School Newsletter: October 23, 2021

Thanks to all who attended our mandatory parent conferences. This provided an opportunity for parents and teachers to become more acquainted with each other, discuss workload, expectations, and determine current progress. If for some reason you were unable to attend, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) for an in person or phone conference in the upcoming week.
    
Our Witnesses of the Week deserve a round of applause for demonstrating “studiousness” as it has been our virtue of the month. George L (7th) extended his in-class science studies by independently researching beyond the expected requirements. He brought new knowledge to the whole class through his desire to wonder, observe and analyze. Emilia P (5th) likewise challenged herself by going above and beyond on her given English assignment. We are grateful for the effort made by these two individuals and many others who reflect our school’s vision to view learning as desirable rather than a chore.

I would like to address the vitality of our Parent’s Club. Rather than a mere collection of individuals, we have a strong and supportive school group that’s actively scheduling and planning for many of our upcoming events that make our school culture so special. If you are looking for volunteer hours, please consider attending a meeting to discover the various ways your talents could be put to use. Many parents fear that attending may lead to a bottomless hole of volunteering. Keep in mind that you don’t have to agree to every request that comes your way. On a side note, Parent’s Club organizes our Sunday Mass Hospitality once a month. I would highly encourage our class parents to consider participating when it’s your child’s homeroom turn. We feel it’s important for our parish community to see the faces of Star parents and possibly hear your reasons for selecting us for your child’s educational needs. It has often been said that the best means of evangelization is through encouragement of Catholic school participation. Thanks.
     
IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Individuals interested in applying for School Commission Board, please see attached application.
• Saints Museum Costume Bins: The school has a limited number of Saints costumes available to borrow for our Saints Museum.  If you would like to look through the bins, please contact the school office to schedule an appointment.
• Trail Life USA, for boys in grades K-12, meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays in the gym.  Boys engage in adventure, character development and leadership skills. For additional information, see the OLSOS parish website.
• We have hired a new kitchen staff member, and we will be serving hot lunch again. Occasionally, menu changes may occur, unfortunately that is out of our control.
• The Fulcrum Foundation tuition assistance application for the 2022-2023 school year is available online at fulcrumfoundation.org 
  • The application is due by January 7th, 2021.  This year’s application fee is $35.
  • If you require assistance with this application, please call the school office to schedule an appointment anytime before December 10th, 2021. 

*This application MUST be submitted by any family that will be applying for parish assistance.
    
UPCOMING DATES
Oct. 26th-  Aquinas Classical Academy’s Information Night at 6:30pm in the John Paul II Youth Center 
Oct. 27th- Student Council Elections for representatives and officers
Oct. 29th- Saints Museum- Starts w/Mass at 9am 
Nov. 3-  5th-8th Grade students can wear their Pro-Life T-shirt in place of the PE shirt
Nov. 5- First Friday Family Formation Night featuring Dr. Naughton on Reclaiming the Lord’s Day in Camerman Hall from 6-8pm (childcare provided) with potluck for all (these count as parent hours)
Nov. 9- Parent’s Club Meeting @ 7pm in Ctr Rms.1 & 2 - childcare provided                                                                                                                                                                  
CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION
    Sister Maria Caeli’s 8th grade class experienced the good, the true and the beautiful on their yearly retreat this past week to Powell Butte, Oregon. The highlight of their trip always includes a healthy hike with stunning views that reveal the omnipotent power of God and His desire to surround us in beauty. The three day retreat also entailed great discussions and activities led by our talented missionaries who connect so well with these teens. ​