Friday Thoughts May 11 2018
Posted on May 13, 2018
Dear Falcon Families,
We have had a terrific week at SJF! Last Sunday’s Mother-Daughter Brunch was lovely. The Derby theme was a perfect showcase for the custom-designed hats and “Sunday Best” outfits our guests wore. Prizes, games, a delicious meal and time to visit with neighbors and friends proved to be a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to Mrs. Houston and her crew of generous and creative volunteers for organizing what is sure to be a repeat event next year.
The Family School Association, and especially Mrs. Kristen Schiesl, have provided treats of every sort every day in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. We are very spoiled and despite my best efforts to “stay away”, I am a caloric disaster! Thank you!
On Wednesday, nearly seventy of our student leaders and tutors worked as volunteers at the Special Olympics. It was wonderful to hear compliments about their behavior and the enthusiastic support they showed for the Olympic champs.
Today, our kindergarteners are wearing their favorite outfits for the Mother’s Day Kindergarten Tea and “fashion show”. I wish there was room on this page to share some of the charming ways these future journalists described what makes their moms so special. Portraits, complete with real jewels and extended construction paper eyelashes, were memory makers.
We are also very proud of our girls’ golf team who placed second in league competition this week. The season is short and was complicated by some nasty weather this year, but look for these talented athletes on future televised Sunday afternoon golf tournaments.
We have had a very successful launch of our own Queen of Hearts Raffle. The neighborhood is buzzing about the success of the raffle at a neighboring parish, but with a $20,000 prize for just this first week, ours promises to be even more fun with so many chances to win. Our prize will be split 60-40 with the winner capturing the larger portion and the balance going for much needed school and church improvements. There will be additional prizes every week in addition to the opportunity to win the grand raffle. Tickets are available at Cork and Kerry at any time, after school in the school lobby on Thursday and Friday each week, and through several committee members who will have them available at their homes. Our first drawing will be at Cork and Kerry on Saturday Night, but you need not be present to win. Thanks in advance for supporting this new and creative way to address some parish needs. More information will follow in separate emails.
The week ahead is also very busy with several field trips and other events. Please remember that there is no school next Friday, May 18, because of our faculty planning day.
Next Saturday, May 19, is the House Hop, sponsored by the Women’s Club. The event is always great fun and a good way to meet new neighbors and friends.
Although some would think that Mother’s Day is a Hallmark and Fannie May holiday, it is always so much more! I am astounded by the schedules so many of you have. You tutor, mentor, chauffeur, feed, cheer, and when necessary, chide your children to help them become their best selves. As Oprah would say, yours is the toughest job in the world but to these “seasoned” eyes, you certainly are doing it well. What a privilege it is to see our wee ones run into your arms at the end of the day or catch you shedding a tear when you watch your eighth graders display a hint of the women and men they will become on May Crowning Day. You encourage the potential each of your children has and, as their first teachers, teach them the meaning of forgiveness because of your unconditional love. I hope you will be treated royally on Sunday and that you will have a great Mother’s Day.
Enjoy the weekend.