Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School

25 Mount Royal Circle Brampton, Ont. L6P 1W3 Phone (905) 913-1703 FAX (905) 913-2918 March 2017

Principal A PRAYER FOR S. Rotino

Almighty and Everlasting God, Secretary Every person in our lives carries the M. Doria You have given the human race Spirit of God – and so every person Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of is our brother or sister through Jesus ~ humility. Christ. Superintendent He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man As brothers and sisters who share one M. Vecchiarino And giving His life on the Cross. Help us to bear witness to You Holy Spirit, we are all valuable to By following His example of suffering God. We all deserve to be shown Trustee And make us worthy to share in His concern for our welfare and our S. Xaviour Resurrection. feelings. We have all been given the We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, fruit of the Spirit called kindness. Parish Priest Your Son. Kindness can only be seen through Father V. Marziliano Amen actions. It’s not enough to say I will be kind or I am kind. We must show that http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php? we are kind by our words and our p=1115 actions. Visit our School Website: www.dpcdsb.org/lourd

CLASS LISTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 We will begin working on next year’s class lists in May. If your family will be moving from our school area, please let the office know as soon as possible. If your child(ren) will be returning to Our Lady of Lourdes School and there are particular learning needs that you feel we should consider while we work on class lists, please put this in writing, addressed to the Principal by April 28. Educational reasons will only be considered in this process. Please do not make requests for specific teachers. We cannot guarantee your request however, we will consider your concerns along with other factors. Class placements will be tentative until the second week of September, when our staffing is confirmed.

2016-2017 LITURGICAL DATES

 Ash Wednesday Prayer Service: Wed., March 1, 2017, 1:15pm DPCDSB is now on Twitter! For  Stations of the Cross – Para liturgy/Presentation: Thurs., April 13, 2017, 2:00pm the latest board news and  Liturgy: Thurs., April 20, 2017, 9:45am information, follow us @DPCDSBSchools.  Crowning of Mary Liturgy: Mon., May 1, 2017, 1:30pm

 Sacrament of Confirmation Grade 7: Sat., May 6, 2017, 10:00am www.connect2ENDviolence.ca  Sacrament of Communion: Sat., May 6, 2017 12:00pm Mrs. Grimbly’s class 2:00pm Mrs. Deputat, Mrs. Paolella & Ms. Drepaul’s classes  Year End Liturgy: Tues., June 27, 2017, 1:30pm Our Lady of Lourdes

EASTER 2017 LUNCH AND TREAT DAYS The days of Easter weekend this year are as follows: LunchBox days are on Mondays. April 9-13 Pizza days are on Wednesdays. April 14 - no school Rainbow Lunches are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. April 15 Treat Days will be offered on Fridays and students have the April 16 Easter Sunday opportunity to purchase popcorn, baked chips and cookies for $1.00 each. April 17 - no school

SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS (ANAPHYLAXIS) Beloved friends: There are pupils in attendance at our school who suffer The entire month of March, begging with Ash from severe and life‐threatening allergies to certain Wednesday, March 1st, and continuing well into the foods, such as peanut and tree nut products. Exposure to second week of April, is marked by the Holy Journey of the smallest quantities can cause severe and life‐threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life Lent and Easter. I am more and more convinced that threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen these are not simply calendar dates to be observed triggers are food, insect stings, medications, exercise and and celebrated, but are truly a unique gift of God to latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from help us through the path of life. Wherever we may be two or more body systems. at the moment. Whatever blessing or challenge we are We require your continued cooperation in sending foods facing as individuals and families, as communities and to school with your child that are free from peanuts, nuts as the world at large, we can be certain of this: we are or their by‐products, and nut‐substitute products. We not alone. The love of God surrounds us and sustains us. cannot guarantee that any classroom is nut free, but we I pray that these weeks ahead will be for each one of are attempting to minimize exposure and keep everyone us and for our families an opportunity to grow, to as safe and healthy as possible. We appreciate your help rejoice, to heal, to experience these blessings, and for and support in this important issue. We ask you to please us to become a blessing for others. I pledge my refrain from sending birthday and special occasion edible commitment every day of Lent to remember our school treats into your child’s class. Instead, perhaps you could communities at every Mass I celebrate. God bless you. recognize a special event by sending in a non‐edible treat e.g., pencils, stickers, or a game or book for the class to With prayerful best wishes, enjoy. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. Fr. Vito Marziliano, Your continued cooperation in support of our efforts to Pastor create a safe and healthy learning environment for all is greatly appreciated!

SCHOOL COUNCIL FOOD DRIVE Think about coming out for a School Council Meeting. This APRIL 3 TO 13, 2017 is the time of year that we discuss such things as lunch Knight’s Table is in need of the following items: programs for next year and possible “extras” for students with surplus funds. It will also provide an opportunity for  Breakfast supplies, cereal –hot and cold; pancake you to hear about upcoming events and allows for you to mix, syrup (high demand) ask any questions you might have. We want to make our  Pasta Sauce school a great place for our kids! The next council meeting  Canned Meat will be held Thursday, March 23 at 7:00pm. All are  Canned Vegetables  Canned Fruit welcome!  Kraft Mac & Cheese  Snacks such as puddings, Jello, Granola Bars

The top two donors in each classroom will receive a Kinder chocolate egg as a thank you.

Thank you in advance for your support. March 2017

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY MARCH 10 - WEAR GREEN Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself On March 10, students and staff are asked to during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions wear green, in recognition of both St. Patrick and of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, ShareLife. ShareLife is the charitable fundraising their families, communities and societies. arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto. Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the ShareLife agencies help more than 225 000 rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with people in a number of program areas, including: developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of children and youth, families at risk, women in Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the need of shelter and abuse counseling, services fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. for single and teen parents, the elderly and refugees. ShareLife relies heavily on fundraising The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 efforts to maintain their level of service. as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the Please send in a donation in any amount, on disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives. March 9 or 10 in support of this charity. Cheques, in amounts of $10 or more, PAID At Our Lady of Lourdes, we will donate the proceeds from the treat DIRECTLY TO SHARELIFE, will be issued a tax day on Friday, March 31 to go towards supporting World Autism receipt from ShareLife. All students Awareness Day on April 2. Our support will show our respect for who donate money will receive a individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and our green ShareLife bracelet. With commitment to help them realize their potential. thanks in advance for your On March 31, please remember to wear the generosity to this wonderful cause. colour blue to school, in support of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY March 21, 2017 marks the 12th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and each year the voice of people with Down Syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. Down Syndrome International encourages friends all over the world to choose activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we will donate the proceeds from the treat day on Friday, March 24 to Down Syndrome International, which will go towards outreach training programmes in Like many Catholics, you may be surprised to find out that you are developing countries dedicated to making a not registered as a Separate (Catholic) School Supporter, but difference in the life opportunities for people rather, as a Public School Supporter. By directing your tax support with Down Syndrome. to the Separate School System: We are asking everyone to wear two different  You may vote for Separate School Trustees in Municipal coloured socks on March 21. Wear brightly elections coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, 1  Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools sock…maybe even 3 socks for 3 chromosomes. If you don’t normally wear socks then wear them.  You show your support for the Catholic school system When people ask you To verify that you are an English Separate (Catholic) School why you are wearing Supporter, check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property different coloured socks, Assessment Notice. To register as a Separate (Catholic) School tell them about World Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please Down Syndrome Day. contact the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Admissions Thank you for your Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or support. [email protected]. Our Lady of Lourdes

Student Council coordinated a dance for the students on Valentine’s Spirit Week Day and also gave away the 4 jars of candy and Valentine items to the winners. Monday Pajama Day Spirit Week will be during the week of March 6-10. Please see the Tuesday Jersey Day chart on the right for the description of each day. We encourage all Wednesday Twin/Matching Day students to participate. Wear your OLOL Spirit Wear every Friday during March! Thursday Dress Like a Teacher Day Friday St. Patrick’s Day/Sharelife Green

WHAT IS BULLYING? ONLINE PAYMENTS On February 22, we wore pink in support of those who are bullied. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District Did you know…? School Board is pleased to announce the introduction of School Cash Bullying must meet five criteria: Online. School Cash Online allows parents and community members to 1. involves an inappropriate behaviour pay school-related fees online safely, 2. has a negative impact quickly, and easily. Parents can 3. is typically repeated purchase items like spirit wear, 4. the victim is unable to use any anti-bullying strategies lunches, and field trips - anytime, 5. and there is a power imbalance between the people involved anywhere. If you feel you are being bullied, make sure you let an adult know. Go to School Cash Online at: https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com and register your child. ISSUES WITH LATES Why Use School Cash Online? We continue to have a problem with students arriving late to school. Arriving  Convenience: Make secure at school on time makes a big difference. Your children learn the importance payments 24/7 from the comfort of punctuality from the example you set. of your home Students should be arriving at school 5-10 minutes before the bell rings in the  Ease of Use: It’s Online shopping morning. The time spent in the school yard before school is a transition time with various payment methods that allows your child to reconnect with classmates and to refocus on school (Visa, MasterCard and Interac/debit) issues. Lining up to enter the school with the rest of the class allows your child  Safety: Your child won't be to become part of the group and to ease into school routines. carrying cash or checks to and The first few minutes in the classroom are critical. During these minutes the from school teacher deals with the many issues that individual students share. There are  Time Saving: Manage your school routine opening activities that help ease the students into the business of expenses and view payment learning. When your child arrives even five minutes late, you would have history in one place missed some important information and you might feel a little ‘outside’ the View the online video for more group. information LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES https://vimeo.com/133141615 During this term we will continue to SCHOOL COUNCIL practice the Emergency Lockdown procedures with students. These MEETING procedures have been established by our Thursday, March 23 at school board in the event that a high risk 7:00 p.m. incident involving weapons should occur in All parents are welcome. the school or on school property. Our next drill is scheduled for April 19. March 2017

PEDICULOSIS Pediculosis, although not a health problem, is one of the most common childhood diseases. Incidents of pediculosis occur in any school. As a reminder, we are asking that parents inspect their children’s hair, especially if persistent itching and scratching of the scalp is noticed. Please inform the school if you discover an infestation. It is important that all nits be removed before returning your child to school! Your pharmacist can give you treatment information if required. Remind your child that it is not appropriate to share other children’s combs or headgear (hats, helmets etc.). Your cooperation is an important part of completely controlling the incidents of pediculosis in our school.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS SPORTS NEWS Peel Public Health will once again be reviewing The Junior Boys and Girls immunization records of all students at our school. competed in the Brampton Peel Public Health must have proof that your child North East Mini Basketball has been fully vaccinated (immunized) according to Tournament on Friday, the Ontario Immunization schedule. During the February 17. They played record review, you will receive a letter from Peel well and showed true Our Lady of Lourdes spirit and Public Health if your child’s record is incomplete. It sportsmanship. The girls and boys both placed first in their will tell you what vaccinations your child needs to tournaments, advancing to the Family Level tournaments held on meet the requirements for Ontario. Immunization Thursday, February 23, and Friday, February 24, respectively. records are considered incomplete if: Both teams played well but unfortunately did not move on to the  Peel Public Health has not received your child’s Board level tournaments. Thank you to Mrs. Malfara, Ms. vaccination record or Brennan and Ms. Rivers for coaching the teams.  Your child’s record does not show that he/she The Intermediate basketball season will begin shortly. has had all the required doses of vaccine (eg. Infant and booster doses) or  You do not have a valid exemption from SHROVE TUESDAY immunization for your child Shrove Tuesday (also known as Tuesday, Pancake If you receive a letter, please be sure your child Tuesday and Pancake Day), is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, received the required vaccination(s), then give the the first day of Lent. The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from date(s) to Peel Public Health immediately to update the word shrive, meaning "confess". Families from our community your child’s record to avoid processing delays. gathered on Shrove Tuesday to share a meal in the Failure to do so will result in a school suspension! gym. Thank you to the School Council for organizing the event. For more information please call Peel Public Health at 905 799-7700 or visit www.immunizepeel.ca Translation services are available.

The Eco-Team has a few activities planned for the school during the month of March. Our first activity is “The Great Gulp” on Thursday, March 9th, 2017. “The Great Gulp” is an event that raises awareness about the importance of drinking our tap water in the Region of Peel. On March 9th, all students in the school will take a synchronized gulp of our school tap water to show our support for Peel Region tap water.

Our school will also be participating in Earth Hour on Thursday, March 24th. For 1 hour all lights and electronics will be turned off to help conserve energy and raise awareness about climate change. We encourage families to turn off all lights and electronics at home on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm for international Earth Hour. For more information on Earth Hour 2017, please go to the following link: https://www.earthhour.org

Also, on March 24th ten students from the Eco-Team will be attending “The Buzz on Bees” presentation at St. John Bosco School, along with many other students in our family of schools. At this presentation students will learn about the decline of bee populations and other species around the world. Students will also learn about the consequences of climate change, pesticide use, poaching and habitat loss. Our Lady of Lourdes

DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER The cold weather is still upon us and we respectfully remind you to ensure that your children come to school dressed warmly to participate in recess activities since fresh air and exercise are vital components for successful learning. We will endeavour to have children play outside whenever possible. Help your children by having them come to school appropriately dressed. As well, all students should have indoor footwear at school. This is essential in case of an emergency evacuation. We also recommend that students keep extra clothing such as socks and pants at school in case their original clothing gets wet. Last but not least, please label your children’s items so that our Lost and Found bin stays empty!

March Break is from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17 and the school will be closed. Classes will resume on Monday, March 20, 2017.

EQAO TESTING Administration of Grade 3 and 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics 2016-2017 will be held May 23–June 5, 2017. Specific dates will be forthcoming. Please try to avoid vacations or the booking of appointments for your grade 3 or 6 child during this assessment period. March 2017 March 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat The Virtue for the Month of 1 2 3 4 Pizza lunch Rainbow Lunches Treat day March is Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, Intermediate 1:15pm speech competition

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lunchbox Rainbow Lunches Pizza lunch Great Gulp Treat day Lunches Jersey Day CWL grade 7/8 11:45am ShareLife movie Pajama Day speech Rainbow Lunches afternoon competition, 7pm at Dress like a St. Patrick’s/ St.Patrick’s Teacher Day Sharelife green Day Twin/Matching Day 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 MARCH BREAK—NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Lunchbox Rainbow Lunches Pizza lunch Rainbow Lunches Treat day for Earth Hour, 8:30- Lunches Down Syndrome School Council Down Syndrome 9:30pm First day of Awareness - Meeting, 7pm Earth Hour - spring wear two lights out at different, lunchtime colourful socks 26 27 28 29 30 31 Treat day for Autism Lunchbox Rainbow Lunches Pizza lunch Rainbow Lunches Awareness, Lunches wear blue in support Kindness virtue assembly, 2pm Frozen Treat day Upcoming Events April 1 April Fool’s Day 20 Easter Liturgy, 9:45am 2 World Autism Awareness Day, wear blue in support 22 Earth Day 3-13 Easter Food Drive 26 School Council Meeting, 7pm 7 School Council Hot Dog Day 27 Welcome to Kindergarten Information night, 7pm 9 28 City of Brampton Fit Kids - Sun Safety grades 1-5 12 School wide Lenten retreat Virtue Assembly, 2pm, Frozen treat day 13 Holy Thursday 14 Good Friday - no school for students 16 Easter Sunday 17 Easter Monday - no school for students 19 Lockdown Drill, Volunteer appreciation, 2:15pm