October Newsletter 2026

Home of the Chargers & Saint Paul Family of Schools

Location: 5719 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Phone: 905.354.7744
Twitter: @STMARYCATHOLIC https://www.instagram.com/stmarycatholic/

Youtube Page: St. Mary Youtube Page

School Principal: Mrs. Maria Solomon

Superintendent: Mr. Gino Pizzoferrato

As we gather this Thanksgiving, we pause to recognize that every good gift comes from God. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is an opportunity to live out our Catholic faith by expressing gratitude for God's many blessings in our lives. Through our families, friendships, school community, health, and daily opportunities, we experience God's love and care each day.

In our Catholic tradition, gratitude is at the heart of discipleship. The word Eucharist itself means "thanksgiving." Each time we celebrate Mass, we give thanks to God for His unconditional love and for the gift of Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving reminds us that all we have is a gift entrusted to us, and we are called to share those gifts generously with others.

As followers of Christ, we are invited not only to be thankful for what we receive, but also to be people who bring hope, kindness, compassion, and joy to those around us. When we give thanks, we recognize God's presence in our lives and grow in appreciation for the blessings that often go unnoticed. May this Thanksgiving fill our hearts with gratitude, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to serve others with love. Let us thank God for the many ways He blesses our school community and pray that we continue to be a light of Christ in the world.

We are excited to welcome all of our St. Mary families to our Meet the Teacher Night!

📅 Date: Thursday October 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hallowe’en is a Catholic tradition and custom that we as Catholics need to keep alive. The feast day of the Saints is the reason for Hallowe’en. Hallow is the same word for ‘holy’ that we find in the Lord’s Prayer, and e’en is a contraction of evening. The word Hallowe’en itself is a shortened form of ‘All Hallows Eve’, the day before All Saints Day. This holiday, properly understood and celebrated with all understanding, is close at hand for Catholics in our love of the communion of saints. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children regarding the reason for Hallowe’en.

On Friday, October 30, 2025 at 9:00 am we will be having a Hallowe’en Parade if weather permitting. Students will go for a walk in our local neighbourhood. We will begin with our Grade 1 and 2 as they are off to Warner's Ranch and Pumpkin Patch for 9:30 sharp.

We will also be hosting a Halloween Dance-A-Thon in the gym for all students to participate. Each class will be assigned a designated time to enjoy some fun in the gym dancing to Halloween music. More information will be shared on what fun accessories and items will be for sale and the cost. Teachers will also have fun-filled classroom activities on this day.​​

If your child would like to dress in a Halloween costume, please have your child come dressed to school in their costume and/or black and orange. Since our objective is to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone, costumes which reflect violence, excessive gore, or weapons are not permitted. Any student who is wearing a costume that is deemed inappropriate by school staff will be asked to wear the designated black and orange clothing he/she has worn to school that day. Please remember that due to the severe allergies please do not bring in any treats or food items for your child to share in the classroom. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on activities, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Happy Hallowe’en,

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the importance of kindness—both in our words and actions—cannot be overstated. Teaching our children to be compassionate and respectful individuals is essential in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful, and equitable society. As their primary role models, we play a crucial part in guiding them through their interactions, both in person and online.

The Power of Words and Actions: Every day, our children encounter opportunities to demonstrate kindness. Simple acts, whether a compliment, a helping hand, or standing up for someone in need, can create ripples of positivity in their communities. Encouraging them to think before they speak and to consider how their actions affect others helps foster a culture of empathy.

Navigating Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in our children's lives. It’s essential to discuss the content they consume and the impact it can have on their attitudes and choices. Engaging with positive, respectful, and inclusive material not only reinforces their values but also shapes their perspectives.

Here are a few ways you can support your children in this journey and reinforce our mission as a school community:

Monitor and Discuss: Continue to regularly review the apps and platforms your children are using. Engage in conversations about what they’re viewing, emphasizing the importance of respectful and inclusive content.

Promote Positive Content: Continue to encourage your children to follow accounts that promote kindness, inclusivity, and social responsibility. With your supervision platforms like Instagram and YouTube can offer many educational and uplifting channels.

Setting Good Examples: Continue to model positive online behavior by sharing thoughtful and respectful content yourself. Show them how to engage constructively in discussions and stand up against negativity.

Establish Guidelines: Create and/or revisit family guidelines for social media usage that emphasize respect and kindness. Encourage open communication about their online experiences and any content that makes them uncomfortable.

Resources for Awareness: Share informative articles and websites that highlight the impact of social media on mental health and societal norms.

Some excellent resources include:

• Common Sense Media: Offers reviews and guidelines for apps and shows.
• Niagara Regional Police Online Safety for Parents https://www.niagarapolice.ca/en/community/online-safety.aspx
• The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI): Provides tips on navigating online interactions.
• PBS Kids: Features resources on digital citizenship and kindness.

By fostering a culture of kindness and awareness, we can empower our children to become responsible digital citizens and compassionate individuals.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure that their choices contribute to a better world for everyone.

Thank you for your continued partnership --

Mrs. Solomon

Each year, the Holy Childhood Association invites everyone to become missionaries for Christ by sharing their time and love with needy children in the developing world. The Holy Childhood members set an example for all of us by fulfilling three promises:

• pray daily for the well-being of children around the world.

• learn about these children.

• make small personal sacrifices to help feed, clothe and educate needy youngsters.

St. Mary Catholic Elementary School will be conducting a prayer service on the announcements and a walk for the Holy Childhood Society. We believe that participation in this Walk will help us all to grow spiritually. More details are forthcoming.

Please offer your prayers, encouragement and support by joining us on the walk if you are able to do so.

If you would like to donate to the Holy Childhood Association, School Cash Online will be available online beginning Oct. 1, 2025. We as a school community will be most appreciative of the prayers and assistance that will improve the quality of all our lives and help to restore faith in God and humanity.

St. Andrew's Church Parking Lot is used for St. Mary's Kiss N Ride. We continue to remain community partners and to show how much we value our community partnership. We are asking for some helping hands to help clean-up their grounds along the area of St. Mary Kiss N Ride. If you are interested, come join us for our annual helping hands for our community neighbours. Saturday Nov.7 9:00-12:00. Please bring your rakes, shovels and your energy to help our fellow community partners for St. Andrew Fall Garden Annual Cleanup!! Please RSVP to maria.solomon@ncdsb.com and the subject St. Andrew Cleanup for those who can join us.

RAIN DATE NOVEMBER 14 - 9:00 to NOON

Mark the Date: November 7 @ 5:00 pm is the Parish Commitment Ceremony at St. Patrick Church for those grade 8s making their Confirmation and Saturday November 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Our Grade 8 students will be entering another incredible milestone of making their Confirmation! This is a significant step in their faith journey as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and embrace the call to live as disciples of Christ. We are so proud of your commitment and your openness to God's grace.

A heartfelt thank you to Father Gerard and to Mrs. Shewfelt who have dedicated their time and guidance to preparing you for this special day. Their support has helped shape your understanding of the sacrament and the responsibilities that come with it.

We also want to extend our deep gratitude to our parents for recognizing and supporting this important Sacrament. Your role in nurturing your children’s faith and understanding their call is truly a blessing.

May the Holy Spirit fill each of you with strength, wisdom, and joy as you continue to grow in faith!

See you on November 21, 2026 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church at the 5:00 p.m. Mass!!

Picture Re-Take Day and Gr. 8 Graduation Pictures will be November 5.

Niagara Region Public Health School Health for October 2026

AODA note: hyperlink addresses are in the Link Destinations section of this document.

Don’t Be Scared by Cavities this Halloween!

Keep your child’s smile BOO-tiful this Halloween!

Here are some tips to help keep teeth healthy:

• Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoridated toothpaste

• Floss once a day

• Stay away from sticky, starchy, and hard candy

• Limit sugary drinks. Drink water after eating tasty treats to rinse away sugar that may be stuck on your teeth.

• Book a FREE dental appointment at Public Health's dental clinics by calling 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399 or live chat with us (Link #1).

To learn more on how to keep your family’s teeth healthy, visit www.niagararegion.ca/dental.

Help Keep the Classroom Germ Free – Stay Home When Sick

Fall brings the ‘unofficial’ start of respiratory illness season. This means that viruses that affect our respiratory system (for example our lungs and throat) begin to spread more often.

Help keep the classroom germ free by keeping your child home if they are sick. If your child is sick, they should stay home from school until:

• They have no fever, without the use of fever reducing medication and

• Their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours or 48 hours if they have nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea and

• They don’t develop any new symptoms

Each year, different respiratory viruses can be spreading in our community at the same time. These viruses can have similar symptoms. This means it can be hard to tell what you are infected with based on just symptoms alone. For more information on, visit Managing Illness - Exclusion periods (Link #2) and our downloadable resource Respiratory Illnesses: Protect Yourself and Others (Link #3).

By keeping your child at home when they are feeling sick, you are actively helping to prevent the spread of infection and disease among the entire school community.

Cannabis Edibles and Staying Safe this Halloween

With Halloween around the corner, it’s a good time to review safe storage tips for cannabis edibles. These products can look just like regular treats—gummies, brownies, or cookies—which makes them easy for children to mistake for candy.

Hospitalizations for accidental cannabis poisonings in children have increased across Canada, most often happening at home. To help keep kids safe:

• Store edibles in child-resistant packaging, out of reach (up high) and out of sight

• Keep them separate from regular food

• Use a locked container whenever possible

Symptoms of cannabis poisoning in children may include confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, slowed breathing, or trouble walking. If you suspect a child has consumed cannabis, call 1-844-POISON-X or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Let’s keep Halloween safe and fun for everyone!

International Walk to School Month (IWALK)

The changing season means colourful leaves, migrating birds, and scurrying critters. How many of these can you and your child(ren) spot on your journey to school this month? Use the IWALK I-Spy activity cards to track your sightings!

Visit ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/international-walk-to-school-month/ for resources, ideas, and tips to help celebrate and participate in IWALK Month. Share stories and images of your community getting your walk on by tagging @OntarioAST and using the hashtags #IWALK and #JourneyOutside on Twitter.

Link Destination

1. Live chat with us (https://vue.comm100.com/chatWindow.aspx?siteId=232657&planId=545)

2. Managing Illness - Exclusion periods (https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/childcare/service-providers/child-care-manual/illness.aspx#non-report)

Respiratory Illnesses: Protect Yourself and Others (https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/childcare/service-providers/child-care-manual/illness.aspx#non-report)

Oct. 7 - Cross Country Meet

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not park on the shoulder of the road on Morrison Street, make U-Turns or block site lines for walkers and families picking up their children. We also need to be mindful that we now have four busses and students have to be able to walk to their busses safely. There are still those who are choosing not to follow our safety protocols and are compromising the safety of others. We continue to work with the City of Niagara Falls, and Niagara Regional Police to enforce safety zones in front of the school. There will be more safety measures put into place in addition to the existing signage to support safety first!

Please be mindful that the Kiss N Ride is used to drop off and pick up your child in a safe manner. For the safety of your child and others within our school community please pull up into the Kiss N Ride and let a staff member assist your child into the car. If your child is unable to put on their own seatbelt please pull over to the empty bay in Kiss N Ride to help them; please do not get out of the vehicle to do this.

If you would like to escort your child to school, please park your car on Law Street or at Oakes Park. There is a crossing guard to help make sure that you get across the street safely and to the far gate for students to be received.

Please do not park inside the staff parking lot. The far end of the parking lot is designated for Kiss N Ride to St. Andrew and many children and families are using the sidewalk to walk home.

Please do not make U-Turns or park along side the shoulder of the road on Morrison Street. This will help to create clear sight lines to support the safety of all our school community.

KISS--n-RIDE PROCEDURES for SAFETY

• For safety and efficiency - Adults are to remain in vehicles if using Kiss n Ride otherwise you must park your car to get out to walk or assist your child(ren)
• Please do not stop your vehicle to have conversations with others while in your vehicle in the kiss and ride zones as it puts others at a disadvantage behind you and everyone has somewhere to be
• Ensure backpacks are ready and not stowed in the trunk
• Educational staff's primary focus is the students they are dismissing, if you have a message for the school, please call or email the classroom teacher. Staff on duty in the Kiss N Ride area are unable to relay messages.

At Drop Off 1 Lane

• Drive through Kiss-n-Ride 1 lane through St. Andrew Church Parking Lot
• Drive around to the gate that is adjacent to St. Mary School which is the exit of the drop off area - students exit on the right hand side of their vehicle where staff will escort them through the gate into the school
• Students are not to get out of their cars unless escorted and directed by a staff member
• Students are not to exit on the left hand side of their vehicle or in between cars
• Ensure backpacks are ready to go with the child and not stowed in a trunk.

At Dismissal 1 Lanes (3:00 pick-up)

• Drive through Kiss-n- Ride 1 lane only
• Remain in your vehicle until your child is brought out to the Kiss N Ride area
• If you are FIRST in the Kiss-n-Ride and your child has not come out yet please be prepared to park in one of the empty bays as directed by a staff member
• Use caution when exiting the Kiss-n-Ride area as you will be crossing over the pedestrian sidewalk onto a busy Morrison Street

Please subscribe to NSTS for direct delay email notifications or download the Bus Planner Delays app to your phone for direct notification. More information is available on the NSTS website https://www.nsts.ca/policy-service/busplanner-web-user-instructions

Supervision & Arrival:

Direct entry into school from 8:30 am to 8:40 am

School Begins with morning announcements shortly after 8:40

**Your child will be marked absent if they are not in their classroom by 8:40

Nutrition Break #1:

10:50-11:30 (first 20 min. indoor and eat; last 20 min. outdoor recess)

Nutrition Break #2:

12:50-1:30 (first 20 min. indoor and eat; last 20 min. outdoor recess)

Dismissal: 3:00

2:55 Kiss & Ride Students begin making way to Kiss & Ride area for dismissal for 3:00 pm

3:00 Walkers Dismissed with Bus Students; Bus Students are lined up inside of school hallways

All students MUST be picked up at dismissal time.

Parents/Guardians your child needs to arrive anytime between 8:30-8:40 am. Announcements will begin promptly after 8:45. Your child will be marked absent/late if they are not in their classrooms ready to learn by 8:40. It is important that your child arrives each day on time and ready to learn. The first ten to fifteen minutes are important learning as students are doing math problems of the day, Knowledgehook and Lexia. These are all valuable tools that will support your child's literacy and numeracy skills while supporting excellent learning skills and work habits. Thank you for your continued partnership.

• Check Transportation Details for your child at NSTS https://www.nsts.ca/
• Register for Safe Arrival to receive school messages and report your child’s attendance https://niagaracatholic.ca/safearrival/
• Register for School Cash Online to make purchases from the school https://ncdsb.schoolcashonline.com/
• Have your dress code ready to go (see below)
• If you need regional day care services please make sure you register with the region (see below http://onehsn.org
• Follow us on social media for connection and communication Instagram @stmarycatholic
• We are a DIRECT ENTRY school which means students enter upon arrival
• Please visit our school website anytime for links to School Cash Online and School Messenger/Safe Arrival https://schools.niagaracatholic.ca/stmary-niagarafalls/

As you know we now have two 20 minute nutrition breaks instead of one lunch period.

Tips for Parents

How to Plan and Prepare for Nutritional Breaks Packing a nutritious meal for the Balanced School Day can be both enjoyable and straightforward. Here are some suggestions to help you plan a healthy lunch for your child:

• Divide a single lunch into two portions to ensure adequacy for each nutritional break.
• Wrap sandwiches individually or cut them in half.
• Separate fruits, vegetables, crackers, and cheese into labeled bags for each break.
• Consider providing two healthy drinks for each break.
• Avoid packing foods containing nuts or nut products to support our peanut-safe schools.
• Involve your child in planning and preparing their nutritional breaks.
• Ensure your child includes a balanced selection of healthy foods if they are responsible for packing their lunch.
• Aim to include items from three of the five food groups outlined in Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating for each break.

As partners in education we need to continue working together to support all our students within a kind and caring School Community.

Please see St. Mary's Code of Conduct below that reflects the Niagara Catholic District School Board and Ontario's Ministry of Education Provincial Code of Conduct https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-128

St. Mary Students are expected to:

□ come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn

□ show respect for yourselves and others (kind words and actions)

□ refrain from bringing anything to school or doing anything at school that may risk the safety of others

□ follow the rules and takes responsibility for your own action to foster a culture of mutual respect

STUDENTS’ EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

□ following classroom and school rules (seated, inside speaking volume)

□ proactive and preventative (you need to tell an adult in a timely manner -See

Something Say Something) and be patient when issues are being resolved

□ mindful of your tone, delivery, body language and physical space

□ self-regulations: ‘green zone’- you are in-control of your emotions and respect others, learning environment creating a positive school and classroom climate

□ mindful of your own biases (personal opinion) and not taking sides because they are your friend but doing the right thing

□ team player actively promoting positive behaviours and interactions with others that model safe, accepting behaviour for everyone to feel welcome and belonging in a school community

□ reflect your decisions and choices made that have natural consequences

□ cell phones are to be out of sight, off and only used with permission under supervision

STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE

□ positive, welcoming, inclusive, accepting and respecting

□ on time, ready for learning (open to feedback able to be coached and redirected)

□ respecting yourself and others (kind comments and actions only accepted)

STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC BEHAVIOUR

□ responsible for your learning (on time, clean desk and work environment and complete your work to the best of your ability)

□ collaborative contributor (attentive listener, share the work load, be just and kind)

□ effective communicator (i.e actively participating, asking for help when needed)

□ reflective (ask yourself what and how can I do better) and why it’s important

□ belief that, “you can do well if you can” and if you are having difficulties then reflect on your lagging skills and unsolved problems

□ set goals to be a self-directed, responsible student that includes your lagging skills and unsolved problems.

The code applies to the entire school community:

• on school property

• on school buses

• at school-related events or activities

• in before and after school programs

• in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate, such as incidents that may happen between students off school property

• in an online learning environment

All school community members must:

□ follow all classroom and school rules and Board policies

□ show honesty and integrity

□ always treat others with dignity and respect both in person and online, especially when there is disagreement or difference

□ respect and treat others fairly (regardless of: race, identity, culture, ability, interests)

□ respect the rights of others

□ show care and respect for school property and the property of others

□ take the proper steps to help those in need

□ respect the need of others to work in an environment that is good for learning and teaching

□ seek help from school staff to resolve conflict peacefully, if necessary

□ not swear at or verbally abuse anyone

□ not use mobile devices (for example cellphone, tablet, smart watch) during class time except when a teacher says to use them as part of learning, they are needed for a health or medical reason or they support special education needs)

Parents/Guardians must:

□ engage in your child's schoolwork and progress

□ communicate regularly with your school

□ make sure your child is properly dressed and prepared for school

□ ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time

□ inform your school promptly about your child's absence or late arrival

□ become familiar with the St. Mary’s Code of Conduct, Niagara Catholic’s Code of Conduct and Ministry of Ontario’s Code of Conduct

□ encourage and help your child follow the rules of behaviour

□ help school staff deal with disciplinary issues involving your child

Teachers and school staff are expected to:

□ help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth

□ empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school and community

□ communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents

□ maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students

□ show respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and members of the school community

□ prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship

□ help students communicate respectfully in person and online

□ model the standards of respect, civility, and responsible citizenship

□ show students the appropriate use of cellphones during school by not using personal mobile devices during instructional time, unless explicitly for work-related purposes.

Principals are expected to:

□ show care for the school community and commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive and accepting learning environment

□ hold everyone under their authority responsible for their behaviour and actions

□ empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community

□ communicate regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community

□ model the standards of respect, civility and responsible citizenship

All school community members must not:

□ start or join in any form of bullying, whether in-person or through technology (for example, through texts or social media posts)

□ start or join in hate or types of behaviour motivated by bias, prejudice or hate against a distinct group

□ inflict, or encourage others to inflict, bodily harm

□ commit anytime of assault or harassment

□ threaten or intimidate another person

□ be in possession of a weapon or any illegal substances

□ commit theft

□ commit vandalism that causes damage to school property or property:

Non-Negotiables:

□ physical contact, name calling, disrupting learning environment

□ disrespecting others (including authority)

□ respect confidentiality and reciprocated trust including the person in authority

□ see list above

Natural Consequences:

□ Use of Progressive Discipline (Own It, Learn From It, Move On & Make Changes)

□ Use of a Restorative Model (Reflect, Rethink, Rebuild using a variety of strategies and plan of action/care including phone calls home, meeting with parents/guardians)

□ consequences are unique to the situation and the number of incidents

□ poor choices lead to natural consequences (i.e., Alternative placement, play area restricted, out of school suspension)

Students must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances:

-for health and medical purposes

-to support special education needs

-if directed by teacher for educational purpose

If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must require the device be handed in for the instructional day and the device must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location designated by the principal/educator

*For grades 7 & 8 students’ personal mobile devices are stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time.

*For grade 6 and below students’ personal mobile devices are stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.

*If a student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, the student must be sent to the Principal’s office. Principals have discretion under PPM No. 145, Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension.

*An annual notification to parents and students reminding them of the restrictions and requirements for student personal mobile device use and the consequences for non-compliance