December 15, 2015
Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,
The Advent Season continues and everyone is busy. I hope you and your families have found this time to be one of joy and peace. I see many parents coming in these days stressed about trying to make Christmas perfect for their families. The truth is our lives are often messy. As parents we deal with many things: taking care of children and caring for own parents as well, pressure at work, trying to ready the house for company, and finding the right gift for everyone. Christmas need not be perfect. Advent and Christmas should be joyful. The meaning is in the presence, not the presents. When you feel yourself overwhelmed with a full plate, first take a deep breath, smile, say a prayer, and remember to be be joyful and at peace knowing you are doing the best you can.
Besides joy and peace, we need to be merciful. Pope Francis started this Year of Mercy on December 8th. He symbolized it by opening the doors of the church in Rome. So too, we are to open our hearts to both give and receive mercy as needed. It takes humility to do this. Pope Francis serves as an excellent role model to follow. He said, "We have to put mercy before judgment, and in any event that takes place, God's judgment will always be in the light of His mercy." We can all follow Francis' lead by being less judgmental to those around us.
The attendance at the KG- 4 Christmas Concert was tremendous. Thank you for coming. I think we had a record numbers of grandparents and we love seeing them there. My mom was able to attend the dress rehearsal that Wednesday afternoon. She loved seeing the children's innocence, as our students sang like angels. What we do everyday in school is vital; however, everything we do begins and ends in church. It is who we are and what we are about. Tomorrow evening, the 5th - 8th grade will show this spirit when they perform our annual Christmas Tableau. I have been to a few rehearsals, and as usual, see that the performance will be outstanding. The retelling of the true Christmas story will warm your hearts; all are invited.
Last Thursday I was able to attend the talk by Jason Evert that we advertised for students and parents from 7th grade through high school on Teenage Purity. Jason is an international speaker and last week he spoke at nearby St. Norbert's Church. Some of our parents and students were able to attend. In a future blog, I will share his "Top Ten Tips to Parent For Purity." I give you a website where you and your teenage child can download his talks. Jason has a gift to connect with teenagers and parents alike. He left the church last week to a standing ovation.
I am working my way from 8th grade on down to meet with students about their first trimester report card and setting goals for the second trimester. I won't meet with every student, but I will with many who need guidance and support. Providing honest feedback to our students is the #1 way to improve student performance. Do you know that many students do not realize that their effort can /will increase their performance in school. We know it will, but research has shown that some students will not equate effort with performance results. Remember it is always about effort, attitude, and being respectful of people, places, and things.
The teachers and I remain grateful to you everyday for your support of our school community.
Take care,
Bud
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| The First Grade performed beautifully, as did all the grades, at the annual KG - 4 Christmas Concert. |
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| From L to R: Michael and Sophia Schuller were assisted by Rochelle Clerkin and Jocelyn Salinas earlier in December . Parents were able to drop off their kids and get some early shopping done thanks to the SKS Community Service and Respect Life Club members who watched them. |
Michael Duncan is very intent as he buys a gift at the Santa Secret Workshop. Many thanks to Arlene Brogan and all her elves who helped out.
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| The Knights of Columbus sponsored the "Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest. Thanks to Joe Checchia, who had all our students enter the contest . First place in the three age groups went to: Jamie McCracken, Phoebe Chambers, and Catherine Haley . Runners up were: Connor Kendall, Sophie Walkenhurst, Sophia De Giovanni, Franny Gallagher, Isabel Oliver, and Angela Salinero |
 
A priceless mother/daughter moment as Jen Driscoll helps her daughter, Lochlan, make some jewelry at Donuts with Santa. Thank you to Mary Ann Garzio and Cindy McKernan and the many volunteers who coordinated this annual event.
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