Mary Fix March Newsletter 486 Paisley Blvd. West Mississauga, Ontario Learning & Living Through God L5B 2M4 (905)270-3140 Fax: (905)270-3475
www.dpcdsb.org/ Lord Jesus Christ, MAFIX You gather your people during this Holy Season of Lent, and call us to repent. As we return back to you once again, open our hearts, Principal: C. Duke
so that we might be transformed in your image. Assistant: M. Kivell Remove any barriers that keep us from you, Head Custodian: so that we may live fully the life we received at Baptism. S. Jarrett Help us to love you more and to reach out to others in friendship, Pastor: Fr. Walter especially to those who need it most. (905)272-1454 May the ashes that we receive on our foreheads remind us of your call to change. Trustee: B. Iannicca May Your Spirit give us the courage and strength we need to be people of faith (905)270-0536
By Your grace, may we turn to you in our abundance, and share your love with the Superintendent: world around us. C. MacDonald We ask this in Jesus’ name (905)890-1221 Amen.
On Thursday, February 28th our Mary Fixers gathered in the gym to welcome alumni Juwan Brescacin, a former student of Mary Fix CS. Juwan went on complete a degree in Journalism, received various scholarships and is now playing professional football in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders. He proudly brought the official Grey Cup to our school to share his positive message and experience. It was a great opportunity for our students to experience history. PARENT INFORMATION
We have many Eco initiatives happening at Mary Fix this month! Every Tuesday is Tap Water Tuesday! Eco Reps are busy counting students who bring reusable water bottles to school, and reminding students to refill their water bottles with tap water. We will all participate in The Great Gulp on Friday, March 8th by taking a big gulp of tap water Black History Month at simultaneously. We will be entered to win a Mary Fix new water refill station, so the more This month during Black History participation, the better our chances of Month our staff did various engaging winning! We are also reminding everyone to activities acknowledging the “rethink the drink” and make water the importance of diversity. Our Diversity healthy beverage choice at school. Swapping Club led a number of initiatives to out sugary drinks in your child’s lunch for support Black History Month such as, water or unsweetened milk is a simple way to our front display case, music played help improve their well-being, self-regulation by artists, our Graffiti Wall, morning and concentration. Also, drinking water at announcements that reflect positive school supports our #saynahtothestraw messages by notable Black Canadians campaign at Mary Fix. On Friday, March and a presentation by CFL Calgary rd 29th , all students and staff will participate Stampeder Juwan Brescacin. We will in No Power Hour at Mary Fix to acknowledge continue to support the importance in Earth Hour. Students will engage in activities recognizing and celebrating diversity that do not require electricity for one hour. through out the year. Thanks to everyone for being a steward of the earth by respecting and participating in all of our eco activities! Together we can all make a difference! Community Information BULLETIN
March 1, 2019
MOMO CHALLENGE
You may be aware, through recent news reports, or other sources, of a recent internet “game” called the Momo Challenge. It allegedly features a character named Momo, which asks children to contact it through a social media site and provides instructions on how to harm themselves or others.
This is not a game. In fact, it is a form of cyber bullying. It can be frightening and disturbing and can have dangerous repercussions for children. Although it is not known to what extent this game is real versus rumour, the safety and security of our students is always our first priority, so we are reaching out to you for additional support of the work we do with your children each and every day.
We have included a fact sheet of Internet safety tips with this Community Information Bulletin to assist in ensuring the safety of students online. If your child is not familiar with the Momo Challenge, we would not suggest bringing it to their attention, as it could spread fear and arouse curiosity. Rather, we encourage you to review the general suggestions included in this Bulletin with your child(ren) and be extra mindful of their online behaviour.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school principal. As always, we are here to help.
Thank you for your support in safeguarding the online protection of children.
Extraordinary lives start with a great Catholic education. www.dpcdsb.org TIP SHEET Online Safety
March break is fast approaching. For many children and youth, the break provides some much-needed downtime, which may often include an increase in the amount of time spent online. With this in mind, the following suggestions may assist parents and guardians as they seek to ensure safe and healthy Internet use.
1) Be aware of what children and youth are accessing. The Internet can be a wonderful tool for learning and exploring the world. But there are some sites that provide unhealthy guidance or information and even prey on vulnerable youth. Monitor your child’s use and ask him or her about the websites, links, and social media apps they are using. 2) Inform yourself about the websites your child finds most interesting. 3) Speak to your child and establish safe Internet practices. Let them know never to give out personal information online or arrange face-to-face meetings with anyone they have met online. Ask them to tell an adult anytime something on the Internet makes them feel confused or uncomfortable. 4) Check browser and search history frequently and keep devices in highly visible places in your home. 5) Know the signs of distress. Children show distress in many ways, including changes in behavior (e.g., withdrawal, performance at school, club or activity involvement) or physical health (e.g., sleeping and/or eating patterns). Other warning signs include sadness, hopelessness, or irritability. If you notice signs of distress, open a conversation with your child. Listen to his or her thoughts in a calm nonjudgmental way. 6) If you are concerned about your child’s well-being, reach out to school or community mental health professionals for support. We are here to help!
Additional Community Supports: Your family doctor Kids Help Phone, 1-800-668-6868 24.7 Crisis Support Peel 905-278-9036 24.7 Crisis Support Caledon 1-888-811-2222 911
Resources: • Guidelines for parents on cybersafety/cyberbullying: https://www.connectsafely.org/guides-3/ and https://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/cyberbullying_guide.pdf • Prevention of cyberbullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention • Guideline for parents on self-harm: http://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/perch/resources/parenting-2.pdf
We wish you all a safe and happy March break.
PARENT INFORMATION
T-Shirts For Sale The Wizard of Oz school production is underway and traditionally we have sold production shirts to support our actors and crew. If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt please fill out the form or access it through School Cash OnLine. You don’t need to be in the production to purchase one. We will be taking orders until Friday, March 8th. Youth Small and Ladies’ Style t-shirts in many sizes are also available. PARENT INFORMATION
CRIMINAL REFERENCE CHECK (CRC) Planning Ahead—Class Placements
It is the policy of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District In arriving at the decision for placement of your child for the upcoming year, every School Board that all parents/guardians with a valid consideration is given to individual needs. CRC on file must complete an Annual Offence This decision is made in collaboration with Declaration (AOD). If we do not have a signed, all staff who have been directly involved current AOD, the CRC is NO LONGER VALID. The in your child’s education this year. If you AOD updates will be sent home for those who need feel that there are specific needs which to update. If you would like to have a Criminal should be addressed in determining the placement of your child, please send us a Reference Check please see the main office for the letter to advise us of your concerns. We proper Police Check forms. There is now a fee for ask for all submissions to be sent to the both employment and volunteer CRC’s. office no later than Thursday, April 11. Flexible Boundary Procedures Your request will be considered at our grade promotion meetings. We remind A reminder to Parents/Guardians of students that are currently at Mary you that it would not be appropriate to Fix School under “Flexible Boundary”, that the procedure is reviewed annually and permission is granted under the following conditions: request one teacher over another as placements are subject to change. Attendance must be punctual However, if there is other information
Transportation is your responsibility. The Board will not provide regarding your son/daughter’s learning either transportation or additional supervision for students admitted style, or other considerations of which we under this consideration. ought to be aware, please advise us of these facts in your letter. Consideration is given to the size of the classroom and behavior or special needs concerns.
Students admitted under this procedure do not automatically become eligible for the Secondary School serving the Mary Fix community. A separate request must be submitted to the Secondary School Student Information Principal. Please remember to update the office with any new information Flexible boundary approval may be withdrawn if the above conditions regarding your child. The office are not met. needs to be advised of any changes to telephone numbers, Flexible Boundary Procedures—Full Day Kindergarten emergency contacts or address so that we always have the most up to At this time NO FLEXIBLE BOUNDARY KINDERGARTEN date information for your child in REGISTRATIONS are being accepted. Flex boundary kindergarten case of an emergency. students MUST BE REGISTERED AT THEIR HOME SCHOOL. The office must be advised of any A ‘Request for Flexible Boundary’ form must be completed and will medical concerns. All medication be filed at Mary Fix. If and when we are authorized to offer spots to must be kept in the office. flex boundary kindergarten students, families will be contacted.
PARENT INFORMATION
th Public Speaking On Thursday February 14 , we hosted another Much Congratulations to all our students in grades 4 to 8 who Music Dance-A-Thon fund- worked hard on their speeches. On Thursday, February raiser! The glow bracelets 21st our students gathered in the gymnasium to support and necklaces dancing around the gymnasi- their peers competing for first place. Congratulations to um showed how much our kids had an amaz- our junior students who made it to the gym: Tiffany, ing time. Prizes included lunch for two with Victoria, Sydney, Libby, Lauren & Rianna. Congratulations Ms. Duke, two Toronto FC tickets for a spring to our intermediate students: Kayla, Keira, Anjali & Camilla. game, a $20 gift card to Starbucks & 10 other Everyone’s speech was great and our final winners were: gift cards to the movies, Indigo, Starbucks & Junior—Maya for her speech on ‘Ringette’ and Intermedi- McDonalds. Much Music also gave out t- ate– Maria for her speech on ‘Blood Diamonds’. Maya and shirts, glasses and fun prizes. This year was Maria will move on to our Family of Schools competition another success and in total we raised on Friday, March 1st at St. Margaret of Scotland. All of our $5640 , along with wonderful memories . competitors did and excellent job! It was tough to decide. Thank you for your generosity in supporting Special thanks to our judges, Mrs. Kivell, Mrs. Coombes, our school initiatives, programs and artists in Mr. Tyson & Mrs. Duke. Way to go! the school.
POPCORN FOR SALE...We continue to sell popcorn
every Wednesday. Popcorn comes in four yummy flavours; white cheddar, kettle corn, dill pickle and butter & salt. Payment can be made on-line via School Cash or children can bring a toonie to school On Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m., the Mississauga on Wednesdays. All money raised will directly benefit our Mary Steelheads will face the Erie Otters. As part of Fix students, classrooms and will go towards our school initiatives their ‘Fan Appreciation’ initiative, and to com- and programs. pensate students for missing the School day game on February 27, we have been given 130 Fill out a ballot to win 4 tickets…... complimentary tickets. These tickets will be avail- Name: ______Teacher: ______able on a first come, first served basis. Please Friday, Mar 1 @ 7:00 p.m. vs Barrie Colts send a note with your child or drop by the office Friday, Mar 8 @ 2700 p.m. vs Hamilton Bulldogs to get tickets for this game. Since this game
Friday, Mar 15 @ 7:00 p.m. vs North Bay Battalion takes place during March break, make sure you
Sunday, Mar 17 @ 2:00 p.m. vs Barrie Colts pick up your tickets before the March 8th! PARENT INFORMATION
The 2018 Terry Fox School Run was a great success this year! We have just received acknowledgment from the Terry Fox Foundation... We are proud to announce that Mary Fix Catholic Elementary School has generously donated $1,544.00 for cancer research. 39 years ago, determined to make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer, Terry Fun Skate at Huron ignited a fundraising movement that cannot be stopped. Today, because of schools like yours, his message of hope Park echoes loudly in the voices of students and families everywhere. Once again our students from The Terry Fox Foundation extends to you a heartfelt thank you for grades 4 & 5 have been given your wonderful generosity to continue Terry’s legacy. Be proud three the opportunities to and know that together, we are making a difference. A special participate in an instructional thanks to Mrs. Senra for organizing this annual event and to our Funskate Program at Huron volunteers who continue to help us make a difference! Park Community Centre. This free opportunity is provided through the City of Mississauga and all students were provided YMCA Our YMCA program currently has availability for children with skates and helmets at no in grades 1 to 5. If you are interested or would like to inquire, additional cost. We are thankful please contact the YMCA directly. for all our parent volunteers who YMCA of Greater Toronto, Child and Family Development are able to supervise. Our 486 Paisley Blvd W. Mississauga , ON L5B 2M4 students loved the opportunity. T: 647-298-7345 E: [email protected] Kiss & Ride
The safety of all our students is imperative. We would like to thank all those who have respected the rules of Kiss N Ride. Mornings can sometimes be a rush, but in all circumstances safety comes first. We strongly encourage you to walk, or to take advantage of our Kiss ‘n’ Ride lane in the morning from 8:45 am to 9:00am. Please drive to the end of the Kiss n’ Ride and drop off your child, where they will then walk on the sidewalk to the yard. Please do not get out of your car. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please DO NOT PARK in this lane at any time (AM or PM) PARENT INFORMATION FAITH Virtue Winners
Please Join Us For Our of Respect Annual Free Pancake Dinner FDK-A Sophia G., Peter G. & Anastasiya G. Celebrating Shrove Tuesday FDK-B Luka L. & Anaiah M. Presented by our: 1 Daniella S. & Lucas S. 2 Brady F. & Jake G. Mary Fix Catholic School Council 2/3 David M. & Robert M.
This event is always a great way to 3/4 Michael M. & Shiloh M. gather as a community and enjoy 4/5 Tiffany G. & Travis R. some treats. Everyone is welcome to join us. RSVP’s are greatly appreci- 5/6 Maddox B. & Audrina W. ated. 6/7 Nathan D. & Serena T.
8 Lucas D. & Nicole G.
SERC Anjali C. & Charlize G.
Congratulations to our February winners!
When: Tuesday, March 5th
From: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Please join us on Where: The Mary Fix School Wednesday, Gym March 6th at Canned Food Donations will be 10:30AM for our collected at the door to support Ash Wednesday St. Vincent De Paul Easter Liturgy. We will Food Drive be joined by Father Walter. W e h o p e All are welcome to see you to gather in the t h e r e ! gym. Please check in at the main office upon entry. FAITH
Conference & Marketplace For DPCDSB Catholic School Councils, Chairs, Members, All Parents and Volunteers
Saturday, April 13, 2019 8:30 a.m. Coffee 9:00 a.m. Keynote Speaker Breakout Sessions & Vendor Marketplace until noon St. Joseph Secondary School 5555 Creditview Road Living as Joyful Disciples “For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Acts 2:39
Please plan to join us for: Keynote Speaker, vendors, networking opportunities, and work- shops on: Life Coach, Nutrition, My Life Online, Math Strategies
for Parents, Brampton and Mississauga Library resources. CENTRAL COMMITTEE FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCILS CCCSC presents:
“For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Acts 2:39
Conference & Marketplace For DPCDSB Catholic School Councils, Chairs, Members, All Parents and Volunteers
Saturday, April 13, 2019 St. Joseph Secondary School, 5555 Creditview Road, Mississauga
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Rumeet Billan Who Do I Want To Become
Dr. Billan is a contributor for the leadership channel on Forbes.com and has been featured in various journals and newspapers covering parenting and resilience. Select pieces include: HR Professional Now: Emotional Resilience Deconstructed The Huffington Post: Developing Emotional Resiliency for Educators The Globe and Mail: For Gen Y, Being Your Own Boss Keeps Doors Open Metro News: Becoming a leader can be learned, take a course City Life Magazine: The Privilege of Choice The Canadian Teacher Magazine: Can We Teach Empathy?
Agenda Breakout Sessions - Pick your top 3 choices
8:30 a.m. Registration, Refreshments & Vendor 1. Healthy Living and the Brain Marketplace 2. My Life Online: Teaching Kids to Be Safe, Smart and Kind 9:00 a.m. Liturgy & Opening Remarks 3. Life Coach Skills - Teaching Life Skills To Teens 4. Parents’ Guide to the Fundamentals of Math 9:30 a.m. Keynote Address: Dr. Rumeet Billan 5. Experiencing Technology in the Classroom 10:30 a.m. Break & Vendor Marketplace 6. Arts Express: TASAM - Tackling Anxiety and Stress through 11:00-12:00 Breakout Sessions Arts and Mindfulness
12:00 p.m. Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
12:15-12:45 Vendor Marketplace open to conference participants
Please register via QR or at: https://goo.gl/WG9TVb
A 3 week literacy and numeracy approach for students who have completed Gr. 6, Gr. 7 and Gr. 8
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 to Friday, July 19, 2019 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Must be referred by Principal of student’s home school
What this program will offer your child…
Both small and large group facilitation An opportunity to build confidence and competency in Language and Mathematics Bussing – Pick up and drop off locations from home school
Let’s talk about it…. Contact your child’s Teacher or Administrator for more information
DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SUMMER LITERACY CAMP Let’s talk about it….
What is SUMMER LITERACY CAMP?
A literacy reinforcement and enhancement Program for Students Kindergarten Year 2 through Grade 5 Students who meet the academic requirements must be recommended by Teacher and Principal Literacy Camp provides a fun and innovative environment for learners! Small group and individual attention for students Balanced literacy approach with lessons planned for your child’s individual learning needs Various camps are held throughout the Dufferin-Peel community of schools (exact locations to be determined)
Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for 3 weeks Information regarding program costs will follow at a later date. Daily attendance at this program is required.
We will work on your child’s:
Oral Language: Listening and Speaking
Reading: Fluency, Motivation, Comprehension (Retelling and Proficient Reader Strategies)
Writing: Text Forms and the Traits of Writing, Writing Process
Foundational Skills: Phonemic Awareness, Letter Sound Identification, Concepts about Print, Hearing and Recording Sounds in Words, High Frequency Words Spelling / Phonics / Working with Words / Grammar / Vocabulary Development
FRIDAY FUN DAYS!!
ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION 870 Queen St. W., Suite 100, Mississauga, ON L5H 4G1 Tel: 905-891-9263 Fax: 905-271-9060 MARCH Let us now pray for the virtue of kindness so that everyone we meet will feel like we are looking out for their good. Amen Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 5 Shrove Tuesday 6 Ash Wednesday 7 Director’s Cut— 8 The Great Gulp 9 5-7 Community Pan- 10:30 a.m. (at school) Grade 8 cake Dinner Gr 4 & 5 Skating at Huron Park 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 Dance—Gr 4-8 20 Rosary Apostolate 21 22 Gr 4-8 Dance 23 Performance Author Visit—Michael Wade—p.m.
24 25 26 27 Reconciliation 28 29 30 Gr 3-8— 9:15 a.m.
6:30 p.m.—School Council Meeting 31