West Family of Schools Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

September 2016 Greetings,

As we enter into the new school year, I wish to extend a warm welcome to returning families and those families new to the Brampton West Family of Schools. It is my prayer that you have enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer, filled with memories that will bring you great joy. September is a time of mixed feelings, excitement as we begin a fresh year, and often apprehension as we address new and unfamiliar territories; be it new friends, new teachers, new schools, new administrators. Each change provides an opportunity for growth, as we allow the Holy Spirit to support us in building our self-confidence. With each change we grow in the knowledge that every new possibility strengthens our character as we adapt and grow.

The Brampton West Family of Schools is a very active and vibrant Family of Schools where the love of Christ can be found in our hallways, our classrooms and in our daily endeavors. Jesus is indeed the reason for our schools; He is the unseen but ever present teacher in our classrooms. He is the model of our faculty and the inspiration of our students. We will continue to celebrate the gift of Catholic Education this year within the theme of Catholic Education Week, “Walking Forward Together”.

Within our schools we are fortunate to have dedicated staff who have worked diligently to prepare the school and classrooms for learning. I know that your child is being greeted to a classroom that is supported not only by devoted teachers, but also DECEs, ERWs, school administrators, administrative assistants, custodians, support staff, student monitors, occasional teachers, bus drivers and crossing guards…each of these wonderful people have spent many hours preparing for the upcoming school year, making the path ready for your child.

The Brampton West Family of Schools is constantly growing and welcoming new students and their families within our schools. At the end of August 2016 our population includes 8030 elementary and 4384 secondary students with new arrivals every day. With the 2016 opening of St. Alphonsa Catholic Elementary School, we now consist of 17 elementary schools and 3 secondary schools, all of which are served by extremely dedicated individuals who put the needs of every child first and truly believe in the potential of each and every child. Five parishes support our schools’ pastoral plans. It is our honour to work in partnership with our parish teams to provide for the spiritual nourishment and development of our students and their teachers. Our school communities are also privileged to be served by 3 dedicated trustees: Anna da Silva, Darryl D’Souza and Frank Di Cosola. Each share a wealth of experience and a relentless passion for Catholic Education and the success of all students.

Welcome Wisdom Wonder Worship Witness

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 40 Matheson Blvd. W., , ON L5R 1C5 905-890-0708 ext. 24034

As the superintendent of St. Mary Catholic School, I have the unique blessing to work with Trustee Anna da Silva, the pastoral team from St. Mary Church and the administration and faculty of St. Mary. I look forward to the upcoming year, as I anticipate learning with each school team. We have much to learn from each other as we endeavour to support progress for all learners within each aspect of their educational well-being: spiritual, social, emotional, academic and physical.

As we anticipate the successes of the year ahead, I encourage you to remember that each success will be the result of the mutual support and respect that parents and educators show one another. It is very important that positive relationships are the foundation of the 2016/2017 school year. As our students mature we are reminded that their beliefs, ideals and sense of responsibility, friendship and family are constantly challenged and the common language and support we share as role models in their lives will impact greatly on their values as they grow into Catholic leaders of the future. The staff that comprise the Brampton West Family of Schools is happily committed to working with its partners to continue to support each child in their quest for knowledge, happiness and, above all, spiritual development.

I wish you, the families within the Brampton West Family of Schools, a very successful and productive year full of wonder, learning and especially the love our Lord has for us. Our vocation in providing your child with the highest quality Catholic Education is a privilege and one we hold very dear; it is indeed a sacred trust.

Best wishes for a wonderful school year. God Bless.

S. Steer S. Steer, Superintendent Brampton West Family Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

Welcome Wisdom Wonder Worship Witness

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 40 Matheson Blvd. W., Mississauga, ON L5R 1C5 905-890-0708 ext. 24034