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     Set of weekly School Newsletters

 

 

 

 

 

St. Henry School Newsletter

 

January 24, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 “I believe that I shall see

the bounty of the Lord

in the land of the living.”

                                     Psalm 27: 13

 

 

The Catholic Schools Week theme this year is that “Catholic Schools Light the Way.”  What a beautiful image-- whether you picture a lighthouse offering hope to ships tossed on a stormy sea or a warm fire affording protection on a cold night in the wilderness or a candle adding beauty and calm to a dark setting.  Our schools, in this turbulent world we live in, do provide a safe, nurturing environment suffused with the loveliness of Christ.  And do we educate!   Please continue to give this parish school with 153 years plus of proud heritage your enthusiastic, ongoing support.  Be its ambassadors.  More of our Watertown area children deserve this gift, need this gift.  Please share often with other parents what a blessing our Catholic schools truly are. And although it’s just a token thank you and probably unnecessary, the Education Commission wants me to remind you that if you are instrumental bringing a new family into our school community they would like to express their gratitude by lessening your 08-09 tuition by $100.00.  Every little bit helps, eh?  Thank you!

 

Speaking of Catholic Schools Week, there are activities galore as you can see by a glance at the calendar on the other side.  A couple you might especially want to join us for are the assembly on Monday at 9:00 in the Parish Center, the joint all school Mass with St. Bernard’s at 9:00 am on Wednesday, the Bowling with Bernard’s activity on Thursday, and the Student Council Variety Show in the Parish Center on Friday beginning at 1:00 pm.  I’d like to reiterate our standing invitation to all parents (and grandparents) to join us almost anytime.  We just ask that you try to call at least a day ahead and let us know you will be coming.  That way we can let you know if there are any strange happenings scheduled you might appreciate knowing ahead of time, for us to be sure we have some proper seating arranged for you, and to let the lunch ladies know if you will be staying for lunch. But we’d love to have you.  Warning:  you may be asked to help, but you’d almost certainly enjoy doing that anyway.

 

I really want to encourage everyone to attend as many of the JOINT PARISH MISSION evenings happening this coming week. God can truly work magic in our hearts during these special opportunities. They all begin at 7:00 pm and are held in the churches.  Sunday and Monday are at St. Bernard’s and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be at St. Henry. Just a reminder to the members of the St. Henry Athletic and Education Boards that you volunteered to bring treats for the reception after the mission on Tuesday evening.  Home and School Board, you are on deck for the same for Wednesday evening.  THANKS ahead of time for doing that!

 

Sharon Jahnke, our Market Day chair, wanted to thank all the customers who participated in October. Because of the great sales then the school received a box of books from the Scholastic Company valued at $400.00.   Not too shabby!  THANK YOU, all.

 

Despite the cold and snow of these recent days, the wonderful month of April will be upon before we know it – hopefully.  So that means the 15th as both the tax deadline AND the deadline for handing in the 2007-08 service hours’ requirements (or their monetary substitute).  Details are spelled out on your school contract.  If you need another service hours slip, just let Mrs. Trimborn know.  God bless!

 

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

 

As the first semester of school comes to a close, I look back to the beginning of the year and see how far we have come in music classes. Fifth graders started drumming and just this week began composing their own music. How exciting! Recorders were new in November to third graders, but now they are working on their third belt (orange) in Recorder Karate. Fourth graders are making great progress on their recorders as well. I have no doubt some of them will reach the coveted black belt this year. The sixth and seventh graders could tell you about the composer Beethoven and his eccentric ways, while the eighth graders would be happy to share their new knowledge of Handel. Knowing the struggles of composers past really makes us appreciate our modern music conveniences. Ask any second grader to perform a rhythmic pattern with quarter and eighth notes; they can clap and play them! First graders can answer questions about loud and soft sounds as well as listening for a steady beat.

 

Students in kindergarten have to listen closely to the music to know if we should tiptoe, stomp, clap, or do a different movement. All of these basics in place now will make it easier later. The students have worked very hard this semester

 

I would be amiss not to look forward too. The band and choir students have been preparing for quite a while and will make their debut performance on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. I encourage all school families to attend. Not only can students receive extra credit in music for turning in a program signed by a parent/guardian, but watching the band and choir students perform may be the spark that ignites a greater interest in music. We hope to see you there.

 

Mrs. Oestreicher

 

Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

 

JANUARY

Sunday      27    Official start of Catholic Schools Week – “Catholic Schools Light the Way!”

                  School children fill some of liturgical roles at all three weekend Masses.

                  St. Henry/St. Bernard Joint Mission begins today and ends Thursday.  No evening

activities,scheduled, sports included to allow adults and older children to attend as many

night sessions as possible.  Give this week to the Lord; He won’t disappoint!

Monday      28    HASA-sponsored assembly—Hispanic musical family group, “Alborado”  at 9:00am in PC

Tuesday     29    Blue and Gold Day – special fun activity (Game Day)  in each classroom in the afternoon.

                  Education Commission and Athletic Assn board members supply treats for mission reception.

Wednesday   30    Special Catholic Schools Week Mass with St. Bernard School at 9:00 am in

                  St. Henry Church; Grade FIVE fills liturgical roles.  Short visit in classrooms and then

back to church for talk to both schools by Mission Priest.

      HASA Board members supply treats for mission reception.

Thursday    31    Bowling Fun with St. Bernard’s (grades K-6); afternoon dance for grades 7 and 8

                  Six Flags Great America “Read to Succeed” parent-signed form due in school today!

 

FEBRUARY

Friday      01    Student Council VARIETY SHOW in Parish Center in afternoon; visitors welcome!

Second Quarter report cards go home.

Saturday    02    Women’s Ecumenical Retreat in the morning.  See St. Henry church bulletin. 

Sunday      03    Registrations for NEW children to St. Henry School for 2008-2009 should be completed.

Monday      04    Catholic Relief Services speaker here for assembly on India in AM.  Also worked in

The Gambia, Africa.  Encouraged by Diocesan Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach.

Tuesday     05    St. Bernard sponsoring Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, 4:30 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday   06    ASH Wednesday!  Lent begins.

                  Grade THREE fills liturgical roles.

Thursday    07    Athletic Assn. meeting, 6:00 pm, computer lab.  (Yes, unusual day for this group.)

Friday      08    Early 11:30 Dismissal

Sunday      10    Second Graders and Families attend 8:30 am Mass followed by breakfast in cafeteria.

Monday      11    HASA meeting, 6:30 pm in Rectory Hall

Tuesday     12    Education Commission, 6:30 pm in Rectory Hall

Wednesday   13    Dress in Honor of St. Henry Day

Thursday    14    St. Henry/St.Bernard Choir and Band Concert; here at St. Henry; 6:30 pm

Friday      15    Market Day

Thursday    28    SET ASIDE NOW!  St. Henry HASA PARENTS ONLY Homemade Chili or Soup Supper with

                  speaker during the meal!  PC   6:00 pm   

Topic:  Common Sense Approach to Discipline at Both Home and School

 

Memory verse for week of January 28-February 1

                 “Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the Lord.”          Psalm 27: 14

 

Reminder:  Have you made your reservations for Mt. Olympus (Treasure Island) for St. Henry School Families Dells Weekend of May 16-18?  Call 800-800-4997 and ask for Beth at extension 601.  See October 5 newsletter.  Available in school section of parish website:  sainthenryparish.org