St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School
Trustees: L. del Rosario and T. Thomas
Superintendent: P. Cusumano
Principal: N. Laporte
Head Secretary: L. Magi
Email: VeronInfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: https://www.dpcdsb.org/VERONLocation: 680 Novo Star Dr., Mississauga, ON L5W 1C7
Phone: 905-696-6980
A Summer Blessing
Go now, children, with the gift of faith, that you might see God's hand in all of your work and play. Go now, with the gift of hope, that you may know God's guidance, which is keeping you safe.
Go now, with the gift of love, that you might offer love and care to all you meet. Go now with the gift of knowledge, remembering all that you have learned.
With God's help, live it. Go now, children, with these words of Jesus in your hearts: "I will not leave you alone; I am with you always."
By Gwen Costello
Principal Message
June has arrived and we have many school events and celebrations to look forward to in the coming weeks!
Our graduating class of Grade 8s will be celebrating the end of their elementary school years on Friday, June 20. I would like to give our Grade 8s my best wishes as they continue their journey next year in high school. We know that there are many challenges ahead, but with the support of their families, friends, teachers, and the Church they can successfully face any obstacles which may lie ahead. Veronica Vipers - you got this.
As this school year draws to a close, we reflect on the journey we have taken as a school. We are truly blessed that God allows us the privilege of working with such an outstanding group of staff, volunteers, parish team and parents. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all members of the St. Veronica CES community for their endless dedication to Catholic Education. This is a special place with many special people.
We would like to thank our volunteers and our Catholic School Council members who give unselfishly of their time to raise funds and who provide direction and support to the staff in the spirit of true Christian leadership.
I would also like to take time to commend our students who have volunteered during the year to help teachers, staff members, and other students. All your efforts are true examples of what it means to live the Gospel messages and demonstrate God’s love.
We wish to thank Mr. Cusumano, our Superintendent, for his dedication and hard work with our school. A very special thank you to our School Trustees, Mrs. del Rosario and Mr. Thomas for their continued support of our school community. We are blessed as a school community by our spiritual partnership with St. Francis Xavier Parish. We are thankful to Fr. Andrew and the pastoral team for their presence, guidance, and inspiration in nurturing our faith.
A special note of thanks to Mrs. Magi, Mr. Da Silva, Mr. Butler, and Ms. Louro, who work tirelessly to support the school in countless ways. They are the everyday heroes of the school.
On behalf of the St. Veronica school team, I would like to thank our departing staff members including Mrs. Adebajo and Mr. Romen for their dedication and commitment to students. Our school team wishes them all the best in their new positions.
To those who are beginning the next chapter of their lives, may God watch over you and walk with you. May the times, memories shared, and lessons learned at St. Veronica be carried forth by each of you into the world to build a better community. Our Gospel values are the foundation of our faith. We are called to love one another, and to treat all, with respect and dignity. We are blessed to work in partnership as school, home, and parish for we are united in our mission to bring forth faith-filled responsible citizens who will share their gifts and talents with the world. On behalf of the entire St. Veronica staff, I sincerely wish everyone a safe and restful summer. May God bless each of us as we continue our journey.
N. Laporte
Catholic School Council
Our Catholic School Council has been a proud supporter of many endeavours at St. Veronica including:
- Grade 8 Graduation and trip
- Grade 3 First Communion gifts
- Grade 7 Confirmation gifts
- Scientists in the School
- Craft materials and crafts
- Lego
- Halloween Dance
- Spring Dance
- Wellness Day
- Window Covering Magnets
- Intermediate Dance lessons
- Year End Trip
We hope you will take an opportunity over the upcoming summer holidays to give thought to joining our Catholic School Council. Nomination forms will be available in the fall. Stay tuned for the September newsletter for more information.
We wish you all a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer!
School-Wide Year End Trip
We are thrilled to announce a special combined Mass at church trip for our students, followed by a fun movie outing! This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together, strengthen their friendships, and enjoy a day filled with meaningful reflection and entertainment.
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 to 1:30
Grades: JK to Grade 8
The day will begin with a school-wide Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Afterward, we'll head to Cineplex Courtney Park to Disney's Pixar Elio.
Thank you to all parents/guardians who volunteered for this event. We will be reaching out to you shortly to confirm attendance.
Play Day
Date: Kindergarten to 8: Thursday, June 26
What to wear: this is an outdoor and indoor event, we encourage students to bring and wear sunscreen, a hat, and athletic shoes.
What to bring: reusable water bottle
As part of the play day, each student will receive a Mr. Freeze Freezie (ingredients: water, sugar/glucose-fructose, citric acid, natural and artificial flavours, modified cellulose, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, Stevia extract, Allura red, Brilliant blue FCF, Sunset yellow FCF) thanks to our Catholic School Council.
If you do not want your child/ren to have a freezie, please contact your child's teacher.
Track and Field
Thank you to all of the teachers including Mme. Bozzo, Mrs. Rodrigues, Mrs. Strachan, Mrs. Rietta, Mrs. Carvalho and Mrs. Ryan for all of their hard work in making this happen.
Best of luck to all competing at the board finals on June 17! We are rooting for you!
Journey into Learning
If you were unable to attend, please contact the school to pick up your Journey into Learning bag.
A special thank you to Mrs. Occhiuto, Mrs. Harricharran, and Mrs. Magi for organizing and attending this event.
Eco Team News
We are still awaiting to hear what level we have achieved this year. We would like to thank everyone in our school community who has helped support our various campaigns throughout the school year. Thank you for committing the use of reusable water bottles and containers, recycling, lights out lunches, Bike to School week, etc.
As we begin to make plans for September, we look forward to another eco-friendly year!
Many thanks to Mrs. de Leon for all her work with the students in helping to bring awareness to our school community about the importance of the stewardship of our planet.
We all belong to God's family!
Grade 8 Graduation
Graduation Ceremony
The Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Le Treport Banquet Hall in Mississauga. Parents will be invited to attend the Graduation Ceremony that will take place at 9:30 am (doors open at 9:25 am). Following the ceremony, graduates are invited to attend the lunch and dance.
Families are asked to pick up students at the hall by 2:00 pm.
Graduation Mass
Our year end/graduation will take place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday, June 23 at 10:00 am. All are welcome to attend.
Jump Rope for Heart
On June 6, 2025, St. Veronica is participating in its annual Jump Rope for Heart. On this day Mrs. Strachan's class has created and will implement fun stations for students to participate in.
This event teaches our students the importance of giving back and encourages them to learn the EASY healthy habits, so they understand the importance of staying active, eating well and taking care of their heart and brain health.
The funds our school raises will help support important heart and brain research funded by Heart & Stroke. Last year we raised $300. This year our goal is to raise $400. A tax receipt can be provided if requested. Attached is a link where you can donate.
https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/87339
Thank you for your participation.
A special thank you to Mrs. Strachan and her students for finding fun ways to keep us healthy while raising money for a good cause.
Roots of Empathy
An explanation of the program, from the Roots of Empathy website is included below:
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among schoolchildren by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. The program reaches elementary schoolchildren from Kindergarten to Grade 8. In Canada, the program is delivered in English and French and reaches rural, urban, and remote communities including Aboriginal communities. Roots of Empathy is also delivered in New Zealand, the United States, Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
At the heart of the program are a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy Instructor coaches students to observe the baby's development and to label the baby's feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the "Teacher" and a lever, which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This "emotional literacy" taught in the program lays the foundation for more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the "Changers". They are more competent in understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others (empathy) and are therefore less likely to physically, psychologically and emotionally hurt each other through bullying and other cruelties.
In the Roots of Empathy program children learn how to challenge cruelty and injustice. Messages of social inclusion and activities that are consensus building contribute to a culture of caring that changes the tone of the classroom. The Instructor also visits before and after each family visit to prepare and reinforce teachings using a specialized lesson plan for each visit. Research results from national and international evaluations of Roots of Empathy indicate significant reductions in aggression and increases in pro-social behaviour.
To facilitate this program, we are looking for a proud parent with a new baby (2-4 months old in October). Please see below for more information and who to contact.
St. Francis Xavier Parish
Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm
Sunday Mass: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm
Daily Masses
Monday to Friday Mass 8:00 am, 7:00 pm
Saturday Mass 8:00 am
Email: stfrancisxaviermi@archtoronto.org
Website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/en/
Location: 5650 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON L5V 2N6
Phone: 905-890-5290
Our Virtue of the Month - Fairness
God wants us to treat each other as we would like to be treated.
A fair person is...
- listens to both sides of a story
- is a good team player
- gives consideration to those who need extra support
- works to bring about peaceful solutions to a problem
God made us to live together as a family in creation, to share and to help one another. Being Christian is about living together in community as we build the kingdom of God. Jesus spent much of His life on earth showing us how to care for people in need and how to follow God's rules. Everyone needs a FAIR chance to succeed. A fair team player makes sure the rules of the game give everyone a chance to participate.
Let us now pray... for the virtue of fairness - the desire to live by the rules of God's kingdom everyday of our lives. AMEN.
Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
- I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
- I always do my best
- I build on my strengths and weaknesses
- I set goals
- I accept change
- I am proud of the good things
- I am thankful for the gifts of others
Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus.
Calling All Library Books!
A notice will be sent home for any outstanding books. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Textbooks
We are kindly asking that families check at home for any textbooks used this school year.
School textbooks are school property and are loaned to the students annually. The expectation is that textbooks will be returned at the end of the school year. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Moving
Updated records are also important in the event of an emergency and if we are required to contact you immediately. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sun Safety
- Drink cool water. Anyone in a hot environment should drink cool water in small amounts frequently - one cup every 20 minutes. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear a hat to protect both the eyes and the skin.
- When possible, stay out of direct sunlight.
- Wear sunblock; the higher the protection factor number, the greater the protection.
Parents are encouraged to reinforce these strategies with their children regularly.
Please see below for St. Veronica's Hot Temperature Plan.
Student Agendas
Students from grades 1 - 6 will be using the agenda to help them organize and track assignments, homework reminders and special events. The student agenda is also an excellent tool to support parent/teacher communication.
Our agenda also contains our school's behaviour and discipline code and the board's homework policy.
Medication
As the school year come to an end, we ask that your child bring home their medication.
Students in grades 1 - 8 are required to carry their own meds in a fanny pack. If you submitted additional medication to the office, it will be returned on Thursday, June 26.
JK/SK medications are stored in the classroom and they will be sent home Friday, June 28.
In September, please ensure your child is sent to school with his/her medication. The office will send home an 'Authorization to Store Medication' form. If your child's dose or medication has changed, you will require new forms from our office. Please see Mrs. Magi.
Report Cards
We wish to bring to your attention once more to the Response Form. This page provides you the opportunity to comment on your child's achievement and goals. Please consider completing and signing this page and returning it back to your child's teacher by Thursday, June 26.
STOPR (Student Transportation of Peel Region)
STOPR is providing bus transportation services for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The STOPR website address is www.stopr.ca. This website provides access to up to date information regarding delayed buses and bus cancellations due to inclement weather. To check for eligibility for transportation, please access the following website: businfo.stopr.ca.
STOPR Telephone Contact Information: 905-890-6000
Geoquery Website - http://businfo.stopr.ca
This website also allows parents to login and find their child’s transportation information by following these instructions:
- type in the website address: businfo.stopr.ca
- click “student login”
- enter your child’s OEN number, street/house number, school and grade
- click “login”
This will automatically display the child’s transportation information, if they are eligible. This capability for “student login” will be available for parents starting the second last week of August until the end of June each year. This feature will be locked down during the summer for route planning purposes. Additional features of this website are, School Information, Which School Do I Attend, Transportation Eligibility and Delays and Cancellations
STOPR Website
www.stopr.ca. The items available on this website:
- “About Us” – background information on Student Transportation of Peel Region
- “Policies and Procedures” – STOPR procedures and Peel and Dufferin-Peel Transportation Policies
- “FAQ” – frequently asked questions in regards to student transportation
- “School Forms” – the forms that go with the STOPR procedures
- “Operators” – a list of all the school bus operators in Peel Region and their telephone numbers
- “Links” – Ministry of Transportation links i.e.: booster seat legislation
- “Contact Us” – STOPR contact telephone numbers by area
- “Inclement Weather” – updates on a daily basis for inclement weather cancellations
- “Which School Do I Attend” – a direct link to our Geoquery website
- “Am I Eligible for Transportation” – a direct link to our Geoquery website
- “Your Child’s Busing Information” - a direct link to the student login on our Geoquery website
Changes to Qualifications for Busing
Please check the STOPR website to determine your child’s eligibility. Bus routes will be posted at our school during the last week of August. If there is any new information that needs to be shared, we will also post that alongside the schedules and on our website. Distance requirements enable only eligible students to receive busing within our catchment area.
Courtesy Rider Policy
Such requests must be made in writing using the TFL004 Courtesy Seat Application found below. You can also pick up this form at the school office. Parents should be aware that if new students register later in the year (who are eligible for busing) and the bus is already loaded to capacity, students who are riding as Courtesy Riders may have to be removed from the bus.
First Time Rider Safety Program
This one-hour safety program will run every 30 minutes between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm at each school listed below.
Please see below for the online booking portal and information flyer. The online booking portal opens June 23, 2025.
Class Placements and First Day of School in September
St. Veronica CES staff have been busy working on class placements for the 2025-2026 school year.
Class lists encompass the efforts of teachers, support staff and administration. School staff meet in grade levels to put together class lists. Much time, thought and effort go into the composition of class lists so that they are balanced. The reality of the makeup of classes is that there will be combined grades. As a staff, discussions take place and we work together to be fair to all students with respect to the classes they are placed in. Students will be assigned their grade only – not their specific class – on their final report card.
The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025. In-school learning begins at 8:30 a.m. That morning, grade level signs will be posted on the rear exterior walls of the school. Please take your child to the sign indicating their grade level. Teachers will greet students in the assigned grade level area and will call out the names of the students on their class lists. In the event of inclement weather grades 1 - 6 students will meet in the gym and grade 7 - 8 students will meet in the front foyer. Junior/senior kindergarten will enter through their designated gated kindergarten area.
We are looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 8:15 a.m.
