What talented students we have! Last week, the first through fourth grade after-school drama program presented The Untold, Unknown, and Absolutely Untrue Story of Snow White. The production was written and directed by Maureen Mershon, former St. Anne drama teacher and former director of the drama program at Bishop Blanchet high school. With interruptions in the rehearsal schedule due to February snow storms, the students did a remarkable job of preparing. The play was darling and the entire school enjoyed watching a performance.
Our Irish eyes were smiling last Thursday morning when dancers from the Tara Academy kicked off our St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They entertained us with jigs, reels and step dances. There were current students and alumnae performing, ranging in age from Kindergarten through high school. Special thanks to Sara Raney Williams, Class of 1984, Director of the Tara Academy for bringing the Irish spirit to our school each year.
Last Friday, as our students enjoyed a day off, teachers and staff spent their day at school participating in the Archdiocesan “Christ in the Classroom” retreat. A requirement of Catechetical Certification for all teachers, it was a nice time to spend reflecting on our roles as missionary disciples and how we are called to help others encounter the living God through words and actions.
You have probably seen reports in the news of the flu season ramping up again. Typically, the flu peaks in February, when cases begin to decline. That was the projected trajectory through middle February, but the health department is seeing an increase in reported cases from the time that they began to decline. Some schools are reporting absences of over 25% of their student body. Fortunately, we have not seen a dramatic increase in the number of illnesses at our school in the last month but we all must be vigilant in protecting our students from influenza (and other illnesses).
Just a reminder that following an illness, students are only to return to school if they have been fever free for 24 hours. The Family Handbook policy reads: Students must be symptom-free and fever-free without the use of a fever reducing medicine for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school following an illness. Students who return sooner than that will be sent home.
Report cards for the second trimester are coming home today. Last week I had the opportunity to review each one of them. I am so proud of what hardworking and dedicated students we have. There were positive comments on the cards about the accuracy of work; the willingness to put forth best effort, and the joy and pleasure it is to teach our students. We all know that parents are the primary educators of their children, but we sure appreciate you sharing them with us.
Lights, Camera, Auction! Hollywood Nights is just 10 days away. All reservations are due by tomorrow to take advantage of the reduced rate of $85. After tomorrow, tickets for our Saturday night red carpet gala cost $100. Don’t miss out. Get your seats today, to what is guaranteed to be a box office smash!
Have a great week!