S T. C At H E R I N E

S T. C AT H E R I N E S C H O O L VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7

Connections

O C T O B ER 1 4, 2 0 0 9

“Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.” -Samuel Smiles

Principal’s Notes One of the statements from St. Catherine’s Mission and Philosophy reads, “We will guide students to see the needs of others, to respect the dignity of each person, to be inclusive of all, and to value diversity.” With that in mind, our effort to make certain our children have good manners becomes highlighted. I came across this list entitled 10 Basic Manners for Kids: (I think they’re great for us grown-ups, too!) 1. Wait your turn and do not interrupt people when they are speaking. 2. Practice good sportsmanship. Don’t gloat when you win; don’t whine when you lose. Congratulate the winners and accept congratulations/compliments courteously. 3. Say “Please” and “Thank you” and “You’re Welcome”. 4. Clean up after yourself - at home, at a friend’s house, and at school. 5. Greet people with a smile and say “Hello.” 6. When someone is speaking to you, look at them and listen respectfully. 7. When going into buildings, allow adults to go first; open & hold the door for them. 8. Improve your manners when speaking. For example: • Never say “Yeah”. It’s “Yes” or “Yes, please.” • It’s never “Huh?” or “What?” It’s “Pardon?” or “Excuse Me?” • Instead of “Nah”, say “No” or “No, thank you.” 9. Respect differences. Life is so much more interesting because of our differences. 10. Practice good manners when you’re eating. When we nurture our plants and animals, they bloom and grow. When we display good manners, we are nurturing one another so that we can bloom and grow. The school staff appreciates the wonderful work you do at home instilling good manners in your children. Be assured that we are working hard at school to reinforce what you teach at home. Thank you. Unfortunately when we sent home the User Agreement Form for Technology, we forgot to include both signature pages - one for the students and one for the parents. Even if your child or you have signed and returned an Acceptable Use of School Technology Form, please do so again. Enclosed in this week’s packet are the correct information and forms. Read the first sheet, front and back – keep this one at home. The second sheet must be signed by your child (front side) and by the parents or guardians (back side). Please return this form to school ASAP. In order for your child to use computers at school we must have this form signed by both the child and the parent. Thank you and we apologize for the confusion. Progress reports are enclosed in this week’s packet. Please review them carefully with your child. You will have an opportunity to discuss this report with your child’s teachers at conferences next week. Please remember if you have a concern regarding your child’s progress, please consult with the appropriate teacher first. After this initial meeting, if either a teacher or parent feels like there is a need for further discussion, I am happy to be a part of a joint meeting. Thank you for following this model – I believe it most clearly supports the principles of respect, cooperation, and collaboration, which are hallmarks of Catholic schools.

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V O LU M E 9 , I SS U E 7

ODDS AND ENDS KINDERGARTEN 2010/2011

If you know anyone that might be interested in our Kindergarten for next year, please let them know that we are now accepting applications for that class. Also, our Kindergarten Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4th beginning at 7:00 pm. We also have some flyers that can be posted around town - if you frequent a local business and would be willing to post a flyer, please contact Leslie in the school office.

2009 BASKETBALL Sign-up forms are due to the office by October 15. This is an important deadline to meet since we are required to register teams by October 16 with the main CYO office. Remember late forms will be subject to a $25 late fee.

BOOK FAIR Support St. Catherine School! Buy books at our Annual Book Fair next week. The Book Fair will run Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00-4:00 pm and on Fri day from 9:00-12:00. Buy books for your student’s classroom (Teacher’s wish List books will be available) and/or books for your home! Books make great Gifts - start your Christmas shopping early!

HOLIDAY WREATHS and POINSETTIAS For the 5th consecutive year, the St. Catherine circle of the Association for Catholic Childhood (ACC) will be selling fresh, locally grown 22" mixed Noble Fir wreaths for $20. And new this year we will also be offering locally grown, stunning, florist quality red poinsettias, sleeved in festive metallic Mylar wrap, in two sizes. All profits from this sale go directly to the charitable children's organizations that ACC supports. Order for yourself, family and friends. Your wreaths and poinsettias will be delivered right here to the school on Monday, Nov. 23rd, just days before Thanksgiving. For an additional charge wreaths can be delivered via UPS. Look for order forms in today’s communication envelope, and attached to the electronic version of the newsletter as well. Order forms will be due back to the school office by November2nd. We would like to extend a big thank you to the whole St. Catherine Community for supporting our wreath sale, and making it a bigger success each year. Because of your support we were able to donate just under $5,000 to local children's charities last year, at a time when they need it more than ever.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT Dartmoor School has after-school spots available for the fall! Dartmoor offers one-on-one tutoring and supplemental instruction in all subject areas, from early literacy skills to advanced math. Classes are fully customized for each student based on initial assessments and individual goals, and can also include instruction and support in study skills, organization, and executive functioning skills. Dartmoor School is fully accredited and has extensive experience working with students of all learning styles and challenges. Please call (206) 522-8311 or go to www.dartmoor.org for additional information.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING Any parent volunteering with students (i.e. field trip drivers, classroom assistance, etc.) must complete Safe Environment training. The next class will be held at Assumption Parish the night of Oct. 22nd. To register go to http://www.seattle.setanet.org/classes.php . Questions? Contact Chris Burr in the school office.

C O N N EC TI O N S

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ODDS AND ENDS Geography Club Our next meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 20th, 3:10-4:00 pm in the old music room (basement of Benincasa center). If you are in grades 3-8 and are interested in geography, please join us! We meet on the first and third Tuesdays every month. The Geography Club is separate from the Geography Bee (you can do both but you don’t have to!) Questions? Ask Mrs. Bartlett or Señora Hevia

Speech Team - for Grades 6, 7 and 8 Meets every Tuesday morning from 8:00-9:00 am in the church basement. Questions? Contact Katri Noid at [email protected] .

Sparrow Club Join us!! We will be having our next meeting this Friday, October 16, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Catherine Cafeteria. Sparrow Club welcomes EVERY student and meets every Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. . Please contact me at anytime if you have any questions regarding Sparrow Clubs USA and our St. Catherine Club! Nicole Howard (206)491-2689, or [email protected]

PTO NEWS YEE HAW!!! It’s Harvest Festival time! Saturday, November 14th @ 6PM in Victoria Hall. Join PTO and Sparrow Club for a night of family fun for everyone. Gallop on over and enjoy music, games, cakewalk, food and drink. Dunk your favorite Student Council Officer in the dunk tank! Participate in the first ever Class Chili Cook-Off! More information is in your communication envelope. All proceeds go directly to our Sparrow family. Contact Katie Fleming [email protected] if you have questions or if you want to help.

Monday night special at the Northgate RAM. Kids under 12 eat for $1 with the purchase of an adult meal. So bring your children and your RAM scrip cards, enjoy a good meal and support St Catherine School. Thinking of that great gift for your Fall sports coaches? How about an REI, Amazon, Lowe’s or Buca di Beppo gift cards? Please find the Regular Scrip Order Form in your envelope.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS If you would like to purchase the book that was sent home to you, please send in payment as soon as possible. If you do not want to purchase the book, please send it back to the office. Thanks so much!

St. Catherine INCLUDED IN YOUR ENVELOPE TODAY School • Progress Reports 8524 Eighth Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115 Phone: 206-525-0581 Fax: 206-985-0253 Email: [email protected] www.stcatherineschool.net

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Harvest Festival Flyer Chili Cook-Off Flyer Early Masters Art School Flyer (Grades 3-7) Technology Acceptable Use Consent Form (sign both sides and return) Immunization Form (if your child is missing immunizations)

Developing Competence, Conscience, and Compassion

M A R K YO U R C A L E N DA R S Auction Kick-off meeting

Thurs. 10/15

Taproot Theatre - K-5 will see Alexander

Fri. 10/16

K-5 8:45 am Victoria Hall 6-8 10:15 am

Sparrow Club meeting - meets every Friday morning before school

Fri. 10/16

8:00 am cafeteria

Salmon Dinner

Sat. 10/17

6:00 pm Victoria Hall

Dress Up as your Favorite Book Character Day

Tues. 10/20

Speech Team for Grades 6, 7 and 8 -

Tues. 10/20

and the Dragon, Grades 6-8 will see The New Girl - Parents welcome to attend!

7:00-9:00 pm Victoria Hall

8:00 am Church

meets every Tuesday morning

basement

Geography Club for Grades 3-8

Tues. 10/20

3:10-4:00 pm Benincasa center basement

Book Fair - St. Catherine School earns 20%

Weds. 10/21Fri. 10/23

Weds. 8-4 pm cafeteria Thurs. 8-4 pm Fri. 9-12 pm

from every purchase! Sponsored by Secret Garden Bookshop

NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher conferences

Thurs. 10/22 Fri. 10/23

classrooms

Halloween Assembly

Fri. 10/30

1:30 pm Victoria Hall

Kindergarten Open House

Weds. 11/4

7:00 pm

NO SCHOOL - Veteran’s Day

Weds. 11/11