Courageous Cougars Family Monthly

2025 2026 School Year Calendar.pdf

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Moving?

We ask any family who will be moving out of the area for the 2025- 2026 school year to please notify the office in writing. We will be projecting student enrollment for September 2025 and having this information assists us in being more accurate with our projection. Your assistance with this information is greatly appreciated as school organization changes with enrollment at each grade level. Please contact the school to inform us of your leaving.

Lost and Found Items!

Please encourage your child to check the LOST & FOUND in our school. There are sweaters, shoes, hats, and more... Students will have until June 24th to collect any belongings.

Edwin Chromebook Collection

CCCC Parent Guardian Letter - Spring 2025 (1).pdf

CCCC Survey Flyer Link to Student Dashboard (1).pdf

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Medical Reminders:

Tick Awareness

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 attached fact sheet 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 the school.

MOH Fact Sheet Ticks and Lyme Disease (2).pdf

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PEDICULOSIS: HEAD LICE

At different times throughout the year, especially in the winter when students are wearing hats and hoodies, schools experience an increase in the number of cases of head lice. In an effort to be proactive, we ask that your child’s hair be checked periodically to ensure that they do not have head lice. Should you discover the presence of lice or nits, we would appreciate being informed. Helpful information can also be obtained from a pharmacist or the local Public Health Department. Click Here for Peel Health Information Pediculosis (head lice) is spread only by direct contact with a `case', often through the sharing of combs and brushes, exchanging of hats, etc. Please help us instruct students regarding prevention.

Peel Public Health Memo: Lice/Head Nits/Pediculosis

Region of Peel Public Health supports the Canadian Paediatric Society's (CPS) position that there is no sound medical rationale to support exclusion of students with head lice from school. Children with head lice should be treated and can attend school.

Peel Public Health does not allow it’s public health nurses to visit schools and provide such services like screening for lice. Further to this, Peel Public Health does not provide recommendations for external services.

CPS further recommends that:

Treatment should be recommended, and close head-to-head contact should be discouraged pending treatment.
Families of children in a classroom where a case of active head lice has been detected should be notified and informed about proper diagnosis, and prevention.

To read the Canadian Paediatric Society's position statement on head lice, please visit: http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/head-lice.

Please visit: Head lice | Caring for kids (cps.ca) for additional information on head lice.

Allergies

As we begin a new school year, we would like to inform you that St. Clare 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 at St. Clare would appreciate the cooperation of the entire school community by NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain nut or nut byproducts including peanut butter alternatives (i.e. WowButter), or other products containing nuts or nut oils (i.e., Nutella). If a student who has such an allergy comes into contact with anything containing peanuts, nuts, nut oils or derivatives, it could be life threatening. Some students have such a severe allergy that only the smell of the allergen may cause a reaction. Your child’s teacher will inform you of any class specific allergy concerns 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. If you have any questions, please talk to your child’s teacher or the school staff. We look forward to your co-operation in making this a safe year for all of our pupils.

School Allergy Awareness Letter (1).pdf

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Medical Conditions

If your child has a medical condition, please ensure that the school is aware of it by submitting the proper forms and medication as soon as possible. If you did not receive the necessary forms in June, kindly please contact the office.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all medications and forms are updated for any student who requires medication to be administered at school. If your child requires medication, please have the necessary forms completed and return them, along with any medication, to the office as soon as possible.

Please remember to check the expiry dates of all medication before bringing them to school.

Medication that is sent to school without the proper documentation will not be stored or dispensed by school personnel. This also applies to over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, cough medicine, Benadryl, and allergy medications.

All medication with the exception for Kindergarten or students who carry their medication (ie. fanny pack) will be stored centrally in the school office. Kindergarten student medication will be stored in their classrooms for accessibility. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.

Concussions and Head Injuries

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 encourage you to click on the Concussion Resources button below which will take you directly to the board website for further information. Again this is a precautionary measure and for information purposes.

Code of Conduct for Parents

Concussion Resources

St. Clare 2024-25 Hot Weather Plan

Hot Weather Plan_CLARE 2024-25 RRC.pdf

extreme-heat-brochure-keep-children-cool-en.pdf

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Dress Code Policy

COMMUNITY INFORMATION BULLETIN Students Dress Code April 15 2024 (1).pdf

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Year-End Student Expectations - Message from DPCDSB Communications

End of the school year and graduation for senior students are events to be celebrated and enjoyed by students, families and staff alike. Indeed, this is true for students, families and staff in any grade. Unfortunately, this time of year can also prompt incidents of unsafe behaviour, acts of vandalism and “threats” characterized as “grad pranks” or “year-end pranks.” DPCDSB is requesting your help in ensuring that your child is aware that unsafe and unacceptable behaviours can have serious consequences.

We do not condone:

· Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, threat(s) or intimidation;

· Violence of any form;

· Verbal, physical or sexual abuse;

· Discrimination in any form;

· Inhumane treatment of animals;

· Theft;

· Unsafe or dangerous activities;

· Vandalism;

· Possession or use of intoxicating or banned substances;

· Possession or use of weapons (or replica weapons).

Individuals involved in these types of activities may be subject to criminal charges and school consequences, including losing the privilege to attend extra-curricular events such as the graduation ceremony.

Our Catholic Code of Conduct clearly outlines our expectations for all students and we hope that this will provide some guidance for anyone contemplating such activity, which often has an impact on the entire school community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter as we work together to ensure that our young people experience a safe and healthy conclusion to the 2024-25 school year.

Bike to School Week 2025 Flyer.pdf

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Elementary Summer Camps and Programs

2025 FonY Summer Campers Save The Date TBA.pdf

ELSNP Save the Date Poster V2 Final.pdf

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Secondary Summer School (Grade 8 transitioning to Grade 9)

Adult and Continuing Education invites Grade 8 students to enroll in one of several fantastic Secondary courses offered this summer. The courses are open level courses (open to all DP students).

The program is credit bearing and fast paced.

Courses, dates, locations and times are in the flyer.

Students have to commit to the full program…no holidays.

Registration closed June 11, 2025

V3 Information Sheet_Secondary Summer School 2025.pdf

First Time Rider Save-the-Date memo and flyer 2025-26.pdf

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DPCDSB offers the full-day Kindergarten program in 125 Catholic elementary schools in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Bolton and Orangeville. Elementary school admissions are open to Catholic children and children of Catholic parents. Kindergarten students must be at least 4 years of age by December 31 of the school year for which they are registering.

NOTICES

All elementary schools are currently accepting new online registrations for 2024-2025 ad 2025-2026 unless specified below.
St. Sofia Catholic Elementary School: Similar to 2024-2025, enrolment at St. Sofia is paused for the 2025-2026 school year except for new Junior Kindergarten (JK) students. A cap of 60 students has been set for new JK students registering for September 2025.
For information about Kindergarten Registration for the St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre, visit the St. James C.E.S. website.
To find out which Catholic school is in your area, use the Peel Region and Dufferin County Find My School tools or contact the Planning Department at 905-890-0708 ext. 24440
If you are applying for admissions under 'Flexible Boundaries', please contact the school office directly.
Elementary Student Transfer Request Form (for current DPCDSB students)
Entry Planning Form for Students with Differing Abilities Form
Completion of this form should only be done after parents/guardians have completed the online registration process. This form should only be completed for students who have higher needs (e.g. a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, medical needs, needs requiring equipment or specialized services, speech, vision or hearing needs, etc.)
Region of Peel Public Health Resource: Building a Healthy School Environment - For Families Registering Their Children for Kindergarten

For more information about admissions and requirements, parents/guardians should contact their school directly or the Admissions Department at 905-890-1221 or admissions@dpcdsb.org.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Create an account on the Online Application System.
How to Create an Account: Quick Reference Guide
Once you have created an account, complete and submit the Online Application Form.
How to Register Online: Quick Reference Guide
Receive email confirmation acknowledging receipt of the online Application Form with further instructions if supporting documentation was not submitted online. (See below for a complete list).
Entry Planning Form for Students with Differing Abilities
Completion of this form should only be done after parents/guardians have completed the online registration process. This form should only be completed for students who have higher needs (e.g. a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, medical needs, needs requiring equipment or specialized services, speech, vision or hearing needs, etc.)

For those without online access, printed copies of the Registration Form are available in the school office. You may also download the Printable Registration Form.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

The following documents are required to complete the registration process. All documents MUST be submitted in English and be originals:

Proof of age of the child
Birth certificate or passport.

Original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate
Students registering in DPCDSB elementary schools and/or their parents/guardians, must provide the following:
- an original Roman Catholic baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian), or;
- an original baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) from a church that is in communion with the Holy See of Rome, or;
- an original baptismal certificate (for child and/or parent/guardian) from an Eastern Catholic Church (St. Sofia).

Updated immunization records
Report your child's immunizations to Region of Peel Public Health or Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health online and give the reference number to your child's school when registering.

Proof of Canadian citizenship
Birth certificate, passport or permanent resident status.

Proof of home address/Emergency rural address numbers
Two of the following: property tax bill, current utility bill, electronic bill, real estate document or Government of Canada issued forms. On a case-by-case basis, consideration for any special circumstance shall go through the respective Superintendent or Admissions Officer. If the lease agreement is the sole documentation and not a standard lease form, it should be notarized/Commissioner of Oath.

Proof of English Separate School Support
May be done at the time of registration by completing an Application for the Direction of School Support and/or a Separate School Lease Agreement (Peel or Dufferin). Learn More: Direction of School Support

Link: KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM INFORMATION

How to Access Your Transportation Information

Bus Safety

Bus safety

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.

Date: January 15, 2025

From: Student Transportation of Peel Region

Re: First Time Rider Save-the-Date

Attached is transportation safety training information for parents of newly enrolled kindergarten students at your school.

The "Save The Date" memo explains the First Time Rider Safety Program that will take place on Saturday August 23, 2025.

The First Time Rider Safety Program flyer as well as additional safety information can also be found on our website at www.stopr.ca

If parents of newly enrolled kindergarten students, or other parents of primary aged students have questions about transportation safety training, please refer them to the attached document and the STOPR website at www.stopr.ca

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MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND EBIKES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Other Safety Reminders

Parents, please refrain from using the staff parking lot during AM or PM drop off
Parents parking there during dismissal must wait until the Kiss 'n' Ride lanes are empty and school buses/Afterschool Vans have left
Please do not bring your pets (dogs) onto school property
Please do not enter into the playground pavement area during morning drop off. Please remain along the perimeter in the morning. The field is closed to students in the morning. Parents may stay along the public path or walkways. It is important for staff on duty to have a clear sightling of the children they are supervising. Student safety is paramount. Thank you for your understanding.
Parents, please do not walk your child into the classrooms, including Kindergarten families.
Parents, please refrain from partaking in conversations with teachers/ERWs while on duty in the morning (8:15-8:30). The staff are on duty, and it is important that they are circulating and supervising outdoors.

Fire Drills and Lockdown Practice

During the school year we will be rehearsing and will continue to rehearse with students a number of emergency response situations including lock down and fire drills. All schools are required by Board policy to practice these procedures throughout the year. We have these ‘practice drills’ for precautionary purposes only so that in the event of an actual emergency, students will be prepared to respond in a safe and responsible manner. We will also be practicing a Lockdown drill. During this drill, the outer doors will be locked and the office will be unavailable during the time of the drill. No one will be allowed to enter or exit during the drill while the emergency protocol is being followed. The day will continue as normal following the drill. Dates for lockdown and fire drills are posted in our "Upcoming Events" section.

Thank you for your patience.

Kiss and Ride Reminders

The Kiss n’ Ride program is available to provide the convenience and safety for our students and parents driving to our school. Please take a moment to review the following procedures to ensure safety for all students and parents using Kiss N’ Ride.

1. NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE.

Kiss and Ride lanes are to be “moving lane ways”, not parking spots. This ensures that emergency vehicles or buses may enter the school. Please do not leave your vehicle at anytime. If you need to directly drop off your child, please park your car. For safety reasons, have the children exit the car from the passenger side of the vehicle only. If they are unable to do this without your help, you must park your car and walk your child in.

2. DO NOT drop your child(ren) off in the bus loading zone or in the bus lane, only in the DRIVETHRU lane

3.Teach your child to watch for buses in the bus lane, before they cross into the lane and on to the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, they can walk along the sidewalk to the back of the schoolyard.

4. Students walking and using the crosswalk, need to respect the crossing guard on duty. Running across Glen Erin Drive is never allowed and is dangerous. Please use the tunnel.

5. PLEASE CONTROL YOUR SPEED.

Kiss and Ride is the type of environment where students behave unpredictably and could quickly ‘pop out’ in front of you. Please give yourself the greatest chance of avoiding an accident. We are all working together to minimize risks to our children. Please remember that the driveway is a one way only. Please follow the signs to ensure that safety for all students and family.

We want to ensure the safety of all students at all times. Please drive slowly. Thank you for your continued cooperation. Please feel free to direct any questions or safety concerns to Mrs. Rodrigues-Coelho.

School Volunteers:

Just a reminder that if you are interested in volunteering within the school in any capacity, including field trips, student support, Catholic School Council member, etc., a Valid Criminal Reference Check (CRC), with Vulnerable Sector and Local Records Check is required. Due to COVID closures and not having volunteers in the schools for multiple years, many of our filed CRC and CRC Annual Declarations have lapsed. Therefore, we would like to begin now for any possible volunteer opportunities that may arise this year. 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. Therefore, we are asking all parents that if you feel that you may be interested in volunteering in any capacity in the school this year, it may be best to start the process now.

Come by the office for a Volunteer Letter from the school before you apply!

Thank you for all your ongoing support and we look forward to having many volunteer opportunities in the school this year.

Attendance Verification

It is important for students to be at school on time and ready to work. When students are late they miss important information and routines. We realize that throughout the year there will be times that your child will be away from school.

SafeArrival is an application within SchoolMessenger that will allow parents/guardians to report their children’s absences in one of the following three ways:

SchoolMessenger App
SchoolMessenger website https://go.schoolmessenger.ca
Toll Free number 1-844-435-3440

What is SafeArrival:

SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety.
It supports school staff to follow up on unexcused absences.
It allows parents and/or guardians to notify the school in advance about an upcoming absence.

Benefits:

Better Attendance Management for Enhanced Student Safety
Faster and Easier Attendance Management
Simplified Parent Reporting Tools
Accessible, Convenient and Secure
Automated Key Tasks With SafeArrival Administrative Tools

In the event that your child is late or absent, please use one of the three ways to access Safe Arrival.

Students who arrive late to school must proceed to the office to get a late slip.

Child Safety

The Child and Family Services Act compels educators to report any issues that may compromise a child's welfare. If a staff member suspects any issue that may affect a child's safety, then Children's Aid Society (CAS) must be contacted. It is our Legal Obligation as employees of the school to report any suspicions directly to the Children’s Aid Society. It is not the role of educators to investigate. That is CAS' role. CAS, not the school, informs parents directly of the issue.

Personal Electronic Devices (PEDS)

The Board recognizes the importance of the use of PEDs by students at school and that students can benefit from their use in the classroom. Students can bring their own devices (B.Y.O.D.) for learning purposes. Please note, it is optional for students to bring their devices to school. Students shall care for, maintain and secure their personal devices at all times and recognize that the Board is not responsible for the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged items. In alignment with Ministry guidelines and board policies, PED's must be "out of sight" and powered off or on silent for the entire instructional day (grades K-6) or during instructional periods (grades 7-12), exceptions for medical, health, to support special needs or for educational purposes with explicit permission. Please do not text, or call your child during the school day on their personal device. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please contact the school by phone.

Lunches

Students will eat lunch in their classes and are encouraged to bring water bottles to school. These water bottles can be refilled at our water bottle refill stations. Students should bring to school a packed lunch each day to limit the amount of visitors in the building. In the event that a student forgets a lunch, a parent/guardian will be contacted. Students will be allowed to go home for lunch. If you choose to have your child go home for lunch on a daily basis, please notify the school or let your child's teacher know. If your child is to go home on an occasional basis, a written note or email must be provided to the office for each occasion. Unfortunately verbal permission will not be honoured.

St. Clare Snack Shack & Nutrition Program

For more information about our St. Clare Snack Shack and Nutrition Program please review the attached information letter and permission form.

To make a donation to our YMCA Peel Student Nutrition Program click HERE

St. Clare Snack Shack Permission Form (1).pdf