St. Bernard of Clairvaux

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

Merciful God,

We ask that you help us to see the beauty of your creation.

To speak and act with humility.

To treat others with respect, and to love you with all of our heart.

Father, you are our guide and teacher.

Help us to walk in the footsteps of your son, Jesus - the best example of who we are called to be.

Let Your light shine through us as we walk in our journey of life.

Amen

St. Bernard of Clairvaux continues to be a vibrant, active, faith-filled community and the month of February will bring us many opportunities to celebrate, reflect, grow and pray as we look forward to celebrating Black contributions and achievements during Black History Month, National Flag Day, St. Valentine's Day, and preparing ourselves to enter into Lent.

This month, as we focus on the virtue of Respect, we pause to acknowledge and express gratitude for:

OUR STUDENTS, for their enthusiasm, laughter, and spirit, and for their continued hard work, determination and perseverance.

OUR PARENTS/GUARDIANS, for assisting your children in following our Catholic Code of Conduct, for supporting your children with their academic progress, for ensuring students arrive to school on time, for continuing to respect our Kiss & Ride procedures and following our school driveway practices.

OUR TEACHING STAFF, for their endless dedication and hard work in support of student achievement and well-being, for their commitment, hard work, talents, and efforts in ensuring that our students are learning in a safe, caring, and inclusive Catholic environment, for the additional time and unending selfless efforts they dedicate to teaching and guiding their students.

OUR OFFICE STAFF, for always professionally addressing the daily needs of our students, families, and staff, for showing genuine care and concern when students get hurt, for answering many questions and concerns.

OUR CUSTODIAL STAFF, for their efforts to ensure that our school is safe, clean, and looking great.

OUR TRUSTEE OF THE BOARD, Mrs. Brea Corbet, and OUR SUPERINTENDENT, Mrs. Laura Odo, for their continued guidance and support.

OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL, for working tirelessly at providing valuable and positive enhancements for students and the school community.

OUR PARISH TEAM AND FATHER MARK, for their spiritual guidance and the celebrations that they share with us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Mr. Scicluna and Ms. Di Muzio

• Feb. 1 - Graduation Photos
  
• Feb. 1 - Term 2 Starts
• Feb. 1 - National Sweater Day
• Feb. 2 - Riverwood (5/6A & 5A)
• Feb. 2 - Virtue Assembly
• Feb. 8 - Winter Walk to School Day
• Feb. 9 – Riverwood (3A & 34A)
• Feb. 13 – Report Cards Sent Home
• Feb. 14 - Ash Wednesday
• Feb. 14 - Rosary
• Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Day
• Feb. 15 - Interview Night
• Feb. 15 - National Flag Day
• Feb. 16 - PD Day - Interview Day
• Feb. 19 - Family Day
• Feb. 28 - Pink Shirt Day

During the month of February, we will focus on the virtue of Respect. God wants us to treat all people with the respect they deserve.

A respectful person……

• sees God’ s presence in themselves and others
• uses a positive tone of voice and body language
• avoids gossip, swearing, name -calling, put- downs, and inappropriate gestures
• says ‘Excuse me’, ‘ Please’, ‘ Thank You’

We all deserve to be treated respectfully by others. However, in order to be respected, it is important to RESPECT ourselves. Everyone has a right to go to a school where they feel safe and included – without gossip, name - calling, and put- downs. We should expect to be treated with respect by everyone we meet – our brothers and sisters in Jesus. Mutual respect is the way we live in harmony with one another. Respect for others, their property, and the environment is our responsibility.

Let us now pray ... for the virtue of respect so that everyone we meet will feel like we are their brother or sister in Christ. AMEN.

• I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
• I always do my best
• I build on my strengths and weaknesses
• I set goals
• I accept change
• I am proud of the good things I do
• I am thankful for the gifts of others

Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus.

We are privileged to live in a city as diverse as the Greater Toronto Area. As Canadians, we welcome all opportunities to celebrate our differences and to learn more about each other. February is Black History Month and is acknowledged widely as a month devoted to the celebration of Black stories, contributions and achievements. "During Black History Month, people in Canada celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country" (Government of Canada). As a Catholic community, we are called to live in solidarity. Solidarity requires that we learn from, and about our families in Christ. While we commit to learning and teaching Black history in all months, February is a month we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.

During this month, we will take time to develop greater awareness and understanding about people from other cultures. During daily morning announcements we will read about a note-worthy Black individual who has helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who has made and continues to make enormous contributions to all sectors of society in Canada. Each class will attempt to identify the person, and then post it on the ‘Who Am I’ Padlet.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in a series of videos by Saidat. They will be captivated by interactive stories, engaging discussions, and vibrant exploration of key moments and iconic figures in Black Canadian history. From the courageous first Black settlers to contemporary allyship, Saidat's groundbreaking series promises an unforgettable experience beyond textbooks.

Thursday February 1st is National Sweater Day!

Our planet is getting hotter. National Sweater Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about climate change and energy conservation and show how together we can be a part of the solution!

Since 2010, more than a million Canadians have shown their support for limiting global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius by turning down their thermostats by the same amount (or more!) and wear their favourite sweater to stay warm.

The Eco Bears are challenging all staff and students to dress in their favourite and comfiest sweaters while we decrease the school temperature by 2°C. Come dressed in your favourite sweater. Maybe even show your Bears spirit with a Bernard sweater!

Families can also participate at home by turning down the thermostat and wearing your favourite sweaters.

Edge Imaging will be coming to St. Bernard of Clairvaux on Thursday, February 1.

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!

Kindergarten registration for the 2024-25 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.

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, 2024.

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.

First term report cards for students in Grades 1 - 8 and the FDK Communication of Learning will be sent home on Tuesday, Feb.13.

Gentle reminder: Parents/Guardians can also speak with special education, FSL, ESL and planning time teachers. Like Progress Reports, interviews will be booked on-line.

• Tuesday, February 13, 2024 ​ Reports Home
• Friday, February 15, 2024 ​ Reporting to Parents (Evening)
• Friday, February 16, 2024 ​ Reporting to Parents

Shrove Tuesday (February 13th) is the day before Lent starts. It is a day of penitence, to clean the soul and a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up, and of giving of ourselves more. Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods that are not allowed in Lent. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them. During Lent there are many foods that some Christians historically would not eat: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs and milky foods. So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on shriving Tuesday and eat up all the foods that would not last the forty days of Lent. The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name "Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday." Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house with just the addition of flour.

We will enter the season of Lent together on February 14th, with a school-wide liturgy. All are welcome to attend.

The Liturgical calendar continues to move forward, and we will soon begin the season of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period of fasting, penitence and sorrow, leading up to the feast of Easter, recalling Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time to turn to God in simplicity and sincerity, as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter. Our hearts feel heavy as we remember our sins, but we are also confident in God's mercy and forgiveness.

On Monday, February 19th, 2024 we will be celebrating Family day so there will be no school for students that day. We hope you enjoy your day with your family and loved ones.

Pink Shirt Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of February each

year. Pink shirts are worn to signify taking a stand against bullying,

homophobia and transphobia. The origin of Pink Shirt Day was

established in 2007 to recognize the experience of a student in

Nova Scotia who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. This day

commemorates the pursuit to combat bullying and all other forms of

oppression. The Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity, and Dignity of

the Human Person requires that we learn from, and about the lived

experiences of those within our community.

Must be ordered the Sunday before the week's order

• Parents are able to order lunches for Wednesdays.
• Your order will be delivered to the school.
• A parent volunteer will be in the foyer, and students will to pick up their lunch from them.
• If there is a Bus Cancellation in Zone 1 or schools are closed lunches will be cancelled (information below).
• This is not a school fundraiser and is being provided as a service to parents by our Catholic School Council.

• Please log into your SchoolCash Online account as you would normally to place an order using the correct URL for your district. https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Home/SignIn.
  
  
• Once you have logged into your SchoolCash Online account and your students are added you will need to repeat the steps below for each of your students
  
  
• Click on the items tab with your student's name on it, and you will see a box with a link to order:
• When you click on the Green Order Now button it will take you to the Lunchbox ordering platform.
• To complete your students profile please be sure that your phone number and any allergy information are noted and select ADD.
• You will see your student's name and an ORDER NOW button, which will take you to the ordering calendar to place your order.
  
  
• If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to reach schoollunch@kevgroup.com and they will be happy to assist.

We encourage families in our school community to contact the parish to inquire about registering for the sacraments. Please see the attached note from the church on sacramental preparation.

First Reconciliation Dates

The First Reconciliation celebration for our students will take place the week of February 19-23 from 4-6 p.m.

First Communion

First Communion for our students will be on Saturday, April 20 @ 10:30 a.m.

(w/St. Faustina)

Confirmation

Confessions prior to Confirmation April 15-19 (4-6 p.m.)

Confirmation is Tuesday, April 23 @ 6 p.m. (w/St. Faustina)

All sacramental preparations and celebrations will be at St. Josephine Bakhita Church. We thank Father Mark and his parish team for their continued support and generosity as we work to build our parish community.

'But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.'

Galatians 5:22

Thank you for continuing to follow our Kiss & Ride procedures and helping to keep everyone in our school community safe. Please see the following guidelines when using the Kiss & Ride program at St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

Please Do

• Children are to be dropped off or picked up, using the drop off lane between the hours of 8:30 - 8:45 am and 3:15 - 3:30 pm. Due to the high volume of cars, especially in the morning, and dependent on the weather, please consider arriving early.
• As cars enter the school driveway, please proceed in a slow and cautious manner, around the parking lot. The drop off and pick up lane is directly in front of the kindergarten yard. Students are not dropped off or picked up in front of the school. This lane is reserved for buses only.
• Please drive up to the very top of the kiss and ride lane to drop off and pick up your children to facilitate a steady flow of traffic.
• Children are to exit the car in a safe and careful manner with their backpacks ready to avoid a long wait time in the drop off lane. Children are to exit the vehicle on the right side of the car, onto the landing, for safety purposes and proceed to their door.
• Cars are to exit the driveway in a slow and cautious manner and must turn right in order to ease the flow of traffic.
• Cars may park in the parking lot in available spaces only.

Please Don't

• Cars are not to enter the Kiss & Ride drop-off lane with any speed - they must proceed in a very slow and cautious manner.
• Do not park or leave your vehicle unattended in the Kiss & Ride lanes.
• Cars are not to stop at the turn point of the driveway and let children out - this is a very dangerous and unsafe practice. It also causes a back log of cars.
• Please do not attempt to move into the drop-off lane from the drive thru lane.
• Under no circumstances are cars to access the bus lane or park in the bus lane; if you need to leave your car, please use the parking lot.
• Please do not double park your car in the parking lot. For the safety of all, please use empty parking spots, or park on the street.

We thank you for your continued support in making our kiss & ride a safe and effective process.

Please be reminded that this year, March Break will be from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15 inclusive. Students and staff will return to school on Monday, March 218.

Communication between home and school is greatly enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic School Council (CSC). All parents/guardians are encouraged to come to meetings and participate. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to promote the vision, values, sacramental life and Catholic practices of the school community it serves, and to advise the principal and the Board.

Meetings:

• Thursday, October 5 @ 6:15 p.m. (Elections and Meeting)
• Thursday, November 30 @ 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 4 @ 6:30 p.m.

School Council

• Chair - K. Romany
• Treasurer - J. Moody
• Volunteer Coordinator - Keri Fernandes
• Secretary - Cindy DeLio
• Parish Representative - A.M.
• OAPCE Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education Rep - K. Romany
• Teacher Representative (non-voting) - M. Lebrun
• Principal (non-voting) - R. Scicluna
• Community Rep - K. Rose

Winter Weather

• 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 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.

• Students should come dressed appropriately for the winter weather (hats, mitts, etc.). For health and safety reasons we must insist on indoor shoes. 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.

• 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.

• 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 also ask that your child have a pair of indoor shoes for classroom use, labeled with their name for easy identification (throughout the winter the lost and found box fills up with unidentified clothing). Many students forget to bring a separate pair of shoes, and they track snow and mud from the field into the classrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
  
  
• 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.

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

Bus Cancellations

If buses are cancelled in zone 1, St. Bernard of Clairvaux will remain open to students and staff.

During the winter months, inclement weather and/or poor road conditions may cause the disruption of bus transportation. There is no distribution of learning devices in anticipation of inclement weather-related bus cancellations.

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 who are 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 on which buses have been cancelled. As always, parents/guardians can contact their child’s teacher if they have any questions or require support using communication methods that have been established by the teacher.

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.

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
  
  

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.

For the past 25 years, the Rosary Apostolate has been creating a 'positive experience of prayer' which students enjoy and remember for years to come. Students never find praying the rosary boring because the goal of the Rosary Apostolate is to make 'praying the rosary' a truly 'inspiring' and interesting experience for students where they are provided time to reflect and ponder at every decade of the rosary. We are fortunate to have the Rosary Apostolate, which began visiting St. Bernard of Clairvaux on October 25.

Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. The expectations of Catholic graduates, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes, and actions.

Vision of the Learner - the graduate is expected to be:

A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.

An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.

A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.

A self-directed, responsible life-long learner who develops and demonstrates God-given potential.

A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.

A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.

A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

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.

On occasion, we are faced with difficult situation in which non-custodial parents arrive at school asking to visit with their child or take their child out of school. In order to assist us in making correct decisions in order to serve and protect each child, we ask that you make the office aware of any legal custody arrangements, visitation rights and special instructions that have been agreed upon. Please note that we require legal documentation of these arrangements, not a note from a parent.

In instances where your child is picked up early from school, we will verify that the person picking up the child is an authorized person for pick up. Photo identification will be required for individuals not on the authorized list, whom parents request a special pickup.

Please be aware that under provincial legislation, we are not permitted to discuss students with individuals other than their parents/legal guardians. This applies to disciplinary consequences as well.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux is an allergen aware school. We have a number of students in our school who have severe allergic, life-threatening reactions to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, any peanut/nut by-product and dairy products. As in the past, we are asking you to not put any child at risk, and therefore, are requesting that

• tree nuts
• peanuts
• peanut butter
• peanut oils
• any peanut/nut by-product

NOT be brought into the school. We ask that you read the labels of all food items sent to school. A letter will be sent home which will address this issue for each particular class.

We are asking parents/guardians NOT to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you wish to send something, please consider non-food alternatives such as stickers, pencils, etc. We thank you for your continued understanding and support for the safety of all of our students.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux continues to participate in 'We Share the Air,' a scent sensitivity awareness campaign. There are students in attendance who suffer from life-threatening asthmatic conditions to air pollutants. Exposure even to minimal odours may cause potential life-threatening reactions.

Very common severe chemical triggers are: perfume, cologne, scented products and personal care products (such as hairspray). These products may cause severe reactions for students. The safety and well-being of all of our students is a priority.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, we request that our school community refrain from wearing scented personal products complying with our Scent Free Zone Campaign at school and all school events.

If you have any questions, please talk to your child's teacher or other school staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting a safe learning environment for all students.

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. Please see the office or link below for the necessary form to be filled out.

A reminder that children are not permitted to keep any medication in their desk, backpack or classroom (with the exception of an epi-pen or puffer). All dispensing of medication requires medical permission and must be stored in the office. Please see Ms. Laporte for further information

This program offers a free MedicAlert membership to students who attend school and are between the ages of 4 to 14. If your child has a medical condition, allergy or is required to take medication on a regular basis, then please consider a Medic Alert membership through this program.

For further information, please see the link provided. If your child is already part of the program but his/her medical condition or contact information has changed, call 1-866-679-3220.

Please examine the student insurance information sent to you. Please check the acknowledgement receipt of this brochure on the Physical Education form being sent home by your child's teacher. In addition, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school activities.

You may purchase coverage for your child using the link provided below or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-5437.

STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) provides bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Please access the website (link below) for up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the STOPR website or call them at 905-890-6000.

Bus tags for all eligible students have been distributed. Students in FDK and grade 1 must have a tag to ride the bus. If you are eligible for busing but do not require it, please fill out and return the form sent home by your child's teacher.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after a head injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

All students who have had a jarring hit to the head, face, neck or elsewhere (either observed or reported), will go through concussion protocol screening. A call will be made to parents/guardians and students will go home with a pamphlet and a signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion form.

We also ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if your child sustains a concussion. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the office.

NEW this year, all students/parents/guardians must fill out and sign a concussion attestation form. These forms will be sent home by your child's teacher and must be filled and out returned. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

A gentle safety reminder to all students that bikes, scooters and rollerblades are to be walked/removed while on school property. The school does have bike racks to lock up bikes, however, we do not have the facilities to store or secure rollerblades or scooters. There is an added risk of damage or theft and, therefore, they are not encouraged to be brought to school. St. Bernard of Clairvaux is not responsible for these items. Your cooperation is appreciated.

We are required to conduct three fire drills in the fall and three in the spring. We are also required to practice two lock down drills and one shelter in place drill during the year.

Fire drills involve students evacuating the school in a single file and assembling on the field away from the school. Teachers take attendance, all student locations are verified and the class waits for further direction. Lock down drills involve students moving away from the classroom door to a location within the classroom away from windows. Lights are turned off and the doors are locked. Shelter in place drills involve a response to an environmental or weather related situation.

These practices are to ensure that students and staff are prepared in case of emergency. We will be having our first fire drill and lockdown procedure drill later this month.

Peel Public Health has recommended daily screening and to stay home when students are feeling sick. Students who are ill should be kept at home where they are most comfortable and can get better sooner. A child who is too ill to go out for recess is too ill to be at school. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please be informed that we have the YMCA providing child care before and after school. For details you may contact the YMCA program directly at 647-267-2400.

Sacramental Coordinator - Cecilia Vaz

Mass Schedule:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

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

Monday, Wednesday, Friday Mass 7:00 pm

Tuesday, Thursday Mass 7:30 am

Saturday Mass 9:00 am

Email: stjosephinebakhitami@archtoronto.org
Location: 3200 Thomas Street, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905.826.1143

As we begin a new school year, we continue to have the opportunity to be a part of a successful Ontario Eco Schools Program. The program aims to develop environment education and action within our community. Last year we were excited to obtain Gold level status, which reflects the tremendous dedication and enthusiasm of our school. We are looking forward to another amazing year.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Back to School

Reusable Water Bottles - Avoid all of the wasteful plastic and pollution that is created from single use plastic water bottles. We have filtered water stations on both floors of the school that students have access to in order to refill their water bottles as needed. Help us turn our thrown-away culture into a culture of conservation.

Active and Safe Routes to School - It is encouraged that if you live close enough, and are able to, consider walking with your child to school or allowing your child to ride a bike to and from school by following the Walk to School Route signs posted in the neighbourhood. This will encourage healthy and active living for all.

Paper Usage - Consider implementing a GOOS (Good On One Side) bin in your home to ensure that paper is used on both sides. Check notebooks from last year to see if they contain empty pages and can be used again.

Idle Free Zone - If you will be driving your child to and from school, please keep in mind that idling cars are harmful to the lungs of our students and our planet. Please turn off your car while waiting. Help us keep our air clean.

We will keep you informed over the course of the year as initiatives are being implemented and update you on our progress. Go green!

Are you interested in volunteering at St. Bernard of Clairvaux?

Our volunteers support programs and activities at the school. We appreciate and rely on volunteers who can devote a small portion of their time to help. Please pick up a volunteer form and a Criminal Reference Check form at the school office.

Adults who volunteer in schools and for school trips are required to have completed a Criminal Reference Check and/or declaration form. Once the form is completed, you are able to volunteer. We look forward to working with you for the betterment and support of all students.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.