October 1, 2004

Dear Parents and Guardians.

Our prayer, as we begin the season of autumn continues to be “Open our eyes, mind and heart, 0 Lord ‘ Let us continue to be aware of the goodness and blessings that are all around us!

As we watch the evening news and hear of all the devastation just to the east of us. we know how blessed we have been this hurricane season. Many of our churches or places of business have taken up collections to offer help and support to these people. Our fifth grade classes would like to collect aluminum cans during the week of October 4th and donate that money for the hurricane relief efforts. Their study of the environment, and the importance of recycling make this a project with a dual purpose Please help in whatever way that you can.

Once in awhile, a mistake made can be a “good mistake.” During the week before Hurricane Ivan. one of our staff members discovered an error that I made in our school’s calendar. I somehow provided for 181 days of school when only 180 are required by the State Department of Education. As a result, Nativity BVM School will have to make up two (2) school days rather than the three (3) school days that other schools have to make up. In discussing the possible make-up dates with faculty and staff and with our School Advisory Council, we have decided on the following two dates Monday. October 25th and Friday, April 29th. Both were listed on our school calendars as “no school days” and as possible weather make-up days We ask your support in making certain that your child is in attendance on both of those days.

School Pictures were cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan We are working now- with our photographer to reschedule these as soon as possible The Nativity BVM Golf Tournament as also cancelled due to the weather and will be rescheduled in the spring.

I need your help! In watching the students arrive each morning, I have noticed that the shorts, skirts and shorts of many students are extremely short. Our dress code indicates that shorts should be "walking lenth." That same length is implied for skirts/shorts/jumpers. I would ask you to please check your child’s uniform and see that shorts skirts/shorts and jumpers are no shorter than (approximately) three inches above the knee I truly do not want to spend time measuring uniforms but, at the same time I feel it is my responsibility to make sure that our guidelines are followed. I trust that each of you will do what you can to honor this request for help. Thank you!

Our School Advisory Council (formerly known as our School Board) has met several times since the end of last school year. As a group, we ha\e begun to work with the new Diocesan Guidelines for Schools, Pastors and Principal In the next few months, some changes will be made in committee designations, bylaws and our constitution. Because of the changes, we delayed the election of officers until our September meeting. I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Patty Bodin has accepted the role of president, Mr. Kenny Holloway that of Vice President and Mrs. Gerry Ann Holt has agreed to continue as Secretary. I would like to thank Mrs. Gwvn Diaz for her many years of dedicated service as our Board President. She and the other members of our council continue to do so much for the benefit of our school.

Thank you so much for all of your efforts to make our Seafood Festival booths a ‘eat success We earned over $2000.00 for our school through our Cakewalk and Jambalaya Booths. Special thanks to Chef Dean Shankland who once again worked his magic with spices. shrimp and rice. We especially appreciate Deans generous gift of time since his youngest child has now moved onto junior high. The cakes that you baked/bought were wonderful and looked so tasty. We appreciate your donations of cakes, pies and TIME to make this such a success!

October is always a busy month for us at Nativity BVM School. As we end our first quarter of school, we will be setting up times for you to meet with each teacher and to discuss your child's progress so far this year. Because you will receive your child’s report card at the time of the conference, it is important that you attend the scheduled time. The classroom teachers will be arranging a schedule during the next days and will try to work with you in selecting a day/time that is most convenient for you. Because of conferences, we will be dismissing school at 1:00 for two consecutive days (October 20th and 21st) and will provide afterschool care for those who need it. However, Afterschool Care will not be available on Friday, October 22nd due to the set-up activities of our annual Halloween Carnival.

In thinking of our upcoming Halloween Carnival I was wondering what I could say (or do) to encourage 100% participation of our school families. This will be my fourteenth Halloween Carnival and I have to tell you, I can’t wait! I have never, ever seen an activity quite like it in any parish or school in which have worked. I find it hard to decide what I like best: the way in which folks descend on the school on Friday about 5:00 p.m. and “poof!” booth frames are erected; the way in which decorations appear that are so creative, colorful and lovingly done; the way in which people who have not had children in our school for years and years still make it a priority to come and enjoy the food and fin; the way in which each class takes an active role in running a booth or the way in which “poof again!” booths are taken down, boxes are packed and everything is back to normal by noon on Sunday. I URGE you to please get involved! We need each and every person to help in the building, decorating and running of the booths. This is not only a huge fund raiser for our school but a night of fin and fellowship for all who attend. ALL are welcome to come and help in the set-up on Friday night (beginning about 5:00 p.m.), the decorating on Saturday morning (beginning about 8:00 am.), the carnival itself (4:00 until about 10:00) and the clean-up on Sunday (beginning about 8:00 am, and concluding usually by 11:30) Please join us!

Prayer is an important part of our day. As you know, we begin each day with prayer and a Scripture reflection. We always especially pray for our leaders, all who are sick, our military personnel (especially those who are deployed) and all others in need. If you ever have an intention that you would like to include for our morning prayer, please do not hesitate to write a note or let me know. You are always welcome to join us for prayer in the morning, on Thursdays in the gym at 8:05, at our once per month prayer service or at our monthly liturgy. These are special times for us and we welcome your presence.

Thank you for the many ways that you have helped and supported our school. We have had several requests for your help (selling, buying, bringing, working) and you have been most generous! Thank you too for the ways in which you have worked with your child so far this school year. It is amazing how much learning is going on each and every day

May God continue to be with us and guide us. May we continue to recognize His presence around us and in one another In the words often known as the Blessing of St. Francis
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace

/s Sister Mary Jo