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June 2014 –

Volume 44 – Issue 10

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Caregivers,

Guardians and Community

Members, At last, we can see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel!” … June is here and with it a glimpse at summer vacation and beautiful moments of relaxation for all. It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Mrs. Radzinski who has accepted a G1/G2 position at All Saints, Ms. Law who will be teaching a G5/G6 class at St. Aidan, and Mme. Beauclair who is joining Our Lady of Victory to deliver the FSL program. Ms. Li joins the staff at St. René Goupil for a half-time timetable (since our Special Education allocation for next year has been reduced by half). We wish you well and good luck in your respective new schools and we thank you for your years dedicated at St. Bartholomew Catholic School. The new school communities receiving you in September 2014 are quite fortunate. We say “au revoir” … so long to our LTO Ms. Mitskinis with hope to see her returning to us in the near future and filling in different teaching assignments. Welcome back to Ms. O’Reilly who is returning from her leave and will be taking over the G2/G3 class starting June 9th. For the 2014-2015 academic year, we welcome Ms. Dippolito (from St. Henry) to

our G1/G2 class, Mrs. Polito-Scali (from Our Lady of Wisdom) to the G4/G5 class and Mr. O’Hara (from St. Henry) to our FSL + Literacy support + Health position. Yours in Catholic education

Jean E. Stépanian

RoadRunner

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE PARENTS / CAREGIVERS OF OUR STUDENTS

Approved School Year Calendar 2014-2015 Number of school days 194 Number of Professional Activity Days 6 Labour Day September 1, 2014 First Instructional Day September 2, 2014 Thanksgiving Day October 13, 2014 Christmas Break December 22, 2014-January 2, 2015 Start of 2nd semester for secondary schools February 2, 2015 Family Day February 16, 2015 Mid-Winter Break March 16–20, 2015 Good Friday April 3, 2015 Easter Monday April 6, 2015 Victoria Day May 18, 2015 Last day of classes for elementary students June 25, 2015 Six (6) Professional Activity (PA) Days for ELEMENTARY schools:

o November 14, 2014 Parent-Teacher Conferences o December 5, 2014 Provincial Education Priorities/Faith Development o January 23, 2015 Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting o February 13, 2015 Parent-Teacher Conferences o June 5, 2015 Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting o June 26, 2015 Provincial Education Priorities

Six (6) Professional Activity (PA) Days for SECONDARY schools: o November 14, 2014 o December 5, 2014 o February 13, 2015 o June 24, 25, 26, 2015

(Two PA days devoted to Provincial Education Priorities and supporting Article 19 of the Collective Agreement; One PA day devoted to Faith Development; the remaining three PA days will be devoted to system priorities, annual learning plans and local goals articulated in the School Learning Improvement Plans.)

A safe, peaceful and

restful summer vacation

to all. May God bless you

and keep you.

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P.A. DAY: Friday, June 6th, 2014

NO CLASSES

Monday, June 9th, 2014 - CLASSES RESUME

SK Graduation

Friday, June 20th, 2014 – 1:30 pm

Details available from

Mrs. Cuda and the FDELK team

G8 Graduation Thursday, June 19th, 2014

7:00 pm –

Liturgy of the Word & Awards

Ceremony @ St. Bartholomew Parish

8:00 pm –

Light Refreshments & Reception in the

school’s gym

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Thank you for your continued and consistent support in our fundraising efforts this past year. With the money that we have raised we were/are able to purchase or help fund activities throughout the school. Thanks to your generous donations we were able to do the following:

Purchased gym safety mats; Purchased sturdy, light tables for school functions; Subsidized (in part) student agenda books; Purchased additional Badminton Equipment (pole & nets); Subsidized 1 bus per class for its chosen curriculum field trip; Subsidized Halloween Dance-a-Thon dance instructor &

prizes; Paid for First Communion & Confirmation cake Paid for 2 Scientists-in-School presentations per classroom; Purchased Cookies, milk and candy canes for Santa’s

Breakfast; Bingo Night Feb 20/2014; Purchased Food & Drinks for Christmas Concert; Purchased Hot Chocolate & Cookies for skating; Purchased Croissants & Hot Chocolate for Bonhomme

Carnaval; Purchased Pancakes mix for Shrove Tuesday; Purchased Food & Drinks for Spring Concert; Subsidized Graduation lunch; Purchased crosses & awards plaques for graduates,

decorations for graduation reception; Purchased DQ treats for all the students (year-end thank you);

Thank you to all our devoted parent volunteers. Without the help of our parent volunteers we would not be able to have pizza and hotdog lunches, Santa’s breakfast, photos with Santa, pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. I would also like to thank the school staff who have helped and have supported us throughout the year. More especially, our utmost gratitude is extended to Mrs. Fernandes who was instrumental in ensuring the success of the collection of funds (the accurate and timely return of pledge forms and moneys) from our Chocolate campaign. Hope to see all of you in September 2014… the school’s 45th year in operation.

E. Anastasiadis CSAC Chair

SWIM to SURVIVE Our G4 students had a wonderful time learning how to swim and to survive in the water. Standards included rolling into deep water, treading for 12 minute and swimming 50 metres. We thank Mrs. Anastasiadis, Mrs. Serravalle and Mrs. Tsolakidis who helped us with the supervision of the students on their sessions.

The Dress Down Day proceedings of May 30th will be going to ShareLife. Thank you to the students who participated and donated a total of $60.00.

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GUIDANCE CORNER

There are a number of summer learning opportunities available for Grade 8 students. A Summer Enrichment Camp for Grade 7 and 8 students helps to continue the development of necessary skills for success in both Literacy and Numeracy. The Summer Reach Ahead program offers students going into Grade 9, the opportunity to earn a high school credit through a variety of learning experiences at the high school they will be attending in September. Information can be found on the Continuing Education page of the Board website: http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/ContinuingEducation/SecondaryCreditCourses/SummerSchool/Pages/Default.aspx Also, graduating Grade 8 students can now begin their Community Involvement hours beginning July 1st. Information on obtaining this graduation requirement can be found at: http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Communityservice40hours/Pages/default.aspx Have a wonderful summer,

Miss. G. Vincent

Elementary Teacher/Counsellor Area 7

WELLNESS: SAFE, CARING & HEALTHY

SCHOOL

Social Skills and Student interaction

Ms. G. Vincent, our teacher/guidance counsellor continues to dialogue and has conversations with some of our primary and junior students regarding social skills and student interactions and the respective responsibilities attached to each. We hope parents do review these with their children in the same objective manner as the class presentations/sessions and dialogues conducted by Ms. Vincent – keeping in mind that the school and the home are partners in ensuring safety for all.

One in seven Canadian adults smokes cigarettes. A recent survey of Ontario real estate agents and brokers found that smoking in the home can reduce the value of the property on resale by up to 29%. It estimates a potential loss of up to $107 000 on a home in Ontario, where the average price is around $369 000. The hottest selling product ever made is the Rubik’s Cube, even outselling the iPhone. The perimeter of grocery stores is where staples such as milk, eggs, raw meats and fresh vegetables are located. The inner aisles are where the more-processed less-healthy foods tend to be.

Home Digest, Late 2014 Spring Edition

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS Catholic School Advisory Council

2013-2014 Our gratitude is expressed to all the parents who volunteered and donated freely of their time to support the school and all of its curricular and co-curricular programs. The CSAC elections will be held during our Meet the Teacher/Curriculum evening on Wednesday, September 24, 2014.

Our first CSAC meeting of the year 2014-2015 will be held on Monday, October 27th, 2014 in the Staff Lounge, at 6:30 pm.

Mrs. Anastasiadis

CSAC Chair

La PASTORALE: OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

Faithfulness As we prepare for the end of the school year, we are focusing this month on the virtue of Faithfulness. As we send our students off for a summer of fun and relaxation and our graduates off into the wider world, we have faith that they will return safely to begin another year. The quote from John’s gospel reminds us, “Happy are those who have not seen, yet still believe.” John 20:29. We will encourage our students to continue to put their faith into action by bringing the Gospel spirit into every aspect of their lives. This is how we become true witnesses to Christ, we extend the kingdom of God and build a more humane world. How To Show Faithfulness …

1. Being a Catholic is founded in faith – Faith in the Lord; 2. Remember that it is through our words and actions that our faith becomes evident; 3. Let your actions be guided by Centurion’s words to Jesus “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” 4. It is our Faith in God that brings comfort to our lives.

A Prayer for Fathers

St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in

loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your

hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to

you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor

and weariness. But amid the worries of

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material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with

Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch

over him faithfully as you have done. (Pope John XXIII)

Parents' Prayers for Their Children

O God the Father of mankind, who has given unto me these my children, and

committed them to my charge to bring them up for Thee, and to prepare them for eternal

life: help me with Thy heavenly grace, that I may be able to

fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold; when to reprove and when to forbear; make me to be gentle, yet firm;

considerate and watchful; and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and the excess of severity; and grant that,

both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true

piety, so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true

home in heaven, in the company of the blessed Angels and Saints.

Amen.

Monthly Update from the Board May 2014

Sickle Cell Awareness Day--June 19, 2014 The Toronto Catholic District School Board, at a meeting in April, proclaimed June 19th as Sickle Cell Awareness Day, in recognition of the United Nations declaration that this date be set aside to raise awareness about the global health concern. As a Catholic community dedicated to student achievement and well-being, the Board is currently working on an overarching policy related to medical conditions, including Sickle Cell Disease, and further supportive strategies will be developed. See www.tcdsb.org for more information.

June is…. Aboriginal Education Month; June 21,

2014 is National Aboriginal Day

Italian Canadian Heritage Month

Portuguese Canadian Heritage Month http://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/Pages/default.aspx

Canada Day Celebration June 26, 2014 in all TCDSB elementary schools—In honour of Canada Day all schools and offices are encouraged to gather in the gymnasium or outdoors and join in singing the National Anthem at the same time in the morning – 9:30 a.m. More details to come.

Summer School Reminder Registration continues through to June 27th. Visit our website for information about elementary summer school opportunities including Reach Ahead Credits for grade 8 students; enrichment programs in literacy and numeracy for grades 7 and 8 students; summer community service hours program; and secondary school credit courses including eClass. http://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/continuingeducation/secondarycreditcourses/summerschool/ssregistration/pages/default.aspx

Quick Reminders: The last day of classes for

elementary students is Friday, June 27th.

The new school year will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Students Who Are New to the Province Are Welcome at TCDSB Orientation Centre throughout the Summer The Toronto Catholic District School Board reminds newcomers to the Province that the Orientation Centre for secondary school students will remain open for most of the summer. The Orientation Centre will be open from June 30 to July 18, and again from August 11 to August 29. The offices will be closed from July 19 to August 10. The centre is conveniently located close to the Bloor and Bathurst subway station (at 700 Markham Street) and remains open

Monday to Friday throughout the regular school year from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To receive more information or to book an appointment, contact the Orientation Centre at marita.mccormick@tcdsb.org, or 416-393-5500. Info is also available on the website: http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/BoardServices/OrientationCentre/Pages/Default.aspx.

Special Websites for Parents and Students Parents are encouraged to check out

http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Pages/default.aspx. Find about CSAC, TAPCE and CPIC, as well as local or regional events planned specifically for parents.

Students are invited to take advantage of the resources posted on our website at http://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/Pages/default.aspx. Find out about scholarships, employment, volunteer opportunities and more.

Get the latest news Subscribe to E-News to receive

updates each week sent via email. http://www.tcdsb.org/News/eNews/Pages/default.aspx

Follow us on Twitter @TCDSB to receive updates throughout the day about school and board events, important announcements and accomplishments of students and staff.

Angela Gauthier Jo-Ann Davis Director of Education Chair of the Board

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St. Bartholomew Catholic School – 51 Heather Road, Toronto (Scarborough), ON M1S 2E2 Telephone: (416) 393-5334 Fax: (416) 397-6086 –

Administrative Assistant: Shanti Fernandes – Head Custodian: Nick Mozzo – Superintendent: Nicola D’Avella (416) 222-8282 ext. 2263 – Trustee: Garry Tanuan at (416) 512-3408 –

Parish: St. Bartholomew Church 59 Heather Road, Scarborough, ON, M1S 2E2 – Tel: 416-291-5250; Pastor: Fr. Fred Foley - Enrolment: 120+ - Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Lunch Hour: 12:05 noon to 1:05 p.m. – Lunch Supervisor: Valanteen Dadlani; Diana Medina (FDELK) -

Principal: J. E. Stépanian

Thank you to Mrs. Anastasiadis, Mrs. Jouri, Mr. Mozo, Mr. Mitropoulos and the

volunteers who helped with beautifying the front of the school. We thank Agincourt

Garden Centre, Mrs. Soares and Mrs. Fadel for their donation of the beautiful

flowers and of their time and energy to plant them.