February 2015
TCDSB
www.tcdsb.org The Voice of Holy Angels 65 Jutland Road, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 2G6
Phone: 416 393-5329; Fax: 416 393-5437
Principal: Ms. Laurie Levay Admin. Office Assistant: Mrs. Cathy Galati; Clerk Typist: Carole Mills
Doug Yack Superintendent- Area 2, 416-222-8282; Mrs. Ann Andrachuk, Trustee WARD 2; Pastor of Holy Angels Church: Fr. Peter Gioppato Tel: 416 255-1691
Principal’s Message
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It
does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in
wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all
things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to
an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. But
now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:4-8
God’s love is always at the centre of all that we do.
Our faith community at Holy Angels School continues to demonstrate God’s love in all that we
do. During the month of December, our Me to We/student council group raised over $2200.00
with our We are Rafikki bracelet and We Bake for Change Campaign.
Thank you to: Mrs. Kotanidis, Mrs. Viana and Mrs. Pavlesen for sharing your baking talents with
our students to make this campaign such a success. On January 21st, a team from the school
board visited our school for a district review with our teachers visiting our classes and talking to
our students about their learning. I was never so proud of our students and the teacher’s efforts.
The entire team had nothing but accolades for all our efforts with 21 century learning principles,
learning goals and success criteria goals. Holy Angels School is vibrant and dynamic learning com-
munity thanks to all the efforts of our partners rooted in love. We have much to be proud of !!
Here are some of the comments shared by the team:
“Your staff was open, warm, genuine and giving.” “Kids were amazing.”
“What a great school you have, thoroughly enjoyed my visit and l learned so much.”
“You have an amazing community of staff and students at Holy Angels….I loved what I saw and
want to implement its use in my schools.”
Bucket Fillers
The bucketfilling concept, like the brain graphic below, is both simple and profound. It's simple enough for a child to understand and profound enough to be life altering. We use this graphic in our Bucket Fillers' presentations to illustrate how human brains are wired and why we feel, think, and act as we do. It also illustrates why we dip
buckets and need our lids.
Notice that the roads go both ways. Sensory information comes in from the outside world through the spinal cord, reaches the mid-brain "feeling" center first, and then continues on to the frontal "thinking" center. Yes, we feel before we think. If the input triggers a strong, fearful feeling, it can shoot back an immediate response for action without any thought involved. This quick response is
known as the "fight-or-flight" response.
If the information moves past the feeling center, it depends which road is more devel-oped as to which path it travels to the thinking center. The HIGH ROAD is the bucketfilling, problem-solving, solution-seeking road which leads to more happiness. The LOW ROAD is the bucketdipping, blaming, criticizing, "poor -me" road. The low road is more automatic, often pre-programmed, and habit forming. Both roads between thoughts and feelings go back and forth. Positive thoughts fuel positive emotions and more happiness. Negative thoughts fuel negative emotions. The good news? With awareness and training, we can change roads. (taken from Bucketfillers101.com)
Curriculum, Learning and Administration.
Page 2 The Voice of Holy Angels
CSAC News
The next CSAC meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 7PM in the staffroom and every
third Tuesday of the Month. Please check the portal for minutes of the month meetings.
Agendas will be posted on the portal 5 days prior to the meeting. http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/holyangels/Pages/
default.aspx
CSAC continues to work hard to raise funds to enrich our school programs, please see the list below for infor-mation on upcoming/ongoing fundraising activities:
Pizza Program – weekly, $2.50/slice Popcorn Program – weekly, $2.00/bag
Hot Lunch Program – Bi-weekly, approx. $6 lunch Spring Fling Family Dance (May 8th) - Ticket prices $30/adult, $20/child
Student Council Events: Hamburger Days-March to June, Pancake Tuesday lunch-February
Me to We Charity: Monthly Donation for Goat Project –dress down days
Please note!
Tuesday February 10th , 2015
Reports go home
Friday, February 13th, 2015
P.A. Day
Monday, February 16th, 2015
Family Day Holiday
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 AM Njacko Backo "African Voyages Africains" performance K-3 and Gr.4-8 in
AM
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 AM Wear Red and White - non-uniform day
- outdoor Carnaval games in AM
PM Bonhomme calling and winter dressing competitions in PM,
Bonhomme guess winner announced
Carnaval 2015 is coming to Holy Angels!!
Thank you to Mlle Kouzela, Mlle Italiano and the student council for their assistance in organizing this fun
week.
BINGO will be played school-wide over the announcements from Monday, February 2nd to Friday, February 6th.
Jr. Soccer Tournaments
On January 21st and 22nd, the Jr. Boys’ and Girls’ soccer teams competed in their divisional tournaments at Holy Angels School. Both teams went undefeated with no goals against all tournament on way to capture the championship pennants. Congratulations!!
A special thanks to Camryn H and Noah M for officiating both tournaments.
As well to Andrea, Luke, Skylar, Juliana and Sierra for time keeping and score keeping. A very big thank you to Mr. Scott for convening and coaching the teams and Mr. Fiorvanti for assisting.
Jr. Boys Jr. Girls
Evan M
Evan H
Luka P
Samuel R
Nicholas C
Sebastian T
Constantinos T
Gabriel R
Justin K
William M
Stanislav K
Dante C
Venessa B
Hope A
Cassandra H
Amanda M
Charlotte J
Megan I
Nicole M
Madison C
Reese D
Maya R
Monthly Update from the Board February 2015
Information About School Bus Delays
Traffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly
true during the winter months when snow and ice can be a major factor.
The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide information about school bus delays digitally through their
website at http://www.torontoschoolbus.org/
Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus routes that are being impacted.
Director’s Annual Report The Annual Report for the 2013-2014 academic year has been uploaded to the board’s web-
site. You can view the interactive presentation, or simply download a pdf of the highlights. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/
BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/Annual-Report-2013-2014.aspx
Policy Consultation Extended to February 6th The deadline for consultation regarding the draft CSAC Policy
and the draft Policy on Secondary School Admission has been extended to February 6th.
http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/consultation-csac-and-admissions-policies.aspx
February 9th – 13th is “Believe in Angels Week”
TCDSB staff, students and parents are invited to celebrate the work of The Angel Foundation for Learning and the
specific ways it supports our students. In this Year of Charity and in honour of “Believe in Angels Week”, schools are
encouraged to participate in a TCDSB Board-Wide Civvies Day on Thursday, February 12th.
February is Psychology Month http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/february-is-psychology-month.aspx
February is also African Canadian Heritage Month
www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx
CSAC Training Session-- February 4, 2015 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Understanding Sub-Committee: why have them? who can be a member? establishing terms of reference
--with Keynote Speaker: Jo-Ann Davis, Trustee Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East
Interactive Family Math Night
A fun and informative evening of math activities designed to remove intimidation for parents and encourage family involvement in
the application of math in everyday challenges.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, 3200 Kennedy Road, Scarborough
Families from across the TCDSB are welcome to attend. http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/News/Pages/Interactive-Family-Math-Night.aspx
Registration: https://ww.surveymonkey.com/s/mathevent
Information Meeting for Parents-- Monday, February 23, 2015 7:00 pm
Exploring Elementary Full-Time/Congregated Gifted Programs
Catholic Education Centre (CEC) 80 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, Underground parking is available
http://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/gifted/pages/default.aspx
CPIC Speaker Series with Cardinal Thomas Collins February 24, 2015 7:00 p.m.
Mass and keynote presentation on home, school parish connection Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, 36 Greenfield Avenue, North York
http://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/news%20and%20events/pages/cpic-speaker-series--cardinal-collins.aspx
Chesterton Debate Series-- Friday, February 27, 2015, 7:00 p.m. God’s Politics: A Debate on Religion Role in Political Life
Location: Isabel Bader Theater - University of Toronto, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto
Details: Chesterton-Debate-Series Flyer Sponsors: Archdiocese of Toronto, Office of Catholic Youth
Registration: www.chestertondebate.com
Holy Angels Catholic School Parent Council Presents
Page 4 The Voice of Holy Angels
Reserve your spot for this free workshop. Reminder: Please return to your child’s teacher by Feb. 20th to reserve your spot. Name of Parent(s) Attending:________________________________________________
Name and grade of students Attending:
Name of Child Attending Grade of Child
FREE Workshop
For Parents and Children
Building Resilient Kids
Enhance Social Skills
Increase Self Esteem
Increase Attention
Increase School Performance
Learn How To:
-Support your child
-Differentiate between fear & anxiety
** Workshops have been customized
for parents and children. Please note
children will be placed into groups
according to their age.
You’re invited to a workshop that will
provide strategies in building resiliency.
Worshop offered by Delvio Parent Child
Clinic.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
6:30-7:00 pm Pizza & Juice provided
(light dinner)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Session
Location: Holy Angels C.S.
FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH Psychology is for Everyone
This article was prepared by TCDSB Psychology staff based on the latest scientific research in the fields of psychology and child development
Does your child struggle with everyday tasks such as planning, time management, problem solving and keeping track of multiple assignments? Despite their best intentions, do they do their homework but forget to turn it in, lose or forget things, or have a room or desk that is a mess? Are their “Learning Skills and Work Habits” evaluated as “needing improvement” on their report card? If so, it may be that your child has weaknesses in executive functioning.
What is executive functioning?
Executive functioning (EF) is a term used to describe a set of abilities that play a “command role” with regard to guiding, directing and managing thoughts and behaviours successfully. These skills enable one to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention, get started on tasks and control behaviours. Just as a railroad conductor at a busy rail station safely manages the arrivals and departures of many trains on multiple tracks, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.
How do executive functioning skills develop?
While children are not born with these skills, they are born with the potential to develop them. Co-ordinated in the brain’s frontal lobe, these abilities emerge as the child interacts with supportive adults and when provided with skill-building environments. In this regard, adults can facilitate the development of these skills by establishing routines, modeling behavior, and creating and maintaining supportive and consistent relationships. These opportunities in turn will allow children to develop and practice necessary skills before they must perform them alone. When children have opportunities to develop these skills, the benefits can promote success personally and academically. Executive functioning skills continue to develop throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Does your child struggle with everyday tasks such as planning, time management, problem solving and keeping track of multiple assignments? Despite their best intentions, do they do their homework but forget to turn it in, lose or forget things, or have a room or desk that is a mess? Are their “Learning Skills and Work Habits” evaluated as “needing improvement” on their report card? If so, it may be that your child has weaknesses in executive functioning.
What is executive functioning?
Executive functioning (EF) is a term used to describe a set of abilities that play a “command role” with regard to guiding, directing and managing thoughts and behaviours successfully. These skills enable one to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention, get started on tasks and control behaviours. Just as a railroad conductor at a busy rail station safely manages the arrivals and departures of many trains on multiple tracks, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control im-pulses.
How do executive functioning skills develop?
While children are not born with these skills, they are born with the potential to develop them. Co-ordinated in the brain’s frontal lobe, these abilities emerge as the child interacts with supportive adults and when provided with skill-building environments. In this regard, adults can facilitate the development of these skills by establishing routines, modeling behavior, and creating and maintaining supportive and consistent relationships. These opportunities in turn will allow children to develop and practice necessary skills before they must perform them alone. When children have opportunities to develop these skills, the benefits can promote success personally and academically. Executive functioning skills continue to develop throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Higher technology tools are becoming increasingly popular in helping people with executive functioning challenges. E.g., Smartphones can act as an external “executive functioning aid”. Students can take a picture of the notes, use the voice recorder or notepad app to help them remember and store important information.
Assistive technology, both low-tech and high-tech can be essential in helping children and young people deal with executive functioning challenges.
EF Areas How underdeveloped EF skills may cause difficulties in:
Writing an Essay Math Reading Social
Planning/ Organizing Picking topic, planning, sequencing material
Dealing with multistep prob-lems
Finishing reading a book from beginning to end
Scheduling/coordinating activities
Self-Monitoring Editing , staying on task Staying on task Accuracy Following social norms
Emotion Regulation Dealing with frustration, excitement, anger, anxiety, etc.
Inhibition/ Impulse Control Editing, accuracy, following structure
Accuracy, ignoring distracting information
Controlling pace, accuracy Taking turns, following rules and social norms
Initiation Getting started Getting started Getting started Approaching friends
Sustained Attention Completing essay, editing Attention to details, Complet-ing work
Accurate decoding, recalling details
Attending to what friends
are saying
TIPS: Low-technology tools, such as checklists, day-timers, post-it notes, use of a highlighter, and calendars can help with organization and prioritizing tasks. A
sturdy 3-ring binder to separate school subjects, along with colour coded tabs, and a translucent page holder for important assignments, can help keep paper and
study materials in one, organized location.
TIPS: Organizational apps for iPhone/iPad include: MyHomework, Awesome Note, Dropbox, and Evernote. Software is also available to help organize writing,
notes, instructions (i.e. Inspiration, Kidspiration, Webspiration, XMind, Free Mind). Tools4Students has graphic organizers to help students with chapter notes,
writing, and comprehension skills, which can then be saved to personal devices and emailed. In order to increase independence with note-taking, students can use
apps such as AudioNote or SoundNote, which records audio for later reference. Other tools include Smartpen by Livescribe, which allows students to combine hand-
written notes, and drawings, with audio recording.