The Siena Scribe

February 21, 2017
In this issue of the Scribe:
Dear Parents,
 
I hope you have enjoyed a restful long weekend.
 
Last Wednesday, our students attended an amazing performance by the Storyteller-in-Residence from Apex Museum.  For over thirty minutes, groups of students were mesmerized by Ms. Deborah Strahorn as she shared various African tales which were both entertaining and filled with historical facts and cultural lessons.
 
This story-telling performance was one of the ways for our school community to celebrate cultural diversity and Black History Month this year.  Next Tuesday, we will host the fourth annual International Night during which our students and families will enjoy and learn about the rich cultural traditions of nearly twenty different countries represented by various families of our school.  A big "thank you" goes to Mrs. Cowan for organizing this wonderful event once again.
 
Cultural diversity is very much a part of our Catholic patrimony - it points to the beautiful creativity and abundant generosity of our Father in Heaven Who delights in bestowing a multiplicity of gifts upon His children.  The encounter of different cultures can be an immensely rewarding experience which widens and enriches one's horizons and perspectives.  Here at St. Catherine's, we celebrate the blessings of the different cultures of our students and families. 
 
Thank you for teaching your children to treasure the God-given gift of their cultural heritage.  Thank you also for teaching them to recognize and respect the cultural heritages of their peers. 
 
In the Book of Revelation (7:9), God tells us that "a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue" will come to know, praise, and worship Him.  Our faith teaches us that we are all beloved children of God - we have the awesome responsibility, by our words and actions, to bring the love of Christ to all whom we meet.  May we continue to teach our children to follow the example of our patroness, St. Catherine of Siena, whose life mission was to "set the world ablaze with the love of Christ."
 
God bless,
Sister Mary Jacinta, O.P.
Principal
Upcomingdates

Week of 2/20-2/24:
Monday, 2/20
  • No school - President's Day
    • Tuesday, 2/21
  • Robotics  
    Wednesday, 2/22
  • All school Mass - 4B
  • 3B Confessions
  • Fun Lunch - Jason's Deli - Turkey Sandwich
  • Science Olympiad Meeting
    • Friday, 2/24
  • Spirit Wear
  • Frozen Friday

    		•

    Week of 2/27-3/3: 
    Monday, 2/27
  • Math Lab - 7 & 8 Grade
    •  Tuesday, 2/28
  • Prospective students shadow
  • Robotics
  • International Night - 5pm
    • Wednesday, 3/1
  • All school Mass - Ash Wednesday
  • No Confessions
  • Fun Lunch - Jason's Deli - Past w/no meatballs
    • Friday , 3/3
  • Prospective students shadow
  • Frozen Friday
    • Saturday, 3/4
  • Kindergarten Screening for all Kindergarten applicants

    •


     
    prayer

    Please pray for:
    • Pope Francis, Archbishop Gregory, Bishop Zarama, Fr. Neil, Fr. Peeter
    • The sick among our families and friends
    • Those among our families and friends who serve in the military overseas 
    • Please also pray for those among our families who are ill - we have a number of family members who are very sick and in need of prayers.

    Congratulations to the Huebner family on the arrival of their new baby, Jude!  Ava (3A) and Ellis (2A) are thrilled to welcome their new brother!

    We are pleased to share with you the draft 2017-2018 Calendar.  Please note that this draft calendar does not contain all events and is also subject so change.  An updated calendar will be published in May.
     
    Thank you for your feedback for the proposed early dismissal (2:30 p.m.) days for the 2017-2018 school year.  Several parents made the recommendation that we keep these days consistent to help families remember these early dismissals - this is a great recommendation!  As of now, with two exceptions, these early dismissal days are scheduled every 2nd and 4th Wednesday - however, we may cut back and keep just the 2nd Wednesday to help with consistency.  There is also a recommendation to have the 2:30 p.m. dismissal every Wednesday.  While we would love to do so, the loss of instructional minutes will have to be made up by extending the school day - the Office of Catholic Schools specify certain number of minutes of instruction per subject per week - we do not believe this is feasible at this time.  Thank you for understanding.


    DynamicDynamic Catholic "Best Lent Ever"

    Lent begins with Ash Wednesday next week, March 1.  Please consider how God may be calling you and your family to encounter His Presence during this Lent!  The "Best Lent Ever" program offered by Dynamic Catholic may be the right tool for you - check it out:

    Academic Academic Fair
     
    Our students in 3rd through 8th grade are working diligently on their Academic Fair projects!  Subject/homeroom teachers have already provided instructions and support to students in class.  The date for the presentation of the projects was scheduled for Wednesday, March 8.  However, because this date falls during the week of ITBS testing, we will postpone it to Wednesday, March 22.  The due date(s) for the projects as set by teachers will NOT change. 
    Parenting "Parenting an Internet Generation"
     
    We invite all parents, but especially parents of Middle School students, to attend an important presentation by Matt Fradd on "Parenting an Internet Generation" on Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30PM in the school gym.  Appropriate use of the internet, social media, and electronic device can be a serious challenge for young people.  Parents and teachers need to be aware of up-to-date information in order to help our students to develop healthy and safe ways to utilize the internet.
      GalaAuctionGala Auction Photos
     
    The following is a link to the gallery of images from our Gala Auction:
    Mr. Brian Weaver, husband of our Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Ann Weaver's husband, was also busy at the gala capturing images!  He has shared his gallery of images for viewing and download as well. Here is the link to his gallery:
    InternationalInternational Night

    We are now up to nearly twenty countries for International Night.  And, a dance troupe from our Hispanic ministry will join us to make a special presentation!  Thank you to all who have signed up to host a table.  And, we invite all families to come enjoy an evening of cultural celebrations: please RSVP via this link  http://evite.me/SEsDGJpMek

    AnnualAnnual Fund

    Thank you for your generous support of our Annual Fund!  To date, we have received $17,975 in pledges from 37 families.  We are grateful for the generous contributions that so many of you have made to St. Catherine of Siena.  If you have not had a chance to make a pledge to the Annual Fund, there is still time to contribute a gift.  The gifts raised will directly support our students, the cost of educating our children, academic classroom enhancements, student programs and services.  Please consider a gift and help us achieve our goal with 100% participation.  No amount is too small and every gift will make a difference in the success of our amazing school!  !  Please click here to go to our webpage to make a pledge.  Thank you for your generous support!
    FatherFather Daughter Dance

    The Enchanted Forest
    Saturday, March 25, 2017
    6:00 - 8:30 pm
    St. Catherine of Siena Herbert Hall
    Hosted by Girl Scout Troop 10393
    Click here for the registration form

    Grab your fairy wings and your Prince Charming and fly on over for a magical evening.
    Your reservation ensures an Enchanting Evening on our Woodland Dance Floor, Fairy Punch and Enchanting Desserts as well as a Photo Booth and one Raffle Ticket for Elementary & Middle School Raffle Baskets. Additional Raffle Tickets will be available in the Forest.
    yearbookYearbook Early Edition - Make it Yours!

    The 2017 yearbook will be filled with pictures of our year together at St. Catherine's and is must have for all the students! We are happy to offer this all color, hardcover edition at a special price of $25 each! This price is valid from February 1st to March 15th. After this, each copy will be priced at $30. You can order your copy from the following link:

    http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01063777   (link will be active starting on February 1st)

    We are excited to inform you that Yearbooks will be available earlier- on May 17, 2017. An insert with all the end of year pictures will be distributed in August, 2017.
    Help make the Yearbook spectacular!

    Click here for a yearbook dedication.
    photographerCalling all Photographers

    We are busy working on the pages of this unique early edition and are looking for pictures that have been taken during special events, class field trips- very specially TEAM SPORTS!! We need Team pictures as well as action shots of Volleyball and Basketball.

    Please send photographs as soon as possible to Mrs. John. Pictures are to be in jpeg format and preferably on a flash drive.  You can also send Mrs. John a link to your online collection. 

    Individual pictures can be emailed to:  [email protected]
    Deadline February 28th, 2017.

    BoxBox Tops


    Attention! Last chance to turn in Box Tops before the deadline! Please be sure to send in all Box Tops no later than Friday, February 24th. Thank you for your support!
    St. Catherine of Siena Preschool Preschool1

    Do you have a little one that will be 16 months to 5 years of age in September of 2017? If yes, St. Catherine's Preschool offers a strong Catholic, educational foundation in a highly academic and creative environment.

    Our preschool teachers are loving and qualified individuals that will help mold your children. We are housed in Our Lady of Grace building and have been in existence for 25+ years!

      Click here for more information.

    BTBlessed Trinity Football

    Be part of the tradition! The Blessed Trinity football program finished #5 in the state and is gearing up for another great season.  Registration for BT Junior Titan football is now open to all rising 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders (current 4,5,6 and 7th graders).  
    Please visit   http://www.btcatholic.org/Athletics-JuniorTitanPrograms  to get more information and to register for the upcoming 2017 season.  If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] .


    St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School | 770-419-8601 | www.scsiena.org
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