Divine Mercy Messenger

Principal: S. Viola

Administrative Assistant: R. Panousis

Superintendent of Mississauga West: Peter Cusumano

Catholic School Council Co-chairs 2024-2025: Angela Trewartha & Tannice Ashman

Parish- Merciful Redeemer Pastor: Rev. James (Seamus) Hogan, Associate Pastors: Rev. John Sutka and Rev. Adam Pantaleo

Parish Number 905.812.0030 Parish E-mail: https://mercifulredeemermi.archtoronto.org/

Email: divinemercyinfo@dpcdsb.org
Website: https://www.dpcdsb.org/DMRCY
Location: 2840 Duncairn Dr, Mississauga L5M 5C6
Phone: 905-812-5445
Twitter: @DivineMercyDP

8:15 - 8:30 Open entry (students to use doorway closest to Kiss n' Ride)

8:30- 10:36 Learning Block

10:36 - 10:51 Recess

10:51-11:31 Learning Block

11:31-12:31 Lunch

12:31-1:54 Learning Block

1:54-2:09 Recess

2:09 - 3:00 Learning Block

3:00 Dismissal

Whether it’s a medical appointment, an illness or other important event, there are times when students may need to be away from school. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District school board has introduced a new method for parents to report their child(ren)’s absences. Using the Safe Arrival system, parents are able to report daily or future absences in one of three ways. Please click on the link below for further details.

https://www.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting

Don't Forget to Get yourself set up on School Cash Online as we are no longer able to accept cash payment.

Please feel free to click on the Translate button on the newsletter to choose your language of preference! (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Italian, Vietnamese, Hindi etc.)

Welcome to the start of an exciting new school year! It’s truly a joy to come together again as a community, ready to learn, grow, and support one another. A warm welcome to all families, and a special greeting to those who are new to our Divine Mercy Catholic School community! We are excited to begin another incredible school year together.

A special thank you to our hardworking custodians, Mr.Mekhail, Mr. Decena and Mr. Garcia

— their continued dedication to keeping our school clean, safe and welcoming sets the foundation for everything we do. We appreciate all their hard work throughout the summer months.

Additionally, a sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the staff who have given their time in order to prepare for the arrival of your children. Their passion and care will continue to make our school community vibrant and a place where every student can shine.

Furthermore, I am looking forward to working with Catholic School Council members who always continue to be actively involved in ensuring our school is a remarkable place to work, to learn and to play.

I am also pleased and fortunate to continue to work alongside the Superintendent of Mississauga West, Peter Cusumano. Our superintendent helps to guide and support the great work at Divine Mercy Catholic School.

I'm equally excited to continue working with Father Seamus, the Pastor of Merciful Redeemer, along with the Pastoral team, who will continue to provide our school community with spiritual guidance. I look forward to our collaboration in nurturing the essential partnership between school, home, and parish.

I am looking forward to an exciting year with ample amounts of new learning in the 2025-2026 academic year. Our staff is dedicated and committed to working with our parents, parish, and community partners as they support all children in their quest for a Catholic faith-based education. The journey ahead is filled with new and exciting opportunities, and I look forward to setting new goals and working together toward achieving excellence.

Wishing you many blessings for the 2025-2026 academic year!

Sandra Viola

Principal

Please read the attached information outlining organization planning and combined grades information from the Associate Director of Instructional services, Max Vecchiarino

Heavenly Father,

As we begin this new school year, we come to You with hearts full of hope and anticipation. We thank You for the gift of learning and for the fresh start this new school year brings.

We pray for our students—may they grow in knowledge, character, and confidence. Bless them with curiosity, focus, and perseverance. May they be eager to learn and kind in their words and actions.

We ask Your blessing on our teachers and staff. We grant them wisdom, patience, creativity, as they guide and inspire each child in their care with support and encouragement.

Bless parents and caregivers with peace and confidence as they walk alongside their children, offering love, guidance, and support. Strengthen our families as they support their children’s growth and learning.

We place this year in Your hands, trusting in Your care and guidance each step of the way. May this year be filled with joy, friendship, discovery, and many small successes. Through every challenge, remind us that You walk with us, lighting the way.

Amen

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is providing an opportunity for students to self-identify their First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit ancestry in a voluntary and confidential manner. This program will allow the Board to provide expanded supports, events and opportunities to First Nation, Inuit and Métis students. Indigenous students and families will have access to culture and language programs, funding opportunities through potential scholarships and bursaries, and monthly programming for students and families. Relevant information will be sent directly to students and families about upcoming cultural events and opportunities which help to build community and a sense of Indigenous pride in DPCDSB.

Watch what Indigenous students and family members have to say about their experience:

https://youtu.be/7-fagv-27rQ

• I believe that God is an awesome God
• I believe and have faith in God
• I believe that God is with us always
• I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer
• I believe in the stories of the Bible
• I believe in the stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
• I believe in the Church community, celebrating Mass, and the seven Sacraments
• I believe in forgiveness

Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus.

The virtue of the month of September is faith. Faith is the great virtue of believing in God and trusting that God is with us. A faithful person believes that we are created, guided by and destined to be reunited with God. A faithful person believes that God’s plan for us includes the right to be safe, especially at school.

A Faithful Person...

• Prays regularly and reverently
• Learns from Scripture stories
• Honours people’s God‐ given names
• Assumes that there is good in everyone

A GIANT shout out to last year's Catholic School Council!

Co-chair: Angela Trewartha

Co-chair: Tannice Ashman

Secretary: Tashani Parker

Treasurer: Michelle Ferreira

Parish Representative: Elaine Dantas

OAPCE Representative: Sarah Carson

Teacher Representative: Daniela Letterio

Community Member: Pam Leermakers

Principal: Sandra Viola

Voting members: Paula Mendonca, Lisa Bitonti-Bengert, Deanna Catania, Jessica Clayton, Jonathan Walker, Vivian Correa-Pinto, Pearl Mofunanya

Thank you for your support over the school year, for the programs and events you initiated, and for your commitment to students and student learning. Our school is a great place, and we acknowledge and appreciate the contributions you have made.

The Catholic School Councils provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to discern how their gifts and talents might serve the school community. The purpose of a school council is to, through the active participation of the parents, improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents. In addition to the purpose of school councils as identified in the regulation, the mission of the Catholic School Councils in the DPCDSB is to promote the vision, values, and sacramental life of Catholic practices for the Catholic communities we serve.

If you would like a nomination form, these will be available for pick up in the main office or can be obtained by contacting emailing our school at divinemercyinfo@dpcdsb.org.

If you are interested in holding a position and/or becoming a member of Divine Mercy Catholic School Council, please submit a nomination form to the office by Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 3:00 pm.

Please also note that all Catholic School Council Members must have a valid criminal reference check.

**All parents/guardians are welcome to attend Divine Mercy Catholic School Council meetings.

First Meeting Date: Monday, October 6th from 5:30-6:30 pm-We will hold our Council elections and first meeting.

During these days in the first few weeks of school teachers will focus on topics such as:

• Entry and dismissal routines
• Movement in and around the school
• Transition times
• Using the school washroom, hand-washing, and coughing/ sneezing etiquette
• Eating lunch/ snacks, etc.
• Mental health and well-being check-ins
• Support Diagnostic assessment to plan for intervention to address learning gaps
• Getting to know their learners
• Building a faith-filled community

As we begin a new school year, we would like to inform you that Divine Mercy is an allergen aware school. There are pupils and staff in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as dairy, peanut and nut products. Exposure to even the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen triggers are food, insect stings, medications, and latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from two or more body systems. We would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain nut or nut by products which could potentially harm a pupil. Please make sure that all of your children’s caregivers are aware of the food restrictions. Please do not send food for birthdays or special occasions . We look forward to your co-operation in making this a safe year for all of our pupils

All students who have been diagnosed by a doctor with asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, or seizures must have completed the necessary Plan of Care Forms. These forms only need to be completed once (unless the diagnosis or medication has changed) and they will be stored in your child's OSR. If your child requires an epi pen or puffer and they must carry it on them at all times this must be clearly indicated on the Plan of Care, otherwise it will be stored in the main office. The Authorization for the storage and administration of medication must be completed annually. If your child requires any other type of medicine to be taken during school hours (Advil, Tylenol etc. ) you must complete the Authorization for the storage and administration of medication form and it will be stored in the main office. Please send the required forms and medicine to the main office in a clearly labelled bag

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has developed a Concussion Policy and Guidelines for students who have been diagnosed with a concussion by either a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. School staff cannot diagnose a concussion. Anytime a student reports to the office with a head injury, the parent/guardian will be contacted and the incident will be entered into the school’s “Documentation of Head Injuries” log. This is precautionary only, and we ask that you check your child when he/she gets home for any signs of a concussion or illness. We will also encourage you to go onto our school website, where a brochure containing information about Concussions is provided. Again this is a precautionary measure and for information purposes.

• Please do your best to arrive to school on time! Students arriving late for class in the morning are missing valuable instruction time.
• Please be reminded NOT TO PARK OR STOP your car for an extended period in the Kiss & Ride lane at anytime. Please observe parking signs. Please also do your best to move up in the Kiss & Ride lane to allow for as many cars as possible. If you need to park, then you are able to access our new parking lot.
• Photography while on school property: We discourage photography on school property due to privacy and safety concerns.
• We discourage adults from observing children during lunch and recess play time. We strive to maintain a safe environment at all times for our staff and students.

Arrival

Students will be provided access to the school beginning at 8:15 am each morning. Please note that there is no teacher supervision of students in the school yard prior to this time. Parents are not permitted to enter the school doors with their child(ren). Doors will be locked again after the bell.

The school cannot assume responsibility for private property. Please remind your children that if they are going to ride their bikes to school, to please ensure that they are properly locked in the school bike rack at the front of the school. Students are asked to walk bicycles on

and off school property. Unfortunately, we have no area to lock up skateboards/scooters, so we discourage students from bringing them to school.

Dismissal:

We will be dismissing students at the conclusion of the school day, at 3:00pm. Students will be dismissed in the same area as they entered in the morning. If you have a child in the primary grades, teachers will wait with them until they are directly given to an adult listed on his/ her pick up list. Teachers will be asking parents to inform them of their dismissal plans. If you have an older child, please ensure that they know how they are getting home and with whom. Bus students will begin loading the bus right at the bell.

Make a plan!

It is so important for families to always establish a plan for how children are getting home. Please be sure to share this plan with your child's teacher. If the plan should change, please be sure to let the school know, so we are aware.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and adherence to our Kiss and Ride policies and procedures. Please be reminded NOT TO PARK OR STOP your car for an extended period in the Kiss & Ride lane at anytime. Please also do your best to move up in the Kiss & Ride lane to allow for as many cars as possible. If you need to park, then you are able to access our parking lot.

Although the Kiss and Ride is adjacent to kindergarten classes, parents of our FDK students are still required to park in the parking lot, rather than parking in the 'kiss and ride lane' and walking your child to class which holds up other families.

Thank you for families who continue to make efforts to utilize our crosswalk rather than crossing in front of moving cars which poses a serious safety concern.

All procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all our students and families.

Please be reminded that the front of the school is designated as a “Bus Loading Zone.” Parents/guardians are not permitted to pick up or drop off students in this zone. The safety of our students is our priority. Please drop off or pick up students in the designated school parking lot or the Kiss and Ride area.

It is important that we are able to contact someone in the case of an emergency. Please complete the emergency student verification sheets that will be sent home the first weeks of school. Remember that those people you list as contacts are automatically given permission to pick up your child from school. They are needed in case we cannot contact you. It makes sense to have a relative, neighbour, or friend who lives close to the school and is available during the day to pick up your child in case of illness, concussion, or changes of clothes that may be required

Please ensure that your child arrives at school with all the items they need for the day. We realize that there will be occasions where students forget something at home. You can ring the doorbell outside for the office, and parents/guardians who are dropping off items/lunches for their children will leave at the front table upon entering the school. Please label the item clearly with your child's name and class.

Students and staff are encouraged to be environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of paper and plastic waste from lunches and snacks. Students are reminded that food wrappers should be disposed of before going out onto the yard and to use the classroom garbage cans for any waste. As a result, the teachers will give the students an opportunity to have their snack inside either before or after recess. Snacks are not allowed on the playground.

Please inform your child’s teacher of regular lunch arrangements for your child, using the verification form sent home. Also, for safety reasons, please be advised that a note signed and dated to the classroom teacher must occur each time there is a change in the routine. This is especially important for a child who has permission to leave school property during the noon hour who normally stays for lunch. As a school staff, it is important for us to know each time a child leaves our care at noon hour that permission has been given and that parents know the exact whereabouts of their child(ren).

Divine Mercy will continue Swiss Chalet lunches on Wednesdays. Our School Council will continue to run pizza days on Tuesdays and sub days on Thursdays. Information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Parents will be able to order through cash online.

Students are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle to school for water consumption. The water filling stations are also open and students will be able to refill their water bottles throughout the day. Please clearly label your child's water bottle to avoid confusion with other students.

Children need frequent reminders that name-calling, put-downs and violence are never appropriate responses to disagreements or arguments, regardless of the provocation. Parents are urged to rehearse assertiveness skills with their children such as saying firmly, ― “Please Stop”, “I don’t like it when..” “Leave me alone”

Playground Safety Rules:

* Respect each other by being polite, friendly and co-operative

* Keep hands and feet to yourself

* Allow others to join in your games

* Play fairly and safely

* Play with acceptable toys and equipment

* Respect school property

* Line up quietly when the bell rings

* Avoid conflicts and injuries

* NO standing in the middle or walking through active games

* NO leaving school property

* NO name-calling or making fun of others, using inappropriate language or gestures

* NO fighting, pushing, tripping, lifting, grabbing, body-checking, scratching, pinching, spitting or biting

* NO unsafe or rough games: wrestling, tackling, play fighting

Remember to: THINK before speaking— Is it Thoughtful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has the following policy regarding Personal Electronic Devices in place for all schools.

The Board recognizes the importance of the use of PED’s by students at school and the benefits in their classroom. As part of our policy, students may bring their own device (B.Y.O.D.) for learning purposes. As part of our efforts to promote and maintain a positive Catholic climate in our schools, all PEDs must be kept out of sight, turned off, and not used within school premises or during school-sanctioned activities; unless the classroom teacher grants specific permission for use.

This policy applies to field trips, retreats, sporting events, etc. as well as daily classroom activities. Personal Electronic devices (PEDs) include, but are not limited to cell phones, iPods, iPads, cameras, ...

Please note that it is optional for students to bring their devices to school and it is their responsibility to follow the school and Board policies set out in the “Personal Electronic Device used with Wi-Fi Network Student Agreement.”

To receive updates on whether your child’s bus is running late, please subscribe to STOPR. Access your account HERE

You may contact the Transportation Department via the following contact numbers:

Transportation: 905-890-6000

Special Education Transportation: 905-890- 6362.

You can register and create a account on STOPR website: https://www.stopr.ca/. The STOPR website provides up to date delay and inclement weather cancellation information in addition to policy, procedures and frequently asked questions. Please consider registering for notice of alerts regarding issues such as buses running behind schedule. The STOPR website also allows parents to access information specific to “what school do I attend” and “am I eligible for transportation”. This site also provides parents access to specific bus stop location and pick up and drop off times for their children if eligible for transportation. You can also receive up-to-date information by following STOPR on Twitter @STOPRinfo.

All transported kindergarten and grade 1 students are required to be met by a parent/ caregiver when disembarking from their bus on their return trip from school. Courtesy Seating Requests will be finalized by mid October.

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 their assigned 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.

Divine Mercy staff have already been busily signing up for many clubs/activities/sports that they will continue to dedicate their time and committment to. These extra-curriculars allow for many additional learning opportunities outside the classroom. Stay tuned!!

Please join us on Thursday September 18th, 2025 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. to meet your child's teacher and our staff. More information will follow.

Mark your calendars! The fun and excitement of a Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school!

Divine Mercy’s Book Fair will be opening soon. Preview days for classes, where students will make their wish lists, will officially begin on Friday September 12th and continue over to the next week of Tuesday September 16th and Wednesday September 17th. Students will have the opportunity to buy books during the day on Thursday September 18th and Friday September 19th.

Please join us for our Book Fair Family Event on Thursday September 18th during the Divine Mercy Open House from 5:30pm-7pm. The book fair will end on Friday September 19th.

This will be an excellent opportunity to read new books and support our school!

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on Tuesday, September 30th. Orange Shirt Day is an indigenous led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of 'Every Child Matters.' The orange shirt is a symbol of stripping away culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by indigenous children over generations. Start looking for your orange shirts!

On September 19th we will proudly observe Terry Fox Day, celebrating the incredible legacy of a young man whose courage, determination, and vision continue to inspire generations.

Terry Fox showed us that one person can truly make a difference. Through his Marathon of Hope, he united Canadians around the fight against cancer.

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“Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” – Terry Fox

More information will be coming in the next couple of weeks.

The school is closed to students on Monday September 15th, 2025. Reorganization of classes will occur at this time if needed. Information will be provided to you if classes are impacted. Instruction will resume on Tuesday September 16th.

Monday, September 15th- PA Day: Reorganization

Monday-Friday September 15-19th-Book Fair

Thursday, September 18th-Open House

Friday, September 19th-Terry Fox Walk (More info to follow)

Monday, September 22nd- Opening School Mass

Tuesday, September 30th- Orange Shirt Day