September 2012 Issue - St. Helen's Elementary School

E-mail: office.shel@cisva.bc.ca
Website: www.sthelensschool.ca
PRINCIPAL’S LETTER SEPTEMBER 2012
Dear Parents
Welcome to the 2012/ 2013 school year. This year’s spiritual theme is “Open Wide the Door of Faith” and
throughout the coming months we will be implementing this theme. We hope that students and the community
at large will “Open Wide the Door of Faith” in the classroom, on the playground and at home. I would like
to inform you that last Friday we received the occupancy permit for our new west wing. All of the committees
worked very hard during the summer in order to ensure that the new wing would be ready for the start of the
school year. Thank you to all of these people for their hard work and dedication. I also decided to vacation at
home to help the various committees and attend all of the building committee meetings. It was a very rewarding
experience of stewardship. Let me also take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who helped us
to make our dream possible and I would encourage everyone to continue to support the parish by attending
liturgies and sharing your gifts especially this year, which is the year of faith. All of you are welcome to St.
Helen’s Feast Day celebrations and the Blessing of the New Wing - see Feast Day poster attached.
Sincerely in Christ,
Waldemar Sambor
Principal

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ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL
STAFF 2012 / 2013
Grade KA Mrs. Michelle Paone
KB
Mrs. Deanna Canosa
1 Mrs. Gillian Holland / Director of Curriculum
2A
Mrs. Sandra Drlje
2B
Miss Teresa Matino
3A
Mrs. Claudia Martinelli/Mrs. Donna Perrotta
3B
Mrs. Maria Camele/Mrs. Debbie Jussinoja
4A
Mrs. Nadia Piperni
4B
Miss Angela Friscioni
5A
Mrs. Theresa Collins
5B
Ms. Dawn Currie
6A
Mrs. Nikki Hough
6B
Ms. Diana Silva /V ice-Principal
7A
Mr. Anthony Canosa
7B
Mr. Michael Baldin
Library
Mrs. Candace Wilke
French
Miss Rebecca Treherne
LAC
Mr. David Ramalho / Director of Curriculum
Mrs. Laurie Bennett
Mrs. Maria Salituro
Music / Band
Mrs. Theresa Wai / Miss Rebecca Treherne
PE
Mr. Enrico Perrotta/ Athletic Director
Special Ed. Assistants
Miss Tina Perizzolo
Miss Erin Callaway
Mrs. Annarita Elm
Mrs. Linda Zen
Mrs. Lucy Spada
School Psychologist
Mr. Tim Schaufele
Office Manager
Ms. Nancy Ginnetti
Secretary
Mrs. Marilyn Farquharson
Bookkeeper
Mrs. Linda Spitale
Maintenance
Mr. Tony Merandi
Bus Driver
Mr. Paul Mobilio
Note: Grades A & B remained the same as last year.

ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL Page 3
STAFF E-MAIL ADRESSES
Principal Mr. Waldemar Sambor wsambor@cisva.bc.ca
Grade KA Mrs. Michelle Paone mpaoneshs@hotmail.com
Grade KB Mrs. Deanna Canosa dcanosahs@hotmail.com
Grade 1 Mrs. Gillian Holland ghollandshs@hotmail.com
Grade 2A Mrs. Sandra Drlje sdrljeshs@hotmail.com
Grade 2B Miss Teresa Matino tmatinoshs@hotmail.com
Grade 3A Mrs. Donna Perrotta dperrottashs@hotmail.com
Mrs. Claudia Martinelli
cmartinellishs@hotmail.com
Grade 3B Mrs. Debbie Jussinoja djussinojashs@hotmail.com
Mrs. Maria Camele
mcameleshs@hotmail.com
Grade 4A Mrs. Nadia Piperni npipernishs@hotmail.com
Grade 4B Miss Angela Friscioni afriscionishs@hotmail.com
Grade 5A Mrs. Theresa Collins tcollinsshs@hotmail.com
Grade 5B Ms. Dawn Currie dcurrieshs@hotmail.com
Grade 6A Mrs. Nikki Hough nhoughshs@hotmail.com
Grade 6B Ms. Diana Silva dsilvashs@hotmail.com
Grade 7A Mr. Anthony Canosa acanosashs@hotmail.com
Grade 7B Mr. Michael Baldin mbaldinshs@hotmail.com
LAC Mrs. Laurie Bennett lbennettshs@hotmail.com
Mr. David Ramalho
dramalhoshs@hotmail.com
Mrs. Maria Salituro
msalituroshs@hotmail.com
Library Mrs. Candace Wilke cwilkeshs@hotmail.com
French Miss Rebecca Treherne rteherneshs@hotmail.com
P.E. Mr. Enrico Perrotta eperrottashs@hotmail.com
Music/Band Mrs. T. Wai twaishs@hotmail.com
School Psychologist Mr. Tim Schaufele office.shel@cisva.bc.ca
S.E.A. Miss Tina Perizzolo tperizzoloshs@hotmail.com
S.E.A. Miss Erin Callaway ecallawayshs@hotmail.com
S.E.A. Mrs. Annarita Elm aelmshs@hotmail.com
S.E.A. Mrs. Linda Zen lzenshs@hotmail.com
S.E.A. Miss Lucy Spada lspadashs@hotmail.com
SUPPORT STAFF
Office Manager/Bookkeeper Ms. Nancy Ginnetti office.shel@cisva.bc.ca
Secretary Mrs. Marilyn Farquharson secretary.shel@cisva.bc.ca
Bookkeeper Mrs. Linda Spitale lspitaleshs@hotmail.com
Teacher email is for general communication purposes. This form of communication is not a replacement for parentteacher
conferences. Support staff email can be used for absentee notes, field trip permission or other items relevant to
the office staff.
PEC MEMBERS 2012/2013
Mr. Jonathan Tagulao-Chair, Mr. Steve Canofari-Vice-Chair, Mr. Nick Parente-Treasurer, Mrs. Brenda Cesareo -
Secretary, Mrs. Giovanna Figliola and Mr. Alex Santarelli - Participation, Mr. Lorenzo Aquilini - Maintenance

Page 4
ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL
SCHOOL INFORMATION
HAIR AND ACCESSORIES must be in order by Wednesday, September 5th before students leave for Outdoor Education.
(see attached policy)
• Arrive punctually, attend regularly, and behave appropriately.
• Prepare for lessons by having ready the appropriate books, materials and assignments.
• Show consideration for others: the rights of peers, staff and visitors.
• Make a sincere, concentrated effort to do well in studies.
• Wear the correct uniform at all times.
• Bring a written note signed by a parent/guardian explaining the lack of uniform if necessary.
• Respect and comply with school regulations.
• Participate attentively in all religious observances
In addition to the above, a pleasant co-operative attitude is expected of each student. This is to be shown both to peers and staff.
We believe that the display of good manners reflects proper home training including “Please” and “Thank you” “Excuse me”, “I’m
Sorry”, and other such expressions. Gestures and behaviour should also show proper manners. Consistent courtesy will encourage
mutual respect and help to build a caring community.
LIBRARY BOOK FAIR
Once again we will be hosting a “Scholastic Book Fair” - September 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th. This is a great opportunity
to see the latest and most popular children’s books and could be a great chance to stock up on birthday
and Christmas presents. More information to follow at a later date.
GRADE 4/7 Students will be attending Outdoor School starting Wednesday, September 5th. Please see the letter sent
home by Mr. Perrotta today. Also students are required to bring a binder, pen and pencil to camp this year. Camp pictures
will be on the website at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Camp Letters—Parents who wish to send letters to their child up at camp should have them at the school office by 3:00
p.m. Wednesday September 5th.
School Uniform—must be worn starting Monday, September 10th. Students may wear the summer uniform. Please
remember shoes must be black or navy blue and the height of the heel must not exceed 3.5 cm or 1.5 inches. Until
September10th students may wear regular summer clothes. The policy regarding Hair Colour/Haircuts and Accessories
will be in effect from September 4th, 2012 (including all intermediate students going to Camp).
School Bus—program will begin on Monday, September 10th. You will receive a letter regarding bus stops and times
this week.
Individual Pictures: Wednesday, September 12th. Students are required to be in full uniform with sweaters.
Walkathon: - Information to follow at a later date.

ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL Page 5
THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 13TH -
FEAST OF ST. HELEN AND BLESSING OF NEW SCHOOL - See poster attached
6:00 p.m. Mass - Whole School
7:00 p.m. Blessing of New School followed by coffee and cake
8:00 P.M. Parent /Teacher Meeting
ST. HELEN’S PARISH CENTENNIAL BOOK PRE-SALE -See letter attached.
The In School lunch program starts on Wednesday, September 12th. We will accept cheques up until Monday, September
10th. ($120.00 full year or $15.00 monthly post dated cheques). All lunches will be accompanied by a
healthy snack and a drink
September Menu:
12th - Chicken Burgers 1
19th - Pizza
26th - Pasta
THANK YOU
To all participants of the St. Helen’s 13th Annual Golf Classic. Be assured your involvement and support of this event
will go a long way in achieving our goal to build a new school. To the many parents and volunteers who have invested
countless hours in helping to make this fund-raiser a great success, your contribution is most appreciated. The proceeds
(approx. $45,000) will go towards our new school project.
To last year’s Gr. 7 graduating class for donating technology for the new west wing. Total amount raised was
$15,000.00
To the Maintenance Participation Group and all volunteers for repairs, painting and preparing our school for the
2012/2013 school year.
IMPORTANT!!!
Please remember to phone the school by 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to be absent or late. PLEASE SEND A
NOTE WITH YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER AN ABSENCE. NOTES ARE
REQUIRED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.
Notes may also be sent via Email to secretary.shel@cisva.bc.ca
PLEASE ADVISE THE SCHOOL OFFICE OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE OR EMER-
GENCY CONTACT NUMBERS THAT HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTRATION.
Office—Parents, students and visitors are requested to use the office window for late slips, help, other requests
etc. The other office door is for STAFF use only.

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ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL
We would like to inform you besides getting occupancy for the
new wing we also made upgrades to our present facilities such as:
• We replaced all of the light fixtures in the gym
• The gym floor was re finished.
• All classroom feature walls were painted the same color as
the new wing to make both building compatible
• Some furnishings were replaced to provide students and
teachers with a better learning environment.
Again, thank you to all volunteers and members of the community
who helped with the above projects. Landscaping and relocation
of the fire hydrant will be done by the end of this month.
St. Helen's School Ridesharing
The purpose of this website is to help match together parents who are driving their children to St. Helen's
School. Carpooling will reduce the number of vehicles converging on the school and thereby increase safety
for everyone while reducing pollutants and greenhouse gasses.
By registering in this group, your matches will be restricted to this group only -- in other words, you'll be
matched only with other parents registered at this website. See link below.
https://sthelensschool.ride-share.com/en/my/index.
PARKING, DROP OFF AND PICK UP AREA
New west wing procedures - students will be entering from both doors, Pandora St. and the drop off area in
the church parking lot. This applies to grade 6 and 7 students and their siblings.
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 5—the drop off area is the west side of the church and Ingleton St.
I would highly encourage parents to carpool, if possible, see the link above or walk or bike students to school.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Congratulations to Tristan Torresan whose
team represented Canada in the World
Youth Soccer Tournament in Warsaw, Poland.
Congratualtions to Steven Moretto
and Matteo Porcellato whose team also
represented Canada in the Little League
Championships in the U.S.A.

ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL Page 7
CALENDAR 2012 / 2013 SCHOOL YEAR
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2012 - 2013
SEPTEMBER 4 School Opens
5/6/7 Gr. 4 - 7 Outdoor Education
12 Individual Pictures
13 Open House
21 Terry Fox Run
24 Green Thumb Theatre
28 Walkathon
OCTOBER 3 Cross Country Final—Swanguard Stadium
8 Thanksgiving
9 Pro-Day - No School
10 Individual Picture Retakes
19 Pro-Day - No School
20 Communion/Confirmation Enrollment Mass – Choirs
29 Confirmation Parent Meeting
30 First Communion Parent Meeting
31 Fall Fiesta (Costumes)
NOVEMBER 2 Boys Soccer finals
9 Remembrance Day Assembly (2:30PM)
12 Remembrance Day Holiday - No School
DECEMBER 3 Report Cards To Students
4 Parent Teacher Interviews – No School
20 Christmas Concert
21 Last Day of School before Christmas Break/Dismissal 12 noon
24 Christmas Eve Mass - Jun/Sen. Choirs
JANUARY 7 School Re-opens / Kindergarten applications accepted
10 Grade 7 Skiing
17 Grade 6 Snowshoeing
FEBRUARY 8 Red Day / Jump Rope for Heart
11 Family Day—No School
14/15 Catholic Educators Conference - No School
27 Student Led Parent Conference / Pink Day
MARCH 6 Annual General Meeting/Registration
14 Report Cards to Students /Green Day
Last day of school before Spring Break
15 Pro-Day
18/19/20/21/22 Spring Break—No School
25 School re-opens after spring break
28 Holy Thursday
29 Good Friday—No School
APRIL 1 Easter Monday – No School
25 Jeans Day
MAY 3 Kindergarten Orientation Day
5 1 st Communion
10 Crowning of Mary
14 Track and Field – St. Helen’s
17 St. Helen’s Feast Day - No School
20 Victoria Day - No School
21 PRO-DAY - No School
22 Year End School BBQ
31 Golf Tournament
JUNE 1 Hat’s Off Day
14 Sports Day - Half Day
17 Alternate Sports Day – Half Day
20 Graduation Mass - Choirs
21 Final School Mass
26 Awards Assembly/Report Cards to Students;
Last Day of School - 10:30 AM Dismissal

ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL Page 8
ST. HELEN’S SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 2012
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
2 3 4
School Opens
9:00 a.m.
12:00 NOON
DISMISSAL
5 6
Mass 4:00
Camp Evans
GR. 4 - 7
7
Primary
Pararliturgy
9:00 a.m.
8
NO UNIFORM FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
OUTDDOR EDUCATION GRADES 4 - 7
9 10
All Students in
Full Uniform
16 17 18
PEC Meeting
6:30 p.m.
11 12
Individual
Pictures
In School
Lunch
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
19
In School
Lunch
13
St. Helen’s Feast
Mass 6:00 p.m.
Whole School
Blessing 7:00
P.M. Parent/
Teacher Meeting
8:00
14
Eucharistic
Adoration
Whole School
rotating
20 21
Mass 9:00 a.m.
Whole School
Terry Fox Run
15
22
23 24
Green Thumb
Theatre
Whole School
9:15 a.m.
25 26
In School
Lunch
27 28
Mass 9:00 a.m.
Gr. 3A/3B/4A
WALKATHON
29
NOON
DISMISSAL
30
For additional information regarding school events, please refer to the
school calendar on the website. (www.sthelensschool.ca)

FEAST OF ST. HELEN
3 rd Annual Feast of St. Helen [Centennial edition]
will include the following Triduum Activities:
13 th SEPTEMBER, THURSDAY -
1ST TRIDUUM DAY
6:00pm School Opening Mass with Arch-
Bishop Michael Miller, celebrant.
7:00pm Blessing of the New
School by Archbishop Michael Miller
14 th SEPTEMBER, FRIDAY -
2ND TRIDUUM DAY
[Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross]
7:45 Triduum Mass followed by
Eucharistic Adoration until 3:00 PM
15 th SEPTEMBER –
3RD TRIDUUM DAY, SATURDAY
9:00am Triduum Mass
4:00pm Procession followed by Mass
5:30pm Feast Day Parish Family Dinner &
Welcome Party for Fr. Gianantonio
Baggio, CS
TICKETS for Family Dinner: $15.00 adults
& $10.00 for children under 13 years.
Tickets are now on sale in the Church lobby at the
end of the Sunday Masses, and at the Parish office
during weekdays. Kindly call for reservation.
16 th SEPTEMBER, SUNDAY - FEAST DAY
MASSES
Regular Sunday Schedule. Knights of
Columbus will serve Pancake in the Gym.
Jumpy castles will be set up in the gym for
the parish children
11:30am Commissioning of Catechists
7:30PM Youth Mass