April 1,  2017


Dear St. Katharine of Siena Families,

                                                  A  Parent Dialogue with Mr. T. 

      I had a conversation with a parent last week and here is a shortened version of the dialogue with permission from the parent.

  SKS  Parent: "Bud, you have four older children right? So when do you stop having to be "on" as a parents and when does it let up?"

   Me: "Never."

   SKS Parent: "But your kids are older right" Surely it's a bit easier now."

   Me: "Well in many ways it is,  but you really never stop worrying about your kids. And you still have a tendency to want "to do" for them and make sure they are okay and happy. As the saying goes:"As a parent, you are only as happy as your unhappiest kid. "

  SKS Parent:  "So what's the secret to all that?"

   Me: "I can't really say I know the secret, cause in the end, I am just another parent like you trying to figure out what's best for our kids. But I have found it's always a balancing act between unconditional love, teaching self control & responsibility, consequences for actions (for good and bad decisions), mixed in with teaching values and character traits such as integrity, empathy/compassion, resilience, and acceptance of all people.  And every child is different, so what works for one child doesn't necessarily work for the next."

SKS Parent: "How do you do all that ?"

Bud: "One day at a time, one child at a time, with the grace of God, both parents (guardians)  being  on the same page,  having extended family and schools (The Village) that works in partnership with you , a good dose of patience, and a sense of humor."

SKS Parent: I feel like I am "on " my kids "all"  the time hovering over them and driving them and me crazy."

Bud: "Hovering, nagging, helicoptering whatever you want to call it is not the answer. I have parents tell me they feel they do this a lot. You have to let go at some point. Let things  fall on their shoulders. Give them chores. Let them fall; and get back up.  So many parents today feel that they are fully responsible for their child's success . You aren't.  You are there with your unconditional love to guide and support but not "do" for them.

SKS Parent: Sounds easy to say, but harder to do.

Bud: It is. It's tough to see your child struggle in any way: Spiritually, academically socially, mentally,  emotionally,  or physically and not "do" for them. In the end, like everything else, you do the very best you can. Kids aren't perfect and neither are parents. The sooner we realize  that the better.  Mistakes made by both them and us are learning experiences and opportunities  for all of us to grow.

      Here's a very good video that  talks about parenting. It was shared with me by another educator I have great respect for. I think it's worth watching:

How to raise successful kids -- without over-parenting

https://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?

      I hope the end of your Lenten Journey has given you an opportunity to look inside yourself. I hope you have had the chance to forgive and ask for forgiveness. I have taken time the past few weeks to remind our students  how important it is to do these things as they went to confession last week.  I also reminded them the importance of caring for others: Their parents, siblings, and classmates: Treating everyone with kindness and respect  and when we do not, fences need to be mended.  Lastly, I reminded them  continually to worship and pray together as a family by getting to Mass each weekend.

      Below is a picture of our Academic Scholarship winners for this school year. The students received scholarships based on their academics achievements in entrance testing, transcripts, and character. Several students received multiple scholarships.  While the number of scholarships we receive doesn't define us as school, it is a proud moment for us to see so many students achieve academic excellence. Congratulations to these students and their families. 

      Finally, I wish to announce that I will be leaving my position as principal of this school at  the end of the school year in June . What a distinct pleasure it has been to serve this special community through the years   In light of Jay Wright 's moving on to coach the newly formed NBA franchise in Hawaii , The Maui Maulers, I have accepted  the head coaching basketball position at my alma mater, Villanova University. I believe this is good opportunity for me, especially today on April 1, otherwise known as April Fool's Day.  Did I getcha?  

Take care,

Bud 
 

St. Katharine of Siena Academic Scholarship Winners

From left to right: Annie Gleason, Cecelia Gallagher, Matthew Bradley, Kaitlyn May, Ian Rossi, Cookie Quirk, Isabel Oliver, Hailey Nord, Maddie Schultz, and T.J. Curvan,   Missing from this photo and shown below is John McCormick. Congratulations to these students on their wonderful accomplishments.  

SKS  Delaware County Reading Olympics Competition 

Dress Down Day benefitting For Pete's Sake - a Cancer Respite Foundation for Families 

St. Paddy's Dress Up  for Respect Life 

March 28, 2017

                                             Special Centennial Blog 
                          Happy 100th Birthday 
                       St. Katharine of Siena School 
      

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,
        
             Thank you for those of you who were able to attend the SKS Centennial Mass and party this past Saturday. The Mass was heartwarming as our SKS Student Choir sang so beautifully. I was approached by one grandmother (who happened to be a graduate from SKS), with tears in her eyes after the Mass.  It was so nice to see Msgr. Jagodzinski, who con-celebrated and gave the homily, and the many IHM sisters who attended too.  

            The brief gathering after Mass in school with many former alumni (many from past years as long ago as 1949 !) was as touching. Many alums walked through the halls and classrooms remembering their past and their time here.

            The Centennial party in the gym and parish center had over 325 people there. It was a diverse crowd of former and current SKS families and friends, all who shared a common thread:Their love for St. Katharine of Siena School. 

           Anne Condello and David Heacock , Centennial Co-Chairs did a masterful job in planning a "funtastic" event.  Msgr. Brouwers gave a warm and heartfelt blessing. The food from AAA Catering in Lansdale was great and The Lucky Stiffs had everyone up dancing including many all stars: Faculty/staff, parents, and one incredibly older alumnus who stole the show.  Below is the toast that was given in honor of our hundred years and counting as an institution:  

     "The theme for tonight you see on each table is:

                          “SKS: Roots Run Deep"

And our roots have run deep from generation to generation since September of 1916, when this school first opened.

We are blessed and fortunate to be in parish that still has a school. 

   

As we celebrate here tonight we are appreciative of those in the past who paved the way for us to be here tonight: The commitment and dedication of past priests, IHM sisters, other religious, lay teachers/ staff, and the parishioners that served and supported our school. There are many Catholic families, all who sacrificed greatly, to make this school one of the best choices a family could make on the Main Line. Their past efforts stood the test of time.  We, who have followed, would not be here, and it’s safe to say we would not be celebrating here tonight without the leadership from those who preceded us.  

We are grateful for the present - for the presence of everyone who is here tonight and all who support our school.  Everyone here has a strong connection to the school, each of us in our own special way, and because of your belief, commitment and love for SKS, we have flourished as a parish school.

As we look to the future, we believe it is a bright one.

As we celebrate tonight, we look toward the future with a vision that this parish school will remain at the forefront of Catholic education for many years to come. 

So please now raise your glasses, and your hearts, with me as we toast St. Katharine of Siena School:

To those in the past that paved the way for us.

To those in the present who continue to show their faith and dedication to our school. 

And to the future, that our parish school will continue to produce people of great faith and leadership for years to come  

Here’s to the next 100 years at St. Katharine of Siena School! 

"Cheer for St. Katharine’s, let the cheer resound....."

Take care,


Bud 

                               SKS Centennial Party

                            

                                                  

March 14,  2017

Dear St. Katharine of Siena Parents,

            A snow day in March provides an opportunity for a cup of something warm  and a school blog read. What better way to spend a snowy day! My thanks to Peter Madden for his guest appearance on the School Messenger phone call. Can you all hear Bruce playing in the background? 

            Last Saturday, Confirmation for our 6th graders was a reverent and beautiful day. Despite a very cold March day, the warmth inside church led by Bishop Senior, Msgr. Brouwers, and the musicians and choir made it a wonderful day for our Confirmandi and their families.
    
           Fabulous at Every Age: The Annual SKS Fashion Show was another fantastic event for our school community.  There was large turnout and the venue at Aronimink was terrific. Our special thanks to Chairpersons: Jackie McGowan, Kim Kendall, and Pam Goggin, countless volunteers, and many sponsors, who all played a major role in its success.  

           Congratulations also to our SKS Irish Dancers, They braved the cold and won a very prestigious award at the Philly Parade:  

                                                    Father Kevin C. Trautner Award (Founded 2008)
      Outstanding School or Religious Organization that displays their Irish Heritage while promoting Christian Values

            

            We are very proud as a school community of their accomplishment.

          For you March Madness fans, remember you can have fun by filling out your SKS Hoops for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program).  Here's all the info: 

The $10 entrance fee can be sent into Saint Katharine’s in an envelope with your child and given to Anne Condello at the front desk.  Half of the proceeds go to TAP, the other half to the winner of the bracket challenge.  

Please write "NCAA MARCH MADNESS" on the envelope (and your family name so we know who has paid).  

If you would prefer to mail your payment, you can make the check payable to Erin Buckley and mail to her home address.

Erin Buckley

451 School House Lane

Devon, PA 19333

Instructions and LINK are below, thank you in advance for participating and supporting our tuition assistance program.

   _____________________

You are invited to join the PickHoops bracket group

SKS TAP 2017 Madness

Participants choose the winners of this year's NCAA 

college basketball tournament.

To join, click here: http://www.pickhoops.com/SKSTAP2017

You'll be asked for your name and email address and 

to create a new user password for yourself.

Then you'll be asked for the group password.

This group's password is:   Tosti

           This article below is taken from Matthew Kelly's Dynamic Catholic - Best Lent Ever series. It's a good read. 

6 WAYS TO HELP YOUR KIDS (AND GRANDKIDS) LOVE LEARNING

If you’re like every other parent, you want your child to be well educated. You want him to learn all he can, discover his mission in life, and succeed at whatever he does. The very best way to make sure this happens is to instill in your child a great love of learning. The famous Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” And he was exactly right. When you help your child to love learning, it will ignite a flame that stays kindled into adulthood. Here are six ways to do that:

1. Create a Learning Environment
   Children absorb what they are surrounded by. Is your home set up in a way that encourages learning? What kinds of books, magazines, movies, and games are available to your child? Are they at appropriate heights for your child to reach? Can your child see artwork at her eye level? Do most of her toys allow her to build, discover, create, and innovate? If you provide the right tools and atmosphere, your child will respond.
2. Read to Them Early and Often
   Studies show that children who are read to from a very young age develop a lifelong love for reading. And a child who loves to read is a child who will always be learning. Create regular reading times with your child, such as at bedtime, or consider setting aside one evening a week for “family reading hour” when everyone gathers in the same room and reads aloud together.
3. Model a Love of Learning
   The old adage is true: Actions speak louder than words. Are you a person who enjoys learning? Does your child see you reading books, trying new things, and engaging in intellectually stimulating conversation? When you don’t know the answer to something, do you show your child how you’re going to find the answer? If you’re committed to being a lifelong learner yourself, it will not go unnoticed.
4. Make Ordinary Moments Learning Opportunities
   Everyday life affords us many opportunities to help our children discover new things. When you cook together, your kids can learn math and basic chemistry concepts by measuring ingredients and watching them change. When outside for a walk, you can point out the changing seasons, the kind of trees or flowers you see, the formation of clouds in the sky. When you encounter a homeless person on the street, buy that person a cup of coffee, and afterwards, talk to your child about the needs of our brothers and sisters in the world. Every day, there are endless ways to engage our children’s minds, bodies, and spirits.
5. Allow Your Kids to Pursue Their Interests
   Children (like adults) have different interests and abilities. And at various developmental stages, they may be drawn to particular ideas and activities. If your child shows an interest in something—rocks, music, airplanes, singing, knights, animals, whatever it may be—foster it. Help them dig deeper into the subject through books, activities, games, internet research, and creative projects.
6. Make Learning a Whole-Life Experience
   Formal education is only part of learning. A good deal of what we absorb and remember comes from life experience, everyday interactions, and conversations. Help your child understand that learning is about much more than homework and long days at school. It’s about being curious, asking questions, pursuing truth, following passions, and discovering the beauty and richness this world has to offer.

No matter what educational path you choose for your child, if you help to foster a love of learning in your child, the flame will never burn out.

                                         

Take care,

Bud 

Congratulations to our Sixth Grade Confirmandi 

     

           

Mr. D goes for a ride!

            

Fourth Grade Techies in Ms. Elisio's Class 

SKS Irish Dancers at the (freezing) St. Patrick's Day Parade 

SKS Fashion Show : Fabulous at Every Age