• A new year - 2017 - it is going to be a great new year at Our Lady of Fatima School!
• The kids are back and we are glad that they are!
• Mark your calendar - the H.S.A. is having their monthly meeting this Monday, January 9^th at 7:00 p.m. Steve Soucy, John Doyle and I will discuss  the current school budget, Fatima Faith fund-raising efforts with Brent Shaffer, and will answer questions. Two things are true: one, until our enrollment goes up, we will need to do additional fund-raising in our parish and local community. Two, we have successfully fund-raised this amount in the past, and we are confident that we will do it again. Please plan on attending!
• Another mark your calendar - I am excited that Joe Santaniello will be back this year to direct The Snow Queen as our school Spring Musical. This classic, award-winning musical by Cheryl Kemeny is based on the famous Hans Christian Anderson story about an evil Sorcerer, a mysterious Snow Queen, and a young girl, Gerda, on a journey to save her best friend, Kai. This play will be open to all 3rd through 8^th graders and practice will take place on Wednesdays between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Snow Queen will be presented on May 20^th and May 21^st. Permission slips to participate are due by next Friday, January 13^th and play practice will begin on Wednesday, January 18^th. Play permission slips were sent home with the students this past Wednesday, January 4th. Extra copies are available in the main office. Don't miss the fun and excitement and please encourage your child to participate.
• January 29^th is the beginning of Catholic Schools Week this year. We will begin by having an Open House for new families on Sunday, January 29^th between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This is a very important event for us to help attract new families for the 2017-2018 school year. You can help us in two important ways: one by taking a sign for the Open House and displaying it on your lawn, and two, by telling people you know about your child's positive experience at our school. You are the most important and powerful ambassadors for our school! Any positive feedback on our school to neighbors, or on social media, or to people you meet is our most powerful endorsement! Open House signs will be found outside my office by afternoon pick-up starting on Wednesday, January 11^th. Please pick one up and display on your lawn. Many parents at our October Open House responded that they learned about that Open House from seeing our signs.
• New after-school enrichment opportunity - Students in grades K-4 can sign up for the Origami Club with Miss Fiorentini - Tuesdays after school from 3:00-3:50 p.m.
• The Knights of Columbus are offering a basketball free throw contest in our gym on Friday, January 13^th at 7:30 p.m. This contest is open to all boys and girls between the ages of nine to fourteen. If your child is interested, registration will begin at 7:00 on the 13^th and parents will need to sign consent and bring proof of age for their child. Contact Pete Rubsam for more information and thanks for organizing, Pete.
• Our Christmas Pageant was held on Wednesday, December 21^st. It was highlighted by the beautiful singing of our students, the flawless narrative reading by Anastasiya, and the beautiful piano playing and conducting by Mrs. Strmecki. Bravo, everyone!
• Courtesy of tickets won and donated by Brent Shaffer, the 4^th grade had a private Mass and breakfast with the Bishop on December 21^st. It was an amazing experience for our 4^th graders to attend a private Mass, and then sit, eat breakfast, and talk with Bishop Caggiano on a range of issues. It was unforgettable - many thanks to Brent for his generosity in making this happen.
• Speaking of Bishop Caggiano, if you have a Facebook account, I encourage you to "friend" Bishop Frank J. Caggiano to receive a daily inspirational reflection. They are always great.
• Midterm exams for middle school students will be held on January 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th. The exam schedule is on our website.
• February 3^rd is our Grandparent/Special Friend Day in the morning. It will begin with 9:00 mass and then hospitality in the Parish Center. Grades Pre-K through 5^th will host Grandparents and Special Friends in their classrooms. Grades 6^th through 8^th will be presenting their projects at a Science Fair in the gym until 11:30 a.m. Mark your calendars!  
• This past Wednesday, our 8^th grade English class hosted Mrs. Jodie Gil, a journalism professor from Southern Connecticut State. Mrs. Gil was well-spoken and passionate about journalism. Also, a special thanks to her proud mother, our own Diane Favier, for helping to arrange the visit.
• Father Reggie announced during Mass today, that it is Mrs. Rooney's birthday today. If you see Mrs. Rooney, please join us in wishing her a Happy, Happy Birthday!