September 30, 2008

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our first month of school is drawing to a close. Our opening days went very smoothly and I thank you for your kind cooperation with our faculty and staff in making everything work so well.

Room parents will be meeting on Wednesday evening, October 1st in Meehan Hall at 6:30 PM. In addition to their role in coordinating social events with the teachers, they play a key role in our school in facilitating communication between home and school in the event of an emergency dismissal. Please be certain that we have your current daytime telephone numbers and alternate people to contact in the event that we are unable to reach you.

Thursday, October 2nd was to have been our second school liturgy, the memorial of the Guardian Angels at 9:00 a.m. This liturgy has been cancelled as there is very large funeral Mass at 10:00 AM .There would not be enough time to properly prepare the church as our school liturgy would not be out before 9:45 am. The funeral Mass is for Lois Reilly whose husband Joseph, serves on our School Advisory Board. Their three daughters, Ann, Maureen and Emily are all ICS alumnae. Please keep them in your prayers at this difficult time.

Our November Mass of Thanksgiving on the 25th will be the first time Pre-School, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade 1 will be going to church with their Mass partners. Students in grades 6-8 are paired with a younger student whom they assist in participating respectfully at Mass. Please join us in prayer all are welcome!

There will be a Blessing of the Animals at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 5th in the Upper parking lot. All are welcome.

Our ICS band program begins on Tuesday, October 7th after school. Information is being sent home with all students who have registered with Paul Effman Music Company. Lessons are held in Meehan Hall.

Our school chorus will begin meeting on Wednesdays in October after school with Mrs. Al-Agahawani. Information will be sent home with all students in grades 3-8. We look forward to hearing them sing at our Mass in November for the first time.

Students in grades 6-8 who will be part of our new Cheerleading program are reminded to have registration materials completed by October 8th. Practices will be held on Fridays after school from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in MH beginning in mid-November. I offer my thanks to Mrs. Laurie Chalmers and Mrs. Karen Rivet for volunteering their time and talents to make this happen in time for Basketball season.

There is no school on Monday, October 13th in observance of Columbus Day. We hope you all enjoy a restful long weekend.

Our first Open House for Prospective Parents will be held at 8:30 am on Tuesday, October 21st beginning at the Convent School. Please encourage family, friends, neighbors, co-workers who may be interested in ICS to call Mrs. Goliger, 508-460-3405 to register for the tour or for more information. Please help to spread the good news about our school!

Students in grades 2-8 will be taking the CTB Terra Nova tests mandated by the Archdiocese during the week of October 20-24. Please be certain your child is well rested and has a nutritious breakfast as both of these factors have been shown to influence test taking. Results are usually available to parents in January.

The ICS Golf Tournament is set for October 27 at Marlborough Country Club. We are hoping for beautiful weather and a great turn out. It is not too late to join me, Father Michael, Father David and many other ICS supporters on the links or at dinner. Details are available on our web site, www.icschool.net

Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday, October 28th.

Students will be having age appropriate Halloween social activities on October 31st. Please watch backpack mail and email for specific details and requests.

October is the month of the Most Holy Rosary and our classrooms will include this beautiful prayer throughout the month. We encourage you to pray the Rosary at home with your family as well.


Sincerely in Christ,

Mrs. Martha M. McCook, Principal