Dear St. Rose School Families:
"Do you hear what I hear?" The words from this popular Christmas song come to mind as I reflect on our first few months of school and the last weeks of 2018. In our halls I hear: exclamations over new discoveries! the cheerful hellos of upper grade students greeting their younger buddies; questions about how we can help those in need this season; excited accounts of the day's highlights; teachers collaborating on how to create the best lesson plans; people complimenting St. Rose students on their manners and poise. In listening I learn so much and am reminded of all that is special about St. Rose School. It is a honor to be on this journey with you.
Christmas spirit is in full swing from decorated classrooms and hallways to festive attire and exciting activities. This week our Preschoolers made gingerbread houses with their buddies one day and then entertained us with a delightful concert telling the Nativity story the next. Santa even stopped in for a visit! It was my pleasure to accompany Monsignor Bob, Mrs. Petrillo and Mrs. Quinn on the annual 8th grade trip to New York City which was a fun filled day featuring a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a delicious lunch and skating at Wolman Rink. These are memories to cherish and we are grateful to all who make them happen.
In the classrooms lessons continue to unfold and the students are staying focused. At this point in the year we see great strides in learning. We will finish strong, take a little break and then continue guiding students to new heights. It is exciting to witness their growth and enthusiasm.
The infrastructure project is still on target to begin next week. As promised, the crews on site are all virtus trained and background checked. The work will not interfere with our school days. I will keep you posted about the project's progress as it unfolds.
Our
Open House is scheduled for Sunday January 27th, 1-3 PM and will kick off Catholic Schools Week. Please spread the word to everyone you meet who may be a potential student here. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool. Thank you. There will be many fun and meaningful activities planned for Catholic Schools Week which we will share with you in the new year.
While this is a mostly a joyful time of the year, there are some somber moments. Today we step back to spend time in silence and prayer, joining our hearts with everyone in our community especially those who have been most affected by the events of six years ago. May God's comfort and peace be with all.
Another weekend is here. Time to bake, shop, wrap and prep as Santa's elves must do. I wish you all some hush time amidst the rush time to feel the peace that Jesus comes to bring.
God bless,
Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka
Principal
