Dear Parents,

     Peace and all good be yours!

As we begin this “New Year” let us rededicate ourselves to our heavenly Father.

May our daily experiences enrich our lives so that we may continue to grow in our relationship to God and share that hope and love with each other.

Happy 2011!

Catholic Schools Week 2011

Catholic Schools  Week – “Catholic Schools, A+ for America”

On January 30^th we will begin Catholic Schools Week with a school Mass at 12 noon.

Open House will follow the liturgy.  All students must be present for this liturgy and be dressed in their school uniforms.  Students are to report to their homerooms by 11:45 A.M. so they can walk over to Church with their class.  The students will sit together in the front sections of the Church.

After the liturgy the students will return to their homerooms and wait for you.  The teachers will distribute a packet of information regarding our Catholic School Marathon – one packet per family.  Refreshments will be provided by the Home and School Association in the gym.

During Catholic Schools Week there will be a variety of activities.  A brochure will be sent home on the 19^th, so you will know what is happening.

We would like to have a “Variety Show” with the children if enough interest is shown.  If your child wishes to share his/her talents, please complete the form at the end of this newsletter.

Sky Lab

Every other year we have the Sky Lab at our school so our children can experience the various constellations.  The lab will be set up in the gym from Tuesday, January 11^th  to Friday, January 21^st.

     The Sky Lab is borrowed from the Diocese and travels from school to school.  We are grateful that our children are fortunate to have this experience.

Skating Party

     Our first skating party for the second part of our school year is scheduled for Thursday, January 13^th .

                 WHAT            -           Skating Party

                 WHERE          -           Skateway Roller Rink on Buffalo Road

                 WHEN            -           Thursday, January 13, 2011 – 6:30-8:30 P.M.

                 COST              -           $3.50 (advances sale) $4.00 (at the door)

     Parents that do not skate  do not pay an entrance fee.  Skate rental for regular skates is $1.00, line skates are $2.00.

Report Cards

     Students in Grades 1-4 will receive their report cards and the students in  Grades 5-8 and Kindergarten will receive Progress Reports on Wednesday, January 26^th.

     Remember, tuition and bus fees must be current for your child(ren) to receive their Report Card/Progress Report.  It is important that you call Helen or Sister Kevin if there are some problems you may be having with your payments.

Home and School

     On Thursday, January 20^th at 7:00 P.M., Grade 2 will have a small program for us after our meeting.  Refreshments are provided by the families of students in Grade 2.  Mrs. DeCoursey will let you know what you should send in for the snack.  Also, the parents are asked to clean up the gym after the program.

Basketball Schedule for our Knights

     Please try to attend the games your son/daughter are playing to show your support.

     All families are asked to help in the concession stand, sell 50/50 tickets and clean up after the games.

                               Many hands make the job a lot easier – please do your share

     Thank you to the families that sold 20 or more sub tickets ~

Star Foundation Application

      Tuition Assistance Applications are available at the school office.  A copy of your W2’s for 2010 and 1099’s must be included with your application.  If you qualify for assistance, do not hesitate to apply. Call the Office (452-4720) if you want an application.  There are other grants that will become available before

                                         April 30^th such as –

                                         GECAC – April 1^st

                                         Kremer – April 15^th         ( Must be eligible for free or reduced lunch

                                         BRIDGE – April 30th            plus 40 hours of service)

                                         Milazzo Foundation         (All are eligible regardless of income. 40 hours of service must be done)

                                         Housing Authority   (Not sure of the date – you need to call if you are in their program)

You need to make several copies of your 2010 income tax forms since most application require them.  Financial aid is available but you need to ask and complete the paperwork on time.

Take advantage of whatever aid you can get.  Catholic education is affordable if you make the effort to seek out the available grants.

Home and School Positions

     At the end of the school year the position of President and Secretary will be turned over to two new Parents.  In order to run for these positions your $5.00 membership dues must be paid for the 2010-2011 school year.  Only active members can be nominated.

     If you feel called to run for one of the above positions or would like to nominate someone, please complete the form at the end of the newsletter.

Registration for the 2011-2012 School Year

     Please complete the registration form if your child(ren) will be returning to Holy Family for the 2011-2012 school year.  A $ 10.00 registration fee per family is required.  This is due by Friday, January 28^th.

     Registration will be open to the public beginning on Sunday, January 30^th.  Tours are always given to interested families and shadow days are available to their children.

Advertising our school is best done by you.  Talking to your friends about HFS is one way others get to know about us and what we offer our children.

     Thank you to ~

         Our coaches for working with the boys and girls with their basketball skills

         Cafeteria volunteers who share their time and energy helping to serve our children a hot meal.

         All those who helped with Santa’s Workshop

      To all who supported our community project, “The House of Healing” with various household and clothing items.

                                     Wishing you a blessed and peace-filled New Year.

                                                                                    God love you.

                                                                                                                         Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                          Sister M. Kevin Berdis, O.S.F.