by principal on February 21, 2012
Mr. E News for February 21, 2012
Dear Parents,
Happy Mardi Gras! While we revel today, we realize that tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, signifies a day of atonement and begins the Church season of Lent. During Lent, we especially seek help from the Lord to increase our prayer, do good works, and give alms for the needy and less fortunate. May this season of preparation for the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord be a powerful force in our lives over the next forty days. I will be praying for all our school children and families during this season of Lent. Peace to all! Note: all parents are invited to join us for the 8:00 Ash Wednesday liturgy and distribution of ashes tomorrow. In addition, tomorrow is a day of fast and abstinence for all of age, and we will observe abstinence from meat on Fridays. An appropriate non-meat lunch will be served in the cafeteria tomorrow and Fridays during Lent.
Bridge Open, HFS Ceilings Next – We are pleased to announce that the cafeteria and core hallway new-ceiling project has met with approval and is scheduled to be completed over Spring Break! Our thanks go to the Parish, Koetter Construction, Star Electric and numerous parish and school volunteers who will be assisting in the installation of the new cafeteria ceiling, removal and replacement of the cry room and first floor hallway ceilings, and installation of new wiring and lighting! The improvements will be sweet music to our eyes and ears!
Auction Premiere Is Here! A Night in Paris will provide for a year of great stories and memories, terrific deals, and important funds for our school! If you haven’t made your reservation, time is running out! Also, advance sales of wheel and Orlando chances are still possible. We are looking forward to a wonderful event!
Great Tax News! - Please check your Wednesday Envelope for information and Indiana State tax deduction form. Parents of children in non-public schools may claim a deduction of $1000 per child in Catholic schools. The form already has the school name and appropriate number codes. Complete the rest of the form and file with your Indiana state income tax return.
Peace to all!
Jerry Ernstberger
by principal on January 27, 2012
Mr. E News for January 27th, 2012
Dear Parents! January is a big month for all as resolutions for personal improvement, wellness, and financial stability abound! At Holy Family, this is the time we begin major preparations for next year, as current 1st-7th grade students are now registering, and children in our Pre-School, Kindergarten and transfer students will be joining us on January 29th for our Open House and Registration. We look forward to this festive day of visiting with teachers, meeting our new families, providing tours to prospective families, and registering for 2012-2013!
Catholic Schools Week 2012
The week of January 29th- February 4th is Catholic Schools Week, and all around the world Catholic schools will be celebrating our mission of faith formation and educational excellence for all! This year’s Catholic Schools’ Week theme is: Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service. This is very concise and simple, but so powerful in impact across our school, community and our world. Help us celebrate Catholic Schools Week this year by:
- Supporting our Coins for the Community service project – kids turn in their saved coins on January 31st and compete to name the local charity that will receive the money
- Joining us on the 31st for a concert with Tom Franzak, composer of our theme song, Be Glad! Concert will be in Church at about 9:00am.
- Participating in our Community Special Persons’ Mass Liturgy on Wednesday February 1 at 8:00am. Bring your child’s grandparents, godparents and other “special people.” After Mass, we’ll recognize our 2011 NCEA Holy Family Distinguished Graduate.
Calendar Survey
Many local school districts are pushing toward a “balanced” school calendar, which basically means 9 weeks of classes followed by two weeks of break for each of the first three quarters and then a shortened summer break of about 6-7 weeks after fourth quarter, instead of the traditional 10-week summer break. Currently, about two-thirds of the schools in Indiana are following a traditional calendar and about one-third are following a balanced calendar. Just this week, New Albany-Floyd County School Corporation approved a balanced calendar to be phased in over the next two years.
Traditional Calendar (180 school days)
- First Day of School in early-mid August
- Fall Break of one week or less
- Christmas Break of approx. two weeks
- Spring Break of one week
- Summer Break of 10-11 weeks
- National holidays
- 4-5 teacher inservice days, 5 make-up days
Balanced Calendar (180 school days)
- First Day of School in late July or first week of August
- Fall Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break of two weeks each
- National holidays
- Summer Break of 7-8 weeks
- 4-5 teacher inservice days and 5 weather make-up days
The New Albany Deanery Catholic school principals have also been in discussion about such a calendar re-structuring, and there is considerable support in favor of it. Note: It is also quite possible that a third “compromise” or phase-in variation could occur as a transition to a balanced calendar over a couple years’ time.
We would like to get parental input as we engage in this calendar discussion and planning for the future. Please complete the short survey here by January 31st. Thanks!
Best wishes for a blessed 2012!
Jerry Ernstberger
