"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
-G.K. Chesterton
Greetings from Mr. G
May 8, 2020
THANK YOU! This week was filled with outreaches that touched our hearts: the kind messages and gifts for our teachers, the generous donations on #GivingTuesdayNow, people going the extra mile to lend helping hands and bring light/laughter to those who need it, the continued hard work of our faculty, students and parents in this distance learning journey. We are blessed...we are THANKFUL!
Dear St. Rose School Families,
It's hard to believe that another week has gone by in quarantine. We continue to be a vibrant community, busy with lessons, service outreaches, outdoor explorations and more. I can honestly say that we have all stretched during this time, learning and growing in new ways. It might be a fun and interesting conversation starter for family dinner one night to ask -- what is something completely new that you have done during quarantine? I think you will all be pleasantly surprised.
We are in good standing to finish the academic year strong based on the commendable results of our distance learning program. While this is nobody's first choice, I know that we are all committed to safety and a gradual, cautious return. I will keep you posted as information unfolds; understandably this will be a work in progress but there is no doubt that we are planning for St. Rose School's bright future.
As you know, we are here to help you in navigating the distance learning waters. The Diocese has a Help Desk in place to assist with technology issues. Click here for details.
The #GivingTuesdayNow outreach enabled us to take a close look at how our community is helping each other. We realize that not everyone is in the position to give financially but there are so many ways of giving and our school family is doing so with great love. We were able to raise close to $3,000 which is a gift in these difficult times. Every dollar goes toward keeping our school healthy for the future. However you are able to give, know that I am grateful!
Today is Grandparents/Special Persons Day. This is a long standing tradition at St. Rose School and while we could not be together in person Mrs. Ghosh and Mrs. B came up with some wonderful ways to connect with the people who are near and dear to our students' hearts. Please know that we keep you all in our prayers and value the impact you make on our students. You are all a part of the St. Rose School family. May God bless you.
I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the teachers. They certainly deserve recognition and appreciation for the excellent manner in which they teach every day and more so over these months of distance learning. This is not a job to them, it is a vocation, they have every child's best interests at heart. Let's also give Nurse Bonnie a round of applause for being an exceptional school nurse who also goes beyond and shows our students so much love day to day. We are blessed.
We have another group of people to celebrate this weekend -- all of the lovely mothers. You are the heart and soul of your families, sacrificing to ensure the health, well being and growth of your children. You are also the pillars of our school family, offering your time and talents in ways that enhance St. Rose School. I wish you all a beautiful, relaxing day filled with much TLC. May the Blessed Mother fill your hearts with peace.
We will keep you updated about upcoming activities including special events for our 8th graders and information about Preschool, Kindergarten and 8th grade graduations. Thank you for your continued patience and support. We are all in this together.
Have a wonderful weekend.
God Bless,
Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka
STUDENT LIFE UPDATE
Our halls have expanded across many miles and they are echoing with the happy sounds of SRS students engaged in learning, serving, thanking, creating, exploring and connecting from a distance. Mrs. B has her finger on the pulse of it all and plans are underway for some more fun school activities.
Click here to read more!
With LOVE and THANKS to
all of our SPECIAL People!
Grandparents and special people add such an important dimension to children's lives. Today we celebrate those whom our St. Rose School students hold dear. Your influence on their lives is immeasurable and we are grateful for your ongoing support. We are a family here and you are part of it. Be assured of our prayers. We look forward to welcoming you back in our halls soon again but in the meantime know that you are in our hearts.
Sincere thanks to Mrs. Lisa Ghosh for making Grandparents/Special Persons day so beautiful for the past 11 years. Today was no different -- the video, Kudoboard and prayer cards are deeply touching. We hope you will join us on this day going forward, as our special guest! Wishing you and your family God's blessings always.
It was a night to remember as SRS Daddies and Daughters danced to the music in special attire. Tradition with a twist -- the Gathering Hall was replaced with living room, kitchen and basement floors, decks and patios but the same spirit of camaraderie and love was at the center of it all. As the song goes... "I hope you dance!" And that's what our Fathers and Daughters did.
Teacher Feature
Sister Thaddeus Rajca, CSFN
How long have you been at SRS/What do you teach?
I have been at St. Rose School for 16 years – 7 years as Preschool Director and 9 years teaching Religion 6 and 7; I am also the Spiritual Coordinator for the School.
What is your favorite part of teaching this age level?
It is very rewarding for me to see Middle School Students grow in their faith, in their love for God, and their love for one another. I feel honored and blessed to be able to journey with them on their pilgrimage of love. Each day, I see the students become closer to God in their prayer life, words, and actions.
Tell us about your Family
I grew up in Utica, NY, with my three sisters. I have 9 nieces and nephews and 16 grand nieces and nephews. I often visit them when I travel to Utica for vacations and special occasions.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite author is Henri Nouwen and from his many spiritual books, I most enjoy reading The Wounded Healer and The Return of the Prodigal Son.
What is your favorite movie/show
I enjoy musicals such as The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler on the Roof.
What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is blue. For me blue is very soothing and puts me at ease.
What is your favorite season?
My favorite season is summer when the weather is warm and the flowers are in full bloom.
What is your favorite prayer?
I have two prayers that I say each day. These two prayers, one to St. Joseph and the other to St. Jude, are powerful intercessory prayers that have brought me much solace and consolation.
What are your hobbies?
I like to walk, read, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
What do you love about St. Rose School?
St. Rose School is an exceptional educational facility where we grow together as a family. It is a community oriented school in which the administration, faculty, students, and parents work together for the good of each other. There is so much love, dedication, concern and kindness that allows us to become more faith-filled so that we can be the heart of Christ in the world.
What advice can you give to families as we live through the pandemic
This time is so uncertain but we are all in tit together. God loves each of us unconditionally; we must place our faith and trust that God will take care of us. The words from the prophet Jeremiah 29:11 bring us much comfort: “I know the plans I have for you – plans to give you a future filled with hope.”
Each day the families of St. Rose School are remembered in my prayers. God bless and grant you peace.
HSA NEWS
Dear Friends:
We hope you enjoyed the past week.
Today would have been the luncheon honoring our teachers, had we been in school. As part of National Teacher's Appreciation Week, this luncheon is one way we show our St. Rose teachers how much we appreciate all they do for our children. This sentiment has never been more valid than it is now. Unfortunately, we could not show them in person, but the HSA was able to send each teacher a surprise on behalf of us grateful parents (we won't spoil the surprise until we're confident all have received it in the mail!). If you haven't had a chance to already do so, please take a moment to thank your child(ren)'s teachers. We have an exceptional group of professionals at St. Rose school, who share their knowledge and faith with our children - who've now also tackled distance teaching!
We wish you all a peaceful weekend, and a Happy Mother's Day to all St. Rose Moms out there...
Your HSA Board
Mrs. Rahtelli Hosts Virtual
Mother's Day Tea
They zoomed in wearing their Sunday best, sitting beside their beautiful Mommies, holding teacups and fancy desserts. In virtual harmony Mrs. Rahtelli's Kindergarten students were all smiles and chatter getting to the heart of the matter. Happy Mother's Day!
We appreciate all of the donations for #GivingTuesdayNow! Thanks to your generosity we have raised close to $3,000. Every gift helps us stay strong for the future. There is still time to support this outreach if you are able. Visit
https://www.stroseschool.com/giving/giving-tuesday-1
We are so grateful to all of our FRIENDS! Here's a little song from some of our teachers. Enjoy!
