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Greetings from Dr. G
Love was in the air this week at St. Rose School, starting with a most joyous Blooms Benefit honoring Monsignor Bob Friday night, leading into a meaningful Veteran's Day Assembly and accented with various activities such as our Turkey Trot collection for the Faith Food Pantry and the annual Book Fair set up and run by our committed parents. Monsignor reading to the Preschool and Kindergarten students is always a special treat and beloved tradition. It feels great to be a part of this vibrant community!
I hope everyone enjoyed parent teacher conferences which are a special opportunity to connect in person and discuss your children's progress. As you know, partnership with parents in helping every student meet their God given potential is our top priority. We are so proud of the hard work and accomplishments of all students in Preschool - 8th grade. My thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff for their tireless and heart filled efforts.
Last night's HSA meeting was a postive gathering at which we were able to share some key points about the state of the school. Highlights include:
*Strong enrollment and A+ status on nationwide school search site, Niche
*Boiler up and running
*Dynamic curriculum and activities in place
*Finances stable -- ended 2022-23 with balanced budget; more detailed financial report due in December
*Fundraising critical to balance the budget every year -- $150,000
*Tuition Gap -- difference between the cost of educating one child and the cost of tuition = $2,558.
*Every year tuition increases but the School Advisory Board is committed to keeping increase to 3-5 percent. Other schools have gone up 10-16 percent in surrounding areas.
*Blooms Benefit a success! Gross earnings $150,000; Net results will be shared after Thanksgiving.
*Students are thriving
*Registration for current families for the 2024-2025 school year begins December 15th
See attached school slides.
We are entering a busy time of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. Please make note of these important dates:
November 22nd -- Join us for Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00 a.m.; early dismissal at 11:30 a.m for main school and 11:15 a.m. for Preschool
November 23 & 24th -- Thanksgiving break
December 8th -- Holy Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, school closed
December 12th -- School Christmas concert in the church, 6 p.m.
December 14th -- elearning day.
December 21st -- Join us for 9:00 a.m. Christmas Mass, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. Main School, 11:15 Preschool.
December 22 -- January 1st -- Christmas Break
January 2, 2024 -- School resumes
January 28th -- Open House, kick off to Catholic Schools Week
This week we had some special visitors -- novices from Sister Thaddeus' congregation, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. We were delighted to welcome Sister Incarna and Sister Pia Marie into our halls and classrooms. The light of Christ was apparent in their bright eyes and smiling faces. According to Sister Thaddeus they enjoyed meeting our students, teachers and faculty and were inspired by the spirit in our school community.
It is wonderful to have so much to celebrate. As I mentioned at the start of this message, our Blooms Benefit on Friday night was simply beautiful. It was a coming together of people from 23 plus years of St. Rose School, parish and community, all who have been influenced by the faith and support of Monsignor Bob. Please join me in thanking our wonderful committee who made it a standout night: Maggie Anderson, Laura Jane Fournier, Lisa Jackson, Jennifer Singer, Meghan Dittmar, Lori Ohlson, Sarah Phillips, Gayle Hill, Dawn Ringes, Sharon Doherty, Crystal Mok and Laura Moulder. We are also grateful to all of our generous sponsors and donors, our amazing PreK-8th grade classrooms and all who attended. Through this most incredible team effort we have made a significant dent in our $150,000 fundraising goal for the year. It is certainly a night to remember.
I would also like to congratulate the winners of the Knights of Columbus Poster and Essay contests: First place essay Liam Kirkman, second place essay Avery Fox, third place essay Luke Budzynski. First place poster Siobhan Hall, second place poster Clare Conlon and third place poster Haley Ventresca. The Knights commended all 7th and 8th grade student who participated in the contest for the insights they expressed both in word and art. It was an honor to hear the stories of our visiting veterans and show them our appreciation for their service. May God bless all who serve to protect our freedom.
The weekend has arrived and everyone deserves a good rest. As a reminder, this will be the last Friday Review until December 1st. I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving.
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