Thursday, May 26, 2016



                                                   Special Memorial Day Weekend Blog

"Lest We Forget"
               Quote for Remembering Deceased Veterans

May 26 , 2016

Dear St. Katharine of Siena Families,
       My dad was a veteran. He served in World War II in the Philippines. I remember in my youth his speaking about his time of service in the war but it never really "hit" me.  As I grew older and the possibility of my being drafted (I wasn't) for the Vietnam War, the realities of what my Dad and so many other men and women veterans did became a reality. . In the later years, I began to appreciate more and more what those that served and those that continue to  serve do for us.  Their sacrifice is our freedom.  At my dad's burial, (five years ago this August), and the burial of any veteran, Taps is played and the presentation of the American flag is given to the fallen soldier's loved ones.  It is one of the more emotional and touching moments of honor and appreciation you can be a apart of. My Dad 's flag is in the living room of our house where Mom still lives. It rests on the mantle of the fireplace. Every time I go over  there, it's a steady reminder of what he and so many others did for our country. This blog is my personal salute to any grandparents, parents, family or friends who served or are currently serving.  You have my deepest respect, admiration, and gratitude.

      As we approach Memorial Day this weekend, many of us will head to places to relax. We 'll be at the beach, the mountains, a neighborhood cookout, or a parade. Lest we forget. We should take time to remember those who paid the ultimate price for our country's freedom and have continued to  protect that freedom through the years. We should teach our children at an early age that this weekend has important meaning. This weekend is far more than just the start of the shore season.  We pray for all those who sacrificed and for their families as well. We ask God to protect and keep safe the courageous men and women who are currently serving our country.

     Please keep in your prayers Greg Skoruk, the grandfather of Lucas and Eliana de Gennaro who is recovering from a serious accident. Also please pray for  Lou Wells, the grandfather of the Julie, Alexa and Declan Pyfer who has been sick.

Here is another blog that every parent needs to read about their own child and how they treat others. Before you say, "Not my child,"   read the article. Some good parenting lessons here.

http://www.faithit.com/worst-nightmare-raising-the-bully-leslie-blanchard/?utm_content=bufferaab3a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

May God bless us and keep us safe this coming weekend and always. Happy Memorial Day weekend.

Take care,

Bud

P.S. This event  below  honors soldeiers from Radnor who gave their lives for our counry. It is being held on Friday at Radnor High School - many of our SKS graduates did research on these honored heroes in the Saving Hallowed Ground Project. It is open to the public.

This week, we memorialize 57 former Radnor High School students who died while serving our country. Our Wall of Honor veterans memorial will be unveiled on Thursday, May 26 at a private ceremony at RHS. The memorial will open for public viewing on Friday, May 27, from 5-7 p.m. Learn more: Inductees | Opening Events


SKS Scenes from School



 Seventh grade teams collaborated from Mrs. O'Sullivan's science class on their Dragon Project. 




Some of our 2nd graders receive their First Communion in their own parish.  




One of our school's finest traditions: The Annual 8th Grade Parent Dinner.  


The mother /daughter Team of Maureen and Catherine Haley painted this beautiful mural pictured behind them. The mural is located on the wall outside  the 8th grade classroom. 


Scenes from the Annual Father Daughter Dance (KG-5)






Mr. Fry (pictured above) directs the 3rd & 4th grade as they entertained the entire school to the play entitled Summer Camp.  



 Camp Runamouk was full of 3rd &4th grade campers. The audience was highly entertained! 



 Mrs. Mollie Casey, 3rd grade teacher gave  15 years of service to our school. She stopped by to see the students two weeks and was promptly greeted by former students.  



Cecilia Gallagher (top) and Owen Bergan (above) gave their speeches at the Student Council election. Thirteen 7th graders ran for office. Our elected officers for next year are: Quinn Bookbinder, Paddy Mc Namara, Hailey Nord, Madelyn Schultz, Molly Searing, and Samantha Shreiner.

     

Friday, May 13, 2016




May 13, 2016


Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

        Our May Procession was a beautiful community celebration to honor Mary . A new parent commented to me about the large turnout that we had lining the streets as our school began the procession from the grotto to the church. A grandmother came to me afterwards and said she hadn't been to a May Procession in over thirty years . She had tears of joy on her face. Honoring Mary in May has been a long time Catholic tradition.  Families are welcome to continue honoring Mary by paying a visit to the grotto.  Bring your rosary. Your family praying together makes a huge impact upon your children. It's something they will long remember.
     
        These last few weeks are important ones. There are many activities in and out of school. It is easy for any student to be distracted and look towards an early start to summer vacation. I encourage parents to talk to your children about remaining focused with a postive attitude , appropriate behavior, and consistent effort until the last day of school.  

        Below are many pictures that tell the story of our school. The pictures show a school filled with life and energy . We are a vibrant school community.  Every day I see  things happening here that make me very proud to be a part of this school. The  journey of this school year is coming to the end. The ship is coming in to port and we can see the shoreline from a distance. I am thankful to our teachers and staff that work hard daily in helping each child grow. I am grateful to our parents who support us in the mission of our school.

Take care,

Bud  


This prayer, entitled The Mom's Examen , specifically for all mothers, was sent to me by SKS parent, Jocelyn Konrad. I thought it was appropriate to share to our moms.  


There are a number of phenomenal pictures from the SK5K taken by talented photographer and SKS mom, Beth Dekovitch at this website below.  
https://blackdaisyphotography.smugmug.com/SKS-Folder/SK5K-2016/n-9dDpp3/


May Procession 



We honor the Blessed Mother. 



Seventh Grade Flag Bearers lead the procession.



Third grade communicants are in their First Communion dress.


Brigid Lowry (2nd from left) joins her siblings along with David Heacock after the May Procession.  She will be the 6th Lowry (and last) to graduate from SKS.  Many alumni come back to our traditional events. 



Third Grade First Eucharist


Above are some of our First Communicants from third grade. 


The  SK5K 



Start of the SK5K!


Our 8th grade girls can really run! 


The SK5K is a family friendly event. 


Forensic Team Performances

Grace Manion and Catherine Haley took First Place at the last forensics tournament of the year. Above, they performed their award winning duo for the SKS Seniors.



Ava Stone, Ella Kloss, Elyse Terzian and Amy Werner performed their forensics pieces at the Archdiocesan Showcase of Excellence at Archbishop Carroll. 


First time performer, Sasha Reeder did her hilarious "babysitter  piece" for the SKS seniors as well. Sasha was honorable mention in the last tournament. 


Eighth Grade Countdown 

The 8th graders find out every year a bit about parenting by caring for their "baby" in
Mr. McConomy's religion class.  (The "baby" is a 5 lb bag of flour that each couple is responsible for caring.)
 



When I filled in for a class last week in the 8th grade, I asked if they had the days counted till graduation. Bella Grube proudly showed her I-pad countdown till graduation from days, hours minutes, and seconds till June 14th graduation!

Mrs. Kilpatrick 's Fourth  Grade Persuasive Essays 



Elise Beetel (right) is with Kaitlyn May as they pose with the basketball and shirt that was sent back to Elise after she wrote the Villanova Basketball Team . It must have been a very persuasive letter !


Miss Panaro First Grade Share and Tell 



The Share and Tell  c;ass brought Abby Sims' dog Gunner , and Shelby McGowan's pet hamster, Tito, to school. There were many questions asked and answered. 

Reading Olympics


The Reading Olympics Team competed at Radnor High School a few weeks ago. We are very proud of their efforts. 
Fourth Grade Garden 



It won't be long till the Fourth Grade garden starts to produce a bonus crop of fruits and vegetables. If you haven't seen it yet take a look in the parking lot between the school and the convent. They have done an incredible job. 

Third Trimester Peacemakers




Peacemakers were awarded their pins at the  monthly school mass in May.


Earth Day Clean Up Crew 



Keeping SKS green and clean was the goal on Earth Day in late April .