The School Committee’s service project held on February 27th was a great success. Thank you to all of the students, parents, and grandparents who made gift bags to welcome our guests to St. Paul parish for Homeless Week. Tricia Kesteloot also joined us to explain the Homeless Week events and the needs of our guests.
Mark your calendars: The next service project will be held on Friday, April 24, from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Students are asked to bring a gently used book to donate to The Children’s Center, which provides therapy for children from infants to age 18 in foster care programs. Students will write a note to go with their book and make bookmarks to accompany any others that are donated by school families. This project is good for students of all ages. Families are always welcome to join in the fun, too. Students are asked to bring markers or crayons with their book; all other supplies will be provided.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Johnathan Rand is coming to St. Paul Catholic School!
Author Johnathan Rand is coming to St. Paul School, Monday April 6th! His presentation will be for grades 1-6 at 10:00 am.
Johnathan Rand is the author of over 50 books with over 3 million copies in print, including the wildly popular American Chillers and Michigan Chillers!
You should have received your order form by now, please fill out the form and return with payment to the office ASAP so that you will not miss the opportunity to have a signed book by this very popular author. Any questions, please call Patty McKee 884-4191. (The books would make wonderful gifts for children as well as for your child's classroom.)
Johnathan Rand is the author of over 50 books with over 3 million copies in print, including the wildly popular American Chillers and Michigan Chillers!
You should have received your order form by now, please fill out the form and return with payment to the office ASAP so that you will not miss the opportunity to have a signed book by this very popular author. Any questions, please call Patty McKee 884-4191. (The books would make wonderful gifts for children as well as for your child's classroom.)
2009-2010 School Calendar
We are still finalizing the school calendar for next year, but the major dates are ready for publication. Those dates are as follows:
Tuesday, September 8—First Day of School
Professional Development Days—October 29-30 (no school for students)
Christmas Break—Two full weeks (December 19—January 3)
Monday, January 18—Martin Luther King Day, no school
Winter Break—One full week (February 13-February 21)
Easter Break—April 2—11
Last day of School—June 11
Tuesday, September 8—First Day of School
Professional Development Days—October 29-30 (no school for students)
Christmas Break—Two full weeks (December 19—January 3)
Monday, January 18—Martin Luther King Day, no school
Winter Break—One full week (February 13-February 21)
Easter Break—April 2—11
Last day of School—June 11
St. Paul School Finances—Update
As you might expect, my last post about this topic generated quite a bit of discussion. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conversation. I appreciated your honesty and insight. I’d like to follow up and clarify some of the questions that you raised.
The most common concern was that next year’s second grade classes would be too large if we move back to two sections (rather than the three first grades we have this year). Right now we have 56 first graders, and we expect to have 54 move to second grade next year. We have not had any new enrollment in next year’s second grade. This would be 27 students per class. (One more than the current maximum of 26 per class). We can hold to the limit of 26, but I would hate to lose two students because of that cap.
Here are some questions raised by parents:
Does this mean you’re planning to allow 30 students in a class?
We are NOT planning to increase the maximum of 26 in a class—we’re talking about an exception for one grade. It’s important to note that it is not our goal to have all classes be 20 or less in size. As a Catholic school attempting to keep tuition at a reasonable level, we simply cannot offer the very small classes that might be found at private schools charging perhaps three or four times what we charge in tuition.
How will this affect our current third grade? Fifth grade?
If the third grade enrollment holds at 60, I expect that we'll continue to have three sections as they move into fourth grade. However, if it drops by 4 or 5 students, we'll have the same situation as with first grade. We'll need to make this decision before the end of the school year (and typically not everyone has enrolled by then). I just want to make sure that families are not surprised if we cannot accept every student back (If people wait until the summer to register, we may have to make the decision to cap enrollment at 52 per grade). Fifth grade will not be affected. Our policy is 26 students per grade, and I do not expect that to change.
I can appreciate that everyone (parents, teachers, and students) prefers the smaller class sizes. I firmly believe that all of our classes provide a high quality education, and most of them are between 22 and 25 students in size. It's always a balancing act, and Msgr. Halfpenny and I are committed to looking at all alternatives with our primary goal of continuing to provide a high quality Catholic education. My purpose in writing the article was to ensure that the process of decision-making is as transparent as possible, and to invite parent comment.
The most common concern was that next year’s second grade classes would be too large if we move back to two sections (rather than the three first grades we have this year). Right now we have 56 first graders, and we expect to have 54 move to second grade next year. We have not had any new enrollment in next year’s second grade. This would be 27 students per class. (One more than the current maximum of 26 per class). We can hold to the limit of 26, but I would hate to lose two students because of that cap.
Here are some questions raised by parents:
Does this mean you’re planning to allow 30 students in a class?
We are NOT planning to increase the maximum of 26 in a class—we’re talking about an exception for one grade. It’s important to note that it is not our goal to have all classes be 20 or less in size. As a Catholic school attempting to keep tuition at a reasonable level, we simply cannot offer the very small classes that might be found at private schools charging perhaps three or four times what we charge in tuition.
How will this affect our current third grade? Fifth grade?
If the third grade enrollment holds at 60, I expect that we'll continue to have three sections as they move into fourth grade. However, if it drops by 4 or 5 students, we'll have the same situation as with first grade. We'll need to make this decision before the end of the school year (and typically not everyone has enrolled by then). I just want to make sure that families are not surprised if we cannot accept every student back (If people wait until the summer to register, we may have to make the decision to cap enrollment at 52 per grade). Fifth grade will not be affected. Our policy is 26 students per grade, and I do not expect that to change.
I can appreciate that everyone (parents, teachers, and students) prefers the smaller class sizes. I firmly believe that all of our classes provide a high quality education, and most of them are between 22 and 25 students in size. It's always a balancing act, and Msgr. Halfpenny and I are committed to looking at all alternatives with our primary goal of continuing to provide a high quality Catholic education. My purpose in writing the article was to ensure that the process of decision-making is as transparent as possible, and to invite parent comment.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Runners-Up in City Championship
Congratulations to our St. Paul Varsity Girls' Lakers. In spite of a 40-19 loss to St. Michael's of Livonia in yesterday's final game, we are all proud of your accomplishments. Earning the runner-up spot in the City Championship took amazing talent and effort, and we have much to celebrate. The 50 students who rode the bus to Marian High School with me will agree that it was a great day, and a fantastic season.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Pictures from East Side Championship
Here are some pictures from last night's fantastic game. For the full gallery of photos, go to:
Sports Gallery/St. Paul Basketball
http://www.pointepics.smugmug.com
Congratulations Varsity Girls!
Congratulations to our Varsity Girls' Basketball team, who last night defeated St. Isaac Jogues, 29-25, in overtime play, to win the East Side CYO Championship! The girls played an amazing game in front of a packed house (I can't even guess how many people were in attendance - but you couldn't move in the gym, with both sets of bleachers pulled out).
The girls will play St.Michael's of Livonia tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, at 2 pm at Marian High School (Lahser at 14 1/2 Mile Road). If you're planning to attend the game, remember that I-696 will be closed this weekend.
The girls will play St.Michael's of Livonia tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, at 2 pm at Marian High School (Lahser at 14 1/2 Mile Road). If you're planning to attend the game, remember that I-696 will be closed this weekend.
Congratulations...
…to G. R. Dulac, 6th grade, who recently placed second in the state competition for the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee, held last weekend in Standish, Michigan. GR took second place to the same student with whom he went head-to-head in the regional competition (during which they went 130 rounds before declaring a winner)!
In the end, it came down to a “secret list” of words that neither had seen – and tough words they were! His opponent, Sean Gowdy, got the first word on the list, "orangutan". Then G.R. got the word "penitentiary", which both of them missed. Then they both missed on the word "sesquicentennial" giving G.R. the word, "trachea", which G.R. spelled with an "-ia.” Sean spelled trachea correctly, and then spelled "vernacular" to win the bee.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Varsity Girls’ Basketball
I'm delighted to announce that our Varsity Girls' Basketball Team is in the Final Four! They'll be playing tonight in our own gym at 6 pm. (St. Paul was always scheduled to host the semi-finals - we just didn't know it would be our own girls in the game!). If you've never been to a CYO Basketball game before, your entire family is in for a treat. This is great basketball, up close. I encourage every St. Paul student and parent to attend this game and show your support for our very talented girls. This will be the first time in 56 years that our girls have the chance to win it all!
What makes the game even more exciting (for me) is that our opponent is St. Isaac Jogues (the school where I served as principal prior to coming to St. Paul). I have a deal with their principal, Miss Domagala. Whoever wins is treated to lunch - and I sure would love a free lunch! So please come on out tonight at 6 pm - let's pack the stands with Lakers fans and cheer on our girls as they play for the East Side Championship, on their way to the CYO Championship.
GO LAKERS!
What makes the game even more exciting (for me) is that our opponent is St. Isaac Jogues (the school where I served as principal prior to coming to St. Paul). I have a deal with their principal, Miss Domagala. Whoever wins is treated to lunch - and I sure would love a free lunch! So please come on out tonight at 6 pm - let's pack the stands with Lakers fans and cheer on our girls as they play for the East Side Championship, on their way to the CYO Championship.
GO LAKERS!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Library Book Donated to St. Paul School Library by the Louisa St. Clair Chapter DAR
The Louisa St. Clair Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Grosse Pointe www.LSCDAR.com presented the book, The Constitution for Kids by Cathy Travis to the St. Paul School Library. Written specifically for the 9-12 year old age group, this comprehensive book offers the text of the Constitution of the United States on a split page. On the left is the original, somewhat hard to understand, text and on the right is a modern English “translation” that makes it easier for students in 4th through 7th grade to wrap their minds around these laws. The book also contains Constitutional Amendments in easy to understand everyday English, a glossary of terms, and a summary section which helps the children process what they just read.
LSC Chapter Librarian Mary Elizabeth Savage made the presentation in February, which has long been known as American History Month. The book is being donated to each public, private and parochial elementary school library in Grosse Pointe. The books were purchased from the Friends of the Detroit River Riverbank Book Service www.detroitriver.org with profits used for local community conservation education projects.
The Chapter also presented American History Calendars to Mrs. Zaranek for distribution to the History and Social Studies Teachers and students. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, these calendars published by the United States Capital Historical Society feature pictures of American landmarks and a history fact for each day of the year.
Unemployed Group
Take Control is a meeting place for St. Paul Parishioners recently unemployed or in the midst of a career change. These one hour meetings are designed to help parishioners Take Control of their future by providing helpful information, support, and networking opportunities. Meetings will be held Monday mornings from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in the Church Assembly Room.
This is part of St. Paul’s efforts to help parishioners through the challenging economic times. This group will work in concert with the recent additions to our website where job opportunities and resumes may be posted.
If you have a unique skill or would like to participate, please join us for our initial meeting Monday, March 16th from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in the Church Assembly Room located in the Gathering Space of the Church.
Contact Mary Ellen Brayton at 586.321.0185, Dan Roma at 313.570.8808 or Deacon Rich at the Parish Office for details or questions.
This is part of St. Paul’s efforts to help parishioners through the challenging economic times. This group will work in concert with the recent additions to our website where job opportunities and resumes may be posted.
If you have a unique skill or would like to participate, please join us for our initial meeting Monday, March 16th from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in the Church Assembly Room located in the Gathering Space of the Church.
Contact Mary Ellen Brayton at 586.321.0185, Dan Roma at 313.570.8808 or Deacon Rich at the Parish Office for details or questions.
Chess Team
St. Paul’s new chess team participated in the Michigan Chess Association Team Championships on Saturday, February 14, in Southfield. The team was comprised of Kenneth Snapp, Dennis Burmeister, Jenna Snapp, and Holden Rist, and was coached by chess club instructor Allan Watts. The team battled students from kindergarten through ninth grade from private and public schools across Michigan in five rounds of competition. Congratulations on an outstanding effort in St. Paul’s first-ever team competition!
Dress Down “Green Day” Tuesday, March 17
St. Paul Leadership Council has selected St. Patrick’s Day as the dress down day for March. For $1.00 students may enjoy the “wearing of the green:” green slacks, shirts, shoes and green nail polish! This month’s collection will go to a great cause: the Michigan Miracle League. The Miracle League is a baseball organization for children who have a physical or mental disability. The League “is making dreams come true for some very special kids.” We are hoping to collect enough dollars to sponsor a team this year. You can read about the Miracle League at http://www.michiganmiracle.org/index.htm. This link includes two short videos that show some of the miracle athletes in action.
A Funny Story
Mrs. McShane recently went to one of our first grade classes to read a story to them about leprechauns. In discussion after she read the story, Mrs. McShane said to the students, “You know, I come from Ireland.”
One of the little boys in class piped up and said (quite sincerely), “But we all thought you came from the cafeteria!”
St. Paul School Finance 101
We are in our last ten days of current family registration before we open the registration process to new families on March 16th. I thought this might be a good time to bring you up to speed on some of the financial basics of St. Paul School. (All of these details are rough estimates, not exact numbers).
• We enroll about 500 students every year.
• The auction earns somewhere between $120,000 - $150,000 per year, or about $300 per student.
• The cost to educate one student at St. Paul School this year averages $4,500.
• Tuition brings in an average of $3,100 per student (because we offer family discounts, in vs. out of parish rates, different rates for preschool, etc.).
• This leaves a net shortfall of about $1,100 per student (or about $550,000). The parish budgets to provide this subsidy to the school. Some years, the parish has provided a subsidy in excess of $700,000.
• Because Sunday collections are down (due to the economy), the parish expects to have a budget shortfall by June, 2009, of almost $250,000.
All of these facts mean that we will have to make some difficult decisions for the 2009-2010 school year. We have committed to a very small tuition increase (approximately 1%), but this increase will not even cover the increases we forecast in benefits and utilities. This means that even freezing salaries will not help the budget deficit.
(The Capital Campaign dollars, while very successful, are restricted dollars and can only be used for the renovation program. We do believe that this renovation, over the long term, will save us money in terms of utility costs, etc.)
Therefore, we have to consider whether we can continue to provide three sections of a grade. In first grade, for example, we have three teachers for 56 students. Because our maximum classroom size is 26 students, we are (in effect) providing that third teacher for only four students. We may have to cap our class sizes to go back to two sections of each grade (or allow a temporary overage in class sizes).
Registration Concerns
This, of course, leads to my concerns about registration. If we have to cap our class sizes to go back to two sections of each grade, you may not have space in the grade for which you wish to register your child. Please register before March 16, if you are eligible to do so. Once we begin open registration, it’s “first come, first served.”
If you know that you will not be returning to St. Paul School next year, please let me know as soon as possible. It will help me in my planning and budgeting for next school year. (This can be a completely confidential conversation).
• We enroll about 500 students every year.
• The auction earns somewhere between $120,000 - $150,000 per year, or about $300 per student.
• The cost to educate one student at St. Paul School this year averages $4,500.
• Tuition brings in an average of $3,100 per student (because we offer family discounts, in vs. out of parish rates, different rates for preschool, etc.).
• This leaves a net shortfall of about $1,100 per student (or about $550,000). The parish budgets to provide this subsidy to the school. Some years, the parish has provided a subsidy in excess of $700,000.
• Because Sunday collections are down (due to the economy), the parish expects to have a budget shortfall by June, 2009, of almost $250,000.
All of these facts mean that we will have to make some difficult decisions for the 2009-2010 school year. We have committed to a very small tuition increase (approximately 1%), but this increase will not even cover the increases we forecast in benefits and utilities. This means that even freezing salaries will not help the budget deficit.
(The Capital Campaign dollars, while very successful, are restricted dollars and can only be used for the renovation program. We do believe that this renovation, over the long term, will save us money in terms of utility costs, etc.)
Therefore, we have to consider whether we can continue to provide three sections of a grade. In first grade, for example, we have three teachers for 56 students. Because our maximum classroom size is 26 students, we are (in effect) providing that third teacher for only four students. We may have to cap our class sizes to go back to two sections of each grade (or allow a temporary overage in class sizes).
Registration Concerns
This, of course, leads to my concerns about registration. If we have to cap our class sizes to go back to two sections of each grade, you may not have space in the grade for which you wish to register your child. Please register before March 16, if you are eligible to do so. Once we begin open registration, it’s “first come, first served.”
If you know that you will not be returning to St. Paul School next year, please let me know as soon as possible. It will help me in my planning and budgeting for next school year. (This can be a completely confidential conversation).
Monday, March 2, 2009
Recycling Program
Thanks to the efforts of one of our seventh grade students, Chris Buhler, we are beginning a paper recycling program at St. Paul School. The recycling bins were delivered today, and all classrooms are beginning a paper recycling program. Thanks, Chris, for your persistence in pursuing this project!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Save the Date!
Please save Tuesday evening, March 31, for an important parent meeting on the topic of bullying and violence prevention. The TPG is sponsoring an enrichment program for the students on this topic, featuring Dr. Marcia McEvoy, on March 31 and April 1st. Dr. McEvoy will provide insight and support for parents at a special presentation on Tuesday evening. I hope that all parents will plan now to attend this very important and timely topic.
Artists of the Month
The artists of the month for March are eighth grade students Annie Gallagher, Noel Fets, Jack Fordon, Olivia Monette, Eric Peltola and James Champane. They learned to use shading to create volume and then drew a still life in charcoal. Their drawings are displayed in our main hall. Congratulations!
Registration Reminders
We are in the process of registering all current families for the 2009-2010 school year. We have opened the preschool registration only for new families. If you are planning to register a preschooler for next year, and have not yet done so, please register as soon as possible. The 4-year-old program, in particular, is almost full. Families registering for grades Young Fives through Grade Eight have until Friday, March 13, for priority registration. New families are eligible to register beginning March 16.
Accreditation Preliminary Report
We completed our accreditation site visit on Thursday, February 12, and the team unanimously recommends St. Paul School for reaccreditation. The summary report provided by the team on Thursday afternoon indicated that the number one strength evident at St. Paul Catholic School is our Catholic identity. The complete report will be presented in approximately one month. Congratulations to all who participated in this process. The accreditation report will form the basis for our school improvement plan for the next seven years.
America and Me Essay Contest winners
Three students from St. Paul Catholic School have been named local winners in the 40th annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. The three students, who earned first, second, and third place awards, are Peter Fox, first, Madison Skau, second, and Catherine Lessnau, third. All three received award certificates for their achievement (which will be presented at graduation). As the school’s first place winner, Peter’s name will be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school. His first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top ten essays in Michigan will be selected. Congratulations to all who participated!
Prayers, Please
Please keep the family of LaVorne Robertson (father of Malik Watkins, grade 5, and Jasmine Watkins, grade 2) in your prayers. Mr. Robertson died suddenly on February 9th.
SERVICE PROJECT THIS FRIDAY!
The School Committee’s monthly service project will be held on Friday, February 27, from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. in the Canfield Center. The students will be preparing gift bags to welcome our guests to St. Paul parish for Homeless Week. This project is good for students of all ages. Parents are always welcome to join in the fun, too. Students are asked to bring markers or crayons; all other supplies will be provided.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Scholarship Announcements
Three years ago, the Educational Trust trustees voted to establish the Joseph and Alice Wright Scholarship, a $750 grant to be given annually to a deserving young parishioner entering the sixth grade at St. Paul School. The grant will be renewable each year for the three years of middle school, provided the student maintains a “B” academic average.
Any fifth grade member of the parish, who plans to attend St. Paul Middle School, is invited and encouraged to apply for the scholarship. The student should write a letter of application for the scholarship and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher as well as a recent report card.
Applications should be sent to the St. Paul Scholarship Committee, 170 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or can be dropped off in the school office. Deadline for the scholarship competition is April 3, 2009.
The Wright Scholarship is funded by the St. Paul Educational Trust and is named in honor of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wright, who were long time parishioners and benefactors of the parish and the trust.
2009 Canfield Scholarship and Couzens Family Scholarship Competition
Any eighth grade member of St. Paul Parish who plans to attend a Catholic high school is eligible to apply for both the 2009 Monsignor Francis X. Canfield Scholarship and the Couzens Family Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two deserving students to be used toward tuition to a Catholic high school.
The Canfield Scholarship has been awarded each year since 1985. Originally called the St. Paul Parish Scholarship, it was renamed in 1991 to honor the late Monsignor Canfield, who served as pastor of St. Paul Parish from 1971 to 1991. Monsignor Canfield died in October 1998.
The Couzens Family Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 1997 and is named for long-time parishioners.
The application requirements are that the student be a current eighth grader in any school and a member of St. Paul Parish. A complete application must include:
1) A letter from the student in his or her own words telling the committee about oneself and indicating the following:
a. Why you would be a good candidate for the scholarship.
b. What high school you will be attending.
c. If you are receiving any additional scholarships.
2) A letter of recommendation from the parent(s).
3) Two Student Recommendation forms from teachers. Available in school office.
4) A copy of the student’s most recent report card.
Only complete applications will be considered.
The Canfield Scholarship and Couzens Family Scholarship may be renewed yearly at the student’s initiative by writing to the Scholarship Committee and by maintaining a 3.0 academic average.
Applications should be sent to:
St. Paul Scholarship Committee
170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236
Application deadline is Friday, April 3, 2009. Funds for both scholarships come from the St. Paul Educational Trust.
Knights of Columbus scholarship
The St. Paul on the Lake Knights of Columbus Council (#12121), will be offering the Knights of Columbus Blue Ribbon Scholarship to deserving St. Paul Catholic School students during the 2009-2010 school year. Any student, in any grade, who is a parishioner at St. Paul Parish is eligible for the scholarship. Parents desiring a scholarship will write a letter of request giving details of financial need. The Scholarship Committee will review the letters of request, and award the scholarship at the same time the other scholarships are announced in the spring. Letters of application are due in the school office by Friday, April 3, 2009.
Any fifth grade member of the parish, who plans to attend St. Paul Middle School, is invited and encouraged to apply for the scholarship. The student should write a letter of application for the scholarship and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher as well as a recent report card.
Applications should be sent to the St. Paul Scholarship Committee, 170 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or can be dropped off in the school office. Deadline for the scholarship competition is April 3, 2009.
The Wright Scholarship is funded by the St. Paul Educational Trust and is named in honor of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wright, who were long time parishioners and benefactors of the parish and the trust.
2009 Canfield Scholarship and Couzens Family Scholarship Competition
Any eighth grade member of St. Paul Parish who plans to attend a Catholic high school is eligible to apply for both the 2009 Monsignor Francis X. Canfield Scholarship and the Couzens Family Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two deserving students to be used toward tuition to a Catholic high school.
The Canfield Scholarship has been awarded each year since 1985. Originally called the St. Paul Parish Scholarship, it was renamed in 1991 to honor the late Monsignor Canfield, who served as pastor of St. Paul Parish from 1971 to 1991. Monsignor Canfield died in October 1998.
The Couzens Family Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 1997 and is named for long-time parishioners.
The application requirements are that the student be a current eighth grader in any school and a member of St. Paul Parish. A complete application must include:
1) A letter from the student in his or her own words telling the committee about oneself and indicating the following:
a. Why you would be a good candidate for the scholarship.
b. What high school you will be attending.
c. If you are receiving any additional scholarships.
2) A letter of recommendation from the parent(s).
3) Two Student Recommendation forms from teachers. Available in school office.
4) A copy of the student’s most recent report card.
Only complete applications will be considered.
The Canfield Scholarship and Couzens Family Scholarship may be renewed yearly at the student’s initiative by writing to the Scholarship Committee and by maintaining a 3.0 academic average.
Applications should be sent to:
St. Paul Scholarship Committee
170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236
Application deadline is Friday, April 3, 2009. Funds for both scholarships come from the St. Paul Educational Trust.
Knights of Columbus scholarship
The St. Paul on the Lake Knights of Columbus Council (#12121), will be offering the Knights of Columbus Blue Ribbon Scholarship to deserving St. Paul Catholic School students during the 2009-2010 school year. Any student, in any grade, who is a parishioner at St. Paul Parish is eligible for the scholarship. Parents desiring a scholarship will write a letter of request giving details of financial need. The Scholarship Committee will review the letters of request, and award the scholarship at the same time the other scholarships are announced in the spring. Letters of application are due in the school office by Friday, April 3, 2009.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Science Fair A Success
This week, our junior high students presented their Science Fair projects for public display. I hope that you were able to see the display last night, and that you were as impressed as I am by the students' work. Clearly, the students understood the scientific process - how to pose a question, generate a hypothesis, test it with independent and dependent variables, and then summarize in the conclusion. Bravo, students and teachers!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Varsity Girl's Basketball
Congratulations to our CYO Varsity Girls' Basketball team, who are undefeated in their league at 5-0. Way to go, Lakers!
Seventh Grade Boys' Basketball
Although the boys lost their game on Saturday, they put in a valiant effort, as these photos show!
Girls' Intramural Basketball
Last weekend, our CYO basketball teams played home basketball. These are two photos from the girls' intramural (3rd and 4th grade) team.
Junior High Watches History Being Made
Yesterday our junior high school students joined me, Msgr. Halfpenny, their teachers, and many school and RE staff in the Canfield Center to witness history being made. We prayed together a prayer for our new President before the inauguration, and then we watched the entire inauguration ceremony together. I mentioned to the students what a blessing it was to have the opportunity to watch this together with them, as I had watched the funerals of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy at my Catholic elementary school - can it really have been so many years ago?
Kindergarteners Make Counting Beads
Sister Diane's all-day kindergarten class recently made their own counting beads. Ask the students to show you how to use them!
2009 Spelling Bee
Congratulations to our 2009 Spelling Bee champions. They will be competing this Sunday, January 25, at St. Lawrence School in Utica.
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