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Catholic School News Dear Blessed Pope Paul VI School Community, It is hard to believe that the first term of the 2016-2017 school year is coming to a close. Once again, it has been a busy and productive time at Blessed Pope Paul VI C.S. with many school activities and events taking place. Across the school, routines and classroom expectations are now firmly established. Whether it was in academic gains or athletic accomplishments, our students have strived to do their best and represent our school proudly and with confidence. We all have reason to look back on the past month with significant pride. During the month of December, we can easily become entangled in the constant wave of motion called the ‘Christmas Rush’. For us Catholics the season of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and lasts for several weeks afterward. We prepare for Christmas by celebrating Advent, the season of waiting and preparation. Advent is a time of quiet, joyful preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and also a time to remember that we wait for Christ to come again at the end of time. It is a season to enjoy the hope that Christ’s Resurrection points to. The First Sunday of Advent is also a time of new beginnings – it is the official start of the Church’s calendar. Take the time to celebrate Advent with your children. A beautiful tradition is the lighting of the Advent wreath during the four weeks of Advent. The Christmas tree located at the office is our Jesse Tree. Each morning the students are decorating it with symbols that tell our Faith history. Our tree reminds us of an important person or story in the Bible. As we now move through the Advent season, our prayers are for a happy and holy Christmas for all. May the Christmas holidays provide you an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. On behalf of the staff at Blessed Pope Paul VI Catholic School, we wish you and your family a wonderful time together over this Christmas season!

Classes will resume on Monday, January 9, 2017.

Merry Christmas and many blessings for a great New

Year.

L. Lio

BLESSED POPE PAUL VI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

270 Laughton Ave. Toronto, Ontario

M6N 2X8 Telephone #416-393-5374

Fax # 416-393-5842

Principal: L .Lio Secretary: L.Gray

Superintendent:

J. Wujek 416-222-8282 x5371

Trustee: F D’Amico

416 222 8282 ext. 2873

Parish: St. Nicholas of Bari Church

1277 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto, Ontario

416-654-8908

Enrollment: 325 Hours of Operation: 9:00-3:30

Outdoor Supervision 8:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. 3:30p.m.-3:45p.m.

________________________________

Santa Photos

Mark it on your calendar…Santa Claus is coming to Blessed Pope Paul VI on December 1st!

Although his trip is a long one from the North Pole, Santa always makes time for the special boys and girl of Blessed Pope Paul VI Catholic School. For $5.00, we

encourage your child(ren) to participate in our Santa Claus photo shoot. You will receive ONE 5” by 7” professional photo, taken by Bright Pics Photography. "Friend Shots" are also available. Please be advised that Santa will visit only ONCE and there will be no retake options. If you are interested in

participating, please fill in the order form by November 30th, 2016!

Advent Wreath Prayers

First Sunday in Advent – Light the first purple candle. This is the Candle of Hope. It is a sign that God is with us, encouraging us on our way. Blessing for the First Candle- O, Lord, fill us with a longing for you. Help us to be open and eager, as we wait for your coming with joy and excitement. In the busy days ahead, keep us in your sight. Let us remember that it is you, our Lord, for whom we are preparing. Amen. Second Sunday in Advent – Light the first and the second purple candles. The second candle is the Candle of Peace. It is a reminder that Jesus came to share God’s peace with all. Blessing for the Second Candle: O, Lord, as we prepare for your coming, let us reflect your love in all we say and do. Encourage us to be people of peace. Let it reign in our hearts and minds this Advent Season. Amen. Third Sunday in Advent – Light the first two purple candles and the pink candle, the Candle of Joy. It is a sign that God has promised us life in abundance. Blessing for the Third Candle- O, Lord, this is a time for caring and sharing. Help us open our hearts fully to others. Let our faces radiate the joy of your coming so that everyone we meet will know of you and the gift of life you bring. Amen. Fourth Sunday in Advent – Light all the candles, the last one is called the Candle of Love. It is a sign of God’s generous care and concern for all. Blessing for the Fourth Candle- O Lord, you are the Light of the World. Help us to see your will. Always be with us so that we will come to know and love you in many ways. Teach us to recognize you in those we meet and in all of creation. Amen. Teachers Bring Their Grade 9 to Work Day On November, 2, 2016 it was bring your grade 9 child to work day in Canada. Mrs. Hasegawa, Mrs. Di Iorio and Mrs. Di Stefano brought their sons and daughter to school. Their names are Kaz, Emily and David and they all helped students with their work. Kaz helped the Kindergartens with their daily writing, Emily helped the grade ones with colouring and jump math, and David helped the grade four students with reading and the measurement unit. It was nice to meet them. We hope they come back to work with us again. Written by: Lucca (Gr. 4), Nicholas (SK), Luzane and Sophia H. (Gr. 1)

Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten Registration will begin for all Elementary Schools on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 @ 10:00 am. Parents/guardians with children born in 2013, who will be entering Kindergarten in September 2017, may choose to register in person at our school or may apply on-line using the “Student On-line Admission and Registration” platform

known as S.O.A.R. which is found at the following link: http://soar.tcdsb.org. You may register from home, a public library or anywhere there is internet access 24 hours a day. The on-line application also offers access to translations in different languages with built-in help functions and features. A follow up visit to the school to present the required documents will be scheduled following the online application. The following original documents are required for registration.

Baptismal Certificate

Birth Certificate

Immunization Record

Proof of Residence (2 documents)

Applications to register children in grades other than Kindergarten can also be done on the online S.O.A.R. application. For more information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314, www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

Reminder Parents:

Please remember to call the school and let the office know if your child will be absent or late for school. This helps us ensure the safety of your child. Thank you so much for your help with this.

NOVEMBER VIRTUE: PEACE The Virtue for November was Peace. We would like to congratulate the following students

who were chosen as recipients of the Virtue of the Month for November.

Teacher Grade Recipients

Lynch-Hasegawa JK/SK Anita V., Alexandre F., Jasmine L.

Salituro JK/SK Arabelle F.

Di Iorio 1 Ashley R., Emma M.

Nahirna 1 & 2 Deliyah P., Vanessa P., Christian C., Tyson R.

DeFrancesco 2 Emily S., Lucas F.

Silva 2 & 3 Cristiano M., Adriana F.

Pomorska 3 Sofia O., Helena O.

Di Stefano 4 Jerico P., Christian V.

Mastrogiacomo 5 Sydney R., Jayden D., Ben G.

Leadbetter 5 & 6 Katelynn, E., Stacey C., Daniela F.

Clara 6 & 7 Aldrin B., Erika D., Jon Andrae Y.

Coscarelli 7 & 8 Dylan S., Sebastian A., Ignacio C., Tania S., Melanie S.

Hughes 8 Marco O., JeanCarlo J., Milena L.

Pozzobon Angel D., Sebastian A.

Muscat Aldrin B., Michael D.

Winter Weather

During the winter season, the school receives calls from concerned parents as to how we

determine when children will or will not be allowed outside for recess. The Toronto Catholic District School Board Policy determines that students will remain indoors when the temperature in conjunction with the wind speed, creates a wind chill factor that could possibly lead to frostbite. Students should also come to school dressed

appropriately for the weather (coats, hats, mitts, boots, etc). For health and safety reasons students must have indoor shoes. Students should not walk through the school with wet socks, boots or shoes. Appropriate Dress Code and Student Uniform Students are to dress to the school’s Appropriate Dress code, which consists of the following:

o A plain solid navy blue bottom-pants must be worn around the waist o A plain solid white or navy blue top o A plain solid navy blue cardigan, sweater, hoodie or pullover o Shoes for indoor wear and shoes for outwear wear

Inappropriate attire includes:

o Clothing with logos o Jeans o Hats/caps/bandanas/gloves/sunglasses worn inside school o Oversized jewelry such as earrings or necklaces

All students are expected to dress in clean, neat and practical clothing. On the occasion of a dress down day, good sense is the criterion for acceptable dress. We rely on parents’ able judgment to send their children to school dressed appropriately for the activity. Appropriate Dress Code or uniform is mandatory and will be strictly and consistently enforced. It is part of the student’s responsibility to come to school appropriately dressed.

Student Supervision The weather is changing to rain, wind and cold weather. With this in mind, please remember that morning supervision does not begin until 8:45 a.m. Please do not drop off your child before this time. In the morning, the secretary and staff are organizing their morning and day. You may see them in the building, but they cannot supervise children. Please make arrangements if you have to leave work early due to the weather or if you are late for the same reason. Also, when it is raining, please drop off your child at side/school yard doors and staff will escort them to the gym. Only at 8:45 a.m., when it is raining. Please do not bring them through the front doors. Thank you for cooperation and understanding.

Blessed Pope Paul Catholic School Parent Council Presents

Family Movie Night Movie: Arthur’s Christmas Date: Dec.01, 2016 Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Place: School Gymnasium

Admission is free with a purchase of Popcorn and drink $2.00 This grand event is for the Blessed Pope Paul students and their parents. All students who are attending MUST be supervised by their own parents. Popcorn, drinks and treats will be for sale. Enjoy! CSPC

Bake Sale CSPC Bake Sale Progress Report Card – Fall 2016

Learning Skills E – Excellent G- Good S – Satisfactory N – Needs Improvement

School Participation E A big thank you to all our families who participated in this year’s Parent – Teacher Interview Night Bake Sale. Sweet smiles were seen all night long as eager parents, grandparents and students enjoyed these delicious treats. Our success is your success as we commit to the purchase of new classroom equipment such as laptops and projectors as well as programs such as Scientists in School.

Quality Baking E

Collaboration E

Organization E

Will Power

(to eat many treats)

E

Bus Delays For those parents who’s children ride the big bus to/from school, the

website below is a great resourse when there is a bus delay.

https://www.torontoschoolbus.org/school-bus-delays/

Reporting of Cancellations Or Closures Due To Inclement Weather

Cancellation of school bus transportation or school closures due to inclement weather will be reported through the following vehicles: New releases to all media outlets in Toronto (Note: although the news release is provided to the media outlets, there is no guarantee that all television radio stations will broadcast the information in a timely fashion). Communications will endeavor to send an email to everyone on the TCDSB E mail exchange to advise them of any cancellations or closures. Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hour information line, 416-222-8282, extension 2873. The information will also be posted on the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org or www.tcdsb.org/weather.htm.

Halloween Pictures

Elf on The Shelf in Ms.Salituro and Ms.Olmedo’s Class!

Kinderartens were excited when Elf on the Shelf came to their classroom.

Showing math and literacy behaviours, the children used tally marks to vote for a name for the Elf. Most children chose “Rainbow”.

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2016 On Remembrance Day we remember those who gave their lives for freedom through various missions in pursuit of

Peace. Canadians will pause in silence to remember those who died in war. On November 11, 2016, Ms. Lio and Trustee Frank D’Amico participated in a Sunrise Service at the Cross of Sacrifice at the Veterans Plot, Prospect Cemetery. A a wreath was placed representing the Toronto Catholic District School Board. In addition, a Remembrance Day Prayer service was shared over the P.A, acknowledging our peace makers, past and present.

An Inquiry Into Peace and Bullying In November 2016, Ms. Pozzobon and Ms. DiStefano collaborated together to lead their Grade 4 class through an inquiry into peace and bullying to meet our Language and Health curriculum expectations.

Our inquiry began by using graphic organizers such as mind maps, Look/Think/Feel charts and a Frayer Model to help us identify and describe bullying. From here, Ms. DiStefano led her class through the writing process that encouraged the students to write a journal entry expressing their knowledge of bullying as well as their feelings on how bullying impacts the bully and the person being bullied. She also incorporated drama by asking her students to create one image using their bodies that represented bullying.

In addition, Ms. Pozzobon led the class into creating posters that visually described various forms of bullying as well as role plays which depicted bullying scenarios and which sparked discussion. From here, students created a positive footprint which included an important message: a message on what to do if one is being bullied.

Finally, the Grade 4 Bullying Banner for Peace was shared with the school community and their journal entry was shared with the Grade 1 student community as a shared reading activity in the hopes that the younger generation will feel empowered and can take further action to create peace within the community.

Well done Grade 4’s! You show leadership in our school

PEACE

Math with Ms. Pozzobon

In Ms. Pozzobon's class, the students are wrapping up their Math Unit: Data Management and Probability. These past few weeks have been packed with learning Math skills that help us to classify and sort data as well as to create, interpret and read graphs. Reading graphs have helped us all to develop our higher-order thinking skills and have promoted great discussions with the class. Well done everyone!

Intermediate Boys Volleyball On Thursday, November 9, 2016, the Boys' Intermediate Volleyball Team participated in a tournament at St. Clare School. We played games against St. John Bosco, St. Clare and St.

Alphonso. We placed third overall. Everyone put their heart and best effort into every game. The team members were Jacob Nguyen, our awesome captain who has been on volleyball teams since grade 4 and this is his last year, John Castro, Matthew Goulart, Joseph Duarte, Eugene Ponce, Nathan Andrade, Alexcei Bravo and Samuel Gomez. Thank you to our coach Mr. Mac Isaac and Mrs. Leadbetter who attended the tournament with the team.

Ms. Silva’s Class Anti-Bullying Awareness Campaign Blessed Pope Paul VI participated in the TCDSB 2016 Anti-bullying and Awareness Campaign. Each day students from Ms. Silva and Ms. Mastrogiacomo’s class “caught” students in acts of kindness. The students received recognition by having their names announced on the PA and they received a certificate celebrating their kind acts. We would like to thank ALL the students of Blessed Pope Paul whose kind acts sometimes go unnoticed. You are doing the right thing and keep it up!

Ms. DeFrancesco’s Class

November Peacemakers Acts of Kindness

Ms Nguyen our CYW from George Brown College has initiated a heart for “Acts Of Kindness” campaign for the grade 2 students in Mrs DeFrancesco's class. So far the most hearts go to Lucas, Brody and Emily. They have helped others in many ways.

November School Spirit Day Crazy Hair Day! The grade 2 students in Ms. DeFrancesco’s class got into the ‘School Spirit’ and came to school with their crazy hair!

Procedures Everywhere!!! This month in Ms. Mastrogiacomo's Grade 5 class, we have been learning to write procedural texts. We co created a success criteria and our teacher modelled many examples for us to learn to write. We used media to show us how cookie monster had difficulty making sandwiches because his friends did not explain the proper procedure. As a result, cookie monster took all the ingredients and ate them. Silly Monster!!

We even received a letter from Elf on the Shelf who told us that we had to use a procedure to draw him. He told us that he would be coming to our class in December and that he would be looking at our drawings and watching us for Santa of course. Finally, it was our turn, in groups we learned how to make Hot chocolate. We used our success criteria to write a detailed

procedure. Then, we presented our procedure to the class while making the hot chocolate. The delicious part was being able to drink our tasty creations. Now, we are writing our final individual procedures. Every student in the class has a different topic to share. We Can't Wait!!

Fitness Club – ‘Up Club’ Blessed Pope Paul VI School has caught the Fitness Bug! Ms. Clara’s new Fitness Club ‘Up Club’ meets on Wednesday mornings in the gym where they run and do a miriade of cardio exercises.

Monthly Update from the Board

December 2016

Kindergarten Registration for September 2017 The Toronto Catholic District School Board invites families with children born in 2013 to register for Kindergarten beginning

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. EST.

Registration options:

• Online: Parents will be able to complete their application online at: https://soar.tcdsb.org/Login.aspx. A follow up with

visit to the school to present the required documents will be scheduled by the school following the online application.

• In Person: Parents can register at their local school with the required documents.

Information: 416-222-8282 ext. 5320 or 5314, www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

French Immersion and Extended French The Toronto Catholic District School Board offers French Immersion and Extended French programs at several TCDSB sites. The

French Immersion program is offered to students beginning in Junior Kindergarten. The Extended French Program is offered to

students beginning in grade 5.

Interested parents are encouraged to attend an information evening to learn more about the program. Please note dates, times and

locations for sessions planned for December through to February available on the French Immersion and Extended French sites.

Information: (416) 222-8282 ext. 2540 or

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/EarlyYears/KindergartenRegistration/Pages/French-Immersion.aspx.

LTAP and LTPP The Toronto Catholic District School Board has launched a consultation on its proposed Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP)

and Long Term Program Plan (LTPP).

All parents, staff, students and Catholic school stakeholders are invited to participate and provide input into the proposed actions

outlined in the draft Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) and Long Term Program Plan (LTPP).

Two separate consultation surveys (one for each plan) have been prepared to facilitate this consultation process. The links to the

online surveys can be accessed by clicking on the links above.

The deadline for responding to the surveys is Monday, January 9, 2017 at Noon.

Feedback gathered through the consultation process will help inform the decisions of Trustees regarding final recommendations

for the LTAP and LTPP at the Board meeting in February 2017.

For more information regarding the LTPP and the LTAP, please visit

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/PlanningandFacilities/ConsultationsLTAPLTPP/Pages/Default.aspx

We thank you for your involvement in these important discussions.

Year of Parish—Promote Your Parish Project As we continue to celebrate our Year of the Parish we want to know what makes your pastor and/or your parish unique. Students

are invited to create a short video, or piece of original artwork, write a short story, poem or letter, or express themselves in any

way artistically to highlight the relationship that the students have with the local parish and/or the priest/pastor at their church.

“Promote Your Parish” and let’s celebrate the many ways that our parishes and our parish priests contribute to our schools and

communities. Submit the completed projects via email to parish.project@tcdsb.org. We will be sharing the submissions via

the board’s website as well as Twitter. In addition, plans are underway for a showcase of student submissions—videos, art and

written pieces—during Catholic Education Week. Watch for more details about that event soon.

Deadline for submissions: April 7, 2017

Visit the website for criteria and other details.

https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/YearoftheParish/Pages/Parish-Family-Day-Celebration.aspx

Toronto Police Service Seeks Crossing Guards Interested individuals should drop in to their local police division to inquire about application.

Advent Has Begun For prayers, liturgies & other resources: https://www.tcdsb.org/Pages/Season-of-Advent.aspx

Get Ready for High School Everything you need to know can be found in the Transition Guides for parents and students:

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Pages/defa

ult.aspx

https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SchoolProgramsK12/GuidanceCoopEd/Transition%20to%20High%20School/Transition

GuidesOct282016/TCDSB_STUDENT_GUIDE.pdf

Preparing for Post-Secondary Education? University application deadline: January 11, 2017 https://www.ouac.on.ca/deadlines/

College application deadline: February 1, 2017 http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/important-dates

OSAP information for students--Find more information about the Ontario Student Assistance Program:

New! Free tuition for eligible students

OSAP Presentation

Dates/Events to Note: • Staff Arts Christmas Concert, December 2nd https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/staff-arts-christmas-concert-and-wine-and-

cheese-social.aspx

• System-wide PA Day December 2nd

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd

• International Human Rights Day, December 10th

Christmas Break A reminder that schools are open through to December 23, 2016. Christmas holidays begin Saturday, December 24 th and continue

through to Sunday, January 8th. Classes resume, Monday, January 9th.

Our Eastern rite families will celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

We wish everyone a safe, happy and blessed Christmas.