St. Christopher School

1195 Clarkson Road North

Mississauga ON, L5J 2W1

905 822-0721

Email: St.ChristopherInfo@dpcdsb.org

Principal - I. Sauve

Vice Principal - L. Sasso

Secretary -T. Lanceta

Trustee - Lucita Gonsalves (Mississauga Ward 2)

Superintendent - D. Radic

Parish - St. Christopher's Parish

Priest-Fr. Steven Kwon

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

telephone: 905.822.1171

email:stchristophersmi@archtoronto.org

Heavenly Father,

As we journey through the month of November, we thank You for the gift of conscience, Your voice within our hearts that guides us to choose what is good, right, and loving. Help us to listen carefully to Your call and to make decisions rooted in the Gospel values of kindness, honesty, justice, and compassion.

May our students grow as responsible citizens and caring family members, recognizing the dignity of every person and accepting responsibility for their actions. Give us the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult, and the wisdom to reflect Your love in our words and deeds each day.

As we remember and pray for all those who have gone before us, may their example of faith inspire us to live as disciples of Christ, bringing hope, peace, and goodness to our school, our families, and our community.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

"Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people." (Acts 24:16)

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 :00am to 8 :15 am.

School finishes at 2 :45pm

In November we celebrate the virtue of Conscience:

God helps us to choose to be good people.

A person of of conscience...

• chooses to do the right thing, even when it is hard
• takes time to think and pray before making decisions
• knows that their actions and decisions affect all those around them
• thinks of others before themselves

CONSCIENCE is the voice of God within us. As you develop your conscience, you will learn to make decisions that will make sure you will always have love in your life. Our conscience reminds us how to act towards other people and how to be a good friend. Sometimes it is hard for us to do the right thing, but we must always remember that the right thing is not always the easy thing to do.

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us.”

(Letter on the Jubilee Year of Hope, February 11, 2022)

The theme chosen for the upcoming 2027 Catholic Education Week is: Becoming Artisans of Peace.

Catholic Education Week will run from May 2-7, 2027

We are happy to announce that our Youth Faith Ambassadors, led by Mrs. Dewsnap have begun to raise awareness regarding this very important theme, through weekly announcements about how to become Artisans of Peace. We look forward to learning more as the weeks ndmoths progress.

As a Catholic school community, we celebrate All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). All Saints’ Day is a time to honour the saints, who lived lives of faith, love, and service to God. Their examples inspire us to follow Christ in our daily lives. On All Souls’ Day, we remember and pray for our deceased family members, friends, and all the faithful departed, entrusting them to God’s loving mercy. During this month of remembrance, may we find comfort in the hope of the Resurrection and continue to grow as people of faith, compassion, and gratitude.

On November 11, we pause to honour and remember the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. As a Catholic school community, we pray for peace in our world and give thanks for those who worked to defend the dignity, freedom, and well-being of others. Through prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness, may we be inspired to become peacemakers in our homes, school, and community, following Christ's example of love, justice, and service.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

We will have a Remembrance Day Liturgy at 10:15, led by Mrs. Smerilli and Mrs. McNeilly's classes. Parents are welcome to join us.

Progress Reports will be emailed on Tuesday November 17, 2026. Progress Interviews will take place as needed, the evening of Thursday November 19, 2026.

Friday November 27, 2026 is a PD Day for elementary schools. There will be no school for students on this day. Enjoy your long weekend!

• Families interested in the Extended French Program are invited to attend a school-based Parent Information Night. This year, information sessions will be hosted by individual schools, allowing families to receive program information that is specific to their local school community.

• Parents interested in applying for Extended French should note that the Extended French application window opens on November 25, 2026. Information Nights will take place before applications open to help families learn more about the program and the application process.

Please remember that from 8: 00 a.m. to 3 :00 p.m. 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.

As we have done so generously in previous years, we are asking our St. Christopher School Families to support families in our community who are in need. This year, we are continuing this wonderful tradition through our St. Christopher

“Families Helping Families” Angel Giving Tree.

We are collecting Gift Cards to help spread the magic of the Advent and Christmas Season. This is how the magic will work:

Friday, November 20th: this letter goes home to each child

Thursday, November 25th: return the form, indicating how many angels you would like and your child will bring home the angels that lists a gift card from a local store for our families in need.

Monday, December 7th: Please have your child bring the labelled gift cards back to school with the angel attached.

Angels may include information about gender and age of (when available) to help guide you in selecting the right gift card. Suggestions have been provided below:

WalMart, H&M, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Metro/Food Basics, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Amazon etc.

Please indicate the amount on the card and add the receipt.

This is such a wonderful opportunity for our children to experience the true Spirit of Christmas by giving to families in need. Please connect with the office if you have any concerns or questions.

Sabrina’s Law is an Act to protect anaphylactic pupils in publiclyfunded schools in Ontario. Named “Sabrina’s Law” in honour of anOntario student who died following an anaphylactic reaction in2003, this law requires that every school board establish andmaintain 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 soonas possible. It is essential that the information you provide us withis accurate and up-to-date. There are various forms which need tobe completed by you and your family doctor if it is necessary to store and dispense an EPI-pen orany 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’sclass directly, we require your continued cooperation in sending foods to school with your childthat

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 orpeanuts. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your support in making our school a safer environment for all.

• When arriving by car, please enter the school grounds by the entrance on Clarkson Road (adjacent to the church, where the school sign is located). Drive up the driveway and left at the stop sign (Please DO NOT drop off your child here)
• Continue driving to the Kiss & Ride Lane, following the direction of Staff on duty. Three vehicles can fit safely in the Kiss & Ride Lane. All other vehicles, please wait patiently until you are signaled by the staff member on duty to pull up to the Kiss &Ride area to drop off your child.
• Once in the Kiss & Ride Lane, your child (ren) MUST be able exit the vehicle independently from the passenger side of the vehicle. Please note that parents/guardians cannot park in the Kiss& Ride Lane or exit their vehicle to assist their child (ren) out of vehicle. If you child cannot exit the vehicle independently, then kindly park your vehicle in the church parking lot and assist your child there, then walk to the school crosswalk by the Kiss & Ride and release your child there.

Driving in and parking your vehicle to drop off your child(ren)

If you are intending to walk your child from your parked car, please follow the following procedures:

• Enter the parking lot of the church or the school driveway and park in the designated parking spots in the church parking lot.
• Do not park in any spots with a pylon.
• Walk your child to the Crosswalk area that joins the church and the school. You will see a staff member on duty with a stop sign and wearing a safety vest. Please follow the directions of the staff member at this crosswalk.

• Parents/Guardians are not to cross in the middle of the live Kiss & Ride Lane or Drive Thru lane as it is unsafe.
• Walk your child to the crosswalk and they can independently cross under the supervision of the staff member on duty.
• If you do decide to accompany your child across the crosswalk to the school side, please note you can only go as far as the Kiss & Ride sidewalk area. All other areas are for buses, students and staff only.

Picking up your child at Dismissal:

Follow the same procedures for Kiss & Ride arrivals.

• If parking your car, then follow the same procedures and then after exiting your vehicle, parents/guardians can wait where the pylons are until students are dismissed by a staff member to cross the crosswalk area.
• To avoid congestion, please do not cross the crosswalk to the school side. Your child’s teacher will ensure that your child is released to you once they see you waiting on the pylon side of the parking lot.

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.

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 inhalers 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).

Students should not be self-administering medication (i.e.: Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, cough syrup, eye drops. etc.) at school. For all non-prescription medication, at GF 035 must be completed and sent to the school.

The Graduate is expected to be:

• 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.

Here is our CSC Executive for 2026-27:

• CSC Co-Chairs: Meagan Ferreira & Molly MacInnis
• Secretary: Stella Bou-Younes
• Treasurer: Angela Maniccia
• Parish Rep: Fofi Do Carmo
• OAPCE Rep: Ada Vrana
• Community Rep 1:Lauren Hugh Pease
• Community Rep 2: Lucia Pierro
• Teacher Rep: Carrie Buday
• Non-Teaching Rep: Trisha Lanceta

Meeting dates for the new year:

• October 22, 2026
• February 18, 2027
• April 15, 2027
• June 17, 2027

All meetings will begin at 5:30pm and held in the library.

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 fi le, 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 (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 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.

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.

Emergency response procedures in the event of a fire, bomb threat, serious accident/injury or an intruder have been established and are revised on an ongoing basis. Each school within the DPCDSB is required to hold 9 emergency procedure drills over the course of the year.

These drills consist of three fire drills per term, one lockdown drill per term, and 1 hold and secure drill per year. During these drills staff review all emergency procedures with students to ensure all children are safe in the event of a real emergency.

In the event that it is necessary to evacuate the school, our site for relocation is

St. Christopher Church : 1171 Clarkson Road North

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. Once you are registered, please follow the Password Reset Instructions

The 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, 2024.

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 dpcdsb.org or call DPCDSB’s Admissions Department at 905-890-1221.

To reduce the handling of cash, St. Christopher will continue to use and promote the School Cash Online Payment System. The Online Payment System is a secure and electronic method to pay for school related fees.

Elementary International and Indigenous Languages are available for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. No prior language experience is necessary. International and Indigenous Languages programs comply with the Ministry of Education curriculum and will be of interest to students who wish to preserve their language and cultural heritage and also to those who wish to study the language and heritage of another culture. Students attending schools outside of the DPCDSB may also register for these programs.

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

November 2026:

1-All Saints Day

2-All Souls Day

Picture Retake Day

5-Bus Safety Presentations

6-Brave Presentations

6-12- Treaties Recognition Week

11 - Remembrance Day

16-20-Bullying Awareness and Prevention Spirit Week

• Monday: Team Jersey/Team Colours Day – We are all part of the St. Christopher Team!

• Tuesday: Bright Colours Day – Show you care, genuinely compliment others today!

• Wednesday: BEE Kind Day – Wear black & yellow, make kind compliments your focus today!

• Thursday: Hero Day – Dress like the person you most admire!

• Friday: Comfy Cozy Day – Put bullying to rest by wearing your comfy cozy PJs! Terry Fox Reward Day

17- Progress Reports sent home

19- Progress Interviews (if required)

Rosary Apostolate Visit

23-29 - Canada History Week (National)
23 - World Youth Day

27 - PA Day (Elementary Schools)

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 uses School Messenger's Safe Arrival system for parents to report their child(ren)’s absences. Using the SafeArrival system, parents will be able to report daily or future absences in one of three ways:

Web:

1. Go to the SafeArrival website at go.schoolmessenger.ca
2. Select Sign Up to create your account. (Only needed for the initial setup, after that you will click on login).
3. Select Attendance.
4. Select Report an Absence.

App:

1. Download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Please note that SafeArrival uses the SchoolMessenger app.
2. Select Sign-Up. (Only needed for the initial setup, after that you will click on login).
3. You will be prompted to enter your email (same email address your school has on file) and create a password.
4. The system will send a link to the same email address the school has on file, please click on the link you have received in your email to activate your account.

Phone:

1. Call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440
2. Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence.
3. If the system doesn’t recognize your caller ID, you will be asked to enter the student’s home phone number or any phone number for the guardian that is on file with the school.

Parent Notification of Unexplained Student Absences

Elementary Schools: If your child's absence is not reported in advance, the SafeArrival automated notification system will contact you by email / text (SMS) / phone to inform you of your child's absence and will provide an opportunity to verify the absence. By reporting your child's absence in advance on the SafeArrival SchoolMessenger mobile app, SafeArrival website (go.schoolmessenger.ca) or 1-844-435-3440 (toll-free number), you will not receive a notification.

How to Create a SchoolMessenger Account:

1. Click on the Apple App Store or Google Play icon.
2. Enter SchoolMessenger in the Search bar and click 'Get" or "Install" to download the App
3. Once installed click 'Open'
4. Click 'sign up' to setup your account
5. Enter the email address you have on file with your child's school
• Create a password using at least 6 characters, including one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and one number
• Set the location to Canada
• Click the 'sign up' button
6. Open your email and click on the link provided to complete the registration process
7. Login with your email address and the password you just created and make sure the location is still set to Canada

How to Report an Absence Using the SchoolMessenger App:

1. Open SchoolMessenger
2. Login to your account with your email and password
3. Click the menu icon at the top left (three horizontal lines) and select 'Attendance'
4. Click the plus sign beside 'Report an Absence' at the bottom right
5. Select your child's name
6. Select the type of absence you would like to report
7. Check a box for the reason for your child's absence
8. Select the date of absence (and expected time of arrival if reporting a late arrival), then click 'Send'
9. Once sent, the reported absence will appear under 'Attendance' for your child.