February 27, 2013

Dear Parents,

On the wall in my office is a framed plaque that says:

Good Morning!

 This is God!

 I will be handling all your problems today-

I will not need your help, so—have a good day!

I do not read this often enough, but I wonder if our Holy Father, Benedict, might also have such a plaque in his office, and if so, perhaps that is what helped him reach a very momentous decision which affects all of us. The resignation of a Pope is a rare occurrence, as you have read in many of the papers or online articles. In this Lenten Season, it may serve as a reminder that our Church is built on a solid foundation and that God is still in charge. As the Cardinals gather for the conclave to elect a new leader for the Church on earth, it is important that we pray, first in thanksgiving for all that Pope Benedict has done in his service to the Church, and then in petition for wisdom and guidance for the Cardinals as they gather, that they listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as they make this important choice. God does not need our help, but we on earth can surely use the avenue of prayer to not only assist the Cardinals, but to enable all of us to accept with joy the new leader of our Church on earth.

Just as was done eight years ago, the teachers will talk about this process and when appropriate, will watch the proceedings so that our youngsters can participate and learn about how this is done in the Church. It helps us to be very aware that we are living the history of our Church.

The month of March brings the following in this envelope:

1. New Hot Lunch Menu and Helper Sheet—Some helpers are still needed since we are in school practically the whole month. Please call the office if you can give assistance.

2. Box Top Flyer Collection Sheet—Keep those sheets coming in!

3. For Moms who want a good way to discuss the changes in their daughter’s life, there is a special Mother Daughter Tea held at Bishop Lane Retreat House that will enable you to do just that. A flyer is enclosed for all girls in Grades 4, 5, and 6. I am not sure if it is open to girls of Grades 7 or 8, but if interested, you may call 815-965-5011 for further information.

4. Market Day Worker Reminders—Please be aware that if you signed to work Market Day as one of your fundraisers, you need to be here to assist with the unloading and distribution of food. This month brings a large order due to the desserts and all helpers are needed. If your commitment is not filled, you will be asked to work other fundraisers or charged a fee. Please honor your commitment.

5. The Dixon Elks are sponsoring a free orthopedic clinic on April 25, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the KSB Foot and Ankle Center. Appointments are needed and can be reserved by calling 1-800-272-0074. This clinic addresses pediatric issues such as scoliosis, ambulatory problems, as well as other muscle and bone issues.

6. One last form in some envelopes is a letter telling you that your child’s artwork has been sent to Woodlawn Arts Academy for display. You may want to visit the display and see the work of our students and others of the area schools.

 A FEW NEW SPINS:

Please remember that our Open House will be held on Thursday, February 28^th, from 6 to 8 PM. If you know of families with young children ready for Preschool or Kindergarten, please encourage them to come and investigate our school. Also, if you know of families who are not pleased with their current school, please encourage them to visit. It is your word of mouth that often brings in new families. Remember, too, that there is a Finder’s Fee for those families who bring in a new family to our school.

Our next Fish Fry is March 8^th. The Committee asks for the help of our 5^th through 8^th Graders in bussing tables and assisting with coffee pouring, etc. If your youngster can help on the 8^th or the 22^nd, please send a note to the office offering their services. While students are not asked to give service hours as part of their Confirmation Activities, it is a good way to prepare to be an active member of the parish.

The next Student Council Bake Sale will be held on March 7^th. Hopefully, there will be many goodies for sale–even though it is Lent. It may be a good way to raise a few extra dollars for our Lenten Project of funding a house in Haiti. All the classes are working on this as part of their Lenten Sacrificing.

Our Learning Fair is just a few weeks away. Please encourage your youngsters to continue to work on the projects of their choice or to work on their Young Author Stories also.

Please remember that on Thursday, February 28—tomorrow—St. Anne School is dismissing at 11:00 AM to attend an in service at St. Mary School on the new Report Cards.

May God continue to bless your Lenten journey in this historic time of our Church year!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.