Hello! May you and your loved ones have a joyous and relaxing summer. Summer break is in full swing. Having just celebrated the 4
th
of July holiday, we know the wonderful days of summer are passing oh so swiftly.
I am writing this note to you today let you know about activities and energy in the School of St. Mary. We continue to welcome families to the School, accepting registrations for the 2019-2020 academic year. I am happy to let you know that the student enrollment for next year is currently above the projected enrollment used in putting together the school budget. This is a very positive sign for our Crusader community. Past history has shown that families will register for the School of St. Mary in July and August as well. You are invited and encouraged to let interested families know that tours are being given and School information is available in the School Office during the summer months - as well as year round through currently enrolled School families and the School and Parish Websites.
I also want to inform you of the many ways the School and Parish work with families of students at the School of St. Mary regarding need-based financial aid.
Over the past number of years, financial aid offered to School families has averaged $70,000 a year. This financial aid comes from the Parish, from the Fr. Madden Fund, and from the Parents' Association. A high of financial aid totaling $115,000 was offered a few years ago; a low of financial aid totaling $52,000 was recently provided based on need. The amount varies depending on the number of families that qualify for financial aid each academic year. We have already reached out to families who have applied and enrolled in the School of St. Mary for next year - the 2019-2020 academic year - letting them know of the need-based financial aid given to them towards tuition. All families at the time of school enrollment are offered the opportunity and informed of the process to apply for financial aid. All school families know the policies and procedures of the School and the Church regarding financial aid. These policies of the Church and the School offer support to the greatest number of families.
At no time does the Parish or School ever share with anyone specifics of an individual family receiving financial aid at the School of St. Mary. All information is private and kept confidential. If, in conversation on the streets of Lake Forest, you hear of a family in need of financial aid, please ask them if they have applied. The School and Parish are only able to offer assistance to those who follow the established procedures and policies regarding need-based financial aid offered through the School of St. Mary.
The Parish and School always appreciate the generosity of benefactors to the School and Parish, including those who offer support given to qualified need-based families to receive financial aid. If you have an interest and the means to be a benefactor to the Fr. Madden Fund, which is used to support families in need at the School of St. Mary, please include your desire on the Memo line of your check. Please let me know if I can reach out to others who may share an interest in supporting the Parish and School.
The
Phase Four for St. Mary's
construction project continues at our Parish. Efforts are being put in place so those entering the church through the south entrance are able to do so on weekends. We are collaborating with the companies working on the project to keep the entrance clean and safe for all. Thank you for your patience and prayers.
God bless you in living Spirit-filled lives and may your summer be filled with God's grace and beauty!
