Updated Pick Up/Drop Off Procedures

Central Point of Access:

·         The only door used to enter into the school (students and parents) is labeled in the diagram “Central Point of Access”.

·         Please use the doorbell to gain access through the front door if one of our school staff is not there to let you in.

Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures:

·         Only use the “Car Line Entrance” off of 5 MILE ROAD

·         Follow the drive around the campus and stop in line at “X Car Pick Up/Drop Off”

·         After pick up/drop off, follow the car line to Parnell Road (X Car Exit)

Preschool Pick-Up/Drop-Off:

·         Same as above

Bus Riders:

·         The bus will now turn around in the parking lot across from the Church and will travel south to the sidewalk marked on the map as “Lowell Bus Drop off/Pick Up”

Dear Parents,

 The safety and security of your children is our top priority.  Saint Patrick School has a comprehensive security plan in place.  As a school staff we review the plan annually and conduct all the required safety drills including two lock-down drills each year.  

In light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, Saint Patrick School will be reviewing and updating our security measures and protocols.  As more accurate information becomes available, we will utilize this information and work with local law enforcement professionals to review and revise, where necessary, our procedures.  

This morning, the school staff met to debrief and plan for handling the situation with the students. Our plan is to go about business as usual.  We are aware that there are children who know what has happened and some who do not.  We will do our best to protect both.  I encourage all parents to have some discussion with your children.  With all the media coverage and people talking, they are bound to hear about it from someone.  I have attached some tips for speaking to children about violence.

It is unbearable to think of what the school community of Sandy Hook is going through.  As a school community we will offer up our prayers for the safety of children and families grieving across the world who have been affected by the loss of loved ones.

I end with a quote from Pope Benedict: "I ask God our father to console all those who mourn and to sustain the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love."

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys

Dear Parents, 

I’m sure that you have heard Friday, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, that a gunman opened fire inside the school killing many children and faculty.  These extremely tragic and unthinkably sad events, of course, call us to our knees in prayer for the children, families, teachers, administrators, first responders, emergency management, clergy, counselors, media and all others that will be called upon in the immediate aftermath of this event. 

Lord God, come to their assistance. Lord, make haste to help them. 

I've become almost angry and frustrated in myself because when I hear of tragic events, I think and talk about it for a while then I simply move on with normal business. I knew about the shooting from earlier in the day and even held a couple conversations about it. At days end, I still went about my normal business by sending a message to our staff about what would be discussed at our Monday meeting and it didn't include anything about those who had lost their lives hours before. It's like I've become numb, and that nothing surprises me anymore...

Tomorrow morning I'll be meeting with the school staff to hold meaningful conversation about this. My intention is for us to address the following questions:

1. How do we address the children about this?
2. What can we do for the families of victims, the school, the community?
3. What safeguards do we have in place and how can we strengthen these?

We are meeting Monday morning in the media center at 7am and any parents are welcome to attend and contribute in any way possible. 

In Christ, 

--

Scott Czarnopys
Principal - Saint Patrick School
(616)691-8833 ext. 17

School Website

Shamrock Pride - Blog

Infinite Campus Parent Portal 

Band Concert and Rehearsal Reminders

Reminder: Combined Band Christmas Concert and Rehearsal

Rehearsal at Catholic Central Band room (same building as the gym)
Tuesday, December 4th
5th and 6th grade: 6:00 pm
7th and 8th grade in the Intermediate Band: 6:45 pm
7th and 8th grade in the Advanced Band : 7:30 pm

• Parking may be difficult at Catholic Central because of other events going on at the same time, so please allow plenty of time.

Concert at St. Cecilia’s
Thursday, December 6th
6:30 pm report time
7:00 pm concert starts

• The concert will end when all three bands have played. Please stay for the entire concert and hear the other bands. The concert will be about an hour long.
• Concert uniform is a white top, with blue or black pants.

Upcoming Band Performances

St. Pat’s Band

Christmas Concerts

Dear Parents,

We have two exciting opportunities coming up for our band students including a combined concert with other Catholic middle school bands, and our Christmas concert here at St. Pats.
Because the combined concert involves kids from many different Catholic schools, we hope you are able to attend the rehearsal and the concert.

Combined Rehearsal
Catholic Central Music Room
Tuesday, December 4, 2012

• 6:00-6:45pm (5th- Beginning Band) This will include St. Pat’s 5th and 6th graders.
• 6:45-7:30pm (6th- Intermediate Band) This will include St. Pats’ 7th and 8th graders who are new to band this year.
• 7:30-8:30pm (7-8 Advanced Band) This will include St Pat’s band members with previous band experience.

Combined Band Christmas Concert
St. Cecilia Music Society, Royce Auditorium
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Report Time: 6:30pm
Concert Start: 7:00pm
The requested uniform for this concert is listed below. Please don’t feel that you need to buy new clothes for this. Anything meeting this description is great.

• White shirt/blouse- no sleeveless and no t-shirts
• Black/Navy Blue pants or skirt – no jeans
• Dark Shoes and Socks

St. Pat’s Christmas Concert
Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
Concert Start: 6:30pm
More details to follow on this concert in December.

Both bands are off to a strong start, and progressing nicely. Please ask your child to play their instrument for you at home. This is one of the best ways to prepare for a concert. We hope you are able to join us for these fun performances.

Sincerely,

Mr. Palmieri

Principal Appreciation Day

Thank you to all of our students who took the time to write special notes listing things they appreciate. The pictures below show what I was able to walk into this morning. Although it can be embarrassing for me, I certainly appreciate everyone taking the time to do this. This has made my MONTH! Thank you all.

Touching Moment

Two special guests were welcomed at our school to start our day at morning prayer time. Dorothy Spedoski's nieces requested to come into school to personally thank our students for singing the Irish Blessing at Dorothy's funeral. Both ladies made it clear that Dorothy loved Saint Patrick School and often talked about how wonderful our students were to her. The truth is, Dorothy had a large impact on all of us. She took time at every Mass to shake hands with students during the Sign of Peace. She loved the children and they loved her back. Dorothy is proof that small gestures can have a tremendous impact on the life of others. She led by example and it was a privilege to for all of us to spend time with her.

Bishop Hurley Visits Saint Patrick School

Another school year and another visit from Bishop Hurley. We have been blessed to have our Bishop visit every year that Father Mark has been Pastor. Not only does Bishop Hurley celebrate Mass with us during a school day, but he always takes the time to visit the classrooms and say hello to every child in the building. Thank you Bishop Hurley for taking time out of your day to visit us once again, we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

 Father Mark distributes the Eucharist with Bishop Hurley during the All School Mass.

Not just a visit in the DK and KG room with Mrs. Walsh, but also a quick photo shoot with the children.

Mrs. Vezino ask Father Mark a question about an upcoming Mass in our Bea Byrne Media Center.

Welcome Baby Leckenby!

Connie and Ryan welcomed Gracynn Joan Leckenby to this world on October 25th, 2012. We will continue to pray for the Leckenby family as they enjoy their most precious gift. Enjoy ever minute of your daughter Connie and Ryan!

(Connie Leckenby is Saint Pat's 1st/2nd grade teacher)

Have you seen this Dog?

A woman and her daughter stopped into the school day. They live an hour away and lost their dog around the Parish yesterday. They don't plan on leaving until he's found. His name is Louie and they can be reached at 616-723-7456

Principal's Corner

Prayers for Mrs. Leckenby and Family

Mrs. Leckenby, our first and second grade teacher, finished her final day of teaching last week. She has left for her maternity leave as both she and Ryan await the birth of their first child. Before Mrs. Leckenby departed, her students and their parents surprised her by throwing an early baby shower! Mrs. Leckenby appreciated the thoughtfulness from everyone as she expressed in a message to parents at the end of the day, "I cannot thank all of you enough for the wonderful baby shower that the class threw today.  I am overwhelmed by your generosity, support, and prayers.  Words cannot express how thankful and blessed I am to be at St Patrick.  My husband and I appreciate everything you have done for us, and our soon to be addition to the family.  I will be sure to keep everyone updated, since I know the kids are very curious (as am I) to find out if this baby is a boy or girl!"

Mrs. Jill Blattner will take over teaching duties during Mrs. Leckenby's absence. Mrs. Blattner is a former teacher at St. Pat's and is also a parent of two children who currently attend our school. Last year, she taught in our preschool when Mrs. Krebill was out on her maternity leave. We're thrilled to have a teacher who is familiar with the children, staff and parents.

Please keep the Leckenby family in your prayers. We are all eager to find our his/her name and see some pictures!

 

Our Star Student!

Congratulations Adam! You're our star student for acting RESPONSIBLY. We are proud of you!

Nice Shoes!!

Mrs. Leckenby asked me if it was OK if she wore these instead of her work shoes. Could you imagine if I said no!!....

School Spirit Day

For Wednesday, October 17th, students are asked to show their School Spirit by wearing their athletic uniform tops, Saint Patrick School shirts or even just green for the day. We will be having a pep rally sponsored by our Athletics Boosters Committee. Word is, our 7th/8th grade volleyball team will be challenging the Boosters and a couple select school staff members...

Come and celebrate the end of our fall sports and prepare for the beginning of our winter programs with us!

Why the Name Change?

Last year there was the Young 5's program, why has the name changed to Developmental Kindergarten?

The title "Developmental Kindergarten" is a better reflection of what we offer as an option for families with children who are beyond preschool, but not quite ready for full time Kindergarten. Traditionally, Young 5 and Kindergarten programs have a strict age limit for children who can participate. At Saint Patrick School, we want to work with the child, parents and teacher (Mrs. Walsh) to determine a placement based on readiness. Each child learns and matures at different rates, which results in a range of ages that may be ready for one program or another. A 4 year-old may be ready for Developmental Kindergarten while others the same age may need more time in preschool.

The Developmental Program (DK) serves as an "in-between" for children who aren't ready for five full days a week. DK attends Tuesday and Thursday, full day, and learns in the same classroom with the full-time Kindergartners. They participate in similar religious, academic and social activities that are just scaled down to fit the needs of each child.

Our intention is that the name change will better reflect the philosophy for offering Developmental Kindergarten in our school.

Informing Catholic Christians

Year of Faith

Called to live the “Year of Faith”

Pope Benedict the XVI has called for a “Year of Faith” in order to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him.  As Catholics we are called to study and reflect on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and to deepen our knowledge of the faith.

The “Year of Faith” begins October 11, 2012 and ends on November 24, 2013.  The beginning date was chosen because it is the 50^th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20^th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

As a school family, we are going to be praying the Act of Faith as part of our morning prayer.  These are the words to the prayer for those of you who would like to pray it at home as a family too.

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because in revealing them you can neither deceive nor be deceived.

TO THE 2012 ST. PATRICK SCHOOL 8TH GRADE CLASS

 A big thank you for the donation made to the St. Patrick Athletic Association.  The 2012 St. Patrick School 8th Grade Class made a contribution to fund the purchase of new uniforms for the St. Patrick Fighting Irish sports teams.  The funds have been put to great use and the 7th and 8th Grade Girl's Volleyball team are now wearing new uniforms thanks to the 8th Grade Class of 2012.   Remaining funds will be used to help fund basketball uniforms!  THANK YOU!

Attention ALL High School Youth and Parents!!!!!

Our first youth ministry meeting will be September 30^th from 6-8pm in the youth room (enter from the back of the school)! There are many changes being made as well as lots of important information going to be discussed at this meeting. Parents: please attend with your youth! We will be discussing the Mission Trip (deposits will be taken), Wild Game Dinner, Schedule of Events and much more! If you have questions please contact Cheryl at 616-644-0781 or stpatym@wmis.net

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
 

Principal Update – September 21, 2012

During our Accreditation process and within our School Improvement Team, we identify challenges within our school and develop action plans to address and improve them.  One particular challenge, creating a consistent, school-wide behavioral management plan, is a major area of focus for the current school year. We researched a variety of different models used in schools to help find the right fit for the students at Saint Pat’s. Based on our staff’s past experiences and vision for the future, we have chosen to adopt The Responsible Thinking Process.

The Responsible Thinking Process is about teaching our students how to get along with one another through mutual respect and to provide individuals the tools for handling conflicts. The overarching emphasis is to teach accountability and self-discipline. Both aid in strengthening and freeing a person rather than making the person struggle against himself/herself – or against other people. We want students to identify and discuss their actions instead of our teachers having to tell them what they may have done or what rule they may have broken.

Our teachers have implemented the process into each of their classrooms to start the school year. Students have made agreed upon classroom rules that each teacher helped facilitate. If a particular student is having any difficulty, the teacher will ask the students a series of questions that help the individual identify and admit what the behavior problem is. If the problem persists, the students will be asked to develop a plan that includes identifying what rules they are breaking, and will create a plan of action that allows them to be a productive member of the classroom community. Both teacher and student must agree that the plan is appropriate and works within the rules of the classroom.

Attached to this letter is a simple summary of the procedures that teachers are using with students that should help to understand the process. I have personally used these procedures as a teacher in the past and have found it to be extremely helpful to students, teachers and even parents at home. Please review the attached information, I am more than happy to discuss this in detail if there are any additional questions. More information can be found at http://www.responsiblethinking.com. I also have copies of the book “Discipline for Home and School” for anyone who would like to use this at home.

Before and After School Care

St. Patrick School

Before/After Care Program

(Beginning October 1 – Schedule/Payment Due Thursday 9/27)

• Available for students DK – 8^th grade who attend St. Patrick School. Preschoolers can utilize the program in the AM only, on their scheduled school days.

• Hours are 7:00AM – 8:00AM and 3:00PM – 6:00PM School days only.

• Advance scheduling done weekly. Schedule and Payment are due by 3:00PM the Thursday before.  Can schedule by emailing Child Care Director or sending a note with times to school office.

• FLEX SCHEDULE is available. Contact must be made with Child Care Director or school office to arrange times.

• Price:

ADVANCE SCHEDULE

$5.00/hour

$8.00/hour – 2 or more kids

Flex Schedule prices will be charged if payment is not received the Thursday before the week of needed care.

FLEX SCHEDULE

$6.00/hour/per child –

Payment due on site (Cash or Check)

Contact Sally Goffer, Child Care Director, with any questions.

E-Mail: sps.goffer@gmail.com

Home: 616-863-4952

Cell: 616-719-8971

ATTENTION - ST PATRICK SPORTS SUPPORTERS!

If you have an interest in being involved in the St.Patrick Sport programs - your help is needed.  We have regular home games - volleyball in the fall and then basketball in the winter.  There is a need for volunteers to help at these events we host - concessions, gate, scoring.  We are looking for 2-3 hour blocks of time to help with these fun ecent.  If you have an interest and would like to be part of this St Patrick Athletic hosting activity, please give contact Scott Spanbauer at scott@bpsalesstaffing.com or 328-5477 or Carol Blundy at carol.blundy@yahoo.com or 897-8812. 

Principal Update - September 12th

            The beginning of this school year has brought immense excitement to our parish and school community. Many new families have invested in their children by providing them the opportunity to a Catholic education here at Saint Patrick School.  For the third year, we have experienced growth as members of the community have joined our school family.

            Our staff is dedicated to providing a quality Catholic education by meeting the needs of every child that enters our school. God has made every child very unique, and we welcome the diversity among our student body with open arms. All children have the ability to grow socially, spiritually and academically. It is our primary job as educators to foster and nurture the growth of each child, regardless of their ability when entering our school. With new students come new challenges, challenges that we welcome as we fulfill our mission to Know God, to Love God, and to Serve All.

            The beginning of this school year has been dedicated to providing more support to our teachers, which we feel will ultimately benefit every child in each classroom. I am happy to announce that we have added two new staff members, in addition to doing a bit of shuffling so that we are able to provide additional support for our students. Beginning Monday, September 12, the following additions/changes will be in affect:

·         We have hired a part-time teacher, Lynette Gasper, to teach math for grades 2, 4 and 6. In addition, she will teach Science and Social Studies in the 3/4^th grade classroom. Mrs. Gasper has been a substitute teacher in our school, she is the mother to Lydia Gasper (2^nd Grade) and she also works in the Parish part time to assist Father Mark and Michelle Ogren. We are thrilled to have her as a part of our staff and I’m more than confident she will make a seamless transition with the students. If you have any question for Mrs. Gasper or would like to meet her, call the school or email her at sps.gasper@gmail.com

·         Ms. Schoenborn will now have an hour each school day to work as our in-house student support teacher. She will collaborate with our teachers to provide academic support for students needing assistance across all grade levels. I’m thrilled that we can meet the needs of students while maximizing Ms. Schoenborn’s expertise.

·         Our preschool now has 13 students enrolled. Darcy Snarski has been hired as a para-pro to assist Mrs. Krebill in the classroom. She has already been in the classroom this week getting to know the kids. Mrs. Snarski has three children in our school and is also the chair of our parent teacher organization (PTO).

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys

scottczarnopys@gmail.com

Parent Information Night - Catholic Secondary Schools

West Catholic High School

Invites current Middle School parents

 to join us at

The Donnelly Center, Aquinas College

Monday, September 24^th at 7 p.m.

For an Informational Panel discussion

HSPT, Admission process, Academics, Auxiliary Support Services, and Financial Aid

Questions: Call Todd Peters 233-5920

Our Girls Need a Volleyball Coach

Are you or anybody you know interested in coaching volleyball for our middle school girls?  

Our girls have the numbers for a full 7/8th grade team and need to start practicing right away. Please help up us find a coach. Contact the school at 691-8833.

Welcoming New Students

 

We welcome new students each year with their own yard sign. Students take the sign home with them after the All School Annual Welcome Back Picnic during the first week of school.  This year we have 44 new students, preschool through 8th grade.  That enrollment makes this 120-year-old school the fastest growing elementary school in the Diocese this year.  Go Green!

August Update

August, 2012

To Our Saint Patrick School Families:

Many new families will be joining our school community this year. We are eager to welcome all of you with open arms as you become members of our school family. I encourage all of you to join us at our back to school picnic and open house on August 29. This will be a great opportunity for parents and children to meet each other and to have an opportunity to go into the classrooms to learn about each teacher’s hopes and dreams for the school year. Bring the whole family and enjoy a night on us!

Our teachers will be in the building the week prior to school beginning as they complete setting up their classrooms and planning for the year. If you’d like to bring your children in early to visit, contact us and we would be more than happy to see you.

First Day of School

The first day of school for all of our full time students will be Monday, August 27^th, with an 11:30 dismissal. Our first All School Mass will be Tuesday, August 28^th, at 9am.

Please note that there will be no Lowell busing until after Labor Day weekend.

Bea Byrne Media Center Dedication

We encourage you to join us and to stop in after Mass for Father Mark’s dedication to the brand new Bea Byrne Media Center on Tuesday, August 28th. The Norm and Rosemary Byrne family made an extremely generous donation that has upgraded every facet of our Media Center. The Bea Byrne Media Center is outfitted with new paint, carpet, and furniture along with all new hardware and software upgrades in the computer lab!

Second Year of NWEA MAPs Testing

All of our elementary schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids have adopted and implemented a new form of standardized testing. Students in grades 2-8 are now participating in the NWEA MAPs assessment.

This form of assessment gives immediate feedback on how each child is performing on each standard in our curriculum. Based on individual strengths and weaknesses with particular standards, our staff will be able to provide data driven instruction to benefit every child with their individual needs. We will continue to work within our school improvement team to interpret the data and to implement new teaching strategies that will foster academic growth for each student.

For more detailed information about the testing, please visit www.nwea.org

Career Readiness Program

Under the direction and guidance of David Faber, the superintendent at the Diocese of Grand Rapids, all of our schools will continue the three year transition into the “Career Readiness Program”. Forty eight states have adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative with the goal of the standards being fully implemented by the year 2014. The new standards will focus on college and career readiness to prepare our students to compete successfully in a global economy. Educational Leaders within our Diocese are working on a project designed to infuse the upcoming standards with Catholic Identity while providing tools, resources and sample units for our teachers.

For more detailed information about the curriculum, please visit www.corestandards.org

Welcome Cindy Kendall - Assistant Superintendent

Cindy Kendall was recently hired as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Technology Integration. Cindy will be working with administrators and teachers in leading and developing professional development on the Career Readiness Program and the NWEA MAPs testing.

Cindy is a needed addition and we welcome her expertise that will ultimately improve instruction in our schools.

New Programming

Band – Band will be offered for 5^th-8^th grade students beginning this Fall. Mr. Matt Palmieri will be our new band instructor and can be contacted at sps.bandinstructor@gmail.com if your child is interested in participating. More information about the program will be communicated in early September.

Before/After Care – We have made progress in the development of the new before/after program that St. Pat’s plans on offering this school year. Details will be immediately communicated when the program is ready to begin.

Hot Lunch – The position for a food service worker to run the school hot lunch program has been posted for months. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find an individual willing to commit to the position. The job remains open, any takers?

Mass Schedule Change

All school Mass will gather every Friday beginning the week after Labor Day instead of every Thursday. The school will continue Friday Rosary at the end of the school day.

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys – Principal

scottczarnopys@gmail.com

JOIN US
At Our Annual
Back to School Picnic
and
Open House

Wednesday, August 29th
6:00 PM

Main Dish and Beverages Provided By The PTO
Families Please Bring Chairs or a Blanket, and         
Last Name Beginning With:
A-L:  Dessert
 M-Z:  Side Dish

Come Share a Meal With Us, Visit the Classrooms, and Meet St. Patrick School Teachers and Staff.  We Look Forward To Meeting Our New Families &  Reuniting With All our Returning Families………………………Hope To See You There!

Are your children ready for school?

Friendly reminder that the Saint Patrick School year is beginning with a half-day, Monday August 27 (11:30 Dismissal). There will be no Lowell busing until the week after Labor Day.

Please contact us if you have any questions preparing for the upcoming school year. 

We are looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Contact:

Principal - Scott Czarnopys scottczarnopys@gmail.com

Assistants - Cindy and Sally sps.secretary@gmail.com

School Phone: 691-8833

Our Family Baptism

This Past Sunday, Haven Marie Czarnopys and Sylvia Joan Ballmer celebrated the sacrament of Baptism together as cousins. Our Uncle, Father Thomas Santa from St. Michael's Parish in Chicago, performed the Baptism on this special day for our entire family.

Golf, Playgroup and Vacation Bible School

St. Paddy's Scramble

Saint Patrick's second annual scramble will be held at Scott Lake Country Club on Saturday, August 18. If you register by July 20th, the cost is $65 for one player and $260 for a group of 4 which includes golf and lunch. You can register by going to stpaddysscramble.sharepoint.com. We are also in need of sponsors. If you or a friend own a business, please consider donating a product for our raffle or a cash donation. All sponsors will get a sign with their company logo on a hole, along with recognition on our website and sign-up form.

All questions you have can be e-mailed to saintpatrickgolf@yahoo.com. All proceeds benefit the students at Saint Patrick School. Hope to see you there for a great day of fun and golf!

Infant and Preschool Playgroup

Saint Patrick's parishioner and preschool teacher, Mrs. Courtney Krebill, is offering an infant and pre-school playgroup every Thursday in the Parish Center from 9-10am. Come join the fun with Mrs. Krebill and the other children! Any questions, contact Mrs. Krebill at sps.preschool@gmail.com

'Win the World for Jesus' this summer!
Registration has begun for our 2012 VBS program. Children from preschool through 6th grade are invited for a week of fun and adventure from July 30-Aug. 3rd. We'll learn about some of the missionaries of the New World as well as discover how we can be missionaries today! Please note that if you have a registration form from last week's bulletin, it asks for the wrong grade information -- please include the grade your child is entering for the 2012-2013 school year.
We can still use more volunteers of all ages. Middle school and high school students, in particular, are invited to participate as 'Captains' and help with songs and skits. For registration information or to volunteer, contact Maryalene LaPonsie at maryalene_L@hotmail.com or 897-5942. 

Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Dear Friends of Catholic Schools,

The Diocese of Grand Rapids Alliance of Catholic Schools 2011-12 Annual Report is designed to report the progress of our diocesan schools with regard to the newly articulated (2011) Vision for Catholic Schools. It represents our commitment to accountability and transparent communication. The report can also be accessed at the following link:

http://tinyurl.com/AnnualReport2011-2012

The mission of Catholic schools is a vital part of the overall mission of the church. Pope Benedict XVI said to a group of US Bishops during a recent ad limina visit, "Providing young people with a sound education in the faith represents the most urgent internal challenge facing the Catholic community in your country... schools remain an essential resource for the new evangelization, and the significant contribution that they make to American society as a whole ought to be better appreciated and more generously supported."
I would like to thank Bishop Hurley, all pastors, parish lay leadership, and all others that have participated in the Our Faith, Our Future planning process. This pastoral plan strengthens Catholic schools as a vital part of parish ministry. I look forward to working with parishes and schools in the implementation of this pastoral plan.

I am completing my second year as superintendent. I continue to appreciate your feedback with regard to my performance. A simple 14 question superintendent assessment can be completed by cutting and pasting or typing the following URL into your internet browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Superintendent_May2012

I value your input as it continues to form my goals. I am grateful for your feedback!

Yours in Christ,

David A. Faber
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Office of Catholic Schools

Principal’s Corner - The Next Chapter

The beginning of a new chapter of life has begun for each one of our eighth grade students who will celebrate graduation on Wednesday evening.  Our graduates will move on to experience higher education at the likes of West Catholic, Catholic Central, Lowell and Belding. Our graduating class is made up of eight students who will now be spread apart as they attend the different high schools throughout the area.

As they move forward with their education and their lives, the foundation that has been set at Saint Patrick’s will last them a lifetime. We pray that each child will experience success and happiness in life. We pray that they will make good choices and grow in their Faith. Wherever their life journey takes them, they are always welcome back home at Saint Pat’s.

I am proud of our students and am confident that each child will continue to be high character individuals who will live healthy and productive lives. God Bless each one of you.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Amen

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys

Saint Patrick School - Principal

Attention all Golfers!!!

St. Paddy’s Scramble

Second Annual   -  Registering  Now

August 18, 2012 

Scott Lake Country Club

All golfers who went last year  complimented the event as  fun and well organized.  More of the same is planned for this year!  Registrations have been sent each family and are available in the school office or on:stpaddysscramble.sharepoint.com

Please spread the word to friends, family, neighbors and co-workers and invite them to play.  Early Bird Pricing thru 7/20/12 - golf and lunch for 1 is $65, for 4, $260.  Questions or donation pick-up, email saintpatrickgolf@yahoo.com  Proceeds benefit student athletics.

Art Show Today!

A friendly reminder that Mrs. Haugen is exhibiting all of our students artwork today after school. Please stop in after school with your child(ren) and let them show off some of the amazing pieces that they have created over the course of the school year!

Principal Corner - Time, Talent and Treasure

This past week at Saint Patrick School, the teachers organized a potluck for anyone who volunteers for our children. The strength of our school comes from the overwhelming amount of time, talent and treasure that is offered from all of you in the community, that support and believe in our mission; To Know God, To Love God, To Serve All.  A potluck is a very small thank you for everyone who invests in the Catholic Education of each child in our community. All of our volunteers were not able to join us last week. However, we recognize and appreciate every single person, past and present, who takes time to invest in our children.

Heavenly Father,

We lift our hearts to You as we express gratitude and praise for all our volunteers and donors.

We are thankful for all the great things they do… both large and small. For every action has special meaning to our school family.

We are aware that their love and support is enriching our lives. They bless our school community with their generous and compassionate hearts.

We pray that you will continue to share your blessings upon them.

Amen.

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys

Principal 

Vamos a aprender Espanol (We are going to learn Spanish)

Evening Spanish classes to develop basic language skills will take place at Saint Patrick, Parnell, in the Shepards of Armagh room of the Family Activity Center. Classes will be conducted from 6-8:30pm on Monday evenings beginning June 18^th and ending August 6^th. Classes are designed to offer participants the basic language skills for speaking and reading Spanish. This is a great opportunity to begin learning the language or increase already obtained language skills. Cost for the class is $75.00; registration for class can be made by contacting Jim Albert, 616-794-1462, emailing: diegoalbert48809@yahoo.com, or at the beginning of the first class.

Parish Update - May 17

The weekend Mass schedule:

Saturday

4PM Confession

5PM Mass

Sunday Mass times

8AM and 10:30AM

Daily Mass Times

9 AM – Friday, May 18

9AM – Tuesday, May 22

9 AM – Wednesday, May 23

9 AM - Thursday, May 24

9 AM – Friday, May 25

Weddings

           

Casey Conley and Amanda Wilder celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Patrick on May 12th.

We congratulate Casey and Amanda on this blessed occasion. You have our prayers and support!