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February 2014 –

Volume 44 – Issue 06

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Caregivers,

Guardians and Community

Members, It is a well-known fact that St. Bartholomew Catholic School is a vibrant fully-alive learning community. Our staff and students work carefully every day and continue to grow in teaching and learning. As the academic year progresses, it is wonderful to witness our younger students’ ability to speak or read more fully and the manner in which all of our students engage in dialogue about interesting concepts and elements of learning and life. The way our students share their personal voices creates the beauty and the uniqueness of our school. It is hard to believe that we already find ourselves at the mid-point of the school year. A great many activities have occurred in our school community over the past few months; and, as can be seen on the attached February Calendar, many more exciting events are coming our way. February is African-Canadian Heritage Month and many of our classes will be studying this theme. Black History is recognized and celebrated in February. At St. Bartholomew we rejoice and take pride in our similarities and our differences. In February, we also celebrate Valentine’s Day. This is a good opportunity to share your feelings with your friends and loved ones. As we focus on the virtue of love, let us remember that love inspires and completes all of the other virtues.

Thank you to all our Parents, Caregivers and Guardians who continue to make every effort to be on time when dropping off and picking up their children. Here is the paragraph published in our January newsletter for those who may have missed it the first time!

―Punctuality is the politeness of kings.‖ Louis XVIII The month of January is also a great time to make resolutions! One area that continues to be of concern in our school community is Students Arriving Late on a regular basis. It is very important that ALL our students arrive to school on time. Habitual lateness is a very serious concern. Students miss a great deal when they are late. Please ensure that students are on time in the morning. It is a lifelong habit that is crucial to success. A gentle reminder - - - students should be on the playground by 8:50am. This also applies at the end of the day… If you are picking up your child, please be on site by 3:20pm. Thank you.

Yours in Catholic education

Jean E. Stépanian

GROUNDHOG DAY is on February 2nd!

Will Wiarton Willie see his shadow? What forecast will Punxsutawney Phil and

Shubenacadie Sam make for 2014? Please ask M. Joseph, he knows!

RoadRunner

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE PARENTS / CAREGIVERS OF OUR STUDENTS

Report Cards -

Report Cards will be going home on Tuesday, February 11, 2014.

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The Catholic Church no longer officially honors St. Valentine, but the holiday has both Roman and Catholic roots.

The Origins of St. Valentine’s Day A quick quiz:

St. Valentine was: a) a priest in the Roman Empire who

helped persecute Christians during the reign of Claudius II, was thrown in jail and later beheaded on Feb. 14.

b) a Catholic bishop of Terni who was beheaded, also during the reign of Claudius II.

c) someone who secretly married couples when marriage was forbidden, or suffered in Africa, or wrote letters to his jailer's daughter, and was probably beheaded.

d) all, some, or possibly none of the above.

Answer: If you guessed d), give yourself a box of chocolates. Although the mid-February holiday celebrating love and lovers remains wildly popular, the confusion over its origins led the Catholic Church, in 1969, to drop St. Valentine's Day from the Roman calendar of official, worldwide Catholic feasts. (Those highly sought-after days are reserved for saints with a more clear historical record. After all, the saints are real individuals for us to imitate.) Some parishes, however, observe the feast of St. Valentine. The roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year. Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name. There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the Middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/valentinesday/origins.asp

Cancellations/Closures— TCDSB Procedures Cancellation of school bus transportation or school closures due to inclement weather will be reported through the following vehicles:

News releases to all media outlets in Toronto; however, please do keep in mind that although the news release is provided to the media outlets, there is no guarantee that all television and radio stations will broadcast the information in a timely fashion. Schools will be contacted about closures and cancellations. Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hour information line at 416-222-8282, extension 2873. The Transportation Department will post this information on its website at http://www.schoolbus.to/c_home.asp. Please note that the information is provided to the communications department between 6am and 7am through the Board’s Transportation Department, who are consulting with TDSB transportation staff and school bus operators on the viability and safety of delivering bus service. More detailed information is found at: http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/WeatherRelatedIssues/Pages/default.aspx

GUIDANCE CORNER

High school acceptance and re-direction letters will be couriered to the elementary schools during the first two weeks of February and will be sent to the G8 teacher for distribution. High School Program and Course Guides will also be available for Grade 8 students in early February. As report card time gets closer, it is a good reminder of the importance of strengthening these 6 skills and the vital role that parents play in helping their child develop them.

Ms. G. Vincent

Elementary Teacher/Counsellor Area 7

Theme days for 2014 at St. Bartholomew M. J. Momo & Staff

Monday through Friday – BINGO Spelling game – Mur De Mots Monday: Scarf & Mitt day + Red, Green & White day – Students wear colours that represent the Canadian Flag and the Ontario French Flag. Tuesday: Sunny Day – Students wear summer hats, sunglasses. Wednesday: Red & White day - Skating in the afternoon. Thursday: Tuque day – Students wear tuques (caps) in different forms. They can make amazing caps. Also, they wear their favourite sports team jerseys. Friday: Winter Activity afternoon – Students compete in a selection of outdoors games. Hot chocolate and croissants served at the REST station, courtesy of CSAC.

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WELLNESS: SAFE, CARING & HEALTHY

SCHOOL

A Renewed Vision for Education Over the last few months, the Ministry of Education consulted with groups and individuals across the province to help them develop a renewed vision for education. Graduation rates in Ontario are up, and students’ scores on provincial tests continue to improve in reading and writing, but the province wanted to know how Ontario could go ―From Great to Excellent.‖ Feedback included things such as:

Broaden the definition of success and focus more on the whole student and student well-being.

More focus on higher order skills (e.g., critical thinking, communications, collaboration, creativity, etc.).

Improve student engagement, ensure a more meaningful role for student voice, and more student ―ownership‖ of learning.

Do more to promote and support partnerships with community partners.

Use technology more effectively, but remember: technology is not a replacement for a caring teacher.

Embrace risk-taking and entrepreneurialism, because taking risks and failing are important parts of learning.

People for Education Volume 17, Issue 3 - January 2014

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS Catholic School Advisory Council

2013-2014

Parent volunteers are always welcome! Our next CSAC meeting will be held on Monday, April 28th, 2014 in the Staff Lounge, at 6:30 pm.

Report cards are coming! Report cards are coming! Our news & views January 20, 2014

What’s the first thing you look at? Be honest. It’s the grades, isn’t it? But there are more important things for parents to focus on. That’s why the new report card format starts with your child’s learning skills—responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation. Research by neuroscientists and educational psychologists has shown that it is these skills that have the greatest impact on students’ ability to succeed, not just in school, but in life. These are also the skills that parents can help build at home. Students whose parents have high expectations and who focus on building strong work habits and a positive attitude are more likely to be successful in school (see our tip sheet, Parent Involvement that Makes a Difference). The information about your child’s learning skills can help you support them in the areas that need improvement. Report cards are also a great tool parents can use to initiate conversations about school. Go over the report card with your child, talk about where they do well and where they may be struggling. Whether your child is struggling or doing very well, go to the parent–teacher interviews! They are great opportunities to learn more about ways you, your child and your child’s teachers can co-operate on strategies to help in subjects where your child is having difficulty. If there are comments or parts of the report card that

you do not understand, ask the teacher about them.

Okay, now you can look at the marks.

La PASTORALE: OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

Love Chocolates, flowers, valentines, and red hearts, what would the month of February be without the celebration of Valentine’s Day. While the rest of the world may choose to celebrate the ideal of romantic love on February 14, TCDSB schools will be focusing 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 this month let us remember that love not only inspires the practice of all other virtues, it is the form and completion of all the other virtues.

Prayer:

Loving God, You created us to love one another and to love you.

Indeed, you declared, ―A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.‖ Give us new hearts, warm hearts,

lively spirits, ready spirits, so that we can love one another as you have loved us.

Help us to put aside anything that will turn our heart to stone; old resentments,

grudges, worn-out fears, or distrust. In gathering together we need a new heart. Create this willing spirit within each of us.

Amen.

Monthly Update from the Board

February 2014

thinkMATH@home: Helping Your Child Learn and Love Mathematics Parents, school and the local community have the shared task of nurturing our students' confidence in learning mathematics and in applying their mathematical knowledge to solve real-life problems. The disposition of appreciating and enjoying mathematics is necessary for

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our students to persevere in learning mathematics with depth and precision and to continuously improve the clarity of their mathematical communication. It is common knowledge that parent’s and guardian’s attitudes toward mathematics have an impact on children's attitudes towards mathematics. In fact, students whose parents/guardians show an interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics around the home will be more likely to develop that enthusiasm themselves and persevere to learn and succeed in Mathematics. More info: http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/Numeracy/thinkMATH@home/Pages/default.aspx

Voter Look Up – New Website The Toronto Catholic District School Board has partnered with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to launch a new website in support of this year’s Municipal and School Board elections. Potential electors can visit voterlookup.ca and confirm and update their information in a few easy steps. Updating this information will help to ensure Voters’ Lists are accurate in preparation for municipal and school board elections occurring this Fall. Visit www.voterlookup.ca today. If you are not assessed as an English-Separate School supporter and wish to redirect your support to Catholic schools, please contact Sandra Vitale, Manager, Assessment Department at sandra.vitale@tcdsb.org telephone 416-222-8282 ext 2666.

Ignite: A showcase of student voices from across the TCDSB Starting Friday May 30, 2014, Ignite introduces the world to the collective voices of students from across the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Secondary school students enrolled in Media Arts, Photography and Communications Technology will have an opportunity to submit digital media and creative works that are reflective of their critical voice. Submissions accepted February 1-May 1, 2014 Click here for details: http://ignitetcdsb.wordpress.com/

2014-15 Minister's Student Advisory Council Students in grades 7 – 12 are invited to apply - Deadline is February 28th The Minister's Student Advisory Council (MSAC) is a group of approximately 60 students who come from public schools all across the province. Members share their ideas and advice with the Minister of Education on a variety of topics about our publicly funded education system. For information, visit: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/speakup/msac.html

February Events: February is African Canadian History Month To check out the online resources and information, or to find out what is happening in TCDSB schools to celebrate, visit http://www.tcdsb.org/forcommunity/heritagecelebration/africancanadianheritage/Pages/default.aspx

February 17—Family Day

February 20--World Day of Social Justice

PanAm Games 2015 Check out the Board’s website at http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/toronto-2015-pan-am-and-parapan-am-games.aspx for information about volunteer opportunities, employment opportunities and other ways to get involved with the upcoming games.

Overseas Credit Program—Study Semester in Italy Information Meetings:

February 19, 2014 6:30 p.m. at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre, 20 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/ContinuingEducation/overseas/PublishingImages/ItalyNewsletterFJRFeb192014.JPG

February24, 2014 6:30 p.m. at Chaminade College School, 490 Queen’s Drive, North York http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/ContinuingEducation/overseas/Publish

ingImages/ItalyChaminadeNewsletterFJRFeb242014.JPG

Faith in our Future Video Series The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association has launched on social media a short-video series to help Ontarians better understand the Catholic segment of the province’s unique public education system. The short-video series is part of the Catholic school system’s province-wide social media campaign entitled ―Faith in Our Future.‖ The campaign is an invitation for all Ontarians to explore the distinctive value and contribution of Catholic education to the life of this province. For more than 170 years Catholic schools have been recognized by the government as an integral part of public education in Ontario communities. All OCSTA’s videos can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/ocstavideo1.

Follow TCDSB on Twitter Get all the latest news and information from the Board, including notifications of weather related cancellations and closures throughout the winter months by following @TCDSB on Twitter.

New Publications Recently Added to the Board’s Website

Director’s Annual Report 2012-2013: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Documents/Final%20Director's%20Annual%20Report%20WEB%202012%20-%202013.pdf

Audited Financial Statements for 2012-2013: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BudgetandFinance/Documents/2013-08-31%20Toronto%20Catholic%20District%20Sch%20Brd%2018413%20AUD%20Cons.pdf

St. Bartholomew Catholic School – 51 Heather Road, Toronto (Scarborough), ON M1S 2E2

Telephone: (416) 393-5334 Fax: (416) 397-6086 – Administrative Assistant: Shanti Fernandes –

Head Custodian: Nick Mozzo – Superintendent: Nicola D’Avella (416) 222-8282 ext. 2263 – Trustee: Garry Tanuan at (416) 512-3408 – Parish: St. Bartholomew Church 59 Heather Road, Scarborough, ON, M1S 2E2 – Tel: 416-291-5250;

Pastor: Fr. Fred Foley - Enrolment: 120+ - Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Lunch Hour: 12:05

noon to 1:05 p.m. – Lunch Supervisor: Valanteen Dadlani; Diana Medina (FDELK) -

Principal: J. E. Stépanian

FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH

Psychology is for Everyone

This article was prepared by TCDSB Psychology staff based on the latest scientific research in the fields of psychology

and child development

There are many opinions about the use of technology for children – from the concern about wireless technology to battles at home

about too much “screen time”. Needless to say, technology is our new reality. It‟s everywhere and kids are becoming savvy at surfing

and texting, not to mention the exercise their thumbs are getting from endless gaming!

The Advantages of Technology Use

An article from Psychology Today (December, 2012) proposes that all the new technologies are, undoubtedly, shaping the way we

think and focus. Research supports that some technology actually improves our visual-spatial abilities, as well as our reaction time,

and the ability to identify details among cluttered information. Here are some additional advantages to consider:

Advantages for children:

• There are many technological games that are both fun and educational.

• Games help to develop hand/eye coordination and fine-motor skills.

• Kids can develop independence and autonomy by accessing information easily and on their own.

• Some interactive video games encourage kids to collaborate and learn turn-taking skills.

TIPS: The use of some websites can help children develop literacy, math and/or other skills necessary for school and everyday

life. (i.e. www.starfall.com for early reading skills, www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing for keyboarding skills, www.funbrain.com

for math and reading games). Ask teachers about their favourite websites that promote literacy and/or math skills

Advantages for teenagers:

• Some interactive games can allow students to practice strategic and critical thinking skills.

• The use of a laptop or tablet can be important for developing technology skills necessary for future employment.

• Quick access to information from a variety of sources. This allows the teenager to read about different viewpoints from around

the world.

• Many websites are dedicated to highlighting healthy choices, with vast information in order to help teens make informed

decisions.

TIPS: We need to educate our teens about the responsible use of the internet and social media.

Take a trip to the library - learn how to conduct research from a variety of sources.

Embrace technology, yet maintain limits and balance!

The Disadvantages of Technology Use Are We Introducing Technology Too Soon?

Using technology too soon may decrease the amount of time children are spending doing physical

activities and other age-appropriate activities such as art, music, reading and writing, etc., which are

all necessary for a healthy and balanced development.

Creating a Healthy Balance: Technology Use for Children

and Adolescents

When children become „masters‟ of the technology they are using, sometimes these other activities become less interesting but

are nevertheless very important to holistic brain development and academic achievement! Children today may be deprived of the

rich and real experiences that many of us parents had.

Remember the value of such things as creative play, sports, making up games and exploring nature, reading with and to your children and being a model for them.

Videogame Considerations

Videogames can be addictive. They are fast-paced, many are based on a rewards-system in order to progress levels and they

require a complex and simultaneous set of skills, designed to sustain a person‟s attention for a long-period of time.

Youth tend to be able to „focus‟ on games for longer periods of time compared to less stimulating tasks such as reading or school

work which they may more easily lose interest in.

Frequent exposure to violence in videogames can have a negative impact on children‟s social-emotional development.

Overuse can lead to isolation from others, spending too much time in the „virtual world‟ and not enough time in the „real world‟. For

these reasons, video games are particularly addicting to persons who have been diagnosed with ADHD or with Autism.

TIPS: Videogames should be viewed as a „reward‟ or „dessert‟ which follows the completion of other activities. Parents are

encouraged to place time limits on the use of gaming systems particularly during the weekdays. Consider keeping game systems

in common areas of the home to allow parent supervision.

Use of the Internet and Social Media Considerations

• Youth can become dependent on the exclusive use of technology as a communication tool, thereby decreasing their real face

to face interpersonal/social skills.

• Social media such as texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others can be very easily misinterpreted and misused, including the risk of cyber bullying. These media require a maturity level that young people have not yet developed.

• Recommended age for Facebook use is 13 years of age or older – however, parents themselves need to determine their individual child‟s readiness.

• Using the internet allows children/teens instant access to a variety of images, messages, etc.; that parents may not consider to be appropriate. Using an internet provider that allows parents to control access to unsafe sites is recommended.

TIPS: Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their children and teens around dependency and misuses of

technology . Consider your individual child, and avoid „peer pressure‟ from other parents when considering whether your child is

really „ready‟ for social media, surfing the net independently , or a cell phone with data capacity.

Sleep Problems:

• Looking at a „screen‟ (phone, computer, iPod or video game) at bedtime is actually said to „trick‟ the brain to think it is daytime

and be associated with sleep problems.

• Sleep problems brought on by technology use too late at night can lead to fatigue during the school day, school attendance problems and mental health concerns.

TIPS: Setting up healthy sleep hygiene should be practiced such as turning off phones and devices one hour before bedtime in

order to remove distractions and interruptions.

General TIPS re: Technology or Video game use with Children

Parents need to be the gatekeepers of all technology use of their child and teen up until the end of high school in order to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the potential benefits.

Remember that children thrive from spending time with their family members, and that nothing can replace the rewards and memories made. Consider leaving technology at home during family outings and gatherings, having „tech-free Sundays‟, playing board games or charades, reading, hiking, exploring nature, and enjoying physical exercise to provide a healthy balance!