Friday Thoughts November 10 2017

Posted on Nov 10, 2017

Dear Falcon Families,

I just returned from the Veteran’s Day Mass hosted by our SOAR Leadership team.  We welcomed several guest veterans who like me, had some leaky eyes when the Kindergarten students sang God Bless America (complete with gestures) as a tribute to our guests.   I wish I could send them to all parts of our troubled world to demonstrate what American Patriotism could be.   They would be phenomenal diplomats. 

The days and weeks ahead will be very busy.  Today marks the end of the first trimester.  Report cards will be distributed on Wednesday.  My quick perusal of Power School last night (I get to see everyone’s progress!)  affirms that the vast majority of our kids are doing really well. Report card time provides the opportunity for us to reflect on the high standards we share for our students.  It’s a good time to chat with your child about successes and goals and to praise excellent effort. 

Thanks for your quick response to our “trial run” on scheduling parent teacher conferences.  So far, the system seems to be working effectively, but please know that if you need to talk to a teacher at a time other than those available on line, we would do our best to accommodate you.  Stay tuned for the final update.

Spirit Wear is now available. The new site allows for ordering 24/7 any day. Right now they have a free shipping offer and are offering 10% off to our customers with the promo code JOHNFISHER10. The shipping takes 8-12 business days and will be direct to your home. If there are any products that you think we should offer, email Tricia Griffin at  trixiegriff@aol.com and she will contact them.  Best of all they give 5% of every order to the family school association at SJF.  Click here to place your order.

We are very excited about our all school field trip to see WONDER.   As mentioned in the invitation, the movie is part of a bigger all school Advent project to increase awareness of persons who might be different than ourselves and to become more conscious of multiple opportunities to CHOOSE KIND.  If you have questions or concerns, please let me know.

If your child was absent on picture day, photographers from VanGogh studios will be here on Friday Nov. 17.   Students  who need to have their pictures taken that day may be out of uniform. 

Next Friday, November 18, SJF will be part of a larger effort in all of the local Catholic Schools to reach out to the people still suffering the immense devastation of the hurricane in Puerto Rico.   A local contact at St. Barnabas will see that all money collected will go to a parish and school in Puerto Rico which is still without power.    Students are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and to bring $2.00 for this most worthy project.    Thanks for your help and for modeling the importance of care for others.

You have probably heard or experienced the rave reviews the new lunch program continues to receive. Our friends from Gilhooley’s who manage our lunch program are offering two restaurant nights next week (November 20 and 21) so that you can sample some of the selections offered on the menu or other entrees popular at the restaurant.   Both dine in and carry out options are available and 20% of the cost of your order will be donated to SJF.  Details on our school calendar on our website. This is a great chance for a night out or a no cooking necessary take out.  You can check the menu on the Gilhooley’s webpage.   If you plan a take- out meal, we strongly advise calling in the order.

Looking forward, there are many important dates for your calendar including:

Thanksgiving Family Mass.   This is one of the most beautiful parish celebrations of the year.   The mass begins at 9:00 so there is plenty of time to get home to baste the bird. 

Sunday, Nov. 26,  Family Advent Wreath Making after the 10:00 Mass.

Dec. 1  Boutique Night.   The committee has invited a wide variety of vendors for a terrific shopping experience. 

Dec. 3  Christmas Crafts after the 10:00 Mass-details on school calendar located on our website

The snowflakes are falling today.  Have a warm weekend.