Sister Cathe's Page
July, 2010
Dear Parents,
“Go
and set the world on fire…”
St. Ignatius
It is
with passion and zeal that I begin with a very grateful heart to welcome you
to a new school year. As we
embark on the 2010 – 2011 journey, I thank God for the opportunity to come
together as community … filled with enthusiasm, which is a sign of God’s
presence among us. Because we
are one family, one heart, one faith, St. Helena School is indeed “Holy
Ground”. What makes SHS so is
the presence of each of you:
Children, teachers, parents.
When we are in one another’s presence, we are indeed in the Presence of God
and God’s presence is Holy!
Together we have worked hard to create this family rooted in Jesus’ name and
so in one voice let us say “Thank You” with our hearts filled with love for
our God and for one another as we gather together for a wonderful school
year.
During June and July,
there has been much activity at school.
Ceiling mounted projectors have been installed in the Kindergarten
through Grade Eight classrooms – shortly, new computers will be hard wired
in each teacher’s room. The
Computer lab has thirty brand new computers with Microsoft 10 as the
operating system – the computers going into the classrooms for the teachers
are Microsoft Vista. New rubber
mulch has been placed in the Pre K playground.
The Pre K rooms and hallways have been freshly painted.
Painting and general cleaning is currently happening in the main
school building. Can you understand
why I so often mention that we are blessed?
There is no question that St. Helena certainly is about the work of
our loving God!
I am happy to present our faculty for this
year:
Mrs.
Janet Gallo – Pre K threes
Miss
Katy Bauer – Teacher Aid
Mrs.
Barbara FitzPatrick –Pre K fours
Mrs.
Mary Reeves– Teacher Aid
Mrs.
Theresa Poulos – Pre K fours
Mr.
Stephen Smith – Teacher Aid
Kindergarten –
Mrs. Sara Rinelli
Kindergarten –
Mrs. Edie Woods
Grade 1 -
Miss Denise Britt
Grade 1 –Mrs.
Robin Melvin
Grade 2 -
Mrs.
Grade 2 –
Mrs. Maria McLaughlin
Grade 3 –
Mrs. Paula Purcell
Grade 3 –
Mrs. Amy Kennedy
Grade 4 -
Mrs. Lori Venezia
Grade 4 -
Mrs. Kittie Ryan
Grade 5 -
Mrs. Susan Harbaugh
Grade 5 -
Mrs. Janet Smith
Grade 6 –
Mrs. Colette Dougherty (Math 7,
8; ILA 6, 8)
Grade 6 -
Mrs. Kathy Bonner (Math 6, 7, 8;
ILA 6)
Grade 7 –Mrs.
Denise R. Britt (Social Studies 7,8; Science 6,7)
Grade 7 -
Mrs.
Grade 8 -
Mrs. Rene Ryan (Science 6,8; ILA
7, Religion 8)
Grade 8 -
Mrs. Bernadette Travers (ILA 8;
Social Studies 6, 8, Religion 7)
Mrs.
Susan Linaugh (Study Skills 6, 7,
8; Honors Math 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Mr.
George Gillin – Computer (K-8);
Current Events (7, 8)
Mrs.
Maria Sturla– Spanish (5-8)
Mrs.
Kathy Krumenacker– Physical
Education
Mrs.
Nancy Manno - Library
Mrs.
Jennifer Lau –General Music,
Chorus, Choir
Mrs.
Jacqueline Hoy – Dance; Voice and
Piano Lessons
Mr.
Patrick O’Shea - Drums
Mr.
Ed Stimpson – Instrumental Music
Lessons, Beginners Band, Advanced Band and Jazz Band
Mrs.
You have my word that each member of our faculty
will do their very best to develop each child’s God given potential.
While reverencing the gift of each child, we hope to help them cultivate
their talents and challenge their abilities that they may become their best
self!
I’d like to take this opportunity to formally
welcome our newest faculty member to the St. Helena Community, Lori Venezia.
Lori comes to us with eighteen years of
teaching experience and OUTSTANDING recommendations.
Lori is quite familiar with SHS as her daughter Samantha, entering fifth
grade, has been here since kindergarten.
As she begins her ministry at St. Helena, I know each of you will warmly
welcome her. Let’s together offer
our prayer of gratitude for our entire dedicated faculty!
On Monday, August 24, our
faculty will be gathering for our first In-service day.
We are quite fortunate to have as our main presenter, Sister Marie
Michele, RSM. She will be working
with the faculty on developing spirituality – based on their summer reading,
The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything:
A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, SJ.
To facilitate
communications, we have set up a new email address:
officemail@sainthelenaschool.org. Coming soon via email will be your family
information form. Directions regarding this form will be in that email.
We would kindly ask that you respond with necessary corrections no later
than August 15, 2010. If no changes
are required, no response is needed.
That way, we will be able to make any changes, prepare the directory and
have it ready to distribute by Back to School Night.
This will also facilitate our database for all school communications.
Our “Back to School Night”
will be held on September 20th.
We invite our new families to
arrive at 5:45 PM that night. The
Home and School Association will have a special welcome for you.
We ask that everyone else arrive at 6:45 PM.
This is a very full evening, it is important for everyone to be on time
so that the evening will run smoothly.
Please mark your calendar now so each child will be represented at this
important meeting.
Opening
School Information
On the first day of school,
the children in Grades 1 through 8 will meet in the schoolyard as usual at 8:15
AM. They will then proceed with
last year’s teacher. Once assembled
in the classroom, they will be directed to their new teacher.
New children to our school
(Grades 1 – 8) need to come inside to the office and will be directed to their
respective homerooms.
Wednesday – September 8
Students
in Grades 5 - 8 Report: Regular
3:00 P.M. Dismissal
In-service for Teachers:
Grades Pre K - 4
Thursday - September 9
Students
in Grades 1 – 4 Report:
Regular 3:00 P.M. Dismissal
In-service for Teachers: Grades 5 –
8
**Kindergarten Orientation 10:00 – 11:00 A. M.
Friday—September 10
Grades 1
- 8 Report to School: Noon
Dismissal
**Kindergarten Orientation 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Monday—September 13
Pre-K Orientation for
Parents and Children at 9:30 A.M.
First
day of school for all Kindergarten children as well as students in Grades 1 – 8.
The CARES Program, (our
extended day program), will begin this afternoon: 3:00 - 6:00.
For those families who have registered for CARES, a letter will follow
with more information. Anyone who
wishes to register for CARES may do so by calling Sister Cathe at the school
office.
Pre K 3 – 9:00 – 11:30
Pre K 4:
9:00 – 2:30
Pre K 4 is eligible to
attend CARES from 3:00 – 6:00
**All
Pre-school and Kindergarten parents will receive further information
regarding Orientation. This will be
e-mailed under separate cover, directly from the Kindergarten and Pre-school
teachers.
Back to School Night
5:45 New
parents to the school (School Library- Pre K through Grade 8)
6:45
Start time for all parents (Recreation Center – Pre K through Grade 8)
9:00 -
Opening liturgy and celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
This liturgy is annual
“Blessing of School Bag Liturgy” for K through 8th and their families and
friends. September 24 is also the
Feast of Our Lady of Mercy so we will celebrate Mercy Day at this Liturgy.
It will also be an opportunity for our school children to have a special
birthday celebration for Father Nicolo.
Please plan to join us for this liturgy.
We will place our dreams and desires before God and ask God’s favor on
our school year and parish community.
All Pre-school families
will be given explicit direction regarding drop off and pick up of pre-school
children.
Children in Pre K, Kindergarten and First Grade
need to wear a name-tag with their means of transportation for the first two
weeks of school. This is a huge
help for everyone.
The children in Grades K
through Eight are expected in the front schoolyard each day no later than 8:15
A.M.
For children (K – 8)
arriving by private car we ask that those children be dropped off on the top
parking lot and that the cars exit immediately – the children will then proceed
to the lower level lot. Because
safety is a primary concern for our students, we ask that everyone cooperate
with this plan. Also, it is
extremely important that children coming by private cars arrive on time.
Please take into consideration the amount of morning traffic when making
plans. If a child is not with their
class when we say the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:15 they will be marked late for
school.
Our yearly calendar is on
the web-site:
www.sainthelenaschool.org.
Click on “calendar” on the left hand side of the page.
Double click the month you would like to view.
Each month it is important that you review the calendar so you are aware
of any updates, busing information for early dismissal days, and school
happenings. Continuing our commitment to save trees, we will communicate via
email throughout the year.
Individual teachers will also communicate via email as well.
It is important that each family
check email regularly so everyone is aware of school happenings.
This is the responsibility of each family.
At “Back to School Night” a
hard copy of the Parent Handbook will be distributed.
This is combined with the school directory.
The handbook is also available on line. This Handbook needs to be
thoroughly read by
each family, as the expectations
of the school will be clearly voiced in this instrument. Cell phones as well as
other electronic devices are not permitted in school.
This is for each child’s protection and we ask
everyone to comply with this regulation.
I ask your help in making sure your child/children follow all school
directives.
Pre-school children will
wear play clothes to school each day.
All children (grades K – 8) will begin to wear their school uniforms on
their first day of school. The children may wear the summer uniform to Oct. 18,
and then from April 26 to June 16.
It is important to remember that school shoes are not an option.
Tan Bucks by Skechers or Bass Bucks (depending on size) is the regulation
shoe. A school sweater is part of
the winter uniform and needs to be worn each day the winter uniform is worn.
Please make sure that all items of clothing are clearly marked with the
child’s name. The dress code policy
will be strictly enforced.
If you have any questions,
or if I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at the
School Office, (610-279-3345) or the Convent, (610-272-1383).
Enjoy these remaining
summer days. Be assured that I am
daily asking our God, our loving Parent; Jesus, our Friend and Companion; and
the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with love; to bless and protect you and your
family. God’s abundant blessings!
Sister Cathe Shoulberg, RSM
Principal
After 27 glorious years at St. Helena School - we say "Good-bye" to Mrs. Marie McMahon. A small Above: Sharing of pictures from Mrs. McMahon Day
celebrated on May 27, 2010
Kindergarten and Science
Mrs. Wood's class under the direction of Mrs. KC Cahill doing science experiments! What they have learned this year is totally amazing!
Earth Day 2010
The above children were the winners of the "Earth Day" Art and Poetry competition sponsored by Whitpain Township.
The following is the First Place Fourth Grade winning poem by Christian Persichetti
Wonderful Earth
look outside, is it green?
We need to all keep it clean.
pick up some trash and plant a tree
and help to preserve our sea.
We all love the earth, Mother nature gave it birth. What would happen if spring flowers didn't really have any powers?
they wouldn't be able to grow and bloom, they would wilt, I assume.
Wow, how we love this wonderful planet, we really need to take care of it.
imagine if our land was always clean, and people didn't cut down trees and didn't pollute, if you please.
It is fun playing in the sun, and also swimming in the ocean. Our animals need to survive and plants and trees need to thrive. So, keep the earth pretty and it will be a lot better, you will see.
Fifth Grade First Place Winning Poem by Gavin Giampalmi
Keep the Earth Clean
A waterfall flows down and around
Plants grow in the forest and make a great sight
Moving water makes a wonderful sound, this is our earth, let's keep it right.
Our earth is a wonderful place
Full of beauty and light
Don't ruin it with waste
Keep it glorious and bright
Wind and water are part of the earth.
Birds fly through the air so sleek
Fish swim in schools; they're not so meek
All so pure like a newborn baby at birth,
Earth Day is about loving and caring
For all the beauty around
Earth Day is about protecting and sharing
The beauty that we found.
Congratulations to all of our SHS winners!
This week we were notified that one of our very Teachers, Mrs. Kittie Ryan, had been nominated by one of her students for the “Phillies – All Star Teachers”. Kittie was chosen as an “Honorable Mention” – her name is on the Phillies Web Site. Included in this week’s column is the essay nominating her. There were over fifteen hundred entries for this competition. We certainly know that Kittie is indeed a “star” and we are grateful for all that she is and gives to her students! Congratulations, Kittie! Here is the winning essay written and submitted by Buddy Hansen, one of Mrs. Ryan’s students!
My name is Buddy Hansen and I am in the fourth grade at St. Helena’s School in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. I would like to nominate my teacher, Mrs. Kittie Ryan, for the Favorite Teacher Award. When I saw the contest in the newspaper, right away, I thought of my teacher Mrs. Ryan. My fourth grade has been awesome because of her. Mrs. Ryan has been able to teach me in a different way from my other teachers. She has taught me to believe in myself. I never had the confidence to read out loud in the classroom. I was not one of the kids who would raise their hand in class because I was afraid I did not know the answer or would not read as well as my classmates. Mrs. Ryan has not only taught me, but all the kids in my class that it is important to believe in ourselves. As fun as Mrs. Ryan makes our time in school she still pushes us to work hard in the classroom. It is not just about the books and worksheets. We do fun projects, like hatching chicks, the re-enactment of the American revolutionary war and my favorite, the A-Z project.
I feel that Mrs. Ryan cares about me. She wants me to do well in school and is happy when I take a chance on something new, even if I don’t do well. I never believed that I was a good student and did not know how well I could do in school. Mrs. Ryan has taught me how to be a good student and I have so much fun learning in her class. This fourth grade year has been so good for me and I really want Mrs. Ryan to know that she is a big part of it. I know she tells me that it is “all me working hard”, but I know that she is the reason why I want to work hard in school.
We are very proud of all that Mrs. Ryan accomplishes with her students each and every day. We ask that God will continue to bless her with continued life giving enthusiasm!
SHS Super Heros
Kindergarten Registration
Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19
When you come to register, you will need
1. Baptismal Certificate
2. Updated Immunizations
3. $100.00 non refundable Registration Fee
4. If you are a new family to the school, you need to pay the first month's tuition. This is non-refundable.
2010 - 2011 Tuition Pre K
3 year old: $270.00 per month based on ten months
4 year old: $480.00 per month
Pre K 3 children need to be three by September 15, 2010
Pre K 4 children need to be four by September 15, 2010
2010 - 2011 Tuition Kindergarten through Grade 8
Parishioner
1 child - $3,275
2 children - $5,250
3 children - $6,475
4 children - $7,500
Non-Parishioner, Grades K to 8 - $4,625.00 per child
Fees continue to be $325.00 per child -
these fees cover Text Books, Building Maintenance, Technology
https://ecashierk12.factstuition.com/ecashierk12/Controller?&query=08484/19422
The above link will take you to FACTS: the collection company we use for tuition for Grades K through 8.
Pre K does NOT use FACTS
These students have been chosen to go on to the final judging for the Archdiocesan Art Contest.
KW Alaina McVeigh; 1B Lily Stack; 2M Jessica Blackney; 3P Ciara Boye
4M Lauren Fortescue; 5S Gavin Giamplami; 6B Rachel Koller
7B Olivia Celoni; 8R Amedeo DeLuca
Honorable Mention
These students are “Honorable Mentions” and have work hanging in the Art Room at SHS
KW Andrew Kelly; KR Joey Young; KR Nicholas Jackson; 1R Joseph Nicoletti
1R Chloe Routt; 1B Liam Dougherty; 1B Hugh Fitzpatrick; 2M Miranda O’Mally
KW Rachel Dextader; 2M Ciaran Scott;;2K Jessica Gallo; 2K Grace Morrow
3P Maddie Nakelski; 3P Max Hansen; 3K Krista Kushnerik; 3K Kyle Kane
4M Mary Bushner; 4M Sara Nicolleti; 4R Julia McLaughlin; 4R Ella Ward
5S Anna Blackney; 5S Caitlin FitzPatrick;5H Maddie Averasa; 5H Marina Sturla
6B Sam DeLuca; 6B Richard Fusco; 6D Julianna Corino; 6D Erin Brophy
7B Patrick McInerney; 7B Jessica McManess; 7G Audrey Sorber; 7G Taylor Pickell
8R Francesca Boscaino/Cassie O’Brien; 8R Andrew Matula; 8T Shannon Brown; 8T Michele Doheney
The theme for the contest this year was centered on "The Year of the Priest."The artists from SHS, along with the volunteers for Art Express, worked very hard on these projects. Please stop by school to see the work proudly displayed n the halls and the cafeteria.
4th Grade collecting clothing for Project Home
John Shapiro on Channel 6 Action News Super Hero Day
Science Olympiad
Student Council Elections
President: Ricky Lunney
Vice President: Luke Judy
Secretary: Cassie O'Brien
Treasurer: Stephanie Pizzirani
Representative: Erin Shay
Representative: Michael Kurkowski
Class Representatives
7B - Patrick Bampfield
7G - Lauren Dempsey
6B - Ryan Schutta
6D - Charlie Lunney
5H - Megan Pollick, Tony Rosato
5S - Caitlyn FitzPatrick - JP Berg
4 M - Lauren Fortescue
4R - Corinne Huber
Congratulations to these exceptional leaders! And a word of special thanks to all who put themselves forward to run for Student Government!
Cost for CARES
Five days per week: $250.00 per month per child
$425.00 per month per two children
$475.00 per month for three children
$500.00 per month for four or more children
Per day: $20.00 for one child
$30.00 for two children
Noon Dismissal Days: $25.00 for one child
$40.00 for two or more children
If a child is picked up after the 6:00 PM closing a $20.00 per child late fee is charged. This fee is due at the time of pick up.
Bus Transportation for Noon Dismissals for the 2009 - 2010 School Year
Colonial
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
|
|
|
Methacton
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3, 31 | |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
Norristown
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3 | March 31 |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
|
|
North Penn (First Student)
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3, 31 | |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hatboro Horsham |
Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3, 31 | |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
|
|
Perkiomen Valley
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3, 31 | |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
Wissahickon
District Will Provide Transportation at Noon Parents Must Provide Noon Transportation
| September 11 | |
| October 7 | |
| November 4, 25 | |
| December 2, 22 | |
| January 6 | |
| February 3 | |
| March 3, 31 | |
| April 14 | |
| May 5 | |
| June 2, 14, 15, 17 | |
Schedules for "Specials " 2009 - 2010
Spanish Schedule
Time |
Monday | Tuesday |
|
8:30 – 9:15
|
||
|
9:15 – 10:00
|
5S |
6B |
|
10:30 – 11:15
|
7G | 8R |
|
11:30 – 12:15
|
5H | 7B |
|
1:00 – 1:45
|
8T | 6D |
|
2:00 – 2:45
|
Music Schedule
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:30 – 9:15 |
Liturgy | 4 M | 8 T | 3 P | |
9:15 – 10:00 |
6-D | Liturgy | 4 R | 5 S | 1 B |
10:00 – 10:45 |
K W | ||||
10:45 – 11:30 |
2 M | 2 K | K R | 1 R | |
11:30 – 12:15 |
6 B | 7 G | 5 H | ||
12:15 – 1:15 |
|||||
1:15 – 2:00 |
3 K | 8 R | |||
2:00 – 2:45 |
7 B |
Gym Schedule
Time Monday Tuesday Thursday
|
8:30 – 9:15 |
6-B | 7-B | 6-D |
|
9:15 – 10:00 |
8-T | 7-G | 8-R |
|
10:45 – 11:30 |
2-K | 2-M | 3-K |
|
11:30 – 12:15 |
4-M | 5-H | 3-P |
|
1:15 – 2:00 |
1-R | 1 B | K-R |
|
2:00 – 2:45 |
4-R | 5 S | K-W |
Library Schedule
Time Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday
|
8:30 – 9:15
|
||||
|
9:15 – 10:00
|
1 R | 2 K | 5 S | |
|
10:00 – 10:45
|
||||
|
10:45 – 11:30
|
K W | 2 M | 1 B | K R |
|
11:30 – 12:15
|
3 K | 5 H | 4 M | 8 R |
|
1:05 – 1:50
|
3 P | 7 B | 7 G | |
|
1:50 – 2:35
|
6 B | 6 D | 4 R | 8 T |
Computer Schedule
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
|
8:30 – 9:15
|
XXX |
8 R | 5 H | 4 M | |
|
9:15 – 10:00
|
3 K |
XXX |
K R | 7 B | 4 R |
|
10:00 – 10:45 |
|
||||
|
10:45 – 11:30 |
3 P | 8 T | 7 G | 2 M | 6 B |
|
11:30 – 12:15 |
1 B | 2 K | K W | 6 D | |
|
1:15 – 2:00
|
1 R | ||||
|
2:00 – 2:45
|
5 S |
I