St. Alfred Catholic School 3341 Havenwood Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2M (Fax) Every Child, A Promise.

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1 Taoi lieau naay quan troing, xin nhoo ngoooi chuyean doch. Esta informacion es importante. Por favor traducirla al espanol. Ta informacja jest wazna. Prosze zapoznaj sie z nia. March 2017 Newsletter Principal: L. DeWitte Vice Principal T. Podobnik Secretary: D. Suchocki School Council September Chair: M. Pakula 2011 Superintendent Newsletter of ME Schools: T. Lariviere DPCDSB Trustee of Wards 1 & 3: M. Pascucci St. Martha & Mary Parish 1840 Burnhamthorpe Rd. East (905) Rev. Fr. D. Corkum St. Alfred Catholic School 3341 Havenwood Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2M (Fax) Every Child, A Promise. ST. ALFRED SCHOOL HOURS School Begins 8:45 a.m. Recess (a.m.) 10:45-11:00a.m. Lunch 11:45-12:45p.m. Recess (p.m.) 2:15 2:30p.m. Dismissal 3:15 p.m. ST. ALFRED WEBSITE DPCDSB WEBSITE TWITTER A Lenten Reflection Fast from judging others.feast on the Christ dwelling in them. Fast from apparent darkness...feast on the reality of light. Fast from thoughts of illness...feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute...feast on words that purify. Fast from discontent...feast on gratitude. Fast from anger...feast on patience. Fast from pessimism...feast on optimism. Fast from negatives...feast on affirmatives. Fast from hostility...feast on peace. Fast from bitterness...feast on appreciation. ADMINISTRATORS MESSAGE Catholics observe Lent, the forty-day period before Easter beginning on Ash Wednesday. We imitate Jesus, who spent forty days in the desert in prayer and fasting before beginning His public ministry. Observing Lent helps to cultivate the spiritual discipline of making personal sacrifices, reminding us of the importance of spiritual truths over We came together on Ash Wednesday with a Liturgical Celebration in our school gym. Ash Wednesday is the commencement of this period of repentance. As our staff, students and community received their ashes, it symbolically marked how we, as a Catholic Community, come together to realize the true meaning of Lent. As we approach Easter, it is fitting that we meditate on the serious subject of the sacrifice that Jesus made to save us from eternal death and separation from God. He willingly and single-mindedly embarked on His mission to teach the truth and to die on the cross as the ultimate and lasting sacrifice for our sins the sacrifice that God required. This may be time to think about the blessings we have and about the frivolous things we tend to hold onto. It may be a good time to give up something we enjoy as a reminder of the true meaning of Jesus sacrifice. We can also think of a Lenten Promise we wish to make and strive to do good to others as Jesus did to the many people He met along His journey. We would like to wish our students, staff and families a very safe and enjoyable March Break. L. DeWitte T. Podobnik Principal Vice Principal

2 STS. MARTHA AND MARY PARISH Weekend Masses: Saturday Mass at 4:30pm, Sunday Masses at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am Weekday Masses: Monday to Saturday and Holidays at 9:00am, First Friday at 7:00pm, and Wednesdays at 7:00pm Confessions: Saturdays at 3:30pm to 4:15pm SACRAMENTS Holy Communion at Sts. Martha and Mary Parish: First Communion: March 5, 2017 at 2:00pm Confirmation at Sts. Martha and Mary Parish: Confessions: Parents are responsible for bringing students to parish for Confession prior to date of Sacrament. Confessions: Saturday 3:30 4:15pm and by appointment Confirmation Mass: May 4, 2017 at 7:00pm THE VIRTUE OF THE MONTH KINDNESS God wants us to give generously to others around us. A kind person Is gentle and sensitive to others Stands by their friends in time of need Shares their time and talents Says nice things about others from the heart Always looks for ways to be helpful As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in the one body.

3 ATTENDANCE Our attendance line is: (Press #1). Please call to register an absence. You can call 24hrs a day including weekends if you know your child will be absent from school. An answering machine is available to take information. Please provide the following information: Name(s) of student(s) Name of student s teacher(s) Grade of student(s) Reason for absence If an absence is not reported, our policy is to call home to verify student absenteeism. A parent or guardian must sign out students at the office who leave early. All students are expected to attend school regularly and punctually. All students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. must obtain a late slip from the office. This measure is to ensure the safety of your child. We thank you for your continued support in following this procedure. SCHOOL WEB SITE We have updated our school website. This site will be continually updated and has information for parents regarding school calendar information, newsletters and school updates. Visit and link onto the Elementary site at St. Alfred Elementary SIGN UP TODAY! Parents and guardians of Dufferin-Peel Catholic students can stay up-to-date with the latest board news and information by joining the Dufferin-Peel ecommunity. Members will receive the latest news and information by , including news releases, school activities and events, board meeting highlights, school and bus cancellations, plus useful tips for parents and students. Sign up online at DPCDSB is on Twitter! For the latest board news and information, follow NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION If you have not provided the office with your address and would like to receive a variety of school information via , please contact the main office to be added to the distribution list after completing a CASL (Canada s Anti Spam Legislation) consent form. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER #StAlfred_dpcdsb St. Alfred school has joined twitter and we would love for you to follow us! It's a great way to receive instant updates of school events, reminders and photos of exciting happenings at our school. Follow us at: StAlfred_dpcdsb. Want more information about twitter? See Ms. Lupallier, Ms. Rotondi or Ms. Romano

4 Catholic School Council Catholic School Council Upcoming School Council meetings are: All St. Alfred School Parents are invited to join us. Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 PLASP Before and After school program at St. Alfred: CLASS LISTS Over the next few months we will be making up the class lists for next year. This is quite a complex process and is done in consultation with this year s teachers, support staff and administration. As part of this process, parents may also give their input around class placement for their child(ren). Input must be stated in writing, provide an educational reason for the request, and be submitted to the principal by April 28, Please do not confuse this with a request for individual teachers, or an opportunity for your child to ask for the teacher s/he wants. We recognize that there may be things about your child s learning or past experience that we may not know about that may affect your child s learning. We invite you to help us find the most appropriate placement for your child(ren), by sharing this information. We cannot guarantee that requests will be fulfilled, but all will be considered.

5 CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2017 Theme: Walking Forward Together THE ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. The expectations of Catholic graduates, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes and actions. Vision of the Learner The Graduate is expected to be: 1. 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. 2. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values 3. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good. 4. A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their Godgiven potential. 5. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good. 6. A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community 7. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life. Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations I HAVE IDEAS! I have thoughts and opinions that matter I make good choices I have hope for the future I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer I know we are all equal and special Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus.

6 PEDS Personal Electronic Devices (PEDS) 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. BUSING STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) Stopr is providing bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The STOPR website address is This website provides access to up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations due to inclement weather. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the following website: businfo.stopr.ca. STOPR Telephone Contact Information: PEDICULOSIS Head Lice is a common problem which occurs at some time in most schools at least once every year. Head lice are parasites which have been common among human beings for centuries. They are not connected in any way with dirt or neglect. If a case is found in our schools, we shall inform parents of the students in that classroom in a letter. We have had a number of cases so we ask that you also check your own children regularly. If you find them to be infested, please notify the office. For more information go to the following link: INDOOR FOOTWEAR REQUESTED Please ensure that students keep a pair of running shoes or other appropriate footwear at school so that their feet remain dry and clean at all times. As well, because so many areas of our schoolyard can be quite muddy at certain times of the year, this would really help in keeping mud and dirt out of the classroom.

7 HOLY WEEK Holy Week is the last week of Lent. Holy Week observances began in Jerusalem in the earliest days of the Church, when devout people traveled to Jerusalem at Passover to reenact the events of the week leading up to the Resurrection. The purpose of Holy Week is to reenact, relive, and participate in the passion of Jesus Christ. Holy Week is the same in the eastern and western Church, but because eastern Christians use the Julian Calendar to calculate Easter, the celebrations occur at different times. However, the following events in the week before Easter are the same, east and west, relative to the date of Easter: Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday), the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Holy Thursday, the institution of Communion and the betrayal Judas. Good Friday, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. Holy Saturday, the Sabbath on which Jesus rested in the grave. Please take the time to ensure your child is aware of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and that we remind ourselves that Jesus came to show the way to eternal life. Let us keep in mind that he led by example. He gave his life for us. He is our role model and we aspire to live our lives in a manner consistent with the lessons that Jesus taught us. by us The Wasteless Lunch Campaign Continues St. Alfred School has been making an effort to reduce lunch-time packaging waste by packing a Wasteless Lunch everyday! A Wasteless Lunch contains at least 3 reusable items such as lunch containers, reusable bottles, metal cutlery, and cloth napkins. Student leaders have been visiting classrooms and awarding points for Wasteless Lunches. We are almost at the end of our 4 week challenge and we will be announcing the winner in March! Keep packing a Wasteless Lunch by finding reusable containers and bottles, and buying food and snacks in bulk. Going wasteless means avoiding individually packaged snacks and drinks. Together, we can reduce lunch-time packaging waste and support a healthy environment!

8 Trip To Albion Hills Our grade 6 students had an opportunity to take part in a memorable, enriching experience at Albion Hills from Feb Students were engaged in a variety of activities. Active learning through hands-on activities were enjoyed by all. Students learned the importance of teamwork, a sense of community, and the environment in a safe and supportive outdoor setting. They will be leading an environmental action project soon.

9 Special Olympic Athlete Runs in Toronto By Olivia M. St Alfred School will be helping an athlete get to the Ontario Special Olympics. The Olympics helps athletes make friends, feel happy, and build skills. All of the Olympic athletes have special needs. We are asking parents to consider making a $2 donation until March 8th. Our goal is to reach $500. We are raising money to help an athlete named Yuri Clayton from Manitoulin Island. He has a disability but he loves to run. The money will help him get to the Olympics. Yuri Clayton is running in Toronto from July 13 to 16. There are 3 medals first, second, and third. The Special Olympics helps people. The police are going to come to our school on March 10 th. They are doing an assembly to give more information about the Special Olympics. All Canadians with intellectual disabilities will have more opportunities by playing sports. Do you want to help? Cheer for him! We can do this and help Yuri Clayton get to the Olympics.

10 STORAGE/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. NO CHILD WITHOUT MEDIC ALERT PROGRAM The No Child Without program offers a free MedicAlert membership to students who attend our school and are between the ages of 4 to 14. If your child has a medical condition, allergy, or is required to take medication on a regular basis, then you should consider a MedicAlert membership through this program. For further information pick up a brochure at the school office, or visit If your child is already part of the program but his/her medical condition or contact information has changed, call SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS - Annual Criminal Declaration / Criminal Reference Check A valid Criminal Background Check must be provided by all new volunteers. Once a CBC is provided to the school, an Annual Offence Declaration can be completed in subsequent years. The volunteer CBC/AODs must be housed in a secure location in the school. Forms are available from the main office. EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN In the unforeseen event that we should have an emergency at our school, we will evacuate to: St Sofia Catholic Elementary School 3540 Havenwood Dr. (905) Safety regulations and Board Policy require us to have this contingency plan in place. In the event of an evacuation to our alternate site, your child will remain at St. Sofia School until we are able to contact you and make arrangements for pick up.

11 The Lenten Season The Liturgical calendar continues to move forward and we will soon begin the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 day period of fasting, penitence, and sorrow, leading up to the feast of Easter, recalling Jesus 40 day fast in the wilderness. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time to turn to God in simplicity and sincerity, as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter. Our hearts feel heavy as we remember our sins, but we are also confident in God s mercy and forgiveness. We will also have the opportunity to celebrate the virtue of Kindness that guides our prayers and celebrations during the month of March. Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts. It s a day of penitence, to clean the soul and a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up, and of giving of ourselves more. Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods that aren t allowed in Lent. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them. During Lent there are many foods that some Christians historically and today would not eat: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs and milky foods. So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on shriving Tuesday and eat up all the foods that would not last the forty days of Lent. The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday ; pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house with just the addition of flour. Catholic Ratepayers Check Your Tax Bill To Ensure Proper Tax Support: If you are a Catholic ratepayer, we urge you to check your property tax bill to ensure that your support is directed to your local Catholic school Board, in our case, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. If you are a tenant, you can verify your support by contacting our Admissions Department at (905) , ext , or 24519, or your local Municipal Office. By ensuring that you are accurately recorded as a Catholic school supporter, you can help deliver a powerful message to the government about the level of support for publically-funded Catholic Education in Ontario. Also, in order to be eligible to vote for your local Catholic school board Trustee, you must be registered as a separate school supporter. EQAO DATES Grade 3 & 6 students will be participating in province wide testing from May 23rd - June 5th, It is very important that students attendance is punctual. We ask that parents of students in these grades ensure that their children are in attendance during these weeks. Thank you for your cooperation. Grade 3 students will be writing EQAO on Wednesday May 24, Thursday May 25, and Friday 26. Grade 6 students will be writing EQAO on Tuesday May 30, Wednesday May 31, and Thursday June 1.

12 IMMUNIZE ON TIME REPORT EVERY TIME Report all immunizations your child receives to Peel Public Health. **online at ** call Peel Public Health at Student records are reviewed annually. Over an eleven week period, students with incomplete records receive three letters mailed directly to them to request immunization information. If parents/students DO NOT provide the required immunization information, the student will be suspended from school. SCHOOL SPORTS / CLUBS CHESS The Chess Clubs are meeting during lunch hours to learn and share their expertise in chess. The clubs are preparing for the upcoming Mississauga East Chess Tournament in March 24, 2017 at St. James. Teams of 5 will represent St. Alfred at the family tournament. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: March 1 Ash Wednesday March 3 Boys Night In 3:30 7:30pm March 5 First Holy Communion at 2pm March 8 School Council at 7pm (All welcome) March March Break March 22 Chocolate Fundraiser Kickoff March 23 Trip to Silvercreek (Mrs. Belaisis and Mrs. Hrycyk) March 24 Girls Night In 3:30-7:30pm March 29 Peel Safety Village (grade 5 s) March 30 French Field Trip (grade 7s and 8s) April 13 April 14 April 17 April 26 Holy Thursday Good Friday (school is closed) Easter Monday (school is closed) School Council at 7pm (All Welcome) May 1 to May 5 Education Week May 2 Education Week Mass at 10:15am May 4 Confirmation Mass at 7pm May 22 Victoria Day (school is closed) May 24 -May 25 Grade 3 EQAO testing May 30 June 1 Grade 6 EQAO testing May 30 HEP B/HPV Immunizations for grade 7 and 8s Attachments Math Insert for March

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