Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a week of thanks, family, and love.  It was wonderful having an entire week to spend with loved ones.  We are now on the sprint to Christmas. However, we must stop and discover the true meaning of the season - the birth of Jesus Christ.  The first day of Advent is Sunday, December 3rd.  I encourage all families to have an Advent wreath and pray daily in preparation for this wonderful time.  At school, we do daily prayers and lighting of the candles.  Our four pillars in the lobby are made into the four candles of the wreath.  Our students from grades four through eight will receive the opportunity for reconciliation on Tuesday, December 5th at St. Peter.  Further, we will set up a Christmas tree this weekend in the lobby. This tree is decorated with family ornaments of past and present students.  If you are new to the school, we ask that you bring in a homemade ornament with your family's name on it. Place the ornament on the tree to be included in our All Saints community tree.  It does not have to be more than a paper framed family photo. All of these things we do are for the spiritual preparation of our children and to teach them we are all members of the Church community. 

Next week, All Saints Catholic School has the privilege of singing at and decorating the Diocesan Pastoral Center Christmas tree for Bishop Barbarito.  Selected students will be going on this field trip.  We will post pictures of this wonderful event.

The Santa Shop also begins next week.  This is a great little event that allows students to purchase small items for their family members.  More information about schedules, volunteers, and gifts needed will be sent home later this week.  However, we encourage parents to discuss with their children that this shop is for the purchase of gifts for others.  Students should not really be buying for themselves.  Further, please talk to your child about a budget of gifts for everyone.  Too often children do not have enough or far too much for their wish lists.  Both leave children and helpers frustrated. 

This Saturday, December 2nd at 7:45 AM is the Cardinal Newman High School placement test.  Students must pre-register.  If your 8th grader is even slightly interested in attending Catholic high school, this test should be taken.  It does not lock your child into enrollment for the following year.  However, it keeps doors open for high school decisions.  Also, parents should be aware it is not an acceptance test, but rather a means to place students in proper leveled classes or programs.  Further information can be found at www.cardinalnewman.com.

Have a wonderful week.

O n Wednesday  mornings in the cafeteria after drop off.  This program assists teachers in doing material and resource preparation.  This is an easy way to complete your volunteer hours and a great opportunity to get involved and make new friends.  If you have smaller children at home, please feel free to bring them along as well.  Please contact Rita Berley with any questions,  rita.berley@handslawllc.com ,  301-509-0729.

Ladies Luncheon;

All Saints annual Ladies Luncheon is schedule for April 27th at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Planning meetings begin now with the first meeting this Thursday, November 30th at 8:00 AM in the HSA room.  If you are interested in helping in any way, please come to the meeting or call the front office. 

For any general questions please contact Patty Rabideau at 561-385-1659 or at pattyrab@comcast.net.  We want all of our families to be able to find where their time and talent can be best served.