10/2/13

October, 2013


Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee...
 
Principal's Corner
October 2013
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy Fall!  The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, and hopefully it will continue through the month of October for all of our special events.  We had an incredible day last Saturday for our "Choo Choo Football Game".  Thank you to all who came out and supported it.  Our volleyball and Cross Country seasons are finished as of this week, and our football team has only a couple more games.  Congratulations go to all our teams and our cheerleaders for a job well done.  Also, a large thank-you to all of our coaches for their hard work and time; we could not have the wonderful program we have without our coaches.  Already,  our soccer team has begun practicing, and it won't be too long before the basketball teams begin.   Time is really flying. 
The virtue for the month of October is Sincerity.  This virtue will be introduced and celebrated at mass on Friday, October 4th.  Also, on this day, we will be celebrating the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with the blessing of the animals on our football field.  Originally, we set the time for this blessing at 2:20; however, Father Jim has a conflict, and it will now take place at 1:00.  Students will be going back to classes after the program. 
There is a Home and School Meeting at 6:00 on October 9th.  There will be a guest speaker on internet safety that should be very informative and interesting. Please join us.  The class with the highest percentage of parents in attendance will get a Hungry Howie's Pizza Party. 
The Diocesan in-service for our teachers is October 11th in Knoxville; therefore, there will be no school for the students.
The end of the first nine weeks is Oct. 10th.    It is hard to believe that ¼ of the school year is already complete.  We will be giving out report cards to you at our parent Teacher-Conferences on Wednesday, the 16th.  Your teachers should be contacting you about making appointments for these conferences which will start at 3:00 and go through the evening.  We encourage the students to join you for these conversations.  Because of the conferences being on Wednesday evening, there will be a half day of school on Friday, October 18th.   
The Living Rosary, led by the eighth grade, will take place in the gym after mass on that Friday, October 18th.  This is always a very nice prayer gathering, and you are invited. 
Saturday the 19th is a very important event for our school?The Ram Run.  This is the largest fund raiser sponsored by Home and School, and it coincides with the Oktoberfest held at the Market.  OLPH will have a bratwurst booth both Saturday and Sunday at the Oktoberfest.  We traditionally have great food and long lines; the proceeds from the booth go to our Annual Fund.  We need your help and/or participation at either or both of these events.
Fall Break is the week of October 21st, and I know we will all be ready for it.  When we return on the 28th, October will be about finished.  The Home and School will be holding their "Trunk or Treat" on the 26th, and our elementary students will be having their parties on the 31st. 
October 31st will also be the last day to wear shorts (and blue skorts for the elementary girls).  If you have any questions about the uniform, the information is in the handbook and on the website. 
Remember that scheduled events can possibly change.  The Friday Fanfare always has the most recent and up to date information.  Also, if there are any changes or additions to our calendar we post it on the website as well as Parents' Web.  Sometimes we have last minute cancellations of sports or other events, and we may send out a "Parent Alert" .  If you get any phone calls from the school, we always try to leave messages.  Please listen to the message before calling us back.   
One last thing, and I hesitate to mention this again. But, on morning drop offs, students should not be walking across the driveways or parking lots unattended.  It is getting darker in the mornings again, and it is easy for a student dressed in a dark uniform not to be seen.  Please help us keep your children safe.  Either drop them off at the ramp by the gym doors or walk them to the ramp or doors.    I know that many of us are in a hurry in the mornings, but the safety of your children is worth the extra couple of minutes.    
Thank you for all of your support, and have a wonderful October.
God bless,
Jeri McInturff