St. Jean-Marie Vianney C.E.S. News
"To Dream, Explore and Discover"
April 2026 Newsletter
TRANSLATE
Please feel free to click on the Translate button on the bottom of the newsletter to choose your language of preference!
(Hindi, Arabic, Spanish, Tagalog, Polish, Italian, Malayalam, etc.)
St. Jean-Marie Vianney CES
Brampton, ON
L6X 0S1
Principal: Tara Persad
Superintendent: Viviana Varano
Trustee: Darryl D'Souza
Parish: St. Jerome's Parish
School Phone: (905) 497-6888
School Fax: (905) 497-8833
Website: https://viann.dpcdsb.org/
Love is the Virtue of the month
Love is not just an emotion it is also a decision. Love involves a deliberate choice to give and to serve others even though the service may go unnoticed and unappreciated. God wants us to serve and to see the goodness in everyone we meet.
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)
From the perspective of the Catholic Graduate Expectations, a loving person...
- Relates to family intimacy and sexuality as God-given gifts, to be used as the creator intended
- Relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner especially when the other seems 'unlovable'
- Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others
School Hours
School Begins: 9:00am
Recess: 10:23am - 10:38am
Lunch: 12:01pm - 1:01pm
Recess: 2:23pm - 2:38pm
Dismissal: 3:30pm
Upcoming Events:
April 22-24: Camp Muskoka (Gr. 8s only)
April 22: Earth Day: Community Cleanup (students only)
April 23: World Book Day (students only)
CLASS PLACEMENTS
We will soon begin the process of making tentative class lists for next year. This is a complex procedure which takes into consideration not only the needs of the individual child, but frames those needs in the context of the larger classroom group. In each class, we strive for a balance of learning styles, a balance of gender, a balance of learning needs and a variety of abilities as best as we can. Care is taken, based on current information, to place students in an environment that is felt to be conducive to their social, psychological and academic growth. Current grade teachers, support staff and administration all take part in the process.
If you as a parent/guardian wish to provide input, please take into consideration the following guidelines:
- Input must be put in writing and submitted to Ms. Persad no later than May 15th, 2026. You are welcome to email the school info box this letter or send it in with you child.
- Frame requests in terms of educational contexts: eg. â your childâs learning needs / strengths / style (information not already known to the school), best learning environmentâŚ
- Please do not make requests for specific teachers as staffing is tentative based on enrollment and staffing.
For your information, teachers will receive a copy of your letter.
2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration Is Open
Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.
ELIGIBILITY
Elementary school admissions are open to children who have been baptized Roman Catholic or baptized in an Eastern Catholic Church that is in full communion with the Holy See of Rome, or to children of whom at least one parent has been baptized Roman Catholic or baptized in an Eastern Catholic Church that is in full communion with the Holy See of Rome. Kindergarten students must be 4 or 5 years of age, by December 31 of the school year for which they are registering
Itâs as easy as... 1 2 3 Find out which Catholic school is in your boundary area. Fill out the Online Application Form on the Register for School webpage at dpcdsb.org. Submit supporting documents online or bring them to the school office to complete the registration process.
1. LOCATE YOUR SCHOOL
2. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FORM
3. SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ELIGIBILITY
The following documents are required for registration:
- proof of age of the child (birth certificate or passport);
- original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate - an original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian), or; - an original baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) from a church that is in full communion with the Holy See of Rome, or; - an original baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) from an Eastern/Byzantine Rite of the Roman Catholic Church.
- proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate/passport) or permanent resident status;
- proof of home address (two of the following: property tax bill, current utility bill, real estate document or Government of Canada issued forms);
- emergency rural address numbers, if applicable;
- immunization - report your childâs immunizations to number on the Online Application Form.
- proof of English Separate School Support (may be provided at the time of registration by completing an Application for the Direction of School Support and/or a Separate School Lease Agreement available at the school). * All documentation must be in English
April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29- Jamaican Cuisine
NEW AT VIANNEY - JAMAICA ISLAND CUISINE!
Get ready to spice up your Wednesdays with an island vibe! Weâre thrilled to introduce authentic Jamaican flavours to our weekly.
Every Wednesday enjoy your choice of:
- Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas
- Fried Chicken with Rice & Peas
- BBQ Fried Chicken with Rice & Peas
- Curried Chickpeas (Chana) with Rice & Peas
ONLY $7.50 each!
Bonus: Add coleslaw for FREE!
How It Works:
- You must place your order on cash online
- Once the order window closes, it cannot be reopened.
- All proceeds will be used to support school initiatives (school beautification, presentations, activities, resources, technology, etc.).
Come taste the island spirit every Wednesday. Vianney just got a whole lot more delicious!
Apr. 2- Pretzels for Lent
The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent going back 1500 years. Children in those times ate pretzels during Lent because they were made only of flour, salt and water. Fat, eggs and milk were forbidden during Lent. The pretzel was shaped into the form of two arms crossed to remind children of the love that enfolds them. Children also prayed at that time with their arms folded across their chest. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day in Lent.
Ingredients- Vegan signature pretzels:
Flour, Salt, Canola oil, Sugar, Yeast, Water, and Malt
Apr. 2- World Autism Day
There are so many fun ways to Celebrate The Spectrum on World Autism Day across Ontario! Find out how to get involved leading up to April 2, 2026, and throughout the month of April.
Let's light Vinney up by wearing Blue or Multicolour!
April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30- Italian Sandwiches
We are happy to introduce our new Thursday feature â Italian Sandwich Day! This sandwich bring a flavor-packed addition to our hot lunch lineup.
Choose from:
- Chicken
- Veal
- Steak
- Eggplant
- Veggie
How It Works:
- You must place your order on cash online
- Once the order window closes, it cannot be reopened.
- All proceeds will be used to support school initiatives (school beautification, presentations, activities, resources, technology, etc.).
Cost : $6.00
When: Thursdays
How: Purchase via School Cash Online
April 6 to 10- Spirit Days
Come to school showing your sprit to celebrate being part of the Vianney Family as we welcome Spring this month!
Come to School with Vianney Spirit!
Monday, April 6 - Stay home & play a family game
Tuesday, April 7 - Wear everything Easter: Ears, earing, socks, clothing, etc.
Wednesday, April 8- Pink Day: Wear pink to put a stop to bullying
Thursday, April 9 - Carrot Day: Wear bright orange to represent a carrot
Friday, April 10- Easter Rainbow Day: Wear all the colours of the rainbow and welcome Spring
As Catholics, we believe in giving back. DPCDSB schools proudly supports ShareLife, an organization rooted in Catholic values that helps those in need in our communities.
As part of our Catholic commitment to charity and compassion, we collect donations through our monthly Spirit Weeks. We kindly invite families to contribute monthly donations or a lump sum to support this cause.
Cash Online will be open for donations from October 1st to April 30th. 100% of all spirit week contributions go towards ShareLife. Please Donate! There is no timeline or limit when helping others.
Https://dpcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/246290/146/False/True
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7
April 7, 14, 21 & 28- Pizza Day
Pizza Tuesday! đ
Grabb-A-Pizza is at Vianney every Tuesday with fresh, hot pizza.
You now have the choice of pepperoni or cheese pizza!
How It Works:
- Pizza is available every Tuesday.
- You must have already placed your order for the entire month.
- Once the order window closes, it cannot be reopenedâyouâll need to wait until the next month to order.
- All proceeds will be used to support school initiatives (school beautification, presentations, resources, activities, technology, etc.).
Cost : $2.50 per slice; $1.00 per juice
When: Tuesdays
How: Purchase via School Cash Online
Choice: Pepperoni or Cheese
Thank you for supporting our fundraiser. No cash accepted, all orders are done through School Cash online.
April 8 - International Day of Pink
The International Day of Pink is a worldwide anti-bullying and anti-homophobia event held annually during the second week of April.
Though similar to Pink Shirt Day (held in February) in that it also seeks to end all bullying, the Day of Pink is more specifically aimed towards anti-LGBTQ+ bullying.
April 9- Free Parent/Guardian Workshop
Please join us in a workshop for 'Raising Kids in a Digital World'
April 10, 17 & 24- Wrap Days
Wrap Days at Vianney!
How It Works:
- Wraps are available every Friday.
- You must have already placed your order for the entire month.
- Once the order window closes, it cannot be reopenedâyouâll need to wait until the next month to order.
- All proceeds will be used to support school initiatives (school beautification, presentations, activities, resources, technology, etc.).
Cost : $7.50 per Wrap
When: Fridays
How: Purchase via School Cash Online
Choice: Assorted, Turkey, Veggie and Grilled Chicken.
Thank you for supporting our fundraiser. No cash accepted, all orders are done through School Cash online. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.
April 13, 20 & 27- Munchie Mondays
Munchie Mondays are Back!
Treat your kid(s) to a tasty snack while supporting our grade 8 grads!
They will be selling:
- Sun Chips: Harvest Cheddar
- Frozen Yogurt: Vanilla
- Popcorn Options: Butter & Cheddar
Each item is just $2.00!
All proceeds go directly toward helping our Grade 8 students celebrate their graduation in a special and memorable way. Thank you for supporting our fundraiser. No cash accepted, all orders are done through School Cash online.
April 13, 20 & 27- Roti Day
Get ready⌠Amy's Roti is bringing authentic Trini flavour straight to Vianney!
Every Monday enjoy freshly made, flavourâ packed Trinidadian favourites:
- Roti with Curry Chicken â $7.50
- Roti with Curry Chickpeas (Chana) â $7.50
- Doubles (chickpea flour with curry chickpea/chana) â $3.25
Spice, comfort, and Caribbean goodness⌠all wrapped up and ready for you! Mondays just got a whole lot tastier at Vianney!
How It Works:
- You must place your order on cash online
- Once the order window closes, it cannot be reopened.
- All proceeds will be used to support school initiatives (school beautification, presentations, activities, resources, technology, etc.).
Cost : $7.50 or $3.25
When: Mondays
How: Purchase via School Cash Online
April 16- Making Prom Happen
With graduation fast approaching, I would like to share an amazing opportunity for our Grade 8 students!
Making Prom Happen is a free service designed to help students and families prepare for this special event.
The program ensures that every student has access to formal wear so they can feel confident, look great, and truly enjoy their celebration â all at no cost.
Registration is required!! Walk-ins are not allowed.
April 22- Cleanup Initiative
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to share that the City of Brampton is challenging all Brampton schools to take part in a community-wide school cleanup initiative in support of environmental stewardship.
St. Jean-Marie Vianney Catholic School will proudly participate in this challenge on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22. On this day, students and staff will work together to help clean up our school grounds and surrounding areas such as Stillman Park.
Photos of our cleanup efforts, along with the number of bags collected, will be submitted to the City of Brampton for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to the Outdoor Learning Store, which would support outdoor and environmental learning opportunities at our school.
This is a wonderful eco-initiative that encourages responsibility, teamwork, and care for our environment.
Thank you for supporting our students as they take action to make a positive difference in our community.
If you wish to opt out your child from participating in this activity, please email the school.
Sincerely,
Vianney ECO team
Catholic School Council Corner
Happy Spring, Parents! đˇ
Wishing you all a joyful Easter as well! đŁ
Weâre looking forward to a warmer, brighter, and more colorful season ahead.
Mark Your Calendars đ
Join us for our Parent Engagement Night on May 26th. We hope to see you there!
Stay Connected đ˛
Parents are encouraged to join the Vianney WhatsApp Group to stay informed about Parent Council updates and upcoming events.
đ Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KXQVj6HDuEaDuBGpMG3SGG?mode=gi_t
Thank You đ
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. It truly makes a difference.
Next Meeting đ
Our next meeting will take place on April 15 in the St. Jean-Marie Vianney Staffroom, with a virtual option available:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29864505037812?p=zlJP8UO1wK9uGJQniV
Meeting ID: 298 645 050 378 12
Passcode: 57jV2pB3
St. Jerome's Parish, Brampton- SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION 2025-2026
April is also known for:
April Recognition Events: Sikh Heritage Month (National), World Autism Month (National)
April 2 - International Children's Book Day
April 5-12 - Easter Octave
April 7 - World Health Day
April 12 - Pascha (Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches)
April 18 â 87th Annual OAPCE Conference
April 23 - International Girls in ICT Day
April 25 - Feast of St. Mark
School Lunch Procedure
- Students will eat lunch in their classrooms and are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to school. Water bottles can be refilled at our refill stations.
- To help limit visitors in the building, please send your child with a packed lunch each day. If a student forgets their lunch, a parent or guardian will be contacted.
- Students may go home for lunch with written permission from a parent or guardian. If this will be a daily routine, please notify the school office or your childâs teacher in writing.
- For safety reasons, food deliveries through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or similar services are not permitted. Our school doors remain locked during the day, and we do not have staff available to accept deliveries.
We appreciate your understandingâstudent safety is always our top priority!
Kiss and Ride
- NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE. Kiss and Ride lanes are to be âmoving lane waysâ, not parking spots. This ensures that emergency vehicles or buses may enter the school. Please do not leave your vehicle at any time. If you need to leave your vehicle, please park. For safety reasons, have the children exit the car from the passenger side of the vehicle only.
- DO NOT drop your child(ren) off in the bus loading zone or in the bus lane, only in the DRIVE THRU lane
- STUDENTS MUST EXIT FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. This is for the safety of your child(ren) in the case of a vehicle driving by.
- Remind your child(ren) to watch for buses in the bus lane, before they cross into the lane and onto the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, they can walk along the sidewalk to the back of the school yard.
- Students walking and using the crosswalk, need to respect the crossing guard on duty.
- PLEASE CONTROL YOUR SPEED. Kiss and Ride is the type of environment where students behave unpredictably and could quickly âpop outâ in front of you. Please give yourself the greatest chance of avoiding an accident. We are all working together to minimize risks to our children.
Peel Public Healthâs April School Health e-blast
April Screen Free Challenge
April is a great opportunity for schools to take part in a screen-free challenge! School staff can help students unplug and connect without digital devices. Research shows that children spend much of their day using screens. Reducing screen time can improve sleep, increase opportunities for play, and enhance focus throughout the school day.
Tips for Participating in April ScreenâFree Challenge
1. Start Each Day with a ScreenâFree WarmâUp
- Begin mornings with offline activities such as reading, journaling, sketching, classroom games, or outdoor lessons. These routines help students transition into learning without digital distraction.
2. Talk about Digital Habits
- Incorporate lessons that help students reflect on their digital habits and understand how screens influence their mood, attention, and overall wellâbeing.
3. Offer TechâFree Breaks
- Replace digital breaks with active options such as stretching, yoga, or classroom dance breaks. These activities support both physical and mental wellâbeing.
Ready, Set⌠Brush! Oral Health Month
Childrenâs oral health is an important part of their overall health. Peel Public Health offers free dental services, including dental screening and preventive dental services, for eligible children 17 years of age and younger! These services can help to support good oral health.
What is a dental screening?
A dental screening is a quick look in a childâs mouth. It helps identify children who may need dental care.
What are preventive dental services?
Preventive dental services can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay. These services include:
- Dental cleaning
- Professionally applied topical fluoride
- Dental sealants
Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 to book a free appointment.
School Suspensions Related to Vaccinations
Peel Public Health sent letters to families with students in grades 2-6 who need to update their childâs immunization record.
Doctors do not report immunizations. Parents are responsible for reporting this information to Peel Public Health themselves.
Any parents/guardians that have received these letters should update their childâs record as soon as possible at peelregion.ca/reportvaccines to avoid disruption to school.
Processing can take a few business days, so parents and guardians are encouraged to submit updates as soon as possible.
Families considering an exemption must complete the required forms and submit them to Peel Public Health.
For questions or support, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or 1-888-919-7800 (Caledon). Translation support is available.
The âAlcohol: The Whole Truthâ Toolkit Updates
Great news â The âAlcohol: The Whole Truthâ Toolkit has been updated! Created with input from teachers, the toolkit includes hands-on activities and support materials that meet the Ontario grade 5 curriculum requirements. This toolkit helps educators teach students about alcohol so they can make healthy choices. While talking to Grade 5 students about alcohol might seem early, itâs important to start the conversation before theyâre exposed to it.
We encourage educators to incorporate these interactive lesson plans into their health education classes. Together, we can help students develop the knowledge they need to make informed and healthy lifestyle decisions.
For more information and to access the toolkit, visit: https://peelregion.ca/business/teachers-educators/healthy-schools/alcohol-whole-truth-toolkit-teachers.
Contact Us
Peel Public Health â School Health Inbox
Transportation
Welcome back to a new school year. Please see below transportation information for the 2025-26 school year.
Bus Route Information:
Parents and students have access to BusPlanner Web parent and student portal. STOPR encourages all parents/students to create an account so that they can view personalized transportation information at any time.
September Start-Up:
New Students/ New Bus Stops â Students who are eligible for transportation will be assigned to a bus by STOPR. If there is an existing stop nearby and if there is space on the bus, students can usually begin right away. If new stops must be created or if bus routes need to be redirected, please know that it can take 5-10 business days to make new arrangements. Parents are asked to go to BusPlanner Web parent portal to review their bus assignments and start dates.
Requests for Bus Stop Change â Due to the high volume of transportation inquires during the month of September, requests to move existing bus stop locations will not be reviewed until mid-October. Please communicate this timeline with families.
Bus Times â Pick-up and drop off times may fluctuate several times throughout September as STOPR continues to assign new students, add new bus stops and reroute existing directions. Please understand that bus times will be more consistent after the first few weeks of school, and we kindly ask for everyoneâs patience during this busy time.
Bus Delays - During the first few weeks of school, it is normal to have delays. There are multiple reasons for these delays, and they typically work themselves out once everyone is comfortable with their new routines. Please direct parents/students to the delays page on our website stopr.ca.
Transportation Opt-out:
During transportation planning, STOPR assigns students to school buses if they are eligible for transportation in accordance with the transportation distance policies. Eligible students who do not require transportation services must opt out. This includes regular and special education students who attend an afterschool program such as PLASP or YMCA, have a babysitter in the walk boundary, or students who are consistently driven to/from school by parents or relatives.
For more details on transportation opt-out, please see the opt-out page in the transportation handbook for school administrators on BusPlanner Web school portal.
Online Incident Reporting:
STOPRâs online incident reporting form is used by school bus drivers to alert schools of any incidents that occur on the bus (i.e., student behaviour or injury, etc.) The online incident form has eliminated the need for bus drivers to enter the school to submit a written report. The form is initiated by the bus company and an email containing a link to the incident will automatically be emailed to school administration for follow up.
Video Cameras on School Buses:
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 Video Cameras on School Buses 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.
STOPR Policies and Procedures:
All STOPR policies and procedures can be found on our website stopr.ca. Please visit the website and direct parents/guardians to the site to review all of the STOPRâs transportation policies and procedures.
Transportation Handbook for School Administrators:
STOPR has created a handbook for all things related to transportation. This is a useful resource for Administrators and can be found on BusPlanner Web school portal. Once logged in, hover over the Board Administration tab and then click on media library to view the handbook.
STOPR Hours of Operations and Contact Information:
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Parent phone number/general line: 905-890-6000
For regular busing queries: StoprBus@peelsb.com
For special needs queries: StoprSpecEd@peelsb.com
We encourage all schools, students, and parents to visit our website at stopr.ca and follow us on @STOPRinfo. These communication portals are an excellent way to view and receive important transportation information, bulletins, updates, weather cancellations, and much more.
Wishing you a Wonderful School Year!
The distance criteria for transportation eligibility must be more than:
- 1.0 kilometre for Kindergarten and Grade 1
- 1.6 kilometres for Grades 2-4
- 2.0 kilometres for Grades 5-8
All Kindergarten and Grade 1 students who take the bus are required to be met by a parent or guardian when disembarking from the bus after school.
STOPR is committed to ensuring that students have safe and reliable transportation services to and from school every single day. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to a new school year.
- subscribe for email alerts regarding bus delays and cancellations
- answer bussing questions
- eligibility
-any bussing questions
Bus Safety
- Encouraged to wear a mask
- 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
Allergies
If you have any questions, please talk to your childâs teacher or the school staff. We look forward to your co-operation in making this a safe year for all of our pupils.
Medical
If your child has a medical condition, please ensure that the school is aware of it by submitting the proper forms and medication as soon as possible.
Attendance Matters
We ask that parents continue to support their children in their morning routines so that they can arrive to school on time or log in on time. This ensures that your child learns an essential life skill, participates in the entire school day, and that disruptions to the learning environment are minimal.
- Your childâs name
- Your child's teacher's name
- You child's grade
- The reason for the absence or lateness
- The duration of the absence
Homework
Please be advised that teachers at St. Jean-Marie Vianney Catholic School will adhere to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board policy on Homework â Kindergarten to Grade 12. In particular, the policy states that homework shall not be assigned to students in kindergarten. Homework in the early grades (Grades 1-3) shall more often take the form of reading, playing, discussing, listening, viewing, and interactive activities such as building and cooking with the family. In later grades (Grades 4 to 6) homework may take the form of independent work, with a maximum of 40 minutes per day for junior students, and a maximum of 60 minutes per day on average for intermediate students.
A summary of the policy can be found in your childâs agenda.
We continue to ask for your support as we promote good work habits at home for our students and ask that you help in the following ways:
- monitoring daily homework and ensuring that your child(ren) complete all tasks to the best of their ability;
- providing a consistent time and location for daily homework.
Toys and Valuables
Students should not bring toys, valuables or items of importance to school. The school cannot assume responsibility for valuables brought to school.
Communication
Concussions and Head Injuries
Student Accident Insurance
As required by the Education Act and the Ministry of Education, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board annually provides parents with information about cost effective student accident insurance coverage via student courier. Although enrollment is voluntary, the Board encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive insurance coverage especially if your child participates in sports, excursions/field trips, or if parents do not have dental insurance coverage. Enrollment in writing is required. There are two options for enrollment:
1) Complete the traditional form and mail it in.
or
2) Apply online to Reliable Life at https://insuremykids.com/