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

F. Silva-Correia

Superintendent

D. Belchior

(905) 890-1221

Trustee

Mario Pascucci

Mississauga Wards 1 & 3

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

EDGE is a youth ministry for those in grades 6, 7 & 8, aimed to present the truths of the Catholic faith in a hand​​s-on and relevant format.

Twitter: @SPYGMississauga​

Instagram: ​​SPYGMississauga

Contact: Maria Espinoza, Youth Minister

stpatsyouthgroup@hotmail.com​

It’s hard to believe that June is already here! This school year has been filled with so many joyful moments of learning, spiritual growth, and meaningful connections. I feel truly grateful for our supportive parent community, whose commitment to their children’s education makes such a difference. Our students continue to inspire me with their resilience, flexibility, and dedication—they have worked so hard and have truly earned a well-deserved summer break.

Final report cards will be sent home through the parent portal on Tuesday, June 23rd, and the last day of classes at St. Thomas More Catholic School is Friday, June 26th. On this final day, we invite everyone to wear red and white in celebration of Canada Day and to join us for our “Annual Graduating Class Clap Out.” It will be a wonderful way for us to come together and end the school year with joy and pride.

St. Thomas More is a truly special place, and it is both a privilege and a blessing to serve as Principal. I am continually inspired by our talented, caring, and committed staff, who give so much of themselves each day to support our students. A special thank you to Mrs. Shahbaz and Mrs. Silva-Correia for always making everyone feel so welcome, to Mr. Allen, Mr. Pelech, Mrs. Fajfrowski, and Mr. Costa for the care and pride they take in our school. I also want to thank the Catholic school council members for their support with enriching the St. Thomas More community. I am also deeply grateful to Superintendent Mrs. Belchior for her guidance and support throughout the year.

As Fr. John and Fr. Brian prepare to enter retirement, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for their years of faithful service, spiritual leadership, and gentle presence within our school and parish community. Their guidance, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our faith have touched the lives of so many students, staff, and families. They has been a true shepherd to our community, and their impact will be felt for years to come. We wish Fr. John and Fr. Brian a retirement filled with peace, joy, good health, and many blessings as he begins this new chapter.

To our graduates and all students moving on, thank you for the joy, energy, and spirit you have brought to our school. You will always be a part of the St. Thomas More community, and we hope you carry these memories with you wherever you go.

Wishing all of our families a safe, restful, and joy-filled summer. We look forward to welcoming you back in September!

Your Partner in Catholic Education,

M. Noce

God wants us to treat each other as we would like to be treated.

A fair person…

• listens to both sides of a story

• is a good team player

• knows that the same rules apply to everyone

• works to bring about peaceful solutions to problems

What does it mean to be a fair person? Can you remember a time when you were unfair? How would you change that situation if you could?

Christ has no body now but yours;

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which he looks

With compassion on this world;

Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good;

Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Prayer of St. Theresa of Avila

OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR JUNE

Let us now pray...for the virtue of fairness-the desire to live by the rules of God’s kingdom everyday of our lives.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a profound and enduring symbol within the Catholic Church, representing the immense love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a special form of devotion to Jesus—the focus being his Heart, which exemplifies our Lord’s redemptive suffering for the whole world.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart includes various practices aimed at paying homage to Jesus. One popular devotion is the First Friday Devotion, where Catholics receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months, as Jesus requested to St. Margaret Mary. This practice makes reparations for the sins committed against the Heart of Christ and enables us to grow closer to him. Jesus promised St. Margaret Mary that he will grant twelve special and powerful graces to the devout soul who completes the nine first Fridays.

The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rich with symbolism. The exposed Heart, often depicted with a crown of thorns, represents Jesus’ suffering and his immense love for humanity. The flames emanating from the Heart signify the transformative and purifying power of his love, while the cross above the Heart is a reminder of his redemptive sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. The wound in the side of his Heart represents the wound inflicted on him by both the Roman soldier and by all human beings through their sins.

• 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

The month of June is National Indigenous Peoples Month. It is an opportunity to highlight and share the historical, ongoing, and daily contributions of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples and nations. Indigenous peoples have unique, diverse, and complex knowledge systems which have been in existence since time immemorial in science, math, art, literature, sport and many more. We as a school wil continue to uplift these contributions.

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

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, June 2nd to Thursday June 4th: Grade 6 EQAO Testing WIndow

Wednesday, June 3rd, 10th, 17th: Grade 3s Swim to Survive

Monday: June 8th: PD Day-No School

Wednesday, June 10th: Miss. East Track and Field at St. Marcellinus, grade 1s trip to Riverwood

Thursday, June 11th: End of the year Mass

Friday, June 12th: Bike safety drill for the grade 4 and grade 5 classes!

Monday, June 15th: Volunteer Tea @2:30

Thursday, June 18th: Board Track and Field

Friday, June 19th: Play Day!

Monday, June 22nd: Grade 8 Graduation Mass

Tuesday, June 23rd: Reports Sent Home through the parent portal

Friday, June 26th: Last Day of School- Grade 8 clap out-Red and White Day!

Parents / Guardians can create their own accounts using EACH child’s unique Access ID and Access Password provided they meet the following criteria in PowerSchool:

• Marked as Guardians
• Have Access to Records
• Have an valid email address
• Student is under 18 years old

If a Parent / Guardian has more than one child in Dufferin-Peel, they will be able to link their account to EACH of their children.

Please create your account to access student record such as upcoming Progress Reports.

Our Grade 8 students recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to Ottawa, filled with learning, adventure, and lasting memories. From exploring Parliament Hill and gaining insight into Canada’s government, to visiting the Canadian War Museum and deepening their understanding of our nation’s history, students had many meaningful educational experiences. The trip also included plenty of fun, with highlights such as an exciting laser tag outing and time spent enjoying the sights and energy of our capital city. Throughout the trip, our students volunteered their time, and they demonstrated responsibility, curiosity, and school spirit, making us all very proud. Thank you to our staff who volunteered their time and supported this incredible experience. It was truly a special opportunity for our Grade 8s as they prepared for their next chapter!

Our ELL students recently enjoyed a wonderful and enriching trip to the Humber Arboretum, where they had the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature while learning about ecosystems, plant life, and local wildlife. Guided by their curiosity, students explored the outdoor environment, deepening their understanding of how living things interact and thrive together. This hands-on experience provided meaningful learning opportunities while also fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. A special thank you to our dedicated teachers for organizing this memorable experience, and to Iryna and Amal, our Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Service Settlement Officers, for their continued support in making opportunities like this possible for our students. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that help enrich learning and create lasting memories!

Our Grade 1 students beautifully led our school community in a special liturgy celebrating the Crowning of Mary at St. Patrick’s Church. Through prayer, song, and thoughtful reflection, they helped us honour Mary as a model of faith, love, and devotion. The crowning of Mary was a particularly meaningful moment, carried out with reverence and care by our youngest students. It was inspiring to see them confidently share their faith and guide the entire school in this sacred tradition. We are so proud of our Grade 1 students for their leadership and spirit, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to our Grade 1 teachers for preparing such a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Our Grade 2/3 students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational visit to the Peel Water Festival, where they explored the importance of water conservation and environmental stewardship. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students learned about the water cycle, protecting our natural resources, and how small actions can make a big difference in caring for our planet. The day was filled with curiosity, discovery, and fun, as students connected their classroom learning to real-world environmental practices. It was a wonderful opportunity to inspire lifelong habits of responsibility and care for God’s creation. A special thank you to our Grade 3 teachers for organizing this meaningful experience and supporting our students in becoming thoughtful environmental stewards.

Our Grade 7 students enjoyed an enriching extended trip to Niagara, filled with opportunities for learning, exploration, and fun. During their visit, students experienced the beauty of nature through a scenic hike and a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory, where they observed a wide variety of butterflies in a vibrant, natural setting. Students also deepened their understanding of Canadian history by learning about the heroic story of Laura Secord and exploring important historical sites in the region. These hands-on experiences brought their classroom learning to life in meaningful and memorable ways. We are so proud of our Grade 7 students for their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive spirit throughout the trip. A heartfelt thank you to our staff for organizing and supporting this wonderful opportunity for experiential learning.

Our Full-Day Kindergarten students recently enjoyed a wonderful outdoor learning experience at Riverwood! During their visit, students explored the beautiful trails on a guided hike, observing signs of nature and engaging their curiosity about the environment. The trip also inspired creativity, as students took part in an art activity. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect learning with the outdoors—fostering both exploration and imagination in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Our Grade 7 and 8 boys’ and girls’ soccer teams had an exciting and successful season, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship on and off the field. Throughout their games, students showed great skill, perseverance, and a strong sense of school pride. Both teams worked hard, supported one another, and competed with respect and integrity, representing our school in a positive and inspiring way. It was wonderful to see their growth, both as athletes and as teammates. A heartfelt thank you goes to our coaches for their time, dedication, and encouragement in guiding our students throughout the season. We are so proud of all our players for their commitment and enthusiasm—well done! ⚽

Our co-ed softball team has been enjoying an exciting season of teamwork, skill-building, and school spirit! Students have shown great dedication on the field, supporting one another and demonstrating positive sportsmanship at every game. A special thank you goes out to coaches Mr. Starcevic and Mr. Faira for their time, guidance, and commitment to helping our athletes grow and succeed. We are proud of our team and look forward to more great moments ahead!

Dear STM Families,

Get ready St. Thomas More, as we kick off our Bike to School Week June 1st to June 5th.

Explore Peel on Wheels! What a great time of year to walk, bike, or roll to school. Using these active modes to travel to school helps reduce traffic congestion at your school, improves air quality, and promotes health. Students and families who travel to school on a bike, scooter, walk, or roll, arrive at school alert, focused and ready to start their day to learn.

St Thomas More is participating in Bike to School Week (B2SW) by organizing the following event(s). We invite the entire school community to participate.

• B2SW falls on June 1st to June 5th so let’s all cycle, walk and roll, or scooter to

school!

• Incentives: We have prizes for filling up a Bingo Card and a draw for a bike helmet, bike pump and other.

Grey Wolves, are we ready to take on this challenge?

You can prepare for this special week by participating with your child and getting on

your bike, walking, or rolling to school.

The main risk of hot summer weather is that of exposure to UV rays which is a risk factor for the development of skin cancer. The UV index is the measure commonly used in Canada to assess the risk on a given day. We will monitor the UV index daily to determine if recess needs to be modified. On days where the UV index is high, recess maybe shorted so kids will spend less time in the sun. We also ask that parents apply sunscreen and send their children with hats and sunglasses when the UV index is high. Please remind your children that they cannot share their sunscreen with others.

In periods of very high temperatures, recess may be modified or students are kept indoors. We monitor the temperature and humidex when making a decision regarding outdoor play.

As the warmer weather approaches we would like to remind all students:

• bring a water bottle that can be re-filled during the day and drink through the day
• bring sunscreen to reapply halfway through the day (no sharing)
• wear hats and sunglasses
• take breaks from the sun and stand in the shade

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.

• Upholding dignity and rights: All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or identity.
• Diversity and inclusion: Respect extends to celebrating diversity and treating people fairly regardless of factors like race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Safety and non-violence: DPCDSB prohibits bullying in all its forms, including cyberbullying, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. This also includes restrictions on taking photos or videos of others without consent.
• Responsible behaviour: Respect is demonstrated through actions like coming to school on time, being prepared to learn, refraining from bringing prohibited items to school, and taking responsibility for one's own actions.

Demonstrating respect

• Verbal and non-verbal communication: Use appropriate language, tone of voice, and body language. Avoid swearing, name-calling, gossip, and put-downs.
• Respect for property: Treat school materials, such as textbooks, equipment, and facilities, with care.
• Respect for Catholic teachings: Support and participate in the liturgical life of the school and strive to live a virtuous life in accordance with Gospel value

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Catholic School Council for their incredible dedication and support throughout the school year. Their commitment to our school community has made a meaningful difference in the experiences of our students. From organizing delicious specialty lunches to generously subsidizing field trips and school events, their efforts have helped create enriching opportunities and memorable moments for our students. Their ongoing involvement, collaboration, and willingness to give their time have truly strengthened our school community. We are deeply grateful for all that they do behind the scenes and in front of it—your support does not go unnoticed. Thank you for helping make our school such a vibrant and caring place to learn and grow!

Subway days is now on Mondays

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/

We are doing 2 more Harvey's pop-up lunches

June 19, 2026

Use SchoolCash Online

https://www.schoolcashonline.com/

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

-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

As the 2025-2026 school year comes to an end, some reminders for next years bussing.

Transportation is provided for FDK and Grade 1-8 students at St. Thomas More who meet the Board distance eligibility for busing. Students who are ELIGIBLE are automatically assigned to a BUS STOP.

Please be sure to arrive at the bus stop AT LEAST 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. You can get all busing information by signing into to STOPR (OEN is required to register and access child busing information and to receive late/cancelled notifications. OEN is on the students report card.)

Students are reminded that riding the bus is a privilege. They are expected to conduct themselves safely and appropriately. Bus meetings will be held in the first weeks of school to go over safety and appropriate bus behaviour.

Drivers are not able to change bus stops or times. Students from grades FDK-1will be provided with bus tags on the first days of school.

Parent Phone Line 905-890-6000 Ext #1 Big Bus Ext #2 Spec Ed

Parents must provide us with their child’s OEN or student # in order for us to access their busing information.

Students in JK, SK and Grade 1 must be met at the stop by a responsible adult. Please note that students will be returned to school if there is no one to meet them at the stop. Your child will be given a red bus tag, which must always be attached to their knapsack.

Please also note that eligibility is based on age and home address distance from the school as per the information provided by transportation:

• Kindergarten to Grade 1: 1.0 kilometres
• Grades 2 to 4: 1.6 kilometres
• Grades 5 to 8: 2.0 kilometres
• Grades 9 to 12: 3.8 kilometres
• 
  

Please double-check the new eligibility distance if your children are transitioning from:

• Grade 1 to grade 2
• Grade 4 to grade 5
• Grade 8 to grade 9

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.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

With the arrival of warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors, we wanted to remind you how to protect yourself and your loved ones from Blacklegged Ticks, which are native to our region, live in wooded areas, tall grasses and bushes, and may carry Lyme Disease.

In this regard, we encourage you to read the fact sheet below from Health Ontario which indicates how to prevent tick bites when outdoors.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

M. Noce

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.

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.

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!