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

(905) 302-3096

(905) 890-0708 x20161

mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org

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.

For Grade 7 and 8 STM Families

St. Patrick's Church invites all parents whose children are preparing for confirmation to attend a Confirmation Parent information night on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Church.

Confirmation Enrollment (registration) will take place during all masses on the weekend of December 20-21, 2025. For more information, please contact the parish office at 905-270-2301

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 enter the holy season of Advent, a time of reflection, hope, and joyful anticipation, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you for the love, care, and support you bring to our school community. Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, both as the infant in the manger and as our Savior who will come again and reminds us that even in the darkest times, His light shines brightly, guiding and comforting us.

This season also calls us to live out the spirit of giving and compassion. Whether through small acts of kindness, reaching out to those in need, or participating in charitable initiatives, we have countless opportunities to embody Christ’s love in our daily lives. At St. Thomas More, I am continually inspired by the generosity of our families, the enthusiasm of our students, and the dedication of our staff. Together, we create a community where faith, love, and service flourish.

Advent also reminds us that the true joy of Christmas is not found in material gifts, but in the relationships we nurture, the faith we share, and the love we extend to one another. May this season be a time for your family to grow closer in prayer, gratitude, and cherished traditions—whether lighting the Advent wreath together, attending Mass, or simply sharing moments of kindness and joy.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do to make St. Thomas More a warm, welcoming, and faith-filled community.

May this Advent season bring your family peace, hope, and abundant joy.

Mary Noce
Principal

As we joyfully prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus this Advent season, we are thrilled to share some inspiring social justice initiatives that our students can lead and participate in! Advent is a time of hope, love, and light, and there is no better way to celebrate the arrival of Christ than by spreading His compassion and kindness to those around us. These initiatives give our students the opportunity to make a real difference, bringing hope, joy, and the spirit of Jesus to our school and wider community. Let’s come together to shine Christ’s light through service, generosity, and love this Advent!

1. Mitten Tree

Help families in need by donating mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves to keep hands and heads warm this winter. We will begin collecting Monday November 24 until December 12. All donations will be hung on our STM Mitten Tree and then donated to a local family shelter.

2. Christmas Grocery Gift Card Donations for families in need (Society for St Vincent de Paul-St. Patrick’s)

Donations accepted on School Cash Online. We are also accepting physical grocery cards that are sent to school with a student for donation. Several Families in Need have registered with St Patrick’s Church.

3. Christmas Food Drive for Mississauga Food Bank

Non-perishable goods and toiletries collections will be accepted at our Kinder & Primary Christmas Concert

4. Christmas Spirit Week ShareLife Donations

-December-

God helps us to keep on working for a more peaceful

world even when we feel discouraged.

A hopeful person is…

• inspired and inspires others

• optimistic

• one who seeks good things from life

• one who sees the good in the world

OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR DECEMBER

Let us now pray...for the grace and courage to be people of hope-people who can see, participate in and contribute to God’s goodness emerging around us.

• 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

Tuesday, December 9th: Advent Mass at St. Patrick's Church- All are Welcome

Tuesday, December 17th: FDK afternoon Concert- More details to come

Wednesday, December 18th: Primary Concert- see flyer below for more details

Monday, December 22-January 5th: Christmas Break

Friday, February 13th: Interview Day

Friday, February 14th: Valentine's Day

Monday, February 16th: Family Day

Monday, March 16th- Friday March 20th: March Break

Thursday, April 2nd: Stations of the Cross

Friday, April 3rd: Good Friday

Monday, April 6th: Easter Monday

Monday, April 20th: Easter Mass at St. Patrick's Church- All are Welcome

Friday, May 15th: PD Day

Monday, May 18th: Victoria Day

Monday: June 8th: PD Day

Friday, June 26th: Last Day of School

EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Reading

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 & Junior Reading 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 & resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

Next available session: December 2, 2025, at 6:00-7:00 pm ET (offered on multiple dates, a recording will be provided to registrants)

Registration: https://eqao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d5doLU_HSVad0Jmb_V7skQ#/registration

EQAO Math Night for Parents and Guardians

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.

Next available session: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (offered on multiple dates, a recording will be provided to registrants)

Registration: https://eqao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5puRqI8uQJypIaHgBYoBMw#/registration

EQAO will be offering additional webinars throughout the year for families, administrators, and teachers. Please check our website regularly for an updated list of upcoming sessions at https://www.eqao.com/school-outreach/.

If you have any questions about the information shared, please reach out to EQAO directly for clarification.

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!

Our students had an amazing day at Crawfort Lake, a fascinating meromictic lake, where they explored both nature and Indigenous culture. They worked together to build a traditional longhouse, learned about the daily life of Indigenous peoples, and expressed creativity through printmaking. Students also had fun playing Lacrosse, an Indigenous game that promotes teamwork and skill. To complete the experience, they enjoyed a peaceful nature walk, connecting with the beauty and history of the land. It was a day filled with learning, discovery, and appreciation for Indigenous traditions and the environment!

From November 14 to November 21, students and staff had the amazing opportunity to experience Guelph Grotto! This week-long event was packed with excitement—climbing, tumbling, rope activities, and more—fun for all skill levels. We were also thrilled to welcome families for our Parent Engagement Night on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

A huge thank you to our School Council for making this possible through their incredible fundraising efforts. Your support helps create unforgettable experiences for our students!

Some of our Grade 3 students had a wonderful hands-on experience with Mrs. Sappong, learning how to make fresh butter and strawberry jam. It was such a treat to see students engaged in this fun and tasty activity—combining learning with a delicious reward!

From November 17 to November 21, 2025, St. Thomas More celebrated Spirit Week for Anti-Bullying, a week filled with creativity, unity, and school pride. Each day featured a unique theme:

• Tartan Day – Wearing patterns that represent regions and historic clans, symbolizing belonging and identity.
• Mismatch Socks Day – Celebrating differences and individuality.
• K-Pop Day – Students channeled their inner stars with vibrant styles and themes like Demon Hunter.
• Golden Day – Shining bright in gold to spread positivity and kindness.
• STM Pride Day – Honoring our school spirit and community at St. Thomas More!

It was an inspiring week that reminded us of the importance of respect, inclusion, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. We are all part of the Wolf Pack and learned about the Wolf Pack Way—working together, supporting one another, and showing kindness every day!

St. Thomas More had a very special guest—the Kindness Mascot! This pawsome dog visited classrooms, bringing smiles and reminding us all about the importance of kindness. Students and staff joined in a whole-school Kahoot game on kindness, making learning fun and interactive.

And the excitement isn’t over yet—we’ll soon vote on the mascot’s name! This furry friend came to spread kindness and encourage everyone to do the same. Let’s keep the kindness going, Wolf Pack!

St. Thomas More is looking for talented student artists to help create a new Wolf mascot that represents our Wolf Pack spirit! This is your chance to showcase your creativity and leave a lasting mark on our school community.

Submit your original design to the school office by December 12th, 2025. The winning design will become the official STM Wolf mascot!

Let’s see your imagination shine—Go Wolf Pack!

Congratulations to our Intermediate Volleyball teams! After an outstanding performance in the mini-pod tournament, where they secured first place, our students are now advancing to the Family Tournament on December 4.

• Boys’ team will compete in the morning
• Girls’ team will compete in the afternoon

We’re so proud of their hard work and teamwork—best of luck as they take on the next challenge!

On Wednesday, November 12, from 3:40–4:45 PM, we partnered with City staff for a Safety Audit Walk, departing from the front of St. Thomas More. During the walk, we explored ways to improve the safety of walking routes in our community, with the goal of creating more opportunities for families to walk safely and confidently.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important initiative!

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 January 15th, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

Thursday, April 16th, 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/

If you can and are able to, you can consider donating a Pizza Day to a student in need. Visit SchoolCash Online to contribute.

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

As we enter the winter season (a bit early), we kindly remind all families to ensure that students come to school prepared for the cold and snowy weather. Please make sure your child is dressed in layers, including a warm winter jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, snow pants, and boots. This will help them stay warm and comfortable during outdoor play.

For safety and fun in the snow, students should also wear appropriate footwear and bring an extra pair of socks and gloves, as they may get wet during play. We encourage everyone to be mindful of the snow and ice, using proper snow play etiquette, such as playing safely and respectfully with peers.

Thank you for your support in helping our students enjoy winter while staying warm and safe!

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.

*Important: The process to exempt your child from school dental screening has changed.

Peel Public Health is providing free dental screening, as required by the Ontario Ministry of Health, for students in all grades on January 8, 9, 12, 13, 2026. Please note that dental screening may be completed earlier than the expected end date. A dental screening is a quick assessment by a registered dental hygienist who will take a look inside your child's mouth. A separate, sterilized mouth mirror is used for each child. It identifies children who may be in need of dental care. After the dental screening, a form with the results will go home with every child screened. If a child is identified with a dental condition requiring immediate dental treatment, the parent may be contacted by a dental staff member. A re-screening may be required.

If you do not want your child to be screened, please visit http://www.peelregion.ca/dental/schoolscreening or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 by January 7, 2026.

• 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.

https://www.tvomathify.com/students