PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Parents/Guardians:

May is known as the ‘Month of Mary’ and is a great opportunity for all of us to renew our own devotion to the Mother of God. She was chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother, and God filled her heart with so much love. On May 9th, let us all take the time to thank all mothers for their giving hearts and for being very important in our lives. We also honour our mothers this month on Mother’s Day. Let us remember to give thanks and show appreciation to all the women in our lives who take on the role of “mother” – our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and so on.

During the month of May, we focus our energies on the Virtue of Compassion.

A Prayer for Compassion

“God in heaven, we offer our deepest appreciation for the many blessings you shower upon us every day. We are truly humbled by the bounty of your graces. Through this prayer, we ask for the compassion to follow the inspiring example of the good Samaritan. Help us to embrace and bring comfort to those suffering immensely overseas. Amen.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board celebrates Catholic Education Week from May 3rd – May 8th, 2020. Catholic Education Week 2020 combines the themes of reconciliation, solidarity, love, justice and ecology in its’ focus this year.

MAY 2021

Giuseppe (Joe) Bucci PRINCIPAL

Flora Cifelli – Tel: 416.222.8282 x 2732 SUPERINTENDENT

Joseph Martino (Ward 1): Tel: 416.512.3401

TRUSTEE

Transfiguration of Our Lord Tel: 416.247.0513 45 Ludstone Dr. Etobicoke, ON. M9R2J2

Natalia Marriott | Elissa Roberts

CSPC CHAIR

www.tcdsb.org/cpic CPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)

www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto

We wish all mother’s a happy and memorable Mother’s Day! Mr. J. Bucci Principal

A Blessing and Prayer Tribute to all Mothers Blessed be all mothers who have come into our lives Whose kindness, care and loving remain with us to guide Your

inspiration in us made us strive in every way Especially to remember helping others makes our day. Mothers, this little tribute flows directly from our heart You are so

loved and cherished invaluable, one and all, you are. Amen

ENROLLMENT HOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR

285 8:30-3:00pm 11:15-12:15pm

NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME

Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org Call 416-393-Phone# or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 2383. For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, please visit the website at www.tcdsb.org Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

PARISH

ST. MAURICE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 45 Kingsview Blvd. | Etobicoke, ON. | M9R 1T7

Telephone: 416.393.5379 Fax: 416.393.5085

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

A WARM WECLOME TO OUR NEW STAFF AT ST. MAURICE C.S.

1. We welcome Ms. Cross to the St. Maurice Family, who is covering as a supply for Ms. Pacheco who is on a leave. 2. We welcome Mr. DeMarco to the St. Maurice Family, who is covering as a supply for Ms. Foglia’s (Gym/Health) classes. 3. We welcome Ms. Manolis (Supply Secretary) to the St. Maurice Family, who is coving for Ms. Fabrizi. 4. We welcome Ms. Lily Insley to the St. Maurice Family, who is covering as a CYW at the school 5. Ms. Risi is on a leave of absence until further notice. We welcome Ms. Carchidi who will be covering her class on a day-to-day basis! Thank you ���� 5. We welcome back Signora Sciaretta, who is back from a leave of absence.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE A reminder to all families that the TCDSB has a common dress code for all students from K-8 in elementary school.

As such, students must wear any combination of solid white and navy garments (i.e.: plain white or plain navy- blue top with plain navy-blue bottom. No denim or jeans or logos are permitted.

Students are expected to wear this attire while at school, on excursions, participating in competitions and tournaments, and while attending Mass.

SAFE ARRIVAL AND SCHOOL HOURS

START and Morning Bell: 8:30 a.m. Morning Recess: 10:12 a.m. – 10:27 a.m. Indoor Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Lunch Recess: 11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Afternoon Recess: 1:40 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. Dismissal – END of the Day: 3:00 p.m.

Parents/Guardians, please exercise caution when you are dropping off your son/daughter to school, especially in the front of the school where cars are coming and going. Respect posted speed limits (40 Km/h), DO NOT PARK “left wheels to curb,” and please avoid blocking neighbours’ driveways, even if only for a brief moment.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

We kindly ask that you leave the BUS LOADING ZONE free from parked vehicles as this causes bus children to be late and prevents buses from parking properly so students can exit the bus safely. One of our kind and caring mothers who volunteers at the school, will re-direct you to “move-along” and park elsewhere. Thank you for your continued support with this matter. We want all students at St. Maurice to be safe and sound while coming to school ����

Please do not drop off your children to their designated yard before 8:15 a.m., as students will not be supervised. Also, if you are dropping off your son/daughter, please do so in the yard and we ask that you kindly leave the children to play while supervised by a staff member. Parents should not be waiting in the school yard between 8:15-8:30 a.m.

SAFE ARRIVAL – CONTINUED…

We are happy that you take interest in your son/daughter’s education and that you enjoy coming into the school!

We gladly welcome you into St. Maurice, however, we ask that you sign-in at the main office so we can identify who is in the building. If you need to be inside the building, please ask Ms. Fabrizi (our secretary) for a Visitor badge.

We ask that parents/guardians NOT take students directly to their classroom (even when arriving late at school. Students must obtain a late slip before going to their classrooms).

If you need to speak with a teacher, please feel free to call the school and have Ms. Fabrizi take a message for you! Staff will gladly call you back ����

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

PIZZA DAY AND PITA PIT LUNCHES:

There will be NO LUNCHES for the month of May as our school remains closed.

SCHOOL MESSENGER E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS TO FAMILIES:

This year, we are trying our best to go paper-less. Having said this, we are slowly rolling out sending communications to all our school community via email. On a daily or weekly basis, we will be sending email broadcast “blasts” to you. If you are NOT set up with an active email address with your son/daughter at the school, I invite you to create a simple email address/account (for example: Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Outlook…). Once completed, please call the school so we can update your new email address and keep it saved on file ����

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

SCHOOL CASH ONLINE:

Another initiative this year for our St. Maurice Community is to go “Cash-less” at school. I have already sent home hard copies of School Cash Online and I have also sent out an email blast to everyone regarding this simple and easy way to pay for lunches, school trips, and other school functions. This method of payment saves you time and there is no need to stress about money being brought into the school and getting lost. We ask that all parents/guardians register and sign up using this new system by the end of November. So far, we have over 100 families online!! This is GREAT! However, we are aiming for this number to increase by March 2020.

MEDICAL CONCERNS/ALLERGIES/ANAPHYLAXIS NEW STUDENT PLAN OF CARE

As you know, our school is an allergen aware school. There are many students and adults in the building who suffer from severe and life-threatening allergies to certain foods, such as peanut and nut products. We are asking for your help in not sending to school foods that contain peanut or nut byproducts.

Also, we also ask that you DO NOT send baked foods for Birthdays or other special occasions as cross contamination may had occurred. An alternative to celebrative special events (without food) could be bringing in pencils, erasers, stickers, or other small items students can use on a daily basis.

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM:

Our Morning Meal Nutrition Program started off with a great success!! Please be advised that students will eat their morning meal just before morning recess. If we have additional left-over food, we will offer these food items to all students and staff in the school for the last recess of the day ����

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021:

As you may know, we are acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week during the same week as Catholic Education Week. I have already sent you information and resources surround this week! Staff at the school have received a great deal of resources to work from to support your child(ren) for these two events!!

The first week of May will focus on Catholic Education and Mental Health. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2021 is: “Nurturing Hope.” Below please find useful information and details for the week. There are many resources, activities, and links for each day. You can always access the information on the NCC portal page as well. Nurturing Hope reminds us that publicly funded Catholic education is a call to service. Regardless of our position or our responsibilities within Catholic education, our role is a call, birthed in our Baptism, to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ into the lives of those students and their families whom it is our privilege to serve. Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration is entitled, “Catholic Education: Nurturing Hope” and will be celebrated during the week of May 2 – May 7. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2021 was inspired by the following considerations: Recognition of the special Year of Laudato Si’ which will run through May 24, 2021, announced

by Pope Francis on May 24, 2020, the fifth anniversary of his papal encyclical, “On Caring for Our Common Home.”

In the face of the ongoing reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong desire by the planning committee, along with those consulted, and supported by feedback from the survey, for continuity with the theme for Catholic Education Week 2020, Igniting Hope, which has served so well during the spring recess from in-school instruction.

The challenges to personal and spiritual well-being posed by the uncertainty and physical isolation of the current global crisis makes the timing and the concerns of Mental Health Week, which takes place during the same week as Catholic Education Week, all the more relevant.

Ongoing recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the relevance of Indigenous culture and spirituality to the spirit of Laudato Si.

We would like to highlight several points leading up to CEW 2021:

→ The CEW theme song has been posted on the OCSTA website. Schools and boards can download this copy for their CEW activities.

→ The CEW prayer card has been posted on the OCSTA website. Schools and boards can

download this copy for print and/or distribution.

→ The CEW poster has been sent to all Catholic District School Boards for distribution to your schools.

→ All CEW materials are posted on our website at: www.goodnewsforall.ca.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

Catholic Education Week

Nurturing Hope--Cultiver l’espérance May 2 - 7, 2021

We invite you to participate in the many virtual events planned and visit our website for a list of resources and sub-themes for the week. Monday May 3 - Preparing the Earth

• TCDSB Awards 2021 To launch the week, the TCDSB is celebrating its 20th Annual Awards Ceremony with an

Awards video honouring the accomplishments of our students, alumni, staff and friends of our Catholic education system. Tune in to the TCDSB YouTube Channel on May 3, 2021 to view this year's Award recipients!

• Nurturing Hope through Social Justice, Grades 7-12, @ 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Explore the theme of this year's Catholic Education Week through the mission of Development and Peace. Meet their partner Isaac Osuoko from Social Action Nigeria to discover "The Human Cost of Climate Change" and how our faith is calling us to respond. Registration: TCDSB Virtual Experiences site.

• People of Hope & Storytime with Father Michael, Grades K-6, @ 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Please join us as we explore Hope in the face of the ongoing reality of the COVID-19 pandemic through a story read by Father Michael Lehman. Registration: TCDSB Virtual Experiences site.

Tuesday May 4 - Sowing Seeds of Gratitude

• NCC Broadcast Liturgy of the Word @ 9:30-10:05 a.m. (NCC YouTube channel)

• In Gratitude for Catholic Education, Grades 7-12, @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. We invite you to hear personal recounts of journeys in Catholic Education from our guest

speakers. Registration: TCDSB Virtual Experiences site.

Wednesday May 5 - Cultivating Relationships

• Province-wide Mass with Cardinal Collins @ 11:00 a.m. Visit https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live to view the Mass.

Thursday May 6 - Harvesting New Fruit

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

• Sisters of St. Joseph 170th Anniversary, Grades 7-8, @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Registration at capacity) The Sisters of St. Joseph are celebrating their 170th anniversary with several initiatives and events in the theme: Celebrating our Oneness with God, Creation and Neighbour

• Catholic Student Leadership initiative

Grades 9-12, @ 4:30-6:00pm; access the event here. Friday May 7 -Marveling in Wonder

• NCC Broadcast Month of May, Month of Mary--Praying the Rosary, @ 10:30-11:00 a.m.

For all registration information, please access the TCDSB Virtual Experiences site. Visit the Catholic Education Week Resources page for prayers, lesson plans and curriculum connections. Be sure to tag us on social media @TCDSB_NCC using the hashtag #NurturingHope Wishing you all a wonderful Catholic Education Week!

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021: The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is, “Get Real About How You Feel,” Below please find useful information and details for the week. There are many resources, activities, and links for each day. You can always access the information on the various links below. Educator Edition: May 2021

SPECIAL EDUCATOR EDITION:

MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021

Dear Educators: Every year the Canadian Mental Health Association marks the first full week in May as Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year is taking place May 3 – 9, with the theme Get Real About How You Feel. Good mental health isn’t about being happy all the time. It is important that we acknowledge the full range of emotions we feel, even the uncomfortable ones. When we can identify and name our emotions we can better understand, process, and cope with them, allowing us to ultimately feel better (CMHA).

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

Mentally healthy classrooms have a critical role in facilitating social emotional learning (SEL) including the skills mentioned above. A calendar resource has been created with daily announcements, conversation starters, and SEL practices to support skill development in emotional regulation.

As you facilitate these activities with your class, it is important to acknowledge everyone’s lived experiences and unique identities by engaging students meaningfully in discussions. This approach enhances engagement in learning and contributes to a sense of welcoming, inclusion, and belonging for all students.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK RESOURCES

• Mental Health Awareness Week Calendar: including classroom announcements, conversation starters, and SEL activities to promote emotional regulation.

• Resources for Families: including conversation starters, suggestions and simple mental health practices.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

SHARE HOW YOUR STUDENTS ARE GETTING REAL about how they feel! Use #TCDSBMHW2021 ... and you could win a $25 gift card to Chapters Indigo!

As you continue to promote mental health for all of your students this week and beyond, please be reminded of the following classroom ready resources, all available in School Mental Health Ontario’s Student Mental Health Action Kit:

• Faith and Wellness: brief mental health practices for everyday use during the regular school day.

• Classroom Conversation Starters on the following topics: Seeking Help; Helping a Friend; Healthy Sleep; Handling Stress; and Ice Breakers

• Virtual Field Trips: Stress Management and Coping: series of lesson plans for all divisions to support the development of stress management and healthy coping skills.

Yours in wellness, This newsletter is brought to you by the Mental Health Week Planning Committee Carol Ann Le Moine, Claudia Escobar, Gina Vincent, Karen Enns, Marie-Josee Gendron, Stephanie Wilson, Susan HooKong-Taylor, Melissa Hanlon

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

Monthly Update from the Board

May 2021

FOR YOUR INFORMATION Information and Resources for the 2020-2021 School Year

• Virtual Learning Resources • Equity Student and Family Community Resources • Supporting Students’ Mental Health During a Pandemic (COVID-19)

Catholic Education Week: May 2 – 7, 2021

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution that Catholic education has made to the community, the province and to Canada. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2021 is Nurturing Hope. For information on events and resources, visit the CEW website.

Children’s Mental Health Week: May 2 – 7, 2021

This important week is about:

• Increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems

• Decreasing stigma • Understanding that help is available and it works!

Visit TCDSB’s Mental Health webpage for resources and activities for the week: https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/mhs/news/mhw/pages/childrens-mental-health-awareness-week.aspx

Live Province-Wide Catholic Education Mass: May 5, 2021

Students, families, staff and the broader Catholic community are invited to view the province-wide virtual Mass with His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins to celebrate Catholic Education Week. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. EST. Visit https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live to view the Mass.

FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES & INFORMATION Jean Augustine Centre: Spring After-School Programs (Online) A variety of FREE after-school programs for girls ages 7-17 living in South Etobicoke. Register now for Spring Session 2: May 24 - June 25, 2021! https://jeanaugustinecentre.ca/programs/online-programs/ EarlyON Centres ONLINE Programs TCDSB Early ON Child & Family Centres - located at 19 TCDSB schools - are currently offering ONLINE programs & services to families, including interactive fun, stimulating early learning activities to do at home, provided by qualified ECEs. Contact your nearest EarlyON Centre for details: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/EarlyYears/EarlyON/Pages/default.aspx Mental Health Resources

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

• CMHO: Your Child’s Mental Wellness and Remote Learning • City of Toronto: COVID-19: Mental Health Resources: It’s OK not to feel OK • Ontario: Mental health services for children and youth

Sign Up for School Cash Online Schol Cash Online is an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents and guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including agendas and yearbooks. Register for School Cash Online by visiting the TCDSB's School Cash Online website, selecting “Get Started Today” and completing the three registration steps. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES & INFORMATION Focus On Youth: Student Summer Employment Opportunities for students from July 5th – August 13th, 2021 in the following placement areas:

• Training: June 28-June 30 • In-person placement: July 5th – August 13th (depending on restrictions: custodial, counsellor) • Placement Virtual Camp: July 5th – August 13th (sports, art, leadership or STEAM camps)

Deadline: Students must apply by Friday, May 7, 2021. https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/StudentsArchives/FocusOnYouth/Pages/employmentApplication.aspx 2021 AFL Bursaries & Awards: Submit Your Applications! The Angel Foundation for Learning strives to provide the opportunity for all students to pursue their post-secondary educational dreams through eight bursaries. AFL also offers four awards annually that aim to enhance school literacy programs. Deadline to apply is May 14, 2021. https://angelfoundationforlearning.org/bursaries-awards/ Polish Heritage Month Poster Competition: Entries Due MAY 16 The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Toronto is calling for entries for the "Painting the History of Poland: May 3 Constitution" Poster Competition. Submit your entry by May 16th! https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/polish-canadian-heritage/Pages/PolishHeritagePosterCompetition1.aspx "Way to Go! Pinoy" Video Competition The Filipino Heritage Council of Canada (FHCC) is calling for entries for its video competition. Only the first 1000 entries qualify or until May 30, 2021 (whichever comes first). https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/FilipinoHeritageMonth/Pages/essay-video-competition.aspx Need someone to talk to?

• Kids Help Phone is there for you with 24/7 confidential support. Counsellors can be reached by phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. https://kidshelpphone.ca

• LGBT YouthLine offers confidential and non-judgemental LGBTQ+ peer support through telephone, text and chat services. https://www.youthline.ca

EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES May is... Speech, Language and Hearing Month Asian Canadian Heritage Month Polish Canadian Heritage Month Virtue of the Month: Compassion Important Dates in May May 1: World Principals' Day

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

May 3 - 7: Catholic Education Week May 3 - 7: Children’s Mental Health Week/CMHA Mental Health Week May 3: TCDSB Polish Canadian Heritage Day May 3: World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 3: TCDSB Awards Announced May 5: Province Wide Mass May 9: Mother's Day May 9 - 15: Respect for Life Week May 9 - 15: ShareLife Week May 13: Ascension Day May 13: World Catholic Education Day May 12: Day of Action on Litter May 14: ShareLife Wear Green Day May 15: UN International Day of Families May 16: Toronto Newcomer Day May 23: Pentecost May 24: Victoria Day May 24 - 28: Digital Literacy Week May 27: Brain Cancer Awareness Grey Day May 30: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity May Meetings May 4: Governance & Policy May 6: Student Achievement & Well-Being May 13: Corporate Services May 17: Catholic Parent Involvement Committee May 19: Special Education Advisory Committee May 20: Regular Board Meeting May 26: Audit Committee May 27: Student Achievement & Well-Being All Agendas and Minutes: https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/TrusteesoftheBoard/boardmeeting/Pages/BoardMeeting.aspx

Don’t Miss Out on the Latest News and Information: • Visit the Board’s website www.tcdsb.org • Follow @TCDSB on Twitter, @TorontoCatholicDSB on Instagram, and visit Toronto Catholic District School Board

on Facebook to get updates throughout the day.

2019 - 2020 ∙ ROOTED IN CHRIST: WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

LIST OF TRUSTEES 2021-2022: