St. Edith Stein Newsletter
October 2022
"To Have a Friend You Must Be a Friend"
Principal - K. FerraoHead Secretary - M. van Putten
Superintendent - Dr. M. Lewis
Trustee - B. Corbet
Parish: St. Josephine Bakhita
Pastor: Rev. M. Villanueva
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Prayer in the Month of October
Good and gracious God,
We come to you in thanksgiving
Thank you for all the ways you have blessed us,
blessed our families, and blessed our lives
Thank you for your unconditional love
and unconditional acceptance that continues to
empower, inspire and give us courage to meet challenges
we may face
Help us to keep our focus on you
We ask this through your Son, Jesus
Amen
The leaves are changing colours and the temperature is beginning to cool down as we move into the season of autumn. October is also a Marian month - a month dedicated to praying the rosary. We hope that praying the rosary will bring peace and reconciliation.
We enjoyed meeting parents, guardians, students, Trustee Brea Corbet and Councilor Sue McFadden during our open house. Thank you to all parents and guardians who made donations to the Terry Fox Foundation on behalf of our school - we raised a whopping $3720.00 altogether! Your generousity is much appreciated. St. Edith Stein CES is truly a small school with a big heart! We are collecting non-perishable food for Eden Food Bank during the first two weeks of October. Thank you in advance to those who are able to donate food to help meet the increasing demand on the Eden Food Bank to provide food for those in need.
We are grateful to our coaches:
Ms. Slade, Mrs. Habashy, Mrs. Thrasher and Mrs. Wolff for coaching the junior volleyball teams.
Mrs. Sostaric, Mrs. Nunez and Ms. Slade for coaching the cross country team.
Mrs. Di Vito and Mr. Ivano for coaching the intermediate volleyball teams.
We are also thankful to Mrs. Wallace for continuing to direct the school choir.
As a result of reorganization, Mrs. Neiva was able to secure a full time job in one school. She was replaced by Mrs. Soda who is currently on maternity leave. We welcome Mr. Ivano in this position until she returns. We also welcome Ms. Clark as the DECE working with Mrs. Allen's FDK class.
We continue to work in partnership with Fr. Mark at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish to meet the spiritual needs of our school. Registration for First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation have taken place. If you missed the dates, please contact Cecilia at St. Josephine Bakhita church to help you with registration for these sacraments.
Sincerely,
K. Ferrao
Principal
Single use plastics
Please ensure that your child has the appropriate cutlery required to eat their snacks/lunches. Keeping the environment in mind, we will not be providing plastic forks/spoons for students to use.
Trustee Brea Corbet's Newsletter
Please click below to find Trustee Brea Corbet's newsletter.
School Lunch Programs
Pizza days will begin as of October 13th and continue on Thursdays. Expect School Cashonline to be open around the 20th of each month to place orders for the following month.
A second lunch program was requested by parents. The Catholic School Council discussed lunch programs during the September meeting. The second lunch program will be the Lunch Lady on Tuesdays. The Lunch Lady provides healthy hot meals for students, they even offer smaller serving sizes for students in Kindergarten. Orders for the Lunch Lady can be placed directly through them. A representative brings the meals to school and distributes them to students. The Lunch Lady will not be providing plastic cutlery in an attempt to help reduce plastics in landfills. If you are ordering food from the Lunch Lady, please make sure your child knows that they are getting a lunch and that they have cutlery to use to eat their lunch.
Reporting absences
Please report absences using the School Messenger. This system was implemented last year and can be accessed through their Toll-Free phone number: 1-844-435-3440.
If you are new to the school or have not set up School Messenger, please click on the following link: https://www3.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting
This will take you to the school board website to find the information and videos you may need to set up the absence reporting system. Note please report absences by 9:00 a.m. After 9:00 am., please call the school at 905-824-5777.
St. Edith Stein Catholic School Council
We are grateful to all parents who continue to give of their time to support the school by participating as members of our Catholic School Council (CSC). Join me in thanking the the following people for agreeing to be members of St. Edith Stein's 2022-2023 Catholic School Council:
Co-Chairs: Rana Barbuc & Ngozi Cecilia Onyia
Treasurer: Caroline Feranc
Secretary: Patricia Pancras & Rachael Litwinenko
Parish Representative: Vanessa D'Silva & Anne Sol Cruz
OAPCE Representative: Sigrid D'Mello & Natalia Lobo
Other Voting members: Jenna Da Silva, Sarah Roach, Allison Docker, Jessica Wong, Kathy Roach
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, November 14 @ 7 p.m. This meeting will be held in-person in the library. Should you wish to participate virtually please email St.EdithSteinInfo@dpcdsb.org to request the link for this meeting closer to the date of the meeting and one will be provided.
School Council's Major Fundraiser - Halloween Boogie-thon
We will be having our 2nd annual Halloween Boogie-thon on Monday, October 31st, 2022. Information about the Boogie-thon has already gone home, including a form to help you keep track of sponsors for your child. Once you collect money from sponsors you may submit it using School Cashonline. Please see the Boogie-thon document below for more information.
Students will be able to wear their Halloween costumes to school (please read the guidelines for Halloween costumes below) and participate in the Halloween Dance according to the schedule developed for classes.
Thank you to Councillor Sue McFadden for donating the prizes of pizza parties for the classes in each division (Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Intermediate) that raise the most money (by percentage, taking into account money raised and class size)) and the students in each division that raise the most money. Thank you also to Silva and Sons Produce for donating pumpkins for a class pumpkin decorating contest. Donations of additional prizes would be greatly appreciated. Last year, some parents donated gift cards to use as prizes.
Our goal for this year is to raise $3000.00 (last year we raised $7000.00).
Note, students do not need to raise funds in order to participate in the Halloween dance.
Halloween Costumes
In an effort to create safe, caring and inclusive spaces within our schools, please consider the impact costume choices may hove on others. Families are encouraged to select costumes that may not be considered offensive to someone else's religion, culture, race, gender, gender expression, ability, heritage or sexual orientation.
Everyone has the freedom to express themselves within reasonable limits. As a caring Catholic community, we must ensure that the costume choices are not offensive to, or mocking of, others. Rather than creating a list of inappropriate costumes, we encourage families to discuss with students what is appropriate, what is not appropriate, and why. Below are some guidelines to consider before choosing a costume. These questions will help determine what constitutes an offensive/disrespectful costume, and applies to 'characters' from media, including TV or films. (Adapted from Simon Fraser University).
Does your costume:
- Mock or condescend oppressed people and/or cultures?
- Include face painting for the sole purpose of matching the skin colour of a specific person or people?
- Mock or condescend religions or religious beliefs?
- Use sacred objects/clothing of others' religions/cultures?
- Characterize marginalized groups or persons (historical or current) in a way that may serve to trivialize them?
For more information and additional Halloween resources:
NOTE for safety, please do not send masks to school or weapons, swords, etc. that may be part of costumes. Ensure that capes do not interfere with your child's ability to walk, run or dance. We are also asking students to be mindful that there are students that are three and four years old in the school and to ensure that their costumes do not frighten them.
Library News
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school from November 3, 2022 to November 15, 2022 from 9:00 am-12pm and from 1:00pm-3:30pm. The Book Fair will also be open on November 10 from 5:00 to 7:00pm during Parents/ Teachers conferences. We are thrilled to offer a variety of picture books, chapter books, novels, posters and much more! The name of every child who purchases an item from the Book Fair will be entered in a draw to win $25.00 in books for themselves and $25.00 in books for their classroom. We also have a virtual bookfair.
Confidentiality
Student/Staff Personal Information We now live in an age where most parents/guardians and many students have cell phones and other Personal Electronic Equipment (PEDs) that have photo, recording and videotaping features. The temptation to take photos, video-tape friends, teachers at school and other events is high, especially when parent/family members are unable to attend the event. The accessibility of these advanced technologies make it, easy and immediate.
The concerns that schools have, is how can the school, maintain and protect the confidentiality of our students and staff when acts that seem so innocent can potentially have serious/harmful consequences. If photos, video clips are placed on Facebook pages, YouTube and other websites, control is lost on who can view it. In addition, written consent from the participants must be secured to post such information.
Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board adheres to strict policies and guidelines on maintaining the confidentiality of students and staff. At the beginning of each year, parents/guardians sign forms granting/disallowing photos of their child(ren) to be taken for school use (i.e., in classrooms, hallway bulletin boards and assembly video presentations).
Schools should not post personal information on their websites. Personal information is defined in Section 2 of the MFIPP Act, as 'recorded information about an identifiable individual'.
Personal information should only be posted where informed consents have been obtained from all affected individuals or from persons who are legally authorized to consent on their behalf.
Informed consent requires that the person consenting understands the exact nature of the information for which consent is sought, the potential consequences of signing the consent form, and be given the right to revoke the consent at any time.
As such, we require parents/guardians/students to respect and adhere to Dufferin Peel’s policy on Confidentiality of Student & Staff Information.
Visitors
Visitors, please begin your visit by signing in at the office. We will contact those you have appointments with and direct you accordingly. Please sign out before you leave.
Child Safety
The Child and Family Services Act compel educators to report any issues that may compromise a child’s welfare. If a staff member suspects any issue that may affect a child’s safety, then the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) must be contacted. It is not the role of the educator to investigate. That is CAS’s role.
Allergies in the Classroom
As we begin a new school year, we would like to inform you that St. Edith Stein is an allergen aware school. There are pupils and staff in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as dairy, egg, peanut and nut products. Exposure to even the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen triggers are food, insect stings, medications, and latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from two or more body systems. We at St. Edith Stein School would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain nut or nut byproducts which could potentially harm a pupil. Please make sure that all of your children’s caregivers are aware of the food restrictions. Please do NOT send food for birthdays or special occasions. We look forward to your co-operation in making this a safe year for all of our pupils.
Medical
If your child has a medical condition, or develops one in the years after registration, please ensure that the school is aware of it by submitting the proper forms and medication as soon as possible.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medications and forms are updated for any student who requires medication to be administered at school. If your child requires medication, please have the necessary forms completed and return them, along with any medication, to the office as soon as possible. Please remember to check the expiry dates of all medication before bringing them to school. We are currently in the process of verifying all prevalent medical conditions for our students. Paperwork required to keep up-to-date records has been sent home to parents/guardians requiring updates. Please do your part to ensure school records are up-to-date for the safety of your child(ren) by submitting forms in a timely manner. Your continued attention to your child's health and safety is much appreciated.
Head Injuries
When a student receives an injury/bump to the head (however minor), it is a Board Policy that we inform parents. You will be contacted by phone, a phone message will be left at one of your contact numbers or a note will be left in your child’s agenda if you are unavailable. This is precautionary only and we ask that you check your child when they get home for any signs of a concussion or illness. Agenda’s should be checked by parents daily for this reason, as well as to check for any notes from the teacher or office. A copy of the concussion brochure is always available on our school website.
Tips to Avoid the Flu
1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Student Accident Insurance
The Board takes every precaution to provide a safe learning environment for students, but accidents can and do happen. Some families have private accident insurance which is able to respond to costs arising from injuries. However, many families do not.
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board annually provides parents with information about cost-effective student accident insurance coverage via your child. Although enrollment is voluntary, the board strongly encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive insurance coverage, especially if their child/children participate in sports, excursions/field trips, or, if parents do not have dental insurance coverage.
Parents alone have the right to insure their children. An acknowledgment form(GF401) has been sent home with the accompanying brochure. Thank you for signing and returning the form (for participation in sports, etc.) indicating your awareness that the board does not provide insurance and that you have received the insurance brochure. It is a requirement for the participation in excursions and/or extra-curricular activities. Below you will also find a link to this brochure.
Every October, Children's Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign. The campaign is more important than ever, since the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stressors for families, and in some cases has increased risk for well-being and safety of children and youth. This year, Dress Purple Day will take place on Thursday, October 27, 2022.
Important Dates
October
3-31- Walk/Roll to school month
5 - Mass @ 9:30 a.m. in the gym (Parents/guardians welcome to attend)
7 - Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
10 - Thanksgiving
11 - International Day of Girl
18 - Hearing and Vision Screening
19- Bus Driver Appreciation Day
19-21- Gr. 4 CCAT testing
21- Virtues assembly @ 1:15 in the gym
24 - PA Day - provincial priorities
25 - Board Cross Country Meet @ Centennial Park
26 - Picture Retakes
27 - Dress purple day (October is Child abuse prevention month)
31 - Halloween boogie-thon - wear a costume
November
1 - All Saints' Day
2 - All Souls' Day
2 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel S. S. Information Night for gr 8s and their parents
3-15 - Book Fair
8 - Progress Reports go home
10- Interview Evening (by request from parents and/or teachers)
11 - Remembrance Day - assembly @ 10: 40 a.m.
18 - Virtues Assembly
25 - PA Day - provincial priorities
December
8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception - mass @ 9:30 a.m. in the gym
15 - Christmas concert
22- last day of classes before the break
23-Jan. 6 inclusive - Christmas break (return to school Jan. 9)
Personal Electronic Devices (P.E.D.s)
Bring Your Own Devices
Our vision of education in Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools is rooted in the gospel values of faith, hope and love. All sectors of society, including the education sector, must work to keep pace with our rapidly changing world. Our teaching and learning environments - our schools and classrooms - must continue to change and adapt to ensure that our students continue to succeed. Our students and staff are already engaged as 21st century learners, living and shaping ways of being, becoming and belonging in our world. St. Edith Stein School is a PED ready school. DPCDSB Personal Electronic Device Use form with Wi-Fi Network Student Agreement will be signed for all new registrations. It is also be available on our website for download. Please read it over and have yourself and your child sign it so that they may bring their devices to school to be used for educational purposes as directed by staff.
Personal Electronic Devices on Board Premises and/or Board Sanctioned Events for Educational Purposes:
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board acknowledges the value of the use of technology for learning. Students are permitted to register and use personal electronic devices (PEDs) on board premises and/or board sanctioned events for educational purposes, under the direction of staff and only with parent/guardian permission (GF 066, Network User Application and Agreement). Students may register their PED for the purpose of connecting to the board wireless network. Students are required to adhere to the student “Personal Electronic Device Used with WI-FI Network Student Agreement” and the “Network User Application and Agreement.” Please be advised that the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will not be responsible for any cost incurred through the use of personal data plans.
PEDs are to be used responsibly and should not interfere with learning; their use must comply with the Catholic Code of Conduct, board policies and procedures. Any personal communications (i.e., phone calls, text messages, etc.) will continue to be directed through the main office. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in a loss of PED privileges and/or any other consequences deemed necessary by school administration.
The school principal may authorize limited acceptable uses of personal electronic devices during school-sanctioned activities for a specific designated purpose outside of instructional spaces and/or in common areas.
Students are responsible for the safety and security of PEDs at all times and the Board assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen devices.
School CashOnline
Don't Forget to Get yourself set up on School CashOnline as we are no longer able accept cash payment.
Please follow the link below to register online - it takes less than two minutes!
https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com
You will need your child’s name and date of birth. Use of student number is optional.
Should you encounter any difficulties, you can use the parent help desk at 1 (866) 961-1803 or the support link on the school cash online website.
PAY WITH: Credit Card or Debit Card
1. Create Your Profile:
Go to https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ and click on "Get Started Today".
2. Confirm Your Email:
Check your inbox for the email confirmation and click on the link inside. Sign in with your new login details.
3. Add a Student
Click "Add Student" and fill in the required fields with your child’s details:
1. School Board name
2. Select a school
3. Legal First Name
4. Legal Last Name
5. Birth Date (Month/Day/Year)
