St Richard Community Newsletter
January 2024
St Richard Info
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
Virtue of the Month: Self Control
God wants us to do what we know and feel is right.
Self-control helps us to resist the temptation to do something that we will regret. It also helps us to resist the temptation to do something that will harm ourselves or others. Each time you exercise self-control you grow stronger in the Lord and invite peace to settle over life as you avoid any guilt you may feel from having made a poor decision. Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control. (Prov. 25:28)
A person with self-control…
- Has a positive, confident sense of self and others
- Adapts to situations in light of the common good
- Thinks reflectively to solve problems
- Applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving & resource management skills
- Reflects on personal values, abilities and aspirations
- Participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Catholic School Council
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 10th @ 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
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 Registration Meetings
Sunday, January 21, 2024 7:00pm @ Church
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 7:00pm @ Church
Enrolment Ceremony (All Masses)
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Sunday , January 28, 2024
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Ash Wednesday February 14, 2024
Easter Sunday March 31, 2024
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
5 Classes/Sessions 9am-12 Noon (Saturdays only)
November 11th and November 25th 2023
December 9th 2023
January 20th 2024
February 10th 2024
Confirmation Retreat Saturday 9am-12:00
February 24, 2024 and March 2, 2024
Confirmation Dates-Celebrant Fr. Joyson George
Tuesday, April 9th 2024 @ 7pm
Thursday, April 11th 2024 @ 7pm
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 @7pm
Bereavement Grief Sessions
The Parish invites you to bereavement sessions
6 week session starting Monday January 8th at 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Parish
Please contact Muriel Haney at muriel1066@bell.net for more information
Parish Bible Study
The Parish invites you to a Bible study on the Gospel of John
8 week study starting Tuesday January 16th at 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Nessinger Hall
Registration fee is $35.00 for the workbook
Parish Family Bowling Night
The Parish Women’s Group invites all parishioners and friends for an evening of bowling, pizza, and fun
Friday January 26th at 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Planet Bowl on 5555 Eglinton Ave. W. in Etobicoke
Tickets are $35 per person for individual registration or $30 per person for a group of 3 or more.
Please contact the parish office at 905-821-1331 to signup
Knight of Hearts Valentine Dinner & Dance
The Knights of Columbus invites you to their annual Knight of Hearts Valentine Dinner & Dance
Saturday February 10th at 6:00pm to midnight at Apollo Convention Centre on 6591 Innovator Dr. in Mississauga
Tickets are $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10 if purchased before January 29th.
Please see attached flyer for details and contact info. Click here to order tickets.
See flyer below for more information.
Marriage Sunday
Archbishop Francis Leo will preside at a special Mass to honour married couples, with special recognition for those celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, & 60+ wedding anniversaries in 2024
Sunday February 11th at 3:00pm
Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries are encouraged to register via email formation@archtoronto.org or call 416.934.3400 x 523
Mary Matthews Public Speaking Contest
The Catholic Women's League invites all students in grades 7 and 8 to participate in their annual public speaking contest
Saturday February 17th at 10:00am to 2:00pm in the Nessinger Hall
Please contact Thelma at 647-784-9932 for more information
Altar Server Award Recipients
Congratulations to the five SJOC Altar Servers who recently received the Bishop's Altar Server Award including St. Richard's own Liam Randall (Grade 7)
Please contact the parish office at 905-821-1331 to signup
Please email sjocrosscwl@archtoronto.org for tickets and info
Tuck Shop every Tuesday and Friday at St Richard Catholic Elementary School
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 Thursday.
- $2 Various Chips (Lays Regular, Cheetos, Doritos, All Dressed, and Ketchup)
- $2 Garden Veggie Straws
- $2 popcorn (sweet & Salty, White Cheddar, Butter and Salt)
- $2 Terra Cotta Cookies (Chocolate chip and Vanilla)
- $1 Pretzel Sticks
- $1Goldfish Crackers
- $1 Organic Apple Sauce Pouches
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.
Grades 2-8 Eco Waste management Workshops Friday, January 23rd
Please see link below for more information about the workshops.https://ecosource.ca/waste-workshops/
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 – Bell Let’s Talk Day
Bell Let’s Talk Day is for all people in Canada to join in a conversation about mental health to reduce stigma. Let’s create positive change! Please join us this Bell Let’s Talk Day by showing your support for all those who live with mental illness and all those taking action to help them. Schools are welcome to raise awareness about local community resources to support mental wellness and help-seeking.
Please wear Blue to show your support.
Winter Fun Safety Expectations
SNOW Safety Expectations
Now that the snow is here it is important to remind students that St. Richard has a strict rule of forbidding the throwing of snowballs and kicking of snow. Every student has been made aware of the importance of this rule in the preventing of injury to others.
S Snow stays on the ground
NO No standing, sitting, sliding down hills
W Winter wonder: building snow angels, snow people, snow forts!
Please review our Snow Safety Expectations with your children. Thank you for your support.
Cold Weather is Here!
Inclement Weather Reminders
Our winter season is here! At this time we would like to remind all students to dress appropriately for the season by wearing the proper winter attire which should include hats, gloves/mitts, winter coats and boots. When students are dressed properly for the winter conditions, they can go outside and enjoy some fresh air and activity in comfort. There will be a few times during the course of the year where a recess may be shortened or held indoors due to extreme cold temperatures. Our school board policy states that although consideration should be given for keeping students indoors during recesses when the wind chill reaches -20C, students are to be kept indoors during recesses when the wind chill reaches -22C.
In the colder weather, we receive numerous requests to allow children to remain indoors when students have a cold, the flu, etc. Please note that we cannot comply as we neither have the facilities nor the staff to supervise these students. Moreover, the health officials indicate that the fresh air is good for children, and not harmful as long as they are dressed appropriately.
Cold Weather Guidelines
According to Environment Canada, temperatures will dip to -18 C Tuesday, with the wind chill, and plummet again to near -30 C on Wednesday.
Following recommendations from Peel Health, the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board implemented cold-weather guidelines created to prevent students from suffering frostbite or other injuries caused by extreme cold.
Under the guidelines, applied to protect the board’s younger kindergarten to Grade 8 students, schools are advised to reduce the amount of time kids spend outdoors when the temperature hits -20 C or colder, with or without the wind chill.
When the thermometer falls to -25 C and lower, schools will typically keep recess and other activities indoors.
Pizza Days are Back!
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
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.
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.
Subs and Harvey's at St Richard!
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
Kiss and Ride Etiquette
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.
TVO Mathify Free Math Tutoring for grades 4-12 with Certified Teachers
MEDICAL ALERT– Sabrina’s Law (Anaphylaxis)
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.
Asthma Friendly School Ryan's Law
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.
Distribution and Storage of Medication
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).
Head Injury Policy
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 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.
Policy on cell phone and personal electronic devices
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.”
