February 2015

TCDSB

www.tcdsb.org The Voice of Holy Angels 65 Jutland Road, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 2G6

Phone: 416 393-5329; Fax: 416 393-5437

Principal: Ms. Laurie Levay Admin. Office Assistant: Mrs. Cathy Galati; Clerk Typist: Carole Mills

Doug Yack Superintendent- Area 2, 416-222-8282; Mrs. Ann Andrachuk, Trustee WARD 2; Pastor of Holy Angels Church: Fr. Peter Gioppato Tel: 416 255-1691

Principal’s Message

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It

does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in

wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all

things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to

an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. But

now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:4-8

God’s love is always at the centre of all that we do.

Our faith community at Holy Angels School continues to demonstrate God’s love in all that we

do. During the month of December, our Me to We/student council group raised over $2200.00

with our We are Rafikki bracelet and We Bake for Change Campaign.

Thank you to: Mrs. Kotanidis, Mrs. Viana and Mrs. Pavlesen for sharing your baking talents with

our students to make this campaign such a success. On January 21st, a team from the school

board visited our school for a district review with our teachers visiting our classes and talking to

our students about their learning. I was never so proud of our students and the teacher’s efforts.

The entire team had nothing but accolades for all our efforts with 21 century learning principles,

learning goals and success criteria goals. Holy Angels School is vibrant and dynamic learning com-

munity thanks to all the efforts of our partners rooted in love. We have much to be proud of !!

Here are some of the comments shared by the team:

“Your staff was open, warm, genuine and giving.” “Kids were amazing.”

“What a great school you have, thoroughly enjoyed my visit and l learned so much.”

“You have an amazing community of staff and students at Holy Angels….I loved what I saw and

want to implement its use in my schools.”

Bucket Fillers

The bucketfilling concept, like the brain graphic below, is both simple and profound. It's simple enough for a child to understand and profound enough to be life altering. We use this graphic in our Bucket Fillers' presentations to illustrate how human brains are wired and why we feel, think, and act as we do. It also illustrates why we dip

buckets and need our lids.

Notice that the roads go both ways. Sensory information comes in from the outside world through the spinal cord, reaches the mid-brain "feeling" center first, and then continues on to the frontal "thinking" center. Yes, we feel before we think. If the input triggers a strong, fearful feeling, it can shoot back an immediate response for action without any thought involved. This quick response is

known as the "fight-or-flight" response.

If the information moves past the feeling center, it depends which road is more devel-oped as to which path it travels to the thinking center. The HIGH ROAD is the bucketfilling, problem-solving, solution-seeking road which leads to more happiness. The LOW ROAD is the bucketdipping, blaming, criticizing, "poor -me" road. The low road is more automatic, often pre-programmed, and habit forming. Both roads between thoughts and feelings go back and forth. Positive thoughts fuel positive emotions and more happiness. Negative thoughts fuel negative emotions. The good news? With awareness and training, we can change roads. (taken from Bucketfillers101.com)

Curriculum, Learning and Administration.

Page 2 The Voice of Holy Angels

CSAC News

The next CSAC meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 7PM in the staffroom and every

third Tuesday of the Month. Please check the portal for minutes of the month meetings.

Agendas will be posted on the portal 5 days prior to the meeting. http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/holyangels/Pages/

default.aspx

CSAC continues to work hard to raise funds to enrich our school programs, please see the list below for infor-mation on upcoming/ongoing fundraising activities:

Pizza Program – weekly, $2.50/slice Popcorn Program – weekly, $2.00/bag

Hot Lunch Program – Bi-weekly, approx. $6 lunch Spring Fling Family Dance (May 8th) - Ticket prices $30/adult, $20/child

Student Council Events: Hamburger Days-March to June, Pancake Tuesday lunch-February

Me to We Charity: Monthly Donation for Goat Project –dress down days

Please note!

Tuesday February 10th , 2015

Reports go home

Friday, February 13th, 2015

P.A. Day

Monday, February 16th, 2015

Family Day Holiday

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 AM Njacko Backo "African Voyages Africains" performance K-3 and Gr.4-8 in

AM

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 AM Wear Red and White - non-uniform day

- outdoor Carnaval games in AM

PM Bonhomme calling and winter dressing competitions in PM,

Bonhomme guess winner announced

Carnaval 2015 is coming to Holy Angels!!

Thank you to Mlle Kouzela, Mlle Italiano and the student council for their assistance in organizing this fun

week.

BINGO will be played school-wide over the announcements from Monday, February 2nd to Friday, February 6th.

Jr. Soccer Tournaments

On January 21st and 22nd, the Jr. Boys’ and Girls’ soccer teams competed in their divisional tournaments at Holy Angels School. Both teams went undefeated with no goals against all tournament on way to capture the championship pennants. Congratulations!!

A special thanks to Camryn H and Noah M for officiating both tournaments.

As well to Andrea, Luke, Skylar, Juliana and Sierra for time keeping and score keeping. A very big thank you to Mr. Scott for convening and coaching the teams and Mr. Fiorvanti for assisting.

Jr. Boys Jr. Girls

Evan M

Evan H

Luka P

Samuel R

Nicholas C

Sebastian T

Constantinos T

Gabriel R

Justin K

William M

Stanislav K

Dante C

Venessa B

Hope A

Cassandra H

Amanda M

Charlotte J

Megan I

Nicole M

Madison C

Reese D

Maya R

Monthly Update from the Board February 2015

Information About School Bus Delays

Traffic congestion and varying road conditions can impact on the flow of traffic in Toronto, and this is particularly

true during the winter months when snow and ice can be a major factor.

The Toronto Student Transportation Group is pleased to provide information about school bus delays digitally through their

website at http://www.torontoschoolbus.org/

Click on the pink bar at the top of the homepage to get a listing of any bus routes that are being impacted.

Director’s Annual Report The Annual Report for the 2013-2014 academic year has been uploaded to the board’s web-

site. You can view the interactive presentation, or simply download a pdf of the highlights. https://www.tcdsb.org/Board/

BoardAdministration/DirectorofEducation/Pages/Annual-Report-2013-2014.aspx

Policy Consultation Extended to February 6th The deadline for consultation regarding the draft CSAC Policy

and the draft Policy on Secondary School Admission has been extended to February 6th.

http://www.tcdsb.org/news/othernews/2014/pages/consultation-csac-and-admissions-policies.aspx

February 9th – 13th is “Believe in Angels Week”

TCDSB staff, students and parents are invited to celebrate the work of The Angel Foundation for Learning and the

specific ways it supports our students. In this Year of Charity and in honour of “Believe in Angels Week”, schools are

encouraged to participate in a TCDSB Board-Wide Civvies Day on Thursday, February 12th.

February is Psychology Month http://www.tcdsb.org/pages/february-is-psychology-month.aspx

February is also African Canadian Heritage Month

www.tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/AfricanCanadianHeritage/Pages/default.aspx

CSAC Training Session-- February 4, 2015 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Understanding Sub-Committee: why have them? who can be a member? establishing terms of reference

--with Keynote Speaker: Jo-Ann Davis, Trustee Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East

Interactive Family Math Night

A fun and informative evening of math activities designed to remove intimidation for parents and encourage family involvement in

the application of math in everyday challenges.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, 3200 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

Families from across the TCDSB are welcome to attend. http://www.tcdsb.org/FORPARENTS/News/Pages/Interactive-Family-Math-Night.aspx

Registration: https://ww.surveymonkey.com/s/mathevent

Information Meeting for Parents-- Monday, February 23, 2015 7:00 pm

Exploring Elementary Full-Time/Congregated Gifted Programs

Catholic Education Centre (CEC) 80 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, Underground parking is available

http://www.tcdsb.org/programsservices/specialeducation/gifted/pages/default.aspx

CPIC Speaker Series with Cardinal Thomas Collins February 24, 2015 7:00 p.m.

Mass and keynote presentation on home, school parish connection Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, 36 Greenfield Avenue, North York

http://www.tcdsb.org/forparents/parentinvolvement/news%20and%20events/pages/cpic-speaker-series--cardinal-collins.aspx

Chesterton Debate Series-- Friday, February 27, 2015, 7:00 p.m. God’s Politics: A Debate on Religion Role in Political Life

Location: Isabel Bader Theater - University of Toronto, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto

Details: Chesterton-Debate-Series Flyer Sponsors: Archdiocese of Toronto, Office of Catholic Youth

Registration: www.chestertondebate.com

Holy Angels Catholic School Parent Council Presents

Page 4 The Voice of Holy Angels

Reserve your spot for this free workshop. Reminder: Please return to your child’s teacher by Feb. 20th to reserve your spot. Name of Parent(s) Attending:________________________________________________

Name and grade of students Attending:

Name of Child Attending Grade of Child

FREE Workshop

For Parents and Children

Building Resilient Kids

Enhance Social Skills

Increase Self Esteem

Increase Attention

Increase School Performance

Learn How To:

-Support your child

-Differentiate between fear & anxiety

** Workshops have been customized

for parents and children. Please note

children will be placed into groups

according to their age.

You’re invited to a workshop that will

provide strategies in building resiliency.

Worshop offered by Delvio Parent Child

Clinic.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

6:30-7:00 pm Pizza & Juice provided

(light dinner)

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Session

Location: Holy Angels C.S.

FEBRUARY IS PSYCHOLOGY MONTH Psychology is for Everyone

This article was prepared by TCDSB Psychology staff based on the latest scientific research in the fields of psychology and child development

Does your child struggle with everyday tasks such as planning, time management, problem solving and keeping track of multiple assignments? Despite their best intentions, do they do their homework but forget to turn it in, lose or forget things, or have a room or desk that is a mess? Are their “Learning Skills and Work Habits” evaluated as “needing improvement” on their report card? If so, it may be that your child has weaknesses in executive functioning.

What is executive functioning?

Executive functioning (EF) is a term used to describe a set of abilities that play a “command role” with regard to guiding, directing and managing thoughts and behaviours successfully. These skills enable one to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention, get started on tasks and control behaviours. Just as a railroad conductor at a busy rail station safely manages the arrivals and departures of many trains on multiple tracks, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.

How do executive functioning skills develop?

While children are not born with these skills, they are born with the potential to develop them. Co-ordinated in the brain’s frontal lobe, these abilities emerge as the child interacts with supportive adults and when provided with skill-building environments. In this regard, adults can facilitate the development of these skills by establishing routines, modeling behavior, and creating and maintaining supportive and consistent relationships. These opportunities in turn will allow children to develop and practice necessary skills before they must perform them alone. When children have opportunities to develop these skills, the benefits can promote success personally and academically. Executive functioning skills continue to develop throughout adolescence and early adulthood.

Does your child struggle with everyday tasks such as planning, time management, problem solving and keeping track of multiple assignments? Despite their best intentions, do they do their homework but forget to turn it in, lose or forget things, or have a room or desk that is a mess? Are their “Learning Skills and Work Habits” evaluated as “needing improvement” on their report card? If so, it may be that your child has weaknesses in executive functioning.

What is executive functioning?

Executive functioning (EF) is a term used to describe a set of abilities that play a “command role” with regard to guiding, directing and managing thoughts and behaviours successfully. These skills enable one to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention, get started on tasks and control behaviours. Just as a railroad conductor at a busy rail station safely manages the arrivals and departures of many trains on multiple tracks, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control im-pulses.

How do executive functioning skills develop?

While children are not born with these skills, they are born with the potential to develop them. Co-ordinated in the brain’s frontal lobe, these abilities emerge as the child interacts with supportive adults and when provided with skill-building environments. In this regard, adults can facilitate the development of these skills by establishing routines, modeling behavior, and creating and maintaining supportive and consistent relationships. These opportunities in turn will allow children to develop and practice necessary skills before they must perform them alone. When children have opportunities to develop these skills, the benefits can promote success personally and academically. Executive functioning skills continue to develop throughout adolescence and early adulthood.

Higher technology tools are becoming increasingly popular in helping people with executive functioning challenges. E.g., Smartphones can act as an external “executive functioning aid”. Students can take a picture of the notes, use the voice recorder or notepad app to help them remember and store important information.

Assistive technology, both low-tech and high-tech can be essential in helping children and young people deal with executive functioning challenges.

EF Areas How underdeveloped EF skills may cause difficulties in:

Writing an Essay Math Reading Social

Planning/ Organizing Picking topic, planning, sequencing material

Dealing with multistep prob-lems

Finishing reading a book from beginning to end

Scheduling/coordinating activities

Self-Monitoring Editing , staying on task Staying on task Accuracy Following social norms

Emotion Regulation Dealing with frustration, excitement, anger, anxiety, etc.

Inhibition/ Impulse Control Editing, accuracy, following structure

Accuracy, ignoring distracting information

Controlling pace, accuracy Taking turns, following rules and social norms

Initiation Getting started Getting started Getting started Approaching friends

Sustained Attention Completing essay, editing Attention to details, Complet-ing work

Accurate decoding, recalling details

Attending to what friends

are saying

TIPS: Low-technology tools, such as checklists, day-timers, post-it notes, use of a highlighter, and calendars can help with organization and prioritizing tasks. A

sturdy 3-ring binder to separate school subjects, along with colour coded tabs, and a translucent page holder for important assignments, can help keep paper and

study materials in one, organized location.

TIPS: Organizational apps for iPhone/iPad include: MyHomework, Awesome Note, Dropbox, and Evernote. Software is also available to help organize writing,

notes, instructions (i.e. Inspiration, Kidspiration, Webspiration, XMind, Free Mind). Tools4Students has graphic organizers to help students with chapter notes,

writing, and comprehension skills, which can then be saved to personal devices and emailed. In order to increase independence with note-taking, students can use

apps such as AudioNote or SoundNote, which records audio for later reference. Other tools include Smartpen by Livescribe, which allows students to combine hand-

written notes, and drawings, with audio recording.