"Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person."
-St. Therese of Lisieux
Greetings from Mr. G
December 13, 2019
The Spirit of Giving and Living the Gospel values is alive at St. Rose School. We are truly a family working and praying together day by day, kind act by kind act, to keep the heart of this beloved institution beating strong.
Dear St. Rose School Families,
The generosity displayed for #Giving Tuesday was overwhelming with a total of $28,089.87 collected. I am grateful to our faculty, parents, students, School Advisory Board, HSA, Pastor, parishioners, extended family members and of course the Knights of Columbus for helping us exceed our goal and make a significant dent in our fundraising needs for the school year. Let's build on this momentum and ensure a bright future for St. Rose School!
We didn't let a little (well a good amount) of morning snow stop us from taking the time honored 8th grade trip to New York City with Monsignor Bob on Wednesday. It was a magical day from start to finish as we experienced the lights and sights of the Big Apple. St. Patrick's Cathedral is splendid and a fitting place for us as we recognize and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree raised our spirits as we stood beneath it's grand boughs and bright lights. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular was just that -- spectacular. It was a full and awesome day! Thanks to Monsignor, Mrs. Petrillo, Mrs. Quinn and our wonderful parent chaperones.
The School Christmas concert was an enchanting evening as students from Preschool to 8th grade lifted our hearts in beautiful, exuberant song. In those two hours the spirit of the season was captured and the meaning made clear -- preparing the way for Jesus through the gift of song. They say singing is like praying twice and I believe it. I am grateful to Mrs. Salustri for helping our children find their voices and share them so angelically at the concert. It was delightful to see you all there.
The excitement in the halls and classrooms is palpable. I realize the routine is off at home and school in these last days before Christmas break. We are working hard to complete assignments and balance them with festivities. Please read your teacher's newsletters for updates. As you know, Progress reports will be available on the Portal tonight. If you have any questions please email your child's teacher directly.
On Monday keep an eye out for a very important email -- December 16th marks the opening of Registration (for current families) for the 2020-2021 school year. You will have the opportunity to save your child's spot in the registration process through January 25th and we encourage you to do so because on January 26th, Open House, registration will open to all and we are anticipating an increased level of interest. Our first priority is our current families -- we want you here -- so please register now!
Tomorrow is a difficult day for so many. May God's comforting arms embrace us, giving us strength and hope.
Newtown Fire Chief, Mr. Bill Halstead visits Kindergarten.
Fire Chief Halstead has a couple of very special connections to St. Rose School. First -- he's an alum and second, his grandson Ryan is in the Kindergarten class! Chief Halstead visited on Thursday to share important fire safety tips with the students and had the chance for a photo op with his grandson. Thanks to Chief Halstead and all the Fire men and women who work so hard to keep our community safe.
CLASSROOM CORNER
Day by day our children discover more about God's wonderful world.
As we indicated last week, our focus for the balance of this year is to ask you to please consider using Scrip gift cards as much as possible. While the gift card pays you (or your recipient) 100% of the face value, behind the scenes, St. Rose School receives a rebate from the retailer. Please keep this in mind as you run down your checklists for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners (Big Y! Caraluzzi's! Stop and Shop! Stew's! - we got them!) Teachers gifts? Nothing says "I love you!" to our St. Rose faculty like a Starbucks gift card purchased through Scrip! Even the extra step of purchasing a gift card, then going to the department store to buy the gift makes a difference.
We appreciate all of your efforts to support this program which, in turn, supports our school and children.
Wishing you continued blessings this Advent season,
The Rams Boys and Girls Varsity teams are playing St. Marys Bethel at Immaculate on Saturday. It's always a fun atmosphere for the student athletes and fans. Come fill the stands!
Team photos! Mark your calendars for January 4, 2020 for team photos. Life Touch will be set up in the Monsignor Conroy (Music) Room to take individual and team photos. Here is the schedule:
10:30 a.m. -- Varsity Boys
11:00 a.m. -- JV Boys
11:30 a.m. -- Varsity Girls
12:00 noon -- Cheerleaders (please bring pompoms)
Students will receive registration forms via the school.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Breakfast with Santa/Knights of Columbus December 15th 7 a.m. - 12 noon, Gathering Hall.
Elf at Edmond Town Hall/Faith Food Pantry Fundraiser Saturday Dec. 21 Edmond Town Hall
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. food drop off/1:00 p.m. movie
Children's Live Nativity after 5:30 Mass, St. Rose Field Saturday December 14th.
#GIVING TUESDAY was an AMAZING success! Through the generosity of our families, faculty, School Advisory Board, HSA members, Pastor and St. Rose parishioners we have been richly blessed with total of
$28,089.87! Special gratitude to the Knights of Columbus (Supreme) for their matching gift of $10,000! This support tells us that we have many people on our team, committed to keeping St. Rose School vital in the years to come. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
Plans are underway for our next key fundraiser and exciting event -- The Blooms Benefit. Save the Date for February 29, 2020 at the Fox Hill Inn and join us as we "Leap Through The Years." Stay tuned for details!
Check out the 4th grade class Christmas tree displayed at the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven. Today it is featured on the Knights website! If you can, visit the museum over break, there is a beautiful "Christmas in Europe" exhibit including magnificent creches. The museum is open daily, 10-5 p.m. and admission is free!
https://www.kofcmuseum.org/kms/en/index.html
