Dear St. Rose School Families:
In the blink of an eye, another week comes to a close.
As we approach the last day of school, many things are underway. Our 8th graders are in the process of taking final exams and are enjoying the privilege (that was hard earned) of leaving school when exams are finished each day. This is a good example of how acting responsibly has its rewards; I know that our younger students look up to the 8th graders so this is making a lasting impact on them as well.
Thank you to those who joined us for the final HSA meeting of the school year. Despite heavy rains we had a good turnout including our committed teachers. As I shared at the meeting, our number one goal this year was serving our current families. Based on registration for next year, we have a 98 percent retention rate which does my heart good. It has been a pleasure to partner in your children's education and I look forward to continuing this journey together. Other points covered at the HSA meeting were:
- completion of a comprehensive technology and security upgrade
- significant upward trend in test scores (14 percent Math; 24 percent ELA)
- Impressive student achievements -- CT Science & Engineering Fair, Catholic School Spelling Bee, Invention Convention, Sound of Music and so many more
- Celebrating 60 years and strong alumni connections
I also discussed ways we can work together to close the GAP, which is the difference between the cost of educating one student minus the actual tuition per student. Currently the GAP is $1,881. We are developing a comprehensive fundraising plan that will be revealed in September but in the meantime we are asking for:
- volunteers to be a part of the fundraising committee (contact advancement@srles.com)
- Matching Gift programs --if your company has a Matching Gift program it can be a great benefit to our school
- Time, talent and treasure -- Working together we can keep our school vibrant.
My sincere thanks to the HSA Board who have worked enthusiastically and tirelessly this year to bring our community many wonderful events. The recent Golf outing was a tremendous success due to the hard work of the committee and to all those who came out to support this terrific event. Please join me in wishing HSA Treasurer Siobhan Frieary and her family a fond farewell as they move to North Carolina. Siobhan has served on the HSA Board in this role for many years and has been an amazing asset to our school. She and her family will be greatly missed but they will always have a home in our hearts and halls. May God bless them going forward.
As you read this there are approximately 3 hours until the Tuition Raffle drawing! Tickets are still on sale so don't miss your chance. Contact hsa@srles.com or you can purchase one at the End of Year Social at the Villa prior to the drawing. This is an awesome opportunity for you and a terrific fundraiser for our school. I hope to see everyone tonight.
At the heart of every special Catholic school are the parent volunteers. We are very grateful to each and every one of you. Please join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Mass and Breakfast Friday, June 7th. You can RSVP to advancement@srles.com
I appreciate all you are doing to keep your children focused and prepared during these last couple of weeks. We are committed to helping them finish strong. Next week will be filled with many special activities for our 8th graders including Class Night June 6th, their last school Mass June 7th followed by a yearbook signing and graduation June 8th at 10:00 a.m. These are always bittersweet times because we celebrate their many accomplishments and exciting new roads but at the same time we feel some sadness in saying goodbye. They are a terrific class who will leave a lasting impression on our hearts. May God bless and guide them all in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka
