January 24, 2013                                                                                            

Dear Parents,

            “Go, teach all nations…” Matthew’ s Gospel

As Catholic Schools Week approaches, there are many quotes about education that could be used to start this letter. John Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Booker T. Washington and many others wrote or spoke about the importance of education. But it was Jesus who gave the command to the apostles to go and teach—not just reading, writing and arithmetic, but all that He had shared with the people while on this earth. And while I can’t be sure Jesus ever envisioned today’s Catholic School System, He surely was the one who inspired people like Mother Seton, John Neumann, John de La Salle and many others to form and organize this system which reaches many throughout our world today. Catholic Schools are known for raising the standard and for including the religious aspect in the various subject areas that are taught as well as for the teaching of the Faith. For many of you, this latter point is one of the reasons you choose to send your children to a Catholic School. It appeared in many of the Top Ten Lists that you sent in as your “Homework Assignment.” Many thanks to all who took the time to think about your reasons and to put your thoughts in writing.  We ask the Lord’s blessing during this Catholic Schools Week and beyond as we continue to follow the command of Jesus to go and teach.

It is our hope that you will help us kick off the week by attending our simplified breakfast this year. No pancakes and sausage, but a variety of cakes, muffins, donuts, bagels, cinnamon rolls, cheese and jellies, fruit, and juices will be available and it is all free to all comers as our way of saying Thank You to you and our parishioners for the support given us in so many ways. Our classrooms will be open and you are invited to walk around and read some of the many reasons people choose St. Anne School. You will also want to read the Top Ten reasons the children feel this is a great place to learn.  What interesting ideas they have! We could use a few helpers to serve coffee and the items, so if you are interested in helping, just call the office and tell us when you can assist with the serving.

This week’s envelope contains the following:

1. Report Cards for the Second Quarter

2. Home and School Minutes—Our meeting is this evening at 6:00 PM. Two Auction Tickets will be given away at this meeting. Do try to attend. Child Care will be available.

3. Lunch Menu and Helper Sheet

4. 50/50 Reminder Sheet

5. Auction Worker Sheets

6. Sweetheart Dance Flyer—This is only in the envelopes of Girls, and DADS, please note--You can bring as many daughters as you wish for the $18.00 Fee. So, show your daughters what a sweetheart they are to you and what a sweetheart of a DAD you are! Tickets are available in our school office.

7. Flyer with Catholic Schools Week Activities

A FEW NEW SPINS:

Many Jr. High Parents are wondering about Confirmation Information. Confirmation will take place at St. Anne Parish on April 7^th. More information will be coming closer to that event, but you should have received some information from your Jr. High Student regarding sponsors and the picking of a saint’s name. If not, please check with your youngster as this was passed out to them.

First Reconciliation will take place this Saturday, January 26th. Children are asked to be at school by 9:45 AM and hopefully, Father and all will be well and this special event will take place.

 Our Auction is quickly approaching and tickets are available in the school office. Tables are filling up so be sure to tell your friends to come in and get their $30.00 tickets soon.

Many thanks to all who sent back their Intent to Return Form. This is a great help to setting the budget for next year. Please remember that if you know of anyone ready for Kindergarten or Preschool, be sure to invite them to our school for the Open House and breakfast on Sunday. We are planning an evening Open House in February also.

You may note that one of our Catholic Schools Week activities involves a collection of items for the Pads Shelter, for Gianna’s House, and for the Food Pantry. For Gianna’s House we are not asking for new baby clothes, but if you have gently used items that you no longer need or plan to need, or coupons for diapers, or would like to donate some diapers, etc., these would be cheerfully accepted. Gianna’s House will gratefully accept anything you wish to donate. For the Pads Shelter, we are asking for hotel size soaps, toothpaste etc.  and for the Food  Pantry, any type of food item. PLEASE UNDERSTAND—YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DONATE TO ALL THREE OF THESE, JUST CHOOSE THE ONE YOU PREFER, and these donations can be made all next week.

Finally, just a reminder that the rosary is prayed after school each Thursday and all are welcome to come and join in prayer for life. It was so good to see our children pray together on Tuesday and offer over 5000 prayers to bring about change in our country. It only takes about 15 minutes to say the Rosary and it is such a powerful prayer. Please try to take some time to come in and bring your children for this special time.

May this year’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week be one of the best yet as we showcase our efforts to go and teach the Good News!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.