Post on 03-Jun-2020
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM Please call the school to report all student absences and late arrivals before 8:30 a.m. Dial 905-876-2386.
If calling outside office hours, your call will be directed to our voicemail system. Please follow the prompts to leave a message:
clearly state student name, grade, teacher, reason and length (if known) of the absence. If no notification is received,
we will call home/workplace/emergency contact numbers to determine your child’s location. (Please keep contact numbers current.)
NEWSLETTER – December 2016 Edition
650 Bennett Blvd.
Milton, ON L9T 6B1 Telephone: (905) 876-2386
Fax: (905) 876-2658
School Website www.hcdsb.org/schools/grda Twitter https://twitter.com/GAngelsMilton
Principal: Mrs. R. LoPresti Secretary: Mrs. A. Boyle Vice Principal: Mr. T. Albani
Vice Principal: Mr. D. MacDougall Office Assistant: Mrs. A. Policelli
Office Assistant: Mrs. C. Rob
SCHOOL HOURS: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m./12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATORS’ MESSAGE
Mrs. LoPresti, Mr. Albani & Mr. MacDougall
As we prepare to enter into the wondrous and miraculous
Advent journey, we open our eyes and heart to Jesus’ presence
around us and are reminded that we are called to patience,
perseverance, and prayer at many times in our lives. This is a
time when we find ourselves turning to the comfort and peace
that the Christmas Season brings. For many, this is a time of
hope and spiritual renewal for we understand that the Christmas
message is truly about God’s great love for us. This Advent we
awaken the joy of Jesus’ birth.
At Guardian Angels Catholic School, we welcome Advent in
prayer and song. We teach students about our faith traditions; we
share our familiar Christmas story of new life, of a very special
child born, in a very ordinary manner…the Child of God.
During this festive and busy season of Advent, let us try to
remember the true spirit of Christmas. There are many
activities planned throughout the school during this time:
† Family Christmas Charity Initiatives – (Thursday,
December 1 – Friday, December 9) Donations will be given to
the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Benedict Parish and Halton
Women’s Place (see page 2 for more information).
† Advent Mass - Tuesday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. in the
School Gym – Please join us!
† Grade 1-3 Primary Christmas Concert – The Primary
division cordially invite you to attend our Christmas Concert in
our school gym on Thursday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. and
1:30 p.m. Please note that due to the popularity of this
celebration, our limited availability for parking, and the number
of students participating, we ask that only immediate family
members attend the morning or afternoon performance. Siblings
who are students here will be attending with their classes. Thank
you for your support!
† Family Christmas Craft Night – Thursday, December 8
organized by Guardian Angels Catholic School Council. Order
forms are due back no later than Friday, December 2. Reserved
seating times are at 6:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
† Kindergarten Advent Celebration – We invite you to join us
in the gym on Tuesday, December 13 for “A Christmas
Celebration” at 10:15 a.m. (Miss Cunha/Curtis,
Mrs. Bark/Capobianco, Miss Bradbury/Goddard and
Miss Novak/Ordonez) and 1:30 p.m. (Mrs. Sutton/Kosir,
Mrs. Kane/Furlong, Mrs. Cerio/Lima and Miss Demianiuk).
All Kindergarten parents are welcome to attend their child/ren’s
scheduled class performance/celebration!
May this time of anticipation and waiting fill our hearts, minds
and souls. May God’s grace and goodness brought to all through
the birth of the Christ child, bless you and your family with
renewed hope, peace, and love now and in the New Year!
Christmas Blessings and best wishes for a safe, happy, and holy
New Year from all of us at Guardian Angels Catholic School !
“ANGELS AMONG US”
MONTHLY CATHOLIC VIRTUES
December’s Virtue is HOPE
What is HOPE?
We demonstrate the virtue of Hope when we: live a life of peace
and joy; never give up our hopes and dreams; and maintain a
positive attitude or spirit in light of hopeless situations. We can
gain an inner peace this holiday season supported by God and
those around us.
Jesus taught us that we are all children of a loving God. At
Guardian Angels Catholic School, we believe that each child is
created in His image and are valued as unique individuals and
important members of our community and society. We strive to
create an atmosphere here that promotes cooperation with one
another in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding as
children of God
GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS CHARITY INITIATIVES
Our St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Gift Card Drive will begin on
Thursday, December 1 and run until Friday, December 9.
Donations of Christmas gift cards will be presented to the local
chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society from St. Benedict
Parish. Thanks to your generous donations, we hope to help
many individuals and families in need at Christmas time, many
of which are children.
Your family may also wish to consider making a donation of
toiletries or a toy under our Christmas tree in the front foyer to
support the work of Halton Women’s Place this Christmas
season. A full list of items that are in high demand at the shelter
can be found at http://haltonwomensplace.com/ways-to-
give/holiday-hamper/. Items can be brought to school up until
Friday, December 16.
SAINT BENEDICT PARISH COMMUNITY
Welcome to the season of Advent. Christmas will soon be upon
us. All Masses are celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima School on
Bolingbroke Drive in Milton. Confessions are heard on
Saturdays from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. in the Prayer Chapel at the
school. Christmas Masses at St. Benedict Parish are as follows:
Saturday, December 24th - Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.; 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25th - Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Friday, December 30th - Feast of the Holy Family 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve
(Feast of Mary the Mother of God) 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 1, 2017 - New Year’s Day
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 7th –
Vigil for the Feast of the Epiphany 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 8th - Feast of the Epiphany 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
God Bless You!
Father James S. Petrie, Pastor
HALLOWE’EN DANCE-A-THON
PRIZE UPDATE
A very special thank you to our Guardian Angels Catholic
School community for raising over $23,000.00 during our
Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon school fundraiser. Thank you to the
many helpers and students who worked hard to make this an
enjoyable day. Thank you to all of our staff on the Dance-a-thon
committee and most especially to our parent volunteers for
decorating our gym, supervising the dance, and making this day
such a successful event. Your dedication to our school is greatly
appreciated. A special thank you to all the generous businesses,
families, school staff, and individuals who donated prizes:
Robertson Amusements, Pita Pit and Mayor Gordon Krantz
Families
Azzopardi, Bobanovic, Douglas, Ettiorre, Garber, John,
Koromilos, Marcellino, Piccione, Russell, Wilcox and Zoltan
If we have not mentioned your donation, please know that we
appreciate your understanding and support!
You all helped make our Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon a success!
GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MAGAZINE INITIATIVE ENDS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
Term 2 Pizza Orders
due Monday, December 12
GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
2016 SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR UPDATE
Congratulations to Terrence L. in Mrs. Mills’ Grade 6 class!
Terrence was selected the winner of the $25 Family Event prize
and selected books from the Scholastic Book Fair. Mrs. Mills
also won $25 to spend towards books for her classroom library.
Congratulations to you both!
Miss Mandrapilias would like to thank
all of the parent volunteers who graciously donated their time
to support our Fall Book Fair!
Mrs. Duarte, Mrs. Ferreira, Mrs. Kozlova, Mrs. Penman,
Mrs. Piccione, Mrs. J. Santos, , Mrs. Urrasio, Mrs. Valenzano,
and Mrs. Viloria–Miguel.
Our Scholastic Book Fair would not have been this successful
without all of your hard work and assistance! Our sales were
over $10,000. Thank you to the Guardian Angels Catholic
School community for all of your generosity!
What Christmas Means…
What if this year at Christmas…
I set Santa to the side,
Forgo Frosty on the video
And rest Rudolph from his ride …
Perhaps I’d then forget those things
And listen in the night
For clapping sounds of angel’s wings
That caused the shepherds’ fright.
And maybe I would start to shine
Like that old Eastern star –
And wonder like those three wise men
Who travelled from afar.
To pay Him all due honour
Not just a passing nod,
This year I’m going to ponder –
“What Christmas means to God.”
GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ANNUAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS CRAFT NIGHT
Come make a GINGERBREAD HOUSE
Thursday, December 8, 2016 Guardian Angels School Gym
6:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Enjoy a family night out!! Cost is only $15.00 per family
Due to the popularity of this event,
there will be two (2) reserved seatings in the gym to assemble
your pre-ordered GINGERBREAD HOUSE:
First seating: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Second seating: 7:15 – 8:15 p.m.
Select a reserved seating time that works for your family.
N. B. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door
for this event.
Join us for some additional Christmas crafts, refreshments,
face painting, a visit with a “special friend” and Christmas Karaoke.
Pre-register for a 5 x 7” Christmas Family Portrait
from Edge Imaging at an additional cost of $10.00.
N.B. Our pre-assembled GINGERBREAD HOUSE packages have been purchased from
MacMillans in Acton which is a nut-free facility.
Please return your request form (sent home last week) no later than Friday, December 2, 2016.
Contact Event Coordinator Theresa Gatto at tgatto@cogeco.ca for more information.
.
S.E.A.C.
SOUNDBYTES
Raising awareness of the Special
Education process at HCDSB December 2016
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Christmas and winter break can be fun, busy, and exciting – and
the excitement and change in routine can also be chaotic for
many students, especially those with special needs.
As much as educators do their best to maintain structure for
students, the excitement of the holidays, the many special events
and activities, and the time off school can be overwhelming.
The change in routine can take a child out of their comfort zone
and be difficult to cope with.
Here are some tips to help parents, caregivers and educators get
through these challenging times.
School Events
Prepare your child in advance for changes in the typical
school schedule and special events.
If possible, have pictures or social stories about what your
child can expect.
Practice and rehearse what is going to happen, especially
if your child will be part of a presentation.
Talk to staff about how your child is going to participate;
confirm that supports are in place to help them succeed.
Plan for a quieter evening after the event, so your child
has a chance to decompress.
Social interactions
Use visuals to help your child understand what is going to
happen
Count down the days before school ends and then starts
back up again. This makes your child aware that there
will be a change in schedules.
A daily calendar can be very helpful during the break,
especially to help your child anticipate parties or family
gatherings.
Start adjusting back to you regular routine (bedtimes,
naptimes, and the overall schedule) a few days before
school starts back up in January, to facilitate a smoother
transition.
Consider hosting friends and family rather than visiting in
a place that is unfamiliar to the child.
Holidays can be a wonderful and memorable time for children,
and it is important that they feel included and excited about the
experiences during this time. Hopefully some of these ideas will
provide ways to create special memories for everyone.
† To all those families who made donations to our charitable
initiatives in November. We delivered hundreds of non-
perishable food items to the local foodbank and our Paint the
Town Red Day raised over $890 in one day to support the North
Halton chapter of the United Way. Way to go GA!
† To all our Grade 1 students, choir, Peace Team members, and
staff involved in this year’s Remembrance Day service! It was a
great opportunity as a Catholic faith community to reflect upon
those who gave their lives so that we can experience peace and
freedom in our lives.
† To all of you who were able to volunteer your time at
Guardian Angels Catholic School. You are appreciated!
† To Miss Mandrapilias for organizing our annual Fall Book
Fair at Guardian Angels Catholic School. You are appreciated!
† To Mrs. Nelson our CYC and to the Peace Team, P.A.L.S.
Leaders, and Wellness Team for the excellent job they are doing
so far this year.
† To our Intermediate teachers who prepared our Grade 7
students and Father Jim Petrie and Bishop Daniel Miehm who
celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with us in November.
It was a very special day in the lives of our students as they
became young Catholic adults commissioned to spread the Good
News of Jesus Christ with others in their actions and words.
LUNCH PAILS PROGRAM UPDATE
In the event of a school closure due to weather conditions,
service will be provided on the following day. If your child is
absent on the service day, please contact Lunch Pails kitchen
before 8:00 a.m. on the day of service at 647-828-6240.
A SEASONAL REMINDER…
Christmas Break begins for all students on the afternoon of
Friday, December 23. Students will be dismissed and buses
will depart at 1:30 p.m. that day. School resumes again on
Monday, January 9, 2017.
SPIRIT DAY – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
On Friday, December 2, students are encouraged to wear an
appropriate outfit for our “Be You, Be True” spirit day that
allows their true colours to shine. Students have the opportunity
to express themselves, wearing their favourite colour that they
feel most confident in. When we feel confident,
we look our best, encouraging a healthy sense of identity and
body image. This mental health and physical wellness initiative
is brought to you by members of our student leaders on the
Wellness Team.
GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL
VOLLEYBALL UPDATE
The 2016 volleyball season began at the beginning of October
with our teams participating in 8 regular season games. Our boys
team participated in this year’s Catholic Cup tournament –
featuring 32 teams from the GTA - and reached the quarter
finals!
Our boys team placed FIRST in Milton and went on play in the
regional playoffs and emerged as SILVER medallion winners in
North Halton. They advanced to Municipal playoffs in Oakville.
The boys placed in the top 8 out of 46 schools in our system.
Thanks to our boys volleyball coaches Miss K. Rattray and Miss
L. Rattray and our girls volleyball coaches Miss Natale and Mrs.
Schumacher for coaching our teams.
JUNIOR & SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
REGISTRATION- JANUARY 24 & 25, 2017
Early registration for JK and new SK students for September
2017 will take place at Guardian Angels Catholic School on
Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25 from
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Admission Requirements
Junior Kindergarten – age 4 on or before December 31,
2017
Senior Kindergarten – age 5 on or before December 31,
2017
Copy of Roman/Eastern Rite Catholic Baptismal Certificate
for your child or copy of parent’s Baptismal Certificate
Copy of Birth Certificate
Copy of Immunization Card
Proof of home address
Daycare/Busing Arrangements
Special Programming Needs
Students will be placed in our full-day Kindergarten program on
a space available basis. We cannot promise a specific teacher or
placement at this time; however, busing for eligible students and
daycare will be available before/after school hours.
A Christmas Time for Prayer
Let us pray together this Christmas time;
O heavenly and merciful Father,
you loved us so much,
that you sent us your only begotten Son
to be the Ruler and Saviour of the world.
Help us on our journey towards his earthly birth
so that we may prepare ourselves
to receive Jesus anew in our hearts.
May this Christmas be
a time of peace, love and joy,
a time of repentance and forgiveness,
a time of reconciliation, friendship and dialogue,
a time of openness and renewal
a time of faith, hope and love. Amen.
JEAN VANIER SECONDARY SCHOOL
UPDATE FOR GRADE 8 FAMILIES
Grade 9 Option Sheets for Fall 2017 are due on Thursday,
December 1. To keep up to date with “What’s New for Grade
8’s” at Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School, go online at
http://brweb.haltonrc.edu.on.ca/CALZONETTI/JV%20Student
%20Services%20Website/JV%20Guidance.htm for upcoming
dates and event timelines.
GRADE 1-8 PROGRESS REPORTS
AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
We hope that you enjoyed meeting with your child/ren’s teacher
in November to discuss their progress to date. We ask that you
return a signed copy of the Progress Report Card Response Form
(page 3) if you have not already done so. If you were unable to
meet with your child/ren’s teacher at that time, please contact
them to schedule a mutually-convenient time to discuss your
child/ren’s progress in person or by phone.
GRADE 2-8 ONLINE MATH PROGRAM
Are you interested in having your child engage in some fun and
interactive math at home? We have a new online resource that
we are offering for all Grade 2-8 students in the board.
The online Math tool, created by Pearson Education, is called
“SuccessMaker”. Throughout their extensive research, they
found that students made significant gains in Math after the
allotted 10-16 hours of using this program. A minimum of 20
minutes per day, 4 times a week for 10 weeks is required to
complete the program and there is absolutely no cost involved
for families.
Simply enter this link
https://survey.hcdsb.org/successmaker.aspx
into your tablet or other electronic device to register your child.
For additional information, please contact Melissa Carnelos at
carnelosm@hcdsb.org
HOMEWORK HELP – MATH SUPPORT FOR
GRADE 7-10 STUDENTS
If you’re a parent worried about how to support your child’s
math homework questions, don’t worry! An exciting online
initiative designed to help students succeed in mathematics is
available.
The Ministry of Education and the Independent Learning Centre
have launched Homework Help, an interactive website for our
students in Grades 7-10. Students simply log-on at
www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org and using a chat room can obtain
personalized tutoring from a certified Ontario math teacher.
Chats take place Sunday to Thursday between the hours of
5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Homework Help is free, live and anonymous!
If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to engage your
child in enhancing math skills, try Prodigy Math Game. This
interactive math site is free and aligns with the Ontario Math
curriculum expectations for students in Grade 1-8. Check it out
at https://www.prodigygame.com .
FRENCH IMMERSION REGISTRATION
Our school board currently offers an optional Early French
Immersion program starting in Grade 1 at at St. Benedict
Catholic Elementary School. Space in the program is limited -
there will be a maximum of 2 classes per site. Please note that
online registration for the Grade 1 Early French Immersion
program will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.
Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Board also offers an Extended French (Middle
Immersion) program starting in Grade 5 at St. Benedict
Catholic Elementary School. Online registration for this Grade 5
program will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.
Registration for both programs will consist of a two-part
process: completion of an online registration form as well as
completion of a written registration form in person. If you have
any questions regarding either French program, please contact
Anna Marie Toltl Board French Consultant at toltla@hcdsb.org .
A Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us to remember
the birth of Jesus,
That we may share in the song of the angels
The gladness of the shepherds,
And the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love
all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
And teach us to be merry with clean hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy
to be Your children,
And the Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
Forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson
KINDERGARTEN EYE HEALTH PROGRAM
The Eye See...Eye Learn® (ESEL) program was developed to
raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their
children's eyes checked upon starting school. The program
provides comprehensive eye exams by local Doctors of
Optometry to Junior Kindergarten students in Ontario. The
eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or
OHIP). This means that there is no out-of- pocket cost for the
eye exam. If the child requires a pair of glasses, they will receive
a FREE pair (valued at over $250) donated by Nikon Lenswear,
OGI and your participating Doctor of Optometry.
For more information about this valuable program, check out the
ESEL website at www.eyeseeeyelearn.ca.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Supervision of Students before School
Parents are reminded that supervision of students on the school
yard begins at 8:10 a.m. If you arrive at school with your
child/ren prior to 8:10 a.m., please remain with them until the
yard duty supervisor comes on the yard. Should you leave before
a supervisor is present and an accident/injury should occur, there
would be no one to assist your child/ren. This is a serious safety
concern. We want all of our students to be safe at all times. For
the safety of your child/ren, please ensure you respect the 8:10
a.m. timeline. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Side Doors/Late Slips
After the morning bell rings and all classes have entered the
building, students are to enter the school through the front doors
and are required to report to the main office to pick up a late slip.
Primary students will be escorted to class by a buddy.
Parents/caregivers of late students are asked to say goodbye at
the office as students receive their late slip and proceed directly
to class.
Entry and Dismissal Safety
It has come to our attention that a number of students are coming
late to school each morning and are being picked up late at the
end of the day. It is important that students arrive on time for
school each morning and are picked up by parents/guardians
promptly at the end of the day. Our school day begins at 8:30
a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Please ensure that your child/ren
arrive at school in time enough to line up with their classmates at
8:30 a.m. If you are running late at 3:00 dismissal time, please
make alternate arrangements. There is no after-hours supervision
in the main office. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and
attention in this matter!
Early Departures & Lunch Hour Procedures
Students who are leaving school outside of normal dismissal
times need to be picked up at the main office. Please send a note
to the teacher stating the time your child is to meet you at the
office. Please be aware that no child will be allowed to leave the
school without a signed and dated note from their
parent/guardian. The office must also be aware if students are
to be picked up by anyone else other than their
parents/guardians.
In keeping with our Board policy, students may remain at school
for lunch at the Principal’s discretion, providing that lunchtime
rules are followed at all times. At the beginning of the school
year, you are asked to complete a form indicating student lunch
arrangements (i.e., whether a student remains at school for lunch
or goes home).
To change these arrangements, it is necessary to provide written
permission from a parent or guardian. These arrangements must
be made ahead of time and each time the lunch routine varies.
Please note that “standing notes” indicating that a student can
leave school anytime s/he chooses are NOT accepted. As a
school staff, it is important for us to know each time a student
leaves our care at noon hour, that permission has been given, and
that parents know the exact whereabouts of their child. We
appreciate your cooperation and support with this important
supervision and safety issue.
Allergies & Nutrition
Please remember that we are an ALLERGEN-REDUCED
environment. For the safety of all students, please refrain from
sending any pea/nut products with your child. For birthday
treats, please consider non-food items for student sharing, such
as pencils, stickers, erasers etc.
Physical Education Instruction
A reminder: students participating in our Physical Education
program require proper phys-ed attire (as outlined in our
physical education curricular guidelines). Individual classroom
teachers have reviewed these expectations with students.
Running shoes with non-marking soles are required in the gym;
outdoor shoes are not acceptable. We also require that students
have indoor shoes for use during the school day for their own
safety so that we can avoid mishaps from the mud, snow, dirt
and water tracked into the school.
KISS & RIDE – SAFETY RULES
We continue to monitor the parking lot and encourage parents to
follow our parking lot procedures in the interest of safety for all
of our students. Please note that Kiss & Ride is available on
both the EAST and WEST side of the building.
Just a reminder that you are asked NOT to get out of
your car if you are using the Kiss & Ride procedures. If
you need to get out of your vehicle, please park in a
designated parking spot
No reversing in the Kiss & Ride lanes for student safety
Please observe the “NO PARKING” signs posted..
PEDICULOSIS UPDATE
What Are Head Lice?
Head Lice are tiny, wingless, greyish insects that live and breed
on human hair. They move quickly and are hard to see. The
eggs are half the size of a pinhead and are the colour of the
person’s scalp. Live eggs are laid at the root of the hair and are
“glued” on so that they will not move. The warmth of the scalp
will hatch them in seven to ten days. The nits are empty shells
of eggs that have been hatched. These can be found 1 cm
(½ inch) from the scalp, and continue to grow out with the hair.
The nit is white and distracts attention away from the live egg.
A nit can show how long head lice have been present. Hair
grows about 1centimetre a month; if the nit is 3 cm (1¼ inches)
from the scalp, the egg was hatched three months ago.
How Can You Tell If You Have Head Lice?
See live lice in the hair.
See half-pinhead sized eggs the colour of the scalp and
less than ½ inch away from the scalp.
Have an itchy scalp, although you can have head lice
for a long time before the scalp gets itchy.
How to Prevent the Spread of Head Lice
Having head lice is not a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene;
however, you can help prevent children from getting lice by
taking the following precautions:
Avoid head-to-head contact at school, during sports or
at home
Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, costume
accessories, ribbons, towels and helmets
Avoid use of bedding, pillows, and toys that have been
recently used by someone with lice
Check hair weekly for lice and eggs, brushing/combing
hair vigorously every night and using appropriate
products to prevent lice
It is also important to do a check after school breaks, sleepovers,
vacations or after any group activities in the community. Tell
anyone who has had close contact with the person in your family
who has lice. Anyone can get head lice, but lice prefer clean to
dirty hair and short to long hair.
What To Do If Your Child/ren Have Head Lice
Ask a pharmacist for a product that kills head lice and
eggs and for any special precautions to take while using
the recommended product. (Some products may not be
recommended for young children, people with allergies,
pregnant or nursing mothers).
Braiding long hair or putting into a ponytail may be
helpful. Routine household cleaning is sufficient.
Check heads of all family members and contacts over
the last six months.
Clean/launder bedding, hats and other headgear.
Inform school/daycare right away
When Can Your Child/ren Come Back to School?
If you find head lice, please notify the school immediately so
that we can contact We Care Home Health Services and have a
nurse check your child/ren’s entire class. If your child/ren have
tested positive for lice, you must keep them home until after you
have completed the treatment and their condition improves. For
children to be re-admitted to class, We Care Home Health
Services professionals must check the condition of your
child/ren’s scalp and issue a written confirmation which
indicates your child/ren are “nit/lice free” and able to return to
school. You may also visit a Walk-In Clinic and request a check
and a letter indicating your child/ren are clear of lice and eggs.
Please bring this confirmation slip with you to the main office
upon your child/ren’s return. For more information, contact
We Care Home Health Services at (905) 905-507-2273 or
1-866-877-8688 or 1-855-507-6562.
You may also call the Head Lice Information Line at
(905) 825-6000 extension 5423 or go online at www.halton.ca
or http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/lice.html.
GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ONLINE UPDATE
In case you haven’t heard, online payments for School Cash
Online can now also be made by credit card. School Cash
Online provides parents with easy access to make online
payments for a variety of student activities, providing greater
flexibility and control on how payments are made to the school.
You can register online at https://hcdsb.schoolcashonline.com by
selecting the “Get Started Now” and follow the steps. After you
receive a confirmation email, please select the ‘click here’
option, log in and add each of your children to your household
account. Once you are registered online, you will begin
receiving email notifications about upcoming events. If you have
any questions during the registration process or while shopping
online, please select the GET HELP option in the top right hand
of the screen or contact the Help Desk 24/7 at 1-866-961-1803.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
for JANUARY 2017
January 9– First Day Back to School
January 16 - Catholic School Council Meeting
January 24 - Grade 5 French Immersion Registration
January 24 & 25 - Kindergarten Registration
January 31 - Grade 1 French Immersion Registration
INCLEMENT WEATHER BULLETIN
When transportation services have been cancelled due to
inclement weather, schools will remain open and operational for
walkers. As always, it is the parent’s responsibility to decide if
conditions are safe for their child/ren to walk to/from school.
Tune in to the following radio stations for news about our
Board’s school closures due to inclement weather:
A.M
RADIO STATIONS
680 NEWS Toronto
740 CFZM Toronto
820 CHAM Hamilton
900 CHML Hamilton
1010 CFRB Toronto
1150 CKOC Hamilton
1460 CJOY Guelph
CHCH Hamilton
CITY-TV Toronto
F.M.
RADIO STATIONS
94.7 CHKX Hamilton
95.3 FRESH Hamilton
97.3 BOOM Toronto
98.1 CHFI Toronto
99.1 CBC Toronto
99.9 VIRGIN Toronto
102.9 KLITE Hamilton
106.1 MAGIC Guelph
107.9 Y108 Hamilton
It is very important for children to be properly clothed so they
can enjoy the weather outside at recess time. Students in Grade
1-8 go outside for recess breaks unless it is raining or so cold
that it is dangerous. It is not necessary for anyone to be cold and
uncomfortable outside if they are dressed properly. If your child
is not well enough to go outside, then s/he probably is not well
enough to come to school and should stay home.
In consultation with the Halton Regional Health Unit and
Environment Canada, our Board has created a set of Guidelines
for Principals to assist them in ensuring student safety during
various Inclement Weather situations. Administrative Procedure
VI-39 provides guidelines for responding to Extreme Cold,
Extreme Heat, Smog Advisories, UV Rays, Lightning and
Thunderstorm Watches/Warnings, etc.
As winter quickly approaches, parents are reminded to visit our
website for important information and reminders regarding the
Board’s Inclement Weather procedures and the Inclement
Weather Transportation Zones map: bit.ly/inclement-weather
Additional information and the Inclement Weather
Transportation Zones map is also available in the printed School
Year Calendars that were distributed to parents in September.
Parents whose students ride the bus to school will also find
helpful information in the Halton Student Transportation
Services (HSTS) Fall-Winter Newsletter. Please note that HSTS
provides online access to bus delays and cancellation
information at: www.haltonbus.ca
Santa’s Prayer on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve the other night
I saw the most amazing sight,
for there beneath the Christmas tree
was Santa kneeling on his knee.
His countenance was different than
that all-familiar, jolly grin;
his head was bowed, and hand to breast,
and slightly tucked into his vest.
For there in a Nativity
was Jesus and His family,
and as I heard him start to pray,
I listened close to what he’d say.
“Lord, You know that You’re the reason
I take pleasure in this season.
I don’t want to take Your place,
but just reflect Your wondrous grace.
I hope You’ll help them understand
I’m just an ordinary man,
who found a way to do Your will
by finding kids with needs to fill.
But all those centuries ago,
There was no way for me to know,
that they would make so much of me,
and all the gifts beneath the tree.
They think I have some hidden power
granted at the midnight hour.
But it is my love for You
Inspiring all the things I do.
And they give You all the Glory,
For You’re the “One True Christmas Story.”
Original author
Alda Monteschio