Welcome back to a new school year, and a special welcome to the new families and staff joining us for the first time!
As the new Principal I too am blessed to be joining the community and family of Our Lady of Victory this year. I’d like to thank all the staff, students and parents for the warm welcome I have received in my first days here. In the past 25 years, while working as an educator for the Toronto Catholic District School Board, I have served in a variety of roles in many different schools. Each experience introduced me to a unique school culture and provided new insights into learning and teaching. I look forward to learning anew with the students, staff and parents here at Our Lady of Victory as we grow and work together.
September is always a new beginning and we all share the desire to have our children develop to the best of their abilities. In the days and months to come, we will come together, many times with one voice to share the Gospel, rejoice in your child's learning and grow in the certainty that, together, we will shape our students into the future citizens of the world. Academic success is influenced by what is expected at home as well as at school. Partnership between school and home will lead to a successful year for students as they prepare to meet the challenges of a new grade. Your ongoing support of the school and your regular involvement in your child’s learning and growth throughout the year will be most beneficial. Working together to maintain open communication will also assist us in achieving success for all students.
All parents are invited and encouraged to become active and supportive members of our school community so that we may benefit from your ideas and talents. Our Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) is always looking for more parent voices. CPSC meetings are held monthly. We urge you to plan to attend. It’s a great opportunity to meet other committed parents and staff members while supporting school initiatives and planning fun events.
This year the Toronto Catholic District School Board will move into the second year of its three-year pastoral plan (2015-2018) entitled “Together with One Voice: Harmonizing Our Faith Through Family, Parish and School”. We acknowledge that the success of our Catholic traditions rely on the trinity of the community working together. We’ll be actively building stronger connections with our Church parish.
The staff here at Our Lady of Victory is committed to providing every child with a safe and welcoming environment while at the same time endeavouring to develop and improve the oral, literacy and numeracy skills of our students, by engaging them in authentic and active learning. We also encourage our students to share their talents and interests while striving to instill pride in personal effort, the value of respect for others and commitment to our faith.
We look forward to an awesome school year with your child and your family. We expect each day to bring new challenges and opportunities for all of us, and together we’ll become better for these experiences. Through our commitment to collaboration, respect, and a culture of kindness, we’re certain to be successful in creating a productive learning environment for our students. Thank you for your ongoing support of our Catholic School. May God bless us and guide us as we embark on this new school year.
Lorinda Mazza, Principal Fatima Formariz, Vice-Principal