Monday Notes: November 28, 2011

Monday Notes
November 28, 2011

Dear Families,
Yesterday (Sunday) began a new liturgical year in our Catholic Church – Happy New Year! During the season of Advent, we focus on ‘expectation’ – the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Not only in the great feast of Christmas when Jesus was born, but also the Second Coming at the end of time. So our gospel reading ended up with the order to Wake UP! The psalm was a much more gentle approach – “Lord, make us turn to you. Let us see your face and we shall be saved.” I couldn’t help remember my mother and my earliest teachers who would literally and gently, take me by chin in hand and say, “Look at me.” The Lord has turned to us – Advent is the time to be aware of the daily ‘comings’ of Jesus through those around us and it is in seeing Him in their actions and words that we are saved each day. May all of you enjoy this Advent season and be aware of the presence of Christ among us. You are invited to join us in Advent prayer each morning at 8:40 a.m.

We have another Eagle Scout, Ethan Carter, who has created a project that will benefit Villa Teresa School. Ethan wants to remodel the storage area in the basement of LC 4. He plans to build shelves so that the materials that are stored there can be more organized. To help fund the project, he and several of his adult sponsors and classmates will host a Santa’s Workshop Playday on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 –4:00 p.m. This will give you time to shop and your children a time to make Christmas tree ornaments, and participate in holiday themed games outside (weather permitting), Christmas movies and lots of fun! Lunch and snacks are provided. A $10.00 fee will help toward purchase of materials for the remodeling. A poster will be sent home for you to register by this Thursday.

Thank you all for your donations of food for Little Flower Parish! The office staff was excited and pleased with our donations. We are now collecting toys for needy children. Before December 16, please bring a wrapped toy with a tag indicating what gender and age the gift will benefit.

Christmas is definitely in the air this month as preparations for our daily prayer service, the Christmas program and caroling surround our school. This makes for a joyful time of expectation!

The Book Fair is around the corner – actually next week! We are excited to see the rocket in the hallway climb each week. Remember all your minutes are logged on the slips and turned in each week. We sent home last Friday, invitations for our Grand Event – children are to color and give to their Grandparents.

Today, we have Staff meeting. Thanks to all who are volunteering for our faculty to be able to get together. These are very important meetings where we collaborate and discuss issues that benefit your children. It is a time we get to share what is working and what is not working well. It is a time where curriculum development is discussed and where we can learn what is expected of us as educators committed to the mission of Villa Teresa Catholic School. We appreciate your help.

Menu for November 28 – December 2, 2011
Monday, Nov 28 – Chicken Teriyaki, wild rice, peas, apricots, milk
Tuesday, Nov 29 – Spaghetti with meatballs, Caesar salad, Mandarin oranges, milk
Wednesday, Nov 30 – Beef and cheese nachos, refried beans, sliced pears, milk
Thursday, Dec 1 – Turkey corndogs, corn on the cob, diced peaches, milk
Friday, Dec 2 – Baked potatoes, diced ham, salad, diced pears, milk

Immersed in Christ (First Week of Advent)
The Beginning of Religion

INVENTORY: What is the very first act of religion? When and where did it take place in your life? How did you experience it? How often are you conscious of it now?
INPUT: The Good News is that God has “turned to us.” He has come to us in Jesus, God made flesh. Let us pray that Jesus will “find an eager welcome” in our hearts when we celebrate that coming at Christmas.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 63:16-64:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
INSIGHT: What am I looking forward to during Advent? Do I think I really understand the mystery of Christ? Am I letting him “save” my home life? Professional life?
INITIATIVE: Ask seriously: “How can I use the time of Advent to become a happier person?”

Happy Birthday, Ms Halina (Dec 1)