St. Joseph Elementary C.E.S.
Address: 249 Church Street, Mississauga, ON, L5M 1N1
School Phone Number: 905-826-4422
St. Joseph General Mailbox: firstname.lastname@example.org
Administrative Assistant: S. Camaioni
Catholic School Council Chair: T. Prsa
Superintendent of Schools- Mississauga North: L. Odo
Trustee Ward 6 & 11: L. del Rosario
Associate Pastor: Rev. P. Dobson, St. Joseph Parish
St. Joseph Parish Email: email@example.com
St. Joseph School Hours for the 2024-2025 school year are:
Morning entry: 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
AM Recess: 10:09 a.m. - 10:24 a.m.
Lunch: 11:48 a.m. - 12:48 p.m.
PM Recess: 2:12 p.m. - 2:27 p.m.
Dismissal: 3:15 p.m.
September's Virtue of the Month is: Faith
In September, we celebrate the Virtue of Faith. Faith is the great virtue of believing in God and trusting that God is with us. A faithful person believes that we are created, guided and destined to be reunited with God. A faithful person believes that God's plan for us includes the right to be safe, especially at school.
A faithful person:
- Prays regularly and reverently
- Learns from Scripture stories
- Honours people's God-given names
- Assumes that there is good in everyone
- Accepts the God-given worth of themselves and others
Our daily prayer for Faith:
Let us now pray for the grace and strength to be people of faith-- people who can truly believe that God's plan for us includes the right to b safe at school.
A Prayer for Our Students
Thank you for your unique gifts of every child as they transition into a new school year. Fill each student with fresh enthusiasm and a heart that's excited to learn and grow. Surround them with your enduring love. Give them confidence and grace; equip them with the ability to persevere through trials. Bless their teachers with wisdom, understanding, and a heart to serve, as they embark on the journey together.
Message from the Principal
I trust that students, staff and parents have had the opportunity to enjoy time with loved ones this summer and everyone is eager to get back to school.
As we begin the 2023-2024 school year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new families, our new staff members, Ms. Chiappetta-Trujillo (Planning Time), Ms. Abdel-Messih (School Social Worker), Ms. Mohsin (School Speech and Language Pathologist), and our Long Term Occasional Teacher, Ms. de Vera for Ms. Martin.
We look forward to our continued work with St. Joseph Parish through Fr. Paul Dobson and Fr. Anish Alex. We look forward to continuing our spiritual and faith journey together.
Thank you our custodians, Mr. Buenaventura and Mr. Erdelyi who worked diligently over the summer to prepare our school for September and for the staff who came in to set up their classrooms. As we begin our learning journey, know that we will do our best to promote the academic, spiritual, social and emotional growth of our students.
Families will be receiving communication from the board via School Messenger beginning on Saturday, August 31st with your child's placement to parents/guardians via primary contact emails. If you do not receive a call, our staff will be pleased to provide assistance on Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:30 a.m.
We will be having our Curriculum Night/Open House on Thursday, September 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing reconnecting with our families for this community event! We look forward to our Catholic Education Week Theme 2025- "Pilgrims of Hope," as we begin our new school year together.
St. Joseph Parish Information
Pastor: Fr. Paul Dobson
Associate Pastor: Fr. Anish Alex
Deacons: George Jurenas & Lionel Gomes
Parish Staff: Ann Cavallin, Michele Mullins
Sacramental Coordinator: Zahra Pilar Alvarez
Youth Minister: Megan Dominguez
Office Phone Number: 905-826-2766
Parish Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Parish Website: http://stjosephmi.archtoronto.org
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's Sacraments, please contact St. Joseph Parish via email at email@example.com. Due to limited office hours, it's best to email your questions for a quicker response.
- First Holy Communion Parent Information Evening will take place on Tuesday, September 24th at 7 p.m. at the church.
- Confirmation Parent Information Evening will take place on Friday, September 27th at 7 p.m. at the church.
An information package will be distributed to all Grade 2 and 7 students in early September. If your child is NOT in Grade 2 and 7 and will be receiving the Sacraments, please contact the office for an information package.
First Day Procedures
First Day Procedures
Beginning on Saturday, August 31st, parents/guardians will receive a message from SchoolMessenger with your child(ren)'s grade, classroom assignment and room number. If you don't receive a message, staff will be available in the morning on the first day of school to provide assistance. Please note, at this time, class placement changes will not be considered until reorganization.
Meeting Areas on Tuesday, September 3rd:
On Tuesday, September 3rd, our Grades SK-8 students will be greeted by our staff who will assist in finding their child's teacher. Students in Grades 1-8 will meet on the upper pavement. Students in SK will go to the Kindergarten yard and where staff will be available to assist. If there inclement weather, Grades 1-8 students will go directly to their classrooms and SK's will meet in Room 2.
Pick Up Arrangements:
Please let your child's teacher know if your child will be picked up at the end of the first day by a parent/guardian, walking home or riding the school bus. Bus students will receive their bus tags on the first day of school. Please let your child's teacher know if your child will not be taking the bus on the first day of school. Students will be assisted by their teachers and staff to find their bus. Parents/guardians are asked to use the Kiss N Ride and to avoid blocking our bus lines to provide supervision to our students. Parents/guardians and pets are not allowed inside the fenced area during the school day.
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week
Pilgrims of Hope
Catholic Education Week Prayer
Hope is our calling, O Lord,
and the destination of our pilgrim journeys.
As we mark this Jubilee Year of hope,
keep our eyes focussedo on Jesus,
and on the hope he reveals to us.
All our hope is in you, O God, in the name of Jesus
our Lord and companion.
Save the Date: Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 26th
Parents/Guardians will have an opportunity to visit their child(ren)'s classroom from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
SchoolCash Online Registration: Are you registered?
Here is the link for your reference: https://www3.dpcdsb.org/parents/absence-reporting
1. Go to the SafeArrival Website at go.schoolmessenger.ca
2. Select Sign Up to create your account. (Only needed for the initial set up, after that you will click on login.)
3. Select Attendance
4. Select Report Attendance
Or you can download the SchoolMessenger App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please note that the SafeArrival uses the SchoolMessenger App. You will be prompted to enter your email address. Please use the email address that we have on file in the office and create a password. The system will send a link to your email address on file, please click on the link to activate the account.
1. Call the toll-free number 1-844-435-3440
2. Listen and follow the prompts to report the absence
3. If the system doesn't recognize your caller ID, you will be asked to enter your student's home phone number or any phone number for the guardian that is on file with the school.
Parking Concerns on Church Street
Alternatively, we advise parents/guardians to use our Kiss N Ride or park in designated parking spots (i.e., Green P) across the street. We thank you for your continued support!
Kiss N Ride Reminders
Visitors to the School
Early Pick Up
Students Leaving School Property
Emergency Information/Parent Consent Forms
On the first day of school your child(ren) will be receiving a student information package/consent forms. Please complete and return these documents to your child's teacher by Monday, September 9th.
The expectation is that students will ride the bus regularly. If you would like to OPT out of bussing for this year, please let Ms. Cavaliere know and a form will be sent home.
Courtesy seats will be considered in late September depending on available seats, students' age. If you are interested in receiving a courtesy seat form, please have your child pick one up from the office.
We currently have 6 buses assigned to our school. Bus run details are posted on the front doors of the school. However, it's best to check the www.stopr.ca website for the most up to date information and to check bus delays. Parents/guardians can create an account to receive notification and updates on your child's route. You will require your child's student number to register for an account.
The distance criteria for transportation eligibility is:
- more than 1.0 km from the school for FDK to Grade 1
- more than 1.6 km from the school for Grades 2 to 4
- more than 2.0 km from the school for Grades 5 to 8
Catholic Code of Conduct
Medical Alert-Anaphylactic Allergies
Storage and Administration of Medication
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Your child will be given an information pamphlet entitled "We want to give you a heads up...Concussions are serious." This pamphlet outlines the signs and symptoms of concussions. It also includes information about what to do if you suspect your child has a concussion and how a concussion is treated. Guidelines have been developed by Dufferin-Peel CDSB to support an 8-phase "Return to Activity" process following a diagnosed concussion. These guidelines include 5 phases for "Return to Learn," followed by 3 phases for "Return to Play". With parental consent, school administration will work collaboratively with school psychology staff to monitor your child's progress through the 8 phases. For more information, please contact the main office.
Personal Use of School Materials
Lunches and Snacks
Please ensure that your child has a reusable water bottle, two snacks and a lunch with easy to open containers and utensils. We ask that you make these litterless lunches with little garbage to keep our classrooms clean and eco-friendly. Students are not allowed to share food due to allergen awareness. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.
PPM 128: Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct
Cell Phone Usage
DPCDSB must follow the Ontario Ministry of Education's Policy/Program Memoranda (PPM No. 128): Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct with an update and direction on cellphone use (i.e., phones, devices, tablets, smartwatches, etc.):
- Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 must now keep their phones turned off or set to silent mode and out of sight for the school day, unless otherwise allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.
- Students in Grade 7 to 12 must store their phones out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, unless otherwise explicitly allowed by the educator during instructional time for a specific purpose.
- Students who need to use their phones for health or medical reasons, e.g., glucose monitoring, etc., may continue to use them during the school day following consultation with school administration
- The Ministry Expectations will be addressed according to the procedures outlined within DPCDB's Catholic Code of Conduct.
- We will not be considering the creation of a central phone storage in schools or classrooms. Instead, it is recommended that students keep their phones stored in their backpacks when not in use for educational purposes or for health, medical or special education needs.
- It is hoped that student behaviours and actions will align with the new rules. School administrators will deploy progressive discipline as required for those found in violation of the restrictions.
- If parents/guardians need to communicate with their children during the school day, parents should contact the main office.
The PPM 128 also includes a strict anti-vaping policy where parents and guardians are immediately notified if their children are found vaping on or within 20 metres of school property, and the vapes are in a student's possession will be confiscated. There are immediate consequences for students caught with vapes, or in the possession of illegal substances as outlined in DPCDSB's Catholic Code of Conduct.
PPM 128 identifies the removal of social media sites from school board networks. DPCDSB had previously removed these sites so there was no action required on this component.
Back Up Student Monitors Required
If you are interested in being a back up student monitor for the 2024-2025 school year? This is a paid position which involves supervising students inside and outside during the lunch hour each day. Applicants must have a Criminal Reference Check before beginning work. Should you be interested in further exploring this opportunity, please contact the main office for further details and/or obtain an application package.
Criminal Reference Checks & Annual Volunteer Declarations
A reminder that all parent volunteers are required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) to volunteer for excursions such as field trips, helping to drive to sporting events, and to volunteer within the school (i.e., Catholic School Council, Pizza, Milk, All Star Reading, etc.) We recommend that if you plan to volunteer during the 2024-2025 school year, that you complete your CRC as soon as possible.
All you are required to do is come to the main office between 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. to pick up a document that must be taken to the required form by the Peel Regional Police for processing. Please note, that this does require a number of weeks to complete, so it is recommended that you start this process as soon as possible.
Parents who have a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening filed in the office for 2023-2024 are asked to sign and return the Annual Offence Declaration form available in the office before September 30th, 2024. Please inform your child's teacher if you require an annual declaration. Failure to do so, may result in you having to complete another Criminal Reference Check and delay your ability to attend field trips with your child or volunteer within the school. Thank you for your cooperation in following this school board policy.
Fall Photo Day
Picture Day on October 1st
To help prepare your child for photo day, here are some helpful tips an tricks to getting the perfect photo of your child: Bright and solid colours help to emphasize your child's smile; You might want to send a comb to make sure their hair is perfect for their photo; if your child normally wears glasses, feel free to wear them for your photos. Our photographers are trained to reduce glare on the lens.
Have you Moved?
In addition, if you know families who haven't registered their children for September 2024 yet, please encourage them to register as soon as possible. This information will help us with our class organization and school staffing for September.
Elementary (Grade 1-8)
Catholic School Council
2023-2024 Catholic School Council Members:
- Chairperson: Tania P.
- Treasurer: Laura W.
- Parish Representative: Isabella F.
- OAPCD Representative: Mellissa A.
- Fundraising Representative: Kerri R.
- Secretary: Katherine L.
- Voting Member: Allison R., Lauren J-C., Wendy P., Fiorella D.,
- Teaching Representative: Cindy B., Pina G.
- Non-Teaching Representatives: Regina Z.
First Catholic School Council Meeting
If you would like to be nominated or self-nominate for one of our positions for the 2024-2025 Catholic Council, please contact the main office and a form will be sent home with your child. Elections will take place on October 2nd. Nomination forms are due on Friday, September 27th at 4 p.m. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend any of our Catholic School Council Meetings, you don't have to be a member of the Catholic School Council. Please note that there is a hybrid option for parents who wish to attend our council meetings virtually.
Are You Ticked
- You may vote for Catholic School Trustees in the Municipal elections
- Your children may attend Catholic elementary schools
- You show your support for the Catholic school system
To verify that you have registered as a English Separate (Catholic) school supporter:
- Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
Have you moved?
Even if you have been an English Separate (Catholic) School Supported in the past, the designation does not follow you when you relocate. By default, your property taxes support your municipality's English public school board. Every time you move or if there is a change of ownership, it is essential that you register yourself as an English Separate (Catholic) school supporter.
To register as an English Separate (Catholic) School Supporter or change your Direction of School Support, please contact the DPCDSB Admissions Department by phone at 905-890-0708 ext. 24512 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.org
Before and After School Programs- Register Online Today
PLASP programs are licensed by the Ministry of Education and are adhering to strict public health guidelines. Highly trained staff facilitate fun, age-appropriate activities both indoors and outdoors.
Before School programs operate from 7:30 a.m. until school starts and include a breakfast daily. After School programs begin at school dismissal, include a substantial daily snack, and run until 6:00 p.m.
PLASP Child Care Services is a charitable organization, operating on a not-for-profit basis, providing award winning programs for children, for more than 40 years.
Visit plasp.com to register, or contact the PLASP Support Services Centre at 647-484-4372
Community Information Bulletin
School Mental Health Ontario and Community Resources:
School Mental Health Ontario has updated their list of resources. We invite you to review their list of resources available on our DPCDSB Well-Being SharePoint to help support you and students during this time of transition back to school. For a list of community telephone-based mental health supports, please see below.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "CONNECT" to 686868 (0-18 years of age)
- 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin: 905-278-9036 I 1·888·811·2222. (for all ages)
- Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (support for all Indigenous peoples across Canada)
Mark Your Calendars
- September 3: First Day of School for SK-8
- September 6: First Day of School for JK students
- September 9: First Day Consent Forms Due
- September 16: PA Day- Reorganization/Faith Day- No School for Students
- September 17: Elementary Wellness Leadership Conference
- September 24: First Holy Communion Parent Information Night at the parish at 7 p.m.
- September 26: Curriculum Night/Open House from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- September 27: Confirmation Parent Information Night at the parish at 7 p.m.
- September 27: Catholic School Council Nomination forms due at 4 p.m.
- September 30: Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day)
- October 1: Fall Picture Day
- October 2: Opening Elementary School Mass Teaching with Fr. Anish @ 10 a.m. at St. Joseph School
- October 2: Catholic School Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the library. All are welcome! (Zoom link will be shared prior to the Catholic School Council meeting)
- October 11 : PA Day- No School for Students
- October 14: Thanksgiving- Enjoy time with family and friends!