Author: Janis DeVore

All Saints students tested their knowledge of the Catholic faith in the 13th Annual Catholic Cup on Monday, January 29. The event kicked off the start of Catholic Schools Week. Winners of previous classroom competitions from grades 4-8 advanced to this final round of the Catholic Cup, an academic-style competition with questions related to Catholic theology and teaching.

Congratulations to our 2024 Catholic Cup winner Quinton V. and to our runner-up, Charlie M. It was a return feat for Quinton, who also won our 2023 competition.

We thank Fr. Daniel Ruewer, Mr. Safian, and Mr. Tessier for serving as judges, Dr. Gross for serving as competition host, and to Mr. Tessier and Dr. Gross for coordinating the event. The Catholic Cup provides a wonderful way for all of our students, those directly participating and those in the audience, to expand and celebrate their knowledge of the faith.

All Saints Catholic School was thrilled to welcome Laura Theissen, the author of the newly published book, “Cuthbert: The Eagle Who Found His Wings,” to All Saints Catholic School on Thursday, February 1st. This special author visit took place as part of our Catholic Schools Week celebration!

Mrs. Theissen, a former All Saints school parent, recently published this inspiring tale of a majestic American bald eagle who loves to swoop and fly above the clouds. Then one day, his life changes, and through adversity, he learns the power of God’s love and grace and what it really means to soar.

Those who love our All Saints Eagle mascot Cuthbert are sure to be engaged by this heartwarming story. Cuthbert has an extra special place in the hearts of the Theissen family. When the author’s son Lucas was in sixth grade at All Saints, he won a contest to name our eagle mascot. Lucas selected the name Cuthbert after learning about St. Cuthbert and his efforts to protect birds and wildlife. When Laura Theissen’s son Lucas was in sixth grade at All Saints, he won a contest to name our eagle mascot. Lucas selected the name Cuthbert after learning about St. Cuthbert and his efforts to protect birds and wildlife.

CSW Author Visit – Thursday, February 1st
Mrs. Theissen lead three book readings and author Q&A discussions in the All Saints Gym with students in Pre-Kindergarten to second grade, grades 3-5, and middle school.

As our online photo album can attest, Cuthbert spent the day at All Saints and was quite excited to be part of the publishing world!

How to Purchase the Cuthbert Book
For those who are interested in owning your own copy of Cuthbert: The Eagle Who Found His Wings, the book is available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Apple. 

The book is also available on the ReaderHouse website through the link below; enter promo code “FFSave10” and receive 10% off your order!

https://readerhouse.com/product/cuthbert/

We can’t wait to welcome Mrs. Theissen back to All Saints. Please see this week’s Arlington Catholic Herald for an article link to learn more about her writing experience and inspiration in writing this new children’s book.

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I am excited to share with you the news that Mrs. Harrill, first grade teacher, has been selected as one of two winners of the 2024 Catholic Business Network (Prince William Chapter) Catholic Teacher Awards.  I am delighted that Mrs. Harrill is receiving this recognition and grateful for her outstanding work in our school. 

The following is an excerpt from the application submitted on her behalf.

Mrs. Harrill is a highly dedicated first grade teacher who for the past two decades has contributed significantly to student learning at All Saints Catholic School.  With a steadfast commitment to the mission of Catholic education and a desire for each student in her class to grow and succeed, she has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the children entrusted to her care.  She is a teacher who is truly inspired to make a difference which is evident by her determination and the passion for excellence that she brings to the classroom each day.  With a strong understanding of literacy and the skills needed for emerging readers, she differentiates instruction to target the various levels of learners in her classroom.  Using a variety of strategies that include small group instruction, integration of technology, and parent resources, she provides both the structure and motivation for her students to succeed.    

The Prince William Chapter of the Catholic Business Network hosted a special awards presentation and dinner featuring the Arlington Diocese Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Vorbach on Wednesday, January 17.  Please see this article in the Arlington Catholic Herald for more information about the Catholic Business Network award and special event.

On behalf of the entire school community, congratulations Mrs. Harrill!

In Christ,

David E. Conroy, Jr.

Principal

I’m excited to share with you that All Saints Catholic School is now ranked #1 among schools in Virginia for participation in First in Math!

We congratulate Connor P. (6^thGrade) who is ranked #1 and Xavier D. (1^stGrade) who is ranked #5 among individual students in the state.  We also congratulate the other 31 students in our school who are now included in the top 100 students in Virginia for completion of math problems through First in Math.

In recognition of these accomplishments and the early success of this program at All Saints, all students will enjoy free ice cream during lunch on Tuesday!

Hearts Afire, a special needs social group, will be collecting items to make hygiene packs for Medical Missionaries, a non-profit, volunteer group of doctors, nurses, dentists, and others who work to improve the health of the poorest of the poor in the U.S. and throughout the world by providing medical care, supplies, clothing, and food to the areas they serve.

The collection will take place November 28 – December 2.  Students are invited to drop off items in the donation boxes that will be located in the New Breezeway Entrance.

Items we are collecting:

• Toothbrush (individually wrapped)
• Toothpaste
• Bar Soap
• Washcloth
• Lip Balm
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body Lotion

Hearts Afire invites students in grades 7 & 8 to attend their meeting on Wednesday, December 7 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in the gym to help with kit packing.

For more information, please email: heartsafiresocialgroup@gmail.com