ST.

JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

270 LOCKE STREET SOUTH
HAMILTON ONTARIO L8P 4C1
TELEPHONE 905-529-1002 FAX 905-522-0787
[Link]/[Link]
[Link]/[Link]

St. Joseph CES

Board

St. Joseph Church

Mrs. D. Ing Principal

Mr. K. Mielko Assistant Principal
Mrs. L. Walter - Secretary

Mrs. I. Fortino Superintendent

Mr. M. Valvasori - Trustee

Fr. C. Buda, C.R. Associate Pastor

WELCOME/BIENVENUE!
A Prayer for the New School Year
Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation.
All beginnings are a sign of Your love for us.
Be with us as we begin a new year. Bless each step we take.
Help us to feel Your presence in the exciting experiences that await us.
Teach us something new each day.
We want to learn new things, make new friends, and say new prayers.
Give us courage to ask questions.
Help us to be a friend to the new people around us,
in our classes, on the playground, at lunchtime, and at home.
Let Your Holy Spirit guide our words and deeds.
Each time we experience a new friend or a new truth,
Let it remind us of You.
Bienvenue lanne scolaire 2014-2015!

Fr. Jim Link, C.R. Pastor

Nous esprons que vous avez eu un magnifique t et que celui-ci a permis tous de vivre de
belles expriences. Pour notre part, nous avons eu le plaisir daccueillir plusieurs nouvelles familles et les
familles qui retournaient notre communaut scolaire. Nous sommes trs fiers de dbuter notre nouvelle
anne scolaire avec tout prs de 420 lves de la maternelle la 8e anne Cest avec grand plaisir que
nous souhaitons la bienvenue aux familles qui viennent darriver dans la rgion et aux familles dont le
premier enfant commence lcole cette anne.
NEW STAFF:
Please join me in extending a heartfelt welcome to the following staff to St. Joseph CES:
Ms. N. Jacob Grades 1 & 2
Mrs. C. Grsic Grade 2AF English teacher (p.m.)
Mr. P. Gallo Gr. 7 AF
Mrs. M. Kiely SERT
Mrs. S. Lyons-Baker Teacher-Librarian
Ms. J. Biundo AIT (Tuesday)
Mrs. K. Lister-Peachey - EA
We have been blessed with the respective gifts and talents that these individuals bring to our school
community.
STAFFING FOR 2015-2016
FDK AFI Mme J. Lutz
FDK BFI Mme A. Schaubel
FDK Ms. D. Giornofelice-Boyd
Gr. 1 AFI Mme P. Morgan
Gr. 1 BFI Mme S. Machado
Gr. 1/2 Ms. N. Jacob
Gr. 2 AFI Mme J. Murray/Mrs. C. Grsic
Gr. 2 BFI Mme D. Randazzo
Gr. 2/3 FI Mme A. Iaconetti
Gr. 3 FI Mme S. Filice
Gr. - Mr. C. Paradisi
Gr. 4 FI Mme V. Barr
Gr. 4/5 FI Mme J. Mota-Di Giovanni
Gr.5 FI Mme K. Pogorzelec
Gr. 6. FI Mme C. Langille
ELL To Be Determined
Principal Mrs. D. Ing
Custodians Mr. M. Pecora &
Mr. J. Crustolo

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS:

Gr. 7. FI M. P. Gallo
Gr. 8 FI Mme T. Lodge
Gr. 7/8 Mr. K. Mielko
Teacher-Librarian Mrs. S. Lyons-Baker
AIT Mrs. E. ONeill ; Ms. J. Biundo
French/PPT Mme T. Sullivan
French/PPT Mme L. Adamo
PPT - Ms. Lisa Brown
SERT Ms. M. Kiely
ECE Mme. A. Levand
ECE Mme K. Lamont
ECE Ms. A. Angeles
EA Mr. C. Shannon
EA Mrs. Lister-Peachy
EA Mrs. K. Wilczynski
Library Clerk Mrs. S. Isaacs McKirgan
Secretary Mrs. R. Walter
Assistant Custodians: Mrs. E. Cascella &
Mr. M. Caverly

Our school office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily during school operational days.
Parents who call the school after these hours are asked to leave a clear message and we will return your
call as soon as we are able to do so.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS PRIOR TO FIRST BELL & AFTER DISMISSAL:
Supervision of students begins at 8:55 a.m. Please do not drop off your children at school prior to
that time. Any students arriving prior to 8:55 a.m. will need to remain outside regardless of the weather
(please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather). Fire code and safety was seriously
jeopardized on Wednesday morning when the front hallway became impassible at 8:35 a.m. due to the
large number of students who arrived on that rainy morning more than 25 minutes before the provision of
staff supervision. It is NOT the responsibility of the school secretary or other staff members to provide
child supervision before 8:55 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. If you require Before and/or After School Care,
please call 905-531-1720 to make arrangements.

BUS TRANSPORTATION:
We would like to remind students who take the yellow school buses that they are expected to
behave in a manner acceptable to the bus driver, as well as being respectful to the rules and bus patrollers.
Riding these busses is not a right. It is a service provided by the school board. Students who misbehave
may be asked to find alternate transportation to school.
Please remember, only those students who have been contacted and respective ridership has been
confirmed by Transportation Department are permitted to ride the bus. Otherwise, you must request the
Empty Seat Request Form from Mrs. Walter. Once completed, please forward the form to HWSTS.
Additionally, students, who normally do not take a bus, cannot take a bus to a friends house after school.
Some buses are already at capacity for numbers.
CLASS LIST CONSTRUCTION:
Each year our teachers put a great deal of time and effort into grouping students based on years of
teaching experience. Teachers use both, their academic expertise and years of experience in the area of
group dynamics and global needs of the students when making up class groupings. Gender, academic
needs and ability, behavioral dynamics and special needs are just a few of the many variables considered
in constructing class groupings. As such, all parents are asked to respect that there is a lengthy process in
which all staff members are involved, as they construct class lists that ensure the best possible learning
environment within each class for the benefit of ALL students. As such, please refrain from requesting
class changes. Parents are asked to consider the big picture - that being the importance of demonstrating
to our children the need to be flexible, resilient, and adaptable, as well as to learn to work and play in a
spirit of cooperation. These skills, we believe are not only important life skills, but are also fundamental
to whom and what we stand for as members of a Catholic community.
MEDICAL ALERTS:

Upon occasion, parents request that staff members administer medication to students who are not
sufficiently mature or reliable enough to care for their own needs. In order to administer medication to a
student, we require a Request for Administration of Medication/Treatment Form to be completed and
kept on file in the office. A copy of this form may be obtained from the school office. It is the parents
responsibility to keep us informed of medical conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis, etc.) and
correct information regarding treatment and emergency contact information. For those families whose
child/children have been identified with medical concerns, the annual forms to update information have
been sent home. Please complete and forward to Mrs. Kiely as soon as possible. No medication can be
given unless the requisite forms have been completed and remitted to the school. With the exception of
inhalers and EPI-PENS, all medication needs to be given to the office. We will safeguard the medication
as well as supervise the intake of the medication as per the written direction of the physician or parent.
Thank you.

STUDENT AGENDA BOOKS:

Last spring the school had confirmed our order for school agendas. Unfortunately, the company
had difficulties fulfilling our order prior to the first day of school. We have been advised to expect receipt
of the agendas by next week. Once you receive your childs agenda, it is very important that parents read
the opening pages of the book to familiarize themselves with school policies and procedures. Parents are
asked to sign the agenda book to indicate that they have read and understand the homework expectations
on a daily basis. Students are expected to use the book to help plan their class work and homework, and to
facilitate communication between parents and teachers. Thank you to our Catholic School Council for
covering the cost of the agendas for each child.
LUNCH AT SCHOOL:
All children eat lunch in their classrooms. Eating lunch at school is a privilege and a convenience
for our families. However, it involves the organization and scheduling of grade five and six monitors to
assist the students, and requires extra supervision for staff. Therefore, appropriate behaviours on the part
of all students is greatly valued and appreciated. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the
lunch monitors and staff who will organize the monitors as they provide a wonderful service to our
community. We also ask that students please bring required eating utensils (forks/spoons) from home so
that we can reduce the amount of plastic waste at our school.
PROTOCOL FOR PARENT CONCERNS POLICY OF FIRST CONTACT:
Our staff believes that open and collaborative communication is most important in order to
maintain a positive learning environment for our students. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any
questions you might have. Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board recognizes the freedom of
all members in the school community (students, staff, parents, and neighbors) to voice their concerns in
an appropriate manner to the appropriate school personnel. The principle of first contact needs to be
followed. This means that the person(s) who have the concern, have the responsibility to begin addressing
the concern directly with those persons with whom they have the concern before taking their concern
elsewhere. If resolution is not found, please then involve school administration and, if necessary, the
school superintendent as needed. Thank you for your collaboration in this matter. It is through working
together that we create an excellent learning environment for our children.

STUDENT PICTURES:

Individual student pictures will be taken by Life Touch photographers on Thursday, October 08th.
All students will be photographed and are required to wear school uniform. Please do not send money on
Picture Day as you will be able to select your package after viewing your proofs.

ANNUAL MEET THE TEACHER BARBEQUE:

We invite our parents to come out and meet your childs/childrens teacher(s) on
Thursday, September 17, 2015. The BBQ runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $2.00 for a hot dog;
$1.00 for a beverage. As it is not an Open House, classrooms will not be open for tours.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS:
On Thursday, September 17, the elections for Catholic School Council will take place in the
library at 7:00 p.m. Forms have been sent home with each child. If you are interested in supporting the
school in this capacity, please complete the forms and submit to the school office.
The school community thanks Mr. R. Quinlan, Mr. R. Tyrell, Mr. S. Murphy, Mr. S. Hogan, Ms.
E. Paxton, Mrs. E. Holmes, Mrs. B. Kubilius, Mrs. M. Kiely, Mrs. Finnerty-Hauser, Mrs. P. Linger, and
Mrs. C. Hawyrluk for their generous gift of time, self, and experience for all the endeavours undertaken
last year to build community and enrich student lives and experiences at St. Joseph CES.
If you would like to volunteer with CSC, but not sit on council, please let the office know and we
will forward your name and contact information to the CSC president after the elections. Research shows
that there is a direct link between student academic success and parents who are involved in their
child/childrens school.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS:
In conjunction with our Board of Trustees and our Catholic School Council, the expectation is that
all students will be in complete and proper uniform. Please ensure that all tops have a collar. Cargo pants
(pants with pockets along the outer seam), track/warm-up pants, skinny pants, leggings, jeggings, kobe
pants (contrary to JBCs previous promotional flyers) and corduroy pants are not permitted. Jackets and
coats are non-uniform items (and may be of any colour); sweaters, pullovers, etc. for indoor wear,
however, must be navy or white. Hoodies are not permitted. Crests can be either embroidered on uniform
pieces or a patch may be purchased and sewn on. Screened cresting (ink media) is not permitted.
Additionally, spirit wear (e.g. team/grad sweatshirts/hoodies, t-shirts, etc. are not part of the school
uniform. A free Uniform Closet is available for anyone who would like to exchange or obtain any
uniform items. Donations of gently used uniform pieces are appreciated. If assistance with the purchasing
of uniforms is needed, please contact the school and ask to speak with the principal, Mrs. Ing. St. Joseph
CES supplier is JBC Uniforms. They are located at 1576 Stonechurch Road, Unit 13A, Hamilton. You
may contact them at 905-389-5339 or customerservice@[Link].
MANDATORY POLICE CHECKS FOR PARENTS & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS:

The Child Protection Act requires that all persons who work with students, whether it be as
employees and/or volunteers, must procure a police check. If you plan to volunteer at the school or attend
class trips, please pick up a letter at the office. This letter will reduce the cost of the police check. Please
note that this process may take 4-6 weeks. Once you have received a police check, you must annually
complete and submit to the school a Declaration Form.
PEANUT (& OTHER) ALLERGIES:
Within our school community there are several individuals who have potentially life-threatening
allergies (anaphylaxis) to foods predominantly to peanuts, legumes, and tree nuts. The best way to
reduce the risk to these students is to respectfully request for the co-operation of parents/guardians within
this school community to avoid sending peanut butter or products containing/may contain nuts. Please
remind your children not to share their snacks or lunch items with friends and classmates. This year
parents are asked not to send in food to celebrate birthdays and holiday occasions such as Valentines,
Halloween, etc. Other treats such as bubbles, stickers, pencils, etc. may be shared with your childs
classmates.
Additionally, we have several students who have asthma. It is a Board policy for staff and
students to refrain from using colognes and perfumes within a shared space. Please remind your students
to keep any cologne (e.g. Axe, etc.) at home as this may trigger a severe asthmatic attack. Your support
and co-operation with these concerns are greatly appreciated.
NO CHILD WITHOUT:
Our school is involved in the Canadian Medic Alert Foundations No Child Without Program.
There is no cost for students, who attend St. Joseph CES and are between the ages of 4 and 14, to join
Medic Alert. If your child has a medical condition, allergy, or is required to take prescribed medication
on a regular basis, then you should consider this program. A childs Medic Alert identification can alert
staff, friends, coaches, etc. about your childs medical concerns should an emergency take place. For
further information, come to the office for a brochure or go to [Link].
Please note that a brochure is required if you are registering for the first time. If your child is
presently enrolled in this program AND there had been changes to their medical condition, medications,
or emergency contact information, please call Medic Alert at 1-800-668-1507 to update your childs file.
MEDICATION:
If your child requires prescribed medication to be given at school, or they may need the use of an
inhaler or EPI-PEN, your family doctor MUST complete an Administration of Medication Permission
Form each year. Non-prescription medication requires the parents signature on the form. Forms have
been sent to those families identified to date with medical perils. If your child has been diagnosed
recently, please contact the office to receive a form.
ABSENTEEISM & LATENESS:
If your child is going to be absent or late, please call 905-529-1002 and let the office know; you
may call any time after hours as you can leave a message on our answering machine. Your support and
cooperation with this matter will assist us so that we can confirm every students whereabouts as soon as
possible. Furthermore, it is imperative that your child be on time for school as instruction begins
immediately after a brief morning prayer. If your child arrives late, he/she must report to the office to
collect a late slip prior to admittance into class.
END OF DAY ARRANGEMENTS

Additionally, it is ideal for end-of-the-day arrangements to be communicated to your child before

arriving at school. This promotes the sense of a predictable routine for your child. There is no
guarantee that last minute change of plans can be received and relayed to the appropriate individuals,
as the office can become quite busy in the afternoon.
CELL PHONES & PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
St. Joseph CES will continue to implement the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program.
Students, who have co-signed the BYOD Guidelines for Use forms with a parent and received responsible
digital citizenship lessons, will integrate this form of technology in their learning. These devices are to be
used for under the instruction and supervision of the teacher for educational learning purposes.
Otherwise, students are not to use cell phones, iPods, iPads, etc. at any time during school hours. As per
Board policy, these devices are to be turned off during the day. All communication between students
and parents MUST go through the office during the school day. Students and parents are not
permitted to take photographs of other students or personal information (e.g. class lists) on school
property as this infringes on individual rights of privacy under the Municipal Freedom of Information and
Protection Act. The safety of a child in protective custody may be unknowingly compromised. Thank
you for your co-operation with this matter.
Please note that the school will not be responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Additionally, any misuse of personal electronic devices may result in the device being confiscated and
returned to the parent at the end of the day.
ANNUAL PARENT CONFERENCE:
The HWCDSB Parent Conference will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m., at Bishop Ryan High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about how best to
support your children in their life and educational journey. Please mark this date on your calendar. Come
out, be affirmed, and network with other parents. For registration information, you may call 905-5252930 ext. 2205 or download Registration Forms online at [Link].
LEADER IN ME PROGRAM:
As this academic year progresses, our school will be initiating Franklin Coveys Leader In Me
Program for the staff and students. It is based on the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People and 7 Habits
for Happy Kids. This program focuses on the premise that ALL children are leaders and helps them to
develop and share their respective strengths and talents within the school and other communities. This
program will be robustly integrated with our Catholic, Christian values.
MICHAEL CARTY AWARD:
St. Joseph CES is one of this years recipients for the 2015 Michael Carty Award that is granted
by CEFO. This award is founded on the social justice message proclaimed in Luke 4:18. Our Social
Justice Club will receive a grant of $1500.00 to promote social justice with respect to immigration and
refugees. This is especially timely in view of the current crisis in the Middle East as it impacts the
European Union as well as the immigration debates presently occurring in both the American and
Canadian elections. Our student leaders hope to raise awareness of the theology of immigration, the
various challenges experienced by families relocating to new countries and cultures, etc. as these student
leaders have shown a deep understanding that social justice needs to occur at the school, community,
national, and global levels. We will be arranging for speakers to address students, parents, and members
of St. Joseph Church so as to enlighten us on how to best support welcoming families who have recently

chosen Canada (and by extension Hamilton and St. Joseph) to be their home. More information on this
initiative will be shared later in the fall.
Additionally, our Social Justice Team has partnered with St. Joseph Church in supporting the
sponsorship of UN refugee resettling in Hamilton. We will share some of our popcorn funds as well as
proceeds raised in other events to help bring this endeavor to realization. If you wish to donate directly to
the parish (St. Joseph Church officially had the fundraising campaign begin this past Sunday), please
contact Fr. Jim as to how you can help the church realize their goal. I will be sending home more
information from St. Joseph Church in the near future.
CCAS FOSTER PARENT NIGHT INFORMATION:
The Catholic Childrens Aid Society of Hamilton is presenting a Foster Parent Information Night. If you
have ever considered building your family through fostering, this is a great opportunity to learn about the
process with the CCAS and have your questions answered.
Where: CCAS of Hamilton. 735 King St. East.
When: 6:30pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2015
For more information and to register please call Katrina at (905) 525-2012 ext. 3280 or email
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH CHILDRENS CHOIR:
Once again this year, all children in Grades 3 and up are invited to be part of the St. Joseph
Childrens (Church) Choir. Practices take place every Wednesday from September to the end of May
except during Christmas holidays and March break. The choir helps to lead the music at the 5:00 Mass on
Saturday, so members are strongly encouraged to be at that Mass as often as possible.
The first practice of the year will take place on Wednesday, September 16 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
in the Parish Hall. The doors are open by 3:30, so the children are encouraged to come right after school
to have time for snacks and socializing.
Potential new members are welcome to come to two or three practices to try out the choir before
they decide whether or not to join. Parents are welcome at practices also; in fact, volunteers to help at
practices are always appreciated.
If you have any questions about the Childrens Choir or would like more information, please
contact Stillman Matheson at [Link]@[Link]
NEWSLETTERS:
One of our schools ECO teams initiative is to reduce the use of paper. To support this goal the
newsletter and other communication is available through our schools webpage found on the Board
website. If you have no access to a computer, we will forward to you a hard copy. Please support our
paperless goal wherever possible. Please complete the form below if you require a hard copy sent home
with your child.
____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO THE OFFICE. PRINT BOTH THE STUDENTS FIRST
AND LAST NAME.

___ Yes, I wish to receive a hard copy of the school newsletter.

Please send home with ___________________________________ in Grade ___________________.
(Students name)
____________________________
(Parents signature)

____________________________
(Date)