Friday, February 10, 2012

February 8, 2012

Dear Parents,

Another Catholic Schools Week is officially over, but not forgotten. The posters the children made of their future dreams show a variety of careers that will require many years of study beyond the grade school years. The foundations laid here academically will be very helpful to our youngsters as they continue to pursue their dreams. As the year moves on, it is our goal to continue to nurture their Faith Life as the Church Year moves to the Lenten Season, Easter, Pentecost and the return to Ordinary Time. Our youngsters will continue to be urged to give of their service and it is hoped that the example of you, their parents, will be an inspiration to them. We continue to ask God’s Blessing on all that we do so that the Faith Life of our students, their academic growth, and their service to others continues to grow each day.

Congratulations to the Auction Chairpersons for a wonderful evening of fun and fundraising. While final figures are not yet available, the evening was a great success in both areas. This fundraiser is our biggest and needs the cooperation of all families if it is to continue to be successful.

As mentioned in last week’s letter, we are working with the parking lot situation. Some changes have been made and this week a diagram is enclosed for your use and to assist you in understanding how you are asked to enter the lot and to leave it. Currently, there is no longer an adult present in the Pavilion in the morning. The children have been reminded that their task is to sit at the tables and that ball playing and running around are not acceptable. Mrs. Bontjes will be available with a STOP Sign to lead all students into the building at the west end door. Students who are late are also to go to the west end door to enter the building. No students, except preschoolers and their parents, are to enter at the center doors. Parents are asked NOT TO PARK in the area closest to the Pavilion so that the buses can pull around and exit. Your cooperation and patience is appreciated.

The Jr. High Dance that was scheduled for February 10th at St. Mary School in Dixon has been canceled to allow those who wish to attend the Father Daughter Dance at St. Andrew’s in Rock Falls to have that special night with their dads. The Jr. High Dance will be rescheduled after Easter.

Please remember to sign for our Pint Size Hero Blood Drive. This program is to encourage you as parents to sign to give blood at our school. Your children will then receive a small thank you gift from the Red Cross to show their appreciation for your donation. Our youngsters will be staffing the welcoming table and the snack area, but Red Cross Personnel will be in charge of all other areas. We currently have 16 blood donors and our goal is at least 35. Last year, we had 42 pints donated, and it would be great to top that goal. There are many slots open as yet, so please send in your form or call the office to register. Every effort will be made to put you in the slot you desire. At this time of the year, the Red Cross is usually very desperate for blood donations and every pint helps!

Market Day Forms are enclosed in this Envelope. You will note there is a special drive on for desserts this month, so see the flyer for incentives for those who order. You could take care of your Easter Desserts with just one order!

Statements are also enclosed for this month. Again, please note your totals and how much should be paid by this time of the year.

The Health Department has sent a letter to parents regarding the many cases of whooping cough that have been reported lately. Because of this, students entering 6th and 9th Grade will be required to have a Tdap Vaccination along with their school physical this year and in future years. Please read the information carefully and contact the Health Department or your doctor with any questions you may have. Students who do not have this vaccination will be excluded from school until the immunization is provided.

Registration for Freshmen entering Newman Central Catholic High School will take place on February 27th at the Holloway Center, with a meeting following. Fees must be paid at this time. Please see the enclosed flyer for further information. The necessary forms have been mailed to parents and you are asked to have these all filled out ahead of time to speed the registration process.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

There are still several families who have not returned their pre-registration forms. If you cannot find the form, please send a note telling us if you intend to return to St. Anne’s next year as this affects our budget preparations.

Flyers are enclosed form the Y regarding programs that are available.

Newman High School is also sponsoring a Baseball Clinic. Papers with more information are available in the office. This program is for boys only.

The Student Council will be sponsoring a Bake Sale this Thursday, February 9th, and there will be some raffle items available also. This day is also the DRESS DOWN DAY for those who had no tardies in Grades K, 1,and 2, for those with 1 or no homework notices in Grades 3, 4, and 5, and for those with no detentions or late assignments or uniform notices in Grades 6, 7, and 8.

Parents are reminded that the end of the SCRIP Program for this year is March 31st. You are asked to have met your goal set at the time of Commitment by this date. No extensions will be given. If your goal has not been met, you will be asked to pay the amount due to meet that goal. This will need to be paid before the Easter Break, which will begin on April 5th. Please make every effort to meet your SCRIP Goal.

Congratulations to our 35 students who improved /maintained their grades through the second quarter. Their BUG Shirts arrived and were given out this past week. Please encourage your child to continue to work hard to earn this award through good work and the formation of good study habits.

Class pictures are also enclosed in this envelope.

May God bless and reward you for your support of all our efforts.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

Monday, January 23, 2012

January 19, 2012

Dear Parents,

Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service

In just a few weeks, St. Anne School will join with nearly 7,000 Catholic Schools across the nation to celebrate who we are, what we do, and why we do it. The theme for this year’s celebration is shown above, and this week, I would just like to highlight the first part of that theme--Faith. Catholic Schools were first started in this country because of a need to pass on the Catholic Faith. In the beginning of the educational system in this country, public schools were able to teach some religious truths, but they were not the truths professed by Catholic Families. St. Elizabeth Seton and Bishop John Neuman both recognized a need for children and families to have a place where they could learn their Faith and practice it more fully. That reasoning has not changed in our own times. One of the main reasons Catholic Schools exist today is to assist you, the parents, in the practice of the Catholic Faith. It is not just the main teachings of our Faith that are passed on, but how to live them in one’s daily life--from cradle to grave! The children in our care are given the opportunity to pray and are encouraged to practice the virtues they learn about in their religious studies. So, as we prepare for this year’s celebration, let us take time to be grateful for the ability to have a Catholic School in our parish so that the Faith may be passed on from one generation to the next.

This week begins the second semester of this school year. It can be a time for the children to start over if the first semester did not go well. It can also be a time to continue to do well as new materials are introduced daily to students. Report cards will be coming home this Thursday in a new Brown Envelope. Hopefully, you made a New Year’s Resolution to check that envelope each time it comes home and return it to school with your child as soon as possible!

In this week’s Envelope you will find the following:

1. Report Cards--Please be sure to sign the envelope and return just the envelope to school.

2. Information on the Learning Fair for Grades 6,7, and 8

3. Information on the Young Authors’ Program for all grades--I strongly encourage you to have your youngsters get their imaginations in gear and write a short story. We have some very talented writers in our school and their stories are so interesting to read.

4. Climbing Higher Flyer--If extra help on study skills is needed, or tutoring, you will find this to be a very good program.

5. Dance Flyer for Jr. High Students

6. Permission Slip for Grades 3 and 5 only--This is their half semester reward for great work.

7. Six Flags Reading Program--Since students read for Book It!, that same materials can be used for this program. Please encourage your child to participate. Read and follow directions and you can help your child be a winner in many ways.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

On Friday, January 20, we will have our annual Geography Bee. The Bee will begin at 1:00 P.M. and this year, to help the contestants overcome their nervousness, the audience will be in the Callahan Room, and the contestants in Church. We will use the new video system so all can see the contest as it develops and the youngsters may not be quite as nervous, having all those faces staring at them.

Our Valentine Parties, though several weeks away, will begin at 1:30 P.M. on February 14th, for those of you who are Room Parents. This year, I forgot to say anything about Christmas Treats, which could have come on January 6th. I don’t believe any class had a post Christmas Party, so hopefully, you have some funds to spend for Valentine’s Day.

While the information on the Learning Fair is enclosed for the Jr. High Students only, I have also enclosed some information for students in Grades K through 5. It is very useful if a student works on a Learning Fair Project starting in the early grades. Then, when getting into the Jr. High Grades, it is not as difficult to continue, but with more research and guidance in how to do a report paper. At the early grades, projects do not have to be as involved or intense as they are in the Jr. High, but it does give the student practice in putting together a project. The same goes for the Young Authors Program. Students can write very simple stories in their early grades, and they can see their own growth as they progress in their writing skills. I encourage all families to think about these projects and to encourage your child to also think about them

As part of our Catholic Schools Week Celebration, we will be having a Spirit Day on Monday, January 30th. Students will be allowed to wear any of the items in our new Spirit Wear collection. We are currently getting a new order ready and hope to have items here as soon as possible, so please come in or request an order blank if you would like some of these new items.

Our Awards Assembly will be held on January 27th after the 8:15 A.M. Mass. Awards will be given for the BUG Program, the Geography Bee, Book It!, Accelerated Reader and Honor Roll.

Please remember to get your Market Day Orders in and don’t forget to keep up your SCRIP Orders. Our Auction is coming fast, and there are great items on display at school as well as those special raffle items, too. Tickets are available and you will want to get your table together for a great night of fun.

Many thanks to all who have returned their Preregistration Forms. If yours has not yet been sent in, please try to return it as soon as possible. It is a great help as I work on the budget for the next year.

Last of all, thank you for your many prayers and concern for Sister Lorraine. Sister is now at home and doing well--just taking it easy and resting for awhile. Your prayers are deeply appreciated.

May God continue to bless us all as we work together to enrich the Faith Life of each student and family.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

January 11, 2012

Dear Parents,

“...they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions...” Luke 2 : 46

This story from the Gospels is usually read on the feast of the Holy Family and it says something about Jesus as a Teacher. He was not just listening, but asking questions, and the Gospel goes on to say those around Him were astounded at His answers. Mary and Joseph, too, were probably a bit surprised by the praise given to their son. But Jesus went home with them and they became His teachers for the next period of His life. When Jesus began His public ministry, He shared knowledge from His Heavenly Father, but also from His earthly parents. Today, you are your child’s first teachers. As our Mission Statement states, we are here to assist you in the important task of educating your children. Your job begins at the time of their birth and in some cases even before that, and we only come into the picture about 3, 4, or 5 years later. As Catholic Schools Week approaches, it is good for us to review and renew our dedication to this important task and to continue to partner in this endeavor for the growth of all our youngsters in their Faith and knowledge. Mary and Joseph’s example played a great part in His learning and it must be so with us as we work together to educate for the future.

This week brings the end of the first semester of this school year. In many schools, it is a policy that students are denied participation in tests and other activities if tuition payments are not up to date. While this is not our current policy, it is important that families have their tuition payments up to date--that is, at least half of this year’s current tuition should be paid by January 15th. Please check your statement carefully, and bring your account up to date if it is not yet at that stage.

In this envelope you will also find these flyers:

1. Box Top Flyer for a new contest--We recently received a check for over $500.00 based on tops sent in by the December deadline. It is hoped that by April 1st, we can amass a a great many more for another check in May.

2. PRESCHOOL SCREENING FLYER--Those with young children are encouraged to have your child screened at this event.

3. Scrip Order Form that shows your up to date total. Please remember that your total commitment must be reached by March 31st of this year. Half of the amount over your total will go towards your next year’s tuition.

4. Permission Form for Grades 7 and 8 to go to the Nursing Homes for Mass with Father Mike.

5. Campbell Soup Flyer--The company is running a special during the month of January. There were special coupons in last week’s coupon flyers of ways to earn extra points. If you have these or use them, please send them to the office in your Brown Envelope.

6. Intent T o Return Form--As budgets are being prepared, it is important to know who will be here next year. Please fill out this form and if you know of families who are seeking to enter school, please list their names. If they come to St. Anne’s, you will receive a deduction on your tuition for the next school year.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

As many of you know, the Riley Family has continued to deal with the illness of their son, Mitchell. This often involves spending much time in Madison or commuting back and forth several days each week. Earlier this year, Mrs. Betty Frantz, a friend of the family and former St. Anne Parent, has offered to coordinate meals for the family when they are home in Oregon. If the holiday season found you too busy to offer, perhaps now that things have settled down a bit, you could offer to prepare a meal for the family. If you would like to do this, it would be much appreciated. The Frantz Family is willing to pick up the meal here at school or at your home, if desired. Please feel free to call Betty at 815-732-7154 to find out dates available and to make any arrangements.

You may also be aware that there was a slight accident on our parking lot last week. Luckily, injuries were minor. However, because of this and concerns of “almost hit...”, there are going to be some changes in the morning and afternoon parking configuration. The lot itself will be off limits to all car traffic in the morning, after school, and during the day. All parents are asked to pull in at the Rectory Driveway, drop your children off at the small walkway and pull out onto Dixon Avenue. If you feel you must wait with your child, you will need to park near the Rectory or down Dixon Avenue. No exceptions will be made for rainy or snowy weather. The children can walk to the Pavilion and from there into the school building. The area where the teachers park their cars may also be used, though you will not be able to drive through, but will need to pull in, park and pull out. It is the safety of our children that is our first concern. The buses will be the only vehicles that will be allowed on the parking lot for pickup and drop-off. Barriers are going to be installed to assist with the traffic flow. Your cooperation and concern for the safety of our children is much appreciated.

The Dixon Elks Lodge is sponsoring a FREE Orthopedic Diagnostic Clinic for children with bone, joint or back problems. This clinic will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the KSB FOOT AND ANKLE CENTER, 215 EAST 1st, Suite 310, in Dixon. Appointments must be made by calling 1-800-272-0074 between 1:00 and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The Elks also provide limited assistance with children’s other medical problems and information on this can also be obtained at the above number. Your family physician can make a referral and the age limit is up to 21 years of age.

Our school auction is coming up very soon and the committee has been very busy. The theme is one of Mardi Gras and you are welcome to dress up for the event which is being held at the Elks Club this year. Tickets are $30.00 each and you can now purchase them in the office. The school window is taking shape and you can see lots of goodies there. Check the Face book Site for more information, too. Word has it that the Art Classes are making Mardi Gras Masks that will be for sale the night of the Auction. There will also be Dancing Music after the Auction to prolong the fun evening, so get your group together and prepare for a great time ! Please turn in your 50/50 Ticket money and anyone who can sell more, just call for extra tickets.

Next week, The Right to Life Committee will be coming to our school to speak to the children in all classes about the sanctity of life. The message will be positive and they will be bringing fetal models for the children to see--the same ones that were in our school lobby last year. They will have some items for the children as a means of supporting the pro-life message.

An order for the new Spirit Wear will be placed this Friday. A day has been set during Catholic Schools Week for the youngsters to wear the new Spirit Wear so please get your order in ASAP!

It may be Ordinary Time in the Church year, but there are always extraordinary events going on at St. Anne, and they are always fun and exciting! May God be with us and bless us with success in all our endeavors.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

January 5, 2012

Dear Parents,

“The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Numbers 6: 24-26

With these words, the Church begins the readings of the New Year. This is also our wish for you. It is our hope that in this New Year, you and your family will grow closer to our Lord through family prayer-taking time each night to join with your children in a simple prayer of your choice, through attendance at Mass each week, hopefully as a family as much as you can, and through the celebration of reconciliation both at home by saying “I’m sorry” and through the Church’s celebration of this sacrament. As our Second Grade Class prepares to receive this sacrament for the first time this year, let it be a reminder to you of the time you came with your children for the first time, and the joy you saw on your child’s face as they celebrated the forgiveness of the Lord. In these three small ways, you and your family will find great joy and peace in this new year!

This first letter of this short week is just to remind you of coming events:

All four girls of our Eighth Grade will be going to Newman High School on January 13th for the High School Tour and testing. A permission slip is enclosed in their envelopes. The bus will take them to Newman and return them to school at 1:30 P.M.

St. Anne School has early dismissal on January 13th at 1:00 P.M. The Newman Bus to Oregon will not run that day.

Our annual auction is quickly approaching. The Auction Committee will be meeting at school on January 9th at 6:00 P.M. If you have signed to work this fundraiser, you are expected to be at this meeting. Anyone else interested in assisting with the Auction can also come to this meeting.

Parents are reminded to send in the stubs and money for the 50/50 Tickets. There are still a few families who have not turned in their tickets. The Committee would like to get the word out on the amount of the prize and having all our school tickets sold would be great. It is hoped that more tickets can be sold so if you are a good seller, just let us know if you want some tickets to sell.

The first order of our new Spirit Wear has arrived. If you would like to place an order, please ask for an order blank and one will be sent home to you. We will have a Spirit Day during Catholic Schools Week and look forward to seeing students in the new items.

Market Day Pickup is today, January 5th, and workers are reminded to be here to assist with the orders.

SCRIP is once again available. Remember to check your totals as the deadline for the school year is March 31st. Hopefully, you are close to reaching your goal!

One last reminder concerns students’ dress for outside. Please remember that students are outside in the Pavilion in the morning unless the weather is 20 degrees or below, including the wind chill. They also go outside for recess periods. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.

God bless you and your family in the New Year!

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas


‘Twas the first day of August when all through the school
The classrooms were shiny--new desks arrived, too.
The principal and secretary were back at their tasks
Each teacher returned to prepare for her class.

Parents came too-both mom and dad,
That school was starting, they were very glad!
New teachers, new faces came that first day
Everyone ready to work and to play.

September brought its share of fun
A new book fair rated number one
For parents, a Drawdown and Cooking Show, too,
Was fun for guests and the kitchen crew!

October was quiet, testing was done,
Grandparents Day brought more great fun.
Snacks were served, Bingo was played,
Grandparents went home, but the kids all stayed.

A Veteran’s Program headlined November
So the children would learn to always remember
The sacrifices made for the freedom we share
With hope that it can be spread everywhere
Thanks were given with food and toys brought by all the girls and boys
A Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morn brought out the brave, not the forlorn!

Advent came to begin a new year
No special theme this year did appear
New wording at Mass made us all pause
‘Twas not a gift from Santa Claus!

A party for children four through eight--The Student Council could hardly wait
But joy and gladness did abound as St. Nicholas brought small gifts around.

As Advent Candles each week were lit,
Children were reminded bit by bit
Of Who it was they waited for,
Who it was brought blessings galore

They learned of Mary, the stainless one, soon to be Mother of God’s Son
Joseph, too, was talked about--a man so quiet and devout--
As parents they prepared in silence and joy for the birth of this very special boy
Who came on earth good will to bring, about Whom myriads of angels sing
In Him alone can Peace be found
By us it must be spread around

So now as Christmas time is here,
Be an Apostle of good cheer
Let others see the Christ in you ,
And be like Christ in all you do.
The love of Christ you willingly share
Will lead to Peace everywhere.
Your own heart also will forever know
The fullness of joy God came to bestow!

May the Peace and Joy of that First Christmas
be yours now and throughout the New Year!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

Dear Parents,

“Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way...”

You may have expected a more religious tune as the opening of this letter, but St. Nicholas is a very important figure in this season of Advent. His story dates back to the 4th Century, to the time of his imprisonment for his Faith and his service to others as a bishop. Hence, the colors of red and white, so associated with modern Santas, come from those that a bishop wears, and the giving of gifts from the story of Nicholas’ sharing his own wealth with others. It is a tradition in many countries that children put out their shoes the night before his feast which is December 6th, and little trinkets are placed in them as a prelude to the giving of gifts at Christmas in memory of God’s gift of Jesus to us. In some cases, a piece of coal--yes, coal-- is sometimes placed in a shoe or stocking as a reminder that one has not been very good and may need to show better behavior before the feast of Christmas. As a child, I do remember seeing a piece or two in my stocking a few times as did my brother! Today, Nicholas can be a reminder to us to be a people who know why we are celebrating this Advent Season--to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ in a deeper way into our hearts and family homes. He can also remind us of the many ways we can give of ourselves these busy days--through our helpful attitudes, our smiles, and patience in the midst of a busy world. Let yourself be a child again and live in the spirit of St. Nicholas!

St. Anne School is going to celebrate this jolly saint with a St. Nicholas Party this Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. This party is for children ages 4 to 8 years old and our Student Council will be hosting this event. There will be treats, a movie, some craft time, and everyone will have something to take home to their family. There is even a rumor that St. Nick may show up, too. The event will be supervised so you are free to leave your children and do your own thing for a few hours. However, we do ask that you be back by 11:30 A.M. to pick up your children. This Saturday is also the day of our monthly adoration, so you may want to also spend a few minutes in the Church in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and pray for all children, born and unborn, that they truly have the opportunities to enjoy the life God has given to them.

The Dixon Senior Center is also sponsoring a workshop that same morning, but they are charging--ours is totally free, so think about sending your child to join us.

As usual, there are several flyers in this envelope, so here’s the list:

1. Lunch and Helper Menus for the month of December--Please call the office if you can give some time.

2. Riley Flyer--As you may know, the Riley Family continues to cope with the illness of their older son,Mitchell. This involves many trips to Madison and other family situations. Their younger son, Brett, is one of our seventh grade students. Mrs. Betty Frantz has offered to coordinate meals for the family and the enclosed flyer gives a fuller explanation of her proposal. Please do what you can to assist.

3. 50/50 Flyer--Only 20 families have turned in their 50/50 Tickets as yet. We ask that you please make every effort to sell your tickets and send in the stubs and money as soon as possible. The totals will be published soon and it is hoped that we can give away a large sum of money. That can’t happen unless everyone turns in their stubs and money receipts. Also, tickets will be sold at the Dixon Christmas Walk. If you can assist with that, please call Missy Helfrich at 973-0321.
4. St. Andrew’s Youth Group is sponsoring an evening of fun for our Jr. High Students. A flyer/permission slip is enclosed for Jr. High Students and must be returned signed, with money, by December 7th, to assist the group with planning.

5. Scrip totals are also enclosed for all families. Remember, you are asked to meet your total by the end of March. Please consider purchasing some Scrip for your Christmas needs.

6. Market Day Flyer--Please note that the pickup date will not be Jan. 2nd, but a new date which is still being decided with the company.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

On December 8th, which is a holy day of obligation, our Parish will once again host an evening of Prayer for Life. It will begin at 7:00 P.M. after the 6:00 P.M. Mass and continue until 12:00 Midnight. All families are encouraged to spend some time this evening to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for life.

The Box Tops Contest is set to end on December 9th, so please be sure to turn in all your Box Tops by that date and then start saving for the spring contest. Be sure your family name is on your turn in sheets and bags.

One last item involves our Lunch Program. Lately, several children have been bringing items to be heated in the microwave. As of this letter, that can no longer be done at school for the following reasons:
1. Items brought from home and kept in a lunch box, even with a cooler, can produce bacteria and even when heated, this may be a health hazard to your child.
2. Lunch is served with a minimum number of servers, and it is difficult for one of them to leave the serving line to heat an item.
3. The child has to wait a longer time until lunch is served to all the other children and then has a more limited time to eat their own lunch.

Therefore, we ask that items no longer be sent to be heated in the microwave . We are thinking of the health of your child in this matter, and also of our need to comply with regulations from the Health Department. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.

May God bless you in the Advent Season and draw you ever closer to Himself.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.


*

Thursday, November 10, 2011

November 9, 2011

Dear Parents,

Today, the Church celebrates the dedication of a church--the Church of St. John Lateran in Rome. There are only three such feast days in the Church Year. So why celebrate a Church Dedication? We are constantly saying the Church is really the people of God--not the buildings. In this case, the building is a rather important one--it is the Pope’s Church. Many think St. Peter’s is the main Church of the Catholic Faith, but it is the Church of St. John Lateran where many popes have been consecrated and which today stands as the spiritual home of all the people who form the Church. This particular Church is a very imposing building, with statues of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and the twelve Doctors of the Church adorning its main facade. It has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure in place since the Seventeenth Century. It speaks of the love and dedication of many who worked to build it, many who continue to maintain it until this present day, and many who come to worship there as an expression of their Faith. It can also serve as a reminder that we are the people of God, and as such, we should be aware of how we treat one another. The love and respect that went into the building of this magnificent Church should remind us to show that same love and respect to one another for the Living God is present in each of us as it is in that Church. Let this be one of the reasons for our celebration this day.

I would like to thank all the parents who came to the Conferences last week and kept to time slots so well. It is a great help to our teachers to meet with you and learn a little more about your child, and for you to meet with the teachers to share how your child is doing in school.

I would also like to congratulate our Fourth Grade Students and their parents for all their work on the Architectural Projects. This is the first year the students have worked on a project and they all did a fabulous job.

Congratulations are also due to Ana-Kate Phillips who sold the most pies for the last Market Day Order. She will choose a $50.00 Scrip Card (with her parents) as her prize for this feat. Justin Kanzler is also congratulated for coming in second place and may come for a $25.00 Scrip Card with his parents. The Second Grade Class sold the most pies based on percentage of children and pies sold, and they will receive a pizza and ice cream party in the near future. Many thanks to all who ordered as it brought in a grand total of $1,067.14, bringing our Market Day total to $1,916.37-- over one third of the year’s goal in just three months.

This Thursday, November 10th, at 10:00 A.M., our children will be putting on a program for Veterans’ Day, followed by our annual Turkey Dinner. We have invited the veterans who come to stay for dinner with our children. Invitations were sent to the VFW, the American Legion, the Armory and in our parish bulletin so it is hoped that many will come to celebrate with us as we honor them. Parents are very welcome to come for the program also, but we are hoping a video will also be made so it can be viewed by others. We are planning to feed the veterans, but we cannot feed all parents--sorry!

Several weeks ago, each family received their set of 50/50 tickets. We thank those who have turned them in so quickly as we really want this drawing to be a great sum! If you have not yet sold your tickets, or tried to sell them, please try to do so as soon as possible. You will find a note form Mrs. Helfrich, chairperson of this event, in this Envelope. Please do not wait until the last minute to sell these tickets.

Statements are also in this week’s Envelope. We ask each family to please make every attempt to keep your payments up to date. This is a great help to our School Budget.

Other enclosures include the following:

1. Permission Slip for Grade 3 to go to the Nursing Homes for Mass with Father Mike

2. Notice about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) from the Health Dept.

3. Important News Flyer from the SCRIP Program

4. Newman Catholic High School Flyer--Newman Catholic High School is sponsoring an Open House and Breakfast on Sunday, November 20th from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. A flyer is enclosed with more information. St. Anne School has been invited to have a booth at this event as a means of advertising our school also. Please come and support the cause of Catholic Education.


PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

The Band Program will begin this Thursday at St. Anne School. If you intend to have your child participate, please make arrangements with Program Coordinator Becky Ryerson at 815-626-4278. It is hoped that parents will take advantage of this program. As promised, every effort will be made to place students for their lessons during the music or lunch periods. This is the last call for the program. If there is no response, it is possible the program will be dropped at our school for this year.

Just a reminder that Newman Catholic High School is sponsoring its annual Ladies Luncheon on Sunday, November 13th, at the Post House.

In closing, on behalf of the Dixon Food Pantry, may God reward you for the very generous donations given for our annual Food Mass. It filled the front and back seat of the Chairperson’s car plus the entire trunk. Thank you for sharing your blessings!

Have a week of many blessings!

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.