St Joseph C.E.S.

Address: 249 Church Street, Mississauga, ON, L5M 1N1

School Phone Number: 905-826-4422

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School General Mailbox: St.JosephESMississaugaInfo@dpcdsb.org

Principal: A. Cavaliere

Administrative Assistant: S. Camaioni

Catholic School Council Chair: T. Prsa

Superintendent of Schools- Mississauga North: L. Odo

Trustee Ward 6 & 11: L. del Rosario

Associate Pastor: Rev. P. Dobson, St. Joseph Parish

St. Joseph Parish Email: stjosephMI@archtoronto.org

School Hours:

Our school Hours for the 2023-2024 school year are:

Morning entry: 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

AM Recess: 10:09 a.m. - 10:24 a.m.

Lunch: 11:48 a.m. - 12:48 p.m.

PM Recess: 2:12 p.m. - 2:27 p.m.

Dismissal: 3:15 p.m.

Need a translation of our school newsletter? On a computer/laptop, click "Translate". On a mobile device, click on the "Accessibility" icon at the bottom of your phone screen and click "Translate".

In November, we recognize the Virtue of Conscience.

A person of conscience…

• Chooses to do the "right thing" and feels good about it
• Can see how their actions may hurt others
• Admits their wrong-doing and feels badly
• Says "Sorry" and tries to make up for mistakes
• Keeps promises

OUR VIRTUE PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER

Let us now pray… for the grace and strength to be people of CONSCIENCE – people who know the good and decent way to act and then choose to act that way.

AMEN

We remember: On November 11th, Canadians all across the country stop and honour those who have served at home and overseas in World War 1, World War 11, Korea and in all peace missions all around the world. Due to Remembrance Day falling on Saturday, we will be recognizing Remembrance Day on Friday, November 10th and our flags will be flown at half mast. Please join us in the school gym at 10:45 a.m. for our Remembrance Day Liturgy.

Address: 5440 Drurie Road, Mississauga, ON, L5M 2J5

Parish Team:

Pastor: Fr. Paul Dobson

Associate Pastor: Fr. Anish Alex

Deacon: George Jurenas

Parish Staff: Ann Cavallin, Michele Mullins

Sacramental Coordinator: Zahra Webhi

Youth Minister: Megan Domingues

Office Phone Number: 905-826-2766

Parish Email: stjosephMI@archtoronto.org

Parish Website: http://stjosephmi.archtoronto.org

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's Sacraments, please contact St. Joseph Parish via email at stjosephmi@archtoronto.org. Due to limited office hours, it's best to email your questions for a quicker response.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please join us for our Advent mass on Monday, November 27th at 10 a.m. in our school gym. We welcome our celebrant Fr. Anish to St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School. All are welcome to join us for our mass.

Thank you for your support our annual Socktober Drive organized by our Youth Faith Ambassadors.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Our Grade 8 Youth Faith Ambassadors will be collecting any unwanted Halloween candy in support of Dr. Simone's Canadian Food for Children. Dr. Simone's charitable organization ships candy directly to agencies who work with children who are malnourished and often dehydrated. The sugar in the candy stimulates their appetites and saliva. Donations of candy, chocolates and chips will be collected from November 1st to November 8th.

Thank you for your support!

Thanks to the dedication of our committed staff, we are pleased to have our students participating in a variety of co-curricular activities including this month:

• Intermediate Boys and Girls Volleyball
  
• Co-Ed Flag Football
• Choir
• Intermediate Youth Faith Ambassadors- Socktober, Halloween Candy Drive

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Santa Claus is coming to St. Joseph! We are pleased to announce that St. Joseph will be hosting our 5th Annual Family Christmas Evening on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

This year, we invite you to an Open House style family evening. Pick up a passport in our front foyer, and enjoy a variety of activities planned for you throughout your visit. Visit between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Your passport includes access to the following: an opportunity to create an assortment of Christmas crafts, a gingerbread house for your family to decorate, letter writing to Santa, milk and cookies for each child, tea and coffee for adults, and a professional picture with Santa himself. Photo time slots will be sent home in advance of the event.

The cost for the evening is $40.00 per family which includes the gingerbread house, Christmas crafts, and your family photo with Santa. Our Catholic School Council will generously donate the milk and nut free cookies for each child to enjoy.

Payment must be received will ONLY be accepted through School Cash Online by Friday, November 15th. Please fill in the bottom portion of the form sent home and return to your child's teacher by November 15th.

PLEASE ONLY PURCHASE ONE PER FAMILY!

We look forward to this wonderful St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School tradition.

Parents/guardians are reminded to continue to report their child's attendance daily. Attendance continues to be taken daily by 9 am and 1 p.m. Please continue to use the School Messenger application when reporting your child absent or late for school.

Here is the link for your reference: https://www3.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting

Web: go.messenger.ca

App: SchoolMessenger

Phone: 1-844-435-3440

Web:

1. Go to the SafeArrival Website at go.schoolmessenger.ca

2. Select Sign Up to create your account. (Only needed for the initial set up, after that you will click on login.)

3. Select Attendance

4. Select Report Attendance

APP:

Or you can download the SchoolMessenger App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please note that the SafeArrival uses the SchoolMessenger App. You will be prompted to enter your email address. Please use the email address that we have on file in the office and create a password. The system will send a link to your email address on file, please click on the link to activate the account.

Phone:

1. Call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440

2. Listen and follow the prompts to report the absence

3. If the system doesn't recognize your caller ID, you will be asked to enter your student's home phone number or any phone number for the guardian that is on file with the school.

As cold and flu season approaches, we continue to be vigilant in ensuring that our schools are clean and that our communities are educated regarding good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. These practices are promoted on an ongoing basis, but as the prevalence of colds and flu increases, our board increases the cleaning of contact surfaces, as well as reminds schools to review cold and flu prevention with students and staff.

As a reminder, as well, cold and flu viruses typically peak from December through February, but can start as early as October. Parents/guardians are reminded to screen your child for symptoms of cold and flu. If your child has a fever, nausea or diarrhea, please keep your child home at least 24 hours or until their symptoms improve. Together, we can ensure that we keep our community safe and healthy.

Please make sure to inform your child's teacher of regular lunch arrangements for your child. If there is a change to the regular arrangements, a note signed and dated by the parents must be provided to the classroom teacher. No students will be allowed to leave the school property without being signed out by a parent/guardian.

School yard supervision does not begin until 8:30 a.m. every morning. Please do not drop students off prior to 8:30 a.m. unsupervised. For student safety, we would like to remind all parents/guardians and visitors to use the designated waiting areas outside of the school yard.

Transportation is provided for JK/SK and Grade 1-8 students at St. Joseph who meet the Board distance eligibility for bussing. At the present, all eligible seats have been assigned by transportation.

Courtesy seats requests have been submitted and recipients will be notified when/if a seat is available.

*A new feature called the "Chipmunk App " available on the Apple Store or Google Play Store that allows parents/guardians to track their child's bus run. See link here for details or www.stopr.ca

The Catholic Code of Conduct sets standards of behaviour that promote, encourage and foster a shared commitment to gospel values in daily life, respect for the dignity of persons created in God's image, responsible participation in the civic life of the school community, peaceful conflict resolution, respect for diversity, and a commitment to exemplary conduct, conscientious work and service to others. At St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, we continue to work together to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and healthy Catholic school community for all.

As in the past, we continue to have students with severe, life threatening food allergies. This is a medical condition causing a severe reaction to certain allergens and can result in death within minutes. Although this may or may not affect your child's class directly, please send lunches and snacks to school with your children that are free from peanuts or nut products. We ask that you do not send in food products for the whole class to celebrate Halloween, birthdays or social occasions.

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually for any student who requires medication to be administered at school. If your child requires medication, please contact the main office as soon as possible.

On Friday, November 24th, there will be a Professional Activity Day. Teachers will be involved in professional development activities. Students do not attend school on this day.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has developed a concussion policy and guidelines for students who have been diagnosed with a concussion by either a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner. School staff cannot diagnose a concussion. Anytime a student reports to the office with a head injury, the parent/guardian will be contacted and an incident will be entered into the school's "Documentation of Head Injuries" log book.

Your child will be given an information pamphlet entitled "We want to give you a heads up...Concussions are serious." This pamphlet outlines the signs and symptoms of concussions. It also includes information about what to do if you suspect your child has a concussion and how a concussion is treated. For more information, please contact the main office.

Please ensure that your child has a reusable water bottle, two snacks and a lunch with easy to open containers and utensils. We ask that you make these litterless lunches with little garbage to keep our classrooms clean and eco-friendly. Students are not allowed to share food due to allergen awareness. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.

A reminder that all parent volunteers are required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) to volunteer for excursions such as field trips, helping to drive to sporting events, and to volunteer within the school (i.e., Catholic School Council, Pizza, Milk, All Star Reading, etc.) We recommend that if you plan to volunteer during the 2023-2024 school year that you complete your CRC as soon as possible.

Please inform your child's teacher if you require an annual declaration. Thank you for your cooperation in following this school board policy.

Fall Re-takes and Grade 8 Graduation Photos are scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th. Grad Re-take day is on November 28th in the PM.

Introducing our 2023-2024 Catholic School Council Members:

• Chairperson: Tania P.
• Treasurer: Laura W.
• Parish/Community Representative: Isabella F.
• OAPCE Representative: Andrea C.
• Fundraising Representative: Kerri R.
• Secretary: Katherine L.
• Voting Members: Wendy W., Lauren J., Melissa A.
• Teaching Representative: Cindy B., Pina G.
• Non-Teaching Representatives: Regina Z.

We will be having our next Catholic School Council on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6:30 in person the library. However, parents/guardians can join us via our Zoom link that will be provided at later date.

Future Dates:

• January 17, 2024
• March 20, 2024
• April 25, 2024
• June 12 2024

All are welcome to participate in any of our meetings this year!

We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Terra Cotta Cookie Dough Fundraiser. See attachment below for details. To order please visit: https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/st-joseph-elementary-school-2023/

Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 14th at 4 p.m.

Pick up: Monday, November 27th at 2:30 p.m. in the front foyer.

We're excited to be attending our school wide trip to watch the Trolls Movie on Monday, November 20th. Please submit your child(ren)'s permission forms and submit payment on School Cash Online by November 14th. Supervisors must have their Criminal Reference Check on file. Teachers will be contacting selected supervisors. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child's teacher.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We wanted to provide some information about inclement weather procedures for Bus Cancellations and System Closures:

For Bus Cancellations:

• We are Zone 1 at St. Joseph Mississauga
• If buses are cancelled in our Zone, school will remain open to students and staff.
• There is no distribution of learning materials
• If they choose, students may access learning activities in Google Classroom specifically for inclement weather days.
• It is acknowledged that teachers will be supporting in-person students and therefore may have limited availability to support students who are not in attendance.
• For students unable to attend in person, no remote access to the classroom will take place. Learning for students will be self-directed, providing opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.

Full System Closure

• If there is a full system closure, where all DPCDSB schools and facilities are closed to students and staff, there is no switch to remote learning.
• Similar to bus cancellation days, students can access learning activities posted in Google Classroom specifically for inclement weather days that provide opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child(ren)'s teacher.

Year 2 Kindergarten parents/guardians who wish to learn more about French Immersion for Grade 1 are invited to attend an information session at one of our virtual parent evening sessions.

School Region

Mississauga

All Saints

Divine Mercy

St. Elizabeth Seton

St. Gregory

Session Date and Time

Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 7 p.m. (see attachment for Microsoft Teams Online Meeting link).

Starting on November 8th, parents and guardians can register for the 2024-2025 school year by completing the online Application Form and emailing supporting documents to the school.

Documents required for registration:

• Online Application Form or (GF008 E) Registration Form
• Application for Direction of Support (GF005)
• Separate School Lease Form (GF006) (for Non-Catholics who jointly own or rent property).
• Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or Passport)
• Original Roman Catholic or Eastern/Byzantine Rite Baptismal Certificate (for the child and/or parent/guardian. If the child is not baptized, and the parent/guardian is a baptized Roman Catholic or has a baptismal certificate an Eastern/Byzantine Rite or Roman Catholic Church, the child may be registered).
• Updated Immunization Records (Regional publich health reference number.
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship (Birth Certificate, passport, or permanent resident status)
• Proof of Home Address (2 of the following: Property Tax Bill, real estate document, current utility bill, Government of Canada-issued forms e.g., passport, Service Canada documents)

Note:

• A driver's license is not an accepted document
• All non-Canadian, non-landed citizens, including refugee claimants and students on a study permit/or parental work permit, must be reviewed on an individual basis.

School Boundaries

• To inqiure about school boundaries, use the GeoQuery tool on the STOPR website.
• Information about Flex Boundaries is not available at this time.

Age Requirement

• Kindergarten students must be at least 4 or 5 years of age by December 31, 2024 to register for the 2024-2025 school year.

If you have changed your address or contact information, please inform the office as soon as possible so that we can update our contact information.

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

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

To verify that you have registered as a English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:

• Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice

Have you moved?

Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supported 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

Learn More:

• Visit the Direction of School Support webpage
• Watch our Direction of School Support video

Please check out our Online Community Bulletin Board for After School opportunities offered from our community partners (i.e., scouts, robotics, art classes, etc.).

These workshops are free of charge to parents/caregivers of PDSB and DPCDSB students. The workshops will be faciliated by Mental Health Professionals from Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP).

Managing Stress in Teens: Workshop for Caregivers: (Virtual on November 9th at 6 p.m.)

Managing Stress in Teens: Workshop for Caregivers Registration, Thurs, 9 Nov 2023 at 6 p.m.

Parenting in a Digital Age: Caregiver Workshop: (Virtual on November 8th at 6 p.m

Parenting in the Digital Age: Caregiver Workshop Registration, Wed, 8 Nov 2023 at 6 PM

School Mental Health Ontario has updated their list of resources. We invite you to review their list of resources available on our DPCDSB Well-Being SharePoint to help support you and students during this time of transition back to school. For a list of community telephone-based mental health supports, please see below.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "CONNECT" to 686868 (0-18 years of age)
• 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin: 905-278-9036 I 1·888·811·2222. (for all ages)
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (support for all Indigenous peoples across Canada)

November 2023

Virtue of Conscience

• November 1: All Saints' Day
• November 2: All Soul's Day
• November 10: Remembrance Day Liturgy
• November 11: Remembrance Day
  
• November 14: Fall Re-Takes/Grad Photo Day
• November 14: Progress Reports distributed to families
• November 15: Rosary Apostolate Visit to St. Joseph
• November 16: Progress Report Interviews (as requested by parents/guardians or teachers)
• November 17: Flag Football Tournament at OLOM
• November 20: Trolls Movie Trip for K-8
• November 22: Catholic School Council Mtg at 6:30 p.m.
  
• November 23: Cookie Day
• November 23: Grade 5/6 Class Trip to Ontario Science Centre/ Intermediate Girls Volleyball POD Tournament at St. Simon Stock
• November 24: PA Day- No School for Students
• November 27: Advent Mass at 10 a.m. (school gym). All are welcome!
• November 28: Graduation Re-take Photos in the afternoon
• November 29: Intermediate trip to UTM
• November 30: Wellness Leaders to the Beautiful Minds Conference

December 2023

Virtue of Hope

• December 1: Intermediate Volleyball at St. Joan of Arc
• December 6: Santa Night at St. Joseph from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• December 18: Santa Visit with our Primary Classes
• December 20: Rosary Apostolate Visit to St. Joseph
• December 25- January 5: Christmas Break

Email: St.JosephESMississaugaInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: www.dpcdsb.org/JOEST
Location: 249 Church Street, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: (905)826-4422
Twitter: @StJosephDPCDSB