PF September Newsletter Template

Loving God,

Thank You for the gift of this day and for our Catholic school, where we learn about Your great love for us. Today we pray for Your special gift of Peace.

As we begin a new school year, we may encounter times of worry, nervousness and the feeling of being overwhelmed. We ask that in those moments, You fill our hearts with Your quiet, gentle calm.

Help us to be peacemakers today and every day.

Give us the courage to choose kind words, forgive others when it is hard to and to bring joy to our classrooms and our playground. As we become artisans of peace this year, guide our steps and keep our school family united in Your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Dear Pope Francis Families,

What a joy it is to welcome everyone back for another exciting school year at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School! September is always a time filled with energy, anticipation, and fresh beginnings, and I am grateful for the trust you place in us each day with your children.

As we begin our second year together, we look forward to building upon the strong foundation we created during our first year as a school community. We are excited to continue strengthening our traditions, relationships, and sense of belonging, rooted in faith, kindness, and collaboration.

A very special welcome is extended to the new students, families, and staff joining Pope Francis this year. Together, we will continue to create a caring, inclusive, and faith-filled environment where every student feels known, valued, and supported as they learn, grow, achieve, and soar.

Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and encouragement. I look forward to all that we will accomplish and celebrate together throughout the 2026–2027 school year.

A Prayer to Begin Our School Year

God of wisdom, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body, and spirit.

Be with our children as they begin a new school year.

Bless them and their teachers and staff.

Give them strength and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal to their hearts.

God Bless,

Kerri Lomax
Principal

• School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
• First Nutrition Break: 10:10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
• Second Nutrition Break: 12:30 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
• School Dismissal: 2:50 p.m.

If your child will be absent or late for school please use the SafeArrival system, you no longer need to contact the school.

You have 3 options to report an absence:

• Download the mobile app;
• Use the website (https://home.schoolmessenger.ca)
• Or call the toll free number: 1-844-445-4381

September 17: Meet the Teacher Night 4pm-6pm

September 22: Soccer Tournament

September 23: Soccer Tournament Raindate

September 23: School Advisory Council Meeting 6pm

September 23: International Day of Sign Languages

September 25: Terry Fox Run

September 30: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

September 30: Month End Assembly

October 12: Thanksgiving Day

November 4: Picture Day

📌Pizza Days🍕

Pizza Days will be on Wednesdays this year, starting in October!

October 7

October 14

October 21

October 28

** Please note that pizza orders for October are due by Sunday September 27, 2026**

📌PD Days

October 6

November 20

January 22

June 11

June 30

Help protect and preserve our Catholic education system by ensuring that you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter. Like many Catholics, you may be surprised to find out that you are registered as a 'Public School' supporter. You are able to correct this before the upcoming election.

If you miss the update deadline, you can also bring photo identification and proof of address to your polling station on election day to ensure you are able to cast a vote for your local Catholic school trustee.

By directing your tax support to the separate school system:

• You may vote for separate school trustees in municipal elections
• Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools

• You show your support for the Catholic school system

You can visit MPAC to learn more about changing your school support online or download the MPAC school support factsheet below.

📌School Staff for 2026-2027

Principal - Mrs. K. Lomax

Secretary - Mrs. M. Reidy

FTK 1 - Mrs. N. Robertson

ECE - Mrs. G. Palmer

FTK 2 - Mrs. M. Kadirgamar

ECE - Mrs. E. Lourenco

FTK 3 - Ms. M. Strycharz

ECE - Mrs. A. Renneberg

Grade 1A - Mrs. L. Reed

Grade 1B - Ms. B. Calcao

Grade 2A - Mrs. L. Elliott

Grade 2B - Ms. S. Sienna

Grade 2/3 - Ms. O. Centritto

Grade 3 - Mrs. J. Morelli

Grade 3 - Mrs. S. Carnegie

Grade 4 - Mrs. J. Bullard

Grade 4/5 - Mr. A. Galinis

Grade 5/6 - Mr. Z. Edge

Grade 6/7 - Mrs. A. Niblock

Grade 7 - Ms. A. Scarcelli

Grade 8 - Mrs. J. Proracki

French - Mme. K. Costa

Prep - Ms. J. Wilcock

Prep - Mr. B. Stephen

Prep - Ms. A. Mendoza

SERT - Mrs. F. VandenBerg

SERT - Mrs. A. Magakian

STEM - Mr. A. Senia

STEM - Ms. D. Randazzo

STEM - Mrs. T. Mosher

Educational Assistant - Mrs. S. Bick

Educational Assistant - Ms. C. Conceicao

Educational Assistant - Mrs. A. Emery

Educational Assistant - Mrs. G. McKenzie

Educational Assistant - Mrs. J. Chirikure

Educational Assistant - Mr. S. Girodat

Educational Assistant - Ms. N. Steeves

Educational Assistant - Mrs. H. Peart

Educational Assistant - Ms. A. Hazzard

Educational Assistant - Ms. G. Robson

Educational Assistant - Ms. S. Armstrong

Library Technician - Mrs. S. Francis

Child and Youth Worker - Ms. S. Stafford

Social Worker - Ms. H. Rosser

Head Custodian - Mrs. C. Cunningham

Day Custodian - Ms. T. Vornbrock

Evening Custodian - Mr. J. Bonsignore

Evening Custodian - Mr. M. Poulton

Evening Custodian - Ms. Sara Purdy

📌Portable Classroom Update

As our school community continues to grow, we will be welcoming portable classrooms to accommodate our Grade 4 and Grade 4/5 classes this year.

Unfortunately, we have been informed that there has been a delay in the delivery and installation of the portables, and they are now expected to arrive later this month.

In the meantime, our Grade 4 and Grade 4/5 students will be learning in the library. Staff have worked hard to ensure these temporary learning spaces are comfortable, welcoming, and support student learning.

We appreciate the patience, flexibility, and understanding of our families as we navigate this transition. We look forward to moving students into their new classroom spaces as soon as the portables are ready.

Thank you for your continued support! 🍎📚

📌The Importance of School Attendance

Regular attendance plays an important role in your child’s success at school. When students attend school consistently, they are better able to keep up with their learning, build strong relationships with their teachers and classmates, and feel connected to their school community.

We understand that children will sometimes need to miss school due to illness or other important circumstances. Whenever possible, we encourage families to make regular and punctual attendance a priority. Even missing a few days here and there can add up over the course of the school year.

Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, grow, connect and succeed. Thank you for helping us make every school day count!

📌Late Arrivals

Our school day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., and arriving on time helps students start their day ready to learn. If your child arrives after the morning bell, they must be signed in at the school office before going to class. This ensures accurate attendance records and, most importantly, helps us keep all students safe.

Thank you for your support in helping students arrive on time each day!

📌Morning Drop-Off & Afternoon Pick-Up

To help keep our students safe and ensure a smooth start and end to each school day, please follow the procedures below:

Morning Drop-Off (Beginning at 8:15 a.m.)

• Students in Grades 1–8 should be dropped off in the back playground area of the school.
• Kindergarten students should be dropped off in the Kindergarten yard at the front of the school.
• Please note that these areas are not supervised until 8:15 a.m. For your child's safety, please do not drop students off before this time.
• Our Kiss & Drop lane is intended for quick drop-offs only. Please remain in your vehicle, have your child exit promptly, and then move your vehicle forward. The Kiss & Drop lane is not a parking area.
• The accessible parking space at the front of the school is reserved for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking permit. It is not to be used as a drop-off or waiting area for students.
• Unless your child is arriving late, all students should enter the school through the designated student entrances, not through the main office entrance.

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Students in Grades 1–8 will be dismissed through the doors at the back of the school. Please meet your child in that area.
• Kindergarten students will be dismissed from the Kindergarten yard at the front of the school.
• Students will not be dismissed through the main office entrance unless arrangements have been made in advance with the classroom teacher or the school office.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal for all students.

📌Family Vacations During the School Year

If you are planning a family vacation during the school year that will result in your child(ren) being away from school for 5 or more school days, please remember to notify the school office ahead of time. An Intent to be Absent Form must be completed and submitted to the school before your child leaves for the extended absence. Providing us with advance notice helps ensure that we are aware of the absence and can update our records accordingly.

Please contact the school office to get a copy of the required forms or if you have any questions.

📌Lunches at School

To help our school day run as smoothly as possible, we ask that all students come to school each morning with their lunch, snacks, and water bottle packed and ready for the day.

Frequent lunch drop-offs during the school day can be very disruptive to both the office and classroom learning. We kindly ask families to double-check that lunches are packed before leaving home each morning.

We understand that occasional forgotten lunches happen, but we appreciate your support in making this the exception rather than the norm. Thank you for helping us maximize learning time for all students!

📌Indoor & Outdoor Shoes

Please ensure your child has a pair of indoor shoes to keep at school. These shoes do not need to be expensive, as they will only be worn inside the building. For safety reasons, all students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 are required to wear shoes indoors at all times.

Outdoor shoes or boots (during inclement weather) will be left in the hallway, while indoor shoes will remain in the classroom. Having a separate pair of indoor shoes helps keep our classrooms clean, dry, and safe for everyone.

Since students require running shoes for Physical Education classes, we recommend that indoor shoes be a comfortable pair of running shoes that can be worn throughout the school day.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment for all students.

📌Dress Code Reminder

Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School is not a uniform school; however, students are expected to come to school dressed in clothing that is appropriate for a learning environment. As a Catholic school, we encourage modesty, respect, and good judgment in both dress and behaviour.

The following items are not permitted at school:

• Short shorts or cut-off shorts
• Tube tops or spaghetti strap tops
• Tops that expose the midriff
• Clothing with inappropriate language, slogans, images, or graphics
• Clothing that is considered offensive, immodest, or disruptive to the learning environment

As a sign of respect, hats and hoods are to be removed upon entering the school unless required for medical, religious, or other approved reasons.

We appreciate the support of our families in ensuring students come to school dressed appropriately and ready to learn. Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and welcoming school community.

📌Administration of Prescribed Medication

If your child requires prescription medication during the school day, please contact the school principal to discuss the necessary arrangements.

In accordance with Board policy, medication can only be administered when the required Administration of Medication form has been completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the prescribing physician. This form is available through the school office.

Please note that only prescription medication will be administered by school staff. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, cough medicine, or other non-prescription medications, cannot be administered to students during the school day.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the school office. We are happy to assist you.

📌Cell Phones & Personal Devices

Please be reminded that, in accordance with Board policy, student cell phones and personal electronic devices are not to be used during the school day unless directed by school staff for educational purposes or as otherwise permitted under Board policy. We encourage families to make all after-school arrangements before students arrive at school.

If a student needs to contact home during the school day, they may do so through the school office. Likewise, if you need to get an important message to your child, please contact the office rather than sending a message to your child's personal device. We are unable to accept or relay messages that students receive directly on their cell phones.

Families of students in Grades 5–8 are asked to review, sign, and return the Cell Phone/Device Responsible Use Policy, which is available through School Cash Online.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment.

📌Student Accident Insurance

Student Accident Insurance is available to families and can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an unexpected injury.

This optional insurance helps cover many expenses that may not be fully covered by OHIP or extended health benefit plans, such as ambulance fees, dental injuries, fractures, and other accident-related costs. Coverage applies not only during school activities, but also during many activities outside of school, including sports and recreational programs.

Information about Student Accident Insurance can be found on our school website under School Forms. If you wish to purchase coverage, please visit www.insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437. Annual individual and family plans are available.

Please note that the insurance policy is purchased directly by families, and the agreement is between you and the insurance provider, Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada.

📌Code of Conduct

At Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School, we are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for everyone. As members of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board community, students, staff, parents/guardians, and visitors are all expected to treat one another with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Our Code of Conduct is rooted in Catholic values and promotes respect for each person's dignity, personal space, property, and the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make our school community unique.

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. If you have a concern about something that has happened at school, we encourage you to speak with your child's teacher first. Many concerns can be resolved through open communication, and sometimes there may be additional information or another perspective that is helpful to understand.

If a concern cannot be resolved after speaking with the teacher, please contact the principal, who will be happy to work with you toward a positive resolution.

To ensure a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone, abusive language, yelling, threatening behaviour, harassment, or disrespectful interactions toward staff, students, parents, or visitors will not be tolerated.

📌Volunteers and Police Vulnerable Sector Checks

We greatly appreciate the support of our parent and community volunteers. Your involvement helps make Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.

To help ensure the safety and well-being of all students, all volunteers are required to complete a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening in accordance with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board policy before volunteering in the school.

The Board has transitioned to an online application process for Criminal Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Screening. Updated information and instructions will be shared with our school community as soon as they become available. Please note that, depending on your local police service, a processing fee may apply.

Important: Police checks completed for another organization (such as a sports team, another school board, daycare, or any other agency) cannot be accepted. In accordance with Board policy, all volunteers must obtain a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening specifically for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board before volunteering at Pope Francis.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and caring environment for all of our students.

📌Plans of Care for Prevalent Medical Conditions

The health, safety, and well-being of our students is a top priority at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School. If your child has a medical condition that requires ongoing support, monitoring, or emergency intervention while at school, please notify the school as soon as possible. This allows us to work with you to ensure the appropriate supports are in place before your child attends school.

In accordance with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board policy and provincial legislation, a Plan of Care is required for students with the following prevalent medical conditions:

• Asthma – Asthma Plan of Care
• Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergies) – Anaphylaxis Plan of Care
• Diabetes – Diabetes Plan of Care
• Epilepsy – Epilepsy Plan of Care

Plans of Care are completed collaboratively by parents/guardians and the school administration to help ensure staff are aware of your child's individual needs and know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

If your child has one of the above medical conditions and you have not yet completed the required forms, please contact the school office as soon as possible. We will be happy to provide you with the necessary documentation and assist you with the process.

Please Note: It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to inform the school of any medical conditions and to ensure that their child's Plan of Care is reviewed and updated annually, or whenever there is a change in the student's medical needs.

For additional information regarding Board policies and procedures related to prevalent medical conditions, please visit the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board website.

📌Bus Safety and Student Conduct

Special precautions are being taken to ensure your child safely travels to school every day. Your child’s safety is our concern, and their best behaviour is necessary. Every time that the bus driver’s attention is averted from the road to speak to students who aren’t behaving properly, there is a potential situation for an accident. It is a privilege NOT a right to ride the school bus. Students are responsible for his/her behaviour on the bus. Inappropriate behaviour will NOT be tolerated, and students will be responsible for his/her actions and will be dealt with accordingly. Only bus kids ride the bus.

Please remind your child about the importance of proper behaviour on the bus. Only students who follow the conduct code of behaviour for riding the bus will be allowed to continue to ride. Please note that no student will be allowed to get off or on at another stop due to the transportation policy and insurance purposes. There will be no exceptions to this rule, (for example babysitting purposes, birthday parties, etc.)

If you have any questions regarding your child’s bus, please call the transportation department (519-751-7532 or 1-877-226-6353 – ext.#3). The school is unaware of daily issues such as bus delays, etc. The school receives email updates just like parents would if they are subscribed to the transportation website (www.stsbhn.ca). Please DO NOT call the school.

📌Brightspace/D2L

All classes have a corresponding virtual Brightspace environment. Your virtual classroom will be the place where teachers post information about classroom events, topics being covered, homework, etc. (information that can be viewed by all students and families). Most grades/marks for tests and assignments can also be viewed on Brightspace so you are able to monitor your child’s progress. If you are unsure of how to access this platform, please reach out to your child(ren)’s teachers. If the message is specific to just your child or family, the teacher will connect with you via the email address that we have on file at the school or by phone.

📌Communication With Your Child’s Teacher

Parents/Guardians will be encouraged to communicate with school staff through email or phone calls.

Any concerns should be communicated to the teacher first, then the Principal if additional attention is needed.

📌Eye Examinations for Children

Has your child had a recent eye examination?

Regular eye exams play an important role in your child's overall health and academic success. Good vision is essential for reading, writing, participating in classroom activities, and supporting healthy learning and development—especially during the early school years.

In Ontario, comprehensive eye examinations for children and youth under the age of 20 are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If your child has not had an eye exam recently, we encourage you to book an appointment with your optometrist.

If you have any questions about your child's vision or eye health, please contact your local optometrist for more information.

📌Head Lice Awareness

As students return to school and spend more time together, we ask families to help us prevent the spread of head lice by checking their child's hair regularly throughout the school year.

If you discover head lice or nits (eggs), please begin treatment promptly and consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about treatment options.

In accordance with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board guidelines, families are expected to begin treatment as soon as head lice are identified and ensure their child's hair has been checked and appropriately managed before returning to school the following day.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy learning environment for all students.

📌School Calendar & Newsletter

All monthly newsletters will be sent out by email and posted on our school website.

📌SchoolCash Online

Throughout the school year, payments for school activities and events will be made through SchoolCash Online. This includes items such as pizza and hot lunch days, field trips, special events, fundraising initiatives, and other school-related fees.

We encourage families to check SchoolCash Online regularly and watch for email notifications, as this is the primary way payment information and permission forms will be shared throughout the year.

📌Meet the Teacher Night

We are looking forward to welcoming our Pope Francis families to our Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to visit the school, meet classroom teachers and staff, explore the classrooms, and start the new school year together.

We hope you can join us as we kick off another exciting year at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School More details about the evening will be shared with families closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

📌Terry Fox Run – Friday, September 25

Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School is proud to take part in the Terry Fox School Run on Friday, September 25, 2026!

Our students and staff will come together to honour Terry Fox and continue his incredible legacy of courage, determination, and hope while helping to support cancer research.

More information about the Terry Fox Run will be sent home with students at a later date, including details about the day and how families can support our school’s efforts.

We look forward to coming together as a school community for this meaningful event!

📌Orange Shirt Day - September 30

On Wednesday, September 30, Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School will recognize Orange Shirt Day in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students are encouraged to wear an orange shirt as we come together to remember the children who attended residential schools, honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and reflect on the importance of truth, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous Peoples. Through learning and reflection, we continue our commitment to building understanding, compassion, and hope for the future.

📌 School Highlights – Looking Ahead

A new school year means lots of exciting things are just around the corner at Pope Francis! While we don’t have our usual student achievements, sports results, and school activities to share just yet, it won’t be long before this section is filled with all the wonderful things happening throughout our school.

As we begin September, here are a few things we are looking forward to:

• 🏫 Welcoming our students and families back for a new school year
• 🍎 Getting to know our teachers, classmates, and new school routines
• 🤝 Meet the Teacher Night – Thursday, September 17
• 🏃 Terry Fox Run – Friday, September 25
• ✝️ Coming together in faith as a Catholic school community
• ⚽ The return of school sports, clubs, activities, and special events

We look forward to celebrating our students and sharing their accomplishments throughout the year. Be sure to check back each month to see what’s been happening at Pope Francis!

📌Pope Francis Spirit Wear

We’re excited to share that our Pope Francis spirit wear is now available to order! Families can browse a variety of clothing options designed to showcase our school pride, including hoodies, T-shirts, and more. All items can be purchased directly through the online link below, making ordering quick and convenient

Wearing spirit wear is a great way for students to feel connected, show support for our school community, and celebrate what makes Pope Francis special.

📌School Advisory Council 2026-2027

The School Advisory Council is an advisory group that works alongside the principal and school staff to support and strengthen our Pope Francis school community. The Council assists with purchasing school resources, supporting fundraising initiatives, contributing to the School Improvement Plan, strengthening our connection with St. Patrick’s Church, and fostering a strong sense of pride in our school.

Meetings are held at least four times throughout the school year and are a great opportunity to learn more about what’s happening at Pope Francis, share your ideas and talents, and connect with other parents and guardians in our school community.

Everyone is welcome! We would love to have you join us and get involved.

📅 Our first School Advisory Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School.

📌St. Patrick's Catholic Church

107 Orkney St. East

Caledonia ON

905-765-2729

Father: Fr. John Pinto

Secretary: Maryann Wijayapura

📌Mass Times:

Saturday @5pm

Sunday @8:30am or 10:30am

📌A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome

As we begin a new school year, we would like to thank Father Jerome for his support, guidance, and presence in the Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School community over the past year. We wish him every blessing as he begins his new role at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Burlington. He will be greatly missed, and we are grateful for the care and encouragement he has shown to our students, staff, and families.

At the same time, we are pleased to extend a warm Pope Francis welcome to Father John Pinto, who joins St. Patrick Parish as our new Parish Priest. We look forward to getting to know Father Pinto and are excited to have him as part of our school family. We pray that God blesses him as he begins this new chapter in our parish community.

Add in a letter, notes, updates, priorities, etc.

Drivers:

• Slow down and be ready to stop for school buses and pedestrians
• Respect the crossing guard’s instructions
• Be aware of children potentially running in front or behind buses or other obstructions (snowbanks) Make sure your child gets out from the passenger side of your vehicle
• Park away from the school and walk your child onto school property

Teach your children to:

• Stop, look, listen, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Walk only on the sidewalk and follow the crossing guard’s instructions
• Do not use cell phones or earphones when walking

For more information, visit School Zone Safety - CAA School Safety Patrol.

Adapted with permission from Grey Bruce Public Health