St. Veronica

St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School

Trustees: L. del Rosario and T. Thomas

Superintendent: P. Cusumano

Principal: N. Laporte

Head Secretary: L. Magi

Email: VeronInfo@dpcdsb.org

Website: https://www.dpcdsb.org/VERON

Location: 680 Novo Star Dr., Mississauga, ON L5W 1C7
Phone: 905-696-6980

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May promises to be another faith-filled, busy month. We are delighted to begin the month of May with Catholic Education Week, which is recognized throughout Ontario during the week of May 4 - 10. During this week, the Catholic community celebrates the unique and distinctive contribution that Catholic schools make to our students, our community and our province. The theme for Catholic Education Week is “Pilgrims of Hope.” We invite you to join us for the events we will be having during this week. Please refer to the Catholic Education Week flyer that was sent home (and shared in this newsletter) which provides families with specific dates and times. We look forward to seeing you.

May is also the month of Mary, the Mother of God. As we reflect on Mary, we are reminded of the many blessings mothers bestow upon their children each and every day. Let us keep Mary and all mothers in our thoughts and prayers so that the honour and respect that they deserve is not limited to one day or month in the year.

We want to recognize that May is the time of year when we celebrate Mother's Day and those in our lives who work to nurture and care for our children. Thank you for all of the work that mothers and those in mothering roles do for us each and every day. We celebrate you, we appreciate you, and we honour you. Happy Mother's Day!

Take good care.

N. Laporte

Principal

We thank Trustee del Rosario and Trustee Thomas for their continued support of St. Veronica CES.

St. Veronica CES is blessed to have the support of our Catholic School Council. Due to their hard work and dedication we are able to enjoy:

• Grade 8 graduation
• Grade 3 First Communion gifts
• Grade 7 Confirmation gifts
• Window Covering Magnets
• Craft materials and crafts
• Lego
• Halloween Dance
• Spring Dance
• Movie Nights
• Intermediate Dance lessons
• Movie Theatre Trip

...and many more wonderful initiatives and events.

May 4 - 10 Catholic Education Week

May 5 - Faith Based Play Day

May 6 - Eco Event

May 7 - Catholic Education Week Mass

May 7 - Journey into Learning

May 8 - Intermediate Dance Performance

May 9 - Grade 4 - 8 Talent Show

May 13 - Crowning of Mary

May 15 - Track and Field Day

May 16 - PA Day

May 19 - Victoria Day

May 21 - Grade 8 Grad Trip

May 22 - Co-Ed Invitational Soccer Tournament

May 26 - Jump Rope for Heart

May 28 - June 4 - EQAO writing days for Grade 3 and 6 students

Each Friday afternoon, we will be selling a variety of snacks (popcorn, cookies, ice cream sandwiches, frozen yogurt, Plaintain chips etc.). Items range from $1 - $2. If students wish to buy a small treat, they are encouraged to bring in their change on Fridays!

We are thrilled to announce a special combined church trip for our students, followed by a fun movie outing! This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together, strengthen their friendships, and enjoy a day filled with meaningful activities and entertainment.

Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 to 1:30
Grades: JK to Grade 8

The day will begin with a school-wide Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Afterward, we'll head to Cineplex Courtney Park to Disney's Pixar Elio.

We encourage all students to join us for this memorable experience.

Stay tuned for more information.

Our annual school track and field day is scheduled for Thursday, May 15. Students in grades 4 to 8 are encouraged to sign up for an event by Friday, May 9.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Ryan Mme. Bozzo, Mrs. Rodrigues, Mrs. Strachan, Mrs. Rietta, Mrs. Adebajo and Mrs. Carvalho for their help and support in running this day.

We look forward to seeing our athletes in action.

We are thrilled to announce that there are two intermediate co-ed teams starting to practice for an invitational tournament.

Thank you to Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. de Leon for coaching the co-ed softball team. And thank you to Mr. Romen for coaching the co-ed soccer team.

If anyone has a baseball glove they would be willing to donate, we would gladly take them. As well, we would gladly take any additional soccer shin pads you don't need any longer.

Please note: the invitational tournament is only open to grade 7 and 8 students.

This year's Catholic Education Week theme is, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2025 was inspired by the following considerations.

• In February of 2022, Pope Francis announced that the theme for the upcoming 2025 holy year would be “Pilgrims of Hope.” “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. (from Vatican News, a short video on the history of the Jubilee/Holy Year: https://x.com/VaticanNews/status/1783768498885275868)

• The Holy Father asks us to focus prayerfully on the bonds that unite our whole human family, to reflect on the rampant poverty in our world, and to think about the plight of the many refugees forced to leave their homes. He also summons us, as stewards of Creation, “to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home.”

• A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey of movement toward a goal, often lived together with others – and that certainly describes Catholic education. Hope – one of the three theological virtues – is grounded in our Easter faith in Jesus’ resurrection and renewal; this is what enables us to be builders, dreamers and leaders in Jesus’ name. Pope Francis invites us to keep moving ahead in faith, in joy, and in hope, as part of a pilgrim people. Even in challenging times, our eyes are focussed on the future.

There are five sub-themes for each day of Catholic Education Week:

Monday: By honouring human dignity

Tuesday: By caring for creation

Wednesday: By responding to the poverties in our world

Thursday: By serving in solidarity

Friday: By living as peacemakers

Every year, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) provides our Catholic schools with a resource kit to help schools prepare for Catholic Education Week. Using these resources, as well as our own developed activities, we have prepared a series of activities, which will highlight highlight how the students and staff at our school are being Pilgrims of Hope together.

We hope to see many of you during our school celebrations.

Opening Liturgy - at 8:45 am.

All are welcome to attend.

Faith Based Play Day

Students will be engaged in a variety of faith based activities. As part of the day, students will receive one small pretzel from Dimpflmeier Bakery.

Clothing Swap - 3:00 to 6:00 pm

Our clothing giveaway is open to everyone. Come by the school gym for any needed clothing items.

Eco Activity

Classes will be planting a variety of seeds to grow classroom plants to love and nuture.

Province-Wide Virtual Mass at 11:00 am

All are welcome to join using this link.

Journey into Learning at 6:00 pm

All new JK students and parents are invited to attend.

Intermediate Dance Showcase - 1:00 pm

Students in Mrs. Strachan's, Mrs. Weiditch's and Mrs. Rodgriues' classes will share what they have learned in dance lessons. All families are welcome to attend.

Grade 4 -8 Talent Show - 1:00 pm

We have some talented students who want to show you what they can do. All families are invited to attend our Talent Show. Prepared to be wowed.

Ice cream sandwiches will be for sale prior to the show for $2.

DPCDSB will run a social media campaign to highlight some of the activities of this year’s Catholic Education Week celebration. Students, staff, parents, trustees and alumni are asked to demonstrate how they are celebrating Catholic Education Week, what they love most about their Catholic school, and how their school is putting the Catholic Education Week theme and sub-themes into action. We encourage you to share your photos, videos, quotes and artwork using the hashtag #DPCDSB_CEW.

To engage our Primary students, we created the “I love my Catholic school” colouring sheet

that you can share with Primary families. Parents/guardians/teachers are encouraged take a photo of their student artwork and post it on their social media channels using the hashtag #DPCDSB_CEW.

Kindergarten registrations for next fall are still being accepted at the school office.

Parents and newly registered kindergarten students for 2025 -2026 are invited to attend a Journey into Learning evening at the school on Wednesday May 7, from 6:00 pm—7:30 pm. On that evening, families will participate in a variety of fun activities and will receive a gift bag of resources to help their child successfully transition to life at school.

New kindergarten families, please use the following link to confirm attendance.

https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/nntum

The Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Le Treport Banquet Hall in Mississauga. Parents and siblings will be invited to attend the Graduation Ceremony that will take place at 9:30 am (doors open at 9:25 am). Following the ceremony, graduates are invited to attend the lunch and dance.

Families are asked to pick up students at the hall by 1:45 pm.

On May 26, students will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Students will discover fun ways to get active and practice healthy habits while helping others by raising money to help beat heart disease and stroke.

If possible please make a donation at jumpropeforheart.ca. Click on registered and find our school name. Students who donate are automatically put into a draw to win some great prizes!

Thank you for your support.

A special thank you to Mrs. Strachan for finding fun ways to keep us healthy while raising money for a good cause.

Students in grades 3 and 6 will be participating in Provincial Education
Quality and Accountability Office testing (EQAO) this year. The testing dates are as follows:

Wednesday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

EQAO Parent Tips

Stay Positive

• Always celebrate your child’s successes and hard work each day.
  
• Remind your child that the assessment will have questions asking them things that they have already learned in class.
• Please avoid scheduling appointments during EQAO.
  
• Be sure your child receives enough sleep every night so that they are rested.
  
• Continue to ensure that your child eats a healthy, full breakfast and remembers to keep a positive and relaxed attitude in the home environment.
• Do not force your child to study for these tests. They are already working hard at school.

For additional information on grades 3 and 6 testing visit the EQAO website at www.eqao.com and click on “Parent Resources”.

Something to Remember:

Although EQAO offers important information about your child’s learning, it is only one part of the puzzle. The levels achieved on EQAO will not be a part of your child’s report card. The results of your child’s EQAO scores will be provided to each family in the fall.

May is Asian and South Asian Heritage Month. Throughout this month our school community will infuse Asian and South Asian culture into our announcements and lessons. We will be making our school community aware of various Asian communities who have helped to build Canada into the country it is today. We will celebrate the successes and contributions of the Asian and South Asian community to show our students that the contributions of Canadians of Asian and South Asian decent make Canada a more vibrant, inclusive and compassionate society.

More than 1 in 8 children are diagnosed with asthma and it is the leading cause of missed school days. Therefore, it is important for everyone to learn about asthma so that we can all work together to create asthma friendly places.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a breathing condition that affects the airways-the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Certain triggers cause these air-ways to become red, swollen and filled with mucus. When this happens people with asthma may experience symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheeze and/or shortness of breath.

Follow these tips to help create asthma friendly places:

• If your child has asthma make sure you tell the school. Include information about asthma triggers, warning signs and medications.
• Be aware of common asthma triggers (colds/flu, strong smells, dust, furry animals, smoke, extremes in temperature) and make efforts to reduce them whenever possible.
• Encourage all children to be physically active, especially those with asthma. Speak to your child‘s doctor if asthma is interfering with physical activity.
• Know how to recognize worsening asthma and what to do in an emergency.
  

You will be given forms for a health care professional signature and your child is required to wear their puffer in a fanny pack around their waist.

Please see the link below for the Thrive Newsletter for May.

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm

Daily Masses

Monday to Friday Mass 8:00 am, 7:00 pm

Saturday Mass 9:00 am

Email: stfrancisxaviermi@archtoronto.org
Website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/en/
Location: 5650 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5V 2N6
Phone: 905-890-5290

During the month of May, we will focus on the virtue of Acceptance.

God wants us to make friends with everyone no matter how different they many look or act.

An accepting person is...

• willing to treat everybody as a member of the group
• avoids judging others
• welcoming to those different than himself/herself
• loving and happy with who he/she is

The virtue of ACCEPTANCE means that we accept ourselves and others just the way we are. Acceptance is the ability to respect the dignity and rights of people of all ages, beliefs, genders, cultures, and/or abilities. God created all of us in His image, and belonging to God's family means that we love and welcome everyone as Jesus did. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where it is easier to follow the crowd than to stand up for what we know is right. Remember that everyone wants to feel like they belong, and Jesus teaches us to accept everyone, even when it is difficult.

Let us now pray...for the virtue of acceptance - the strength to trust that God is at work in everyone's life despite what we think. AMEN.

I HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES!

• I am a peacemaker
• I am fair
• I am forgiving
• I follow rules and do my share
• I help the poor and care for people in need
• I stand up for what is right
• I know that life is precious
• I respect and protect the world and all that is in it

Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and will live my life like Jesus.

Mary was a strong, yet gentle woman. She had the courage to question, and then decide for herself. Her conscious awareness of God working within her gave her the strength to act without embarrassment, shame or fear. Mary understood pain and suffering and during her aloneness, she continued to respond and believe, to listen and to serve. She remained contemplative in the midst of service. Mary's faith is a symbol for us all. She believed in God's word when logic or reason said it was impossible. Mary stood on God's Word and God's promise. Mary believed she was greatly loved and that the Spirit was truly with her. This was the source of her faith.

Mary has much to teach us today. All Christians are called to hear the word, to believe that we are greatly loved and that the Spirit is within us, waiting for our 'yes' response so that we may be 'filled with grace and to be open to God's power released in love. We need only to 'let go.' God wishes to send us into our communities and neighbourhoods to serve one another.

Thank you to all the families for your on-going efforts to support ShareLife. Your efforts continue to make a difference for so many in our communities.

Congratulations to our students who will be receiving the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Father Andrew and the parish team at St. Francis Xavier Church for their continued support. We would also like to thank all the parents, families and teachers who worked to prepare the students to receive their sacraments.

We encourage any new families to our school community to contact the parish to inquire about registering for future sacraments.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering ,gentleness, goodness, faith” Galatians 5:22

Please note that video cameras may be used on school buses for the purpose of promoting proper behaviour and safety of students on school buses. As per procedure STOPR036 notice signs will be installed on buses with video surveillance systems, in accordance with the notification requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Signs will be prominently displayed so that the public has reasonable and adequate warning that surveillance is or may be in operation on the bus.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), in collaboration with Peel Regional Police (PRP), will be hosting a Parent Engagement Evening focused on creating safe school communities and supporting student wellness and safety. This event will feature presentations by PRP and student safety advocates, along with information booths where parents and guardians can connect with representatives from local community partner organizations. Presenters will share important insights on issues impacting youth across the Peel Region, including online safety, youth mental health, substance use, and human trafficking.

The Parent Engagement Evening will be offered on two dates:

· Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Secondary School

· Thursday, May 29, 2025 - St. Marguerite D’Youville Catholic Secondary School

Presentations

· Jacquie Higgins, EveryMind Mental Health Services
Topic: Crisis Programs and Services Offered by EveryMind

· Det. Constable Daryl Chakravarthy, Peel Regional Police – VICE Unit
Topic: Human Trafficking

· Det. Matt Banting, Peel Regional Police – Special Enforcement Bureau
Topic: Youth and Drugs

· Det. Andrew Ullock, Peel Regional Police – Internet Child Exploitation Unit

Topic: Social Media and Online Child Exploitation

Event Flyer

RSVP to Attend (encouraged)

Please note: Due to the sensitive nature of the topics being discussed, this event is intended for adults (parents and guardians) only.

Please see the attached for information about CCCC School Climate survey.

Ontario’s Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 145: Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour require all school boards to conduct anonymous school climate surveys of students, parents and guardians, and staff at least once every two years. To meet this requirement, DPCDSB is making its CCCC School Climate Survey available to students from April 22 through May 13, 2025. The CCCC School Climate Survey asks students in Grades 4 and older how they feel about feeling included, safe, and supported by other students and staff at school, as well as whether they have been bullied or excluded at school.

As we continue to prioritize a focused and productive learning environment for our students, we would like to remind you of the Ontario education policy regarding the use of cell phones and other mobile devices in the classroom.

Policy Overview

• Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will now be required to keep phones turned off or set to silent mode and out of sight for the duration of the school day, unless otherwise explicitly allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.

• Students in Grades 7 to 12 must store their phones out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, unless otherwise explicitly allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.

Purpose

This policy is designed to support student achievement and well-being by:

• Removing distractions to keep students focused on learning.

• Promoting mental health by reducing screen time during school hours. Students are responsible for their personal mobile devices and must adhere to the school’s policy.

Contravention of these Ministry of Education expectations would be addressed as per the procedures outlined within DPCDSB’s Code of Conduct. I encourage parents and guardians to discuss this policy with their children and reinforce the importance of following these rules. Together, we can create a positive and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

There will be no school for students on Victoria Day, Monday May 19, 2025.

Please note that Friday, May 16 is a PA Day. Students will not be at school on those days. Staff will be involved in activities regarding Provincial Priorities in a Catholic Context.

It is important for students to be at school on time and ready to work. When students are late, they miss important information and routines. We realize that throughout the year, there will be times when a child will have to miss school.

In the event that your child is late or absent, please use the Safe Arrival App.

To use the Safe Arrival School Messenger program, use the link provided below or you can down load and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note that Safe Arrival uses the SchoolMessenger app.

Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440. Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence.

Are you looking for ways to engage your family in math activities at home? Connect learning between school and home with the Board's Math@Home newsletters.

This month the focus is on geometry. Have fun trying these suggested activities at home.

If you will be moving out of the St. Veronica CES area between now and September, please inform the school as soon as possible. This information assists with our planning, organization of classes, ordering materials, etc., for 2025-2026.

Updated records are also important in the event of an emergency and if we are required to contact you immediately. Thank you for your cooperation.

With the warm weather (finally) and summer approaching, we are reminded about sun safety. Overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage. We remind students to take precautions to protect their skin during recess times to be safe in the sun. The following are some suggestions when working and playing in the sun:

• Drink cool water. Anyone in a hot environment should drink cool water in small amounts frequently - one cup every 20 minutes. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks.
• Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat to protect both the eyes and the skin.
• When possible, stay out of direct sunlight.
• Wear sunblock; the higher the protection factor number, the greater the protection.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce these strategies with their children regularly.

Students are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate for a Catholic school. As student clothing choice lies with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s), we ask that you speak with your child(ren) about dress choices that reflect a Catholic school that is inclusive and honours the Catholic Social Teaching of Life and Dignity of the Human Person. Our bodies are gifts from God. We respect not only how we express ourselves through the way we think, speak and act but also in the ways we dress.

On January 28, 2025, the Board of Trustees amended Policy P-2006 Dress Code and School Uniform and GAP 2010 Dress Code Expectations for Students, indicating that dress code expectations for students will ensure that the top of the shoulders to the mid-thigh are not exposed.

The DPCDSB dress code continues to exclude any garments with messages containing or portraying any offensive and/or inappropriate content. Members of the DPCDSB community will not be permitted to wear attire that promotes:

• Hate
• Sexually explicit content
• Stereotypes
• Discrimination
• Illegal Activity
• Profanity
• Violence

By working together, we can promote safe, inclusive and healthy schools.

A safety reminder to all students that bikes, scooters and roller blades are to be walked both on and off the school property. Bikes are to be locked in the bike racks. We do not have facilities to store or secure roller blades or scooters, so there is an added risk of damage or theft and they are not encouraged to be brought to school. The school is not responsible for these items. Your cooperation is appreciated.

St. Veronica CES is an allergen aware school. We have a number of students in our school who have severe, life threatening allergies to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, any peanut/nut by-products, dairy products and other allergies. As in the past, we are asking you to not put any child at risk. Therefore, we are asking that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, and peanut/but by-products not be brought into the school.

We are also asking parents not to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you would like to send something, please consider alternatives such as pencils, stickers, etc.

We thank you for your continued understanding and support of the safety and well-being of all students.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication, please have all the pertinent forms completed and returned to the office as soon as possible.

A reminder that students in grades 1 to 8 are required to wear a fanny pack to house their epi-pen/puffer. All dispensing of medication (including Tylenol) requires medical permission.

Vaccine clinics for routine immunizations (Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B (Hep B), or Meningococcal ACYW-135) are coming to our school! To help protect your child from severe diseases and get them back on track, Peel Public Health will be offering these immunizations to Grade 7 and 8 students at their school.

Thank you to parents who submitted a consent form. Students who have existing consent from earlier this school year or from previous years, or if their parents completed an online or verbal consent, do not need to complete a new consent unless your consent choice has changed. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please visit http://www.peelregion.ca/immunize or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.

Peel Public Health has also provided schools with paper consent forms to distribute to the current Grade 6 students. Thank you to parents who have completed and returned their consent forms. We are asking parents to complete and return the consents to the school so their child can receive their Routine School Immunization (RSI) for Hepatitis B, Meningococcal ACYW-135 and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the 2024/2025 school year when they are in Grade 7.

Recently, Peel Public Health has reached out to families in order to advise that your child's immunization record requires updating.

The school encourages families to communicate with Peel Public Health. The goal is to protect students from vaccine preventable diseases and to prevent the spread of diseases in schools.

The Medical Officer of Health has ordered to suspend children from school if a record or a valid exemption is not provided to them.

Please communicate directly with Peel Public Health as provided to you on the letter you have received from Peel Public Health. We have also included their contact information below.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this important health safety measure.

Contact Peel Public Health:

Report immunizations online: https://peelregion.ca/health/vaccinations/report/

By Telephone: 905-799-7700

Please see the attached poster for information on learning English (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) for newcomer adults.

There are two locations providing classes:

Central Parkway English Learning Centre

377 Burnhamthorpe Rd. East

Evening & Weekend Classes

St. Kateri Learning Centre

3566 South Common Court

Monday - Friday Afternoon Classes

Register now

905-273-5591

905-366-5703

adulteslfslinfo@dpcdsb.org

Please note: transportation assistance is available.

God our Creator, we pray,

For new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility;

For expectant mothers, wondering and waiting,

For those who are tired, stressed or depressed;

For those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;

For those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;

For those whose children struggle physically, emotionally, mentally;

For those who raise children on their own;

For those who have lost a child;

For those who care for the children of others;

For those whose children have left home;

And for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled.

Bless all mothers,

That their lives may be deep and tender,

And that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,

Living not for themselves alone, but for God and others.

Amen.