March 11, 2010                                                                                                                                                                                  

Dear parents,

It’s been such a good week because that beautiful sun has graced us with its cheerful presence.  Somehow, even if it’s cold, sunshine makes us feel great. 

I received a letter from the American Red Cross thanking our children for sending $250 to the Haitian Relief Fund.  We used the money from a couple of jeans days to send.

St. Joseph’s Collegiate will again run its “Collegiate Summer High School Readiness & Recreation Program” for boys between 7^th & 8^th grade.  The program will take place from July 6^th through July 30^th.  For more info or to request a brochure, please contact Mr. Kennedy at 874-4953 or e-mail him at pkennedy@sjci.com.

On Saturday, March 20^th, from 11a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Mary’s High School will present a Baseball Camp.  Your child will learn the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, and base running.  This is a good way for a team to get some practice.  For more information, call 683-4824 x37 or e-mail sgrieco@smhlancers.org.  

St. Mary’s will also hold a 7^th Grade Practice Exam, on Saturday, April 10^th from 8:30 – noon, at the school.  For more info call 683-4824 x37 or e-mail sgrieco@smhlancers.org. 

The deadline for applying is April 8^th.

Re-registration forms are due in our office by March 19; however, we will be very happy if they arrive sooner than that!  We need these forms returned whether you are returning or not.  The $100 deposit is applied to next year’s tuition. 

If you wish bussing for your child, you must complete and return the transportation request forms you received in last week’s folders.  These forms go to the district in which you reside and not to the school office.  Williamsville residents need not send in transportation forms. 

Congratulations to our wonderful second graders who recently have received the sacrament of Reconciliation.  Mrs. Tricia Walters spent a great deal of time preparing our students for this healing sacrament. 

Our 7^th & 8^th graders sat for the National Latin Exam on Wednesday.  They always do such a great job bringing home medals and ribbons.  This year should not be any different. 

Tomorrow, our third graders will learn about dental health from Dr. Lynch who is kind enough to come to our school every year for an oral health presentation. 

I’m sure all of you noticed just how special our school newspaper looked this month.  The photos were in color thanks to Tracy Allen (kindergartener Isabella’s mom) and the Advantage Company.  Thank you so much for your kindness, Tracy.  I brought several copies to a principals’ meeting last week.  My fellow principals just couldn’t believe how great our newspaper was!

So that all of you may more easily plan your leisure time, I would like to inform you that the “Pastor’s Holiday” that Father Jerry gave to the children at the Christmas Program will be taken on Friday, May 28^th; thus, giving us a four day weekend from May 28^th through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31^st.  The 28^th is not on the yearly school calendar; please write it in on yours. 

I also had an inquiry about Easter break and spring recess.  This is on the yearly calendar.  Easter break isn’t much of a break.  We dismiss at 11:30 on Wednesday, March 31^st and return to school on Tuesday, April 6^th.  Spring recess is the week of April 19^th through the 23^rd.  We are following the guidelines of BOCES and Williamsville this year.  However, we do not hold school on Holy Thursday for any reason. 

Our Keys and Sword Gala Committee is up and running.  You should be receiving your sweepstakes tickets soon.  This year the Gala will be held at the school.  We will have small and large auction items in a silent, live and basket auction, great food at $15 per plate, and adult beverages.  Attendance will be limited to 300 people.  The Gala Committee will meet again in room 104 on Monday, March 15^th, at 6:30. 

Marks close on March 19^th, the feast of St. Joseph.  Please remind your students to turn in or make up any assignments that need to be addressed.  Report cards will come out at the Home School Association in April.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17^th, our students may wear a bit of green with their school uniform.  This may include, but is not limited to, green socks, hair ribbons, headbands, shamrocks, flowers, scarves or hats.  There is to be no dying of hair or tattoos.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family!

Sincerely,

Marianne Maines   

^{“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”}

                                                                               ^{(Oprah Winfrey 1954-)}