St Richard Community Newsletter

Principal: T. Brancalion

Head Secretary: G. Falotico

Superintendent of Schools: Laura Odo (905)-890-1221

Trustee: Brea Corbet (905)-301-9373

Parish: St. John of the Cross Parish (905) 821-1331

Email: RICHAInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: https://www.dpcdsb.org/richa
Location: 7270 Copenhagen Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-826-5572
Twitter: @StRichardDPCDSB

'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

St John of the Cross Parish Info

Pastoral Letter from the Most Rev. Francis Leo

Archbishop Francis Leo has released a Pastoral Letter to the Church of God in the Archdiocese of Toronto, entitled, “Seeking The Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”.

This significant reflection from our spiritual shepherd is intended to offer a theological, spiritual, and pastoral meditation as we embark upon a New Year and our collective efforts to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God throughout our archdiocese.

Link to the letter: https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/news/archdiocesan/pastoral-letter-from-the-most-rev.-francis-leo/

First Communion Masses

Saturday April 13, 2024 10:30am @ Church

Sunday, April 14, 2024 2:00pm @ Church

Saturday, April 20, 2024 10:30am @ Church

Sunday, April 21, 2024 2:00pm @ Church

Confirmation Dates-Celebrant Fr. Joyson George

Tuesday, April 9th 2024 @ 7pm

Thursday, April 11th 2024 @ 7pm

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 @7pm

2023 Tax Receipts

2023 tax receipts are now available at the Parish office

Free Income Tax Filings

Free income tax preparation for low income individuals is offered by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), coordinated by the Canada Revenue Agency

Contact the parish office to check eligibility and to book a 30 min appointment on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm during the months of March & April

Tax preparations can be done in-person or by telephone interview. Let the accountant know when they call you to confirm your schedule.

Please contact Muriel Haney at muriel1066@bell.net for more information

Parish Women's Group Spiritual Study

The Parish Women's Group will be having a spiritual adventure study on Catholic morality for all the ladies in the parish

An 8-week adventure study every Tuesday starting April 2nd at 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Study material is $35. Please contact the parish office for registration details

1st Friday Holy Mass

1st Friday of the month Holy Mass followed by Adoration and Benediction

Friday April 5th at 9:00am and 7:00pm in the Church

Fr. Felix's Installation at St. Martin of Tours Parish

Fr. Biju (Felix) Antony O.Carm. will be formally installed as Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish

Saturday April 6th at 5:00pm Holy Mass at St. Martin of Tours Parish

Congratulations Fr. Felix!

Divine Mercy Sunday prayer service

The Parish Prayer Group invites you to their Divine Mercy Sunday prayer service

Sunday April 7th at 2:45pm for Exposition & Benediction, 3:00pm for Divine Mercy Chaplet, 4:00pm for Sunday Holy Mass

Pope Francis' Easter Message

To read Pope Francis' Easter message please visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/20230409-urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html

Core Pro-life Response

Right to Life Mississauga & Area will be hosting it’s 2024 Youth Event where students will hear from expert speakers and women who have been on both sides of difficult life decisions.

Saturday April 13th from 10:00am to 2:30pm at St. Mary's Church in Brampton. Lunch will be provided.

Register here: https://trtl.ca/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=150

Talk on the Virtue of Prudence

The Parish Prayer Group invites you to an evening of gathering, fellowship, and a talk on the virtue of Prudence by Fr. Anish Alex

Friday April 19th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Nessinger Hall

Register here: https://forms.gle/otK9aXqE8npomvJj8

Prime Time Club: Snacks & Game Night

The Prime Time Club is inviting everyone 55 years and above to a Snacks & Games Night

Friday April 26th

Please contact ptcsjoc@archtoronto.org for more details

Parish Women's Group: Bake Sale

The Parish Women’s Group is having a bake sale next weekend and auction of beautiful religious statues

Saturday April 27th and Sunday April 28th after all masses

All of the proceeds will go towards the upgrade of the Paschal Candle Stand in the sanctuary

Bereavement Grief Sessions

The Parish invites you to bereavement sessions. The loss does not have to be current if you have never healed that grief.

6 week session starting Tuesday May 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Seminar Room

Please contact Muriel Haney at muriel1066@bell.net for more information

Women's Retreat: Save the Date

The Parish Women's Group is organizing a women's retreat

Saturday May18th from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Details to follow.

Cross Camp: Registration is now open

SJOC Parish will be holding its annual Cross Camp this summer for children entering grades 1 to 6 in September

Weeks of July 15th to 19th and July 22nd to 26th. The camp runs daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm during these weeks.

Camp registration is $150 per child per week. Discounts are available for siblings who register together and for those who attend both weeks.

Registration is now open. Forms may be picked up from the parish office and returned once completed.

Catholic School Council 2023-2024

Our Catholic School Council met for our first meeting on Wednesday, September 20th 2023.

Welcome to our new members.

Neisma Peredo Chair

Magda Kaniewski Co-Chair

Renata Bieniek Treasurer

Lynn Rockett Secretary

David Randall Parish Representative

Cynthia Sudeyko Voting Member

Stephanie Giorgio Voting Member

Michael Freeze Voting Member

Milena Piasentin Voting Member

Please see below for our 2023-2024 Meeting Dates:

Wednesday, January 17th @ 6:30

Monday, February 12th @ 6:30

Wednesday, April 24th @ 6:30

Wednesday, May 8th @ 6:30

Please note all meetings will be hybrid. You can request the link the week before each meeting if you choose to join virtually

Easter Monday is on April 1st. School will be closed.

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2022. Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world come together on April 2nd, Autism Awareness Day, to Light it Up Blue in recognition of People with Autism and those that love and support them

Students are encouraged to wear blue on that date to help us spread kindness and autism awareness!

Our Intermediates are going to Teen Ranch for an extended day trip. They will have the opportunity to go Horseback Riding, Learn Archery and other Outdoor Activities.

Just a reminder that Monday, April 8th is a PA Day. There will be no school for students that day.

Our Grade 8's will have their grad photos taken on April 18th

Onkwehonwe Games - Lacrosse and Mohawk Culture

Dallas (Turtle Clan, Six Nations) and I have been visiting schools (about 45 so far) this year and last. Dallas runs Onkwehonwe Games. They come to our school and run sessions for grades 4-8. Each session is approximately 40-45 mins. Dallas speaks about Mohawk culture and then students play some Mohawk Games and they finish off with Lacrosse. They teach students the basics in terms of passing, catching and loose ball skills. This is a great opportunity for schools in our board as Dallas is from Six Nations, a local community, and provides enriching education regarding local Indigenous peoples. He provides a great mix of culture and games.

Our Grade 6 students have been given an incredible opportunity to go to Albion Hills for 3 days to participate in The Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow Program.

Our Dance Team will be participating in a Dance Showcase at Iona.

Our Catholic School Council was able to raise over $4000 with the sales from the Chocolate Fundraiser.

Congratulations to all of our Chocolate Fundraiser winners!

The classes that had the most participation in each division are:

In kindergarten-Mrs Lecky

In Primary - Mrs Cassells and Mrs Malisons

In Junior - Mrs Pereria

In Intermediate - Mrs Jordan.

Congratulations on winning the tuck shop party.

Teachers please contact Ms Branclion to let her know what time is best for your party tomorrow.

Everyone who bought more than 1 box of chocolates also had their name added to a draw with the chance to win a $25 gift card for Amazon. The winner of the gift card is Rebecca from Mrs. Jordan’s class.

Places 2 through 6 will receive a $10 Gift card for Tim Hortons and a $5 gift card for Kernels.

In 6th place we have Ava in Mrs Everson’s class

In 5th Place we have Serena in Mrs Tannus’ Class

In 4th place we have Sophia in Mrs Christy’s class

Tied for 2nd and 3rd place we have Max in Mrs Pereira’s class and Emma in Mrs Cassells class

First Place won the Nintendo Switch

Our first place winner is Zayah from Mrs. Malison's class. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who participated the chocolate fundraiser it was a huge success!!

Please see flyers below from Catholic Charities. ShareLife works with these charities as they send over the funding to them, and they allocate the funds to the agencies that ShareLife supports. Every year Catholic Charities have a number of scholarships and community awards available to students.

Dear Lisgar Neigbours,

Please join us for our annual park cleanup. Please everyone help us keep Lisgar clean, safe & beautiful!

Date: Saturday May 11, 2024

Time: 10am to 12pm (noon)

Please choose from the four locations listed in the flyer at 10am.

1. Stonewood Park

(Meet near the parking lot off Sandhurst)

2. Trelawny Woods

(Doug Leavens & Trelawny Circle)

3. Tennis Courts

(Doug Leavens Blvd)

4. Osprey Marsh

(Entrance at Osprey Blvd at the flashing light crosswalk)

* FINISH at Basketball Courts next to Lisgar Middle School for a group photograph at 12 pm (noon)

This is a great opportunity for students to get volunteer community hours

*HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PLEASE remember to bring your community volunteer

paperwork to be signed by us.

We will be at each location to provide garbage bags.

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Brathwaite and Ms. Rocha will be running tuck shop every Tuesday and Friday starting Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

This fundraising initiative is to raise money for various activities for our students throughout the year. (Guest Speakers, Technology, and to off set costs for our graduating class of 2024).

• Tuck Shop: Over the next 6 months Gr Ms. Brathwaite and Ms. Rocha will run a tuck shop for students from Kindergarten to 8 before lunch recess every Tuesday and Friday.
• $2 Various Chips (Lays Regular, Cheetos, Doritos, All Dressed, and Ketchup, Crunchy Cheetos, Pringles)
• $2 Garden Veggie Straws
• $2 popcorn (sweet & Salty, White Cheddar, Butter and Salt)
• $2 Terra Cotta Cookies (Chocolate chip and Vanilla
• $2 Oatmeal Chocolate chip Bear Paws
• $2 Breton Veggie Crackers
• $1 Pretzel Sticks
• $1Goldfish Crackers
• $1 Organic Apple Sauce Pouches
• $1 Rice Krispies
• $1 Welch's Fruit Gummies
• $1 Sour keys

If your child has any food restrictions and you do not want them to participate please contact their teacher directly to let them know.

The Terra Cotta cookies do have a vegan and gluten free option available. Please let your child's teacher know if you would prefer they purchase either of those options instead.

Ingredients for all Terra Cotta Cookies

Fudge Chip DeLite

Ingredients:

Enriched wheat flour, brown sugar, sugar, liquid whole egg, soybean and modified palm oil margarine, semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), unsweetened applesauce (apples, ascorbic acid), cocoa, soluble vegetable fiber (corn), baking soda.

Contains: wheat, soy, egg.

Catholic Chip DeLite

Enriched wheat flour, brown sugar, sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), liquid whole egg, soybean and modified palm oil margarine, unsweetened applesauce (apples, ascorbic acid), soluble vegetable fiber (corn) baking soda.

Contains wheat, soy, egg.
May contain milk.

Vanilla Snowman

Ingredients:

Enriched wheat flour, soybean and modified palm oil margarine, sugar, liquid whole egg, soluble vegetable fiber (corn), rainbow sprinkles (icing sugar, fractionated palm kernel oil, corn starch, glucose, soy lecithin, colour, gum arabic, carnauba wax), natural flavour.

Contains wheat, soy, egg.

Vanilla Heart Cookies

Ingredients:

Enriched wheat flour, soybean and modified palm oil margarine, sugar, liquid whole egg, soluble vegetable fiber (corn), colour, natural flavour.

Contains wheat, soy, egg.

Vegan Chocolate Chip

Ingredients:

Enriched wheat flour, brown sugar, sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, anhydrous dextrose, soya lecithin, vanilla extract), water, soybean and palm oil margarine, unsweetened applesauce, milled flaxseed, soluble vegetable fiber (corn), baking soda.

Contains: Wheat & Soy

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip

Brown sugar, soybean and modified palm oil margarine, semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), rice flour, liquid whole egg, soy flour, cassava starch, vanilla extract, baking soda, xanthan gum.

Contains: soy, egg.

Pizza Days are Back!

We are excited to let you know that pizza will also be available for purchase on pizza days. The cost of the pizza will be $2.50. Please try to send exact change with your child.

January

16, 18, 23, 25, 30

February

1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

March

5, 7, 19, 21, 26, 28

April

2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30

May

2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

June

4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20

The Lunch Lady school lunch program is coming to St Richard on Wednesday's starting October 4th!

Please see the link below to set up an account. You will need to enter your child's name and select your child's teacher information as a part of your account information.

Lunch options include kid favourites such as pasta, burgers, grilled cheese, shepherd's pie, as well as many "breakfast for lunch", vegetarian, gluten free and halal options. There's even a specialized "Little Lunches" menu for our younger students to enjoy!

You can place or cancel your order by 8 am on the delivery date.

Once you create an account you can order every week or only for the days that suit your schedule.

Lunch Lady Every Wednesday!

The Lunch Lady school lunch program is coming to St Richard on Wednesday's starting October 4th!

Please see the link below to set up an account. You will need to enter your child's name and select your child's teacher information as a part of your account information.

Lunch options include kid favourites such as pasta, burgers, grilled cheese, shepherd's pie, as well as many "breakfast for lunch", vegetarian, gluten free and halal options. There's even a specialized "Little Lunches" menu for our younger students to enjoy!

You can place or cancel your order by 8 am on the delivery date.

Once you create an account you can order every week or only for the days that suit your schedule.

https://order.lunchlady.ca/Security/Registration

We are excited to share that we will be offering Sub sandwiches and Harvey's Burgers on alternating Fridays. Huge Thank you to our Catholic School Council for organizing!!

Harvey's Burger

January 19th

February 2nd

February 23rd

March 8th

Mr. Sub

January 12th

January 26th

February 9th

March 1st

March 22nd

The safety of our students, staff and visitors remains our number one priority. The following policies will be implemented to ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors

Please review the following Kiss and Ride Safety Expectations:

• Keep traffic flowing. Proceed as far to the stop sign as possible before stopping your vehicle.
• Have your child exit from the right side (passenger doors) of your vehicle.
• NO PARKING in Kiss and Ride.
• If you wish to wait and see your child enter the school, park in the designated areas and wait in the designated pick-up/drop off locations.
• DO NOT stop or park in Bus Lane (side of the school).
• The same expectations apply during rain/snow. Do not stop or drop your children off at the side of the school. This is a Bus Lane only.

Build your math skills and confidence with a personalized math coach. Tutors are available online Mondays-Fridays from 9am to 9pm ET and Sundays from 3:00pm to 9pm ET.

https://www.tvomathify.com/students

Please note that there are children who have allergies to animal hair, and who have a fear of dogs. In order to prevent a potential concern for our students, please do not bring your dog onto school property during school hours. Thank you for your continued cooperation

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 will be 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. The required authorization forms and the medication shall be delivered to the principal or designated person by the parents/guardians. 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).

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated if there is a change to the medication for any student who requires medication to be administered at school. Forms are available at the school office or from your child’s teacher. Please check and note expiry dates on all medication.

When a student receives an injury to the head, it is Board Policy that we inform parents. We will attempt to reach you even when it is a minor injury. Please try not to be too alarmed should you receive a call. Please remind your child to let a staff member know immediately, if they are hurt at school.

As per the Ministry of Education direction, our Board has a Concussion Protocol in place. ALL students who sustain a head injury during the school day, however minor, will receive a Concussions Are Serious pamphlet and accompanying paperwork 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 when your son/daughter sustains a concussion because of a school incident or because of an activity outside of school. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the Main Office. Your cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.

When a student receives an injury to the head, it is Board Policy that we inform parents. We will attempt to reach you even when it is a minor injury. Please try not to be too alarmed should you receive a call. Please remind your child to let a staff member know immediately, if they are hurt at school.

As per the Ministry of Education direction, our Board has a Concussion Protocol in place. ALL students who sustain a head injury during the school day, however minor, will receive a Concussions Are Serious pamphlet and accompanying paperwork 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 when your son/daughter sustains a concussion because of a school incident or because of an activity outside of school. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the Main Office. Your cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has the following policy regarding Personal Electronic Devices in place for all schools.

The Board recognizes the importance of the use of PED’s by students at school and the benefits in their classroom. As part of our policy, students may bring their own device (B.Y.O.D.) for learning purposes. As part of our efforts to promote and maintain a positive Catholic climate in our schools, all PEDs must be kept out of sight, turned off, and not used within school premises or during school-sanctioned activities; unless the classroom teacher grants specific permission for use.

This policy applies to field trips, retreats, sporting events, etc. as well as daily classroom activities. Personal Electronic devices (PEDs) include, but are not limited to cell phones, iPods, iPads, cameras, ...

Please note that it is optional for students to bring their devices to school and it is their responsibility to follow the school and Board policies set out in the “Personal Electronic Device used with Wi-Fi Network Student Agreement.”

Please see pdf below for information from stopr