2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

S

Principal’s Message

We must have “confidence that the Lord listens to us, the courage to knock at the door,” just as

Jesus says in the day’s Gospel, he said, quoting the text: “For everyone who asks, receives; and

the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”—Pope Francis

Dear Parents,

I would like to thank all Parents, Staff and Students for the warm welcome that I have

received since coming to St. Roch. It has been a pleasure in getting to know the Staff and Students of the school. The

school is a very caring and nurturing one that encourages student learning and success.

There are many activities going on throughout the day and it is great to see students

participating in them and the intramurals throughout the day.

Students are engaged and very supportive of the activities of the real world in the form

of celebrations and civvies day fundraising, thank you.

I would like to congratulate the Junior Boys Indoor Soccer Team and the Coach,

Ms.Tatangelo, for winning the tournament but for also their great sportsmanship that

was portrayed throughout the day.

Just a reminder that registration for Kindergarten Registration is ongoing, please do

contact Ms. Di Gregorio, our school secretary, for further details.

Our 50 Anniversary Celebration is in the planning stages and it will be in May.

Further details will follow.

We are looking forward to the presentation of Hockey Equipment to the school. This

will enable all our students to take part in skating. Thank you to our donors for this gift

to our school.

Next Tuesday the 13th and Thursday the 15th we will have Parent/Teacher Night and I

am looking forward to meeting you all.

Thank you for all your support.

Mr. T. Casole

Supply Principal, St. Roch C.S.

(416) 393-5320

Do you have a child born in 2014…It’s time to Register for

Kindergarten! Parents can complete their application online beginning at 10 a.m. EST on January 17, 2018, at SOAR.tcdsb.org, and follow up with a visit to the school to present the required documents. The online application is available 24 hours. In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents beginning January 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. EST. To accommodate the busy schedules of parents, St. Roch’s will be hosting an evening registration on January 24th, 2018 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.

ST ROCH CATHOLIC SCHOOL 174 Duncanwoods Drive Toronto, Ontario M9L 2E3

Telephone: 416-393-5320 Fax: 416-393-5151

Ms. Michelle Jackson

PRINCIPAL

Ms. Flora Cifelli : 416-222-8282 x 2593

SUPERINTENDENT

Sal Piccininni 416-222-8282 ext. 3403

TRUSTEE

St Roch Catholic Church

2889 Islington Ave, North York (416) 749-0328 PARISH

Janet Pollo

CSPC CHAIR

www.tcdsb.org/cpic

CPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)

www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

OAPCE TORONTO (PROVINCIAL VOICE FOR PARENTS)

360 8:30-3:30 11:15-12:15

ENROLLMENTHOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR

NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME

Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org

Call 416-393-5320 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

February, 2018

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

February Virtue – Love “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Shrove Tuesday

St. Roch will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday, February 13th, 2018. The students will be receiving pancakes, a

fruit and juice for morning snack. Parent Council is looking for any parents who are willing to assist with the distribution

of pancakes on that day. Please contact the school if you are interested.

Cold Weather Policy

The cold weather is quickly approaching. Environment Canada guidelines will determine our decisions about indoor

recess. These guidelines have been used successfully in many schools during the past several years. Environment Canada

(416-661-0123) gives updated information about wind chill temperatures. Equivalent temperatures from –15C to –22C

incur shortened recesses. At –23C and below the students will remain indoors. We will make announcements over the

P.A. in the event of shortened or indoor recess. Students are required to wear appropriate winter clothing during the cold

winter months. Please ensure your child has a warm winter coat, boots, hat and gloves each day. Students also require a

pair of indoor shoes daily.

School Uniform

St. Roch students are expected to come to school in uniform on a daily basis. The uniform consists of a white or grey

collared top with black bottoms. Tops must be logo-free. Please note that jeans and black jeans are not allowed. St

Roch hoodies, t-shirts and track pants are available for sale from our Parent Council at very reasonable prices and the

quality is outstanding. You can pick up an order form at the main office. There are a number of retail stores that now

carry standard black and white clothing lines. As well many uniform suppliers enable retail purchase.

Report Cards

First term Report Cards will go home on Monday, February 12, 2018.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be Tuesday, February 13th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and Thursday, February 15th from

5:00pm – 8:00pm, by appointment only.

Attendance, Punctuality and Preparation

The Education Act states that students must attend school regularly and punctually. Parents are to notify the school (416)

393-5230 of a child’s absence. You may call anytime and leave a message on the answering machine. Students who arrive

late for school must check in at the main office to ensure safe arrival and to help in keeping accurate attendance profiles.

Attendance referrals will be sent to the Social Worker and persistent tardiness may result in school detentions. Students

are expected to arrive prior to the bell. All students are to arrive prepared to work and learn and to be dressed in school

dress code. Preparation includes the completion of daily assignments that are done to the best of the individual student’s

ability. Preparation also implies that the student devotes appropriate time to study in advance of test situations.

February16th - PA Day

February 19th – Family Day

March 12th – 16th – March Break

March 30th – Good Friday

God of friendship and love, help us to always treat others With love and respect, for we know that Jesus calls us to love others as we love ourselves. May he walk with us every day and guide us in our relationships. May we always appreciate the wonderful gift of our friends. We ask this through your Son, Jesus. Amen.

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

Personal Property

The school does not take any responsibility for the loss or theft of personal items brought onto school premises by

students. The school will therefore, not reimburse or replace lost or stolen articles, under any circumstances. This will

include all articles of clothing (label items with a marker);personal school supplies such as fancy or expensive pens,

markers, binders and pencil cases, etc.; simple or electronic toys; calculators, laptops, iPod’s, CD’s, etc. Please note that

toys or collector cards of any kind should not be brought to school. All cell phones and any other electronic devices are to

be powered off and put away if a student brings them to school. If they are used inappropriately (without teacher

permission or for non-academic reasons) these items will be immediately confiscated by staff and brought to the

Principal’s attention. We ask both parents and students for their full co-operation in this matter. (Please note that the

Board’s insurance policy does not cover property owned by staff or students).

Kindergarten Registration for September 2018 The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in

2014 to register for Kindergarten beginning on January 17th, 2018 @ 10am.

Registration options:

• Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online at:

https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx. A follow up with visit to the school to

present the required documents will be scheduled following the online

application.

• In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents. Information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314,

www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

**DISRUPTIONS TO THE SCHOOL DAY**

WHEN CHILDREN ARE TO BE PICKED UP OR INTERRUPTED DURING SCHOOL HOURS UNANNOUNCED, WITHOUT PREVIOUS

ARRANGEMENTS, IT CREATES UNNECESSARY INTERRUPTIONS TO THE CLASSROOM AND TO THE MAIN OFFICE.

Parents are asked to firstly, try to ensure that your child does not miss too much school. If an important appointment must be made during the school day, we ask that you send a note to the teacher well in advance, at the beginning of the school day at the latest. Remind your child to show your note to the teacher right at the beginning of the day. Then parents are asked to report to the office to sign their children out and at that point, their child will be called out of class. Avoid arriving from 3:00-3:30 for impromptu or unexpected sign out of students. This disrupts learning in the classroom and creates unnecessary traffic and confusion at this very important time of day.

February Message from your Trustee There are many great activities in our schools and around the City this month, especially with Family

Day on Monday the 19th. It’s a great opportunity for all of us to take a short break and spend some time

with our loved ones.

Just a reminder that junior kindergarten registration began on January 17. If you have a child, or know

someone else who does, that is entering kindergarten in September, please visit tcdsb.org to register.

As we near the midway point in our school year, it is a good time to remember the critical importance of

safety when we pick up and drop off our children at school. A moment’s inattention is all it takes for a tragedy to happen.

Please be extra vigilant in and around school zones and, if possible, walk with your children to school to help reduce

congestion in our drop off areas and help make our school communities safer for all.

As always, remember to express your love and gratitude to those you cherish everyday but especially this Valentine’s Day. Sincerely, Sal Piccininni Trustee Ward 3

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

Monthly Update from the Board

February 2018

Registration for Kindergarten, French Immersion, Extended French and Night School as well

as eClass continues during February. Visit the Board’s website for information www.tcdsb.org

Director’s Annual Report 2016-2017 Check out some of the highlights of the past school year in the newly published edition of the Director’s Annual Report.

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/directors-annual-report-2016-2017.aspx

Audited Financial Statements 2016-2017 The audited financial statements for the past school year are available online:

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BudgetandFinance/Documents/Toronto%20Catholic%20DSB%20-%20Audited%20Stmt%2016-17.pdf

February is… African Canadian Heritage Month

https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx

Psychology Month https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/psychology/psychologymonth/Pages/Psychology-Month.aspx

National Inclusive Education Month

Learn more about the TCDSB’s Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education Policy: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/hm24.aspx

TCDSB Energy Conservation Month: 4 Days - 4 Themes - One Month:

Join the TCDSB each Friday in February to save on energy: https://www.tcdsb.org/board/environment/energymonth/Pages/default.aspx o National Sweater Day - February 2, 2018

o Flip the Switch Friday – February 9, 2018

o Phantom Friday - February 16, 2018

o Energy Education Day - Friday, February 23, 2018

Winter Walk Day 2018 Winter Walk Day will be taking place this year on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Winter Walk Day is 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. Click here to register or for

more information.

Province Announces Funding for New Childcare Spaces In December 2017, the Province of Ontario announced funding for the expansion of childcare programs with the addition of more than 400 childcare

rooms in approximately 200 schools across the province. TCDSB will see an additional 14 childcare centres in its schools across the city including:

Father Serra, Blessed Pope Paul VI, Pope Francis, Santa Maria, St. Andre, St. Barnabas, St. Bernard, St. Dominic Savio, St. Edmund Campion, St.

Gerald, St. Jean de Brebeuf, St. Jude, St. Kevin and St. Nicholas of Bari.

Angel Foundation For Learning Some of our dearest friendships are rooted in our childhood years from discovering the world and new experiences together. Through our School

Allocations Program the The Angel Foundation for Learning attempts to make sure that ALL students are able to participate in school trips to build

friendships, spark their imaginations, and create memories. Support us in this work by participating in our Cents Off, coming out to play at our events

or donating directly.

Opportunities/Information for Students Toronto Star and Toronto Public Library Annual Short Story Contest

The 2018 Short Story Contest is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who lives in Ontario. The annual contest is co-sponsored by the

Toronto Public Library and the Humber School for Writers. Entrants can write on any topic they want. Stories must be original, previously

unpublished and no longer than 2,500 words. Entries are limited to one per person. There is no fee to enter the contest. All submissions

must be received by 5 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Details:

https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/ShortStoryContest.aspx

18TH CHINESE ARTS AND LITERARY CONTEST FOR YOUTH (CALCY) OPEN TO ALL ONTARIO STUDENTS FROM JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12

RECITAL, CHORAL SPEAKING, PARENT-CHILD RECITAL, SOLO SINGING, STORY TELLING, CALLIGRAPHY,

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM FROM THE 18TH CHINESE ARTS AND LITERARY CONTEST FOR YOUTH

WEBSITE AND MAIL TO: CALCY, BOX 107, A14-4261 HWY 7 EAST, UNIONVILLE, ONTARIO L3R 9W6

INQUIRY AND DOWNLOADS WWW.CALCY.CA

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 23, 2018

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

HTTPS://WWW.TCDSB.ORG/FORSTUDENTS/OPPORTUNITIESFORSTUDENTS/PAGES/CHINESE-ARTS-AND-

LITERARY-CONTEST.ASPX

Information about Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/AwardsScholarshipsBursariesContests/Pages/default.aspx

ONTARIO MAKING OSAP APPLICATION PROCESS EASIER FOR STUDENTS

ONTARIO IS MAKING IT EASIER FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING OSAP TO PLAN, BUDGET AND PAY FOR THEIR

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION. FOR THE FIRST TIME, STUDENTS APPLYING TO COLLEGE OR

UNIVERSITY WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR OSAP CAN NOW GO ONLINE TO SEE THE ESTIMATED TUITION COSTS

FOR EACH OF THE PROGRAMS THEY HAVE APPLIED TO AND THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT THAT WILL BE

COVERED BY OSAP.

FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS INCLUDING COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING

AND CONTESTS, SEE

HTTPS://WWW.TCDSB.ORG/FORSTUDENTS/OPPORTUNITIESFORSTUDENTS/PAGES/DEFAULT.ASPX

TCDSB Awards Night is May 7, 2018 Nominate a student or staff member for our annual awards.

Deadline for each award: Third Friday in February.

Sister Mary Hamilton Award for Exceptional Students

Ashif Jaffer Award for Excellence in Special Education Support

The Father Andrew Cuschieri Award

February’s Virtue is Love Please visit our website for the monthly resources connected to the virtue of the month.

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/VirtueoftheMonth/Pages/Default.aspx

Other Event Notices: ShareLife Week March 18-24, 2018

Board Wide ShareLife Civvies Day is Friday, March 23, 2018 The money raised through the annual ShareLife campaign supports Catholic charities in Toronto, across Canada and overseas. Many of

these charities are very familiar to TCDSB students, staff and families, including Covenant House, Rosalie Hall, Providence Healthcare,

the Office of Refugees and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. More information about ShareLife and the

agencies it support can be found here: http://www.sharelife.org/Public/ShareLife-List-of-Agencies

Lift Jesus Higher Rally March 3, 2018

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/News/2017-2018/Pages/lift-jesus-higher.aspx

February 2: World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

February 13: Shrove Tuesday

February 14: St. Valentine’s Day https://www.archtoronto.org/Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=95

February 14: Ash Wednesday; Lent Begins https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Lent-and-Easter-

Resources.aspx

February 16: Lunar New Year

February 16: Board-wide PA Day

February 19: Family Day

Winter Weather Has Arrived Don’t miss out on information relating to cancellations or delays in school bus service. Sign up to receive alerts through the TSTG parent portal

https://www.torontoschoolbus.org or follow @TCDSB on Twitter for the latest updates.

Never Miss Out on Important Information Visit www.tcdsb.org for regular updates.

Follow @TCDSB on Twitter.

Subscribe to E-news, and receive news and information sent right to your email.

https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

PLEASE CALL THE

SCHOOL 416-393-5320 IF

YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO

ASSIST PARENT

COUNCIL WITH THE

DISTRIBUTION OF

PANCAKES

2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL

February16th - PA Day

February 19th – Family Day

March 12th – 16th – March Break

March 30th – Good Friday

Do you have a child born in 2014…It’s time to Register for Kindergarten! Parents can complete their application online beginning at 10 a.m. EST on January 17, 2018, at SOAR.tcdsb.org, and follow up with a visit to the school to present the required documents. The online application is available 24 hours.

In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents beginning January 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. EST.