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FROM THE PRINCIPALπS DESK Dear Parents,
We have just celebrated the sacrament of First Eucharist the past few weeks with our 2nd graders and today had a celebration as a class. We are proud of our young people as they continue to grow in their Catholic faith, receiving their third sacrament!
The Eucharist is central to our faith and to our Church. Jesus is our bread, the bread that feeds our souls. Following are some ideas about The Bread of Life shared by Max Lucado:
What bread is to hunger, Jesus claims to be for the soul.
Bread is eaten daily and is served in many forms. Itπs toasted, jellied, buttered, flattened, and grilled. It can be a sandwich, sweet roll, hot-dog bun, croissant, or dinner roll. Bread can meet many needs. So can Jesus. He adapts himself to meet our needs. He has a word for the lonely as well as for the popular. He has help for the physically ill and the emotionally ill. If your vision is clear, he can help you. If your vision is cloudy, he can help you. Jesus can meet each need.
Can you see why Jesus called himself the Bread of Life?
I can think of one other similarity. Consider how bread is made. Think about the process. Wheat grows in the field, then it is cut down, winnowed, and ground into flour. It passes through the fire of the oven and is then distributed around the world. Only by this process does bread become bread. Each step is essential. Eliminate the plant, and you have no wheat. Eliminate the winnowing, and you have no flour. Eliminate the fire, and you have no product. Eliminate the distribution, and you have no satisfaction. Each step is essential.
Jesus experienced each part of the process of making bread, the growing, the pounding, the firing. And just as each is necessary for bread, each was also necessary for Christ to become the bread of life. ≥The Christ must suffer these things before he enters his glory.≤
The next part of the process, the distribution, Christ leaves with us. We are the distributors. We canπt force people to eat the bread, but we can make sure they have it.
I donπt know what is more incredible: that God packages the bread of life in the wrapper of a country carpenter or that God gives us the keys to the delivery truck. Both moves seem pretty risky. The carpenter did his part, however. And who knows ≠ we may just learn to do ours.
So, receiving the Eucharist nourishes us, yet also challenges us. We are nourished not only for ourselves, but to bring Jesus to the world. So our little second graders can join us as ambassadors for Christ ≠ bringing the Good News to our world.
Christa Hanson
IMPORTANT INTERNET INFORMATION It has come to our attention that some of our older students are logged into a web site called myspace.com. They are able to put photographs and bios on their own web page. Theoretically, only a ≥buddy list≤ would be able to view these web sites. However, there are ways around this, including a general directory of photos and bios. Predators are also looking on this site, and at times there are explicit photos displayed.
To log into this site and have your own web page, you need to be 18 years old. There are about 20 of our students on this web site, meaning that they have misrepresented their age in order to participate.
Please be aware of what your child is doing on-line. Giving out personal information is never a good idea. Some sites are not suitable for young children. Talk to your kids about how they instant message and what sites they frequent. It is always better to be safe than sorry. ************************
ÄTHU, May 26: BOX TOPS FREE DRESS Here is a list of the families that turned in 50 Box Tops/Tyson labels for FREE DRESS today: Allen, Ayers, Callen, Calinawan, Camacho-Light, Chizanskos, DeLaCruz/Gerkensmeyer, Ellis, Felice, Filice (Robby & Dominic), Gipson, Granata, Green, Kennedy, Lanier, Lowney, Mank, Mitchell, Purvis, Riffle, Ronsse, Sanchez (Al, Maria, Anna), Tanaka, Toste, Triolo, Trioni Mrs. Allen reminds you to KEEP SAVING over the summer. When you turn in box tops in the fall, you can earn another FREE DRESS!
Here are a few reminders about turning in Box Tops: ∂General Mills will only accept official couponsãthey should have a dotted line around them, with a small scissors showing where they need to be cut. The logo on the package advertising the items as ≥Box Top eligible≤ does NOT count. ∂General Mills will only accept coupons in their entirety. Please CUT them off the package completely. ∂CAMPBELLS LABELS FOR EDUCATION do NOT count towards Free Dress, but please continue to send them in. They earn extras for our school. [See the enclosed flyer for ≥what to save.≤] ∂Betty Crocker coupons should not be turned in. ∂Donπt forget to put the FAMILY NAME on the baggie or envelope. Thank you!
ÄTODAY IS OUR LAST KFC LUNCH! We are so very grateful to May Gomez and Nimia Phillips for their dedication to this project. Last year, proceeds from this lunch benefited our Science Lab; this year more than $2,700 has been earmarked for the ENDOWMENT FUND!
May and Nimia would be quick to thank all who helped them throughout the year, especially Algier Zoppi, faithful order taker; Gabby & Ariana Floresπ grandma Jerri and super sub, Melissa Moore. Without our volunteer parents, all of these extra programs (Hot Lunch, Library, etc.) would cease to exist. May and Nimia are hesitant to commit at this time to another year providing Thursdayπs lunch. [However, we are not ruling out this possibility!]
In the meantime, here is some information for your consideration, based on questions we have been asked recently: 1) KFC continues to be anxious to provide us with lunches in the future; 2) There may be other local restaurants that are willing to work with us, though we need help doing the ≥leg work≤; 3) Gilroy Unified School District provides our Monday/Wednesday lunches. Their kitchens make lunches other days of the week also. The common denominator in all of these considerations is VOLUNTEER HELP. If you have a proposal or any feedback, contact Vicki@stmarygilroy.org
ÄNITE GOLF, 1st PLANNING MEETING, 7PM in the school. Contact Gina Colton at 842.7805 to let her know youπd like to help. Nite Golf is scheduled for September 17, 2005 at Santa Teresa Golf Course, San Jose.
FRI, May 27: SPIRIT DAYãwear your class shirt! Todayπs SPIRIT RALLY will be held at 2PM on School Grounds. ÄUSED BOOK SALE, 8AM-1PM on school grounds. Proceeds benefit the School Library ÄItπs our LAST PIZZA LUNCH of the year. Thank you, Mrs. Fiorio and Student Council parents for making this lunch opportunity available to us.
SPEAKING OF LUNCHES ÄIt has been an OUTSTANDING year of Monday/ Wednesday lunches from GUSD! Thank you for all of your hard work over the years, Mrs. Tanaka! We look forward to the leadership of Amy Tripoli next year, the return to Antonio Del Buono kitchen AND no increase in cost!
I want to thank the many volunteers that made this yearπs Monday/Wednesday Hot Lunch Program run so smoothly. A special THANK YOU to Amy Tripoli who will be taking over the program next year. Thank you also to our order takers and servers: Natalie Sanchez, Jeanie Gage, Ellen Bozzo, Ingrid Wafelbakker, MaryAnn Ross, RoseEmma Pelliccione, Dorie Funkhouser, Maryanne Giacalone, Leslie Hughes, Lisa Fellows, Lesley Benson, Noreen Zanella, Nikki McWeeney, Jerry Enriques and our driver Christina Gilroy.
Now, with all of these LASTS, itπs up to our parents! Parents, please make every effort to send your child to school with a lunch to avoid the ≥Lunch Time Rush≤ to the Office to pick up lunches at the bench (remember, we wonπt be calling home!) And, donπt forget that all-important recess snack to keep those brain cells nourished between their breakfast at home and the lunch that you sent with themJ
MON, May 30: Itπs a SCHOOL HOLIDAY! Though our Student Council wonπt have a float in the annual parade this year, we encourage you to enjoy all that the City of Gilroy has to offer. The Remembrance Ceremony at the Cemetery begins at 9AM; the Parade follows on Tenth Street at 11AM; and the Family Fun Day follows at Christmas Hill Park. Bring the family and enjoy!
TUE, May 31: Finals are over and itπs time for the 8th grade to have fun! Todayπs Beach Trip is followed by 12Noon dismissals for the rest of the week. REMINDER TO 7TH GRADE PARENTS: Please remember your designated items for the DANCE on Thursday night and morning reception for the Graduates on Friday.
WED, Jun 1: Itπs our Last ≥Board Game≤ day of the school year.
Your child received their copy of the 2004-2005 St. Mary School yearbook today. This year's book was put together with care by many dedicated hands. Despite the handful of parents who submitted photos, we were able to put together a special book that will be enjoyed for many years to come. For this, the school is grateful to: Lisa Weiby, Brenda Chizanskos, Debbie Ellis, Vicki Purugganan, Jen Mitchell, Mollie Botill, Kim Anderson, Stefani Wheat, Jennifer Lanier, Vicki Goicovich, Vicki Brinkman, and others who submitted photos for use in the yearbook. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 8888888888888888888888888888888888 On behalf of St. Mary School, we are very proud to present the Yearbook to our families. Mrs. Mantecon is a multi-talented staff member. Her creativity shines through in this publication. We are certain you and your child will enjoy looking through it over and over again.
ÄThe CHUCK E. CHEESE opportunity last week netted $220.57 for Mothersπ Guild coffers. Thank you for your participation and for exchanging for Scrip, too. So, the money we earned that night only partly represents our returnãwe will make 7% on our Scrip sales, too.
ÄIt's that time of the year again. We will begin looking at revising the handbook in the summer months. If you have any suggestions, or if you've noticed errors or areas in the handbook that need clarification, that might be redundant, or that should be omitted, please send your comments to Mrs. Mantecon mantecon@stmarygilroy.org by June 9, 2005. We want to provide you with a handbook that is a succinct and reliable resource.
ÄTHOUSAND TRAIL PERMISSION SLIPS (Gr. 1-5) and $$$ (for adults and siblings) are due tomorrow, Thursday, May 26. Each child must have his/her own permission slip.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, the day of our PICNIC, is a SCHOOL DAY! Students are expected to be a part of the planned activities on this day. Roll will be taken at school before classes leave and children not present will be considered absent.
ÄDid you ≥borrow≤ a SPAGHETTI DINNER APRON when you served at the May 6th dinner? Please return your clean apron to the Office so that there will be one available to you for our October 14th dinner.
ÄTO PARENTS OF INCOMING 7 & 8 GRADE STUDENTS: You will receive the forms to sign up for the OPTIONAL SPANISH CLASS (7:30AM, two days per week) in your Summer Mailing, scheduled to be sent out mid-July. The cost of the class will be $300 for this two-semester offering. Melly Alnas will return as your childπs teacher. What a benefit this Spanish program has been to our students when they enter high school. We strongly encourage you to consider this opportunity for your child.
ÄHELP NEEDED FOR SUNDAY AT GARLIC FESTIVAL Gina Colton is filling up spots for St. Mary Schoolπs commitment to the Garlic Festival. Several slots, especially times on Sunday, need to be filled. Can you. . .a grandparent . . .a neighboräHELP? Call Gina at 842.7805, please.
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Class! Wednesdayπs Play showcased this talentedãand energeticãgroup. Thanks to Mrs. Huddleston for her direction and to Ms. Hanson for the adaptation to allow each of the students to shine.
And there has to be a villain in a melodrama!
MORE STUDENT PERFORMANCES The Morgan Hill Dance Center and South Valley Ballet presents "La Fille Mal Gardee" at the Gavilan College Theater Friday, June 3rd at 7PM and Thursday, June 4th at 2PM and 7PM. At least two of our St Mary students (Adrianna Queen will be one of the chickens and Emily Wood) will also perform. Maximo Califano, a Principal Dancer with Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley and William J. Brown III, a professional actor will be featured. This is a ballet COMEDY - a great way to become familiar with the ballet or just enjoy a LIGHThearted night out. For tickets, phone the dance studio, or Marcia Queen (also in the performance!) at (408) 848-6795.
END OF THE YEAR BIRTHDAY BOOKS Congratulations to the following students who participated in the birthday book program; NEWS FROM SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL At last Thursdayπs SAC meeting, Ms. Hanson related uniform information to Council members regarding the tucking in of uniform shirts. It was discussed among faculty members and agreed that students will no longer be required to tuck in shirts that are of the appropriate size. Oversized shirts, pants or shirts are not permitted. However, if a shirt is too long or does not look neat, the student will be instructed to tuck the shirt in. ALL students will be asked to tuck in shirts for liturgies or prayer services in the church. Parents, when purchasing your studentπs shirts or blouses for next year, make sure that they are ≥of the appropriate size≤ for your child.
Marie Blankley will serve as next yearπs Chair; John Quilici will be the SAC Co-Chair.
PRESS RELEASE FROM BAY AREA PARENT Local Catholic School Teacher Steve Saso Talks about Discipline Techniques: Parents Get a Relaxing, Informative Evening in the Mountains. Do you have to nag to get your kids to do their chores? do you sometimes feel taken advantage of? Do you find yourself feeling frustrated and angry because your kids are not cooperating?
If you answered ≥yes≤ to these questions, join Bay Area Parent on Thursday, June 2, 6:45-8:45 PM, to hear down-to-earth, realistic and humorous parenting expert Steve Saso offer advice on using discipline, rather than ineffective punishment, to teach your child to be accountable for their actions. Saso will present ≥How to Discipline with Confidence in Times of Chaos and Confusion≤ at the peaceful setting of the Picchetti Winery in Cupertino.
Tickets for families and educators of Silicon Valley Catholic Schools are $13, a $5 savings off the normal ticket price. This special offer is only available in advance (tickets will be $20 at the door), so call Bay Area Parent today at 408.399.4842 ext 24 to reserve your seat.
Last Sunday our students participated in the Track and Field Meet at Archbishop Mitty High School. Joan Miller, who assists our AD Jon Sanchez at this annual event, is grateful for the parent support she received this year! Thanks to Jorge Ramos who coached the students; Jake Delgado who assisted him;
Brenda Chizanskos
, who provided the feast for the students; and Lynnie Nojadera and Ed Sauceda for their assistance throughout the day.
CONGRATULATIONS to our student athletes: ≥C≤ Girls: ÄAllison Troini (6th Grade) finished 3rd in Softball Throw and 3rd in 100M Final ÄSara Sauceda (5th Grade) finished 2nd in the Mile Race
≥C≤ Boys: ÄLouis Bonesio, AJ Zekanoski, Joseph Chizanskos and Jorge Ramos were 3rd Place Finishers in the 4X400 Relay ÄJoseph Chizanskos finished 3rd Place in the 100M
From Lynn Cordia: Thank you to everyone who so generously donated sport chairs for Sub-Acute Saratoga Hospital. We have collected 25 chairs and are still in need of about 10 more. If you can help, please drop your donation off in Extended Care. These chairs are available at Wal-Mart for $5 each.
An END OF THE YEAR THANKS to St. Mary Schoolπs GARDENING ANGEL and to our CANDY JAR ANGEL. You both know who you are and how much we appreciate all that you do!
OVER THE SUMMER. . . ÄMake sure your childπs IMMUNIZATIONS are up to date. School Nurse Stefani Wheat is working to ensure that our studentsπ records are complete and up-to-date. Your child will not be admitted to the classroom on the first day of school if immunizations are not current. ÄThe PICNIC TABLES are due to ship on June 10. The old tables will be ready to be disbursed once the new tables are in place. We ask those who are on our list to BE READY to pick up their tables. Ms. Cordia will need helpãdrivers with trucksãto deliver their seven (7) tables to the Sub Acute Saratoga Hospital. If you can help, please call her in Extended Care or at 408.859.8634. ÄTake advantage of Ms. Castoriπs STUDY SKILLS CLASS for your incoming 6, 7, & 8th graders! |
