
St. Veronica Catholic School
Newsletter for December 2019
St. Veronica Catholic School
680 Novo Star Drive,
Mississauga, Ontario
L5W 1C7
www3.dpcdsb.org/veron
905.696.6980 phone
905.696.6982 fax
905.696.6980-1 attendance line
Principal: K. Kovacs
Vice Principal: S. Salameh
Head Secretary: L. Magi
Pastor Fr. Cherickal
Superintendent: W. Brunton
Trustees: L. del Rosario (Ward 6 & 11), T. Thomas (Ward 5)
Follow us on Twitter:
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision begins in school yard: 8:15
Entry: 8:30
Recess: 10:35—10:50
Lunch: 11:30—12:30
(students will be eating at 11:30)
Recess: 1:55—2:10
Dismissal: 3:00
HOME OF THE VIPERS!
ADVENT PRAYER
Lord, people waited thousands of years for the Savior.
Sometimes it feels that long when we wait for something.
Help us wait patiently this Advent for the gift of your Son.
Thank you for sending baby Jesus to light our world.
May we be a light to others this Advent.
We ask this through Jesus, the light of the world.
AMEN
Administrators' Message
Advent began on Sunday, December 1st. It is a period of simple living and extra prayer. It is a time to prepare for a new coming of Jesus, our Saviour. Advent means “coming”, a time when we remember Jesus’ first coming, and prepare our hearts for a new coming. Jesus is a loving and peaceful Saviour. He calls his followers to make the whole world loving and peaceful. During Advent, we prepare our homes and our lives for Jesus, the King of Glory and the Prince of Peace. Advent is also a time to re-evaluate our priorities, to “wake up” and to walk with God. Advent is not only a time for meditation and prayer, but also a time for active service towards those who are poor in body and poor in spirit. It is a time to set aside differences and unite in peace and love. Advent beckons us to go beyond our own misgivings and to reach out to those less fortunate. Like the shepherds, let us show we love Jesus by our efforts to be with Him. Like the Wise Men, let us not keep our wealth to ourselves but rather share it among those who have little. Like the little drummer boy; let us shout to the world, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”
God Bless,
K. Kovacs
Principal
S. Salameh
Vice Principal
Our Virtue for December (Hope)
SAFE SCHOOLS INITIATIVES
KISS & RIDE
Our Kiss and Ride is located on the west side of our school. There are two lanes: The Kiss and Ride lane ( closest to the sidewalk) is to be used when dropping off your child(ren). We kindly ask that you follow the direction of the two staff on duty. You will be asked to move up to the front of the lane before children are let out. ONLY KINDERGARTEN parents are allowed to exit their vehicle to assist in removing their child(ren) from car seats. Staff will escort students to Kinderyard. NO PARENT SHOULD BE LEAVING THEIR VEHICLES UNATTENDED.
The Drive Thru lane is NOT for stopping or parking. We kindly ask that you park your car in our parking lot and walk your child to the school yard, ensuring that your child is never allowed to cross through the parking lot and/or kiss and ride alone. Please be aware of the stop sign at the end of the drive-thru lane. Please come to a full stop before the crosswalk.
The front of the school is designated for our 5 school busses. Children should NOT be dropped off at the front of the school—unless you are late. Parents, please ensure that you do NOT park your vehicles in front of the school if you are coming into the building. The City of Mississauga Parking Enforcement will issue a ticket for cars parked and unattended in the KISS and RIDE lanes or at the front of the school.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
For safety reasons we are reminding the school community that all visitors must report to the office and sign in. The sign-in book is located in the office. Please do not go into the school yard or to your child’s classroom without signing in first and receiving approval. Remember, to your child you are a parent; to the other students, you are a stranger. Students must sign in and out when they are late arriving to school in the morning or afternoon and they must have a note from parents asking the school to dismiss them early for appointments. No student is to be dismissed directly from the classroom or picked up at the classroom by parents/guardians. All must come to the office to sign in/out.
RECESS BREAKS
Recess breaks serve a special purpose in the daily life of a school. Students are expected to go outside for fresh air and exercise. If your child is sick, he or she should be at home recuperating and not spreading their flu or cold virus throughout the classroom. Remember, there is no indoor supervision at recess.
INDOOR SHOES
All students are requested to have indoor shoes at school. Outdoor shoes are not allowed into the classroom, in order to keep the children’s work environment clean. In the event of sudden evacuation, students will not have time to put their outdoor shoes on to leave the school, as this impedes the timely and efficient evacuation protocol.
COLD 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.It is generally accepted that when the wind chill factor drops below –25 C, students should not go outside for recess. Dufferin-Peel CDSB policy uses a wind chill factor of –25 C as the determining temperature. With the arrival of colder weather, students are reminded to dress appropriately (hats, mitts, etc.) and to wear all clothing that they came to school in. For health reasons, we ask that students have indoor shoes that are kept at school. Another reason for indoor shoes is that in the event of an emergency evacuation, students will not have the opportunity to put boots on. Please make sure clothing is labeled—this will help in the return of lost items.
ALLERGEN AWARE SCHOOL
There are pupils in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as peanut and nut products. Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions. Please avoid sending lunches or snacks that contain nut products. For class celebrations such as birthdays, Christmas & Valentine’s, please send non-edible treats if you are providing something. Thank you for your assistance.
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION
School staff cannot dispense medication of any kind without the proper authorization and a properly labeled container, (i.e. prescription bottle or original over-the-counter container). Medication brought to school in baggies, film canisters, etc. pose a risk to other students and will be secured in the office and returned to the parent. Staff cannot modify or adjust any medication under any circumstances. Additionally, staff cannot medicate a child. Therefore the child must be able to take the medicine as prescribed on their own with staff supervision. Please drop by the office for an Authorization Form before your child brings medication to school.
WE SHARE THE AIR “RYAN’S LAW”
As we begin a new school year, we would like to inform you that St. Veronica School 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. We appreciate your cooperation in supporting a safe learning environment for all students.
CONCUSSIONS
Concussions are brain injuries caused by excessive, rapid movement of the brain inside the skull. This movement causes damage that changes how brain cells function, leading to symptoms that can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (problems remembering or concentrating), or emotional (feeling depressed).
A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body in any number of activities including receiving a check in hockey, falling from a jungle gym, or slipping on an icy sidewalk. All head injuries can be difficult to diagnose, however, a concussion is the most difficult head injury to diagnose. Brain scans do not always determine if a concussion exists.
The school calls parents whenever a child has hit their head. It is important that parents also keep the school informed if their child has had a head injury during an extra curricular activity. The school will work with the family to set up a plan (in line with the Board’s protocol) to assist the student through the 5 phases of Return to Learn and Return to Play.
AROUND THE HALLS
VIPERS IN Action
INTERMEDIATE VOLLEYBALL
Our Intermediate Boys Volleyball Team represented St. Veronica at the POD of schools tournament on Nov. 22nd @ St. Gregory. Although they did not advance beyond that tournament, they displayed great team spirit and determination. Mr. Leclair and the school community are proud of your efforts!
remembrance day
Thank you to our YFA’s for their remarkable performance in our Remembrance Day liturgy and presentation. The St. Veronica community had the opportunity to offer our gratitude and respect to our veterans, peace-keepers and God for the gifts of freedom and democracy.
bullying awareness and prevention week
Tuesday: Appreciate and Respect Others’ Differences
· Class Activity: Write/draw a picture for a student in the class (anonymously)
· Spirit Wear: Show your Culture Day (Wear the flag colours of, or clothing from your culture)
Wednesday: Showing Kindness and Compassion
· Class Activity: Motivational Quote (Each Class will receive a puzzle piece to write a motivational quote about kindness. Each class is responsible for decorating their puzzle piece as it will be displayed.)
· Spirit Wear: Class Colour Day (Each class chooses their own colour to demonstrated unity)
Thursday: Practice Being Non-Judgmental
· Class Activity: Anti-Bullying Story Read-Aloud
· Spirit Wear: Wacky Hair
Friday: Give Bullying a Rest and Practice Self-Awareness
· Class Activity: Create an Anti-Bullying Class Prayer
· Spirit Wear: Pyjama Day
PARENT / GUARDIAN CORNER
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
St. Veronica school is using School Cash Online, which provides you with the convenience of paying online for school items such as trips, clubs, and pizza lunches. School Cash Online is a great way to pay without the need for cash or cheques.
School Cash Online provides an option to pay school-related fees safely, quickly and easily. By using School Cash Online, you can help increase efficiency and security at our school by making payments directly into our school bank account.
Parent registration is a simple 3-step process outlined on the reverse side of this document. Once you have registered, you will receive e-mail notification of fees or items for payment related to activities for your child(ren). In addition, a receipt for payment will be issued to you directly and a history of payments is available at all times. If you haven’t done so already please follow the link below to register online - it takes less than two minutes!
https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com
Mrs. Magi is available to assist if needed.
PIZZA DAYS / LUNCH MOMS & OTHER OPTIONS
Thank you to all families who have signed up for lunch programs.
We are pleased to offer Hero Burgers as a lunch option for students beginning Wednesday, December 4th to end of January (Jan 29, 2020).
Pizza and Lunch Moms will continue in the school.
As always, we welcome your feedback. Thank you for your continued support.
We are asking families to provide us with their email, in order that communication can be sent home electronically and help our school become paperless. Please provide your e-mail address to the office.
cold and flu season
As cold and flu season approaches, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board continues to be vigilant in ensuring that our schools are clean and that our school communities are educated regarding good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. These practices are promoted on an ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of colds and flu increases, our board increases the cleaning of contact surfaces, as well as reminds schools to review cold and flu prevention with students and staff. Many resources are utilized from our regional health units.
A reminder, as well, that communicable diseases can be contracted in public places throughout the year. For example, cold-related viruses, such
as Enterovirus, are transferred from person to person through hand contact. Cold and flu
viruses typically peak from December through February, but can start as early as October.
Please assist us by reviewing good hand washing procedures, as well as other preventative measures, as outlined in the various Peel Health and Wellington Dufferin Guelph (WDG) resources available to you through their websites. As always, children who are unwell, should be kept at home.
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
At this time, all courtesy seat requests have been approved and only eligible students (including courtesy riders) may ride the bus. Bus students in FDK and Grade 1 must be met at the stop. Your child should arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the assigned arrival time. Due to inclement weather or construction, delays may happen. We appreciate your understanding and patience. For more information regarding delays, cancellations and/or eligibility contact STOPR directly:
businfo.stopr.ca
(905) 890-0614
Special Education (905) 890-6362
During the winter months inclement weather may cause disruption of bus transportation and regular school operations. A decision to cancel school transportation and/or to close schools is usually made by 6:00 a.m. and will be announced on the following radio and television stations:
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9/ BREAKFAST TELEVISION / NEWS AM680
CFNY FM102.1/ AM640 / CJCL AM590 / CHFI FM98.1
NEWSTALK1010 AM / EZ ROCK FM97.3 / CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5 / FM93.1 / FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 / CBC99.1 / CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS / CITY NEWS / CTV NEWS
CFRB – (Bell Media)
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH
Pastor: Fr. James Cherickal
Associate Pastor: Fr. Fr. João Ferreira
Associate Pastor: Fr. James Zettel
CONTACT US
5650 Mavis Rd,
Mississauga ON L5V 2N6
Tel: 905 890 5290
Fax: 905 890 0261
E-Mail:stfrancisxavierchurch@stfrancisxavierchurch.ca
Website www.stfrancisxavierchurch.ca
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Sacraments are parish events. Initial preparation is done by the schools through the religion program. Immediate preparation is the responsibility of the parents and the parish. Registration for sacraments takes place at meetings with the church.
SACRAMENT DATES:
Reconciliation- Tuesday February 11, 2020 @ 6:30 P.M.
First Communion- Saturday April 25, 2020 @ 10:00 A.M.
Confirmation- Tuesday April 28, 2020 @ 7:00 P.M.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
The purpose of Catholic School Councils is, through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents. A Catholic School Council’s primary means of achieving its purpose is by making recommendations in accordance with this policy and regulation to the principal of the school and to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
Council members shall maintain a school-wide focus on all issues. Each member shall:
•Attend regularly and participate in council meetings
•Participate in faith development, information and training programs
•Act as a link between the Catholic School Council and the school community
•Encourage the participation of parents from all groups and of other people within the community
Members of the 2019- 2020 St. Veronica School Council
Co-Chairs: Anabel Villers & Patricia Valenti
Treasurer: Stephanie Medina
Co-Secretary: Jacquie Wallace & Julie Sadhu
Parish Rep: Claudia Ali
Parent Members:
Marion de los Reyes
Gemma Coppolella
Susana Pulla
Catherine Mar
Non-teaching Rep: Carmela Dri
Teaching Reps: G. Morroney & A. Medyk
UPCOMING SCHOOL COUNCIL EVENTS
Meeting Dates for 2019 - 2020:
All meetings will take place in the staffroom from 6:30 - 8:00 pm
November 4th
December 9th
February 3rd
April 6th
May 25th
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECKS
In accordance with the Safe School Act, 2000, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has the responsibility to provide for a safe learning environment for its students and employees. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will require a Criminal Reference Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search for all volunteers in the school, including excursion supervisors.
If you intend to volunteer, please pick up a CRC form from the front office. It needs to be completed and brought to Peel Regional Police. Once you receive your CRC from Peel Police, please bring it to the school and we will house a copy of it in a secure location, with the utmost respect to the confidential nature of the material.
Each subsequent year, a CRC is NOT required, Our volunteers need ONLY to complete an Annual Offence Declaration which is kept on file. If you have not completed one, please contact the office...Our volunteers are an integral part of the many activities that our students are so fortunate to participate in. Volunteers do make a difference. Thank you for giving of your time and talents to the St. Veronica School community.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Dec 9 – Catholic School Council, 6:30pm
Dec 11- Advent Mass, 9:00am @ school
Dec 18 – Christmas Concert, 6:30-8pm
Dec 21 – Jan 5, 2020 (Christmas Break)
Jan 6 - Back to school!
Jan 6-17 - Kindergarten Registration Online or in-person
Jan 14 - Kindergarten Registration extended day until 6:30pm