Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are excited as we enter into Catholic Schools week this coming Sunday. I wish to invite all families to our 9am Mass on Sunday and then to the Open House, immediately following Mass, to see your child’s classroom and work.. We will also have the Junior High Science Fair projects on display in the cafeteria.
Please invite other families who may be looking for Catholic Education to join us on Sunday.
The theme of our celebration is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The theme encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are we teaching students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples, and enriched citizens in our communities, educators are growing with them.
In Catholic schools, we are all learners, servants, and leaders. These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools succeed. The theme also focuses on key elements of Catholic education: faith development, academic excellence, and dedication to service. These elements set Catholic schools apart from other educational options. They are why families make sacrifices to provide their children with a Catholic education. (Please see the NCEA Facts Sheet below.)
Safety
I attended the annual San Mateo County Safety forum yesterday where we were briefed on the “Big Five” protocol that we all follow in San Mateo County. On average there is a school shooting every 8 days across the country. This certainly is unacceptable, and as a county we are working on strategies so this will not occur in our area. All Souls has a very active safety program that includes lock-down, fire, and earthquake drills. We ask everyone to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of our children.
Second Quarter
We have completed the second quarter and have entered into the third quarter. Report cards are being released today. Where there are concerns, the homeroom teacher will contact those families.
Uniform Policy Inquiry
We received the class composites for school photos and noticed that in some grades that the girls had a variety of large hair accessories which stood out in these photos and detracted from the overall appearance of the composite. As a result of this we had to make retakes and informed the girls that on picture days that these hair accessories are not to be worn. While the handbook does not specifically mention hair accessories we are reviewing this for the coming school year. In the mean time students may wear appropriate hair accessories. I regret if there has been any confusion regarding this issue.
Morning Drop Off Procedures
Recently a number of parents are dropping children off at the front door before 8:10am. Please note that this is very dangerous for cars backing up near the front door of the school The policy is that students are to be dropped off in the lower carpark or near the entrance of the Spruce gate entrance. Students are not to come through the front door and then walk out through the school building to the upper yard. Thank you for your cooperation with following the procedures.
8th Graders header to the Cathedral
Today our 8th graders headed to St. Mary's Cathedral along with other 8th graders from around the Archdiocese. This is the first time that this event has been planned. Lunch was also provided for all students. It was a wonderful experience for our students.
Kindergarten for 2019 – 2020
Currently our Kindergarten class is full and we have started a waiting list.
Preschool
The preschool is currently accepting enrollments for the 2019 – 2020 school year. Please enroll as soon as possible as this program will soon fill up.
Budget for 2019 – 2020
We are in the midst of preparing the new budget for next year. The Archdiocese has released the new salary scale for teachers, and there is a 12% increase to be spread over the next three years. With this increase and increase in benefits it appears that we will need to raise tuition by 5% for the coming year. This will equate to approximately $32 increase per month.
Crab Feed 2019
On Saturday, February 2nd, the All Souls Athletic Board will host its annual Crab Feed. Have you reserved your tickets? Please see the attached flyer and sign up on line.
Archdiocese Teacher Development day
On February 1st the Archdiocese has organized an Archdiocese-wide teacher professional development day. There will be no school for students on that Friday.
Bingo
Did you know we have Bingo at the Parish Hall every Friday night? All proceeds go toward the All Souls School Building Maintenance Fund. From this fund we are able to maintain the facilities and make capital improvements. In the past we have been able to purchase a new furnace for the school, refurbish the boys and girls bathrooms, install the new school roof, and install solar panels on the roof of the school. Our next projects include sealing the school wall facing the carpark and painting the school building. The windows on Miller side of the building need replacement into two pane glass. This project is a very expensive venture. Therefore, we do need your support with attendance in Bingo. It is a fun night, and you are encouraged bring your friends. You can win some wonderful cash prizes and help the school at the same time.
God Bless,
Vincent Riener
Principal
