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.