Dear Parents/Guardians:

I look forward to seeing all of you next week as we prepare for Parent/Teacher Conferences Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the classrooms. If you haven’t done so already, please call the school and make an appointment (522-7567).

For NEXT YEAR, we are CONSIDERING transitioning to school uniforms, standardized dress, OR updating our student dress code. Before doing so, we would like your input. Included with this letter is a survey we are asking you to take the time to complete. It is very important that responses are returned, so we have a good bearing on the direction we take. (Please return by next Thursday, October 30.) The School Advisory Council has been quite helpful in gathering information and providing input regarding this survey. Please understand, at this time we are conducting a SURVEY ONLY. If you would like to visit with me, Father Robert, or any of our SAC members about this, please do not hesitate. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE YOUR INPUT.

To continue from last week, the second essential Mark of a Catholic school is, “Founded on Christian Anthropology.” The Catholic School sets out to be a school for the human person and of human persons. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and his very person are to inspire and guide the Catholic School in every dimension of its life and activity–its philosophy of education, its curriculum, its community life, its selection of teachers, and even its physical environment. We are blessed to be led by the Word of God at St. Anthony’s!

Wendy’s Restaurant has generously offered to hold a community night on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Ten percent of all sales during this time will be donated to St. Anthony Catholic School. This is a very easy fundraiser: simply bring your family to Wendy’s and eat during this allotted time. Also, we need families to be present to greet people and thank them for their support. If you are available, please call the office and sign up to help.

A few reminders: Mrs. Carol Quint will be holding another Safe Environment Training on October 26 at 6:00 pm in Hagus Hall. Please save your Wal-Mart plastic bags and bring them to the school for the Bazaar carry-out dinners. We appreciate your help! Mrs. Sallie Wilson is preparing for the annual Halloween carnival and is asking for the following donations: cookie decorating supplies, desserts for the cake walk, pumpkin decorating paint and/or markers, small prizes, etc. If you have any questions please contact Sallie at 571-1566. Regarding costumes, please be sure students refrain from costumes that are disrespectful of life, are frightening, or do not follow the dress code.

            I shared this a couple of weeks ago, but it is worth repeating: as the weather changes, be mindful of the temperature, so the students are prepared to be outside—this includes hats and gloves. Unless the wind-chill dictates otherwise and the temperature is below 20 degrees, we hold recess outside. If it snows, please be sure your children are dressed appropriately for that as well. Yesterday, many students were wearing hoodies only. Let’s keep them warm while they get their fresh air.

            We give thanks for the benevolence of the following families who contributed to the purchase of calculators for the junior high: the Browers, Coberlys, Copelands, Drehers, Etls, Hickerts, Kerrs & Grandma, Leiberts, Lengfelders, McCulloughs, Roberts, and Karla Rosas & Grandma. Thank you for your generosity!

            Congratulations are in order to the following winners of the Sterling Fire Department Coloring Contest: Daniel Dobson, Kyle Etl, Mace Quint, Joey Stahley, and Kennedy Timmerman. They have been invited to lunch and tours of the fire station next month.

Fr. Robert returns this weekend from his priest’s retreat—please keep him in your prayers. Also, continue to pray the rosary with your family this month in which Mary, Most Holy Queen of the Holy Rosary, is venerated.

We give thanks for God’s blessings and the intercession of the Saints as our school continues to thrive in the love of Christ. May God bless you and your family as his peace and light inspires us always.

Pax et lux,

Joseph Skerjanec