Dear Parents,

I am beginning to work on my New Years' Resolution. Do you realize that we should do them now? Before you think I am crazy, remember that the feast of Christ The King celebrated last Sunday was the last Sunday of the church year. Advent marks a time when we begin anew in the eyes of the church.  There is nothing wrong in thinking about what things we will do in prayer and reflection as we mark the beginning of a new church year.  I would encourage you to look at my link page pertaining to the site entitled LOYOLA PRESS.  It is a great site for you to look at ways of commemorating this most holy season.

You will be receiving your child's report cards next week. I have looked at the middle school report cards, and I am happy to report that between 85-90 percent of our middle school students made either the "A" or "B" Honor Roll.  This says a great deal about student work ethic, the preparation of the teachers, and the importance in which parents reinforce life lessons for their children.  This academic success is a real opportunity for you to celebrate with your child on their academic achievements. At the same time report cards are a great way to instill in your child the lesson of setting goals as to how he/she will do the next trimester.  

The GRACE Administrative Team is currently looking at ways in which our 3K and 4K programs can provide better services, both of an academic and social nature. The team realizes that true learning begins at 3K and 4K.  We at Notre Dame will look at different and more configurations for our 3K and 4K programs. I have already requested the parishes to provide me with rosters of current families who have children ages 2 and 3.  Increasing and retaining student numbers begin in 3K and 4K. Mrs. Kuehl and Mrs. Murphy do a great job integrating curriculum along with a play based curriculum.

We are in need of volunteers to help with escorting the middle school students to the elementary school for lunch. We also have openings for elementary lunch supervising. Both are easy things to do, you can pick your dates, it doesn't take up much of your time and it is a great way to meet your service hour requirements. Please consider signing up. I will address this more in depth in my next newsletter Click here to sign up.

Our annual school food drive ended last Friday.  The total amount of food brought in was just under 3100 pounds. All of the rooms were most generous in providing Pauls' Pantry and the De Pere Outreach with food for those who are in need.  A special word of thanks goes to the Student Council(s) for spearheading the Food Drive.  Serving others is one of the true hallmarks of our Catholic Faith.

We have been fortunate to receive donations that will go toward purchasing Chromebooks and iPads for the elementary school.  These donations are greatly appreciated by the students and teachers. What impresses me most is that many of the donors do not want to receive any recognition.  These generous donors truly live out Matthew Chapter 6.

Some of the students have asked me if we would consider having a second microwave in the cafeteria.  After talking with Mrs. Simonet as to where we could put a second microwave, I see no reason why we can't do that. If someone is interested in donating a microwave oven for our students to use, we would very much appreciate that. I can assure you that it will be put to very good use.

Wishing all of you a most blessed Thanksgiving, I leave you with this prayer by Emily Hasenstab:

Lord,

Thank You for my life,

For without my life

I could never enjoy my family and friends.

Thank you for my family and friends

For without my family and friends

I could never enjoy happiness.

Thank you for my happiness,

For without my happiness I could never enjoy a smile.

Thank you for a smile

For without a smile I could never enjoy life.

Amen.

James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal

"I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH."

Philippians 4:13