Thanksgiving is right around the corner. As we reflect on the many things for which we are thankful for, I want to share a few of mine with you. I am thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn. They give us a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. I am thankful for the support of the parents in creating a wonderful partnership with us. I am thankful for Fr. Peter and St. Mary's parishioners, the teachers, our school secretary, the classroom aides, the parish staff, the lunchroom staff, the bus drivers, the Afterschool staff and our support staff. I am also thankful for our volunteers who enthusiastically contribute so much to our school. There are so many people that work behind the scenes on a daily basis to make this a wonderful place. There is not a day that goes by that I am not amazed how God is working through all of us so that his voice can be heard. I witness random acts of kindness all day. Not just from our students and staff, but from all that enter our building. I am thankful to be here at St. Mary's and be a part of this loving community. My life is better because of all of you.
From now until the end of the year we will be concentrating on Stewardship. Last week Wednesday at our 5:11 assembly we introduced the Six Characteristics of a Good Steward. They are mindful, prayerful, grateful, gracious, committed and accountable. The teachers talked to the students about how they were given $50.00 at the teacher August in-service and how they discerned about who to share their money with and which characteristic they were thinking of when they did this.
This past Friday, after mass, Fr. Peter talked to the students about the six characteristics again. He gave each classroom $50.00 to spend. The teachers and the students together will decide how the money will be spent. They will decide which characteristic they will be working on.
Each month the students will learn about one of the characteristics. This month we are concentrating on gratitude. We will be collecting $1.00 and the money will go toward the Angel Tree Project. During Catholic Schools Week Open House on January 28th we will have a gallery where you can view how each classroom shared their money.
Click on the link to open the stewardship overview.
Thank you to everyone that contributed to the Thanksgiving Drive. We were able to make 25 baskets that will be delivered today to those in need.
We still have tags on the Angel Tree in the school atrium. Stop by and take one. You will make someone's Christmas brighter. Angel Tree items are due Monday, November 27
th
.
Mark your calendar for December 7th. It is St. Mary's night at Barnes and Noble at Brookfield Square. We have lots of fun things planned. Plan to do some Christmas shopping and help support our library. We have extra Barnes and Noble scrip in the office. Stop by and pick some up.
It is hard to believe, but we are already beginning to plan for next year. Last week you should have received
the 2018-2019 registration form.
It is due back on Friday, December 8th. Please return your form on time to avoid the $25.00 late fee and save your spot for next year.
Just a reminder, the students only have school on Monday, November 20th.
