Student Agenda

The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the routines and programs at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. This handbook will be used for reference during the school year.

We, the staff, are excited about the opportunities this year to help our students grow in the light of Christ. With the support of you, as parents, our awesome staff and the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School community, we look forward to a rewarding year.

DCDSB Mission Statement

We are called to celebrate and nurture the God-given talents of each student as we serve with excellence in the light of Christ.

School Hours

8:50 a.m. - Supervision begins (please do not drop off before that time)

9:05 a.m. - Entrance bell

10:30 a.m. - Morning recess

11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. - Lunch hour (students go outside for the first 40 minutes, then eat in their classrooms)

2:15 p.m. - Afternoon Recess

3:35 p.m. Dismissal

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas is most well-known for his writings in philosophy and theology. He was a brilliant man and had extraordinary powers of concentration. But this intellectual man was also very humble. He prayed often and acknowledged that all his gifts came from God.

The feast day of Saint Thomas is celebrated January 28.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

St. Thomas Catholic School belongs to the parish of Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 373 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa. Father Keith Callaghan is the Pastor.

Mass times are Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Prayer to Saint Thomas

Blessed St. Thomas, please listen to my plea. I elicit your help to make sure that my memory does not fail me and that I will always remain dedicated to my studies. I trust in your influence, oh Blessed St. Thomas. Amen

Important Reminders

It is essential that the school have the most current phone number and address for every family
We also need an emergency contact with updated number and email
If information changes throughout the year, please advise the school ASAP

Communication with Edsby

Edsby is our teachers’ primary communication tool. Homework, reminders, upcoming test dates, or special communications will be communicated through Edsby. The school also uses email to communicate with parents, so please check your mailbox frequently and ensure school communications are not in your ‘junk’ folder.

P.A. Days and Holidays

September 1 - P.A. Day

September 5 - Labour Day

October 8 - P.A. Day

October 10 - Thanksgiving

October 24 - P.A. Day

Dec. 26 – Jan. 6 - Christmas Break

January 20 - P.A. Day

February 17 - P.A. Day

February 20 - Family Day

March 10 - Non-Instructional Day

March 13 – 17 - March Break

April 7 - Good Friday

April 10 - Easter Monday

May 22 - Victoria Day

June 9 - P.A. Day

June 30 - P.A. Day

Reporting Schedule

November

Kindergarten: Communication of Learning: Initial Observations and Parent/Teacher Conference
Grades 1-8: Progress Report and Parent/Teacher Conferences

February

Kindergarten: Communication of Learning
Grades 1-8: Report Cards and Parent/Teacher conferences when requested by parent or teacher

June

Kindergarten: Communication of Learning
Grade 1-8: Report Cards and Parent/Teacher conferences when requested by parent or teacher

Parking

When dropping children off at school or picking students up from school, parents/guardians are not to use the front parking lot. This area must be a traffic-free zone to ensure the safety of our students. There is a turnaround circle with a sidewalk leading into the school property at the north end of Cromwell Avenue. Students using this walkway will not have to walk between or in front of cars. Supervision is provided by staff at the turnaround circle at 8:50 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. and 3:35 p.m., until all students are picked up. Parents are asked to park on the streets should you wish as well as the church parking lot off Hillside Avenue. When parking in this lot, please park close to the church buildings as the buses drop students off in this lot.

Safety over convenience in a School Zone!

Important Information Regarding Allergies

No Latex and Nuts!

We have staff and students who have anaphylactic allergies to latex products and nuts. Please ensure that you check lunches and snacks for peanut/nut content. Please do not send any toys, balls, or balloons to school as they may contain latex. Treatment of an anaphylactic reaction involves an immediate drug injection (i.e. an EpiPen), and an emergency trip to the hospital. The school staff have been alerted to these serious allergies and have been instructed in the administration of an EpiPen.

Catholicity at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

At St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, we are committed to building a community of faith.

Catholicity and all of its spiritual dimensions are visible and evident each day.

For example:

family life education and daily prayer are regular components of our program;
students participate in daily religious instruction;
prayer centres are central to all classrooms;
school masses take place at Paroisse Assomption de Notre-Dame (behind the school);
school liturgical assemblies occur during Advent and Lent;
students are taught to pray the rosary through our Rosary Apostolates and there is a special focus on the Virgin Mary during the months of October and May;
we acknowledge the feast Day for St. Thomas Aquinas C.S., on January 28;
outreach initiatives are promoted to support our community, Share Life and other charities;
monthly celebrations of the Catholic Graduate Expectations.

Students in Grade 2 receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion; and Grade 7 students receive the sacrament of Confirmation, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Students in Grade 4 each receive a Catholic Youth Bible that follows them to Grade 8. This year, we welcome our new parish priest, Fr. Marijan Sisko.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are provided by the staff at St. Thomas Aquinas C.S. Many various athletic, arts and academic activities are offered throughout the year. Some activities require trying out for the teams while others are open to all who wish to participate. Activities can vary from year to year based on participants and/or supervision availability. COVID protocols must be adhere to while participating.

Parent Volunteers

We recognize that volunteers play a vital role in supporting student learning and increasing parental involvement in schools. To that end, volunteers are most welcome; however, due to COVID restrictions parent volunteers will be limited this year. Please note that any essential volunteer must be double-vaccinated, wear a mask and complete a mandatory police background check.

Pizza Days

Every Thursday is Pizza Day. Each slice is $2.75. Preferred method of payment is online through SchoolCashOnline. If sending cash, we accept exact payment only as we cannot make change. Payment is due by Wednesday at 9:05 AM.

Healthy School Certified

St. Thomas Aquinas C.S. is a certified Healthy School. We strive to encourage students to bring healthy snacks and lunches and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Please keep this in mind when packing food for school. We also provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity throughout the day, so please send your children with appropriate footwear and clothing.

Gold Certified Eco-School

St. Thomas Aquinas C.S. is a Gold-Medal certified Eco-School. As a Catholic community, we are committed to being Stewards of God's creation. We encourage students to pack lunches in reusable plastic containers to minimize waste, and also to bring a refillable water bottle.

Celebrates Assemblies

Our monthly awards assembly is an opportunity for staff and students to pray together and to celebrate the many successes of our students. A student from each class who exemplifies the characteristics of the Catholic Graduate Expectations is selected from each class.

Immunization

Each year, the Public Health Department advises us of students who do not have up to date immunization records on file with the Health Department. These students can be, and are, placed under suspension by the Health Department following written notice from Public Health. Please make sure your child's immunizations are up to standard, and records are up to date. Your health care provider can help you with this. Planning ahead will assist us in avoiding excluding students from school.

School Cash Online

SchoolCashOnline is the preferred method of submitting payments to the school. Please register online at the following link: http://durhamcatholic.schoolcashonline.com. You will need your child’s OEN number which can be found on his/her report card.

School Bus Safety

As outlined in the DCDSB Transportation Policy and Procedures, bus privileges may be removed by the Principal, if student behaviour warrants.

Each student shall:

show courtesy and respect to drivers and passengers;
remain seated when bus is moving;
remain seated in an emergency and follow adult directions;
refrain from eating, drinking, or littering;
refrain from distracting the driver;
assume cost of malicious damage;
keep aisles clear;
keep belongings on the lap (no bulky or sharp items carried);
remain quiet at railway crossings;
be responsible to the Principal for his/her conduct while traveling on a school bus.

Dress Code

The appropriate dress code of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School reflects the understanding that school is a students’ place of work. Attire is to be consistent with the expectations of an environment reflecting a Catholic school community. The standards of dress for students at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School are reviewed with the Catholic School Council as outlined by Board policy. The guideline outlined applies to all in-school situations, on the school grounds, and while attending all school-related activities and events. This dress code is based on the values of good health and hygiene, safety, modesty, common sense and consideration for others. Dress appropriately for the school environment which includes function and safety. Clothing should be comfortable to allow students to focus on learning.

The following are the acceptable standards of dress for students at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School:

hats and caps will not be worn in the school;
clothes with slogans/pictures must be positive and appropriate for school;
undergarments are not to be visible;
pajama pants/pajamas are not appropriate school wear;
for health and safety reasons, appropriate and secure footwear must be worn at all times;
jewelry and accessories should allow for safe participation in physical activities;
appropriate dress for participation in the physical education program is outlined by the classroom teacher. Running shoes, with non-marking soles, must be worn. A change of clothes is recommended as appropriate to the age of the student.

All Dress Code infractions will be addressed with discretion and respect.

Traditional Catholic Prayers

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Le signe de la Croix

Au nom du Père et du Fils et du Saint-Esprit. Amen

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Notre Père

Notre Père, qui es au cieux, que ton nom soit sanctifié, que ton règne vienne, que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel. Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain de ce jour. Pardonne-nous nos offenses comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offenses. Et ne nous sommets pas à la tentation, mais deliver-nous du mal. Amen

Act of Contrition

My God, I am so sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen

Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered throughout the world, in reparation for all my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and also for the intention of the Holy Father. Amen

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Je Vous Salue, Marie

Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous. Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes et Jésus le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni. Sainte Marie, mère de Dieu, priez pour nous, pauvres pécheurs, maintenant et à l’heure de notre mort. Amen

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Gloire Soit Au Père

Gloire soit au Père, et au Fils, et au Saint-Esprit, comme il était au commencement, maintenant et toujours, pour les siècles des siècles. Amen

Grace Before Meals

Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin,

the resurrection of the body. And life everlasting. Amen

School Code of Conduct

Please click here to read the Code of Conduct.