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November 2014 –

Volume 45 – Issue 03

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On October 25th, 2014 Jack Smith competed at the Ottawa Open Brazilian Jiu - Jitsu tournament. Jack won the Gold medal in his weight category. Jack has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a little over a year now. Congratulations Jack!! We wish him good luck at the 2014 Ontario Provincial BJJ Championship in November.

St. Bartholomew Catholic School – 51 Heather Road, Toronto ON M1S 2E2

Telephone: (416) 393-5334 Fax: (416) 397-6086

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Shanti Fernandes

Head Custodian: Mr. Nick Mozzo Night Custodian: Mr. Terry Papadopoulos

Superintendent: Mr. Nicola D’Avella

at (416) 222-8282 ext. 2263 Trustee: Mr. Garry Tanuan at (416) 512-3408

CSAC Chair: Mrs. Effie Anastasiadis

CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB): Mr. Baldo Minaudo www.tcdsb.org/cpic

OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

Parish: St. Bartholomew Church

59 Heather Road, Scarborough, ON, M1S 2E2 Tel: 416-291-5250; Pastor: Fr. Fred Foley

Enrolment: 108+

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch Hour: 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Lunch Supervisor: Mrs. Valanteen Dadlani; and Mrs. Diana Medina (FDELK)

Principal: Mr. J. E. Stépanian

RoadRunner

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE PARENTS / CAREGIVERS OF OUR STUDENTS

Congratulations to all the runners that participated at the cross country meets. The following students were on the team: Vaneesha, Jaiwin, Jack, Phoenix, Ryan, Dylan, Sophia G, Andrea, Olivia, Shannon, Michaela, Christian, Kyle, Jenna, Angel, Sofia T, Giuliana, Ben, Aaron, Vincent, Jose, Sophia A, Marissa, Nyla, Nathaniel, Josea, Alexia, Alysha, Zach, Jumar, and Mary. Special acknowledgements go out to Vaneesha for finishing 5th, Phoenix for finishing 3rd, Dylan for finishing 7th, Olivia for finishing 5th, Shannon for finishing 7th, Christian for finishing 9th, Kyle for finishing 8th, Angel for finishing 2nd, Giuliana for finishing 9th, Aaron for finishing 4th, Nyla for finishing 9th, Josea for finishing 6th, Alexia for finishing 5th, and Alysha for finishing 8th. Finally congratulations to Alexia, Angel, and Olivia for making the cities and competing in a very hard and challenging course. Thanks for a great year of running!

D. Henn G6/G7 Teacher/Coach

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Caregivers,

Guardians and Community

Members, St. Bartholomew has had an extremely busy month of October and November promises to be as exciting. The present issue of our RoadRunner includes a sample of our activities for this past month. We are very proud of our students and staff for their passionate involvement in everything they undertake. Enjoy the reading.

Yours in Catholic education

Jean E. Stépanian

Green Acres Trip On Thursday, October 9, 2014, the JK/SK, grade 1, 2, and 3 classes attended Green Acres Outdoor Education Centre in Markham. The classes were involved in the Pumpkin Harvest program, where they learned about animals (llama, sheep, goats, and chickens), eggs, milk, and pumpkins. At the end of the excursion, students were able to take home a mini pumpkin to decorate for Halloween. It was a great fall day and students had fun exploring nature.

Mrs. Cuda, Ms. Dippolito

Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Scali

Thursday, October 2, 2014, the grade seven students, accompanied by Mr. Henn and Mrs. Scali, attended Me to We at the Air Canada Centre. Students gathered at the GO Train station early in the morning to make their way to the heart of the city. The students listened to many guest speakers, including children that came from Africa to explain how our contributions help them on a daily basis. The youth were especially excited to hear the music of R5, Hedley,

Lights, Kardinal Offishall, Neverest, and JRDN. It was an experience that they will never forget. We hope to start school fundraising in the early winter to help raise funds for those in need. We look forward to next year’s We Day!

Mr. Henn, Mrs. Scali

Picture Re-take Day: Prepare to smile for the LifeTouch camera on Thursday, November 06, 2014.

SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS

FRAMEWORK (SCHOOL LEARNING IMPROVEMENT PLAN)

Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent-Teacher Conferences are one of the many steps we take to work with you to build your child’s educational program. We will discuss your child’s progress in school and learn more about him or her from you. Everyone benefits from parent teacher interviews. Parents learn new things about their child, and get ideas on how they can help their child do better in school. Teachers understand each child better and do a better job of meeting each one’s educational needs; and most importantly, the child receives a better and more personalized education. We hope to see you. Working as

a team assures your child’s success in school. Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2014 and the morning of Friday, November 14, 2014. Growing Success Report Cards are going home with the students on Monday, November 10th, 2014.

Learn more about the provincial report card here: http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/ReportCard/Pages/default.aspx First time attending a parent teacher interview? You may find this information helpful: http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/ParentTeacherInterviews/Pages/default.aspx

Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon: Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to ALL students who in a big or small way contributed to the success of our Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon. Thanks especially to all the parents, caregivers and friends who helped our students and school achieve their goal. Kindly note we are still accepting donations for the Dance-A-Thon.

Mrs. E. Anastasiadis,

Mrs. S. Fernandes

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Thanksgiving Food Drive

WELLNESS: SAFE, CARING & HEALTHY

SCHOOL

HPV VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM/HEPATITUS B Our first school immunization clinic for grade 7 students (male and female) and grade 8 (female) students is scheduled on Monday, December 1, 2014 – PM. Grade 7 students (boys & girls) can receive: Hepatitis B vaccine (2 doses) Meningococcal vaccine*

Grade 8 girls can receive: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

vaccine (3 doses) With the new changes to the Immunization of School Pupils Act, *meningococcal vaccine is now a requirement for school attendance. If a parent does not want their child vaccinated against the meningococcal disease, they can contact Toronto Public Health for an exemption form. Permission forms have already been sent home.

GUIDANCE CORNER

Student Progress Reports will be going home in mid-November and you are encouraged to help your child focus on their Learning Skills and Work Habits. Responsibility, Collaboration, Initiative, Self-Regulation, Organization and Independent Work are key skills that help students to be more successful in all areas of the curriculum. More information can be found at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/growSuccess.pdf (pgs. 10-14). Information to assist parents at interview time is available on the TCDSB website. I have included the link here: http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/ParentTeacherInterviews/Pages/default.aspx It's a busy month for our Grade 8 students and the transition to High School! Open house nights have been happening for the past three weeks and will continue until November 6th. You are encouraged to visit your local high school to see all the amazing programs and opportunities that are

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35) On behalf of the Students and Staff at St. Bartholomew Catholic School, we would like to personally thank all of you for your recent contribution of canned goods and non-perishable food items which were remarkable, given the short length of the drive. Please know how very grateful we are for the care and contributions shown to our disadvantaged brothers and sisters. Your active participation in this year’s We Scare Hunger Canned Food campaign is very much appreciated. As a school we were able to gather a total of 1000+ non-perishable food items, an outstanding effort by all classes. The class with the most cans contributed, was Mr. Henn’s Grade 6/7, class. A special recognition to Mr. Henn for his commitment to the cause, by offering to shave his hair based on his class surpassing their goal of 350 items collected. Please see below for individual class totals. FDELK Mrs. Cuda - 71 G1/G2 Mrs. Dippolito - 37 G2/G3 Mrs. Polito-Scali - 106 G4/G5 Ms. O’Reilly - 298 G6/G7 Mr. Henn - 464 G8 Mrs. D’Souza - 221 A special thank you to the Grade 8 class for coordinating a well-run food can drive.

Mrs. L. D’Souza G8 Teacher

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available. You may not know that we have a Regional Arts Program at Blessed Mother Teresa, and a Math, Science, Technology program at Francis Libermann. Advanced Placement programs are also being offered at Blessed Mother Teresa, Francis Libermann and Mary Ward. The International Baccalaureate program is offered at St. John Paul II. High School application forms have now been sent home for Grade 8 students and parents. Please complete Section C carefully and make sure signatures have been included before returning the form to school. Please note that if your child is not accepted at their first choice high school, there are no guarantees of placement at the alternate choice school. Also, TCDSB does not have access to information for high schools outside of our own board. A Transition Guide for parents has been sent home, which contains important information regarding the transition to high school. There are translated guides in a number of languages, available upon request.

Miss. G. Vincent

Elementary Teacher/Counsellor Area 7

La PASTORALE: OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

A Prayer to All Saints We give thanks for all the saints,

Signs of hope for us in a time when hope is often difficult to discern.

We give thanks for the communion of saints, Our living body--Hope in the flesh our

communities of faith. These support us when we lag behind,

When we struggle to be present to those who suffer,

When we let go of our neighbours hand We give thanks

For the saints that surround us, For our own call to sainthood, we give

thanks for all the saints, Signs of hope for us in a time when

hope is often difficult to discern. We give thanks

For the saints that surround us,

For our own call to sainthood, That challenge of baptism,

That creative, disruptive grace, That instinctive turning toward the

human family. We are images of each other,

We are a ruckus chorus announcing the kingdom of God:

Hear it and know it calls us home. by Jane Deren, Education for Justice

A Prayer for All Souls Merciful Father,

Hear our prayer and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, Whom You raised from the dead, Strengthen our hope that all our

departed brothers and sisters will share in Jesus’ resurrection, who lives and reigns

With You and the Holy Spirit. One God, for ever and ever.

Amen

Peace The scripture passage that guides us this month is “Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you” John 14-27. We connect the virtue of Peace to the Sign of Peace at mass. Each time, we gather for Eucharist we are invited to extend a sign of peace to those around us, our family, friends, neighbours, and strangers. Catholic social teaching reminds us that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbour has global dimensions in a shrinking world. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promise peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. www.tcdsb.org

Creed of Peace I am guilty of war when I proudly exercise my intelligence to the disadvantage of fellow human beings. I am guilty of war when I distort others’ opinions which differ from my own. I am guilty of war when I show disregard for the rights and properties of others.

I am guilty of war when I covet what another has honestly acquired. I am guilty of war when I seek to maintain my superiority of position by depriving others of their opportunity for advancement. I am guilty of war if I imagine my kin and myself to be a privileged people. I am guilty of war when I believe other people must think and live as I do. I am guilty of war when I make success in life solely dependent on power, fame and riches. I am guilty of war when I think the minds of people should be regulated by force, rather than by reason. I am guilty of war when I believe the God I conceive is the one others must accept.

Ralph M. Lewis Sylvia Skrepichuk and Michel Coté, eds., We Dare to Say:

Praying for Justice and Peace (Ottawa: Novalis, 2007), p.83.

How To Show Peace

1. By opening ourselves to God, we will feel peace within us.

2. Every person can work for peace by carefully considering how their words and actions make others feel.

3. Be guided by the words of Paul to the Colossians – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

4. Peace among nations starts with peace among us.

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS Catholic School Advisory Council

2014-2015 Our gratitude is expressed to all the parents who volunteer and donate freely of their time to support the school and all of its curricular and co-curricular programs. Our next CSAC meeting will be held on

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Monday, November 24th, 2014 in the Staff Lounge, at 6:30 pm.

Monthly Update from the Board

November2014 Share Your Stories of Charity TCDSB Wave of Charity will be showcased through monthly videos throughout the school year. Submit your stories and photos to Robert.gallo@tcdsb.org. Visit our website for more information, or to view the video for October. http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearOfCharity/Pages/Heart-of-Charity.aspx Lift Up Your Hearts and Keep the Wave of Charity Moving Across the Board! Share your stories via twitter @TCDSB #waveofcharity

Reminder: Education and Community Resource Fair Helping parents of children with special needs link with resources within the TCDSB and the community November 8th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/education-and-community-resources-fair-2014.aspx

It’s Flu Season Toronto Public Health Tips for Avoiding the Spread of Flu and Other Viruses:

Get your flu shot

Wash your hands often

Cover your cough/sneeze

Do the knuckle bump instead of shaking hands

Stay home if you are sick

Reminder to Students About University Applications By the end of November 2014, students will receive your Application Access Code Letter from your guidance counsellor with your school number, student number and

temporary PIN. Keep this letter for your records. You will need this information to apply. January 14, 2015--Deadline to submit your completed application to the OUAC.

Health Update—Ebola In response to Ebola concerns, staff from the Board’s Occupational Health and Safety Department and Facilities Department have been reviewing and auditing school cleaning, disinfection and infection control measures since September 2014. Staff and students are reminded to wash their hands frequently and cough into your sleeve. Staff are also working closely with Toronto Public Health on monitoring school absenteeism. The Board has posted resource material from the medical authorities on Ebola. http://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/HealthandSafety/Pages/Default.aspx Parents are reminded to contact the school office if your child is returning from West Africa or any other location affected by the Ebola crisis.” November Events/Observances

November 1 All Saints Day https://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/all-saints-day.aspx

November 2 All Souls Day https://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/all-souls'-day.aspx

National Down Syndrome Awareness Week November 1-7, 2014 http://www.cdss.ca/

November 5, 2014—Take Our Kids to Work Day

November 11, 2014—Remembrance Day

Angel Foundation Gala Royale November 14, 2014. Mark Your Calendars! http://www.tcdsb.org/news/newsreleases/pages/evening-to-feed-the-soul-gala-royale.aspx

French Immersion Workshop for Parents Saturday, November 15th 8:30 am—3:30 pm at the Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East Visit our website for more information www.tcdsb.org

November 16-23—Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

November 27—Caucus Meeting (Swearing in of new Board of Trustees; election of Chair and Vice-Chair)

Remember to follow @TCDSB on Twitter for all the latest news and important information throughout the year. The Year of Charity. Check out the Nurturing our Catholic Community section of the website for more information and resources: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Default.aspx