St. Veronica
March 2026
St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School
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 Children's Prayer for Lent
You have made the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night. Help us walk in your light. During the season of Lent, renew us through the gift of your Holy Spirit. Help us grow in faith, hope and love.
During this special time, we remember that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so that we might be free to love. Help us grow to be the people you call us to be; letting go of old habits of selfishness, forgiving those who have hurt us, giving quality time to our families, spending time in quiet prayer. Amen.
Principal's Message
St. Veronica continues to be a faith-filled, vibrant, and busy place. February offered many wonderful opportunities for learning, growing, and celebrating our community. As we welcome March, we also welcome the early signs of spring. The brighter days ahead remind us of the hope and renewal that this season brings.
With Ash Wednesday behind us, we have entered one of the most meaningful times in our liturgical year. Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. Jesus calls us to care for one another, to be grateful for our gifts, and to use them to make a difference. As we journey toward Easter, I hope each of us can find time for prayer, kindness, and acts of service—at school, at home, and in our community. Together, students and staff will continue working to be peaceful and life‑giving people in all we do.
March also brings the excitement of spring and the return of Daylight Savings Time—please remember to “spring forward” on March 8. We are also looking forward to March Break, happening the week of March 16. We hope all our families enjoy a restful and joy-filled week with loved ones, taking time to recharge for the months ahead.
Take good care.
N. Laporte
Principal
Catholic School Council Update
St. Veronica's Catholic School Council met on February 19. The council is currently working on a Terra Cotta cookie dough fundraiser.
We would like to thank the council for helping to facilitate activities such as the Family Movie Night, new team jerseys, Student Club supplies and intermediate dance lessons.
The next council meeting is scheduled for April 23 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to attend.
Terra Cotta Cookie Fundraiser
We’re excited for our Terra Cotta Cookie Fundraiser! This delicious fundraiser supports our school community, with all proceeds going directly toward extracurricular activities, school materials, and field trips for our students.
Please see below for a link to place orders online. Orders can be placed until March 12. We thank you in advance for supporting St. Veronica —your participation helps enrich learning experiences for all our students!
Get ready to enjoy some delicious cookies while supporting a great cause!
New Viper Jerseys are Here
We are excited to share that our school has brand‑new Vipers jerseys, thanks to the generous support of our Catholic School Council! These fantastic new designs were selected through a community vote that included students, staff, and families—a true team effort.
The jerseys look incredible, and we can’t wait to see our athletes proudly wearing them at upcoming games and events.
Go Vipers!
Black History Month
We will continue to highlight Black History and Black excellence throughout the year.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention
Students can try the 3 R's approach to stopping bullying.
- recognize the bullying behaviour
- refusing to be bullied
- reporting the bullying behaviour
This approach works both with students who are being bullied and those who witness bullying. Together we can stop it in its tracks.
Pink Shirt Day
A special thank you to Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Nichols and the Mental Health Wellness committee for organizing this event.
Book Fair
Thank you to all families who visited and supported our Book Fair in February. With your support our school was able to raise approximately $1000. This money will be used to purchase new books for the school library and support our students and teachers.
A special thank you to Ms. de Leon for organizing and running this event.
Basketball
We are very proud of our junior girls' and boys' basketball teams. They represented St. Veronica beautifully at the pod tournaments.
The junior girls basketball team participated in the POD tournament on Wednesday, February 11. It was a tough tournament and our girls had to bring out their best skill set to prove that they have what it takes to be champions! They came out victorious in all three games played.
The junior girls then went on to face the top teams in the Mississauga West Family of Schools. It was a fierce tournament where the girls demonstrated a high degree of skills in dribbling, passing and shooting the ball. Our girls showed great team spirit and had to bring out their best skill set to prove once again they have what it takes to be champions! The coveted trophy is on display at the front of the school for all to see. We are so proud of you!
The junior boys' basketball team participated in their POD tournament on Tuesday, February 17. The team fought hard against teams who were much bigger in size, bringing out all their training and skills. They won one game - a great learning experience for them. They will be back.
Thank you to our coaches, Mr. Aleong and Mr. Hilario, who have worked so hard to prepare the teams.
Go Vipers!
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects up to 12% of children. Children with ADHD may experience challenges with focusing attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. Many individuals with ADHD continue to face these challenges into adulthood, often alongside co-occurring conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders, and behavioural difficulties.
Early identification, treatment, and support can significantly improve the ability of children with ADHD to manage their symptoms and lead successful lives. Without appropriate interventions, children with ADHD may experience academic struggles, relationship difficulties, and other challenges.
We encourage families to explore the resources below (curated by the DPCDSB Psychology Department) to learn more about ADHD and how to support children at home.
Elementary Literacy Numeracy Summer Program
DPCDSB is excited to offer the Elementary Literacy Numeracy Summer Program at various Dufferin-Peel CDSB locations for students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who would benefit from fun learning environments, small group learning, and gap closing activities. This program is designed for grade-level remediation not enrichment).
Please see the attached for more information.
Focus on Youth Summer Camp
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 - Kindness
God wants us to give generously to others around us.
A kind person...
- is gentle and sensitive to others
- stands by their friends in time of need
- shares their time and talents
- says nice things about others from the heart
- always looks for ways to be helpful
God wants us to be kind to everyone we meet. KINDNESS is about more than just pretending to be nice. It is about helping and playing with others because we want to, not because we feel we have to. We have all been given the fruit of the Holy Spirit called kindness, which is the act of loving and giving generously to others as God does.
Our empathy for others is transformed into action that extends beyond concern for ourselves and allows us to see God in every face that we meet.
Let us now pray...for the virtue of kindness so that everyone we meet will feel like we are looking out for their good. AMEN.
Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
- I co-operate with others in all that I do
- I value everyone's work
- I respect and listen to others
- I think of others before myself
- I follow the rules of fair play
- I work hard in school so that I can build my community and make it a better place
Because I am a team player, I know that 'Together is Better,' and we will live our lives like Jesus.
Lent
The Liturgical calendar continues to move forward and we have began the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 day period of fasting, penitence and sorrow, leading up to the feast of Easter, recalling Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time to turn to God in simplicity and sincerity, as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter. Our hearts feel heavy as we remember our sins, but we are also confident in God's mercy and forgiveness.
Lenten Reconciliations
Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and celebrating it is what we do. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate God's forgiveness and love. Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God.
While going to confession throughout the liturgical year is important, Lent is a great time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered to students in grades 3 to 8 during the school day on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Pretzels for Lent
Pretzels from Dimpflmeier Bakery will be available for sale on SchoolCashOnline beginning February 24.
$3.00 each (95 gram salted Pretzel) with proceeds going to ShareLife. Order them for you, your family, your friends and/or neighbors!
Pretzels will be distributed on Tuesday, March 31.
Order deadline: Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Catholic Education Week Prayer
Strengthen and sustain us as we continue to journey as pilgrims of hope.
Guide us on the path to holiness with the light of your love.
Inspire us to serve joyfully in the love of Christ through the beautiful examples of the saints.
As we journey together in faith, may we experience the peace of Christ through the presence of one another.
We pray that all young people in our Catholic schools may believe, and become empowered by, these three important Gospel messages:
“God loves you!”
“Christ saves you!”
“The Holy Spirit lives in you!”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
ShareLife
Student involvement in school-based activities has already raised some funds. Additional funds are being raised through a staff vs students basketball game (more details to follow) and our Pretzels for Lent.
March Break
PA Day
Our next PA day is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026.
EQAO Update
Moving
Drop Off Reminder
A gentle reminder to all families that parents and guardians should not enter the school during morning drop-off unless they are coming through the main doors and checking in at the office.
This helps us keep our building safe, calm, and secure for all students.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in maintaining a safe school environment for everyone.
Lates
As the year has continued we’ve noticed an increase in students coming to school late. We understand life happens, and children will be late from time to time, we are just asking for your help as it will go a long way. Here is a link to an article on the benefits of arriving on time to school (Lates).
Lateness = lost learning!
- 5 minutes late each day = 3 days lost!
- 10 minutes late each day = 6 days lost!
- 15 minutes late each day = 9 days lost!
- 20 minutes late each day = 12 days lost!
- 30 minutes late each day = 18 days lost!
Success in learning is strongly linked to participation in school programs which includes arriving on time. Coming to school on-time:
- Help your child understand punctuality and commitment—sets them up for success
- Let them greet friends before class—reduces anxiety
- Coming in with the class—makes them feel comfortable and gives them sense of belonging
- Being on Time and Present makes them feel good about themselves
The Importance of Regular School Attendance
Consistent school attendance plays a huge role in a child’s success. When students are in class every day, they build strong learning habits, stay connected with classmates, and keep up with important lessons and routines.
Did you know that missing just 2 days of school per month adds up to chronic absenteeism? Over the year, this can significantly impact learning, confidence, and progress.
We appreciate your partnership in helping ensure students are here on time, every day, ready to learn. Together, we can support strong attendance and even stronger success for all our learners.
Kiss and Ride
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.
Please note that the front of the school driveway is designated for school buses only. Please do not drop off students in the bus lane during bus loading or drop off timeframes. Children should not be dropped off or picked up at the front of the school - unless they are late or leaving early.
We thank you for your continued support in making our kiss & ride a safe and effective process.
Allergies/Anaphylactic Shock
As a result of concerns for students with life threatening allergies, families are discouraged from sending peanut butter substitute products to school with their child(ren). The rationale for this is
- If a child with a life-threatening peanut allergy sees it, they may experience anxiety and/or a physical panic reaction as a result of visually seeing the peanut butter substitute product, or at minimum, the child and his/her family members may have safety concerns about the product being in school;
- It can create significant challenges for teachers, and especially students, to identify real peanut butter from the substitute;
- If one student sees another with a peanut butter substitute product, they may believe it is peanut butter, and may take the message home that it is acceptable to bring peanut butter, and may bring their own peanut butter to school as a result; and,
- The presence of a look-alike product can create potential circumstances of bullying/threats toward students with life-threatening peanut allergies.
We are also asking parents not to send food items to school when celebrating your child's birthday. If you would like to send something, please consider alternatives such as pencils, stickers, etc.
We thank you for your continued understanding and support of the safety and well-being of all students.
Storage/Administration of Medication
A reminder that students in grades 1 to 8 are required to provide the office with their epi-pen/puffer. All dispensing of medication (including Tylenol) requires medical permission. Students are not permitted to keep medication including Tylenol in their backpack.
Appropriate Dress - Cold Weather
- winter hat
- mittens/gloves
- scarf/neck warmer
- winter boots
- snow pants (highly recommended for primary and junior students)
- winter jacket
We have a variety of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves available at the office to share with students should they forget these items at home. Students are encouraged to stop by the office to get them as needed.
To be allowed on the field when there is snow:
- K-6 Grades - MUST wear snow pants, snow boots, gloves and a winter jacket. If they are missing any one of these items they are to remain on the asphalt
- 7-8 Grades - MUST wear snow boots and a winter jacket. If they are missing any one of these items they are to remain on the asphalt.
For health and safety reasons, students must wear their indoor shoes while inside the school. Students cannot walk through the school with wet boots or shoes. For their safety and comfort they need to have indoor shoes. Please note that in the event of an emergency evacuation, students will not have the opportunity to put boots on.
Where possible, please put identification on your child’s belongings. Throughout the winter the lost and found box fills up with unidentified clothing.
Winter Weather
During the winter season, the school receives calls from concerned parents as to how we determine when children will or will not be allowed outside for recess. Dufferin‐Peel CDSB Policy uses a Wind Chill factor of ‐20 C (website we use) as the determining temperature. Students will not be sent outside for recess if it is colder than this.
We also receive numerous requests to allow children to remain indoors when students have a cold, flu, etc. Please note that we cannot comply, as we neither have the facilities nor the staff to supervise these students. If your child is not feeling well we encourage you to keep them home to avoid the spread of illness. The expectation is that all children will go outdoors for recess and the lunch break.
Outdoor Play
Snow season is here. Please ensure that your child is properly dressed for outdoor play in winter. It is a school expectation that all students go outside for recess and outdoor learning for exercise and fresh air. If your child is unable to go outside for recess because of illness, please consider keeping them home until they are feeling better.
We would appreciate your support in reinforcing the school rule that all snow stays on the ground. For everyone’s safety we do not allow snowballs, kicking snow, or any other snow\ice activity that could lead to potential harm or injury. Also, no one owns the snow.
Inclement Weather - Bus Cancellations
The present board policy, if school buses are cancelled in a specific zone or in multiple zones, ALL schools in that zone will remain open to students and staff. While students unable to attend in person due to transportation cancellations are not required to access learning materials in the Google Classroom, they can if they choose to. Learning activities posted in Google Classroom specifically for inclement weather days provide opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.
Please note: we are in zone 1.
If there is a full system closure, where all DPCDSB schools and facilities are closed to students and staff, there is no switch to synchronous learning for the day.
Similar to bus cancellation days, students can access learning activities posted in Google Classroom specifically for inclement weather days that provide opportunities for consolidation, curriculum enrichment or practice of skills already taught.
