Principal’s Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Dear Families,
A sudden, violent, and quick moving storm ripped through a quiet neighborhood uprooting
large trees that were generations old. As the stunned residents arrived home that evening to survey the destruction, one wise old gentleman commented that the damage resulted because these trees had never been tested. He further stated that their roots never had to stretch deep in the ground for water. Their shallow roots were no match for the powerful storm.Had the trees intertwined their roots they would have had a better chance of survival.
While none of us likes to have our faith
tested, those who have had to endure severe loses
stand stronger when trials come their way.
This week ask yourself when and how your faith has been tested and how strong are your roots? Pray for those in the midst of suffering.
Support one another to keep all our roots strong.
Stretch yourself into the depths of prayer so, when the storms come,you may stay rooted in Christ.
Career Day
During Catholic Schools’ Week, which will be celebrated the week of January 25, 2015, we want the students to become aware of a variety of careers, therefore, on Wednesday, January 28, we will hold Career Day.
At this time, we have 5 careers represented: entrepreneur, nutritionist, landscaper, publisher. We are looking for many more and welcome your participation. If you are willing to share your career experience with the students, please contact Mrs. Gina Boland
St. Dot’s Garden
I’m happy to announce another successful Fall growing season and harvest for the second and third grade students in our garden program. They were able to harvest and taste romaine, red, and green leaf lettuce, kale, and chard. Unfortunately, the squirrels or rabbits ate our broccoli plants but we’re not going to hold a grudge. Since September, the children planted, learned about garden creatures and insects (especially worms!), germination, composting, and got to sample their harvested veggies. Believe it or not, thetasting classes are the most popular with more than half of each class trying a new vegetable for the first time. Third graders enjoyed theirtriple squash tasting so much they were lining up for seconds. Success!
The new year will bring an expansion to the garden program with “The Seed of an Idea” project. Mrs. Cordes and Barbara Briggs, owner of Seed of an Idea ( will be conducting monthly curriculum with all grades focusing on gardening and seeds. Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about planting their vegetable gardens with their families through this project as well. Additionally, we will be adding a new garden bed for the current first grade class in April. Each class that has started their garden in first grade continues with the same garden bed through 4th grade. Our 3rd graders have been doing this for 3 years now and are becoming gardening experts! Stay tuned for more information after the holidays. Garden on!
Morning Drop Off
If you are not using the drop-off lane, please park your car to the right (facing the rectory) of the 2 lampposts in the parking lot. The space between those lights and the drop-off lane is reserved for students walking across the lot, and for parishioners attending the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Pajama Collection
Our Kindergarten students are responding to one of the Corporeal Works of Mercy by collecting pajamas for children who are living in homeless shelters in Delaware County. They are accepting pajamas in all sizes from infants to teens and are asking for complete sets.. If you wish to participate in this service opportunity, please send your donation in by Friday, December 5.
Tabs For Kids
When you open soda cans, please save the tabs and send them in to school. We are collecting tabs for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Mrs. Chrissie Lee is coordinating this collection. If you have any questions, please contact her at 610-888-6516.
Home & School Dues
The dues of $15./family are now due. The dues cover iPad insurance and the family directory. Compared to other Catholic Schools, our dues are very reasonable. Thank you in advance for your response.
Civil War Re-enactment
This 8th grade project represents the culmination of their study of the Civil War. The students selected various aspects of the war, such as, medicine, weapons, diseases, people, women’s roles, etc., and created stations to depict important information. Other disciplines – art, math, music, science, technology – are integrated into their studies. The students learned the Gettysburg Address, not by memorizing it, but by singing an arrangement which was composed by Mr. Mayo.
The presentation this year was enhanced through an art component directed by Mrs. Quigley. Thank you to Mr. McCauley for providing the students with this wonderful learning experience.
Prayer Corner
Please keep the following in your prayers: Mr. Wusinich, Mrs. McNichol, and Chris Pugliese
Beauty and the Beast
Cardinal O’Hara High School will present this show on November 28, 29 and December 5,6, at 7:30 p.m., and November 30 at 2:00 p.m. Some of our former students are appearing in the show.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!