Dear St. Rose School Families:
It has been an exciting and eventful week at St. Rose School; even Mother Nature chimed in for Catholic Schools week and decided we needed a day off.
Open House last Sunday was very successful. Thanks to the time and efforts of our faculty, parents and students, visitors received a warm St. Rose School welcome and were impressed with the curriculum and community spirit they discovered in our halls and classrooms. I am happy to report that we have already registered some new students and other families are in the process. Mrs. Coppola is also scheduling student shadow days in the coming weeks. Don't forget to register your child(ren) for next year and please keep sharing the good news about St. Rose School. It is a joy to watch our school family grow.
Monday's Pep Rally and Pig races set school spirit in high gear. We showed off our red, white and might in many positive ways that day, capturing the true sense of community that sets a Catholic school apart.
On Tuesday we were honored to have our Town leaders in for coffee and conversation. First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Senator Tony Hwang, Police Chief James Viadero, Representative Mitch Bolinsky and our own Monsignor Bob were greeted by a group of student ambassadors who shook each of their hands and thanked them for their service. We had a lively and productive discussion with our Town leaders including and question and answer session with our students. They were all very complimentary about St. Rose School, calling us a stronghold in the community and touting the poise, preparedness and positivity of our students. Mr. Bolinsky mentioned how he looks forward to our Fourth grade classes visit to the capital every year saying that our students really shine. Tours were offered and each guest received a special framed thank you prayer from St. Rose School students. It was a wonderful gathering.
As you know, a back to back storm resulted in school being cancelled on Wednesday so Student appreciation day featuring the 8th grade vs. Faculty Beach volleyball game has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 6th at 1:00 PM. This promises to be great fun so please join us! Due to the delayed opening on Thursday, the Kindness Story/Craft time for 2 & 3 Year Olds, hosted by our Middle School students at the Booth Library has been postponed to next Thursday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m. We hope those of you with 2 & 3 year olds will attend. Our Middle School students have chosen some wonderful books and a fun craft to share with the little ones. It is a great way to get our students out in to the community.
In the spirit of service, our students created cards and gifts for the troops, our religious and clergy this week as well. One of the major benefits of attending a Catholic school is that we can express our faith openly by praying together and celebrating mass together. Monsignor Bob kindly offered to say a special mass for the school family on Friday in the Gathering Hall. This was truly the highlight of our Catholic Schools week because it represents who we are -- children of God, the Body of Christ! We offered special prayers for Officer Mike who will be retiring and gave thanks for his protection and service. We are also very grateful for Monsignor Bob, Father Alphonse, Father Krzysztof, Sister Thaddeus and Sister MaryEllen who serve the Lord and all of us with great humility and dedication every day.
It is a joy for all of us to educate your children ... we learn from them too! Our sincere thanks to the HSA and all of you for the many treats you showered on us this week from delicious breakfast sandwiches and coffee to a most elaborate luncheon today. We are also grateful to Mrs. Markut for providing the entire staff with bagels on Thursday. We are humbled by your generosity and kindness. On a personal note I would like to thank everyone for your kind birthday wishes. I am honored to share my special day with Mrs. Keri Salustri and Kindergarten student Ava Gordon, my birthday buddies.
Please keep our Second graders in your prayers as they receive their First Reconciliation tomorrow, February 2nd. We pray God's blessings on them as they continue preparing for First Holy Communion.
Next Friday, February 8th we will have an Honor Roll ceremony for Grades 6-8 in the Gathering Hall at 9:00 a.m. Details will follow early next week.
As we come to the close of Catholic Schools Week, I would like to share this "Thank You" video from the Diocese:
https://youtu.be/wkSYXMvsT_4
May we all continue to build up Catholic Schools -- the source of our strong foundation and bright future!
I hope you all plan to attend the HSA sponsored Family Fun Night this evening at 6:00 p.m. I will be there and look forward to celebrating with you.
Have a relaxing weekend and stay warm!
God Bless,
Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka
Principal
