Trustees: L. del Rosario and T. Thomas

Superintendent: L. Odo

Principal: N. Laporte

Head Secretary: L. Magi

Email: VeronInfo@dpcdsb.org

Website: https://www.dpcdsb.org/VERON

Location: 680 Novo Star Dr., Mississauga, ON L5W 1C7
Phone: 905-696-6980

Please click on the Translate button on the newsletter to choose your language of preference.

Dear Lord,

As a New Year begins,

we come to You and ask You for Your blessing.

We pray that You give us joy to fill our days,

peace to fill our hearts, and love to fill our lives.

Thank you for the plans You have for us this New Year.

We wait in anticipation for all that You will do.

Thank you for being with us each moment, of each day.

Thank you for the beauty of a New Year.

Amen.

As we begin a New Year, I truly hope that everyone’s time spent celebrating the birth of our Savior was a memorable one and that you were able to use the time to slow down and reflect on the year past and prepare for the new challenges that are in front of us.

We ended 2024 with a lot of excitement and compassion as we hosted a very successful Primary Christmas Concert and Family Gingerbread Night. Students and families generously supported our Advent Giving Tree (with over $1600 in gift card donations) and our personal hygiene product drive for Canadian Food for Children. We also hosted a school-wide Advent lunch in the gym with all students and staff. All these events can’t take place without the entire school community, students, staff and family members. Thank you to everyone! Be are truly blessed.

May we take time to reflect on the many blessings of the year that has past. Let us also embrace all of the beauty and possibilities of a New Year, with gratitude. Gratitude is seeing everything as a gift and being thankful for all of our blessings. Gratitude allows us to cultivate joy, happiness and positivity in our own lives, as well as in the lives of those around us. Let us continue to have grateful hearts as we begin our journey of a New Year.

I wish you all the very best in 2025! May the New Year bring you joy, peace and abundant blessings. Thank you for your continued support of St. Veronica!

N. Laporte

Principal

We would like to thank Trustee del Rosario and Trustee Thomas for their continued support of our school community.

Please see below for their December newsletter.

Thank you to our Catholic School Council for organizing the chocolate fundraiser for our school. We were able to raise approximately $4500. We are blessed to have a wonderful group that supports the school in its many endeavors. Stay tuned for information on our their next fundraising initiative - Krispy Kreme!

Our next Catholic School Council meeting will take place on Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 pm. All our welcome to attend.

January 6 - Welcome back!

January 9 - CSC Meeting

January 10 - YFAs to Canadian Food for Children

January 20 - PA Day - No school/classes

January 21 - Rosary Apostolate

January 24 - St. Marcellinus High School packages due

January 27 - Grade 8 Retreat Day

January 31 - Term 2 begins

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm,

Daily Mass (Monday to Friday): 8:00 am; 7:00 pm

Daily Mass (Saturday): 77:30 am

Email: stfrancisxaviermi@archtoronto.org
Website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/en/
Location: 5650 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5V 2N6
Phone: 905-890-5290

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 now 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.

We are blessed to have a wonderful group of students as our Youth Faith Ambassadors. On Friday, January 10, our YFAs will be visiting the Canadian Food for Children warehouse in Mississauga. Students will have the opportunity to experience charitable acts and contribute as responsible citizens.

Thank you to Mrs. Strachan, Mrs. Rodrigues, and Mme Bozzo for organizing this important event.

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 Good on One Side (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, washing 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.

We were honoured to have families come join us for our Primary Christmas concert. Students performed dances, sang and we even had a class perform a song with bells. We applaud every student's dedication and bravery in singing and dancing in front of families and friends.

Thank you to the teachers and staff who worked tirelessly to prepare the students. A special shout out to the grade 8 students who supported the event by being the emcees, the DJs, runners and greeters. We couldn't have done it without them.

Thank you to all the families that were able to join us and support the evening.

We are in awe of your generosity and support our Advent Giving Tree and toiletry drive.

We collected over $1600 in gift cards to share with those in need within our community. As well, boxes and boxes of personal hygiene products will be delivered to Canadian Food for Children by our YFAs on January 10, 2025.

Thank you for sharing your Christmas spirit with our local community.

Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (P.A.L.S.) is a student-led peer leadership program in which students in grades 4 to 6 are trained to plan and lead fun and safe activities on the playground during lunch or at recess.

The program provides opportunities to help foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among students, while engaging them in physical activity. The program motto is "There's always room for one more."

We are excited to begin this program at St. Veronica! Students in the junior grades will be applying to be chosen to become leaders and attend training. They will learn to lead playground games with students in the primary grades. When ready, they will bring their expertise to the playground. We can't wait!

A special thank you to Mrs. Lawrence for working with and training our students.

The book fair is coming back to St. Veronica. We will have your favourite characters, new bestellers and beloved classics, as well as exclusive titles you won't find anywhere else.

The book fair will run daily from Monday, February 10 to Friday, February 14 (until noon). It will also be open during interview evening on Thursday, February 15. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

Thank you to Ms. de Leon for planning, organizing, and running the book fair.

The junior girls and junior boys basketball teams are hard at work preparing for the upcoming Pod tournaments in February. They have been developing skills and their stamina to compete. We wish them the best of luck!

Thank you to coaches Mrs. Adebajo and Mr. Romen for helping to prepare the teams.

We are thrilled to announce that a variety of clubs will be up and running shortly. Please watch for permission forms to come home for students to participate in the following clubs:

• Lego Club (grades 1 - 8)
• Chess Club (grades 4 - 8)
• Board Games (grades 1 - 8)

Forms must be filled out for students to be able to participate. Thank you to all teachers who have volunteered their time to make these clubs happen.

Monday, January 20, 2025 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. Veronica CES on Friday, February 28. 2025.

What to Expect and Some Tips

• 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 11. Interviews will take place on the evening of Thursday, February 13 and during the day on Friday, February 14. Please watch for an email soon to sign up for your interview time.

Gentle reminder: Parents/Guardians can also speak with special education, FSL, ESL and planning time teachers. If you wish to do this, please book a separate interview with them on the booking website once you receive the email.

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

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 2025-26 school year at Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) schools is now open. 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, 2025.

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.

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 (2024)
  
  

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 or the school office to obtain a form.

If you are planning to move out of the St. Veronica CES 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.

Daily attendance and punctuality are very important and all students should be prepared to start their day of learning on time and with their classmates.

Thank you to all parents who have been calling the school and using the Safe Arrival website or app when your child has been absent due to an illness or an appointment.

To use the Safe Arrival School Messenger program, use the link provided below or you can down load and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note that SafeArrival uses the SchoolMessenger app.

Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440. Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence.

See the link below for further reminders and general information.

We continue to track students who arrive at St. Veronica CES after our school start time. Our school times are 8:30 am for the morning and 12:30 pm for the afternoon classes. It is very important to be punctual for school at every grade level. The routine of being prepared for the beginning of classes on a daily basis ensures that each day gets off to a good start. Teachers often begin with an overview of the schedule and events for the day. Students who arrive even a few minutes late for school not only disrupt their classes but also place themselves at a disadvantage because they have missed valuable instructional time.

We ask for your continued assistance in ensuring your child/children arrive at school no later than 8:30 am.

St. Veronica CES is an allergen aware school. We have a number of students in our school who have severe, life threatening allergies to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, any peanut/nut by-products and dairy products. As in the past, we are asking you to not put any child at risk. Therefore, we are asking that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, and peanut/nut by-products not be brought into the school. We also have students with allergies to wheat, fish, seeds, kiwi, eggs, soy, dairy and mushrooms. Communication regarding restrictions in these classrooms has been sent at the beginning of the year.

We are also asking parents not to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you would like to send something, please consider alternatives such as pencils, stickers, etc.

We thank you for your continued understanding and support of the safety and well-being of all students.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication or if the medication changes, please have all the pertinent forms completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon as possible.

Please contact the school office to obtain forms.

All students in grades 1 to 8 are required to carry their EpiPen and/or puffer around their waist in a fanny pack. Medication for JK/SK students are stores in a bin the classroom.

Even when it appears insignificant, we inform parents/guardians of all reported head injuries at school. We do this in recognition of the potential danger of any injury involving the head area.

Our intent is not to alarm you, but to keep you informed. Please remind your child to let a staff member know if they bump their head or they get hurt at school.

Thank you to all of the parents who have helped the morning Kiss and Ride be so successful. We appreciate how drivers continue to pull as far forward as possible before letting students out. When using the Kiss 'N Ride lane, please ensure that your children exit the vehicle on the right side. The left side lane is a drive-thru lane and can present a safety issue for students exiting on the left.

When using the Kiss 'N Ride lane, please do not leave your vehicle unattended. Should you wish to walk your child to their entry point, please park your car in our parking lot.

Please note that the front of the school driveway is designated for school buses only. Children should not be dropped off or picked up at the front of the school - unless they are late or leaving early.

Thank you for ensuring the safety of all.

Students should come dressed appropriately for the winter weather including:

• winter hat
• mittens/gloves
• scarf/neck warmer
• winter boots
• snow pants (highly recommended for primary and junior students)
• winter jacket

We have a variety of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves available at the office to share with students should they forget these items at home. Students are encouraged to stop by the office to get them as needed.

To be allowed on the field when we there is snow:

• K-6 Grades - MUST wear snow pants, snow boots, gloves and a winter jacket. If they are missing any one of these items they are to remain on the asphalt
  
• 7-8 Grades - MUST wear snow boots and a winter jacket. If they are missing any one of these items they are to remain on the asphalt.

For health and safety reasons, students must wear their indoor shoes while inside the school. Students cannot walk through the school with wet boots or shoes. For their safety and comfort they need to have indoor shoes. Please note that in the event of an emergency evacuation, students will not have the opportunity to put boots on.

Where possible, please put identification on your child’s belongings. Throughout the winter the lost and found box fills up with unidentified clothing.

Often during the winter season we have students, for various reasons, coming to the office with wet clothes from playing outside during recess. We recommend, for the younger students, that you place an extra pair of pants, a shirt and socks in their backpacks or in a clearly labelled Ziploc bag for storage in their class cubby. This would help to avoid bothering parents at work when these situations occur.

Snow season is here. Please ensure that your child is properly dressed for outdoor play in winter. It is a school expectation that all students go outside for recess and outdoor learning for exercise and fresh air. If your child is unable to go outside for recess because of illness, please consider keeping them home until they are feeling better.

We would appreciate your support in reinforcing the school rule that all snow stays on the ground. For everyone’s safety we do not allow snowballs, kicking snow, or any other snow\ice activity that could lead to potential harm or injury. Also, no one owns the snow.

During the winter season, the school receives calls from concerned parents as to how we determine when children will or will not be allowed outside for recess. Dufferin‐Peel CDSB Policy uses a Wind Chill factor of ‐20 C (website we use) as the determining temperature. Students will not be sent outside for recess if it is colder than this.

We also receive numerous requests to allow children to remain indoors when students have a cold, flu, etc. Please note that we cannot comply, as we neither have the facilities nor the staff to supervise these students. If your child is not feeling well we encourage you to keep them home to avoid the spread of illness. The expectation is that all children will go outdoors for recess and the lunch break.

As we approach the winter months and the potential of weather-related bus cancellations and school closures, we provide the following information.

Bus Cancellations

During the winter months, inclement weather and/or poor road conditions may cause the disruption of bus transportation.

If buses are cancelled in ZONE 1, St. Veronica CES will remain open to students and staff.

There is no distribution of learning devices in anticipation of inclement weather-related bus cancellations.

While students unable to attend in person due to transportation cancellations are not required to access learning materials in the Learning Management System (LMS), they can if they choose to. Learning activities posted in the LMS specifically for inclement weather days provide opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.

It is acknowledged that teachers will be supporting in-person students and therefore may have limited availability to support students not in attendance.

For students unable to attend in person, no remote access to the classroom will take place. Learning for students will be self-directed. Please be assured that teachers have been advised not to introduce new concepts on days in which buses have been cancelled. As always, parents/guardians can contact their child's teacher if they have any questions or require support.

Full System Closure

If there is a full system closure, where all DPCDSB schools and facilities are closed to students and staff, there is no switch to synchronous learning for the day.

Similar to bus cancellation days, students can access learning activities posted in the Google Classroom specifically for inclement weather days that provide opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.

As always, parents/guardians can contact their child's teacher if they have any questions or require support.