ST. LOUISE SCHOOL PARENT BULLETIN

March 13, 2019
Dan's Blog
Today's blog is exclusively for our St. Louise DADS.

MOM, if you're reading this,  please forward it to DAD.  Otherwise, MOM, you get the week off from reading my blog and can skip right down to the other articles below. 

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Two of my favorite Bible passages related to dads are:

" Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' - this is the first commandment with a promise: 
'so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.' And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. " (Ephesians 6:1-4)
 
" Train children in the right way,  and when old, they will not stray. "
(Proverbs 22:6)

Since 2000, over 14 million Catholics have left the faith, Sunday faith formation programs have lost 24% of children, Catholic school attendance has dropped by 19%, infant baptism has dropped by 28%, and sacramental Catholic marriages have decreased by 41%. The losses are staggering. 
 
While there are many reasons contributing to the faltering Church, one key reason is due to dads who have left the faith and/or have not been dutiful in passing on the faith to their children. This isn't just me speculating, there is evidence proving this point.

A large study published in 2000 in Switzerland showed that the religious practice of the father of the family, above all, determines the future attendance at or absence from church of the children. Among the results of the study were these amazing statistics which revealed how vital dads are:
 
1. If both father and mother attend church services regularly, 33% of children raised in these households will end up as regular churchgoers as they age, while 25% of these children raised by two church-attending parents will not practice their religion at all when they become adults.
 
2. If the father is irregular and mother regular in church attendance, only 3% of the children in these families will subsequently become regular attendees themselves as adults. Meanwhile, 38% percent will stop attending church altogether.
 
3. If the father is non-practicing and only the mother regularly attends church services, only 2% of these children will become regular worshipers in the future, yet a whopping 60% of these kids will be lost forever to the church. 
 
4. HOWEVER... If the father is the regular churchgoer, and the mother is either irregular in attendance or totally non-practicing, a remarkable statistic emerges. In this case, as many as 44% of children raised in these type of households will regular attend church as they mature. That is a higher percentage than the 33% given above for when both parents attend church regularly! 

This may seem counter-intuitive , because you'd think that if the kids grow up in a home where both parents attend church (#1 scenario above), that would be the best chance those kids became churchgoers later in life. Perhaps there are many cases of the dad merely attending church/Mass because the mom expects it, and dad grumbles about going as much as the children. It's possible these stats are showing that the most inspiration develops when kids see dad take the lead and show passion about being a Christian, without mom's influence or involvement (as shown in scenario #4).

What this study suggests is that, while we know children tend to take many cues about life from their moms, it appears when it comes to faith-life, if dad takes faith in God seriously, then the message to their children is that God should indeed be taken seriously. This study seems to reinforce the essential role of a family's father as the spiritual leader. Fathers are to care for their children as our Father in Heaven cares for us.

Of course, we all realize this was only one study and it was of Swiss parents, and even within this study, there are exceptions. We can all name families we knew where the mom went to church, the dad never went, but the kids grew up to be faithful churchgoers. But dads, if you like to play the percentages, and you want your kids to have the best chance of growing up and being faithful Catholics/Christians, you'd be smart to model that faithfulness by going to church regularly - preferably, every weekend.

This means that the weekend schedule for your family needs to revolve around Mass times or church services, instead of revolving around the kids' sports schedules, yard work plans, tee times, or other leisure pursuits. Fortunately, with the six different Mass times at St. Louise each weekend, along with neighboring parishes' Sunday schedules with their unique times, it's rather difficult to not find a time that works for you and your family to attend Mass each Saturday night through Sunday night.
 
If you want some tips on making family trips to Mass easier and to help your kids get more out of attending Mass, here is a helpful article, and here is another one.

Now, I'm not trying to set up a guilt-trip for you fathers, and I know you have busy lives. However, I also know that it's important to set priorities and to keep commitments to the things we value most, including our children and our family members' faith lives. When you baptized your children, you committed to raise them in the faith. Dads have a wonderful opportunity to be strong role models in their children's lives by making it a priority to stay committed to one hour a week to attend Mass as a family. Both in this action, and with words you tell your kids, they will know that going to church on Saturday or Sunday is the most important thing all week that you can do together. And hopefully - and statistically - this priority should carry over into when they are adults and starting to raise their own children. 
 
Finally, I would think the promise of eternal life to those who faithfully love God and unceasingly worship Him would be enough to get you to Mass on a weekly basis. But if not, may I offer yet another study that points to the promise of a happier earthly life? This study   of over 15,000 Americans between the ages of 18-60 found that regular churchgoers report living much happier lives than those who don't go to church.

So, dads, get yourself to church!
Bring your children with you!
They'll remember the importance as they mature to adulthood!
And you'll be happier!
 
Pax et bonum,                                         
 
Mr. Fitz
 
p.s.

I encourage you to participate in March Madness.

No...not THAT March Madness!

St. Louise's version of March Madness is that all Charger Cards purchased with credit cards during the month of March will have no credit card fees assessed. (Certain limitations apply.) Now is the time to stock up on at least a few hundred dollars of grocery cards and gas cards. And if you're a real planner, you can even buy those upcoming gift cards needed for 2019 birthdays and Christmas presents. Take advantage of this opportunity to add airlines miles to your credit card, plan ahead for your groceries/gas/gifts, and help your kids' school - all with the simple swipe of a credit card!

There are no window-sales for Charger Cards this week due to school being closed Friday, but you can purchase next Friday from 8:15-9:00AM or as always, purchase in other ways. For more information on those other ways and regarding March Madness, see the article below, go here, or contact our fabulous chairperson of Charger Cards, Marsha Rampersad-Zope

Upcoming Calendar of Events  

Today
  • Early edition of this weekly Parent Bulletin is emailed to you today.
  • School Commission and Parents' Club meetings are tonight at 6:30 in the faculty room and office conference room.

Tomorrow & Friday, March 14 & 15
  • NO SCHOOL; Kids' Club closed
    • Thursday is a teacher workday for tabulating 2nd trimester grades and writing comments, as they prepare report cards. Report cards are sent home at the end of the month.
    • Friday has the teachers and staff gathering offsite for their annual faith retreat. A senior priest in our Archdiocese, Father Tim Sauer, will lead the faculty in a reflection on the Corporal Works of Mercy and Precepts of the Catholic Church. We welcome your prayers this day for your children's teachers and school support staff - that they be filled with inspiration and renewed grace on this special retreat day.

Tuesday, March 19
  • Vision and Hearing Screenings of grade K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (these are the grade levels required by the State for screening) conducted by Jane Reynolds, RN, and volunteer parents; Jane will report results by the end of the month, but only to those parents whose children failed either screening

Sunday, March 24
  • Mother/Son Bowling 4PM 

Friday, March 12
  • Report Cards sent home with all K-8 students

Wednesday & Thursday, April 3 & 4
  • School musical, Dear Edwina Jr., performs in parish hall at 6:30 for two nights only; tickets on sale but are selling out!


 

SAVE THE DATE:  Thursday, May 16 - Donor Appreciation Event; contact Cindy Wagner to find out how to receive an invitation to this special night

SCHOOL CALENDAR
Auction 2019 Has Launched!

Dear Parents,

The time has finally come to unveil our theme for Auction 2019....are you ready?! But first, let me tell you about all the exciting changes this year.
 
First, a new venue - this year's big event will be at the Westin Bellevue! Click here for more details about this incredible new location right in the heart of downtown Bellevue.

Next, we have a great new auctioneer - Stephen Kilbreath! Stephen (pictured here) has been a fundraising auctioneer since the early 90s, calling hundreds of auctions. Auction work has taken him across the country - with most of the auctions in the Northwest.  Not only is Stephen a top benefit auctioneer, but his name may be familiar because of his long broadcasting career.  He was on morning radio for more than 20 years - bringing him into people's homes every morning.  Currently he can be seen on KING-5 TV.
 
Now finally, for the big reveal! If you didn't make it to last Saturday's Auction Launch Party, below is our awesome theme for this year!
 
 
This incredible theme is based off of 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 and the song We Are One Body. If you have some time, take a look at the two links - they share the important message that we all are different parts of the same body of Christ. We all have different roles in our lives and in our greater communities, but we all come together, for our God, for our children, and for our St. Louise community.

You will notice a disco ball in the logo - so yes, if you are excited to dress in theme, you can pull out your leisure suit, disco dress, or whatever it is that disco means to you and wear that to the auction!

We are excited to get things rolling, so check your red envelope in the coming weeks when we'll be sending home your procurement and sponsorship packets!

Thank you, so much, in advance, for all of your support for this year's auction!

Sincerely,
Julianne Read
Auction Director

Volunteers Needed to Assist with Vision/Hearing Screenings
 
          Our school nurse Jane Reynolds is looking for 12 volunteers to help with vision and hearing screenings of students on Tuesday, March 19, from 9-3.  This is a great opportunity for 6 volunteer hours, and no experience is needed.  Please contact  Jane Reynolds  if you are available on March 19. 
Spread the Word Please
 
          You recall that Karen Alleman and Kaitlin Casey have previously announced their decisions to not return to teaching next year, and with that we have advertised two teacher openings for 2019-20. Please tell any teachers you know about these opportunities to join the marvelous St. Louise School community! You can direct them here to view the specifics for whom we're looking for and how to apply to the kindergarten and primary grade teaching positions. Thanks for spreading the word!


Tickets On Sale for School Musical
         
          The annual school musical this year is Dear Edwina Jr., and tickets go on sale today to all St. Louise families and friends.  Our school's upper-grade and intermediate-grade students comprise the cast and crew of Dear Edwina Jr., which is being directed and produced by our music teacher, Terry LaRussa-Banton (aka "Mrs. LB").
          This year, we are excited to be bringing the school musical back to campus, after years renting out high school theaters. The play will be performed in our parish hall on Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4. Both nights' performances begin at 6:30. 
          Tickets must be purchased in advance, as no tickets are sold at the door, and already we have sold out the premi um seats in the "opera" section! If you would like to buy tickets for you and your children to come enjoy a fun night of theater, please use the flyer in last week's red family envelope or ask for an order form at the office. You'll note two remaining ticket prices:
  • seats farther back in the parish hall in the "mezzanine" section are $10;
  • floor space upfront (but with no chair to sit on) are $5 each and are suitable only for children age 5-12 who can sit responsibly and quietly by themselves on the floor for an hour.
If you have questions about Dear Edwina Jr. performances, please contact Mrs. LB
Construction Finally Begins
 
          This week finally sees the beginning of the construction and additions to the parish hall that will transform the stage area into truly a performance stage for school concerts and the upcoming school musical. After we raised the funds for this project through your generous donations at November's Auction, it took a while to work out contract details with our contractor, along with the snow days' delays. But we still expect the new lighting and sound will be installed in time for opening night of Dear Edwina Jr. on April 3. If you have questions about the project, please ask Terry LaRussa-Banton or our volunteer owner's-rep for the project, Shawn Maloney

Thank You for Parents' Almsgiving and Kids' Fasting
        
 
          

          We want to thank you, your children, and the school staff for donating to the Union Gospel Mission at last week's Ash Wednesday Fasting. We will be sending a check for $1,600 to the UGM in the name of the St. Louise School community, for donating what your kids and their teachers would normally spend on a typical lunch, and instead having a small bowl of rice and beans.  (This is in addition to the $550 we gave UGM a few weeks ago after our successful Faculty Bake Sale.)
          Thanks to these parents who prepared the lunch: Araceli Santiago,  Laure Mittelette, Veronique Tano, Melody Litovkin, Joe Sollars, Angeleigh Gregorios. T hanks to the staff of Papaya Restaurant and Chinh Vu & Kristy Nguyen for their donation of hot rice to serve 400!

It's Time for March Ma dness

During March, if you use your credit or debit card for purchases, there is no 'fee' for transactions in excess of $100.  If your family typically uses credit cards to pay for purchases, this month is your opportunity to buy your Charger Cards first and pay with your credit card for a "fee free" purchase! Get your frequent flier miles and support St. Louise!


Buy Cards at a 20% Rebate

Do you need to catch up on rebates? Are you  working towards tuition credit for next year? Charger Cards
 has a number  of cards available at 20% rebate! We now carry Levue Nails gifts again @ 20% rebate at a new denomination of $30 and $50. Additionally, these  20% rebate cards are limited while supplies last so get yours now:   
John Howie Steak; Palomino; Purple; Red Robin; Wild Ginger; Regis Hair Salons (Hair Masters); Tutta Bella; El Gaucho.




The Charger Cards sale office in the central wing of the original school is open on school-Fridays from 8:15-9:00AM. 
Of course, you may always purchase 24/7 at  www.shopwithscrip.com  or myscripwallet.com  for ScripNow, Reload, or Reload Now cards.                          
 
Charger Cards...It's simple, it's thoughtful and it's truly the gift that
 keeps on giving! For more information on Charger Cards and online ordering, please visit www.stlouiseschool.org/chargercards or email chairperson Marsha at

Registration Has Begun for St. Louise Summer Camps
 
          St. Louise School is happy to offer four week-long summer camps in July and August! While we are committed to having FUN, these camps were built on St. Louise's strong foundation.  Whether you sign up for 1, 2,3 or all 4 weeks, campers will get wet, be challenged with outdoor skills, create, and explore. Our schedule is flexible and offers security, independence, and stimulation. Camp sessions are held right here on campus in the Lavelle Center and gym.
            Week-long camps will take place Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm. Each week offers exciting topics: 7/29-8/2 Sports Extravaganza; 8/5-8/9 Mad Scientist; 8/12-8/16 Quest; and 8/19-8/23 Splashtastic Adventures of a Theater star. Celebrate the sunny weather and experience a wonderful life at St. Louise!
            Camps are for students entering Grades K-5 from any school in the Fall of 2019. Spots are limited.  Register now and forward this email to any friends who may be interested!
For more information, visit us at http://stlouiseschool.org/apps/pages/summercamps or contact camp director, Maria Zambrano at mariaz@stlouiseschool.org

Track and Field Sign-Ups Begin
          
          Registration is now open here for all 4th-8th graders to sign up for CYO Track and Field. The St. Louise Track Team is known for setting records and generating fun and camaraderie among the student-athletes and their parents. It's a terrific program for kids of all athletic abilities!
          If you need to order a St. Louise Track Team t-shirt, please mark the applicable box when registering. The t-shirts are $10 and are required. These are the same shirts as last year, so if you already have one that fits, you don' t need to purchase another one. 
         Track practices will begin on Tuesday, April 16th and will be fro m 5:00-6:30 every Tuesday at Tillicum Middle School and every Thursday at Odle Middle School. 
          Track Meets are held on the following weekends:
  • Preliminary: Saturday, May 4
  • Relay Meet: Saturday, May 11
  • Qualifying: Saturday, May 18th
  • 8th Grade Pentathlon: Sunday, May 19th
  • Championship: Saturday, June 1st
          If you have any questions or are interested in helping coach, please contact track coordinator Amy Wilken.


PRAYER INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK
Prayer purifies us, reading instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading."
~
Saint Isidore of Seville


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