December 2, 2008

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.
            Thank you, one and all, for your great response to our Tenth Annual Silent Auction/Raffle.  The event was a huge success and great fun.  Thank you to all who made it possible and contributed in any way.
            This Saturday is our third annual Chili Dinner to celebrate Christmas on the Water.  Our location, so near to the beach, provides us with great access for viewing the boats for the Christmas Boat Parade.  We hope that you can join us at 5:00 for chili (or hot dogs)!  Earlier in the day, our Band and Choir members will be performing as part of the Christmas in the City Festivities.  We are so pleased that our school can take part in these special civic events.
            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.
            For the first time 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 8th.  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.
            In these tough economic times, we know that many struggle to provide for their own families and their needs.  At the same time, we are invited to take part in two special projects during this Christmas season.  The first is 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.  A flier, prepared by Mrs. Kavanagh, can be found in the newsletter packet.  The second collection is the Christmas Shoebox Collection for the children at Pointe Aux Chenes Elementary School in Montegut, Louisiana.  This area, hard hit by Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, was visited earlier this year by our parish Disaster Relief Team.  Small toys and items will be packed into shoeboxes so that each child receives a specially wrapped gift box.  The Disaster Team plans to deliver these gifts on December 22nd.  Please refer to the “Library Newsletter,” found in this packet for further information of how you might help.  Participation in one or both of these programs is totally voluntary.
            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 enthusiasm and 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 you with health, happiness and peace throughout these Advent days.

/s Sister Mary Jo