Student of the Month Virtue:
Principal’s Message
February 2017
‘Self Control—I’m in Charge’
‘La Maîtrise de Soi - Je suis responsable de moi-même
Dear Members of the Holy Family Catholic French Immersion School Community:
Looking back on the month of January, Gymnastics, Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball, Swim to Survive, and
Boys’ and Girls’ Social Skills Groupings are all up and running. We are so fortunate that our teachers
provide extra-curricular activities for our students. Thank you to all of our staff for their continued dedication
to our school community.
Throughout the past couple of months, we have taken initiatives to share our love toward others in Oxford
County with our Salvation Army Drive, our Angel Tree Gifts and our donations to the Adelaide Soup Kitchen. February, too, is the perfect month to continue the celebration of “love”. It calls us to “warm up” our
community and continue to make an effort to spread cheer and feelings of warmth and love. As we all
know, Tuesday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day. This special day is then followed by “Family Day” which
will be on Monday, February 20th. There will be no school on that day. This day will be a perfect
opportunity to spend additional time with your loved ones.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one
another. -- John 13:34-35
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Please be informed that January Report Cards will be going home on Thursday, February 2 , which marks
the start of a new term. With the start of a new term comes a number of opportunities for parents to visit
and become involved in and around our school this month: Parent/Teacher Interviews/Conferences,
February Virtue/CGE/Spirit Kick-off Assembly, IPRC Meetings, Carnaval Day, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake
Day), Ash Wednesday Paraliturgy, School Council Meeting. Please see the February calendar for dates
and times.
Catholic Graduate Expectation:
A Self Directed, Responsable, Life long Learner
Un adepte autonome et responsable de l’apprentissage a vie
Mme Valois FDK - Meredith T., Joel L.
Mme Holmes FDK - Niko T., Levon M.
Mme Bloor FDK - Tinnell M., Olivia S.
Mme Jentz Gr 1 - Jillian T.
M. Contestabile Gr 1/2 - Kylee W., Andrew A.
Mme Campbell Gr. 2/3 - Lachlynn V., Ocean R.
Mme Morrison Gr. 3/4 - Sebastian N., Daniel G., Daniel R.
Please come join us!
Mme Ivy Gr. 4/5 - Aurora V., Genny F., Natalia W.
Yours in Faith,
M. Tellier Gr. 6/7 – Joseph B., Aidan B., Tori G., Nolan M.
Helen Bobyk, Principal
M. Trepanier Gr. 7/8 - Emma M., Jared H.
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CATHOLIC GRADUATE
EXPECTATION
February 1st St. Mary’s CHS Registration Visit for
Grade 8 students
February 2nd Report Cards go home
February 6th February Virtue/CGE/Spirit Kick-off
Assembly at 10:30 a.m. – Mme
Morrison’s class to lead the assembly
- *Students are encouraged to wear
their house shirts and uniform
bottoms*
February 6th IEP goes home today – Term 2
February 7th Grade 3 Swim to Survive –
Woodstock Y
February 8th Day of Adoration – Fr. Patrick
Beneteau
February 8th Catholic School Council Meeting at
6:15 p.m. in the library
February 9th First Term Parent/Teacher
Interviews/Conferences - 4 - 8 p.m.
February 10th School Mass at 9:30 a.m. at Holy
Trinity Parish – M. Contestabile’s
class to lead mass
February 10th Carnaval in the p.m. – M. Trepanier’s
class to lead activities – Please be
reminded to dress warmly for the
outdoors.
February 14th Valentine’s Day - Theme Dress Down
Day- *Students are encouraged to
wear Pink/Red/ and/or White*
February 14th Grade 3 Swim to Survive –
Woodstock Y
February 20th Family Day – No School for staff
and students
February 22nd First Communion Parent Meeting at
Holy Trinity Parish at 7 p.m.
February 28th Shrove Tuesday – Mardi Gras –
Pancake Day –– We are looking for
parental support to make this day a
success. *Students are reminded to
bring their own plate and cutlery*.
February 28th Lenten Confessions at HFCFI School
March 1st
Ash Wednesday Paraliturgy at 1 p.m.
with Fr. Rick Dales – at HFCFI School
– Mme Campbell’s class will lead the
Paraliturgy
March 7th
Educational Gymnastics Meet - at
Carling Heights Optimist Community
Centre in London
March 8th
Chris Bray Event
March 13th – March 17th March Break
–- No school for staff and students
Library Corner
"Book Bingo / le Bingo des livres" reading programme is well under way. Many of the students
are putting a lot of effort into this, and are hopefully reading some books that they have never seen before as they try to fill in the subject categories on their bingo cards. The programme will continue until the end of February so there is still time to get involved.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Mme L. Hobbs,
Librarian
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The Catholic Graduation Expectation we
explore this month is An Effective Communicator (Un
communicateur efficace). The Catholic graduate is
expected to be an effective communicator who
speaks, writes, and listens honestly and sensitively,
responding critically in light of gospel values. In a culture where communication is increasingly commercialized, we are invited to prayer and to worship. This
message can be reinforced at home by encouraging
child/ren to:
Read daily
Make inferences and build connections
Keep a journal
Speak about their day
Speak in French
Listen to stories of the Bible
Think carefully before reacting or speaking
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH IS RESPECT
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN (FDK) AND
GRADE 1 FRENCH IMMERSION (F.I.)
REGISTRATION CONTINUES…
Spread the word! We have open registration! Basically what this means is: the new LDCSB Admission policy provides admission to the children of Roman Catholic families - Either one parent and/or the child must
be baptized Roman Catholic and proof of Catholic
baptism for parent/child is required at the time of registration. If you know of a family that would be interested in registering their child at our school, please
pass on our telephone number so they might receive
more information about our program! Registration
packages can be picked up at the school, or if you
prefer, can be sent home with an older sibling.
Registration will be by appointment only please.
Please contact our secretary, Mrs. Robertson, to
make an appointment.
519-675-4414
REPORTING/PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS/ STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity, and honour the rules
of our family, school and nation. Respect yourself,
and others will respect you.
You are practising RESPECT when you…
Honour the rules of your family, school and
nation
Are receptive to the wisdom of elders
Speak courteously to everyone
Take special care of the belongings of others
Treat others with dignity
Expect respect for your body and your rights
First term report cards will be going home on Thursday, February 2nd, 2017 for all students. This was the
third time JK students received report cards at this
time of year. Our Parent- Teacher Interviews/StudentLed Conferences will take place on Thursday, February 9th, 2017 from 4 – 8 p.m. A Parent-Teacher
Conference Request form went home with your
“youngest and only” child (pink form). Please complete the form and ensure that your family interview
request is submitted to your “youngest and only”
child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. The
I am respectful.
same form will then be returned to you with the times
I honour the wisdom of elders.
I treat others and myself as we deserve to be treated. that have been scheduled. Please note only one pink
form went home per family.
For JK – Grade 1/2 students, Parent/Teacher Interviews will be scheduled for 10 minutes each. Please
be prompt. For Grade 2/3 – Grade 8 students, there
will be a 20 minute window provided for the StudentLed Conference. As the conference will be led by the
student, the interview may only take 10 to 20 minutes.
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Please be aware that there may be more than one
conference happening at the same time. Once you
arrive, please enter the classroom during your scheduled window in order to begin your Student-Led Conference. (If parents/guardians of Grade 2/3 - 8 students wish to speak privately with a teacher, arrangements can be made to meet or speak by phone at
another time).
Thank you for your continued support
and partnership in your child’s Catholic
education.
We look forward to seeing you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Once again, our Lost and Found Bin is overflowing!!!
We will be displaying the items during the week of
Parent—Teacher Conferences. Please be sure to
check the bin and see if any of the items belong to
your child. Any unclaimed items will be sent for donation to charity.
We are looking for parent volunteers for our Shrove
Tuesday lunch on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017. All
you need is an apron, oven mitts, a spatula and a
love of pancakes. A pancake order form will be coming out in the middle of February. Please indicate on
the pancake order form if you can assist us or call
Also, on that evening, we will have another table of
Mrs. Robertson, our secretary, at 519-675-4414.
gently used uniform pieces that our parents have so
generously donated. If you can use a uniform piece, For students wishing to participate in the event, they
we invite you to please help yourself to the item. Mer- are reminded to send $2 with their completed form
a.s.a.p. so we can plan accordingly for the day. On
ci beaucoup, what an amazing community!
the day of the event, students are kindly asked to
please bring their own plate and cutlery.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD/REN IN
FRENCH IMMERSION?
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Please come and join us!
SPORTS, RECREATION and ACTIVITIES
SCHOOL COUNCIL – MAKING A DIFFERENCE
LOST AND FOUND:
Here are a couple of on-line resources that parents
can use to support their children in French Immersion:
so we can plan for this need.**
School Councils play a vital role in the education system in Ontario. They provide a forum through which
parents can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance. Parental involvement
in a child’s education has been shown to have a significant effect on his or her achievement. It is one of
the most significant factors contributing to a child’s
success in school. Being a Catholic School Council
member allows parents a vehicle through which to
support the entire school community and allows the
parent to be kept informed about what is happening at
the school. It is a rewarding experience for all those
who value the opportunity to make a difference in their
children’s education.
Gymnastics
The 2017 Gymnastics Season began in January, with
tryouts for all interested students in grades 1 - 8. The
students are now perfecting their gymnastics skills in
order to be ready for the Gymnastics Meet. The date
of our Educational Gymnastics meet will be: Tuesday, March 7th, 2017 with a snow date set for March
9th. The meet will take place at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre in London, Ontario (656 Elizabeth St.). Parents are welcome to attend but must
view the event from designated areas.
Our next meeting will take place in the library on:
Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2017 at 6:15 p.m.
All parents are welcome.
Theme Day
We will be having one theme day this month: our
theme day will be on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017.
**Child-minding can be provided if needed, please We are encouraging our students to wear red, white
contact Mrs. Robertson, our secretary, at 519-675- and/or pink in celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
4414 by Monday, February 6th, 2017 to inform her
CARNAVAL D’HIVER
School Council Update – February 2017
On Friday, February 10th, 2017 in the afternoon, the
grade 7/8 leadership class will be hosting a winter
carnival at our school for the classes of JK to grade
The Parent Guide resource is from the Ontario
6. Assuming the weather cooperates, there will be a
Ministry of Education at: http://
lot of fun-filled, outdoor games performed in French,
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/
parentGuideFrench.pdf
so please make sure to bring/send the appropriate
The FSL Homework Toolbox is a great on-line
clothing for activities in the snow. Children should
resource intended for French Immersion parents. come prepared to spend lots of time outdoors, so
It was developed by the Rainbow District School
snow pants, hats, extra mitts, warm coats and boots
Board, but it was created in conjunction with the
Ministry and therefore available for everyone at: are advised. If the weather does not permit due to a
wind chill alert or no snow we will have a plan to do
http://www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca/
some indoor activities.
Voila Learning is free online Homework Help for
your child. Your children can now access free
online homework help from the online teachers in
French, English and Math on Mondays to Thursdays from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. To connect visit:
voilalearning.com
We hope to see you there!
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School Council has had a busy first half of the year. Thanks to the hard work of our Fundraising Committee,
we have raised a total of $4,475.36 from our two fundraisers this fall. In addition, staffing the gates at the Outdoor Farm Show netted us $2, 835. These funds will allow us to fulfill our commitment to support our students
and school as well as continue to provide enriching experiences for our students and families.
With that in mind, please mark the following dates on your calendars:
March 8 – Our school will welcome worship leader and speaker Chris Bray. He is an award winning
Christian singer-songwriter who will be performing for our students during the day. In the evening, a
public concert will be held at our school from 6:30pm to 7:30pm with free will offering accepted.
April 25 – We are happy to announce the return of HFCFI’s Annual Family Mass and Sundae Social. With
such a great turnout last year, we are excited to bring together our families (both current and incoming) to
once again celebrate our community!
We welcome you to join us at our next Council meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at 6:15pm. Child minding is available.
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News from the Public Health Nurse
Winter Walk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR WALKING IN WINTER!
If you are a bused student your school may be participating in outdoor activities Feb 1/2017 or they
may choose an alternate day to encourage outdoor activities.
Tips
Keep hands and head covered to prevent heat loss
On really cold days wear a scarf over your face and mouth
Wear warm waterproof boots and snow pants and gloves
Wear a warm coat that deflects the wind
Woolen clothing helps to retain the heat
Wear clothing or carry knapsacks with reflective material –it’s important to be seen
If possible change wet clothing at school-tuck in an extra pair of socks and mitts into knapsacks
Cold weather alerts are issued when Environment Canada forecasts an air temperature below -15˚C
or a wind chill below -20˚C. This is considered too cold for walking so move your walk or activities to
another day.
Remind your child to not cross the street between snowbanks to close to the road so they don’t fall
onto the road and onto the street.
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February 2017
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First Term
Parent/Teacher
Interviews/
Conferences - 4 8 p.m.
School Mass at
9:30 a.m. at
Holy Trinity
Parish – M.
Contestabile’s
class to lead
mass
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2
St. Mary’s CHS
Registration Visit
for Gr. 8 students
Report Cards go
home
Pizza Day
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February Virtue/
CGE/Spirit Kick-off
Assembly at 10:30
a.m. – Mme
Morrison’s class to
lead the assembly
- *Students are
encouraged to
wear their house
shirts and uniform
bottoms*
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Grade 3 Swim to Survive – Woodstock Y
Pizza Day
Day of Adoration –
Fr. Patrick
Beneteau
Catholic School
Council Meeting at
6:15 p.m. in the
library
Carnaval in the
p.m. – M. Trepanier’s class to
lead activities –
Please be reminded to
dress warmly
for the outdoors.
IEP goes home
today – Term 2
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Valentine’s Day Theme Dress Down
Day- *Students are
encouraged to
wear Pink/Red/ and/
or White*
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25
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3
4
Pizza Day
Grade 3 Swim to Survive –
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Pizza Day
Family Day – No
School for staff
and students
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First Communion
Parent Meeting at
Holy Trinity Parish
at 7 p.m.
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Shrove Tuesday –
Mardi Gras –
Pancake Day –– We
are looking for parental support to make
this day a success. Students are reminded to bring
their own plate and
cutlery.
1
Pizza Day
Ash Wednesday
Paraliturgy at 1
p.m. with Fr. Rick
Dales – at HFCFI
School– Mme
Campbell’s class
will lead the
Paraliturgy
Lenten Confessions at
HFCFI School
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