FEBRUARY, 2015

355 Annette Street, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1R3

355 Annette Street, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1R3

(416) 393-5218

Lorinda Mazza, Principal Dr. Jim Saraco Barbara Poplawski, Trustee, St. Cecilia Catholic Church Marisa Cicero, Olga Geryluk (CSAC Co-Chairs)

Victoria Purri, Vice-Principal Superintendent TCDSB, Ward 10 Father Joseph Tran, Pastor, Teresa Pavlin, CSAC Secretary

Maria Fauceglia, Secretary 416-222-8282 ext. 2486 416-512-3410, 416 -241-7130 416-769-8163 Sandy Moutinho, CSAC Treasurer

Lisa Grise, Carole Mills & Graziella Zampini, Clerk Typists

St. Cecilia Motto: Learning with Hearts, Hands and Minds - Growing in Harmony

St. Cecilia’s C.S.A.C.

REMINDER - Social Media Safety Presentation on February 4th @7pm

We want to remind you about the media safety session renowned

expert Paul Davis will be holding on the evening of Wednesday,

February 4th for St. Cecilia parents. Topics include: Facebook/

Twitter/Instagram, Cyber Bullying, Handheld Devices, Texting, Le-

gal Matters and a Common Sense Approach to dealing with the tech-

nology your children have! This is an adult only event. Free

babysitting provided at school. For more info on Paul, please visit:

http://socialnetworkingsafety.net/sample-page/.

Legacy Leaf Fundraiser To commemorate our 100 year anniversary, we will be hanging a Legacy

Tree Carving n our school. Details to follow.

Our next meeting will be on February 11th at 7pm. Everyone is wel-

come and childcare is provided.

NOTE: The March CSAC meeting has been cancelled.

CSAC Meeting – April 15, 2015 A portion of our April CSAC meeting will be dedicated to Secondary School

Admissions. Our school guidance counselor, Frank Amato, will join us to

address parent questions about high school options available to our students

and related admissions requirements. If this topic is of interest to you, please

join us!

New CSAC Committee We have a parent who has kindly volunteered to spearhead a Grants Com-

mittee to look at what options for funding may be available to us a school.

We are looking for a couple of parents to help out with the first task which is

doing an Environmental scan of what's out there that we will share with

CSAC and school staff. Please contact us if you are interested!

Marisa Cicero & Olga Geryluk, CSAC Co-chairs

Go to www.saintcecilia100.ca

to comment and contribute to our school’s

100th Anniversary.

Vice-Principal’s Message January started off with a glacial spell but it did not diminish

the students’ enthusiasm for school or winter. We may find

the weather extremely chilly for activities but the children

love to play outdoors in all seasons. Please note that we do

keep a close watch on the weather report and act according-

ly. Some of our students enjoyed skating in High Park and

snowshoeing at Crawford Lake.

The students have been busy with a variety of clubs and

teams. The Eco Club continues to be a strong ‘green’ force

in our school and encourages us to Recycle, Reuse and Re-

duce. Intermediate basketball teams are practising for their

tournaments, and the junior students are having fun partici-

pating in our intramural dodge-ball games. The W5H team is

very busy preparing for their upcoming event and is clearly

up to the challenge of the competition.

We welcome Ms. Torres who will be replacing Mrs.

Zurawik and we welcome back Ms. Malek-Ossefyans who

will take the place of Mrs. Payne as our ELL/Primary Spe-

cial Education teacher. We wish both mothers-to-be much

joy as they welcome the new addition to their families.

Once again, registration for September was very successful

and the popularity of St. Cecilia speaks to the confidence the

community has in our school’s dedication and commitment

to providing an excellent Catholic education for all students.

As we enter the season of Lent we hope that you set aside a

time for prayer and reflection with your families. God Bless!

SCHOOL HOURS Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(416) 393-5218

School Website:

http://stcecilia.tcdsb.org

Page 2

Virtue of the Month: LOVE

Ce qui est important, c'est l'intensité d'amour que vous mettez dans le plus petit

geste. Bienheureuse Mère Teresa De Calcutta

The Golden rule asks us to love our neighbour as we would want them to love us.

Jesus said we should love our enemy. It’s easy to show love to those with whom we

are close, however the challenge is to show love to those with whom we do NOT get

along. We should try to respect and love everyone, even those who do NOT respect

and love us back. Living a life of virtue means to show love to all whom we meet.

The Bible says that Love is always patient and kind. When we start to lose our pa-

tience with someone, we need to remember what love is and show love to others by

being kind to them. We should all try to live our lives in a way that makes others

know that we are followers of Christ.

On February 14, TCDSB schools will be focus-

ing 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. Cecilia’s this month let us

remember that love not only inspires the prac-

tice of all other virtues, it is the form and com-

pletion of all the other virtues.

Alumni Visits Mrs. Slywynska’s Class

Mr. Formosa’s Visit

Today my class has been presented with a talk

from someone who was here fifty years ago and

he described what St. Cecilia was like then. I have

learned that there have been many renovations

since then and that there has been a big technolo-

gy boost.

In those days it was very simple and school princi-

pals were nuns. Today I learned that there were

not many field trips and that you did not always

need your parents’ signature to go outside of

school property. At school at recess there were

two yards; one for the boys and one for the girls.

I have learned many things today, but the biggest

thing is that school has changed a lot in fifty

years.

Samuel - grade 5

Mr. Formosa’s Visit

Today a man came into our class. His name was Mr. Formosa. It was an interesting experi-ence – mostly because he went to our school more than fifty years ago, but also because he was nice to listen to.

He had passion and character. Listening was like taking a trip through time, seeing how our school and neighbourhood developed. I learned a lot about our school and how a long time ago they had different school yards for boys and girls. It’s so different now because now boys and girls are becoming best friends, not only classmates. He also seemed to love our school, which is great! He has known our school for a long time.

This year in 2015 St. Cecilia will be turning 100 years old. I have only been here for 7 years and one day I want to be like him, remember-ing my school.

Ciara – grade 5

Mr. Formosa

I thought that Mr. Formosa was a lovely person and

looked quite kind. His presentation was really mind-

blowing to see what life was like back then. Usually

long speeches get boring after awhile, but this one

was interesting to the end.

Mr. Formosa talked about many things, including his

life at home. He did not just talk; he also passed

things around. Each item was a historic treasure. He

passed around things like money and report cards;

he even passed around a page of his spelling book

from grade 1! I think it was amazing that he dug deep

and gathered memories.

To sum it up, I really enjoyed it. I hope that one day,

when I grow up, I can show a new generation of kids

what life was like right now in 2015.

Astrid– grade 5

TCDSB 2014—2015

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Family Day February 16, 2015

Mid-Winter Break March 16–20, 2015

Good Friday April 3, 2015

Easter Monday April 6, 2015

Victoria Day May 18, 2015

Last day of classes June 25, 2015

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS

Feb 13, 2015 Parent-Teacher Conferences

June 5, 2015 Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting

June 26, 2015 Provincial Education Priorities

Page 3

School Masses and Sacraments

February 18 @12:45pm Ash Wednesday

March 10 @ 10:00 Lent

March 25 Lenten Reconciliation

April 9 @ 12:45pm Easter Mass

Saturday, April 11 Confirmation

April 24 @ 6:00pm Sacrament of Reconcilia-

tion

Saturday, April 25 First Holy Communion

May 22 @ 10:00am Caregivers

June 16 @ 6:30pm Graduation

June 25 @ 10:00am End of Year Mass

Crawford Lake Conservation Area The grade 6 field trip to Crawford Lake was amazingly fun,

especially when we went snowshoeing! Although the snow-

shoes were difficult to put on, the trail made it worthwhile.

We played an awesome game called “Snowsnakes”. Everyone

had such a great time learning and playing at the same time.

We really enjoyed getting to see the longhouses and artifacts,

and learned a lot about the history of Crawford Lake and how

the First Nations people lived in the past. Our favourite part

was watching the group leaders start a birch bark fire. In the

longhouses we were able to touch real artifacts and tools that

the First Nations people used. We also saw the First Nations

beds and canoes. It was a very enjoyable experience and we

hope to do it again.

Written by: Jade G. and Melissa C (Awesome Duo)

St. Cecilia Church News

Sunday, February 15th : Family Day weekend—No Fir st Communion Classes

Tuesday, February 17th: Pancake Dinner 3:30—8:00p.m.

CPIC is hosting the second evening in its Speakers Series.

Topic: “An Evening with His Eminence Cardinal Collins--Strengthening Our School,

Home and Parish Connection"

Celebration of the Liturgy, Keynote Address and Question/Answer Period

Date; Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: 36 Greenfield Ave. (Sheppard and Yonge) FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING—CEC—80 SHEPPARD AVE. EAST

TTC TOKENS WITH VALID TRANSFER

A TCDSB COMMUNITY FAMILY EVENT TO JOIN IN PRAYER AND REFLECTION.

Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CPICToronto

Skating at High Park

The intermediate

students enjoyed an

outing at the High

Park skating rink.

Page 6

Thank you to the St. Cecilia community for your

generous donations during our Christmas Movie

Days. With your support, the students watched a movie, ate popcorn and enjoyed the company

of their friends and classmates; ALL while sup-porting a worthy cause. This event raised a total

of $1,054 toward our Clean Water Project in

Ecuador for Free the Children. Your generosity is, as always, very much appreciated!!!

ME TO WE student members present a cheque to Melanie from Free the Children.

Page 7

Guidance Corner High School Applications – What’s Next?

During the week of February 2nd, 2015, TCDSB Secondary Schools will begin to forward acceptance packages

to elementary schools. They will not all arrive on the same date, so please do not panic if your child does not

come home with a package on February 2nd. Once you receive your acceptance package, please read the instructions very carefully

and take note of any important dates and forms that need to be submitted.

Most secondary schools require the classroom teacher or principal to sign the course selection sheets. Try to remember that grade 8

teachers are extremely busy and may require time to complete forms for your child. Please be respectful of this and submit your

requests early, thereby giving the teachers enough notice.

Change Your Mind?

If you no longer want your child to attend their ‘first choice’ school, you may request a change of school using the Change Form.

This form becomes available in the beginning of March. Ask your child’s teacher for a form at that time. Please keep in mind that

requests can only be accepted based on the availability of space in the school.

What if my child did not get into their school of choice?

Students who were redirected to an alternate school because their choice(s) were oversubscribed, can do one of three things:

1. Accept the redirection, thereby securing themselves a spot in a secondary school in September..

2. Accept the redirection but ask to be placed on a Priority 2 waiting list at the original school of choice. This student will have a

spot in the redirected school in September. If a spot becomes available in his/her first choice, s/he may be offered that position.

3. Turn down the redirection and be placed on a Priority 1 waiting list at the original school of choice. If this option is chosen,

then your child will not have a spot in any school for the time being. If spots do not become available in their first choice

school by the start of the year, then the student will have to register at a school where spots may still be available.

TCDSB Course Calendar

In early February, your grade 8 child will be receiving a copy of the TCDSB Course Calendar for 2015/16. The

Calendar will help you understand the course selection process and provide information on the courses and

programs offered in Toronto Catholic schools. Inside you will find: diploma requirements, information related

to secondary education in Toronto Catholic schools, descriptions of specialized programs, school profiles, indi-

vidual school course offerings, course descriptions and prerequisites.

Mr. F. Amato

Guidance Counsellor

francesco.amato@tcdsb.org

PARKING PROBLEMS

Our staff and teachers at St. Cecilia continuously expe-

rience difficulty obtaining a parking spot, especially in

the morning in our school parking lot. Please do not use

the staff parking lot between 8:00am—3:30pm. Par-

ents wanting to drop-off or pick-up their children, must

do so on Evelyn Avenue. Keep in mind that the area

in front of the school is a bus-loading zone, please do

NOT park in the bus loading zone – PICK-UP OR

DROP-OFF only please! Unauthorized vehicles will be

TAGGED AND/OR TOWED AT THE OWNERS EX-

PENSE. Please do not block the parked vehicles or the

north fence, this is a fire hazard.

Please note that there is extra parking

on Evelyn Avenue, north of Annette

Street and your children can cross

safely with our crossing guard.

Winter is Here January was a very cold month and the low tem-

peratures continue to persist. Please ensure that

your child comes to school with appropriate winter wear: a warm

coat that deflects the wind, hat, mittens/gloves, warm, waterproof

boots, snow pants etc. The students will be outside for recesses

unless the temperature is –20 degrees or below. Please be aware

that if your child is well enough to attend school then he/she will be

sent out with the other classmates to enjoy some fresh winter air.

Winter Walk Day

Wednesday, February 4th

Join your classmates and

teachers as they walk to

school for a healthier envi-

ronment, physical activity,

safer streets and ….having

fun!!

On Tuesday, January 27th, the primary classes all went on an excursion to watch a performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra called Pianorama. The show fea-tured different types of pianos including the celeste, organ, and grand piano. The performance was held at the Roy Thompson Hall. Students enjoyed their day and had a wonderful musical experience!

Eco-News St. Cecilia continues to strive to make important environmental strides toward a greener world.

The following are some of the initiatives we continue to implement throughout this school year!

Milk Bags:

St. Cecilia is collecting plastic milk bags for Haiti. Please recycle your plastic milk bags by bringing in your plastic milk bags to be

sent to Haiti to make mats.

Pop Tabs:

St Cecilia is also collecting pop tabs to make wheel chairs. Please bring in your pop tabs to our eco-corner!

All of these programs are on-going and will continue until June 2015

To access eco-information, please visit our St. Cecilia Eco-Team website:

https://sites.google.com/site/saintceciliaecoteam/

RECYCLE YOUR BATTERIES AT ST. CECILIA'S

St. Cecilia's Eco Team is collecting used batteries for safe recy-cling with the Raw Materials Company Inc. The RMC uses a mechanical process that separates all of the components of a primary battery so they can be properly recycled. The recovered materials are used to make new products, saving our earth’s fi-nite resources and the energy needed to mine them from ore. As a result, this RMC has provided St. Cecilia with bins to collect used batteries. The school who collects the most used batteries has a chance to win $2000!!! You also have a chance to win a

$50 gift card by visiting https://www.rawmaterials.com/ontario-school-recycling-challenge/student/register . Please support this programme and drop your batteries off across from room 122 in the appropriate bin on the eco-recycle table.

Page 9

CSAC Training Session-- February 4, 2015 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Understanding Sub-Committee: why have them? who can be a member? estab-

lishing terms of reference--with Keynote Speaker: Jo-Ann Davis, Trustee

Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East

Interactive Family Math Night

A fun and informative evening of math activities designed to remove

intimidation for parents and encourage family involvement in the appli-

cation of math in everyday challenges.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, 3200 Kennedy

Road, Scarborough

Families from across the TCDSB are welcome to attend.

http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/News/Pages/Interactive-Family-Math-Night.aspx

Registration: https://ww.surveymonkey.com/s/mathevent

Information Meeting for Parents-

Monday, February 23, 2015 7:00 pm

Exploring Elementary Full-Time/Congregated Gifted Programs

Catholic Education Centre (CEC)

80 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, Underground parking is available http://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/gifted/pages/

default.aspx

Chesterton Debate Series-- Friday, February 27, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

God’s Politics: A Debate on Religion Role in Political Life Location: Isabel Bader Theater - University of Toronto, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto Details: Chesterton-Debate-Series Flyer

Sponsors: Archdiocese of Toronto, Office of Catholic Youth Registration: www.chester tondebate.com

Staff Arts Comedy "Let’s Murder Marsha"

February 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.

at Madonna Catholic Secondary School, 20 Dubray Avenue, North York

http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/staff-arts--let's-murder-

marsha.aspx

Monthly Update from the

Board

February 2015

Information About School Bus Delays

Traffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of

traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly true during the winter months

when snow and ice can be a major factor.

The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide infor-

mation about school bus delays digitally through their website at http://

www.torontoschoolbus.org/

Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus

routes that are being impacted.

Director’s Annual Report

The Annual Report for the 2013-2014 academic year has been uploaded to

the board’s website. You can view the interactive presentation, or simply

download a pdf of the highlights. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/

BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/Annual-Report-2013-2014.aspx

Policy Consultation Extended to February 6th

The deadline for consultation regarding the draft CSAC Policy and the

draft Policy on Secondary School Admission has been extended to Febru-

ary 6th. http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/consultation-

csac-and-admissions-policies.aspx

Budget Consultation Starting Soon

Watch for detailed information on the Board’s website in February

www.tcdsb.org.

Information for Students:

Youth in Policing--Summer Employment. Accepting applications

until February 12th. http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/yipi/

Course Calendar for 2015-2016--Want to check out course options

for next year? Check online: https://www.tcdsb.org/

ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Documents/

TCDSB%20Course%20Calendar%202015-2016.pdf

History Now—Government of Canada History Awards--The

Government of Canada History Awards honour exceptional

students for their work marking important moments in Canadian

History. Entries now being accepted. Deadline is April 17, 2015.

http://www.canadianhistory.ca/history-awards

Night school registration (secondary schools) continues through to

February 13th. Talk to your guidance counsellor.

February 9th – 13th is “Believe in Angels Week”

TCDSB staff, students and parents are invited to celebrate the work of The

Angel Foundation for Learning and the specific ways it supports our stu-

dents. In this Year of Charity and in honour of “Believe in Angels Week”,

schools are encouraged to participate in a TCDSB Board-Wide Civvies

Day on Thursday, February 12th.

February is Psychology Month

http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/february-is-psychology-month.aspx

February is also African Canadian Heritage Month

www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/

AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES 2014 – 2015

Ward 1 Joseph Martino Ward 2 Ann Andrachuk Ward 3 Sal Piccinnini Ward 4 Patrizia Bottoni Ward 5 Maria Rizzo Ward 6 Frank D’Amico Ward 7 Michael Del Grande, Chair Ward 8 Gary Tanuan Ward 9 Barbara Poplawski Ward 10 Angela Kennedy Ward 11 Nancy Crawford, Vice-Chair

Hanna McGroarty, Student Trustee Chris MacDonald, Student Trustee Angela Gautier, Director of Education