Praying makes me happy.

It makes me want to sing.

It makes me want to shout out

Jesus is the king.

Atrium Prayer, 7-year old child

Upcoming Dates

Nov. 17-21                    Parent-Teacher Conference Week

Thurs., Nov 20              Mom's Night Out (see article) 

Fri., Nov. 21                  Conference Make-Up Day, NO SCHOOL

Tues., Nov 25               Spiritwear orders due 

Nov. 26-28                    Thanksgiving Vacation, NO SCHOOL

Sun., Nov. 30                First Sunday of Advent

Tues., Dec. 2                First Tuesday:  Montessori Language, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Mom's Night Out

Calling all GSCM Moms -- Need a night out? 

What: GSCM Moms Night Out 

When: Thursday, November  20th, 7:30-?

Where: 50 West Brewing Company -  7668 Wooster Pike (Across from Hahana Beach)

3 Reasons You Should Come: 

1)  Moms need to get out, relax and have fun.  It makes us better Moms when we're happy!

2)  There's no school on Friday, November 21st.

3)  Before you know it the holidays will be here and taking time for yourself will be MUCH harder.  So act now and come out on Nov. 20th!  

RSVP:  Annie King annking@cinci.rr.com or 513-236-1917

P.S. -- You don't have to drink to come to the brewery:)  They have non-alcoholic drinks and food too.  

First Tuesdays:  Montessori 101 for Parents and Friends

Our school is blessed with a treasure trove of ideas and practices arising from Montessori education and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) - ideas and practices that we want to share through a series of parent education events called "First Tuesdays:  Montessori 101."  These one-hour sessions will enrich your appreciation of your child's school experience, and will also enhance your experience as a parent.

The entire "First Tuesdays" program is available at www.gscmontessori.org and is being sent home to all pre-primary parents by hard-copy. Please see below for our first event.  We are looking forward to exploring the wonderful world of Montessori education with you!

Montessori Language

Julia Damico, Presenter

Tuesday, December 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

How does the Montessori classroom build a rich language experience for my child?  How do children learn to read and write?  What will my child be working on at age 3? age 4? age 5?  How can I support my child's developing language skills at home? 

Julia will walk you through the Montessori Language curriculum, beginning with early language activities (matching, sequencing, syllable work, I Spy and rhyming) and then examining the sandpaper letters and the movable alphabet sequence.  If time allows, we will also look at how our Montessori children explode into reading! 

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Montessori Moment

Child-Like Faith in the Atrium

By Jana Widmeyer, Catechist

Oh, to be a child again and to have a child like faith.  Jesus said if you have faith as a mustard seed, you can move mountains.  Ask the children at our school about the mustard  seed and they will tell you it is the smallest seed but grows into a huge tree.  I am continually humbled by the expressions of faith that I see in the Atrium.  The children have such insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. 

Here is a song that one of our 7 year olds wrote in August right as school began.

Praying makes me happy.

It makes me want to sing.

It makes me want to shout out

Jesus is the king.

She also drew this picture a few weeks ago and entitled it "Jesus and Me."   She and Jesus are walking hand in hand. 

Recently, in the Atrium with a group of 9-12 year olds, we were discussing the 3 great moments in the history of the Kingdom of God - Creation, Redemption and Parousia.  In answer to the question about the links between these moments, a 5th grader observed that at Redemption, Heaven came to earth and that at Parousia, earth will go to Heaven.

Ask a child at The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori about the great time that we are awaiting and they will say Parousia, when God will be All in All.    Who could ask for a better answer or a better expression of faith?

We would do well to rediscover that childlike faith ourselves.  As we enter into Advent, let us all make good use of this time of waiting for the Messiah who brought our redemption and who will lead us to Parousia.   Perhaps, let your child lead you this Advent.

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Call for Christmas Card Artwork

We are accepting artwork submissions from our students to be considered for the GSCM yearly Christmas Card with the theme:  "Generosity in Christmas."  (Generosity - giving without counting the cost.)

Criteria:  Any Material.  Two dimensional.  Between  5" X 7" and 9" x 12" in size.

Turn artwork into school office by TOMORROW, November 19.

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Love GSCM On Hula Frog!

Everyone, we have the opportunity to win a free playset for our playground at The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori.

To do so, we need to be LOVED on Hulafrog.

Not only will your vote help us spread the word about our wonderful school to other parents, it can ensure that we are included in Hulafrog's 2014 Most Loved Edition and may win us a free playset for the GSCM playground. Please  Click Here  then click on the heart, and pass the word!

Hulafrog strives to connect parents to the best local events and businesses in our community. The Love It! button is a super easy way for parents to show their support for the businesses and activities they love most!

It's easy. It's quick. It's mobile. You can love GSCM in a second with the click of the mouse or a tap on the phone.

The preschool with the most loves over all Hulafrogs on Dec 31 at midnight will win a $15K playset from Grounds for Play (with installation included).

One vote per person throughout the entire contest.  So we need as many different people as possible to LOVE US. 

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PTO News

Spirit Wear/New Fleece Jackets Offered

You should have received a hard copy of the spirit wear order form by backpack mail last week with your youngest or only child at GSCM.  All orders are due back by Tuesday, November 25 (sorry, we can't accept late orders).  Orders will be filled by December 19 (so if you wanted to order any items as Christmas presents your order will be here before Christmas.  (Just make sure you indicate that it is a gift so that we don't send it home by backpack mail with your child). 

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Please remember when ordering spirit wear that ONLY the navy blue uniform sweatshirts (both crew and full-zip hoodie) or the newly offered navy blue fleece jackets (both 1/4 zip and full zip) may be worn in the classroom as part of the uniform.  All other spirit wear may only be worn on spirit wear day (Thursdays).  Navy blue or red sweaters (cardigan, crew, v-neck or vest) may still be worn in the classroom at any time. 

Keep Clipping Box Tops

Thank you for clipping and turning in your Box Tops! Every Box Top helps our school in a big way! We are still collecting for November's contest which ends on 11/25, so keep clipping and turning in your Box Tops!  For your convenience, there is a collection box in the office. Be sure to put your name and classroom on the Box Tops that you turn in.  Many thanks! Questions?  Contact Lisa schmitz @ 207-3333. 

Gala News

There is snow on the ground, but before you know it, we will be welcoming spring and the GSCM Spring Gala.  Would you like to join in the fun and camaraderie of the Gala Committee?   Contact Jana Widmeyer at jwidmeyer@gscmontessori.org.