St. Alfred May 2021 Newsletter
#NURTURINGHOPE
St. Alfred Catholic Elementary School
3341 Havenwood Drive
Mississauga, Ontario
L4X 2M2
Phone: (905) 625-0584
Fax: (905) 625-4490
Email: St.AlfredInfo@dpcdsb.org
EVERY CHILD, A PROMISE
Catholic Education Week 2021 Prayer
Gracious and generous God,
creator of the earth, our common home,
With each new day, we prepare the earth of our
lives by sowing seeds of gratitude for all you have given.
Inspire us to cultivate relationships with all living beings.
May we harvest new fruit and
marvel in the wonder at the beauty around us.
Nurture us in hope.
Amen.
About Us
- J. Lavalle - Principal
- A. Di Giovanni - Vice Principal
- G. Lapiccirella - Head Secretary
- C. MacDonald - Superintendent 905-890-1221
- M. Pascucci - Trustee
- Sts. Martha & Mary Parish - Rev. Fr. D. Corkum http://stsmarthaandmary.org/
- C. Pudel - School Council Chair
STS. MARTHA AND MARY PARISH
Weekend Masses:
Saturday @ 4:30 pm
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 am
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am
Wednesday @ 7:00 pm
Friday @ 7:00 pm
School Hours
8:45 – Morning bell
10:30– 10:45 - Morning recess
11:35 – 12:35 – Lunch
2:10 – 2:25- Afternoon recess
3:10—3:15 – Dismissal
4:00 – School office closes
Dates to Remember
- May 2-7, 2021 - Catholic Education Week
- Wednesday May 5, 2021 - Journey into Learning Virtual Event @ 6:30pm
- Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - St. Alfred Catholic School Council Meeting (7pm; via Microsoft Teams)
- Friday, May 21, 2021 - Dress Loud Day
- Monday, May 24, 2021 - Victoria Day (no school)
May Virtue - Acceptance
"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (1 Cor.12:26-27)
People of Acceptance...
- are friendly and open to all God's people
- sense God's presence in people of all ages, beliefs, genders, cultures, and/or abilities
- avoid the temptation to judge or negatively stereotype others
- look for positive traits in others
- understand there may be more than one way of doing things
- stick up for the disadvantaged
- notice who is left out and include them
God wants us to make friends with everyone no matter how different they may look or act. Acceptance…is the ability to respect the dignity and rights of all persons, even those whose beliefs and behaviours differ from our own. Everyone should strive to love and respect their neighbour, as they love and respect themselves.
Student Absences - New Safe Arrival Absence Reporting System
With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of the following three convenient options:
1. Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.ca). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
2. Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.ca. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
3. Call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440 to report an absence using the automated phone system.
These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.
NOTE: For absences greater than five consecutive days, please call your child’s school directly.
In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, school office staff will follow up. If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.
Starting Monday, May 3, 2021, please report absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of sending notes or calling/emailing the school.
Starting Monday, May 3, 2021, school staff will begin using the SafeArrival notifications to let you know if your student is absent (when you haven’t reported the absence in advance).
Helpful resources for using the new SafeArrival absence reporting system have been posted on our school’s webpage under the Quick Links > NEW Process for Reporting Student Absences.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we implement this new system.
Journey into Learning
Catholic Education Week 2021
Catholic Education Week begins on a Sunday to highlight the partnership that remains the foundation of Catholic education between our Catholic schools and local Catholic parishes. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2021 was inspired by the following considerations:
- Recognition of the special Year of Laudato Si’ which will run through May 24, 2021, announced by Pope Francis on May 24, 2020, the fifth anniversary of his papal encyclical, “On Caring for Our Common Home.”
- In the face of the ongoing reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong desire by the planning committee, along with those consulted, and supported by feedback from the survey, for continuity with the theme for Catholic Education Week 2020, Igniting Hope, which has served so well during the spring recess from in-school instruction.
- The challenges to personal and spiritual well-being posed by the uncertainty and physical isolation of the current global crisis makes the timing and the concerns of Mental Health Week, which takes place during the same week as Catholic Education Week, all the more relevant.
- Ongoing recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the relevance of Indigenous culture and spirituality to the spirit of Laudato Si.
The sub-themes for Catholic Education Week 2021 are as follows:
MONDAY:
Preparing the Earth
TUESDAY:
Sowing Seeds of Gratitude
WEDNESDAY:
Cultivating Relationships
THURSDAY:
Harvesting New Fruit
FRIDAY:
Marvelling in Wonder
His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins will virtually celebrate the Catholic Education Week Mass on Wednesday, May 5, at 11:00 a.m. We invite all students, families, board staff, trustees, and the broader Catholic community to participate "virtually" in this celebration of the Eucharist. The link to the mass is:
DPCDSB Parent/Guardian Community: NEW Math + Coding Engagement Workshop
Join Lisa Buczek, Coordinator of Technology Enabled Learning, and Maria Riverso, K-8 Mathematics Consultant, as they LIVESTREAM to introduce and explore the exciting world of Math + Coding in Grades 1-8. Lisa and Maria invite you to attend this workshop on either June 8 or June 10, 2021.
The release of the new Mathematics Curriculum in 2020 added a focus on coding as a tool to represent math situations dynamically. Coding helps students become creative and critical thinkers capable of navigating the NEW digital world through the development of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and the Global Competencies. This engagement workshop will help you learn more about coding in math and highlight ways to support your child(ren) at home.
Topics will include:
- What is coding and why it is important
- A demonstration of Math + Coding activities across grades
- Ideas to support the building of coding skills at home
Session Date:
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Live Stream Link:
https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/1ae69658-1965-4a17-90b4-756addc9cca4
Session Date:
Thursday, June 10th, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Live Stream Link:
https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/b5976952-6c73-4c45-9964-03d609da8d17
Please Note: In order to join and access the LIVESTREAM links above, you will need to use your child’s Dufferin Peel Google login information (studentnumber@educ.dpcdsb.org and password). These workshops are only open through Dufferin-Peel Google accounts.
Highlights of Earth Day 2021 at St. Alfred
Mandatory Masking
Moving?
Class Organization for 2021-2022
In the month of May, St. Alfred staff will be involved in a series of meetings to discuss the placement of your child for September 2021. We discuss each child on the basis of academic and social/emotional needs and decide on the class placement which will best meet these needs. Parents who wish to provide educational reasons to assist staff in their decisions may submit their request in writing to the principal no later than May 14, 2021 via email at: St.AlfredInfo@dpcdsb.org.
Parents are asked to include the strengths and needs of your child along with a description of their learning style. We remind you that it is not appropriate now or in September to request a specific teacher as staffing is tentative and subject to change, or to make requests to avoid necessary combined grades. Please understand that it is not always possible to accommodate all requests but staff will take into consideration the information provided. Placement requests made after this date may not be able to be accommodated. No changes can be made after the end of June.
Summer Literacy Camp
Elementary Literacy/Numeracy Skills Program
A Message From Our Director: 2019-2020 Director's Annual Report
It is my pleasure to present the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s 2019-20 Director’s Annual Report. This report outlines the goals of the Board of Trustees’ Multi-Year Strategic Plan and how we, as a system, strived to meet the goals of that plan. This past year was the first year of implementation of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan which was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2019. This plan, around which much of this report is focused, essentially directs all we do as a Catholic school board.
The 2019-20 school year was defined by the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in unprecedented upheaval, not just within our schools and school system, but in every aspect of our lives. Throughout the year, we continued to adjust and adapt to the changing landscape and, while our root goals and mission did not change, the impact on how we worked to achieve these goals was significant.
Thanks to the Board of Trustees for providing staff with the direction and support to be a leading centre for Catholic education in this province. Thanks, also, to our faculty and staff at all levels, our unions and associations, our parish and diocesan partners, our public health partners, students and families.
May God continue to bless us and all those we serve.
Marianne Mazzorato, Ed.D.
Director of Education
To access the Director's Annual Report please visit: https://www.dpcdsb.org/about-us/publications
Catholic Board Improvement Learning Cycle (CBILC)
School Yard Supervision
Kiss & Ride
Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations
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, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates God-given potential
A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity, and vocation in work that respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good
A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the community
A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice, and the sacredness of human life.
St. Alfred Catholic School Council
Communication between home and school is greatly enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic School Council. Please note that our Council will be comprised of parents, school staff as well as community and parish representatives. The aim of the School Advisory Council is to support school activities and students through involvement and fundraising. The School Council also provides a forum for parents to meet and share information and ideas concerning the school community.
Our next meeting will be held on:
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7pm (via Microsoft Teams)
Students Who Are Unwell
As we do our part in keeping St. Alfred a healthy and safe environment for all students, it is important that we continue to be diligent in isolating students who are unwell.
Please note: it is a requirement that we follow the safety protocols set out by Peel Health and the DPCDSB. It is important that you have a plan in place if you receive a phone call to pick up your child. Also, it is important that you have an alternate pick up person ready to pick up your child(ren) if you cannot do so. We are aware that this is sometimes hard to coordinate however, the expectation of the school, board, and Peel Health continues to be that pick up of ill children is mandatory.
Thank you to the St. Alfred school community for continuing to keep us safe!
Late Students
Parents/Guardians are not permitted to park in the front of the school to wait for the bell and have their child(ren) enter through the main entrance doors.
If students are entering through the main entrance, they will be required to sign in at the office and marked as Late.
Web Access to Transportation Information
This website provides access to up-to-date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations. Parents must have their child’s OEN in order to obtain transportation information.
COVID-19 Information
Self Screening Procedures
All families must continue to self-screen their child(ren) every day before attending school. If a student is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home from school and follow the direction provided by the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool. This may include: staying home to monitor symptoms, seeking medical attention, and/or COVID testing.
Parents are expected to screen their child(ren) daily for any symptoms of cold, flu, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19 using the Self-Assessment tool (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/) developed by the Province of Ontario. Note: staff will not be screening students. However, if staff observe a child that is ill, parents/guardians will be called to pick up their child from the school promptly. Please have a plan in case you are required to pick up your child(ren) and cannot do so. Should another adult need to pick up your child, please inform the office.
How to Wear a Cloth Mask
✓ Do wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off
✓ Do make sure it fits comfortably over mouth and nose for easy breathing
✓ Do wash your cloth mask after each use in the laundry
✓ Do clean surfaces that a dirty mask touches.
✘ Don’t touch your face or mask while using it
✘ Don’t use masks on children under 2 or those who can’t breathe with them on
✘ Don’t share your mask with others
✘ Don’t wear medical masks, keep them for health care workers
You still need to:
Keep a 2m distance (6 feet)
Wash hands often
Tips to Prevent the Spread
- Limit non-essential trips out of your home
- Keep two metres (six feet) distance
- Wear a non-medical mask when it’s difficult to maintain physical distance and where masks are mandatory.
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based (70%-90%) hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell
Stay 2 m (6 ft) apart and wear a mask.
Mask Up.
Wash hands with soap and water.
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
From time to time, there may be cases of pediculosis or head lice in our school. This should not be cause for alarm. Lice are a nuisance, but not hazardous to your child’s health. An alert letter will be sent home to parents and guardians of the affected classes. If more information is required you may visit the Region of Peel at the following website:
https://peelregion.ca/health/shp/reference-guide/head-lice.htm
Allergen Awareness Alert
Storage and Administration of Medication
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. Parents are reminded that children are NOT allowed to keep medication in their desk, backpack or classroom (with the exception of an epi-pen or puffer if allergies are severe). All dispensing of medication requires medical permission
and must be stored in the office.
Ryan's Law - Ensuring an Asthma Friendly School
Custody of Children
School Cash Online
Benefits of using School Cash Online
Fast – With School Cash Online, you can pay all your student’s school fees with the click of a button. Trips to the school to drop-off cash or sending your student with money will be a thing of the past!
Convenient – Receive email notifications regarding school fees and events, and then pay the fees, anytime, anywhere.
Simple – Keeping track of what’s going on at your student’s school can be overwhelming. With School Cash Online, you can easily manage all of the items and activities your student needs.
Safe & Secure – Pay for your child’s fees without the worry of them carrying funds to school. When you use School Cash Online, you can also feel confident knowing we use industry leading practices to protect your information.
To directly login or to register, visit: