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
Translate
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Prayer in the Month of November
God of truth and justice,
We hold before you those whose memory we cherish
and those whose names we will never know
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,
And grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm
Bless our fallen soldiers
And those who are still working towards peace and justice in this world
As we honour the past
May we put our faith in your future
For you are the source of life and hope,
Now and forever.
Amen
Another month has passed quickly. Progress reports will go home on Tuesday, November 15th. Student success is of paramount importance and your partnership is integral to your child's learning. Interviews will be held on Thursday, November 17th by appointment and can be requested by teachers and/or parents. Please contact the teacher directly if you need to set up an interview time. [Please note that Mrs. Gasparini's class interviews will be held on Wednesday, November 16 by appointment].
November is also a time to remember all souls and all saints. As well, we remember all of our loved ones who have passed away. November is also dedicated to the memory of all who served Canada in times of war, conflict and peace in order to protect the rights of Canadians and citizens of other countries. It is also a time when we remember the lives of those lost in the Holodomor and their families.
Our visits from the Rosary Apostolate have begun. Dedicated volunteers from this group will continue to visit classes on the second Tuesday of each month to support instruction on the many rosary themes and to support praying the rosary in class. Thank you to Anthony Fernandes for organizing our Rosary visits. Thank you to the dedicated volunteers: Mila, Alice, Naomi, Joan, Rose, Satti, Cecilia and Eunice.
Mrs. Wallace is currently on a leave of absence. We pray for her recovery. Mrs. Suzanne Ribeiro will be supplying for her for the duration of her leave of absence. Thank you to Ms. Minicucci for supplying in this position until it became a leave of absence.
We continue to work in partnership with Fr. Mark at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish to meet the spiritual needs of our school.
Sincerely,
K. Ferrao
Principal
Recognition for Virtue Certificates & Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
We recognize 2 students from each class each month for demonstrating the Virtues of the Month and 1 student from each class for demonstrating the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation. We thank these students for being positive role models and leaders in their classrooms.
Date Change
The virtue assembly for November has changed from November 18 to November 24th. Parents/Guardians are welcome to come to this liturgy on November 24th at 1:45 p.m.
Thank you!
Thank you for your generosity. St. Edith Stein demonstrated that we are a small school with a big heart! We collected a 'mountain' of food for the Eden Food Bank. They gratefully accepted the donations.
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.
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.
It's Cold and Flu Season!
Cold and flu season is here, and it is already a bad one. We want to remind parents/guardians that before heading to the emergency room, book an appointment with your family doctor or at your local COVID Cough and Cold Flu Clinic.
If you’re unsure if you need to take your child to the emergency room, you can:
o Call your primary care provider
o Call Health Connect Ontario (formerly TeleHealth) at 811 or chat online with a nurse 24/7: Health Connect Ontario | Health Connect Ontario (gov.on.ca)
o Use the online symptom checker at Sick Kids: Virtual Urgent Care | SickKids
Don’t forget to continue practicing other protective measures such as hand washing, avoiding touching your face, staying home when ill and masking for 10 days after being symptomatic to help protect your children, yourself and others from viruses that are circulating.
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.
School Council's Major Fundraiser - Halloween Boogie-thon
Thank you for your continued support. The Boogie-thon generated $5261.00 for the Catholic School Council.
The winning classes for pizza lunches & Mississauga Parks & Rec. coupons are:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Gasparini & Mrs. Ejzenchart's Class (raised $725)
Primary: Mrs. D'Souza's class (raised $697)
Junior: Mrs. Sostaric's class (raised $731)
Intermediate: Ms. Slade's Class (raised $454)
Honourable mention & Pizza lunch also awarded to Mrs. Allen and Ms. Clark's Class (raised $650).
The top fundraisers in the school were: Aidan D., Casey T., Victor M., and Grace R. They will receive gift cards for their efforts.
Thank you to Councilor Sue McFadden & Silva & Sons for donations of prizes.
Prizes will be distributed on Thursday. Pizza lunches will be ordered for the winning classes Monday, November 28th.
Library News
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school from November 3, 2022 to November 17, 2022 from 9:00 am-12pm and from 1:00pm-3:30pm. The book fair will close in the morning on November 18, 2022. The Book Fair will also be open on November 17 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 book fair.
Note the dates for the book fair were extended to accommodate interview night.
Christmas Concert
We are inviting you to the St. Edith Stein School Christmas Concerts:
Date: Thursday, December 15
time: 1:30 p.m. - Student body show (and parents who cannot attend the evening show)
6:30 p.m. - Family Show
We are asking that families bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Eden Food Bank.
Coming soon:
Tickets for Front Row seats will be raffled as a fundraiser for Share Life. Raffle tickets $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Successful families will be contacted and seats will be reserved for them.
A reminder to all: We recognize that parents want to take photos/video of their child(ren) for their personal memories. Do not post any videos/photos of anyone else's child(ren) on any social media site as not all students have permission to have their photos posted.
Raptors 905 Anti-bullying Game
On February 8, students in grades 2-8 will be going to see the Raptors 905 game at The Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Tickets are already open for purchase through school cashonline. The deadline (which cannot be extended) for purchasing tickets is December 8th. Parents and guardians wanting to volunteer to supervise are encouraged to get their Criminal Reference Checks (CRC) with the vulnerable sector check completed a.s.a.p. Permission forms will go home shortly with a space for volunteers to sign up. We will notify volunteers once volunteers have been selected. In order to be selected, your CRC must already be on file at the school. Should you need a letter to get a CRC for a volunteer please call Mrs. van Putten at the school and she will send it home with your child.
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.
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.
Important Dates
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
3-18 - Book Fair
11 - Remembrance Day - assembly @ 10: 40 a.m.
15 - Progress Reports go home
17- Interview Evening (by request from parents and/or teachers)
11 - Remembrance Day - assembly @ 10: 40 a.m.
24 - Virtues Assembly @ 1:45 in the gym
25 - PA Day - provincial priorities
December
8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception - mass @ 9:30 a.m. in the gym
15 - Christmas concert @ 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
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)
