St. Aidan - Toronto Catholic District School Board€¦ · St Aidan scored very well in the...
Transcript of St. Aidan - Toronto Catholic District School Board€¦ · St Aidan scored very well in the...
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
Monthly Message:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Monthly Message: October’s virtue is GRATITUDE, how apropos that we will be
celebrating Thanksgiving in just a few short days. Our quote for this month is
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad” Psalm 118:24.
“Thanks” is a simple word, but it is a precious fountain of faith in God, and it fills
our hearts with a readiness to cherish everything we have. Although the world is
currently experiencing economic challenges, and we may have difficulty saying
thank you for some of our hardships, sometimes this can release us from that
sense of entitlement that can prevent us from really seeing God’s grace in our
daily lives. The choice to be grateful is not always without effort.
October is a busy month for curriculum and testing. The general findings
will be discussed at our School Improvement Team meetings and will be shared
with our CSPC. This year, we will continue to focus on a few SEF indicators
namely Student Learning skills, Student Engagement and Reading
Comprehension Skills/Numeracy. We plan to work with all of you to continue
working toward student success in all areas.
Experiential activities are a key school focus. Through the generous
support of the CSPC, we have promoted partnership programs through a variety
of classroom excursions. We hope to continue this practice this year. This allows
our students the benefit of experiencing a real “hands on” approach to learning.
The CSPC and parent community will be heavily depended on you to subsidize
the cost of many opportunities for our students. Please support our CSPC and
the school in the fundraising events throughout the year.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
“Gracious God, you nourish and protect us,
You heal us in body and in mind.
Deepen in us the spirit of gratitude,
And join our voices,
With all who offer songs of Thanksgiving.
S. Lofranco Principal
St. Aidan CATHOLIC SCHOOL
3521 Finch Ave. E.
Telephone: 416-393-5350 Fax: 416-393-5588
Mr. S. Lofranco
PRINCIPAL
Mr. K. Malcolm 416-222-8282 ext 2263
SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. M. Del Grande 416-512-3407
TRUSTEE
St. Aidan Catholic Church 416-494-2704
3501 Finch Ave. E.
PARISH
Father Steven
CSPC CHAIR
www.tcdsb.org/cpic
CPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)
www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto
OAPCE TORONTO (PROVINCIAL VOICE FOR PARENTS)
298 9:00am-3:30pm 11:45-12:45
ENROLLMENTHOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR
NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME
Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org
Call 416-393-5350 or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 5320.
For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, visit www.tcdsb.org
Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter or Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram
October 2018
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
Student of the Month September: Hospitality
Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude
increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social
comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-
esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments
EQAO Results 2017-18
St Aidan scored very well in the 2016-2017 Provincial Assessment (EQAO) for grade 3 and grade 6.
Our results were:
Gr 3 Reading 65%, Writing 65%, Math 57%
Gr 6 Reading-79%, Writing-68%, Math 39%
Congratulations to our students and their teachers who worked hard to achieve these results!
LI/1 Rodilyn D.
ELP/1 Rose W.
ELP/2 Teyanna C.
01/1 Brandon B.
01-02/1 Alyssa N.
02/1 Dheebika K.
03/1 Cameron L.
03-04/1 Aeron D.
04/1 Rihanna C.
05-06/1 Destiny S.
06/1 Jervin C.
07/1 Michelle B.
08/1 Marudaa G.
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
Please be aware that some of our students have extreme allergies to nuts, especially
peanuts. We are asking that any treats/foods you send to school with your child be peanut /nut free.
Most treats that are purchased from a grocery store will indicate whether or not they are nut free.
Walk, Wheel to School Month October
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages schools to get ready, get set and to get active! Let's get walking and wheeling to school.
The benefits include: reduced congestion, improved community safety, opportunities to talk about the environment and learn safety
skills. It's also a great way to fit physical activity into the day, which can energize students, improve self-esteem and foster readiness
to learn.
October 4--Walk to School Day: an opportunity for all of us—students, staff, families—to focus on improved health and
well-being, active lifestyles and building safer communities for everyone
Guidance Corner
Mrs. Fantinato is our school Guidance Counsellor. She visits the school on a regular basis to deliver classroom
programming and to offer individual counselling services. A reminder that High School open house nights will
begin this month. A full listing of the dates can be found on the Board website:
www.tcdsb.org<http://www.tcdsb.org>. Please make time to visit the high schools of interest to see what they
have to offer - parents of Grade 7 & 8 students are welcome to attend. Feel free to follow her on twitter
@jfantinato
CSPC
Congratulations on our new CSPC for 2018-19. Our first meeting will take place on Wednesday October 10 at
7pm in the school library. All parent are welcome!
Extended vacations-over the course of the school year we find that many students go on extended vacations
(outside of regularly scheduled holidays) and miss weeks or even months of instructional time. It is now a
requirement of the Ministry of Education that parents must inform the school in writing prior to the vacation. We
thank you in advance for helping us remain compliant with this regulation.
Terry Fox Walk On Friday September 28th, St. Aidan school participated in the Terry Fox Walk for Cancer. All students and staff enjoyed the brisk 20 minute walk in the school community and managed to raise money that will go to support his dream. Thanks to Ms. Armenta, the Health Action Team, staff and students for making this a successful event!
Individual Education Plans (IEPs) For many reasons, IEPs are developed for some students, who have specific needs with academic or self-regulation. IEPs
will be sent home in October.
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
WE Day
On Thursday, September 20th, 2018, at the Scotiabank Arena, Jermyn, Angel, Lance, Eve, Mark, Kiara,
Raymond, Nikkel, Ashlee, along with Ms. Law, attended WE Day. WE Day is about helping to make a change
in the world. We saw some very influential people who were brave enough to share their stories, like Ann
Curry, who gave a very good speech. Some other people we saw there were Lily Singh, LaurDIY, Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar, and many more. Mark and Craig Kielburger inspired us to “Get Doing!” meaning that even
young people can change the world we live in to make it a more positive one for ourselves and the future
generations. We would love to go to WE Day again!
By: Nikkel, Eve, Kiara, and Ashlee Students Success and Attendance at School There has been a growing concern regarding student’s attendance and arriving on time for the beginning of school. Students
achieve better success when they arrive to school on time ready to begin the school day. In the rare occasion that you child
does arrive to school after the bell, please report to the office to receive a school admit slip. In order to minimize any
disruptions to class already in session and to support student transitions parents are asked to allow students to accompany
to class by another student or staff member. If you have any questions regarding the attendance or late policy please refer
to Board website policies at www.tcdsb.org. Thanks for your cooperation in your child’s education
Halloween: Its Christian Origins
In the Christian tradition there has been a custom of "dressing up" since the early Christians celebrated the "breaking of bread" and then continued the celebration with a party. Within the Christian tradition a Halloween costume party becomes a sharing of the communion of saints on hallowed eve. Stripped of commercialization and superstition, the heart of Samhain, a Celtic summer’s end festival is profoundly Christian. It is a recognition of the genuine presence of darkness that continually challenges the light. In November we are aware of the shortening of the days and the waning of the power of light and life. This is not only a physical reality, but a psychological and spiritual metaphor. The gloom of winter is setting in, and we need to be prepared to cope with it. Liturgically, All Saints/All Souls is an important preparation for Advent: it is a recognition of the coming of the darkness that in its turn will be overcome by the coming of the LIGHT. Simply put, if there is no darkness there
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
is no need for Advent and Christmas; but if there is darkness, it must first be recognized and accepted before it can be challenged. On the other hand, Hallowed Eve is also a celebration of the whole Christian community's ability to overcome death. Rooted in the church's experience of the Risen Christ, the whole communion of saints - living and dead - celebrate their power over darkness. During the Halloween season, the communion of saints celebrates its victory over the season of death and the time of darkness. During the two Christian feasts of All Saints and All Souls we continue to celebrate the triumph over darkness and the communion of saints.
Halloween Safety Rules
Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult.
Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least 2 buddies go with you.
Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.
Make sure that you are wearing a flame retardant costume.
Wait until you get home and your parents check your candy before you eat it.
Be very cautious of strangers.
Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.
Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns.
Visit only houses where the lights are on.
Walk on sidewalks and driveways.
Cross the street at the corner or at a crosswalk.
Take a cellular phone with you, if possible.
Carry a flashlight.
Important Reminder About Liability Insurance All parents are reminded to consider checking the adequacy of their liability insurance through their homeowners’/tenants’ insurance
policy to cover claims arising out of injuries caused by their child at school. Student Accident Insurance application forms are forwarded
to schools for distribution, and can also be purchased on-line at www.insuremykids.com. TCDSB’s Risk Management continues to
strongly promote this product as an inexpensive form of dental, disability and life insurance.
Monthly Update from the Board
October 2018
Municipal Election October 22, 2018
New ward boundaries will be in effect Existing Trustee Wards, including the local Catholic schools they represent, remain unchanged and the new
boundaries DO NOT come into effect until December 1, 2018. These changes do not affect the current number of Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustees which will remain at
12. However, it impacts the distribution areas of Trustee Wards and the local schools they represent.
https://www.tcdsb.org/board/trusteesoftheboard/pages/new-trustee-ward-boundaries.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: Although these changes do not come into effect until December 1, 2018, registered Catholic ratepayers
will be voting for candidates based on these 12 new Trustee Wards for the Municipal Election on October 22, 2018. For
more information regarding elections: https://myvote.toronto.ca/home
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
OAPCE-Toronto hosts a Catholic School Trustee Meet and Greet October 1, 2018 at the Catholic Education
Centre https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/oapce-toronto/pages/default.aspx
TCDSB Seeks Parent/Community Representatives Representatives are needed for:
Safe Schools Advisory Committee (October 5, 2018)
Indigenous Advisory Committee (application deadline October 12, 2018)
Details online: https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/pages/current-openings--parent-membership-on-commmittees.aspx
Night School Begins October 1st and 2nd Details here: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/pages/default.aspx
CPIC Elections October 2, 3 and 15 Become a Voice for Catholic Parents
Representatives sought for Wards 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Election October 2, 2018.
Elections October 3, 2018 for vacancies in Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9
Election of Parent Members at Large, October 15, 2018 at the Inaugural Meeting.
https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/cpicelections/pages/default.aspx
High School Open Houses Open houses are happening this fall in all TCDSB secondary schools. For a complete list of dates, times and locations
visit https://www.tcdsb.org/school/openhouses/pages/default.aspx
TCDSB School Donations Donations to schools are used to enhance local fundraising efforts, which support school initiatives that are not funded
through Provincial Ministry of Education grants. School Cash Online makes donating to schools easier than ever, and all
donations of receive a tax receipt. Click here to learn more or donate today: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Pages/TCDSB-
School-Donations.aspx
Newcomer Conference we Belong--October 12, 2018
https://www.tcdsb.org/forcommunity/newcomers/pages/newcomer-conference-registration.aspx
Interim Trustee Coverage for Ward 4 Schools Ward 4 Trustee Patrizia Bottoni has tendered her resignation from the Board of Trustees effective September 20,
2018. The Board thanks Ms. Bottoni for her years of service to the Board and to the Catholic school communities in
Ward 4, and wish her well in her future endeavours. Her departure leaves a vacancy in Ward 4, but given that we are just
four weeks away from the election of Catholic School Board Trustees on October 22nd, the Board has decided not to fill
the seat in the short term. Schools in Ward 4 will be represented by Trustees Sal Piccininni and Maria Rizzo, who have
volunteered to support the Ward 4 area until the new Board of Trustees takes office on December 1, 2018.
The breakdown of Trustee representation is outlined below:
Trustee Sal Piccininni ([email protected] 416-512-3403)
Blessed Margherita of Citta di Castello
James Cardinal McGuigan
St. Augustine of Canterbury
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
St. Charles Garnier
St. Jane Frances
St. Wilfrid Trustee Maria Rizzo ([email protected] 416-512-3405)
Madonna
St. Conrad
St. Jerome
St. Martha
St. Norbert
St. Raphael
St. Robert
TCDSB thanks Trustee Piccininni and Rizzo for their willingness to be a voice for Ward 4 schools.
Angel Foundation For Learning By attending The Angel Foundation for Learning's, An Evening to Feed the Soul Gala on November 9th, wondrous
things are made possible!
Funds are made available to schools through the School Allocation Fund to help reduce the costs associated with
school trips or leadership activities so that all students share these invaluable experiences.
TCDSB students will be assisted with some of life's basic needs such as warm clothing or food through the Social
Work Emergency Fund.
TCDSB students will be able to attend Summer Camp and after-school sports activities through the AFL Camp
Fund.
You, your friends and co-workers will enjoy a gala encompassing all the magic of the Gatsby era!
For more information about the Angel Foundation for Learning or how to get your tickets for the Evening to Feed the
Soul Gala, go to www.angelfoundationforlearning.org.
Staff Arts Presents Shakespeare on the Green November 2,3, 9, 10
https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/staff-arts-presents-shakespeare.aspx
International Languages (Elementary) Program Update: October, 2018
International Languages Parent Survey On July 12th, the Board of Trustees of the TCDSB approved a motion to survey parents in all TCDSB elementary schools to
determine whether parents wish to continue or initiate an International Languages (Elementary) program at their child’s
school.
Surveys will be sent home with the progress report the week of November 12th, with the only or oldest child in each
family. Families are asked to complete one survey per family and submit it to the school principal by November 27,
2018. Should parents wish to have a translated version to assist with the completion of the English survey, they are asked to
request a copy from the school principal or a special web page will be set up with translated versions of the survey.
Translations will be available in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Arabic, Filipino, Chinese
(Simplified and Traditional) Tamil, and Italian.
To ensure that results reflect the school community, surveys will be coded to ensure reliability, as well as, surveys from
67% of all families in the school must be completed and returned in order for the results to be considered viable. In the
current schools that offer International Languages within the five hour school day, in order to determine if the program is
to be continued using the Board approved model, or to move the IL program to an alternative model, the majority of 51%
should be attained for the preferred selection.
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
For updated information regarding the International Languages Program please visit:
https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/schoolprogramsk12/internationallanguages/pages/change-to-international-
languages-program.aspx
Dates to Note
October is…
Autism Awareness Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Latin-Hispanic Canadian Heritage Month
Learning Disabilities Month
Walk to School Month (Walk to School Day October 3)
National Principal’s Month
Elementary Cross-Country—various dates)
October 1—International Day of Older Persons
October 2—National Custodial Workers Day
October 4—Rosary Day https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Rosary-Day.aspx
October 5—World Teachers’ Day
October 5—System-wide PA Day
October 7--Thanksgiving
October 10—World Mental Health Day https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/mhs/Pages/Default.aspx
October 11--International Day of the Girl https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/international-day-of-the-girl.aspx October 15-21 Waste Reduction Week
October 17--International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 20—CSPC and School Administrator Welcome and Orientation Event
October 22-26--School Bus Safety Week
October 24—Early Childhood Educator and Childcare Worker Appreciation Day
October 31 – All Hallows Eve
November 1—All Saints Day
November 2—All Souls’ Day
Never Miss Out on the Latest News and Information: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter, Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram, subscribe to ENews, visit our website
www.tcdsb.org to receive a weekly update via email: https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Psalm 92:1-4
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to thy name, O Most High: to declare thy steadfast love in the
morning, and thy faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For thou, O Lord,
hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of thy hands I sing for joy.
2018- 2019 Rooted In Christ: We Belong
Please keep this calendar for your records
Please note – payments are now online, please do not send cash to the school.
TCDSB SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2018-2019
Number of school days 194
Number of Professional Activity Days 7
Labour Day September 3, 2018
First Instructional Day September 4, 2018
P.A. Day Provincial Priorities October 5, 2018
Thanksgiving Day October 8, 2018
Parent – Teacher Conferences November 16, 2018
Faith Day December 7, 2018
Christmas Break December 24, 2018–January 4, 2019
Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting January 18, 2019
Parent – Teacher Conferences February 15, 2019
Family Day February 18, 2019
Mid-Winter Break March 11–15, 2019
Good Friday April 19, 2019
Easter Monday April 22, 2019
Victoria Day May 20, 2019
Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting June 7, 2019
Last day of classes for elementary students June 27, 2019
P.A. Day Provincial Priorities June 28, 2019