Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son.”John 3:16

As we move into the second half of the school year, it is a great time for students to look back at all they have accomplished thus far. They have been working diligently to reach goals and make strides toward achieving the Catholic Graduate Expectations. First Term Report Cards will be sent home on February 14th and parent teacher interviews will take place on February 17th and 18th. Communication with your child’s teacher is ongoing, and interviews are a great opportunity to sit down and discuss achievements and next steps.

The month of February, the month dedicated to love, offers us the opportunity to reflect on how our actions must be guided by the idea that God says we are to love one another as He loved us. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, be patient and kind, and live our life in a way that makes others know we are followers of Christ.

We appreciate your ongoing support! Student Success is always our priority. Together we foster a love for learning and collectively, we develop a strong and caring connection between home, school and church for the benefit of all our learners. Wishing you all a love-filled Valentine’s Day, and a very safe and enjoyable Family Day weekend!

Mackie ColuccioPrincipal

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

FEBRUARY 2017

9 Bannerman StreetToronto, Ontario M6L 2S5

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

Mackie Coluccio, PrincipalRaffaela Gallo, Vice Principal

Angela Moscar, Head Secretary

School Hours of Operation:8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Michael CaccamoSuperintendent

(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

Virtue of the MonthVIRTUE RECIPIENTS FOR JANUARY

Congratulations to all the students who demonstrated the virtues of Courage! You are role models for the rest of the school and we thank you for your leadership!! Well done!! Names of all the Virtue of the Month recipients for January are on the next page.

Virtue of the Month

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

CLASS GRADE STUDENTMs. Moreira JK/SK Elena DMs. Fabris JK/SK Marco YMs. Leite JK/SK Alessia CMs. Speranza JK/SK Arianna NMs. Vomero 1/2 Alexander SMs. Genova 1 Giuliana SMs. Burrows-Ricci 1 Tyano CMs. Menegon 2/3 Liam MMs. Bossio 2 Sebastian AMs. Caruso-Buttigieg 2 Makayla FMs. Leonetti 3 Anthony TMs. Pignatari 3 Damian MMs. Primier 3 Vanessa NMs. Andino 3/4 Elizabeth TMs. Pugliese 4 Samantha MMs. Muzzati 4/5 Cassandra MMs. Marino 5 Afonso RMs. Querin 5/6 Joseph DMs. Dodaro 6 Brenda MMs. Zeppieri 6/7 Cesar GMs. Reis 7 Damian MMs. DeCarlo 7 Matthew OMs. Ruggeri 8 Robert TMs. Burella 8 Gianluca IHeritage Language Robert F

VIRTUE RECIPIENTS FOR JANUARY Virtue for the month of February is...

Love“For God so loved the world,

He gave it His only son.”(John 3:16)

Love can be shown in many ways!

Here are some examples:

• Let your actions be guided by the idea that God says we should love one another as He loved us.

• Jesus said we should love our enemy.

Student LifeMS. VOMERO’S GRADE 1/2 CLASS LEARN HOW TO DECOMPOSE NUMBERS

Student LifePIONEER DAY FOR GRADE 3’S

Student LifeST. FIDELIS STUDENTS VISITED COLUMBUS CENTRE TO VIEW NATIVITIES

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. “BELLISSIMI”

Go Falcons Go!

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM

Matthew M, Seth I, Ryan A, Robert F, Christopher D, Robert T, Christian T, Caleb D, Leo G, Argie S, Mr. Ast

Sophia T, Sabrina S, Julia T, Natalie P, Amelia P, Anezia M, Schanelle K, Olivia C, Emma I, Mr. Ast

INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAM

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!

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 2016/2017

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. Alenna Emer, Secretary3. Sandra Grilo, Chair4. Linda Lisi, Treasurer5. Suzy Marotta, Special Education Rep6. Lucy Pompilio-Schroeter7. Elena Seymour, Vice Chair8. Jennifer Sgrignoli9. Melissa Haber-Tonks

10. Bernadette Tucci11. 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.

In the event of an evacuation at St. Fidelis CS. our students & staff will be escorted to one of the following locations:

St. Francis Xavier CS53 Gracefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6L 1L3Phone:(416) 393-5271

Maple Leaf PS301 Culford Rd, North York, ON M6L 2V4Phone: (416) 395-2670

St. Fidelis Catholic Church33 Connie StToronto, ON M6L 2H8Phone: (416) 247-8741

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.

SAFETY REMINDERSONLY 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.

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.

DRESS CODEThe Dress Code for Pupils Policy of the TCDSB:• Reflects the mission of the Board, which includes

providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of Catholic community and sense of belonging in all our schools

• Endorses and supports our commitment as visible role models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings, and integration of Catholic beliefs into the total learning experience

• Contributes to providing a learning and working environment that is respectful of the needs and well-being of all individuals.

APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE: • A plain solid navy blue bottom – pants must be worn

around the waist and skirts/shorts must be knee-length; jogging pants are permitted for all students; leggings/tights are permitted for girls up to grade 6

• A plain solid white or navy blue top-with or without the school crest

• A plain solid navy blue cardigan, sweater, hoodie or pullover – with or without the school crest

• Shoes for indoor wear and shoes for outdoor wear • *****NEW******St. Fidelis SPIRIT WEAR

INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE: • Clothing with logos; • Short shorts/skirts, halter tops, cut-off tops, low cut

tops or tops that are buttoned too low, bare midriffs, tank tops, spaghetti straps, sleeveless shirts that are baggy/revealing;

• Jeans• Tights/leggings for students in grade 7 & 8; • Hats/caps/bandanas/gloves/sunglasses worn inside

school; • Language and/or representations on attire that

indicates gang affiliation (e.g., gang colours/bandanas), that depicts violence, profanity, racial or gender discrimination or discrimination of any kind whatsoever, or that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group;

• Oversized jewelry such as earrings or necklaces/make-up and/or body art/markings.

MonthlyUpdatefromtheBoard

February2017

Toronto Catholic District School Board has declared Friday, May 5, 2017 as Parish Family Day. A special Parish Family Day Celebration will be held at the Catholic Education Centre on Friday, May 5th, 2017 to showcase student work focusing on the many ways that our parishes and our parish priests contribute to our schools and communities.Students are invited to create a short video, original song or piece of original artwork, write a short story, poem or letter, or express themselves in any way artistically to highlight the relationship that the students have with the local parish and/or the priest/pastor at their church. Completed projects should be submitted via email to parish.project@tcdsb.org. Deadline for submissions Friday, April 7, 2017. Let’s continue to celebrate our parishes! We Want to Hear Your Views Watch for community consultations coming soon for:

• Parent and Student Bill of Rights • 2017-2018 Budget Consultation

Details coming soon. Visit www.tcdsb.org in February for details. February is Psychology Month The Psychology Department of TCDSB invites the community to explore and discover the many different ways psychology can help improve our everyday life and overall well-being, and balance the many roles and responsibilities we have. Psychology is for everyone! HELP YOUR CHILD FLOURISH: HOW TO ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH A presentation for parents and educators on February 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor, 80 Sheppard Avenue East Learn more about the programs and services provided by the Psychology Department, TCDSB https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/Pages/default.aspx February is National Inclusive Education Month Learn more about the TCDSB’s Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education Policy: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/hm24.aspx

February is African Canadian Heritage Month Celebrating the rich history, tradition and contribution to Canadian culture, literature, science, medicine, technology and the arts. February 10—Mass and Cultural Expose at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx Director’s Annual Report 2015-2016 Check out the latest edition of the Director’s Annual Report and review some of the many highlights from the past school year: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/Director%E2%80%99s-Annual-Report-2015-2016.aspx Student Voice—Minister’s Student Advisory Council Seeks Applicants Students in grades 7 to 12 are eligible for consideration. Deadline is February 9th. http://edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/speakup/msac.html

• Other Opportunities for Students Kayak Kids Illustrated History Challenge—deadline June 1 https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/OpportunitiesForStudents/Pages/Kayak-Kids-Illustrated-History-Challenge-.aspx

• Weston Youth Innovation Award encourages & recognizes young Canadian innovators http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/innovationaward

• Autism Ontario offers three exciting scholarships http://www.autismontario.com/client/aso/ao.nsf/web/Education+Scholarships

• Overseas Credit Courses: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/secondarycreditcourses/overseas/Pages/default.aspx

• Summer Job Opportunity with Toronto Police Service TPS is accepting applications for the 2017 Summer YIPI (Youth in Policing) Program! Successful applicants can earn $11.40/hr, 35hrs/week! Apply now: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/yipi/

• Summer Jobs with City of Toronto—Deadline for applications February 14th. http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=7ac14aced070a410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

TCDSB Awards Night May 1, 2017 Nominate a member of the TCDSB family for our annual awards • Sister Mary Hamilton Award for Exceptional Students Deadline last Friday in February. • Ashif Jaffer Award for Excellence in Special Education Support Deadline third Friday in

February. Calling All Alumni: Save the Date! Father John Redmond CSS and RAC 30th Anniversary Reunion Saturday, May 6, 2017 and Sunday, May 7, 2017. For more information & registration please visit: http://fjr30th.wixsite.com/fjr30

Kindergarten Registration Continues Apply online at soar.tcdsb.org Imagine the Possibilities Ready to Pick Your High School Courses? The 2017-2018 Course Calendar is available online: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Documents/TCDSB-ProgramAndCourseCalendar-2017-2018.pdf Other Important Reminders:

• Community College Application Deadline is February 1, 2017 http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/important-dates

• Winter Walk Day--February 1, 2017 • Night School Registration Continues Until mid-February

https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/secondarycreditcourses/nightschool/pages/default.aspx

• EClass drop in support is available daily between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on February 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th and 28th at the Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East. www.tcdsb.org/eClass

• Family Day—Monday, February 20, 2017 • System-Wide PA Day Friday, February 17, 2017 • Lent Begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Cold Alerts and Weather-Related Cancellations/Closures Throughout the winter months, Twitter and the board website are the best sources of information relating to cold weather alerts, cancellations and closures. Get all the information here: https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/HealthandSafety/Pages/Cold-Weather-Alerts.aspxand herehttps://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/HealthandSafety/Pages/Weather-Related-Safety-Concerns.aspx And remember to check the Toronto Student Transportation Group website for any school bus delays throughout the year. http://www.torontoschoolbus.org/ Don’t Miss Out On Any News and Information

• Subscribe to ENews and receive the latest information via email. https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx

• Follow @tcdsb on Twitter

80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6E8 Tel. (416) 222-8282

Office of the Director of EducationOffice of the Chair of the Board

January 25, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In early December 2016 Toronto Children’s Services advised the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) that due to significant funding pressures, in its 2017 operating budget, Toronto Children’s Services was recommending, to the City of Toronto Budget Committee, to cancel the child care occupancy cost Financial Agreement with School Boards.

Should this recommendation be approved at Toronto City Council it will have a significant negative impact on TCDSB and other School Board’s operational budgets. School Boards will berequired to recover the occupancy costs directly from the third party child care operators. In turn this will likely result in increased child care fees to parents.

Attached for your information is a letter, dated January 11, 2017, TCDSB has sent to the Chair of the City of Toronto Budget Committee expressing concern and opposition to the proposed cancellation of the child care occupancy cost Financial Agreement.

The City of Toronto 2017 Budget Meeting Schedule is as follows:• February 7, 2017: Presentation to City Executive Committee• February 15 & 16, 2017: Presentation to City Council

TCDSB continues in its commitment and support of the valued services to our communities including child care.

Sincerely,

Angela Gauthier Angela KennedyDirector of Education Chair of the Board

Encl.

here are many great activities in our schools and around the City this month, especially with Family Day on Monday the 20th. It’s a great opportunity for all of us to take a short break and spend some time with our loved ones.

Just a reminder that junior kindergarten registration began on January 18. If you have a child, or know someone else who does, that’s entering kindergarten

in September please visit tcdsb.org to register.

As the City of Toronto come closer to setting its 2017 budget, some changes that could affect many childcare operators at TCDSB schools have been proposed. The proposed changes would remove City rent subsidies for many of these childcare providers and may lead directly to increased fees for users. These changes, and the City of Toronto budget as a whole, will be held on February 15th. If you feel these changes may affect you more information can be found on the City’s budget website at: http://toronto.ca/budget.

As always, remember to express your love and gratitude to those you cherish everyday by especially on the Valentines Day.

Sal PiccininniTrustee – Ward 3

FEBRUARY MESSAGE FROM YOUR TRUSTEE

Monthly Update from TCDSBFebruary 2017

Seven (7) Professional Activity (PA) Days for ELEMENTARY schools: October 7, 2016: Provincial Education PrioritiesNovember 18, 2016: Parent-Teacher Conferences December 2, 2016: Provincial Education PrioritiesJanuary 20, 2017: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting February 17, 2017: Parent-Teacher Conferences June 9, 2017: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting June 30, 2017: 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: 7 Labour Day: September 5, 2015 First Instructional Day: September 6, 2016 Thanksgiving Day: October 10, 2016 Christmas Break: December 26, 2016–January 6, 2017 Start of second semester for secondary schools: February 6, 2017 Family Day: February 20, 2017 Mid-Winter Break: March 13-17, 2017 Good Friday: April 14, 2017 Easter Monday: April 17, 2017 Victoria Day: May 22, 2017Last day of classes for elementary students:June 29, 2017

TCDSB School Year Calendar 2016-2017

TCDSB SPECIAL SERVICES – PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH PSYCHOLOGY PROMOTES SUCCESS

12th Annual Dr. Mary Anne McCarty-Mayor Memorial Psychology Symposium

Presentation for Parents and Educators by the members of the TCDSB Psychology Department

HELP YOUR CHILD FLOURISH:

HOW TO ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH

February 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor,

80 Sheppard Avenue East

This practical workshop addresses strategies supporting the physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual components of well-being. It will include

positive psychology and cognitive behaviour techniques, as well as mindfulness and relaxation techniques that help manage stress, build resiliency and support good mental health. Participants will walk away with strategies that can be used

both at home and in the classroom. Presenters: Rita Alekian, Dr. Marie-Josee Gendron, Grace Labao-Martins,

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Christine Moser

No pre-registration required More information will be available on the TCDSB Psychology Department

website https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/psy

chologyMonth/Pages/Psychology-Month.aspx?l=1453124935728

.

giving them time to tell you what’s on their mind. By doing this you let them know that they have your support and they are more likely to speak openly about what’s bothering them. This is especially important when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

For some children you may need to help them “name their feelings”. For younger children they may simply not have the words for their feelings. For teenagers they may be feeling a rush of different emotions and may need you to help them sort out what they are feeling.

Assist your child to identify what is causing them the most stress in their life and help to reduce the pressure they are feeling. Encourage your child to engage in conversation and discuss what is causing the most stress. This may involve a re-evaluation of their schedule and a need to limit certain activities.

Discuss expectations that are imposed by themselves, parents, and/or teachers. Are

Children can often feel overwhelmed with their academic workload, social pressures, and extracurricular activities. Helping children to develop ways to cope with stress and feeling overwhelmed can help them throughout their lives. Children may not initiate conversation about how they’re feeling or may not even know how to identify what’s bothering them and may need a caring adult to reach out to. There are few things that you can do to give support:

Let your child know that you notice something is bothering them. By “noticing out loud” you give the message that you are interested and concerned about how they are feeling. Saying things such as “It seems like you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work you have tonight”, or “you seem mad about what happened at school today”.

Ask your child what’s wrong and listen with the intention of understanding and without judgement. Show your child that you are open to what they have to say by

Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Newsletter

Is Your Child Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How To Help

February, 2017

TCDSB Mental Health Services provided by Psychology, Social Work, and Guidance personnel

We’re pleased to send you the February edition of the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Newsletter. Please feel free to share and pass it along.

March

February, 2017

Fostering The Family:

The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “ Together With one Voice: Harmonizing

Our Faith Through Family, Parish, and School” 2016 focuses on the PARISH

Serenity Prayer

O God, grant me the

serenity to accept the things

I cannot change, the courage

to change the things I can

and the wisdom to know the

difference. Living one day at

a time, enjoying one

moment at a time. Accepting

hardships as the pathway to

peace. Taking, as He did, the

sinful world as it is, not as I

would have it. Trusting that

He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will; that

I may be reasonably happy

in this life, and supremely

happy with Him forever.

Amen

Mental Health Initiatives 2016-2017 • Support for schools in

developing a mentally healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.

Inclusion of mental health to school SLIPs

Building partnerships with community agencies, families, and parishes.

safeTALK suicide awareness workshops for staff available via PAL under Special Services

Psych. And SW supporting Newcomer Mental Health

Look for Mental Health Offerings on the Secondary PD day on Feb. 17, 2017

these expectations realistic and/or attainable? Are they putting unnecessary pressure and stress on your child?

Children often look to and model after the adults in their lives. Ask yourself how well you’re managing stress in your life? It’s never too late to learn how to better manage your stress and model good coping skills.

Teach your child relaxation, such as deep breathing, playing a favourite activity, going for a walk, yoga. Engaging in these activities together may have many positive effects.

At times it may be helpful to communicate with a teacher, parent or coach to get further clarification about what’s going on. It’s important to let your child/student know that you’re doing this.

Sometimes your child may be having a bad day and may not feel like talking. It’s important to let them know that at times that’s okay. Just being there for them by offering to do something together can be just what is needed.

Information obtained from: www.kidshealth.org; www.goodtherapy.org

March

February, 2017

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Lead patricia.marra-stapleton@tcdsb.org Marci Buhagiar, Psychologist marci.buhagiar@tcdsb.org

February is “Psychology Month”

PSYCHOLOGY IS FOR EVERYONE!

The Psychology Department of TCDSB would like to invite every member of our

community to explore and discover the many different ways psychology can help improve our everyday life and overall well-being, and balance the many roles and responsibilities

we have. Psychology is for everyone!

A presentation for parents and educators

HELP YOUR CHILD FLOURISH: HOW TO ACHIEVE MENTAL

HEALTH February 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Catholic Education Centre, 3rd Floor,

80 Sheppard Avenue EastFor more information see

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/psychology/psychologyMonth/Pages/Psychology-Month.aspx

Suggested Readings: Books:

• The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Transitions by Lawrence E. Shapiro Ph.d., Robin K. Sprague, Matthew McKay, Matthew McKay PhD

• Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom by Patricia A. Jennings, Daniel J. Siegel

• Sometimes I Get...Overwhelmed! by Tracy Bryan • When I'm Overwhelmed by Alexandra Dalton • Children and Stress: a Handbook for Parents, Teachers and Therapists by Marty Loy, • KidStress: Effective Strategies Parents Can Teach Their Kids for School, Family, Peers, the

World-and Everything by Georgia Witkin • Parenting Your Stressed Child by Michelle Bailey

With the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th, the Month of February is often associated with LOVE. Our Catholic Faith is anchored in Love. God is “love”.

St. Paul reminds us …..

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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