January 3, 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The greeting, "Happy New Year," is such a common one that we sometimes take those words for granted. In the last twelve months you and members of your family may have experienced a serious illness, a move, a deployment or a loss of some kind, as well as everyday ups and downs. Whatever the circumstances of this past year, you know that God was with you every step of the way and that you were supported by the prayers and love of others. As you begin this new year, my hope and prayer for each of you is that you will be able to recognize the "happiness" of each day so that this truly will be a happy new year.
Although the first semester of school ended on December 15th, you may have noticed that you have not received your child's report card. The report cards will be sent home with the children on Wednesday, January 10th. Please be on the lookout for it. Conferences are not scheduled at this time. However, if you would like to meet with your child's teacher regarding grades or class achievement, please do not hesitate to contact her for an appointment.
The annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week will begin with a celebration on Sunday, January 28th. Students and families from our school will be involved in the various ministries at Mass on that day. Special recognition will be given to our Irish Sisters of Mercy who served in our school for many years. Coffee and doughnuts will be served following the Mass. Please plan to attend this parish celebration of our school's 50 years of Catholic Education.
During the last week of January, we will have several special events not only to mark our 50th birthday but to celebrate 50 years of Catholic education. On Thursday, February 1st, Bishop Thomas Rodi will celebrate Mass at 11am in our school gym. We will follow this with our Nativity Family Picnic. Please plan to attend and celebrate with your Nativity School Family.
Over the last few years, one of the things that Bishop Rodi has often mentioned is a keen interest in the "Catholic Identity" of our schools. Although this is something that we may take for granted, the fact that we are religious school, grounded in the Catholic tradition, is something that needs to remain a priority for us. This is a topic that we have discussed at faculty/staff meeting as well as at School Advisory Council meetings. During the course of this year, Mr. Leo Trahan, the Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Biloxi, has scheduled visits to each school in order to reflect on "Catholic identity" with each school and its staff. Mr. Trahan will be visiting our school on Thursday, January 25th. I know that you will join us in welcoming him to our school.
Weren't our Christmas celebrations spectacular? The Christmas Violin Concert was so very well done! The Christmas Band Concert was spectacular! The Christmas Choir Concert was a musical work of art! "Angels Among Us," our school Christmas program, was truly a gift of love from each of us to each of you. I would like to say a big thank you to the adults and students who made this all possible. I don't think that our school stage ever looked so elegant. Each event was a reminder of the goodness of God, the talent of our students and staff and the kindness of so many people. We have been so blessed!
As I end this letter, I would like to express my thanks to your for your help and support during this first half of the school year. Your smiles, encouragement, suggestions, comments and prayers have helped to make this a successful school year. Please know that we consider it a privilege to be part of Nativity School and to have the opportunity to work with you and your child.
May God bless you and the members of your family throughout this new year. May blessings of health, happiness and peace fill your days.
/s Sister Mary Jo