IT STARTS UPCOMING EVENTS. Month of February TCDSB Board-wide Virtue of the Month: Love

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1 IT STARTS in the Schools UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 2009 Month of February TCDSB Board-wide Virtue of the Month: Love Month of February TCDSB Board-wide Celebration of Black History Month February 2 TCDSB Elementary Schools Kindergarten Registration Begins For more information: February 2 February 5 & 6 February 6 February 9 12 February 11 St. Joseph Catholic School Leslie St.,Toronto Holy Angels Catholic School Jutland Rd., Etobicoke St. Kevin Catholic School Precious Blood Church Hall Use lower ramp on West side of Church 1737 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough St. Marcellus Catholic School Denfield St., Etobicoke Brebeuf College School 211 Steeles Ave., North York Kick for Pennies for Leukemia Patients for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada 12:45 p.m. in the gym Carnaval Celebration Feb. 5: Bonhomme visits each class; Feb. 6: Outdoor Games, musical performance 2:35 p.m.: Yelling Contest and Winter Clothing Speed Dressing Contest 2 nd Annual Family Fun Bingo Night Doors open at Candy Grams for Valentine s Day Grade 8 students sell candy grams. Profits donated to Transfiguration Sharelife Schools North Region) 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Information: Bianca Auciello or David Hogan

2 February 11 February 11 Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School Saffron Cres., Etobicoke Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Brimwood Blvd., Scarborough St. Michael s Choir School Bond St., Toronto St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School York Mills Road, North York Neil McNeil High School 127 Victoria Park Ave., Scarborough Walk to School and Celebrate All grades participate in circuit fun walk. Schools Central Region) 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Information: Bianca Auciello or David Hogan TCDSB Elementary Schools Evening Kindergarten Registration 7:00-9:00 p.m. Dante Alighieri Academy Playfair Ave., North York Our Lady of Peace Catholic School Mattice Ave., Etobicoke Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School Japonica Rd., Scarborough St. Agatha Catholic School Cathedral Bluffs Dr., Scarborough St. Cecilia Catholic School Annette St., Toronto St. Cyril Catholic School Kempford Blvd., North York St. Gregory Catholic School Rathburn Rd., Etobicoke James Culnan Catholic School Willard Ave., York St. John Catholic School Kingston Rd., Toronto Urban Culture Day in celebration of Black History Month Hip Hop Dance Showcase by teams from across the TCDSB 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

3 February 17 February 17 & 18 February February February February 18 February 18 St. Richard Catholic School Bellamy Rd. N., Scarborough St. Catherine Catholic School Roanoke Road, North York St. Gabriel Catholic School Spring Garden Ave. North York St. Raphael Catholic School Gade Drive, North York St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School York Mills Road, North York Pope John Paul II Catholic 685 Military Trail, Scarborough TCDSB Continuing Education Ext.2428 St. Luke Catholic School Ossington Ave., Toronto St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School Alexmuir Blvd., Scarborough St. Gerald Catholic School Old Sheppard Ave., North York St. Luke Catholic School Ossington Ave., Toronto St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Morningside Ave., Scarborough Valentine s Day Dance In the afternoon French Café-- gymnasium will be transformed into a café where students will visit and order a treat en francais. The theme for this event is la mascarade Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope Fundraiser African Canadian Heritage Presentation by Bernice Carnagie form Future Aces Foundation Schools East Region) 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Information: Bianca Auciello or David Hogan Night School Credit Classes Begin February 17: Jean Vanier and Msgr. Percy Johnson C.S.S.; February 18: Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton and Francis Libermann C.S.S.; February 18: online courses begin School Spirit Week Carnaval and Spirit Week Daily activities will be held to celebrate the spirit of Carnaval, including a visit from Bonhomme Carnaval Games and activities Carnaval Outdoor Games: 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. French Concert: 1:00 p.m.

4 February 19 February 19 February 19 February 19 February 19 Archbishop Romero Catholic 99 Humber Blvd., York St. John Vianney Catholic School Thistle Down Blvd, Etobicoke St. Bonaventure Catholic School Leslie St., North York St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Fermanagh Ave., Toronto Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Brimwood Blvd., Scarborough St. Gabriel Catholic School Spring Garden Ave. North York Schools North-West Region) 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Information: Bianca Auciello or David Hogan Carnaval d Hiver Hot chocolate and croissants for students in the French Café; number and word bingo, games, prizes and appearance by Bonhomme Evening Evening Lift Every Voice & Sing The Roots of Gospel Music by Tiki Mercury-Clarke sponsored by CSAC 12:50 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CSAC Dance-a-thon February 19 TCDSB Schools Perspectives, Challenges, Ideas and Responses 2009 Gifted conference, 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Convocation Hall, University of Toronto St. John Vianney Catholic School Thistle Down Blvd, Etobicoke Msgr. Percy Johnson Catholic High School 2170 Kipling Ave., Etobicoke St. Martha Catholic School Sheppard Ave. W., North York St. Raphael Catholic School Gade Drive, North York St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School York Mills Road, North York Jump Rope/Hoops for Heart JK to Grade 8 in the gym Schools West Region) 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Information: Bianca Auciello or David Hogan Winter Carnival Carnaval Activities--Masked Carnaval dance for grades 6-8 in the morning; Jacquot French presentation for grades 1-5 in the afternoon. Carnaval Activities

5 February 24 February 23 February 24 February 24 February 26 February 27 February 27, 28, March 6 & 7 March 2 March 4-7 St. John Vianney Catholic School Thistle Down Blvd, Etobicoke St. Marcellus Catholic School Denfield St., Etobicoke St. Margaret Catholic School Carmichael Ave., North York St. Raphael Catholic School Gade Drive, North York Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic 40 Sewells Rd., Scarborough St. Joseph Catholic School Leslie St.,Toronto Madonna Catholic Staff Arts ext Dubray Avenue, North York Msgr. Percy Johnson Catholic Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Michael Power/St. Joseph Catholic Eringate Drive, Etobicoke Pancake Tuesday Hosted by CSAC Shrove/Pancake Tuesday Special Education teachers cook pancakes for staff and students. Proceeds will go to Nelson Mandela Toonie Fund Shrove Tuesday Pancake breakfast at Galati Supermarket I-LITE A Chance to Shine Intermediate Leaders In Training Conference for TCDSB North and East Elementary Schools. Speaker: Bilall Rajan. Information: Michael Consul Ext Heritage Night 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the gym Leading Ladies TCDSB Staff Arts production, 7:30 p.m. nightly. Vow of Silence--Raising awareness about the plight of children in some countries, and raising funds for school in Sierra Leone. Guys and Dolls Performances nightly at 7 p.m., matinee on March 7 th at 2 p.m. RECENT HIGHLIGHTS Future Aces at St. Jane Frances History came to life when Dr. Herbert Carnegie visited St. Jane Frances Catholic School in September and October, establishing continued professional development at the school with respect to the Future Aces Program. It was special for the teachers and students to meet a real community hero. Dr. Herbert Carnegie has lived a remarkable 89 years. He s been a professional hockey player, champion golfer and philanthropist. He s also an honorary chief of the York Regional Police and founder of the Herbert H. Carnegie

6 Future Aces Foundation. He has 10 Hall of Fame honours, and has received seven medals including the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship and the Order of Canada, for his work fighting racism and giving back to his country. The Future Aces program aligns itself coterminously with an inclusive curriculum. Dr. Carnegie s story reinforces the importance of cultural proficiency and diversity in education. He regularly says, Make attitude your friend! and the entire school community has embraced his Future Aces Creed. Dr. Carnegie remembers all too clearly the roadblocks in reaching his goal to compete in the NHL. Conn Smythe from the Toronto Maple Leafs, although having marveled at Carnegie s natural talents, allegedly stated that he would take him tomorrow if someone could turn Carnegie white. Carnegie recalled in his autobiography, I can t remember exactly what I thought, but a little voice in the back of my head was kissing my NHL hopes goodbye. Carnegie was irate that others would judge his hockey abilities based on his skin color. He was challenged to turn his negative energy into a positive resolution. Herb established the first hockey school in Canada and called it Future Aces. He raised money and sponsorship so that boys from poorer families could participate and learn to appreciate the sport. He then created the Future Aces Creed, what has now become a guideline for good citizenship: A for develop a positive attitude/action; C for character/citizenship; E for empathy/education and S for service/sportsmanship. This creed is consistent with the TCDSB s character and equity initiatives. Staff at SJF continues to work from a Tribes perspective, focusing on mutual respect and appreciation, attentive listening and active participation. Most diversity programs are used to explain the nature of diversity or the process of learning about or acquiring new cultures. The Future Aces Philosophy focuses on responding to the environment shaped by its diversity Cultural proficiency enables both individuals and organizations to respond effectively to people who differ from them. Cultural competence is behavior that is aligned with standards that move an organization or an individual toward culturally proficient interactions. Educational leaders who are successful in creating culturally proficient learning communities will enable students to play vital roles as they enter the global community. Carnegie wrote the Future Aces Creed in 1956 and still uses it to inspire self-esteem and positive character. His non-profit Foundation formed in 1987 has awarded $420,000 in scholarships to deserving youth. After having many thousands benefit from his creed, the opening of the Herbert H. Carnegie Public School in September 2008 is a testament to his legacy. Submitted by: Josephine Virgilio, teacher, St. Jane Frances Catholic School Dr. Carnegies says, Make attitude your friend photo taken at York University Convocation, June 2008 when he received the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. Lieutenant Governor Visits St. Jean de Brebeuf Mrs. Doxtater s Grade 5 class at St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic School had their social studies classes on government come to life when The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Her Honour, Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley, graciously accepted an invitation to visit the school and speak about His Honour s role as representative of the Queen in the Province of Ontario. The children were delighted that he took the time from his busy schedule to come to the school and answer their many questions. Submitted by: Carol Soper, Principal

7 Peace Project at St. Edmund Campion St. Edmund Campion School has been fortunate to have a Centennial College CYW student Arif Ali working at making the school community more peaceful. He led a group of grade 6/7 students-- Renee, Abigail, Anika, Pamela, and Eryn--to create a Peace Project in which they educated the school community on ways to create peace in the classroom and school yard. They also raised money selling white ribbons for ending violence against women. St. Elizabeth Student Donates Hair Cristina Iamascia of St. Elizabeth Catholic School cut her hair and sent it to Angel Hair for Kids, an organization that creates wigs for children who are undergoing treatment for cancer. She will be presented with a certificate for donating her hair to this organization. Creative Arts Gala was a fusion of talents from Notre Dame and Neil McNeil The creative talents of the young women at Notre Dame High School and those of the young men from Neil McNeil High school complimented each other on January 16 th in the Notre Dame gymnasium. The event, which was coordinated by the Grade 12 Notre Dame Writer s Craft students, brought together diverse creative talents including writing, a fabulous magic show, theatre, dance, visual art, instrumental and vocal music, jazz, rock, digital arts, photography and culinary arts. The theme of the event was, The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The evening turned out to be a vivid illustration of the theme on many levels. Two great schools showed both depths of talent as well as meaningful artistic expression over the course of the evening. The audience of over 200 were educated and delighted by the ideas and talents of over 150 male and female students from the two schools. Submitted by: Xavier Wynn-Williams Writer s Craft Instructor and Head of English at Notre Dame Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge 2009 Stephanie Fulginiti and Tania Galindo from Marshall McLuhan Catholic have entered and been accepted into the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge. The team developed a proposal regarding the identification and validation of genes that may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They are currently working at the MaRS Centre under the supervision of Dr. Christian Marshall, a researcher working on the Autism Genome Project for Sick Kids Hospital. Stephanie and Tania will be

8 identifying interesting regions on a genome that is thought to be a cause of ASD. Once these identifications are made, they will be using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qpcr) machine to amplify theses regions. The amplified regions will be stained to identify any variations in the gene compared to those of a non-autistic individual. Students submit their research proposals to the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge to enter. Selected projects are matched with scientist mentors and given access to appropriate laboratory facilities. Regional competitions are held in March and April to determine finalists; the national competition is held at the headquarters of the National Research Council Canada in Ottawa. The top two national project teams earn the chance to compete in the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge at the Biotechnology Industry Organization s (BIO) Annual International Conference. Blessed John XXIII Showcases Programs and Services for Young Children and Their Families Dr. Charles Pascal, who was appointed by the Provincial Government to recommend the best way to implement fullday learning for four- and five-year-olds, recently visited Blessed John XXIII Catholic School. Accompanying him were Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne and Minister of Child and Youth Services Deb Matthews, as well as a host of dignitaries from the TCDSB including Chair Catherine LeBlanc-Miller, Associate Director of Academic Services Angela Gauthier, Superintendents Josie DiGiovanni, Colleen Tovey-Shackleton and Bernice Brand. The special guests had an opportunity chat with staff, parents and students in the Kindergarten classrooms, the Parenting and Family Literacy Centre and the on-site child care centre. Minister Wynne and Ruby Malobago in the child care Chaminade student finds himself in The Real World Talon Leuchter, a student at Chaminade College School is among the contestants on The Real World. The 14- year-old, who plays hockey and soccer and enjoys a variety of other sporting activities as well, is among 18 young people featured in the program, which airs Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. on YTV. The winner of the race will receive college tuition money and an all-expense paid family vacation to one of four amazing destinations. IT STARTS IN THE SCHOOLS is published monthly throughout the school year. Events, locations and times are subject to change. For more information, call Ext This publication can be found on the Internet at see news. The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates more than 90,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves 474,876 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto. Toronto Catholic Schools Faith in Your Child 09 Toronto Catholic District School Board, 80 Sheppard Ave. E., North York, ON M2N 6E8 phone: website: webmaster@tcdsb.org