ST. GREGORY CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 126 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9B 2K6

Telephone: (416) 393-5262 Fax: (416) 393-5189 Visit us: http://stgregorytoronto.com and follow us on Twitter @StGregoryCS

St. Gregory Catholic Church Fr. Sean Lee Lung (416) 239-4831

Superintendent: Ms. Cifelli 416-222-8282 School Trustee: Mr. M. de Domenico CSPC Chairs: M. Bridger C. Sachanowicz

Principal: J. Pannozzo Vice Principal: B. Muron Secretary: C. Pulcini Clerk Typist: S. Shanahan, L. Grise

MARCH 2019 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

St. Gregory appreciates the patience and understanding of parents, guardians and students in regards to changes affecting bussing and outdoor recess due to severe weather conditions as well as technical issues with school messenger. This winter has seen its share of cold temperatures along with substantial accumulations of snow resulting in many recesses spent indoor as a safety precaution. Student safety is our top priority and we look forward to the arrival of warmer weather.

A gentle reminder about the importance of punctuality -students who are regularly late to school (more than 18 days a year) learn that tardiness is acceptable instead of developing the habit of being punctual and demonstrating responsibility for an important commitment. Classes are organized with schedules and predictable routines in order to optimize student learning and late arrivals disrupt the learning of other students. Please ensure that your child is at school before 8:30 a.m.

As we celebrate the virtue of forgiveness in March, we are urged to use the knowledge learned from daily prayers and anti-bullying presenters who visited our school in February. The predominant theme was the power of living by the golden rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and being mindful of including each individual. Forgiveness is a key factor in healthy human relationships. Forgiveness fosters tolerance and allows us to move forward instead of holding on to anger and resentment when someone hurts us. St. Gregory’s approach to discipline aims to promote a culture of compassion through restorative justice by listening to understand differing perspectives and encouraging opportunities for reparation.

We will observe the beginning of Lenten season by participating in the Liturgy of the Word at St. Gregory Church on Wednesday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. Father Sean will visit the school to bring ashes to our Kindergarten students. As always, you are more than welcome to join us at church. J. Pannozzo Principal

SCHOOL HOURS/TIMES

8:30 a.m. MORNING ENTRY

10:12-10:27 a.m. A.M. RECESS

11:15-12:15 p.m. LUNCH HOUR

12:15 p.m. AFTERNOON ENTRY

1:40-1:55 p.m. P.M. RECESS

3:00 p.m. DISMISSAL

All visitors to the school including parents and guardians are expected to report to the office immediately upon arriving at the school. A sign-in procedure is in place for every individual who enters the school.

STUDENT ABSENCE REPORTING School Messenger has been implemented as the platform for reporting student late arrivals and absences. Parents/Guardians can reach School Messenger using the following options:

PHONE 1-833-251-3286

ONLINE https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home or SchoolMessenger Mobile App Early Dismissal Children who must leave before dismissal, must be signed out by their parent/guardian at the office. Please contact your child through the office, not by texting your child.

Students from Kindergarten to grade 5 learned about bullying during the Anti-Bullying Magic Show. The show uses magic and stories to tell the story of Magician Coby who was bullied as a child and teenager. It gives students an understanding of bullying as seen through the eyes of the person who is being bullied. Coby helps students identify signs of bullying and how to get help.

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SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

ANTI-BULLYING STUDENTS MEDIA LITERACY PROJECTS

Courtney Stephen CFL Defensive Back visited the

intermediate students to share his message of

self-advocacy and believing in yourself.

Although each class produced exceptional posters, one

poster was chosen as the “best” - the winning class

being Ms. Chiaravalotti/Ms. Dalmau’s grade 2 class.

In second place were the posters created by Ms.

Salmond’s Grade 2 and Ms. Fatigati’s SK/1 class.

Students from FDK to grade 8 had the opportunity to

share their thoughts and ideas about bullying

prevention through engagement in class discussion.

Each class collaborated on the creation of an anti-

bullying poster which was to create a specific message

using images and text. The finished products clearly

demonstrated the student’s passion and compassion for

the need to treat others with respect, show acceptance

towards all and follow the “golden rule”.

Latest Updates on Weather Related Cancellations or Closures

To get the latest information about school bus transportation, please go to https://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Cancellations.aspx

Parents are encouraged to subscribe to the transportation portal to get real time information about any transportation issues: https://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Subscriptions/Login.aspx

Information is also shared via Twitter. Follow @TCDSB. For more information: https://www.tcdsb.org/forstudents/healthandsafety/pages/weather-related-safety-concerns.aspx

Toronto Catholic District School Board is pleased to offer students a communications tool called Anonymous Alerts App.

The Anonymous Alerts reporting system helps to promote safe, positive and accepting School climates by empowering students to anonymously report inappropriate behaviours including bullying to school staff.

The system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and administrators and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or to reveal their identity when submitting a report. Click here for more information: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/safeschools/pages/anonymousalerts.aspx

The system is monitored during regular school days between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, September to June only. Any reports submitted outside of these hours or during holidays will be responded to during the following normally scheduled school day.

“CELEBRATE the Past, APPRECIATE the Present, ADVOCATE for the Future"

OAPCE Toronto Annual Parent Conference Date: Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6, 2019 Location: Madonna Catholic Secondary School

Led by His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins Speakers include Paul Davis, a well-known Social Media Educator presenting up to date information on Networking & Online Safety: https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/oapce-toronto/events/pages/oapceconference-2019.aspx

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS INCLEMENT WEATHER PROTOCOL

OAPCE TORONTO ANNUAL PARENT CONFERENCE

TCDSB ANONYMOUS ALERTS – Helping students feel safe

TCDSB NEWS – MONTHLY UPDDATE FROM THE BOARD

RADIO MARIA CONTEST

Grade 7 and 8 students are

invited to submit a two-page

(500 word) proposal (in any

format) about how they are

‘living their faith’ today! If

selected, a student will be on air,

at Radio Maria Canada for a 30

minute segment speaking about

their faith during Catholic

Education Week May 5-10. https://www.tcdsb.org/board/nurturing

ourcatholiccommunity/rooted-in-

christ/pages/radio-maria.aspx

WE BELONG

In celebration of our pastoral

plan, all schools are invited to

share the ways they celebrate

belonging through student

artwork, written work, song,

videos any other creative

expressions of belonging to

ncc.team@tcdsb.org by no later

than Friday, March 22, 2019.

CAMP ENGIES

Camp Engies is a two-day engineering retreat at Camp Tamarack in Bracebridge for girls in grades 5 -8. The goal of Camp Engies is to encourage girls to explore engineering at an early age and to connect with real-world companies.For example, one of our sponsors, Dyson, is a world-renowned company who is a huge change-maker the engineering world of household appliances. For more information go to www.campengies.com

St. Greg’s we team would like to thank all of you for coming out and purchasing the cookies! They were all a hit! Especially the chocolate chip and vanilla heart! We made close to $1000 to support students in Rural China! Did you know? Rural China’s Education system is woefully underfunded and there is a shortage of schools. That means, many students must take a long, difficult, and often dangerous trek to get to class. Others, can’t go to school at all. Going to school costs money, and the poverty prevalent in rural China forces many children into factories instead of classrooms. In fact, it is estimated that more than five million Chinese children work as labourers. With your support, WE are helping build schools, libraries, and initial outfitting of classrooms with furniture and even textbooks! Me to We would like to thank our amazing St. Greg’s community for helping with all the contributions thus far! Stay tuned for our next initiative, coming in mid-spring!

Sincerely, the Me to We Team ~ Written by: Rachel and Ola

It is important for our students to experience the city they live in to gain an awareness of local culture and to have an opportunity to visit different neighbourhoods and communities. Below please find a link to to some free March Break activities that you may wish to enjoy as a family:

https://www.todocanada.ca/march-break-activities-toronto/

This year, CSPC will be kicking off our final fundraiser of the year with a QSP Campaign. Families will be able to purchase baked goods including cookie dough as well as order magazines.

All participants will earn prizes as well as the opportunity to find two golden tickets that can be redeemed for passes to Sky Zone. Our top 3 classes will win an ice cream party. We look forward to ending this year off strong and surpassing our past fundraising goals, so that we can continue to partner with the school. Fundraisers like this provide programs such as Artist in the school and Scientist in the class. We have also been able to fund new gym mats, new water fountains and updated IT equipment.

Please consider participating and helping us achieve our goals.

In March, we celebrate the virtue of Forgiveness, to coincide with the holy season of Lent. You can help your children to continue to develop a forgiving nature and positive relationship skills. Using good manners, being respectful to peers, showing empathy, apologizing when necessary and resolving conflicts peacefully, go a long way in building healthy relationships with others.

Some helpful websites are listed here:

https://www.everydayfamily.com/blog/how-to-teach-your-children-to-forgive/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-encourage-good-sibling-relationships-620105

https://www.parentingscience.com/kids-make-friends.html

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/connecting_with_your_school-age_child_introductio.html/context/288

HIGH SCHOOL

Secondary school registration nights are currently taking place for Grade 8 students. Please check the admission package that your child received to confirm dates and times. There are a number of other forms that are required to be handed in on registration night, along with school fees.

SUMMER SCHOOL TRANSITION PROGRAM

During the registration, you may want to consider signing your child up for the Summer Transition credit course for Grade 8 students transitioning into Grade 9.

The gr. 8 summer school transition program is offered during the month of July at many high schools across the TCDSB. This program focuses on Literacy and Numeracy. The benefits include opportunities to make new friends and meet high school teachers, become familiar with the school, practice the literacy and numeracy skills required for grade 9 and earn a credit.

ME TO WE MONTHLY NEWS GUIDANCE CORNER

MARCH BREAK

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

GRADE

TEACHER/S LOVE

ELP Ms. Rosa/Ms. Cabral Khamar, Matthew, Francesco

ELP Ms. Bellissimo/Ms. Del Vecchio Zachary, Serena, Joey

ELP Ms. Andreacchi/Ms. Da Silva Patryk, Mckenzie, Jacqueline

ELP Ms. Martino/Ms. Selby Eduardo, Luca

SK/1 Mr. Fatigati Ella (Gr.1), David (SK)

Gr.1 Ms. Botelho Adam, Aidan C.

Gr.1 Ms. Barone Hailey, Mia

Gr.1 Ms. Ceddia Asher, Andrews

Gr.1/2 Ms. Martinez Mason, Kayla

Gr. 2 Ms. Gentile Madelyn, Avery

Gr. 2 Ms. Dalmau Sebastien, Ava

Gr. 2 Ms. Salmond Isabella, Matthew

Gr. 3 Ms. Caruana Isabelle, Lucas, Phillip

Gr.3 Ms. Steponaitis Olivia, Analisa

Gr. 3 Ms. Wiseman Victoria, Luana

Gr.3 Ms. Yetman Tyffani, John

Gr.3/4 Ms. Visconti Megan, Ella, Lauren

Gr.4 Ms. Micallef Mekenzie, Brandon, Cora

Gr.4 Ms. De Vincenzo Westin, Madison

Gr.4/5 Ms. Quartarone Sofiya G., Jasmine M.

Gr. 5 Ms. Alfino Dante, Paloma, Siobhan

Gr. 5 EF Ms. Pallotta Autumn, Ariel, Kylee

Gr. 6 Ms. Cicirelli Sofia D., Rory

Gr. 6

Ms. Trinetti Giselle, Mya, Daniel

Gr. 6 (EF) Ms. Hetmanczuk Kayla, Mireia

Gr. 7 Mr. Vennare Nicole, Tyler, David M., Adam

Gr.7/8 Ms. Beltrano Melinda, Joseph

Gr.8 Mr. De Medeiros Meritta, Martina, Julian

Gr.7 (EF) Ms. Bahsous Sarah, Isabella, Joseph

Gr. 8 (EF) Ms. Brodziuk Kalyna, Natalie S., Sofia T

STUDENT MONTHLY RECOGNITION

Student monthly recognition for the 2018-2019 school year are based on the TCDSB Virtues of the Month which align with the Catholic Graduate Expectations as well as principles of Catholic Teaching. Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. The expectations of Catholic students, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes and actions. The virtue for the month for February was Love. The virtue of love means caring for someone, wanting to be near them and wanting to share with them.

February 12, 2019

Parents are encouraged

to attend the next CSPC meeting

scheduled for

Wednesday, March 20 2019

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Staff Room.

Kids Help Phone is a Canadian world leader, known for expertise in providing vital, innovative, and professional counselling services to children and youth. They offer children, teens and young adults support through a free, anonymous and confidential service. Professional counsellors support the mental health and well-being of young people ages five to 20, in diverse communities, through counselling, online and by phone. The Kids Help Phone website is considered a model of interactive design, and offers online counselling forums and engaging, therapeutic games, tools and information to encourage resilience and self-care. Kids Help Phone is a community-based national charity which receives no guaranteed ongoing financial support from government or any large funder and relies on community and corporate support to keep its service available. St. Gregory School will be making a donation totaling $928.00 raised through civvies day and the SCPC skating party. Kids Help Phone is there for the young people of Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

TCDSB Is Hiring!

Join the dynamic team at the Toronto

Catholic District School Board where

academic success and well-being go

hand in hand with nurturing Catholic

faith and values.

TCDSB is currently seeking:

• Supply Secretary

• Supply Educational Assistant

• Occasional Designated Early Childhood Educator

• Occasional Library Technician (certified and uncertified)

• Supply Caretaker

• Occasional Teacher

• Occasional French Teacher (certified and uncertified)

• Occasional Music

Teacher(certified and uncertified)

Interested in exploring a career at TCDSB?

Visit www.tcdsb.org/careers or contact

hr.recruitment@tcdsb.org.

Applications are being received at www.applytoeducation.com.

KIDS HELP PHONE CSPC NEWS TCDSB JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Pizza Lunch and Subway Lunch are a tradition at St. Gregory. Volunteers are needed. For more information: volunteersofstgregs@gmail.com