Newsletter June 2008.pub - Holy Cross Catholic Academy - the York ...

Principal’s Message Volume 4, Issue 4 June, 2008
Dear Parents, Guardian, Students:
This school year has been marked by outstanding school achievements. We will surpass
the percent of credits passed by all students from 79% (June/07) to 92% (June/08). Also students
on the Honour Roll went from 22% (June/07) to 25% (June/08). A note of congratulations to all
our students who have obtained all of their credits and to those on the Honour Roll!
We extend our congratulations to the following students who made us proud and brought
honour to our Holy Cross community.:
OSAID Media Contest - Lisa Di Franco - Honourable Mention (Mr. Swanek)
SHAD VALLEY PROGRAM - SCHOLARSHIPS:
Joseph Palmieri (Gr. 11) McMaster University (Ontario)
Victoria Breda (Gr. 11) University of Ottawa (Ontario)
Nadine Abdallah (Gr. 11) Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia)
WOW! OUTSTANDING! - City of Vaughan Top Senior Female Athlete!
Our own Gabriella Del Principe has been named Vaughan Today’s Senior Female Athlete
of the Year. Gabriella, an Honour Roll student, earned M.V.P. as a result of being on three
school teams, member of the Athletic Council and her selection for the Leadership Award from
Holy Cross. She has participated on school teams at Holy Cross since Grade 9. Gabriella will be
moving on to study Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. Congratulations, Gabriella!
We wish to express our thanks and acknowledgment to the following staff who are leaving
Holy Cross: Domenica Binetti (Math), Natalia Davydowych (Math), Bobby Kurien (Math
& Science), Lorenzo Schiavone (Religion), Michelle Viglione (Science).
Our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Lawrence Tavolacci, Vice-Principal who
will be leaving us for St. Theresa C.H.S. (Richmond Hill). Mr. Tavolacci has been a valued member
of our team with notable contributions in Aviation Technology and Hospitality & Tourism,
His professionalism and dedication will be missed.
We extend our best wishes and congratulations to Ms. Antonella Rubino who has been
appointed to Principal of St. Joan of Arc C.H.S. (Maple). Ms. Rubino is a person guided by principles
of faith and courage to see the best outcome for students, colleagues and community. The
community of Maple will find in her an outstanding academic and spiritual leader!
Welcome to Holy Cross : Ms. Sheahan and Mr. Babic
Ms. Dana Sheahan will join us this September, 2008 as a Vice-Principal. Ms. Sheahan
was previously a Vice-Principal at St. Augustine and St. Joan of Arc C.H.S. We look forward to
her leadership, dedication and professionalism. Her talents will bring opportunities to the students
and staff of Holy Cross.
Mr. John Babic will also join us this September, 2008 as a Vice-Principal. Mr. Babic
was previously the Department Head of Special Education at Fr. Bressani C.H.S. We look forward
to working together. His professionalism, along with his dedication and caring for the success
of staff and students will give us a renewed spirit of hope and courage.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer. God Bless!
Lucien Rotino, Principal
SCHOOL WEBSITE
http://hocr.ycdsb.ca
School Administration
L. Rotino, Principal
D. Sheahan, Vice-Principal
Gr. 10 & 12
J. Babic, Vice-Principal
Gr. 9 & 11
School Board
S. LaRosa, Director
M. Cosentino, Superintendent ,
Secondary Schools
D. Giuliani, Trustee
Chaplaincy Team
I. Battilana
M. Mignella
Guidance
L. Pevato - Gr. 9
M.A. Bonfigli - Gr. 10
C. Donnelly - Gr. 11
B. Zen - Gr. 12
J. Fraser-Student Support Counsellor
Special Education
A. Simionato - Gr. 9
L. Grondin - Gr. 10
A. Rossi - Gr. 11
C. Ambrosi - Gr. 12
Special Points of Interest
• Catholic School Council
• Bullying Prevention Committee
• Student Government
• “The Flintstones”, Blood Donor
Clinic, Sprott Business Competition,
Gr. 12 Hospitality
• Guidance News
• @ Your Library
• Getting Ready for High School,
OSSLT, March Break 2009
• Cooperative Education
• Athletic Banquet

As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank all our partners in education within the Holy Cross Community. We
have many accomplishments to celebrate this year. Our students continue to shine academically, physically, and spiritually thanks
to a dedicated staff and clergy. I would also like to thank the members of the Holy Cross Catholic School Council for their unequivocal
support, collaborative dedication, and hard work.
At our first meeting in September, we had set out as our primary goal to enhance Council’s communication with the parents
and the School Councils of the feeder elementary schools. We now have a fully functioning email distribution list that sends
electronically, to over 200 subscribers, weekly newsletters from Holy Cross. This initiative has been a smashing success. We constantly
receive praise from parents and enquiries from other School Councils requesting information on how we achieved this success.
We also visited the 6 feeder elementary School Councils of St. Peter, St. Clement, San Marco, St. Angela Merici, St. Margaret
Mary, and St. Catherine of Siena and delivered an information presentation about the academic success and programs offered
at Holy Cross. We were warmly received. Thank you Mr. Rotino and Ms. Rubino for supporting us!
We also funded various presentations by motivational and inspirational speakers for our students and parent community.
Holy Cross will be hosting next Fall the Regional Catholic School Council Forum where we plan to showcase to our sister Catholic
High Schools in York Region the accomplishments and second-to-none facilities available to our students of Holy Cross Catholic
Academy.
It was indeed a pleasure to be part of such a dynamic team of individuals dedicated to Catholic Education in our community.
Luigi Tucci, Chaiperson
SCHOOL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE 2007-2008
Luigi Tucci - Chairperson
Miranda Bifolchi - Vice-Chairperson
Mattia Bifolchi - Secretary
Angela Nimpo - Treasurer
Adriano Volpentesta - Community Representative
BULLYING PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Once again, the Bullying Prevention Committee has proven to be an
interactive and dynamic unit within the Holy Cross Community.
This committee headed off the school year with the Bullying Prevention
Week on November 26, 2007. During the week, students were
able to purchase “Be a Friend” cookies to help spread the message
that bullying only exists because we allow it to exist. The money
raised was donated to Father Mike’s amazing Dominican Relief
Fund to help impoverished children in Haiti. To further signify that
they were taking this pledge to stand up and be a friend, students
also took the initiative to sign our mural. By the end of the week
the mural was filled with colourful traces of students’ hands; each
hand was inscribed with inspirational messages and/or words of
advice. This year the bullying prevention committee also hosted a
successful assembly in which the Toronto Argonauts come to Holy Cross to talk to students about the importance
of “random acts of kindness”. One random act of kindness, such as standing up and being a friend, can inspire
other acts of kindness until a never ending chain is produced.
The Bullying Prevention Committee would like to thank the staff and students of Holy Cross for their support and
participation. We would also extend a warm welcome to students who would like to join our committee and become
a positive role model for Holy Cross. Thank you for your continued support, and remember that if you are
not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
Simona Gueorguieva, Student Committee Member
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 2

Never before in the history of Holy Cross has a group of students
been able to collaborate and plan an event with such spectacular
results like the Student Government has this year.
On Wednesday, May 28th, Holy Cross' Student Government held
its first Carnival and BBQ with over 850 students in attendance.
At 6:30 a.m. Student Council members began to arrive at the
school. By 11:00 the dedication and commitment of these self-motivated students was put
into action. Decorations were up, the stage was set, Z103.5 and M&M Meats were on the
site and the carnival games began to inflate. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy and snocones
were available throughout the day while students had the opportunity to play on the
inflatable volleyball court, twister, money machine, human foosball, adrenaline rush obstacle
course and much more. Our students were amazed with the stunning performances of
Jenny Cassir, Marilyn Ayyad and Karl Nomane. Many events were also held throughout the
day such as our dance off competition and our hula hooping contest.
A special thank you goes out to our Student Government members, our
volunteers, our Parent Council, our staff and our administration for
making this event a memorable one. With the co-operation, support and
participation of both our staff and students we, as a council, are able to
fulfill our goal of developing our community into a social and educational
atmosphere where we ultimately hope to "Share the Future" together.
Have a safe and happy summer and we look forward to providing
a positive and enjoyable experience for staff and students here at
Holy Cross next year!
Sincerely Yours,
Joseph Palmieri
Student Government President
THE FLINTSTONES
The nights of May 22 nd , 23 rd , and 24 th , our Grade Twelve drama
students took audiences on a journey back in time to the prehistoric
town of Bedrock with their extremely successful production
of The Flintstones. The performance was spectacular and
brought everyone’s favourite childhood characters back to life.
As always, it was
a wonderful job
by our hard
working students.
Congratulations
on your fantastic
achievements!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Special thank you to
Mr. Farro, Mrs. Facchini
and Mr. Testani,
Drama and Music
Teachers.
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 3

The annual blood donor clinic was held on May 1st. It was a huge
success. A total of 64 units which translates into 107% of our 60 unit
goal. The figure is even more rewarding as the collection from that one
day has the potential to help up to 192 people.
G. Ferrone and The Blood Donor Committee.
Thank you to all our donors and we encourage everyone to give the gift
of life at the local clinics held in our community. The committee would
like to extend our wishes for a safe and healthy summer.
Mrs. Ferrone’s organizational behaviour class participated in
the Sprott Business Competition.
Each group worked together to analyze and strategically build
up a company based on a product given to each group. The competition
was a great success. The students were given the opportunity to
experience the pros and cons of the world of business. Each group had
the option of changing and manipulating the amount of money spent on
advertising, human resources, etc. By the end of the competition, the
group consisting of Chris Aiello, Gianfranco Coluccio, Michael Franzolini,
Anthony Bruno and Lenny Augurusa came out victorious. The
group claims their success came from teamwork and the members’
commitment to the competition. The winners, along with the rest of
Mrs. Ferrone’s class all enjoyed the business competition and we are
very thankful to the Sprott School of Business at Carelton University,
for giving us an opportunity to be part of it. Even though Business may not be everyone’s post-secondary option it was a great experience
that helped us increase our critical thinking.
By: Michael Franzolini, Chris Aiello, Gianfranco Coluccio
Gr. 12
Hospitality
Exam …..
“EURO CUP”
Dinner Event
Gr. 12 Hospitality students have
their final practical test by organizing,
cooking and serving dinner to
ticket holders for the event. The
dinner menu showcased food items
of European countries.
The food was amazing!!!!
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 4

Guidance News
Guidance counsellors wish to remind all students of the following issues with regards to timetable changes for the upcoming
academic school year. Timetable changes will be permitted in September only in one of two circumstances:
In the event of course failure(s); and/or,
Successful completion of a summer school and/or virtual school course.
Guidance counsellors will be available from Monday 18 August to Friday 29 August to assist students as necessary.
Parents are invited and encouraged to join the Guidance Department’s forthcoming Grade 10 Career Fair as a speaker
and/or participant. The Guidance Team is currently planning the next Career Fair, scheduled to take place on Wednesday 5 November
2008. Alternatively, if any parent has a suggestion for a career area and/or referral for any career area of interest to the
Grade 10 students; do not hesitate to contact our office at your convenience.
Career Cruising is an interactive reference guide providing in-depth profiles of hundreds of different careers, multimedia
interviews with real people in over 800 careers, career search tools, and databases of post-secondary destinations. In order to search
and find career information online, please visit Career Cruising at www.careercruising.com.
User Name: yorkcatholic Password: 49630
FYI…Post Secondary Planning
University Fair
College Fair
26 to 28 September 2008 27 October 2008
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Direct Energy Centre
On behalf of the Guidance Team I wish all students a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Ms Pevato, Guidance Department Head
Building Research Success @ the Holy Cross Library!
Building Research Success has been the focus for the library’s
learning and teaching program during the school year 2007-2008. With a
new and improved School Library Web page, the library staff has been
able to provide access to quality and authoritative electronic information
and to extend and reinforce ‘in-person’ research & information literacy
instruction via a virtual presence. Knowledge Ontario, YCDSB Databases,
T-L Links are but a few of the recommended sources that help
direct student research inquiries and facilitate knowledge and skill development.
In addition to many research lessons, students also benefited
from participating in learning & literacy initiatives promoted by the library---
the White Pine Reading program, SLIC leaders, Freedom for
Tomorrow, Vow of Silence, displays and promotions all contributed to
making the library a dynamic centre of learning for staff and students.
Summer Reading
Vow of Silence April 29, 2008 -Participants raised $1170!
Thank you to students, family, and the Holy Cross community
for all the support in raising awareness of children’s
rights and raising funds for education in developing nations.
A copy of “YCDSB Secondary Teacher-Librarians Summer
Reads” brochure has been included in the June mailing. We encourage all students, parents, community members, and staff to enjoy a
good read this summer.
Many of the library learning activities could not happen without the support and dedication of the school community. I would
like to extend sincere thanks to the School Council, Administration, staff and students. A very special thank you, along with best wishes, is
offered to Ms. Li Cho who will be leaving Holy Cross this year. Ms. Cho has contributed greatly to the Holy Cross community for the past
twelve years. Her expertise, talents, knowledge, dedication and helpful, pleasant manner will be greatly missed by both students and staff
alike. We wish her all the best for future happiness.
We would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe summer.
Michelle Regina, Department Head of Library
Li Cho, Library Technician
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 5

GETTING READY FOR HIGH SCHOOL
In order to facilitate a successful start to your secondary school career, we have invited all incoming Grade 9 students to
a day of “Getting Ready for High School”. We are looking forward to meeting students and helping with the transition
into Grade 9.
Here are the details you will need to know:
DATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
TIME: 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
LOCATION: HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC ACADEMY
(Report to the main foyer/atrium by 8:20 a.m.)
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN
TRANSPORTATION
*************************************
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TESTING (OSSLT)
This year our grade ten students completed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy test on March 27, 2008. The Ministry
expectation is that every student must successfully pass this test in order to meet graduation requirements. This year, eighty-four
percent of our students passed both the reading and writing sections of this test. All students will receive a copy of their individual
student report with their final report card. This report indicates the student’s results as well as information regarding the Literacy
Test.
Next year’s grade 10 OSSLT will be written on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009. In order to gather information and strategies in
preparing for this test, we encourage grade 9 and 10 students and their parents to visit www.eqao.com.
Mr. L. Tavolacci, Vice Principal
MARCH BREAK 2009 -
MONTREAL TRIP
Once again it has come to our attention that
an unauthorized trip to Montreal during
March Break 2009 is being planned. The
York Catholic District School Board and
Holy Cross have no connection/association
with the tour company, events or individuals
responsible for this trip. Anyone who deals
with the company and its agents does so at
their own risk. This trip is not part of any
curriculum requirement/program offered by
Holy Cross. Holy Cross does not recommend
this March Break Trip to Montreal.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
DURING THE SUMMER 2008
Please be advised that the school office will remain open until July
11th. The office will then be closed until August 15th and will reopen
on Monday, August 18th. Daily hours will be:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
Transcripts will be printed at our Board Office to accommodate
students during the summer when secondary schools are closed.
Students requiring transcripts are asked to contact our Board Office
at 416-221-5050 and ask the receptionist for transcripts.
Administration
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 6

CO OPERATIVE EDUCATION
On a blistery, snowy December morning first semester, we hosted a Co op Information Breakfast
where a panel made up of employers and former Co op students addressed students interested in finding out more
about the benefits of taking Co op. This proved to be successful in generating even more interest in the Co op program
at Holy Cross, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of students registered for Co op for the upcoming school
year. Special thanks go out to all those who participated in that informative panel discussion.
On behalf of our Co op students, we would like to take this opportunity
to thank all the community employers who
have given their tremendous support to Holy Cross
by taking on our Co op students this year. Many of
these employers have been long-time partners with
our school’s program and others are new to this partnership.
Without them, this program would not be
possible!
As a result of this partnership, a number of
our students have been offered not only part-time
jobs but summer employment, full-time jobs and
EMPLOYER
OCCUPATION/TRADE
Active Green & Ross ‐ Auto Service Technician
All Star Painting ‐ Painting & Drywall
Alta Copy & Print ‐ Graphic Design
Aqua Safe Mechanical ‐ Plumbing
Ashbridge Auto Ltd. ‐ Auto Service Technician
Beaumonde Heights P. S. ‐ Teaching
Centered on Children Daycare ‐ Early Childhood Education
Child’s View Daycare ‐ Early Childhood Education
Christal Mechanical ‐ Plumbing
Colombo Chrysler ‐ Auto Service Technician
Coventry North Jaguar ‐ Auto Service Technician
Dr. Friedman
‐ Dental Assistant
Dr. Pomposo
‐ Dental Assistant
Dollarama
‐ Stock/Retail Assistant
Duplex Electric
‐ Electrician
Evolution of Hair ‐ Hairdressing
Fabutan Sun Studio ‐ Suntan Technician
Fiorio
‐ Hairdressing
HMV Vaughan Mills Store ‐ Customer Service Associate
Haircrew
‐ Hairdressing
Highway 27 Auto Collision ‐ Autobody Repair
Hospice Vaughan ‐ Social Worker
IKEA
‐ Interior Design
Ines Di Santo Bridal ‐ Fashion Design & Production
International Video ‐ Videographer/Photographer
Jelly Bean Daycare ‐ Early Childhood Education
Josanthony’s Hair Design & Skin Care ‐ Hairdressing
Kleinburg P. S.
Kristine Kena Salon
Leader Plumbing
Maple Denture Clinic
‐ Teaching
‐ Hairdressing
‐ Plumbing
‐ Denturist
Match Restaurant/Humber College ‐ Chef (apprenticeship)
MedScan Xray & Ultrasound ‐ Medical Receptionist
Mini Mania
‐ Early Childhood Education
Network Mechanical/Humber College ‐ Plumber
(apprenticeship)
Paragon Security (Woodbine Centre) ‐ Mall Security
PGC Electrical Ltd.
Picasso Veneers
Roma Moulding
Roy Foss Chevrolet
Salon Diva
San Marco C.E.S.
St. Andrew C.E.S.
St. Angela Merici C.E.S.
St. Clement C.E.S.
St. Peter C.E.S.
St. Ursula C.E.S.
‐ Electrician
‐ Dental Lab Technician
‐ I.T.
‐ Auto Service Technician
‐ Hairdressing
‐ Teaching
‐ Teaching
‐ Teaching
‐ Teaching
‐ Teaching
‐ Teaching
Splish Splash Auto Bath/Canadian Tire ‐ Car Detailing
The Shoe Company
‐ Retail
Tim Horton’s (11610 Keele St.) ‐ Retail/Office Assistant
Time Out Hair Salon
TPI Automotive
Weston Produce
Woodbridge Toyota
‐ Hairdressing
‐ Auto Service Technician
- Stock/Retail Assistant
- Auto Service Technician
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 7

Co Operative Education - cont’d…..
also apprenticeships by their Co op employers.
Also, congratulations go out to two of our students; Celeste Carnevale and Madelaine Ferritto,
who attended Humber College second semester and not only earned their 4 high school credits for Co
op, but also the first part of their certification in their chosen field - Celeste in plumbing and Madelaine
as a chef. Well done!
Wishing you all a healthy, safe and enjoyable summer.
Mrs. A. Basile & Ms. M. Sisti‐Petruccelli: Co operative Education Department
Athletes of the Year: Female: Gabriella Del Principe Male: Jonathan Muia
Student Athlete: Female: Nadine Abdallah Male: Danny Gallo
Sports Person: Female: Jessica Malynyk Male: Joseph Pavia
Junior Achievement: Female: Erica Pizzola Male: Steve Ciamp
Athletic Spirit: Female: Julie Sayewich Male: Steven Brown
Appreciation: Female: Giovanna Barrasso, Cinzia Costa, Samantha Choly, Gabriella Del Principe, Katherine Stasiak, Jessica Malynyk, Christina
Conforti, Michelle Piccirilli, Vanessa Burgio, Carson Porretta, Marie Angela Giuliano, Rachel Malafara
Male: Danny Gallo, Joseph Pavia, Anthony Bruno, Andrew Moretti, Jonathan Muia, Steven Brown, Joseph Figliomeni, Adrian Pena,
Daniel Tersigni, Anthony Rella, Fabio Delellis, Nico Parent, Philip Spencer, Anthony Cipollone,
Golf - Boys - Jr.: Javier Diaz
Sr.: Andrew Natividad
Boys Volleyball - Jr.: Justin Bianco
Sr.: Marcus Ibrahim
Girls Volleyball - Jr.: Sabrina Moffat
Sr.: Jessica Malynyk
Co-Ed Volleyball - Jr.: Justina Bianco & Erica Pizzola
Sr.: Michael Chiera & Gabriella Del Principe
Boys Soccer - Jr.: Gaetano Tropea
Sr.: Adrian Pena
Soccer - Indoor - Girls: Gabriella Colavecchia
Soccer - Girls - Sr.: Natasha Del Medico
Basketball - Girls - Sr. : Jessica Jesudasan
Basketball - Boys - Sr.: Steven Brown & Adam Sisti
Hockey Girls Varsity : Cristina Giannoca
Slow Pitch : Girls:
Gabriella Del Principe, Jessica Malynyk,
Hockey Boys - Jr.: Aryton Valente
Katherine Stasiak, Samantha Choly
Ball Hockey(Intra) - Tier 1 Joseph Pavia
Badminton - Jr.: Daniel Alonzi, Gaetano Tropea
Ball Hockey(Intra) - Tera 2 William Barone
Sr.: Gabriella Del Principe, Corey
Swim Team:
Andrea Tesolin & Annie Pavia Tennis: Jr.: Lucas Turrin
Baseball -
William Barone
Sr.:
Joseph Figliomeni
Rock Climbing -
Isabella Bruno & Justin Boreanaz
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 8