MUCS NEWSLETTER - MAY 2013 (Read-Only) - St Clair CDS Board

ST. CLAIR CATHOLIC
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
420 CREEK STREET
WALLACEBURG, ON N8A 4C4
(519) 627-6762
MONSIGNOR UYEN
T I G E R C A T T I M E S
PRINCIPAL: Renée Culverwell
URSULINE COLLEGE
CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL
85 GRAND AVENUE WEST
CHATHAM, ON N7L 1B6
(519) 351-2987
Director of Education: Dan Parr Superintendent: Deb Crawford Trustee: Anita Labadie
JANUARY 2014
ISSUE: V
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL
Happy New Year to all of our school families! I hope everyone
had a chance to relax and enjoy the love of family and friends
over the Christmas Holidays.
WINTER READING
CHALLENGE
All students will be
challenged to take
part in a Winter
Reading Program.
Families are
encouraged to
participate with
their children!
Prizes will be given
as recognition for
great efforts. Help
your child develop
this important life
long skill and a love
of reading! More
details to follow.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your
support during the Fall and Advent seasons. Thank you for the gifts,
cards and Christmas wishes. Thank you for attending our Christmas
Musical Production, supporting our Quilt Raffle, 50/50 draw, and
buying cookies for our United Way Kingdom Assignment Project. You are a
generous community, thank you! Congratulations to Michael Legue who won the
Quilt and Quilt Rack and to Carolina Botero Escobar who won the 50/50 Draw. We
raised $641.00 from the Quilt Raffle and $189.50 from the 50/50 Draw both going
towards the Muskoka Woods Grade 7 excursion in the spring.
Our Christmas Luncheon was a delicious feast! Special thanks to Amy Dumoulin-
Jeromel for coordinating and organizing the Lunch. Thanks to so many Moms,
Dads and Grandparents who helped set up, cook, and serve the meal as well as those
who took down and cleaned up. It was wonderful and very appreciated!
Christmas in Muskoka was also another amazing event! Thanks to Megan Lemak
who bought the decorations and set up our beautiful Monsignor Uyen Tree. Thanks
to the Wilson Family who donated the EcoBike to go with our tree. Thanks to our
School Advisory Council who contributed to the purchase of our tree.
January and February are key months for your child’s learning to accelerate. The
students know the routines and are usually ready to get down to business after the
Christmas holidays. Please keep reading with your child(ren) at home nightly and
encourage him/her to give 100% effort in school work, building relationships, and
being respectful and responsible at all times.
I look forward to an incredible 2014! I’m so happy to be your principal! If ever you
have any concerns, great ideas, or you feel I can assist you, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Mme Renée Culverwell
255 LARK STREET, CHATHAM, ON N7L 1G9
Telephone: 519-352-1880 Fax: 519-352-1933
http://www.st-clair.net/schools/uyen

INCLEMENT WEATHER
January has arrived and last week we witnessed how the winter season can have an affect on bussing and
school closures. In the event of inclement weather, please stay tuned to our local radio stations for school
bus cancellations and/or school closure. Bussing information can also be found online by visiting
www.schoolbusinfo.com.
If buses are cancelled and your student does not ride the bus and you grant permission
for them to stay home, you must call the secretary to confirm their absence. Also note
that when buses are cancelled in the morning due to inclement weather they will NOT RUN
in the afternoon. Parents who drive their children to school must make arrangements to pick
them up at dismissal time.
If inclement weather occurs during school hours, parents will be notified by telephone of all details that
will affect early release and/or early bus dismissal of their child(ren). Please ensure that all contact
information that we have on record at school is accurate and up to date.
Our sign out policy for students is crucial on days when there is inclement weather. Under no
circumstance should a student leave the school without notifying their teacher and signing out at the
office. Students will not be permitted to leave school with anyone other than those listed on their Student
Data Verification Form. If for any reason alternate arrangements must be made, please notify your
child’s teacher or the secretary by calling the school.
WINTER DRESS
Winter is here! Is your child dressed for the weather?
It is that time of year when students need to be
reminded of the necessity of dressing properly for the
weather. Mittens/Gloves, hats, scarves, boots, and
snow pants should be considered.
Labeling items would be helpful, as many boots and
mittens look very similar. Often items make their
way to the “Lost and Found” and are not claimed.
Students must have indoor running shoes to wear in
the school after boots are taken off and for Physical
Education in the gym.
Students go outside for 20 minutes during both
nutrition breaks. Research indicates that fresh air
allows students to refocus on their studies. Please
note that children who are too ill to go outside should
remain at home since indoor supervision is not
available during nutrition breaks.
Weather conditions are monitored daily and decisions
to send students out on extremely cold days are based
upon our local weather conditions and School Board
Policy. When extreme cold days occur, the outdoor
period of nutrition breaks will be adjusted according
to the actual outdoor temperature and conditions.
SNOW THROWING POLICY
In the interest of student
safety, there is perhaps no
other activity that has
potential to cause serious
injury than throwing snow or
snowballs. Particles of ice, grit, or
stones can be embedded in the snow
without a person’s knowledge and
could result in head injuries or eye
injuries.
Snow/Snowball throwing is NOT
permitted at Monsignor Uyen School.
Students have also been reminded that
there will be no kicking of snow or
taking off students’ hats. Please take
this opportunity to discuss these
behaviours with your child(ren).
Students are aware of the consequences
and in repeated instances a suspension
may be considered. Thank you for
helping to keep all of our students safe
and assisting us in making students
understand the importance of this
policy.

FOCUS ON CATHOLICITY
Our School Wellness and Announcement Teams lead a wonderful Advent Liturgy each
week before the Christmas Holidays. Well done Teams!
Our Grade 4/5 class led us in a super Advent Mass celebrated at school with Father Daniel. Thank
you M. Lacharité! Mme Pumfrey provided the wonderful Music Ministry. We appreciate Father
Daniel, Karen Robert, and Colleen Keane for their Spiritual Guidance throughout the whole year.
We will be celebrating our New Year Mass with Father Daniel at school Thursday, January 30 th at
9:45 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
BINGO!
Monsignor Uyen School is blessed to
have the opportunities to work bingos
to raise funds for our students. We
really need your help for this new
year.
Please take note of the upcoming Bingos listed
below and contact Jennifer Chickowski by calling
(519) 355-0458 or call the school office (519)
352-1880 if you are able to assist on any of the
following dates:
Friday, January 17 th 9:30 p.m., 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 1 st 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.,
1:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15 th 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
When you work a bingo, you will receive a $15
dollar cheque, as a token of our appreciation, to
use as you would like: on your child’s food days,
field trips, or to donate to your child’s teacher for
the classroom. Thank you for your support.
SPORTS UPDATE
Our junior volleyball teams have
enjoyed their season. Both teams
represented Monsignor Uyen very
well at the UCC Tournament this
past weekend. Special thanks to
Mme Lachine and M. Lacharité for coaching the
boys and girls!
DECEMBER AWARDS
In December at our Good News Assembly,
students were recognized for demonstrating
outstanding qualities and exceptional effort.
Congratulations to those students who showed
compassion in their classroom:
COMPASSION
Brock M. Jaclyne C. Tabitha L.
Amber P. Owen G. Alex V.
Anthony H. Matthew S. Makenna L.
Judah C. Ben Z. Chloe D.
Matthew S.
Best effort, positive attitude and most improved
were qualities teachers looked for in the subject of
Science and in speaking French during December.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
SCIENCE
Joshua T. Aidan R. Antonio F.
Morghan S. Carson D. Alex S.
Tanner P. Cole C. Hannah B.
Abby B. Noah C. Kayne G.
Abbey P. Zachary J. Nolan D.
Spring S.
L’effort de parler
Addison R. Mya E. Maia D.
Michael W. Jonathon G. Maxwell H.
Linzi M. Allyson S. Kaleb K.
Tanner H. Pierre C. Emma R.
Jacob P.
Our next Good News Assembly will take place
Wednesday, January 29 th at 10:00 am. All
parents are always welcome to attend these
celebrations.

BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS
The senior basketball season will begin soon. Players have already started practising, developing new
skills and learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Special thanks to Mme Cadotte-
Trudell and Mlle. Vajdik for coaching the Girl’s Team and Mme. Culverwell for coaching the Boy’s
Team. The coaches of the girl’s team are still in the process of selecting a team. Congratulations to
the students on our boy’s team.
BOY’S TEAM
Austin H. Nolan D. Ethan L. Khuen-Dte J. Jayden V. Jack G.
Andrew S. Tanner H. Josh B. Alex J. Bennett M. Evan T.
Calum O.
BRAVO! BRAVO!
TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
“LE CRÉATEUR DE LA CRÈCHE”
Way to go cast:
Ethan L. Chloé B. Holly M.
Will E. Jayna D. Hannah D.
Emily B. Madelyn P. Pierre C.
José G-R. Ryan F. Dante D.
Madison V. Cora V.
Living Nativity:
Dante D. Will E. Madison V.
Elizabeth S. Cora V. Noah D.
Hannah W. Jaclyne C. Isabella S.
Sofia P.
Lights Managers: Sean L., Carson K.
Sound Manager: Trentin P.
Stage Crew: Aleks S.
Stagers: Austin H., Cameron L.
Narrators: Abbey P., Halle M., Danielle G., Santé P.
Singers: Every Monsignor Uyen Student
Special Thanks to: Mme Pumfrey (Music), Mrs.
Colleen Keane (Costumes), Mme Vajdik (Set design),
Mme Marentette (Programs), Mme Cadotte-Trudell
and Mme Wallace (props & Social Justice Team),
Mme Culverwell (Script & Director).
WE APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROSITY!
Thanks to the Mariconda
Family for donating Soccer
balls, Volleyballs and French
Library Books!
Thanks to the Piatkowski Family for donating
prizes for our Campbell’s Labels Monthly Draws!
Thanks to the Graham-Brown Family for
donating a Microwave for our staffroom!
HAVE YOU REGISTERED
School Cash Online is an easy to use, safe way to pay
for your children’s school fees. No more cash and
cheques coming to the school. This program provides
a convenient fee payment option that will save you
time, reduce paper, maintain a focus on instruction in
the classroom and limit cash and cheques in our
schools. This improved efficiency also aligns with the
District’s strengthened accounting practices. If you do
not have access to a computer, please contact the
school office and we will make arrangements for you
to use a school computer. Thank you to all those who
have already registered!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT
Yes, we have read the January newsletter and are submitting this form for a chance to win a free
pizza from Little Caesars. Congratulations to the Raspburg Family for winning December’s draw.
____________________________
Parent / Guardian’s Signature
_______________________________
Student’s Name

MONSIGNOR UYEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL IS HOSTING ITS FIRST
Muskoka Woods
Card Making & Scrapbooking Day
Saturday, February 1 st from 9 am until 5 pm
IN THE GYM AT MONSIGNOR UYEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL, LARK STREET, CHATHAM
Card making classes by Stampin’Up Demonstrator, Megan Lemak.
Cricut, Big Shot and other tools available for your use.
Lots of room to spread out as each attendee will have their own table.
Vendors on site with scrapbooking and card-making supplies.
Great items (donated by local vendors) available through the silent auction.
CARD MAKING CLASSES
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T SCRAPBOOK BUT ARE CREATIVE:
TWO CARD MAKING CLASSES AVAILABLE: 10:00 - 11:30 AM, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
$10.00 PER CLASS (FINISH 5 CARDS DURING EACH CLASS)
CLASSES ARE FOR AGES 10 TO 99!
CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT (Cost includes supplies.)
SCRAPBOOKING
ONLY $30 PER PERSON FOR THE DAY.
(Includes lunch and snacks throughout the day.)
ADD A CARD MAKING CLASS FOR $5.00 PER CLASS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT:
Amy Dumoulin-Jeromel Megan Lemak Monsignor Uyen
adumoulinjeromel@sympatico.ca mlemak@cogeco.ca (519) 352-1880
Registration and payment using School Cash Online or by cheque
made payable to “Monsignor Uyen Catholic School” is required by Friday January 24 th .
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARD THE GRADE 7
MUSKOKA WOODS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE IN THE SPRING.
Monsignor Uyen has the right to cancel this event if there is insufficient registration.
Should this occur, refunds for the full amount of the registration fee will be granted.

HELPING YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED AT SCHOOL
Each month in this space, look for tips on ways in which parents can help keep their children safe
when using online tools and social media. For January, I will highlight some specific examples of
cyber bullying.
Dan Parr, Director of Education
Source: Ontario Provincial Police
Cyber Bullying
Although there are different definitions regarding the topic of cyber bullying, it can generally be
defined as sending or posting harmful or cruel text messages or images using the internet or other
digital communication devices.
Some Specific Examples of Cyber Bullying Would Include:
Sending cruel, vicious and sometimes threatening messages;
Creating websites that have stories, cartoons, pictures and jokes ridiculing others;
Posting pictures of classmates online with intent to embarrass them;
Breaking into an email account and sending vicious or embarrassing material to others;
Engaging someone in IM (instant messaging), tricking that person into revealing sensitive
personal information and then forwarding that information to others;
Taking a picture of a person using a digital phone camera and sending that picture to others
without consent.
TRUSTEE CORNER
Happy New Year from the Board of Trustees for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board!
As you may know, St. Clair Catholic, along with the Diocese of London and the Huron Perth,
London and Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic district school boards, have worked to organize an
evening with Terry Nelson-Johnson. The event for St. Clair Catholic is at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
January 20 th at the Ursuline College theatre in Chatham.
Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is the Animating and Creative Partner of Soul Play, an experiential,
theological and education enterprise serving congregations families and adults. His art is the
written and spoken word. Through storytelling, poetry and humour, he connects our life stories to
the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Ten seats have been reserved for each elementary school; and 25 seats for each secondary
school; however, more seats can be made available. Please contact your principal if you would
like to attend.
The event is free and is made available through a Ministry of Education “Parents Reaching Out”
grant.
I hope you are able to attend.
Yours in Catholic education,
Carol Bryden, Chair of the Board; John Van Heck; Vice Chair of the Board
Trustees – John Fontaine, Anita Labadie, Michelle Parks, Brenda Rumble and Linda Ward.