1195 Clarkson Road North

Mississauga ON , L5J 2W1

905 822-0721

Email:St.ChristopherInfo@dpcdsb.org

Principal - I. Sauve

Vice Principal - C. Fernandes

Secretary -T. Lanceta

Trustee - Herman Viloria (Mississauga Ward 2)

Superintendent - D. Radic

Parish - St. Christopher's Parish

Priest-Fr. Steven Kwon

St. Christopher School Hours

Supervision Begins 8:00 a.m.

School Begins 8:15 a.m.

Recess (a.m.) 9:38-9:53

Lunch:11:16-12:16

Recess (p.m.)1:39-1:54

Dismissal 2:45 p.m.

1171 Clarkson Road North
Mississauga, ON
L5J 2W1
t: 905.822.1171
e: stchristophersmi@archtoronto.org

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

St. Christopher has been a very busy place in the month of October. On October 2nd we thanked and welcomed our new Catholic School Council.

For Thanksgiving we sent numerous bags of food for the Compass Food Bank. Thank you, our school community, for the generous collection.

Thank you to all the students and their Teachers who participated in Cross Country, and Junior Volleyball. Thank you to our School Faith Ambassadors, and our Eco Team. Our school Choir has been filling our halls with song, and using their angelic voices at our first school mass on October 17 with Fr. Steven from St. Christopher's Parish.

Thank you to all the students, staff and parents who continue to make our school a wonderful, caring, and loving community centered in Christ.

The recurring theme throughout November is one of “remembrance.” All Hallows' Eve gives way to All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a month of endings and of new beginnings. We pause and reflect on those who we have known, loved and respected and who now are deceased. This year, let us continue to pray for all the families who are grieving.

Progress Reports will be sent home on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. There will be an opportunity for parents and teachers to speak to one another (as needed) on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Please use the online interview tool to schedule an appointment with your teacher.

At this time of the year we are also planning for the waiting season of Advent leading to Christmas and the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent will begin on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Our school community is a vibrant and supportive school where students thrive!

I. Sauve and C. Fernandes

In October, we celebrate the virtue of empathy

An empathetic person…

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us.”
(Letter on the Jubilee Year of Hope, February 11, 2022)

First Communion classes will begin in January. Information sessions will be held on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, at 7 p.m. in the main church. Your child must be in grade 2 or seven years old or older to participate in the preparation classes.

Confirmation classes will begin in November. Information sessions will be held on Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, at 7 p.m. in the main church. Your child must be in grade 7 or 12 years old or older to participate in the preparation classes.

Confirmation:

Commitment Weekend: Saturday January 11 at 5pm, Sunday January 12 at 8:30am, 10am and 12pm

Reconciliation: Saturday April 26-8:45-4:00pm

Confirmation Mass: Wednesday April 30th at 7pm

School starts at 8:15am and all late arrivals have to sign in at the Main Office. Just a reminder teacher supervision begins at 8:00 am to 8:15 am. School finishes at 2:45pm.

If Dismissal/pickup procedure for their child has changed for a day or specific reason, to avoid confusion, Please either

1) write a note in the Student Agenda or

2) email the school info mailbox.

Please do not leave a voicemail as that may not always be checked on time.

• Thank you very much to the many parents who safely use the parking lot and the Kiss’n’Ride drop-off and pick-up area! The patience and courtesy demonstrated by our community goes a long way in maintaining a safe environment for all!

  
  

  A few reminders to help ensure a safe parking lot:

  
  

  1) Please do not let your child out of the driver's side door. Students need to exit from the passenger side. If your child needs assistance with exiting the vehicle, please park in the parking lot to assist your child.

Please remember that from 8:00a.m to 3:00pm dogs are not allowed on school property. This includes small dogs being carried. Please be respectful of the fact that some of our students have a fear of dogs. We thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Thank you to all the parents for your generous support to our Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. St. Christopher community raised $4095. All proceeds will go to support cancer research.

Thank you to Ms. Gabrielli and Ms. Hewitt for all their hard work organizing the Terry Fox walk and activities.

Thank you to the St. Christopher community for all your contributions to our Food Drive. All food was donated to the Compass Food Drive.

We are so proud of our St. Christopher cross country team at the Family Tournament. We sent 4 teams to the Board-level tournament. Our Grade 4/5 boys placed 2nd, Grade 6 boys placed 3rd and our Grade 8 boys placed 2nd. Once again, we would like to thank our dedicated staff Ms. Moreira, Ms. Marshall, Ms. Cardoso, Ms. McNeilly, Mr. Carrabs and Ms. Comi for all the time and energy they put into supporting our students inside and outside the classroom!

Our Flag Football season was amazing. Students showed heart and determination. Thanks to Mr. Carrabs for organizing and coaching the students.

Students who are interested in joining the St. Christopher Chess Club are asked to come with some knowledge and experience prior to joining our club. Thanksgiving weekend may be a great time to sharpen those skills and learn to play at home. There are a number of web-based videos and resources for parents to access, where instructions can also be downloaded.

More information will follow with details of how students can join.

Special thanks to Ms. Alcaid for running the Chess Club once again here at St. Christopher school.

Our Junior girls and junior boys volleyball had a fantastic season and made it to the Family Tournament. They showed great heart and dedication in all their matches. Thank you to our coaches, Ms. Formusa, Ms. Comi, Ms. Coletta and Ms. Kopic for training our students this Fall.

On Friday October 18, students at St. Christopher participated in a bus evacuation training where they practiced exiting the bus in case there is an emergency.

Check out the fun St. Christopher had during Halloween.

We have a number of items that are in the Lost and Found. We will be displaying all items starting next week. Please remind your children to look for any missing items.

Grade 4 parents/guardians who wish to learn more about Extended French or wish to enroll their child in a Grade 5 Extended French program for September 2025, are invited to attend an information meeting at one of the following virtual parent evening sessions:

BRAMPTON, CALEDON & DUFFERIN

Holy Family (Caledon/Bolton)

St. Andrew (Orangeville)

St. Anne (Brampton West)

St. Jean Brebeuf (Brampton East)

St. Monica (Brampton Central)

MISSISSAUGA

San Lorenzo Ruiz (Miss. Central)

St. Christopher (Miss. South)

St. Philip (Miss. Southeast)

St. Rose of Lima (Miss North Central)

St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Miss. North)

St. Thomas More (Miss. East)

We will be having a Remembrance Day Liturgy on November 11 starting at 10:15am in the gym. All Parents/Guardians are welcomed to attend.

All Progress Reports will be sent home on November 12 and parent-teacher interviews will occur, as needed, on November 14. We will be using an on-line tool to schedule parent-teacher interviews. More information to come.

Just a reminder there will be a Film Crew using the St. Christopher Parking lot on November 20-21 from 4:00pm to 7:00am.

Please be mindful of the weather conditions and dress children appropriately. As the weather starts to change, students are encouraged to wear layers for the cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. Students will be asked to have indoor shoes at school, especially once the weather changes as wet and soiled boots and shoes will remain in the hallways to keep the classrooms clean!

Just a reminder that will be no classes on Friday November 22nd, 2024.

Please see the full schedule for Secondary School Information Nights at the link:

Communication between home and school is greatly enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic School Council. Please note that our Council is comprised of parents, school staff as well as community and parish representatives. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to support school activities and students through involvement and fund raising. The School Council also provides a forum for parents to meet and share information and ideas concerning the school community.

A reminder that if you are interested in volunteering within the school in any capacity, a Valid Criminal Reference Check (CRC), with Vulnerable Sector and Local Records Check completed by Peel Regional Police is required. The cost is $35. Please note that there may be some time required to process a CRC, thus waiting for an announced volunteer opportunity to obtain your CRC may not provide sufficient time for processing. Once the school has a valid CRC on file, we will not need a new CRC yearly, rather, a yearly Offence Declaration will suffice.

Thank you,

St. Christopher Catholic School Council

St. Christopher School Council Meeting will be on Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 6:00pm in the library. All parents/guardians are always most welcome to attend.

Picture Retake Day will be on Monday November 18, 2024.

At different times throughout the year, especially in the winter when students are wearing hats and hoodies, schools experience an increase in the number of cases of head lice. In an effort to be proactive, we ask that your child’s hair be checked periodically to ensure that they do not have head lice. Should you discover the presence of lice or nits, we would appreciate being informed. Helpful information can also be obtained from a pharmacist or the local Public Health Department. Head lice is spread only by direct contact with a 'case', often through the sharing of combs and brushes, exchanging of hats, etc.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the introduction of School Cash Online. As school move toward being cash less, School Cash Online allows parents and community members to pay school-related fees online safely, quickly, and easily. Parents can purchase items like spirit wear, lunches, and field trips - anytime, anywhere. For more information and to set up an account, please click the link below.

For Parents/Guardians

Did you know?

Too much screen time increases your child’s risk of becoming:

• Sleep-deprived.
• Less school-ready.
• Inattentive.
• Aggressive.
• Nearsighted (when objects farther away look blurry).

Tips for Managing Screentime:

• Encourage and participate in face-to-face interactions such as shared reading, outdoor play, board games, and crafts.
• Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV use.
• Model screen time use around children and minimize your own use during mealtimes and play.

Reminder: All children 19 years of age or younger are eligible for an OHIP-covered eye exam by an optometrist each year.

Did you know? Peel Public Health provides free dental screening for kids in Peel elementary schools.

What is a dental screening?

• A dental screening is a quick look in the child's mouth by a registered dental hygienist using a no-touch technique.
• A separate, sterilized mouth mirror is used for each child.
• A dental screening identifies children who may need dental care.

[Image description: A child receiving a dental screening.]

What happens after a school dental screening?

• A form with the results of the dental screening will go home with every child screened.
• If a child is identified with a dental condition requiring immediate dental treatment, an additional form will be attached for parents to fill in and return to Peel Public Health. Please read the form(s) carefully.

A dental screening can help increase access to free dental services for eligible children. Visit peelregion.ca/dental or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 to learn more.

During the school year we will be rehearsing and will continue to rehearse with students a number of emergency response situations including lock down and fire drills. All schools are required by Board policy to practice these procedures throughout the year. We have these ‘practice drills’ for precautionary purposes only so that in the event of an actual emergency, students will be prepared to respond in a safe and responsible manner. We will also be practicing a Lock Down Drill. During this drill, the outer doors will be locked and the office will be unavailable during the time of the drill. No one will be allowed to enter or exit during the drill while the emergency protocol is being followed. The day will continue as normal following the drill. Thank you for your patience.

As per Ministry of Education direction, our Board has a Concussion Protocol in place. Again this school year, ALL students who sustain a head injury during the school day, however minor, will receive a Concussions Are Serious pamphlet to take home. We ask parents/guardians to review this pamphlet and seek medical attention for your son/daughter if you feel it is required. As in previous years, all head injuries will be logged and reported to parents/guardians directly. We ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if and when your son/daughter sustains a concussion as a result of a school incident or as a result of an activity outside of school. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the Main Office. Your cooperation and assistance in this regard are appreciated.

Sabrina’s Law is an Act to protect anaphylactic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. Named “Sabrina’s Law” in honour of an Ontario student who died following an anaphylactic reaction in 2003, this law requires that every school board establish and maintain an anaphylaxis policy.

If your child has a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, peanut by-products, bee/wasp stings etc., please let the school know as soon as possible. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date. There are various forms which need to be completed by you and your family doctor if it is necessary to store and dispense an EPI-pen or any other medication at school.

We continue to have both students and staff with severe, life threatening allergy to certain foods, such as peanuts and nuts. This is a medical condition that may cause severe and life threatening reactions to certain allergens within minutes. Although this may or may not affect your child’s class directly, we require your continued cooperation in sending foods to school with your child that are free from peanuts, nuts or their by-products.

Please do not send food products to be shared in your child’s classroom. If you would like your child to share their special day/birthday with their classmates, we suggest that you consider non-food items such as pencils or stickers.

Letters have been sent home with the students whose classroom members have specific allergies. Please check with your child, and in their backpack, for letters regarding the type of allergy and products to avoid in your child’s classroom. Please pay careful consideration to school lunches and snacks while continuing to refrain from sending in items that are made of, or contain, nuts or peanuts. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your support in making our school a safer environment for all.

Ryan’s Law is an Act to protect Asthmatic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. If your child has asthma please let the school know immediately. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date.

Ryan’s Law introduced policies and procedures that:

 Allow your child to carry his/her asthma reliever (rescue) inhaler (with your permission).

 Reduce your child’s contact with asthma triggers.

 Develop an individual plan for every student with asthma, including recommendations from their health-care providers and current emergency contacts. This will be kept on file at the school.

If you have more questions about

Ryan’s Law?

Call The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864), email info@on.lung.ca, or visit www.RyansLaw.ca.

If a child is required to bring medication to school, procedures regarding the administration of medication shall only be adopted:

· when requested by the parents/guardians; and

· when authorized by a physician; and

· when medication must be provided during school hours

A designated staff member must administer medication; hence, a signed request/authorization form from the parents/guardians and the supervising physician, must be obtained. These forms are available through the school office. Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication please have all pertinent forms completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon as possible

All medication will be housed in a safe location. Medication must not be kept in the child’s possession or in the classroom except for EpiPens and asthma inhalers.

It is highly encouraged that students who have an anaphylactic allergy or who have asthma, keep their epi-pen and/or inhaler on their person at all times. If able, it is recommended that your child bring two epipens and/or two asthma inhaler to the school. This would allow your child to keep this medication on their person as well as ensuring that the school office has an additional set of medication.

Please note that school staff cannot dispense medication of any kind without the proper physician authorization and a properly labeled container, (i.e. prescription bottle or original over the counter container).

The DPCDSB offers the Kindergarten program in 125 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, 2024.

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 Register for School 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.​

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

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

  To verify that you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:

  • Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
  • Check your Voter Information Card received during an election year (2022)

  Have you moved?

  Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. By default, your property taxes support your municipality's English public school board. Every time you move or if there is a change of ownership, it is essential that you register yourself as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter.
  
  To register as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please contact the DPCDSB Admissions Department by phone at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or by email at admissions@dpcdsb.org.
  
  Learn More:

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

You can now reset your password remotely by registering for the Password Reset Tool. You must know your old password to create a new one.

To reset your password remotely you must first register with the “Password Reset Tool”, which you can do by following one of these two steps:

Students: students.dpcdsb.org and select Password Reset

Staff: https://account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com/PasswordReset/Register.aspx ​

**Access to personal email/cell phone is required for registration.

Once you are registered, please follow the Password Reset Instruction

November

1 All Saints Day

2 All Souls Day

4-6 CCAT for Grade 4 classes

7 Dental Screening - Grades JK,SK, 2, 4 and 7

7 Rosary Apostolate Visit #2

11 Brave Presentation Gr. 4-6

12 Brave Presentation Gr. 4-6

12 Progress Reports sent home

13 Living Arts Centre - Kindergarten classes

14 Parent-Teacher Interview Evening

18 Photo Retake Day

18-22 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

22 PA Day - No school for students

25-27 Cricket Clinics for Gr. 1 - 8

27 Choir at CEC-Parents are invited

December

3 Advent Start

6 Gingerbread Night

18 Advent Community Mass

23 - Jan 3 Christmas Break

**All images are taken from Freepik**