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.