St. Thomas More

3270 Tomken Road

Mississauga, ON., L4Y 2Y7

(905) 279-6472

Fax: (905) 279-3205

http://www.dpcdsb.org/TMORE

Principal

M. Noce

Vice-Principal

L. Moran

Administrative Staff

M. Shahbaz

A. Simoes

Superintendent

D. Belchior

(905) 890-1221

Trustee

Mario Pascucci

Mississauga Wards 1 & 3

Catholic School Council Chair

R. D'Souza

Pastor

Rev. John Facey

St. Patrick’s Church

(905) 270-2301

Email: St.ThomasMoreInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: http://www.dpcdsb.org/TMORE
Location: 3270 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 9052796472
Twitter: @stthomasmore19

St. Thomas More Catholic School and St. Patrick's Parish are working collaboratively to create an atmosphere in which your child will be able to experience and express our Catholic Faith. We also support Father Facey at St. Patrick's with preparing students for sacraments. If you have a child in Grade 2 or 7 and intend to celebrate the sacrament, please contact the church at 905. 270 - 2301 to provide your email address and/or to register.

EDGE is a youth ministry for those in grades 6, 7 & 8, aimed to present the truths of the Catholic faith in a hand​​s-on and relevant format.

Twitter: @SPYGMississauga​

Instagram: ​​SPYGMississauga

Contact: Maria Espinoza, Youth Minister

stpatsyouthgroup@hotmail.com​

Please feel free to click on the Translate button on the newsletter to choose your language of preference! (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Italian, Vietnamese, Hindi etc.)

Dear St. Thomas More Families,

As we welcome the month of March, we enter more deeply into the sacred season of Lent—a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent invites each of us to pause, reflect, and strengthen our relationship with God as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. It is a season that calls us to open our hearts and make small but meaningful sacrifices that draw us closer to Christ and to one another.

This month, we also highlight the virtue of Kindness. Our students are encouraged to model compassion, empathy, and generosity in their words and actions. Kindness is at the heart of the Lenten journey and reminds us that every thoughtful gesture has the power to lift others and build a stronger, more caring school community.

We are also pleased to share that many classes will be participating in Scientist in the School workshops this month. These hands-on sessions spark curiosity and enrich learning across the curriculum. We extend our gratitude to our Parent Council for generously subsidizing these exceptional learning experiences.

March is a vibrant month at St. Thomas More, filled with exciting events and opportunities for student engagement:

• Eco Initiatives led by our ECO Team as we continue our stewardship of God’s creation
• Junior & Intermediate Skills Team Competition – March 25th
• Palm Sunday – March 29th, marking our journey toward Holy Week

As we begin to see early signs of spring—a season of hope, rejuvenation, and new beginnings—we are reminded of the beauty of growth both in nature and within ourselves.

Wishing all our families a peaceful and joy-filled March. May this season bring moments of reflection, kindness, and cherished time with loved ones.

Yours in Catholic Education,
Mary Noce

Principal

March: Kindness

God wants us to give generously to others around us.

A kind person…

• gives their time to help others

• stands by their friends in time of need

• shares with their friends

• is polite

• cares about other people’s feelings

Spirit of God, breathed into our hearts,

As we prepare for Jesus’ resurrection

Lifts us up with new life,

New courage, new passion today.

Spirit of God, breathed into our midst

As we prepare for Jesus’ resurrection,

Transform us with new fellowship,

New vision, new joy today.

Spirit of God, breathed into the world

As we prepare for Jesus’ resurrection,

Work through us

To change the face of the earth.

Amen.

OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR MARCH

Let us now pray...for the virtue of kindness so that everyone we meet will feel like we are looking out for their good. AMEN

Palm Sunday is a beautiful and meaningful doorway into Holy Week. Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when people lined the streets waving palm branches and laying them before Him as a sign of honour, hope, and welcome. The palms remind us of the joy the crowds felt as they recognized Jesus as a bringer of peace—someone who came not with force, but with gentleness and love.

The palm branch itself is a powerful symbol in Christian tradition. It represents victory, renewal, and the triumph of good over hardship. When we hold or receive palms, we are invited to reflect on the ways we can bring peace into our own lives and communities—through kindness, forgiveness, and care for one another.

Another meaningful tradition connected to Palm Sunday is what happens to the palms after the celebration ends. Rather than being discarded, these palms are gathered and carefully stored. Over time, they are dried and later burned to create the ashes used for Ash Wednesday the following year. In this way, the palms complete a full circle within the rhythm of the Church year. The same branches that proclaim joy and hope at Jesus’ arrival become the ashes placed on our foreheads to mark the beginning of Lent—a gentle reminder of humility, reflection, and the call to grow closer to God.

This cycle helps us appreciate how each season of faith prepares us for the next. Palm Sunday encourages us not only to celebrate but to carry its message forward, allowing the spirit of peace and renewal to guide us throughout the year.

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” — John 12:13

Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. As we know from the Gospels, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion. By this, He conquered death and redeemed us from sin. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promise to us. Candy and chocolate is given out at Easter as most children break their Lenten fast with sweets.

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, our STM community is invited to come together in compassion and service. This year, we are supporting our STM Lenten Almsgiving Project by collecting soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. These essential items will be shared with families in need within our community, as well as donated to support the important outreach work of Dr. Simone.

Lent is a time of reflection, generosity, and caring for others. We encourage all families and students to participate in whatever way they can. Your contributions—big or small—make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for continuing to let your kindness and generosity shine throughout this Lenten journey.

• 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, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their 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

8:45 am -Staggered Entrance (students arrive and are directed straight to their classroom)

9:00 am -School starts

11:05 am -Morning Recess

12:00 pm -Lunch

1:00 pm -School starts

2:30 pm -Afternoon Recess

3:30pm -Dismissal

2025-2026 School Year

Wednesday, March 25th: Skills Competition, Pedestrian Safety Skills Walk at St. Thomas More for grades 1-3

Sunday, March 29th: Palm Sunday, start of Holy Week

Thursday, April 2nd: Stations of the Cross

Friday, April 3rd: Good Friday-No Shcool

Monday, April 6th: Easter Monday- No School

Thursday, April 23rd: Public Budget Meeting, Link to Come/ Catholic School Council @ 6:30 pm

Monday May 4th-Friday May 8th: Catholic Education Week

Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th: Wizard of Oz performances-More information to come

Sunday, May 10th: Mother's Day

Friday, May 15th: PD Day

Monday, May 18th: Victoria Day

Monday: June 8th: PD Day

Wednesday, June 10th: Miss. East Track and Field at St. Marcellinus

Thursday, June 18th: Board Track and Field at St. Marcellinus

Monday, June 22nd: Grade 8 Graduation

Friday, June 26th: Last Day of School

Parents / Guardians can create their own accounts using EACH child’s unique Access ID and Access Password provided they meet the following criteria in PowerSchool:

• Marked as Guardians
• Have Access to Records
• Have an valid email address
• Student is under 18 years old

If a Parent / Guardian has more than one child in Dufferin-Peel, they will be able to link their account to EACH of their children.

Please create your account to access student record such as upcoming Progress Reports.

Focus on Writing (March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM)
Join us for a free live webinar about how EQAO assesses students’ writing skills at key stages of their education. EQAO staff will discuss writing prompts and questions from the primary- and junior-division assessments and from the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Participants will hear how these prompts and questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Reading
(March 31, 2026, 6:00 PM)
Join us for a free live webinar about how EQAO assesses students’ reading skills at key stages of their education. EQAO staff will discuss reading samples and questions from the primary and junior assessments and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Participants will hear how these reading passages and questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

EQAO Math Night for Parents and Guardians (April 1, 2026, 6:00 PM)
Join us for a free live webinar where EQAO staff will discuss math questions that Ontario students encounter when they participate in Ontario’s large-scale assessments. These assessments are taken by all Ontario students in Grades 3, 6 and 9. During the webinar, EQAO staff will show how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in their math classes. Staff will also share valuable insights from EQAO research into assessment results, which can help parents and guardians support their children’s math learning.

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Primary Students
(April 7, 2026, 12:00 PM)
Join us for a free webinar about how EQAO assesses primary-division students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss mathematics questions from the mathematics component of the primary-division assessment. Participants will hear how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Junior Students
(April 16, 2026, 12:00 PM)
Join us for a free webinar about how EQAO assesses junior-division students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss mathematics questions from the mathematics component of the junior-division assessment. Participants will hear how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students
(April 22, 2026, 6:00 PM)
Register for this free live webinar and learn about EQAO’s primary and junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students and answer questions from participants. The session will be approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students
(April 29, 2026, 12:00 PM)
Register for this free live webinar and learn about EQAO’s primary and junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students and answer questions from participants. The session will be approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.

About this event

Supporting Your Child’s Well-being, a free, four-part webinar series created with parents/caregivers, for parents/caregivers

Parents and caregivers across Ontario shared their top mental health and substance use health questions - and we listened. Each session will dive into important mental health and substance use health topics identified by families in Ontario - guided by subject matter experts who offer practical, evidence-informed strategies.

The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar. Parents and caregivers can submit their questions here: https://smha.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UI4DFh0gY95I8e. Submissions will close 10 days prior to each session.

4 webinars. Real conversations. Practical strategies.

Link: Registration Link

Series dates and topics:

April 10 | 12 – 1 p.m. – Conversations about vaping

May 7 | 7 – 8 p.m. – Conversations about body image

June 5 | 12 – 1 p.m. – Conversations about anxiety

Can’t make all four dates? No problem! Select one or more of the four sessions when you sign up.

Language:
Each webinar will be offered in separate English and French language sessions. Dates listed above are for our English sessions.
Register here for our French language sessions: https://votreenfantwebinaires0306226-06042026.eventbrite.ca

We are looking for Lunch Hour Supervisors here at St. Thomas More School. The role involves supervising students during lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the school office. Your support helps keep our students safe and happy during lunchtime!

As part of our exciting Fairy Tale Week celebrations, St. Thomas More students enjoyed a colourful and energetic Mario Day! The halls were filled with beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom as students and staff dressed up as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more!

Mario Day added a fun twist to our Fairy Tale Week by reminding students that stories don’t just come from classic books—some of our favourite adventures come from modern tales and the games we love. It was a bright, joyful day full of laughter and school spirit!

Our Grades 1–3 students recently wrapped up their time in the St. Thomas More Makerspace, and what an amazing experience it was! Even though the sessions have come to an end, the excitement and creativity sparked during this time continue to shine throughout the school.

Thank you to Mrs. Celia, Mrs. Gaicobbe, and Mrs. Sappong who helped support this engaging learning opportunity, and thank you to Mrs. Costa for the use of the library. Our Makerspace has truly inspired our youngest learners—and we can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them next!

Our Grade 5/6 and Grade 6/7 classes had an exciting visit to UTM, where they stepped into the world of forensic science, explored hands‑on physics experiments, and even learned how to paint using pigment extracted from a leaf. Students loved discovering the science behind each activity, making it a fun and memorable day of learning and exploration!

Overall, it was a memorable day full of discovery and new learning experiences. A big thank‑you to UTM for providing such an enriching opportunity for our students!

Excitement is building at St. Thomas More as our students prepare for this year’s school musical, The Wizard of Oz! Over the past few weeks, students have been busy learning choreography, practicing movement routines, and bringing the magical world of Oz to life through dance.

Our performances will take place during the first week of May as part of our Catholic Education Week celebrations. We look forward to sharing this joyful production with our community!

We are pleased to recognize the wonderful group of student teachers, co‑op students, and library technician students who have joined our school community this term. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to learn have made a positive impact on our classrooms and school environment. We extend our sincere appreciation to the mentor teachers and staff who have generously shared their expertise, guidance, and support. Their leadership plays an essential role in helping future educators and professionals develop confidence and strong skills in their chosen pathways. Thank you to all our mentors and students in training for contributing to a vibrant, collaborative, and caring school community. We are grateful for your hard work and the energy you bring each day!

~ Rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz

~Junior and Intermediate Chess club-Tournament coming up

~Eco Team

~Library helpers

~Makerspace for primary students on Monday

~Wellness Warriors

~PALs leaders

~Youth Faith Ambassadors

~Knitting and Crochet Club

~Intermediate Dance Team

~Intermediate Girls' and Boys' Basketball

~ Mississauga East Chess Tournament for Junior and Intermediate students-March 27th

~ Track and Field

Our students lit up the stage at this year’s Dance Showcase, demonstrating incredible talent, creativity, and teamwork. The performance reflected the dedication and hard work our dancers have put in. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Noronha, and Mrs. Orlowski for their outstanding leadership, coaching, and support. Their guidance helped our students shine with confidence and joy. Congratulations to all our performers on a truly inspiring showcase!

Our Intermediate Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams have hit the court and are already demonstrating strong skill, and school spirit during their practices. Students have been showing great dedication as they prepare for an exciting season ahead. A big thank you to our Girls’ Basketball coaches, Mme. Baptista and Mme. Santiago, for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to developing our athletes. We also extend our gratitude to our Boys’ Basketball coaches, Mr. Di Franco, Mr. Starcevic, and Mr. Faria, for their guidance, energy, and support in helping our players grow both on and off the court.

We’re looking forward to an amazing season—go STM!

A big congratulations to all classes who participated in this year’s Winter Walk Challenge! Our students showed fantastic enthusiasm as they embraced the outdoors and demonstrated the importance of staying active—even in the colder months.

We are excited to announce this year’s winners:

🥇 1st Place – Mr. Rosocha’s Class
🥈 2nd Place – Ms. McCallion’s Class
🥉 3rd Place – Mrs. Sappong’s Class

Thank you to all Eco members and Mrs. Fera for making this event a fun and energetic celebration of wellness and school spirit. Way to go, everyone!

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.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. To support this, DPCDSB offers SafeVoice, a confidential Safe Schools Tool for students to share concerns about bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other issues. Students can access SafeVoice from the DPCDSB homepage, the Student Portal, their school website, or directly at https://dpcdsb.org/SafeVoice.

The form allows students to provide information about incidents they’ve experienced or witnessed, including details about who was involved and when and where it took place. Students may choose to remain anonymous or include their name and contact information if they wish to be contacted directly by a school administrator.

All submissions are reviewed by the school Principal and Vice-Principal, unless a concern involves a Principal or Vice-Principal, in which case it is directed to the Superintendent.

SafeVoice is one of the many ways DPCDSB works with students, staff, and families to foster safe, caring, inclusive, and faith-filled school communities. If you need to share information about a crime, please contact Crime Stoppers, Peel Regional Police, or the Ontario Provincial Police.

If you have questions, please contact your school Principal or Vice-Principal.

• Upholding dignity and rights: All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or identity.
• Diversity and inclusion: Respect extends to celebrating diversity and treating people fairly regardless of factors like race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Safety and non-violence: DPCDSB prohibits bullying in all its forms, including cyberbullying, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. This also includes restrictions on taking photos or videos of others without consent.
• Responsible behaviour: Respect is demonstrated through actions like coming to school on time, being prepared to learn, refraining from bringing prohibited items to school, and taking responsibility for one's own actions.

Demonstrating respect

• Verbal and non-verbal communication: Use appropriate language, tone of voice, and body language. Avoid swearing, name-calling, gossip, and put-downs.
• Respect for property: Treat school materials, such as textbooks, equipment, and facilities, with care.
• Respect for Catholic teachings: Support and participate in the liturgical life of the school and strive to live a virtuous life in accordance with Gospel value

The Catholic School Council is an integral part of every school community. If you are interested in being a part of the Catholic School Council this year, please join us for our first meeting. The details are posted below, along with required nomination forms and information about roles and responsibilities:

Our School Council is comprised of Parents/Guardians, School Staff, a Student, and a Parish Representative. All are welcome to attend.

School Council Meeting of 2025-2026

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

In the School Library

Subway days is now on Mondays

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

PIZZA TUESDAYS ARE BACK!

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

Pita days are back, now on Wednesdays!

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

Now introducing Barburrito on Thursdays

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, St. Thomas More, we will continue to follow the provincial cellphone and social media policy from the Ontario Ministry of Education, alongside our Board’s policy on Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). These rules are in place to reduce distractions, protect student well-being, and support a safe Catholic learning environment.

Key Points ~

• Cellphones and PEDs should not be brought to school. If brought, they must remain off and out of sight during the school day.

• No social media access on school networks during school hours.

• Use for learning only: Devices may be used in class only if a teacher specifically permits them for academic purposes.

• Emergency communication: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the school office. Students who need to contact a parent must use the office phone.

• Loss or damage: The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

• Repeat violations: Continued misuse of a device will result in it being taken to the office. The student may pick it up at the end of the day. For repeated incidents, a parent/guardian will be asked to pick it up.

• Reflection and accountability: Students may be required to complete a short reflection activity if a violation occurs, helping them think about responsible use.

Why this matters:
This policy is not about punishment, but about focus, safety, and responsibility. By limiting cellphone and social media use during the school day, we are creating more opportunities for learning, connection, and personal growth.

Thank you for working with us to support a healthy, distraction-free environment for all students

How to Access Bus Stop and Time Information:

-Visit stopr.ca

-Select parent/student login

*if you do not have an account, please create an account by clicking 'create an account' on the bottom of the screen

-Enter your child's OEN number - this number can be found on the top portion of the report card.

-Once you've entered your child's OEN you will be able to view bus stop information

If your child rides the bus daily, it is important that they are aware of the safety rules on the bus. Students are required to:

• Listen to the Bus Driver at all times and report any problems or injuries to him/her
  
• Go directly to your seat and remain seated during the entire bus ride
• Do not eat, drink, swear, fight or chew gum on the bus
• Do not put arms out the window, or throw items or garbage out the window
• If any damage to the seat of bus is caused, students will be held responsible
• Be at least 5 minutes early at your bus stop to ensure that you don't miss the bus

Improper conduct on the bus will be dealt with at the Office. Repeated or serious incidents can result in busing privileges being suspended or removed. Please review these rules with your child. Taking the bus is a privilege, not a right.

• Stay home when you're sick.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or, if unavailable, use a hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects often.
• Pay attention to public health alerts and advice in your community.

1. It is important when you are dropping off your child in the morning that you enter the Kiss & Ride lane and proceed to the end of the lane before allowing your child to get out of the car.

2. Students must exit from the right hand side of the car (closest to the school) and parents should remain in the car. Parents may then proceed to exit.

3. If you need to walk your child, you must park in a parking spot at the front of the school or in the church parking lot. Please do NOT park in the drive through lane, the kiss & ride lane or the kindergarten pick up and drop off parking spots as moving traffic is dangerous to children in these locations.

4. If walking your child to school in the morning or picking them up at the end of the day, parents are asked to remain either behind the fence by the church parking lot, on the path closest to the school, or on the perimeter of the school pavement. This is for your child’s safety, as teachers on duty cannot distinguish parents from “strangers” in the yard.

5. Kindergarten students are released hand to hand. Those parents may park in the kindergarten pick up and drop off parking spots.

6. Only bus/daycare students exit at the end of the day through the front doors.

If you are First Nation (Status Indian or Non-Status Indian), Métis and/or Inuit you can self-identify as Indigenous. You do not need to produce any documentation or proof of ancestry. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential.

“This has been really important for us because of the sense of community and the connection to other Indigenous families.” ~ Melanie Cormier, parent

Self-identification will provide access to culture and language programs and monthly programming for students and families. Relevant information will be sent directly to you about upcoming cultural events and opportunities which help to build community and a sense of Indigenous pride in Dufferin-Peel.

To learn more about opportunities for Indigenous students and families please visit: https://www.dpcdsb.org/student-portal/indigenous-self-identification

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. Thomas More, we continue to work together to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and healthy Catholic school community for all.

DPCDSB and St. Thomas More use the Attendance Program: SafeArrival.

If you have not registered for SafeArrival, please review the registration procedure at https://www.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting

SafeArrival is an application within SchoolMessenger that will allow parents/guardians to report their children’s absences in one of the following three ways:

• SchoolMessenger App
• SchoolMessenger website https://go.schoolmessenger.ca
• Toll Free number 1-844-435-3440

What is SafeArrival:

• SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety.
• It supports school staff to follow up on unexcused absences.
• It allows parents and/or guardians to notify the school in advance about an upcoming absence.

Benefits:

• Better Attendance Management for Enhanced Student Safety
• Faster and Easier Attendance Management
• Simplified Parent Reporting Tools
• Accessible, Convenient and Secure
• Automated Key Tasks With SafeArrival Administrative Tools

In the event that your child is late or absent, please use one of the three ways to access Safe Arrival. Students who arrive late to school must proceed to the office.

St. Thomas More Catholic School is dedicated to helping your child develop the spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social and physical capabilities to live fully and to meet the future challenges of adult roles and responsibilities. The school can best contribute to your child’s education and development when you form a partnership with them.

As parents/guardians you have many responsibilities towards your child. One responsibility is to ensure that your child is in school every day, ready to learn. In fact, it is the law. The Provincial Education Act states that every child between the ages of 6 and 18 years is required to attend school every day from the first school day in September until the last school day in June.

Accident Insurance forms are now being offered digitally. Please note this insurance is voluntary, but the board encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive coverage especially if your children participate in sports, excursions or field trips or, if you do not have dental coverage. If you wish to purchase insurance coverage for your child, please click on the image to the left where you will be able to complete an online application form.

Please be reminded that no nut products including tree nuts, Nutella or scented perfumes/cologne are allowed in school.

We have a number of staff and students who have potentially fatal anaphylactic sensitivities to the above products. Community Letters regarding allergens in our school will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping STM allergy aware!

If your child has any health problems of which the office is not aware, please notify us as soon as possible.

Please note, we cannot administer or store medication for your child (such as antibiotics, aspirin etc.) without board policy forms that are signed by a medical doctor. In the event your child requires medication at school, please have your medical doctor complete the form and we can proceed with administering the medication.

Every year, medical forms for puffers, epi-pens, or other medication are required to be filled out by the doctor for renewal. All returning students with medical conditions have been sent the forms via email. Please check your e-mail for the receipt of these forms. These forms must be returned to the office before medication can be administered.

A reminder that children are not allowed to keep ANY medication on their persons, in their desk, backpack or anywhere in their classroom, unless ordered by their doctor. In such case, documentation is necessary. All dispensing and storage of ANY medication must occur in the office. We appreciate your attention to this matter.

Build your math skills and confidence with a personalized math coach. Tutors are available online Mondays-Fridays from 9am to 9pm ET and Sundays from 3:00pm to 9pm ET.

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