St. Bernard of Clairvaux
October 2025 Newsletter
School Contact Information
Email: St.BernardofClairvauxInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: www.dpcdsb.org/brnrd
Location: 3345 Escada Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-542-9203
Twitter: @StBernardDPCDSB
Meet our Team!
Principal: R. Scicluna
Head Secretary: N. Cifa
Catholic School Council Chair: TBD
Superintendent of Mississauga West: P. Cusumano
Trustee Wards 9 & 10: Brea Corbet (905) 301-9373
Thanksgiving Prayer
Blessed are you, loving Father, for all of your gifts to us.
Blessed are you for giving us the gift of family and friends.
We pause and give you thanks, Lord, for all these gifts:
For the rains that give life,
For the harvest.
As we rejoice in your kindness,
We pray for those who are in need.
Open our hearts to them and teach us to be generous to other
as you are to us.
Amen
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.
First Reconcilation and First Communion Information (email sent Sept. 2, 2025)
A message from the parish with regards to Sacramental Preparation are attached below.
- Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Information meeting on either Tuesday, October 7 or Thursday, October 9 @ 7 p.m.
- Sacrament of Confirmation - This sacrament is available to students in Grade 7 and over.
Information meeting on either Tuesday, October 14 or Thursday, October 16 @ 7 p.m.
Teaching Staff:
- FDK-A - Filomena Castello / Reserlin Montes
- FDK-B - Sandra DeMedeiros / Nadine Trudeau
- 1A - Natalie Palmateer
- 1/2 A - Alana Mauricette-Skyers
- 2/3 A - Jen Craig
- 2/3 B - Joanne Medeiros
- 3/4 A - Pam Bunde
- 4/5 A - Lisa Vitale
- 4/5A - Maureen Gibson
- 5/6A - Louise Childerhose
- 6A - Stephanie Felice
- 6/7A - Joshua Jones
- 7A - Katherine Salema
- 7/8A - Shannon Mooney
- 8A - Catherine O’Neill
- PT - Mike Rossit (.4)
- Lib/PT - Marc LeBrun
- FSL - Janice Larson
- FSL/ELL - Zofia Valdivieso
Resource Staff:
- SERT/ESL - Jonathan Kostoff
- SERT - Deb Putzu
- SERC/ESL - Julia Antezza
Special Services:
- SLP - Robynn McGroarty (Wed) - Leave
- Psych - Allison Stubbs (F)
- CYW - Sam Sennema (M/T/W) - Leave
- SW - Sherry Abdel Messih (Th)
ERWs:
- Jennifer Giorgianni
- Donna King
- Ashley Marchese
- Haidy Toubia
Office Staff:
- Rob Scicluna - Pirncipal
- Nadia Cifa
Custodial Staff:
- Scot Jarrett
- Zardy Reyes
- Elmer Agustin
- Oct. 2 - Catholic School Council meeting @ 5:45 p.m.
- Oct. 3 - Opening Mass
- Oct. 6-7 – Acadience Screening
- Oct. 7 – Bus Evacuation Drills (email sent)
- Oct. 7 – Communion Parent Info’ Meeting @ Church
- Oct. 8 - Rosary
- Oct. 9 – Virtue assembly
- Oct. 9 – M.W. Cross Country Meet
- Oct. 9 – Communion Parent Info’ Meeting @ Church
- Oct. 10 – PA Day
- Oct. 13 – Thanksgiving Day – no school
- Oct. 15 – OCSGE Medal Presentation
- Oct. 16 – Confirmation Parent Meeting @ Church
- Oct. 17 – Virtue Assembly
- Oct. 21 – Board Cross Country Meet
- Oct. 27 – Gr. 8 Servant Leadership Trip (Q.O.A.)
- Oct. 31 - Halloween
During the month of October, we will focus on the virtue of Empathy.
God has given us the ability to form connections with each other – to live together. Empathy helps us to connect and live together in safe, caring, inclusive communities.
An empathetic person believes that we all share one Spirit; that we are many parts of one body because we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Empathetic people...
- Listen attentively
- Watch people’s body language
- Notice and respond when someone is upset
- Can name her/ his feelings
- Can see a situation from another person’s point of view
- Know that different people may feel differently about the same thing
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.
Our Catholic School Council Meetings will take place on the following dates:
- October 2, 2025 @ 5:45 p.m. (Elections and First Meeting)
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 9Session 2 will run for 10 weeks from January 16 to April 1
Session 3 will run for 8 weeks from April 17 to June 19
Fridays ONLY, students will:
- eat lunch at 11:54
pizza will be delivered to the class at 11:50 and teacher will dispense
At 12:14, students will go for outdoor recess (40 minutes)
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.
For more information, please visit: https://secure.smore.com/n/h0sxp
World Teacher Day October 5
On October 5th Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board celebrates World Teachers’ Day. This significant day which is recognized and celebrated by UNESCO occurs each year on October 5th. Students are encouraged to thank their teachers and express their appreciation for the important role they play in our school community. To our outstanding team of Catholic teachers, we would like to thank you for the work you do each and every day.
Rosary Apostolate - Beginning October 8
For the past 25 years, the Rosary Apostolate has been creating a 'positive experience of prayer' which students enjoy and remember for years to come. Students never find praying the rosary boring because the goal of the Rosary Apostolate is to make 'praying the rosary' a truly 'inspiring' and interesting experience for students where they are provided time to reflect and ponder at every decade of the rosary. We are fortunate to have the Rosary Apostolate, which begins visiting St. Bernard of Clairvaux on October 8, 2025 (every 2nd Wednesday of the month).
Walk to School Day on October 8
Walk to School Day in Mississauga is a part of International Walk to School Month (IWALK), which is celebrated annually in October, with the main event falling on the first Wednesday of October. The city promotes walking and rolling (using bikes, scooters, or wheelchairs) to school to encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce traffic, and promote environmental awareness.
PA Day Reminder - Friday, October 10
Just a reminder that Friday, October 10 is a PA day. There will be no school for children on that day.
Thanksgiving - Monday, October 13
On Monday, October 13 we celebrate Thanksgiving. There will be no school on this day. Thanksgiving Day is an annual Canadian holiday, held on the second Monday in October, which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
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.
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!
Attendance 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 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.
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
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.
Safety First
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.
ALLERGIES AND ANAPHYLAXIS
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
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.
ASTHMA AWARENESS
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.
STORAGE/ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
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
NO CHILD WITHOUT MEDIC ALERT PROGRAM
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.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
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.
BUSSING
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.
CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
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.
BIKES, SCOOTERS AND ROLLERBLADES
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.
FIRE DRILLS, LOCK DOWN AND SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES
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.
STUDENT ILLNESS
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.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE: YMCA
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.
ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA
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
ECO SCHOOL
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!
Volunteers Needed
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.
