October 30, 2019
Dear Parents,
This Friday November 1st, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints at the 9 a.m. Mass. Each one of us is called to be a saint—to be holy. We often forget that the Saints were normal people, like ourselves, who took seriously their call to a special relationship with God. They spent time at prayer, and in serving the needs of others just as we do every day. They chose to do good. We are indeed God’s saints-in-training. May we answer this call with prayer and joyful action.
We thank our parents for taking time from their busy schedules to join us for Parent/Teacher Conferences. We are always appreciative of your support as we endeavor to help each child to grow in his or her school experience. Our mission reminds us that we are here to “educate each other for life.”
Last Monday, you received a flyer regarding a beautiful handmade Christmas ornament commemorating our school. The ornaments are laser-cut wood with the school logo and the year with a blue and gold ribbon. They were made and donated to our school by Ashley and Colin Higgins. The total proceeds from these ornaments will be given to our field trip and playground funds.
Congratulations to our 4th grade and Mrs. Baukus on a wonderful play. “Pandora’s Socks” was a great learning experience about the ancient myths.
Our “Mixed Bag” fundraiser is currently in process. You can order by order form or online at boonsupply.com/17919. Our 8th graders are taking orders for “ButterBraid” breads and cookies. These will arrive before Thanksgiving. We know that everyone cannot participate in every fundraiser, but it is expected that we all do our part.
The Art Club and Book Club are underway, and our Knitting Club will begin soon. Girls and Boys’ Basketball will begin in the near future, as well. Those who have expressed an interest in Basketball have been given paperwork that must be completed prior to practice and play. This is a Diocesan requirement.
I remind you that all parents and staff are members of our Home and School Association. Please look for coming meeting dates. We need your constructive input and your assistance! A few cannot do everything!
Discover New England Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday, November 3rd with our Book Fair and Trivia afternoon for families. The reservation form for this event has been sent home. If you are interested and did not receive yours, check your child’s backpack or call the office. Mrs. Baukus and Ms. Morrell will be our hosts.
An Opening Prayer will take place Monday morning November 4th at 8:45 in the school auditorium. Also, during Discover Catholic Schools Week, we will be visited by our school superintendent, Mr. Henry Fiore on Tuesday, and welcome guests to our school on Thursday. Open House on Thursday, November 7th will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the evening. Please visit and bring a friend and potential new family with you. Friday we will kick off our annual toy drive to help children celebrate Christmas for those young people who do not have all that we’ve been given. If a student brings a toy for this collection, they may wear casual clothing on Friday, November 8th. To celebrate the end of the week on Friday afternoon the children will be treated to “make-your-own-Sundae”.
Some important dates to think about are as follows.
- October 30 Pizza Lunch, Student Council Bake Sale at lunch.
- October 31 Grades 3-5 to Connecticut Science Center.
- November 1 All Saints Day—9 a.m. Mass. All are welcome.
- November 3 Family Trivia, Seton Scholarship Dinner
- November 4 New England Catholic Schools Week Opening Prayer at 8:45 a.m.
- November 5 Visit by Mr. Fiore, Superintendent of Schools
- November 7 Open House, 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m.
- November 8 Toy Collection begins. Bring a toy and dress in Casual Clothing. Make-your-own-Sundae.
Tickets for the Father Castaldi Scholarship Dinner on November 15th at Ocean Beach are available in the school office. All proceeds will benefit scholarships given by St. Joseph School for those, who wish to choose a Catholic Education and are in need of assistance to pay the tuition.
You are in our prayers as always. Please continue to keep us in yours.
Sincerely,
Marianne Cote, Principal