October 2012 Newsletter - Halton Catholic District School Board

Principal’s Note…
I would like to thank all of our parents, students, and school staff members for making the first school month a productive and
successful beginning. It is hard to believe that we are entering the second month of school! We enthusiastically look forward to
October.
With all the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is important that we pause to reflect and remember that God’s love and presence is
evident all around us. The changing of the seasons, the brilliant sunshine, the vivid hues we see appearing in tree leaves, the falling
rain, the laughter and play of children... are all examples of God’s hand at work. Let us be thankful for that which He has given us and
not for a moment take it for granted.
To all of our families, on behalf of St. Joseph School staff, I wish you a safe, enjoyable, and wonderful Thanksgiving with family and
friends.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. S. Bien, Principal
Let us give thanks to the Lord
We thank thee, Lord,
For fields of grain
Gold and ripe from summer’s rain,
For hillsides bright
With scarlet trees
That rustle in the autumn breeze,
For friends so dear,
For those we love,
For all things sent
From heaven above…
We thank thee, Lord.
Catholic School Council Meeting: October 1, 7:00 p.m.
We will be commissioning this year’s School Council at the first CSC meeting of this year in our school library. Dates of future
Catholic School Council meetings will be announced in our newsletter. Parents and guardians are always welcome at Catholic
School Council meetings.
Beginning of Year and Thanksgiving School Mass: October 3, 10:00 a.m.
Father Hetu will celebrate our first mass of this school year in our gym beginning at 10:00 a.m. Parents are welcome to join us.
P.A. Day: October 5
No classes will be held this day as staff take part in Faith Day activities.
World Teachers’ Day: October 5
"Take a stand for teachers!" is the 2012 motto for World Teachers' Day. Celebrations are being organized
around the world. UNESCO calls on everyone to consider undertaking a special celebration for World
Teachers' Day. "Teachers… ultimately determine our collective ability to innovate, to invent, to find
solutions for tomorrow. Nothing will ever replace a good teacher. Nothing is more important than
supporting them.” (Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General). World Teachers’ Day is held annually on
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October 5 th to celebrate the essential role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels. It also commemorates the
anniversary of the 1966 signature of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers.
Thanksgiving Day: October 8
No classes will be held this day in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Our students and staff have been collecting non-perishable goods for the local food bank. We encourage all to reach out and
together help families in need during this season of Thanksgiving. Let us be generous and show that our community cares.
School Photo Day: Thursday, October 25
Class and individual photographs will be taken this day.
Catholic Parents Conference: Saturday November 10
Parents and guardians are invited to attend the Board’s annual Catholic Parents Conference, to be held at Corpus Christi Secondary
School, in Burlington. The conference theme is: Engaging Families: Achieving, Believing, Belonging. New this year: more
workshop times that will offer themes including Curriculum, Catholicity, Parenting, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Safety and
Technology. Workshops will be relevant for parents of both elementary and secondary students – there will be something for
everyone! Parents of our Board are encouraged to attend and meet other parents in our Halton Catholic learning community. A light
breakfast and lunch will be provided. There is no charge for the conference.
For more information visit: http://www.hcdsb.org/Parents/parent-conference/Pages/default.aspx
Many ‘Thanks’ to…
� all families who came out to participate in our school community gathering at our Welcome Back to School Barbeque.
� our Catholic School Council, for organizing and running the BBQ.
� staff and volunteers who helped with the barbeque set-up and clean-up.
� all parents who were able to join us for Curriculum Night.
� our teachers, for their preparations and for Curriculum Night presentations.
� Mrs. F. Dunn, for donation of office supplies.
St. Joseph Staff
� We welcome teacher candidate Ms. M. Pereira, who will be with us from November through December in Mrs. Bush’s class.
Student Activities:
Jane Goodall Youth Conference: September 19
Alex Copeman, Allision Scott, and Kylie Swain, accompanied by Miss Aqulina, attended a Youth Conference at the Burlington Living
Arts Centre, where Jane Goodall was a keynote speaker. We thank Mrs. Swain for driving students to the event.
We Day: September 28
Thirteen of our students accompanied by Mrs. Bekanovic and Mrs. La Selva, attended "We Day" on September 28, at the
Air Canada Centre in Toronto. "We Day" celebrated the power of young people to change the lives of others and is a
leadership initiative building on the success of Free The Children.
Students attending "We Day": Curtis Bee, Nicole Castellino, Jillian Godden, Selena Grimaldi, Natasha Kasunic, Tamara Leite,
Aaron MacDonald, John McKee, Brooklyn Mota, Stefanie Parsons, Jessica Shilson, Kylie Swain, Emma Young.
Student Parliament
Elections were held in September for representatives to our Student Parliament.
Prime Minister: Nastasha Kasunic Ministerial Advisors: Dante Chabot, Ericka Luna,
Deputy Prime Minister: Alessio Luna Jack Mowat, Riley Reppar, Chris Solda,
Faith Ministers: Selena Gimaldi and Jenna Munday Victoria Todaro, Morgan Veiga,
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Social Justice Minister: Kylie Swain
Social Events Minister: Brooklyn Mota
Wellness / Athletics Minister: Martin Pejic
Eco Minister: Nicole Castellino
Social Services Minister: Connor Fagan
Class representatives (Members of Student Parliament): Campbell Gallant, Lucas Cretaro, Paul Trichilo, Isabela Pejic,
Riley Dwyer, Suzanna Caliguiri, Beverly Ferrill, Cyprian Nowacki, Corbin Mailloux, Shayne Klimsiak, Julia Halwa, Leonardo Brito,
Kailin Porty, Gloria Pejic, Julia Godden, Bradyn Tonelli, Renee Parsons, Charlie McGillivray, Christopher Harriott, Shawn Galway,
Elijah MacDonald, Rachel Grimaldi, Roberto Ferraioli, Brodie Downs, Sarah Magoolagan, Susan Kadzielska, Olivia Bundy,
Declan Harrison, Kate Trichilo, Liam Whittaker, Justin Percy, Sean Gauley, Ashton Castellino, Megan DesChamps, Emmanuel
Garofolo, Aaron MacDonald.
We thank our many teacher advisors to the different Ministers and Committees: Mrs. Calderwood, Mrs. Lovsin, Miss Aquilina,
Miss Czelusniak, Mrs. Bekanovic, Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Birk, Mrs. Nevins, Mrs. Nasato, Mr. Batic, Mr. Petitti, Mrs. Robertson,
School Spirit Day: October 31
We look forward to a day of school spirit on October 31 st . Students are encouraged to dress in brown, black, and orange Halloween
colours. A separate letter regarding Halloween celebrations will be sent home.
Student Recognition
Gotcha program:
This year we continue the Gotcha incentive program which
rewards exemplary positive behaviours on a daily basis at
school: respect for others, kindness and helpfulness,
cooperative playing, and following school rules. Each division
has its own Gotcha box and at our monthly assembly, three
student names will be drawn (one for each division) for a prize.
A second set of three names will be drawn for a Dominos pizza
coupon. There will be one grand prize winner who will receive a
gift certificate donated by our Catholic School Council.
We congratulate all students who were recognized for their
good deeds.
September Gotcha draw winners:
ELKP: Griffin Brown (prize),
Adrianna Ledesma (Subway card),
Jaime MacDonald (prize),
Primary: Isabelle Wilkinson (Walmart Card),
Brandon Harriott (prize)
Jessica Lee (pizza)
Junior: Jordan Burke (pizza)
Hunter Fountain (prize),
Intermediate: Nicole Castellino (pizza).
Tanner Toste (prize),
We thank Dominos Pizza and Subway for supporting this
program and our Catholic School Council for prize and gift
certificate donations.
Discipleship Award:
Each month the Discipleship Award recognizes students in
each class who have demonstrated a positive attitude towards
learning and exemplify the Christian values of our Faith.
Congratulations to September Discipleship students:
Class Student
Mrs. Crowe Connor Dowling
Benjamin Allen
Kaitlyn Miles
Mrs. Newbery Griffin Brown
Ethan Misurka
Logan Young
Mrs. Johnston Rebecca O’Connor
Jackson Ring
Landen Meyer
Mrs. Sequiera Samantha Macko
Miss Aquilina Paul Trichilo
Mrs. Liebig Nicholas Dimech
Mrs. Kingsmill Beverly Ferrill
Mrs. Beaton Mekhi Barrett
Miss Guardiero Kailin Porty
Mrs. Nolan Cameron Genzler
Mrs. Nasato Julia Halwa
Mr. Koren Kieran Harrison
Mrs. Birk Daniel Beaton
Mrs. Bush Autumn Klimsiak
Mrs. Nevins Janina Cook
Miss McGeragle Hannah English
Mrs. Warren Rui Brito
Mrs. Calderwood Mitchel Jeffery
Miss. Vella Kate Trichilo
Mrs. Bekanovic Alex Mageria
Mr. Batic Erika Luna
Cross Country Team
After a few weeks of intensive training, our cross country teams participated in the Board Cross Country meet on
September 28 th (grades 6-8) and September 29 th (grades 4-5) at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
Team members:
Grade 4 students: Ivan Bagaric, Daniel Beaton, Madison Boyer (6), Daniel Bundy, Thomas Caligiuri, Eric Caricato, Maria Carney,
Katie Conrad, Nolan Copeman, Lucas DaCruz, Isabella DeBartolo, Maya Deptula, Leah Dunn, Camden Fraser, Chris Harriott,
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Kieran Harrison, Ally Hastie-Clark, Ava Hlinak, Emily Iliadis, Adam LaSelva, Trent Legault, Elijah MacDonald, Jonah MacDonald,
Claire McKee, Matthew Mowat, Hubert Nowacki, Noah Parker, Renee Parsons, Cole Pirotta, L.J. Schwieg, Michael Stewart,
Joseph Stoddard, Laek Swain. Justin Ziemianin.
Grade 5 students: Ross Ferrill, Autumn Klimsiak, Patrycja Nowacki, Hailey Jesso, Matthew Boyd, Kevin Reppar, Alicia Byron,
Christina Hall.
Grade 6 students: Jayden Bremner, Olivia Crowe, Kelly Denesha, Hannah English, Ben Marshall, Jennifer Parsons, Julia Whittaker.
Grade 7 students: Madison Blackwood, Mackenzie Boyer (6 th ), Krystal Frost- Pattenden, Stacy McGinnis, Esther Smerek,
Mikayla Vidler, Liam Whittaker, Lindsey Yake, and Nicholas Marshall (Special Olympics).
Grade 8 students: Ashton Castellino, Martin Pejic.
(results of competition placement up to 10 th place are shown in brackets where applicable)
We thank our coaches: Mrs. McLean-Downs and Mr. Koren, for volunteering their time to work with the Cross Country Team.
School Volleyball Teams
We thank all students who tried out for this year’s teams. We wish this year’s school volleyball teams all the best
for a successful season.
Girls’ School Volleyball Team:
Mackenzie Boyer, Caitlin Cicero, Emma Duncan, Krystal Frost-Pattenden, Jillian Godden, Sabrina Graziano, Selena Grimaldi,
Brooklyn Kutasienski, Jade Legault, Riley Reppar, Allison Scott, Kylie Swain, Kate Trichilo, Leah Vlasic
Boys’ School Volleyball Team:
Michael Allain, Ashton Castellino, Connor Fagan, Glen Frederick, Sean Gauley, Mark Hlinak, Kyle Hopper, Alessio Luna,
Alec MacCallum, Jake Molinaro, Martin Pejic, Tyler Schouten.
Hometeam: Mitchell Jeffrey, Jack Mowat. Scorekeeper: Alex Magiera.
We thank Miss Vella, Miss Aquilina, Mrs. Peric, Mr. Batic , and Mrs. Bekanovic for volunteering their time to coach our teams.
Health & Safety Information
Flu season
The best way to prevent or reduce the spread of influenza and
many other illnesses is through personal protection:
� Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least
15 seconds.
� Students are encouraged to have a travel-size container of
alcohol-based hand sanitizer for personal use at school.
� Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not
your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.
� Clean commonly touched surfaces like door knobs, light
switches, phones and computer equipment often.
� If children have a fever and influenza-like symptoms, they
should be kept home until they no longer have a fever and
are well.
If your child is sick and not able to go to school, please report
your child’s absence to the school and advise us if your child
has flu symptoms. Flu symptoms include a fever and any of
the following symptoms:
� Cough
� Fatigue
� Muscle aches
� Chills
� Shortness of breath
� Vomiting and diarrhea which are common in children.
Washing Hands! The best prevention.
Teach children to wash hands with soap and water each time
they:
� use the toilet,
� cough,
� sneeze,
� blow or wipe their nose,
� touch something dirty,
� before and after they eat.
Use soap to make bubbles to cover the hands, including the
back, in between fingers and under nails.
Count to 15 before rinsing the soap off hands.
Dry hands.
Halloween Safety: Tips from the Halton Regional Police
� Children’s costumes should be bright and made of non-flammable material.
� Attaching reflective tape or other material to the costume helps make trick-or-treaters more visible.
� For added safety, have your child carry a lit flashlight.
� Facial make-up is the recommended means of disguise.
� If masks are worn, ensure that eyeholes are large enough that vision is not restricted.
� Costumes should be kept short in length, to prevent tripping.
� Children should be accompanied by an adult.
� Ensure children trick-or-treat on one side of the street and cross only at corners.
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� Children should be advised to walk on sidewalks and stay off roads and lawns.
� Halloween treats should be taken home and inspected by parents before being eaten.
� Trick-or-treating should occur in early evening hours.
� Instruct children to stand at the door of a home and not to enter it under any circumstances.
� Children should stay away from homes that are in total darkness.
Parents should ensure that their children can recognize a Block Parent sign and reinforce that a Block Parent home is a safe place
for a child to go to when in need of assistance.
Environment
October is International Walk to School Month.
International Walk to School Week: October 8 -12
International Walk to School Day: October 10
Along with the Active and Safe Routes to Schools program, IWalk has several main concepts, all of which address health and
environmental problems/concerns:
� increase physical activity by having students walk to school.
� decrease emissions by having students walk to school.
� decrease emissions by having parents drive children only part-way to school.
� establish safe routes to school by creating familiarity with the community, walking with buddies, walking in groups.
We encourage our students, who are not bussed, to walk to school.
For more information on IWalk or Safe Routes programs visit the websites: www.iwalktoschool.org and www.saferoutestoschool.ca/
Community Corner…
Free online Math tutoring for grades 7 – 10. ( http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/elearning/homework.html )
Halton Region Family Health Information Line (FHIL)
The Halton Region Health Department has a new way for you to directly access a public health nurse (PHN). By dialing 311 and asking for the Family
Health Information Line, a PHN can help you as a school professional in many ways: e.g., access to local supports and programs, teacher and parent
resources, information on the healthy school approach, mental health support and more. FHIL also services HaltonParents for parents to talk with a
PHN. Call us today or visit www.halton.ca/FHIL for more information.
Parent Information
The Halton Parenting Directory Halton Parenting Directory for September 2012 – January 2013 is now available online. It lists parenting programs and
workshops in the community. http://www.ourkidsnetwork.ca/Public/Page/Files/1_okn_hpd_sept-jan_2013_web.pdf
HaltonParents ( http://www.halton.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=10098 ) is a central resource for the latest parenting news, tips, health
information, local events and so much more – no matter the age of your child. Parents can connect directly with a Public Health Nurse by calling
HaltonParents at 311, emailing the team at haltonparents@halton.ca tweeting with a PHN on Twitter, or reading and commenting our parenting blog.
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program ( http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=10640 ) promotes good communication and
strong relationships between parents and their children through telephone support and face-to-face meetings with accredited practitioners.
At Home Alone workshop (http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=49228 ) provides tools to help parents and their 10-14 year old
to assess if they are ready to be home alone.
Do Your Part Halton – Celebrating Positive Youth Development in Canada – Nov 15 & 16 at the Oakville Conference Centre
Ontario Early Years Centre, North Halton: Resource library, workshops, networking, for parents of young children.
Milton Community Resource Centre: 410 Bronte St. S., Milton
Satellite locations: 69 Acton Blvd., Acton, 85 Wallace Street , Acton.
For more information and upcoming events visit: www.mcrc.on.ca. or call 905-876-1244 ext. 22., or www.links2care.ca
Halton Our Kids Network… promotes healthy development, security and safety of all children, youth and families through
neighbourhood collaboration, service integration and measuring results. Our Kids Network is a Halton-wide partnership of
organizations and agencies serving children and youth.
For more information visit: www.ourkidsnetwork.ca or www.ourkidsnetwork.ca/Public/Acton-Community
Halton Hills Public Library Acton Branch: 17 River St., Acton, ON, L7J 1C2 519-853-0301
Please visit the library’s website to view its services and newsletter. www.hhpl.on.ca/
Halton Healthcare Living Healthy provides health and wellness information and education to enable community members to
engage in healthy lifestyles and initiatives, to be informed about current health issues, and to know where to obtain further
assistance and information. Living Healthy seminars are free.
For upcoming seminars and dates visit: www.haltonhealthcare.com/patients_living-healthy.php
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
CSC Meeting
7:00 p.m. Library
Beginning of Year and
Thanksgiving Mass
10:00 a.m. Gym
P.A. Day
(no classes this day)
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Thanksgiving
(no classes this day)
Registration Deadline
for Mad Science.
.
Food For Thought
program begins
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Food For Thought
Mitch Dorge drumming
presentation (p.m.)
Gr. 5 – 8
Pizza Lunch
Food For Thought
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Food For Thought
28 29 30 31
St. Joseph
Parish
Mass at::
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Food For Thought
Sub Sandwich Lunch
Pizza Lunch
Orange, Black, and
Brown School Spirit
Day
and Assembly
All Hallows Eve
Food For Thought
School Photo Day
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
5:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
5:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
5:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Parish
Mass at::
5:00 p.m.
Our families are encouraged to actively practice our faith.
� Mass times at St. Joseph Parish: Sunday mornings at 9:00
and 11:00 a.m.
� The Liturgy of the Word with Children is offered during
the 11:00 Mass.
� Reconciliation takes place on Saturday from 4:00 to 4:30
p.m., or by appointment.
Please check the Parish’s website for time changes and other
information: http://stjosephpatronofcanadaacton.weebly.com
St. Joseph Parish, 64 Church Street East, Acton.
Rectory telephone: 519-853-0784
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM: Please call the school to report all student absences and late arrivals. Dial 519-853-3730.
If calling outside office hours or your call will be directed to our voice mail system. Please follow the prompts to leave a message: clearly state student name, grade, teacher, reason and length (if known)
of the absence. If no notification is received, we will call home/workplace/emergency contact numbers to determine your child’s location. (Please keep contact numbers current.)
Catholic Parents Conference: Saturday, November 11
For more information on this free event, please visit: http://www.hcdsb.org/Parents/parent-conference/Pages/default.aspx
Our monthly school newsletter is available online at: http://schools.hcdsb.org/josa/Pages/Newsletter.aspx
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