SPCS April 2015 newsletter - Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic

St. Peter Catholic School
Reverence, Responsibility, Relationships
15A Tripp Blvd., Trenton, Ontario, K8V 6M2
Tel: 613-392-6577
Website: http://schools.alcdsb.on.ca/pett/default.aspx
April 2015
Issue 8
Inside this issue:
Lenten Almsgiving……..1
Young Authors Winner.2
Timberwolves News…..2
EQAO……………………….2
Field Trips…………………2
Focus Virtue …..............3
Earth Week..……….…….4
Catholic School
Council……………….5
Important Dates………..5
Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed
hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal.
Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it,
the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it,
and the strength to complete it. Amen.
Easter, like Christmas, is not just a day on the calendar; it is a special and sacred
period of time. As we approach the Easter season, also known as Eastertide, we
remember our Baptismal vows and reflect upon what it means to be disciples
of the Risen Lord. Are our words and actions Christ-like? Do we carry on His
work of reconciliation in our lives? It is in our own daily actions that we
acknowledge Jesus’s resurrection and teach our children that God’s love is
more powerful than anything, even death.
Many of our children in grade 2 will be celebrating a milestone in their
sacramental lives this month- On April 9th students of St. Peter’s Church will
receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (1st Confession) and then the
Sacrament of Holy Communion on April 26th (1st Communion). We pray for
God’s blessings on our students who are taking this next step to becoming more
united with God.
Yours in Catholic Education,
Mrs. Jackie Gauthier
Principal
Terrific Kids
The focus virtue for the month of February was
RESPECT. The following students were
celebrated at this month’s Terrific Kids assembly
for putting their RESPECT into action:
Grade 1: Makena K. Grade 1/2: Diana F.
Grade 2: Emma L.
Grade 2/3: Desirah M.
Grade 3/4: Loren V. Grade 4: Jake H.
Grade 5: Tristan T.
Grade 6: Terrick B.
Many thanks to Mr. Blasko & the Kente Kiwanis Club for providing us with this opportunity to honour our
students!
Lenten Almsgiving
Almsgiving is “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).
During Lent we are called to focus on almsgiving, which means donating money or goods
to the poor and performing other acts of charity. This year our students and staff will be
directing our Lenten almsgiving to 4 local charities: Coats for Kids, Trenton Care & Share,
the Knights of Columbus Squires, and Breakfast Club of Canada.
We will be collecting change throughout Holy Week:
Monday, March 30- Dimes and Nickles
Tuesday, March 31- Quarters
Wednesday, April 1- Loonies
Thursday, April 2- Toonies
Thanks for helping us help others!
April 2015
Page 2
Kindness Café
In March we celebrated Random Acts of Kindness week by focusing on
the little things that can make a big difference to others, such as saying
“Thank-you” or letting someone go first in line. Students were also invited
to acknowledge kind acts that other people did by nominating them for a
chance to have lunch at our Kindness Café. At the end of the week, students
were randomly selected from each class and had the chance to bring a
friend to lunch with them. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the kind acts
that happen every day at St. Peter Catholic School!
A big “Thank-You!” to Mrs. McCaw & Miss. Millard for organizing our
Kindness Café and Random Acts of Kindness Week!
OECTA Young Authors Award Winner
Congratulations to grade 4 student, Vanessa L., whose short story placed first in the
Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board’s Ontario English Catholic
Teachers’ Association Young Authors contest. Vanessa’s short story, “The Brown Peacock”
will move on to the provincial level of the competition! Good luck to our young author!
Timberwolf Basketball
Congratulations to our mighty Timberwolves
for their performance at our Board’s Western
schools basketball tournament! Both teams had
wins and losses and played with heart and
determination. Our athletes demonstrated great
sportsmanship and represented St. Peter Catholic
School very well!
A huge THANK-YOU to Mr. Silva and Mr. Cox for coaching our teams!
News from Our Classroom
By Hayden M.
We are researching caves and caverns in Science and Literacy because grade fours will be
studying rocks and minerals with Mrs. Toffelmire and grade threes are learning about natural
structures. We have learned that caves are dark and caverns are bright, and we can go to the
Warsaw Caves to explore.
EQAO
Parents of students in grades 3 and 6 are advised that the annual provincial assessments of
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics are planned for the weeks of May 25th to June 5th, 2015.
We will break down these dates more specifically for each grade. We ask that parents avoid
booking appointments during the course of the school day if possible during these days.
Field Trips
Parents or guardians hoping to assist with a school event such as field trips must have a
valid police check. The original document must be presented to the the office and will be
kept on file. Please contact the office for a volunteer letter.
Page 3
April 2015
April Focus Virtue: LOVE
Virtues are gifts that guide us in our daily lives when we actively practice them. The word
“love” is often used casually in today’s society- we love a type of food or we love a particular
movie. But what does it mean to truly follow God’s commandment and love your neighbor?
True loving means seeing God in others and putting their needs first.
Families can support their children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development by
talking about the kind words they chose to say and the self-less acts they chose to perform to improve someone
else’s day.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”~ 1 John 4:8
Kindergarten Registration
We are now accepting registrations for our 2015-2016 Kindergarten program.
Children born in 2010 and 2011 are eligible for our Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten
program. Please bring your child’s Baptismal and birth certificates as well as their
immunization record when you come to register.
Breakfast Club
It’s important to start the day with a healthy breakfast. All students are welcome to the
gym from 7:50 to 8:10 a.m. to enjoy a yummy and nutritious breakfast! There is no charge
and students do not need to sign up. Thank-you to Mrs. Stockermans and all of our volunteers
who work so hard to run our Breakfast Club!
Indoor Shoes
With the wet weather upon us, all students are expected to change their footwear before
entering their classroom. Wet shoes are not only uncomfortable, they also create slippery floors
that are a hazard to others. Students may not walk around barefoot or in socked feet.
Slippers do not provide enough traction and are not considered appropriate school footwear.
Illness
We all know from personal experience that the best place to be when you’re not feeling well is at
home in your own bed. Students who are well enough to be at school are well enough to benefit
from the fresh air and exercise of outdoor activities. We cannot accommodate parent requests for
children to stay inside as we do not have supervision.
Staff will notify parents/guardians of students who become ill during the school day. Please
ensure that the office has all current phone numbers and emergency contacts.
Appropriate Dress
Students are expected to be dressed in a modest and respectful manner that reflects our
Catholic values. We ask parents/guardians to help us maintain our academic atmosphere by
ensuring that your children follow our dress code when preparing for school:
- Chest, midriffs, and backs are to be covered.
- Spaghetti straps are not to be visible.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses are to be of an appropriate fit and length for an academic setting.
- Undergarments, including bra straps, should not be exposed.
- All clothing is free of violent, racist, and immoral pictures, symbols, brands, and messages.
- Unless it is a dedicated “Spirit Day”, pajama bottoms and beachwear are not permitted.
- Indoor shoes and proper footwear for gym.
Thank-you for your co-operation!
Page 4
April 2015
Earth Week
April 20-24, 2015
We will celebrate Earth Week from April 20th- 24th. Students will be participating in various activities
throughout the week to encourage them to be stewards of the earth. Some of these activities include:
 Used Clothing Drive! (see below)
 Reusable green bag sale! These ligh,t mesh bags are great for produce
shopping, holding craft items, storing snacks in the car, etc. We will
be selling 3 bags for $1. All proceeds from the sale will be going to
our school garden.
 Earth Hour where all power will be turned off for one hour on Earth
Day, April 22nd! This will be our reminder to be mindful of the
amount of energy we use and the ways we can reduce energy
consumption.
 Green, blue, brown or animals on your clothing on Earth Day!
 Liturgy focusing on God’s call for us all to care for the gift of the earth!
 Litter pick-up!
There are many great ways you can celebrate Earth Day with your children at home. Some ideas from
www.carrotsareorange.com include:
 Unplug yourselves from electronics (tablets, television, video games, etc.)
 Go on a ‘listening walk’ in nature
 Be Thumbelina – imagine what we would see if we shrunk down to thumb size.
 Pick up litter in your neighbourhood
 Find a new hiking trail to explore
 Outdoor story time
 Nature scavenger hunt
 Plant seeds
Used Clothing Drive Fundraiser
We will be holding a used clothing fundraiser from April 20th -24th to raise
money to support year-end field trips/events and divert waste from landfills!
We are looking for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing as well as boots, shoes,
sneakers, purses, belts, suitcases/luggage, curtains, drapes, and bed & bath linens.
Our goal is a minimum of 300 full bags of clothing!
Page 5
April 2015
Sacrament of Reconciliation
First confession for all candidates registered at St. Peter’s Church will take place on
Thursday, April 9th at 6:30 p.m. St. Peter’s Church will be open at 6 p.m. for sign-in.
Stations of the Cross
Parents are invited to join us as we pray the Stations of the Cross in our gymnasium on
Holy Thursday, April 2nd at 10:45 a.m.
First Communion Retreat and Mass
Our grade 2 students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist at St. Peter’s
Church will participate in a retreat on Friday, April 17th in the gym.
The First Communion Mass will take place at St. Peter’s Church on Sunday, April 26th at
1 p.m.
Spelling Bee
Class representatives from grades 4 to 6 will be competing in our school level Rotary Club
spelling bee on April 15th at 12:45 p.m.
Catholic School Council
Our St. Peter Catholic School Council plays an important role in our community as they
work closely with staff and parents to enrich our children’s educational experiences. This
active group of parents determine where to allocate our fundraising money, co-ordinate our
milk and hot lunch programs, and organize many special events. Our next Catholic School council meeting
will be held on April 28th at 6:30 p.m. in our library.
All parents are invited to attend! We hope to see you there!
Spring Picture Day
Students from Kindergarten to grade 6 will have an opportunity to have their individual
and sibling pictures taken on Tuesday, April 14th .
Confirmation Retreat
Confirmation candidates in grades 6 will take part in a retreat on Friday, May 15th in
our gym. Students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, May 31st at 2
p.m. at St. Peter’s Church.
Grade 6 Graduation
Our graduation for grade 6 students will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd at 6 p.m. We
will celebrate Mass as a community and present our graduates with their diplomas and awards
at St. Peter’s Church on Queen Street. A dance will follow in our school gymnasium.
This important and exciting celebration acknowledges the richness of our children’s Catholic
elemenatary school experience. We hope that parents help their children select clothing that reflects their
age and the occasion. Although it is an exciting evening, it is not necessary for students to purchase expensive
clothing or get their hair and nails professionally done.
April 2015
Page 6
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Mailing Address: 140 Dundas St. West, Trenton, Ontario K8V 3P5
Deliveries & Office: 125 Queen St., Trenton, Ontario K8V 4Y2
Tel: (613) 392-3767 Fax: (613) 392-2261
E-mail: stpeters-trenton@cogeco.ca
Web Page: http://www.stpeters-trenton.org
April 2015
Sunday Mass Schedule: Sat., 5 pm; Sun., 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm
Altar Servers: Children & youth who have received First Holy Communion (i.e. Grades 3-12) are invited to become altar
servers. Please call St. Peter’s Church to register.
Children’s Choir: Students in grades 2 to 8 ready to make a commitment to practice and to sing at the Sunday 9 am Mass are
invited to join the Children’s Choir. Practice takes place following 9am Mass.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Sundays during the 9am Mass, in the Parish Centre. Children’s Liturgy of the Word allows
children from 3 to 7 years of age to hear God’s word in a way that they can understand. Info: Suzanne (613-392-7361).
Healing Hearts Widows Support Group ~ Anyone interested in joining, contact Leslie (613-392-0964).
Columbian Squires: All Catholic boys (ages 10–18) are invited to come out and see what the Columbian Squires is all about!
Info and schedule, call Ken (613-242-5021).
Easter Triduum Schedule
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 2, 7:30pm, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 10pm.
Good Friday: April 3: Stations of the Cross, 9:30 am; Confessions, 10–11am; Inter-Church Procession with the Cross, 12pm;
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, 3pm.
Easter Vigil Mass: Sat., April 4, 8pm
Easter Sunday Masses: April 5, 9 & 11am (no 5pm Mass)
St. Paul Secondary School Paraliturgy: Thurs., April 2, 9:30am.
St. Peter’s Catholic Women’s League: Tuesday, April 7, 7pm at Vivacious, 101 Dundas St. W. ~ General Meeting and fashion
show. All women, ages 16 and older are welcome to come and join us!
Monthly Community Dinner: Thursday, April 9, 5–7pm, K of C Hall, 57 Stella Cres. Adults: $12; under 12 years: $6; 6 years and
under: free. All are welcome; tickets at the door.
Baptismal Preparation: Thurs., April 9, 6pm, Parish Centre (Queen Street entrance), Room # 1. Parents wishing to have their
children baptized are asked to call the Parish Centre to register.
First Confessions: Thurs., April 9, 6:30pm. Confessions of all registered candidates will take place in the Church. Church will be
open at 6pm for sign-in.
First Communion Retreat: Fri., April 17, 8:30am. Practice, First Communion related activities at St Peter School. All grade 2
candidates. Info: sacrements-stpeters@cogeco.ca.
Meet and Greet: Sun., April 19, 9:50–10:40 am, St. Peter Parish Centre. Coffee, juice and snacks are served. All are welcome.
First Communion Mass: Sun., April 26, 1pm, St. Peter’s Church.
April 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
1
Chicken Ceasar
Wrap or Chicken
Alfredo Day
5
6
7
Easter Monday
12
13
14
Spring Photos
Lenten Parish
Confessions at
St. Peter’s Church
7 p.m.
15
Mac & Cheese or
Chicken Burger
Day
Saturday
2
Holy Thursday
8
Pizza Day
Easter
Sunday
Friday
9
First
Confession at
St. Peter’s
Church
6:30 p.m.
16
3
Good Friday
4
Holy Saturday
10
11
Chess
Tournament
17
18
1st Communion
Retreat for all
St. Peter’s
Parish
candidates
Terrific Kids
Spelling Bee
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
30
1
2
Pizza Day
Earth Week
Used Clothing Drive
Green Bag Sale- 3 bags for just $1
26
1st
Communion
Mass at
St. Peter’s
Church
1 p.m.
27
28
Catholic School
Council
Meeting at
6:30 p.m.
29
Spaghetti or Sub
Day