ANNUNCIATION NEWS ANNUNCIATION...EPI PEN REMINDER Students with anaphylaxis are required to have a minimum of two (2) Epi-pens at the school (1 on the person and 1 in the office) and

ANNUNCIATION

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

It is truly hard to believe that October is here already! September has flown by and students and staff have settled into a rhythm of routines, hard work, and active school participation. Fall is a time to reflect and give thanks for the many gifts in our lives. This month’s virtue of gratitude encourages us to do just that. Let us take a little time from our busy schedules to give thanks for the small things in our lives that we commonly over-look. Enjoy the wonders and colours of fall. Happy Thanksgiving God Bless, K. Wagner Principal

Important Dates: Oct 5: World Teacher”s Day Oct 10: Cross Country Divisional Meet Oct 11: P.A. Day –No School for Students Oct 14: Thanksgiving—No School Oct 15: Online Applications for High School Launch Oct 16: Cross Country Regional Meet Rosary Apostolate visit Oct 18: Kindergarten trip to Round the Bend Farm Oct 21: Federal Elections Polling stations in the gym Oct 22: Cross Country City Finals Oct 28: ME-TO-WE 5K Run Oct 31: Halloween If you did npot receive this newsletter by email, please contact the

school to update your information. In November, we are switching to email only for our newsletters

ANNUNCIATION NEWS OCTOBER 2019

Annunciation School 65 Avonwick Gate

Don Mills ON M3A 2M8 (416) 393-5299

Principal:

K. Wagner

Secretary: B. D’Souza

Parish:

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

3 Combermere Drive, Toronto ON M3A 2W4 PH: (416) 445-1760

Pastor: Fr. Jude Coyle

Superintendent:

Cristina Fernandes 416-222-8282 ext. 2267

Trustee:

Angela Kennedy (416) 512-3411

[email protected]

Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Outdoor supervision begins at 8:00 Morning Recess: 10:12 a.m.

Lunch Hour: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Afternoon Recess: 1:40 p.m.

After school supervision ends 3:15

ANNUNCIATION

CELEBRATION OF FAITH PASTORAL PLAN: ROOTED IN CHRIST, WE BELONG, WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME Inspired by St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, our pastoral plan continues to strengthen our sense of belonging to God and one another, expressing our belief in God through our vision and mission, and works to achieve our goals as people on a common mission. In this our Second Year: Rooted in Christ: We Believe “we acknowledge that our belonging to God also shapes our perspectives on what we do and how we do it. As a community of believers, we celebrate Christ who is always present with us as the source and summit of our Christian life. Christ is present as the one around whom we build relationships; we celebrate our dignity, heal our differences, reconcile conflicts and move on to a better future for all.” Michael Caccamo (Superintendent-Nurturing our Catholic Community)

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER…GRATITUDE October’s virtue is GRATITUDE, how apropos that we celebrate Thanksgiving in the month of October. Our quote for this month is “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad” Psalm 118:24. “Thanks” is a simple word, but it is a precious fountain of faith in God, and it fills our hearts with a readiness to cherish everything we have. Although the world is currently experiencing economic challenges, and we may have difficulty saying thank you for some of our hard-ships, sometimes this can release us from a sense of entitlement that prevents us from really seeing God’s grace in our daily lives. During the month of October we are thankful for all that God has bestowed upon us. God bless you during this season of Gratefulness.

WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

We extend a sincere thank you to all of our teachers for their dedicated teaching, care, nurturing and support of our students.

THANK YOU!

ANNUNCIATION

STUDENT SAFE ARRIVAL You are asked to report your child’s absence in advance through the Safe Arrival feature of School Messenger App. Please use any of these three convenient methods:1) Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at (https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. 2) Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. 3) Call the toll-free number 1 (833) 251-3286 to report an absence using the automated phone system. These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time up to a maximum of 10 consecutive days. It is important to note that when setting up your account, you must register using the email address and phone number associated with your child’s student record. Please report absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of sending notes or calling/emailing the school. Staff will be using the School Messenger automated notification system to let you know if your child is absent (when you haven’t reported the absence in advance). Please ensure that we have a current emergency num-ber where you can be contacted.

EPI PEN REMINDER Students with anaphylaxis are required to have a minimum of two (2) Epi-pens at the school (1 on the person and 1 in the office) and with them on trips. Epi-pens must be carried on the student at all times —including trips, recess, and movement to other classes in the school. You never know when an allergic reaction may occur and quick action is vital. Please ensure that epi-pens and student information is up-to-date.

LUNCH TIME SUPERVISOR APPLICATIONS Wanted: Annunciation Catholic School seeks to hire a dedicated lunchtime supervisor. This is a paid position for one hour per day during lunchtime, 11:15 – 12:15, Monday to Friday. If you are inter-ested in the position and able to complete the hiring process, please contact Mrs. D’Souza at the school’s main office. The hiring process requires the following documents: TB test, Priest Reference Form, voided cheque, copy of the SIN card, proof of birth date, and a Police criminal reference check. Applications may be picked up at the school.

SAFETY Please be reminded that school yard supervision is 8:00-8:30a.m. and 3:00-3:15p.m. Outside of these times, there is no student supervision in the yard. Students are not to ar-rive at school before 8:00a.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are preparing to start The Nutrition Program again this year. The success of this type of program depends on the commitment and support of our volunteers. If you are able to offer a few hours a day or week to help out, your efforts will be well appreciated. If interested, please contact the school office (416-393-5299). Can’t commit to every week? How about volunteering for our monthly Pizza Lunch? If interested, please contact the school office (416-393-5299).

. FALL FOOD DRIVE We have kicked off our Fall food drive for St Francis Table. St. Francis Table is a ministry of the Capuchin-Franciscan Friars operating in Parkdale. It is a restaurant dedicated to providing meals and a welcoming environment for the needy of our community. See the flyer sent home for more details.

ANNUNCIATION

PARKING & TRAFFIC SAFETY Parking and traffic safety is always of concern near an elementary school. Please familiarize yourself with all restricted areas. The Bus Loading Zone in front of the school and the school parking lot are not drop off areas and parking is not permitted -even if it is only for a few minutes. We will continue to close the parking gate each day to prevent safety is-sues in the parking lot. Please be considerate and careful when parking near the school. We thank you for your contin-ued patience and co-operation.

TCDSB APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE I hope everyone is looking forward to a wonderful 2019-2020 school year at Annunciation School. We enjoy all the ben-efits of an Appropriate Dress Code at our school. All of our students are proud to be affiliated with our school and wear their appropriate colours proudly every day. We would like to encourage everyone to continue to comply with our appro-priate dress code expectations. The Appropriate Dress Code - guideline to assist you when purchasing articles of clothing for your children: TOPS - White ; White Collared Polo/Golf Shirt; White Collared Dress Shirt/Blouses; Long or Short Sleeved; White Turtlenecks in winter; Navy Sweater, Vest or Pull-Over. BOTTOMS - Navy (Dark Blue); Navy Dress Pants or Cotton Pants; Navy Walking Short; Navy Skorts or Capri Pants for Girls; (No Jeans/Jeggings/Yoga Pants or Denim). Please remember that all tops and pants are to be plain with no visible logos, stripes, etc. It is the parent’s duty and responsibility to ensure that each child is suitably attired. Annunciation Spirit wear is also acceptable. The principal may exercise discretion to allow exceptions to the School Dress Code. Parents may be contacted and in some cases may be required to pick up their child if their manner of dress is not appropriate. Thank you for your support and consideration in this matter.

TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USAGE The TCDSB Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governs the proper use of technology and electronic communication in our schools. The purpose of the AUP is to provide students and their parents with a set of guidelines that outline the safe and appropriate use of technology within our Catholic School system. Included in the AUP is a definition of electronic communication to include social media, website publishing, and the use of personal electronic devices (PED’s). In addition it addresses expectations surrounding the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy effective as of September 2012. While these devices are not mandatory for classroom activities, they may be included when there is a clear edu-cational purpose that has been identified by the teacher. All parents and students are encouraged to familiarize them-selves with the AUP. For parents, the full text of the TCDSB AUP can be found at: http://www.tcdsb.org/board/policies/aup. A summary of the AUP expectations for students in the TCDSB: Behaviour Expectations: It is a privilege, not a right, to use the Board’s network and devices. Privileges may be restricted or taken away if the AUP is violated. Students must use their own student account and keep it private when using the board network or devices. Students must use the network and electronic communi-cation for educational purposes only. All students and their parents must sign the "Student Access Agreement" before they will be allowed to use the Board’s network and devices. For further information about the Board Policies please go to the following site:

http://www.tcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Pages/Default.aspx#schools

Update on Negotiations with CUPE The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is involved in province-wide, central collective bargaining with the

Council of Trustee Associations and the provincial government. At the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB),

CUPE represents caretaking, maintenance and warehouse staff, office clerical and technical staff, school based support

staff including Child and Youth Workers and Education Assistants, and secondary school supervisors as well as Interna-

tional Language Instructors. If there is any impact to regular school operations, parents will receive communications

through the following methods:

• School Messenger (please ensure that your school has current and up to date telephone numbers and email addresses on file for your family)

• Twitter (follow @TCDSB)

• TCDSB website www.tcdsb.org

• 24-hour telephone information line 416-222-8282 ext. 2873

ANNUNCIATION

REPORTING OF CANCELLATIONS OR CLOSURES DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Cancellation of school bus transportation or school closures due to inclement weather will be reported through the fol-lowing vehicles: News releases to all media outlets in Toronto (Note: although the news release is provided to the media outlets, there is no guarantee that all television and radio stations will broadcast the information in a timely fashion.) Communications will endeavour to send an email to everyone on exchange to advise them of any cancellations or clo-sures. Communications will also endeavour to send out the information electronically to E-News subscribers (Note: If you do not already subscribe to E-News, but wish to do so, please visit our website at www.tcdsb.org and click on the E-News icon on the top right hand side of the homepage). Updates will also be posted on the Board’s 24-hour information line, 416-222-8282, extension 2873. The information will also be posted on the Board’s website at www.tcdsb.org or www.tcdsb.org/weather.htm. The Transportation Department will post this information on its website at http://www.schoolbus.to/c_home.asp ATTENDANCE / PUNCTUALITY/ PREPARATION The Education Act states that students must attend school regularly and punctually. Students who arrive late for school must check in at the main office to ensure safe arrival and to help in keeping accurate attendance profiles. Attendance referrals will be sent to the Social Worker and persistent tardiness may result in school detentions. Students are ex-pected to arrive prior to the bell. All students are to arrive prepared to work and learn. Preparation includes the comple-tion of daily assignments that are done to the best of the individual student’s ability. Preparation also implies that the student devotes appropriate time to study in advance of test situations.

NEWS SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL 2019-2020 ELECTIONS On Tuesday September 24, 2019 at 7pm, Annunciation School held it’s first CSPC meeting of the year and elected the parent council executive for the coming year. Chair: Karim Virjee; Vice-Chair: Agnes Dupuis; Treasurer: Sandra Ab-delkerim; Secretary: Shannon Shorey. Next meeting is October 16th at 7pm in the school Library All interested parents are encouraged to attend any/all council meetings as we work cooperatively to further the learning achievements of our students. It’s a great way to meet other members of our community . All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. in the school librRAY. Noted below is the schedule for 2019-2020: Wednesday October 16, 2019 Tuesday November 26, 2019 Tuesday January 7, 2020 Tuesday February 4, 2020 Tuesday March 3, 2020 Tuesday April 7, 2020 Tuesday May 5, 2020 Tuesday June 9, 2020

TCDSB SPECIAL SERVICES 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 Catho-lic 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 or vice 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.

ANNUNCIATION

SOAR SECONDARY -ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF GRADE 8 STUDENTS- We are announcing some exciting news regarding the Secondary School Application Process for enrolment in Sep-tember 2020!

On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will officially launch the new Secondary School Online Application website, SECSOAR.TCDSB.ORG. Some exciting features of the online application include:

easy tracking of the status of your child’s application,

complete the Specialty Program Application along with your regular program application through one application,

e-mail notifications for offers of placement,

accept/decline offers of placement you receive electronically.

Important note: a current email address on file with your elementary school is required in order to create your child’s application/account on October 15th, 2019. If you do not have an email address on file, please be sure to sub-mit this information to your elementary school office before Tuesday, October 8th, 2019. For a full guide to completing the on line application, please visit the TCDBS website at www.tcdsb.org → Admissions & Placement Department page, to view the “Parent Guide to Completing the Secondary School Online Application” information guide.

SECONDARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES All Toronto Catholic District School Board secondary schools welcome grade 8 students and their families to open houses each fall. This is an opportunity to meet some of the staff, check out school facilities and learn more about the various programs, services and activities as you prepare for Catholic secondary school education. Most open houses begin at 7:00p.m. For a complete list of dates and locations visit: http://www.tcdsb.org/school/OpenHouses/Pages/default.aspx

OUTSIDE AGENCY MATERIALS From time to time, the school will send home information from non-profit and for-profit organizations. We remind par-ents and guardians to exercise caution any time they participate in or enroll their child in an outside organization’s event after school hours. The school and the TCDSB are not liable for the quality of service these organizations pro-vide or for the safety of the participants. We forward this information to keep our parent community informed of the wide variety of opportunities available within the local community.

PIANO RULES The outside company, Piano Rules, will conduct piano classes during lunch hours (11:15-12:15) at Annunciation School. Classes are held every Monday starting September 23, 2019. Please visit WWW.PIANORULES.COM for registration.

CHESS CLUB The outside company, Strategy Games & The Chess'n Math Association, offers chess lessons on Fridays at lunch time. Lessons begin October 5th. It’s not too late to join! For more information visit https://chess-math.org/pdf/toronto/lessons_fall_2019_annunciation.pdf