St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Email: St.BernardofClairvauxInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: www.dpcdsb.org/brnrd
Location: 3345 Escada Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-542-9203
Instagram: stbernard.dpcdsb

Meet our Team!

Principal: R. Scicluna

Head Secretary: N. Cifa

Catholic School Council Chair: C. De Lio

Superintendent of Mississauga West: P. Cusumano

Trustee Wards 9 & 10: Brea Corbet (905) 301-9373

I am writing to share some personal news with you. After much reflection and deep gratitude, I have made the decision to retire at the end of this school year, concluding my time in education after 23 years of service.

It has been a true privilege to serve as principal of this school community. I am continually inspired by the support of our families, the dedication of our staff, and the spirit and faith of our students. Together, we have built a school rooted in care, respect, and a shared commitment to student success.

While this news marks a transition at the end of the year, please be assured that my focus remains fully on the months ahead. I am committed to continuing our important work, supporting our students, and ensuring a strong and positive finish to the school year.

I will also be working closely with our superintendent and the board to support a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition for our school.

There will be time in the weeks ahead to reflect and celebrate all that we have shared as a community. For now, please accept my sincere thanks for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,
Mr. Scicluna

DPCDSB Trustees act as governors, community advocates, and leaders of publicly funded Catholic education. Their core role is to provide strategic direction, oversight, and evaluation for educational programs to ensure student achievement and well-being. They advocate for Catholic education, act as role models for public confidence, and work to build community understanding and support for the system. Trustees are responsible for stewarding and safeguarding Catholic education within the board's jurisdiction and ensuring the system operates within Ministry of Education standards.

Trustees balance the needs of their community with the duties required by the Ministry of Education to provide and promote a Catholic system of publicly funded education. They are responsible for the overall strategic vision, financial health, and successful delivery of educational services to all students in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Not that we want you to — this information simply helps us plan for next year.

If you are planning a move, or have already moved, please let us know by emailing st.bernardofclairvauxinfo@dpcdsb.org or calling 905‑542‑9203. When registering at a new school, you will require a Transfer Form, which we would be happy to provide.

In May, we will begin preparing class placements for September 2026. Having accurate information helps us determine class sizes in advance. In past years, we have had to reorganize classes in September due to unexpected transfers, and your communication helps us avoid this where possible.

May 1 - Virtue Assembly

May 2 – Communion @ 11 a.m.

May 4-8 – Catholic Education Week

May 4 – Journey into Learning @ 5:30

May 6 – Multi-Cultural day/night

May 7 – Swim to Survive

May 7 - Shining Stars

May 8 - School Retreat

May 11 – Rosary of Apostolate

May 12 – Crowing of Mary

May 13 - OCSGE Medal

May 13 – Track and Field Day

May 14 - Swim to Survive

May 15 - PD PDAY

May 18 - Victoria Day

May 19/20 - Dental Screening

May 19 – Confirmation Night

May 21 - Int Coed Soccer @ Friendship Community

May 21 - Swim to Survive

May 27-29 – EQAO garde three

May 27-29 – Gr. 8 Trip

June 1 - - Volunteer Tea

June 3-5 EQAO Grade Six

June 4 – Int. Softball

June 5 - Virtue Assembly

June 8 - PD Report Writing

June 11 - End of Year Mass

June 11 - Track and Field (4-8) @ St. Marcellinus

June 11 - Peel Safety Village - Grade 3

June 16 - SJOA Gr8 Retreat (morning)

June 22 – Gr. 8 Graduation

June 23 - T2 Reports Sent Home

June 26 - Last Day of School

Catholic Education Week begins on a Sunday to highlight the partnership that remains the foundation of Catholic education between our Catholic schools and local Catholic parishes.​ During Catholic Education Week, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board celebrates the significant contribution that Catholic Education has made to the community, the province and to Canada.

Catholic Education Week Events

• May 2 - Sacrmanet of First Holy Communion @ 11 a.m. (parish)
• May 4 - Journey into Learning @ 5:30 (new to kindergarten)
• May 6 - CEW Mass at 11:00 a.m. (Livestream)
• May 6 - Multi-Cultural Day/Night (gr. 8)
• May 7 -Shining Stars
• May 8 - School Wide Retreat Day
• May 11 - Rosary of Apostolate
• May 12 - Crowning of Mary

Monday, May 4 @ 5:30 p.m. (please RSVP)

Welcome to the beginning of your school journey. We look forward to getting to know you and your family, beginning with our JOURNEY INTO LEARNING evening. This evening is a time to get acquainted with where you will be spending your days, starting in September.

Journey into Learning will take place Monday, May 4 @ 5:30 p.m. here at the school; we ask that you please RSVP. If you choose not to attend, we will be forward the email presentation to all parents in June.

We are excited to announce our upcoming Multicultural Celebration, which our Grade 8 students have been working very hard to prepare. On Wednesday, May 6, our Grade 8 students will present their learning in a pavilion-style format.

• During the school day, all students at St. Bernard of Clairvaux will have the opportunity to visit the presentations and celebrate the great work of our students.
• In the evening, our Grade 8 students will present to our wider school community. Parents and family members are warmly invited to attend and join us in celebrating our cultural diversity.

Please note that students in Grades JK–7 who wish to attend the evening Multicultural Night must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We hope you can join us for this special evening!

Multicultural Celebration Details

Location: St. Bernard of Clairvaux Gym
Date: Wednesday, May 6

Daytime Presentation:

• For the student body

Evening Presentation:

• Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Audience: Grade 8 families and community
• Student Arrival Time: 5:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to celebrating together!

We are excited here at St. Bernard of Clairvaux School to host our third annual school wide retreat. This year’s retreat, Pilgrims of Hope, will take place Friday, May 8, 2026, giving our students the opportunity to live their faith through prayer, reflection, and service to others.

From our youngest students in Kindergarten to the graduating 8th grade class, all students, faculty and staff will join together to share a day of prayer, in-depth reflection and reverence. Our school is centered around the message and teachings of Jesus Christ, and it is important that we take time as a school community to open our hearts and minds as we try to grow closer to Him.

Students, grouped (i) JK/SK and (ii) Gr. 1-7, will spend the day reflecting on how we are to be Pilgrims of Hope. Students will be put into travelling pods, grade 8 students will be activity leaders with classroom teachers, and grade 7 students will be group leaders. Students will spend the day engaged in appropriate activities. We will end the day with the entire school community gathering in gym/outdoors for a liturgy.

Please note the modified lunch time.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic Secondary Schools to hold Information Sessions for prospective students and families for the 2026-2027 school year

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) will hold a series of information sessions for prospective students and families interested in enrolling in a DPCDSB secondary school for the 2026-2027 school year. The information sessions will provide an overview of the programs and services offered at Dufferin-Peel Catholic secondary schools and will provide students and families with an opportunity to take a tour of the school and hear from current students about the transition into secondary school.

DPCDSB operates 26 Catholic secondary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton and Caledon. These schools continue to be recognized among the top performing schools in the province each year. With over 50 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, three regional Arts programs, one regional Sports program, three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, two regional Advanced Placement (AP) programs, Extended French (EF) and French Immersion (FI) programs, and the only publicly funded All-Girls secondary school in the region, DPCDSB schools offer students a variety of learning options to meet individual education goals.

A schedule of the Secondary School Information Sessions will become available on the DPCDSB website. For more information about the information sessions, parents/guardians should contact their local school directly.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario. It serves over 72,000 students in 151 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

Elementary Literacy Numeracy Summer Program (Flyer)

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board offers an intensive summer program for students who have completed Grades 6, 7, or 8 as of June 2026. The Elementary Literacy Numeracy Summer Program provides literacy and numeracy skills enhancement for students.

Dates: July 7 to July 24, 2026
Times: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Mississauga West Location: St. Edith Stein CES (6234 Osprey Blvd)

To register you'll need the following information: home school, first and last names, Ontario Education Number, DPCDSB student number, current grade, if they have an IEP, for each participating child.

You are also asked to provide your name and home email, in case they need to contact you for more details about your child or children. Please be assured that all personal information you provide will be maintained in confidence and will be used only to plan program delivery.

If you are ready to register your child or children, please complete the Elementary Literacy Numeracy Summer Program form no later than June 19, 2026.

Please note: Space is very limited at all sites. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.

Focus on Youth Camp for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (FLYER)

Focus on Youth is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education to support not-for-profit groups in delivering summer programs that keep young people safe and active. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board provides a unique summer experience for youth. This in-person summer camp for DPCDSB students who have completed grades 4-8 will provide leadership programming that focuses on a variety of skills through music, visual arts, poetry, dance, science, technology, engineering, and math. Each day offers a dedicated focus on culturally relevant literacy and numeracy, aligned with curriculum expectations, through engaging, hands-on activities, games, and movement. The camp will include faith-based programming and daily sessions that will work to create a positive self-image while having fun using arts, sports, and STEM-based tools of education. Through mentorship, this camp will engage and empower youth to be role models and leaders within their communities. Each week, students will have presentations from professionals and community members representing a variety of skills and subject areas. Through interactive workshops, these individuals will share their unique gifts and talents with students and give students opportunities to develop and practice skills across a wide range of subject areas. The camp will also have additional support from a variety of service providers who will offer weekly energetic programming that will get students active and engaged in learning.

Dates: July 7 to July 28, 2026
Times: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Students will need to bring: Sunscreen, Hat, Lunch, Drinks (water bottle) and snacks.

Registration is strongly encouraged by June 19, 2026. Space is very limited. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.

The form will ask you to provide the following information: home school, first and last names, Ontario Education Number, DPCDSB student number, current grade, If they have an IEP, for each participating child.

You will be asked to provide your name and home email, in case we need to contact you for more details about your child or children. Please be assured that all personal information you provide will be maintained in confidence and will be used only to plan program delivery.

Registration Form

May 19 & 20 for grades: JK, SK, 2 & 7

Peel Public Health is excited to work with you again to provide free dental screening for children in your school. Dental screening in Peel elementary schools is required by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

What is a Dental Screening?

• It is a quick look in the child’s mouth by a Peel Public Health registered dental hygienist. A dental screening helps identify children who may need dental care.
• https://youtu.be/0XgrDLlvLJk

Important changes:

• Consent forms/letters will no longer be used.
• All students will be considered to have consented to dental screening unless their parent/guardian actively opts out.
• To opt out, parents must complete and submit the Peel Public Health opt-out form via http://www.peelregion.ca/dental/schoolscreening or they can call Peel Public Health directly at 905-799-7700.

Oral health staff follow up with the parent/guardian of children identified with an urgent dental need to assist them with accessing dental services. If a parent is not able to afford dental care for their child, the child may be eligible for free dental services through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Peel Public Health is providing the following advice to schools in response to increased levels of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in the community and schools.

Reinforce “Staying home when sick”

• Symptomatic students and staff should not be at school and should report their illness using the process specified by the school.
• If students or staff have symptoms of gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea or vomiting), advise them to stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. Students or staff with other symptoms may return after they are well enough to participate.
• Parent notification if a child becomes ill while attending school.
• Advise parents and guardians of children who are acutely unwell and experiencing symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, dehydration, confusion, rash or any symptoms that are concerning to be assessed by a health care provider or call 811 to connect with a health care provider.

Promote Hand Hygiene

• Promote frequent handwashing with soap and warm water.
• Avoid handling/preparing food if ill and until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year at Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) schools is now open. The DPCDSB offers the Kindergarten program in 126 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville.

Parents/guardians can register online at dpcdsb.org.

Registration is open to Catholic children and children of Catholic parents. Kindergarten students must be at least four (4) years of age by December 31, 2026.

The following documents are required to complete the registration process:

• Proof of age of the child
• Original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) or original baptismal certificate from a church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome or an Eastern Catholic Church.
• Immunization Reference #’s from the local Public Health Unit
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
• Proof of home address
• Proof of English Separate School Support

Please refer to the Registration webpage for accepted forms of documentation.

Inquiries about home school locations/boundary areas should be directed to the DPCDSB Planning Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24440.

For more information, parents/guardians should contact their local Catholic school, visit the DPCDSB website at dpcdsb.org, or call DPCDSB’s Admissions Department at 905-890-1221.

• First Reconciliation: @ church April 27 to May 1 (5 - 6 p.m.)
• First Holy Communion: @ church on May 2 (11 a.m.)

• Reconciliation: @ Church May 11-15 from 5 – 6 p.m.
• Confirmation: @ Church: May 19 (6 p.m.)

The Youth Core Team has a robust calendar of events planned for the 2025/2026 school year that started with a social on Saturday, September 27. Please connect with the Parish for more events.

An accepting person is…

• Willing to treat everybody as a member of a group

• Non-judgemental

• Welcoming to those different than themselves

• Loving and happy with who they are

Prayer of Acceptance

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

- St.Teresa of Calcutta-

Let us now pray for the virtue of acceptance, the strength to trust that God is at work in everyone’s life despite what we think. Amen

Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. The expectations of Catholic graduates, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes and actions. Vision of the Learner The Graduate is expected to be:

1. 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.
2. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values
3. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
4. A self- directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God -given potential.
5. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
6. A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community
7. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

Resource Centre Expectations

Every fall students review the expectations for behaviour in the Resource Centre:

• L eave books you have taken off the shelf on the cart - don’t reshelve them.

• I follow all the Resource Centre Rules.

• B ooks need to be treated kindly.

• R espect others in the Resource Centre.

• A lways walk calmly.

• R eturn your borrowed book(s) on time.

• Y ou should leave the Resource Centre as neat and tidy as possible.

Library Book Exchange

• FDK students will visit the Resource centre weekly. FDK students will receive a plastic library book bag. Please ensure the library book(s) and bag are returned on/before their next book exchange day. Little ones become sad when they are unable to take out a new library book.

• Students in Grade 1-6 will visit the Resource Centre weekly with their class.

• Grade 7-8 students will visit the Resource Centre during Open Book Exchange and are allowed to visit anytime.

• All students are allowed to borrow 2 books at a time, provided they do not have any overdues.

Damaged Books

• It is very important that students understand and appreciate the value of a library book. We understand that accidents do happen. Some books are loved so well, that they also eventually fall apart. This is also understandable. However, students are expected to communicate these issues with the school, so that we can deal with them appropriately. If a book is accidentally damaged, we will attempt to repair it. We also need to know if the book should be taken out of the catalogue due to damage.
• Finally, families can help students keep track of borrowed materials. If an item is lost, please advise the school a.s.a.p., so that we can clear the item from the student’s borrowing record.

Book Donations

• In the past, we have had families generously donate items to our library. As a rule, we gladly accept high-interest/currently relevant books that are in very good condition. While we appreciate that older titles may have been much loved by your families, our shelves have limited space, and we must consider which materials are likely to circulate often when accepting donations. If you have books you would like to donate, or have any other questions/concerns, please contact me at 905-542-9203.

Thank you,

Mr. M. Le Brun (Teacher-librarian)

The primary focus of a Catholic School Advisory Council is, through active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents. A Catholic School Councils primary means of achieving its purpose by making recommendations in accordance with this policy and regulation to the principal of the school and the DPCDSB.

We would like to thank the Catholic School Council for their efforts on behalf of our students. As a school community we appreciate this continued support and cooperation.

Catholic School Council 2025-2026

Members:

Council Meetings

• Thursday, October 2 @ 5:45 p.m. (Elections)
• Thursday, October 2 @ 6:30 p.m. (CSC Meeting)
• Wednesday, November 12 @ 6 p.m. (CSC Meeting)
• Thursday, February 5 @ 6 p.m. (CSC Meeting)
• Thursday, April 2 @ 6 p.m. (CSC Meeting)
• Thursday, June 4 @ 6 p.m. (CSC Meeting - if necessary)

We are pleased to continue our Pizza lunch program at the school thanks to Catholic School Council. We are pleased to continue with Pizza Nova who follows the Ministry of Education’s Food and Beverage Policy.

Here are the details of the program:

• The cost per pizza slice is $2.50

• We are offering Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza

• All orders and payments are to be made on School Cash Online

• No pizza orders or payments will be accepted by the office.

• We have three session:

Session 1 will run for 12 weeks from September 26 to January 9 (Pizza Nova)

Session 2 will run for 10 weeks from January 16 to April 1 (Pizza Pizza)

Session 3 will run for 8 weeks from April 17 to June 19

Fridays ONLY, students will:

Thank you for your support of our school lunch program,

Your Catholic School Council

Thanks to our Catholic School Council, we will once again have Subway Wednesdays here at St. Bernard of Clairvaux CES.

• Order Deadline is always the Sunday before that week's order.
• Your order will be delivered to the school.
• A parent volunteer will be in the foyer, and students will pick up their lunch from them.
• If there is a Bus Cancellation in Zone 1 or schools are closed lunches will be cancelled.
• This is not a school fundraiser and is being provided as a service to parents by our Catholic School Council.
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For more information, please visit: https://secure.smore.com/n/h0sxp

To Order: https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Home/SignIn

• Monday, September 15, 2025 (Re-organization)
• Friday, October 10, 2025 (Provincial Priorities)
• Friday, November 28, 2025 (Provincial Priorities)
• Monday, January 19, 2026 (Assessment and Evaluation)
• Friday, February 13, 2026 (Reporting to Parents)
• Friday, May 15, 2026 (Provincial Priorities)
• Monday, June 8, 2026 (Assessment and Evaluation)

In the winter months, we’ve noticed an increase in students coming to school late. We understand life happens, and children will be late from time to time but, we are just asking for your help as it will go a long way. We do have a gradual entry here at the school allowing students to enter the building at 8:30 a.m. and go right to their classroom. School begins at 8:45 a.m.

Here is a link to an article on being late for school that you may find interesting. Also attached are some tips.
How Being Late To School Impacts Your Child -- https://themotherlist.com/late-to-school-impacts-child/

Why should I arrive for school on time?

• If a child is late they miss important information about the days activities.
• A child that is late will miss school work.
• Arriving on time gives your child time to greet their friends before class and this can reduce the possibility of disruptions in the classroom.
• Class disruption can make your child feel uncomfortable and can upset other children.
• Arriving on time every day makes children feel good about themselves, and helps your child to learn about routines and commitment.
• The table below shows how lateness can add up over the school year:

Lateness = lost learning!

• 5 minutes late each day = 3 days lost!
• 10 minutes late each day = 6 days lost!
• 15 minutes late each day = 9 days lost!
• 20 minutes late each day = 12 days lost!
• 30 minutes late each day = 18 days lost!

Show your support for the Catholic education system, by ensuring you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter on your property tax designation.

By directing your tax support to the Separate (Catholic) School System:

• You may vote for Catholic School Trustees in Municipal elections
• Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools
• You show your support for the Catholic school system

To verify that you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:

• Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
• Check your Voter Information Card received during an election year
  
  

Have you moved?

Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. By default, your property taxes support your municipality's English public school board. Every time you move or if there is a change of ownership, it is essential that you register yourself as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter.

To register as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please contact the DPCDSB Admissions Department by phone at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or by email at admissions@dpcdsb.org.

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 down load and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note that SafeArrival 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.

On occasion, we are faced with difficult situation in which non-custodial parents arrive at school asking to visit with their child or take their child out of school. In order to assist us in making correct decisions in order to serve and protect each child, we ask that you make the office aware of any legal custody arrangements, visitation rights and special instructions that have been agreed upon. Please note that we require legal documentation of these arrangements, not a note from a parent.

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.

Please be aware that under provincial legislation, we are not permitted to discuss students with individuals other than their parents/legal guardians. This applies to disciplinary consequences as well.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux is an allergen aware school. We have a number of students in our school who have severe allergic, life-threatening reactions to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, any peanut/nut by-product and dairy products. As in the past, we are asking you to not put any child at risk, and therefore, are requesting that

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

As a reminder, we kindly ask that parents/guardians do not send food items to school when celebrating a child’s birthday. This practice helps us ensure the safety and well-being of all students, particularly those with food allergies and dietary restrictions. If you wish to acknowledge your child’s birthday at school, please consider non-food alternatives such as stickers, pencils, or a small classroom item to share. We also recognize that sending treats can unintentionally create pressure for other families to do the same. By following this guideline together, we help foster an inclusive and supportive school community.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux continues to participate in 'We Share the Air,' a scent sensitivity awareness campaign. There are students in attendance who suffer from life-threatening asthmatic conditions to air pollutants. Exposure even to minimal odours may cause potential life-threatening reactions.

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.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication, please have all pertinent forms completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon as possible. Please see the office or link below for the necessary form to be filled out.

A reminder that children are not permitted to keep any medication in their desk, backpack or classroom (with the exception of an epi-pen or puffer). All dispensing of medication requires medical permission and must be stored in the office. Please see Ms. Laporte for further information

This program offers a free MedicAlert membership to students who attend school and are between the ages of 4 to 14. If your child has a medical condition, allergy or is required to take medication on a regular basis, then please consider a Medic Alert membership through this program.

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.

Please examine the student insurance information sent to you. Please check the acknowledgement receipt of this brochure on the Physical Education form being sent home by your child's teacher. In addition, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school activities.

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

STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) provides bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Please access the website (link below) for up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the STOPR website or call them at 905-890-6000.

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.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after a head injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

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 (GF 084). A call will be made to parents/guardians and students will go home with a pamphlet (GF 082) 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.

Students/parents/guardians must fill out and sign a concussion attestation form (GF081). This form were sent home by your child's teacher at the start of the year and must be filled and out returned. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

A gentle safety reminder to all students that bikes, scooters and rollerblades are to be walked/removed while on school property. The school does have bike racks to lock up bikes, however, we do not have the facilities to store or secure rollerblades or scooters. There is an added risk of damage or theft and, therefore, they are not encouraged to be brought to school. St. Bernard of Clairvaux is not responsible for these items. Your cooperation is appreciated.

To ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, the following guidelines are in place:

• E-scooter riding is prohibited on all school sidewalks, playgrounds, and within school buildings.
• DPCDSB will not be responsible for the theft, damage or injury caused by e-scooter use on school property.
• In Ontario, a driver’s license is not required to operate an e-scooter. However, individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding e-scooters.
• As explicitly outlined through bylaws, reckless riding, carrying passengers, or any behavior that endangers others is strictly prohibited.

We are required to conduct three fire drills in the fall and three in the spring. We are also required to practice two lock down drills and one shelter in place drill during the year.

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.

Peel Public Health has recommended daily screening and to stay home when students are feeling sick. Students who are ill should be kept at home where they are most comfortable and can get better sooner. A child who is too ill to go out for recess is too ill to be at school. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please be informed that we have the YMCA providing child care before and after school. For details you may contact the YMCA program directly at 647-267-2400.

Sacramental Coordinator - Cecilia Vaz

Mass Schedule:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm

Monday, Wednesday, Friday Mass 7:00 pm

Tuesday, Thursday Mass 7:30 am

Saturday Mass 9:00 am

Email: stjosephinebakhitami@archtoronto.org
Location: 3200 Thomas Street, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905.826.1143

As we begin a new school year, we continue to have the opportunity to be a part of a successful Ontario Eco Schools Program. The program aims to develop environment education and action within our community. Last year we were excited to obtain Gold level status, which reflects the tremendous dedication and enthusiasm of our school. We are looking forward to another amazing year.

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!

Are you interested in volunteering at St. Bernard of Clairvaux?

Our volunteers support programs and activities at the school. We appreciate and rely on volunteers who can devote a small portion of their time to help. Please pick up a volunteer form and a Criminal Reference Check form at the school office.

Adults who volunteer in schools and for school trips are required to have completed a Criminal Reference Check and/or declaration form. Once the form is completed, you are able to volunteer. We look forward to working with you for the betterment and support of all students.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.