The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to children ages three to fourteen in a Catholic atmosphere faithful to the Magesterium of the Church. Using the philosophy and techniques of the Montessori approach, including religious education through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our goal is to enable each child to develop as a well-integrated human being: spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally
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"God calls us not to be successful,
but to be faithful."
Bl. Mother Teresa
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Upcoming Dates:
Sat., March 9 "Our House" SPRING GALA, 6:30 at the Redmoor
Thurs., March 7 Internet Safety Presentation at St. Gertrude, 7:00 pm
Thurs., March 14 Staff Development Early Dismissal, 1:00 p.m.
No PM bus service
March 18-22 Iowa Testing, grades 2-8
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Gala News
Tickets
Thanks to all who met the challenge and responded by last Friday. Your Gala organizers truly appreciate you. We have quite a crowd ready for a wonderful night at The Redmoor this Saturday. If you have been sequestering your Gala funds, it's still not too late to buy your tickets, but they are now $55 each. Use this link to pay online or return a card (included in your invitation, copies on the main bulletin board) the old-fashioned way in the office.
Auction Items
We have an exciting live auction planned for the Gala too! Buy your tickets and secure your sitter so you can bid on these fun items!
Private flight to see the Cincinnati Skyline. GSCM parent and pilot to take you on a tour of Cincinnati from the sky.
Weekend at Norris Lake. Reserve a summer weekend for fun in the sun at a Norris Lake condo that sleeps 8.
Custom Print by Meghan Florkowski.. Beautiful artwork by GSCM parent- best seller at last year's auction.
Handmade Doll House. Hours of fun for your little one! Created by the 6-9 classes.
Primo Parking Spot. The best parking spot at GSCM- reserved with your name!
Barrel of Cheer. Wine, beer, and spirits from around the world.
Entertainment Cincinnati Style. Fun for your family all over Cincinnati! Night at the Marriott, numerous restaurant gift cards, and loads of kid friendly activities included in this basket.
Cincinnati Sports Collection. A basket full of sports tickets and other fun items.
Memory Chest. Beautiful chest created by the Middle School students.
Tennis Anyone? 2 tickets to the ATP Western& Southern Open/ATP semi finals and finals sessions.
Private cooking lesson. In your home. Create a menu with GSCM parent and professional chef and learn how to make it in your kitchen! Food provided by Kroger.
Summer Concerts. 2 pavilion tickets to Kenny Chesney (June 28) and 2 pavilion tickets to Jimmy Buffet (July 16) at Riverbend.
**For a detailed description of these items, please go to the end of this newsletter.
Split the Pot Raffle Tickets
Split the Pot Advance Ticket Sale Ends This Friday, March 8
The pre-Gala sale of Split the Pot raffle tickets is well underway with many students having sold their initial packet of 25 tickets and asking for more!
This is an excellent opportunity for friends, neighbors, co-workers and family to help support our school. Plus, the student who sells the most tickets during the pre-Gala sale will win his or her choice of a new 2GB iPod shuffle thanks to SellYourMac.com, or $50 cash --- so keep selling! Raffle tickets are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20.
All students are reminded to turn in the proceeds, plus sold and unsold tickets to the school office by this Friday, March 8 to be eligible.
The Split the Pot raffle winner, as well as announcement of the highest selling student, will be held at the Gala on Saturday, March 9th. Questions, contact KC Stagaman at kcstagaman@hotmail.com.
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A Children's "Litany" to the Holy Trinity
Recently in atrium two children composed prayer poems that form a sort  of litany of praise to the Holy Trinity. The first poem by Maureen Burns (grade 1) addresses the Holy Spirit, which the second and third, by Carter Olszewski (grade 6) address Jesus and God. They are reprinted below for your enjoyment and edification through the heart of the child.
Oh Jesus, Oh God
Oh Jesus oh God
Come down to us with the Holy Spirit
Come down with the Holy Spirit
Spirit we love you
God we love
Love you Lord Jesus
So come down with the Holy Spirit
Come to us your sons and daughters.
So come down come down.
Maureen Burns, grade
Jesus
Jesus may love me,
Jesus may count,
Jesus knows me with no doubt.
Jesus may know,
Jesus may see,
That when I'm in prayer it is himself and me.
Jesus is awesome!
Jesus is cool,
He baptized me in a pool.
JESUS IS KIND!
Carter Olszewski, grade 6
God
God is good,
God is kind,
God can even heal the blind.
God is not evil,
God is no stranger,
He can save me from any danger.
God is loving,
God is wise,
God does not tell any lies.
God is awesome,
God is power,
God can help us any hour.
God made you,
God made me,
It's the truth and you can see.
God is great,
God is our savior,
God does not make us do labor.
God is no rock,
God is no gnome,
God will come to take us home.
God is cool,
God is light,
God can stop us from making a fight.
God is victorious!
God is our start,
You can find him in your heart.
We love God!
Carter Olszewski, grade 6
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Technology Coordinator Position (Part-Time)
GSCM is hiring a part-time Technology Coordinator. This person will create, manage, and maintain technology resources for the school and provide training and support for these resources.
Time Requirements
- 10 hours/week (two or three partial days)
- Additional hours scheduled on an as-need basis
- 42 weeks per year
Responsibilities
- Maintain current equipment and oversee purchase of new equipment
- Software maintenance
- Oversee internet safety controls
- Maintain and develop the school's website Maintenance and Development
- Maintain and develop the school's database (web-based program)
- Research and recommend new media tools
Experience & Criteria:
- Knowledge of technical and design disciplines
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve server problems
- Proficiency in basic programs of the industry, including MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite (CS3 or higher)
- Ability and willingness to spend time learning new programs in order to provide efficient support for those programs
- Interest in learning new trends for online media, database management, and school resources
- Attention to detail and ability to compose well-written descriptions of school functions
- Attitude of patience and a posture of learning, in order to work in a team-like manner with staff, volunteers, and parents
- Desire to communicate information that showcases the unique educational opportunities at GSCM and further edifies the Catholic culture of the school community
To apply, please contact:
Dan Teller
dteller@gscmontessori.org
513-271-4171
"Has Pornography Found Your Home?"
Parent Presentation at St. Gertrude Church, Madeira
Thursday, March 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (adults or parents only; babysitting provided)
Come to this panel discussion to learn practical ideas and solutions to protect and heal from the effects of pornography. Speakers include:
- Dr. Andrew Sodergren, GSCM Parent and Clinical Psychologist
- Jenn Giroux, Founder of Speaker on Motherhood Project
- Fr. Ezra Sullivan, O.P.
- Courtney Brown, Theology of the Body Education Coordinator
Facts about pornography (See St. Gertrude Bulletin, 2/24/13, for sources)
- The average age of exposure to pornography is 11.
- 93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to Internet porn before age 18
- 56% of divorces involve one spouse's continued use of Internet pornography
- 50% Christian men and 20% of Christian women are addicted to poronography
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Sports News
Congratulations GSCM Volleyball Teams
Congratulations to our 3 volleyball teams who completed their CYO season this past weekend. Special thanks to coaches Kevin Tankersley, Christy Pucci and Justine Birmingham. Members of the GSCM teams were; 3rd/4th graders: Isabella Kaufman, Jeanne Stevenson, Evie Schmitt, Rian Cardenas, Trinity Tankersley, Ximena Vermilion, Elise Stagaman, Cecelia Wilhelmy, Catherine Stuebbe, Ayden Cavill. 5th/6th graders: Katie Koenig, Claire Guilford, Clara Conover, Bess Lindeman, Alayna Olszewski, Maggie Schmitz, Maggie Tankersley, Alliah Bell, Mary Koenig, Camden Cavill, Hannah Gottenbusch, Macaira Pucci, Claudia Aronoff and 7th/8th grade team: Ann Rieke, Anna Grace Stevenson, Sofia Andersson, Melissa Damico, Julia Lotterer, Eva France, Julia Pucci, Elisabbeth Gottenbusch. The teams all had a great time, learned new skills and were models of sportsmanship. Congratulations.
Soccer
Many children have asked when soccer starts again. We would love parent input. Please email Bridget Kaufman Bridget_Kaufman@yahoo.com with your interest in another soccer clinic, a competitive team, or both. Please include your children's names and ages. We had a great time in the fall and have many ideas to make it even better. Thanks!
Easter Baskets Needed!
The GSCM Sports Booster's are looking for donations of Easter Baskets for a special fundraising event. If you have any Easter baskets that are no longer needed or shop thrift stores and find some in good, like-new shape, please consider donating to the school's Sports Boosters for an exciting Easter fundraiser. Thank You!
Contact Bridget Kaufman with questions. bridget_kaufman@yahoo.com
513-696-9011
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PTO News:
Volunteers Needed for Vision Screening Do you need an easy and quick way to fulfill your PTO volunteer obligation for this year? The PTO's student vision screening will be held on April 11, and we need 2-3 parents who can walk classrooms to/from the vision screening area and help the clinician. Volunteers are needed from 8am-noon or slightly earlier. If you are available that morning, please contact Dinese Young to sign up: dyoung5281@gmail.com.Parent Participation Helps GSCM Thrive! Volunteer sign ups are coming in May. Each family is asked to volunteer at one of the big fundraising events for GSCM, the Gala or the Walk-a-thon. In addition to these events there are many other things requiring volunteer help. We kindly ask that each family sign up for three additional events along with their Gala or Walk commitment. The PTO would like to introduce you to some of the volunteer opportunities at GSCM. This week, the focus is the PTO Celebrations Committee. The events hosted by the Celebrations Committee are: Welcome Back Picnic Grandparents Day Catholic Celebrations Field Day & Family Picnic Hospitality The Welcome Back Picnic is a great way to bring the GSCM community together after the summer break. It is held on the last Sunday before school begins. The most recent WB Picnics have featured a petting zoo, games for younger children, face painting, balloon animals, and a delicious dinner. PTO provides the fried chicken, water and juice boxes and everyone brings a side dish. It's a very festive afternoon and a great way to meet up with old and new friends!! The picnic requires a planning committee and lots of volunteer workers on the day of the picnic. If this is something you think you'd enjoy being part of, then this is the spot for you!! If you have any questions about volunteering at GSCM please don't hesitate to ask any PTO board member: Lisa Schmitz, Alicia Wilhelmy, Jane Koenig, Maria Lang, Carrie Ellis, Sheri Mitchell, Rhonda Hamall, Christine Godar, or Nicolay Walz. Thanks for your volunteer time at GSCM it makes a difference!!
Box Tops for Education 
Great job parents and students! We collected 865 box tops in the month of February! The class with the most box tops and winner of the Hershey's truffles, was 9-12C with a total collected of 162. The second place class only lost by two box tops, so it was a close race!
There are three simultaneous contests for the months of March and April. First, any class that has 100% participation (every student submits box tops at least once) during the two month period will get a ticket which will represent a chance to win a pizza party. The drawing will be held during the first week of May. Second, the class that collects the most box tops during March and April will get a trophy to keep for the month following their win, along with a $25 Walmart gift card to be spent for their class at the discretion of the teacher. Finally, the student that collects the most box tops will win a $10 gift certificate to Graeters!.
St. Patrick's Day collection sheets will be available for March submissions. Drop your box tops into the collection bin just inside the office. Remember to check the expiration date on your box tops and send them on the collection sheet, in an envelope or in a Ziploc bag with your child's name, teacher and the total number of box tops. It is important to include both student name and class with your box tops so that each class can get credit. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Beth Escamilla at mbviv@hotmail.com.
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Gala Live Auction Items
1. Basket of Cheer (Donated by the Board of Trustees)
Win this great beverage-filled barrel of fine wines, imported beers, spirits and bar accessories and you're all set to host a party ... just add the guests for instant fun! Enjoy high-end libations of German and Belgian beers, Baileys, Tanqueray Gin, Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon, Italian and Chilean wines and more including wine and beer glasses, bar towels, a wine chilling corkcicle and the always-useful galvanized tub to keep your drinks chilled! Cheers!
2. Calling all country music fans! (Donated by Anonymous)
Join the excitement of the hottest ticket in town for the 2013 "No Shoes Nation" Kenny Chesney tour by enjoying two great pavilion seats at Riverbend on Friday, June 28th.
3. Private Cooking Lesson (Donated by Erin Wolfe and Kroger)
Whether you are an experienced cook or only know how to boil water- this item is for you! GSCM parent and professional chef, Erin Wolfe, will come to your home and help you create the meal you have always wanted to learn to make. Erin will help you create the menu and can provide a lesson for a couple or your family. Food will generously be provided by Kroger. All you need is the kitchen!
4. Custom Artwork by Meghan Florkowski (Donated by Meghan Florkowski)
Back by popular demand- artwork by Meghan Florkowski!The piece is a 12"x18"in. giclee' print matted and framed. Created in a classic subway art style with a fresh Catholic twist. The work with its gentle cool hues will be a welcome addition with its traditional prayer of the Hail Mary and saintly reflections and floral symbols.
5. See the Cincinnati Skyline- on a private flight! (Donated by John Keating )
Experience the skyline of Cincinnati on a private flight for two! N9595M will depart from historic Lunken Airport with John F Keating, an FAA Certified Flight Instructor and a proud GSCM Dad.
6. Jimmy Buffet Live in Concert (Donated by Anonymous)
Close your eyes and imagine the sun, surf, sand and songs of Margaritaville! You and a guest will be enjoying two great pavilion seats at Riverbend on Tuesday, July 16th listening to Jimmy Buffett and his "Songs from St. Somewhere" tour!
7. Weekend at Norris Lake (Donated by the Listo Family)
Is your family ready for the perfect summer getaway? Head to Norris Lake for a weekend of fun in the sun at the Listo family cabin. Sleeps 8. Must be booked in advance and excludes holiday weekends.
8. Primo Parking Spot
Bid on the prime parking spot at GSCM! Pull right into the spot closest to the school. Your name will be displayed and the spot is yours for the 2013-14 school year.
9. Tennis Anyone? (Anonymous Donor)
Enjoy all the thrills of live action world-class tennis at the Western and Southern ATP Open. Cincinnati's own first-class event is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. This wonderful package includes two tickets to three sessions: the Saturday (August 17th) afternoon semi-finals, the Saturday evening semi-finals and the Sunday (August 18th) finals of this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event!
10. Entertainment Cincinnati Style! (Donated by the 3-6 Classrooms)
This gift basket is sure to please any family looking to have fun! The 3-6 classrooms have put together an amazing basket of Cincinnati entertainment experiences. Start off with night at the Marriott Hotel- dinner included! Slide and splash around at Coco Key. Pick out some books at Barnes and Noble. Have fun at the Museum Center, a Reds Game, the Nature Center, the Zoo, Cincinnati Art Museum, the movies or Coney Island - all are included! Dine all over Cincinnati- Jeff Ruby, Montgomery Inn, Dewey's Pizza, Panera, Skyline, Mio's Pizza, Top your meal off with a visit to Graeter's or Cold Stone Creamery. This basket will keep you busy until the next GSCM Gala!
11. Handmade Dollhouse. (Donated by the 6-9 Classrooms)
It will be Christmas in March for your little one! This is a three-story Victorian style blue dollhouse, complete with shutters. Many pieces of beautiful furniture are included- these ere proudly created by the 6-9 students. There are tables and chairs, books, a Bible.....everything you could want in a dollhouse.
12. Sports Package (Donated by the 9-12 Classrooms)
Perfect for your favorite Cincinnati sports fan. All sports are covered! Included are UC basketball floor tickets (2013-14 season), OSU football tickets, Andy Dalton signed football, Reds Hall of fame passes and a Dave Concepcion bobblehead. Fan gear for UC and the Bengals will have you ready to cheer.
13. Treasure Chest (Donated by the Middle school)
Custom made treasure chest by the Middle School- to store all of your child's GSCM memories!
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Thank You, Family!
We appreciate your taking the time to read our newsletter.
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