February 2017

Catholic School News Principal’s Message…

Dear Parents / Guardians,

“Friends always show their love” Proverbs 17:17 During the month of February, we celebrate the virtue of Love. As we reflect on this month’s virtue, let us remember:

Love can be seen through us caring for our friends by wanting to share our time with them

Love is treating everyone with care and respect The joy of love can be felt in both giving and receiving Love is a spiritual practice and not simply something that

“just happens” At St. Marguerite Bourgeoys school, we see evidence of love expressed every day. We are thankful for the love of friends, as our friends play with us, encourage us and share with us. They rejoice with us when we succeed and stay with us when we are sad. Our friends bless us with their love and we are ever thankful for them. At home, love is expressed by relating to our family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner. We nurture opportunities for family prayer and we value and honour our family. Susan Scott Principal

God of friendship and love, help us to always treat others with love and respect, for we know that Jesus

calls us to love others as we love ourselves. May he walk with us every day and

guide us in our relationships. May we always appreciate the wonderful gift of our friends.

We ask this through your Son, Jesus. Amen

The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in 2013 to register for Kindergarten:

Registration options: • Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online at:

https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx. A follow up visit to the school, to present the required documents will be scheduled following the online application.

• In Person: Parents can register at the school with the required documents.

Information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314, www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

St. Marguerite

Bourgeoys

Catholic School 75 Alexmuir Blvd.

Scarborough, Ontario M1V 1H6

Telephone: 416-393-5381 Fax: 416-393-5606

Principal: Ms. Susan Scott

Superintendent: Mr. Kevin Malcolm

Trustee: Mr. Garry Tanuan

Parish: Prince of Peace 265 Alton Towers Circle Scarborough, Ontario M1V 4E7

CSPC Co-Chairs: Chrissie John-Powell Sharon Gonsalves Secretary: Lisa Delima Co-Treasurers: Aprille Policarpio Eva Liang

CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB) www.tcdsb.org/cpic OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

Enrollment: 95

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Lunch Hour: 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. ________________________________

SCHOOL PORTAL

Please visit our school portal

page. There are plenty of

pictures of our students enjoying our school’s

activities.

http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/s

tmargueritebourgeoys/Pages/de

fault.aspx

By: Angel in Grade 6 On January 16th, Mrs. De Souza’s grade 5 & 6 class wrote and presented speeches on our preferred topics. The topics differed from racism, stereotypes, why should kids be given homework etc. I was the second person to perform and it was very nerve wrecking and I could see everybody else felt the exact same way. Although there was a lot of tension, and pressure, it was also fun and everybody wrote and presented something they were passionate about. By the end of it all it was an enriching experience.

By: Jacky in Grade 5 On January 12, my classmates in grade 5 did some science experiments. First, Karen and Jessica mixed cold milk with hot chocolate powder. They mixed the powder and milk for a few minutes then left it for about 30 minutes. Then the grade 5’s had a taste test, and the hot chocolate (or maybe cold chocolate) was actually good. After that, Ryel and I put salt and vinegar on dirty pennies. After about 5 minutes we took the dirty pennies and the pennies were gleaming and shining! Another cool experiment, was when Cindy and Savita put bleach on a black t-shirt. We waited for only 1 minute and it already turned an orangey-tan colour. Then probably after about 10 minutes later, it turned more of a light peach colour. The final and probably the best science experiment was by Hanz. He first added 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking powder and then BOOM the vinegar and baking powder started bubbling. We learned about the word hypothesis, it’s like a prediction; how to make volcanoes, how to bleach clothing, how to make cold chocolate, and how to clean dirty pennies, all these experiments were a great experience.

By: Marcus in Grade 1

Immunization Elementary Schools – Winter 2017

Students must be up-to-date with their immunization or have a valid exemption form to attend school in Ontario. The required immunizations protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, meningococcal and varicella (for students born on or after January 1, 2010). Important boosters are given to children in kindergarten and again during the high school years.

Please note that your doctor does not send the information to Toronto Public Health.

Every time your child has an immunization, report the information to Toronto Public Health by one of the following ways:

Online at www.toronto.ca/health and click on "Report your school-aged child's vaccine"

Fax: 416-338-2487 Mail a copy to: Toronto Public Health, Immunization 235 Danforth Avenue, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M4K 1N2

For more information visit our website at Toronto.ca/immunization or call us at 416-392-1250. Interpreters are available Monday to Friday 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m.

The link below to the TPH website summarizes the process for updating immunization records.

http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vg

nextoid=89b85dc06f002410VgnVCM10000071d6

0f89RCRD

Monthly Update from the Board - February 2017

Toronto Catholic District School Board has declared Friday, May 5, 2017

as Parish Family Day. A special Parish Family Day Celebration will be

held at the Catholic Education Centre on Friday, May 5th, 2017 to

showcase student work focusing on the many ways that our parishes and

our parish priests contribute to our schools and communities. Students are invited to create a short video, original song or piece

of original artwork, write a short story, poem or letter, or express themselves in any way artistically to highlight the relationship

that the students have with the local parish and/or the priest/pastor at their church. Completed projects should be submitted

via email to parish.project@tcdsb.org. Deadline for submissions Friday, April 7, 2017. Let’s continue to celebrate our

parishes!

We Want to Hear Your Views - Watch for community consultations coming soon for:

Parent and Student Bill of Rights

2017-2018 Budget Consultation

Details coming soon. Visit www.tcdsb.org in February for details.

February is Psychology Month - The Psychology Department of TCDSB invites the community to explore and discover the

many different ways psychology can help improve our everyday life and overall well-being, and balance the many roles and

responsibilities we have. Psychology is for everyone! HELP YOUR CHILD FLOURISH: HOW TO ACHIEVE MENTAL

HEALTH A presentation for parents and educators on February 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, 3rd

Floor, 80 Sheppard Avenue East. Learn more about the programs and services provided by the Psychology Department, TCDSB

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/Pages/default.aspx

February is National Inclusive Education Month - Learn more about the TCDSB’s Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education

Policy: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/hm24.aspx

February is African Canadian Heritage Month - Celebrating the rich history, tradition and contribution to Canadian culture,

literature, science, medicine, technology and the arts. February 10—Mass and Cultural Expose at St. Mother Teresa Catholic

Academy, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx

Director’s Annual Report 2015-2016 - Check out the latest edition of the Director’s Annual Report and review some of the

many highlights from the past school year:

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/Director%E2%80%99s-Annual-Report-2015-

2016.aspx

Student Voice—Minister’s Student Advisory Council Seeks Applicants - Students in grades 7 to 12 are eligible for

consideration. Deadline is February 9th. http://edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/speakup/msac.html

Other Opportunities for Students - Kayak Kids Illustrated History Challenge—deadline June 1

https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/Kayak-Kids-Illustrated-History-Challenge-

.aspx

Weston Youth Innovation Award encourages & recognizes young Canadian innovators

http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/innovationaward

Autism Ontario offers three exciting scholarships

http://www.autismontario.com/client/aso/ao.nsf/web/Education+Scholarships

Overseas Credit Courses:

https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/secondarycreditcourses/overseas/Pages/default.aspx

Summer Job Opportunity with Toronto Police Service

TPS is accepting applications for the 2017 Summer YIPI (Youth in Policing) Program! Successful applicants can earn

$11.40/hr, 35hrs/week! Apply now: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/yipi/

Summer Jobs with City of Toronto—Deadline for applications February 14th.

http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=7ac14aced070a410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

TCDSB Awards Night May 1, 2017 - Nominate a member of the TCDSB family for our annual awards Sister Mary Hamilton Award for Exceptional Students Deadline last Friday in February.

Ashif Jaffer Award for Excellence in Special Education Support Deadline third Friday in February.

Calling All Alumni: Save the Date! Father John Redmond CSS and RAC 30th Anniversary Reunion

Saturday, May 6, 2017 and Sunday, May 7, 2017. For more information & registration please visit:

http://fjr30th.wixsite.com/fjr30

Kindergarten Registration Continues - Apply online at soar.tcdsb.org - Imagine the Possibilities

Cold Alerts and Weather-Related Cancellations/Closures - Throughout the winter months, Twitter and the board website are

the best sources of information relating to cold weather alerts, cancellations and closures. Get all the information here:

https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/HealthandSafety/Pages/Cold-Weather-Alerts.aspx and here https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/HealthandSafety/Pages/Weather-Related-Safety-Concerns.aspx

And remember to check the Toronto Student Transportation Group website for any school bus delays throughout the year.

http://www.torontoschoolbus.org/

Don’t Miss Out On Any News and Information

Subscribe to ENews and receive the latest information via email.

https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

Follow @tcdsb on Twitter

causing the most stress. This may involve a

re-evaluation of their schedule and a need

to limit certain activities.

Discuss expectations that are imposed by

themselves, parents, and/or teachers. Are

Children can often feel overwhelmed

with their academic workload, social

pressures, and extracurricular activities.

Helping children to develop ways to cope

with stress and feeling overwhelmed can

help them throughout their lives.

Children may not initiate conversation

about how they’re feeling or may not

even know how to identify what’s

bothering them and may need a caring

adult to reach out to. There are few

things that you can do to give support:

Let your child know that you notice

something is bothering them. By

“noticing out loud” you give the message

that you are interested and concerned

about how they are feeling. Saying things

such as “It seems like you’re feeling

overwhelmed with the amount of work

you have tonight”, or “you seem mad

about what happened at school today”.

Ask your child what’s wrong and listen

with the intention of understanding and

without judgement. Show your child that

you are open to what they have to say by

giving them time to tell you what’s on

their mind. By doing this you let them

know that they have your support and

they are more likely to speak openly

about what’s bothering them. This is

especially important when they are

feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

For some children you may need to help

them “name their feelings”. For younger

children they may simply not have the

words for their feelings. For teenagers

they may be feeling a rush of different

emotions and may need you to help them

sort out what they are feeling.

Assist your child to identify what is

causing them the most stress in their life

and help to reduce the pressure they are

feeling. Encourage your child to engage

in conversation and discuss what is

Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Newsletter

Is Your Child Feeling Overwhelmed?

Here’s How To Help

February, 2017

TCDSB Mental Health Services provided by Psychology, Social Work,

and Guidance personnel

these expectations realistic and/or attainable?

Are they putting unnecessary pressure and

stress on your child?

Children often look to and model after the

adults in their lives. Ask yourself how well

you’re managing stress in your life? It’s never

too late to learn how to better manage your

stress and model good coping skills.

Teach your child relaxation, such as deep

breathing, playing a favourite activity, going for a walk, yoga. Engaging in these activities

together may have many positive effects.

At times it may be helpful to communicate with a teacher, parent or coach to get further

clarification about what’s going on. It’s important to let your child/student know that

you’re doing this.

Sometimes your child may be having a bad

day and may not feel like talking. It’s important to let them know that at times

that’s okay. Just being there for them by offering to do something together can be just what is needed.

Information obtained from: www.kidshealth.org;

www.goodtherapy.org

March

February, 2017

Fostering The Family:

The TCDSB Pastoral Plan

2015-18 “ Together With

one Voice: Harmonizing

Our Faith Through Family,

Parish, and School” 2016

focuses on the PARISH

Serenity Prayer

O God, grant me the

serenity to accept the things

I cannot change, the courage

to change the things I can

and the wisdom to know the

difference. Living one day at

a time, enjoying one

moment at a time. Accepting

hardships as the pathway to

peace. Taking, as He did, the

sinful world as it is, not as I

would have it. Trusting that

He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will; that

I may be reasonably happy

in this life, and supremely

happy with Him forever.

Amen

February is “Psychology Month”

PSYCHOLOGY IS FOR EVERYONE!

The Psychology Department of TCDSB would like to invite every member of our community to explore and discover the

many different ways psychology can help improve our everyday life and overall well-being, and balance the many roles and

responsibilities we have. Psychology is for everyone!

A presentation for parents and educators

HELP YOUR CHILD FLOURISH: HOW TO ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH

February 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor, 80 Sheppard Avenue East For more information see

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/psychologyMonth/Pages/Psychology-

Month.aspx

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead

patricia.marra-stapleton@tcdsb.org Marci Buhagiar, Psychologist

marci.buhagiar@tcdsb.org

With the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th, the Month of February is often

associated with LOVE. Our Catholic Faith is anchored in Love. God is “love”.

St. Paul reminds us …..

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it

does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is

not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no

record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but

rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always

trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never

fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Suggested Readings:

Books:

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress,

Anxiety, and Transitions by Lawrence E. Shapiro Ph.d., Robin K. Sprague, Matthew

McKay, Matthew McKay PhD

Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom

by Patricia A. Jennings, Daniel J. Siegel

Sometimes I Get...Overwhelmed! by Tracy Bryan

When I'm Overwhelmed by Alexandra Dalton

Children and Stress: a Handbook for Parents, Teachers and Therapists by Marty Loy,

KidStress: Effective Strategies Parents Can Teach Their Kids for School, Family, Peers, the World-

and Everything by Georgia Witkin

Parenting Your Stressed Child by Michelle Bailey

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Hot Chocolate

Winter Walk Day

2

Pizza Day

M.E. Bowling

3

OSLAT—8

Grade 4

4

5 6

7

8

Hot Chocolate

9 Pizza Day

Scientist in School

(grade 1 & 2)

M.E. Bowling

10 11

12

13

14

Report Cards Go

Home

Skating

15

Hot Chocolate

Rosary Visitors

16

Pizza Day

Parent-Teacher Interviews (evening)

M.E. Bowling

17 P.A. Day

(no school)

Parent– Teacher

Interviews

(9:00 a.m.—11:30)

18

19

I was glad when they

said unto me,

“Let us go into the house of the LORD”. Psalm 122:1

20

Family Day

(no school)

21

Skating

22

Hot Chocolate

Junior W5H

Preliminary Round

Milk Presentation

23

Pizza Day

Milk Presentation

M.E. Bowling

24 25

26 27 Skating

28 Junior W5H Regional Round

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Day

Rethink What You Drink

Presentation

March 1st

Ash Wednesday

2017

Virtue of the Month

Love

Quote of the month For God so loved the world, He gave it His only Son.

John 3:16

ST. MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS CATHOLIC SCHOOL