Dear St. John Fisher Families,
Yes, I was in handcuffs! No, I was not arrested! One of the highlights of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week was the Pro-Kids Show featuring magic, music, and character education. As part of the evening performance for families, I was put in handcuffs. One of our kindergarten theater- goers seemed surprised this morning that I was set free. All present at the show had a great time, especially our three dad volunteers whose hilarious participation was a real memory maker.
Thanks to all who were able to come for Mass and Open House on Sunday. I thought the corridors looked like pages from the Instructor Magazine. Our kids are SO creative and our teachers challenge them with some very thoughtful assignments.
On Saturday, we celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation with the eighth graders from our school and Children's Faith Formation Program. What a joy it is to watch these young women and men affirm their commitment to their faith and to see how they have grown since we celebrated First Reconciliation and First Communion.
February is traditionally a quieter month at SJF. An important highlight is the celebration of First Reconciliation by our second graders. This is always one of my favorite nights of the school year as I watch these young "penitents" approach their confessors with such honesty and sincerity. First Reconciliation night is very special for all.
On Sunday, February 21, all are invited to have breakfast with their Dads (or special person) after the 10:00 Mass. Entertainment, prizes, good food...our Holy Name Society hosts this event for the parish.
The students have two holidays in February. February 15th is President's Day and February 22 is the Archdiocesan all schools in-service at Marian Catholic High School.
Please mark those important days on your calendar.
Registration is now open for our pre-school classes for next year. We are anticipating a large crowd, so please tell neighbors and friends who might be interested in sending their children to our school to come in or call for more information so that they will not have to be put on a waiting list. I think having our youngest scholars in this building rather than in the previous space has made them feel more a part of the SJF experience and thus made our program more popular. (They also delight all of us who love seeing them coming and going to gym, working in the computer lab, and creating masterpieces in the art room.)
Even though we are at the midpoint of this school year, we are already planning for next year. Our presumption is that unless we hear otherwise, you are planning to return to St. John Fisher next year. The School Board is already hard at work trying to create a budget that will enable us to have as little a tuition increase as possible. That number is dependent on the number of families who will be here next year. Next week we will be sending a survey that we would ask you to complete and return to school as quickly as possible. (SJF is the second largest Archdiocesan Elementary school in the city, and we hope that we can maintain that status.).
Our budget also depends on the prompt payment of all tuition bills. We are very aware that in this difficult economy, some of our families are struggling. The School Board is working on plans to increase our tuition assistance program and assign available funds to those who are struggling, but funds are very limited. If you anticipate that your tuition will not be paid to date at report card time, please let me know as soon as possible so that alternative plans can be made and we do not have to hold your child's report card.
The Assistance Fund is very dependent on the success of the Super Bowl Party next Sunday. In addition to a great party, there are many opportunities to win prizes through various pools etc. that occur at the party. We are also hoping that each family will purchase at least the basic package of raffle tickets for the giant television that were sent home several weeks ago. (If you lost those or need more to sell to friends, neighbors, or relatives, please contact the school or Jackie Long...You could watching the game next year with a new plasma big screen!)
Although February is busy, there are several important events in March for which you might want to mark your calendars now. Father Ken Velo will be our parish mission speaker this year. Father Velo is a terrific speaker and story teller. He was a dear friend of Cardinal Bernardin and gave the homily at his funeral. He has much wit and wisdom to share. The mission begins at the masses on the February 28 weekend and continues on Monday and Tuesday, March 1 and 2, at 7:30. We are fortunate to have Father Velo for the mission because he only does one each year. Please try to make these times a priority. I promise it will be well worth your time.
The Athletic Board fundraiser is March 6th. Last year's party was great fun as foods from around the world were beautifully prepared and served. The music was also great.
We will also be having several special events in honor of St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Stay tuned for details.
Happy Hearts Month!