service,

to give myself to others,

I must first know and love you.

Help me to share in your self-sacrificing love.

May I understand your call to live in love, so that I can live in you, and do God’s will.

We ask this with joy and gratitude,

AMEN

We are celebrating the holiest time of year in the life of the Church - the Triduum. As we gather to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of the Lord, we remember Jesus’ example of service at the Last Supper, his agony in the garden, and his suffering and death on the cross. We reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made on Good Friday, and celebrate His glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday, rejoicing in the outpouring of Easter graces.

During the Lenten and Easter seasons, parents and teachers placed a heightened emphasis on discussions about religion and spirituality with our children so that they come to appreciate the beauty and mystery of our Catholic Christian faith story.

We help our children see that Jesus’ mission was to teach the Good News, heal the broken-hearted, and liberate the marginalized. We reflect on how Jesus’ mission led Him to a torturous death that he willingly embraced for us. We rejoice that the Risen Christ continues to animate this mission of love in action today!

Wishing all our families a blessed Easter,

I. Sauve and C. Fernandes

In April, we celebrate the virtue of Love.

God wants us to serve and to see goodness in everyone we meet.

A loving person…

• wants the best for others

• is willing to make sacrifices for the good of others

• knows that we are all lovable

• prays for others

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us.”
(Letter on the Jubilee Year of Hope, February 11, 2022)

Confirmation:

Reconciliation: Saturday April 26-8:45-4:00pm

Confirmation Mass: Wednesday April 30th at 7pm

School starts at 8:15am and all late arrivals have to sign in at the Main Office. Just a reminder teacher supervision begins at 8:00 am to 8:15 am. School finishes at 2:45pm.

If Dismissal/pickup procedure for their child has changed for a day or specific reason, to avoid confusion, Please either

1) write a note in the Student Agenda or

2) email the school info mailbox.

Please do not leave a voicemail as that may not always be checked on time.

• Please do not let your child out of the driver's side door. Students need to exit from the passenger side.
• Please do not let your child out at the stop sign and please use the Kiss & Ride Lane
• If your child needs assistance with exiting the vehicle, please park in the parking lot to assist your child.

Please remember that from 8:00a.m to 3:00pm dogs are not allowed on school property. This includes small dogs being carried. Please be respectful of the fact that some of our students have a fear of dogs. We thank you for your continued understanding and support.

April 2, 2025 is World Autism Awareness Day.

At this time we would like to remind all students to dress appropriately for the season by wearing the proper spring attire which should include hats, coats and boots. When students are dressed properly for the changing conditions, they can go outside and enjoy some fresh air and activity in comfort.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) remains committed to fostering a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and can achieve success. Dress codes and school uniforms are designed to support diversity, accessibility, safety, and the dignity of all students.

On January 28, 2025, the Board of Trustees approved updates to Policy P-2006 Dress Code and School Uniform. As part of these changes, dress code expectations now require that students ensure the area from the top of the shoulders to mid-thigh is covered.

Additionally, the DPCDSB dress code continues to prohibit any clothing with messages that contain or depict offensive or inappropriate content. Students are not permitted to wear attire that promotes:

• Hate

• Discrimination

• Illegal activity

• Profanity

• Violence

• Political language

• Threats to health and safety

• Any content that violates the Ontario Human Rights Code

We appreciate your support in ensuring our schools remain welcoming and respectful spaces for all students.

On Friday, April 4th all Staff and Students of St. Chris are participating in The Great Big Crunch just before last recess. A big thank you to Battaglia's for generously donating the apples for this event.

The Great Big Crunch is a national movement dedicated to celebrating healthy food at schools across Canada. This is when we crunch into apples (or other crunchy fruit or vegetable) to make noise for healthy school food!

Every year since 2008, Canadians from coast to coast have participated in the Great Big Crunch, an original initiative of FoodShare Toronto.

St. Christopher School is proud to partner with Dr. Simone in the "Soap for Hope" Drive starting Wednesday, March 19- April 25th, 2025. Mme Alcasid and the Youth Faith Ambassadors will be collecting soap products such as soap bars, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and toothpaste to support Dr Simone’s overseas project - Soap For Hope.

There are many wellness and medicinal purposes for providing soap to the communities that Dr. Simone visits. When a person does not have access to soap or cleaning products, they can become infected with skin diseases, pneumonia and other illnesses. As a school community, we are proud to help in any way that we can to support those in need as we have done in the past.

Please send in your donations and the YFA's are happy to collect them from the classes or you can drop them off in the boxes beside the library. Thank you again St. Christopher community, for your generous support of this worthy cause!

As we enter into Holy Week - April 14-18th, the most holiest time in our Catholic faith, our school is busy preparing for this most sacred time. On April 17, Holy Thursday, our school will be participating in the Stations of the Cross & reflection in the gymnasium.

In addition to our Holy Thursday service, our students will be introduced to the story of the Pretzel. “The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far back as the fourth century. In the old Roman Empire, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small bread with water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped this bread in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Therefore, they called the bread ‘little arms’ (bracellae). From this Latin word, the Germanic people later coined the term "pretzel." Thus, the pretzel is the most appropriate food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer”.

In recognition of Holy week pretzels have been ordered from Dimpflmeier Bakery and will be given to students as a snack following on Thursday April 17. There is no cost for the pretzel, however we do ask for parental permission for your child(ren) to participate and donation of $2.00- $5.00 be made to ShareLife. The school will be covering the costs of the pretzels from our School Generated Funds/ Fundraising dollars.

In Lieu of the permission form, please Scan the QR code BELOW to allow for your child(ren) to receive a Pretzel.

From March 3, 2025 to April 11, 2025, Earth Rangers and Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! are running a Battery Blitz School Mission contest, at St. Christopher.

Did you know that properly recycling your batteries can help protect wildlife?

Batteries contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if they end up in landfill. That’s why it’s important to properly recycle your batteries!

When you collect batteries at your school, you’re keeping them out of landfills and protecting wildlife.

You’re also helping to recover valuable materials that can be re-used to make new products, like new batteries, golf clubs, and the stainless steel pots and pans! The possibilities are endless.

Last year, the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program collected and recycled over 6.8 million kg of batteries. That’s about the weight of 850 African elephants!

Measles cases are rising in Ontario and worldwide. Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash. Measles can cause serious health problems like pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.

The best protection is vaccination. Make sure your family is up to date, especially before traveling. Talk to your doctor to get vaccinated and protect your family with other important vaccines.

Stay home if you’re sick

Make sure you or your child has no fever and feels better for at least 24 hours (48 hours if they had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea). If you or your child still has a cough, runny nose, or other respiratory symptoms, protect others by wearing a tight-fitting mask for 10 days after symptoms begin, especially in public places and at gatherings.

If you have health questions:

• Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or 1-888-919-7800 (toll-free).
• Call Health Connect Ontario at 811 (available 24/7 in multiple languages).
• Talk to your healthcare provider.

For students up to Grade 5

As a parent, you have a key role to play in supporting your child’s oral health. (Image Description; A mom and child smiling)

Are you finding it hard to get your child to brush their teeth? Make toothbrushing fun in your house! Try these tips:

• Use a monthly brushing chart.
• Use a two-minute timer.
• Pick a fun new toothbrush for your child.
• Play your child’s favourite song while they brush.

Let your child watch you brush your teeth to help teach them good oral health habits. A healthy smile is a happy smile! Oral health is an important part of a child’s overall health.

Encourage your child to:

• Brush teeth at least two times a day for two minutes each time. Floss every day.
• Visit a dentist regularly.
• Choose healthy food. Drink water.

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association.

Adult and Continuing Education invites Grade 8 students to enroll in one of several fantastic Secondary courses offered this summer. The courses are open level courses (open to all DP students).

The program is credit bearing and fast paced.

Courses, dates, locations and times are in the flyer.

Students have to commit to the full program…no holidays.

Registration closes June 11, 2025.

Please see the flyer below to register.

On Tuesday March 4, our Catholic School Council filled the gym with the pancakes, syrup and oranges, to begin our liturgical season of Lent. We thank all the parents who volunteered their time to flip pancakes, cook sausages and cut oranges for the students.

First Time Rider is an educational and awareness program designed to familiarize young children, new riders, and parents with school buses. This informative program includes a safety video, on-board instruction, and a fun bus ride.

Attached please see the preliminary announcement flyer for the STOPR First Time Rider program scheduled on Saturday August 23, 2025.

At different times throughout the year, especially in the winter when students are wearing hats and hoodies, schools experience an increase in the number of cases of head lice. In an effort to be proactive, we ask that your child’s hair be checked periodically to ensure that they do not have head lice. Should you discover the presence of lice or nits, we would appreciate being informed. Helpful information can also be obtained from a pharmacist or the local Public Health Department. Head lice is spread only by direct contact with a 'case', often through the sharing of combs and brushes, exchanging of hats, etc.

Communication between home and school is greatly enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic School Council. Please note that our Council is comprised of parents, school staff as well as community and parish representatives. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to support school activities and students through involvement and fund raising. The School Council also provides a forum for parents to meet and share information and ideas concerning the school community.

A reminder that if you are interested in volunteering within the school in any capacity, a Valid Criminal Reference Check (CRC), with Vulnerable Sector and Local Records Check completed by Peel Regional Police is required. The cost is $35. Please note that there may be some time required to process a CRC, thus waiting for an announced volunteer opportunity to obtain your CRC may not provide sufficient time for processing. Once the school has a valid CRC on file, we will not need a new CRC yearly, rather, a yearly Offence Declaration will suffice.

Thank you,

St. Christopher Catholic School Council

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the introduction of School Cash Online. As school move toward being cash less, School Cash Online allows parents and community members to pay school-related fees online safely, quickly, and easily. Parents can purchase items like spirit wear, lunches, and field trips - anytime, anywhere. For more information and to set up an account, please click the link below.

During the school year we will be rehearsing and will continue to rehearse with students a number of emergency response situations including lock down and fire drills. All schools are required by Board policy to practice these procedures throughout the year. We have these ‘practice drills’ for precautionary purposes only so that in the event of an actual emergency, students will be prepared to respond in a safe and responsible manner. We will also be practicing a Lock Down Drill. During this drill, the outer doors will be locked and the office will be unavailable during the time of the drill. No one will be allowed to enter or exit during the drill while the emergency protocol is being followed. The day will continue as normal following the drill. Thank you for your patience.

As per Ministry of Education direction, our Board has a Concussion Protocol in place. Again this school year, ALL students who sustain a head injury during the school day, however minor, will receive a Concussions Are Serious pamphlet to take home. We ask parents/guardians to review this pamphlet and seek medical attention for your son/daughter if you feel it is required. As in previous years, all head injuries will be logged and reported to parents/guardians directly. We ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if and when your son/daughter sustains a concussion as a result of a school incident or as a result of an activity outside of school. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the Main Office. Your cooperation and assistance in this regard are appreciated.

Sabrina’s Law is an Act to protect anaphylactic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. Named “Sabrina’s Law” in honour of an Ontario student who died following an anaphylactic reaction in 2003, this law requires that every school board establish and maintain an anaphylaxis policy.

If your child has a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, peanut by-products, bee/wasp stings etc., please let the school know as soon as possible. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date. There are various forms which need to be completed by you and your family doctor if it is necessary to store and dispense an EPI-pen or any other medication at school.

We continue to have both students and staff with severe, life threatening allergy to certain foods, such as peanuts and nuts. This is a medical condition that may cause severe and life threatening reactions to certain allergens within minutes. Although this may or may not affect your child’s class directly, we require your continued cooperation in sending foods to school with your child that are free from peanuts, nuts or their by-products.

Please do not send food products to be shared in your child’s classroom. If you would like your child to share their special day/birthday with their classmates, we suggest that you consider non-food items such as pencils or stickers.

Letters have been sent home with the students whose classroom members have specific allergies. Please check with your child, and in their backpack, for letters regarding the type of allergy and products to avoid in your child’s classroom. Please pay careful consideration to school lunches and snacks while continuing to refrain from sending in items that are made of, or contain, nuts or peanuts. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your support in making our school a safer environment for all.

Ryan’s Law is an Act to protect Asthmatic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. If your child has asthma please let the school know immediately. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date.

Ryan’s Law introduced policies and procedures that:

 Allow your child to carry his/her asthma reliever (rescue) inhaler (with your permission).

 Reduce your child’s contact with asthma triggers.

 Develop an individual plan for every student with asthma, including recommendations from their health-care providers and current emergency contacts. This will be kept on file at the school.

If you have more questions about

Ryan’s Law?

Call The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864), email info@on.lung.ca, or visit www.RyansLaw.ca.

If a child is required to bring medication to school, procedures regarding the administration of medication shall only be adopted:

· when requested by the parents/guardians; and

· when authorized by a physician; and

· when medication must be provided during school hours

A designated staff member must administer medication; hence, a signed request/authorization form from the parents/guardians and the supervising physician, must be obtained. These forms are available through the school office. Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication please have all pertinent forms completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon as possible

All medication will be housed in a safe location. Medication must not be kept in the child’s possession or in the classroom except for EpiPens and asthma inhalers.

It is highly encouraged that students who have an anaphylactic allergy or who have asthma, keep their epi-pen and/or inhaler on their person at all times. If able, it is recommended that your child bring two epipens and/or two asthma inhaler to the school. This would allow your child to keep this medication on their person as well as ensuring that the school office has an additional set of medication.

Please note that school staff cannot dispense medication of any kind without the proper physician authorization and a properly labeled container, (i.e. prescription bottle or original over the counter container).

​Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year at Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) schools is now open. 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.

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, 2025.

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 or an Eastern Catholic Church.
• 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.

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

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.

If you are First Nation (Status Indian or Non-Status Indian), Métis and/or Inuit you can self-identify as Indigenous. You do not need to produce any documentation or proof of ancestry. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential. “This has been really important for us because of the sense of community and the connection to other Indigenous families.” ~ Melanie Cormier, parent.

Self-identification will provide access to culture and language programs and monthly programming for students and families. Relevant information will be sent directly to you about upcoming cultural events and opportunities which help to build community and a sense of Indigenous pride in Dufferin-Peel.

To learn more about opportunities for Indigenous students and families please visit:

https://www3.dpcdsb.org/students/indigenous-self-identification

• 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.
  
  Learn More:

  • Visit the Direction of School Support webpage
  • Watch our Direction of School Support video

You can now reset your password remotely by registering for the Password Reset Tool. You must know your old password to create a new one.

To reset your password remotely you must first register with the “Password Reset Tool”, which you can do by following one of these two steps:

Students: students.dpcdsb.org and select Password Reset

Staff: https://account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com/PasswordReset/Register.aspx ​

**Access to personal email/cell phone is required for registration.

Once you are registered, please follow the Password Reset Instruction

April

1 April's Fool Day

2 Mississauga South Film Fest for Gr. 7 & 8 students

4 Great Big Crunch

10 Rosary Apostolate Visit

13 Palm Sunday

13 Holy Week Begins

17 Holy Thursday: Stations of the Cross

18 Good Friday - No school for students

20 Easter Sunday

21 Easter Monday No school for students

May

1 St. Joseph the Worker Day

2 Garden Gala Spring Fling Dance

5-9 Catholic Education Week

8 Journey to Learning Night

20 EQAO starts

June

13: EQAO ends

9: PA Day- No school for students

12: Track & Field - Family Tournament @ Marcellinus

13: Track & Field -Rain date Family @ St. Marcellinus

17: Track & Field Boards @ St. Marcellinus

19: Track & Field Rain date Boards @ St. Marcellinus

24: Report Card sent home
25 St. Christopher Graduation at St. Christopher's Parish

27: Last day of School