“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.”
-Unknown
Greetings from Mr. G
December 11. 2020
It good to be back in the halls and classrooms, praying, learning and blooming under God's guidance. I want to take a moment to recognize our valiant teachers. Their commitment is unwavering despite the challenges of Covid. I feel truly blessed to work among such creative, capable and caring colleagues. To them this is not a job but a vocation; this has never been more evident than over the past several months as they have undertaken seemingly impossible situations with fortitude and grace. I know that you join me in expressing heartfelt gratitude and praying God's blessings of health and continued inspiration upon them.
Dear St. Rose School Families,
Children are precious in God's eyes and through their eyes we see more clearly. While Covid continues to challenge us and drive stress levels high, our students find the joy in the simple things, like wearing Santa hats to school, seeing their friends, sharing stories of their mischievous elves, singing Christmas songs and finding ways to spread kindness. I speak for the teachers and myself in saying -- the children motivate us to see the good and make the most of the moments. We are a blessed community.
I am delighted to share some exciting news. After months of research, grant writing and negotiations we have received 32 brand new Chromebooks and a Chromebook cart at zero charge to the school. This ensures one to one device integration for students in grades 2-8 which greatly enhances the learning experience particularly during these times when access to technology has become so critical.
Every day is an adventure. This morning we arrived to no heat in the Preschool building. But, knowing how important it is for us to be on site when possible, and in true St. Rose School fashion, we found a creative solution and brought the Preschoolers to a safe, separate space in the main building. The silver lining was that I got to say hello to all of our Preschool parents this morning and that the problem was fixed early enough that the students could return to the building for the remainder of their class time. I'm thankful to our experienced, enthusiastic teachers for their flexibility and to our parents for your patience.
As a reminder, if you are planning to transition your child to distance learning please email Mrs. B, dean@srles.com or myself, principal@srles.com. Details about requirements for Distance Learning can be found in the Important Documents box below. It is our full intention to stay on site but given the unpredictable nature of Covid please be prepared at home in the event that the school has to switch to remote learning.
The spirit of Christmas is alive around campus. Monsignor Bob has arranged for special light shows and a virtual Christmas concert. There are flyers in this newsletter with information -- I hope you will be able to attend; we can all use some cheer this year!
Tuition raffle tickets will be on sale after masses this weekend. Thanks to our parent committee for their help with this important fundraiser. I am also grateful to the HSA for their ongoing support of our school. We are all in this together!
If you are planning to donate to the Caroline Previdi Toy Drive please drop a new, unwrapped gift to the trailer behind the church before December 19th. Thank you for your kindness.
Let's continue to pray for the health and safety of our St. Rose community. We are also mindful of those who have experienced loss. May God grant them comfort and peace. Monsignor will celebrate aMass of Remembrance for 12-14 virtually on Monday at 7:00 p.m. You can join via St. Rose Calling on the St. Rose of Lima church website.
Stay healthy and hopeful.
God Bless,
Mr. Gjoka
NURSE NEWS
Please keep in touch with Nurse Bonnie about symptoms and possible exposure to Covid.
While Distance Learning, many of our children took great joy and pride in sharing their Christmas decorations; as well as the antics of their Elf on the Shelf. Now that we are back together, in person, throughout the classrooms and hallways it definitely is beginning to look a lot like Christmas; which is a very good thing since we are only 2 weeks away!
As we continue to manage the year that has unfolded before us we find that, while we aren’t able to celebrate in some of the traditional ways, we can still find ways to share the joy of the season with each other!
Looking at the week and a half ahead of us we can anticipate a forecast of learning with some sprinkles of holiday happiness! Of course, dress is one way to keep our spirits and hallways bright. We have something for everyone! These are optional; but, we do hope that many will participate.
Thursday, December 17th is DAY 70!! Celebrate in style; what says 1970’s to you? Friday, December 18th is National Ugly Sweater Day so we don’t want to be left out! Monday, December 21st is First Day of Winter/Snowflake Dress Down Day… don’t forget the hats and scarves!!
Wednesday, December 23rd is our Annual Dress in your Christmas Best! Let’s deck our hallways with glitter and gold and all the finery of Christmas attire to wish everyone a Merry Christmas break!!
This Sunday we will celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent and light the pink candle, the candle of joy! We are reminded that we are very close to celebrating, again, the birth of our Savior.
May the Peace of Christ be with us all; and live in the hearts of all people this Advent!
Warm Regards,
Mrs. B
HSA NEWS
Dear Parents,
Happy Friday - we hope everyone’s return to in person school went smoothly! We have a few notes for you this week.
As Christmas approaches, we encourage you to be generous with your gratitude and compliments for our hardworking teachers and staff. A heartfelt email can make a teacher’s day!
There is still time to purchase SCRIP cards as gifts for friends, families or teachers as well as for your own shopping during the holidays. All cards provide a rebate to St Rose at no cost to you. If you need gift cards, please submit your order by noon on Monday. The target for delivery will be Friday. Questions? Contact scrip@srles.com.
We still need volunteers to help with Box Tops and SCRIP. Please contact us, hsa@srles.com, if you are interested in helping out.
Merry Christmas and stay safe and healthy!
Your HSA Board
GET YOUR TUITION RAFFLE TICKETS
SHARE THE WORD
HELP US SELL ALL 350 TICKETS
Don't miss your chance to win $10,000 in tuition for ANY K-12 school, college/university accredited in the United States or to pay back student loans. Get your Tuition Raffle ticket now! This is NOT limited to St. Rose School families. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase a ticket.
So far we have sold 105 tickets. Our goal is to sell 350 tickets. We are hoping for 100 percent participation from all classes. Do you have family in other states? We are tracking how many sales come from different states. Let's cover the map!
How can you purchase tickets?
Email raffle @srles.com. We can arrange to meet you at school or credit card information can be taken over the phone.
Mail a check made out to St. Rose School, $100 per ticket, attention Raffle, 40 Church Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470
Mrs. Sweeting has tickets in the office during school hours. Call 203-426-5102.
After masses December 12th (4 p.m.), December 13th (7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m.); January 9th (4 p.m.), January 10th (7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m.)
