The Week Ahead (Oct. 30 - Nov. 5)

Everything you need to know for the upcoming week.

Monday October 30

• Scrip due - 9AM
• 2:00PM - Early school dismissal

Tuesday October 31

• Free Dress for pictures – Bright colored clothing best for photographs
• Deadline - money and order forms for photos
• Individual School Photos - 9AM
• return Thursday folders to school
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Trunk or Treat - 6PM to 7:30PM - School Parking lot - CANCELLED if raining

Wednesday, November 1
All Saints Day

• Full Dress Uniform
• All Saints Liturgy - 9AM (4th grade responsible for Mass) - All friends and family welcome to attend.
• Beginning Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM (openings available)
• Student Council Meeting - 3PM to 3:30PM

Thursday, November 2
All Souls Day

• Brownie Girl Scouts - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - Collier Center
• Chess Club – 2:45PM to 4:00PM – School Library –Bring a chess set if you have one. (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders)
• PTO Meeting - 7PM to 8PM - School Cafeteria, enter side door on playground.
• Auction Procurement Party after PTO meeting. Refreshments and Snacks served.

Friday, November 3

• Full Dress Uniform
• Cookie Dough sale ends – Turn in money and orders
• Popcorn Sale - $.50
• Turkey Feather Contest Begins
• All School Mass - 9AM to 10AM – All friends and family welcome to attend. (Grade 5 responsible.)
• Beginning Band - 11:45AM to 12:15PM (openings available)
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Scrip available at PM carpool - 2:45PM. If raining, will sell in PTO room.
• After-School Art program – 3PM to 4:15PM

Saturday 11-4 or Sunday 11-5

Wear Visitation School uniform to church of worship = Free Dress on Monday November 6th (Monday send note with student for teacher and bring a can of food.)

Wanted

• Baskets for Auction – send to school
• Espresso maker for staff room
• School Uniforms. Gently used to replenish emergency closet

Volunteer Opportunities (hours count towards commitment hours)

In Order by Date:

• Oct. 31 - Truck or Treat – 6PM to 7:30PM – Contact Robin Estabrook at rdesta@aol.com.
• Nov. 2 - Attend PTO Meeting. Auction Procurement party afterwards.
• Nov. 10 - Bunco Night.
• Nov. 21 - Cookie Dough Distribution.
• Dec. 2 - Chili Cook-Off Coordinator and Volunteers (tentative date) - Contact Tona Mickelson.
• Dec. 5 thru 8 - Santa Shop helpers.
• Dec. 6 - St. Nick’s Day.
• March 23, 2007 - Family Auction Night. Contact Annette Thomas at jonaza_3@msn.com.
• March 31 - Auction Gala. Contact Annette Thomas at jonaza_3@msn.com.

Ongoing:

• After-School Art program – Contact Mrs. Woodard or Mrs. Harburg-Petrich
• Athletic School Board Members – Contact Mrs. Marcy at marcym@visitationschool.net (Be a part of the team!)
• Auction jobs - Contact Annette Thomas at jonaza_3@msn.com.
• Chess Club helpers. Meet every Thursday, 2:45PM to 4:00PM at School Library. Contact Thom Ryng at ryngt@visitationschool.net
• New Visitation School Gym and Social Hall committee members - Contact Thom Ryng or Lillian Albers.
• PTO Fundraising chair or two co-chairs. Contact Tona Mickelson.
• School Safety Committee Members – contact school
• Treats / Snacks for staff on Wednesdays. Sign-up sheet posted in PTO room or contact Celeste Ayton.

Save and Send to Visitation School

• Campbell's product UPC labels - (includes Franco-American, Market Day, Pepperidge Farms, Prego, Swanson, V-8 lids)
• Cell Phones - old
• Education Box Tops
• Ink Jet, Laser and Fax Cartridges - for more information go to http://www.labelsforeducation.com/eligibleproductsEN.aspx
  and http://www.boxtops4education.com/index.aspx

Installation Mass Saturday

On October 28th at 5:00PM, Archbishop Alex J. Brunett will celebrate Mass at St. Ann's Church to mark the installation of our new pastor and our three parochial vicars.

Several students are involved as greeters or gift bearers, and choirs from all four parishes will sing. We invite and encourage all school families to attend this Mass.

Any student who attends this Mass in uniform will earn a free dress coupon.

The Week Ahead (Oct. 23 - 29)

Everything you need to know for the upcoming week.

Monday, October 23

• 9AM - Scrip due in office
• 2:00PM - Early school dismissal
• Cookie Dough sale starts (40% of total sold goes toward your fundraising commitment.)

Tuesday, October 24

• return Thursday folders to school (deadline)
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Adult Enrichment classes with Fr. Bryan Dolejsi at St. Ann's Hall - 7PM to 9PM

Wednesday, October 25

• Beginning Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM (openings available)
• Student Council Meeting – 3PM

Thursday, October 26

• Thursday folders and scrip sent home with students
• Brownie Girl Scouts - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - Collier Center
• Chess Club – 2:45PM to 4:00PM – School Library – Bring a chess set if you have one.
• Cub Scouts Pack Meeting - Upper Hall - 7PM (Welcome to join ANY time. Contact John Albers.)

Friday, October 27

• Full Dress Uniform
• 9AM Mass (5th Grade responsible)
• 1st grade Pumpkin Patch field trip – 8:30AM to 1:30PM
• 2nd grade Children's Museum field trip – 8:30AM to 1PM
• Beginning Band - 11:45AM to 12:15PM (openings available)
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• 2PM – Student Council Assembly – All parents/guardians, etc. welcome to attend! – Upper Hall
• Scrip available at PM carpool - 2:45PM. If raining, will sell in PTO room.
• After-School Art program – 3PM to 4:15PM.

Saturday, October 28

• Installation of Fr. Tuan by Archbishop Brunett at St. Ann's Church – 5PM Mass.
  Students wear Full Dress Uniform = Free Dress Coupon.
  Please try to attend
  Potluck reception dinner after Mass at St. Ann's Hall.
• NO Confession and NO 5PM Mass at Visitation
• Set clock back 1 hour before you go to bed tonight. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday.

Sunday, October 29

• Did you set your clock back 1 hour?
• Cub Scout Pancake Fundraiser – After both Masses (9:30AM to 12NOON) – Lower Hall
• Visitation Disciples Youth Group (grades 6th, 7th, and 8th) – 12NOON to 2PM – Collier Center. Contact Eugena Douglas at youthministry@visitationchurch.org.

Wanted

• Espresso maker for staff room
• School Uniforms. Gently used to replenish emergency closet

Volunteer Opportunities (hours count towards commitment hours)

In Order by Date:

• Oct. 31 - Truck or Treat – 6PM to 7:30PM – Contact Robin Estabrook at rdesta@aol.com.
• Nov. 2 - Attend PTO Meeting
• Nov. 10 - Bunco Night
• Nov. 21 - Cookie Dough Distribution
• Dec. 2 - Chili Cook-Off Coordinator and Volunteers (tentative date) - Contact Tona Mickelson.
• Dec. 5 thru 8 - Santa Shop helpers
• Dec. 6 - St. Nick's Day

Ongoing:

• After-School Art program – Contact Mrs. Woodard or Mrs. Harburg-Petrich
• Athletic School Board Members – Contact Mrs. Marcy at marcym@visitationschool.net (Be a part of the team.)
• Chess Club helpers. Meet every Thursday, 2:45PM to 4:00PM at School Library. Contact Thom Ryng at ryngt@visitationschool.net
• Visitation Campus Committee members - Contact Thom Ryng or Lillian Albers.
• PTO Fundraising chair or two co-chairs. Contact Tona Mickelson.
• School Safety Committee Members – contact school
• Treats / Snacks for staff on Wednesdays. Sign-up sheet posted in PTO room or contact Celeste Ayton.

Save and Send to Visitation School

• Campbell's product UPC labels - (includes Franco-American, Market Day, Pepperidge Farms, Prego, Swanson, V-8 lids)
• Cell Phones - old
• Education Box Tops
• Ink Jet, Laser and Fax Cartridges
• for more information go to http://www.labelsforeducation.com/eligibleproductsEN.aspx
  and http://www.boxtops4education.com/index.aspx

Pennies from Heaven

The school penny drive for the Holy Name Society ended today. Together, the students of Visitation Catholic School raised

$1006.06 !

Class winners will be announced at the assembly next Friday.Thank you all for your generosity and hard work!

Thursday Note Home

Dear Visitation Families,

I want to thank Terri Nelson and Carol Loughridge for all of their hard work on the Annual Fund Appeal which started on Sunday. They are wonderfully organized and effective. I also want to thank Trudy Robinson, Maria Gilbert, Lynette Crumity, Mary Swindale, Debra Pedraza, Cecile Rieder, and Jennifer Keller who gave their time to call and ask for donations.

Also thanks to current and former students who gave of their time to call! Thank you also to the numerous people who sent in goodies and are writing thank you cards.

Annual Fund is our strongest and most effective fund raiser because ALL of the money raised goes directly to the school. It is also the ONLY fund raiser that's 100% tax deductible.

As our Annual Fund continues to grow, we will be able to look at reducing the number of other fundraisers we need to fill the gap between our tuition and the cost of educating a student. Please, if you have not yet sent in your donation to Annual Fund, do it today.

SPEAKING OF FUNDRAISERS: The Cookie Dough sale begins next Monday, Oct. 23rd. Get your orders in so you will be ready to get your holiday baking done with a minimum of fuss. Masterpiece cookie dough is the best pre-made cookie dough I've ever tasted and forty percent of the profit comes to the school.

Be sure to share your order forms with any co-workers you might have, so they can enjoy this great short cut to holiday baking.

REMINDER TO MARK THIS DATE: October 28th, at 5:00 there will be a special Mass at St. Ann's Church. All four parishes are involved as Archbishop Brunett officially installs Fr. Tuan as the Pastor of the four parish cluster.

Several of our school children are involved as greeters or gift bearers. I would like to see as many of the children at this Mass, dressed in their uniforms, as possible. Any child who attends this Mass in uniform will earn a free dress coupon. This is also a beautiful and solemn celebration.

WASL SCORES: Our school summary WASL scores have finally arrived. They tell us how our 4th and 7th graders performed as a group. The scores are percents of students who met or exceeded the standard.

	4th Grade	Tacoma District
Reading:	68.4%	74.6%
Writing:	73.6%	54.7%
Math:	55.5%	43.0%

	7th Grade	Tacoma District
Reading:	92.9%	53.8%
Writing:	76.9%	33.1%
Math:	69.2%	56.6%

As with any test, the teachers and I will analyze the scores on the individual components to determine if we need to adjust instruction. If you have any questions on the results, please contact me.

PICTURE DAY: The order forms for individual school pictures are going home today. Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, October 31st.

BAND NEWS: Our Advanced Band and Beginning Band are in full swing. Their enthusiasm is infectious!

There are still a few openings in Beginning Band. If your child would like to participate but you can't make the financial commitment for an instrument, please contact me. Bellarmine has quite a selection of instruments available and is happy to put them in the hands of our students.

HELP NEEDED: We are getting a load of computers from Mr. Klein on Friday. We need two to three helpers to offload them and bring them upstairs. It should only take twenty to thirty minutes at the most. If you can help, please call the office. Thank you to Mr. Rector for providing the transportation.

REMINDER ON EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY: Mary Bridge Children's Hospital is hosting a lecture series called "Tools For Parents". The next lecture is on sleep deprivation among young children and how a lack of sleep can contribute to behavioral problems. The talk includes practical strategies to help children and their parents get the sleep they need.

This is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th, at 7:00PM in the Kemper Center located at Annie Wright School. Tickets are $10 and you can register by calling 1-800-342-9919 or go to www.marybridge.org.

PRAYERS PLEASE: One of the 2nd graders at St. Thomas More School has been diagnosed with leukemia this past week. Please keep her and her family in your prayers as she undergoes chemotherapy.

Also, please keep Margie Mykland's husband, Greg, in your prayers. He is recovering from a heart attack.

ONLINE AUCTION: The Saul Haas Foundation has a Home Gala and Online Auction from Oct. 13 – Nov. 5th. If you are looking for an affordable getaway or want to get a special sports memorabilia item, now is your opportunity. Travel packages to Leavenworth, museum passes, a day at the races, and much more are available for bid.

The Saul Haas Foundation had generously given us grants each year that help us to cover expenses for students that can't be covered through the school budget. Check out the Auction at www.haasfoundation.org

AN ERIC CARLE CELEBRATION: Actors from the Tacoma School of Arts bring Eric Carle's magical stories to life in this imaginative story theater program combining masks, improvisation, and audience participation.

Performances are Saturday, Oct. 21st, at the following locations: Wheelock Library at 11:00; Fern Hill Library at 1:00; South Tacoma Library at 3:00. There will be free passes to the Tacoma Art Museum for everyone attending.

There is also a showing of Eric Carle's art running from October 7th – January 21st. Two great ways to spend a rainy Saturday!

Peace,

Sheila Harrison

Half-Days This Week

Remember that due to conferences, school will dismiss at 12:00NOON on Wednesday and Thursday.

Skating Party!

Please join us on Thursday, October 19 from 6PM to 8PM at Skate-N-Station. Admission and roller skate rental is free for all VCS students.

For directions and venue information, please see www.skatenstation.com.

The Week Ahead (Oct. 16 - 22)

Everything you need to know for the upcoming week.

Monday October 16

• 9AM - Scrip due in office (www.glscrip.com)
• 2:00PM - Early school dismissal
• Book Fair Setup - Volunteers desired - School Library
• Penny Wars Contest continues - Sponsored by Student Council - benefits The Holy Name Society
• Annual Fund Drive - CALLERS NEEDED - 6PM to 8:30PM - Callers earn DOUBLE service hours!

Tuesday October 17

• return Thursday folders to school (deadline)
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Book Fair Wish List - 9AM to 2PM (Volunteers desired)
• Annual Fund Drive - CALLERS NEEDED - 6PM to 8:30PM. Callers earn DOUBLE service hours!
• School Commission - 7PM.

Wednesday October 18

• 12NOON Dismissal PK-8
• NO hot lunches
• NO Band
• Book Fair Open - 8AM to 7:30PM
• Conferences

Thursday October 19

• 12NOON Dismissal (PK-8)
• NO hot lunches
• NO Brownie Girl Scouts
• NO Chess Club
• Book Fair Open - 8AM to 5PM
• Thursday folders and scrip sent home with students
• Conferences
• Skating Party - 6PM to 8PM - Skate-N-Station - All Visitation Students admission and roller skates are FREE - Directions go to www.skatenstation.com
• Visitation New Social Hall and New School Gym Planning Meeting - 7PM - Lower Hall - Your advice and support is appreciated. - Contact Thom Ryng at 474-6424 or Lillian Albers at 565-3531.

Friday October 20

• Full Dress Uniform
• Popcorn $.50
• Contest Ends - Penny Wars - Sponsored by Student Council - benefits The Holy Name Society
• Book Fair Closes (Volunteers desired to disassemble fair.)
• All School Mass - 9AM - All friends and family welcome to attend.
• Beginning Band - 11:45AM to 12:15PM
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Scrip available at PM carpool - 2:45PM. If raining, will sell in PTO room.
• After-School Art program - 3PM to 4:15PM

Saturday October 21

St. John of the Woods Octoberfest (sister parish)

Sunday October 22

Coffee and Donuts by PTO after 8:30AM and 10AM Masses.

Wanted

• Espresso maker for staff room
• School Uniforms. Gently used to replenish emergency closet

Volunteer Opportunities (hours count towards commitment hours)

In Order by Date:

• Book Fair - Oct. 16th, thru 20th - Contact Mrs. Todd
• Annual Fund Drive - Oct 16 and 17 - 6PM to 8:30PM - Callers earn DOUBLE service hours! Contact Terri Nelson at terrinelson1@juno.com
• Coffee and Donuts sponsored by PTO - Oct. 22nd - after 8:30AM and 10AM Masses. Contact Kileen Swortz.
• Trunk or Treat - Oct. 31st - 6PM to 7:30PM - Contact Robin Estabrook at rdesta@aol.com
• Bunco Night - Nov. 10th
• Cookie Dough Distribution - Nov. 21st
• Chili Cook-Off Coordinator and Volunteers - Dec 2nd (tentative date) - Contact Tona Mickelson.
• Santa Shop helpers - Dec. 5th thru 8th
• St. Nick's Day - Dec. 6th

Ongoing:

• Athletic School Board Members - Contact Mrs. Marcy at marcym@visitationschool.net (Be a part of the team!)
• Chess Club helpers. Meet every Thursday, 2:45PM to 4:00PM in School Library. Contact Mr. Ryng at ryngt@visitationschool.net
• PTO Fundraising chair or two co-chairs. Contact Tona Mickelson.
• School Safety Committee Members - contact school
• Treats / Snacks for staff on Wednesdays. Sign-up sheet posted in PTO room or contact Celeste Ayton.
• Van or Truck with driver on a Friday needed to pick-up new computer equipment donated to school.
• Visitation Campus Committee members - Contact Thom Ryng at 474-6424 or Lillian Albers at 565-3531

Save and Send to Visitation School

• Campbell's product UPC labels - (includes Franco-American, Market Day, Pepperidge Farms, Prego, Swanson, V-8 lids)
• Cell Phones - old
• Education Box Tops
• Ink Jet, Laser and Fax Cartridges
• --for more information go to http://www.labelsforeducation.com/eligibleproductsEN.aspx
  and http://www.boxtops4education.com/index.aspx

Thursday Note Home

Dear Visitation Families,

One of the characteristics I have noticed about Visitation Catholic School’s community is how much it feels like a big family here. Families support and care for one another. In times of crisis, support and care pours out to the families that have experienced loss and injury. I see constant generosity in what you freely share with others who are in need and with your warm response to any request. The staff appreciates your kindness expressed in Wednesday treats that are left in the Staff Room and in the thoughtful gifts from the secret pals. So, I just wanted to say an overall “Thank you!” and I am most thankful to be part of this community!

REMINDER TO MARK THIS DATE: October 28th, at 5:00, there will be a special Mass at St. Ann’s Church. All four parishes are involved as Archbishop Brunett officially installs Fr. Tuan as the Pastor of the four parish cluster. Several of our school children are involved as greeters or gift bearers. I would like to see as many of the children at this Mass, dressed in their uniforms, as possible. Any child who attends
this Mass in uniform will earn a free dress coupon. This is also a beautiful and solemn celebration.

CONFERENCES: You should be receiving your appointment time in today’s letter. If you did not receive a time, or you need to change the time you were assigned, please call the office.

SAFETY COMMITTEE: There are still a few spots open if you would like to be part of the safety group which is looking at safety and security issues in the school. Send your name in or call the office. Thanks to all of you who have already volunteered to be part of this committee.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY: Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is hosting a lecture series called “Tools For Parents”. The next lecture is on sleep deprivation among young children and how a lack of sleep can contribute to behavioral problems. The talk includes practical strategies to help children and their parents get the sleep they need. This is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th, at 7:00 PM in the Kemper Center located at Annie Wright School. Tickets are $10 and you can register by calling 1-800-342-9919
or go to www.marybridge.org.

WELCOME: Four new students have joined the VCS family - two in Pre-K, a Kindergartener, and a fourth grader. Welcome!

THANK YOU: To Frances and Adam Wendel for the parachute they gave to Extended Care.

A WAY TO HELP: You can contribute to disadvantaged communities abroad and to victims of domestic violence through your holiday shopping. Products include home fragrance, bath and body care, makeup and more. Kathi Stewart is a consultant for The Body Shop. To view a catalogue or for more info call (253) 576-8466 or order online at www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/kstewart

CHESS CLUB: The first meeting of the Visitation Chess Club was well-attended with abilities ranging from near-master to total beginner! There are still some spots left if you would like your child (or yourself!) to be part of this great activity. It meets every Thursday in the library from 2:45 to 4:00.

ANNUAL FUND: The Annual Fund Drive begins on October 15th. Please consider how much you can contribute and respond when you are called.

SKATING PARTY: A great FUN raiser on October 19th. All Visitation Catholic School students attend free! Mark your calendars!

DID YOU HEAR? Your PTO raised $2000 in their first fundraiser of the year. Great work! Now get ready to order your holiday cookie dough from Oct. 23rd to Nov. 3rd. It will be delivered right before Thanksgiving break so you can bake up all your holiday cookies quick and easy! Speaking of Thanksgiving, PTO is hosting the Turkey Feathers Contest again with all proceeds going to Visitation Food Bank. Watch for details! PTO is also looking for a few good chili chefs to organize and run the 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off on December 2nd. This FUN raiser involves cooking up your favorite chili recipe and bringing it to share. Prizes will be awarded for the best and most original recipes! Check out the PTO report for more information on the really fun upcoming events. Thank you PTO !!!

SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: If you have the opportunity, come to Visitation Church any Friday, from 9:00 – 10:00. That is when the school children attend weekly Mass. It is wonderful to listen to their voices raised in prayer and song!

POR FAVOR: The staff is looking for the donation of an espresso maker for the staff room. A barista has been discovered in our midst. If you happen to have an unused espresso maker taking up room in your closet or cupboard, we promise to give it a good home.

Peace,

Sheila Harrison

The Week Ahead: Oct. 9 - 15

Everything you need to know for the upcoming week.

Monday, October 9

No school - Columbus Day!

Tuesday, October 10

• 9AM - Scrip due in office (www.glscrip.com)
• return Thursday folders to school (deadline)
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Adult Enrichment classes with Fr. Bryan Dolejsi at St. Ann's Hall - 7PM to 9PM

Wednesday, October 11

• Beginning Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Student Council Meeting - 3PM
• Cub / Boy Scout Recruitment Meeting - Visitation Lower Hall - 7PM (Welcome to join ANY time. Contact John Albers.)

Thursday, October 12

• Thursday folders and scrip sent home with students
• Brownie Girl Scouts - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - Collier Center
• Chess Club - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - School Library - bring a chess set if you have one. (Limited to 4th - 8th graders)

Friday, October 13

• Full Dress Uniform
• All School Mass - 9AM
• Beginning Band - 11:45AM to 12:15PM
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Book Fair Setup - 1:15PM - Volunteers needed - School Library
• Scrip available at PM carpool - 2:45PM. If raining, will sell in PTO room.

Saturday, October 14

• Visitation Fall Festival - 10AM to 6:30PM - Upper and Lower hall
• Festival Entertainment -12NOON to 4PM

Sunday, October 15

• Annual Fund Drive starts - Volunteers needed - Callers earn DOUBLE service hours!
• German Dinner - 2PM to 6PM - Lower hall
• Visitation Disciples Youth Group (grades 6th, 7th, and 8th) - 12NOON to 2PM - Collier Center. Contact Eugena Douglas at youthministry@visitationchurch.org

 
Volunteer Opportunities - (hours count towards commitment hours)

In Order by Date:

• Book Fair - Oct. 13th thru Oct 20th - Contact Mrs. Todd
• Fall Festival Entertainment Performers - Oct 14th, 12NOON to 4PM - Contact Mr. Leister.
• Fall Festival (Oct. 14) and German Dinner (Oct. 15th). Contact co-chairs Shirley Estabrook and Doris Leister at doris472@harbornet.com
• Annual Fund Drive - Oct 15 to 17 - 6PM to 8PM - Callers earn DOUBLE service hours! Contact Carol Loughridge at loughridgec@visitationschool.net
• Santa Shop helpers - Dec. 5th thru 8th
• St. Nick's Day - Dec. 6th

Ongoing:

• Athletic School Board Members - Contact Mrs. Marcy at marcym@visitationschool.net (Be a part of the team!)
• Chess Club helpers. Meet every Thursday, 2:45PM to 4:15PM at School Library. Contact Mr. Ryng at ryngt@visitationschool.net
• PTO Communications - make weekly flyers. Contact Tona Mickelson.
• PTO Fundraising chair or two co-chairs. Contact Tona Mickelson.
• Treats / Snacks for staff on Wednesdays. Sign-up sheet posted in PTO room or contact Celeste Ayton.
• School Safety Committee Members
• Van or Truck with driver on a Friday needed to pick-up new computer equipment donated to school.
• Volleyball Coaches for 4th and 6th grades

 
Save and Send to Visitation School

• Campbell's product UPC labels - (includes Franco-American, Market Day, Pepperidge Farms, Prego, Swanson, V-8 lids)
• Cell Phones - old
• Education Box Tops
• Ink Jet, Laser and Fax Cartridges

Columbus Day

Remember - no school Monday the 9th.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday Note Home

Dear Visitation Families,

In light of recent events, both on our playground and in schools around the nation, I would like to take a moment and talk about safety. This week one of our students had an accident on the playground. It was serious enough to require stitches to his leg. He is recuperating and will hopefully be back at school soon. I would like to commend our playground monitors, Christine Buzard and Joe Leister, because their actions ensured quick aid for the student while keeping all of the other students safe.

As always, when there is an accident involving injuries, we review what happened and look for ways to improve safety. Two actions came out of the review. First, Joe and Christine, along with help from Alex Desmonie, carefully examined the fence and removed severalold pieces of wire that were hanging from the fence. Second, I have temporarily banned football on the playground. Students may throw a football back and forth, but they may not run plays. The question is what activities are appropriate to the limitations of the space while still providing fun and physical movement?

We also reviewed security procedures with support personnel and Extended Care. We have good policies in place. All exterior doors, with the exception of the front door, are locked at all times. All visitors must stop in the office to get a visitor pass, and anyone without a pass is questioned. All fence gates are locked. Students are instructed to not speak with anyone at the fences during recess. All of our personnel are trained in CPR, or will be soon, and many have had first aid courses. These are all good procedures, but is there more we can do to ensure the safety of our children?

To help us answer these questions of safety and playground usage, I have asked Mary Bromberg, who heads the Policy and Planning Committee on the School Commission, to form a committee to examine issues of safety in all areas of our school and make recommendations. If you would like to be part of this committee, please call the office.

CALLING ALL FORMS: Speaking of safety issues, some emergency forms have not been returned.

These are absolutely vital when any emergency occurs. We have sent copies of the missing forms to any family missing them, so please check your envelope and if there are forms to be filled out, please fill them out and return them ASAP.

MARK THIS DATE: October 28th, at 5:00 there will be a special Mass at St. Ann’s Church. All four parishes are involved as Archbishop Brunett officially installs Fr. Tuan as the Pastor of the four parish cluster. Several of our school children are involved as greeters or gift bearers. I would like to see as many of the children at this Mass, dressed in their uniforms, as possible. Any child who attends this Mass in uniform will earn a free dress coupon. This is also a beautiful and solemn celebration.

DON’T FORGET THE FALL FESTIVAL: The annual Fall Festival is on Saturday October 14th. This is always a great event with lots of crafts, food, and fun. There is also going to be a talent show in the afternoon. Did you know that our own Fr. Tuan plays the trumpet? Don’t forget the German Dinner is Sunday 2PM – 6PM.

CONFERENCES: Slips were to be back to the office by today, Thursday, October 5th. We will send confirmations of your appointment time home on Thursday, October 12th. If you missed getting your slip back by October 5th, we will assume that any day or time is acceptable.

EARN FREE TUITION: Yes, that is what we meant! Ask for details.

BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Be a part of the fun by connecting our students with books they want to read and get some service hours done! You can be part of set up on Friday, the 13th at 1:15 until it’s done or the Wish List on Tuesday the 17th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM or do Sales on Oct. 18th from 8:00AM to 7:30 PM, Oct.19th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 or Friday, Oct.20th from 12:00 until done for clean up. Sign up on the response portion of this letter.

PENNY WARS: Are your children checking everywhere for pennies to bring in? The reason is that Student Council is running a great fund raiser called Penny Wars. Each class has a jar outside of their door. The objective is to get the most pennies in your jar. You can sabotage other classes by putting nickels, dimes, quarters, or dollars into other jars, because those coins actually subtract the number of pennies. The Holy Name Society gets all of the proceeds. The contest ends on October 20th.

YEARBOOK: Please sign the response portion of this letter if you would NOT like your child’s photo to appear in the yearbook.

THANK YOU! We want to thank Toby and Sherri Dinkins for the 60 movies they donated to Extended Care.

OOPS: The October calendar says Popcorn is 25 cents; it is really 50 cents… sorry!

HELP: Your gently used uniforms are needed to replenish our emergency closet. We would appreciate your donations. Also, when your child borrows clothing, please see that it is returned.

Peace,

Sheila Harrison,
Principal

Michael Padgett's Guest Book

Michael Padgett, the father of one our beloved Visitation school students recently died. If you would like to sign his family's Tacoma News Tribune online obituary guest book go to the following link:

http://www.legacy.com/Tribnet/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=19294559

Interview with Fr. Bryan Dolejsi

In this radio interview, Fr. Bryan describes his call to the priesthood and shares the joys of priestly life.

http://www.cwfb.org/Interviews.php (Scroll down to interview. Listed in alphabetical order of first name, see "Fr.")

Or download the mp3.

The Week Ahead: October 1 - 7

Everything you need to know for the week ending October 7th.

Monday, October 2

2:00PM - Early school dismissal

Tuesday, October 3

• Free Dress. Bring can of food for food bank.
• return Thursday folders to school (deadline)
• 8th grade retreat
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM

Wednesday, October 4

Beginning Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM

Thursday, October 5

• Thursday folders and scrip sent home with students
• Parent Conference schedule slip deadline
• Chess Club starts - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - School Library. Bring a chess set if you have one. (Limited to 4th - 8th graders)
• Brownie Girl Scouts - 2:45PM to 4:15PM - Collier Center
• VITAE = Youth for Life - 6:30PM - Kick off potluck and information night for parents and students (invited grades 6. 7, 8) - St. Patrick's Church Hall.
• PTO Meeting - 7PM to 8PM - School Cafeteria, enter side door on playground.

Friday, October 6th

• Contest Ends - Campbell's UPC product labels and Education Box Tops
• Popcorn $.50
• Full Dress Uniform
• All School Mass - 9AM
• Beginning Band - 11:45AM to 12:15PM
• Advanced Band - 2:45PM to 3:20PM
• Scrip available at PM carpool - 2:45PM. If raining, will sell in PTO room.

Monday, October 9th

Columbus Day - No school

Volunteer Opportunities

all hours count towards commitment hours

• Annual Fund Drive - Starts Oct 15 - Contact Carol Loughridge
• Athletic School Board Members - Contact Mrs. Marcy (Be a part of the team!)
• Book Fair - Oct. 16th through Oct 20th - Contact Mrs. Todd
• Chess Club helpers. Meet every Thursdays starting October 5th, 2:45PM to 4:15PM at School Library. Contact Mr. Ryng
• Fall Festival (Oct. 14) and German Dinner (Oct. 15th). Contact co-chairs Shirley Estabrook or Doris Leister
• Fall Festival Entertainment Performers - Oct 14th, 12NOON to 4PM - Contact Mr. Leister
• PTO Fundraising chair or two co-chairs
• Santa Shop helpers - Dec. 5th thru 8th
• St. Nick's Day - Dec. 6th
• Treats / Snacks for staff on Wednesdays. Sign-up sheet posted in PTO room or contact Celeste Ayton
• Van or Truck with driver on a Friday needed to pick-up new computer equipment donated to school.
• Volleyball Coaches for 4th and 6th grades

Fall Festival 2006: Celebrating our Diversity

Come one, come all!

Saturday October 14 / 10 AM - 6:30 PM

Visitation Upper Hall

• Ethnic Food by the bowl or by the plate
• Bake Sale whole or by the slice
• Real Stuff Raffles - Tickets cost less when you buy more
• Craft Tables
• Pail Sale $10 a pail, basket, bowl which are filled with goodies
• Live Entertainment from noon to 4 PM (the Talent Show!)
• Ethnic dancers, drummers, sing along
• Singing, Dancing and Skits

Visitation Lower Hall

• Fun and Games 10 – 4 PM with prizes
• NEW! Slot car races
• Cake Walk

Sunday October 15

Visitation Lower Hall

2 PM – 6 PM

German Dinner

• Adults $8.00
• Ages 5-12 $4.00
• Ages 4 and under Free
• Dessert and beverage included
• Wheel of Fortune
• Raffle Drawings - need not be present to win