O C T O B E R N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 4

St. DemetriusCatholic School

125 La Rose Ave.Etobicoke, ON

M9P 1A6Tel. 416.393.5384Fax. 416.393.5087

PrincipalM. Boshyk

SecretaryT. Zamrij

PastorFr. John Tataryn

Superintendent Doug Yack

TrusteePeter Jakovcic

Parish:St. Demetrius the Great Martyr

Parish135 LaRose Ave.

Toronto ON M9P 1A6416-244-5333

TRUSTEES 2013 – 2014

School Hours:8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Lunch hour:11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

VIRTUE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS GRATITUDE

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Welcome back! It is with great pleasure that we look forward to a new year of activities, achievement, hard work and fun in our school community.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the new families in our school community, particularly to our youngest students entering Junior and Senior Kindergarten.

This year we welcome some new teachers to our staff Ms. Tatangelo, Physical Education and Health teacher. Ms. Rosa – JK/SK teacher, and we welcome back Mr. Sarabia to our grade 3 class.

At the beginning of the school year students and staff had the opportunity to worship at a Moleben Service on September 4th and to receive a blessing at Sunday Liturgies on September 7th, at St. Demetrius Church.

We look forward to meeting all parents at Curriculum Night on Tuesday September 30 at 7:00 pm in the school Gymnasium . After the evening’s introductory assembly, parents will have the opportunity of meeting their child(ren)’s teacher in the classroom for an outline of program information and guidelines.

Once again, we also look forward to another productive year of collaboration with our parent council (CSAC). Our joint efforts help support our students in their learning and achievements, and to make our school the vibrant learning community that it is.

I wish to thank our outgoing CSAC chair, Mr. R. Masley for his last 2 years as Chair, as well as the Executive, for their dedicated work and collaboration with the school. We welcome our new CSAC chair, Mr. Cassie, to the role.

Marika BoshykPrincipal

Loving God, we pray, that the Toronto Catholic District School BoardCommunity continue to witness

To the theological virtuesOf Faith, Hope and Charity.May we be people of FAITH,

Always willing to follow the exampleOf Jesus in all that we do.

May we be people of HOPE,Always trusting in your

Loving prescence in our lives.May we be people of CHARITY,

Always willing to give of ourselvesTo better the lives of others.

Together, may we be a communityOf faith, anchored in hope,

With heart & charity.Through, Christ our Lord

Amen

School Hours: 8:30-3:30 amFirst Recess: 10:12-10:27 amLunch Hour: 11:15-12:15 pmSecond Recess: 1:40-1:55pmDismissal: 3:30 pm

CURRICULUM NIGHT We welcome parents and families to our Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 30. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to see the classroom/learning environment and to receive an overview of the curriculum for the year. Curriculum Night begins at 7:00 pm in the gym followed by classroom visits.

CELEBRATING MOTHER MARY’S BIRTHDAYOn Tuesday, September 9th, in the afternoon, the grade 2 students celebrated Mother Mary’s birthday. The celebration started with the prayer, Hail Mary. We sang Prenebesna, Prechudesna. Two students from Ms. Sahan’s class read a poem in Ukrainian about Mother Mary. Then we all recited the words to the song Gentle Women. Father Ivan was asked to bless the tryptichs the students made. Afterwards we sang Happy Birthday to Mother Mary and Mnohaja Lita. Father Ivan, Ms. Mychajlowycz, and Ms. Sahan blew out the candles on the cupcakes. The celebration ended with everyone enjoying some refreshments.

THE HANDS OF CHARITYIn order to mark the Catholic Pastoral Year of Charity 2014/2015, all schools within the TCDSB have been asked to participate in PROJECT REACH by decorating special boxes with student authored art, images and messages representing ideas of Charity. Each box is also decorated with a mannequin hand in order to remind us that with our hands we can reach out and change the world. All completed boxes will be used as part of a travelling art exhibit. Special thanks are extended to Katherine Turuta, a recent St. Demetrius graduate, who came back in June and did a wonderful job decorating the box for our school!

BOYS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTOn Thursday September 25th the boys travelled to West Deane Park to represent St. Demetrius in a softball tournament. In our first game against Our Lady of Victory, we were just getting over our nervousness and beginning to understand the game. In our second game against St. Bernard, we were scoring and making great plays and we won this match. Our next 2 games were very tough and although we lost, we continued to make great progress in hitting and fielding.

Congratulation to all the boys for their excellent effort and sportsmanship in representing St. Demetrius. A special thank you to Mr. Maksymiw who helped coach, drive and umpire. Thank you to Mr. Slobodian and Mrs. Slobodian and Mr. Stanislavski for driving. Thanks to Ms. Everest for stepping up to help at the last minute. Thanks to Ms. Augustin and Ms. Tatangelo--the coaches.

Go St. D's!!!TERRY FOX RUN/WALK SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Thank you to the St. Demetrius school community for supporting our Terry Fox Charity Walk/Run campaign. We surpassed our goals and raised a total of $4655.00 to support cancer research. The winning class that raised the most money, $822.00, will receive a pizza lunch provided by CSAC. A special thank you to Mr. Sarabia for keeping his promise to shave his head!

Thank you to the following parent volunteers who gave generously of their time to support our event: Lora Sidorenko, Oksana Kulagina, A. Chekas, Mrs. Durston, Natalie Byk, Mrs. Leszczynski, Olena Kubant, Christine Baldwin, Mrs. Zienchuk, Victoria Pobereshnikova, Vance Cassie, Olena Radewych, Myla Ustymenko, Oksana Pshyk, Stan Filipowich and Oksana Steckowycz.

VIRTUESThe TCDSB will continue with the faith and character development program-virtue of the month. Every month a virtue is highlighted and promoted as a gospel value. September – HospitalityOctober – GratitudeNovember – PeacemakingDecember – CharityJanuary – CourageFebruary – LoveMarch – ForgivenessApril – JusticeMay – CompassionJune - Faithfulness

APPROPRIATE DRESS CODEOur students are to be in their school uniform on a daily basis, with the exception of Civvies Days, noted on our Monthly Calendar.

The school’s uniform policy is outlined in detail in the Student Agenda, and parents are asked to supoort the school’s efforts by ensuring their child(ren) come to school dressed in uniform.

FOOD ALLERGIESPlease note that we have students in our school that have severe, life threatening allergies to peanuts and nuts. This is a medical condition that causes a severe

Anaphylactic reaction to specific foods that can be fatal. Although this may not affect a student in your child’s class directly, we ask that you DO NOT SEND ANY PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS TO SCHOOL, as children can come into contact with one another elsewhere in the school.

WRITTEN NOTIFICATIONShould you have to take your child out early or there is a change in school procedures (student not taking the bus, or a change in someone picking up your child), please send the notification with your child to school to give to the teacher. The teacher will inform the main office of the change.

DOCTOR’S/DENTIST AND OTHER APPOINTMENTSPlease try to schedule appointments for your child outside of the school day. This avoids interruptions to your child’s school day and learning.

VACATIONS/EXTENDED LEAVE FROM SCHOOLWe encourage families to take holidays at the designated times of the school year i.e., Christmas, March Break, and Summer Holidays. Taking your child out of their instructional program during the school year is a disruption to their learning. Children benefit best from consistent uninterrupted instruction at school.

OFFICE HOURSThe school office is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. An automated answering system is available for messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS8:15 AM Outdoor Supervision begins8:30 AM Entrance bell10:12-10:27 AM Morning Recess11:15 am Outdoor Recess11:55-12:15 Indoor Lunch 1:40-1:55 pm Afternoon Recess3:30 Dismissal, pick up & Busses

SAFE SCHOOLS POLICYPlease note: Supervision of students begins at 8:15 am in the primary yard.

SAFE ARRIVAL POLICYIf your child will be absent or late, please contact the school by phone or written note.

We will call home if the school has not been notified.

CHILDREN DROP OFF/PICK UPIt is imperative that parents make the necessary arrangements to have all children dropped off at the appropriate times (after 8:15 am or 12:15 pm) and picked up promptly at the end of the school day since we cannot provide supervision outside of these times. In order to ensure your child’s safety and security, please inform the school in writing of the name of the person picking up your child.

At dismissal time (3:30 pm) parents who are picking up their children are requested to do so outside by the Gym doors. For the safety of our JK, SK, and grade 1 students, children will be dismissed individually at these doors by the classroom teacher to the parent or caregiver.

This ensures an orderly dismissal and allows the school to be certain that every child is accounted for. This is part of our Safe Schools Policy.

For the safety of your children and our Seniors those parents who drive their children to school and pick them up after school are requested to do so on

Richview Road. There you may park your car and walk with your child to and from the school. There is not parking on the west side of the Senior’s Residence, and if you leave your car in a restricted area, the traffic department will issue a ticket and may even tow your car away. We have no control over this.

For older children, you may drop them off at the south curb on La Rose Avenue and they can walk to the school entrance, proceeding to the Primary School yard.

Thank you for your co-operation. It ensures the safety of your children and our seniors.

SIGNING OUTIn order to provid safe supervision, parents/ guardians must sign out their child in the office if they are to leave the school during regular school hours. If an older student must leave the school during school hours without adult supervision, she/he can only do so if we receive specific, direct permission from a custodial adult.

PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE WHEN BRINGING IN A LATE CHILD OR ON OTHER SCHOOL BUSINESS. PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE IN SCHOOL HALLWAYS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Students may, of course leave the school to have lunch with their parent, but the school will not allow students to go to the plaza for lunch.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITYRegular school attendance and punctuality are important for student progress. Children should be kept home only when they are ill. Appointments, whenever, possible, should be arranged outside of school hours.

Being on time for the start of class is important. The bell rings promptly at 8:30 am and 12:15 pm. Your child/children should be in the school yard by this time so that they can assemble with their peers and be involved in all activities from the beginning of class.

On extremely cold/rainy days, children should arrive at school five minutes before each entry bell, at which time they will be allowed to assemble inside the school by the Gym doors.

JK/SK ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITYThe two year pre-primary curriculum is becoming increasingly rigorous and is a critical preparatory foundation for the grade one programme. Although the kindergarten program is not compulsory, once a child is registered, it is imperative that her/his attendance be consistent. Children who arrive after the class has entered the school will be marked late. If dropping off your child late, please do so at the office. Lates and absences for JK and SK will be recorded on their Report Cards as is required for all students attending school in Ontario.

BUSSING

It is the responsibility of the bus companies to provide parents with information and let parents know of any changes: often the school is advised much later. Staff continues to do their best to sort out problems and ensure the safety of bussed students.

NOTE: That inconsistent travel on the buses will make it difficult to maintain service for your child. If you request transportation and your child does not use the bus on a regular basis, the space may be taken away. Students must be ready to board as soon as the buses

arrive at the school. Students must behave appropriately in order to maintain bussing service.

Please ensure that you and your child know the bus number of your route. If buses are late, please call the bus company directly for up –to –the –minute information on what is occurring. The school does not have any control over the whereabouts of the buses. Please make note of the route number and phone number of your child’s bus company for use during the school year. First Student 905 629-8200

STUDENT AGENDASEach student in grades 1 and 8 has been given a Student Agenda, compliments of the Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU). We would like to thank the UCU for this very generous contribution. The student agenda is an effective teaching and communication tool. It’s use will assist with school/home communication and will improve your child’s learning and progress.

Parents and students are encouraged to use the agendas on a regular basis. Each teacher will be emphasizing with their students the importance of using the agendas to keep track of homework and assignments.

We encourage parents to check this organizer on a consisten basis. Teachers will give parents specific instructions (i.e., use, frequency of signatures, etc.) on the Curriculum Evening. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Welcome to a new school year!We wish all our students, staff and their families a successful and enjoyable year.Remember to visit our website at www.tcdsb.org often for the latest news and information. You are also encouraged to follow us on Twitter @TCDSB for frequent updates throughout the week. For those who prefer receiving news updates via email, subscribe to ENews https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx and receive regular weekly updates from the Board.Don’t miss out on important news and information from the Board!

New Student TrusteesWelcome to Hannah McGroarty and Chris MacDonald, the Student Trustees for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information, visit the Student section of the

website at http://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/Pages/default.aspx

The Year of Charity The 2014-2015 school year is the Year of Charity, the third year in the board’s 3-year pastoral plan focusing on Faith, Hope and Charity. Check out the Nurturing our Catholic Community section of the website for more information and resources: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Default.aspx

2014 Municipal and School Board Election Monday, October 27, 2014Eligible to vote? Visit voterlookup.ca to confirm your elector eligibility for the upcoming Municipal and School Board elections.If you’ve moved in the last several years, you may need to update your information on voterlookup.ca to ensure that you are eligible to vote.- See more at: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Assessment/Pages/default.aspx

Secondary School Open HousesCheck out the many high school options this fall. TCDSB secondary schools host open houses for grade 8 students and their families. The complete schedule is posted on our website: http://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/default.aspx

TCDSB’S Project Reach to be FeaturedAt the 2014 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Event Celebrating TCDSB’s year of CharityAll are invited to check out the artistic representations of the Year of Charity, as seen through the eyes of students and staff from all across the Toronto Catholic District School Board. The project Reach art installation will make its debut at this year’s Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, at dusk on Saturday October 4th and continuing until dawn on Sunday October 5th. The Project Reach installation will be presented at St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, 81 St. Mary’s Street. http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearofCharity/ProjectReach/Pages/default.aspx

Meet the Trustee Candidates in Your WardOAPCE Toronto hosts an evening with Trustee Candidates.October 20th, 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centrehttp://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/OAPCE-Toronto/Pages/All-Candidates-Meeting.aspx

CPIC ElectionsThe Catholic Parent involvement Elections will take place on October 6 and 8. CPIC is the advisory body to the TCDSB on matters relating to parent engagement. Learn morehttp://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Parentinvolvement/Pages/default.aspx

TCDSB SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2014-2015

Number of school days 194

Number of Professional Activity Days 6Labour Day September 1, 2014First Instructional Day September 2, 2014Thanksgiving Day October 13, 2014Christmas Break December 22, 2014- January 2, 2015Eastern Rite Christmas January 7, 2015Family Day February 16, 2015Mid-Winter Break March 16-20, 2015Good Friday April 3, 2015Easter Monday April 6, 2015Eastern Rite Easter Sunday April 12, 2015Victoria Day May 18, 2015Last Day of classes for elementary students June 25, 2015

Six (6) Professional Activity (PA) Days for ELEMENTARY schools:November 14, 2014 Parent-Teacher ConferencesDecember 5, 2014 Provincial Education Priorities/Faith DevelopmentJanuary 23, 2015 Assessment, Evaluation and ReportingFebruary 13, 2015 Parent-Teacher ConferencesJune 5, 2015 Assessment, Evaluation and ReportingJune 26, 2015 Provincial Education Priorities