The Virtue of Hope

Dear Families,

This year we focus on the theological virtue of Hope, by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help and grace of the Holy Spirit. Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer, especially in the Our Father, the summary of everything that hope leads us to desire. When you pray with your family be aware of that hope. Come to Mass on Wednesday at 10:30 to hear our new theme song about Hope.
Tonight, we are looking forward to meeting parents of students in Kindergarten through Grade Five for Curriculum Night. We will gather in our newly painted Egan Hall at 7:00. Following introductions and all school news, we will dismiss you to the classrooms. Each teacher will present twice to accommodate parents with two or more children (both parents may need to attend). See you tonight!
Change is never easy, but in our case the news we are hearing is all good! The teachers value the
extra minutes in the morning. Even though it is only five minutes, it appears that students are settling in faster and more instructional time has been gained. Let me remind you of the new schedule:
  • 8:10 Supervision on playground/ok to drop off
  • 8:15 Students enter building
  • 8:20 Tardy bell
  • Students arriving after 8:20 need to get a tardy slip from the main office.
The change to recess before lunch has been very positive. Students are not rushing through their lunches like they used to. Parents are reporting that their children are eating more and we are seeing less waste.
What has still not changed, unfortunately, is the behavior of some drivers during traffic drop-off and pick-up. We have received numerous complaints from deeply concerned neighbors about parents blocking their driveways, ignoring signage, parking in handicap spots, and speeding through intersections. Last night, we received a written complaint from the neighbor on 79thwhose car was damaged during afternoon pick-up yesterday. It was a hit and run.  Let us please be respectful of our neighbors and fellow road users.
Judging by the array of color on the playground yesterday, and the report on 99Pledges.com ourJog-a-thon sponsorship is off to a flying start! Thank you! The Jog-a-thon is the first big and very important fundraiser of the year. The proceeds directly benefit the children, in the form of programs, assistants, curriculum and a whole lot more! So continue to get those sponsors! The Jog-a-thon also helps us promote a healthy lifestyle and interest in exercise; we invite you to come and run or walk with us and then stay on for our welcome back party!
See you tonight,

 

Bernadette O’Leary, Principal