St. Veronica

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

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of education in every form.

As our children prepare to start a new year

May confidence be their foundation,

May grace be their guide, and

May hope be their compass toward a bright future.

I pray they would have eyes to see the needs of those around them

And a heart to love well.

May they face each day with positivity

Knowing that no matter what comes their way

They do not have to face it alone.

Amen.

Dear St. Veronica Families,

Welcome back to a brand new school year! I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and memorable moments with loved ones. As we begin this exciting new chapter together, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all returning families and a special greeting to those joining our school community for the first time.

At St. Veronica CES, we are committed to nurturing a safe, inclusive, and faith-filled environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Rooted in our Catholic values, we strive to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do—fostering kindness, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging. Through daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and acts of service, we continue to grow together in faith and love.

I am excited to welcome several new (to us) educators to our school community this year including Mr. Aleong, Mr. Hilario, Ms. Mandia (covering for Mrs. Di Carlo) and Mrs. Serpe. We look forward the positive impact they will have in our classrooms and beyond.

I would also like to take a moment to express sincere gratitude to our incredible custodial staff, Mr. Da Silva, Mr. Butler and Ms. Louro. Their hard work and dedication over the summer months have ensured that our school is clean, safe, and welcoming for all. We are truly blessed to have such a committed team supporting our students and staff.

This year promises to be filled with new opportunities, meaningful experiences, and continued collaboration between home and school. We encourage you to stay connected through our newsletters, school website, and upcoming events.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. Let’s make this school year one of joy, discovery, and community.

Take care,
N. Laporte

The trustees for St. Veronica are Luz del Rosario and Thomas Thomas.

Catholic School Council is an elected body that represents parents/school/parish community in advising the principal and/or board on educational matters. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to promote the vision, values, sacramental life and Catholic practices of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Catholic community it serves, and to advise the principal and the Board.

We would like to thank the following elected members of the 2024-2025 school year for their hard work and dedication:

Jessica Wong – Chair

Marion de los Reyes – Treasurer

Jacquie Wallace – Co-Secretary

Linda Bedrossian – Co-Secretary

Susana Pulla – Parish Representative

Andrea Savva-Nunes – OAPCE Representative

Rachel Archangel-Sabarillo – Community Representative

Parents who are interested in being on the council should complete the Self-Nomination Form (see below) and submit it to the office by Friday, September 19, 2025. Details on our first council meeting will be forthcoming.

September 2 - First Day of School (students SK - grade 8)

September 5 - First Day of School for JK students

September 8 - Virtue Assembly

September 8 - International Literacy Day

September 15 - PA Day (Re-organization)

September 19 - Terry Fox Run/Walk

September 24 - Open House and BBQ

September 22 - 29 - Truth and Reconciliation Week

September 22 - October 3 - Thanksgiving Food Drive

September 30 - Orange Shirt Day (at school)

8:15 AM - Supervision Duty begins

8:30 AM - School Starts - Morning Bell

10:35-10:50 AM - Morning Recess

11:30 AM - Lunch Begins (Students eating inside)

11:50-12:30 - Lunch Recess Outside

1:55-2:10 - Afternoon Recess

3:00 - School Ends (Dismissal)

We are moving to a staggered entry in the morning to support a safe and smooth start to each day. Students may arrive at school between 8:15 AM and 8:30 AM and will be supervised within their classroom. This window helps reduce congestion and allows for a calm transition into the building.

Drop-Off Instructions:

• Bus students: Students who come off the bus may enter through their assigned doors upon arrival. The front door will not be open for students.
• Kiss and Ride: Families using the Kiss and Ride lane are asked to remain in their vehicles. Staff will be present to assist students as they exit safely and proceed to their designated entry points.
• Walkers: Students who walk to school may enter through their assigned doors upon arrival. Please ensure they arrive no earlier than 8:15 AM.
• Parking: If you need to park and walk your child to the school, please use designated parking areas and avoid blocking the Kiss and Ride lane.
• Safety First: Please drive slowly and follow all posted signs and staff directions. Your cooperation helps keep all students safe.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Safe Arrival

Daily attendance and punctuality are very important and all students should be prepared to start their day of learning on time and with their classmates.

Thank you to all parents who have been calling the school and using the Safe Arrival website or app when your child has been absent due to an illness or an appointment.

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 SafeArrival 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.

Please complete the forms included in the New School Year Student Package (Verification sheet, lunch forms, agenda, website media release, physical education forms, etc.) and return them to your child(ren)'s classroom teacher at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation.

On occasion, we are faced with difficult situation in which non-custodial parents arrive at school asking to visit with their child or take their child out of school. In order to assist us in making correct decisions in order to serve and protect each child, we ask that you make the office aware of any legal custody arrangements, visitation rights and special instructions that have been agreed upon. Please note that we require legal documentation of these arrangements, not a note from a parent.

The safety of all children is a primary concern. All schools have a buzzer entry system at the front door. All visitors, including parents must come to the office through the front door, ring the buzzer and await a response. In doing so, we welcome you, ask you to sign in and wear a visitor tag while in the building. Not only will this process help to keep our students safe, it will allow our staff to get to know parents more quickly. We thank you for your cooperation in this very important protocol. Please do not go directly to your child's classroom.

In instances where your child is picked up early from school, we will verify that the person picking up the child is an authorized person for pick up. Photo identification will be required for individuals not on the authorized list, whom parents request a special pickup.

We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

Please be aware that under provincial legislation, we are not permitted to discuss students with individuals other than their parents/legal guardians. This applies to disciplinary consequences as well.

St. Veronica is an allergen aware school. We have a number of students in our school who have severe allergic, life-threatening reactions to peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, any peanut/nut by-product and dairy products. As in the past, we are asking you to not put any child at risk, and therefore, are requesting that

• tree nuts
• peanuts
• peanut butter
• peanut oils
• any peanut/nut by-product

NOT be brought into the school. We ask that you read the labels of all food items sent to school. A letter will be sent home which will address this issue for each particular class.

We are asking parents/guardians NOT to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you wish to send something, please consider non-food alternatives such as stickers, pencils, etc. We thank you for your continued understanding and support for the safety of all of our students.

St. Veronica continues to participate in 'We Share the Air,' a scent sensitivity awareness campaign. There are students in attendance who suffer from life-threatening asthmatic conditions to air pollutants. Exposure even to minimal odours may cause potential life-threatening reactions.

Very common severe chemical triggers are: perfume, cologne, scented products and personal care products (such as hairspray). These products may cause severe reactions for students. The safety and well-being of all of our students is a priority.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, we request that our school community refrain from wearing scented personal products complying with our Scent Free Zone Campaign at school and all school events.

If you have any questions, please talk to your child's teacher or other school staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting a safe learning environment for all students.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medication and forms are updated annually. If your child requires medication, please have all pertinent forms completed and returned with the medication to the office as soon as possible. Please see the office or link below for the necessary form to be filled out.

JK/SK medications are stored in the classroom.

Students in grades 1 - 8 are required to carry their own medication in a fanny pack. If you wish to submit additional medication to the office, please send it as soon as possible.

In September, please ensure your child is sent to school with his/her medication.

This program offers a free MedicAlert membership to students who attend school and are between the ages of 4 to 14. If your child has a medical condition, allergy or is required to take medication on a regular basis, then please consider a Medic Alert membership through this program.

For further information, please see the link provided. If your child is already part of the program but his/her medical condition or contact information has changed, call 1-866-679-3220.

Please examine the student insurance information sent to you. Please check the acknowledgement receipt of this brochure on the Physical Education form being sent home by your child's teacher. In addition, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school activities.

You may purchase coverage for your child using the link provided below or by calling toll free at 1-800-463-5437.

Homework helps children practice what they learn in class and build good habits. At St. Veronica, we keep homework reasonable, age-appropriate and in line with DPCDSB Policy on Homework - Kindergarten to Grade 12. It should support learning without causing stress or taking away from family time. Teachers will give clear instructions and enough time to complete assignments. We also avoid giving homework during holidays or important religious dates.

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 child’s agenda.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

DPCDSB is committed to supporting a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment focused on well-being, cultivation of a sense of belonging, and student achievement in all schools. Dress codes and school uniforms shall be developed and implemented to support diversity, accessibility, safety, and the dignity of all students.

The DPCDSB's Dress Code Expectations for Students, indicates that dress code expectations for students are dressed in a manner which ensures 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:

a) hate,

b) discrimination,

c) illegal activity,

d) profanity,

e) violence,

f) political language,

g) threats to health and safety,

h) or content that contravenes the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Student infractions of, or non-compliance with, the dress code expectations shall result in progressive discipline consequences up to and including suspension as outlined in the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Thank you for continuing to follow our Kiss & Ride procedures and helping to keep everyone in our school community safe. Please see the following guidelines when using the Kiss & Ride program at St. Veronica.

Please:

• Drive your vehicle to the top of the Kiss and Ride Lane,
• Fully stop your vehicle,
• Have your child/ren exit the vehicle by the right-hand side door only
• Only kindergarten families are allowed to exit their vehicle to assist in removing child/ren from car seats,
• Cautiously proceed into the Drive-Thru Lane once all children have left your vehicle and leave the Kiss and Ride area.

Please Do Not park or leave your vehicle unattended in the Kiss & Ride lanes.

We kindly ask that you park your car in our parking lot and walk your child to the school yard if you wish to accompany your child to the playground. Please ensure that your child is never allowed to cross through the parking lot and/or kiss and ride alone.

We thank you for your continued support in making our kiss & ride a safe and effective process.

Please be advised that DPCDSB does not allow dogs on school property. This is especially important during our busy morning and after-school dismissals.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Throughout the school year, all schools are asked to monitor visitors. Anyone entering the school building must have an appointment, and must use the front entrance. When you arrive at the school, please ring the buzzer to communicate with office staff.

We thank you for your cooperation and efforts to ensure the safety of all students.

STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region) provides bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Please access the website (link below) for up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the STOPR website or call them at 905-890-6000.

Bus tags for all eligible students have been distributed. Students in FDK and grade 1 must have a tag to ride the bus. If you are eligible for busing but do not require it, please fill out and return the form sent home by your child's teacher.

Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements may apply for a seat in accordance with the 'Courtesy Seat Policy.' If you are interested in the Courtesy Seat Policy for your child please watch for a form being sent at the end of September.

Courtesy seat (if available) will not be distributed until the beginning of October (Thanksgiving). Courtesy seats may be granted if the following conditions are met:

• a seat is available on the regular bus
• the bus stop already exists

When assigning students to courtesy seats, the following is taken into consideration:

• student age
• distance from home to school
• date and time request received
• enrolment stability
• maximum allowed riders on the vehicle depending on the student's grade

Please note that if more families move into the area, who qualify for busing, there may be a need to rescind the offer to make room for those students that qualify for busing.

Road safety is an important topic, especially coming back to school. To ensure a safe arrival, remember to:

• Choose active transportation (e.g., walking or cycling) whenever possible. This helps the environment too! If you live too far to walk the whole way to school, consider parking 5 minutes away to avoid traffic and get some bonus exercise into your day.
  
• Follow all road signs when driving and obey the school drop-off and pick-up rules.
  
• Stay clear of fire hydrants, driveways, crosswalks or the Kiss and Ride areas when parking.
  
• For those who ride a school bus, visit www.STOPR.ca for more information.
  

Please visit these links to learn more:

· Safe school travel info sheet

· Walk and Roll to School Guide

· Family Cycling Handbook

· Peel Region’s Active Transportation website

· Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)’s website has activities, videos, and an ArcGIS Storymap with information about active transportation in Peel Schools.

If you have any questions about the resources above, or would like more information, reach out to walkandroll@peelregion.ca.

We look forward to another excellent year of learning!

A gentle safety reminder to all students that bikes, scooters and rollerblades are to be walked/removed while on school property. The school does have bike racks to lock up bikes, however, we do not have the facilities to store or secure rollerblades or scooters. There is an added risk of damage or theft and, therefore, they are not encouraged to be brought to school. St. Veronica is not responsible for these items. Your cooperation is appreciated.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after a head injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

All students who have had a jarring hit to the head, face, neck or elsewhere (either observed or reported), will go through concussion protocol screening. A call will be made to parents/guardians and students will go home with a pamphlet and a signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion form.

We also ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if your child sustains a concussion. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the office.

All students/parents/guardians must fill out and sign a concussion attestation form. These forms will be sent home by your child's teacher and must be filled and out returned. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

We are required to conduct three fire drills in the fall and three in the spring. We are also required to practice two lock down drills and one shelter in place drill during the year.

Fire drills involve students evacuating the school in a single file and assembling on the field away from the school. Teachers take attendance, all student locations are verified and the class waits for further direction. Lock down drills involve students moving away from the classroom door to a location within the classroom away from windows. Lights are turned off and the doors are locked. Shelter in place drills involve a response to an environmental or weather related situation.

These practices are to ensure that students and staff are prepared in case of emergency. We will be having our first fire drill and lockdown procedure drill later this month.

Peel Public Health has recommended daily screening and to stay home when students are feeling sick. Students who are ill should be kept at home where they are most comfortable and can get better sooner. A child who is too ill to go out for recess is too ill to be at school. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Once again this year, teachers will distribute agendas to students in kindergarten to grade 6 that are used to develop their organizational skills as well as facilitate communication regarding homework, deadlines and special events. Please take some time to look over the agenda with your child, it is filled with useful information, including the Catholic Code of Conduct. It is particularly important to emphasize that the agenda is to be used daily to assist your child in organizing his/her time and to keep parents/guardians informed as to what is happening in class and in the school. It is a great vehicle to jot down a short note to the teacher and the teacher can respond in the same way.

Please note: students in grades 7 and 8 (and grade 6 students in the split class) will be using their Chromebook devices to track assignments and important information.

Please be informed that we have PLASP providing child care after school. For details you may contact the PLASP program directly at 905-890-1711.

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

Please contact St. Francis Xavier Parish for information regarding dates and registration for sacraments. We, as always, encourage any new families to our school community to contact the parish to inquire about registering. The sacramental celebrations will be held at St. Francis Xavier Parish. We thank Fr. Cyruk and his parish team for their continued support in the faith life of our students and their families.

A Catholic Faith community is rooted in a set of common beliefs which are inspired by the life, mission and teaching of Jesus. As a Catholic community we are called to learn, to grow and to become more like Jesus in the way we see and treat others. Our Catholic faith plays an important role in helping us shape schools that are safe, caring and inclusive. Catholic school education provides us the opportunity to integrate virtue information into all areas of our school life within the context of our faith. St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School will again focus our attention on the Catholic Virtues. This program is designed to help us nurture virtue and character development in the lives of our students. Each month, the entire school will focus on a different virtue. We would appreciate your support in discussion these virtues with your child and encouraging behaviours that demonstrate these virtues. Here is a list of the virtues we will be nurturing this school year:

September: Faith

October: Empathy

November: Conscience

December: Hope

January: Self-Control

February: Respect

March: Kindness

April: Love

May: Acceptance

June: Fairness

During the month of September, we will focus on the virtue of Faith.

God created us to live together as a family rooted in Christ.

A faithful person...

• prays from the heart whenever they can
• learns from Bible stories
• believes that there is good in everyone
• knows that we are all created and loved by God

Faith believes the incredible, sees the invisible, and receives the impossible. A faithful person believes that God's plan for us includes the right to be safe, cared for, and included, especially at school.

Faith is the great virtue of believing and trusting in God. Our faith helps us to remember the importance of God in our lives, and calls us to deepen our relationship with God, when things are going well and when they are not.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Make your faith greater." The Lord answered, "If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, "Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!" and it would obey you." Luke 17: 5-6

Let us pray...for the grace and strength to be people of faith, people who can truly believe that God's plan for us includes the right to be safe at school. AMEN.

Catholic education views human life as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in this vision, Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. The expectations of Catholic graduates, therefore, are described not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes, and actions.

Vision of the Learner - the graduate is expected to be:

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 life-long learner who develops and demonstrates 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.

This year’s OCSTA Catholic Education Week theme, Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness, and related subthemes, are inspired by the Pastoral Letter to Young People issued by the Bishops of Canada in October 2022. This Pastoral Letter is meant to inspire young Catholics to live their faith in an extraordinary way, encouraging them to strive toward holiness, and assuring them of the steadfast support and accompaniment of our Bishops along their individual journeys of faith.

The Pastoral Letter is an inspiring message from the Bishops, offering guidance, encouragement, and hope. It addresses the challenges and opportunities young people face, reaffirming their dignity and value to our church and society. With the canonization of Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and uplift the pastoral letter in our Catholic schools as the life of this ordinary young teenager with extraordinary faith can inspire youth today to discover their paths to holiness.

As students begin a new academic year, the canonization of Carlo Acutis reminds them that God is calling them to greatness—not just in academics, the arts or sports, but in love, faith, and virtue. He offers us a relatable, hope-filled model of living out faith and holiness in the midst of everyday life. Carlo’s life is a roadmap for young people seeking meaning, purpose, and God in a complex, fast-paced world.

Carlo made the Eucharist the center of his life. He often said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” Even with a busy school schedule, he made time for Mass, prayer, and acts of Christian service. His life invites each of us to ask:

· How will my back-to-school schedule include time for faith formation, spiritual habits like prayer, silent reflection, or visits to the chapel?

· This school year and throughout my life, how can I become, “who God is calling me to be so I can set the world on fire?”

· How can I become a saint in my own school community?

May the year ahead be one of inspiration as we journey together as pilgrims of hope on the path to holiness, remembering:

“God loves you! No matter what is happening in your life, you are at all times loved by a God who is with you always and wants you to flourish and be happy. Christ saves you! Out of love for all humanity, Christ offered his life for everyone, including young people! The Holy Spirit lives in you! The spirit of the risen Christ is alive in you and seeks to guide you in all that you do.” (The Pastoral Letter to Young People, p.2)

Monday, September 15, 2025 is a Professional Activity Day for staff. There will be no school for students. Staff will be involved in re-organization and faith development.

With the Ministry of Education's goal of reducing class size in primary classrooms, we, at times, find ourselves in a situation where due to enrollment combined classrooms have to be created. New registrations have continued throughout this past week. We ask for your patience as we work to accommodate all of our families and students within the school community. There may be a need to reorganize classes due to the enrollment. If this needs to occur, it would be done on the PA Day scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025. If your child's class is affected, further information will be forwarded to you.

Our teachers are well-trained in working with students of various skills and abilities. Whether a straight grade or a combined class, they provide opportunities for students to work in large groups, in smaller designed groups, as well as directly one-to-one with their teacher. Throughout much of the curriculum, the skills, process and overall concepts taught are similar, varying in depth and breadth of the information presented. We will work as a school team to do all we can to meet the needs of all our students. We would encourage all parents/guardians to maintain communication with their child's teacher throughout the year so that together we can work to help each child reach their potential.

For further information from Dufferin-Peel, please see the attachments below.

In accordance with DPCDSB’s obligations under the Education Act and PPM 128, DPCDSB ensures that all members of the school community shall refrain from using personal electronic devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances:

• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
• for health and medical purposes;
• to support special education needs.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 must now keep their phones turned off or set to silent mode and out of sight for the school day, unless otherwise 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.

Students who need to use their phones or other electronic devices for health and medical reasons, e.g., glucose monitoring, medication administration reminders, etc., or to support specific special education needs, may continue to use them during the school day following consultation with school administration.

If an educator sees a PED that is not stored out of view, they must require that the PED be handed in for the instructional period and the PED must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location designated by the principal.

The student is responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it, and the consequences of not following DPCDSB’s policy and procedures regarding PEDs.

If the student does not hand in their PED when required, they must be sent to the principal’s office. Principals have discretion under PPM 145: Progressive Discipline and promoting positive student behaviour and DPCDSB Policy 9.03: Progressive Discipline, to consider a range of responses, including suspension.

It is recognized that some parents need to communicate with their children during the school day, and in such instances, parents should contact the school office.

DPCDSB complies with the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds.

DPCDSB has a strict anti-vaping policy where parents and guardians are to be immediately notified if their children are found vaping on or within 20 metres of school property, and the vapes in a student’s possession will be confiscated. There are immediate consequences for students caught with vapes, vaping, or in possession of illegal substances as per the procedures outlined within DPCDSB’s Catholic Code of Conduct.

All volunteers having direct contact with students are required to provide a VSR (Vulnerable Sector Check). The board policy has been expanded and includes volunteering on class trips, in classrooms, Catholic School Advisory Council, etc. VSRs must be completed with Peel Regional Police. Once this is complete, you can yearly complete the Annual Offence Declaration with the school if we already have your VSC on file.

We are excited to invite you to our annual Open House and BBQ at St. Veronica Catholic School on Wednesday, September 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community, meet our dedicated staff, and explore the vibrant learning environment your children are part of every day.

Event Highlights:

• Meet and greet with teachers and staff

• Tours of classroom

• Delicious BBQ and refreshments – pre-purchase only on SchoolCashOnline

• Fun activities for students and families

Food orders are optional. Choose from 3 Combo options: 4 oz. Burger, Veggie Burger or Jumbo Hot Dog. The Combo includes chips and a drink. Each Combo is only $7.00 each.

Our Vendor is Simply BBQ. If there are allergy concerns, feel free to contact the school office.

Please place your food order on SchoolCashOnline by September 15th.

https://schoolcashonline.com

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in the joy of our school community. Your presence helps make our school a warm and welcoming place for all.

Every year, thousands of children lace up their running shoes to walk and run to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research. At St. Veronica, we are proud to announce that our students will participate in the Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 19.

A special thank you to Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. Maron for organizing this important event.

St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School will be hosting our annual Thanksgiving food drive from Monday, September 22 to Friday October 3. Students can bring canned and non-perishable food items to school and place them in the donation boxes in the front foyer.

Students and staff at St. Veronica will engage in sharing the truth of Canada's residential schools and the actions that need to be taken for reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

Some activities include:

• sharing uplifting Indigenous stores
• learning about the Land Acknowledgement and develop classroom land acknowledgements
• learning about the Calls to Actions
• participating in a school-wide assembly/liturgy.

More details to follow.

September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day that recognizes the harm that Canada’s residential school system inflicted on Indigenous children and their families, and the ongoing trauma that remains today. This national day serves to honour and support truth and reconciliation and the healing journeys of those impacted by these injustices. It is a day to remember and honour the life of every child.

St. Veronica will be recognizing this day on Monday, September 30 through various activities throughout the day. Students and staff are also encouraged to wear an orange shirt in recognizance of this important initiative.

St. Veronica is wasting no time! A variety of tryouts and teams will be starting soon. Teams include junior volleyball and cross country. Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you to the coaches for getting these teams up and running!

As we begin a new school year, we continue to have the opportunity to be a part of a successful Ontario Eco Schools Program. The program aims to develop environment education and action within our community. Last year we were excited to obtain Gold level status, which reflects the tremendous dedication and enthusiasm of our school. We are looking forward to another amazing year.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Back to School

Reusable Water Bottles - Avoid all of the wasteful plastic and pollution that is created from single use plastic water bottles. We have filtered water stations on both floors of the school that students have access to in order to refill their water bottles as needed. Help us turn our thrown-away culture into a culture of conservation.

Active and Safe Routes to School - It is encouraged that if you live close enough, and are able to, consider walking with your child to school or allowing your child to ride a bike to and from school by following the Walk to School Route signs posted in the neighbourhood. This will encourage healthy and active living for all.

Paper Usage - Consider implementing a GOOS (Good On One Side) bin in your home to ensure that paper is used on both sides. Check notebooks from last year to see if they contain empty pages and can be used again.

Idle Free Zone - If you will be driving your child to and from school, please keep in mind that idling cars are harmful to the lungs of our students and our planet. Please turn off your car while waiting. Help us keep our air clean.

We will keep you informed over the course of the year as initiatives are being implemented and update you on our progress. Go green!

Classroom and individual student photos will be on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Are you interested in volunteering at St. Veronica?

Our volunteers support programs and activities at the school. We appreciate and rely on volunteers who can devote a small portion of their time to help. Please pick up a volunteer form and a Criminal Reference Check form at the school office.

Adults who volunteer in schools and for school trips are required to have completed a Vulnerable Sector Check and/or declaration form. Once the form is completed, you are able to volunteer. We look forward to working with you for the betterment and support of all students.

We are presently looking for parents who may be interested in taking on the role of Student Monitors. We are currently looking for someone who would be available for Tuesdays and Thursdays only. We are also looking for individuals who would be interested to fill in when there is a need due to illness or vacations. The job description in posted below please contact the office if you are interested.

DUTIES OF THE STUDENT MONITOR:

Under the supervision of the Principal or designate, the Student Monitor will: Carry out supervision duties assigned by the Principal, Ensure that all reasonable safety procedures are carried out in activities for which the Student Monitor is responsible, Co-operate with the Principal and teachers to maintain consistent disciplinary practices in the school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT MONITOR:

Be aware of the school rules

Be prompt in reporting for supervision assignments

Become informed of specific medical/behavioural situations pertaining to students supervised

Be aware of the school emergency plans;

Notify the teacher on duty when a problem arises.

Dufferin-Peel is once again offering Elementary International and Indigenous Languages classes to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. No prior language experience is necessary.

Please see the attached flyer for more information including how to register.