Dear Parents/Guardians:

            It is amazing that the one constant in our lives is change. Yet, it is also the one thing that is so difficult to accept. It challenges us out of our comfort zone, and asks us to venture into the unknown. I can only imagine St. Thomas travelling east toward India to spread the Gospel for the Lord. His immense tenacity, fortitude, hope, and faith is quite admirable.

As you may have heard, we have been informed that the funding we receive from the Archdiocese may be significantly less than previous years. The Office of Catholic Schools has asked us to prepare a second, alternative budget that reflects this difference.

            Fr. Robert and I have proposed changes in the budget, that IF NECESSARY, require changes in staffing. We have visited with staff members and with parents from grades 5-7 as well. First, and again only if the budget will require doing so, we have proposed waiting one year to hire a sixth-grade teacher. Instead, similar to what has been done in the past, Mrs. Kloberdanz and Mrs. Knudson would combine the 7^th and 8^th grades into one group, and then also teach the sixth grade in a separate class. We are still brainstorming possible schedules.

            The second part of the proposal is to teach art in the general classroom, and not employ an art teacher. Again, I have discussed this with the staff, and I have also discussed this possibility with Ms. Wolff. We have already received very helpful and positive feedback, and we are interested in your thoughts and input as well.

As we have shared in our meetings, during this time of economic change, we need to do what we can to maintain an excellent quality of Catholic Christian and academic education at St. Anthony’s while at the same time be responsible stewards of funds. Most importantly, it is imperative we work together as a St. Anthony family to get through this period of change. Should you like more information, please call me and I will be glad to discuss this with you.

On another note regarding tuition agreement appointments for 2009-2010 enrollment: while you are welcome to pay for book fees and registration during your appointment—REGISTRATION AND FEES ARE NOT DUE UNTIL JUNE 1 OR MAY BE INCORPORATED INTO YOUR TUITION. Please do not let the fee deter you from registering for school for next year. Please call the school or parish office, and make an appointment to meet with Fr. Rob or me as soon as is convenient for you. We appreciate your timely assistance with this.

We will soon be completing the calendar for the next year, so if you have ideas, concerns, or a wish list, please call or email me, or share them with a School Advisory Council member: Tammie Meisner, Larry O’Toole, Adria Paxton, or Kori Frank. Of course, the PTSO Board members will also be glad to pass along any information: Becky Japp, Marci Henry, Jeff Brekel, Amber Lightle, and Karynn Bretz.

The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Soup Supper on Fridays during Lent this year and they are asking that each family bring a dessert to the school cafeteria. Please follow the date chart as to which classes are assigned for which Friday:  February 27th - Kindergarten and 8th grades; March 6th - 1st and 7th grades; March 13th - 2nd and 6th grades; March 20th - 4th & 5th grades; March 27th - Preschool; and April 3rd - Kindergarten and 8th grades.

If you would like to help serve, please do so; although, we should not require as much help as we needed for the Fish Fries in past years. The Knights of Columbus appreciate your help in providing the desserts!

If you haven’t done so already, we would like to encourage you and your children to fill out FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) cards. By completing the cards and sending them to our Senators and Representative, we are helping to urge our federal elected officials to oppose FOCA or any other similar measure, and to retain laws against the federal funding and promotion of abortion.

February is American Heart Month, and they would like to encourage us all to stay active for at least sixty minutes a day!

We look forward to seeing all of you at the parent/teacher conferences next week. Speaking of which…February 10th Coach Etl will not be available, so please feel free to call the school office to set up an appointment time with her if you cannot meet with her on Thursday evening, February 12^th.

Please mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21 as Saint Anthony Catholic School will be hosting the annual 3 on 3 Tournament. Forms were sent home and need to be returned to the school by Tuesday, February 17th. We need everyone's participation in making this event a success. Don't forget to send the $8.00 with the sign up sheet to help.

Remember Safe Environment Training is tomorrow, Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 am-11:00 am.

Again as a reminder, please mark your calendars for the Living the Catholic Faith Conference on February 27^th. There will be no school on that Friday because of it.

As always, we appreciate the benevolence of others: thank you to Vickie Smith for the donation of wrapping paper and bows for the school.

 Also, we left out a few names in our thank you last week for the people who provided the tasty desserts and helped with setting up, serving, and cleaning for the 4th Grade Mass adult guests: Mary Jo Cress, Susie Stahley, Carole Quint, Gayle Japp, and Jenni Herrboldt.

As we prepare for the unknown, let us join together in prayer that God will give us guidance, wisdom, and understanding as we continue to provide for our children the educational ministry with which he has blessed us. Pray we may grow together in love as a family as we face whatever challenges are before us and that we may have strength to do His will.

Pax et lux,

Joseph Skerjanec

school@saintanthonyssterling.org                                                                                                                    principal@saintanthonyssterling.org