PARENT UPDATE

March 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
“Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” (Luke 23:34)

It is hard to believe that March has arrived. This month brings with it warmer temperatures and sunnier
days. March Break is around the corner, and everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to rest and
reenergize for the last stretch of the school year. Continue to celebrate your child’s achievements and
successes and offer them support as they persevere with academic goals.
As we travel together through this liturgical season of Lent, we are called to reflect on the relationship we
have with God and with our friends and family. During this time, we are encouraged to concentrate on
strengthening these relationships. We can ask ourselves a simple question: “What must I stop doing or
start doing to be the very good person God made me?” Prayer, fasting and giving alms are the three
Lenten disciplines that will help us. When we pray to God, we strengthen our bond. Fasting reminds us that
there is nothing more important than God and those in need. We may choose to give up one activity and
replace it with one that will help others. Finally, almsgiving is charity. We can donate food, clothing, or
money to the poor. At Our Lady of Peace CS, our students are engaged in these three disciplines daily.

This month we focus on the virtue of forgiveness. The greatest example of forgiveness is Jesus. While
dying on the cross he forgave his persecutors. We are called to forgive others and ask God for forgiveness.
Reconciliation is a perfect way to become closer to God and heal.

We appreciate your ongoing support. Student Success is always our priority. Together we foster a love for
learning and collectively, we develop a strong and caring connection between home, school, and church for
the benefit of all our students. Thank you for supporting our initiatives to help those in need and being
examples of our Gospel Values. Our Lenten Food Drive runs Monday March 4th to March 22nd. All food
collected will be donated to St. Francis Table. [Link]

TCDSB N-Word Protocol Feb 2024 is an important document to review and discuss with your children. We will
continue to focus on educating our students and addressing inappropriate behaviours using progressive
discipline.

Please join us for our virtual CSPC meeting on Wednesday March 6 th @6:30pm. We will share highlights of
the past month and outline future initiatives. Please complete this GOOGLE FORM to RSVP.
[Link]

We are excited to welcome Paul Davis to our school on Thursday March 7th @6:30pm. This in-person
event is a MUST SEE! Every parent needs to equip themselves with the information he will share to keep
our kids safe online. [Link]

On behalf of the entire school staff, we wish each of you and your families a safe and enjoyable March
Break.
We thank you for your support in ensuring all students adhere to the Our Lady of Peace Catholic School
Dress Code and Code of Conduct. Please review these important items with your children at home. They
can be found in the school agenda. Also, we ask for your continued support and cooperation at drop-off
each morning and pick-up at the end of the school day. This includes following all street and traffic laws.
Please keep safety a priority over convenience. The safety of your children is our priority and your strict
adherence to safety procedures is paramount.

Please be reminded of the following:

Arrival Reminders:
• Bus Loading ZONE must be kept clear of parked cars to ensure safety of all.
• DO NOT park in the BUS LOADING ZONE on Mattice Avenue, both in the morning and afternoon.
• Students are not permitted to enter the school/classrooms before 9:00am or after dismissal at
3:30pm.
• Exceptions for participation in extra curricular events supervised by a teacher.
• Students attending YMCA may not enter their homeroom before the start of classes in the morning
or after school, once dismissed.
• Students are to wear proper uniform. SOLID NAVY bottoms and SOLID WHITE or NAVY tops only.
• JK/SK students meet in the kinder yard each morning.
• Grade 1 to 8 students meet in the schoolyard each morning.
• Students are to arrive in the morning no earlier than 8:45am and as close to 9:00am as possible.
• If students arrive after the final bell, they must enter through the front doors and be signed in as
they are late.
• Parents, please leave immediately after student drop off/student pick up to help with the flow of
pedestrian traffic.
• Bus students will be met by staff upon arrival and enter the schoolyard.
• To report your child as late or absent, please use one of the following options:
[Link]
CALL 1-833-251-3286 SchoolMessenger Mobile App

Dismissal Reminders:
• Safe dismissal for JK to grade 3 students is in effect. A caring adult/older sibling must be present
for students to be dismissed.
• Communicate with your child’s teacher regarding after school arrangements and any changes to
the routine.
• JK/SK students will be dismissed from the kindergarten yard beginning at 3:20pm.
• All students are to leave school property at dismissal as there is no supervision of students
at the end of the school day.

Safety Reminders:
• Park your car on neighbouring streets and walk your child to school.
• Please obey all road and street signs to ensure the safety of all.
• Do NOT Park in the BUS LOADING ZONE on Mattice Avenue, both in the morning and afternoon.
 • Please remain outside the school gates during drop off and pick up times.
• No Dogs/Pets on school property.
• Our school is Allergen Aware. Please be mindful of this when packing your child’s lunch and
snacks. NO NUTS please.
• DO NOT drop off lunches during the school day. DO NOT have delivery services drop off fast food
for your children. This interrupts classes and the office. As well, when fast food is brought into the
school it poses risks for our students with allergies. Develop routines of packing healthy lunches
and snacks at home the night before. Involve your children in this process.
• DO NOT communicate with your child via cell phone calls or texts during the school day as it is
contrary to the School Board’s Acceptable Use Policy regarding the use of electronic devices at
school. This is a disruption to the learning of students. Call the school 416-393-5253, if you need to
communicate with your child.
• Electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, iPad) are for educational purposes only. They are to be
used under the direct supervision of a teacher. At all other times, they are to be off and away.
• During all recesses, students are not permitted to play games that involve kicking balls of any kind
e.g., soccer, soccer baseball, etc. We must ensure the safety of all members of our community and
kicking balls poses a safety risk. These games may be played during gym and Daily Physical
Activity (DPA) periods when there are fewer students in the yard and more direct supervision.
• Hard balls are not permitted during recess e.g., baseballs, soccer balls, etc.
• Basketballs are permitted at the basketball nets only. One ball per hoop.
• Students will not be paged out of class after 2:55pm. Between 2:55pm and 3:30pm, students
are receiving end of day instructions and homework tips. Interruptions during this time disrupt the
entire class.
• Checking in on our mental health is important. We all want our children to feel well, grow up happy,
and learn to navigate life’s challenges. It is not always easy to know what to do. Learn more about
what mental health is, supports available, how to talk with your child/teen about mental health, and
what to do if you are concerned about your child/teen’s mental health by checking out the
Parent/Caregiver Resources from School Mental Health Ontario.

Thank you for upholding these protocols to keep our students safe as well as respect the learning
environment. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Regards,

M. Coluccio A. Balik
Principal Vice Principal