St. Thomas More

3270 Tomken Road

Mississauga, ON., L4Y 2Y7

(905) 279-6472

Fax: (905) 279-3205

http://www.dpcdsb.org/TMORE

Principal

M. Noce

Vice-Principal

L. Moran

Administrative Staff

M. Shahbaz

A. Simoes

Superintendent

D. Belchior

(905) 890-1221

Trustee

Mario Pascucci

Mississauga Wards 1 & 3

(905) 302-3096

(905) 890-0708 x20161

mario.pascucci@dpcdsb.org

Catholic School Council Chair

R. D'Souza

Pastor

Rev. John Facey

St. Patrick’s Church

(905) 270-2301

Email: St.ThomasMoreInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: http://www.dpcdsb.org/TMORE
Location: 3270 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: 9052796472
Twitter: @stthomasmore19

St. Thomas More Catholic School and St. Patrick's Parish are working collaboratively to create an atmosphere in which your child will be able to experience and express our Catholic Faith. We also support Father Facey at St. Patrick's with preparing students for sacraments. If you have a child in Grade 2 or 7 and intend to celebrate the sacrament, please contact the church at 905. 270 - 2301 to provide your email address and/or to register.

Please feel free to click on the Translate button on the newsletter to choose your language of preference! (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Italian, Vietnamese, Hindi etc.)

Dear St. Thomas More Families,

As we welcome November, our school community enters a sacred time of reflection, remembrance, and renewal. This month, we pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the name of peace. These moments of prayer and reflection help our students understand the deep connections between memory, hope, and gratitude.

Our students continue to grow through rich learning experiences, including Grade 4s' visit to the local library, Grade 3s' outdoor exploration at Crawford Lake, and Grade 7s and 8s faith-filled adventures at Camp Brébeuf. November also marks an important academic milestone, with progress reports being sent home on November 18 and parent-teacher interviews scheduled for November 20. These opportunities allow us to celebrate student progress and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

This month, we focus on the Virtue of Conscience, encouraging our students to listen to their inner voice and make choices rooted in love, truth, and faith. In the spirit of the season, we embrace the energies of life and death, the past and future, of memories and hopes, grief and gratitude—all woven together in wholeness through a humble and grateful heart. May this month be a time of deep connection, meaningful growth, and continued blessings for all.

Wishing you a joyful and blessed November!

Mary Noce
Principal

A person of conscience…

• chooses to do the right thing, even when it is hard

• takes time to think and pray before making decisions

• knows that their actions and decisions affect all those around them

• thinks of others before themselves

OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER

Let us now pray...for the grace and strength to be people of conscience-people who know the good and decent way to act and then choose to act that way.

• A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
• An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.
• A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
• A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.
• A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
• A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.
• A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life

8:45 am -Staggered Entrance (students arrive and are directed straight to their classroom)

9:00 am -School starts

11:05 am -Morning Recess

12:00 pm -Lunch

1:00 pm -School starts

2:30 pm -Afternoon Recess

3:30pm -Dismissal

2025-2026 School Year

Tuesday, November 18th: Progress Reports go Home

Thursday, November 20th: Parent/ Student/ Teacher Conference evening

Friday, November 28th: PD Day

Sunday, November 30th: First Sunday of Advent

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

Monday, December 22-January 5th: Christmas Break

Friday, February 13th: Interview Day

Friday, February 14th: Valentine's Day

Monday, February 16th: Family Day

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

Thursday April 2nd: Stations of the Cross

Friday, April 3rd: Good Friday

Monday, April 6th: Easter Monday

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

Friday, May 15th: PD Day

Monday, May 18th: Victoria Day

Monday: June 8th: PD Day

Friday, June 26th: Last Day of School

The DPCDSB, in collaboration with the DPCDSB Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC), is hosting a Systems Navigation Night on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. virtually.

This event will focus on ways to navigate the education system as Black students and families. During the evening, there will be a presentation from the Guidance Department, covering topics such as how to choose courses, understand prerequisites, and advocate for oneself in the guidance office. Additionally, there will be smaller presentations detailing both in-school supports and community support services. The Systems Navigation Night is open to all families with Black identifying students in grades 7 – 12+ within the DPCDSB who wish to attend.

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Registration: Linked here

Target Audience: DPCDSB families with Black-identifying students in grades 7 – 12+

Click here to access a flyer promoting this event.

On Wednesday, November 5, our Grade 7 and 8 students had the exciting opportunity to experience “A Day in the Life” at Philip Pocock High School. Students toured the school, visited classrooms, and met some of the teachers they may have in the future. This visit gave them a great feel for high school life and helped ease the transition by showing what to expect in the coming years.

It was a wonderful day of learning and exploration!

Grade 2 students had an amazing day at Kortright Conservation Centre, exploring nature and deepening their understanding of the environment. Guided by Ms. Rachel, students enjoyed a nature walk and learned about the vital role of air and water in our ecosystem.

A highlight of the trip was watching Mr. Rosocha pump water from the ground and explain the fascinating science behind water, gas, and ice molecules.

A big thank you to all parent volunteers and staff who made this experience possible. Students had a fantastic time learning and connecting with nature!

Despite the chilly air and our very first snowfall of the year, our hearts were full and spirits high as our Grade 7 & 8 students spent a joyful day outdoors! From building shelters and campfires to playing games and showing incredible teamwork and leadership, our students truly shone. It was wonderful to see new friendships forming, laughter echoing through the crisp air, and students connecting not only with nature but with one another — and their teachers, too. Days like this remind us how powerful hands-on learning, cooperation, and community can be. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing students for their enthusiasm and positivity, and to our dedicated staff for guiding, encouraging, and sharing in the fun. What a beautiful way to celebrate learning, leadership, and the joy of being together!

While the Grade 7 and 8 students were enjoying the great outdoors at Camp Brebeuf, STM students embraced the early winter weather by building forts and creating snow people. Despite the season’s early arrival, students worked together, showcasing teamwork and creativity as they made the most of the freshly fallen snow.

From November 14 to November 21, students and staff will have the amazing opportunity to experience Guelph Grotto! This week-long event will include climbing, tumbling, rope activities, and more—fun for all skill levels.

We’re also thrilled to invite families to a Parent Engagement Night on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Come join us for an evening of connection and adventure!

A big thank you to our School Council for making this possible through their incredible fundraising efforts.

On November 4th, STM students and staff joined on Google Classroom to celebrate healthy eating with the Great Big Crunch! At exactly the same time, everyone bit into a crisp, delicious apple to promote awareness of local produce and healthy choices.

A big thank you to Mrs. Fera, Mrs. Lema, and our Eco Team for organizing this fun and meaningful event. We also extend our gratitude to the YMCA for generously donating the apples that made this crunchy celebration possible!

It was truly an a-peeling way to learn about sustainability and healthy habits!

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

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important initiative!

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. To support this, DPCDSB offers SafeVoice, a confidential Safe Schools Tool for students to share concerns about bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other issues. Students can access SafeVoice from the DPCDSB homepage, the Student Portal, their school website, or directly at https://dpcdsb.org/SafeVoice.

The form allows students to provide information about incidents they’ve experienced or witnessed, including details about who was involved and when and where it took place. Students may choose to remain anonymous or include their name and contact information if they wish to be contacted directly by a school administrator.

All submissions are reviewed by the school Principal and Vice-Principal, unless a concern involves a Principal or Vice-Principal, in which case it is directed to the Superintendent.

SafeVoice is one of the many ways DPCDSB works with students, staff, and families to foster safe, caring, inclusive, and faith-filled school communities. If you need to share information about a crime, please contact Crime Stoppers, Peel Regional Police, or the Ontario Provincial Police.

If you have questions, please contact your school Principal or Vice-Principal.

The Catholic School Council is an integral part of every school community. If you are interested in being a part of the Catholic School Council this year, please join us for our first meeting. The details are posted below, along with required nomination forms and information about roles and responsibilities:

Our School Council is comprised of Parents/Guardians, School Staff, a Student, and a Parish Representative. All are welcome to attend.

School Council Meeting of 2025-2026

Thursday January 15th, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

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

Thursday, April 16th, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

In the School Library

Subway days is now on Mondays

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

PIZZA TUESDAYS ARE BACK!

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

Pita days are back, now on Wednesdays!

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

Now introducing Barburrito on Thursdays

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

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

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

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

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

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

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, St. Thomas More, we will continue to follow the provincial cellphone and social media policy from the Ontario Ministry of Education, alongside our Board’s policy on Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). These rules are in place to reduce distractions, protect student well-being, and support a safe Catholic learning environment.

Key Points ~

• Cellphones and PEDs should not be brought to school. If brought, they must remain off and out of sight during the school day.

• No social media access on school networks during school hours.

• Use for learning only: Devices may be used in class only if a teacher specifically permits them for academic purposes.

• Emergency communication: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the school office. Students who need to contact a parent must use the office phone.

• Loss or damage: The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

• Repeat violations: Continued misuse of a device will result in it being taken to the office. The student may pick it up at the end of the day. For repeated incidents, a parent/guardian will be asked to pick it up.

• Reflection and accountability: Students may be required to complete a short reflection activity if a violation occurs, helping them think about responsible use.

Why this matters:
This policy is not about punishment, but about focus, safety, and responsibility. By limiting cellphone and social media use during the school day, we are creating more opportunities for learning, connection, and personal growth.

Thank you for working with us to support a healthy, distraction-free environment for all students

How to Access Bus Stop and Time Information:

-Visit stopr.ca

-Select parent/student login

*if you do not have an account, please create an account by clicking 'create an account' on the bottom of the screen

-Enter your child's OEN number - this number can be found on the top portion of the report card.

-Once you've entered your child's OEN you will be able to view bus stop information

If your child rides the bus daily, it is important that they are aware of the safety rules on the bus. Students are required to:

• Listen to the Bus Driver at all times and report any problems or injuries to him/her
  
• Go directly to your seat and remain seated during the entire bus ride
• Do not eat, drink, swear, fight or chew gum on the bus
• Do not put arms out the window, or throw items or garbage out the window
• If any damage to the seat of bus is caused, students will be held responsible
• Be at least 5 minutes early at your bus stop to ensure that you don't miss the bus

Improper conduct on the bus will be dealt with at the Office. Repeated or serious incidents can result in busing privileges being suspended or removed. Please review these rules with your child. Taking the bus is a privilege, not a right.

1. It is important when you are dropping off your child in the morning that you enter the Kiss & Ride lane and proceed to the end of the lane before allowing your child to get out of the car.

2. Students must exit from the right hand side of the car (closest to the school) and parents should remain in the car. Parents may then proceed to exit.

3. If you need to walk your child, you must park in a parking spot at the front of the school or in the church parking lot. Please do NOT park in the drive through lane, the kiss & ride lane or the kindergarten pick up and drop off parking spots as moving traffic is dangerous to children in these locations.

4. If walking your child to school in the morning or picking them up at the end of the day, parents are asked to remain either behind the fence by the church parking lot, on the path closest to the school, or on the perimeter of the school pavement. This is for your child’s safety, as teachers on duty cannot distinguish parents from “strangers” in the yard.

5. Kindergarten students are released hand to hand. Those parents may park in the kindergarten pick up and drop off parking spots.

6. Only bus/daycare students exit at the end of the day through the front doors.

If you are First Nation (Status Indian or Non-Status Indian), Métis and/or Inuit you can self-identify as Indigenous. You do not need to produce any documentation or proof of ancestry. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential.

“This has been really important for us because of the sense of community and the connection to other Indigenous families.” ~ Melanie Cormier, parent

Self-identification will provide access to culture and language programs and monthly programming for students and families. Relevant information will be sent directly to you about upcoming cultural events and opportunities which help to build community and a sense of Indigenous pride in Dufferin-Peel.

To learn more about opportunities for Indigenous students and families please visit: https://www.dpcdsb.org/student-portal/indigenous-self-identification

The Catholic Code of Conduct sets standards of behaviour that promote, encourage and foster a shared commitment to gospel values in daily life, respect for the dignity of persons created in God’s image, responsible participation in the civic life of the school community, peaceful conflict resolution, respect for diversity, and a commitment to exemplary conduct, conscientious work, and service to others. At St. Thomas More, we continue to work together to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and healthy Catholic school community for all.

DPCDSB and St. Thomas More use the Attendance Program: SafeArrival.

If you have not registered for SafeArrival, please review the registration procedure at https://www.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting

SafeArrival is an application within SchoolMessenger that will allow parents/guardians to report their children’s absences in one of the following three ways:

• SchoolMessenger App
• SchoolMessenger website https://go.schoolmessenger.ca
• Toll Free number 1-844-435-3440

What is SafeArrival:

• SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety.
• It supports school staff to follow up on unexcused absences.
• It allows parents and/or guardians to notify the school in advance about an upcoming absence.

Benefits:

• Better Attendance Management for Enhanced Student Safety
• Faster and Easier Attendance Management
• Simplified Parent Reporting Tools
• Accessible, Convenient and Secure
• Automated Key Tasks With SafeArrival Administrative Tools

In the event that your child is late or absent, please use one of the three ways to access Safe Arrival. Students who arrive late to school must proceed to the office.

St. Thomas More Catholic School is dedicated to helping your child develop the spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social and physical capabilities to live fully and to meet the future challenges of adult roles and responsibilities. The school can best contribute to your child’s education and development when you form a partnership with them.

As parents/guardians you have many responsibilities towards your child. One responsibility is to ensure that your child is in school every day, ready to learn. In fact, it is the law. The Provincial Education Act states that every child between the ages of 6 and 18 years is required to attend school every day from the first school day in September until the last school day in June.

Accident Insurance forms are now being offered digitally. Please note this insurance is voluntary, but the board encourages parents to take advantage of the inexpensive coverage especially if your children participate in sports, excursions or field trips or, if you do not have dental coverage. If you wish to purchase insurance coverage for your child, please click on the image to the left where you will be able to complete an online application form.

Please be reminded that no nut products including tree nuts, Nutella or scented perfumes/cologne are allowed in school.

We have a number of staff and students who have potentially fatal anaphylactic sensitivities to the above products. Community Letters regarding allergens in our school will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping STM allergy aware!

If your child has any health problems of which the office is not aware, please notify us as soon as possible.

Please note, we cannot administer or store medication for your child (such as antibiotics, aspirin etc.) without board policy forms that are signed by a medical doctor. In the event your child requires medication at school, please have your medical doctor complete the form and we can proceed with administering the medication.

Every year, medical forms for puffers, epi-pens, or other medication are required to be filled out by the doctor for renewal. All returning students with medical conditions have been sent the forms via email. Please check your e-mail for the receipt of these forms. These forms must be returned to the office before medication can be administered.

A reminder that children are not allowed to keep ANY medication on their persons, in their desk, backpack or anywhere in their classroom, unless ordered by their doctor. In such case, documentation is necessary. All dispensing and storage of ANY medication must occur in the office. We appreciate your attention to this matter.

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