IT STARTS in the Schools

March, 2014

March 1 TCDSB – Boardwide Lift Jesus Higher Rally 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Metro Toronto Convention Centre 416.222.8282 North Building 255 Front Street West 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

March 1 TCDSB – Boardwide Celtic Canadian Heritage Month 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 416.222.8282

March 1 Michael Power/St. Joseph MPSJ Music Department presents Matinee 105 Eringate Drive, Etobicoke performance of “Leader of the Pack” 416.393.5529 The Ellie Greenwich Musical For tickets call 416.393.5529 ext. 82294 $15/adult $12/Students and Seniors 2:00 p.m.

March 3 TCDSB – Boardwide Education Support Staff Appreciation Day 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 416.222.8282

March 3 TCDSB – Boardwide National Social Work Week 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 416.222.8282

March 3 TCDSB – Boardwide Kick-off event for International Women’s 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Day 416.222.8282 TCDSB Chair Jo-Ann Davis, along with MP Carolyn Bennett and TDSB Trustee Shelley Laskin are hosting an event to kick-off International Women’s Day. Students from St. Joseph’s College School and Loretto College School (two of TCDSB’s all girls schools), and local TDSB and private schools, will be participating in the event. Location: Holy Rosary Parish 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

March 3-6 Madonna Week long Women’s Day Celebrations 20 Dubray Avenue, North York. Staff and students dress up as prominent women 416.393.5506 March 6th 11:15-1:15 p.m. Other events: creation of Mother Mary mosaic from blue butterflies with inspirational messages; bake sale with proceeds supporting the “Because I Am a Girl" campaign to promote gender equality; and encouraging students in some classes to write a letter to a female role- model who has made a difference in their life.

March 3 Msgr. John Corrigan West Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 100 Royalcrest Road, Etobicoke Open Individual (grade 1-8) 416.393.5399

March 4 Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton WENTT Conference (Women Entering Non 1515 Bloor Street West, Toronto Traditional Trades) 416.393.5545 Female students in grades 10 and 11 from every TCDSB secondary school will attend this conference bringing awareness to 156 skilled trades available to females in Ontario and throughout Canada. The conference will include female mentors in the trades, displays from representatives from local unions and colleges. Keynote speaker: Dr. Karyn Gordon.

March 4 TCDSB – Boardwide TDCAA Hockey Playoffs 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto MasterCard Centre, Etobicoke 416.222.8282 All games are one-game finals 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For schedule: http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/pages/tdca a-hockey-play-offs-2014.aspx

March 4 St. Anthony Fire safety presentation 130 Shanly Street, Toronto For students in JK to grade 6 416.393.5210

March 4 TCDSB – Boardwide 2014 Ordinandi Luncheon for Secondary 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Students 416.222.8282 At the Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

March 4 Michael Power/St. Joseph Mother Daughter Wellness Tea 105 Eringate Drive, Etobicoke Event dedicated to the social, emotional, 416.393.5529 physical, and spiritual health of young ladies and their guardians. It is held as a reminder to all of us so that we can collectively empower each other and remember women’s accomplishments worldwide. Fair: 6:00 p.m. / Tea: 7:30 p.m. March 5 Blessed John XXIII Presentation: No more nagging: raising the 175 Grenoble Drive, North York responsible child 416.393. 5348 Guest speaker: Alyson Schaffer, psychotherapist and leading parenting expert 7:00 p.m.

March 6 TCDSB – Boardwide World Day of Prayer 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 416.222.8282

March 6 St. Timothy Celtic Canadian Heritage Month Celebration 25 Rochelle Crescent, North York Mass and Cultural Exposé 416.393.5298 10:00 a.m.

March 6 Our Lady of Fatima East Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 3176 St. Clair Avenue East, Open Individual (grade 1-8) Scarborough 416.393.5252

March 18 St. Francis de Sales North Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 333 Firgrove Crescent, North York Open Individual (grade 1-8) 416.393.5366

March 18 St. Henry Seminar for parents: Turn on your brain for 100 Bamburgh Circle, Scarborough learning 416.393. 5395 International speaker, author and award winning trainer, Rory Sheehan facilitates this discussion 6:30 p.m.

March 19 St. Alphonsus South Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 60 Atlas Avenue, York Individual girls (grade 1-8) 416.393.5326

March 20 St. Alphonsus South Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 60 Atlas Avenue, York Open Individual (grade 1-8) 416.393.5326

March 20- TCDSB – Boardwide Elementary Music Festival 2014 April 2 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Vocal Music 416.222.8282 For schedule: http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/vocal-elementary- music-festival-2014.aspx

March 21 TCDSB – Boardwide International Day to End Racial 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Discrimination 416.222.8282

March 21 TCDSB – Boardwide “Voices that Challenge” Student Trustee 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto Conference 2014 416.222.8282 Conference to bring together student leaders from every secondary school in the TCDSB. Students will discuss and debate leadership issues within their school communities. These discussions will form the basis of a report submitted by the student trustees to TCDSB trustees and senior staff. Keynote address by: Brett Ullman and Blake Fly. Conference held at: St. Michael’s College 1515 Bathurst Street, Toronto

March 21 St. Wilfrid North Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 1685 Finch Avenue West, North York Individual girls (grade 1-8) 416.393.5313

March 21 St. Anthony Jim Chapel Presentation on Mammals 130 Shanly Street, Toronto For students in JK to grade 6 416.393.5210

March 22 TCDSB – Boardwide World Water Day 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 416.222.8282

March 22 Blessed Cardinal Newman Scarborough Seedy Saturday and Green Fair 100 Brimley Road South, Scarborough The Fair is hosted by the Stewards of the Earth 416.393.5519 at St. Agatha Catholic School and the Treehuggers at Blessed Cardinal Newman Catholic High in conjunction with Seeds of Diversity. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 24 St. Margaret Extended French Parent Information Evening Beatrice Campus 7:00 p.m. 50 Ameer Avenue, North York 416.393.5249

March 25 St. Norbert Seminar on Positive Parenting 60 Maniza Road, North York Presented by the Parents Education Network 416.393.5309 6:45 p.m.

March 27 St. Anthony Presentation of The Ugly Duckling 130 Shanly Street, Toronto For students in JK to grade 3 416.393.5210

March 27 St. Timothy City Finals: TCDSB Chess Competition 25 Rochelle Crescent, North York Open Individual (grade 1-8) 416.393.5298

March 28 St. Timothy City Finals: TCDSB Chess Competition 25 Rochelle Crescent, North York Individual girls (grade 1-8) 416.393.5298

March 28 TCDSB – Boardwide Earth Hour Challenge 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 416.222.8282

March 29 St. Paschal Baylon St. Paschal Baylon Choir to perform in the 15 St. Paschal Court, North York Canadian premier of “Brundibar” 416.393.5283 at the Sir John A Macdonald Secondary Auditorium (2300 Pharmacy Road, Toronto) 7:00 p.m.

March 29 TCDSB – Boardwide TCDSB Skills Robotics Competition 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto at Francis Libermann Secondary School (4640 416.222.8282 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough) 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

March 31 St. Edward North Region: TCDSB Chess Competition 1 Botham Road, North York Team Chess 416.393.5255

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY AT JAMES CULNAN CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR

On February 1st, the James Culnan Vietnamese community celebrated the Lunar New Year. Supervising Principal, Marilena Antonini, is part of the choir and joined the students in singing the Vietnamese Anthem. The celebration included drama, poems, playing several instruments as well as singing a few songs ‐‐ all in the Vietnamese language. The presentations were followed by sharing of food, games and contests.

The program has been running for twenty years and parents, instructors and students are very committed to it.

LORETTO COLLEGE SCHOOL SUPPORTS RELIEF EFFORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The caring students of Loretto College worked hard to raise money to support the Philippines and give hope to those recovering from the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. Students made voluntary donations in their homerooms and parents donated generously during Parent Teacher Interview Night. A group of students formed a well‐organized committee to plan and carry out a bake sale. This committee, comprised of students from all grades, raised just over $1100.00. The fundraising effort could not have worked without the support of our local business community who came through with food donations and our school community who gave so generously.

FAITH IN ACTION AT ST. SEBASTIAN

St. Sebastian staff and students launched a fundraising campaign entitled Brick By Brick. Funds are being raised to build a school for Me2We. This is a great example of students putting their faith into action.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY

On Thursday February 6, staff and students at Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated Chinese New Year with an exciting presentation. The staff worked in collaboration with JingBao Mandarin Bilingual Preschool to create a wonderful display of talent. We were treated to traditional songs, a dragon dance and a special magic show. The performers were dressed in beautiful costumes; we even had a visit from the God of Fortune.

One of the many highlights from the celebration was a special dumpling treat that kids and staff enjoyed after the performances. Thanks to parent volunteers and staff of JingBao Mandarin Bilingual Preschool who worked tirelessly to make the dumplings for the whole school.

ST. ANTHONY 100 DAY OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION

On February 10th, St. Anthony staff and students celebrated their 100th day of school. To mark the occasion, students and staff dressed to look 100 years old!

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE

Gary Poole, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, John Shain, Superintendent of Education and Theresa Pastore (Assistant to Trustee John Del Grande) attended the opening ceremonies of Multicultural Day at Epiphany of Our Lord. Mr. Poole addressed the audience of staff, parents, grandparents, students, and volunteers. Everyone engaged in cultural games and activities. Everyone had a wonderful time exploring and learning about various cultures in the school, and a fantastic cultural lunch was had by all – spring rolls, samosas, curry chicken, rice, roti, and lots more.

TCDSB SHINES A LIGHT ON FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH ‐ HOSTED BY THE TCDSB PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

The TCDSB Psychology Department hosted a free symposium on February 20th focusing on support for those who have a loved one dealing with mental health issues. In her introduction, Dr. Maria Kokai, Chief Psychologist, TCDSB highlighted the importance of the role of the family, and the need to support family members in the process of recovery. Director of Education Angela Gauthier and Chair of the Board Jo‐Ann Davis emphasized TCDSB’s commitment to support students and their families dealing with mental health challenges. The presentations and panel discussion provided valuable information to all those in attendance. Guest speakers and panel members included Christine Cooper, Executive Director of the Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere, Stuart Clarfield, from The Mission Media Company Inc., creator of the web‐based resource, The Family Guide to Mental Health Recovery (which includes “family‐to‐family” video resources, sharing the experience of families directly, in their own words), Kendra Fisher and Asante Haughton.

ST. JOHN’S TOQUE TUESDAY

St. John’s Catholic School is proud of its lengthy history of supporting the annual Raising the Roof sale of toques to support the homeless. The staff and students gathered in the gym to celebrate the success of the campaign on February 4. Under the leadership of kindergarten teacher Tralee Reford, St. John’s has been supporting the worthy cause for over a decade now, and has raised more than $23,000 for the organization, earning the school a Golden Toque Award for three years in a row.

TCDSB CELEBRATES AFRICAN CANADIAN HERITAGE MONTH

TCDSB students in elementary and secondary schools gathered at Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School on February 20th to mark African Canadian Heritage Month with a mass and cultural exposé.

TCDSB SCHOOLS CATCH THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

TCDSB schools cheer on Canada during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games.

St. Anselm St. Wilfrid St. Clement

OLYMPIAN VISITS TCDSB SCHOOLS

St. John the Evangelist and Holy Rosary Catholic School were excited to welcome Olympian Katie Weatherston 2006 (Torino) GOLD Medial Olympian for Women’s Hockey on February 12th. She gave a very inspirational speech to the students on setting goals. It was perfect timing for this presentation because at the same time Team Canada Women’s Hockey was playing the US Team and they won 3‐2. Photo: Katie Weatherston with students at Holy Rosary

ST. RAYMOND WINS GOLD AT THE REGIONAL SKILLS CANADA BOAT RACES

St. Raymond students win gold at the Regional Skills Canada Cardboard Boat Race competition. They are off to the provincial races in Waterloo! Congratulations!

SCHOOL OLYMPICS

Blessed Trinity celebrated its own version of the Winter Olympics on February 12th, complete with torch lighting, parade of athletes, outdoor activities and competition and awarding of medals later in the week.

Countries represented: Germany, Switzerland, China, Australia, USA, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Poland, Czech, Russia, South Korea, Japan, Italy and France. Director of Education, Angela Gauthier visited the staff and students for their “Closing Ceremonies”

9TH ANNUAL TCDSB NORTHERN SPIRIT GAMES

The Toronto Catholic District School Board held its 9th Annual Northern Spirit Games in February. Over 1,400 students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 participated in these annual athletic, cultural and spiritual celebrations that take place at five TCDSB sites. The students are taught ten indoor and outdoor activities based on traditional First Nations, Métis and Inuit games, which focus on physical strength, agility and endurance. Each day’s activities are run by trained secondary student leaders from the hosting school.

BOOM BOOM POW – DANCE WORKSHOP AT ST. FIDELIS

On Monday January 20, 2014, the Grade 3s at St. Fidelis participated in a dance workshop called Boom Boom Pow. The songs that we danced to were The Macarena and other popular songs. We learned simple choreographed dance steps. At the end of the presentation we had a dance off – Boys vs Girls. We had a great time dancing. The best part was when I got to see the boys dance. It was so funny. By Angelina, Grade 3 student JEAN VANIER RECEIVES GRANT FROM LOWE’S/SKILLS CANADA GRANT HELPS STUDENTS DEVELOP SKILLS AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS

The students at Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School are celebrating a windfall for the school’s Cooking Club. The school has been awarded a grant of almost $8,000 from the Skills/Compétences Canada, through the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program.

The grant will allow a much‐needed upgrade to the out‐dated facility by providing new stoves, fridge, sinks, range hoods, counter tops, and cabinetry.

In attendance at the cheque presentation was local Lowe’s store Manager Robert McLaughlin, Manager of Plumbing, Tammy; Paint Manager Sandy and Kitchen Design Manager, Leo.

TCDSB Director of Education Angela Gauthier thanked Lowe’s and Skills Canada for their generosity and congratulated the TDSBS Partnership Development team for their support throughout the grant application process. TCDSB has over $1 million pending in grant applications. Including the Lowe’s Toolbox Grant, the Board has over $200,000 of those grant dollars approved.

Students Sam Arunnaveesiri and Kyla‐Anne Ewart represented the Cooking Club, which is comprised of almost 100 students at the school. They expressed their thanks and invited the guests to sign a commemorative apron.

The Cooking Club teaches students the vital skill of cooking and how to develop healthy eating habits. In addition, the school’s Gardening Club will be building a school garden courtesy another grant from the TD Bank, providing a field‐to‐table learning experience for the Cooking Club, which starts community building.

St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School is also receiving a grant for $3,000 to transform the school’s courtyard into a vegetable garden.

The Toolbox Grants (for up to $10,000 per school) are available for projects throughout the provinces of Alberta and Ontario.

INQUIRY‐BASED PROBLEM SOLVING TO IMPROVE MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT

St. Kateri Tekakwitha continues to strive toward an improvement in achievement in mathematics. One strategy has been to engage students in a school wide inquiry math problem. In this mathematics inquiry, the students worked collaboratively find solutions to the following problem: “Using pictures, numbers and words, show many different ways to model the number 12.”

S’ECOUTURE: EXHIBITED AT THE 2014 STUDENT SUCCESS CONFERENCE

S’ECOUTURE is a project that uses fashion to inspire awareness of environmental issues. Young artists in grades six, seven and eight from St. Francis of Assisi School, and High School Students from Monsignor Fraser Isabella, were tasked to utilize a variety of recycled materials to demonstrate their understanding of ecological challenges and share their point‐of‐view concerning environmental issues that impact the quality of life on our planet. This project provided student participants with the ability to create their own inquiry‐based question, present their findings, and communicate potential solutions, through their artwork. This process allowed students to make a statement on what they believe, we as the audience, should be paying attention to when it comes to the delicate environment that sustains us.

S’ECOUTURE was also designed to develop and enhance the collaborative methodologies of engagement used by educators to inspire inquiry. By its very nature, inquiry requires the creation of questions to lead participants to their goal. Developing these questions is a process that is often difficult for students to begin. Participating teachers created a goal to ensure that the investigative process would not become a roadblock to creativity. Educators knew that once started, the ideas generated by students would take root and create the momentum necessary to move the process forward. Therefore, teachers worked diligently to create the proper engagement process to ignite student interest, and create the dialogue of inquiry that would become the language of communication for this project.

MARROCCO MERTON STUDENT TO RECEIVE MUSIC BURSARY

Congratulations to Daniella Avidago, grade 11 student in the SHSM Arts and Culture Program at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton. She is a dancer and theatre major at the school, who hopes to pursue post secondary studies in musical theatre.

Daniella is one of four recipients of this year's Jim Fay Music Bursary, intended to support youth (aged 16 to 24) living in the Greater Toronto Area who face financial barriers impeding their study or practice of traditional, folk or roots music.

Daniella will receive her $2,000 bursary, and will also perform at the fifth annual SHINE concert on March 2nd, which is one of the major fundraisers in support of the bursary program. SHINE keeps alive the memory and music of Jim Fay & James Gray while helping to further the career of young musicians who may face barriers to their study and practice of roots music

GRADUATE OF ST. JAMES, FATHER ANTE MARKET VISITS SCHOOL

Father Ante Market who graduated from St. James in 1996 is presently studying cannon law in Rome. He visited the School before Christmas and delivered a papal blessing for the students, parents, staff and Alumni of St. James Catholic School. The St. James community is very proud of the fact that one of their own is making a great contribution to our faith. Thank you Father Ante Market.

HOPE IN A WOOLLY BUNDLE

For several weeks, beginning in the early winter months, the St. Monica Me‐to‐We team has been diligently taking on the task of knitting scarves. Many of these students have never picked up knitting needles, and after assistance from teachers and helpers have created colourful and warm accessories that will be a great contribution to the Glenview Presbyterian Church’s Out of Cold program. We hope that these scarves that had so much time and care put into them will keep those who truly need them warm and content. We hope that our efforts and undying dedication will have paid off and contributed to making the world a better environment, which is what we strive for as members of the Me‐to‐We team. We are truly grateful for the opportunity we were provided with, that is sure to make somebody happier...and warmer. Written by Kassia Neckles – gr. 8 student—St. Monica C.S.

CARING CARDS

St. Robert "Caring Cards" have arrived! The staff at St. Robert Catholic School are awarding "Caring Cards" to students who are displaying random acts of caring as well as qualities from the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. The "Caring Cards" are announced daily during the morning announcements and are then entered in a draw at our Virtue of the Month Assemblies. Being the Virtue of Love, students used the cards to spell LOVE. Thank you students for making St. Robert Catholic School a very caring school!

RECENT MUSICAL ACCOLADES

 Loretto Abbey C.S.S., was among several schools that attended the Ontario Band Association festival. This year was the Abbey’s 4th consecutive performance. The senior concert band was awarded the gold level placement.

 James Cardinal McGuigan Junior Band, who participated in the recent Ontario Band Association Festival received two silvers, resulting in a Silver award. This band consists mostly of grade 9 students with a few grade 10 students. They were given excellent feedback along with suggestions for improvement.

 St. Patrick C.S.S.: The instrumental students from St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School won the Gold Award at the Kiwanis Festival with a mark of 88%.

 Marshall McLuhan: Two bands from Marshall McLuhan were among several from TCDSB schools that performed at the Ontario Band Association's recent Festival. They were commended for their focus, overall sound and energy. The Junior Concert Band was awarded a Bronze and Silver standing which gave them a final award of Bronze Plus. The Concert Band was awarded two Silvers and their end result was a Silver and an invitation to the MusicFest Nationals which will be held in Richmond B.C.

 The Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts Junior Band, under the direction of Chris Dickson received the Silver Plus Award. The school's Concert Band, conducted by Anita Anton, received the Gold Award. Ms. Anton also received an Honourable Mention from the adjudicators for her excellent choice of repertoire. The CCAA Wind Symphony, Mary Evered, conductor, received the Gold Award and the OBA Brass Section of Excellence Award. All three Carter bands received an invitation to the MusicFest National Band Festival in Richmond, B.C.

 Senator O’Connor: Senator O’Connor earned Silver at the Ontario Band Association.

Photo of the Marshall McLuhan Jr. Concert Band

STUDENTS ATTEND PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING READING CONTEST

On Tuesday February 11, 2014, grade 5 students from St. Jane Frances, Msgr. John Corrigan, along with students from eight other schools were invited to attend a press conference at Indigo at the Eaton Centre where the DeMar DeRozan All Star Book Program was announced by Toronto Raptors DeMar DeRozan and his fiancée Kiara Morrison, in collaboration with the BIGA Picture, First Book Canada and the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.

Grade 5 students from ten schools are participating in the DeMar DeRozan All Star Book Program, which promotes improving student literacy skills and motivating students to read. Students commit to a ten‐week challenge, whereby they read ten books a week and write a comprehensive book report at the end of each week. The grand prize for the winning class includes attending a Toronto Raptors game and meeting DeMar DeRozan and Kiara Morrison, as well as additional books for the students in the class.

JUNIOR W5H CITY CHAMPIONS

On February 26, 2014 Junior Division finalists participated in the W5H City Championship at the Catholic Education Centre. The tournament gets its name from the 5 Ws of Who, What, When, Where and Why, as well as the H, which stands for How. The regional champions: St. Charles (North), St. Michael Choir School (South), All Saints (West) and St. Jean de Brebeuf (East) proudly represented each of the four regions of the TCDSB at the City Finals. Students have shown great academic strength and a true knack for general knowledge from countless categories. In addition to making new friends, students learn more about the world around them while challenging one another and having fun.

Congratulations to: All Saints Catholic School, Junior W5H City Champions.

2nd place City Finalist: St. Jean de Brebeuf

3rd place City finalists: St. Charles & St. Michael’s Choir School

ST CHARLES GARNIER 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

On February 7th, the Kindergartens and Grade 1’s of St. Charles Garnier School celebrated 100 Days of School. This is always an exciting day which marks the half‐way point in the year and it serves to help the students with understanding number sense. Students completed 100 projects and made necklaces with 100 Cheerios. They wrote stories about what they would do when they were 100, counted sets of 100 and more.

GIRL'S INDIVIDUAL GRADE CHESS TOURNAMENT

The first TCDSB Chess Tournament of the season took place on February 4th at Msgr. John Corrigan. The Girls Only Individual (Grade 1‐8) tournament went very smoothly. Ten TCDSB schools represented the West region with the top 3 at each grade level, from grade 1 through to 8, advancing to the City tournament at Saint Timothy on March 27th.

In first place was Saint Clement who with 63 points qualified all 8 players to advance to the city's (3 first place, 4 second place and 1 third place)

In second place was Monsignor John Corrigan with 54 points qualifying 6 players to advance to the city's. (4 first place and 2 third place)

In third place was Saint Leo with 26 points qualifying one player in 2nd place and 2 in third place.

In fourth place was Saint Benedict with 23 points qualifying 3 players in third place.

Other schools also sending one player to the city's are Holy Child, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, Saint Demetrius and Santa Maria.

Good Luck to all our TCDSB students who are competing in upcoming chess tournaments. TCDSB SPORTS

LATEST ATHLETIC NEWS Congratulations to the many talented athletes from across the TCDSB who are heading to OFSAA in March.

Girl’s Volleyball Teams:  Francis Libermann going to AA in Thunder Bay  Father Redmond going to AAA in Windsor  Bishop Allen and Michael Power/St Joseph going to AAAA in Barrie Boys’ Basketball Teams:  Cardinal McGuigan going to AA in Perth  Senator O'Connor going to AAA in Welland  Father Henry Carr and Blessed Mother Teresa going to AAAA in Mississauga Curling Teams:  Bishop Allen Boys going to North Bay  Loretto Abbey Girls going to Brampton

ST. ANTOINE DANIEL WINS TCSAA BASKETBALL CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Antoine Daniel defeated St Wilfrid in the Basketball City Finals at Brebeuf on Friday, February 28th. The game was close one: 40‐36! Congrats St. Antoine Daniel!

TDCAA BOYS BASKETBALL

The TDCAA Boys Basketball Championships concluded on February 19, 2014 with the Championship Day. TDCAA Champions are: St. Mary's ‐ Junior Boys Champion. St. Mary's defeated Cardinal McGuigan 48 – 45. Congratulations!

CHAMINADE STUDENT SIGNED TO SOCCER SCHOLARSHIP

The Toronto Catholic District School Board congratulates Kevin Angulo, a grade 12 student at Chaminade College School in North York. He is the recipient of a soccer scholarship with the University of Pittsburgh.

The school hosted a signing ceremony on Tuesday, February 18th. Kevin is a member of Team Ontario's Bronze medal winning soccer team that competed at the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He was also a member of Chaminade's 2011/2012 TDCAA championship junior soccer team, a three‐time member of Chaminade's TDCAA championship Track and Field teams (2011, 2012, and 2013), an OFSAA gold medalist in junior 4 X 100 metre relay (2012) and a member of Chaminade's Leadership Team (2012/2013).

Kevin plans to study communications in the fall.

BRAINS AND BRAWN, BLESSED JOHN XXIII HAS IT ALL!

Two divisional championships in one week for Blessed John XXIII Catholic School students: W5H and Basketball! Congrats to Blessed John XXIII. Pictured is the Boys’ Basketball team.

FLAG DAY AT ST. BERNARD

MP Mike Sullivan donated a brand new flag to St. Bernard Catholic School on Flag Day, and also provided the students with flags and pins to celebrate our great country.

Students sang our National Anthem in English, French as well as International Sign Language, honouring our flag and our country. Happy Flag Day, everyone!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT ST. CHARLES GARNIER

To celebrate Black History Month, the students at St. Charles Garnier were privileged to have NJACKO BACKO visit the school on February 10th. Mr. Backo is from Cameroon. He is a wonderful musician who gave a drumming workshop for our students that had everyone dancing and drumming to the beat. He also shared an important message with students about the importance of being honest and leading a virtuous life.

WINTER WALK DAY A HUGE SUCCESS!

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School celebrated Winter Walk Day 2014 on Wednesday, February 19th. Over half of the students at Our Lady of Lourdes are already walking to school regularly.

“We are encouraging walking as a way to increase physical activity, create a deeper connection to the community, find joy in the surroundings and meet people along the way,” says Principal Jo Nazar. “Regular exercise reduces and helps students arrive to school more alert and ready to learn.”

FIRST LADY OF PORTUGAL VISITS ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS

Dr. Maria Cavaco Silva visited St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School on February 28. She was interested to hear about the International Language program at the school.

Principal, Manuela Sequeira welcomed her to the school and introduced her to TCDSB Associated Director of Academic Affairs, Gary Poole; Superintendent Jim Saraco and Trustee Frank D’Amico.

Dr. Cavaco Silva reviewed some of the teaching materials and spoke to students.

Accompanying the First Lady was Mrs. Lurdes Cunha, wife of the Ambassador in Ottawa and Ana Paula Ribeiro, Coordenadora do ensino Português Canada CAMÕES, I.P. Consulado de Portugal.

LOVEUARY During the month of February, students at St. Charles Garnier School show their respect and caring for others by doing good deeds and being extra kind to each other, by walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. Students receive ADORE Awards for their acts of kindness. These students were celebrated at our Loveuary Assembly on February 26th, with a video montage of the month‐long celebration of love, as well as a school sing along. A very special thank you to Ms. Barber for coordinating this annual event.

TCDSB DANCE FESTIVAL

Over 180 students from across the Toronto Catholic District School Board participated in the annual Dance Festival at Cardinal Carter Academy on February 8, 2014. The students performed a variety of dance moves from hip hop to modern ballet.

Participating schools included:

Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton C.S.S.

Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

Dante Alighieri Academy

Father John Redmond C.S.S. and Regional Arts Centre

Notre Dame High School

St. Patrick C.S.S and Centre for the Arts

Senator O’Connor College School

PINK SHIRT REMINDS STUDENTS THAT EPIPHANY DOES NOT TOLERATE BULLYING ANY DAY

At Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic School, students and staff are encouraged to wear pink shirts throughout the year for physical education, or on casual days. The pink shirts are imprinted with the 10 monthly virtues celebrated by the TCDSB throughout the year—Hospitality, Gratitude, Peace, Charity, Courage, Love, Forgiveness, Justice, Compassion and Faithfulness. The school community has worn their pink shirts on February 11th in conjunction with an anti‐bullying play, on February 14th in connection with Valentine’s Day and on February 20th for the Multicultural Day.

GOSPEL CHOIR AT CHAMINADE

The York University Gospel Choir led by Karen Burke, visited Chaminade College School on Friday Feb. 28th for their annual Black History Month mass. Both Brother Stephen VanMassenhoven from St. Phillip Neri and the choir delivered messages of love, resilience and brotherhood during the mass. The students and staff couldn’t help but be moved by such powerful singing and music. Thank you very much Karen Burke and the York University Gospel Choir!

“IT STARTS IN THE SCHOOLS” is published monthly throughout the school year. Events, locations and times are subject to change. For more information, call 416-222-8282 Ext. 5314. This publication can be found on the Internet at www.tcdsb.org, see “news”.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates more than 92,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves approximately 475,000 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto. As the world’s largest publicly funded Catholic school system, we educate students in an inclusive learning community rooted in the love of Christ, where they are challenged to grow in grace and knowledge and to lead lives of faith, hope and charity. At Toronto Catholic we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action.

Toronto Catholic Schools March, 2014

Toronto Catholic District School Board, 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON M2N 6E8 phone: 416-222-8282 website: www.tcdsb.org email: [email protected]