IT STARTS in the Schools

June 2011

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 1 – 3 Catholic District School Track and Field, Elementary Regional Meets Board 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., various locations

June 2 Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School St. Maurice Catholic School Spring Fling 2 St. Andrew Blvd., Etobicoke 7:00 p.m., Don Bosco auditorium 416-393-5525

June 2 St. Luigi Catholic School Spring Fun Fair 2 Ruskin Ave., Toronto 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 416-393-5370

June 4 Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic 25th Anniversary Secondary School 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., various events and activities 40 Sewells Rd., Scarborough 416-393-5538

June 4 Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School Spring Fun Fair 35 West Deane Park Dr., Etobicoke 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 416-393-5413

June 4 St. John Catholic School Spring Fling Fundraiser at Balmy Beach Club 780 Kingston Rd., Toronto cocktail & dance, $35 416-393-5220 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

June 6 Hangar at Downsview Park Health Action Teams Celebration 75 Carl Hall Road 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

June 7 Holiday Inn, Toronto Yorkdale TCPVA Annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner 3450 Dufferin St., Toronto 6:00 p.m.

June 7 St. Anthony Catholic School Year-end BBQ 130 Shanly St., Toronto 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 416-393-5210

June 8 Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic Community Barbeque School 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 55 Ludstone Dr., Etobicoke 416-393-5276

June 8 Varsity Stadium Track and Field City Championship University of Toronto 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 416-222-8282 Ext. 81739

June 9 Grand Baccus Banquet Hall TDCAA Coaches Appreciation Celebration 2155 McNicoll Ave., Toronto 6:30 p.m., $30 416-397-6536

June 9 Prince of Peace Catholic School Choir and Band Music Recital 255 Alton Towers Circle, Scarborough 7:00 p.m., atrium 416-393-5416

June 9 St. Anthony Catholic School Ballroom Dancing Showcase Event 130 Shanly St., Toronto 7:00 p.m. 416-393-5210

June 10 – 17 Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts TCDSB Staff Arts present The Drowsy Chaperone 36 Greenfield Ave., North York 7:30 p.m., $20 416-393-5556

June 10 St. Maurice Catholic School Snack Program Fun Fair 45 Kingsview Blvd., Etobicoke fundraiser event in support of Snack Program 416-393-5379 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., school gym and yard

June 15 St. Francis Xavier Catholic School St. Francis Xavier Community Barbeque 53 Gracefield Ave., North York 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 416-393-5271

June 15 St. Anthony Catholic School Ballroom Dancing Finals 130 Shanly St., Toronto 416-393-5210

June 15, 16 St. Agnes Catholic School Theatre Production of A Venue of Virtues 280 Otonabee Ave., North York 1:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., auditorium 416-393-5345

June 16 St. Clement Catholic School Community BBQ 4319 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke 5:30 p.m., school yard 416-393-5307

June 20 St. Francis de Sales Catholic School Talent Show 333 Firgrove Cres., North York School gym 416-393-5366

June 21 St. Francis de Sales Catholic School CSAC Family BBQ 333 Firgrove Cres., North York 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., school gym 416-393-5366

June 24 Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School Spirit Day School Beach theme dress up day in support of Me to We 55 Ludstone Dr., Etobicoke 416-393-5276 RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

First Annual Take Your Kids Outside Day The Toronto Catholic District School Board challenged all students and school Boards to participate in the first annual “Take Your Kids Outside Day” on May 6th. Students and staff were challenged to go outside for at least 30 minutes.

Over 600 Toronto Catholic students from Certified EcoSchools took part in the event at Downsview Park where the entire day was set aside to celebrate their active, meaningful, and ongoing connection with nature.

HOZA! at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School Students at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School continued their journey as “Canadian ambassadors” at HOZA! Day on April 20th.

HOZA! Day wrapped up the first year of the three-year project called “Getting to Know You”, which gives students a chance to experience South African culture first-hand. Through this international, literacy-based program, students establish friendships with their counterparts in South Africa. Earlier this year, students began blogging a group of Grade Four peers from Ikhusi Elementary School of South Africa‟s Western Cape Department of Education.

The project engages grade four students from the school through multi-media literacy experiences while they learn about another culture and people on the other side of the planet. Throughout the day, Grade four students learned about drumming, dance such as the isiDiski (soccer dance) and the Gumboot Dance, food and beading. They also created a short video for their friendship school in South Africa.

St. Patrick Student Captures First Prize in “Now Hear This” poetry contest Students studying English at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School were given the unique opportunity of working with a professional writer in conjunction with their core curriculum. The program, NOW HEAR THIS, sponsored by the Toronto Catholic District School Board enabled the classroom teacher, Mrs. Werden, to collaborate with a professional writer, Mr. L. Frolick, to produce writing which would be considered for publication. Including St. Pat‟s, thirteen TCDSB secondary schools participated in this educational, productive, and very creative activity: Bishop Allen, Dante Alighieri, James Cardinal McGuigan, Jean Vanier, Loretto College, Madonna, Michael Power/St. Joseph, Neil McNeil, Notre Dame, St. Basil-the-Great, St. Joseph‟s College, and St. Mary‟s

At the end of the eight weeks, NOW HEAR THIS, received 1,150 entries from which 65 were chosen to be published in the anthology, The Capybara. At the official presentation held at the Gardiner Museum, not only were 7 of the 65 published pieces written by St. Pat's students, but the overall first prize winner, Jordan Pereira, is also a grade 12 student at St. Pats.

Theatre Brebeuf's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat A cast of very talented students from Brebeuf College, St. Joseph's Morrow Park, Cardinal Carter and Loretto Abbey, performed Andrew Lloyd's Weber's hit musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Brebeuf College from May 12th to 15th, directed by Mr. Anthony Cavaiola. Dress rehearsal matinees on May 11th and 12th were also enjoyed by visiting elementary and secondary students. Starring roles were played by Jason Coelho (Joseph) and Mae Janelle Berte (Narrator). The ensemble cast of singers and dancers were excellent, as they impressed sold-out audiences with this lively and colourful musical. The Brebeuf Stage Band, which accompanied them so well, was conducted by Mr. Daniel Found. Many other Brebeuf teachers, notably the show's producer, Ms. Kristan Prescod, worked behind the scenes to help make the play such a success.

Walk-a-Thon for Autism The St. Francis de Sales School Team, made up of staff and students, is the very first Toronto Catholic District School Board school to host a walk in support of Autism Speaks Canada. The Walk-a-thon was held on Thursday, May 5th raised a total of $1266.20 for Autism Speaks Canada.

The money raised will help fund research and help connect families with the resources and services they so desperately need. The St. Francis de Sales School Team will continue to support Autism Speaks Canada and will be participating in the June 26th walk commencing at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

Celebrating the Spirit at Café Nativité Mimes, Cirque du Soleil acrobats, decadent croissants, and “” singing, “la vie est belle” were just some of the highlights at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School‟s French Café on Thursday, May 5th. Café Nativité was truly a “celebration of the spirit” through the Arts and the Core French / Extended French program at Nativity during Catholic Education Week.

The school community enjoyed French culture and entertainment both in the day and in the evening. To the delight of many, students were dressed up as French painters, pastry chefs, and Parisian citizens. A variety of performances, including Cirque du Soleil acrobats, French Can Can dancers, French-Canadian Folk dancers, and Marcel Marceau mime impressionists provided the audience with a taste of French culture. More importantly, Café Nativité provided the school community a unique opportunity to come together to celebrate a culture that is important to Canada. Students in Grades 3 to 8 showcased their talents in French, drama, music, and visual arts.

So you think you can dance Blessed Margherita? On April 15th, the Blessed Margherita Dance Troupe took part in a competition at Canada‟s Wonderland. This was the first time that an elementary school had participated in a dance competition consisting of only professional studios. Although the dancers were nervous, through their hard work, determination and enthusiasm, the Blessed Margherita Dance Troupe placed 1st in the Hip-Hop Category.

St. Francis De Sales Elementary School Rewards the Winners of the 5th Annual Spanish Spelling Contest With a spectacular ceremony decorated by music, dance, lights and color, the St. Francis de Sales elementary school staff handed over the trophies, medals and prizes to the winners of the 5th Annual Spanish Spelling Contest; the event, part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, took a place on May 5th.

The program included the performance of some students dancing and singing famous music from the Dominican Republic. As well, a native cultural group from Mexico, “the Aztec” performed a dance ceremony, conducted by Mr. Luis Fuentes (director and dancer of the artistic group). This performance was very well received by the students and all the attendees.

TCDSB Festival of the Arts Highlights of the week included a variety of performances by elementary and secondary school students featuring instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama and visual arts. Special guest appearances at the Woodbine Centre by winners: Liberty Silver and Markus (Treehouse) added to the energy and lively festivities over the week. A special thanks to Maria Tavares & Carla DiNunzio, Visual Arts Resource Teachers, for organizing the Mario Gasparotto Student Art Exhibit featuring a fine display of student creations. Under the direction of Enrico Galante, the dedicated Sound Crew from Monsignor Percy Johnson C.S.S. delivered superior sound quality & technical support.

St. Dorothy Basketball Sweeps Jr. City Championships Both St. Dorothy boys and girls Jr. Basketball teams recently won city championships at Don Bosco Secondary School this past April.

The Jr. Boys team had an undefeated season claiming the SBA Invitational Tournament at Hoop Dome, the St. Dorothy Invitational Classic, the Jr. Divisional Classic and the Jr. City Wide Championship.

The Jr. Girls team also went undefeated through their season claiming Divisional and City Championships in April.

Jr. Girls Basketball team

Archbishop Romero Physics Students Develop Wonder Coaster Mr. Rumazza and his Grade 11 and 12 Physics classes of Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School in York have for the second year in a row, captured 2nd place at Canada‟s Wonderland „Wonder Coaster Contest.‟ Over 80 roller coasters were submitted for judging in 3 divisions. Archbishop Romero‟s Grade 12 Sponge Bob entry won for Creativity and Artistic Value.

Career Day at Holy Rosary On Thursday, May 19th, Holy Rosary Catholic School hosted its first ever Career Day. Attracting guest speakers from various professional backgrounds such as: Pastor, Sculptor, IT Business Analyst, Photographer/Film Media, Morguard Developer and Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Social Worker, TV Host and Police Officers.

Students with Melissa Grelo, TV Host on CP24 TCDSB Mini-Olympics Motivational! Inspirational! Fun! Challenging! The 14th Annual Special Needs Mini Olympics at Downsview Hangar on Tuesday, May 17th was a phenomenal success. This event is a board wide celebration of the resilience, courage and fortitude of our students with Special Needs. The motto this year was Live, Laugh, Love and Learn – Make a Difference and the students certainly did! Hosted by Michael Power/St. Joseph and Brebeuf College, the event was attended by over 800 participants, support staff, sponsors and spectators.

In an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, the athletes from 24 TCDSB schools competed against one another with motivational games such as basketball, soccer, football, dancing, obstacle course and maze and activities such as crafts and build-a-bear that benefited them physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Through sharing their gifts, the games provided students with opportunities to discover not only new abilities and talents but their “voices” as well.

The Special Needs Mini Olympics was a time of inspiration; and a time of determination, uniting the physical, the social and the spiritual. The day ignited everyone‟s passions. The students embraced the joys of life. With their hearts, the students embraced the joys of love. With their souls, the students shared the joys of laughter and with their minds, learned the joys of wisdom. With their wholeness, the students were called to make a difference!

Lorenzo Colocado of Chaminade College School has been awarded the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers 2011

The Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lorenzo Colocado and the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Yes I Can Congratulations to Nicolas White for being recognized at the "Yes I Can" Awards by the Council for Exceptional Children. The awards are presented on May 4th at the National Yacht Club.

Nicolas currently attends St. Francis De Sales Catholic School. He has evolved though diligence, hard work and dedication in the areas of academics but especially in the areas of self-advocacy and social skills.

This school year, Nicolas reached several goals in the classroom and the school community related to self- advocacy for example, Nicolas controls his emotions by using Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) instead of fighting. He is able to Stop his emotions before he loses control, make a Plan and ask the teacher for help when needed during conflicts. He has developed new social skills and is polite and friendly. He is now able to play with his friends and accepts responsibility for his behaviour. Where he used to be impulsive he is able to help himself. As a result he is better able to focus on his school work and has reached new goals in his academics.

Spring Cleaning at Pope John Paul II C.S.S. On April 29th, Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School invited the community to dispose of unwanted, obsolete electronics. The school collected the items for an EcoSchool Challenge sponsored by the Ontario Electronic Stewardship.

Garden of Students The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Garden of Students was initiated by Ms. Dukszta, CSAC Chair and Ms. Gorgolewska Grade 8 Teacher and Environmental Leader/Eco School Leader. Students and staff gathered over a weekend in May to „green‟ the schoolyard by planting trees together.

Chaminade Students Lead in Fundraising Efforts On April 28th, the Chaminade Leadership Class from 2008 to present presented Marc Kielburger with a cheque of $8500 to Free the Children completing their 2 year long initiative to build a school in Sierra Leone. Students heard Marc speak about his experience in Sierra Leone after the devastation of the 11 year civil war that destroyed the country's infrastructure and school system. Immediately following his presentation, the students surprised Marc with another cheque for $5000 in order to build a water well in Kenya. Student fundraising initiatives included pasta bingo evenings, karaoke nights, bake sales, ice cream sales, raffles, and popcorn sales.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Raises $6,000 for Clean Water Program St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Toronto is pleased to announce that they have raised $6,000 for the Adopt a Village Clean Water Program. The students performed a skit showcasing how they raised the money: through their Vow of Silence, bake sales, Christmas gifts for Teachers (donation in their name), a concert and candy cane drive held over the past couple of years.

Bria Wilbur of the Adopt a Village Program with students during cheque presentation

Filling their Boots The Grade 2 students at St. Anthony Catholic School put words into action during Lent. As they learned about almsgiving, they realized boots that were to be part of an art lesson could be better used by children who needed dry feet. So, they „filled their boots‟ with such things as Easter eggs, crayons, beads, tiny toys, colouring pages and little books. The boots are being sent to the Philippines where they will be distributed as part of The Home Literacy Project.

Astronaut Visits Marshall McLuhan Students Astronaut Chris Hadfield visited Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School on April 11th to speak to science class students. He addressed students about human space exploration, highlighting the 50th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, and describing his current training in preparation for his upcoming space mission.

The Rosary Apostolate On May 3rd, The Rosary Apostolate celebrated the crowning of Mother Mary at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School. The celebration was truly beautiful and incorporated students from each class who came together as a community of believers to pray the Rosary. Each student wrote a petition that was offered up to Mary before the Act of Consecration. The Rosary Apostolate is a non-profit association of volunteers that freely give of their time, praying the Rosary with students once per month throughout the school year and encouraging them to develop and practice the daily praying of the Rosary.

Neil McNeil Students Win at Junior Achievement Challenge A team of Neil McNeil students won scholarships valued at $1,000 each in a business simulation game for Junior Achievement. The competition took place on May 3rd at Centennial College and included 50 teams from across the GTA.

Justin Mihevc (teacher), Christian Buhain, Emmanuel Marquez, Bilal Muhammad, Sal Buggea, Les Siolek (teacher) TCDSB Congratulates Skills Canada Provincial Winners Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements at the Skills Canada Provincial competitions at RIM Park in Kitchener-Waterloo:

Carlos Fiel (Bishop Allen) – Prepared Speech – Gold Medal Simon McNamee, Jake Fear, Carlo Giorelli, Steven Pasqualoni - (Michael Power/St. Joseph) Robotics – Silver Medal Diandra Alleyne (Mother Teresa) - Restaurant Service - Silver Medal Kyan D’Angelo (Mary Ward) - IT Office Software – Silver Medal Jessica Quinto (Cardinal Newman) - Fashion Design – Bronze Medal

A special congratulations goes out to Carlos Fiel who will now move on to the Skills Canada National Competitions in Quebec City in early June.

Blessed Cardinal Newman Team in National Championship The All-girls‟ Cheerleading Team from Blessed Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School in Scarborough placed first in the all-girl division at the Canadian Cheerleading Championship in Montreal on May 7-8. The team is coached by teacher Lorna Holland the team, which practices every week from September to May.

Circle Angels with Hope The Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School community gathered and joined hands in a "hug" around their school as they celebrated “Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope”. This "hug" is a simple gesture of encouragement and support for all children, and their families, who struggle with serious illness or loss in the TCDSB community and around the world. The entire community circled the perimeter of the school in a giant “school hug” to demonstrate the strength of community support for all those who are experiencing the ordeal of a child‟s illness or death. Students and staff from schools across Toronto Catholic District School Board schools also created a "Circle of Hope" in a symbolic school hug on May 25th and 26th.

“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 90,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves 474,876 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto.

Toronto Catholic Schools Faith in Your Child

June 2011 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]