School newsletter: December 27, 2021

Merry Christmas!!! Many families have asked me just how long is Christmas or Christmastide?
The answer can be complicated so I thought that I would share my favorite Liturgical Christmas
Cheat Sheet with dates and information to refresh one's memory.

~December 25 to January 1 (Octave of Christmas) the 8 days of Christmas that we feast and
celebrate.
~January 1 -Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) Also the Feast of
the Circumcision (Jesus’ circumcision and naming 8 days after His birth –Genesis 17:10-12).
~December 25 through January 5 –“Twelve Days of Christmas” that lead up to Epiphany
(because the date of Epiphany moves from year to year there are not always exactly 12 days).
~Twelfth Night –night before Epiphany.
~January 6 -Epiphany (or closest Sunday - Jan. 2, 2022) –Visit of the Magi to the Child Jesus
~Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Sunday following the Epiphany - Jan. 9, 2022)
~The day after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we return to ordinary time – green
~February 2 -Presentation of the Lord, also referred to as Candlemas, is about Mary’s
presentation in the temple for Purification.

CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION

Our school community would like to welcome Mr. David Gill to our staff as our new middle
school math instructor. Mr. Gill will also be assisting students in our resource room by providing
individual math support and intervention. In addition, we would like to announce that in our
continued move toward a fully classical education, we are delighted to have Sister Amata
Christi and Sister Maria Caeli now full-time in our middle school. We are blessed to see these
positive changes that ultimately strengthens our new mission.

WITNESSES OF THE WEEK

Since Art and Faith are heavily integrated within the new curriculum, we are pleased to share
our “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster winners as being our Witnesses of the Week.
Through their time and effort, they demonstrated “patience” (virtue of the month) in producing
well thought out pieces of artwork with precision in drawing. Congratulations!
Group A- Elizabeth C  (1st)
Group B- Gabriel K (3rd)
Group C- Jacobe L (7th)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

● School's procedure for school delay or closing due to inclement weather is as
follows: families will be notified by parent alert and email by 6am. Information can also
be found on the school’s facebook page. If you do not hear from us, then school will be
in session.
● Bus Service is starting January 3rd with our new bus driver, Brian McGinnis. Please
contact the school office this week so we can add your child to our bus roster or email
tpowell@starofthesea.net. (schedule listed below)
● First Friday Faith Formation is January 7th @ 6-8 PM which includes a potluck for all
to enjoy. Our guest speaker will be Sarah Bartel as she will speak on communication in
marriage & family. Childcare is provided and these evenings count as volunteer hours.
● Fulcrum grant and aid application deadline is January 7th. If you would like to be
considered for parish financial assistance, this application must be submitted first.
https://www.fulcrumfoundation.org/grants-and-programs/tuition-assistance
● Any middle schooler wanting to support our Pro-Life vision, free LIFE Runner t-shirts
are available in the office and can be worn Wednesday, Jan. 5th.

UPCOMING DATES

Jan. 1- Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Jan. 3- School Resumes
Jan. 3- Intramural BB Practice, Team JPII, 3:45-5:30 PM
Jan. 4- Intramural BB Practice, Team Patrick, 3:45-5:30 PM
Jan. 5- Intramural BB Game, JPII vs. Patrick, 5/6 squads @ 3:45PM, 7/8 squads @
4:30PM
Jan. 5- Middle School - LIFE Runners t-shirts to be worn
Jan. 6- Intramural BB Practice, Team Dominic, 3:45-5:30 PM
Jan. 6- Vianney Cenacle @7-8 PM (all ages welcome to pray for vocations)
Jan. 7- Fulcrum Application is due
Jan. 10- First Friday Faith Formation Night in Camermon Hall @ 6-8 PM

BUS SCHEDULE

BEFORE SCHOOL:
Albertson’s (off Sedgwick)
Greaves Way pullout 7:05 AM
7:40 AM (on request)
Poulsbo- Walmart Auto Center 7:50-7:55 AM
Arrive school 8:15 AM

AFTER SCHOOL:
Leave school 3:25 PM
Albertson’s (off Sedgwick) 3:50 PM
Greaves Way pullout 4:25 PM (on request)
Poulsbo- Walmart Auto Center 4:35- 4:40 PM
*Please note the new Poulsbo pick up and drop off location.