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February 2011

Newsletter

February’s Virtue of the Month - Love

I give you a new commandment, that you love one

another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love

one another. John 13:34

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Chocolates, flowers, valentines and red hearts, what

would February be without the celebration of

Valentine’s Day? While the rest of the world may choose

to celebrate the ideal of love on February 14, TCDSB

schools will be focussing on the VIRTUE of LOVE as

expressed in the Gospels. ”For God so loved the world,

He gave His only son,” John 3:16.

As we focus on the virtue of love at St. Louis this month,

let us remember that love not only inspires the practice

of all other virtues, it is the form and completion of all

the other virtues.

We have much to celebrate at St. Louis C.S. Two of our

staff members have achieved recognition this month.

Mrs. Kubecka our Fifth Block Teacher has taken on a

new role with the Ministry of Education and TCDSB as A

Student Work Study Teacher. We welcome Miss Jessica

Jordan in the position of Fifth Block Teacher.

Mrs. DiCarlo is the recipient of the Reading

Association’s Reading Teacher Award for 2011.

Congratulations to both educators for their fine work.

Our focus on the virtue of love this month will provide

us with numerous possibilities to do great things at St.

Louis Catholic School

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ugrin

St Louis

Catholic School Http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/stlouis.asp

11 Morgan Avenue Toronto, Ontario

M8Y 2Z7

Phone: 416-393-5331 Fax: 416-397-6138

Principal:

Lillian Ugrin

Secretary Phyllis Ferraro

Acting Superintendent of Education

John Shain

Tel: 416-222-8282 ext. 2732

Trustee Ann Andrachuk

Tel: 416-512-3402

e-mail: ann.andrachuk@tcdsb.org

Parish: Fr. F. Carpinelli

St. Leo Catholic Church

277 Royal York Road

Etobicoke, Ontario M8V 2V8

416-251-1109

School Hours Morning Session 8:45 -11:45 a.m. Recess 10:05 -10:20 a.m. Lunch 11:45 -12:45 p.m. Afternoon Session 12:4 5 - 3:15 p.m. Recess 1:55 - 2:20 p.m. Dismissal 3:15 p.m. ________________________________

Catholic School Advisory Council will meet on Thursday, February 24, 2011 At 7: 00 pm

Word, Worship,Witness

Great Citizens of St. Louis C.S. Each month we will recognize students who have assisted peers and/or staff. These students assisted new staff in January. This month we acknowledge: Jessica H.

Door monitors during recess periods

in January:

Dante, Nicolas,

Karen, Nicole,

Ricardo, Joshua J.,

Stephen, Danny,

Assisting with the Virtue Bulletin

Board: Emma, Erica, Marinda

Assisting Kindergarten students at

bus dismissal each day:

Emma

Marinda

Vanessa F.

Monthly Student Recognition

During the month of January

these students were recognized for

demonstrating the Virtue of Courage.

Jake Veronica Radija David Javier T. Tait Alex S. Dana

Thomas Stephen

These students are recognized for demonstrating Peer Support during the

month of January.

Nikola Joanna

Noah A. Breanna

Manda Daniel L.

Jacob B. Zack

Julieta, David, Daniella

TEACHER RECOGNITION

CONGRATULATIONS Mrs. DiCarlo! Mrs. DiCarlo, representing the Toronto Catholic District School Board, has won the 2011 READING TEACHER AWARD. Thank you for your outstanding contribution in the field of Literacy Education. BRAVO!

TRUSTEES 2010 – 2011

Wards

1. Joseph Martino 5. Maria Rizzo 9. Catherine LeBlanc-Miller 2. Ann Andrachuk, Vice-Chair 6. Rob Davis 10. Barbara Poplawski 3. Sal Piccininni 7. John Del Grande 11. T.B.A. 4. Mary Cicogna 8. Mary Ann Robillard 12. Paul John Crawford, Honorary Treasurer Natalie Rizzo, Student Trustee

Ann Perron, Director of Education 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON ∙ Website: www.tcdsb.org

Nurturing our Catholic Community through WORSHIP

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Reflections and Activities for February’s Virtue: LOVE - How can you can you follow the two greatest commandments at home? - Talk at home about why it is tough to love your enemy. - Write about a time your parents showed they love you. - How did God show us the greatest sign of His love? - How does God show his love for you? - Show a sign of love to your family. - Do we over use the word love in daily conversation? - How do you think we can show love for others at school? Become a reporter for our school newsletter. Submit your thoughts on these reflections for publication in the March newsletter. Smile There is something you may give a friend and a stranger, too. It seems that when you give it, it is given back to you. This gift is worth a million, but it doesn’t cost a dime. It’s lasting in effect, but doesn’t take much time. This simple little gesture can make the day worthwhile. It is just as good as sunshine. It is what we call a smile!

Happy Valentine’s Day

Attention

Parents and Students

Reporting of school cancellations

or school closures

due to inclement weather

As winter is upon us, the possibility of poor

road conditions, students, parents and staff are

reminded that cancellation of school bus

transportation or school closures due to

inclement weather will be reported through the

following vehicles:

- News releases to all media outlets in

Toronto (Note: although the news release is

provided to the media outlets, there is no

guarantee that all television and radio stations

will broadcast the information in a timely

fashion.)

- Communications will endeavour to send

an email to everyone on exchange to advise

them of any cancellations or closures

- Communications will also endeavour to

send out the information electronically to E-

News subscribers (Note: If you do not already

subscribe to E-News, but wish to do so, please

visit our website at www.tcdsb.org and click

on the E-News icon on the top right hand side

of the homepage)

- Updates will also be posted on the

Board’s 24-hour information line, 416-222-

8282, extension 2873.

- The information will also be posted on

the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org or

www.tcdsb.org/weather.htm.

- The Transportation Department will post

this information on its website at

http://www.schoolbus.to/c_home.asp

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT

TO THE MAIN OFFICE UPON

ENTERING THE SCHOOL

Visitors, particularly parents, are

most welcome.

In the interest of maintaining a

secure, orderly school

environment, we request that all

parents, care givers and visitors

report to the secretary in the

office.

Our secretary, Mrs. Ferraro will

call your child/ren to the office to

meet you. Please do not go to the

classroom door or walk in the

hallways as you wait for your

child/ren.

ALL STUDENTS MUST BE

SIGNED OUT BY THE SCHOOL

SECRETARY.

REPORT CARDS AND PARENT-TEACHER

CONFERENCES

Second term has already begun and

thus we remind students to keep up

with their homework, assignments,

projects and presentations.

The reporting of student progress will

occur on February17 & 18. It will

include a full reporting of student

achievement in all subject areas.

Remember students –

Learn to Plan and Plan to Learn!

`January 31 – Primary Intramural Activities begin!

February

Report Cards

Basketball

4 - Bird Presentation for Primary and Junior students

7 – Mad Science presentation for Grade 3 class

8 – Regional Boys Basketball

9 – Regional Girls Basketball

10 – School Mass at 1:30 pm in the Gym (Wear a White Shirt)

10 – Arts Express returns to St. Louis (Thursday until April 14, 2011)

14 – Report Cards issued to students

14 – Valentines Day

17 – Parent Teacher Interviews in the evening 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

18 – Parent Teacher Interviews in the morning 9:00 am to 11:00 am & P.A. Day

21 – Family Day

23 – Family Literacy Evening

24 – Grad Photos

CSAC Meeting

28 - Monthly Recognition Assembly

March

Junior

Volleyball

7 – Brain Day Presentations Grade 5/6 class

9 – Ash Wednesday: Ashes to be distributed in the classrooms by Father

14 to 18 Mid Winter Break

20 – Spring begins

21 – Classes resume/ Third term begins

25 – CSAC Family Skating at Central Arena 6:15pm to 9:15pm

31 - Monthly Assembly

April Cross

Country

14 – Lenten Mass at 1:30 pm in the Gym

17 – Palm Sunday 22 – Good Friday 23 – Holy Saturday 24 – Easter Sunday

25 – Easter Monday

28 – First Confession at St. Leo Church

28 - Monthly Assembly

28 – First Confession at 1:30 pm at St. Leo Church

28 – Monthly Assembly

30 –Fr. Frank meets with Communion and Confirmation Parents after 5pm Mass

May Education Week

EQAO

CAT/4

May

Track &

Field

5 – Easter Mass at 1:30 pm in the Gym

6 - PC Dora Presentations for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students

15- First Holy Communion at 11:30 am at St. Leo Church

17- Welcome to Kindergarten Program for New JK Registrants in the Gym

19 – P. Johnson: LD Class: Annual Review Meeting

20 – P.A. Day: Assessment & Evaluation

23 – Victoria Day

26 – CSAC Meeting

27 - Monthly Recognition Assembly

June

Report Cards

Track &

Field

Softball

5 – Feast of the Ascension

Confirmation at St. Leo Church at 3:00 pm

6 - Staff Meeting

15 – Pentecost Sunday

16 – End of Year Mass at 9:30 am at St. Leo Church

17 – Certificate Names due in prep for Monthly Assembly

22 – Monthly Assembly

23 – CSAC Meeting (Tentative)

27 –

29 – Last Instructional Day of this academic year

30 – P.A. Day

Winter Weather & Health Safety

The weather, that some were eagerly waiting has arrived with snowy, icy, windy days. Students need to dress appropriately for winter weather. A winter coat, jacket, hat, scarf, mittens and snow boots are all necessary attire. Please ensure your child is dressed for winter weather. Students who are at school will be expected to go outdoors for recesses, walks and other activities. If your child is not well to go outdoors, then he/she is most likely not well enough to be at school. During this time of year, when illnesses occur more frequently, it is important that we attempt to curb the spread of coughs, colds and flus by keeping infected children at home until they are well enough to return and fully enjoy school activities. Please provide a pair of indoor shoes for your child to wear in the classroom. Students are expected to remove their boots before entering the classroom.

Thank you for your cooperation as we strive for a healthy school community.

Junior Kindergarten Registration for September 2011

Registration for children, who will attend Junior Kindergarten is

September 2011 is currently underway.

Parents/Guardians will need to provide the following

documents at time of registration:

Proof of age (Birth Certificate)

Original Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate

Updated Immunization Record

Health Card

Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant status (if

applicable)

Proof of Address

Pertinent Legal Documents (if applicable)

Register early to avoid disappointment.

Morning classes fill quickly, on a first come first served basis.

Call Mrs. Ferraro, our secretary, at 416-393-5331, to arrange an

appointment to complete your child’s registration.

You may pick up a registration package

before your appointment time.

Registration is ongoing.

AM placements fill up quickly.

Register for Junior Kindergarten now.

ME

CONGRATULATIONS

To the following students who

have expressed interest in

publishing our school

newspaper.

Christopher,

Diori,

Serena,

Josh,

Kristijan,

Bruce,

Emma,

Dana,

Mya,

Junior,

Heather,

Matthew

Carsyn,

Christine,

Bruno,

Zack,

SNOW

SNOW

SNOW

We remind all students that we DO

NOT throw snowballs while playing

outside, during recess.

Let us remember that we share the

snow, we do not own the snow.

We respect the creativity of those who

are making snow forts or snowmen.

We have fun in the snow with our

friends.

We do stay away from icy areas in the

school yard.

Parents, please help us by reviewing

this with your children as we continue

to work together to maintain a safe

school environment.

Let us cooperatively enjoy the snow!

Primary Soccer

Our Boys’ and Girls’ Primary Soccer teams participated in a non-competitive tournament in the month of January. Thank you Boys and Girls for representing St. Louis Catholic School with fine sportsmanship and skill in the tournament. We are very proud of your accomplishment! We are also grateful to our coaches for providing this extra-curricular activity for our students. Thank you Mrs. McIntyre, Mrs. Hirstwood, Miss, Plaskon and Miss Passaro for coaching the Primary Boys’ and Girls’ soccer teams.

Think Recycle

Think Recycle is an environmental program which protects the environment by collecting used print, inkjet and laser cartridges, cell phones and other used electronic items. Think Recycle is good for the environment because used cartridges and cell phones can take up to 1000 years to decompose. Thinking green diverts these cartridges and cell phones from landfills and ensures that they are properly recycled. Think Recycle will sponsor the planting of a tree through Tree Canada Foundation. Our collection box will be arriving in February. Bring in used printer cartridges, cell phones and other electronic items. Our school community will gain from your donation!

More information to follow! Prepare your cartridges.

February is African Canadian Heritage Month

Who invented these?

Ironing Board – Sarah Bone Shoe Lacing Machine – Jan E. Matzelinger Hair Care Products - Madame C. Walker Comb - Walter Sammons Brush - Lydia O. Newman Dustpan - Lloyd P. Ray Pencil Sharpner - John Love Fountain Pen - William Purvis Typewriting Machine - Lee Burridge Clothes Dryer - George T. Sammon Lawn Mower - John Burr Automatic Gear Shift - Richard Spikes Super Charger system for Internal Combustion Engines – Joseph Gammel Automatic lubrication system for steam engines – Elijah McCoy Traffic Light - G. Morgan Filament within Light Bulb – Lewis Howard Latimer Refrigerator -Hon Standard Heating Furnace - Alice Parker Air Conditioner -Frederick Jones Elevator - Alexander Miles Letter Drop Mailbox - Philip Downing Postmarking - Willam Barry A way to preserve and store blood plasma – Charles Drew Performed the first Open Heart Surgery – Dr. Daniel Hale William

Appropriate Dress Policy

It is the intent of the Toronto Catholic District School Board to revise the DRESS CODE for Pupils S.S.07 to coincide with the implementation of an Appropriate Dress Code in all elementary schools by September 2011. The Appropriate Dress Code consists of any combination of white and navy blue garments (e.g. plain white top, navy blue bottom, no denim). The many advantages for parents, students and schools are outlined in a question and answer brochure available on this website: www.tcdsb.org.

What are the note advantages of the Appropriate Dress Code? There are many noted advantages to implementing an Appropriate Dress Code. 1. Promotes the Catholic school identity 2. Promotes School Safety 3. Promotes inclusiveness and equality and helps to reduce social

conflict 4. Encourages students to focus on academics rather than their

wardrobe 5. Simplifies morning routine for students and parents 6. Is economical, gives parents choice and flexibility 7. Provides consistency in dress code policy at the elementary and

secondary level 8. Eases transition from elementary school to secondary school as

students will already be accustomed to the uniformity of dress At our monthly Catholic School Advisory meetings, Appropriate Dress Policy is discussed. Our CSAC is working hard to assist our community with the implementation for September 2011. Regular updates and information will be communicated through the school newsletter as they become available.

CSAC Newsletter – February 2011 “Give your best and always be kind.”

EPICTETUS

As this is our first CSAC Newsletter of 2011, CSAC wishes all St. Louis families and

teachers joy in 2011.

CSAC would like to thank all the families who support our CSAC fund-raisers: Acorn Cards

(raised $462.33), Poinsettia sales (raised $180), Pizza and Lunch Lady lunches (raised

$1477.43 - in the first quarter of our school year). As you know, the funds we raise are used

for the benefit of all the children in the school. These funds pay for artists, scientists,

dance events in the school, buses (for school trips and to sports events) and for items like

Smart Boards and other mechanical devices to benefit the children.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will be implementing a Dress Code

policy, known as an “Appropriate Dress Code”. This policy will be effective September 2011.

THE DRESS CODE FOR ST. LOUIS WILL BE: white shirts (no logos) and navy blue

pants (no jeans or leggings). Parents can shop at stores such as: Zellers, WalMart, Old

Navy, The Children’s Place, The Gap, ASI, and online stores - any place where these items are

inexpensive. We have invited vendors to CSAC meetings to discuss their clothing options and

if there is a vendor who can provide St. Louis with white shirts and navy pants at a very low

price, we will send a note home to give parents more details. Details of the clothing vendor

prices will be included in the CSAC minutes.

St. Louis is proud to host our very first Family Skate Night. The Family Skate Night will be

held at Central Arena - which is located on Montgomery Road, between Bloor Street and

Dundas Avenue. Central Arena is very close to Royal York subway station. The Family Skate

Night has been scheduled for Friday, March 25th, from 6:15 p.m. to 9: 15 p.m. We will be

selling tickets ahead of time so that we know how many families will be attending. Details

about ticket sales are being finalized. We will be selling cheese pizza and other snacks at the

event. Once again, funds raised will go toward helping all children at St. Louis. We will be

extending the invitation to this event to other schools in the area. We hope to see you

there. Our Toronto City Councillor for Ward 5, Mr. Peter Milcyzn has kindly agreed to

sponsor the rental of the Arena to help us fund-raise for St. Louis students.

Other school news can be found at our school web-site:

http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/stlouis.asp

The next CSAC meeting will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., in

the St. Louis Catholic School Library. All are welcome.

`

February’s Virtue is Love

Chocolates, flowers, valentines, and red hearts; what would the month of February be without the celebration of Valentine’s Day?

While the rest of the world may choose to celebrate the ideal of romantic love

on February 14, TCDSB schools will be focusing on the virtue of LOVE as expressed in the gospels.

“For God so loved the world, He gave His only son.” John 3:16

As we focus on the virtue of love at St. Louis Catholic School this month let us remember that love not only inspires the practice of all other virtues, it is the

form and completion of all the other virtues.

We will not limit our celebration of the virtue of love to February 14th, but demonstrate this virtue throughout the school year.

FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH Psychology is for Everyone

The following was prepared by TCDSB Psychology staff based on the latest scientific research in the fields of psychology and child development

Parents play an essential role in building children's communication skills. By providing emotional support and by listening attentively, trying to understand the child‟s point of view without trying to teach a lesson, parents can realize what really matters to their children. Active listening is a set of techniques that parents and teachers can learn to use to develop non-judgmental listening skills and to encourage children to speak about themselves. Here are some techniques you might want to include in conversations with your child:

Active Listening Techniques Try This Avoid

Ask Open-Ended Questions Ask children questions that will extend interaction rather than cut it off. Questions that can be answered by „yes‟ or „no‟ lead a conversation to a dead end. Questions that ask children to describe, explain, or share ideas extend the conversation.

Parent: “Tell me something you did today?” “What games did you play today?”

Parent: “Did you have a good day?”

Restate (Rephrase) Your Child’s Statements

Echo back what your child says, in your own words. This demonstrates that not only has your child been heard, but – more importantly – understood.

Child: “I have no friends” Parent: “So it seems you are feeling left out?”

Child: “I have no friends” Parent: “What are you talking about? You have friends!”

Reflect Feelings (Empathize) Rephrasing what children have said is also useful when they are experiencing powerful emotions that they may not be fully aware of. As you listen, try to make your child's feelings clear by stating them, without judgement, in your own words. This also helps children learn to label their emotions. Pay attention to the child‟s body language for cues about his/her feelings.

Parent: "It sounds as if you're angry at your math teacher."

Parent: “Why are you so mad?”

Avoid Focusing on Giving a “Quick Fix”. Often, the goal isn't problem resolution as much as simply hearing what the child has to say. Like adults, children want to be heard.

Children whose parents listen to them have many advantages. They are confident, do better in school, and are skilled at giving presentations, answering questions, and participating in discussions. They are good negotiators. Children who have experienced being listened to by parents and teachers, themselves become good listeners, which affects their social skill development. These children have better coping skills in difficult situations (they are more resilient). They also ask for parents‟ advice more often rather than depending on peer groups, where they have a higher risk for getting into negative activities.

For more information:

Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish – How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and how to Listen so Kids Will Talk, Avon Books, 1999.

Thomas Gordon, Parent Effectiveness Training: The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children, Three Rivers Press, 2000.

20 Ways To Talk So Your Kids Will Listen - link: http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/talk-to-kids-listen.shtml Communication Tips for Parents – link: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/communication-parents.aspx How to Talk with Your Child: The Best Strategies for Effective Communication - a video on You Tube

“What did you say?” Listening to your child to encourage communication

CPIC Newsletter -- February 2011

The CPIC Leadership Summit and Parent Conference ward workshop results have been compiled and barriers and successes have been identified. CPIC will be hosting Summit follow up meetings to review the findings and develop recommendations. Stay tuned!

Mark Monday, March 28th 2011 on your Calendar, as CPIC will be hosting the internationally recognized speaker and author, Barbara Coloroso. Ms. Coloroso will share with parents practical insights into building a welcoming school community where self-esteem is enhanced in both the school and home environment.

Remember, CPIC members are here to help parents get more involved with their children’s Catholic education. If you have any questions, comments, concerns please contact your Ward Representative or your child’s CSAC.

CPIC meets next on Thursday, February 17, 2011.

Find your 2010/2011 CPIC Ward Representative: http://www.tcdsb.org/parents/cpicmembers.htm

KUDOS to our Parents who. . .

*Safely drop off their children on Morgan and Penhurst Avenues, demonstrating concern and patience for the safety of all our children

*Ensure that their children arrive at school before the bell rings at 8:45 am, to that they are ready and in line with their classmates as they enter the school

*Gave their support at the recent Primary Boys and Girls Soccer Tournament

*Check in at the office, acquire a visitor’s badge before coming into our school hallways

*Stay off school property during recesses so that children can be assured that the only adults present are staff of St. Louis Catholic School

*Work with their children supporting them with homework and projects, encouraging good work habits, use of the agenda and timely completion of all studying for tests

*Phone ahead to set appointments with teachers to appropriately address concerns and questions

*Phone to inform Mrs. Ferraro that their child will be absent from school or they are picking them for an early dismissal

*Prepare healthy lunches void of peanut products and other allergens

Thank you parents for being positive role models for our children!