Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Principal’s Message
Welcome to the blessings of a new school year!
It is truly with great excitement that we welcome our students back for another year filled
with spiritual, emotional and physical growth! It promises to be an exciting and eventful
year here at St. Martha Catholic School and we enthusiastically anticipate continuing to
foster the partnership between staff, parents and parish.
The Toronto Catholic District School has launched a new three-year pastoral plan which
will run from September 2015 through to August 2018. The theme for the three year plan
is “Together with One Voice: Harmonizing our Faith Through Family, Parish and
School”. The focus for the 2017-2018 school year will be on the school.
We invite each and every one of you to become an integral member of the school community.
Education is a partnership that cannot occur without the support of every staff member, the
involvement of every parent and the commitment of every student. At St. Martha we
strive to help our students become successful through dynamic, differentiated and authentic
learning experiences, while supporting their transition from childhood into adolescence.
As a community of faith, emphasis will be placed on assisting all students in developing a
true and in-depth understanding of Jesus as we continue to follow in His footsteps.
On behalf of the staff and myself, we wish you a great start to a wonderful new school
year!
Sincerely,
N. Grossi, Principal
School Hours Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm Supervision duty in the morning begins at 8:15am School Day: 8:30am-3:30pm Lunch: 11:15am-12:15pm
ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
1865 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario
Telephone: 416-393-5344 Fax: 416-397-6321
Ms. N. Grossi
PRINCIPAL
Michael Caccamo
SUPERINTENDENT
Patrizia Bottoni 416-512-3404
TRUSTEE
St. Jane Frances Parish
416
PARISH
Mrs. Sonia Antonellis
CSPC CHAIR
www.tcdsb.org/cpic
CPIC (PARENT ENGAGEMENT - TCDSB)
www.tcdsb.org/oapce-toronto
OAPCE TORONTO (PROVINCIAL VOICE FOR PARENTS)
229 8:30-3:30 11:15-12:15
ENROLLMENTHOURS OF OPERATION LUNCH HOUR
NEW REGISTRANTS WELCOME
Apply online: soar.tcdsb.org
Call 416-393-5344 or the TCDSB Admissions Department at 416-222-8282, ext. 5320.
For general information about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, visit www.tcdsb.org
Stay in touch with the latest news throughout the school year: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter or Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram
MONTH & YEAR
416-741-1463
St. Martha Tweets!
Follow us @StMarthaCES
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Student Safety
Access to St. Martha School Policy
Educators and parents agree, the safety and well-being of our students/children is our
highest priority, therefore, we kindly ask that certain measures be adhered to and we
respectfully ask that all take note of these guideline:
All visitors, including parents of JK to Grade 8 students, board personnel,
volunteers, etc., are to enter the school through the front doors and report
immediately to the office.
All visitors must enter and exit through the main doors.
All exterior doors will be locked. To access the school please ring the buzzer located
at the front doors. Please be prepared to explain your visit to our school.
Please make an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher. By doing so, the teacher
can attend to their students’ safety without interruptions.
Please do not enter the school yard so that the supervising teacher will have a clear and
unobstructed view of the playground and students.
Visitors are not permitted in the school yard from 8:30am-3:30pm
If dropping off lunches/forgotten items, please ensure that these items/lunches are
labeled with your child’s name. Inform the office staff and they will notify your
child’s teacher. This will help minimize interruptions to the curriculum being taught
to students.
We thank you in advance to upholding these protocols in order to keep our students
safe.
Reporting Student Absences
As part of our Safe Arrival program, we are asking that parents/guardians call the office
to inform us if your child will be absent or late. Please leave a message on our answering
machine in the evening or early morning. Student absence information assists us in
ensuring the safety of your child. If you are personally accompanying your child to
school, and he/she is late, please bring your child directly to the office.
We thank you in advance for your co-operation and understanding for the safety and
well-being of our students.
Allergy Awareness
Please note that we remain a nut-aware school environment. We kindly ask that you
continue to closely monitor your child’s snacks and lunches to ensure that they are
labeled “nut-free”. Thank you for your continued collaboration as we strive to keep all
children safe.
Instructional Time
We at St. Martha value the instructional time with your child. We endeavour to keep
classroom interruptions to a minimum. We respectfully ask parents to adhere to this
rule. If you must speak to your child, please do so during the school breaks. Unless the
situations warrants it, students will not be asked to leave their classroom during
instructional time. Please use the agenda to communicate issues (i.e. drop
offs/pick up/lunches) with the classroom teacher.
Kindly refrain from bringing your child to school prior to 8:15 am
as to ensure student safety.
IN THE COMMUNITY
St. Jane Frances Parish News
Mass Schedule
Saturday 5:00 English Sunday 9:30&12:30 English 8:00&11:00 Italian 5:00 Vietnamese
First Communion Registration
Please contact the parish office if your child in Gr. 3 has not received information regarding registration for First Holy Communion.
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
PEDICULOSIS (LICE)
The Toronto Catholic District School Board recognizes concerns related to pediculosis (head lice) at the school and community level. Pediculosis (head lice) are not a public hazard, as they do not cause illness, but they are a nuisance. To prevent pediculosis (head lice) from becoming a problem at our school we all need to work together. Please check your child’s head on a regular basis for lice or nits. If you do find lice or nits, you must contact the office so that we can notify other parents in your child’s class to keep a special watch for any signs of head lice. A student’s re-admission to school is contingent up-on the Parent/Guardian submitting a completed and signed “Pediculosis Treatment Form” communicating to the Principal that treatment for pediculosis (head lice) has been administered. More information on the identification, treatment and prevention of pediculosis (head lice) can be found on the following websites; Canadian Pediatric Society (http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/headlice) and Toronto Public Health (toronto.ca/health). Thank you for helping maintain healthy hair and good personal hygiene.
Lyme Disease
As you may have heard in recent media reports, there have been an increased number of Lyme Disease cases in Ontario. Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi). According to Toronto Public Health reports, in the last five years, an average of 20 people per year have been infected with Lyme disease. Almost all of these people acquired the disease outside the City of Toronto. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. As ticks favour moist, shaded environments; especially leafy wooded areas, we remind parents to take the necessary precautions to avoid their children being bitten, such as checking clothes for ticks often, reminding them to walk on pathways or trails and avoid low-lying brush or long grass, and applying insect repellent to skin and clothing, especially exposed skin such as ankles, wrists and neck. Enclosed is a fact sheet with further information on Lyme Disease. It is important to remember that there are many different tick species found throughout the world, and only a select few types bite and transmit disease to humans. If your child reports a similar bite or expresses any concerns, we recommend you consult with your family doctor. For further information, visit www.torontopublichealth.com.
Electronic Devices at School
School Board policy states that all personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, carried by elementary students shall be kept out of sight, turned off and not used during the school day, unless under the supervision of a teacher. Failure to abide by this policy may result in confiscation of the electronic device for the day. Subsequent infractions will result in the parents/guardians having to collect the phone. As you know these items not only have the potential to disrupt the learning environment but they are also very expensive and hard to replace. At times, they also cause conflict in the yard. It is strongly recommended that such items remain at home. Please assist us by reviewing and supporting this policy with your child. Your support is greatly appreciated!
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Indoor Shoes
In order to keep our school clean as well as assist in maintaining a healthy environment, we are asking that all students have a pair of shoes, with non-marking soles that are to be kept at school.
Gr. 7 Immunization Clinics
The Toronto Public Health Services will be administering the Hepatitis “B”, Meningococcal and HPV vaccines to our grade 7 students. These dates will be communicated including a second immunization to follow in the Spring. Further information and permission forms will be sent home with your child.
A Message from our 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 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.
Visit the TCDSB Digital Store
www.tcdsb.org/digitalstore
• FREE: Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus: includes latest versions of Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive and One Note, up to 5 computer licenses and up to 5 mobile device licenses (any platform) • FREE: Microsoft Windows 10 EDU • 10% discount on computers and devices at the online Microsoft Education Store • Other offerings will be made available, so be sure to check back often
To access the online offer, the student will need to know his/her TCDSB UserID and Password. If your child does not know his/her login information, please contact your child’s teacher to obtain this information. After the download, to activate the software please enter your UserID using the following format:
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
ST. MARTHA STAFF LIST 2017-2018
Teacher/Staff Member Grade/Programme A. DeMedeiros Administrative Assistant
J. Pezzente Caretaker
S. Chilelli Caretaker
J. Frati D. Carrasco - DECE
ELP/1
M. Panaroni D. DeSousa - DECE
ELP/2
N. Calderone 1
TBD 1/2
L. Zandwyk 3
A. Montesano 3/4
G. Galloro 4/5
N. Garisto 6
R. Caporusso 7
V. Pittelli 8
K. McEwen Special Education
J. Paolella Multiple Exceptionalities
K. Dymond PAST
S. Palmino Phys Ed.
L. Aires Phys Ed.
A. Caringi Phys Ed.
L. Nicopoulos Core French
A. Stalteri Italian
B. Papia (Tuesday & Wednesdays) Vocal Music
K. Chung (Friday) Instrumental Music
A. Martinus Library Technician
S. Tran CYW PAST
L. Storey Child and Youth Worker
A. Vecchiarelli Educational Assistant
S. Agostino Educational Assistant
C. Marrella Educational Assistant
A. Pierskalla Educational Assistant
N. White Educational Assistant
T. Kennedy Educational Assistant
E. Linan Lunch Supervisor
A. Loureiro Lunch Supervisor
R. Avelar Lunch Supervisor
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
September’s Virtue of the Month –
Hospitality
As we welcome our students back to school in September it seems
fitting that this month’s virtue is HOSPITALITY. Our teachers have been
busy preparing their classrooms, gathering together resources,
supplies and putting up bulletin boards that will invite the students
back into a welcoming environment.
However, hospitality is more than just a welcoming back. Our quote
for the month is from Matthew 25:40, “Whatsoever you do to the least
of my people, that you do unto me”. According to Henri Nouwen,
“the German word for hospitality is Gastfreundschaft which means
friendship for the guest.... It means the creation of a free space
where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an
enemy.”
In our school community and in our homes we can discuss the
concept of the least of our people or the stranger who needs our
hospitality, be it the newly arrived to Canada or the new student at
our school. Today hospitality is more important than ever and it is only
through a deep moral obligation to hospitality that we can transform
our communities. This month at St. Martha, we will be focussing on
hospitality through the following activities:
Welcoming new students and staff
Promoting eco-friendly school
Random Acts of Kindness
A Blessing for a New School Year Loving God, Extend your blessings over our families this new school year. May our school be filled with love, joy and hope. May our children grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. May they be strong in body and spirit. May they have the courage to follow Your ways. Dear Lord, May home, parish and school work together, To create a world where children Can build a civilization of Love.
-Amen-
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
October’s virtue of the Month – Gratitude
Overview of the Virtue of Gratitude The virtue of gratitude shapes our entire outlook on life. It is the channel through which we become aware of the sacred, and the many blessings of our lives. To learn the grammar of gratitude, practice saying "thank you" for happy and challenging experiences, for people, animals, things, art, memories, dreams. Gratitude allows us to appreciate and accept our lives. Gratitude allows us to accept our life as a gift.
Catholic Graduate Expectation -- I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE
A SELF-DIRECTED, RESPONSIBLE, LIFE LONG LEARNER WHO: Demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others. Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability. Takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership. Responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning manner. Sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life. Applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and time and resource management skills. Examines and reflects on one's personal values, abilities and aspirations influencing life's choices and opportunities. Participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
St. Martha Dress Code
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Monthly Update from the Board
October 2017
TCDSB Digital Store As our students continue to learn and adapt to the rapid advances in technology, the Toronto Catholic District School
Board is committed to providing to all of our students and their families, equal access to the latest technology. We
recognize the importance of promoting the 21st Century Competencies by supporting digital literacy, creativity,
innovation, collaboration, and the overall needs and aspirations of all students. To that end, the TCDSB continues to be on
the leading edge of providing technical upgrades and assistance by providing you with a very special opportunity: the
TCDSB Digital Store. Visit our website for more information:
https://www.tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/DigitalStore/Pages/default.aspx
TCDSB Adopts Parent Charter of Principles and Student Charter of Principles In support of its vision of transforming the world through innovation, the Toronto Catholic District School Board is the
first school board to formally adopt guiding sets of principles outlining parent and student rights. The TCDSB is taking
the lead in establishing principles designed to address the basic rights elements of a sound Catholic education to which
parents and students are entitled during a period when individual rights is a major topic of discussion in other sectors such
as the airline travel industry.
The Student Charter of Principles starts: “A student is entitled to reasonably participate in decisions that affect his/her
education and school life. The Board will pursue equity and inclusion for all students of the Board. A student is entitled
to a spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically safe, and positive, school environment, where he/she is respected and
treated in a manner consistent with our Catholic values and teachings.”
The Parent Charter of Principles begins with: “The Board will provide a faith-based publicly funded school with
education grounded in Catholic doctrine, traditions and teachings for your child. A parent or guardian will have
opportunities for involvement in his/her child’s education. A parent or guardian is entitled to a reasonable expectation
that his/her child is learning in a safe, healthy, caring and accessible school, free of discrimination, prejudice, bullying
and harassment.”
Both documents can be found on the TCDSB website at
https://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/CharterofPrinciples/Pages/default.aspx
TCDSB Continues to Focus on Improving Results The Toronto Catholic District School Board continues to report improvements over time. Literacy results are high, with
improvements evident over the past five years. Mathematics results are less impressive and mirror province-wide results
in that area.
Reading and writing results are strong in both Grade 3 and Grade 6, either approaching or exceeding 80% at or above the
Provincial Standard. In Primary and Junior, mathematics results remain low both in the Board and Province. At the
secondary level, Grade 9 applied mathematics scores have shown improvement but continue to be low. In both Grade 9
academic mathematics and OSSLT, the Board mirrors the Province and maintains strong results with 80% or more
meeting high standards. The EQAO results continue to point to mathematics and the applied level as an area of focus.
CSPC Workshop All Catholic School Parent Council members are invited and encouraged to attend the fall workshop to be held October
23rd, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the roles and
responsibilities of CSPCs, network with your colleagues from other schools and share best practices. Dinner will be
provided.
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
OAPCE-Toronto Conference All parents are welcome to attend the annual Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education Conference October
13th and 14th
Mental Wellness: Developing Your God-Given Potential Conference $40, Gala Dinner $40 (Networking Reception included)
Keynote speaker: Sara Westbrook
Conference, AGM, Mass and Commissioning Ceremony (Saturday 8-4) St. Joan of Arc CHS, 1 St. Joan of Arc
Rd., Maple, ON L6A 1W9
Networking Reception (Friday 6-10)
Gala Awards Dinner (Saturday 7-10)
Hilton Garden Inn, 3201 Highway 7, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z7
For more information and registration: www.oapce.org
TCDSB Launches Phase 2 School Cash Online TCDSB will be implementing the School Cash Online Payment option in all schools, in 5 phases throughout the
2017/2018 school year. This new cashless system offers parents the convenience of paying online for school
activities and purchases from the convenience of their home. This includes payments for school trips, activities,
sports-related fees, and pizza lunches - just to name a few.
Phase 2 has launched and all parents in Phase 2 schools are encouraged to register now. Click here for
more information and to register.
The following is a list of the schools included in the Phase 2 launch:
Annunciation Brebeuf
Canadian Martyrs Cardinal Carter Academy
Chaminade College Dante Alighieri
Holy Cross Holy Name
Holy Rosary James Cardinal McGuigan
Our Lady of Lourdes Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Loretto Abbey Madonna
Marshall McLuhan Notre Dame
Senator O`Connor St Anselm
St Brigid St Catherine
St Denis St Francis Assisi
St Isaac Jogues St John (Toronto)
St John XXIII St Joseph
St Joseph Morrow Park St Mary
St Michael St Michael Choir
St Paul
TCDSB Celebrates Canada150 and Our Own History 150 Heritage Moments being shared via Twitter.
https://www.tcdsb.org/affiliates/canada150/heritagemoments/pages/default.aspx
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Important Dates to Note
October is…
Autism Awareness Month https://www.tcdsb.org/Pages/October-is-Autism-Awareness-Month.aspx
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Dress Purple Day October 24th
https://www.tcdsb.org/Pages/October-is-Child-Abuse-Prevention-Month.aspx
Hispanic Canadian Heritage Month
https://www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/HispanicCanadianHeritage/Pages/default
.aspx
Learning Disabilities Month http://www.ldao.ca/about/october-is-learning-disabilities-awareness-
month/
Walk to School Month https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/environment/transport/Pages/Walk-to-School-
Month-.aspx Walk to School Day October 4th
October 2—National Custodial Workers Day
https://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2018/Pages/octoberappreciationmonth.aspx
October 4--Walk to School Day: an opportunity for all of us—students, staff, families—to focus on
improved health and well-being, active lifestyles and building safer communities for everyone. Register your
school for Walk to School Day and receive a Certificate of Participation from Canada Walks. For more
information, visit https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/environment/transport/Pages/Walk-to-School-Month-.aspx
October 5—World Teachers’ Day
https://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2018/Pages/octoberappreciationmonth.aspx
October 6—Rosary Day https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Pages/Rosary-
Day.aspx
October 10—World Mental Health Day
https://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/mhs/Pages/Default.aspx
October 11--International Day of the Girl https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/international-day-of-the-girl.aspx
October 16-20--School Bus Safety Week
October 16-20 Waste Reduction Week
Take the Waste-Free Lunch Challenge Oct. 20 as part of Food Waste Friday Waste Reduction Week in Canada is a national environmental campaign that builds awareness around issues
of resource efficiency, responsible consumption and production, and promotes actions that recover more
discards for recycling and conserve natural resources. We encourage TCDSB elementary schools to take the
Waste-Free Lunch Challenge during Waste Reduction Week to kick-off environmental awareness all year
long. To register for The Waste Free Lunch Challenge or for more information, visit:
https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/environment/waste/Pages/Waste-Free-Lunch-Program.aspx
October 17--International Day for the Eradication of Poverty https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/international-
day-for-eradication-of-poverty.aspx
October 17—A Catholic Call To Serve (ACCTs) https://www.tcdsb.org/pages/catholic-call-to-serve.aspx
October 25—Early Childhood Educator and Childcare Worker Appreciation Day
https://www.tcdsb.org/News/othernews/2018/Pages/octoberappreciationmonth.aspx
Reminders
TCDSB Celebrates The Year of the School in 2017-2018
https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Year%20of%20the%20School/Pages/de
fault.aspx
Find resources and information online, including the Spotlight on Your School initiative to celebrate the
people who make our school communities welcoming and caring places of learning.
https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/NurturingOurCatholicCommunity/Year%20of%20the%20School/Pages/S
potlight-on-Your-School.aspx
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Improving Access to School Bus Information for Toronto Parents
Toronto Student Transportation Group and Boards Launch Transportation Portal Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board parents are now able to access their
children’s transportation information online and receive email notifications if there are any school bus
cancellations or delays, thanks to the launch of a new online transportation portal. www.torontoschoolbus.org.
High School Open House Dates TCDSB Secondary schools welcome grade 8 students and their families to explore programs and services
https://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/Default.aspx
CPIC Elections October 2 and 4
Monday, October 2--Odd Numbered Wards—2 Parent Member Representatives per Ward
Odd Numbered Wards Voting Locations
1 St. Benedict 2202 Kipling Avenue (Kipling/North of Rexdale Boulevard)
3 St. Bernard 12 Duckworth St. (Lawrence/one block east of Jane)
5 Blessed Sacrament 24 Bedford Park Ave. (Yonge and Lawrence)
7 Holy Spirit 3530 Sheppard Ave. E. (Sheppard and Birchmount)
9 Our Lady of Lourdes 444 Sherbourne St. (Sherbourne/South of Wellesley)
11 Senator O’Connor 60 Rowena Drive (Victoria Park/south of Ellesmere)
Wednesday October 4, 2017--Even Numbered Wards
Ward 6- 2 Parent Member Representative
Ward 10-1 Parent Member Representative
Even Numbered Wards Voting Locations
6
St. Clare 124 Northcliffe Blvd. (Dufferin/St. Clair)
10 St. Mary (Secondary) 66 Dufferin Park Ave. (Dufferin/south of Bloor)
Election of 2 Parent Members At Large Monday, October 16th, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Catholic Education Centre
(80 Sheppard Ave. E (Sheppard/Yonge)
Nomination forms available at all TCDSB school offices
Never Miss Out on the Latest News and Information: Follow @TCDSB on Twitter, Toronto Catholic DSB on Instagram, subscribe to ENews, visit our website
www.tcdsb.org to receive a weekly update via email: https://web1.tcdsb.org/InterestSubscription/subscription.aspx
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Student Mental Health and Well-Being
Newsletter
TCDSB Mental Health Services provided by Psychology, Social Work, and Guidance personnel.
Making Thanksgiving a “Lifestyle” How to be more consistently
mindful of the good, beginning this Thanksgiving.
(source: Andy Tix, Ph.D Psychology Today Nov.18, 2012)
The most psychologically informed holiday is Thanksgiving. Although most of us associate this holiday with overeating, the meaning of Thanksgiving is much more profound.
Most of us recognize that our thoughts often are negative in tone. Consider, for example, the thoughts to which you personally most often return. If you’re like most people, many of these thoughts probably concern what you lack, what is in the way of your progress in daily strivings, and what could go wrong in your future. These kinds of thoughts contribute to stress, depression, anger, anxiety, addictive behaviors, and relationship problems.
A transformation often occurs when people learn to shift their thoughts from negative to thanksgiving. Although we only celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving one day per year, we all would benefit from making mindfulness of the good in our lives a consistent lifestyle habit. This holiday week would be the perfect opportunity to try out some new practices that might move us in the direction of cultivating a lifestyle of thanksgiving. Some specific suggestions follow.
1. Express your thanks to someone who
made a difference in your life.
In one study, Dr. Martin Seligman and colleagues ( University of Pennsylvania) had research participants take a week to write and then deliver a letter of gratitude to someone they never properly thanked. They found that depressive symptoms, on average, declined for 1 month after the event.
This week would be an excellent opportunity to apply this research. Think of someone who made a significant positive impact in your life that does not know how you feel and let them know in some meaningful way.
We’re pleased to send you the October edition of the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Newsletter. As a family of faith it’s important to reflect on what we are thankful for and to show gratitude for our many blessings. Please feel free to share and pass it along.
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
A Prayer of Thanksgiving Psalm 92:1-4
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to thy name,
O Most High: to declare thy steadfast love in the morning,
and thy faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the
harp, to the melody of the lyre. For thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of
thy hands I sing for joy.
2. Keep a gratitude journal. : Many studies have
been conducted where they randomly assigned
people to daily or weekly record things in their
lives for which they were grateful or thankful.
Results show consistent psychological, physical,
and interpersonal benefits from these practices,
even when individuals were in the midst of
experiencing a stressful life event. Make it a habit
to record what you are thankful for on a regular
basis.
3. Savor the moment. One idea for promoting
mindfulness before a meal is to begin with grace.
If you have not engaged in this practice for a
while, perhaps you can reinstate it this
Thanksgiving. Ideally, this would involve a
meaningful expression of heartfelt thanks. If this
isn't right for you, consider having a moment of
silence in which those present have permission
to express thanks quietly in a way that is
meaningful to them. Engage yourself fully in the
conversations with your loved ones. Enjoy the
moment. Begin a tradition to make meal times a
“technology free zone,” with no television or
phones allowed.
safeTALK suicide
awareness workshops for
staff
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.
Inclusion of mental
health to school SLIPs
Building partnerships
with community
agencies, families, and
parishes.
Many of the above-mentioned thanksgiving
practices may be difficult for some to implement
because they require vulnerability to softer
feelings. In particular, it may be difficult to openly
express a sense of heartfelt thanks in the presence
of others. Vulnerability may be necessary for the
connection that many of us deeply seek. Have the
courage to be vulnerable, and this Thanksgiving
may be one of the most meaningful Thanksgiving
celebrations you’ve had in a long time.
Closing Thought on SLEEP
Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude
journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study
published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-
Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few
grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep
better and longer.
2017 - 2018 is THE YEAR OF THE SCHOOL
Rory McGuckin, Director of Education 80 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON · Website: www.tcdsb.org
TRUSTEES 2016 – 2017
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, Student Trustee
Joel Ndongmi, Student Trustee
Suggested Reading and Websites:
Websites
Gratitude Activities for the Classroom
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/gratitude_activities
_for_the_classroom
Benefits of a Gratitude Journal
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-jessen/gratitude-
journal_b_7745854.html
Gratitude Ideas for Parents of Kids to Teens
http://www.parenttoolkit.com/index.cfm?objectid=84F67EA0-
7032-11E4-98050050569A5318
Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier.
Emmons, R. A. & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 377-389.
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Psychological Associate/Mental Health Leader
A Laugh A Day…
Laughter makes you feel good! The good feeling that you get when you laugh remains
with you even after the laughter subsides….and there’s another reason to be thankful!
Fostering The Family: The TCDSB Pastoral Plan 2015-18 “Together
With one Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith
Through Family, Parish, and School”
2017 focuses on the SCHOOL
Family, Parish and School – Unity in
Diversity…
Though it is our goal to highlight in depth each
community of faith from the educational “village”
of family, parish and school every year, it is
imperative for us to remember that each of
these communities is not simply a discordant or
isolated entity; instead, each with the richness
of its diversity adds greatness to the harmony of
God’s music of love. In other words, the unity of
the whole (family, parish and school) does not
and should not undermine the uniqueness of the
individual. This relationship of unity in diversity
reflects St. Paul’s notion of many parts, one
body (1 Cor. 12:12-26). This present pastoral
plan challenges us as a Board to continue to
encourage this ‘symphony’ and build a harmony
with ‘ONE VOICE’ in order to develop, celebrate
and nurture the wholeness of the human person
in our beautiful but sometimes discordant world.
