St Richard Community Update
October 2023
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: 7220 Copenhagen Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-826-5572
Twitter: @StRichardDPCDSB
Virtue of the Month: Empathy
God has given us the ability to form connections with one another- to live together. Empathy helps us to connect and live together in a safe, caring and inclusive community. We know that God has given us the virtue of empathy so that we can learn to appreciate, accept and care for one another.
An empathetic person:
Listens when people speak.
Notices when someone is upset and tries to help.
Can see a situation from another person’s point of view.
Accepts that others have different perspectives.
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:39
St John of the Cross Parish Info
Reconciliation
Monday, November, 20, 2023 7:00pm @ Church
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 7:00pm @ Church
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
Confirmation Rite of Enrollment at all masses Saturday and Sunday
October 21st, October 22nd, October 28th, and October 29th
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
Life Chain
The annual national Life Chain will be taking place in front of the church along Glen Erin Drive
Sunday October 1st (Respect Life Sunday) after the 12:00pm Mass
Let us pray for our pre-born children, elderly and infirm
Palliative Care Talk
The Catholic Women's League invites you to a palliative care talk with guest speaker Ildiko Tettero (nurse practitioner, adult palliative care)
Wednesday October 4th at 8:00pm in the church hall
1st Friday Holy Mass
1st Friday of the month Holy Mass followed by Adoration and Benediction
Friday October 6th at 9:00am and 7:00pm in the church
Community Rosary starts 30 minutes before each Mass
Growth in the Spirit Seminar
The Parish Prayer Group invites you to a 7 week Growth in the Spirit Seminar
Every Friday from October 6th to November 17th from 7:00pm to 9:15pm at the church
Register here: https://stjohnofthecrossmi.archtoronto.org/en/parish-life/news-archive/parish/growth-in-the-spirit-seminar/
Family Game Night
The Youth Group invites you to come out and have fun at their family game night
Saturday October 14th at 6:30pm in the church hall
Bundle Up Collection
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is collecting gently used clothing, shoes, beddings, etc.
Saturday October 14th and Sunday October 15th in the church parking lot
Rosary Rally
We will pray the rosary for Canada, asking for our Lady's intercession.
Saturday October 14th at 12:00pm in front of the church
International Festival of Foods
Celebrate our cultural diversity through food, entertainment, customs and traditions
Saturday October 28th following the 5:00pm Mass in the church hall
We are asking for donations of food items from your county, and are also looking for traditional dances, traditional dress or anything that is unique to your culture
Please contact Julia D'souza at (416) 275-5646 or sjocmississauga@gmail.com
Catholic Estate Planning Webinar
The Archdiocese of Toronto invites you to a free Catholic estate planning webinar
Saturday October 28th at 9:00am on Zoom
Please click here to register: https://QRCO.de/oct28
Night of Light
The Knights of Columbus invites you to celebrate Halloween with a prayer service, Adoration, snacks, games & many more fun activities.
Tuesday October 31st at 6:30pm to 8:15pm at the church
Come dressed as your favourite saint or Bible character and bring your friends and families!
Please email Loyola Tavares at tavaresloyola@gmail.com to register
Book of Life
On All Souls Day and throughout the month of November, the Book of Life containing the names of deceased loved ones will be placed in front of the altar. The souls will be prayed for in all Holy Masses throughout the month.
Please click here to include the names of your loved ones: https://bit.ly/2023SJOCbookoflife
You may also pick up a purple sheet in the church to complete at home and bring back to church.
Operation Christmas Child
The Youth Group invites you to participate in Operation Christmas Child
Shoeboxes and pamphlets are now available at the church. Pack your shoebox(es) with small toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and small gifts to bring joy and hope to children in need around the world.
Shoeboxes are due back at the parish office on Saturday November 11th & Sunday November 12th
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:
Monday, November 6th @ 6:30
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. A link will be sent out a week before each meeting if you choose to join virtually
Popcorn for St Vincent de Paul
For Thanksgiving this year, we will be selling popcorn on Tuesday, October 3rd. All proceeds will be given to St Vincent de Paul. They will be using the funds to buy grocery gift cards for our neighbours in need.
The cost of the popcorn is $2.00 and can be purchased on the day of the sale.
Pizza Days are Back!
The dates are below
October
17, 19, 24, 26, 31
November
2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
December
5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21
January
9, 11, 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.
Subs and Harvey's at St Richard! (More info to follow)
Costs for 5 days
Small Sub Only $31.25
Large Sub Only $51.25
Small Sub and drink $35.00
Large Sub and drink $55.00
Popcorn Days are back!!
Popcorn will be for sale every Tuesday. Starting with our first one for St Vincent de Paul on October 3rd.
The cost of the popcorn is $2.00 Please send exact change if possible.
Open House/Curriculum Night Thursday, October 5th 2023
World Teacher Day October 5th
On October 5th Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board celebrated World Teachers’ Day. This significant day which is recognized and celebrated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) and occurs each year on October 5th. Our students have been encouraged to thank their teachers and express their appreciation for the important role they play in the lives of students. We are blessed to have such dedicated and committed teachers. To our outstanding team of Catholic teachers, we would like to thank you for the work you do each and every
day.
PA Day Reminder October 6th
Thanksgiving October 9th
On Monday October 9th we celebrate Thanksgiving. There will be no
school on this day. Thanksgiving Day is an annual Canadian holiday, held
on the second Monday in October, which celebrates the harvest and
other blessings of the past year.
Cross Country Friday, October 13, 2023
Crawford Lake Field Trip
Dress Purple Day campaign
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.
This year, Dress Purple Day will take place on Friday, October 27, 2023.
We are calling on all Ontarians to wear something purple to show children, youth, and families that they are here to help!
St Richard STEM Day
Halloween Spirit Week October 25th-31st
Thurs. Oct. 26th – Fun Halloween Sweater Day!
Fri. Oct. 27th – Halloween Hat Day!
Mon. Oct. 30th- Angel Day! Please wear white!
Tues. Oct. 31st– Costume Day! Happy Halloween!
Halloween: Tuesday October 31, 2023
Students and staff will show off their School Spirit by wearing orange and/or black, or a costume on October 31, 2023
When deciding on you costume ask yourself:
Does this costume make fun of human traits, identities, cultures, or race?
Does this costume reduce culture or identity to stereotypes?
Who might be harmed by my choice of costume?
Is this costume depicting and perpetuating a stereotype or stigma associated with a particular race, culture, gender, ability or religion?
Does this costume include a replication of a garment that is a significant component of a particular religion or culture of which I do not identify with?
Is this costume depicting a historical time-period where that look/costume is now considered offensive and discriminatory?
Does this costume represent elements of a culture or cultural practice that is being commoditized for consumption?
Can I confidently say that this costume choice would not be considered offensive to a particular race, ethnic origin, gender or religion?
Costume ideas should avoid the following: (Please note that this is not an exhaustive list)
Any cultural stereotype Body objectification
Blackface Animal cruelty
The Covid-19 pandemic Culturally specific references: e.g. Day of the Dead, Hula
A person with differing abilities A prisoner
People with mental illness Anything trivializing
Individuals experiencing homelessness Anything mocking gender identity
Body shaming Anything transphobic
Depictions of violence
Remember: Halloween can be a time for fun. Think critically and creatively when choosing a costume that honours the dignity of each human person, so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
Halloween Cookie Fundraiser for ShareLife
Halloween Dance-A-Thon
Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour
Terry Fox Update
Students and Families who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is providing an opportunity for students to self-identify their First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit ancestry in a voluntary and confidential manner. This program will allow the Board to provide expanded supports, events and opportunities to First Nation, Inuit and Métis students. Indigenous students and families will have access to culture and language programs, funding opportunities through potential scholarships and bursaries, and monthly programming for students and families. Relevant information will be sent directly to students and families about upcoming cultural events and opportunities which help to build community and a sense of Indigenous pride in DPCDSB.
Watch what Indigenous students and family members have to say about their experience:
For more information and how to self-identify please visit: https://www3.dpcdsb.org/students/indigenous-self-identification
No Dogs on School Property
TVO Mathify Free Math Tutoring for grades 4-12 with Certified Teachers
Fire Drills
Emergency Protocol
Emergency response procedures in the event of a fire, bomb threat, serious accident/injury or an intruder have been established and are revised on an ongoing basis. Each school within the DPCDSB is required to hold 9 emergency procedure drills over the course of the year.
These drills consist of three fire drills per term, one lockdown drill per term, and 1 hold and secure drill per year. During these drills staff review all emergency procedures with students to ensure all children are safe in the event of a real emergency.
In the event that it is necessary to evacuate the school, our site for relocation is St John of the Cross Church located at 6890 Glen Erin Drive.
LOCKDOWN DRILLS
It is a policy in Dufferin-Peel CDSB that all of its schools conduct a “Lockdown Procedure” twice a year. This will be initiated should an emergency exist on school property or in the surrounding neighbourhood. Part of the process is to practice the “Lockdown Procedures” as well practice Fire drills. The procedures that we will follow have been recommended by the board.
Students will be instructed that when they hear the announcements “Initiate Lockdown Procedure” followed by the repeated ringing of the school bell, all staff and students will follow the following actions:
1. All students and staff inside the building will remain in their classrooms.
2. Students or staff in the hallways or washrooms will be expected to go to the closest classroom.
3. Students and staff will remain in the classroom until further instructions are given.
All students and staff who are outside the building are to quickly move as far away from the building as possible.
Being on Time for School
Criminal Reference Checks
Anyone working with children as an employee or volunteer must have a Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Check completed by the Peel Police.
ALL volunteers including those going on one day school trips MUST have a Criminal Reference check. The Criminal Reference Check for volunteers may take a number of days for the paperwork to be processed and has to be done through Peel Police.
If you already have a Criminal Reference Check on file at the school, please ensure you have completed the yearly Criminal Offence Declaration form with the office.
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.”