December 1, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,
            As I think about these next weeks, I can’t help but think of the contrasts that are evident throughout this month.  On one hand we have the bright, sun-filled days followed by the cool (or cold!) nights.  We have the busy days and nights filled with so many special events and we have the times of waiting—waiting in lines, waiting for guests, waiting for Christmas to arrive.  We have those who are experiencing great joy and those who feel only loss due to deployment, separation, illness or death.  We have many things to do and yet we have the call, as Christians, to take time for prayer and stillness as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.  These days can be a real balancing act but one thing we can know for certain, is that God is present in and through us every step of the way.
            Our school, along with other Catholic schools in the area, has been invited to serve as a local site for the administration of the Swine Flu vaccine.  An area pediatrician has offered to serve as the sponsor for this program in our Catholic schools and is coordinating the effort with the Mississippi Department of Health.  An information packet will be sent home this week that includes information about the program and the vaccine and appropriate permission documents.  Only students enrolled in the school as well as current faculty/staff members are eligible to receive the vaccination at this location.  We have not been given a date but have been told that the goal is to complete these shots in December or January.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
            On Saturday, December 5th, our Nativity Choir members will be performing as part of the Christmas in the City.  The performance will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Vieux Marche.  Our annul Chili Dinner prior to the Christmas on the Water Parade will be cancelled this year due to construction in two places:  the Lighthouse Park and Visitor Center immediately south of the school and the construction project around the seawall immediately south of the Lighthouse.  The view is obstructed and it simply would not be safe to encourage groups of people to walk in that area.  But, can you imagine how wonderful our viewing will be for next year’s parade?
            Ten Nativity Students will be participating for the first time in a Robotics Competition at St. Patrick High School on Saturday, December 5th.  The students, led by Mrs. Ann Bruffey, have worked each Wednesday since school began on the construction and programming of their robot.  We congratulate them on a job very well done and wish them luck for the upcoming competition.  Special thanks, too, to Mrs. Debbie Worrell who encouraged our participation in this Junior Robotics Program.  We also would like to congratulate our Legos group of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders who also have met each Wednesday under the direction of Mrs. Debbie Worrell and Mrs. Dawn Lyons.
            This month’s calendar is certainly one that you will want to post, memorize or save!  We have included as many of the special events/activities as possible.  I know, however, that we will probably have a few more to add as we go along.  Please watch for any special notes (and signs on the exit board) to let you know of any other activities.
            Our annual Christmas program, written and directed by Mrs. Colleen Kavanagh, will take place on Tuesday, December 15th (dress rehearsal) and Wednesday, December 16th (9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.).  According to our tradition, the sixth grade students have the speaking/acting parts and students in all other classes provide the musical interludes.
All children are included, so please be sure to let your child’s teacher know if your family will be out of town and your child will be unable to participate in the program.
For the second year since Hurricane Katrina, our County Beautification Office has organized a Telephone Book Recycling Campaign.  Money will be awarded to each school based on the percentage of books recycled.  Books may be brought to the school during the week of December 7th.  As much as possible, we will need to track the number of books each class recycles since prizes will be awarded as well.  It would be helpful if you send a note with your child with the number of telephone books brought in.  Even without the prize money or treats, we are helping our environment by responsibly taking care of these excess books.  We hope that you will be able to help us with this project. Books will be picked up (by the County Beautification Office) on December 14th or 15th.
            In these tough economic times, we know that many struggle to provide for their own families and their needs.  At the same time, you may be interested in taking part in the annual Foster Children’s Christmas party which is sponsored by the Nativity Youth Ministry Group.  Families are invited to provide a gift for a foster child or to help in some other way with the celebration on December 20th.  For more information, please call the school office or contact Mrs. Colleen Kavanagh, our 6th grade teacher who, along with her husband, coordinates this event.
            Thank you, one and all, for your great response to our Eleventh Annual Silent Auction/Raffle.  The NPA Officers, committee chairs and those who helped did an awesome job!  The event was a huge success and great fun. Thank you to all who made it possible and contributed in any way.
            Despite our programs, special events and celebrations, I want to assure you that the education of your child remains our focus.  Somehow, the teachers are able to provide solid instruction with all of these other activities going on.  We need your help in making sure that your child comes prepared each day with homework, materials and enough rest to make it through the day.  Class work will continue until the very last day of school in December.  Please help us to help your child get the most out of each day!
            Our new heating/cooling system is working very well and the rooms are very comfortable.  According to our uniform dress code, only plain navy or white sweaters or sweatshirts or school logo items may be worn in the classroom.  Also, tights, socks and leggings should be white or navy.  Of course, outside jackets/sweatshirts may be any color or design.
            Thank you, once again, for all of your support and help so far this school year. We can be so proud of our children, of our teachers and staff and of you, the parents and families.  Your involvement helps to make our school the great place that it is!  Know that you and the members of your family are remembered in prayer each morning as we pray together at the start of the school day.
            May God bless us as we work together in building a world of peace!

/s Sister Mary Jo