Principal’s Message
May, 2013
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We were deeply saddened by the news of the recent death of James McKeddie, a student in grade 3 at our school. It is hard to express in words the tremendous loss that is being felt throughout the school com-munity. As difficult as it is for us, it is much more difficult for the McKeddie family. We would like to extend our sympathy and prayers to them during this time.
Yours in prayer, J. Pannozzo
Mr. Bruce Rodrigues
Director of Education
Father Serra Times
Father Serra Cathol i c School
111 Sun Row Drive, Toronto , Ontario M9P 3J3
Tel : 416-393-5391 Fax: 416 -397-6095
Principal: Mr. J. Pannozzo Vice Principal: Ms. J. Corsi
Admin. Assistant: Mrs. E. Barbaro Clerk Typist: Mrs. E. Simone
Superintendent: Mrs. L. Notten Trustee: Mr. P. Jakovcic
Parish Priest: Father Andrzej Glaba
CSAC Co-chairs: Roberto Berton and Dana Delle Cese-Ahluwalia
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH – MAY - “COMPASSION”
For the month of May we will be focussing on the virtue of COMPASSION. Our
quote is from John’s Gospel, ‖Jesus saw her weeping...his heart was touched, and
he was deeply moved.‖ John 11:33
True compassion is not always easy to practice as in the words of Jean Vanier
―Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in
brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish.‖ Who wants to go there when spring has
finally arrived and the sun is shining down on us. This is all the more reason to
show our compassion for those who cannot share in the light. For this month, Fa-
ther Serra Catholic School will be showing compassion by:
thinking about how words make people feel.
thinking about how actions make people feel.
understanding why someone is acting the way they do.
being considerate to other people.
TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
TRUSTEES 2012-2013 Wards 1. Peter Jakovcic
2. Ann Andrachuk Chair
3. Sal Piccininni Vice-Chair
4. Patrizia Bottoni
5. Maria Rizzo
6. Frank D’Amico
7. John Del Grande
8. Garry Tanuan
9. Jo– Anne Davis
10. Barbara Poplawski
11. Angela Kennedy
12. Nancy Crawford Andrew Walker Student Trustee Elect
CHESS CLUB NEWS
On March 20th, Benjamin Biasi, Sidney Balili, Peter Zastawny, Trevor Tung and Max Nowak, represented Father Serra
C.S. at the Open Chess Tournament. The team placed 3rd overall. Benjamin (placed 1st), Sidney (placed 4th) and Max
(placed 2nd) went on to play at the Open City Tournament on April 5th. All players showed excellent sportsmanship and
are congratulated for their effort!
On Friday, April 26th, Father Serra’s Chess Club participated in the Team Chess
Tournament, the final tournament of the 2013 season. In all, we had 19 students rep-
resent Father Serra C.S. The Primary, Junior and Intermediate teams faced many
challenges against the skilled players, however, our teams
played exceptionally well and with good sportsmanship.
Congratulations goes out to the Primary Team (Michael Kim,
Felicia Caputo, Ella Candeloro, Mila Yadegari, Max Nowak
and Zack Frigo). Congratulations to the Junior Team (Noah Biasi, Jaden Carr, Adrian
Gri,Trevor Tung, Marco Buttigieg, Mikkel Frendo) for placing 4th overall. Lastly, congratu-
lations is in order for our Intermediate Team (Benjamin Biasi, Peter Zastawny, Alex
Olechnowicz, Nicholas Bellissimo, Sidney Balili and Leah Bergmanis) who came in 3rd place
and will advance to the City Tournament on May 8th at the Catholic Education Centre. The
Chess Club Membership would like to extend a big “thank you” to the Chess Master Goran; to
our parent drivers and volunteers; Mrs. Balili, Mrs. Zastawny, and Mrs. Gri. For the numerous
hours organizing and supervising, we acknowledge and thank , Mrs. Pimento and Ms. DiPlacido.
News of the In-School Chess Tournament coming soon!!
PAGE 2 FATHER SERRA TIMES MAY 2013
FATHER SERRA YEARBOOK—2013
Attention students, parents and teachers! The
2012/2013 yearbook is well underway and we need
your help! We are looking for pictures of all of the great
events we have had here at Father Serra so far this
year. We would also love pictures of you doing what
you do best – working hard in class activities or playing
in the schoolyard! If you would like to contribute, please
email them to [email protected]. You are
also welcome to bring pictures on a CD or USB drive.
This year’s yearbook will include more colour pages
and lots of special extras! Each yearbook will cost $20.
Look for order forms coming soon!
Thank you,
Mrs. Cianfrini, Mr. Vennare
and the Yearbook Committee
EXEMPLARY PRACTICE AWARD
Father Serra Catholic School was 1 of 20 schools recog-
nized on April 23rd with the Toronto Catholic District
School Board Exemplary Practice Award at a special
ceremony at the Catholic Education Centre. This was
the 14th annual celebration of innovative and unique
initiatives and projects that enhance the overall learning
experience for students and reflect the Board’s mission
and vision of transforming the world through witness,
faith, innovation and action. Father Serra Student Leader
Program is designed to empower students to make
positive change in the world and in our community.
Thank you to Mrs. Lucia, Mrs. Salgadinho and the student
leaders for their commitment and hard work.
PAGE 3 FATHER SERRA TIMES MAY 2013
ST. FRANCIS TABLE
On Thursday, April 4 2013, 16 grade 8 Student Leaders went to St. Francis Table to
serve meals. When we arrived, we put on our aprons and got down to work. We were assigned
tables and together we served about 95-100 people! We all worked extremely hard, and, we can
honestly say that each and every one of the student leaders were touched and realized how fortu-
nate we all are. The St. Francis Table staff was so kind, grateful and very hard working, it’s
wonderful to know that they are all working for such a good cause!
It was amazing to see how grateful the less fortunate were to know that there is a place
where they can go and get a nice hot meal. It was an extraordinary experience and I know that
the volunteers at St. Francis Table were especially grateful to have us come out and help serve
the meals. St. Francis table was an amazing experience for all of the Father Serra Student Lead-
ers. We would all like to thank Ms. Lucia, Ms. Visic and Ms. Laviola for taking the time to take
us to St. Francis Table!!!
FATHER SERRA “GIVES FROM THE HEART”
On Friday, April 12, 2013 the staff and students of Father Serra Catholic School held its tenth annual dance-a-thon “Give from the Heart” in memory of Ian Macdonald a student who attended Father Serra. Every year a themed dance is organized and this year’s theme was “DISNEY”. Students were encouraged to dress in costumes based on Disney characters.
This year we raised a grand total of $10,700.00. CONGRATULATIONS for a job well done!
All money raised is donated yearly to The Lymphoma & Leukemia Society. The students at Father Serra
School have raised a total of $122,000.00 thus far. We still remain THE NUMBER ONE FUNDRAISING SCHOOL in all of Canada. This year we also received an Exemplary Practice award acknowledging Father Serra Catholic School and our wonderful community for our amazing fundraising, for all that they do.
We, the Student Leaders, would like to thank Mrs. Lucia. Without Mrs. Lucia’s strong commitment and efforts, this event would not take place! Also, thank you to the Father Serra Community for your continued generosity.
Father Serra Student Leaders
TEACH A MOTHER – CHANGE THE WORLD
On February 22, 2013 the Grade 8 Student Leaders had a dress down day fundraiser for
the Amarok Society. This organization provides education opportunities for Mothers in
Bangladesh. The Amarok Society teaches uneducated mothers how to read and write, and
then teaches the mothers to be neighbourhood teachers - educating their own and their neighbours' children every day in
their homes. Last year $1000.00 was raised at Father Serra for this worthwhile cause and the grade 8 students are hoping to
surpass that total this year. Students were asked to donate $2 for the SSS Day on February 22. The grade 8 Students Leaders
visited each class to give students some background information on Bangladesh and the important work being done by the
Amarok Society. Parents are encouraged to visit www.amaroksociety.org for further information.
AGENTS OF CHANGE IN SERVING OTHERS
MAY 2013 FATHER SERRA TIMES PAGE 4
JUNIOR GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
The Girl’s Junior Volleyball team had a very successful season. Practises took place
every day at lunch and the occasional morning held by Mrs. Lui and Mrs. Connolly. The
team strengthened their skills and were ready to compete at the Divisional Tourna-
ment. The tournament was held at St. Benedict’s Catholic School. We played strong
and hard and placed 1st overall! We added another pennant to our gym wall! This led
us to the Regional Tournament, which was held at Holy Child School. Here we played
as strong as ever but the competition was really tough. The team would like to thank
Mrs. Lui and Mrs. Connolly for the great coaching that encouraged our team to do
as well as they did. Also, thank you to the volunteer drivers who drove the
team to and from the tournament and cheered us on. The team members are:
Tessa Carr, Sabrina Pontello, Maria DiDomizio, Caitlin Galleto, Aura Gabrys, Emily Memme, Juliana Siracusa,
Hannah Szczepanowski, Ariana Novello, Kayla Wuebbolt, Isabella Vincent, Gabriella Peschisolido.
JUNIOR BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL
The Boys’ Junior Volleyball team had another successful year. At the divisional tournament, the boys’ finished in 1st place
defeating St. Benedict in the final! The following week, the team competed in the regional tournament at Our Lady of Victory
Catholic School. The boys’ played hard and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and teamwork. Congratulations on another
successful year. The team members are: Stephen Giansante, Daniel Gervasi, Ante Hanzek, Francesco Giordano, Matthew
Brajuka, Michael Ancimer, Marcus Vescio, Alexander Isadori, Joseph Monardo, Matthew Memme, Adam Ciszek, Mikkel Fren-
do, Fabio Baramaj, and David Zivkovic.
The boys’ would like to thank Mr. Rivera and Mr. Russo for coaching the team again this year and to the parent drivers who
accompanied us to and from the tournaments.
Invitation to Participate in the TCDSB Budget Consultation
Watch for more information regarding the consultation process for the 2013-2014 TCDSB Budget. All stakeholders (parents, stu-dents, staff and Catholic school supporters) are invited to attend a special board meeting to hear delegations regarding the budget. This will take place on May 7th at 6:30 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East. In addition, everyone will be able to access a video presentation on the board’s budget, and to provide input via an online survey which is available on the board’s website. Visit the board’s website at www.tcdsb.org for information and the survey.
Meet Your Trustee
TCDSB is pleased to announce the launch of Trustee websites. Meet your Trustee and stay in touch with what your local repre-sentative is doing in your community. Check them out at: http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/TrusteesoftheBoard/Pages/default.aspx
Monthly Update from the Board
TCDSB SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2013-2014
Number of school days 194
Number of Professional Activity Days 6
Labour Day September 2, 2013
First Instructional Day September 3, 2013
Thanksgiving Day October 14, 2013
Christmas Break December 23, 2013–January 3, 2014
Family Day February 17, 2014
Mid-Winter Break March 10–14, 2014
Good Friday April 18, 2014
Easter Monday April 21, 2014
Victoria Day May 19, 2014
Last day of classes ( elementary) June 27, 2014
Six (6) Professional Development Days for ELEMENTARY schools:
October 11, 2013* Designated by the Ministry
November 15, 2013 Parent-Teacher interviews/Faith Day
December 20, 2013* Designated by the Ministry
January 24, 2014** Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting
March 7, 2014* Designated by the Ministry
June 6, 2014** Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting
*These days have been designated by the Ministry
**These days have been designated for assessment, evaluation and
reporting
MAY 2013 FATHER SERRA TIMES PAGE 5
STUDENT(S) OF THE MONTH
The theme for APRIL was JUSTICE.
PARENTS AND SCHOOL WORKING TOGETHER FOR A
COMMON GOAL
Please visit the Father Serra Website at:
http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/FatherSerra.asp, to
view our School Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP)
Father Serra Tweets Follow us at: FatherSerraCS
The month of May promises to be
a very busy time at
Father Serra Catholic School.
We are asked to reflect on the
significance of Catholic Educa-
tion’s presence and contributions
in our church and in our society. Catholic Education Week
gives us an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of over 170
years of Catholic Education in the province of Ontario. It
provides a movement of invitation for
all of us involved in Catholic Educa-
tion to rededicate ourselves to the task
of preserving and enhancing the quali-
ty of our Catholic school system.
During Catholic Education Week,
May 6th to 10th, we will have special readings over the
P. A. system every morning reflecting the theme, Grow-
ing Together in Faith. We are also planning a school
wide activity. All students will be creating a leaf that
completes the statement: I grow in
Faith when…. These leaves will be
placed on the tree we have blooming
at the front entrance of the school.
Thank you to the following grade 8
students for helping us to bring our
―Tree of Faith‖ to life:
Azora De Filippis, Joseph Lauricella,
Alexandria Abbruzzino and Michel-
ine Magnone.
Mother's Day History
The origin of Mother's Day goes back to the era of an-
cient Greek and Romans. But the roots of Mother's Day
history can also be traced in the UK where a Mothering
Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the
light of the day. It is thanks to the hard work of the pio-
neering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and An-
na Jarvis that the day came into existence. Today mil-
lions of people across the globe take the day as an op-
portunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their
efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their
constant support.
Happy mother’s day!
M. PALERMO-SARACO ELP
Sammy Primomo
Max Quinn
Michael Rende
J. SALVADORI ELP
Luca Pinto
Jacob Cowan
Peter Pashkewych
L. DI PLACIDO ELP
William Clara
Vanessa Ferreira
Anna Kurusenko
I.DROHOBYCKY (GR. 1)
Janae Beaton
Siera Frasca
L. PIMENTO (GR. 1)
Isabella Loschiavo
Leila Terceros
D. LLOYD (GR.1 AND 2)
Matteo Vena
Roman Sena
L. PESEGI-GALLUZZO (GR. 2)
Noah Bertola
Sophia Iantria
C. SPATARE (GR.2)
Michael Kardum
Bianca Opacak
James De Luca
Sofia Trimboli
Olivia Pellarin
K. CONNOLLY (GR. 3)
Lauren DeDomenico
Ethan Tutt
A. CIANFRINI (GR. 3)
Olivia Madden
Claudia Serpe
R. TROINA (GR. 4)
Madeline Tubaro
Justin Santos
R. ACHONG (GR. 4)
Jaden Carr
Paula Frigo
Gianluca Primerano
M. RUSSO (GR. 5)
Nicolas Pellarin
Nicolas Futia
Valerie Vengoechea
J. BERNECHE (GR. 5)
Samuel Franceschetti
Christian Persano
Dereck Pazmino Roman
Anthony Filice
M. MACDONALD (GR. 6)
Marco Buttigieg
Daniel Gervasi
Brianna Hawley
S. BELLISARIO (GR. 6)
Michael Mior
Aurora DaSilva
Matthew Cowan
G. LUI (GR. 7)
Nicholas Bellissimo
Carlo Liut
Sara Mastromarini
Eva Rende
R. GARGANO (GR. 7)
Andrew Rocto
Melany Pazmino Roman
Ann Zasowski
D. FARRELL (GR. 8)
Michael Franceschetti
Rebecca Borg
Carly McGuckin
Julia Stancati
M. TORRIERI (GR. 8)
Matthew Calderone
Mary Dominicis
Luke Sellitto