OUR LADY OF FATIMA
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL NEWSLETTER
                             June 16th, 2017
 
"Catholic school students learn that God is present and active in their lives and in the world. They learn to recognize the "Footprints of God" in their daily experiences, especially in the midst of life's challenges."
                                                                      Father Ronald J. Nuzzi
                                                                    The University of Notre Dame
 
OUT AND ABOUT:
  • The Spring Concert took place on June 2nd.  It was a tremendous success because of the talent and hard work of all our students, and the wonderful direction of Ms. Lisa Strmecki.  It is such an important experience for our students as they develop public singing and speaking confidence, as well as dancing, and poise. Bravo, to all involved.
  • The 8th-grade luncheon was held last Thursday. The 7th-grade parents could not have worked harder and the gym was transformed into a magical place around the theme of the Dr. Seuss book, "The Places You'll Go." Thank you, Karin Beggin for your leadership and work to make this a reality!
  • The 8th-Grade graduation was held last Friday evening. It was, as you know, my first graduation here at Our Lady of Fatima, and it was an unforgettable experience. The Graduation was highlighted by the planning of Ms. Galasso, the beautiful readings from our 8th-grade students, and the unforgettable graduation address from parent, Peter Rubsam. (And no, Peter, you were not selected to speak because you paid the most tuition for your three children.)
  • Yesterday, the 7th-grade Spanish students did an amazing presentation to the school of the play, Mulan. It was done entirely in Spanish, with action and costumes. Great job, Mrs. Solange Monco. Karin, idea for next year - the school play done in Spanish. What do you think?
  • Who is the strongest and most influential marketing person for our school? You are!! Research says that a positive recommendation from a peer is more likely to impact a person's decision than even a person of authority. Thank you in advance, for "talking proud" about our school when you meet families this summer.
  • Bishop Caggiano has sent out a special summer message to young people. To view the message, please copy and past this address into your search bar:  https://formationreimagined.wistia.com/medias/nbhnagjsw3 . You may also be inspired by Facebook mini-homilies or texts called "The Face of Prayer." You can sign up for both on Facebook Bishop Frank Caggiano.
  • We plan to send home report cards with the students this Tuesday, the last day of school.
  • Summer Reading lists are on our website and on file at the Wilton Library. Summer math skills work books can be ordered at www.summerskills.com.
  • The next time you visit our back playground, take a seat on our new great bench. Thank you to the Class of 2017!
  • Has your child out-growing their uniform for next year? Is it still only gently used? Or, is your child in need of a new uniform for the fall. Reminder there is a free uniform exchange at the bottom of the stairs to drop-off or pick-up gently used uniforms. Thanks to everyone for contributing.
  •  I understand that some parents are having issues with the viewing of the school website. We are working with the provider to resolve this issue. In the meantime, if you are having difficulties, please just scroll down to the bottom of the page and press the Adobe Flash button. That should resolve the problem for the time being.
  • Wonderful news - the Athletic Committee has voted to contribute $10,000 to the Fatima Faith Fund. This is of tremendous help. Thank you, Athletic Committee!
  • This week we had a beautiful Pre-K graduation ceremony highlighted by singing by our Pre-K students, a video of the year, and a warm thank you from the parents to our dynamite Pre-K team of Mrs. Becky Gammardella, teacher, and Mrs. Trisha Kaczmarek and Mrs. Janina Rentas, teacher assistants.
  • This week we also had an amazing Kindergarten graduation with our Kindergarten students singing, speaking, and dancing for their parents. This ceremony also ended with a warm thank you by the parents to our great Kindergarten team of Ms. Gianna Fiorentini, teacher, and Mrs. Ellen Moore, Kindergarten teacher assistant.
  • Speaking of Mrs. Ellen Moore. Ellen has informed me that after ten years of service to our school, she is retiring at the end of this year.  Ellen has been of great help to our school in countless ways. In all her different tasks and duties, she has completed them in an unassuming way with quiet dignity. Bravo, Ellen, you will be missed!
  • Reminder that June 19 and June 20th will be half-days of school. The After-school program will be available for students on June 19th; it will not be available for students on June 20th, the last day of school.
  • The Terra Nova results from this year are still delayed due to a "system integration" issue at the CTB level. Now they are predicting the reports will arrive sometime this summer. As soon as we receive these reports, we will mail home the parent copy home. Thank you for your patience.
  • Looking for some parenting information. This website was recommended to me to as very helpful, the title says it all: confident parents confident kids
  • Any questions or thoughts for me? I am off with my family to the Jersey Shore the last week in June but will be in during the summer with the school office open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to stop by and talk.
  • Does your son or daughter love basketball? Reminder: OLF runs a dynamite and fun basketball camp during the summer.  This summer the camp will last four weeks from July 10th to August 4th and runs from 9:00 to 3:00 each day.  The camp fee is $250 per week and you can sign your child up for part of the time or for the entire four weeks. For more information, email Linda Sweeny at linda.sweeny@raveis.com
  • Looking way ahead to next year, Labor Day is on September 4th, there is teacher PD from the Diocese on September 5th, so our first day with students will be Wednesday, September 6th. Please make a note.
 
 "SHOUT OUT 1"
Gerri Galasso, Gianna Fiorentini, and Becky Gammardella. In the last week, we have had a beautiful 8th-Grade Graduation Ceremony, a beautiful Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony, and a beautiful Pre-K Graduation Ceremony. Each ceremony took the classroom teacher involved hours of preparation and hours planning the countless small details. They were in each case, a labor of love. Bravo! 

"SHOUT OUT II"
You, our parents! In these difficult economic times, you have all year made the important decision for your children to receive a Catholic Education at our school. This is a wonderful commitment by you and my hope and prayer is that your children continue to learn to recognize the "Footprints of God" in their daily experiences.

COMING EVENTS:
June 16th - Field Day
                     HSA End of School Picnic
June 19th - Noon dismissal for students - Afterschool program available
                   Pirate Day in 4th grade - Aye, Mate
June 20th - Noon dismissal for students - no After-school program
        Last Day of School 
June 26 to June 29th- Vacation Bible Camp
July 10 through August 4 - Summer Basketball Camp between 9:00 and 3:00
September 6th - First day for students
 
And Finally:
 
What is special and different about Our Lady of Fatima School? It is a worthwhile question to ask as our school ends next week. Yes, we have great students. Yes, we have great, enthusiastic teachers. Yes, we have a great Pastor. Yes, we have great, supportive parents. But I think it is even more than that: I think I saw what makes our school unique last Thursday. As our 8th graders were walking down the hall for their final time, their parents were here and cheering, the other classes were out of their rooms cheering and yelling. The hall was decorated and filled with hundreds of balloons bought by our 7th grade parents. It was the entire Our Lady of Fatima School community coming together to celebrate the 8th grade students.
 
For me, that is what is so special about our school!
 
And Finally (I mean it this time), Finally:
 
Thank you to everyone for making my first year at Fatima such a wonder and a joy!
 

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