St. Veronica

Trustees: L. del Rosario and T. Thomas

Superintendent: P. Cusumano

Principal: N. Laporte

Head Secretary:

Email: VeronInfo@dpcdsb.org

Location: 680 Novo Star Dr., Mississauga, ON L5W 1C7
Phone: 905-696-6980

Gentle Mary

Amen.

Dear St. Veronica Families,

Welcome back to a brand new school year! I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and memorable moments with loved ones. As we begin this exciting new chapter together, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all returning families and a special greeting to those joining our school community for the first time.

At St. Veronica, we are committed to nurturing a safe, inclusive, and faith-filled environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Rooted in our Catholic values, we strive to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do, fostering kindness, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. Through daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and acts of service, we continue to grow together in faith and love.

As we begin this school year, we also reflect with gratitude on the retirement of our beloved school secretary, Mrs. Magi, who concluded her remarkable career in June 2026. For many years, Mrs. Magi was the heart of our school, welcoming students, families, and staff with warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Her commitment to our school community has left a lasting legacy, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her every blessing, happiness, and good health in this well-deserved new chapter.

While we await the arrival of a new school secretary to join our St. Veronica family, we appreciate your patience and understanding. We look forward to welcoming our newest team member and know they will be warmly received by our caring community.

I am excited to welcome several new educators to our school community this year, including Mrs. Colasanti and Mrs. Tanchak. We look forward to the positive impact they will have in our classrooms and beyond.

I would also like to take a moment to express sincere gratitude to our incredible custodial staff, Mr. Da Silva and Mr. Butler. Their hard work and dedication over the summer months have ensured that our school is clean, safe, and welcoming for all. We are truly blessed to have such a committed team supporting our students and staff.

This year promises to be filled with new opportunities, meaningful experiences, and continued collaboration between home and school. We encourage you to stay connected through our newsletters, school website, and upcoming events.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. Let us make this school year one of joy, discovery, faith, and community as we learn and grow together.

We would like to thank the following elected members of the 2025-2026 school year for their hard work and dedication:

Chair: J. Wong

Treasurer: M. de los Reyes

Secretary: J. Wallace

Parish Rep: R. Brual

OAPCE Rep: C. Silva

Community Reps: R. Jayasinghe, B. Bempong, E. Bentir, D. Faseyi

Teaching Rep: C. Lawrence, P. Rietta

Parents who are interested in being on the council should complete the Self-Nomination Form (see below) and submit it to the office by Friday, September 25, 2026. Details on our first council meeting will be forthcoming.

September 8 - First Day of School (students SK - grade 8)

September 9 & 10 - First Day of School for JK students

September 11 - Virtue Assembly

September 18 - Terry Fox Run/Walk

September 23 - Open House and BBQ

September 21 - 25 - Truth and Reconciliation Week

September 21 - October 2 - Thanksgiving Food Drive

September 30 - Orange Shirt Day (at school)

We are continuing with a staggered entry in the morning to support a safe and smooth start to each day. Students may arrive at school between 8:15 AM and 8:30 AM and will be supervised within their classroom. This window helps reduce congestion and allows for a calm transition into the building.

Drop-Off Instructions

· Bus students: Students who come off the bus will enter through EXIT D (primary doors). The front door will not be open for students.

· Kiss and Ride: Families using the Kiss and Ride Lane are asked to remain in their vehicles. Students will enter through EXIT D. Please do not drop off your child at the front of the school (they will have to walk around to EXIT D to enter, the front door will not be open).

· Walkers: Please ensure they arrive no earlier than 8:15 am and are reminded to enter the school right away.

· Parking: If you need to park and walk your child to school, please use designated parking areas and avoid blocking the Kiss and Ride Lane. Parents/guardians please do not enter the school unless you come through the front door.

Safety First: Please drive slowly and follow all posted signs and staff directions. Your cooperation helps keep all students safe.

Students will be dismissed through their assigned doors. Please pick up your child at the side of the building and not the front (bus lane).

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Safe Arrival

Daily attendance and punctuality are very important and all students should be prepared to start their day of learning on time and with their classmates.

Thank you to all parents who have been calling the school and using the Safe Arrival website or app when your child has been absent due to an illness or an appointment.

To use the Safe Arrival School Messenger program, use the link provided below or you can download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note that Safe Arrival uses the SchoolMessenger app.

Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440. Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence.

In instances where your child is picked up early from school, we will verify that the person picking up the child is an authorized person for pick up. Photo identification will be required for individuals not on the authorized list, whom parents request a special pickup.

We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

• tree nuts
• peanuts
• peanut butter
• peanut oils
• any peanut/nut by-product

NOT be brought into the school. We ask that you read the labels of all food items sent to school. A letter will be sent home which will address this issue for each particular class.

We are asking parents/guardians NOT to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you wish to send something, please consider non-food alternatives such as stickers, pencils, etc. We thank you for your continued understanding and support for the safety of all of our students.

Very common severe chemical triggers are: perfume, cologne, scented products and personal care products (such as hairspray). These products may cause severe reactions for students. The safety and well-being of all of our students is a priority.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, we request that our school community refrain from wearing scented personal products complying with our Scent Free Zone Campaign at school and all school events.

If you have any questions, please talk to your child's teacher or other school staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting a safe learning environment for all students.

The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. If your child requires medication to be stored, carried, or administered during the school day, please contact the school office as soon as possible. DPCDSB requires that appropriate authorization forms be completed before any medication can be provided at school.

Please note:

• Both prescription and non-prescription medications require parent/guardian authorization.
• Prescription medications require additional information from a physician or healthcare provider.
• All medications must be supplied in their original, properly labeled containers.
• Medication forms must be updated annually.
• Students with medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy may require additional medical documentation and a plan of care.

To ensure we are prepared to support your child's medical needs, please submit all required forms and medications to the office as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office. We are happy to assist you.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

For further information, please see the link provided. If your child is already part of the program but his/her medical condition or contact information has changed, call 1-866-679-3220.

You may purchase coverage for your child using the link provided below or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-5437.

Homework helps children practice what they learn in class and build good habits. At St. Veronica, we keep homework reasonable, age-appropriate and in line with DPCDSB Policy on Homework - Kindergarten to Grade 12. It should support learning without causing stress or taking away from family time. Teachers will give clear instructions and enough time to complete assignments. We also avoid giving homework during holidays or important religious dates.

Homework in the early grades (Grades 1-3) shall more often take the form of reading, playing, discussing, listening, viewing, and interactive activities such as building and cooking with the family. In later grades (Grades 4 to 6), homework may take the form of independent work, with a maximum of 40 minutes per day for junior students, and a maximum of 60 minutes per day on average for intermediate students.

A summary of the policy can be found in your child’s agenda.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

DPCDSB is committed to supporting a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment focused on well-being, cultivation of a sense of belonging, and student achievement in all schools. Dress codes and school uniforms shall be developed and implemented to support diversity, accessibility, safety, and the dignity of all students.

The DPCDSB's Dress Code Expectations for Students, indicates that dress code expectations for students are dressed in a manner which ensures that the top of the shoulders to the mid-thigh are not exposed.

The DPCDSB dress code continues to exclude any garments with messages containing or portraying any offensive and/or inappropriate content. Members of the DPCDSB community will not be permitted to wear attire that promotes:

a) hate,

b) discrimination,

c) illegal activity,

d) profanity,

e) violence,

f) political language,

g) threats to health and safety,

h) or content that contravenes the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Student infractions of, or non-compliance with, the dress code expectations shall result in progressive discipline consequences up to and including suspension as outlined in the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Please:

• Drive your vehicle to the top of the Kiss and Ride Lane,
• Fully stop your vehicle,
• Have your child/ren exit the vehicle by the right-hand side door only,
• Only kindergarten families are allowed to exit their vehicle to assist in removing child/ren from car seats,
• Cautiously proceed into the Drive-Thru Lane once all children have left your vehicle and leave the Kiss and Ride area.

Please Do Not park or leave your vehicle unattended in the Kiss & Ride lanes.

Please ensure that your child is never allowed to cross through the parking lot and/or kiss and ride alone.

We thank you for your continued support in making our kiss & ride a safe and effective process.

We thank you for your cooperation.

We thank you for your cooperation and efforts to ensure the safety of all students.

Bus tags for all eligible students have been distributed. Students in FDK and grade 1 must have a tag to ride the bus. If you are eligible for busing but do not require it, please fill out and return the form sent home by your child's teacher.

Courtesy seat (if available) will not be distributed until the beginning of October (Thanksgiving). Courtesy seats may be granted if the following conditions are met:

• a seat is available on the regular bus
• the bus stop already exists

When assigning students to courtesy seats, the following is taken into consideration:

• student age
• distance from home to school
• date and time request received
• enrolment stability
• maximum allowed riders on the vehicle depending on the student's grade

Please note that if more families move into the area, who qualify for busing, there may be a need to rescind the offer to make room for those students that qualify for busing.

Road safety is an important topic, especially coming back to school. To ensure a safe arrival, remember to:

• Choose active transportation (e.g., walking or cycling) whenever possible. This helps the environment too! If you live too far to walk the whole way to school, consider parking 5 minutes away to avoid traffic and get some bonus exercise into your day.
  
• Follow all road signs when driving and obey the school drop-off and pick-up rules.
  
• Stay clear of fire hydrants, driveways, crosswalks or the Kiss and Ride areas when parking.
  
• For those who ride a school bus, visit www.STOPR.ca for more information.
  

Please visit these links to learn more:

· Safe school travel info sheet

· Walk and Roll to School Guide

· Family Cycling Handbook

· Peel Region’s Active Transportation website

· Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)’s website has activities, videos, and an ArcGIS Storymap with information about active transportation in Peel Schools.

If you have any questions about the resources above, or would like more information, reach out to walkandroll@peelregion.ca.

We look forward to another excellent year of learning!

All students who have had a jarring hit to the head, face, neck or elsewhere (either observed or reported), will go through concussion protocol screening. A call will be made to parents/guardians and students will go home with a pamphlet and a signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion form.

We also ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if your child sustains a concussion. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the office.

All students/parents/guardians must fill out and sign a concussion attestation form. These forms will be sent home by your child's teacher and must be filled and out returned. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Fire drills involve students evacuating the school in a single file and assembling on the field away from the school. Teachers take attendance, all student locations are verified and the class waits for further direction. Lock down drills involve students moving away from the classroom door to a location within the classroom away from windows. Lights are turned off and the doors are locked. Shelter in place drills involve a response to an environmental or weather related situation.

These practices are to ensure that students and staff are prepared in case of emergency. We will be having our first fire drill and lockdown procedure drill later this month.

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 7:00 pm

Daily Masses

Monday to Friday Mass 8:00 am, 7:00 pm

Saturday Mass 8:00 am

Email: stfrancisxaviermi@archtoronto.org
Website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/en/
Location: 5650 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5V 2N6
Phone: 905-890-5290

September: Faith

October: Empathy

November: Conscience

December: Hope

January: Self-Control

February: Respect

March: Kindness

April: Love

May: Acceptance

June: Fairness

God created us to live together as a family rooted in Christ.

A faithful person...

• prays from the heart whenever they can
• learns from Bible stories
• believes that there is good in everyone
• knows that we are all created and loved by God

Faith believes the incredible, sees the invisible, and receives the impossible. A faithful person believes that God's plan for us includes the right to be safe, cared for, and included, especially at school.

Faith is the great virtue of believing and trusting in God. Our faith helps us to remember the importance of God in our lives, and calls us to deepen our relationship with God, when things are going well and when they are not.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Make your faith greater." The Lord answered, "If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, "Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!" and it would obey you." Luke 17: 5-6

Let us pray...for the grace and strength to be people of faith, people who can truly believe that God's plan for us includes the right to be safe at school. AMEN.

Vision of the Learner - the graduate is expected to be:

A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.

An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.

A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.

A self-directed, responsible life-long learner who develops and demonstrates God-given potential.

A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.

A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.

A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from May 2 to May 7, 2027, with the theme“Catholic Education: Becoming Artisans of Peace.” Inspired by Jesus' words,“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), this year's theme calls us to be active builders of peace in our homes, schools, parishes, and communities.

Throughout the week, our students and staff will take part in faith-filled activities that encourage us to grow as peacemakers by fostering kindness, reconciliation, understanding, and hope. The daily themes are: Peace from God, Peace Within, Peace with Others, Peace in Our Communities, and Peace in the World.

We look forward to celebrating the gift of Catholic education together as we answer God's call to be instruments of His peace in the world.

As we prepare for another successful school year, considerable time and care has been dedicated to the class placement process. School staff work collaboratively to create balanced learning environments that support the academic, social, emotional, and well-being needs of all students. A variety of factors are considered, including student learning profiles, strengths, needs, relationships, and overall class composition.

Please note that class placements are made thoughtfully and with the best interests of all students in mind. For this reason, requests for class changes are considered only in exceptional circumstances.

As is the case each September, student enrolment is reviewed by the Board and school administration. Schools may be required to reorganize classes to comply with Ministry and Board class size requirements. Should reorganization be necessary, some students may experience a change in class placement. This process is expected to be finalized by September 24, 2026. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to ensure equitable and effective learning environments for all students.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we begin a new school year. We look forward to supporting every student in a positive, welcoming, and faith-filled learning environment.

For further information from Dufferin-Peel, please see the attachments below.

To support student learning, well-being, and engagement, DPCDSB regulates the use of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs), including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other personal technology devices. Students are expected to keep personal devices turned off and out of sight during instructional time unless their use is expressly permitted by staff for educational purposes, to support special education needs, or for health and medical reasons.

Families are reminded that personal communications during the school day should continue to be directed through the school office. Students who bring personal electronic devices to school are responsible for their safekeeping, as the Board is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 must keep their phones turned off or set to silent mode and out of sight for the school day, unless otherwise allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.

Students in Grades 7 to 12 must store their phones out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, unless otherwise explicitly allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.

At our school, we will follow a progressive approach to support students in meeting these expectations:

• First occurrence: The student will be reminded of the expectation and asked to put the device away.
• Second occurrence: The device will be sent to the office, and the student may pick it up at the end of the school day.
• Third and subsequent occurrences: The device will be held in the office, and a parent/guardian will be required to pick it up.

We appreciate your partnership in helping students develop responsible digital citizenship and maintain a focused, respectful, and productive learning environment for all.

DPCDSB complies with the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds.

DPCDSB has a strict anti-vaping policy where parents and guardians are to be immediately notified if their children are found vaping on or within 20 metres of school property, and the vapes in a student’s possession will be confiscated. There are immediate consequences for students caught with vapes, vaping, or in possession of illegal substances as per the procedures outlined within DPCDSB’s Catholic Code of Conduct.

We are grateful for the many parents, guardians, and community members who support our school through volunteer opportunities. To help ensure the safety and well-being of all students, DPCDSB requires volunteers who may have direct and regular contact with students to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) before volunteering.

For new volunteers, the VSC must be completed through the police service in the jurisdiction where you reside and must have been issued within the previous six months.

Volunteers who already have a VSC on file with the school may be required to complete an annual offence declaration and, in accordance with Board procedures, renew their VSC periodically. Families interested in volunteering this school year are encouraged to contact the school office as early as possible, as processing times can be lengthy and may take several weeks to complete.

We look forward to welcoming volunteers into our school community and thank you for your continued support of our students.

We are excited to invite you to our annual Open House and BBQ at St. Veronica Catholic School! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community, meet our dedicated staff, and explore the vibrant learning environment your children are part of every day.

Event Highlights

• Meet and greet with teachers and staff

• Classroom tours

•Delicious BBQ and refreshments

• Fun activities for students and families

Students will receive one free combo meal. Additional combo meals for parents/guardians are available for $10.00 each. Choose from 3 Combo options: 8 oz Burger, Veggie Burger or Jumbo Hot Dog. The Combo includes chips and a drink.

Our Vendor is Simply BBQ. If there are allergy concerns, feel free to contact the school office.

Please RSVP and purchase additional combos through SchoolCashOnline by Monday, September 14.

https://schoolcashonline.com

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in the joy of our school community. Your presence helps make our school a warm and welcoming place for all.

Every year, thousands of children lace up their running shoes to walk and run to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research. At St. Veronica, we are proud to announce that our students will participate in the Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 18.

A special thank you to Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. Maron for organizing this important event.

Students and staff at St. Veronica will engage in sharing the truth of Canada's residential schools and the actions that need to be taken for reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

Some activities include:

• sharing uplifting Indigenous stores
• learning about the Land Acknowledgement and develop classroom land acknowledgements
• learning about the Calls to Action
• participating in a school-wide assembly/liturgy.

More details to follow.

St. Veronica will be recognizing this day on Monday, September 30 through various activities throughout the day. Students and staff are also encouraged to wear an orange shirt in recognizance of this important initiative.

Thank you to the coaches for getting these teams up and running!

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Back to School

Reusable Water Bottles - Avoid all of the wasteful plastic and pollution that is created from single use plastic water bottles. We have filtered water stations on both floors of the school that students have access to in order to refill their water bottles as needed. Help us turn our thrown-away culture into a culture of conservation.

Active and Safe Routes to School - It is encouraged that if you live close enough, and are able to, consider walking with your child to school or allowing your child to ride a bike to and from school by following the Walk to School Route signs posted in the neighbourhood. This will encourage healthy and active living for all.

Paper Usage - Consider implementing a GOOS (Good On One Side) bin in your home to ensure that paper is used on both sides. Check notebooks from last year to see if they contain empty pages and can be used again.

Idle Free Zone - If you will be driving your child to and from school, please keep in mind that idling cars are harmful to the lungs of our students and our planet. Please turn off your car while waiting. Help us keep our air clean.

We will keep you informed over the course of the year as initiatives are being implemented and update you on our progress. Go green!

We are presently looking for parents who may be interested in taking on the role of Student Monitors. We are currently looking for someone who would be available for Tuesdays and Thursdays only. We are also looking for individuals who would be interested to fill in when there is a need due to illness or vacations. The job description in posted below please contact the office if you are interested.

DUTIES OF THE STUDENT MONITOR:

Under the supervision of the Principal or designate, the Student Monitor will: Carry out supervision duties assigned by the Principal, Ensure that all reasonable safety procedures are carried out in activities for which the Student Monitor is responsible, Co-operate with the Principal and teachers to maintain consistent disciplinary practices in the school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT MONITOR:

Be aware of the school rules

Be prompt in reporting for supervision assignments

Become informed of specific medical/behavioural situations pertaining to students supervised

Be aware of the school emergency plans

Notify the teacher on duty when a problem arises.

Please see the attached flyer and/or link for more information including how to register.