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December 2014 –

Volume 45 – Issue 04

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Caregivers,

Guardians and Community

Members, I would like to share with you a short reading taken from this month’s Living with Christ issue:

Advent: A Time of Joyful Anticipation

The word Advent derives from the Latin word that means coming or arrival. The season of Advent begins the Church Year on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew (November 30); thus, it falls between November 27 and December 3. The season of Advent is not considered today to be penitential in tone, nor was it ever considered in the history of the Church to be a time for the solemn reconciliation of penitents, as Lent has been. Advent is a time that reflects the joy of anticipation, and the expectation, of Jesus’ first coming when he appeared on earth; his second coming at the end of time; and, for believers, his current presence in the hearts of all the faithful. Advent is a time of preparation, and as such becomes a time of desire, longing and expectancy. The spiritual hunger that these three states inspire is satisfied by the ways the Church prepares us for the coming of Jesus. It does this in a three-fold manner:

1. Through the Old Testament – in particular, through the prophet Isaiah, and the many prophecies about the

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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messiah. Our longing for the Redeemer increases as we see how God is revealed in these scriptures.

2. Through John the Baptist, the herald and forerunner of Jesus’ Advent in history. John shows us that Advent is a time of conversion, of turning back to God.

3. Through Mary, God chose to work through a woman, as our salvation is built on a human framework. Mary, who was immaculate conceived, became the Mother of God.

Until the last seven days of Advent, the emphasis is on the coming of Jesus at the end of time. On December 17, the theme switches to the coming of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem. Advent helps us to recognize the presence of God in our midst today, awakens a deeper longing for the second coming of Christ, and encourages us to get rid of worldly preoccupations in order to prepare for a fuller celebration of Christmas. On behalf of the staff at St. Bartholomew Catholic School we wish you a most Holy Advent Season. May this season be one of calm reflection and joyful waiting for Jesus’ rebirth in our lives and in the world. We will be celebrating our Family Advent Mass together on Thursday, December 18th at St. Bartholomew Church (at 1:15pm.). You are welcome to join us should you be available to attend.

Yours in Catholic education

Jean E. Stépanian

SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS

FRAMEWORK (SCHOOL LEARNING IMPROVEMENT PLAN)

We are excited to announce that the Toronto Public Library Ready for Reading

website, http://tpl.ca/readyforreading has been redesigned to feature the new look of Ready for Reading, and includes updated elements, including new videos and resources. Ready for Reading is Toronto Public Library’s complete set of free programs, services, books, spaces and resources for children birth to age 5. Our launch of this new look coincides with our announcement of the First & Best 2014 booklist on http://tpl.ca/firstandbest Key sections of the website include:

Updated short videos for parents and caregivers about the 5 activities that build language skills.

Updated short videos for parents and caregivers of fun story time songs, rhymes and stories.

Information on buying and borrowing the “Let’s get Ready for Reading resource guide.”

The First & Best 2014 booklist with annotations.

Locations and photos of the KidsStop early literacy centres.

Updated six Ready for Reading skills and the five skill-building practices.

Highlight of staff expertise

In addition, parents and caregivers can find branch information, branch programs, and new children’s books and access the Growing a Reader Blog through this page.

Sugar Roasted Chestnuts

Ingredients 1 lb. (454 g) fresh chestnuts

4 tbsp. (60 ml) vegetable oil 4 tbsp. (60 ml) sugar 2 tbsp. (30 ml) water

Directions 1. Pre-heat oven to 400 F (250 C). 2. Wash and dry the chestnuts, and cut a

small hole on one side of the shell. Make sure not to cut too deep, pierce the shell but not the nut inside.

3. Drizzle oil over the chestnuts and toss to coat.

4. Line a baking tray with foil and spread the nuts evenly.

5. Bake for 20 minutes. 6. While the chestnuts bake, mix the

sugar and water. 7. After 20 minutes in the oven, the shells

should crack open. 8. Brush the chestnuts with sugar syrup,

making sure to push it into the cracks.

Doing Things Well: Finding Focus in a World of Distraction

We have become a society of multi-taskers, torn in a million directions as we juggle a variety of tasks. But in an effort to be more productive, we have become more distracted – and less effective. Many of us are super busy, but finding focus is not really about the number of tasks we have on our daily to-do list. It is about turning off the mental clutter in our brains and bringing our full attention to the present moment. Learning to focus can have an impact on every area of your life: improving your relationships, finances, health and well-being. Here are five ways you can become more focused:

1. Limit multi-tasking: We have been

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led to believe that doing several things at once allows us to achieve more. It is fine to double up on mundane routine tasks like putting cutlery away while waiting for the kettle to boil, but multi-tasking during important activities does not serve us well. When we are doing several things at the same time, our attention is scattered and we are less effective and more frazzled. Not only does it lower performance and lead to costly mistakes, it also robs us of enjoying the moment.

2. Minimize distractions: Multiple distractions interfere with our ability to concentrate, learn and remember things. Visual clutter in your space can be a source of distraction. Clear your work space after each project… If you get interrupted while working on something important, take a second to write down where you left off; when you come back to the task, you will not waste as much time figuring out where to resume.

3. Be fully in the moment: Set your intention to focus on what you are doing in the now. We have a tendency to think about the past or the future. Not only does this create brain clutter, it also robs us of the pure pleasure that comes from performing simple tasks… … When having a conversation, listen to the other person rather than let your mind race. You will be amazed at how much richer your relationships become.

4. Give yourself a break: Do not schedule more than two hours to work on something continuously or you will be looking for interruptions. Take frequent breaks; stretch, get a drink or have a quick snack.

5. Get some zzzz’s: Lack of sleep impairs attention, alertness and concentration. If you do not get enough sleep, not only will you lose focus, you will not be able to remember what you experienced during the day. As Evan Williams, the co-founder of Twitter and Blogger, says, “Doing anything really well requires paying attention to what you are doing.”

H. Buttiegieg, CPO – www.weorgainzeu.com www.homedigest.com

WELLNESS: SAFE, CARING & HEALTHY

SCHOOL

HPV VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM/HEPATITUS B Our first school immunization clinic for G7 students (male and female) and G8 (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

During November, many schools have been working on raising awareness of strategies to combat bullying. Using such NFB short animated films such as The Bully Dance, Elbow Room and Dinner for Two, schools can explore the nature of bullying and conflict and help students to work towards building their coping strategies for dealing with these issues. During the month of December and especially in this year of Charity, discuss with your child ways they can be charitable with their words and actions towards one other. Grade 8 students have been working with the After8 Student Transition Guide to gather information about different aspects of high school such as: The Credit System, Course Types, Timetables and Special Programs. The more information students have before going to high school, the easier the transition becomes. Talk to your Gr. 8 child about their fears and anxieties that they are having about going to high school,

and help them gather as much information as possible. Your Parent Transition Guide is filled with helpful information to answer many of your questions. Intermediate students have been using www.myblueprint.ca to assist with the formation and maintenance of their Individual Pathways Plans. G. Vincent Elementary Guidance Counsellor-Area 7

Miss. G. Vincent Elementary Teacher/Counsellor

Area 7

People for Education has launched a new video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0S_gLw9pXg), Helping Your Kids Succeed in School. Based on a review of 30 years of research, the three-and-a-half minute video outlines the four most important things parents can do to improve their children’s chances for success at school. The video is part of People for Education’s Parent Involvement that Makes a Difference (http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/wp-

content/uploads/2011/09/People-for-Education-Doing-What-Matters-Most-how-parents-can-help-their-children-succeed-at-

school-20111.pdf) initiative. The initiative includes tip sheets for parents, principals and teachers, and a research report which found unanimous agreement about the four things that parents do that have the most positive impact on their kids’ chances for success. Feel free to share these links with the families that you work with, and you are welcome to post links on your website.

La PASTORALE: OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

Charity As we enter the season of Advent to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus, it is rather suitable that this month’s virtue is CHARITY. Many of us are already engaging in the mad rush to purchase gifts to put under the tree on the 25th, but let us be mindful of the fact that charity is not always about giving material things. Our quote for the month is “Where charity and love are,

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God is there.” As St. Thomas Aquinas described it “Charity is friendship first with God and secondly with all who belong to God.” (2a2ae, 25,4).

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How To Show Charity 1. Remember throughout Advent that Charity starts from the home and moves forward in all you do; 2. Let the Christmas season create Charity in your actions throughout the year; 3. If we expect other people to do charitable acts towards us, we must first remember to show generosity towards others; 4. We should always remember those less fortunate than us, especially in a season filled with giving

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS

On Wednesday, November 12th, the Intermediate Girls Volleyball Team competed in the Divisional Tournament at St. Elizabeth Seton. St. Bart’s team successfully won First Place over St. Ignatius of Loyola, and then defeated Sacred Heart in the cross-over game, advancing to the Regionals. On Wednesday, November 19th, the girls fought a good battle at the Regional Tournament at St. John Paul II C.S.S., with some very close games. Ms. Li is very proud and pleased with the tremendous amount of effort and athletic skills demonstrated by our girls, gaining another pennant for our school. A very special “Thank You” to Mr. Liberto, who grac iously volunteered to drive the team to and from all the games. See you next season! Team Members Sydney S. (captain) - Melissa L. - Julia G. - Vasjana S. - Kayleigh S. - Alexia S. - Diana L. - Jhasmine C. - Karlie A. - Josea T. –

Ms. Li (coach)

On November 10th, the Intermediate Boys Volleyball Team participated in the Divisional Tournament. The boys were lead by the serving of Matthew P, and with the leadership from Zach, they finished a close second, one game out of first. They ended up playing St. Gabriel Lalemant in the cross over game and lost the first game 25-23, and then lost the second game to be eliminated from further play. The boys showed great sportsmanship at the tournament and great team spirit in every game that they played. Congratulations to a great season of volleyball. The members of the team are: Matthew P, Zach, Johne, Jumar, Otto, Luca, Aaron, Vincent, Ben, and Jose.

Mr. Henn (coach)

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Catholic School Advisory Council 2014-2015

Our next CSAC meeting will be held on Monday, January 26th, 2015 in the Staff Lounge, at 6:30 pm.

Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon: Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to ALL students who in a big or small way contributed to the great success of our Hallowe’en Dance-a-thon. Our gratitude is extended especially to all the parents, caregivers and friends who helped our students and school achieve their goal. WINNERS - Early bird raffle draws: Grace C. – Oct. 16 Tristan R-P – Oct. 21 Isabella C. – Oct. 24 Eleni M. – Oct. 28 WINNERS - Best Costume Saphira P. – JK/SK Vanessa C. – Gr.1/2 Frankie T. – Gr.2/3 Andrea A. – Gr.4/5 Vincent B. – Gr.6/7 Flora H. – Gr.8 WINNERS - Top most money raised #1 – Ethan B. – Gr.1/2 #2 – Tristan R-P. – Gr.2/3 #3 - Grace C. – JK/SK #4 – Ryan H. – Gr.4/5

Mrs. E. Anastasiadis,

Mrs. S. Fernandes

The Kindergarten class having fun learning about the magic of magnets through our "Scientists in the School" program. Special thanks to our Scientist, Pritha.

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Monthly Update from the Board December 2014 Reporting of cancellations or closures due to inclement weather Winter weather arrived early this year. Please note that any cancellations or closures due to inclement weather will be reported before 7 a.m. Best place to get the info quickly is through Twitter @TCDSB (please follow us), the board’s website www.tcdsb.org and the 24-hour telephone information line 416-222-8282 ext. 2873. Policy Consultation The Board invites parents, students and staff to participate in a review of draft

policies. Your input is encouraged into the following policies:

Draft Policy for Catholic School Advisory Councils (CSACs)

Draft Policy on Secondary School Admission and Placement

Details are posted on the board’s website: http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/consultation-csac-and-admissions-policies.aspx We look forward to hearing from you. Kindergarten Registration Starts January 2015 Please visit the board’s website at www.tcdsb.org to fill out the application forms online, and find out more about the registration process. Registration (online and in person) begins at 10 a.m. on January 8th. High School Students Reminded About Application Deadlines University Application Deadline is January 14th http://www.ouac.on.ca/deadlines/ College Application Deadline is February 1st http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/important-dates Nominations Open for TCDSB Alumni and Merit Awards: Deadline January 16, 2015 Do you know a member of our community who is a witness to the gospel values of our Catholic faith and who is transforming the world through faith, innovation and action? Nominate them for an award: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/CatholicEducationWeek/Pages/AwardsNight.aspx Catholic School Advisory Councils Invited to Training Session Goal Setting, Multi-Year Plans, Making Meetings Matter December 3, 2014, 7-9 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East

Details here: CSAC - December training flyer.pdf (attached) Other Dates to Note December 3rd—International Day of Persons with Disabilities http://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2014/

Pages/International-Day-of-Persons-with-Disabilities.aspx December 5th—Board-wide Professional Activity Day (no classes for students) December 10th—International Human Rights Day http://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2014/Pages/Human-Rights-Day.aspx December 22nd to January 2nd—Christmas Break January 1st—International Day of Peace-“Slaves no more, but brothers and sisters” http://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2015/Pages/International-Day-of-Peace.aspx

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3, 2014 Our faith traditions as a Catholic School Board call us to love, respect, value and accept each individual regardless of their differences. St. Paul in his writings to the Corinthians, says "Now you together are Christ's body; but each of you is a different part of it.” (1 Corinthians 2:27) In his writing to the Romans, he writes: “Our gifts differ according to the grace given us.” (Roman's 12:6). These simple passages guide our Catholic beliefs and values when we talk about the dignity of the human person. The Toronto Catholic District School Board’s accessibility policy affirms our commitment to “providing an environment in all of its facilities that fosters independence, dignity, respect and to providing services that are free of barriers and biases to our students, parents/guardians, the public and our staff.” It goes on to state that “the Board strives to ensure that the principle of equity of opportunity is reflected and valued in its learning and working environments.” We want our students, our staff, our parents and any visitors to Board facilities, to feel fully included in our places of learning and our places of work. As we build new schools, and renovate existing facilities, we work towards the creation of buildings that are more accessible and barrier free,

Dear Parents & Faithful

Readers of the RoadRunner,

The photos that are published

in our monthly newsletters

represent only a small sample

of the many activities our

students enjoy during the

year. A much greater selection

of pictures will be available in

our upcoming 2014-2015

yearbook. This yearbook will

also be a collector’s item since

it will be celebrating the 45th

anniversary of our school

community.

Do not forget to reserve your

copy! Details are coming in January 2015.

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learning materials and curriculum are becoming more inclusive and representative of our diverse student and staff population, and our policies are reviewed to ensure that they are fair to everyone, regardless of their exceptionalities or abilities. December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a perfect time to review the Board’s policy on accessibility and familiarize ourselves with how this impacts on our own role in the organization, and how we can facilitate the creation of a more caring and welcoming environment for our colleagues and the students who are entrusted to us. http://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/AccessibilityPlan/Pages/default.aspx. Even more importantly, this is a day to acknowledge the unique and wonderful contribution that each of us makes to our schools and workplaces, regardless of any physical, mental or emotional challenges in our lives. We encourage everyone to do their part in ensuring that every member of our TCDSB community truly feels welcomed, valued and respected for who they are. Sincerely, Angela Gauthier Jo-Ann Davis Director of Education Chair of the Board

TCDSB Policy Register

Complaint Against A Staff Member H.M.30 http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/HM30.aspx

Policy A complaint against a staff member will be dealt with in a just, timely manner that respects the dignity and rights of all parties involved.

Regulations: 1. Members of Board and administrative staff will make every reasonable effort to encourage and support resolution of the matter at the local level by the parties most directly involved in the matter. When dealing

with conflict between staff and the TCDSB community or between different members of the TCDSB community, reference should be made to Policy H.M.19, Conflict Resolution for specific advice and procedures. 2. Responding to a complaint will be governed by the following principles and practices:

a) Complainants have a right to have their complaint (i.e., expression of dissatisfaction or allegation) dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner.

b) Anonymous complaints shall not be acted upon.

c) Efforts to address the complaint will be consistent with applicable provisions of Collective Agreements, legislation and policies. d) Where the complainant has dealt directly with the staff member and is not satisfied with the response or the manner in which the matter was addressed, the complainant or the staff member may ask the superordinate to assist with the resolution process.

e) A staff member has a right to be informed, as soon as practicable (usually within three working days), of the nature and the specifics of a complaint. A staff member has a right to be aware of, and present at, a committee meeting of the Board where a complaint is to be heard, as well as other meetings involving the complainant and super-ordinates or trustees.

f) The staff member, the complainant or the superordinate may choose to involve another party in addressing the complaint. Such a person may be a representative of one of the parties and/or someone with relevant knowledge or skills. Where any person involved is represented by a solicitor, the other persons involved will be advised so that they may obtain their own legal advice.

g) Consideration could be given, in appropriate cases, to involvement of a

person trained in conflict mediation, where both parties agree to and will abide by a mediated solution. h) The extent to which the complaint resolution process is documented in writing depends on the circumstances and the parties involved. Where there are requests to submit specific materials or responses in writing, board staff and the complainant are expected to respond to such requests to the extent that is reasonable and in the best interests of the parties.

i) Where there is more than one concern being addressed or where the issue is complex, the superordinate will, under normal circumstances, ask that the concerns be set out in writing and that the discussions focus on the contents of the submission.

j) Students may register a complaint against a staff member in a manner appropriate to the particular school and grade level or may ask their parent/guardian to do so. As an alternative, students who have attained the age of majority may follow the policies as outlined for parents/guardians and other ratepayers.

3. Where the complaint is also the focus of a grievance arbitration or under review by the Human Rights Commission, the process described herein may be modified. 4. Staff who are employed under a collective agreement may request that a representative of their union or association or other representative be present, where appropriate. Non-union staff may request the attendance of a representative of their choice. 5. As with any written record generated within the Board, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act governs the creation, retention, disclosure, alteration, and destruction of any written material.

BM p , 3 Nov 97; BM p 633, 6 Nov 95.

   

 

CSAC  TRAINING    GOAL  SETTING  /  MULTI-­‐YEAR  PLANS/MAKING  MEETINGS  MATTER  TO  MEMBERS  

DECEMBER  3,  2014  7:00  –  9:00  PM  CEC  –  3RD  FLOOR  

PRESENTERS    

Gary  Poole,  TCDSB  Associate  Director  of  Education    MULTI-­‐YEAR  PLANNING  Mr.  Poole  will  discuss  the  development  of  the  board  Multi-­‐Year  Plan  and  the  relationship  between  the  board  plan  and  school  learning  plans.    Theresa  Pastore,  TCDSB  Parent  Engagement  Consultant  CSAC  GOAL  SETTING  /  PLANNING  Theresa  will  present  strategies  to  develop  CSAC  3  year  plan  which  align  with  the  board  and  school  learning  plans.    In  addition,  she  will  facilitate  a  discussion  on  how  goal  setting  /  planning  increases  parent  engagement  on  CSAC’s.    TCDSB  Parent  Engagement  Committee    MAKING  MEETINGS  MATTER  TO  MEMBERS  The  team  will  present  ideas  on  increasing  the  value  to  your  CSAC  members  of  attending  meetings  including  a  list  of  suggested  meeting  topics  on  a  month  by  month  basis.    

UPCOMING  TRAINING  SESSIONS  7:00  –  9:00  PM  CEC  –  3rd  Floor  

 January  7th     Parent  Engagement     Recruiting/Retaining     Members/Succession  planning  SPEAKER:    Carolyn  Anco,  Ministry  of  Education    February  4th     Understanding  Sub-­‐Committees  

Why  have  them  ,  who  can  be  a  member  of  a  committee,  

  Establishing  terms  of  reference,     Authorities    SPEAKER:    Trustee  Jo-­‐Ann  Davis    March  4th     Understanding  school  funding  

Understanding  the  TCDSB  budget  /budget  consultation  

SPEAKER  :    Sandra  Pessione,    TCDSB  CFO    April  1     Fundraising  –  why  ,  direction     provincial  and  local  ,  school     fees,    how  many  is  too  many?     What  can  CSAC’s  pay  for  at     schools?     PRO  grants  –  creative    applications,  

Partnerships,    Connecting  to  curriculum    May  6     By-­‐laws  /  Election  procedures    June       A  Year  in  Review     Share  Successes  ,  Identify  challenges    REGISTER  NOW  AT:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CSACDEC3