Principal’s Corner - Generations of Families

When I was first hired as principal two years ago, Father Mark asked if I would speak at the weekend Masses to introduce myself to the community and to share the vision I had for the future of our school.  After each Mass, I would stand outside with Father Mark on the hot summer day and was approached by many of you who welcomed me to our Church and School. I distinctly remember a gentleman saying to me, “I’m new to this community; I’ve been here for 30 years.” Being as green as I was, I simply smiled and acted as if I understood his statement.

The following week, I read about the rich history of Saint Patrick Parish and learned that it has provided Catholic Education since 1893. Generations of families have been parishioners at Saint Pat’s and we currently have fourth generation children attending our elementary school right now. That statement the gentlemen said to me on that first day finally resonated!

The symbol that was used for our Gala became that much more relevant, and important. Saint Patrick’s has strong, deep roots and the ability to grow and flourish for many more generations to come. Thank you all for your continued support in our mission to educate all of the children in our community.  

In Christ,

Scott Czarnopys

Volunteering in the Classroom

 Dr. Cooper offers an educational experience for our Kindergartners. Dr. Cooper is a dentist who volunteered his time to visit the classroom.

In Mrs. Walsh's Class, parents and grandparents have visited to read books to the children in celebration of March is Reading Month!

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day at School!

Contest Winner

Congratulations to our very own Elizabeth Taylor!

A coloring contest for area K-5th grade students was recently sponsored by the Ionia Community Theater to promote their upcoming production of the musical, The Music Man. Hundreds of students from the area took part and the winner is our very own, Elizabeth Taylor, who received a Kindle Fire.

Pictured with Elizabeth is Senor Jim Albert, parishioner and Spanish instructor and St. Pat's!

Big Weekend!

A couple updates midweek leading up to our extremely busy and eventful weekend for St. Pat's.

1. Friday - The Saint Patrick Heritage Gala - We are all excited to experience the Gala event and the surprises that are promised to come with it. An extraordinary amount of work and dedication has been given by our volunteers to make this a special event for all of you. Jen Post, Becki Agar, Andrea Gasper and Carole Walsh are just a few familiar names who have offered their time and talents. I look forward to seeing many of our school families there!
2. Saturday - Saint Patrick Parade - A supporter of our school has donated a spot for our school to be represented in the parade in Downtown Grand Rapids. We are meeting at 10:30 and the march will begin at 11am. I will be there with my family and would really appreciate some parents/students walking with us! Please let us know if you plan on being there. All are welcome.
3. Sunday - Meet and Greet at St. Mary's Parish - A couple teachers and parents will be representing our school this Sunday at and after the 9:30 Mass. We have been blessed to have so many new families from St. Mary's! Our school is one for our entire Catholic Community and it's been exciting to watch our family grow.
4. Spring Break - Registrations - Registration packets have been sent out and we have been pleased with the amount returned. A large amount of time is being dedicated to planning for next year and it would be an enormous help if we can receive all packets prior to Spring Break. Please do your best to communicate with me your plans for next year so that I can plan appropriate programming.

Job Posting – School Age Child Care Director

Description:

Saint Patrick School is searching for a school age Child Care Director to implement a new before/after school program for the 2012/2013 annual school year. A highly motivated, self-sufficient and dependable individual is needed to begin and grow the program that will serve the needs of school age children currently enrolled in the school. 

Qualifications:

1.      Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development

2.      Have at least 2 semester hours in child care administration from an accredited college or university, or a minimum of 3.0 CEUs in child care administration

3.      Be at least 21 years of age

4.      Current certification in infant, child and adult CPR and First Aid

5.      Experience preferred.

Pay:

Hourly, no benefits

Contact: (April 30, 2012 deadline)

Scott Czarnopys

Principal

Saint Patrick School

4333 Parnell, Ada, MI 49301

616-691-8833

scottczarnopys@gmail.com

Job Posting - Hot Lunch Coordinator

Saint Patrick School is searching for a food service coordinator for the 2012/2013 school year to administer the program according to policies and procedures, and state requirements. The coordinator must ensure that the program is nutritious, affordable and self-sustaining financially. Candidates with experience in food service and state requirements are preferred.

Deadline:

April 30^th, 2012

Contact:

Scott Czarnopys

Principal – Saint Patrick School

616-691-8833

scottczarnopys@gmail.com

Science Fair

The student science fair over the past weekend was outstanding. We had close to 90 projects turned in and that even included some of our young 5's and preschoolers! The variety and quality of work was impressive. Our Middle School teacher, Mrs. Kevic, worked extremely hard to create a format where all of our students were able to participate and extend their learning beyond the classroom. We appreciate the dedication and encouragement from all of our school parents. We hope to make the science fair an annual event here at Saint Patrick School.