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