school newsletter: february 26, 2022

Ash Wednesday and Lent are just a few days away!!! Sometimes, my gut reaction to this reality is not met with enthusiasm, but rather, “Is it really that time again?” For some, this may be normal and compounded with the fear of failure to partake whole heartedly or to be successful with one’s Lenten commitments. Like myself, you may even experience slight stress toward Lenten practices, or as some say, Lenten resolutions. I believe it’s reasonable to experience this but shouldn’t stop us individually or as a family from embarking on the 40 day journey in the desert as our Lord did. As we all know, our own spiritual growth and that of our children should always be at the forefront of our desires. Hence, it is through sacrifice, repentance and reflection that we open ourselves up to what God can do for us through this season.

One of my favorite Catholic mom bloggers (Catholic Icing) pleads her case for us Catholics to hold off Easter celebrations until Lent is totally over. Although we wait a whole 40 days to celebrate Easter, the Easter season itself lasts 50 days with us being encouraged to celebrate with parties, events, crafts, and more. This site may be a helpful resource for families to reference for activities during Lent and Easter.

CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION
Mrs. Kilmer’s fourth grade, as an extension of their integrated literature and history studies, created log cabins using only items found in nature. Students paired up to replicate models of such cabins that were typical in Maine during the mi-late 1700’s.

WITNESSES OF THE WEEK
Cameron Q demonstrated the virtue of cheerfulness as I personally witnessed her deep pleasure in sharing her school and years of experiences with prospective families during Thursday’s Open House. In addition, we thank the other student council officers and students who likewise revealed their admiration for their teachers, curriculum and above all, their faith.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
●    MASSES FOR ASH WEDNESDAY - 9AM, 12PM, 7PM
● FIRST FRIDAY FAITH FORMATION NIGHT featuring Fr. Nagel presenting on history and why study it? Remember, these evenings are great opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth. They also count for volunteer hours - child supervision provided.
● TRIVIA DATE NIGHT tickets are ON SALE NOW! Tickets are $30 per couple or $20/single ticket. Next week, OLSOS staff will provide car-side service at drop off or pickup to families interested in tickets. Email me and we will have your tickets ready. Childcare will be available for this event. Please contact the parish office to sign up.
● Join us at the church each Friday of Lent for Stations of the Cross at 5:30pm followed by the popular Knights of Columbus Fish Fry.
● Every Wednesday during Lent Father Lappe will be celebrating Mass at 6pm. This is a great opportunity to come together as a family and spend time with the Lord.

UPCOMING DATES
● Mon., Feb. 28th- Enrollment for current students begins (emails will be sent Monday with instructions on how to access enrollment contracts)
● Mon., Feb. 28th- Clubs begin (Catholic Crafts will begin Mon. March 7th)
● Wed., March 2nd- Ash Wednesday: School Mass @ 9am- Full uniform required for students
● Fri., March 4th- First Friday Faith Formation Night w/ Fr. Nagel
● Thurs. March 10th- End of the 2nd Trimester (parents of students in 5th - 8th grades can check student(s) current grades in RenWeb)
● Thurs. March 10th and Fri. March 11th- NO SCHOOL

SPORTS REPORT
Basketball final:
● 5/6 squad: Dominic def Patrick 12-9
● 7/8 squad: Dominic def Patrick 27-23 Thanks to Mr. Quebral, Mr. Comer, Mr. Ogilvie, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Christian, Ms. Ruby, Mr. Powell, and Mrs. Judson for their time and dedication to making this intramural season a success.

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Under the patronage of our Blessed Mother, the mission of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School is to support parents in their role as the primary educators of their children. Our classical training nourishes the students’ natural sense of wonder and guides them to know and love what is genuinely good, true, and beautiful. Faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, we form our students to be virtuous disciples of Jesus Christ and joyful witnesses to the Gospel.