Highlights For December

1– PA DAY No School

5– CSPC Meeting 6pm

Boy’s Primary Soccer@ St. Bruno

Virtue Assembly

6– Advent Mass@ St. Francis Assisi

Girl’s Primary Soccer @ St. Alphonsus

7– Candy Cane orders Due

Gr. 5 Trip

Gr. 7 & 8 coding

8– Pizza Lunch

13– Christmas Concert 6:30pm

ELP, Gr 1, 2, 3 to BMTM for presentation

14– Girls Basketball Exhibition Game

15– Pizza Lunch

Confessions @ St. Francis Assisi

18– Girls Basketball Tournament

19– Cookie Dough Pickup

20– Popcorn Day $2– preorder

21– Christmas Sweater Day

22– Last day of school

25-Jan 5- Christmas Break

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas Season.

Merry Christmas! The Staff of Pope Francis Catholic School

Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC):

www.tcdsb.org/cpic

School Website:

https://www.tcdsb.org/schools/popefrancis/Pages/default.aspx

December 2017

Virtue of the Month: Charity

In the season of Advent, as we prepare for the birth

of Jesus,

It is important to keep in mind those that are less

fortunate than us.

This includes the poor in spirit and the poor in

wealth, those that are ill and the lonely.

What we give can be different for each of us. We

can give prayers, our time or even a smile.

During this season of hope and waiting, we are

called to give of ourselves to those in need.

This helps us to grow in our faith.

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

Contacts

Principal:

Mr. B. Howlett

Superintendent:

Mr. J. Wujek

Trustee:

Ms. J. Davis

Secretary:

Ms. M. Fowler

Parish Church:

Fr. Jimmy

St. Francis of Assisi

Church

72 Mansfield Ave

Toronto, Ontario,

Canada

M6J 2B2

CSAC Chair

Mr. Cavaco

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

Pope Francis is an eco-friendly school:

The newsletter is only available in electronic form.

If you would like a newsletter sent to your email, please send a request to: brett.howlett@tcdsb.org

The newsletter is also accessible via the school website:

If you wish to receive a paper copy please contact your child’s teacher, or the office.

December 2017

The Year of The School

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

School Masses/Sacraments will occur on the following dates:

All parents are welcome to attend.

All Masses are at St. Francis of Assisi Church

December 6th @ 9:30am

February 14th @9:30am

April 13th @ 9:30am

June 20th @ 9:30am

Confession

December 15th

March 9th

1st Holy Communion

May 5th

Confirmation

May 26th

Regular Masses at St. Francis of Assisi Church

Saturday

5pm English

Sunday

9am Italian

11:30am English

Monday 8am Italian

Tuesday 8am Italian

Wednesday 8am English

Thursday 8am Italian

Friday 8am Italian

December 2017

Events at Pope Francis

Boys Intermediate Volleyball

On November 7, 2017 the intermediate boys took part in the south division volleyball tournament. The competition was tough but we played hard and managed to come in third place overall. Our first game was against St. Francis and we won the first game but lost the second one by only a few points. After that we had a break and watched a few games until it was our next game. When it was our time to play, we played St. Sebastian and lost both games. We were devas-tated but we had to brush it off and prepared for the next game. After that, we watched another game then we had our lunch break. After lunch we warmed up and played our game against O.L.P.H. and we won the first game by a big lead. The second game we played against O.L.P.H. we won by two points and were so happy that we won because they almost came back to beat us. After we finished the game were so anxious to figure out if we were going to make it onto the fi-nals. It went to a tiebreaker but St. Sebastian won both games against us so they went to the finals and faced St. Francis. We were disappointed that we didn’t make it to the finals but were happy with how we played and our teamwork. After our game, we watched the finals. St. Sebastian ended up winning the tournament. Overall the experience was fun for everyone on the team.

The team members are: Team Captain - Lucas L

Michal S, Teddy Y, Jake O

Adelino V, Marcus O, Peter O

Joshua R, Tobias S By: Teddy Y, Peter O and Marcus O

Virtue of the Month Assembly

Peacemaking

As we continue our school year, many of our students have demon-

strated the virtue of Peacemaking. Being thankful and demonstrat-

ing peace in all that they do.

We will be recognizing their commitment to the Virtue of Peacemak-

ing in an assembly.

The following students received the Virtue of Peacemaking Award:

Ms. Santoianni– Vanessa B & Anthony T.

Ms. De Freitas– Danielle V. & Adam O.

Ms. Falico– Domingos N.

Ms. Sawchuk– Jessica B. & Brianna M.

Ms. Baciao– Nathan C.

Mr. Noto– Amelia M & Elijah V.

Ms. Anceriz-.Vanessa C. & Tomas d.

Ms. De Franco-.Isaiah D. & Kayla O.

Ms. Rego– Aryanna B. & Angelina S.

Ms. Silva– Eddie R.

Mr. Camilleri– Kaitlyn S.

Ms. Leone– Jackson M. .

Ms. Da Silva- Bryan D.

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

Letter Reaches Pope Francis

On Thursday November 2, 2017, the Binda siblings, Chloe and Alessandro announced that their grandmother, Ms. Furfaro who volunteers at our

school, might have an opportunity to meet Pope Francis. Her church group had tickets to Rome for an audition with the Pope. She was unsure of

whether the meeting would take place. However, the siblings’ family thought that it would be a good idea to write a letter to Pope Francis since our

school was named after him and they know that he has helped people around the world. So both Ms. Baciao and Ms. Rego’s classes started writing

a letter expressing the cultures and gifts of our community. Students asked questions and shared what they have been learning. “The grade 3’s

thought it would be a good opportunity to meet him and maybe he could come to our school”. The letters were given to their grandmother in hopes

that she could give him the letters. Family members and the teachers prayed. The exciting news arrived on Wednesday November 8th, that Ms.

Furfaro and her church group were selected, and that she got to meet His Holiness. She handed him the letters from Rooms 205 and 209! We re-

ceived the news from the siblings’ mother. Students were surprised and excited that one of our community members was able to meet Pope Francis,

in person. The Grade 6’s learned that anything is possible, and that if we try, we might succeed. The Grade 3’s eagerly await a response from him.

Thank you Ms. Furfaro and family for your efforts and including us in your faith journey.

Girls Intermediate Volleyball

On Wednesday November 8th, 2017 the intermediate girls volleyball team held their tournament on home court. We played hard against St. Francis of Assisi, St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH). We played a long and hard tournament and placed second overall, splitting our final match against O.L.P.H. and losing in the tie breaking match. Everyone was a little anxious but the nerves soon turned into excitement. The crowd was enthusiastic and energetic and it really transferred onto the team. The team would like to collectively thank our friends, parents and teachers for their immense support. But most of all we would like to thank our coaches Mr. Camilleri and Ms. DiCiocco for their dedication.

The team members were:

Tatiana A, Victoria C., Gabriella O., Tiara W., Brianna F., Tatiana S., Antonia V., Kaitlyn S., Lisa F.,

Team Captain: Emma C. By: Tatiana A. & Victoria C.

December 2017

Helping Others In Need

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

Over the course of the month of November, the Pope Francis school community has donated many food and clothing

items that will be donated to two very worthy causes just as the Christmas season begins. These items will be used

by many families in our own community to assist with their needs.

Thank you to all the families that donated items, you have made a positive impact on the lives of many people in our

community.

December 2017

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

CSPC Corner

Parent Council

Volunteers and Lunch Time Supervisors Needed

If you are interesting in becoming a lunchtime supervisor or volunteer, please inquire at the office.

Times would be from 11:15am-12:15pm daily

Thank you for your consideration

December 2017

Kindergarten Registration

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

Be part of

Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School

2018-2019

Kindergarten Registration for September 2018

TCDSB invites families with children born in 2014 to register for Kindergarten

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. EST.

Night Registration at Pope Francis

Tuesday January 23th, 2017 From 6:00-8:00pm

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

The following documents are required for registration: 1. Child's Birth Certificate

2. Passport/immigration documents (only if child was not born in Canada) 3. Child's Catholic Baptismal Certificate (or proof of parent's Catholicity or RCIA/RCIC letter) 4. Child's Immunization Record 5. Proof or residency in Toronto

December 2016

Student Information Updates

As the year progresses, often some infor-

mation changes. Please ensure that all

emergency contact information is current.

If an emergency were to happen, the

school must have current contacts. If you

have changed your phone number or ad-

dress please inform the office.

Wet/ Cold Weather is Here!

As the weather is changing, please ensure that stu-

dents are dressed appropriately for the cold, wet, ever

changing weather. Students should have a pair of in-

door shoes to wear in the building and packing an

extra pair of socks, gloves and pants is recommended.

From the Office

Uniform

As the colder weather approaches, often students forget what the

school dress code entails.

Students are expected to wear the following dress code:

Appropriate Dress Code – consists of any combination of

navy blue and white garments (e.g., plain white top, navy

blue bottom, navy blue top and bottom, no denim). Only

blue and or white sweaters are to be worn in the class. All

student attire must be in keeping with our Catholic teach-

ings and beliefs, and reflect principles of modesty.

Students Leaving During Lunch

Please be aware that students are not permitted to leave

the school during lunch unless they are going home with a

parent. This is a due to significate safety concerns. If your

child does need a lunch it would be better if an adult is able

to deliver the lunch to the child. Please keep in mind as

well, that often “treat” lunches may make other students

uncomfortable. If you are considering a treat lunch for your

child, why not spend some quality time with them and eat

together in the area.

To report an absence please call 416-393-5347

POPE FRANCIS NEWSLETTER

Family Math Challenge! As a family, try to solve the following math problem

All the students at Pope Francis are on Santa’s nice list (of course). If there are 263 students currently at Pope Francis,

and they all receive 4 Christmas presents, how many total presents will the students receive?

Apply your knowledge and thinking!

If all the students demonstrate the virtue of Charity and donate 50% of their presents, how many presents would be do-

nated?

Pope Francis CSPC 2017-2018

Catholic School Parent Council

Congratulations to the following parents who

have been elected to the parent council for

Pope Francis:.

Chair: Mr. Cavaco

Vice Chair: Ms. Isabel

Treasurer: Ms. Cordeiro

Secretary: Ms. Pierce

Committee members:

Mr. Silveira, Ms. Salmon, Ms. Melo,

Ms. Loucano, Ms. Coelho, Ms. Morais,

Mr. Amorim, Ms. Da Costa, Ms. Martins,

Ms. Carvalho, Mr. Saunders, Ms. Teixeira,

Mr. Hoff, Ms. Correia, Ms. Silveira

CSPC Meeting Dates

All Parents are welcome to attend.

All Meetings 6:00-7:30pm in the Library

December 5, 2017

January 16, 2018

February 13, 2018

April 10, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 19, 2017

Dates are subject to change

Guidance Corner

Planning for Your Future

During the month of October, students in several intermediate classes

began to develop their Individual Pathways Plan (IPP), as they prepare

to enter high school and think about what they would like to do beyond

secondary school. Students logged into their myBlueprint and began to

set goals for themselves, with a focus on learning skills; thought about

the courses that they will be taking in high school; started to develop a

resume; and explored various occupations and post-secondary path-

ways across Canada.

Parents are encouraged to ask their intermediate child(ren) to show

them the work that they may have done on myBlueprint and encour-

age them to continue to develop their plan for the future. Follow these

easy steps.

Please go to www.myblueprint.ca/tcdsb. 1. Click on “Login with school account.”

Ask your child to use their TCDSB username and password to log in.

High School Applications

Parents of grade 8 students are reminded to be sure to get those high

school applications back to the school and accurately completed so

that the school can submit them to the Board by November 6th. Please

have your child return the form on the due date given by their teacher.

You may have also already received the After 8 Student and Parent

Transition Guides. In them, you will find detailed information about the

TCDSB Secondary School Application process. Ask your child about it

if you do not see one by early November. They are also available

online in English and several other Languages at this address:

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/

GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Pages/

default.aspx

Monthly Update from the Board

December 2017

Parents Urged to Check Their Liability Insurance Coverage

At the October 19, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board resolved that all parents of the Board should be advised to consider contacting their home insurance providers to determine the adequacy of their home insurance coverage to cover claims arising out of injuries caused by their child at school.

The reason for the Board of Trustee direction is that there have been a few instances recently where legal action has been initiated for personal injury or other harm to a student allegedly caused by another child.

A brief consultation by parents with their insurance provider is advised so parents can assess the adequacy of their insurance coverage if they are sued for personal injury or other harm allegedly caused by their child at school.

Inclement Weather Protocol

With the approach of winter and the associated ice and snow, there is always a possibility of school bus cancellations or delays, as well as cancella-tion of programs and services such as evening classes or permits. Your best source of information is via Twitter @TCDSB. For those who are not on Twitter, please tune in to local television and radio networks for updates. Other good sources of information are:

TCDSB’s website www.tcdsb.org

Toronto Student Transportation Group website https://www.torontoschoolbus.org

TCDSB 24-hour Telephone Information Line: 416-222-8282 ext. 2873

Or if you wish to receive updates right to your email, subscribe to enews: https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

Angel Foundation for Learning

Through the Loretto Fund and the Social Work Emergency Fund the Angel Foundation supports TCDSB students who are new comers to Canada by helping to offset the costs for items such as school supplies, uniforms, field trips, groceries or other necessities to help them settle into school and life in Canada. You can help support families who have come to Canada in search of peace donations to The Angel Foundation for Learning. To learn more about the work of the Foundation, visit http://www.angelfoundationforlearning.org/

Christmas Holidays

The last day of classes before the Chr istmas break will be Fr iday, December 22, 2017. Schools will reopen on Monday, January 8 th, 2018.

Administrative offices will be closed from Saturday December 23rd through to Monday, January 1, 2018.

SAVE THE DATE!

Kindergarten Registration Begins January 17th at 10 a.m.

Visit www.tcdsb.org for details.

New French Immersion Programs Coming September 2018 We are pleased to share that following the successful community consultation, the Toronto Catholic District School Board is moving forward with the implementation of French Immersion Programming for September 2018 at the following schools:

St. Mary Catholic School

St. Alphonsus Catholic School

Registration will begin in January 2018.

The introduction of enhanced programming at TCDSB schools is one aspect of our Long Term Program Plan (LTPP). Increasing the number of French Immersion programs available in our schools is a part of the LTPP and the Board’s ongoing responsibility to offer dynamic educational opportunities to its students across the City of Toronto.

Visit www.tcdsb.org for information about further expansions of the French Immersion program.

TCDSB 2017-2018 Awards Season has begun!

Nominations are welcome for the annual TCDSB Alumni Award, Award of Merit and Friends of Catholic Education Award which will be pre-sented at Awards Night on May 7, 2018.

Deadline: third Friday in January (January 20).

TCDSB Alumni Award: Open to TCDSB alumni who are still active in the Catholic community and who have distinguished them-selves in their career or accomplishments.

TCDSB Award of Merit: Open to former staff, parents and trustees who have made outstanding contr ibutions to the TCDSB and to Catholic education (can only be considered for award after a three-year period has passed since departure from the TCDSB)

Friends of Catholic Education Award: Open to members of the general public (individuals or organizations) who have accom-plished extraordinary service to Catholic Education but who may not be Catholic.

For nomination forms and information, visit: www.tcdsb.org/awardsnight

December’s Virtue is Charity

Find all the resources related to the monthly virtue, as well as other resources to support faith development and Religion and Family Life on our website here: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Default.aspx

TCDSB Celebrates Advent and Christmas

Visit the board’s website for the latest news and information from TCDSB schools including food and clothing drives, Christmas baskets for needy families, Christmas concerts and other special events.

https://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2018/pages/Advent-and-Christmas.aspx

REMINDER: Spotlight On Your School

Submissions of short videos and original songs to celebrate your local school are due February 23rd. Details for this Year of the School activity can be found online https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Year-of-the-School/Spotlight-on-your-school/Pages/default.aspx