375 Hawkstone Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T3G 3T7 Telephone: (403) 500-2099 Fax: (403) 500-2299 www.cssd.ab.ca/stmariagoretti

NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017

Dear Parents, The staff of St. Maria Goretti School extend a warm welcome to students and parents. Tutto il personale della scuola Santa Maria Goretti dà un caloroso benvenuto a studenti e genitori. We look forward to working with you and helping children have a rewarding year. A special welcome goes to those new to our school community. As a Catholic School we will work at implementing the Catholic Community of Caring program throughout the year. This program focuses on the values of respect, responsibility, caring, trust and family which are all encompassed by our faith. Together we hope to assist students in increasing their commitment in the areas of spiritual, social and academic growth. We sincerely hope to work in cooperation with parents for the benefit of all children. To achieve this we are asking for your assistance. If at any time you have concerns please let us know by contacting your child’s teacher and we will do our best to address them. We thank you in advance for working with us rather than discussing concerns in the community. If you are volunteering or visiting at the school please ensure that you check in and sign in at the office. There are a variety of forms that have been sent home with your child. Please take time to read, sign and return the required forms as soon as possible. There is also important information in the front of the student agenda. Teachers will be reviewing this information with your child. Please take a moment to read it as it may answer many of the questions about our school. You may also wish to visit our website at www.cssd.ab.ca/stmariagoretti. As of opening day our class lists have been set and the students have begun with their assigned teacher. Class groupings have been carefully created in order to ensure appropriate placements for student success. We are excited to be working with you and your children and thank you for your cooperation and support.

Mr. Mike Macdonald, Principal Mrs. Carla Rea-Gilmour, Vice Principal

A Student's Prayer at the Beginning of School Year We give you praise, O God, for everything that is new and beautiful, for everything which holds promise and brings us joy. Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh. May we show love to one another and to all. May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again. Help us to forgive others as we receive your forgiveness. Help us to learn and to work together. Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak and when it is better not to speak.

We thank you for our friends. Help us to be good friends this year. Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others. Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day. Help us to be aware of your love shown to us in the people around us. Bless all those who care for us In school and at home. Help us show our care for them and to say sorry when we need to. May the Blessed Mother Mary protect us And help us to live as well as we can Giving thanks and glory to God as she did.

School Opening Mass

Parents, please join the St. Maria Goretti School community as we celebrate the opening of the school year at St. Peter’s Parish on Tuesday, September 12th, at 10:00 am.

St. Maria Goretti School Behavioral Expectations At St. Maria Goretti School we focus on treating ourselves, others and our environment with respect. Our Catholic Community of Caring program helps us to use common language that emphasizes the importance of a respectful environment.

RESPECT myself, others and everything around me.

Accept RESPONSIBILITY for my actions.

Work and play SAFELY.

Care for others and PRAISE them.

“I Care” Classroom Rules – Division 1

1. We listen to each other. 2. Hands are for helping, not hurting. 3. We use care language (please). 4. We care about each other’s feelings. 5. We are responsible for what we say and do.

Expectations – Division 2

1. Every student has the right and responsibility to learn.

2. Respect the dignity of people. 3. Respect property – yours, and others. 4. Assignments must be neat, complete,

accurate, and on time. At St. Maria Goretti School, appropriate behaviour is expected of all students in order to foster a safe and caring learning environment for all members of our community. School Newsletter

The newsletter this year will be available online on the St. Maria Goretti School website and it will be e-mailed to families via each class’ Parent Room Rep. Please review the newsletter monthly for important information.

Twitter

St. Maria Goretti School is on Twitter! Please follow us @ SMG_CSSD to receive important school information.

Starting Points Class The need for a “Behavioral Adaptation” or “Starting Points” class in the North West was identified at the District level. St. Maria Goretti School was chosen as the school to house the program in 2008. Mrs. Dawn Moberg will be teaching this Starting Points class this school year. Starting Points is a collection of 8-9 students from the NW area of the city who, for behavioral reasons, are in need of a specific educational setting. A Starting Points class has a very small pupil/teacher ratio; there are teacher assistants in the room and support at the District level from a behavioral specialist (consultant). Students are integrated into regular classrooms according to their behavior. We have made great accomplishments with the program in past years and look forward to continued success. Italian Program

We offer Italian Language and Culture (ILC) classes to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. In addition, we offer Culture Club at various times throughout the year where students are exposed to elements of the Italian culture.

Student Agendas All students in Grades K-6 are issued a school agenda. This agenda is an important organizational tool. It allows students to carefully document their homework assignments and important dates. It is also a communication tool. Please ensure that you sign the agenda daily, so that communications are complete.

Lunchtime Procedures Procedures for lunchtime remain similar to last year. We will seat students in the gym by class as this creates a more cohesive class community and a more orderly environment. Students will be supervised for lunch in the gym by paid assistants and administration. All students who stay

for lunch are expected to behave appropriately and stay on school grounds. Milk can be purchased for students through the school, beginning in October. An order form will be sent out to all students every 3 months. Please send all money to school in envelopes labeled with your child’s name and homeroom teacher and the purpose of the money. End of Day Pick-up There are no half days this school year. The first day of the school year is a full day. When picking up children at the end of the day, please meet them in a designated area at the back of the school and not at the front door. Children are not to be left unattended at the end of the school day. This includes the playground structure. All children must be supervised by a parent/caregiver if children are playing on the playground at the end of the school day. Parent Information Board For parent information, a parent bulletin board is located outside the school office in the main foyer. Parents are encouraged to consult the Parent Board where you will find copies of the School Council agenda, School Council meeting minutes, SMG School Newsletter, St. Peter’s Parish Newsletter, District News as well as community events and news.

Playground zones

Playground Zones begin at 7:30 am and end at 9:00 pm. During these hours the speed limit is

reduced to 30 km/h.

Parent’s Checklist

Purchase School Supplies Return Demographic Form Pay Student Fees

(See form for payment instructions) Return Parental Consent Form Return Internet Use Form Return Volunteer Application form Return Student Annual Field Trip Form Return Opening Mass Permission Form Mail IAP Life Insurance (optional)

Please complete and return these forms by Thursday, September 7th.

School Parking Lot and School Patrols Our School Patrols do an excellent job of keeping children safe. We ask for your cooperation in helping them by not dropping off students in the staff parking lot. Cars backing out of stalls can be extremely dangerous for children. Our drop off area is well marked and located to the east of the building. If you need to park for a longer period of time please park on the street

across from the school. Please obey the school patrollers as they safely cross students at marked crossings. Thank you. Bell Times Bell times for the 2016-17 school year are as follows:

Grades 1 – 6

9:00 Entry bell 9:05 Classes commence 10:45 Recess 12:00 Lunch bell 12:45 Entry bell 12:50 Classes resume 3:25 Dismissal

Supervision of students begins at 8:45 AM. Students should not arrive any earlier than this time.

Kindergarten AM

9:00 Entry Bell 11:45 AM Kindergarten Dismissal

Kindergarten PM

12:45 Entry Bell 3:25 PM Kindergarten Dismissal

We remind students and their families to always be prompt and arrive at school in a timely fashion.

Student Supply Lists

Supply lists were posted on the website in June. Many parents took advantage of our pre-ordered packages by ordering them before the summer break and they are in the school now. If you require a new list, please check our website http://www.cssd.ab.ca/stmariagoretti or drop in to the office to obtain one.

School Fees School council approved the fee structure at the May 2017 meeting. The student fee statement is included in the September student package.

Parents can pay mandatory and elective school fees online. Please see the Student Account Statement in your child’s start-up package for more information.

Parents can also pay school fees by cash or cheque if they choose; however, we are strongly encouraging parents to use our online payment system.

Collection of Fees Any time students bring payments to the school, parents are asked to submit them in a sealed, marked envelope. Please pay student fees separately (one cheque per child). This allows for greater assurance that our bookkeeping is accurate and that appropriate individuals receive credit. Lunchroom Fees St. Maria Goretti School charges a very nominal amount for every student who remains at the school over the lunch hour. The fee goes exclusively towards the salary of our lunchroom aides who work to ensure the students’ lunch break is as comfortable and safe as possible. Volunteers/Guests Volunteers must sign a Volunteer Application form (pink) which outlines “Freedom of Information” details and confidentiality concerns. This form is to be signed annually and is kept on file for the year. A volunteer orientation session will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 13th, 2017, in the library (just prior to our first School Council Meeting). The Volunteer Agreement sheet can be signed at this meeting, and Volunteer Handbooks will be handed out. If you have already attended a session in the past, there is no need to attend another. Volunteering in the classrooms will begin in October, after teachers have had a chance to establish routines and expectations.

IAP Life Insurance IAP Life Insurance Company forms are distributed to students on the first day of classes. Families can get reasonable coverage for injury, accidents, etc. for a nominal fee. We highly recommend this coverage for students if they are very active, involved in sports or do not have any additional medical coverage. IAP requests these be mailed back to the company as soon as possible. Life Insurance Forms are to be mailed directly to IAP. DO NOT RETURN THEM TO THE SCHOOL. Student use of Phones

Student cell phones are not to be used during school hours. Student access to school phones is in the case of emergencies. Students are not to use the phone after school to phone home for permission to go to their friend's house. These arrangements must be made outside of school

time. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Progress Reports / Oral Reports We have four reporting periods at St. Maria Goretti School. The first is referred to as an ‘Oral Report’ and by design takes place very early in the school year. The District has implemented common oral progress report dates of September 21st (evening) and 22nd (daytime). The oral reporting period is interactive in that we seek parental input.

We look forward to collaborating with you as we believe that parents are partners in the educational process! Welcome Back to School Social & Learning Commons During the evening of Parent/ Teacher Conferences on Thursday, September 21st, School Council is organizing a “Welcome Back to School Social” for SMG families. This is an opportunity for families to meet in the gymnasium and enjoy some treats and conversation! Parents are also invited to visit our Learning Commons for our “Maker Night Evening” from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Please join us on Thursday, September 21st from 6:00 to 7:30 pm for a social gathering and to visit our Learning Commons! Special Lunch

At various times throughout the year parent volunteers offer a “Special Lunch” to the students of SMG. This lunch is at nominal cost and is intended to be fun! Information regarding this program will be sent home soon. A special thanks to our special lunch

coordinator, Jacqueline Ferguson, and to all of the volunteers who help provide special lunch! Pizza Thursday Lunch

We will once again be offering pizza lunches from Papa John’s throughout the school year. This optional program will begin in October and run twice per month on Thursday’s until the end of June.

Milk Program

Milk will be available for children to purchase for their lunches. Children have a choice of either chocolate or white milk for the month. Our milk program will also begin in October.

“Bookworms Know How”

“Bookworms Know How” is a reading incentive program that rewards students for daily reading. This initiative is generously supported by the DiMarzo family. Students who finish a prescribed amount of reading (depending on the grade level) are given a ballot. The ballots are collected in each classroom and at the end of the month a ballot is drawn.

The lucky student from each class will receive a gift card to purchase a book from Chapters. Bookworm winners are announced monthly at our CCC assemblies. Good luck students – keep reading!

School Council We welcome our school council for the 2017-2018 school year. They are: Chairperson: Kim Yablonski Vice Chair: Rosangela De Vincenzo Treasurer: Zena Kuziej Secretary: Ginger Bowes

Our first council meeting for the year will be Wednesday, September 13th, 2017. Meetings are typically held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm (September 13, October 18, January 17, April 18, May 16), with the exception of November (November 24) and February (February 23) when the meetings are held on Friday mornings at 9:15 am. Parents are invited to attend all council meetings. Our focus is the education of your children in a safe and supportive environment. School Council Minutes are also posted on our school website. We look forward to seeing you! Room Representatives We would like to have a parent volunteer to stand as room representative for each of the classrooms. The primary responsibility of this person would be to attend the monthly meeting of the school council and to send specific e-mails to individuals including such things as the monthly school newsletter. In case of an emergency, this person would also be called upon to initiate a phone “fan out” to inform parents. If you are interested in this position, please contact your child’s teacher. Fundraising Each year we have a major fundraiser. It is our intention to only go to our community once a year in this manner. It is important to us that the fundraiser will enhance learning in the school. Details of this initiative will be worked out with staff and school council, and information will be provided to parents in October. SMG Educational Society The SMG Ed. Society is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and works closely with school administration and school staff to support children and manage the school’s fundraising. The most recent projects that were completed by the Society include the playground play structure and picnic tables along with beautification of the gardens in the front of the school and off the parking lot. Soul Food at SMG

The Soul Food program is supported and run through the SMG school council. The purpose of the program is to assist families in our school community that are going through a tough time because of an illness in the family, a death, a period of financial hardship or because of a new addition to the family. The assistance we provide is in the form of meals and prayer. All assistance is offered confidentially.

Anyone can volunteer to be a part of this wonderful service and be part of our Catholic Community of Caring. The coordinators for the 2017-18 school year are Jennifer Vass and Anne Moran. If you know of a family who could use our support or if you would like to volunteer to provide meals for those in need please contact the coordinators at smgsoulfood@shaw.ca. Thank you for your support.

Sacraments

Bishop McGratton believes that all parents should be involved in the sacramental preparation of their children. As a result, there is a change by the diocese in the delivery of sacramental preparation. All classes, retreats and events around sacraments will run through the parish. Please see the attached schedule for St. Peter’s Parish Sacrament Preparation and Celebration dates for 2017/18.

Lost or Stolen Items Happily, we have a wonderful community to work in and a fine bunch of students and families. Still, periodically, things go missing from the school. Misplaced, borrowed, lost and stolen items may not come back to their rightful owners.

We ask parents to discuss the following with their children:

1. Be wise about what you take to school. Ask why you are bringing it? Does it have an educational purpose? Is it expensive? Should you take it to school? Our best advice is that toys, games and expensive items do not have a place here.

2. Be sure all your personal property is marked with your name – even items of clothing. Use a permanent marker. They are less likely to be mistaken or stolen and far easier to return.

3. Always be sure your possessions are in a secure place. Money is never to be left in coats, desks, etc.

Parents are asked to periodically check for things at home that may belong to others. Help us to guide the children to make good choices. Items can always be returned through the office.

Monitoring Student Conduct on Buses

As we begin a new school year, it’s important to reflect on how students are expected to behave when on the bus traveling to and from school. As you likely know, our main bus carriers have had a difficult time hiring and retaining enough drivers to cover all of our routes. The Calgary Catholic School District wants to ensure that inappropriate student behavior isn’t contributing to this challenge.

The district’s Student Conduct on Buses regulation contains protocols for students to follow while travelling on district provided transportation in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for riders and drivers. Adhering to these guidelines is an important way to foster a positive atmosphere on the buses for students and drivers. Please keep in mind:

The driver is in full charge of the bus and the driver’s directions must be obeyed.

While on the bus, students must conduct themselves in a quiet and courteous manner, showing

consideration for the comfort and safety of others.

Scuffling, fighting, smoking and the use of inappropriate language on the bus are prohibited.

Students must not distract the bus driver or move about the bus while it is in motion. Sitting on

the bus seat facing forward is what provides protection to students if the bus has to stop

quickly.

Continued student violation of rules for conduct on school buses may lead to loss of riding

privileges or further disciplinary action. Principals determine the consequences.

It is also important that parents be aware of their own behavior around bus drivers, especially in front of children.

Bus companies do not permit adults to board the bus for safety reasons. The bus driver does not

necessarily know if the adult is a parent of a child on the bus or not, so they are trained to not

allow adults on the bus.

Parents should communicate any issue with a bus driver through the school principal or vice

principal.

If everyone keeps these guidelines in mind, it will make for a pleasant, safe and secure environment in which to transport students to and from school. For more information, please see the Student Conduct on Buses regulation (code: EEAEC) available on the district website or consult your school principal.

School Feedback

I find the Newsletter informative Yes_____ No_____

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Feedback on general happenings in the schools:

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Parents Printed Name: ______________________________________

1000 Fifth Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 4T9 403-500-2000 www.cssd.ab.ca

CALGARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT MONTHLY NEWS

ConnectionsSEPTEMBER 2017

Board of Trustees’ Welcome Back MessageOn behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to warmly welcome everyone back to the 2017–2018 school year. While many of our students and staff are returning to class on Tuesday, September 5, many others in our district work throughout the summer, educating and supporting students in our summer school and year-round education programs. We are thankful to all of our CCSD staff mem-bers. It takes the commitment, dedication, compassion and skills of many to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve success. To read the full message, please visit our website under News.

Chief Superintendent’s Welcome Back MessageWelcome to the 2017–2018 school year! We will have over 55,000 students heading back to class at 112 schools in our district, with over 5,000 staff members—from teachers, support staff, caretaking staff and our central office staff, helping to educate and empower our students. Our Calgary Catholic community continues to grow, with three new schools set to open this fall in the communities of Aspen Woods, Silverado and Skyview Ranch, as well as three additional schools still in the planning and construction phase. To read the full message, please visit our website under News.

Parent and Trustee Forums 2017–2018Parent and Trustee Forums are an opportunity for parents to connect with their local school board trustee to learn more about education in our schools and work together towards common goals. All parents/legal guardians with children attending CCSD schools are considered members of their local school council and are encouraged to participate in School Council meetings at your child’s school and Parent and Trustee Forums that take place in November, January and March. Please speak to your child’s school principal to get involved or visit our website under Parents/School Council.

Interested in becoming a Catholic School Trustee?Elections for school trustees are held at the same time as local government elections. School trustees are elected by Catholic school taxpayers and serve a four-year term. The deadline to file nomination papers, which will confirm a candidate’s intention to run as a local school board trustee, is Monday, September 18, 2017. The municipal election takes place on Monday, October 16, 2017. Please visit the City of Calgary website or the Alberta School Boards Association for more information.

2017–2018 Bus Schedules & RoutesUpdated bus schedule and route information for the 2017–2018 school year has been posted. Please visit our CCSD website under Parents/Transportation/Schedules & Routes. Click the PDF file of your child’s school name to access detailed bus schedule and route information. The CCSD is committed to providing a safe, efficient and economical method of transporting students to school.

2017–2018 District Faith Theme“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7). In the initial year of our new three-year faith theme, we are focusing on the first part of the verse, “Ask and it will be given you.” As servants of God, we are always called to discern his will, and through prayer we develop a closer relationship with Him who loves us. As the Church teaches us, “prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” In this coming year, we will be continually invited to engage in a deepened prayer life.

Did you know?

Over 125 photos were shared to the CCSD’s Summer Holidays 2017 album on the district Facebook page. It looked like everyone had a wonderful summer!

St. Maria Goretti September 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Teacher Org. Day

2

3 4

Labour Day - No classes

5 Day 1

First Day of Classes

Kindergarten Interviews

11:15 am Asssembly

6 Day 2

Kindergarten Interviews

Patroller Training 9:30-11:30 am

7 Day 3

8 Day 4

9

10 11 Day 5

Kindergarten Staggered Entry

12 Day 6

Opening Mass at St. Peter’s Church 10:00 am

13 Day 1

Kindergarten First Full Day

Vol. Orientation 6:00 pm

School Council Meeting - 6:30 pm

14 Day 2

15 Day 3

Terry Fox Day

16

17 18 Day 4 Dance Residency

19 Day 5 20 Day 6

21 Day 1 Parent Conferences - 4:30-8:00 pm Maker Night & Welcome Back Social 6:00-7:30 pm

22

Parent Conferences K-9 - 9:00-11:00 am; - 1:00-3:00 pm No Classes

23

24 25 Day 2

Dance Residency Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins

26 Day 3

27 Day 4

28 Day 5 29 Day 6

30

St. Maria Goretti October 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 Day 1

Thanksgiving Food Drive

3 Day 2

CCC Awards & Assembly 9:45 am

4 Day 3

Fundraising kickoff 2:00 pm – Packages go home

5 Day 4

Pizza Thursday Thanksgiving Liturgy - 1:30 pm Food Donation Pick up

6

Professional Day

- No classes

7

8 9

Thanksgiving Day

- No classes

10 Day 5

11 Day 6

12 Day 1

Photo Day –Individual & Class photos

13 Day 2

Fun Snack

Soccer Residency

14 (to Oct. 20)

15 16 Day 3

Soccer Residency

17 Day 4

18 Day 5

School Council Mtg. - 6:30 pm

19 Day 6

Pizza Thursday

20 Day 1

21

22 23 Day 2

Culture Club 9:45 am

24 Day 3 25 Day 4

26 Day 5 Grade 5 Hep B and HPV Vaccination #1

27 Day 6

Pledges returned

28

29 30 Day 1 31 Day 2

Black & Orange Day

Fun Lunch