Number 8

At this time of year, we encounter many distractions which often require that we adjust schedules and priorities. The people begin to prepare the gifts for the celebration of Christmas, etc. Unfortunately, this year, the world is suffering fear, confusion, pain, loss of jobs, illness, and grief for the loss of many loved ones as result of the pandemic. Most of us are confined to socialize, attend Mass and work from home. The world has been drastically changing, the individuals and families are suffering anxiety, depression, etc.

This day we enter in Advent Season, a time of preparation, with joy and hope to receive our Savior. We are invited to maintain in our daily lives, a thoughtful attention for that for which we have been called, individually and as a community of faith, to recognize that Jesus brings for us the New Life.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, because you never leave us alone. You graciously send forth gifts of guidance, wisdom, counsel, strength, fortitude, understanding, piety, and fear of the Lord, to empower us to bring the forgotten stump as the sign of New Life for broken homes… in our family, in our jobs… and in the eyes of those whom we encounter on a daily basis, our friends, our co-workers, and the person who stands at the intersection, holding a sign that says “need food”. Guide us, we pray, during this journey of faith.

Dear Parent/Guardians,

It is hard to believe that we have entered into the Advent Season and that it has been 9 months with COVID-19. With God’s help we are surviving, but unfortunately at the expense of many people’s deaths around the world. Let’s never forget those people and loved ones who have succumb to the virus. May their Souls Rest in Peace.

Update

We are operating in-person classes from preschool through to 8th grade, with under 50% capacity. I suspect this will be the norm till the end of the school year. Let me take this opportunity to thank my staff for all their diligent work in providing education in the hybrid model. It is certainly not easy to accomplish but they have. With patience from the school community, we have succeeded. It is wonderful to see our students back on campus. This year will be one of those memories that the students and everyone will never forget. A significant life event.

In-Person Learning

A reminder to families that once you have chosen in-person learning, you must attend daily for contact tracing purposes. Students do not have the option to drop in or out between hybrid and in-person learning.

Upcoming Changes to Drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up

After reviewing drop-off procedures and running four stations, we are in a position to modify the drop-off and pick-up times, effective from Monday December 7th. The new times will be:

Morning Drop-off Times

7:45 Grades 7, 5, 6

7:50 Grades 8, 3, 4

8:00 Grades 2, 1

8:05 Grades K

Afternoon Pick-Up Times

2:50 Grades k

2:55 Grades 1

3:00 Grades 2

3:05 Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 (Upper yard) and 7, 8 on Miller Ave

Extended Care

While we have started Extended Care, there are very few students and it is difficult to justify in keeping the program at this time. It will continue to Thursday, December 17th. We will reevaluate it over the next two weeks to see if we will continue with it in the new year.

Principal Awards

The Principal Awards Ceremony will be for Grades 3 – 8 at 9am via Zoom on Wednesday

WCEA Update

I am pleased to announce that our Self-Study for accreditation is completed. I wish to thank everyone for being part of the process. We will look forward to the visiting team in March. Due to COVID-19, the visit will be virtual.

Christmas Teacher Appreciation Gifts

I know that many families like to offer a gift to their teachers and other staff and that is really generous of people. In light of COVID-19, I am suggesting if that’s the case could you offer gift cards which will be much appreciated.

God Bless,

Vincent Riener

Principal

I wish to inform you about our third "Annual Christmas Appeal".

Our third Annual Christmas Appeal to raise funds for the All Souls Scholarship Fund is open. As you know All Souls prepares young children for the future to become responsible citizens and active Christians in our community. Our students live productive lives due to the excellent education they receive from the school.

With COVID-19 hitting our world, our school has certainly been affected by it. Unfortunately, we have lost a number of families who could not stay in the area or could not afford to send their child/children back to school, even after being offered financial assistance. Since COVID-19, our scholarship fund has taken a hit and it is time to replenish the reserves.

With that said, we wish to elicit your financial support to assist families to send their children to the school. The cost of Catholic education is becoming prohibitive for many families, and if we are able to offer some financial support their children could receive a quality Catholic education.

Please read our Annual Report if you have not read it yet. It will give you a glimpse of all the wonderful things that happened at the school over the past twelve months.

Recently our students completed a Faith Family activity where they shared what they were thankful for. Please read the responses here.

I hope you will be able to contribute financially to this appeal. If not, your prayers will be most appreciated.

Kindergarten and Preschool applications are taking place now. Please register early as the classes will fill up quickly. Please contact Mrs. Cierra at info@ssfallsoulsschool.org for Kindergarten information and Mr. Liu at eliu@ssfallsoulsschool.org for Preschool information.

Dear All Souls Family,

This year the See's Candy Fundraiser will be held online only. No money will need to be sent to school. All funds of this event will be allocated to our school's technology department.

All orders may be placed online through the link below. Orders must be submitted by December 4th 2020.

See's Candy Fundraiser

All order will be delivered directly to your address of choice.

Please note this is an optional fundraiser.

Your support will benefit our school community.

Thank you!

Ms. Escobar

Dear All Souls Families,

You can now pay and add credit to your child/children's cafeteria account through SchoolSpeak. Your payment will be processed through PayPal with a 3% convenience fee for all transactions.

Sign-in to your SchoolSpeak account and select "Lunch Order" in the quick links menu on the left. The "Pay" tab will direct you to your payment options. You may pay the cafeteria balance through your existing PayPal account or as a guest using your credit or debit card. You may also add credit to your child/children's cafeteria account. If you wish, you may still make cash or check payments to the school office.

Please note, for the families that have a credit card on file I will no longer be charging your credit card for lunch payments. You are responsible for paying and adding credit to your cafeteria account.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Regards,

Ms. Escobar

7- Early Dismissal - 2:30pm - Faculty Meeting

8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception - 8am Mass

9 -Principal's Awards Ceremony - Via Zoom 9am

15- School Board Mtg. - 6:30pm - Zoom Meeting

16- Christmas Program - TBD

18- 12:20pm Dismissal - No Extended Care After School

21-Jan.1- Christmas Vacation - Christmas Day 12.25

Please check with all providers regarding current summer program dates, times,

and other important information.