Parent Newsletter: 3/13/17
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Attendance Hotline: (651) 925-8777
A Message from the Superintendent
Philosophy of Education for Saint Agnes School
 
I am honored to announce to you that, in December of 2016, Archbishop Hebda and the entire corporate board of the Church of Saint Agnes approved an important document identifying and explaining our school's Philosophy of Education. This culminates the work of many individuals who carefully reflected on and put into writing the most essential elements of what Saint Agnes has done and intends to continue to do as a Catholic school. 
 
Why, after 125 years of educating thousands of young people, is this kind of a document needed? In short, there are three reasons. 
 
First, every institution, every business and, in fact, every human being must have a good sense of self knowledge. We must know who we are and what our ultimate goal or purpose is. With this Philosophy of Education, Saint Agnes School has set the very crucial goal of helping our young people to develop the gifts God has given them in every aspect of their life: spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. All the while, we realize that what is most important for the young people entrusted to our care is that they attain eternal happiness with God in heaven. 
 
Second, in today's world there are many and varied understandings of education. For example, some believe education is only for job training; others see education as merely training in societal rules and tolerance. There is also disagreement on basic principles such as whether there is truth. We assert there is truth and it can be known.  
 
Third, having a clear and agreed upon Philosophy of Education allows everyone involved with the success of the school, from parents to faculty, to have a common starting point from which to begin the great work of forming the hearts and minds of our young people to be more like Christ. Assuredly, if we are not working together and for the same purpose of following God's will, then we are working against each other and against God. 
 
Over the course of the next couple of months I will publish this document in segments using both the parish bulletin and school newsletter. Along with the excerpts, I will occasionally offer a short commentary.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who have had a part in the researching, thinking, discussing, reflecting, writing, re-writing, critiquing and editing this Philosophy of Education. Faculty and staff have had key input but it is fitting to identify individuals who joined me in spending countless hours in what was a sometimes exciting and sometimes tedious labor of love: Jim Morehead, John DeJak, Michael Adkins, Karl Hendrickson, Patrick Menke, Jean Houghton and Kevin Ferdinandt. Lastly, I thank Fr. Welzbacher who carefully read through this document as the official Censor Librorum and offered much valuable assistance. 
 
"The greater danger for most of us isn't that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." ~ Michelangelo


Sincerely yours in Christ, 
Rev. Mark Moriarty
Headmaster's Update


Saint Agnes Seniors Join Catholics at the Capitol
This past Thursday, our entire senior class joined 1,000 Catholics around the state to support "Catholics at the Capitol Day." When they returned, I asked them how it went.  Answers from seniors ranged from: "It was really great" to "I couldn't believe how good it was" to "Going in I didn't expect much, but it was much better than I expected!" Our senior history class centers on civics, and what better way to teach civics than to go to the State Capitol as a part of the Church. They met with Minnesota senators and congressmen and had a 1,000 plus person lunch with Bishop Cozzens and the bishops from all over the state of Minnesota. Bishop Cozzens (and the Catholics there) tweeted out a video message to Governor Dayton that stated: "Support school choice!"
 
Parent/Teacher Conferences this Thursday, 3/16
Please plan to spend some time with us for P/T conferences this Thursday from 3:15 to 8:00 PM. Teachers are eager to speak about your children with you!
  • K-6 conferences will be held in classrooms; schedule conferences here.
  • 7-12 conferences are held on a drop-in basis in Gruden Gym and UAC Commons.
No After School Care This Thursday, 3/16
After school care is not available this Thursday, March 16, due to conferences. 

VIRTUS Training at Saint Agnes: Tonight, 3/13
Saint Agnes will host VIRTUS training session in Schuler Hall at 6:00 PM tonight, March 13. Attendees must pre-register at www.virtusonline.org. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to sign-in. Late arrivals are not allowed. Download the New User Guide for help.
Boys Basketball Play in Section Semi-Finals Tomorrow, 3/14 
Congratulations to Coach Hopkins and the Aggies, who advance to section semifinals with their 57-54 victory over New Life Academy on Saturday, March 11. Cheer them on tomorrow, March 14, as they face Minneapolis Roosevelt at 7:45 PM at Washington Technology Magnet High School (1495 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55117)The winner will play either #1 seed Minnehaha Academy or #4 seed St. Croix Lutheran. Get the full article and see playoff brackets here.
Red Cross Blood Drive is Tomorrow, 3/14
The Red Cross Blood Drive is this Tuesday, March 14, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Gruden Gym. Students 16 or older need to have signed up by today, March 13; walk-in donors cannot be accepted. Please contact Mrs. Joan Decker with questions.
Conference Meal for Teachers: Thurs., 3/16
Anyone who is interested in contributing to the conference meal for teachers this Thursday, March 16, please check the Sign Up Genius link to learn more and to see what is still needed.
Last Chance! Register for the ACT at Saint Agnes by Fri., 3/17
Saint Agnes will host the ACT Exam on Saturday, April 8. Late registration is open until Friday, March 17. Begin the registration process here or contact Karl Hendrickson with questions.
Lenten Lecture Series: Fri., 3/17
This Friday's lecture topic is "Reclaiming Story & Cinema," and is presented by Barbara Nicolosi.
Join us in
 Schuler Hall after 7:00 PM Stations of
the Cross in the church. Download the flyer.

Pasta Dinner is This Sat., 3/18, from 6-7 PM in Schuler Hall
The annual Pasta Dinner to benefit Aggie Baseball is Saturday, March 18, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in Schuler Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students or seniors. One family ticket is $30 and is good for a family of 5 or more living under the same roof. Door prizes and auction items also available. Dine in or take out. Contact Mike Streitz at (651) 925-8705 to learn more.
Course Requests Due for Grades 8-11 by This Sun., 3/19!
Course requests for the 2017-2018 school year are due by this coming Sunday, March 19, at 11:59 PM. All documents are located at www.saintagnesschool.org/parents.   For help with your Educate login, please call ( 651) 925-8700 or send an email to Mrs. Weyandt or Mrs. Kilduff.
School Mass Schedule & Forty Hours Devotions: 3/23-3/26
The Church of Saint Agnes celebrates Forty Hours Devotions next weekend, March 24-26. Sign up for an hour of adoration in the church vestibule, at side entrances, in the chapel, and in Schuler Hall. Please note these changes to the regular school Mass and Stations schedule: 

Thursday, 3/23
No School Mass at 9:30 AM

Friday, 3/24
No School Stations at 9:30 AM
K-12 Mass at 9:30 AM followed by Exposition in the Upper Church

Forty Hours Devotions close with Vespers & Benediction at 4:00 PM in the Upper Church on Sunday, March 26. The guest homilist will be Fr. Michael Creagan, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in West St. Paul. Get the full weekend schedule for Forty Hours Devotions.
And the Car Raffle Winners Are...
Congratulations to John and Jan Junkman, winners of the car raffle at this year's Red & White Benefit! Jan purchased $100 in raffle tickets at the event on Saturday, February 25. Little did she know she would be going home with a new Ford Escape! 
 
Thank you to our entire community for your participation in the raffle. Together we raised over $86,000 for Saint Agnes School!
Congratulations to Concert Chorale!
Congratulations to the high school Concert Chorale for a beautiful and inspiring Sacred Concert this past Sunday, March 14. - Mrs. Donna May
 
Our congratulations also to freshman Emma Taggart who took second place yesterday at the Schubert Club Scholarship Competition in piano. 
Spring Break Office Hours: 3/27-3/31
The Main Office will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM during spring break. The office will be closed on Friday, March 31. Regular office hours resume on April 3.
Volunteer Requirements: Updates Needed by 3/31
If you completed the E3 requirements prior to July 1, 2014, your records must be updated by this March 31.  If you are unsure whether you need updates or you need help with your VIRTUS login, contact Annette Beaudry at (651) 925-8826 . Forms are available in the main office or here:  E3 for CURRENT Volunteers  or  E3 for NEW Volunteers.
Around the Archdiocese: Living Stations of the Cross, 4/14
Enrich your Lenten experience as a local group called "Servants of the Cross" re-enacts the Passion of Jesus Christ. This production includes families from Saint Agnes parish and school. See this performance at three locations on Good Friday, April 14, or learn more online here.
  • 12:00 PM at St. Jude of the Lake, Mahtomedi (700 Mahtomedi Ave.)
  • 3:00 PM at the Church of St. Rita, Cottage Grove (8694 80th St. S.)
  • 7:00 PM at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul (2119 Stillwater Ave. E.
Print Your Tuition Tax Statements for 2016
Print your 2016 Household Paid Tuition Tax Statement directly from TADS website:
1.  Log in at https://secure.TADS.com
2.  Choose "billing" at the top of the page
3.  Choose "household paid tuition tax report" on the right hand side of the page
4.  Select the year you wish to print
Questions?  Please contact Sandy Veal at (651) 925-8815 
STAY CONNECTED:
The Parent Newsletter is a weekly publication of Saint Agnes School. 

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