Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

We look forward to another year working alongside the St. Fidelis community to build partnerships that will focus on nurturing our Catholic community, improve student learning and achievement, as well as build capacity to lead and learn. As we work together to enable our children to succeed, we enjoy a shared purpose of helping our children grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially. As we celebrate the Year of the Family, each of us has an important role and contribution to make and it is only by working as a team with your support and co-operation that we are able to accomplish the goals we set out for your children. To that end, we look forward to our parents joining us during the week of October 26th which is Parent Engagement Week for a number of events planned; in particular, on October 27th which is Parents and Curriculum Linked to Student Success Day. (More details will follow in the days and weeks ahead.)

Please join us in officially welcoming Long Term Occasional Teachers Mr. Christian Monjes in Phys. Ed. and Ms. Dorisse Nomeny in French. We would also like to extend our congratulations to the new members of our CSPC, elected on September 15th, please see the list of our new CSPC members. We look forward to continuing to forge a healthy partnership between home and school to meet the many needs of our students.

We eagerly anticipate our first mass which will be celebrated sometime in October, in recognition and in celebration of the virtue of thanksgiving. We look forward to having Father Mose’ with us to celebrate the Eucharist with our school community at St. Fidelis Parish. Parents are always welcomed and invited to attend our liturgies! We look forward to seeing you there and will advise once we have confirmed the date.

On behalf of the staff of St. Fidelis School, our Superintendent Gina Iuliano Marrello, and our Trustee Sal Picinnini, we would like to wish all the members of our school community a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours in partnership,

Mr. Michael A. Caccamo Mrs. Raffaela GalloPrincipal Vice Principal

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLD I G N I T Y • E X C E L L E N C E • P R I D E

OCTOBER 2015

9 Bannerman StreetToronto, Ontario M6L 2S5

Tel. (416) 393-5358Fax. (416) 397-6315

Michael Caccamo, PrincipalRaffaela Gallo, Vice Principal

Angela Moscar, Head Secretary

School Hours of Operation:8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Gina Iuliano MarrelloSuperintendent

(416) 222-8282 ext. 2267

Sal PiccininniTrustee

(416) 512-3403

Sandra GriloCouncil Chair

(416) 222-8282Voice Mailbox #88358

St. Fidelis ParishFather Mose Gasparini

33 Connie Street North York M6L 2H8

(416) 247-8741

From the principal’s desk

1ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MONTH VIRTUE MONTH VIRTUESeptember Hospitality February LoveOctober Gratitude March ForgivenessNovember Peacemaking April JusticeDecember Charity May CompassionJanuary Courage June Faithfulness

TDCSB Faith & Character Development Monthly Themes

Virtue of the MonthCONGRATULATIONS to the following students.

They displayed the virtue of HOSPITALITY for the month of September.

CLASS GRADE STUDENTMs. Moreira JK/SK Chiara IMs. Di Martino JK/SK Ariana GMs. Braga/Ms. Leite JK/SK Nicholas C / Bruno CMs. Chiappetta JK/SK Juliana EMs. Vomero 1 Maya T / Tiago DMs. Genova 1/2 Domenic C / Brittyna HMs. Burrows-Ricci 1 Fernanda D / Mateus SMs. Menegon 2 Kaitlyn PMs. Bossio 2 Amanda TMs. Caruso-Buttigieg 2 Nicholas MMs. Zeppieri 3 Alexia PMs. Pignatari 3 Matthew IMs. Primier 3/4 Anthony CMs. Muzzatti 4 Andrew LMs. Pugliese 4/5 Christina TMs. Andino 5 Nicholas V / Isabella SMs. Marino 5 Matthew NMs. Dodaro 6 Maia M / Jonathan PMs. Querin 6 Eva G / Oliver FMs. Reis 7 Samantha TMs. DeCarlo 6/7 Chloe DMs. Ruggeri 8 Michael GMs. Burella 7/8 Rebecca AHeritage Language Julianna P / Nicole C

Virtue for the month of October is...

GratitudeGratitude can be shown in

many ways!

Here are some examples:

• Give thanks to God for every day He gives us.

• If we expect others to be grateful for what we do, weshould show appreciation to others.

• Everything we have to be thankful for comes from God.

• Remember the story of the lepers who Jesus healed andthink of how many returned to show their gratitude.

2ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVINGO Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank you for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to your love. We ask your blessing through Christ your son. Amen (Mary Cronk Farrell)

ITALIAN DAY CELEBRATIONS

On June 12th the Ms. Reis’ and Ms. De Carlo’s 7 classes, and Ms. Di Nizio’s grade 2 class participated in the celebration of Italian Day

on the grounds of Columbus Centre. They had the opportunity to perform a tarantella dance and sing along with other students.

Awards were also given to the winners of the Literary Contest. Once again our student Cyden Ramos won artistic award, with a drawing of the greatest poet of all time “Dante Alighieri.”

The two Gr: 7 classes also had the opportunity to visit North Park Nursing Home, were they danced and sang in Italian for the seniors. This was a nice, but at the same time very emotional experience, as the senior were taken back in time to their youth and their culture.

Mrs. Pugliese Gr: 4 and Mrs. Querin Gr: 6 had the opportunity to view one of The Italian Film Festival selection “Il Mio Amico Nanuk” at Colossus . Both teachers and students enjoyed it very much and it also enriched their learning experience in the classroom about Canada`s Artic. They also were very luck that day, because they met the main character with the whole cast and the director. They were also given the opportunity to be movie critics at the end of the movie, were they had to give their score on a ballot, and as you can see in the picture , they took it very serious. They were also giving a treat. Hopefully we can do this again this year.

The W5H Italian students and the tarantella dancers after working very hard, enjoyed Italian “gelato” at Rustic Bakery.

3ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Student Life

P A U L D A V I SOCTOBER 26, 2015

7:00PMST FIDELIS SCHOOL

SOCIAL NETWORKING SAFETY

TOPICS INCLUDE:FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM/TWITTERDIGITAL TRAILS / SMARTPHONES

TEXTING / SEXTINGCYBER-BULLYINGIMAGE SHARING

& MORE!

PAUL HAS DELIVERED HIS MESSAGE TO OVER 225,000STUDENTS ALONG WITH THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL

POLICE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE &CANADA BORDER SERVICES

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S

PUNCTUALITYPunctuality is a characteristic and life skill we strongly encourage at St. Fidelis. It is important that a child develops this responsibility early in life for it will serve him/her well in years to come. For all aged children, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to ensure they get to school on time.

Students must arrive to school before the 8:30am bell, and be present, in-line with his/her class, when the school bell rings at 8:30am. A student is not permitted to use the main door to access his/her classroom unless they are late. All students entering the front door at 8:30am or later are considered late and will receive a late slip.

Punctuality is one of the many duties of a pupil, as outlined in Regulation 298 of the Education Act. A pupil who is frequently late can be said to be in “habitual neglect of duty” and can be referred to the school principal and/or school social worker if the problem persists.

Thank you for your support in addressing this matter with your child!

5ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

REPORTING OF CANCELLATIONS OR CLOSURES DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

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 (Note:

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.)

• Communications will endeavour to send an email to everyone on the TCDSB email exchange to advise them of any cancellations or closures.

• Communications will also send out the information electronically to E-News subscribers (Note: If you do not already subscribe to E-News, but wish to do so, please visit our website at www.tcdsb.org and click on the E-News icon on the top right hand side of the homepage).

• Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hour information line, 416-222-8282, extension 2873.

• The information will also be posted on the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org

• The Transportation Department will post this information on its website at:

http://www.torontoschoolbus.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL (CSPC) for 2015/2016

We are confident the new council will continue to work in tandem with the school as well as working with the many committees to continue the annual traditions and events.

1. Licinia Antonio2. Luciano Asenjo3. John Conidi4. Alenna Emer, Secretary5. Frank Foggia, OAPCE Rep6. Sandra Grilo, Chair7. Gina Isabella8. Brian Jahoor, Treasurer9. Pat Lanni

10. Suzy Marotta, Special Education Rep11. Marta Sampaio12. Elena Seymour, Vice Chair13. Jennifer Sgrignoli14. Stefania Sottile15. Bernadette Tucci16. Jeff Yorke

If you have any questions or concerns for a member of

CSPC, please call:(416) 222-8282

Voice Mailbox #88358

PARKINGA reminder to all that the school parking lot is for staff only. Please do not use it for parking, as we do not have enough spots for staff. There is absolutely NO PARKING in the handicap space at the front of the school. The fine is substantial and we need to have the space clear for the appropriate users that need it over the course of the day.

Please observe and respect the “in” and “out” flow in the school’s Kiss N’ Ride loop. A reminder to all that THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING PERMITTED ON BANNERMAN STREET. Everyone is encouraged to either walk to school, carpool, use the Kiss N’ Ride in the school parking lot, or to park on Grovedale St. or Rustic Rd. and walk to school. Police and Parking Enforcement have assured us that Bannerman will be closely monitored for proper use.

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S

SCHOOL HOURSGeneral Entry: Morning SessionMorning Recess: Lunch:Afternoon Session:Afternoon Recess: General Dismissal:

8:30am8:30am – 11:15am10:12am – 10:27am11:15am – 12:15pm12:15pm – 3:30pm1:40pm – 1:55pm3:30pm

KISS n’ RIDEParents who drive their children to school are encouraged to use our Kiss n’ Ride program Volunteers tirelessly show up every morning and evening to ensure that our students are dropped off and placed safely into their parent’s vehicle The continued success of this program also depends upon the cooperation of the whole St. Fidelis Community.

Please follow the rules of the Kiss n’ Ride program and the directions of our volunteers in order to continue a safe arrival and departure for all our students. Also, please be reminded that the Kiss n’ Ride designated parking spaces are reserved for our volunteer parents only. Thank you to all!

SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAMStudent Illness or Absenteeism

If your child is to be absent from school for any reason, please telephone the school to inform the secretary before 8:30am of the day of absence. (We also have a voicemail box for your convenience to call at any time to leave a message.) This will reassure the school that your child is safe. If a child is absent, then we will call home if we have not been notified.

When a student returns to school after an absence, he or she must bring a signed and dated parental or medical note to explain the reason. If you are picking up your child early, please send a note to your child’s teacher. Please be sure to report to the office to sign them out. If you are returning before the end of the day, please sign your child back in at the office.

If children are not feeling well, please give them an opportunity to recuperate at home. It is assumed that if children are well enough to be at school, they are also well enough to take part in recess. Children need time to get some fresh air and stretch their muscles. If they are dressed properly, they will be able to do this in comfort, even on our cold Canadian winter days.

Also, please ensure we have a current emergency number where you can be contacted.

6ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PIDICULOSISPediculosis, commonly known as LICE, is a common, but pesky problem in schools and among children.

Children are reminded not to share caps or hats, combs and brushes, or other hair accessories. Parents are encouraged to check scalp regularly and to use preventative measures to ensure that their child(ren) do not contact lice.

MEDICATIONPrincipals, teachers and support staff of the TCDSB are not permitted to administer any type of prescription medication during the school day, unless we have written, authorization signed by you the parent, and the prescribing physician. The forms to dispense any medication must be updated on a regular basis and are available from the school principal. Please be advised that staff in TCDSB schools will not dispense non-prescription medications to students.

Students who require an Epi-Pen must have 2 Epi-Pens at school. One to be kept in the office and one to be kept with the student at all times. Students that require “puffers” should have one at school and at home.

All medications will be stored in the main office. Please notify the school if your child suffers from any type of allergy.

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERTAllergen-Aware Environment

Please take special note that we have children in our school who have a very serious, life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, peanuts, all nut/peanut products, all seafood products, called Anaphylaxis.

We are notifying all parents that students should not bring any nuts, peanuts, peanut butter or any food containing nuts or peanut products such as peanut oil, sesame seeds, etc., as well as any seafood products to school.

We ask that you DO NOT bring any personal baking or other treats to the school to share with the class. This is important to ensure the safety and welfare of these children.

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S

LUNCHTIME RULES & LUNCH PROGRAMTo further ensure student safety, students will not be permitted to leave school property to purchase a lunch at a neighborhood food establishment unless they are signed out and accompanied by the parent or guardian of the child, or an authorized adult. The responsible adult must have previous written consent from the parent, a record of which must be on file in the school office.

Children are encouraged to eat lunch at home. Children going home for lunch should leave the school no later than 11:15am and return to the school yard no later than 12:15pm.

If your child eats lunch at school, please ensure that he/she brings a lunch to school every day. We ask that lunches not be brought to school for the students. For those odd times when students do forget their lunches, we ask that lunches brought in be clearly marked and left on the lunch table outside the main office by 11:15. Students can pick up their lunch during the lunch period. Parents Guardians will not be permitted to drop off lunches in the classrooms, nor will students be permitted to pick up their lunches during class time. This is to minimize disruption during important instructional time in the classroom.

T H E E C O C O R N E R

P l e a s e d o n a t e E Y E G L A S S E S a n d P O P C A N TA B S t o t h e o f f i c e ! .

We R e u s eWe R e c y c l e

We G i v e !

7ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

SAFETY REMINDERS

ONLY SOFT, “NERF-TYPE” BALLS ARE PERMITTED IN SCHOOL YARD AT RECESS.

WALK HOME IN A GROUP or with an ADULT; AVOID WALK-ING HOME ALONE!! CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 9 SHOULD NEVER WALK HOME ALONE.

There is always more safety in numbers!!

ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLI M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N • P O L I C I E S • P R O C E D U R E S

SCHOOL BUSESPlease note that if your child is registered to ride the school bus, he or she must ride the school bus and not take the liberty to walk home on any given day. All students on buses must ride the buses to and from school every day.

INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL BUS DELAYSTraffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly true during the winter months when snow and ice can be a major factor.

The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide information about school bus delays digitally through their website at http://www.torontoschoolbus.org

Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus routes that are being impacted.

DRESS CODE & STUDENT UNIFORM

Students of St. Fidelis School are to dress in the school’sappropriate dress code or uniform, which consists of thefollowing: a navy blue bottom (pant, kilt, skirt, or short); a plain white or navy blue shirt or top, with or without aschool crest; and a white or navy blue sweater or pullover, also with or without the school crest. Examples of items not allowed are: jogging pants, spaghetti strap tops, jean material, white pants, black tights, and short-shorts.

Suppliers that offer school uniform items are: Gino’s Fashions (www.ginofashion.com/uniforms) and RJ McCarthy’s (www.rjmccarthy.com). Uniforms do not need to be purchased through our suppliers, as the school’s crest on the clothing is optional. Parents may choose to purchase regular navy blue bottoms and a white or navy shirt at another location. Please write your child’s name on all uniform items, as many lost items are returned to the office.

It is essential that all students be in dress code from thebeginning as this sets the tone for the school year. We wish to send a consistent message to all students that the uniform will be strictly enforced. For older students, please remind them that it is their responsibility to ensure they come to school in dress code and you may refer them to the student agenda.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SHOESWe remind all students from grades JK to grade 8 to have indoor and outdoor shoes ready each day!

INCLEMENT WEATHEROn days when the weather is inclement the students may be permitted to enter the building at 8:15am. On such days, the recess periods may be indoor and those students who stay for lunch will be supervised in the building. Weather conditions must be particularly severe; cold weather alone does not warrant an early entry into the building or indoor recess periods.

Those decisions will be made accordingly. It is important for children, particularly the younger children in the primary grades, to come to school dressed properly for the weather.

A reminder to everyone that students who are well enough to be at school are well enough to go out for recess. We do not have personnel to supervise students who wish to stay in for recess due to illness. If they are too ill to go out for recess, then they should be home for the day. This will allow for quicker recovery and less teaching and learning time lost to illness.

8ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Open Houses in High SchoolsGrade 8 students and their families are invited to check out their high school options. TCDSB secondary schools host open houses in October and November. http://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/default.aspx

Principal of Excellence AwardOAPCE Toronto invites nominations for this year’s award, which will be presented at the 10th annual Commissioning Ceremony on November 2nd. http://www.oapcetoronto.ca/news/2015/6/23/oapce-toronto-principal-of-excellence-award-nominiation-open

Parent Involvement Week: October 24 – 30, 2015.The Toronto Catholic District School Board is launching first Parent Involvement Week. This initiative is an opportunity to recognize, celebrate and enhance the important role that parents play at both the school and Board level. Educational research has consistently pointed to the positive effects that parent engagement has on student achievement and well-being. The TCDSB has partnered with the two parent organizations--the Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) and the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE – Toronto)--to co-host a number of events that highlight the important role of parents in our schools, as well as to provide opportunities for continued involvement, professional development and net- working. Let us all work together for the success of our students!For more information: https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/news%20and%20events/pages/tcdsb-catholic-parent-involvement-week.aspx

Newcomer Conference for Families New to Canada and International StudentsWednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m., Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Ave. E.The Director of Education and Chair of the Board invite our newcomer families, international students, parent council representatives, homestay families and school staff to an informative evening about our educational system and support services available in TCDSB schools. Guests are invited to share a family meal with the Director and Chair and will be encouraged to participate in an exchange of information in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our staff and representatives from various outside agencies will provide support and valuable information regarding

programs and services plus tips for navigating our Catholic education system. The evening also encourages interactive discussions designed for staff and Parent Council members on how to effectively engage our newcomer students and families in our schools and communities. The event is one of several planned for Parent Involvement Week. Welcome to our TCDSB family!For more information and to register: http://www.tcdsb.org/forcommunity/newcomers

CPIC Elections (Catholic Parent Involvement Committee) The Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) is a parent-led and Ministry of Education funded, parent volunteer organization within the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). The focus of the committee is to support student academic achievement through increased parent involvement.Elections are being held on October 5th, 7th and 20th. Visit the Board’s website for detailed information.https://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/cpicelections/pages/default.aspx

TCDSB Transportation Demand Management Plan Survey The Toronto Catholic District School Board has approved a draft Transportation Demand Management Plan and is seeking your feedback before finalizing the document. We want to know which recommendations in the plan you feel are the most important to address the traffic management issues around our schools and facilities. The online survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCDSB_TDMPWe look forward to hearing from you by no later than November 6th, 2015.

Parent Reps Needed For Mental Health Advisory Council TCDSB seeks 2 parent representatives to serve on the council (1 elementary and 1 secondary). Application deadline is October 20th. Visit our website for detailed information: https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Pages/Parents-Sought-for-Mental-Health-Advisory-Council.aspx

Monthly Update from TCDSBOctober 2015

9ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

10ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Monthly Update from TCDSBOctober 2015

Safe Schools Advisory Committee Two parent reps needed to serve on the committee; 5 meetings per year Application deadline October 2nd. https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Pages/Parents-Sought-for-Safe-Schools-Committee.aspx

Do You Know an Innovative and Outstanding School Principal? Every year The Learning Partnership honours principals across the country who exemplify excellence in public education. Nominations for the 2016 Canada’s Outstanding Principals awards are now open. Submissions are invited from school boards, colleagues, parents, teachers, students and all community members. https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/nominate-an-outstanding-principal.aspx

Toonies for TuitionToonies for Tuition Day is Tuesday October 6th, 2015! Download and print this poster to display in your school or church, and start fundraising for our Catholic brother and sister schools across Canada! The CCSTA Endowment Fund supports Toonies for Tuition fundraising campaign as a means to support Catholic students in provinces that have no public funding for Catholic schools. For fundraising ideas, click here. Toonies for Tuition Day takes place in October. Please support the campaign in your school, office, or church. Get more information on the CCSTA website: http://www.ccsta.ca/en/initiatives-en/toonies

Help Keep Our Students SafeHere are some helpful videos from the City of Torontoregarding pedestrian safety:Pedestrian Crossovers: https://youtu.be/NIt705Ty1K8Pedestrian Countdown Signals: https://youtu.be/MTgOXxwrrIU.

Other Dates to Note:October is...• Autism Awareness Month• Child Abuse Prevention Month• Learning Disabilities Awareness Month• Walk to School Month

• October 1—International Day of Older Persons• October 5—World Teachers’ Day • October 7—Rosary Day • October 8—Early Childhood Educator and Childcare

Worker Appreciation Day• October 11—International Day of the Girl • October 17--International Day for the Eradication of

Poverty • October 19-23--School Bus Safety Week (Bus Driver

Appreciation Day October 21)

Check out the board’s website for details about these special days throughout the year www.tcdsb.org.• Looking for information about athletics? Schedules,

results and news highlights are available here: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/schoolprogramsk12/healthoutdoorphysed/tdcaa/pages/tcdsb-athletics.aspx

• Parents are encouraged to visit the Parent Portal for all the latest information relating to Catholic School Parent Councils, Catholic Parent Involvement Committee and OAPCE Toronto https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Pages/default.aspx

• Students are reminded that the Student Portal provides information about scholarship and employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities and other news for and about students https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/Pages/default.aspx

Remember to follow @TCDSB on Twitter for all the latest news and important information throughout the year.Or subscribe to ENews and regular updates right to your email: https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

During October, we focus on the Virtue of Gratitude, and all that we have to be thankful for. As your Trustee I am thankful for the many dedicated parents who choose to send their children to our Catholic schools. I give thanks for the talented students who give us so many opportunities to celebrate their achievements. I am grateful for the

many staff who support them and nurture them. And I give thanks for our parishes who provide us all with spiritual guidance. I thank everyone in Ward 3 for all that they do to support Catholic education, and I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,Sal Piccininni

OCTOBER MESSAGE FROM YOUR TRUSTEE TCDSB TRUSTEES FOR 2014-2015

Wards:1. Joseph Martino2. Ann Andrachuk3. Sal Piccininni4. Patrizia Bottoni5. Maria Rizzo6. Frank D’Amico7. Michael De Grande, Chair8. Garry Tanuan9. Jo-Ann Davis10. Barbara Poplawski11. Angela Kennedy12. Nancy Crawford, Vice-Chair

Monthly Update from TCDSBOctober 2015

11ST. FIDELIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Six (6) Professional Activity (PA) Days for ELEMENTARY schools: September 3, 2015: Provincial Education Priorities/Faith Development November 13, 2015: Parent-Teacher Conferences January 22, 2016: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting February 12, 2016: Parent-Teacher Conferences June 10, 2016: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting June 30, 2016: Provincial Education Priorities More details including PA Days here: https://www.tcdsb.org/school/SchoolYearCalendar/Pages/FutureSchoolYearCalendar.aspx

Number of school days: 194 Number of Professional Activity Days: 6 Labour Day: September 7, 2015 First Instructional Day: September 8, 2015 Thanksgiving Day: October 12, 2015 Christmas Break: December 21, 2015–January 1, 2016 Start of second semester for secondary schools: February 1, 2016 Family Day: February 15, 2016 Mid-Winter Break: March 14–18, 2016 Good Friday: March 25, 2016 Easter Monday: March 28, 2016 Victoria Day: May 23, 2016 Last day of classes for elementary students:June 29, 2016

TCDSB School Year Calendar 2015-2016

Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Newsletter

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Many students feel anxious or stressed about going back to school. These are normal feelings during times of change and transition. Whether students are starting school for the first time, attending a new school, or transitioning back to their previous routine, parents and teachers can help.

ü Ensure that students get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. This is important for brain function, mood, and the ability to focus.

ü Let students know that they are not alone. Remind them that many students feel anxious during periods of transition. Teacher and parents can share their own story in order to reassure students that feeling anxious is a very natural feeling.

ü Focus on the positive aspects of school, such as seeing friends, involvement in school activities, and new learning.

ü In the classroom, have students

partner up with a peer. Having a buddy that they can rely on will help them feel more comfortable.

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ü Assign a duty. Students feel that they are an important member of the classroom when given a responsibility. It lets them know that you have confidence in them and gives them a sense of purpose.

ü Read a book about feeling anxious and how to cope. This will help to normalize feelings and initiate conversations about positive coping strategies.

ü Establish clear and consistent routines and expectations. This will help to decrease anxiety by providing a sense of predictability. (source: k6educators.com)

September, 2015

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Welcome to the TCDSB Student Mental Health and Well-Being Newsletter! As we begin the 2015/2016 school year our hope is to provide you with helpful information and ideas to support student’s mental health. Please feel free to share and pass it along.

;

September, 2015

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Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process for helping students and adults develop the fundamental skills for being effective. We can help students to improve academic performance, reduces emotional distress, and improves attitudes and behavior by developing SEL.

Self Awareness:

Teach students to identify feelings by recognizing and labeling them and to recognize their strengths.

Self Management:

Teach students strategies to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours by managing stress, controlling impulses,

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§ Inclusion of mental health to school SLIPs

§ Building partnerships with community agencies, families, and parishes.

Mental Health Initiatives 2015-16 TRAINING DATES:

§ SAFE TALK Suicide Awareness Training:

Ø Oct. 29, 2015

Ø Nov. 25,2015

Ø Spring dates to follow

Check out PAL for more details

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motivating them, and setting goals.

Social Awareness:

Promote social awareness by encouraging students to take the perspective of other and empathize - putting yourself in other people’s shoes.

Relationship Skills:

Promote the establishment and maintenance of healthy relationships by encouraging clear communication, active listening, cooperation, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict, and seeking and offering help.

Social Emotional Learning Can Improve Academic Performance and Reduce Distress

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§ TCDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy 2015-2018 to be released soon

§ Support for schools in developing a mentally healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.

Responsible Decision Making:

Assist students to make constructive and respectful choices about their behavior by discussing ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, well-being of others, and consequences of behavior. (Durlak et al; Greenberg et al; Collaborative for Academics, Social and Emotional Learning)

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September, 2015

3

Fostering The Family:

The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “ Together With one

Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family , Parish, and School” 2015 focuses on the

FAMILY

Spending time with family by engaging in fun activities together helps to strengthen feelings of closeness, promotes attachment, and encourages communication. (sources: G. Neufeld; M.Ungar).Here are some activities that you may consider!

ü Have regular family dinners

ü Go for a nature walk ü Play a game or sport

activity ü Attend mass together

Suggested Reading and Websites:

Books

The Invisible String: Partice Karst

The Kissing Hand: Audrey Penn

Is Worry Worrying You?: Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz

Cool Cats, Calm Kids: Relaxation and Stress Management for Young People: Mary Williams

Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens: Earl Hipp

Websites

Collaborative Association for Social and Emotional Learning: www.casel.org

ABC’s of Mental Health (Hincks-Dellcrest Centre)

www.brocku/ca/teacherresource/ABC/index.php

Support

A Laugh A Day…

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead

patricia.marra-stapleton@tcdsb.org

Marci Buhagiar, Psychological Associate: marci.buhagiar@tcdsb.org

Did you know that having a good laugh helps to relieve physical tension and stress? It triggers the release of endorphins (the body’s natural feel good chemicals) and promotes an overall sense of well-being. INFUSE laughter into your home and classroom. It may just be the best medicine!