June Newsletter 2012Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

As the school year draws to a close we are provided an opportunity for reflection. This reflection is important to look back and celebrate as well as to help inform us as we plan for the upcoming school year. The old African proverb “It takes a community to raise a child” is exemplified in the Mother Cabrini Catholic School Community. The parents from the home, the staff from the school, and the Priest from the Nativity of Our Lord Church have been the extended community that have supported our children this year. We reflect on how blessed we are to educate our children with these strong supports. Looking back on the 2011/12 school year we are proud of the many opportunities provided to help develop the whole student in mind, body and soul. Some of these accomplishments include;- Our first Terry Fox Walk to raise money for cancer research and our Heart and Stroke-Hoops for Heart event.- Math and Family Fitness Nights and Career Day- Me to We Social Justice/student leadership raised money to purchase wells in Africa as well as the many activities that students were involved in that gave of their time to help others such as; the Christmas Shoe Box Drive, the Lenten collection of books for Children’s Book Bank and our monthly dress down days for charity.- Extra-curricular activities teams and competing-Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Swim, Hockey, Cross country, and Track and Field teams- Involvement in the Arts-“Dancing With the Cabrini Stars” Performance, Woodbine Music Festival-Choir Performing- Monthly school masses- Our hosting of co-operative students from Michael Power-St. Joseph and student teacher’s from various teacher education programs.

Our formal thanks are extended to our dedicated staff that on a daily basis educates our children to the best of their ability both academically and spiritually. Our gratitude to Father Thomas for his continued spiritual leadership. At the May 23 school mass students and CSAC presented Father with a scrapbook memento and gift in appreciation for his contributions over the past nine years to the school and our youth at the church. We wish God’s blessing to Father Thomas as he continues his vocation at the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Special thanks to our CSAC as well as other parents in the community that help to fundraise and support the school with events. A CSAC presentation on Facebook and Cyber Bullying Safety was organized by CSAC through the Ministry of Education funds. One of the highlighted events planned by CSAC was our annual multicultural night, a great evening of celebrating our community building.

We are in the process of finalizing our staffing model and staff. Currently our enrollment supports one less teacher on our staffing model. We’re hoping by September with our current increasing enrollment we are able to increase our staffing allocation. We wish Mrs. Pacheco all the best as she starts her maternity leave. Our best wishes are also extended to Mme. Ariza who will be transferring to Our Lady of Sorrows and to Mrs. Swastek who will be taking on a 50% position at St. Elizabeth for special education (she will remain as 50% special education at Mother Cabrini). The teachers that will fill these

NOVEMBER 2012Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The month of October was full of learning and school spirit. Highlights for this month included our school’s involvement in the cross country running season. Fifty-two students trained and participated. At the divisional meet, Mother Cabrini placed first in the division B schools and brought home a pennant! At the Regional level seventeen students ran and four students went on to compete at the City Meet. Thanks are extended to our parent volunteers, Mrs. Da Silva and Mrs. Dal Bianco who along with Mr. O’Neill and Miss Blandizzi trained students for the season. As well, students were busy preparing and bringing in boxes for our Dr. Simone Shoe Box Drive. Our Me to We Philosophy of giving of ourselves is alive and well. Way to go Cabrini! The month culminated with our Halloween Dance-a-thon. Many to our CSAC and parent volunteers helped to organize the day. Thanks are extended as well to families for their contributions to this event as one of our major fundraisers. Money raised throughout the year will be used to help purchase netbooks for our mobile computer lab.

Upcoming for the month of November-Another one of our major fundraisers this year is the MacMillan cookie dough/muffin batter sales. Our launch is November 12. Cookie dough is a great gift idea for Christmas! As well, we have the on line QSP program available to re-new or purchase a new magazine subscription (information included).-November 18 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention week. Our school’s team consisting of staff, parent and students will be attending a Symposium on November 21 to help inform our Anti Bullying Awareness and Prevention plan.-Through a Ministry of Education grant, CSAC is organizing a parent evening presentation on November 28. Our guest speaker, Kendra Fisher, (a goalie for the Canadian Woman’s Hockey League) will be speaking about anxiety and depression. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about a very important topic.

For the month of November, teachers will be appropriately assessing in all areas of their respective classroom programs for the upcoming progress report. Progress reports will be sent home on November 13 and Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on November 15 and 16. November is also the month in which our grade 8 students begin the process of investigating their secondary school options and applying for admission to the secondary school of their choice. To assist our students in the process, we have been organizing information sessions in co-operation with our local Catholic secondary schools. Visit TCDSB website (www.tcdsb.org) for open house information.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming CSAC (Catholic School Advisory Council) meeting on November 13, our school mass on November 27, and the Kendra Fisher presentation on November 28.

Mark on your calendars; December 18 for our school’s Christmas Concert at Michael Power/St. Joseph.

Peace be with you,J. Di Vittorio

Mother Cabrini Catholic School

720 Renforth DriveToronto,ON M9C 2N9

416-393-5340416-393-5074

Principal: Julie Di Vittorio

Superintendent: Josie Nespolo416-222-8282 Ext. 2732

Trustee: Ann Andrachuk416-222-8282 Ext. 3402

Parish: Nativity of Our Lord Church480 Rathburn RoadToronto, M9C 3S8

416-621-2732Pastor: Fr. Michael Machacek

_______________________________

Catch the spirit!

Prayer for All Souls & SaintsLord God, in this month of remembrance,we pray that all who have gone before usare resting peacefully in your loving embrace.We remember all of the saints and all whohave died, especially our own loved ones.We also honor those who have given their livesin war and we pray for peace. Through theinspiration of your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace,help us to join with all Christians, and with allpeople of good will, to create a loving andpeaceful world. Grant, O Lord, peace to ourstudents, peace in our days, peace to souls,peace to families, and peace to our countryand peace among nations.Amen

Safety ProgramThank you to all families for your continued support with our kiss and ride program. Both morning and after school drop off and pick up are working well. With rainy days and the upcoming colder weather (snow) more cars are in the loop for student pick up. A reminder that a staggered pick of children will help to decrease the congestion of cars. A staggered pick up includes;-parents/caregivers of children-grades 1-3 pick up students at 3:00 pm-parents/caregivers-grades 4-8 with younger siblings pick up students at 3:10 pmWe require everyone’s co-operation to ultimately ensure the safety of students and their families.

Before and After School Program-PLASPAt the current time registration for our PLASP program is very low. We are hoping to keep this program to help families that require a before and after school program for their children. Please pass on the word that this program is available at Mother Cabrini. PLASP Program Coordinator 905-890-1711.

Swim ProgramThe Cabrini Cougars will be participating in the TCDSB Swim Meet once again this year on May 4th and 5th. If your child (ren) in grades 2-8 are interested in participating please contact Stephanie Goddard stephanie.goddard1@gmail.com or Karen Crooks karen.crooks@tcdsb.org for more information. Forms will be handed out to interested participants in early November.

PALS Leaders-Playground Activities Leaders in Schools We are proud to announce our P.A.L.S. leaders for this year Katie, Ellie, Laura, Rachael, Sarah, Stephanie, Christopher, Paige, Jason and Cayla in Ms. Anderson's class. They have volunteered their time and have been trained for the program. We are impressed to see such leadership in our students and look forward to viewing what they learned when they facilitate the cooperative games on Tuesdays and Thursday lunch recess.

Student cornerOn Tuesday, October 16, 2012, fifty-two well trained runners participated in the Divisional Cross Country Meet at Centennial Park. All runners made the school proud as a result of their committed efforts. When the day was done, the team had compiled over 1100 points and was named champions of their division. Along with that title came another pennant for the school. Individual accomplishments from the meet resulted in seventeen runners advancing to the Regional Meet on Monday, October 22, 2012. From there we had four top 22 place finishers advance to the City Meet at Earl Bales Park.

A special note of thanks to Mrs. Dal Bianco and Mrs. Da Silva for all of the time and effort that they put into training the team members. Also, thanks to all the parents who came out to support the runners at the meets. Mr. O’Neill and Ms. Blandizzi are very proud of the accomplishments of the team this year.

The Hallowe'en Dance Today we had a Hallowe'en dance-a-thon. The decorations were cool. There was a DJ and he played great music. Everyone wore their costumes and some costumes were scary. All of the students danced. After dancing we had cookies and water. Everyone had fun!

Mrs. AdamoGrade 1/2

Hallowe’en Dance-A-Thon

October 31st was Hallowe’en, and we had our Hallowe’en Dance-Thon. The Hallowe’en Dance was so much fun. The decorations were awesome. There were green, red, and yellow spotlights.There were pumpkin lanterns, witches’ hats, bats, spiders, and skeletons everywhere. Those pumpkin cookies were really delicious too! Thank-you for a great Hallowe’en Dance-A-Thon.

From the SK/Grade 1 class

Lets Beat the FluProtect Yourself. Protect your Family.Everyone is at risk of getting the flu. Get the flu shot each fall to protect you and your family, friends and co-workers. Since the virus that causes influenza changes frequently, you need to get a new flu shot each year.The influenza vaccine is free and available to people six months of age and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario. Those at high risk for flu-related complications should especially get the vaccine:

Children 5 years of age and younger Adults 65 years of age and older Residents of nursing homes or chronic care

facilities People with chronic health conditions such

as diabetes, cancer, lung, heart or kidney disease

Pregnant women Aboriginal peoples People who are obese

Those who live or work with people who are high risk (i.e. health care workers and essential community services staff) should also get the vaccine.

The flu vaccine is safe. The vaccine cannot give you the flu. Learn more about Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine.

Get the flu shot at Toronto Public Health's Community Flu Clinics, doctors' offices, walk-in medical clinics and some pharmacies (see enclosed information).

Working Together to Educate AllEducation and Community Resource FairHosted by-The Toronto Catholic District School Board TCDSBFeatured Presentations for Parents

VIDEOGAME ADDICTION-Presenter-Giselle Signoroni, Social Worker and Marisa Rolfe, Child and Youth Worker, TCDSBSaturday, November 17, 2012-Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Ave. E.-York University Classroom Rm 2-11:15-12:30pm

KIDS HAVE STRESS TOO (KHST)-Presenter-Judy Ferguson, The Psychology Foundation of CanadaSaturday, November 17, 2012-Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppared ave. E.-Catholic Teacher’s Centre (3rd Floor)-11:15-12:15pmOn-site underground parking available and readily accessible via TTC (adjacent to Sheppard subway station).

ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS

A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes

responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good. A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good. A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life. ADAPTED ELEMENTARY WORDING FOR OCSGE ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS Adapted Wording for Elementary Students

Developed by Huron-Perth CDSB and St. Clair CDSB

Never be in a hurry, do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.St. Francis de Sales

During the month of November we will be focussing on the virtue of PEACE at Mother Cabrini. The scripture passage that guides us this month is “Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you John 14:27. As we celebrate the Year of Faith, we connect the virtue of peace to the Sign of Peace at mass. Each time we gather for Eucharist we are invited to extend a sign of peace to those around us, our family, friends, neighbours, and strangers. Catholic social teaching reminds us that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, and ideological difference. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbour has global dimensions in a shrinking world. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. What can you do to be a peacemaker in your family, your class, our school, our city and the world?

Primary Grade Hallowe’en Dancers