IT STARTS in the Schools
October 2014
UPCOMING EVENTS
October Board-wide Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October Board-wide Autism Awareness Month
October Board-wide Child Abuse Prevention Month
October Board-wide Women's History Month
October Board-wide Walk to School Month
October 3 Monsignor Fraser College Official Opening and Blessing of Newly 2900 Midland Avenue, Scarborough Expanded Facility at Monsignor Fraser 416.393.5533 College 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
October 4 St. Sylvester Catholic School Community BBQ event and fundraiser 260 Silver Springs Blvd. Scarborough 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 416.393.5373 Scarborough and North York schools partner for parent engagement and fundraising for interactive literacy and math resources.
October 4–5 Nuit Blanche Event TCDSB’s Project Reach “The Good St. Michael’s College, Hands of Charity” featured at Nuit University of Toronto Blanche 81 St. Mary Street, Toronto The installation celebrates TCDSB’s Year of Charity, as seen through the eyes and hands of staff and students from TCDSB’s 201 schools. Sunset to Sunrise
October 5 St. Philip Neri Catholic School Farewell Celebration for St. Philip Neri 20 Beverly Hills Drive, North York Catholic School 416.393.5254 At St. Philip Neri Church, 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at St. Philip Neri Catholic School
October 5 St. Gerard Majella Catholic School Farewell Celebration for St. Gerard 35 Heavitree Drive, North York Majella Catholic School 416.393.5346 At St. Philip Neri Church, 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at St. Gerard Majella Catholic School
October 5 Board-wide World Teachers’ Day
October 6 Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School Open House 959 Midland Avenue, Scarborough 6:30 p.m. 416.393.5554
October 7 Board-wide Rosary Day
October 8 St. Jerome Catholic School Author Chris Mark DeSouza 111 Sharpecroft Boulevard, Downsview speaks to St. Jerome students 416.393.5294 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
October 9 Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary Open House School 7:00 p.m. 1107 Avenue Road, Toronto 416.393.5561
October 10 Board-wide World Mental Health Day
October 14–17 Centennial Park TCDSB Divisional cross-country meets Earl Bales Park 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Beaches-Boardwalk Morningside Park
October 15 Montecassino Banquet Hall Safe and Accepting Schools Team 3710 Chesswood Drive, Toronto Leadership Symposium 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
October 16 Loretto College School Open House 151 Rosemount Avenue, Toronto 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5511
October 16 St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary IB Information Evening School 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 685 Military Trail, Scarborough 416.393.5531
October 17 Board-wide International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 18 St. Ursula Catholic School 50th Anniversary Celebration 215 Livingston Road, Scarborough Open House at St. Ursula 416.393.5306 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 21–23 Centennial Park TCDSB Regional cross-country meets Earl Bales Park 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Beaches-Boardwalk Morningside Park
October 21 Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School Open House 2 St. Andrews Boulevard, Etobicoke 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5525
October 22 St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School Open House 49 Felstead Avenue, Toronto 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5546
October 22 St Mary Catholic Secondary School Open house at 7:00 p.m. 66 Dufferin Park Avenue, Toronto IB Information Evening at 6:30 p.m. 416.393.5528
October 23 Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Open House Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 40 Sewells Road, Scarborough 416.393.5538
October 23 Madonna Catholic Secondary School Open House 20 Dubray Avenue, North York 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5506
October 23 Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary Open House School 6:30 p.m. 1760 Martin Grove Road, Etobicoke 416.393.5521
October 23 Father John Redmond Catholic Open House Secondary School and Regional Arts 7:00 p.m. Centre 28 Colonel Samuel Smith Parkway, Etobicoke 416.393.5540
October 23 St. Charles Garnier Catholic School Ballroom Dancing Festival 20 Stong Court Downsview Grade 4- 8 students will perform in the 416.393.5363 school’s Ballroom Dancing Festival at Monsignor Fraser Norfinch, 7:00 p.m.
October 24 Jean Vanier C.S.S. Jean Vanier CSS 25th Anniversary 959 Midland Avenue, Scarborough Alumni Dinner Dance 416.393.5554 At The Brighton Banquet Hall 5:45 p.m.
October 25 Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel Father Patrick Fogarty Awards Dinner 901 Dixon Road, Toronto 6:30 p.m. Honouring recipients of the 2014 Catholic Student Award (one student from each Ontario Catholic High School)
October 28 Earl Bales Park TCDSB cross-country city North York championships 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 28 Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Open House 12 Malvern Avenue, Toronto 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5501
October 28 James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Open House Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 1440 Finch Avenue West, North York 416.393.5527
October 28 Neil McNeil Catholic Secondary School Open House 127 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5502
October 28 Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts Open House 36 Greenfield Avenue, North York 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5556
October 28 Francis Libermann Catholic Secondary Open House School 7:00 p.m. 4640 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough 416.393.5524
October 28 Dante Alighieri Catholic Secondary Open House School 7:00 p.m. Beatrice Campus, 50 Ameer Avenue, Toronto 416.393.5522
October 28 Msgr. Percy Johnson Catholic Open House Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke 416.393.5535
October 29 Michael Power/St. Joseph Catholic Open House Secondary School 6:30pm 105 Eringate Drive, Etobicoke 416.393.5529
October 29 St. Basil-the-Great Catholic Secondary Open House School 7:00 p.m. 20 Starview Lane, North York 416.393.5513
October 29 St. Joseph College Open House 74 Wellesley Street West, Toronto 7:00 p.m. 416.393.5514
October 29 St. Joseph Morrow Park Catholic Open House Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 3379 Bayview Avenue, North York 416.393.5516
October 30 Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Open House Catholic Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 1515 Bloor Street West, Toronto 416.393.5545
October 30 Blessed Cardinal Newman Catholic Open House Secondary School 7:00 p.m. 100 Brimley Road South, Scarborough 416.393.5519
October 30 St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary Open House School 7:00 p.m. 685 Military Trail, Scarborough 416.393.5531
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Minister of Education Liz Sandals visits Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School There was a lot of enthusiasm and energy at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School for the first day of the year as students returned to class, or began school for the first time. Adding to the excitement of the first day was the presence of a number of special guests, including Minister of Education Liz Sandals, MPP Glen Murray, Director of Education Angela Gauthier, Associate Director Gary Poole, Superintendent of Early Learning Cristina Fernandes and Superintendent of Schools John Shanahan.
St. Sylvester School’s Terry Fox Spirit “T-E-R-R-Y Let’s all keep his dream alive... Go Terry Go...Gimme a T, Gimme an E, Gimme an R, Gimme another R, Gimme a Y, Gimme an F, Gimme an O, Gimme an X. What do you got? Terry Fox...Louder…” These were just some of the chants heard on our Terry Fox 5k walk on Friday, September 26th. The Sun was shining, the students were chanting, and together with our police escort of 4 offices on bikes and two cruisers blocking the road with police sirens blaring, we had an absolutely magnificent afternoon. As we neared the 4.5 km point of our walk, we stopped for an overall group picture, did some group chants and sang O Canada in recognition of a great Canadian Hero. After all our donations were counted, we raised $775 for Cancer Research. Congratulations to Alex Tam for winning our Terry Fox t-shirt as the top fundraiser.
St. Vincent de Paul's 100th Anniversary The day began with Mass at St. Vincent de Paul church (also celebrating a century this year) and festivities continued in the school with musical performances, dancing and plenty of food. Alumni, staff, students and their families celebrated the 100th anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School on September 27th. Alumni reminisced over old class photos and visited a ‘live’ classroom replica from around the 1930s.
Sacred Heart Parents Have Heart Sacred Heart parents, long known for their dedication and commitment to their community, roll up their sleeves and organize nutritious snacks for students at Sacred Heart. All week long parents volunteer their time to ensure that delicious healthy eating is taking place in the school. Way to go Sacred Heart!!!
Bishop Allen Academy 2nd Annual Redbird Run 2014 A one mile run for grade nine students was held on Tuesday, September 9th during period 4. Over 300 grade nine students ran a one mile race around the neighbouring streets of Bishop Allen starting at Berry Road Park. Boys and girls ran in separate races. The top three boys and top three girls each received a ribbon. The first place winners will receive a trophy. The winning homeroom class received a free breakfast, courtesy of the Administration, and a commemorative ribbon. This year Ms. Montenegro’s class is the winning homeroom class. Congratulations!
TCDSB Teachers Address UN Conference Two Toronto Catholic District School Board teachers addressed delegates at the United Nations on Thursday, August 28th, 2014. Kathleen McGill and John Cafferky, teachers at St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School were selected to speak at the United Nations DPI/NGO Conference (Department of Public Information Non- Governmental Organizations) based on their work in the school community. The conference focused on valuable and successful social justice initiatives across the world. Their presentation on “Pennies for Heaven” highlighted this unique initiative in the Toronto area which supports much needed health care work in the Philippines. The program has been in place for several years at the school, and is seen internationally as a model linking schools and communities literally across the world. Their proposal was chosen from among 600 NGO proposals submitted for consideration.
Archbishop Romero's 25th Anniversary Celebration Alumni, staff and students gathered at Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School on September 27th, 2014 to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary.
Celebration du drapeau Franco-Ontarien St. Charles Garnier Catholic school held its first annual “Celebration du drapeau Franco-Ontarien” on Thursday, September 25th. The entire student body sang “Mon beau drapeau” as the flag was raised under our Canadian Flag outside on the school’s front lawn. Intermediate students followed with a “Savez-vous que?” presentation about French heritage.
Chaminade College opening school mass in celebration of the school's golden jubilee As we begin our celebration of the school’s golden jubilee, we start with the opening school mass held on Thursday September 25th. This special mass was presided by Chaminade Alumnus, Father Ante Market and Most Reverend John Boissonneau, Bishop of Toronto. Liturgical music was provided by St. Michael's Choir. Alumni, staff and guests were welcome to join our post-mass reception which will be held in the school Learning Commons.
Canadian Bishops Visit TCDSB Schools Four Canadian Bishops visited Toronto Catholic District School Board high schools in late September to share their stories of need and hope in remote parts of the country. Bishop Peter Hundt, Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, Bishop Gary Gordon, Diocese of Victoria, Bishop Stephen Jensen, Diocese of Prince George and Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan toured 10 TCDSB schools to talk to students about the Archbishop Gerard Pettipas stopped by the work of Catholic Missions in Canada and how monthly CSLIT (Catholic Student Leadership young people can get involved and support the Impact Team) meeting to speak to student leaders efforts to bring hope to some of the most remote from across the board on September 22nd. and less affluent communities in this country.
Bishop Gary Gordon, along with Director of Education Angela Gauthier and Trustee Nancy Crawford visited Neil McNeil High School on Bishop Peter Hundt shared his message with nd students and staff at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas September 22 . Merton Catholic Secondary School on September 22nd.
Student trustees Hannah McGroarty and Chris Bishop Stephen Jensen visited Jean Vanier Macdonald were on hand to talk to students Catholic Secondary School on September 23rd. and greet Archbishop Pettipas.
St. Anselm's 75th Anniversary St. Anselm Catholic School celebrated their 75th anniversary with a school Mass on Friday, September 26th at St. Anselm Parish. The following day they hosted an Open House at the school consisting of a BBQ, live music and school artefacts on display.
Canada-wide BOKS program launched at TCDSB On Wednesday, September 24th, St. Wilfrid Catholic School hosted the Canada-wide launch of the BOKS program. BOKS stands for Build Our Kids’ Success and is the result of a partnership by Reebok Canada Partners, Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Football League. The program is for elementary school students in Canada and consists of a free physical activity program. Reebok invited the Toronto Catholic District School Board to be a partner in the launch and to begin the Canadian expansion of the BOKS program in 10 of its schools.
St. Henry students win International Young Reporters for the Environment and Litter Less competition As part of a Geography project, Camila Lau and Jane Hu, Grade 8 students at St. Henry, submitted their entry for the video category to the Canada’s Next Green Journalist competition and won first prize. They each received a certificate and a video camera, and St. Henry received $500 to be used towards an environmental issue. Their entry was submitted to the International Young Reporters for the Environment and Litter Less competition held in April. FEE (Foundation for Economic Education) announced that Camila and Jane won 1st place in the video category for ages 11- 14. This year the competition received more than 155 submissions from 22 countries the world over. The girls share a cheque of $1,000 and St. Henry will receive an additional $500. Camila, Jane and Mrs. Patroni are invited to attend the international Litter Less conference, which takes place between October 29th and Nov 3rd in Lisbon, Portugal. If you would like to view the video entry visit www.youngreporters.ca and click on 2014 winning submissions. Congratulations to these two young ladies, we are very proud of them.
Michael Power/St. Joseph Student Winner in Concours d’art Oratoire’s French Public-Speaking Event Michasia Woznowski, a grade 10 student from Michael Power/St. Joseph Secondary competed in and won the 2014 Concours d’art oratoire’s French public-speaking event. Held annually at the University of York’s Glendon campus, the contest is open to students from grades 4 through 12 studying French as a Second Language in Ontario schools. 289 students from 24 public and separate school boards and 7 private schools participated in this annual event. Michasia presented her speech entitled, “L’identité canadienne” and won 1st place in her category for French Immersion. She received $500 and an engraved plaque. The TCDSB and the MPSJ school community congratulate her for this incredible achievement!
Cross Country: St. Ursula Participates in Daily Healthy Active Living! St. Ursula Catholic School continues to take a proactive initiative to promoting daily physical activity within our school day. Again this year, the Fitness Run/Walk Club is taking place. All students from Grades 2 to 8 are participating in this event every day. This activity is part of the Physical Education program and provides an opportunity for all students to participate in Daily Healthy Active Living at school.
Michael Power/St. Joseph Student Winner in AMAPCEO Public Service Essay Contest Last spring, students in Mr. Di Paola’s Gr. 10 IB French Religion course entered the AMAPCEO Public Service Essay Contest. Secondary students from across Ontario were invited to engage their ideas on the value of public service in either one of our two official languages. It was announced in September that TCDSB’s Alex Badea from Michael Power/St. Joseph had garnered 2nd place for his essay entitled, “L’importance socio-économique dans la fonction publique” in which he extolled the virtues of our community of faith in relation to social economics in public service. He will receive a certificate and $500 for his work, the only winning French entry. Alex, now in Gr. 11, will be writing this year his French International Baccalaureate Exam.
Loretto College School Shares Smiles Students were asked to bring a smile to others on September 16th - Picture Day! We collected over 300 tubes of toothpaste which will be donated to Canadian Food for Children.
Toonies for Terry Fox at St. Joseph Catholic School On Friday, September 12th, staff and students from K to 8 donated toonies and walked around Greenwood Park to remember Terry Fox, a Canadian Hero as well as those we love and have loved who are affected by cancer. A great way to come together as a school at the start of the year!
Cutting Edge For TCDSB Shop Classes Students in 12 secondary schools within the Toronto Catholic District School Board are using brand new table saws, delivered and installed just in time for the start of the school year. TCDSB students enrolled in the Construction/Design Technology programs will benefit from the installation of 16 of these top-of- the-line table saws (SawStop TM), which are designed to stop immediately upon contact with skin. The cost of the saws was paid for through Ministry of Education grants aimed at improving safety for these programs that develop non-traditional skilled trades as a viable post-secondary destination for male and female students. The emphasis is on skill development, industry experiences and certifications, preparing students for the workplace, apprenticeship, college or university. The Toronto Catholic District School Board has approximately 1440 students enrolled in the Construction/Design Technology program in 12 of its secondary schools.
Leadership at L'Arche Fall 2014 Each semester the senior leadership class spends a day at L'Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, where they develop team- building and leadership skills, and share in the experience of the residents at the home in Richmond Hill. Fifty years ago, Jean Vanier, who recently celebrated his 86th birthday in France, founded the L'Arche homes, where handicapped men were welcomed into self- sustained caring communities. At the time this was radical, and was the only alternative to a life in an institution. As the namesake of our school, we look to emulate the work of Jean Vanier by creating a nurturing, caring, safe community. Ms. Fracassi was joined by Mr. Rogers and Ms. Harmandayan (a former Vanier teacher), to create a day packed with leadership - building skills.
Blessed Cardinal Newman Sr. Girls Basketball Win Gold The Senior Girls Basketball Team travelled to Newmarket to compete in the annual Huron Heights Basketball Tournament. The girls won all 3 of their games with a point spread of 40 or more, and brought home the championship!
Congratulations on a great start to the season!
Australian School Principal Visits St. Edward Catholic School Mrs. Jacqui Heffernan, principal of St. Bernard Catholic School - New South Wales, Australia, took the opportunity to visit St. Edward Catholic School on September 15th to gain insights on student achievement and well-being, parent and community engagement. She commented on the positive atmosphere of the school, a high degree of discipline by students, the warmth of staff, and the eco-friendly design of the school and surrounding area. As part of her North America tour, Mrs. Heffernan has taken the opportunity to visit other Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Banff, and Montreal. Prior to her Canadian tour, Jacqui has also visited Hawaii, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Empowerment Tour with Robin and the Mamas As we celebrate the year of charity in the Toronto Catholic District Scholl Board, members of Free the Children Robin Wiszowaty, Mama Leah, Irene, and Joan from the Kisaruni High School in Kenya visited the grade 8 students at St. Luke Catholic School. They spoke about some of the programs and projects that Free the Children helped create including creating and selling bracelets and necklaces made of beads. Women in the Kenyan village make and sell the bracelets globally to support their families.
““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, serving close to half-a-million 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 October 2014
Toronto Catholic District School Board, 80 Sheppard Ave. E., North York, ON M2N 6E8 phone: 416-222-8282 website: www.tcdsb.org email: [email protected]