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SEPTEMBER, 2017

Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S.

School News

Principal’s Message Welcome back students, parents and staff and a warm welcome to all of our new families. We all look forward to a new faith-filled academic year at Transfiguration where ‘Together with One Voice: Harmonizing our Faith’ unites family, parish and school in a collaborative unit that provides our students with an optimum education rooted in Christ. Our exceptional teachers and staff are ready to provide excellent educational experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking, skills required to succeed in 21 Century Learning. Together with your assistance, the 2017-18 academic year will be a very successful one for all of our students. After a long summer it may be difficult to go back to school routines. It is important that you set aside time for homework, reading and establish a consistent bedtime. A good rest and a nutritious breakfast allow for the most favorable learning potential. We welcome back Mr. Fantinato in the Congregated Gifted Programme. We also welcome Ms. Viselli, who will teach grade 1-2, our new Health and Physical Education teacher, Mr. Posca and Ms. Magnone, our Educational Assistant. Due to technical difficulties, the Summer Edition of the newsletter was not possible and, therefore, the events of May and June are included herein.

Yours in Christ, Victoria Purri Principal *Thank you to Mrs. Vaccaro and class for their creation of the Transfiguration portrait above.

Transfiguration of Our Lord

55 Ludstone Drive Toronto, Ontario M9R 2J2 (416) 393-5276 Fax (416) 397-6075

Principal: Victoria Purri Superintendent: Flora Cifelli (416) 222-8282x2732 Trustee: Joseph Martino Ward 1 (416) 512-3401 Parish: Transfiguration of Our Lord Father George Parayil CSPC Co-Chairs: Daniela Dennis Jorge Martinez CPIC (Parent Engagement--TCDSB) www.tcdsb.org/cpic OAPCE Toronto (Provincial Voice for Parents) www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto Enrollment: 405 Hours of Operation: 9:00a.m.-3:30p.m. Lunch Hour: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

________________________________

NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME: Call 416-393-5276 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

School Hours 9:00 a.m. Morning Entry 10:42-10:57 Morning Recess

11:45-12:45 Lunch

2:10-2:25 Afternoon Recess 3:30 p.m. Dismissal

Virtue of the Month

Hospitality

Spread Kindness

Like Confetti

Many of our students were recognized for their kindness to others. At our school we have noticed that kindness is contagious. Let us remember that ‘no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted’ (Aesop). We encourage everyone to spread kindness like confetti. Whether it is in helping others, offering words of encouragement, sharing, including everyone in games or just being there for someone, kindness is very powerful.

Let us work together to keep all of our students safe

at arrival and dismissal. Please be mindful of the

traffic signs on Ludstone Road.

Do not park across the street from the school

or in the Bus Loading Zone.

Do not block the Church parking lot.

Do not use the staff parking lot for pick up or

drop off.

Thank you for your continued support.

Health and Safety

Safe Arrival of Children Safety is one of our primary concerns. Teachers will be on duty

to supervise the children at 8:45 a.m. Please be advised that

children should arrive at the school no earlier than 8:45 a.m.

Although there is a staff member on bus duty to assist in the

event of an early bus arrival, the staff duty in the schoolyard

commences at 8:45 a.m.

If your child is absent from school due to illness or any family

matter, it is your responsibility to notify the school. Dial the

school number and press ‘1’ for our answering machine. Please

indicate the name of the child, his/her teacher and the reason

for the absence. Attendance callouts are very time consuming,

and our office may not be able to contact you promptly. By

speeding up the process we can ensure the safe arrival of all the

children in a timely manner.

End of Day Pick Up

Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School dismisses at 3:30

p.m. It is the responsibility of the parent to make arrangements

for students to be picked up on time. We understand that

emergencies and delays happen occasionally, but please keep in

mind that our office staff cannot always keep a close eye on

children that are left behind, and we do not want to compromise

their safety

Accidents Despite the constant reminders and attention given to issues of

safety, occasional accidents do happen. In the case of minor

accidents (cuts, scrapes) band aids and ice will be provided. In

the event that a child continues to experience discomfort or is

in distress, it is the school’s practice to notify the

parent/guardian. It is absolutely imperative that the school has,

at all times, an up-to-date telephone number for your home and

work, as well as numbers for your emergency contact person.

Transfiguration of Our

Lord: Staff List 2016-17 Classroom Teachers: Grade Teacher Room #

ELP1 L. Marra 121

L. Oppedisano

ELP1 M. Martin 120

E. Pasquali

SK/1 P. Collaco 116

Gr. 1 M. Iozzo 124

Gr.1/2 A. Viselli/ K. Sgro 103

Gr.2 L. Grisolia 105

Gr. 2/3 A.Vaccaro 106

Gr. 3 N. Montagnese-Giordano 104

Gr. 4 M. Genta

Gr. 4/5 L.M. Fiaschetti 217

Gr. 5 S. Zurzolo 214

Gr. 6 L. Liuzzi 215

Gr. 7 M. Novalski 212

Gr. 7/8 D. Di Cecco 206

Gr. 8 M. Iori 207

Congregated Gifted Programme: Gr. 6/7 D. Fantinato 208

Gr. 7/8 A. Sebastiano-Gri 211

Gifted WD J. Nazzicone 202

Specialty Teachers:

Special Ed. L. Lessa 202A

French C. Anderson 210

French S. Dadjeu 210

Vocal Music D. Giancola

Instrumental J. Krzyszkowski

Physical Ed. L. Grossi

Physical Ed. P. Posca

Support Staff:

Secretary J. Panin

Clerk Typists I. Furlano (Tuesday)

L. Grise (Friday)

Library A. Nicolucci

E.A. L. Dal Bello

E.A. M. Magnone

E.A. M. Toscano

Guidance M. Meffe

Head Custodian J. Hrgetic

Custodians (P.M) E. Marchese, C. Carrera

APT L. Burke

Social Worker F. Hilb

School Psychologist M. Wilson

Cell Phone Policy

The use of cell phones is not allowed during school

time. We have had many incidents regarding privacy

concerns, as well as students posting during school

hours on social media. All personal communication

devices such as cell phones are to be powered off

and stored out of view in instructional spaces and

washrooms. Use of these devices in other areas of the

school, school property, or on school trips during

school hours is also prohibited.

If your child needs to contact you, he/she is to come

to the office and use the school phone. Non-

compliance will result in confiscation of the cell phone

until dismissal time.

See board policy # S.S. 09 included in TCDSB code of conduct.

Visitors to Our School

All visitors to the school are asked to report to

the office upon entering the school. Visitors

are welcome, however, for the safety of our

students, we need to know who is in our school

and the reason for the visit. Once approved,

you will be asked to wear a Visitor Pass

lanyard.

Allergies

Many students in our school, when exposed to an

allergen, have severe and potentially life threatening

allergic reactions. TCDSB’s policy is to create

allergen-aware environments. In order to protect the

health and safety of our students and staff, we will

comply with the regulations and procedures of

Sabrina’s Law. Specific allergies will be indicated

outside the child’s classroom door.

We are a NUT-Aware Environment. We have

students with anaphylaxis and, therefore, we ask that

you make a conscientious effort to check labels for

nuts and assist with making our school a safe

environment for all of our students. No parent wants

to receive a phone call regarding the distress of their

child.

We discourage children from sharing food. As was

initiated last year, for the safety of all, edible treats

are not allowed for Birthdays, Celebrations and

Holidays.

Thank you for your understanding.

AGENDAS

We encourage ongoing dialogue with the home, and

we rely on your assistance to reinforce at home the

good work and study habits which we will be

promoting at school. The agendas include important

information such as school routines and rules, and are

an excellent organizational/ communication tool. The

cost of the agendas will be $10.00. Please forward to

your child’s teacher at your earliest convenience.

Save the Dates: Curriculum Night: Thursday, September 21st: - 6:30-8:00p.m.

CSPC AGM and Elections: Wednesday, September 27th @6:45 p.m.

Student Information Updates, Media

Release and Excursion Forms

Important Excursion/Media Release forms will be sent

home this week. Please take this opportunity to update our

records. If there has been a change from last year, we ask

that you complete the sections that require current

addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts. Please

return the Student Data forms only if changes are

necessary. We also ask that you supply the school with an

email address.

In an effort to choose a more ecologically sensitive

method of communication, we will provide school

newsletters, calendars, letters, and notifications by email.

Email addresses will not be shared with the school

community. We will be happy to provide a hard copy if

you do not want to receive school communications by

email.

Administration of Medication

Principals, teachers and support staff of the Toronto Catholic

District School Board are NOT permitted to administer any

type of prescription medication during the school day, unless

we have written signed authorization from you, the parent

AND the prescribing physician. The forms to dispense any

medication must be updated on a regular basis and are

available from our school office. These forms, once completed,

are kept on file at the school. This includes, most importantly,

Epipen prescriptions for students with allergies. If your child

has an anaphylactic allergy, an up to date Epipen(s) M UST be

supplied to the school. Please note that the school requires 2

Epipens: one for the office and one should be with the student at all

times. Should you require additional information or have any

questions about this protocol, contact the Special Services

Department at (416) 222-8282 ext. 2486.Your co-operation in

this matter is greatly appreciated.

Special Services Department As part of the TCDSB’s goal of Fostering Student Achievement and Well Being, the Special Services department endeavours to support our special education students in achieving academic excellence and meeting the Ontario Catholic Graduate School Expectations. The department offers a variety of supports to students based on their need(s) and/or identification(s). For further information please visit the Special Services department link: https://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/SpecialEducation/Pages/default.aspx Parents/caregivers are reminded that if they require support in accessing the Special Services department link, they may ask the school principal for assistance. Alternately, for families who require access to a computer to visit the site, they may access an electronic device through the Toronto Public Library.

CSPC News

The Catholic School Parent Council at

Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S. is a

very vibrant one. CSPC meets monthly to

discuss school issues on academics, arts

and athletics. This wonderful group of

parents works collaboratively to support

the school, students and families.

Last year, through some very enjoyable

fundraising activities, CSPC raised

enough funds to provide the school with a

new computer lab. KUDOS! The

computer lab will be set up in the school

library. These activities were organized

and accomplished through the many

creative and selfless efforts of our

Council. Many thanks to CSPC for

supporting the Scientist in the School

programmes, field trips, dances, fun fair,

dance programme, anti-bullying

presentations, athletics transportation,

teachers’ wish lists etc.

For our new parents, please consider

joining our CSPC this year.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR

PARENTS

ATTENDANCE Our school has established procedures to monitor regular

attendance at school. Prolonged absence or sporadic

attendance will result in a lack of continuity in learning.

Chronic lateness or absences are tracked by our computer

system and will cause the generation of an automatic

referral to guidance and or social work. Note that this is a

TCDSB tracking system.

RECESS All students are required to go outside during recess. We

will not, of course, send children out during severe

weather, but please ensure that your child is always

dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. If your

child is too ill to go outside then you are asked to keep him/her

at home until he/she feels better.

FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are held on a regular basis to ensure that the school

can be evacuated in an orderly, panic-free manner in case

of an emergency. The first will be in September. The

wearing of indoor shoes is mandatory since fire drills are

unannounced and every person must leave the building

when the fire alarm sounds. Varied lockdown drills will

also be held throughout the school year.

PERSONAL PROPERTY Parents are requested to see that their children’s

clothes, boots, gloves, scarves, running shoes, lunch

kits, etc. are marked with the child’s name. Clothing can

be misplaced and many children have identical or similar

clothing. If a child has lost or misplaced an article of

clothing, there is a good chance it will be in the Lost and

Found box. Children should look in this box; parents are

also encouraged to come to the school and look for lost

items.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Fitness and development of kinesthetic skills are an integral

part of each child’s program. Physical education affects fitness

and has a marked influence on healthy attitudes and habits. All

students are expected to participate in the prescribed course of

study (dictated by the Ministry of Education) except in the

case of illness or injury.

DISCIPLINE and GENERAL CONDUCT It is our goal to have a well-disciplined school and to enable our

students to choose appropriate behaviour and to develop the

skills for lifelong learning. Together, parents, teachers and

students can help each other recognize that appropriate

Behaviour is learned and self-discipline is a sign of growth.

Any applied discipline must seek to teach and be progressive.

We discipline with dignity.

“What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God. “ Micha 6

SACRAMENTAL and RELIGIOUS

INSTRUCTION Religion is integrated within all aspects of the education experience and

that is one of the reasons we can say that “Catholic Schools are schools with a difference.” The children in our school, with the help of

parents, priests, and teachers, are made ready to receive the Sacraments.

All children must take part in religious instruction and celebrations and may not be excused from participation. We also encourage the children

to attend Sunday Mass regularly with their parents, as the Mass is the

very centre of our worship.

BOARD WIDE DRESS CODE Consistent with board-wide dress code for all elementary

schools, Transfiguration has a colour dress code for all

students registered. To assist you when purchasing

articles of clothing for your children please note:

TOPS: should be WHITE or NAVY: dress shirt/blouses,

t-shirts, golf shirts, turtlenecks, white or navy sweater,

vest or pull-over.

BOTTOMS: NAVY dress pants or cotton pants, walking

shorts, skorts, yoga pants or capri pants (no jeans). Please remember that all tops and pants are to be plain with no visible logos, stripes, plaids, etc. As always, clothing should provide appropriate coverage.

Undergarments and midriffs should be covered. Shorts

and skirts should fall to mid-thigh or fingertip length. If

you are unsure if an item conforms to the code please

check with your child’s teacher.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS,

ROLLERBLADES AND PETS

We encourage students to bicycle to school. Just a

reminder—proper fitting helmets are required. All

students are expected to walk their bicycles when on

school property. Bicycles must be locked. The school

DOES NOT assume responsibility for lost or stolen

bicycles, so please use a good lock. Skateboards,

scooters and rollerblades should not be brought to school

or used on school property. Pets, regardless of size or

breed or ‘cuteness’, should not be brought into the yard

or school between the hours of 8:30 and 4:00, unless they

are part of a supervised visit program. Pets should also

be kept away from students being supervised by the

PLASP program which continues until 6:00 pm.

Mental Health Initiatives 2017-18

Support for schools in developing a mentally

healthy classroom. See Supporting Minds on

the Ministry’s website and edugains.ca.

Building partnerships with community

agencies, families, and parishes.

Inclusion of mental health to school SLIPs

safeTALK suicide awareness workshops for

staff available via PAL

“Reading” Our Kids: What are our children telling us? (Psychology Foundation of Canada)

Heading “back to school” is like starting a NEW YEAR. Like any beginnings, there is excitement and anxiety all wrapped up into the same situation. As Parents and caring adults we often wonder about how to distinguish when a young person may be having trouble navigating the anxiety part of the equation. Stress is a normal part of life, and learning about it and how to make it “ work “ for you , is a lesson that pays dividends well into the future. Helping children recognize four signs and symptoms of their own stress is key to helping them become confident and productive adults, according to experts at The Psychology Foundation of Canada. The Psychology Foundation of Canada’s Kids Have Stress Too! program is a broad based prevention program which includes videos, lesson plans and various age-appropriate tool kits. An integral part of the program is helping to identify, and having the children themselves recognize, the signs and symptoms of stress with these four indicators:

1. CHANGES IN YOUR BODY: tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, rapid heartbeat, being cold or hot, skin rash, shakiness, disturbed sleep, fatigue, illness

2. KNOWING YOUR MIND: poor concentration, forgetfulness, difficulty problem solving, being easily distracted, confusion, being irrational

3. CHECKING YOUR EMOTIONS: fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, worry, anger, panic, being hyper-sensitive, irritable, or feeling helpless or hopeless, withdrawing and difficulty regulating emotions

4. DEVIATIONS IN BEHAVIOURS: whining, crying, nail- biting, day dreaming, fighting with others, being overly cautious, performing poorly in school, eating more or less than usual, bullying, having difficulty calming down, not listening, participating or cooperating, remaining quiet, or becoming detached or withdrawn.

A SPECIAL VISITOR

Mr. Della Mora, Superintendent of Education, visits Ms. Grisolia’s Grade 2 Class.

POETRY CORNER

Created by:

Ms. Vaccaro’s

Grade 3 Class

Coaches Mr. Marra and Mr. Schiafone are

very proud of the Intermediate Girls and

Boys Soccer Team. Congratulations to the

girls for their Championship win!

Well Done!

Congratulations Sister Marcella! Recipient of the 2016-17 Exceptional Volunteer Award

‘Staff and students at Transfiguration of Our Lord Catholic School are proud to nominate Sister Marcella Bresnihan, from the Faithful Companions of Jesus religious order. She is a former principal of this school when it was first built. In these last few years Sister Marcella has been volunteering generously of her time at the school. Her visits are filled with a deep and reverent knowledge of our Catholic faith, positive and encouraging interaction with the students and a gracious and kind smile for everyone. In her kind and gentle manner she is able to draw out students that may not necessarily share their experiences or concerns. She is reassuring and comforting to everyone no matter their age or circumstance in life. Sister Marcella is a wonderful blessing to our school community. We are ever so proud to call her part of our “family”. Although she would hesitate in being recognized because she is so humble, I truly believe she deserves to be recognized for making an immense impact on our students and our staff. Thank you for considering our nomination of Sister Marcella.‘ Thank you to Mrs. Panin for taking on the initiative of completing the application on behalf Transfiguration of Our Lord C.S. Sister Marcella was presented with the Exceptional Volunteer Award by M.P. Borys Wrzesnewskyj at a ceremony on June 11, 2017.

End of Year Music Celebration: Thank you to Ms. Krzyszkowski for her

dedication to the Instrumental Music Band.

Well done, students!

BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK

Thank you to the many boys and girls who rode

their bikes or walked to school. Many thanks to

Ms. Grossi for coordinating the event.

The Year of the Parish: Father George celebrates with

Transfiguration of Our Lord,

St. Marcellus and St. Maurice

school communities.

HIP HOP DANCING: Message of Respect and Kindness

ERROL LEE “EACH LIFE IS UNIQUELY AND

INHERENTLY VALUABLE” -

Teach your Children the

Power of Prayer

TRUSTEES 2017-18

Wards

1. Joseph Martino 5. Maria Rizzo 9. Jo-Ann Davis 2. Ann Andrachuk 6. Frank D’Amico, Vice-Chair 10. Barbara Poplawski 3. Sal Piccininni 7. Michael Del Grande 11. Angela Kennedy, Chair 4. Patrizia Bottoni 8. Garry Tanuan 12. Nancy Crawford Rhea Carlisle, Joel Ndongmi, Student Trustee

Rory McGuckin, Director of Education 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON ∙ Website: www.tcdsb.org

School Year Calendar

2017-2018 Labour Day September 4, 2017

First Day of School September 5, 2017

Thanksgiving Day October 9, 2017

Christmas Break December 25, 2017–

January 5, 2018

Family Day February 19, 2018

Mid-Winter Break March 12-16, 2018

Good Friday March 30, 2018

Easter Monday April 2, 2018

Victoria Day May 21, 2018

Last day of classes June 28, 2018

Seven Professional Activity Days:

October 6, 2017

November 17, 2017

December 1, 2017

January 19, 2018

February 16, 2018

June 8, 2018

June 29, 2018