November Newsletter
Dear Families,
We have survived the excitement of Halloween and moved into the beautiful season of Thanksgiving. It is also the season of report cards and parent teacher conferences, new sports seasons, playoffs, and, if you have been to the mall, even early-bird Christmas shopping!
I am happy to report that we have had only a small number of confirmed H1N1 cases. As reported earlier, we continue to monitor the situation very closely. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the kids home if they are not feeling well.
We are also pleased that our first visit from the Shot Fairy went very well and we are anticipating a return once more vaccine is available. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information.
A quick look at the November calendar affirms that there are busy days ahead. The mother-daughter tea is next Sunday after the 10:00 Mass. This event is always great fun and a chance to have some "girl time" together. Tickets are still available.
Sports sign up night is Thursday, November 5th. Check the Athletic Board link on our website for more details.
Next Wednesday we are hosting Mark Brown, a noted national speaker for a school assembly on respect and anti-bullying. We are looking forward to this presentation which is being sponsored by QSP, the organization that we use for our magazine fund raiser.
Thursday, November 19, is the Family School Association Boutique Night. The planners have contacted some wonderful vendors to come for the evening including a group who will weigh old gold and buy it. Invite your neighbors for an evening out and get a jump on your Christmas shopping.
The regular meeting of the Family School Association is on Thursday, November 12. Please know we value your input on ideas that you might want to share about St. John Fisher.
The Boy Scouts are hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 22. The chefs who prepare the breakfast do an outstanding job each year.
Mrs. Nealis has been very busy scheduling our annual Parent Teacher Conferences. You will be receiving your confirmed appointment early next week. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made. Although emails, blogs and electronic grading are wonderful, time for face to face conversation about each child is so valuable as we work together to provide the best for your children.
One of my favorite liturgies each year is the Family Mass we have on Thanksgiving Morning each year. Although this is a very busy time for most of you, I guarantee there is no better way to start the day than by attending the mass. The music is wonderful, several of our students help plan the Mass, and the spirit of the day reminds all present of how very blessed we are by a God who loves without limit. We hope you will be able to come before you need to go "over the river and through the woods" for your family feast.
In our never-ending quest to save money, we are always searching for paper that may have been used on one side but that can still be used in our printers and copiers. If your place of business may be switching letterhead or if you have access to other sources of paper or envelopes, please know we welcome any contribution. Although we are trying to "be green" as much as possible, our paper costs continue to be very high.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Although I am SURELY not the family chef, I love starting the day with the family Mass and gathering later with family and extended family to share all of the traditions that accompany the day as we retell stories about jello molds that never jelled, the year I thought the pumpkin pie was pre-baked (it was delicious at midnight!), bourboned sweet potatoes, (I'm not sure who found that recipe!), and the various guests that have been at our table over the years. I am sure your families have similar family tales that are told each time you gather for this very special feast. Common to all is the amazing awareness of the many ways in which each of our families has been so richly blessed as family, parish family, and community. Find a moment to be aware of "the attitude of gratitude" that we too often take for granted. Have a glorious celebration, and, if you need the sweet potato recipe, give me a call!
Happy Thanksgiving!