1. education
2. school

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Elementary School
475 Brownridge Drive, Thornhill, Ontario L4J 5Y6
Phone: 905-738-5703
Fax:
905-738-8121
December 2014 Newsletter
SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://sjw.ycdsb.ca
SERVING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Ms. P. Preston - Director
Mrs. C. Ferlisi - Trustee
Mrs. N. Di Nardo – School Superintendent Area 2
Ms. N. Phipps – School Council Chair
Mrs. V. Augustynek - Principal
Mrs. C. Pontes - Secretary
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHOLIC PARISH
FATHER MARIO SALVADORI
191 Wade Gate, Thornhill (905) 660-1253
WEEKDAY MASSES
Monday – Wednesday & Friday – 7 p.m. -Bilingual
SATURDAY MASSES
9 a.m. - Bilingual
5 p.m. - English
SUNDAY MASSES
9 a.m. - Italian
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – English
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE:
This month we celebrate the virtue of Hope. With God’s Grace, I will never give up hope. I will maintain a positive
attitude and look for the brighter side of situations. Hope is strongly associated with the Advent Season.
Advent is a time of patient and prayerful waiting for the coming of Jesus at Christmas time. The
lighting of the AdventWreath is an important symbol for many Christians.
SYMBOLISM OF THE ADVENT WREATH:
The word Advent means the coming of promise.
.
The four candles represent the 4000 years prior to Christ’s coming and the four weeks of Advent.
The unlighted candles represent the Dark Ages before Christ’s coming.
The lighted candles represent Christ, the Light of the World. Each week we light one more candle and
that represents the idea that the coming of Christ is closer.
The circular form of the wreath symbolizes that God has no beginning and no end.
The green of the boughs indicates hope - just as the green of spring indicates new life.
Thank you to the students, staff and parents for your ongoing support. Wishing everyone a Blessed
Christmas and a New Year full of hope, love, joy and good health.
God Bless!
Mrs. V. Augustynek, Principal
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION: STUDENT LEARNING FOR
AREA 2 NANCY DI NARDO:
In this Advent season let us live by Helen Steiner‘s Christmas lesson:
Christmas is more than a day at the end of the year,
More than a season of joy and good cheerChristmas is really God’s pattern for living,
To be followed all year by unselfish giving,
For in giving to others and in being kind
Man finds true joy and peace of mindAnd peace on earth will come to stay,
When we live Christmas every day.
May you and your loved ones live Christmas every day!
Sincerest best wishes for a peace filled Christmas Season to you and your loved ones.
Message from Trustee Cathy Ferlisi
May God keep you and your family safe as we begin the
Season of Advent. I look forward to attending as many
Christmas concerts and school events as my schedule will
allow.
Do you have children with special needs you are
considering enrolling in JK in September 2015? Two
information sessions are scheduled: St. Joan of Arc
(Library) on January 14th at 7:15 pm and at the YCDSB
Board office (Room 100) on January 21st at 7:15 pm.
Would your child benefit from French homework help?
The York Catholic District School Board and the Ontario
Ministry of Education are pleased to have partnered
together to bring free French Homework Help to
students. Through the site, Voila’ Learning Homework
Help, all French Immersion and Core French students can
access live French help from certified French teachers.
YCDSB students and their parents have access to this site
every: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. during the 2014-15 school year. To begin,
you must register at:
http://voilalearning.com/english/online-tutoring-infrench/ when the registration is complete, a
confirmation will be sent directly to the parent’s email
address containing access to the online platform. Parents
and their child/children will then have immediate access
to the service.
January marks the start of Kindergarten Registration
Month at the York Catholic District School Board.
Beginning on January 5th, 2015, you can register your
child either at your local school or at the Catholic
Education Centre at 320 Bloomington Road West in
Aurora. You will need to bring these original documents:
Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate (child or parent),
proof of age, proof of legal status in Canada, proof of
residency, proof of Separate School Support (i.e. your
property tax bill), or you can complete a school support
form that is included in the registration package.
The French Immersion program is offered at St. Joseph
the Worker CES. Senior Kindergarten parents are
reminded that French Immersion Online applications are
available from November 25th, 2014 to February 4th, 2015
at www.ycdsb.ca.
I am in the process of organizing a variety of free
workshops for parents or guardians for 2015. I will
provide updates as the details are finalized. Feel free to
visit my website at: www.trustee.ycdsb.ca/ferlisi. You
may contact me by email at [email protected] or by
telephone at 416-565-7087.
May you be blessed with the spirit of Christmas and
welcome the New Year filled with good health, peace, joy
and spiritual fulfillment.
Christmas Concert 2014-2015
We are making a change this year in regards to the
Christmas concert. SJW will be hosting two Christmas
concerts: Dec. 17th – Childcare children, FDK, Grs. 1-3
Dec. 18th – Grs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
The choir and Mr. Tunz’s class will be performing on
both nights. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the school
gym. We are trying to raise money for our school’s C21
learning proposal. We want to buy interactive
whiteboards/laptops and projectors. We want to replace
all the old computers in our computer lab. We want to
buy laptops and a portable cart so that all students have
access to technology.
We are therefore charging $5.00 per seat for the
Christmas concert. All money raised will go towards the
above items. The box office will be open each night at
6:15 p.m. to purchase tickets. Please bring the exact
amount because we will be limited with change.
Catholic School Council
As we welcome the Advent season with joy and
anticipation, we would like to wish the school
community a very Merry Christmas and a happy and
safe Christmas holiday break.
The Catholic School Council held its last meeting on
November 4th, 2014. The new members of the Council
were sworn in with the opening prayer. We discussed
the fundraising goals for this year and came to a strong
consensus that the Council will be concentrating
fundraising efforts to assist with the costs of upgrading
the internet infrastructure and technology in keeping
with the School’s objective of moving towards 21st
Century Learning.
The Council has also agreed to fund a session for each
grade/class of Scientists in the Classroom and as well as
the graduation meal, cards for the students participating
in their Holy First Communion and their Confirmation
and a benevolent fund to assist students/families in
need.
We are currently recruiting for our school committees
and welcome any parents wishing to volunteer some
time for activities such as fundraising, grant research and
writing, the lunch program, event planning and
constitution writing. Please contact me at
[email protected] if you are interested in getting on
board.
The next Catholic School Council meeting will be held on
January 8th, 2015 at 7 p.m. All parents are welcome to
attend and we look forward to meeting with you in the
New Year.
2
Principal for the Day
Nicole A., a Grade 6 student, was the lucky winner of the
Dance-A-Thon prize of Principal for the Day.
Congratulations Nicole for a job well done!
Remembrance Day Presentations
Thanks to the junior division and all the students and
staff who contributed to the success of our Remembrance
Day presentation. Mrs. P. Preston our Director of
Education and Mrs. C. Ferlisi our school trustee were
both present. Mr. Tunzi and students presented a
beautiful blacklight presentation. The choir sang under
the direction of Dr. L. Davis. The junior students
presented a dance of peace choreographed by two
St. Elizabeth dance students. Thanks to Alyssa Lue and
Kasandra Brancaccio from St. Elizabeth and their teacher
Ms. Di Millo for all the hard work and dedication.
Dancers
Brian K.
Denis S.
Eric F.
Sara T.
Isabella D.
Jalen E.
Annalisa I.
Syreena D.
Alex W.
Eva P.
Nataly J.
Robert C.
Brianna R.
Michael G.
Alessia F.
Treana T.
Mary R.
Arden M.
Leo G.
Jamie A.
Alexei K.
Jenna A.
True M.
Lauren M.
Adriano M.
Chloe S.
Christopher J.
3
Halloween Dance-A-Thon
The Dance-A-Thon Committee would like to again
graciously thank all of you for helping to make this year’s
fundraiser another great success! New tallies show we have
raised over $8,291.25. Parents and Guardians in the SJW
school community, thank you for supporting this year’s
Dance-A-Thon. Here is how we have spent some of our
money raised:
Presentations:
Bullying Prevention/Awareness Presentations
November 17th, 2014 – Grades K – 3 – The Bully in the
Purple Pants Play
November 17th – 18th, 2014 – Bullying Awareness
Workshops – Grades 4 – 8
January 21st, 2015 – La Maleta Play – Grades 4 - 6
Black History Month
February 19th, 2015 –Play
Curriculum – Pathway for Success
Date TBA – Identity Most – Art Workshops – Grades 4 - 6
Other: Outdoor and Indoor Sports Equipment
Prizes for Dance-a-thon
DJ for Dance –a-thon
Shed for FDK yard
Sound Equipment
Catholic School Council
Thanks to the SJW Parent Council for providing funds for
the following areas:
Scientist in the Classroom – Workshops Grades K-8
Graduation
First Communion
Confirmation
Benevolent Fund
Upgrading Internet and Technology
Parents of Grade 4 students – PACE (Program for
Academic and Creative Extension)
As you are aware, all Grade 4 students during the month
of September took part in writing the PACE achievement
test. The PACE results are placed in the students’ OSRs.
Parents do not get a copy of the results. Only students
who have scored excellent/very high on their
achievement tests are considered for the next step of the
screening process. Any parents wishing to discuss their
child’s results should make an appointment with Mrs.
Augustynek.
Luke 4:18 Christmas Toy Drive
This Christmas, the St. Joseph the Worker Luke 4:18
Social Justice Committee has decided to participate in the
City of Vaughan Toy Drive 2014, which is in support of
the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.
We are asking students and staff who would like to
participate, to make a donation of a new, unwrapped toy
for children aged newborn to eighteen years of age
remembering that children of all ages are in need this
holiday season. The Toy Drive will begin on November
26th and will end on December 12th.
As an incentive, all Primary classes (JK/SK to grade 3)
who donate a minimum of 10 toys per class will have
their picture taken with Santa Claus. All Junior classes
(grade 4 to grade 6) who also donate 10 or more toys per
class will be given a "games period" as scheduled by their
classroom teacher. For the Intermediate students,
donating toys will be their ticket to the "Jingle Bell Ball"
held on Friday December 19th.
As Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things – only
small things with great love."
So this Christmas let's all do a small thing and donate to
our Toy Drive.
Sprit Week – “Holiday Happenings”
'Tis the season to be jolly and the Spirit Council is ready
to get St. Joseph the Worker in the Christmas Spirit with
some good old fashion Holiday Fun! We plan on making
the last week before the holidays (Monday December
15th to Friday December 19th) full of good will and good
times.
Monday
December
15
Red and
Green Day
Tuesday
December
16
Santa and
Elf Hat
Day
Wednesday
December
17
Scarf and
Mitten Day
Thursday
December
18
Pyjama
Day
Friday
December
19
Charity
Staffstudent
Volleyball
game $2 for
SharfeLife
Holly Jolly
Candy
Count
begins
Holly Jolly
Candy
Count
continues
Holly Jolly
Candy
Count
continues
Story time
with Santa
Holly Jolly
Candy
Count
winner(s) is
announced
Christmas
Trivia
begins
Christmas
Trivia
continues
Christmas
Trivia
continues
Holly Jolly
Candy
Count
continues
Christmas
Trivia
continues
Letter
writing to
Santa in
the Library
Grs. K-3
Evening
Concert
Childcare –
Grs. 3
Christmas
Trivia
continues
Jingle Bell
Ball
Intermediate
Dance
Advent
Mass
Evening
Concert
Grs. 4-8
So let's "Fa-la-la-la" our way to Christmas as Spirit
Council proudly presents Holiday Happenings 2014.
4
Leadership Links Conference Students Experience
My favourite part of the leadership program was when
we got into groups and had the chance to meet new
people. I also liked when we did centers and learned
how to be better leaders. Finally, I enjoyed the stories
people shared and how everyone cheered for us.
By: Andrew Z.
What I enjoyed about going to the Leadership Links was
that it taught me many important things. It was a fun
experience and a life lesson to me. I enjoyed
participating in this event.
By: Nicole A.
My favourite experience from the conference was when I
got to play games and Ice Breakers with my group. I also
liked how Stewy talked to us in a funny manner.
By: Ivana M.
My favourite part of the Leadership Links was putting
together puzzles and games and taking part in the Ice
Breakers. They have Disney-themed groups and I was
Winnie the Pooh. We had our own chant and that was
one of my favourite parts.
By: Jamie A.
Kindergarten Registration
St. Joseph the Worker will begin accepting Kindergarten
registrations as of Monday, January 5th, 2015, from
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
When you come in to register, you will receive a
registration package to be completed.
Please bring the necessary documentation at the time of
registration:
1.
Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate (child’s or
parent’s).
2.
Proof of Age (child’s birth certificate).
3.
Proof of Legal Status in Canada Proof of
Residency.
4.
Proof of English Separate School Support.
If you are unable to come during these times, please
contact the school office to make arrangements to pick-up
a registration package.
Please Note: JK children must be 4 years of age by
December 31st, 2015.
Indoor Outdoor Shoes
Please provide your child with a change of shoes for
indoor use in class. Running shoes are best since they can
also be used for gym. This helps to maintain a clean and
comfortable environment for the student’s school day.
Most importantly, we have a detailed fire/emergency
evacuation policy which will be practiced several times
over the course of the school year which means students
must wear their shoes in the school building at all times.
Whenever the fire alarm goes off, students will not be
allowed to put on shoes, coats, hats etc. Their safety is
our first priority, so once again please ensure that your
child/ren come equipped with the proper indoor and
outdoor shoes. Flip flops, clogs or sandals are not
appropriate shoes for school.
Volleyball News
The Intermediate Boys and Girls Volleyball teams had a
good run this year and represented Wolverine spirit with
true passion and dedication for the sport. SJW was host
to the Area Boys' Tournament on Monday November
10th. The boys played hard and showed excellent
sportsmanship. Although losing in the semi-finals, the
boys played very well as a team. The girls tournament
was held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha on Wednesday
November 12th. Despite several loses, the girls remained
strong and put forth their best effort. A well deserved
congratulations goes out to both teams for their efforts
and for representing SJW at both tournaments. SJW
would also like to thank the coaching staff, Ms. Bucci and
Mr. Abraham and to Ms. Gallo for assisting with the
Boy's Tournament.
Weather Watch and Bus Cancellations
Kindly ensure that your children are appropriately
dressed for school during cold temperatures as they are
expected to be outside for all recesses except during
extreme weather conditions. A change of clothes kept at
school is recommended especially for the younger
grades. Since winter is approaching, with it will come
unpredictable or slower driving conditions.
Student Transportation Services may determine that the
roads and weather conditions make it impossible to
operate a bus safely. Unless the situation is so severe as
to require closing of the schools, the schools will remain
open and parents are asked to use their discretion in
sending their child to school.
5
Winter Clothing
Students are reminded that proper clothing must be
worn. This includes hats, gloves and boots in addition to
your winter coats. We suggest that names be placed on
all primary students’ winter clothing. Each winter season
brings an assorted collection of hats, gloves or even boots
that go unclaimed in our Lost and Found box. Students
are expected to go outside for recess in order to get some
exercise and fresh air. An indoor routine is followed
when the temperature or wind chill factor drops to -18C.
A pair of indoor shoes must be provided for use inside
the school.
Your Child’s Not Feeling Well
We sometimes receive request from parents(s)
guardian(s) for students who are recovering from an
illness to stay in for recess. Supervision is difficult to
guarantee and at the same time students can spread their
colds etc. to other students. If your child is ill, it is best to
keep them supervised at home. This will make them
more comfortable and prevent others from becoming ill.
Fever, diarrhea and vomiting are just some of the reasons
for a child to be kept home. It is important to consult
with a doctor if symptoms are severe or prolonged in any
illness. Please always be sure that the office has an up-todate Emergency Contact Form for your family.
Advent Mass
St. Joseph the Worker staff and students will be
celebrating our Advent Mass on Monday, December 15th
2014 at 9:15 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
All are welcomed to attend.
Winter Breaks
The last day of classes before the Christmas Break is
Friday, December 19th, 2014 with dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
as usual.
Classes will resume on Monday, January 5th, 2015.
Non-Edible Treats/Loot Bags
We continue to ask for your assistance in providing nonedible treats when celebrating your child’s birthday with
classmates. Due to LIFE THREATENING FOOD
ALLERGIES we will not allow any sharing of food.
Christmas Charity Staff-Student Volleyball Game
The teachers are looking forward to some friendly
competition on Friday, December 19th, 2014 in the
Christmas Charity Staff-Student Volleyball Game, with
donations going to ShareLife. We will be collecting
toonies for ShareLife and students will have the
opportunity to watch an exiting match between the
teachers and Intermediate Boys and Girls Volleyball
team. Go Wolverines, Go!
Extended Vacations
Parents are requested to plan vacations outside of school
time whenever possible. In the event that this is not
possible, it is the responsibility of the parents to notify the
school in writing. After 10 consecutive days, the principal
must have written documentation from the parent, which
indicates the expected date of return. After 30 consecutive
days, the attendance counsellor is informed.
2014 Grade 8 Exit Survey Results
To support the continued success of all students enrolled
in the York Catholic District School Board and as part of
the Board’s strategy to ensure that the school system is
working effectively to meet the needs of all students, the
first Grade 8 exit survey was administered in 2012. The
survey was completed anonymously online and was
intended to identify student perceptions about their
experiences in elementary school and their plans for high
school.
Highlights of the findings from the Grade 8 2014 exit
survey included the following: (97% participation)
ƒ Most Grade 8 students (87%) indicated that they
planned to enrol in a York Catholic secondary
school.
ƒ Most Grade 8 students (83%) reported that their class
had been visited by a representative of the nearest
York Catholic high school and (89%) of the students
had attended an Open House evening at their
nearest York Catholic high school.
ƒ Grade 8 students with special education needs
indicated that they perceived that the supports
received in elementary school were helpful for their
own learning and success. These supports included:
ƒ
Access to accommodations in their classes (91%);
ƒ
Understanding their learning style and how
they learn best (90%);
ƒ
Access to technology to support their learning
(88%);
ƒ
Access to support from special education
teachers (86%).
Students indicated that their top 3 reasons for enrolling
in a York Catholic high school were as follows: location;
friends were going to a York Catholic high school and
the Catholic tradition and academic excellence
grounded in a common faith.
Student feedback collected from the exit survey, along
with other information gathered about our school
including the school climate survey, will be used at
St. Joseph the Worker C.E.S. to further support
improvements in student achievement, faith
development and well-being.
6
We thank you for supporting our commitment to a Peanut/Nut safe environment at St. Joseph the Worker C.E.S.
York Catholic District School Board Inclement Weather Notification School transportation service may be cancelled from time to time due to inclement weather and/or poor road conditions. Unless otherwise stated, schools will remain open when transportation services are cancelled. The safety and well‐being of our students is taken into consideration when making decisions concerning transportation service cancellation. Information regarding the cancellation of school transportation or school closures will be made available by 6:15 a.m. Please exercise discretion in deciding whether to send your child to school when school transportation has been cancelled, and note the following: 9 A decision to cancel school transportation service will be region‐wide meaning all school buses, vans and taxis will not operate. 9 Unless otherwise stated, schools will remain open and parents can make alternate arrangements to transport their children to and from school if school bus service is cancelled. 9 If transportation is cancelled in the morning, it will not operate in the afternoon. 9 In the event school transportation is cancelled, exams, tests, quizzes, excursions, charter trips, school programs, Hot Lunch Programs (in elementary schools), co‐curricular activities, evening presentations, workshops, as well as, Identification, Placement, and Review Committee Meetings (IPRCs) will be cancelled and rescheduled. Inclement Weather Notifications will be posted to: 9 School Website 9 Board Website (www.ycdsb.ca) 9 Student Transportation Services of York Region Website (www.schoolbuscity.com) 9 Twitter (www.twitter.com/ycdsb) 9 Designated Radio and Television Stations: RADIO TELEVISION AM 640 CBC CFNY CFRB CHAY CHFI CHIN CHRW CHUM CIQB CJBC CJCL CJEZ CJKX CKDO 640AM 99.1FM 102.1FM 1010AM 93.1FM 98.1FM 1540AM & 100.7FM 94.9FM 1050AM & 104.5 FM 101.1FM 860AM 590AM 97.3FM 95.9FM & 89.9 FM 1580AM CKDX CKFM KISS NEWS Q107 88.5FM 99.9FM 92.5FM 680AM 107.1FM CITY TV CTV BARRIE CTV TORONTO CP24 GLOBAL NEWS Information about school transportation cancellation is also available at www.schoolbuscity.com 7