We had a great turn out for beginning-of-the-year conferences, with everyone in good spirits as we melted together!  In January we'll probably wish for some of the heat we experienced in those last days of August.

It has been so good to see all of our returning students, and to welcome new-to-Loyola students in each grade, a large class of Kindergarteners, and almost 80 preschoolers! 

Changes and additions to the primary staff for 2013-14 include:

            Mrs. Deb Maus, after many years in grade 1, has moved to grade 2

            Ms Emily Godfredson, after subbing for Mr. Stack last spring, has returned to grade 2

            Mrs. Cortnee DePoppe, after teaching Kindergarten half-time last year, has returned to Kindergarten full time

            Mrs. Rachel Seys has moved from Clubhouse Director to Preschool aide

            Mrs. Martha Witte has joined our staff as Resource Teacher, helping with NWEA skills groups and enrichment opportunities for K-3 students

            Mr. Sean Kopas, a senior at MSU in Parks, Recreation and Leisure, and Miss Sarah Fischenich, a senior at MSU in Elementary Education, have teamed up as Clubhouse Directors, with Mrs. Seys continuing to help out one day per week.  Both Sean and Sarah have had experience in working with youngsters and enjoy being outdoors.  Sean loves hockey and Lacrosse and Sarah loves music, gymnastics and softball.  Sarah is also a new volunteer faith formation leader at St. John the Baptist parish. 

We enjoyed celebrating at our all-school, back-to-school Mass today!  As a primary school we provided four students for the entrance procession, led the psalm response, helped lead the intercessions and presented the gifts.  As is our tradition, our Kindergarteners, LCS class of 2026, joined us for the final blessing and song, and our seniors, LCS class of 2014, escorted them and the entire school to a picnic lunch with the Sisters on their lawn after Mass.  We were happy to welcome Bishop John Quinn of the Winona Diocese and our local pastors to celebrate with us.

Each Preschool class enjoyed their "Hello" Day early this week, with time for children to explore their classrooms and teachers to meet with parents, then started regular classes on Thursday and Friday. 

On the first Friday of each month we celebrate Spirit Day when children are invited to wear clothing displaying the Loyola name and/or logo.   In October, Spirit Day will coincide with Loyola homecoming "Blue and Gold" day.  Show your Loyola spirit by wearing school colors on October 4!

Primary students will participate in Mass each Wednesday morning at 9am.  Classes take turns planning and leading at these Masses, and parents are always welcome to pray with us.  Our first Mass, on September 11, will be planned by Mrs. Gerlach's third grade class.  Each month at Mass we celebrate the gift of life with children whose birthdays occur during that month.  September birthdays will celebrate on the 25th.  Stay tuned for details and a special invitation from your ''birthday" child. 

Our Kindergarteners are already busy working on the National Anthem (they did work on it in 5-day Preschool classes last year) so they'll be ready to join the class of 2014 in leading it before our home football game on September 20. 

Parents will receive information about upcoming events in our weekly newsletter, sent each Friday afternoon as part of THE COMMUNICATOR.  Look for details about Life Touch picture day September 18, singing at the game on September 20, Birthday Mass September 25, vision/hearing screening on October 7, and more.  Individual teachers will also send weekly newsletters announcing events, curriculum topics, efforts and achievements.   Be sure to read each regularly so you are well informed and up to date.

*On Tuesday I asked a little girl how her summer went. "It was really really lllllllllllloooooonnnnnnggggggg!"  she moaned.

*I called a youngster by his older brother's name.  He grinned and said, "That's OK.  I'm a mini him!"

*A youngster came in with a slight injury.  "What happened?" we asked.  "I stepped on myself!" he replied.

*On Wednesday, our second day of school, we received inquiries from two families wanting to register their little ones for Kindergarten NEXT fall.  Yeah! 

*A beautiful little Kindergartener told me, "I know 5 plus 5!" then proceeded to hide her fingers under the table as she obviously counted them.  "It's 10!" she beamed, then leaned in as though to tell me a secret and added, "I counted!!"   I shared that story with a dear friend (my favorite college professor) and she smiled and said, "What a blessing to spend time with such innocence!"

How right she is.  How blessed we are to spend our days with young children, fresh from Heaven and shining with grace and goodness.   Thank you for sharing your little ones with us!

Those of you who know me are aware that I grew up on a small farm in Madison Lake, attended All Saints Elementary School, and graduated from Loyola High School,  Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, and Wheelock University in Boston.   I have spent many years with that "innocence" mentioned by my friend, and I love serving at Loyola.    

Loyola is a school where children thrive and shine, a school with a welcoming spirit and great heart, a school  that has stood the test of time.  Thank you for choosing Loyola!