Dear Parents,
Last Sunday, which was Palm Sunday, marked the beginning of Holy Week. Our remembrance of the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus makes Holy Week the most sacred time of the year for Catholics. Remember to balance the sacred part of Holy Week with all the other Easter preparations you may be making. Over the next few days, as we draw closer to Easter Sunday, let us remember the days leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Today, also known as Spy Wednesday, recalls the decision of Judas Iscariot who betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
- Holy Thursday is the day when we remember Jesus and his disciples gathering together for the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus instituted the very first Eucharist. The Mass of the Last Supper, celebrated tomorrow, reminds us of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples to impress upon them the call to serve others.
- Good Friday services commemorate the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. This is the one day of the year Mass is not celebrated. Instead, Good Friday services are held from noon until 3:00pm. This is also a day of fasting and abstinence to commemorate the pain and suffering of Jesus.
- Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) Liturgy consists of several parts, including the lighting of the Paschal candle, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Sacraments of Initiation for those electing to become members of the Catholic Church.
- Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. He also joined his disciples for a meal and told them to carry on his works.
Please check out your church’s schedule for Easter Week activities.
Extended Care: Please remember that tomorrow, Thursday April 17th, is the beginning of Easter break and a minimum day. Dismissal for Preschool is at noon, grades K-3 at 12:15 and 4-8 at 12:30. Afternoon Extended Care is available tomorrow until 6:00pm but will NOT be providing a hot dog lunch. Please plan ahead and provide your child with a lunch tomorrow. Don't forget that theMonday we return from Easter break, April 28th, is also a minimum day with a 12:15 dismissal for K-3 and a 12:30 dismissal for 4-8.
School Uniform: Now that the weather has started to improve and we are enjoying some beautiful spring weather, we have decided that the last day for girls to wear uniform pants will be tomorrow, April 17th. After we return from Easter vacation, girls will no longer be allowed to wear pants to school.
Field Trips: The fifth and sixth graders are off to Outdoor Education at the CYO Camp in Occidental on Tuesday, May 6th. Please read and complete the permission slips and send the form and payment back by the due date.
STEM Showcase: Today was the last day of the Spring STEM electives. Tomorrow, Thursday, April 17th, STEM students will share their work and projects with STM students and families in a showcase that represent the rigorous work and training resulting from student collaboration, problem solving, effective communication, and critical thinking skills. Please drop by the gym tomorrow between 9:00am-10:00am to see all they have accomplished.
Parents’ Club Nominations: The current Parents’ Club is seeking interested parents to take a leadership position as part of the 2014-2015 Parents’ Club. We hope you will consider yourself an interested candidate, or if you know of someone else who should be considered, please write that name next to the position you feel appropriate. Your suggestions do not obligate these parents in any way, but only assist us in the selection. Please complete the paper survey you received last week and return it to the school office as soon as possible.
Men’s Club Survey: As we mentioned last week, we have had many dads express interest in forming a Men’s Club at St. Thomas More School. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your input is valuable to us as we move forward.
FACTS: There are still some families who have not signed up for FACTS. Please note that FACTS is the only way tuition payments can be made for the next school year. Enrollment in FACTS must be completed no later than today, Wednesday, April 16th. If you enroll after today, there will be less payment plans to choose from and your monthly tuition payments will be higher. As a reminder, all tuition payments must be paid in full by March 2015.You have been sent an email from FACTS with instructions on how to enroll. If you have not received an email from FACTS, please stop by the office or email Melody at moakley@stmsf.org.
The school office will be closed this Friday, April 18th as well as all next week, April 21st through April 25th. Enjoy the break!
Sincerely,
Marie Fitzpatrick
Principal
