January 3^rd 2012!  Happy New Year to all!  Where did 2011 go?  Time is moving so quickly!  But, like everything else in my life, the past exists only briefly for reflecting on how to improve on the things I do, to learn from my successes and mistakes, and then move on to new and exciting projects!  I love the idea of New Year’s Day.  Like so many other first days it gives us the opportunity to reassess what we are doing and make plans for the days to come.  Like the beautiful sacrament of Reconciliation, we are able to wipe slates clean and begin anew with the forgiveness of those around us.  Everyone is filled with hope and a sense of commitment and through the grace of our Lord we are able to move forward to accomplish our goals.

I would like to thank the HSA for hosting the annual Santa’s Workshop.  This is a big job but one that is well received by the children.

Breakfast with Santa was also a great success!  The children enjoyed their brunch and having a class picture taken with Santa. 

I would like to extend a thank you to all the parents who helped out with the Christmas Activities.  Between decorating the school and campus, Santa’s Workshop, Breakfast with Santa, and Class parties I am sure that almost every parent was involved in some way or another.  On behalf of your children and the staff I THANK YOU ALL!

The Christmas Program, featuring the children in grades Pre-K through 3, was wonderful.  I am sure that you all enjoyed it as much as I did.  The teachers deserve special thanks for all the work that went into preparing the children.  The Christmas Concert for grades 4-8 and Band Concert, as well, were fabulous.  Again, the teachers deserve special thanks for preparing the children.  I know that it set a wonderful tone for the Christmas season.

Progress reports will be going home on Friday, the 6^th.  Not all children will be getting them, only those who are experiencing difficulty.  If your child does not get a progress report and you feel there is a need to speak to the teacher please call and set up an appointment. 

The pizza lunches for January are on the 6^th, 20^th and 27^th.  It is imperative that you pre order and pay by the date requested. 

The next bake sale, sponsored by the children in grade five will be on Wednesday, the 18^th.  Thank you for baking, selling, and purchasing the delicious goodies.

We will have a 12:00 dismissal on Friday, January 13^th for our monthly faculty meeting.
School will be closed on Monday, January 16^th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Enjoy the long weekend!

The children who are making their First Holy Communion will make their First Penance on Thursday, January 26^th at 1:45. Please keep these children in your prayers as they receive this most important sacrament of forgiveness.

The second quarter will end on February 3^rd.  Mid-Term Exams in grades 5-8 will be taken prior to this date.  A schedule will go home so that you may know when your children will be taking their tests.  Students in the other grades may or may not have tests at this time.  Report Cards will follow on February 10^th.

Catholic Schools Week will take place from January 30^th through February 3^rd.  The children will have many activities going on as we celebrate.  This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.”.  Students in eighth grade will read at all the Masses the weekend of the 28^th-29^th affirming their love and commitment to their Catholic education.  A complete schedule will go home closer to the end of the month.  Just to whet your appetite, the HSA will be having a hot dog lunch and we will have a special Mass on the feast of St. Blaise.  Of course the student’s favorite, PJ day, is on the schedule as well as a few surprises.

Re-registration information will be going home in the next few weeks.  Please be as prompt as possible in returning your paperwork and fees so that we will know how many new students we can accept for next year.  If you have another child who will be joining us next year, especially in Pre-K and K, please let Mrs. Micelli know as soon as possible so that we make sure we have space for them.  We also would ask that you let friends, neighbors and family know about us.  It is the best way to keep our school culture as it is now.  Our happy families are our best advertisement.

As a side note, if you are able to help us sell any raffle tickets other than the one you must purchase please let Mrs. Micelli know.  This is a major source of income for the school.         

Open Houses for new families will be held on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in our school please let them know about the Open Houses and have them call the Main Office for information and an appointment. 

January brings about summer camp registrations for many of our families.  If your child has been experiencing any difficulty in school please do not commit to a program without first checking with your child’s teacher to see if summer school is a possibility. 

First Grader, Tyler Morris’ grandmother was the winner of the Flat Screen TV. Congratulations!  Thank you to all who purchased tickets.

Mrs. Micelli has asked me to remind you of keeping current with tuition and other payments.  Report Cards will be coming up soon and they can only be distributed to those children whose families are current in their financial obligations to the school.

As we turn the calendar to a brand new year, it is a good time to take stock of your child’s progress so far this school year.  The following ideas might make a positive difference in the quality of your child’s learning experience.  Begin by sitting down with your child and talking honestly about what is going well and what areas could use a little extra effort.  Set specific goals with your child.  There should be goals for the rest of the year and for each week as well. The short term ones help keep us focused and on task.  Remember, the most effective help for your child comes about when the school and the parents work together.  If areas of need are seen, be sure to meet with your child’s teacher to determine how to best meet the goals set.  Most importantly, acknowledge the effort your child puts into his or her work being careful not to overdo it!  We still have over half of the school year ahead of us.  There is plenty of time to make this year a fantastic learning experience!

Over the vacation we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. It was a good day to reflect on our roles in the various family settings we are involved in.  I know I for one gave thanks for my nuclear family, my parents, siblings, husband, children, in laws and grandchild.  I also gave thanks for the school family that I feel so fortunate to be a part of.  The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Family is very special and I count myself privileged to be included in it.  As a family we work together to become stronger.  Shared values and faith carry us through the difficult times and make the good times all that much sweeter.  Without our families we would be lost and unfulfilled.  As a school community, we are here to help you in the education of your most precious gift, your children.  As an extension of your nuclear family, we work with you to foster strong moral and social commitments.  We are pleased to be a part of the process.  As the year 2012 unfolds my wish for us all is that the Holy Spirit grant us patience, inspire us with hope and fill us with joy.  May your year be filled with peace, harmony, and good health.  And, as we pray each morning, May the Lord bless you and take care of you; May the Lord be kind and gracious to you; May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace; and May the God of Hope fill you all with Joy and Peace!

From our family to yours….Happy New Year! 
Mrs. Cotronei