St. Veronica
May 2026
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/VERONLocation: 680 Novo Star Dr., Mississauga, ON L5W 1C7
Phone: 905-696-6980
Administrator Message
May promises to be another faith‑filled and busy month in our school community. We are delighted to begin the month by celebrating Catholic Education Week, which is recognized across Ontario from May 3–8. During this special week, Catholic schools come together to honour the unique and distinctive contribution Catholic education makes to the lives of our students, our families, our communities, and our province.
The theme for this year’s Catholic Education Week is “Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme invites us to reflect on our shared journey of faith and learning, guided by hope, compassion, and service to others. Throughout the week, our students will engage in meaningful activities and celebrations that highlight our Catholic values and our commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Families are warmly invited to join us for the events taking place during Catholic Education Week. Please refer to the Catholic Education Week section, included in this newsletter, for specific dates and times. We look forward to celebrating together as a school community.
May is also the month of Mary, the Mother of God. As we honour Mary, we are reminded of her faith, strength, and unwavering love. She serves as a beautiful example for us all. During this month, we keep Mary and all mothers in our prayers, recognizing the countless blessings that mothers bestow upon their children each and every day. May the love, respect, and gratitude we show to mothers continue well beyond a single day or month.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to mothers and to all those who take on nurturing and caregiving roles in the lives of our children. Your love, dedication, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. We celebrate you, appreciate you, and honour you today and always.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Take good care.
N. Laporte
Principal
Catholic School Council
As we enter the month of May, the Catholic School Council would like to thank St. Veronica families for your continued generosity and involvement. Your support has made a meaningful impact on our school community.
We are thrilled to report that our Terra Cotta fundraiser raised $470! These funds have directly supported school resources and student programming. We are grateful for every contribution, which helps enrich the learning experiences of all students.
Thank you to our parent volunteers and families for helping make St. Veronica a vibrant and caring school community.
St. Veronica Student Garage Sale
Students are invited to check out our Student Garage Sale on May 22, happening during the school day!
Come browse and buy gently used books, games, and toys at great prices. You never know what treasures you’ll find!
Best part? All proceeds will help support our year‑end trip—so every purchase counts!
Happy shopping!
Thank you to our Catholic School Council for organizing and supporting this event.
Spring Dance
The Catholic School Council is excited to host a Spring Dance for our students on Friday, May 22!
- Kindergarten to Grade 3: Afternoon dance during school hours (Kindergarten parents are invited to join their children)
- Grades 4–5: After school at 5:00 p.m.
- Grades 6–8: After school at 7:00 p.m.
More details will be shared soon. We look forward to a fun and festive celebration for our students!
Basketball Success!
We are so proud of our Intermediate Boys and Girls Basketball Teams for their incredible effort and teamwork this season. Both teams played with determination and skill, successfully making it past the pod tournament and earning their place in the semi-finals of the Family Tournament.
Their hard work, commitment, and sportsmanship have truly shone on and off the court. Congratulations to all players and coaches on this outstanding achievement!
Snack Sales
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!
Exciting Combined Mass Trip and Movie Outing!
We are thrilled to announce our Second Annual combined church trip and movie outing for our students! This special event offers a wonderful opportunity for students to come together, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a faith‑filled experience followed by a fun afternoon at the movies.
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Grades: JK to Grade 8
The day will begin with a school‑wide Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Following Mass, students will travel to Cineplex Courtney Park to enjoy Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 5 as part of our second annual movie celebration.
We encourage all students to take part in this memorable experience that blends community, faith, and entertainment.
More information will be shared soon.
Track and Field
A huge thank you to Mrs. Ryan, Mme. Bozzo, Mrs. Rodrigues, Mrs. Strachan, and Ms. Kecskes for their help and support in running this day.
We look forward to seeing our athletes in action.
Catholic Education Week
The theme for Catholic Education Week 2026 is “Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.” Inspired by the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, this theme invites us to renew our commitment to prayer, service, and evangelization. As we remember Pope Francis and welcome Pope Leo XIV, we are called to continue our shared journey toward holiness and peace. Guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the witness of young saints such as Blessed Carlo Acutis, we are reminded that each of us is called to grow into the person God created us to be.
Each day of Catholic Education Week highlights a sub‑theme:
- Day 1: Peace be with you
- Day 2: God loves you
- Day 3: Christ saves you
- Day 4: The Holy Spirit lives in you
- Day 5: Together on the journey
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Social Media Campaign
Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from May 3–8 with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.” As part of this celebration, DPCDSB will be running a social media campaign to highlight the meaningful ways our school communities live out Catholic education. Beginning April 27, students, staff, parents/guardians, and alumni are invited to share photos, videos, quotes, or artwork that reflect what Catholic education means to them using the hashtag #DPCDSB_CEW.
Primary students are encouraged to participate through the “I Love My Catholic School” colouring activity, which families may photograph and share online. Together, let us celebrate and share the faith, hope, and joy that define our Catholic school community.
Journey into Learning
Kindergarten registrations for next fall are still being accepted at the school office.
Parents and newly registered kindergarten students for 2026 -2027 are invited to attend a Journey into Learning evening at the school on Tuesday May 5, from 6:00 pm—7:00 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.
Grade 8 Graduation
The Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026 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.
Jump Rope for Heart
We are excited to announce the Jump Rope for Heart Kick‑Off Assembly taking place on Tuesday, May 19 at 1:15 p.m. All students will be participating in this special event as we launch our school’s involvement in this important initiative.
Participating in Jump Rope for Heart teaches students the importance of good heart and brain health, healthy habits, and giving back. They’ll be joining more than 850,000 kids across Canada each year who are moving toward a healthier future through physical activity and learning.
Best of all, students’ fundraising efforts will help save lives and support the fight against heart disease and stroke. We look forward to kicking off this meaningful program together as a school community!
The Jump Rope for Heart Fundraising event will take place on Friday June 5, 2026. This event will be organized and run by the grade 8 students.
Donations will be accepted until Friday June 12, 2026.
To make a donation to this initiative, please use the following link: https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/117639 and click DONATE.
Thank you for your continued support!
EQAO - Grade 3 and Grade 6
Quality and Accountability Office testing (EQAO) this year. The testing dates are as follows:
Wednesday, May 27 to Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
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.
Asian Heritage Month
Asthma Awareness Month
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.
St. Francis Xavier Parish
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 8:00 am
Email: stfrancisxaviermi@archtoronto.org
Website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/en/
Location: 5650 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5V 2N6
Phone: 905-890-5290
Our Virtue of the Month - Acceptance
God wants us to make friends with everyone no matter how different they may 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.
Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
- 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.
May is the Month of Mary
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.
Sharelife
Confirmation and First Communion
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
Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer Program
Families of students in Grades 6–8 are invited to register for the Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer Program, running in July (July 7–24) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program is free, includes bussing from the home school, and is offered at one site per Family of Schools. Students of all learning levels are welcome, and daily attendance is required. This program is ideal for students who would benefit from small‑group instruction, fun learning environments, and gap‑closing support in literacy and numeracy (grade‑level remediation, not enrichment).
See flyer below for more details.
Phones at School
As a reminder, students are expected to follow the school’s cell phone policy while on school property. Cell phones should be kept away and not used during the school day, unless permitted by staff for instructional purposes. In addition, headphones, AirPods, and earbuds are not permitted outside of the classroom. We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing these expectations to help maintain a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
May Statutory Holiday
PA Day
Attendance Verification
A gentle reminder that the doors will remain closed from 8:35 am until our morning prayer and announcements are completed.
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.
Math at Home
This month the focus is on geometry. Have fun trying these suggested activities at home.
Moving
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.
Sun Safety
- 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.
Bikes, Scooters and Rollerblades: Safety First
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.
Allergies
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.
Storage /Administration of Medication
A reminder that all dispensing of medication (including Tylenol) requires medical permission.
