Stella Maris Catholic School Newsletter Principal’s Message It is amazing how quickly a month flies. The teachers and students are

well into their routines, working hard and actively participating in school life. I am looking forward to seeing you and your families on Curriculum Night, October 3rd at 7 p.m. STELLA MARIS Please join me in welcoming Ms. E. Aloe who is one of our new Physical CATHOLIC SCHOOL /Health teachers. OCTOBER 2018 In this month of Thanksgiving, let us encourage our children to appreciate 31 Ascot Avenue all the wonderful gifts that God has given them and ask them how they can give back to those around them to show their gratitude. From a simple , M6E 1E6 positive morning greeting to working with the poor in our city, there are Phone Number: (416) 393-5371 thousands of ways for even our youngest learners to show appreciation of Fax Number: (416) 393-5841 God’s many blessings.

Principal:

Elisa Arciero There are many exciting events and activities going on in the school from

Secretary: Cross Country to Junior Soccer. Our Grade 8s start the process to choose Angie Minnella their high school next year and begin to focus on the pathway that will lead Clerk Typist: Ida Ferrinho to future success. Our roofing project is ongoing.

Superintendent: We had our CSPC AGM and elections on September 25th and the new John Wujek executive was elected. A detailed list is included in this newsletter. We (416) 222-8282 Ext. 2592 also started the Morning Meal Program on September 17th. The menu has been revised and will be included in my monthly newsletters. Please Trustee: contact the office if you have any questions. This initiative contributes to Frank D’Amico a healthier learning environment for all our children. (416) 222-8282 Ext. 3406 On behalf of the staff and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to Parish: wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends. St. Clare Roman Catholic Church Pastor: Father Francesco Marrone Sincerely, 1118 St. Clair Ave. W. (416) 654-7087 Ms. E. Arciero

School Hours: Principal 8:30 a.m. Entry 10:12 a.m. Recess 11:15 a.m. Lunch Hour

12:15 p.m. Entry 1:40 p.m. Recess 3:00 p.m. Dismissal NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME: Call 416-393-5371 or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 2383. For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board,

CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB) please visit the website at www.tcdsb.org. www.tcdsb.org/cpic Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto @TCDSB on Twitter.

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Food Drive Organized by Our Intermediates for Lunch at School WE Lunch at school is a privilege for children who live far away from the The Intermediates are busy planning our food drive for school and/or for children who do not have anyone at home to supervise the month of October. This community initiative is them. Children who stay for lunch are reminded to: called, "WE Scare Hunger", a food drive for St. Francis · Stay in their assigned seats/classroom; Table. Please bring in 2-3 canned food or non-perishable · Use indoor voices; · Seek permission/assistance from the teacher or lunchtime food items during the month of October to help those in supervisor; and need. St. Francis is in need of canned soups, beans, - Not engage in hitting, pushing or fighting. tomato paste, sauce, diced, whole; mushrooms, mixed Please remember not to take your child off premises without vegetables and cleaning supplies such as floor cleaner, informing an adult and then signing him/her out at the office first. hand soap, laundry detergent, multi-purpose cleaner, For safety reasons, only students in Gr. 7 and 8 whose parents have steel wool, and window cleaner. St. Francis’ Table made arrangements to go out for lunch must, by 9:30 a.m., provide their offers lunch and dinner each day to the needy. The teacher a note from home which: donations will be picked up at the end of OCTOBER. A. Is dated; and Thank you in advance for your thoughtful contribution. B. Signed by a parent. Students going out for lunch should always make arrangements to go out Together, let's make a difference in someone’s life! in pairs (restricted to students in grades 7 and 8 only). The school discourages the practice of students going out for lunch. Students will Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) have to sign out at the office at 11:15 a.m. and then sign back in no CSPC elections took place on September 25. Here are the earlier than 11:55 a.m. and no later than 12:15 p.m. Food is NOT to be newly elected members of our Catholic School brought back to school. In the interest of student safety, microwave Parent Council Executive for the 2018-2019 school year: ovens are not available to students. · Ms. Cilena Costa (Chair and Secretary); · Ms. Helen Veloso (Vice Chair); and Student Safety · Ms. Jessica Teixeira (Treasurer). Parents/Caregivers are asked to ensure that we have your current The Committee/Voting members are: Ms. Gisella telephone numbers: home, cell, emergency. Please call the Linares and Ms. Lily Vasile. school before 8:15 a.m. if your child will be late or absent. We would like to acknowledge our teacher representative will be Ms. M. Toste. The non-teaching representative is Parents are reminded that all doors to the school are locked. All Ms. M. Radovini. parents and visitors are required to buzz the doorbell to speak to The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 our secretary and then enter the school. We ask for your patience at 7 p.m. in the library. Please join us! and understanding as we continue to implement this important safety initiative. Parents, caregivers, older siblings are asked to CSPC Pizza Lunches and Ice Cream Days wait for their children or siblings in the schoolyard after school The pizza lunch for October will be held on Friday, unless a meeting with the teacher has been scheduled. All October 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2 students should enter and exit the school building by their Thanks to our CSPC, students may also place orders to designated doors. The school’s front doors are not to be used as a enjoy an ice cream treat on Wednesday, October 10, 17, shortcut to the school yard. 24, and Nov. 1. Stella Maris is an Allergen Aware School. Some children in our National Custodians’ Day – October 2nd school have a severe life threatening food allergy to peanuts and We are so grateful to our custodial staff for their nuts (anaphylaxis). This is a medical condition that causes a dedication in maintaining our building throughout the severe reaction to specific foods and can result in death within school year, but also for their hard work during the minutes. In order to ensure that our school is a safe environment summer months to ensure that our school, classrooms and for all students, we ask that you only send foods with your playgrounds are ready for September. Keep up the great children that are free from peanuts and other nut products. work, Mr. Isabella, Mr. Baptista and Mr. Guerin!! Also, kindly avoid sending food for special occasions (i.e. birthday, Christmas, etc). There is no other way of controlling World Teacher’s Day – October 5th food which comes from home other than the specific and diligent We take great pride in celebrating the valuable awareness and action by parents. Please help in ensuring the contribution of all our teachers and support staff at Stella safety of our children by helping to keep Stella Maris Maris. Teachers have an awesome responsibility. They Catholic School a peanut and nut free zone. influence our young people who represent the future; they foster their career development and influence their DECE Appreciation Day – October 16th occupational choices. They are charged with the task of We are very grateful for the dedication and collaborative team leading them on their faith journey and helping them to work that our Early Childhood Educators bring to our Early build character. We thank all our educators for their Learning Program ( classes). They work together commitment to Catholic education and for the support with their teacher partners by introducing children to learn and leadership that they provide so that we can fulfill our through play, developing a sense of self-worth, and helping the mission as a Catholic education community. children have fun at school! Ms. A. Brumant and Ms. M. Radovini, thank you for all you do for the Stella Maris community!

Personal Belongings Secondary School Open Houses We have an acceptable user policy when it comes to All Toronto Catholic District School Board secondary schools electronics. For obvious safety and educational purposes, welcome grade 8 students and their families to open houses each we ask that no cell phones, cameras, i-pods, expensive fall. This is an opportunity to meet some of the staff, check out jewellery, hand-held games or any electronic gadgets be school facilities and learn more about the various programs, brought to school. Teachers may ask students to use their services and activities as you prepare for Catholic secondary cell phones or other devices for instructional purposes. school education. Most open houses begin at 7:00 p.m. For a Cell phones, if brought to school for emergency complete list of dates and locations, visit: purposes, are to be turned off and left in their http://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/default.aspx. schoolbag. Please note that the school is not  Loretto College October 17, 2018 responsible for lost items. If students bring their  St. Mary’s – IB Only October 4, 2018 electronics to school, they are responsible for them.  St. Mary October 16, 2018 Parental support in this area is required and greatly appreciated. Please monitor your child’s activities on the  Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton October 11, 2018 internet and the various social media sites. If students  October 4, 2018 bully their classmates on any site, they will face  October 10, 2018 consequences. If activity that occurs outside of school  Marshall McLuhan October 10, 2018 impacts the school climate, consequences will be A major component of the Ministry’s document, Creating imposed. Hockey sticks, baseball bats and hard Pathways to Success, all intermediate leather soccer balls are not permitted at school. students will be required to complete an Individual Pathways Plan (IPP), which will WE Initiative encourage a process of self-exploration and planning for the Most last Fridays of every month will be a DRESS future. We will be working with www.myblueprint.ca/tcdsb as DOWN DAY to raise funds for our local WE charity, we develop our IPPs. Most grade 8s will have already created ShareLife and Stella Maris’ school needs. If students their accounts last year and the grade 7s will have their accounts dress down, they must bring $1.00 not to be in set-up within the next few weeks. Some may have already started Appropriate Dress. their IPPs. Feel free to ask your children to share theirs with you.

Picture Day October will be a busy month for the grade 8 Friday, October 19th is Picture Day at Stella Maris. students as they begin the high school application Pictures will be taken throughout the day. Please ensure process. The After 8 transition guides for both that students are on time for school so that any delays in students and parents will be delivered to the the schedule are kept to a minimum. school soon, so you can expect to learn more about the process Appropriate dress code for picture day is mandatory. when your child brings them home. Please note the following important dates: Our SNP Corner  Monday, October 22nd, 2018 – The applications will be Hi Stella Maris! We are Marlene and Cilena and we are available for printing at the school. Expect the running the snack program this year. We are excited to tell you all that this year we will be serving fresh fruits application to come home on or just after this date. and vegetables, along with whole wheat grains and dairy. th We welcome any feedback and suggestions that you may  Monday, November 5 , 2018 – Applications are due have. We look forward to a healthy year for our students! back at the School Board. Therefore, they must be Please find a menu calendar attached to this newsletter. returned to the school well before to ensure early arrival. Sincerely, Stella Maris’ applications are due by Monday, th SNP @ Stella Maris October 29 , 2018. Please be sure to return the forms on time and completed correctly. DID YOU KNOW? Don’t forget to visit prospective Catholic Secondary Schools or Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas. you can access a list on line at the following link: https://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/default.aspx Marlene Breda Open House dates have been posted in all schools, so you are encouraged to visit your local secondary schools to learn about the programs that they offer.

Parent Distribution List Cross Country Thank you to all the parents who have shared their e-mail for the A group of dedicated students are training for the cross parent distribution list. If you would like your name added to this country divisional meet that will take place on October list, please e-mail me your children’s names and their teachers’ 9th at the Beaches. A special thank you to our coaches: names and the e-mail you would like me to use. You will receive Ms. Terrigno, Ms. De Santis, Ms. Cescon, Ms. Corsaro, newsletters, calendars, and Board communication via e-mail Ms. La Rosa, Ms. Toste, Ms. Morra, and Ms. Gora for helping to reduce our paper footprint. My e-mail is: their time and dedication to the team. [email protected]

From the Parish…. Students of the Month Father Francesco and/or Father Victor will celebrate The virtue for the month of September was Hospitality. The school masses. The dates of the masses will be included criterion for the Student of the Month for September is the in the school calendars that go home each month. The student who is kind, welcoming, and generous towards others. parish will work closely with the school and teachers in Students will be recognized over the PA and receive a certificate preparing all students for the sacraments. This year, Fr. from the Principal. The ELP to Gr. 3 students will also receive a Francesco will continue to visit with the Gr. 2 and Gr. 7 virtue medal and the Gr. 4 to 8 will receive a virtue bracelet. students at Stella Maris. Fr. Victor will visit with the Gr. Congratulations to the following students for being the winners 3 and Gr. 8 students. for September: Jayden D, Leticia S, Victoria D, Reyna C, Ana M, Zoe H, Danika N, Diana S, Gianluca P, Ethan C, Justin B, October 31st is Halloween and Larissa D, Oscar M, Evan C, Damiano P, Dhalia R, Melissa Spirit Day (Costume/Black and/or Orange Day) R, Keanu C, Ana Luisa D, Nicholas E, Maya S, and Anthony This year, Halloween falls on a Wednesday. Students are R. invited to come to school in costume or dressed in black and/or orange on Wednesday, October 31. Please note Vision Health for School Age Children that masks or imitation weapons are NOT to be brought Did you know that 1 in 4 school-age children may have a vision to school. All costumes need to be appropriate for a problem that could affect their ability to learn? An eye exam is Catholic School environment. the best way to help detect a vision problem and it is covered by OHIP every year for children and youth age 19 and under. Some Thank you, Mr. Frank D’Amico, our Trustee! signs that your child may be having difficulty seeing include: On the first day of school, Mr. D’Amico came to visit the  Squinting or holding objects close up Stella Maris community. He brought a package of white  Turns or tilts the head when viewing objects or covers bristle board for the school. We would like to thank him one eye for this donation. I am sure the teachers and students will  Excessive blinking, rubbing or itching eyes put it to good use.  Complains of blurry or double vision Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists Subway’s Read a Book Certificate To find an optometrist near you visit www.optom.on.ca Thanks to Mr. Farhad Fard, our Subway provider at For more information, visit Toronto Public Health website or call Bloor and Islington, we will be able to award our top Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600 and speak with a readers at Stella Maris C. S every month. Mr. Fard is Public Health Nurse. giving us one certificate for a free kids’ meal at his store for one student in every class once a month. For the For updated information regarding the International Languages month of September we have one receipent. Program please visit: Congratulations to Nathan D. in Ms. Pedra’s class who https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/schoolprogramsk12/inte read 5 books in September! rnationallanguages/pages/change-to-international-languages- program.aspx Hudson College, Our Neighbours We are very grateful to the Hudson College community for donating 2 book shelves, a sand table, and books for our library. Your kindness and generosity are much appreciated. October is the month of gratitude and we are grateful for our neighbours!

International Languages (Elementary) Program TCDSB Seeks Parent/Community Representatives Update: October, 2018 Representatives are needed for: Safe Schools Advisory Committee (October 5, 2018) International Languages Parent Survey Indigenous Advisory Committee (application deadline October On July 12th, the Board of Trustees of the TCDSB 12, 2018) approved a motion to survey parents in all TCDSB Details online: https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/pages/current- elementary schools to determine whether parents wish to openings--parent-membership-on-commmittees.aspx continue or initiate an International Languages (Elementary) program at their child’s school. CPIC Elections October 2, 3 and 15 Surveys will be sent home with the progress report the Become a Voice for Catholic Parents week of November 12th, with the only or oldest child in Representatives sought for Wards 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Election each family. Families are asked to complete one survey October 2, 2018. per family and submit it to the school principal by Elections October 3, 2018 for vacancies in Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 November 27, 2018. Election of Parent Members at Large, October 15, 2018 at the Inaugural Meeting. Should parents wish to have a translated version to assist https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/cpicelection with the completion of the English survey, they are asked s/pages/default.aspx to request a copy from the school principal or a special web page will be set up with translated versions of the survey. Translations will be available in the following Angel Foundation For Learning By attending The Angel Foundation for Learning's, An Evening languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Arabic, to Feed the Soul Gala on November 9th, wondrous things are Filipino, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) Tamil, and made possible! Italian.  Funds are made available to schools through the School To ensure that results reflect the school community, Allocation Fund to help reduce the costs associated surveys will be coded to ensure reliability, as well as, with school trips or leadership activities so that all surveys from 67% of all families in the school must be students share these invaluable experiences. completed and returned in order for the results to be  TCDSB students will be assisted with some of life's considered viable. In the current schools that offer basic needs such as warm clothing or food through the International Languages within the five hour school day, Social Work Emergency Fund.  TCDSB students will be able to attend Summer Camp in order to determine if the program is to be continued and after-school sports activities through the AFL using the Board approved model, or to move the IL Camp Fund. program to an alternative model, the majority of 51%  You, your friends and co-workers will enjoy a gala should be attained for the preferred selection. encompassing all the magic of the Gatsby era! For updated information regarding the International For more information about the Angel Foundation for Languages Program please visit: Learning or how to get your tickets for the Evening to Feed the https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/schoolprograms Soul Gala, go to www.angelfoundationforlearning.org. k12/internationallanguages/pages/change-to- international-languages-program.aspx

Municipal Election October 22, 2018 New ward boundaries will be in effect Existing Trustee Wards, including the local Catholic schools they represent, remain unchanged and the new boundaries DO NOT come into effect until December 1, 2018.

These changes do not affect the current number of Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustees which will remain at 12. However, it impacts the distribution areas of Trustee Wards and the local schools they represent. https://www.tcdsb.org/board/trusteesoftheboard/pages/ne w-trustee-ward-boundaries.aspx PLEASE NOTE: Although these changes do not come into effect until December 1, 2018, registered Catholic ratepayers will be voting for candidates based on these 12 Rory McGuckin, Director of Education new Trustee Wards for the Municipal Election on October 22, 2018. For more information regarding 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON elections: https://myvote.toronto.ca/home Website: www.tcdsb.org OAPCE-Toronto hosts a Catholic School Trustee Meet and Greet October 1, 2018 at the Catholic Education Centre https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/oapce- toronto/pages/default.aspx Parent Tips on Homework Basics

In elementary school, homework is assigned to reinforce skills and concepts and to extend classroom learning.

A Parent's Supporting Role

When it comes to homework, be there to offer support and guidance, answer questions, help interpret assignment instructions, and review the completed work. Resist the urge to provide the right answers or complete assignments. It is important for your child to develop the skills and confidence to complete homework and projects independently.

1. Create a Homework-friendly Space It is important that the workspace is:  well-lit and comfortable  stocked with school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, stapler, calculator, ruler, etc.) and references (dictionary, thesaurus)  quiet and free from distractions, such as TV, video games, social networking, phone calls, or other family members Computers should be located in a common space, rather than a bedroom, so that parents can monitor use. Parental controls are available through your Internet service provider (ISP), and software that blocks and filters inappropriate material can be purchased. Younger children may prefer working at the kitchen or dining room table where they can receive encouragement and assistance from you. Older children may prefer to work in their rooms, but parents should check in periodically and review homework when it is completed.

2. Establish Homework Routines Send the message that schoolwork is a top priority by establishing a regular time each day for homework to be done. Some families do not allow TV, phone calls, video game-playing, social networking, etc., until homework is done and checked.

3. Supporting Homework and Study Habits Help your child to assess their homework and what it involves on a daily basis. In this way, your child can develop strategies to manage the workload. Some students prefer to complete harder assignments first, while others prefer to start with the easier tasks. Individual learning needs, coupled with a plan for breaks, will determine which homework approach best helps your child to maintain focus and energy. Encourage your child to prepare for tests by scheduling study sessions well in advance, in order to avoid cramming or last-minute panic. Parents should not hover at homework time, but may need to monitor their child’s frustration levels and comprehension. This will help you to communicate effectively with your child’s teacher at parent-teacher conferences and throughout the year. On-going struggles with assignments or homework completion could indicate broader issues which may require investigation to ensure your child’s success.

4. Instill Organization Skills Organizational skills are essential for academic and personal success. Teach your child how to use their school agenda effectively, recording all assignments and due dates. Most school planners offer helpful suggestions for managing time and achieving goals. Many families also find a wall calendar useful to keep track of tests, assignments, extracurricular activities, rehearsals, special events, etc. Help your child organize and set out what they need the night before, e.g., homework, books, clothes, and permission letters, etc. This practice builds important life skills and reduces family stress in the morning rush.

Final thoughts… Make sure your child knows that you are there to listen to their feelings and concerns, and that you do not expect perfection – only that they try their best. Encourage effort and perseverance in all they do.