STFOA Newsletter
Friday, May 3, 2024
Dear Families,
Welcome to May! This month is chock full of wonderful events and celebrations..
On May 1st, some of our classes went to morning Mass and were part of a procession bringing flowers to the statue of Mary to honor the mother of God, as "the Queen of May". One of our fourth graders crowned the statue.
Yesterday, the Kennedy Honor band performed at our school. Sixth, seventh and eighth band students from eight different Catholic schools tried out to be part of the Kennedy Honor band. Eleven of our students were awarded a spot. Under the direction of the amazing Ms. McKamey, the band was fabulous!
Tomorrow Saturday, May 4th, our second group of second graders will receive their first Holy Communion at 5:00 PM Mass. We look forward to celebrating with them.
Next week is Teacher Appreciation week. Our school is blessed with amazing teachers and staff. In the words of a fifth grader visiting my office, “they are kind, caring, helpful, friendly, revenant, and cheerful. They make you feel ready to learn. If you are down, they make you feel good about yourself.” Our teachers deeply care about their students. They are an outstanding group and greatly deserving of our appreciation.
There’s also a Scholastic book fair in our library all next week. Your child will have an opportunity to check out the book fair the day their class goes to the library. One of my favorite childhood memories is coming into my classroom and seeing a small pile of brand new paperback books on my desk, telling me the Scholastic book orders had arrived. I could hardly wait to run home and start reading. New books are presents waiting to be unwrapped.
Next Friday, May 10th, is Grandparents and Grand Friends’ Day. It is one of my very favorite days of our school year. When Grandparents are in the building, students slow down. Our students- especially the youngest- share with pride their best work, the parts of their classroom, and the areas of our school. Grandparents ask good questions and listen with rapt attention. When grandparents are in the building and with us at Mass, unconditional love abounds.
Our Live Auction and Gala is Saturday, June 11th. A huge thank you to our amazing co-chairs, Amy Rosenfield and Dianna Leppa, for once again putting on our school’s biggest fundraiser. It is a wonderful community event. If you aren’t able to attend in person- and even if you are - please go to our website and check out our online auction. It’s opening on Wednesday, May 8th, and closing on Sunday, May 12th, at 5:00 PM. Bid early and often in support of our school.
Finally, whether you attend the auction online, in-person or not at all, you will have an opportunity to donate this year’s funded item- The Fr. Richard Hayatsu St. Francis of Assisi Scholarship Fund. Please join us in honoring Fr. Dick, our long-time pastor, and his dedication to our school with a gift to this special fund. When you do, you will make a difference in the lives of many students and their families.
There is much happening at our school this May- this was just one week.
Breathe. Pray. Be kinder than you think necessary. Thank you for being a community that supports all of our students. Reach out if you can help or need help.
On May 1st, some of our classes went to morning Mass and were part of a procession bringing flowers to the statue of Mary to honor the mother of God, as "the Queen of May". One of our fourth graders crowned the statue.
Yesterday, the Kennedy Honor band performed at our school. Sixth, seventh and eighth band students from eight different Catholic schools tried out to be part of the Kennedy Honor band. Eleven of our students were awarded a spot. Under the direction of the amazing Ms. McKamey, the band was fabulous!
Tomorrow Saturday, May 4th, our second group of second graders will receive their first Holy Communion at 5:00 PM Mass. We look forward to celebrating with them.
Next week is Teacher Appreciation week. Our school is blessed with amazing teachers and staff. In the words of a fifth grader visiting my office, “they are kind, caring, helpful, friendly, revenant, and cheerful. They make you feel ready to learn. If you are down, they make you feel good about yourself.” Our teachers deeply care about their students. They are an outstanding group and greatly deserving of our appreciation.
There’s also a Scholastic book fair in our library all next week. Your child will have an opportunity to check out the book fair the day their class goes to the library. One of my favorite childhood memories is coming into my classroom and seeing a small pile of brand new paperback books on my desk, telling me the Scholastic book orders had arrived. I could hardly wait to run home and start reading. New books are presents waiting to be unwrapped.
Next Friday, May 10th, is Grandparents and Grand Friends’ Day. It is one of my very favorite days of our school year. When Grandparents are in the building, students slow down. Our students- especially the youngest- share with pride their best work, the parts of their classroom, and the areas of our school. Grandparents ask good questions and listen with rapt attention. When grandparents are in the building and with us at Mass, unconditional love abounds.
Our Live Auction and Gala is Saturday, June 11th. A huge thank you to our amazing co-chairs, Amy Rosenfield and Dianna Leppa, for once again putting on our school’s biggest fundraiser. It is a wonderful community event. If you aren’t able to attend in person- and even if you are - please go to our website and check out our online auction. It’s opening on Wednesday, May 8th, and closing on Sunday, May 12th, at 5:00 PM. Bid early and often in support of our school.
Finally, whether you attend the auction online, in-person or not at all, you will have an opportunity to donate this year’s funded item- The Fr. Richard Hayatsu St. Francis of Assisi Scholarship Fund. Please join us in honoring Fr. Dick, our long-time pastor, and his dedication to our school with a gift to this special fund. When you do, you will make a difference in the lives of many students and their families.
There is much happening at our school this May- this was just one week.
Breathe. Pray. Be kinder than you think necessary. Thank you for being a community that supports all of our students. Reach out if you can help or need help.
Peace and blessings,
Rosemary Leifer
Rosemary Leifer
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