The Sentinel ~ November 14, 2012

Posted on by Joyce DEugenio
Principal’s Message
While walking through the courtyard with students following our weekly Mass one morning, a first grade student looked up at me and said, “Mr. Conroy, God made the world.”  In response, I smiled and simply said “Yes.”  She then said, “Mr. Conroy, God made you too.”
The young student then looked up inquisitively and asked, “Did you know this?” My immediate response was “Yes, but the question is, how do you know this?” at which point she smiled and proclaimed, “My teacher told me.”
Herein lies a poignant example of the influence of a Catholic school education in the life of a young child.  How many countless other students have had a similar experience of formation and, as a result, have developed a closer relationship with Christ?
This week as we celebrate Discover Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded of the distinct mission of Catholic education and our commitment to providing our students with an exceptional academic foundation firmly rooted in the very best traditions of our faith.  However, it is not enough to simply recognize the benefits of such an experience.  Rather, we must ask ourselves, “What steps do we need to take now to ensure that the gift of a Catholic education remains available to not only our children, but the next generation?”
With a goal of continuing to meet present needs while ensuring long-term financial viability, All Saints Catholic School is launching The Legacy Fund, an annual fund campaign. Your gift to The Legacy Fund symbolizes your belief in our mission. In the days ahead, all parents, faculty & staff will receive additional information about this new initiative and we invite your prayerful discernment and participation through gifts of prayer, gifts of involvement and gifts of financial contribution.      
We are very excited about this new beginning for our school and look forward to our continued partnership.  Remember, your gift – no matter the size – will help provide for our current students and secure the future of our school!
Thanksgiving Luncheon ~ Schedule & Directions for Parents
Again this year we will be hosting four lunch seatings so as to provide more time and space for families to enjoy this special occasion.  The schedule is as follows:

 11:00-11:40       Grades 6-8

11:40-12:20       Grades 4-5

12:20-1:00         Grades 2-3

1:00-1:40          Grades K-1

Parents are asked to arrive and sign in by the front office 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the lunch time for their child’s grade level.  There will be two sign-in tables at the front entrance of the school.

After signing in, parents are asked to report directly to their child’s classroom.  The homeroom teacher will provide guidance as to when families should begin to report to the cafeteria for the luncheon. 

(Note:  Parents attending back-to-back lunch sessions need not wait in line multiple times.  Rather, after enjoying lunch with their first child, they may remain seated in the cafeteria where they can watch for their son/daughter in the food service line.  Once the child has arrived at the front of the line and has been served, the parent is asked to meet the child there and lead him/her back to the table.)  

Reminder:  Payment for the Thanksgiving Luncheon is due by Thursday, November 15th.

Enrollment Survey for the Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten & New 1-8 Siblings for 2013-2014

With the demand for Catholic education in our region and the reputation for excellence that our school enjoys, it is important that the office solicit information from current families regarding plans for enrollment in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, as well as any new siblings for grades 1 – 8 for the upcoming year.  As in the past, we will continue to give first consideration to current school families before reviewing new applications.    

While completion of the attached survey does not guarantee enrollment, it is helpful for us to know how many current families plan to apply.  Even if you have a child currently enrolled in the Pre-Kindergarten program, it is important that you notify us of your interest for next year’s Kindergarten.  Click on the following link for the survey form: http://www.allsaintsvaschool.org/index/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/11/Pre-K-K-New-Student-Survey.pdf Please submit all survey responses to the school office by Friday, November 30th. 

Cafeteria Menu Changes

The menu for this Thursday will be changed to Cheese Pizza Sticks and the dessert for Friday will be changed to Yogurt with Sliced Apples and Cinnamon Crunchies.

Rally For Reading at the Book Fair!

The All Saints All Star Book Fair is here! It is time to Cheer for Books…There are lots of great, NEW books for everyone! Take off on an adventure and stop by the school library now through November 19th.  We have the new Diary of the Wimpy Kid Book 7 which was just released on Nov. 13th along with many other new releases.

If you are all booked up during Book Fair week be sure to visit the online site at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/allsaintsvaschool.   Click on the Shop Now icon at your convenience!  Don’t forget to look for your teacher’s online Wish List and donate a book or two to your order for their classroom.   All purchases benefit our school. See you there!

NJHS Operation Turkey

The National Junior Honor Society will again coordinate a canned food drive to provide for the less fortunate in our community during the upcoming holiday season.  The children will have an opportunity to place their donations in front of the altar in the church during our annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service after which the food will be delivered to Catholic Charities.  The students will gather in the church at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20th for the prayer service.  All school parents are cordially invited to join us as we give thanks to God for the many blessings of this past year.

67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Reserve the date for the 67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on December 1st!  This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas”.  If you are interested in participating in this year’s parade day activities attached is a permission slip.  Please complete and send to the school office no later than Wednesday, November 28th.

We will meet at 9:40 am on Mathis Ave between Carriage Lane and Reb Yank Dr near Bowl America.  We are float number 34 in the lineup and anticipate being back at All Saints between 10:45 and 11:15, depending on the parade pace. For a map of the parade lineup, route and road closures please visit the website at www.gmchristmasparade.org  Come out and show your support sporting your most festive holiday attire! But also remember to dress for the weather!

If you have any questions please email suechuckstevens1@yahoo.com or call Sue Stevens at 703-470-1344.

Save the Date!  4th Annual “Evening with St. Nicholas“

The 4th Annual “Evening with St. Nicholas” will be held on Friday December 14th beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church.  Cookies, Cocoa and pictures with St. Nicholas and Mother Seton to follow in the gym.

Please join us for what has become a beautiful tradition here at All Saints. The evening will begin with an Advent Prayer Service and traditional Advent carols in the church. The “Procession of the Shoes” will again be lead by St. Nicholas himself! St. Nicholas and Mother Seton will be available for photos (bring your own camera) afterwards in the gym.  For planning purposes, please visit the “Evening with St. Nicholas” link at www.allsaintsvaschool.org and RSVP today!

This very popular community-building event is designed to help us prepare for the Advent season. Families will not be charged admission; rather, we ask that you bring a donation of new shoes in honor of St. Nicholas and his feast day. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Proceeds will go to House of Mercy. Donation guidelines are: NEW plain colors of tennis shoes- white, blue, black, tan, or brown. No character tennis shoes, please.  

As in the past, we will need many hands (and donations) to make the evening a success.  Please go to www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AAAF2A1-evening  to volunteer your time.  Questions about volunteering – contact event co-chair Gina Michak at ginamichak@gmail.com.  All volunteers at the event MUST be Virtus Trained.

Food donations are needed for the evening’s refreshments. We are asking for Christmas cookies/decorated sugar cookies, (homemade or store bought), cocoa mix (packets OR canisters) and mini-marshmallows. Cookies only, please. While the All Saints School community is always very generous when asked to donate baked goods, the simplicity of a cookie is all we need for this event. Thank you for your understanding and generosity.  Please go to www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AAAF2A1-evening   to donate!

Contact event co-chair Kate Bachman at katebachman2002@aol.com  with questions about food donations or to volunteer for the at home volunteer opportunities:

*  4 large boxes wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper to collect shoe donations.   

*   Covering battery-operated candles with pink/purple paper for the advent wreath centerpieces

The PTO looks forward to seeing you on December 14th.

Pope John Paul the Great Open House – Nov 18th

All families are warmly invited to attend the Open House at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School on Sunday, November 18, from 1 – 4pm. A presentation will begin in the Theater at 1:15pm. Meet the Dominican Sisters as well as the teachers, students, and parents of JP the Great. See for yourself why JP was recently named one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the U.S. as you learn more about their successful college prep curriculum, Bioethics program, faith life, and more. Please see the attached flyer for more information, and for a list of special events and invitations for Middle School students. Questions? Please contact Ms. Jennifer Cole, Director of Admissions: admissions@jpthegreat.org.

PVI Cheerleading Clinic

Paul VI High School will be hosting a Cheerleading clinic on Saturday January 19th at PVI from 10 AM – 2 PM for Grades K-8.  Please click in link at the end of the newsletter for more information.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Open House for 2013-2014 School Year

All Saints Catholic School will host an Open House for prospective parents on Thursday, November 15th beginning at 9:00 a.m.  All parishioners and members of the community interested in learning more about our parish school are cordially invited to attend.  Following a presentation and introduction at 9:00 a.m., tours of the facility will be provided. For more information, please contact Mrs. Joyce D’Eugenio, administrative assistant, at (703) 393-1490.

Seeking Playground & Cafeteria Volunteers – Points for Parents Opportunity!

Needed: Parent volunteers for lunch and recess – must be VIRTUS compliant and have submitted background paperwork.

We are now seeking more parent volunteers to assist staff in monitoring the students during lunch and recess. If you are available for as little as 45 minutes, or as much as 2 hours, once a week, the staff and children would directly benefit from your time and presence. The responsibilities are rather simple….be an extra set of eyes and helping hands.

During recess, parent volunteers assist the staff in monitoring the boundaries, enforce established rules, and help provide typical parental guidance. During rainy days or inclement weather (wind chill or temperatures below 20 degrees), parent volunteers may be asked to supervise a classroom for 20 minutes while the students engage in predetermined activities, watch a movie, etc.

During the lunch period, parent volunteers respond to simple requests of opening milk, distributing utensils, napkins or straws, and discourage food sharing. Grades 2-8 are responsible for cleaning the tables. Staff may also request a volunteer to spray and wipe clean some tables. The lunchroom needs for older children are fewer but it is helpful to have the extra set of eyes.

For those parents who currently commit time each week to help in these areas, their presence helps to ensure lunch relief for the teachers and staff. They truly appreciate it! There are countless benefits to being present at school during your child’s school day! Please consider offering your time each week and earn points.

Grades 6-8         Recess 11:10-11:30

                        Lunch 11:30-11:45

Grades 3-5         Recess 11:45 – 12:05

                        Lunch 12:05-12:30

Grades K-2        Recess 12:15 – 12:35

Lunch 12:35-1:00

For more information or to confirm your interest, please contact Mrs. Marie McVey, Lunch & Recess Volunteer Coordinator.  Those who wish to volunteer are asked to email the specific day(s) and time(s) they are available to help in this area to themcveyfamily@aol.com.

Lion’s Club Vision and Hearing Screening

On Wednesday, December 5th, the third, fifth and seventh grade students are scheduled for a free Vision and Hearing Screening by the Lion’s Club.  Please sign and return the required permission slip for your son/daughter form to your child’s teacher by November 30th.   No screening will be conducted without a signed parental consent form.  Students who wear glasses should have them available for the vision portion of the screening.

As in previous years, it is only with the support of our parents serving as volunteers that we can successfully run this screening.  We need volunteers for the day which will be starting at 8:00 AM.  This is a great opportunity to earn Points for Parents. If you are able to assist with the hearing and vision screening, please contact Mrs. Roth at jroth@allsaintsva.org or 703-368-4400 ext. 207.  Thank you for your continued support.

Fall Handcraft Show Hosted by Father Juan Puigbó

Fr. Juan will host a Handcraft Show tomorrow (Thursday, November 15th) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to  8:00 p.m. in the foyer of the church. (Please note change in location from the foyer of the school gym to the foyer of the church.) A number of items will be on display and available for purchase, including beautiful wooden pieces handcrafted by Fr. Juan. There will also be fruitcakes, rosaries, and more! This will be a good opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts! 

Revised Diocesan Code of Conduct – Requirement for All Volunteers – REMINDER

In response to rapidly changing technology, especially social media, and in order to continue providing a safe environment for our children and youth, the Diocese of Arlington has issued a new Code of Conduct.  This policy makes clear the behaviors that are acceptable and ensures proper monitoring of all young people.

Copies of this new Code of Conduct are available at the School office and the Parish Office.  All clergy, employees and volunteers are required to read and acknowledge this document and return the completed acknowledgments to Janet Smith, Virtus coordinator. Signed acknowledgements were to have been returned by Monday, October 29th in order to continue being eligible to volunteer with children/youth.

Please direct any questions to Janet Smith at the Parish Office (703) 393-2158 or via email at jsmith@allsaintsva.org  Thank you for your cooperation.

Criminal Background Checks for Volunteers & VIRTUS Requirements

The diocese requires volunteers who have completed the full VIRTUS training to attend an annual update entitled Keeping the Promise Alive.  This 30 minutes video training is a prerequisite for volunteering in the school.  The following is a list of upcoming sessions.  (Please note:  For planning purposes, volunteers are asked to confirm their intent to attend a session on the voicemail of Mrs. Janet Smith.  703.393.2158)

We have the following opportunity for completing the half-hour Virtus update:
Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00PM in the Art Room

Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 15th            

–          Open House for Prospective Parents (9:00 a.m.)

–          Diocesan Teacher Information Meeting (1:00 p.m.)

–          Fr. Juan’s Craft Show (2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00- 8:00 p.m.)

–          Enrollment Management Team Meeting (7:00 p.m.)

Friday, November 16th               

–          7th Grade Field Trip to Williamsburg (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Monday, November 19th             

–          2nd Grade Thanksgiving Presentation (10:00 a.m.)

–          Thanksgiving Luncheon

                        11:00-11:40       Grades 6-8

                        11:40-12:20       Grades 4-5

                        12:20-1:00         Grades 2-3

                        1:00-1:40          Grades K-1

–          Book Fair Family Night (5:00-8:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, November 20th

–          Thanksgiving Prayer Service (9:30 a.m.)

–          Noon Dismissal

Wednesday, November 21st         

–          Thanksgiving Holiday begins

Thursday, November 29th            

–          8th Grade High School Placement Test

Friday, November 30th               

–          School Mass (8:30 a.m.)

–          Pep Rally for CYO Basketball Teams (11:30-11:50)

–          Noon Dismissal – Professional Development Day for Faculty

 

Going Home with Oldest Child

¨      SCA 2012 Ornament Flyer & Order Form

 

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