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Virtue of the month: HOSPITALITY

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.”

September 2015 September08 2006 2006

St. Helen Catholic School News

WELCOME BACK!!

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

A heartfelt welcome back is extended to all members of the St. Helen

Catholic School community. We welcome back all former students and

families of St. Helen and extend a special welcome to families new to our

community as well as to all new Junior Kindergarten students.

We continue to maintain that the most effective partnership that supports

student achievement and well-being is one that includes home, school,

parish and other community members. Together, we continue to strive to

provide our children with learning experiences that will enrich their

academic, emotional and spiritual growth.

We welcome new staff members Mr. Bethke (Vice-Principal), Ms.

Paesano (ELP Teacher), Mr. Santos (Health & Physical Education

Teacher) and Ms. Hickey (Librarian Technician) to our St. Helen Staff

Community.

Best wishes to staff, students and parents for a wonderful and rewarding

year ahead!

A. Sanborn M. Bethke

Principal Vice-Principal

SCHOOL HOURS 8:30 a.m. SCHOOL BEGINS 10:12 – 10:27 a.m. A.M. RECESS 11:15 - 12:15 p.m. LUNCH 1:40 -1:55 p.m. P.M. RECESS 3:30 p.m. DISMISSAL

2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR Number of School Days 194 Labour Day September 7, 2015 First Instructional Day September 8, 2015 Thanksgiving Day October 12, 2015 Christmas Break December 21, 2015-January 1, 2016 Family Day February 15, 2016 Mid-Winter Break March 14-18, 2016 Good Friday March 25, 2016 Easter Monday March 28, 2016 Victoria Day May 23, 2016 Last day of classes for students June 29, 2016

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS 2015-2016 Number of Professional Activity

ays

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Provincial Education Priorities/Faith Development

September 3, 2015

Parent Teacher Conferences

November 13, 2015

Assessment & Reporting January 22, 2016

Parent Teacher Conferences February 12, 2016

Assessment & Reporting June 10, 2016

Provincial Education Priorities June 30, 2016

St. Helen Catholic School

1196 College Street, Toronto Ontario, M6H 1B8 Telephone: 416-393-5208

Fax: 416-397-6142

Principal: Alise Sanborn

Vice-Principal: Michael Bethke

Superintendent: Dr. Jim Saraco

Trustee:

Barbara Poplawski

Parish: Father John Cabral

St. Helen Roman Catholic Church 1680 Dundas Street

Toronto, Ontario M6H 3M8

Phone: 416-531-8188

School Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Lunch Hour: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Family, School, Parish

Together with One Voice

Year of the Family

“Together with One Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family, Parish and School” TCDSB has launched a new three year pastoral plan for 2015 through to 2018. The specific

emphasis for 2015-2016 is on the Family. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

SEPTEMBER ORGANIZATION OF CLASSES AND PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN When the children come to school on Tuesday, September 8th, a tentative class and grade organization is in place. It is important to understand that due to increases or decreases in enrolment, changes may need to be made in grade organization, teacher’s assignments and the placement of children during the month of September and possibly October. If changes are required, it is the responsibility of the principal to ensure that the various abilities, needs and interests of the children are taken into consideration and that each class includes students with a wide variety of experiences, strengths and needs.

STUDENT UPDATE INFORMATION/ PERMISSION FORMS

These forms are sent home on the first day of school. Please complete and return the forms as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, it is imperative that we have an up to date telephone number for your home, work, daytime care provider, day care or family member and family doctor, as well as, updated medical information for the student.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Families with children born in 2011 or before, are invited to apply online for registration. Parents can complete their application via the Board’s new Online Registration Website: http://soar.tcdsb.org.

The following documents are required for applying online and the originals are needed for the application appointment: 1. Child's Birth Certificate (Certificate of Citizenship or Landed Immigrant Status) 2. Child's Catholic Baptismal Certificate (or other proof of Catholicity) 3. Child's Immunization Record 4. Proof of residency in Toronto (e.g., landline phone bill, Tenant/Landlord Agreement, utility bill)

General information is available by telephone at 416-222-8282, ext. 5314 or via the board’s website at www.tcdsb.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL (CSPC) AGM MEETING A Catholic School Parent Council has been established, subject to the requirements of the Education Act and the TCDSB policies, guidelines and Operating Procedures for Catholic School Parent Councils and shall function in an advisory role to the school Principal and where appropriate, the Board. The Parent Council is made up of parent/guardian representatives, teachers, St. Helen’s Parish representative and a community member. The Council meets regularly and encourages the attendance of all community stakeholders. Please join us at our first monthly scheduled CSPC meeting on September 17th at 6:30 p.m. We encourage your involvement.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Catholic School Parent Council shall function in an advisory role to improve student achievement and to enhance the curriculum education by making recommendations to the principal of the school and, where appropriate, the Board on any matter in accordance with the Education Act and the Policies, Guidelines and Operating Procedures of the Board. All members of The Council shall be elected or appointed by their constituent group in accordance with the election procedures. The term of an elected or appointed member of The Council is one year. This term is renewable by re-election or re-appointment by the eligible electorate of the next year. The Council shall endeavour to have its membership reflect the diversity of the school

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community. Elections shall occur within the first thirty days of the start of each school year. Each parent/guardian seeking election must be nominated or self-nominated in writing, must have a child registered at the school, and must declare if he or she is employed by the school board. Attached is the nomination form for those wishing to nominate someone to the Council or to self nominate and must be returned to the school office before September 17th. Our first CSPC AGM meeting of the new school year will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. On this date, elections will be taking place for the new CSPC council.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT TCDSB values the involvement of parents in the education of their children, and welcomes their participation in the lives of our school communities. Find out how you can get involved as a member of the Toronto OAPCE (Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education), or as a member of Toronto CPIC (Catholic Parent Involvement Committee). At the local level, check out the next meeting of your CSPC (Catholic School Parent Council). Visit the Parent Portal to get all the latest news and information https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/Pages/default.aspx.

CPIC ELECTIONS Interested in serving as a representative on CPIC? Elections are taking place October 5th and 7th. Get all the details here and nomination forms in the school office: https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/ParentInvolvement/CPICElections/Pages/Default.aspx

CSPC PIZZA LUNCHES Once again, CSPC will be coordinating our hot pizza lunch days this year for our students. Look forward to an order form coming home soon. Volunteers are greatly needed to assist with these hot lunches. If you are able to volunteer an hour of your time on pizza days, please fill in the volunteer section of the pizza order form and someone will contact you.

LUNCH LADY - SEPTEMBER 16TH Lunch Lady is very excited to be serving our students hot lunches for the 2015-2016 school year. The pre-ordered hot lunches will

be weekly starting Wednesday, September 16th. Menus have been sent home. Every lunch will meet provincial nutritional standards and are designed with kids’ good health in mind. All meals will be made in a nut-free commercial kitchen and can be modified for kids with allergies or special food needs. If you have any questions email/call anthony@thelunchlady.ca 647-436-9134.

PORTUGUESE AUTHOR VISIT – SEPTEMBER 18TH St. Helen School is pleased to welcome Ms. Alice Vieira, Portuguese Author, to our school on September 18th for a presentation to our Grade 3 & 4 students. Welcome Ms. Vieira!!

CURRICULUM NIGHT St. Helen’s Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, October 1st, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Parents/guardians are invited

to attend this very important evening, as information about Ministry curriculum, assessment measures and teacher expectations for the school year will be presented. We welcome you to attend.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION We will also be holding a High School Information session on Thursday, October 1st, 2015 at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. prior to Curriculum Night for parents of students in Gr. 7 & 8. Our Guidance teacher, Mr. Amato, will be presenting.

STUDENT AGENDAS Students in Grades 1 – 8 will be using student agendas. This is a great way to keep our students organized with homework reminders and a great

way for communication between home and school. Once again, we are grateful to our CSPC who, through their fundraising activities, are providing our students with agendas free of charge.

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DRESS CODE The “Appropriate Dress Code” consists of any combination of solid white and navy blue garments. (i.e., plain white top, navy blue bottom; navy blue top and bottom; no denim). Any sweaters or hoodies to be worn in the school should conform to the blue/white dress code. Thus any articles of clothing with writing/pictures other than the school crest are not appropriate wear. This also means any articles of clothing in colours other than blue and white are not appropriate. Clothing with stripes and checkers are also not appropriate school wear. The school will contact parents when their children are not adhering to the school dress code. Please ensure that your child is equipped with appropriate wear.

SUMMER: In warm months, students should dress modestly. Tops with spaghetti straps, short shorts and torn clothing are not appropriate wear for school. Students are to be dressed properly for a safe physical education class. Running shoes for gym use should not be black soled as they mark up the gym floor. Makeup and jewelry are not appropriate for elementary students. Excessive make-up is not allowed.

All school related activities shall be governed by the dress code. Students are expected to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for God, self and others. If students are not adhering to the dress code, parents will be notified and students may be requested to go home to change.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

IMMACULATA CHILD CARE Before and After School Programs (as well as on P.A. Days and school holidays) are available through Immaculata Child Care for students attending the Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program and students in Grades 1 – 6 at St. Helen School. For more information, please contact Fatima Costa at (416) 534-5772.

DOVERCOURT BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB Dovercourt will be running their After School Program at St. Helen School for the 2015-2016 school year. Please call 416-536-4102 if you wish to register your child.

PORTUGUESE AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES Portuguese After School Classes are offered here at St. Helen through Escola Portuguesa Novos Horizontes. For information, call Fernanda at 416-566-4754.

PARENTING AND FAMILY LITERACY CENTRE – OPENS SEPTEMBER 9TH The Parenting and Family Literacy Centre invites parents and/or caregivers with children between the ages of 0-6 years of age to attend and participate in play based learning activities. The program operates daily from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the Parenting and Family Literacy Centre located in Room 206 on the second floor. Please enter through the front door/sign in at the main office.

SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM Again this year, St. Helen will be conducting a Safe Arrival Program. Parents whose

children do not arrive at school will be contacted unless the school has been notified in advance of the student's expected absence. Please contact the school office at 416-393-5208 before 8:30 a.m., or before 12:15 p.m. for an afternoon absence if your child will not be attending school. If your child is absent and we have not heard from you, we will make every effort to contact you. The name and phone number of an emergency contact is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. If we are unable to determine the whereabouts of your child, the police may be called, so it is imperative that you fully complete the emergency form you received and keep us up to date for home or business number changes. With your co-operation this can be a very positive program designed to give parents a measure of peace of mind.

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PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL If your child is required to leave school (before normal dismissal times) a note, which is dated and signed by the parent stating the reason for early dismissal, should be presented to the teacher before the student is permitted to leave. A “sign-out” book is located in the office and all persons picking up students or students with written parental permission leaving early must complete the sign-out information before leaving the school. Parents who send friends, neighbours or relatives to pick up their children must inform the school in advance of changes.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE / LATES Our school hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is imperative that the

students arrive before the 8:30 a.m. morning bell and that they are ready to line up for school entrance with their class. When students are late, they miss important morning announcements that the Principal needs to make as well as important instructional time. The student who is late disrupts the classroom lessons that have been started. Student attendance is monitored closely and warning letters are being sent home when a student is consistently late. When a student is late more than 15 times a social work referral will be made.

SCHOOL SUPERVISION Our children are supervised in our kindergarten yard and schoolyard from 8:15 a.m. to entrance time. Over the lunch hour, the students remaining for lunch are supervised by staff. For safety purposes, parents and guardians are kindly asked to keep the schoolyard clear by waiting on the other side of the fence from 8:15 a.m. and throughout the school day.

INCLEMENT WEATHER During cold or inclement weather please send your child to school

only a few minutes before the bell rings, so that they will not have to stand out in the rain or cold for long periods of time. Students will be kept inside on days in which the weather/wind

chill factor is significantly cold or raining. Such decisions are made individually respecting local weather conditions.

DISMISSAL Parents picking up children should be at the school only five minutes before the dismissal bell in order to maintain

an uninterrupted learning environment and to ensure the safety of all students. In the interest of safety, parents are asked to meet siblings and other children that they pick up in the schoolyard. Parents and caregivers are reminded that supervised dismissal time for students at the end of the school day is from 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. If a student is not picked up by 3:45 p.m. in the school yard, the supervisor will bring the student to the office where a call will be made to arrange for pick-up of the student. The school office closes at 4:00 p.m.

HARD EQUIPMENT BALLS IN YARD Due to the risk of hard ball injuries to students and staff from basketballs, soccer balls, etc. in our school yard, the only balls to be used in the yard at any time are to be soft foam balls. This rule has been in place for several years and is announced often during daily announcements. Again this year the school has taken measures to purchase soft foam balls to be used during outdoor play. The consequence for hard balls being brought to school is having these balls taken to the office to be held by the Principal. We thank you for your support in respecting this school rule for the safety of students and allowing them to enjoy their outdoor play in a safe environment.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS In the event of an emergency, the Principal will follow the step by step emergency procedures that have been set in place by the Board. These plans are practiced throughout the school year with all staff and students and include lockdown, hold and secure and fire drills. The ultimate goal is to educate and protect the well-being and safety of all TCDSB students, staff and visitors within our building and community. To this effect, the evacuation sites that have been designated to our school in case of an emergency are: Primary site - St. Sebastian

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Catholic School on Brock Avenue and Secondary site – Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic School on Bloor Street.

ALLERGIES / SHARING FOOD St. Helen’s is an allergen aware school. There are children in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as peanuts or other nut products (this includes Nutella). Please let the school know if your child has a new allergy. Please remind your child to refrain from sharing snacks and lunches. Students with ANAPHYLAXIS must carry an EPI-PEN with them at all times as well as having a second EPI-PEN stored at the school office. Parents/ Guardians will be given a form: TCDSB REQUEST AND CONSENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF INJECTION OF MEDICATION IN AN EMERGENCY which is to be completed by the parent/guardian as well as the child’s doctor. An EMERGENCY ALLERGY ALERT FORM EPI-PEN ONLY will be completed with the student’s photo and placed on the Medical Alert Board in the office, staff room and student’s classroom.

ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION Please be advised that a student is only allowed to take medication with the

“Request and Consent for the Administration of Oral Medication” TCDSB forms approved and signed by the prescribing doctor. These forms are printed by the office. Once these forms are completed and handed into the office, along with the medication, the child will be allowed to self-administer the medication while administration supervises. The child needs to be taught at home how to take the medication while under supervision. No staff member is allowed to administer medication. All medication is to be kept in the office at all times. Please note that without any doctor authorized TCDSB forms, no medication can be administered.

BIRTHDAYS Birthdays are announced over the P.A. and children are invited to the office to choose a small token in celebration. Sending something for your child’s birthday for the class is not necessary; however, if you wish to do so, we encourage non-food items

(e.g., pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.). With caution, any food treat to be shared from home must be pre-approved by the teacher and must be certified peanut-free by the manufacturer.

CELL PHONE USE Although many students bring cell phones to school as a communication device for parents to keep in contact with their children after school hours, please note that CELL PHONE USE IS NOT PERMITTED DURING CLASS TIME. Students are to keep their cell phones powered off during class and while on school property. Class time is precious and students will not be allowed to engage in texting/ calling/ emailing during school hours. If you need to contact your child, please call the school and we will make every attempt to relay the message to your child and/or to bring your child to the office telephone. Failure to follow school policy may result in the confiscation of the cell phone. Any use of cell phones/electronic devices, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to intimidate others will result in confiscation of the phone.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL All visitors (including parents) must report to the office prior to proceeding to classes. For security and safety reasons, access to the school is available through the front doors only

to the school. Please ring the bell to gain access to the school. Please advise the office of any strangers around the school. All volunteers must have a police check. All service providers must be approved by the school board.

NO STOPPING ON COLLEGE ST. Parents and the community must ensure that the safety of the children is the first priority when using surrounding streets to drop off children for school and picking them up. There are still illegally parked cars on College Street in front of the school. Those individuals have been warned or have received tickets. The City of Toronto and Toronto Parking Authority have zero tolerance for offences in school zones and that people must understand that safety comes first over convenience. There is no

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need for illegal parking in front of the school. The following parking tickets will be issued for certain parking violations: Stopping and Parking in a No Stopping Zone: $60.00, Parking in a No Parking Zone: $40.00, Stopping and Parking in a Bus Loading Zone - $40.00. In addition, these zones are in place to make sure that there are no cars impeding the safe flow of traffic. Parking Enforcement is allowed to call for vehicle towing in the following circumstances: parking on a sidewalk, 9 metres from an intersection, in front of fire hydrants, in a no stopping and no standing zone. It is vital that the flow of traffic not be impeded in case of emergencies eg. EMS, Police and Fire need access to the school or neighbours (which in some circumstances may be a matter of life and death) and the current illegal parking does not allow for this flow of traffic. With all of this being said, we as a community need to make this our motto “Safety over Convenience” and abide by the parking by-laws.

SCHOOL PARKING LOT Parents and the community are reminded that the parking lot behind the school is private parking for The Toronto Catholic District School Board

and to be used by staff members. It is private property and any unauthorized vehicles will be tagged and/or towed away at the owner’s expense. (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 915).

SAFETY AND ACCIDENTS Please take a few minutes to review basic safety rules with your child. This will reinforce the lessons taught by the teachers regarding safety and rules at school. Despite the constant reminders and attention given to students regarding safety, occasional accidents do happen. In case of a minor accident i.e. cuts, scratches, etc., first aid will be administered by the school staff. If the child continues to be uncomfortable or is in distress, it is the school's practice to notify the parent/guardian. In case of serious accidents, the parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible to request direction from them. In the absence of such direction, the school will determine the appropriate use of 911 and the parent will accept responsibility. The principal will take the appropriate action as directed by the Board of Education if attempts to contact

you are not successful. In case of an emergency, it is imperative that we have an up-to-date telephone number for your home, work, daytime care provider, day care or family member and family doctor. Please inform the school of any changes in contact information throughout the year.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE Forms are given out to the students at the beginning of the school year. Parents mail the forms directly to the insurance company. We encourage you to keep a record of the plan purchased. Claim forms, should they be needed, can be obtained at the school. Please inform the school if you did not receive an insurance form.

EXCURSIONS During the school year, excursions are planned in conjunction with the curriculum to enrich the students’ comprehension and appreciation of

the topics and concepts presented in the classroom. It is hoped that you will allow your child to participate in these special events. Also, your assistance as a supervisor on excursions is encouraged. For out of area excursions, parental permission must be sought in a letter approved by the principal which explains all the details, costs, and timelines. Neighbourhood trips are those within walking distance. Consent forms for this purpose will be given out at the beginning of the year so that permission will not have to be obtained each time a class takes a walking tour within the school neighbourhood.

PEDICULOSIS – HEAD LICE TIPS FOR TREATMENT & PREVENTION Please read the following information for facts and tips regarding Pediculosis. The most obvious sign of head lice is scratching. PREVENTION

To stop the spread of lice, we ask that you monitor and check your child’s head periodically.

A tip to prevent lice from spreading on girls’ hair is for girls to wear their hair up in

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a bun, a ponytail or a braid. Hair spray on the braid or ponytail is a common tip.

Rinsing with vinegar after washing your child’s hair is another common tip.

TREATMENT

To check your child’s head, part the hair in sections and look for small grey or brown insects, slightly larger than a pin-head. Lice lay tiny silvery white eggs called nits. Nits can be found over the entire head but are most common behind the ears and in the nape of the neck. They stick to the hair shaft.

If your child has head lice, please make sure that the office is aware so that a notice can be sent home to the other classmates to have their parents check their hair. Rest assured, the student’s name will always remain anonymous.

Treat your child with a special medicated shampoo or rinse that is made just for lice. It is available at most drug stores.

Once treated, remove the nits using the special comb that is included in the kit daily over several weeks.

The child should be treated and free of head lice before returning to school.

GUIDANCE CORNER Your Friendly

Neighbourhood Guidance Teacher/Counsellor

My name is Mr. Amato. I support 14 schools in

Areas 5 and 6 including this one. Unfortunately, due

to the large number of schools that I service, I am

only available to this school on a bi-weekly basis for

half a day. During my school visits, I work with

students, school staff and administrators. Together

our goal is to continue to foster a happy and safe

environment by strengthening:

Individual Pathway Plan (I.P.P.) and All About Me

Portfolio Support

Learning skills and study habits

Healthy relationships and Student safety and well-

being

Career exploration and educational planning

Individual and small group counselling is available

to your children through a referral process.

I look forward to working in your child’s school

throughout the year.

Getting a Richer Answer When You Ask Your

Child, “How Was Your Day?”

Tired of getting the same old answers whenever

you ask your child how their day at school went?

Here are two articles that might make answering

the age-old question a little more interesting. My

Favourite question from these lists…If there was a

zombie apocalypse, which one of your teachers

would most likely survive?

http://parent.co/30-questions-to-ask-your-kid-

instead-of-how-was-your-day/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/liz-evans/25-ways-

to-ask-your-kids-so-how-was-school-today-

without-asking-them-so-how-was-school-

today_b_5738338.html

Frank Amato

Elementary Guidance Teacher Counsellor Holy Family, St. Cecilia, St. Pius X, St. James, St. Vincent

de Paul, James Culnan, Senhor Santo Cristo, St. Luke, St. Helen, St.

Rita, St. Luigi, St. Mary, St. Michael Annex, St. Michael’s Chior

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION As part of the normal ongoing curriculum activities, samples of student work will be displayed or published within and outside the classroom for public appreciation. From time to time, student achievement is publicly acknowledged in newsletters and on our school website. This is a valuable and enriching process. In the event of special publication, e.g., videotaping, newspaper publications, etc. forms will be sent home. If you have any objection to the disclosure of the identifying information check off NO on the form provided.

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Please contact the school if you would like to advertise in this publication.

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2015-2016 Catholic School Parent Council Candidate Nomination Form

I wish to nominate ______________________________________ for an elected position on the school parent council. _________________________________ is the parent/guardian of ______________________________

(Name of person nominated) (Name of student)

I am the parent/guardian of _____________________________________ who is currently registered at this school. (Name of Student)

The person I have nominated is an employee of the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Yes No Nominator’s signature ____________________________________ Date: ________________

All nominated candidates will be contacted by school administration to verify consent of nomination. Only consenting nominees will be brought forth at AGM for elections and must be present.