May 15, 2013

Dear Parents,

During the year, at least one apostle is celebrated each month of the year. In May, there are three--Phillip and James in early May and Matthias around the middle of the month. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas and you might say he won his spot by lottery. The story is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and is an interesting one to read. It can serve as a reminder that God’s call to serve Him in a special way can come at any time in one’s life. Calls to the priesthood and religious life are given by God, and fostered in the home by parents who talk about these vocations with their children. In the area of a vocation to religious life, there are also other helps out there, such as the summer camps sponsored by the Rockford Diocese. At these camps, youngsters are able to meet a variety of priests and sisters and learn a bit more about the life they lead. Praying with your child to know what God is calling them to is perhaps the best way of helping your child in choosing a future vocation. No matter what saint one prays to, one can be assured that the graces needed will be given, as well as the grace to make the right choice!

Many thanks to all who came in to sign their Commitment and Fundraising Forms. The Drawdown is officially closed as it has enough workers at this time. Cookouts and the Turkey Trot are almost full also, so if you have not yet signed up, please come in soon. Please remember that after May 31st the $100.00 Registration Fee is raised to $125.00 and does not apply to tuition. 

Many thanks, too, to Mrs. Phelps for a great job at the recent Cookouts. This one raised $1,152.60, thanks to all the workers and those who assisted by baking those delicious goodies.

Enclosed in this envelope are the following:

1. Statements—Tuition should have been finished by this time except for the few families who make special arrangements.  Please check your balances and pay the remainder of your fees as soon as possible.

2. Summer Reading Flyer—The Dixon Library is again sponsoring this program. Please encourage your child to read over the summer as this makes a great difference when returning to school in August.

3. Market Day Flyer—This is a great way to stock up for the summer. We again are offering a chance for free items which will go to one winner—A package of Cheese Ravioli, a 2 lb. Package of baby peas, and a 2 lb Package of corn.  Anyone who places an order this month from school families will be the lucky winner.

4. Permission Slip for Kindergarten for Masses at the Nursing home next week.

A FEW NEW SPINS:

As mentioned above, the Diocese sponsors a summer camp for girls and one for boys. Flyers with information on these camps are available in the school office if anyone would like one. You can also go on the Diocesan Website for further information.

Flyers are also available in the office for Newman Basketball Camp which is open to both boys and girls entering Grades 3 to 8 in the fall. There are also flyers for a Volleyball Camp open to girls only and this is for those entering 4^th Grade to Grade 9.

Please remember that on Thursday, May 16^th, school will begin at 12:00 Noon.

Parents are also reminded to send in their forms for the School Picnic next Thursday. Room parents are expected to attend this event with their child’s class. You also have the responsibility of bringing dessert for your class. There are several classes that still need drivers for this event.

Last, but not least, congratulations to our Sauk Valley Saints Track Team. This is the second year in a row that the Saints have qualified for competition at the State Level. For a new program, the Saints are doing very well. From our school, Kirsten Tunink and Maddy Jacobs were on teams that did well at the competition. Kirsten placed 6^th out of 40 runners in the 400m dash and both girls were on the relay team that placed 5^th out of 47 teams in the 4 x 200 m relay and 3^rd out of 38 teams in the 4x 400 m relay. Coaches, parents and all those who participated are to be congratulated for all their efforts with the Team this year—especially with the many rainy and cold days this seasons offered.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday—the birthday of the Church.  Enjoy the day and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to our parish and our homes.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.