February 1, 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians,
After these last cool, rainy days I know that most of us are ready for some Southern sunshine! As I often tell the children (on those rainy indoor recess days), the American Indians believed that “rain is the sign of God’s blessing.” I guess God has literally been showering us with blessings these last weeks!
Thank you for your participation in our Catholic Schools Week events. What wonderful times of gathering, remembering and celebrating. We are so fortunate that the Bishop of our Diocese puts such a high priority on education that he takes the time to personally visit and celebrate Liturgy with each school. Our staff did a terrific job in organizing the special events. A big thank you to the staff members and parents and alumni who make up our “Birthday Committee” as well as to our current and former staff members who were part of the Catholic Schools Week Committee.
Over the last months, our School Advisory Council has been taking a serious look at our school’s financial status. Although we are financially sound at this time, our school faces the same challenges that each of you also faces: rising health insurance costs, rising cost of utilities, and perhaps most of all, the rising cost of insurance for buildings and property. Like many of you, our school experienced a significant increase in the insurance that we carry for our buildings and property. In just one year, our insurance doubled. We have now been notified that we can anticipate a doubling once again for this next year. I share this information with you because, as we prepare our school budget for the 2007-2008 school year, it is safe for you to anticipate a tuition increase for all students. You may remember that we chose NOT to increase tuition this current school year because we felt that so many were experiencing continued financial strain as a result of Hurricane Katrina. We know that many of those financial challenges are still present; however, we too, are experiencing similar financial challenges. I would like to assure you that our School Advisory Council is working hard to financially provide for the best possible education for your child and that any increases will be studied carefully before they are implemented. We hope to complete our budget meetings shortly. As soon as we have done so, we will notify you of the tuition/fees for the 2007 -2008 school year.
Special events are plentiful throughout the month of February. Our band and flag team will participate in three Mardi Gras Parades: February 3rd – Biloxi Children’s Walking Parade; February 15th – Annual VA Hospital Mardi Gras Parade and February 16th – Annual Nativity School Mardi Gras Parade. Please feel free to join us in these celebrations of our culture and of our community!
Shortly after we return to school following our Mardi Gras Holiday, our school will hold its annual Science Fair. If you are unsure of details for this fair, please contact the school. Please remember that all fourth, fifth and sixth grade students are required to participate in the fair. Participation for all other grades is optional.
Our Annual Open House will be held on Sunday, March 4th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Teachers/Staff members will be on hand to answer questions, students will be involved in various activities and our Book Fair will be open for shopping. This is a wonderful time to visit the various classrooms, meet old friends and learn more about our school. Please do not hesitate to invite friends, neighbors or co-workers to attend along with you. Registration packets and information for the 2007-2008 school year will be available at the Open House. Please note that registration packets for students currently attending Nativity BVM School will be sent home with the children on Monday, March 5th.
Thank you, once again, for your support of our school. So many of you requested copies of the State of the School report and took the time to return the survey that was included with it. That information helps us to determine areas of strength and areas that need further attention. If you would still like to participate in this survey, please send a note to the office and we will return a copy of the report and survey to you.
Within our school, there are many families who are experiencing disappointment regarding the progress of the reconstruction of their home, many who are experiencing serious illness or loss and many who are struggling financially. As always, please let me know of special needs and we will see what we can do to assist you and your family.
Let us hold one another in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. May God continue to bless us and guide us as we remember, as we celebrate and as we look to the future.
/s Sister Mary Jo