🦃 Saint Mary School 🍗 Weekly Family Newsletter 🦃

November 22, 2022

FAITH IN ACTION

The Barn for the Poorest of the Poor Executive Director Gerard Duffy thanked Mr. Kaufman and the entire Saint Mary School community, which donated over 400 boxes if hot and cold cereal. What a great way to kick-off Thanksgiving week!

A Special

Thanksgiving Message

This Thanksgiving, we all are blessed in so many ways if we simply take the time to recognize it. Our faith, family, friends, health, homes, country, etc., are all wonderful gifts from God.

We should also be thankful for Saint Mary School! I know I am, and I ask you to join me in giving thanks for all the wonderful people involved in making Saint Mary School the special place it has been for almost 70 years. Inspired by Proverbs 1:1-7 and outlined in a recent article, I’ve listed five things to pray for our school:

1. Thank God for learning. Thank God that he has provided everything we need “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight” in his word (v 1-2). While human minds enjoy unraveling the puzzle of how the world around us works, God has not left us guessing on the question of why—he’s told us clearly through scripture. That’s a big reason for thanksgiving!

2. Get future-proofed. Pray that students will learn “prudent behavior” (v 3).Thank God for the way he uses education as an instrument of his common grace in restraining the effects of sin on society. Pray that this school will teach children prudent behavior and equip them to make choices that do good, not harm, to others as they grow up.

3. Love fairness. Pray that students will learn to do “what is right and just and fair” in God’s eyes (v 3). Sometimes it seems that our culture’s definition of justice and fairness challenges our Catholic faith. But pray that children in this school will learn that what God thinks is right is indeed right; that what God says is just is indeed just; and that what God says is fair is indeed fair.

4. Learn discretion. Ask God to teach “discretion to the young” (v 4). Kids can be very cruel with their words. So pray that our children will learn to control their tongues and speak words that are kind and patient, not offensive or mean.

5. Fear God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (v 7). Pray that students and teachers will come to fear God—and realize that this is far more important than all the knowledge the world offers. Pray for Catholic teachers you know, and anyone else who has an opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel—ask that they, too, will speak faithfully and courageously of Jesus.

This holiday season, please check our website, Facebook page and the church bulletin for upcoming events we can enjoy together as a parish community. Also continue to pray for our Saint Mary family as we strive to provide an education that is unapologetically Catholic, family centered, caring to others and respectful to all. As we all know, prayer works! Happy Thanksgiving!

Craig Palmer, Principal

Upcoming Events

PIE PICK-UP

Wed., Nov. 23, school lobby, 12-4 p.m.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Wed., Nov. 23

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 24 & 25

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Sat., Dec 3

POLAR PLUNGE

PUB CRAWL

Sat., Dec 3

PICTURE DAY

SMS ID EVT7VT6NW

Purchase packages here

Mon., Dec. 5:

Preschool & PreK

Tues., Dec. 6: K-8

GENERAL PTA MEETING

Tues., Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

FULL DAY OF SCHOOL

Fri., Dec 16

EARLY DISMISSAL

Thurs., Dec 22, 12:05 p.m.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Fri., Dec 23, 10 a.m.

POLAR PLUNGE

Sun., Feb. 5

STEAK BAKE

Fri., Feb. 17

Latin in Action

This week we captured a special moment between our Latin teacher, Mr. Bender and Aubrey, a first grader, going over the day's lesson. The Catholic intellectual tradition, which emphasizes study of liberal arts, is the gold standard of education. Studies show that mastering languages at a young age sparks a love of learning. At Saint Mary School our classical, innovative educational approach is firmly grounded in this tradition. We encourage our parents to repeat these questions with their children and take part in the learning process. You will be amazed at how much they are learning.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Cristina English

Spanish Teacher

Monmouth University

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and History, minor in archeology

Teaching at a Catholic school, I can provide a more personalized educational experience for my students. Catholic schools like Saint Mary have smaller classes, allowing for tailored learning. I can really get to know my students—their nuances, their strengths, and their weaknesses—all while building their faith and moral character. Here at Saint Mary, education and faith go together. You can practice what you believe while learning.”

2023 Student Council

Congratulations to Saint Mary School's 2023 Student Council.

President Lila Kaminoff-O'Neal

Vice President Mackenzie Hoadley

Treasurer Cort Hooker

Secretary Nicholas Bennett (not pictured)

We look forward to working with you and all of the great things that you will accomplish.

There are so many great things happening at Saint Mary Church this time of year. "Come Home for Christmas at Saint Mary's" is a wonderful invitation to join Fr. Jeff for Christmas dinner. If you know someone who might benefit from this invitation, please share it. No one should be alone on Christmas.

We have our:

Christmas 50/50 (nearly $50,000 last year). Pick up your books after Mass.
Lessons and Carols.
Blessing of the Baby Jesus.
Advent Confessions.
Christmas Tree Lighting.

Parent Homework

November Lunch Menu. Remember–the cafeteria is closed on pizza day, so you must pack a lunch if you are not participating. Download the November menu here.

Diocesan Tuition Assistance Program 2023-24 School Year

For Families with Children Attending Catholic Schools

The first round of diocesan aid for next year is now open to our families through FACTS. All families, current and new, should apply for aid if needed. (One application per family.)

Applications are available online now at https://online.factsmgt.com

For Grades K-8: To be considered in round one, applications must be completed by March 1, 2023. The deadline for round two, is May 12, 2023.

For more information, click here.

Important Medical Information

Our school nurse needs all physical forms on record for any child participation in sports, cheer, or athletic activity. Medication forms are for the safety of our students and our school. If you child requires any medicine to be give throughout the day this MUST be filled out.

Physical forms click here.

Medication forms click here.

After School Activities

SAINTS AFTERCLUB

Aftercare is available. Please read our brochure for more information. For the morning, children can be dropped off as early as 7:15 am and gather in the cafeteria.

Make sure you follow Saint Mary Athletics on Facebook here.

Basketball practices are underway. Our schedules will be posted shortly. Cheerleading practices are Mondays immediately after school until 3:15 pm. Visit here for more athletic information and standings.

eSports

Practice is 2:40-3:45 pm

Nov. 30

Practice on half days is right after school until 1:10 pm.

All practices are in Room 119.

Girl Scouts

Our next meeting is Fri., Dec. 9, right after school in the cafeteria. Brownies and Juniors, remember your homework–cut out a quote or an article of a woman you admire and tell how it relates to the Girl Scout Law. Be sure to join the troop's Facebook page to see all of our activities. Our Facebook page link is here.

Saint Mary offers a wonderful assortment of music programs for grades 1 and above. Have your child try an instrument and enrich their learning of the arts.

1st grade and above can start on piano, ukulele, or drums.

3rd grade and above can start on voice, guitar, trumpet, trombone, strings, bass, flute, clarinet, and saxophone.

5th grade and above can start on all the instruments, including bagpipes, and learn music recording and production.

More information here.