Page 1 of 8

May Newsletter 2019

St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School

430 Van Kirk Drive Brampton, ON L7A 0J2 Phone: 905-846-0078 Fax: 905-846-9044 Board website: www.dpcdsb.org School website: www.dpcdsb.org/bakhi Follow us on Twitter: @DPBakhita

A blessing and prayer tribute to all mothers "Blessed be all mothers

Who have come into our lives Whose kindness, care and loving

Remain with us to guide.

Your inspiration in us Made us strive in every way

Especially to remember Helping others makes our day.

Mothers, this little tribute

Flows directly from my heart You are so loved and cherished Invaluable, one and all, you are.

Virtue of the Month- ACCEPTANCE

God has placed His creation, including people, in our care. We come to God asking for the grace to be accepting of others. It is our hope that throughout May, we are ever mindful of those who have suffered tragedy- through famine, war and natural disaster.

A person showing the virtue of acceptance:

• Is friendly and open to all God’s people • Senses God’s presence in people of all ages, beliefs, genders, cultures

and/or abilities • Avoids temptation to judge or negatively stereotype • Looks for positive traits in others • Notices who is left out and includes them • Sticks up for the disadvantaged.

Principal D. Alva

Vice-Principal N. Kenny

Head Secretary

M.Misasi

Assistant Secretary M. Jaques

Superintendent L. Storey

905–890–1221

Trustee D. D’Souza

905–890-1221

Parish St. Leonard’s Parish 187 Conestoga Drive

Brampton Ontario, Canada

L6Z 3X8 (905) 846 – 5385

Page 2 of 8

Together in Faith

For most of the twentieth century, supporters of the separate school system continued to seek the right to education. Then in 1984, the Ontario government, to the surprise of many, granted Catholics the legal right to operate fully funded high schools. The next major improvement in funding occurred in 1997 when the provincial government restructured the education system and funding formulas. Achieving justice took long years of advocacy and effort in the face of indifference and opposition and some internal conflict. Catholics remained determined, strengthened by their values and convictions. Separate school boards and their supporters proved their determination to provide a Catholic education for their children by opening and operating schools in spite of serious financial problems.

Taken from: Our Story. Our Tradition. Our Journey

School Procedures

Toys in School

As the weather is warming up many of our children are bringing toys to school, such as skipping ropes, soccer balls, tennis balls, rubrics cubes, and fidget toys. Although we do not want to prevent children from bringing things to school to play with during recess, we want to remind everyone that the school does not take responsibility for anything that is brought from home. Therefore if something is broken or lost, please understand that neither the teachers nor the office will be held responsible. Therefore, we are asking that nothing of value be sent to the school, in case of a mishap.

Allergy Awareness

There are a number of students at St. Josephine Bakhita School that have a severe life threatening allergy to nuts. It is therefore imperative that families refrain from sending to school any foods that contains nut products, e.g. Peanut butter, Nutella, snacks with nuts or any product that has “may contain traces of nuts” on the label.

Due to the severity of allergies within our school, we ask that parents not send in any baked goods to share

with classmates, not even during special occasions such as birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Non-food items are encouraged, such as stickers, pencils, etc. We will not be permitting any food items to be brought into a classroom to share.

May is the month we dedicate to Mary, the mother of our Saviour, Jesus. During the month of May, as we honour Mary and all mothers, we are reminded of the many blessings mothers bestow upon their children each and every day.

Page 3 of 8

Are You Moving?

To help us with our planning for next September, it would be appreciated if you could let us know now, if you will be moving out of our school area over the summer. If you know of any families moving into the area with children who plan to attend St. Josephine Bakhita, it would be helpful if you could alert us. The more information we have, the better we are able to organize staff and students for September. In the absence of accurate information, schools often have to reorganize classes in September due to unexpected fluctuations in population. All we need is a quick note or call.

If you currently live outside the school boundary and are attending St. Josephine Bakhita on a flex boundary request, you will need to request flex boundary for next year. The “Flexible Boundary” procedure is reviewed annually. Please note that flex boundaries will be looked at on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed from year to year. If you are requesting flex boundary, please note that transportation is your responsibility. The Board will not provide either transportation or additional supervision for students admitted under this procedure. Note, the students admitted under this procedure do not automatically become eligible for the Secondary School serving the school. A separate request must be made to the Secondary School Principal.

DETERMINING CLASS PLACEMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

The staff of St. Josephine Bakhita School will meet in the spring to begin discussing appropriate placement for each student for September 2019. When determining placement some of the criteria we consider are academic ability, individual work habits and study skills, maturity, date of birth, social factors, and placement history. We aim for classes that have a balance of gender, ability and behavioral needs.

As you know your child best, we appreciate your input concerning special needs for your son or daughter. With this in mind, if you have concerns about your child’s class placement for September 2019, we ask that you put your concerns in writing. A ‘Parent Request for Class Placement Form’ which is provided for this purpose. A new form is to be completed each year as we do not retain requests from one year to the next. Parents/Guardians are asked to include in your

Playground Safety Rules Playgrounds provide a great source of exercise and a place where children can socialize, play creatively and test their skills. With the milder weather approaching, we want to ensure that students are involved in activities that are healthy while enjoying the great outdoors. These safety tips help to create a welcoming and inviting area for all students during recess! Here are a few simple tips to help keep students safe on the playgrounds:

• Play safely and take care of yourself and others

• Rocks, sticks and sand stay on the ground

• Use outdoor equipment safely; alert a supervisor if items go out of bounds. Do not try and retrieve items from parking lots or backyards

• Show teamwork and good sportsmanship

• Play cooperative games and invite friends of all skill levels too play.

• Solve conflicts with words or tell the supervisor on duty

• Do not swear • Listen to reminders from

supervisors. Be prepared to work out a conflict by using Accountable Talk

• Respond to signals/bells and proceed to line up quickly

• If someone is hurt or injured, let a supervisor know as quickly as possible.

Above all, have fun! Recess is a great time to enjoy the outdoors!

Page 4 of 8

request the strengths and needs of your child along with a description of his/her learning style. You may wish to include the type of learning environment in which your child has experienced the most success. Please do not make specific requests for teachers as staffing is always tentative and changes can and often do take place between the time of tentative class placement and September.

Community Corner

Parents in School Yard

School yard supervision does not begin until 9:00 a.m. every morning. Please, for the students’ safety, do not drop students off at the school prior to 9:00 a.m. unsupervised.

For student safety, we would like to remind all parents and visitors to please use designated waiting areas outside the school yard from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. These measures will help to protect the security of all students as well as help to reduce the congestions at busy drop off and dismissal times. Remember you are a stranger to most students!

Scooters/ skateboards, etc…

As the weather warms up many of our students are beginning to bring Scooters and skateboards to school. This is a reminder, for safety reasons, these are not allowed on school property and will be removed from the student and kept in the office until the end of the day, if they are brought to school.

Dress Code We expect all students at St. Josephine Bakhita to come to school dressed in clean, neat and modest clothing (clothing suitable for younger children may not be appropriate for older children). Appropriate classroom attire excludes such things as, short shorts, or skirts, cut-off jeans, skintight yoga pants, shirts or tops which do not cover the midriff, spaghetti string tank tops and any shirt with offensive or questionable messages. Proper footwear is to be worn at all times (runners for gym, indoor shoes for class, boots for rain and snow). Sunglasses and hats should be removed upon entering the school.

Page 5 of 8

Bicycle Safety

It is wonderful to see students bringing their bikes to school, however students are reminded of the following regarding the safe operation of their bicycle:

1. Wear a helmet 2. Obey all traffic rules when coming to school/ going home 3. Walk your bike when on school property 4. Students are asked to park and lock their bike on the bike racks

Protection from the Sun

As the weather warms up it is important that students are reminded of the danger of overexposure to the sun. Please remind your child(ren) of the following:

1. Wear protective clothing to cover exposed skin 2. Wear a hat to protect both the eyes and skin 3. When possible, stay out of direct sunlight 4. Wear sun block, the higher the protection factor number, the greater the protection 5. Bring ample fluids to school to ensure hydration

Grade Three and Grade Six EQAO/ Provincial Assessment Each year grade three and grade six students in Ontario are assessed in reading, writing and mathematics. The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has developed the assessment that is used in all schools. This year at St. Josephine Bakhita School the dates for the Primary and Junior Division Assessments will take place between May 21st and June 3rd. Kindly avoid booking dental, doctor and other appointments, vacation or activities during the test period in order to support maximum participation by all students. More information for grade 3 and 6 parents will follow with exact dates and times.

Page 6 of 8

Muskoka Woods

Our Grade 7 students will be heading to Muskoka Woods from May 22-24th. We are looking forward to a wonderful time, getting to know each other and enjoying the outdoors!

Grade 8 Trip to Niagara Falls

The Grade 8 students will be going to Niagara Falls from May 22-23. We are looking forward to seeing the sights, and having a wonderful time!

Catholic Education Week

The Kindergarten team will be doing a retreats. Kindergarten students will go to each of the classes and complete lessons based on the themes for CEW.

The grade 1’s will do a CEW retreat where the students will rotate throughout the day to complete various activities (craft, liturgy, music) themed around CEW: “Living as Joyful Disciples”

The Grade 2s will be hosting a wellness day for the students which will include Spiritual Bingo, Yoga, Meditation, praying the Rosary and activities relating to the virtues and mental health. The students will be moving from each classroom to participate in a variety of wellness activities.

The Grade 3s will be hosting a wellness day for the students which will include Spiritual Bingo, Yoga, Meditation, praying the Rosary and activities relating to the virtues and mental health. The students will be moving from each classroom to participate in a variety of wellness activities.

The Junior Division will be hosting a Faith Based Play Day. The day will involve parents and their child rotating between different classrooms, which will all be hosting faith based activities for them to participate in together. Each junior class will prepare an activity centered on the theme "Living as Joyful Disciples".

The Grade 7 classes will be working on the Confirmation Scrap Book as a preparation for their Confirmation on May 8, 2019

The Grade 8 classes will be having daily Student created Liturgies. The liturgies are geared towards our Virtue of the Month of Acceptance

Catholic Education Week

May 6 - May 10, 2019

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2019, Living as Joyful Disciples, draws upon previous documents on Ontario Catholic education, namely, “This Moment of Promise” (1989), “Fulfilling the Promise” (1993), “Our Catholic Schools” (2006-2007) and our most recent “Renewing the Promise” (2019).

“Our Catholic schools help to form joyful disciples as hearts and minds are opened to the transforming love of God and to the flame of faith in action. On a daily basis, Catholic schools demonstrate the joy of believing and witness the Good News to the communities that they serve.”

The sub-themes for Catholic Education Week are as follows:

Monday: Rooted in Prayer

Tuesday: Living in Community

Wednesday: Doing Justice & Creating Hope

Thursday: Journeying Together in Faith

Friday: Sharing the Good News

Page 7 of 8

Parent Corner

Mini-Movie Night

St. Josephine Bakhita will be having its first Mini-Movie Night on Friday May 10th for students in Grades 1,2,3 and their Families. Movie nights for all other grades will follow in the fall. Doors open at 6:30 and movie will start at 7:00 pm. Students must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.

Bakhita Community Night Volunteers

Plans for this year's Bakhita Community Night are underway! It is scheduled for June 14th, 2019. This big school event requires a lot of volunteer work. If you are able to volunteer some of your time during this evening, please let us know at bakhitacouncil2011@gmail.com or leave a message for Parent Council in the office.

Parish Report

St. Leonard’s Parish will host the Catholic Mom’s group on Tuesday, May 7 at 10am in the parish hall.

Come out and meet new friends, receive encouragement, and have fun! Be refreshed by prayer with women who are ready to listen, inspire and cheer you on in your role as a mom. Bring your babies and children! Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Pauline at 905-866-3080.

Co-Chairs: Audrey Travaja Lori Toon Treasurer: Anna Rosa Risi Secretary: Sally Cox OAPCE: Maggie Bobinski Parish Rep: Josie Mueses Parents at Large: Tanya Barbosa, Natalie Lessey, Samantha Francis., Sandy Mamone Staff Representative: Mr. Fullan & Mr. Kirk Administration: D. Alva (P) & N. Kenny (VP)

Page 8 of 8

May 1 Diversity Conference (YFA’s) May 2 Confirmation & Communion Rehearsal May 4 Communion @St. Leonard’s 10:30 a.m. May 7 Pizza Day May 8 Confirmation @St. Leonard’s 7pm May 6-10 Catholic Education Week May 7-8 Dental Screeening (JK/SK/Gr.2) May 10 Sub Day Mini-Movie Night (Gr. 1,2,3) May 14 Jr. Girls Soccer Tournament May 15 Journey into Learning (6:00-7:00 p.m.) May 16 Track and Field Day (Grades 4-8) May 20 Victoria Day (No School) May 21 Jr. Girls Soccer Tournament Pizza Day May 23 Outdoor Classroom Play Day May 24 Int. Girls Soccer Tournament Sub Day May 22-23 Gr. 8 Niagara Trip May 22-24 Gr. 7 Trip to Camp Muskoka May 21-June 3 Gr. 3 & 6 EQAO writing days May 27 Scientist in School Gr. 1’s May 28 Pizza Day May 29 FDK Trip Reptilia Int. Boys Soccer Tournament May 31 Elder’s Visit (Gr. 7)

June 4 Pizza Day June 3-7 Bakhita Week Community Building Aussie X Movement June 5 10th Anniversary Celebration June 7 Sub Day June 10 PD Day (No classes) June 11 Immunization (Gr. 7-8) June 12 Gr. 3 School Trip Track & Field Day (Family Meet) June 14 Play Day Bakhita Community Night June 18 Gr. 1 – Country Heritage Trip June 19 FDK Celebration of Learning @1:30pm June 20 End of Year Mass @Bakhita 1:30 pm June 21 Sub Day June 24 Graduation Ceremony @6:30pm June 25 Reports Go Home Graduation Luncheon June 28 Last Day of School for students

Page 1 of 1

Parent Input for Class Placement Form

April 2019

D. Alva

Principal

St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School

Re: Consideration for Class Placement for my Son / Daughter September 2019

Dear Mr. Alva:

I understand that the staff of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School will soon begin the process of determining class placement for September 2019. Kindly take into account the following information when making a decision about my child’s class placement.

Child’s Name: ____________________________

Child’s Present Teacher: ____________________________

My son / daughter has experienced the most success in the following learning environment: (please touch upon the factors in a learning environment that are relevant to your child’s class placement, i.e.: teacher’s instructional style, peer relationships, child’s learning style, etc.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that it will not be possible to respond to all requests but that staff will take into account the information provided above and that this information will form part of the decision.

____________________________ ____________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Please submit this form to D. Alva by Wednesday May 1st, 2019.

Health ServicesPeel Public Health – Oral Health

FREE Dental Screening at School

Where: St. Josephine Bakhita

When: May 7, 8, 2019

Grades: JK, SK and 2

If you DO NOT want your child to be screened, please visit

www.peelregion.ca/dental/schoolscreening

or call 905-799-7700 extension 5622 by May 6, 2019

For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 ext. 5622

Or visit www.peelregion.ca/dental/schoolscreening

A dental screening is a quick assessment by a Registered Dental Hygienist who will

take a look inside the child's mouth. A separate, sterilized mouth mirror is used for

each child. If a child is identified, a form will be sent home and the parent may be

contacted by a dental staff member. A re-screening may be required.

Peel Public Health provides dental screening in select grades in Peel elementary schools as required by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK FREE PROGRAMS MAY 1 - 7, 2019

WEDNESDAY MAY 1 THURSDAY MAY 2 FRIDAY MAY 3 SATURDAY MAY 4 SUNDAY MAY 5 MONDAY MAY 6 TUESDAY MAY 7

Cassie CampbellCommunity CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)3 - 6pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreShinny (Ages 10-13)6 - 6:50 pm

Chinguacousy Wellness CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17) ALL DAY

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreShinny (Ages 14-17)4 - 4:50 pm

South Fletcher’s SportsplexMuscle Pump (Ages 14+)5:30 - 6:25 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)4 -10 pm

Gore Meadows Community CentreYouth Night (Ages 6-15)6 - 9 pm

Cassie CampbellCommunity CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)6 - 9 pm

Cassie CampbellCommunity CentreBasketball Drop-In(Ages 10-13) 6 - 7:30 pm(Ages 14-17) 7:30 - 9 pm

Brampton Soccer Centre Drop-In Basketball (Ages 10-13) 3:30 - 5 pm(Ages 14-17) 3:30 - 5 pm

Brampton Soccer Centre Drop-In Soccer (Ages 14-17)3:30 - 5 pm

Century Gardens Recreation CentreDrop-In Basketball (Ages 10-14)1 - 2:15 pm

South Fletcher’s SportsplexDrop-In Basketball (Ages 14-17)2:30 - 4 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreOutdoor Boot Camp (Ages 10-13)12:45 - 1:40 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreOutdoor Boot Camp (Ages 14-18)12:45 - 1:40 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreYouth Boot Camp (Ages 10-13)4:30 - 5:25 pm

Century Gardens Recreation Centre Fitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)1 - 8:00 pm

Terry Miller Recreation CentreBasketball Drop-In (Ages 14-17)7:30 - 8:30pm

Chinguacousy Wellness CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)ALL DAY

Cassie CampbellCommunity CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)3 - 6 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreShinny (Ages 14-17)4 - 4:50 pm

South Fletcher’s SportsplexDrop-In Basketball (Ages 10-13)3 pm - 4:30 pm

Brampton Soccer Centre Drop-In Soccer (Ages 10-13)3:30 - 5 pm

Earnscliffe Recreation CentreFitness Drop-In (Ages 14-17)4 - 10 pm

DJ Pool Party

Friday, May 3 | 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Gore Meadows Community Centre

Attractions: DJ, pool inflatables

Ages: 10-18

Outdoor Movie Night

Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 pm*

Century Gardens Park

Attractions: Free popcorn and drinks

Ages: 10-18*please arrive at 8 pm

Planning For Your Future

Sunday, May 5 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Cassie Campbell Community Centre

Attractions: Guest speaker, resume writing workshop, interview skills & tips workshop, recruitment fair, free pizza

Ages: 14-18

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

brampton.ca/recreation

Join us for fun, FREE events.