St. Christopher School

1195 Clarkson Road North

Mississauga ON , L5J 2W1

905 822-0721

Email:St.ChristopherInfo@dpcdsb.org

Principal - I. Sauve

Vice Principal - C. Fernandes

Secretary -T. Lanceta

Trustee - Herman Viloria (Mississauga Ward 2)

Superintendent - D. Radic

Parish - St. Christopher's Parish

Priest-Fr. Steven Kwon

St. Christopher School Hours

Supervision Begins 8:00 a.m.

School Begins 8:15 a.m.

Recess (a.m.) 9:38-9:53

Lunch:11:16-12:16

Recess (p.m.)1:39-1:54

Dismissal 2:45 p.m.

1171 Clarkson Road North
Mississauga, ON
L5J 2W1
t: 905.822.1171
e: stchristophersmi@archtoronto.org

I accept myself completely.

I accept my strengths and my weaknesses,

my gifts and my shortcomings,

my good points and my faults.

From this place of strength, I accept my life fully and

I open to the lessons it offers me today.

I accept the times that I choose fear

as part of my learning and healing process, and

I accept that I have the potential and power

in any moment to choose love instead.

I accept that I am an expression of God’s Love.

Love's hands and voice and heart on earth.

I accept my own life as a blessing and a gift.

My heart is open to receive, and I am deeply grateful.

May I always share the gifts that I receive

fully, freely, and with joy.

Amen.

Source ~Unknown

We welcome the month of May and the promise and beauty of Hope as Catholic Education Week begins. Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday and we highlight the partnership that remains the foundation of Catholic education between our Catholic schools and local Catholic parishes. The theme for Catholic Education Week is We Are Pilgrims of Hope. Throughout Catholic Education Week, we ask you to reflect on the significance and importance of Catholic Education’s presence and contribution in our Church and in our society. Our students will be engaged in many activities and learning opportunities to highlight the gift of Catholic Education.

During the Month of May we will be focusing on the virtue of Acceptance We will welcome our newest students and their families to a Journey Into Learning evening and our students will be focusing on acceptance, welcoming and belonging.

May is also the month of Mary, the Mother of God. As we reflect on Mary, we are reminded of the many blessing mothers bestow upon their children each and every day. Let us keep Mary and all mothers in our thoughts and prayers so that the honour and respect that they deserve is not limited to one day or month in the year. On behalf of our staff and school, we would like to wish all of our mothers a wonderful Mother’s Day.

I. Sauve and C. Fernandes

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 a group

• non-judgmental

• welcoming to those different than himself/herself

• loving and happy with who he/she is

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us.”
(Letter on the Jubilee Year of Hope, February 11, 2022)

Congratulations to all the students who celebrated their Confirmation on April 30, 2025. May the Holy Spirit guide them in their spiritual journey.

School starts at 8:15am and all late arrivals have to sign in at the Main Office. Just a reminder teacher supervision begins at 8:00 am to 8:15 am. School finishes at 2:45pm.

If Dismissal/pickup procedure for their child has changed for a day or specific reason, to avoid confusion, Please either

1) write a note in the Student Agenda or

2) email the school info mailbox.

Please do not leave a voicemail as that may not always be checked on time.

• Please do not let your child out of the driver's side door. Students need to exit from the passenger side.
• Please do not let your child out at the stop sign and please use the Kiss & Ride Lane
• If your child needs assistance with exiting the vehicle, please park in the parking lot to assist your child.

Please remember that from 8:00a.m to 3:00pm dogs are not allowed on school property. This includes small dogs being carried. Please be respectful of the fact that some of our students have a fear of dogs. We thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) is running its Catholic Community, Culture, and Caring (CCCC) School Climate Survey for students in Grades 4-12 this April. The CCCC School Climate Survey will be available to students from April 22 through May 13, 2025 and asks students in Grades 4 and older how they feel about school. Participation in the CCCC School Climate is strictly voluntary.

Please read the following letter for more details:CCCC Parent Guardian Letter - Spring 2025.pdf. Also, please see the student link on the attached flyer CCCC Survey Flyer Link to Student Dashboard.pdf

We are so very excited that the creation of our St. Christopher School Yearbook is well underway! ST. CHRISTOPHER Yearbook Purchase Flyer 2024-2025.pdf

In order to offset costs for the publication of this yearbook we are kindly asking for your generosity in becoming a sponsor by advertising your service or business in our yearbook!

Please see the attached flyer for further details! St Christopher Yearbook Advertising Info Sheet.pdf

We look forward to a great book of cherished memories for your child to treasure in years to come!

Thank you for your consideration and continued support of our students!

Please see the attached flyer with the QR code to purchase yours today!

ST CHRIS Spirit Wear eStore Flyer - Apr 2025.pdf

Please find attached nomination forms below for the annual Volunteer of the Year Award. This award has been developed to acknowledge the dedicated individuals who make a significant contribution to supporting Catholic education. Volunteers play a very important role in our schools and in our communities, helping to build vibrant, caring, inclusive, faith filled school communities. This award will recognize an individual who exemplifies volunteerism in Dufferin-Peel. The award process is also a means to thank volunteers for their continuous years of commitment and dedication. The candidate chosen as the Volunteer of the Year and all the nominees for the award will be recognized and celebrated at the June 19th, 2025 meeting of the CCCSC and at the fall meeting of Catholic School Council Chairs.

Nominations can be initiated by anyone within your school community but should be supported by administrators.

Nominees can be parents, administrators, non-teaching board/school staff members (i.e., custodian, secretary, maintenance staff, support services, etc.), teachers, students, or community members.

Please review, complete, and provide the following forms for nominees:

• Criteria and Eligibility
• Nomination Form 2024-2025
• Nominee Consent Form 2024-2025
• Photo (jpeg) of Nominee

Please see the attachments: 2024 2025 Nominee Consent Form.pdf, 2024-2025 Nomination Form.pdf and Volunteer Award Purpose Criteria Eligibility (2).pdf

The deadline for submission has been extended to Monday May 5th, 2025.

Basketball

On Wednesday April 23, St. Christopher Intermediate boys participated in a Family Tournament. They showed great determination and hard work during the season.

A big thanks to their coaches Mr. Carrabs, Ms. Comi and Ms. Lensinski for all their hard work.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to Sharelife through the “pretzel” order. Everyone was given a pretzel right after Stations of the Cross, and they were very well received!! Our donation to Sharelife ensures that families in our community will get the support and care that they need. We have raised over $563.00 for ShareLife! Thank you for your generosity!

On April 22 to 25, we celebrated Earth Week at St. Christopher by turning out the lights, cleaning our yard, but most importantly thanking God for this Earth. Thank you to Ms. Dewsnap and Ms. Marshall for all their hard work with ECO club and completing our ECO application.

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

¨ Drink cool water. Anyone in a hot environment should drink cool water in small amounts frequently—one cup every 20 minutes. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks which cause dehydration.

¨ 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 sun block; the higher the protection factor number, the greater the protection.

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

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) remains committed to fostering a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and can achieve success. Dress codes and school uniforms are designed to support diversity, accessibility, safety, and the dignity of all students.

On January 28, 2025, the Board of Trustees approved updates to Policy P-2006 Dress Code and School Uniform. As part of these changes, dress code expectations now require that students ensure the area from the top of the shoulders to mid-thigh is covered.

Additionally, the DPCDSB dress code continues to prohibit any clothing with messages that contain or depict offensive or inappropriate content. Students are not permitted to wear attire that promotes:

• Hate

• Discrimination

• Illegal activity

• Profanity

• Violence

• Political language

• Threats to health and safety

• Any content that violates the Ontario Human Rights Code

We appreciate your support in ensuring our schools remain welcoming and respectful spaces for all students.

On Friday, April 4th all Staff and Students of St. Chris participated in The Great Big Crunch just before last recess. A big Thank You to Battaglia's for generously donating the apples for this event.

Thank you to all the families that donated to the Soap for Hope. We filled up numerous boxes that will support different communities that Dr. Simone visits. Thank you to Mme Alcasid and the Youth Faith Ambassadors for organizing this initiative.

Thank you again St. Christopher community, for your generous support of this worthy cause!

No Tobacco Day, a time to reflect on how the tobacco industry uses tactics to make their harmful products seem appealing - especially to youth.

• Media Exposure: Youth see smoking and vaping in movies, video games, and social media, where it’s shown as “cool” and without any harmful consequences.
• Colourful Packaging and Flavours: Nicotine products like vapes come in bright colours and sweet flavours, such as fruit or candy. Tobacco companies insist that their products are made for adults, yet they are designed to attract young people.
• Health Effects: The industry has led people to believe that vaping is harmless, but it can lead to e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI), and the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied. It’s not just harmless water vapour – vape products still have thousands of chemicals. E-cigarettes or vapes containing nicotine are just as addictive as regular cigarettes.

You play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health for your child. Your school has many resources to help you on your parenting journey. By working together—family, school, and community—we can significantly enhance your child's overall well-being.

Promoting Brain Health Through Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is essential for all children and youth, not only for physical health but also for improving cognition, brain function, and mental health.

Here are some additional benefits of physical activity:

• Reduction in symptoms of depression
• Decreased feelings of anxiety
• Improved stress response
• Enhanced self-esteem, self-concept and self-perception

Tips to Promote Brain Health:

• Encourage children and youth to meet the daily physical activity guidelines for their age and support them in their efforts.
• Promote age-appropriate outdoor play as a way of improving decision making, problem-solving and self-confidence.
• Encourage sport and physical activities to build skills and mastery.
• Play as a family. This encourages physical activity, togetherness, social support and connectedness, which are all important for good mental health.

Adult and Continuing Education invites Grade 8 students to enroll in one of several fantastic Secondary courses offered this summer. The courses are open level courses (open to all DP students).

The program is credit bearing and fast paced.

Courses, dates, locations and times are in the flyer.

Students have to commit to the full program…no holidays.

Registration closes June 11, 2025.

Please see the flyer below to register.

First Time Rider is an educational and awareness program designed to familiarize young children, new riders, and parents with school buses. This informative program includes a safety video, on-board instruction, and a fun bus ride.

Attached please see the preliminary announcement flyer for the STOPR First Time Rider program scheduled on Saturday August 23, 2025.

At different times throughout the year, especially in the winter when students are wearing hats and hoodies, schools experience an increase in the number of cases of head lice. In an effort to be proactive, we ask that your child’s hair be checked periodically to ensure that they do not have head lice. Should you discover the presence of lice or nits, we would appreciate being informed. Helpful information can also be obtained from a pharmacist or the local Public Health Department. Head lice is spread only by direct contact with a 'case', often through the sharing of combs and brushes, exchanging of hats, etc.

Communication between home and school is greatly enhanced by parental involvement with the Catholic School Council. Please note that our Council is comprised of parents, school staff as well as community and parish representatives. The aim of the Catholic School Council is to support school activities and students through involvement and fund raising. The School Council also provides a forum for parents to meet and share information and ideas concerning the school community.

A reminder that if you are interested in volunteering within the school in any capacity, a Valid Criminal Reference Check (CRC), with Vulnerable Sector and Local Records Check completed by Peel Regional Police is required. The cost is $35. Please note that there may be some time required to process a CRC, thus waiting for an announced volunteer opportunity to obtain your CRC may not provide sufficient time for processing. Once the school has a valid CRC on file, we will not need a new CRC yearly, rather, a yearly Offence Declaration will suffice.

Thank you,

St. Christopher Catholic School Council

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the introduction of School Cash Online. As school move toward being cash less, School Cash Online allows parents and community members to pay school-related fees online safely, quickly, and easily. Parents can purchase items like spirit wear, lunches, and field trips - anytime, anywhere. For more information and to set up an account, please click the link below.

During the school year we will be rehearsing and will continue to rehearse with students a number of emergency response situations including lock down and fire drills. All schools are required by Board policy to practice these procedures throughout the year. We have these ‘practice drills’ for precautionary purposes only so that in the event of an actual emergency, students will be prepared to respond in a safe and responsible manner. We will also be practicing a Lock Down Drill. During this drill, the outer doors will be locked and the office will be unavailable during the time of the drill. No one will be allowed to enter or exit during the drill while the emergency protocol is being followed. The day will continue as normal following the drill. Thank you for your patience.

As per Ministry of Education direction, our Board has a Concussion Protocol in place. Again this school year, ALL students who sustain a head injury during the school day, however minor, will receive a Concussions Are Serious pamphlet to take home. We ask parents/guardians to review this pamphlet and seek medical attention for your son/daughter if you feel it is required. As in previous years, all head injuries will be logged and reported to parents/guardians directly. We ask that you please inform the school as soon as possible if and when your son/daughter sustains a concussion as a result of a school incident or as a result of an activity outside of school. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the Main Office. Your cooperation and assistance in this regard are appreciated.

Sabrina’s Law is an Act to protect anaphylactic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. Named “Sabrina’s Law” in honour of an Ontario student who died following an anaphylactic reaction in 2003, this law requires that every school board establish and maintain an anaphylaxis policy.

If your child has a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, peanut by-products, bee/wasp stings etc., please let the school know as soon as possible. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date. There are various forms which need to be completed by you and your family doctor if it is necessary to store and dispense an EPI-pen or any other medication at school.

We continue to have both students and staff with severe, life threatening allergy to certain foods, such as peanuts and nuts. This is a medical condition that may cause severe and life threatening reactions to certain allergens within minutes. Although this may or may not affect your child’s class directly, we require your continued cooperation in sending foods to school with your child that are free from peanuts, nuts or their by-products.

Please do not send food products to be shared in your child’s classroom. If you would like your child to share their special day/birthday with their classmates, we suggest that you consider non-food items such as pencils or stickers.

Letters have been sent home with the students whose classroom members have specific allergies. Please check with your child, and in their backpack, for letters regarding the type of allergy and products to avoid in your child’s classroom. Please pay careful consideration to school lunches and snacks while continuing to refrain from sending in items that are made of, or contain, nuts or peanuts. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your support in making our school a safer environment for all.

Ryan’s Law is an Act to protect Asthmatic pupils in publicly funded schools in Ontario. If your child has asthma please let the school know immediately. It is essential that the information you provide us with is accurate and up-to-date.

Ryan’s Law introduced policies and procedures that:

 Allow your child to carry his/her asthma reliever (rescue) inhaler (with your permission).

 Reduce your child’s contact with asthma triggers.

 Develop an individual plan for every student with asthma, including recommendations from their health-care providers and current emergency contacts. This will be kept on file at the school.

If you have more questions about

Ryan’s Law?

Call The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864), email info@on.lung.ca, or visit www.RyansLaw.ca.

If a child is required to bring medication to school, procedures regarding the administration of medication shall only be adopted:

· when requested by the parents/guardians; and

· when authorized by a physician; and

· when medication must be provided during school hours

A designated staff member must administer medication; hence, a signed request/authorization form from the parents/guardians and the supervising physician, must be obtained. These forms are available through the school office. 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

All medication will be housed in a safe location. Medication must not be kept in the child’s possession or in the classroom except for EpiPens and asthma inhalers.

It is highly encouraged that students who have an anaphylactic allergy or who have asthma, keep their epi-pen and/or inhaler on their person at all times. If able, it is recommended that your child bring two epipens and/or two asthma inhaler to the school. This would allow your child to keep this medication on their person as well as ensuring that the school office has an additional set of medication.

Please note that school staff cannot dispense medication of any kind without the proper physician authorization and a properly labeled container, (i.e. prescription bottle or original over the counter container).

​Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year at Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) schools is now open. DPCDSB offers the Kindergarten program in 125 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville.

Parents/guardians can register online at dpcdsb.org.

Registration is open to Catholic children and children of Catholic parents. Kindergarten students must be at least four (4) years of age by December 31, 2025.

The following documents are required to complete the registration process:

• Proof of age of the child
• Original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) or original baptismal certificate from a church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome or an Eastern Catholic Church.
• Immunization Reference #’s from the local Public Health Unit
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
• Proof of home address
• Proof of English Separate School Support

Please refer to the Register for School webpage for accepted forms of documentation.

Inquiries about home school locations/boundary areas should be directed to the DPCDSB Planning Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24440.

For more information, parents/guardians should contact their local Catholic school, visit the DPCDSB website at dpcdsb.org, or call DPCDSB’s Admissions Department at 905-890-1221.

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://www3.dpcdsb.org/students/indigenous-self-identification

• By directing your tax support to the Separate (Catholic) School System:

  • You may vote for Catholic School Trustees in Municipal elections
  • Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools
  • You show your support for the Catholic school system

  To verify that you are registered as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:

  • Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
  • Check your Voter Information Card received during an election year (2022)

  Have you moved?

  Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. By default, your property taxes support your municipality's English public school board. Every time you move or if there is a change of ownership, it is essential that you register yourself as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter.
  
  To register as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please contact the DPCDSB Admissions Department by phone at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or by email at admissions@dpcdsb.org.
  
  Learn More:

  • Visit the Direction of School Support webpage
  • Watch our Direction of School Support video

You can now reset your password remotely by registering for the Password Reset Tool. You must know your old password to create a new one.

To reset your password remotely you must first register with the “Password Reset Tool”, which you can do by following one of these two steps:

Students: students.dpcdsb.org and select Password Reset

Staff: https://account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com/PasswordReset/Register.aspx ​

**Access to personal email/cell phone is required for registration.

Once you are registered, please follow the Password Reset Instruction

May

2 Garden Gala Spring Fling Dance

5-9 Catholic Education Week

5-9: Scholastic Book Fair

7: Wellness Day

7: Journey to Learning Night

8: Crowning of Mary Celebration-Afternoon

16: PA Day- No School for Students

20:EQAO starts

23: Fun Fair Night-5-9pm

June

13: EQAO ends

9: PA Day- No school for students

12: Track & Field - Family Tournament @ Marcellinus

13: Track & Field (Rain date) - Family Tournament @ St. Marcellinus

17: Track & Field - Boards @ St. Marcellinus

19: Track & Field (Rain date) - Boards @ St. Marcellinus

24: Report Card going home

24: Musical Spring Spectacular
25: St. Christopher Graduation at St. Christopher's Parish

27: Last day of School