September 2005 Newsletter Joanne F. Gannon, Principal James T. Ferdella, Asst. Principal

Calendar

Our New Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Brunell left us at the end of the summer when he accepted a position at a public school. We wish him well.

This year we have contracted with Young World Physical Education Program from Quincy, MA. They have sent us Mrs. Sally Mansoor from Worcester. She is a graduate of Bridgewater State College. She will be teaching physical education on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is also teaching at Venerini Academy this year. Many other Catholic schools use the services of Young World.

When Mrs. Mansoor is absent Young World will send a substitute, if at all possible. Mrs. Mansoor will begin this Tuesday, September 13. We began our school year with a substitute for physical education. His name was Mr. Richard Picucci. He is a retired physical education teacher with over 30 years of teaching.

Academic Excellence

I received a call last week from St. John’s High School. I was informed that eight incoming freshman students received the headmaster’s scholarship. Three of these scholarships were awarded to St. Mary School graduates. We had the most awards given to any one school this year. We are proud of all of our graduates!

Service to Others

Thursday, September 8 we celebrated our first school Mass. It was the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our students collected over $2800.00 for the victims of hurricane Katrina. The money will be sent to the Red Cross.

This past weekend all of the churches in the Worcester Diocese had a second collection for the victims of hurricane Katrina as well. These donations will be sent to Catholic Charities.

Fr. Mike has been in touch with a parish family who has asked for our help. We will buddy up with a parish with a school in Mississippi. The pastor in Mississippi is related to the family in our parish. The parish and school do not have damage, but some of their families who attend the school have been affected by the hurricane. The first thing they have asked for are cards and notes for the children in the school. Our classes will make and send cards in the next week. Fr. Mike will continue to be in touch and let us know any future needs of this parish/school.

Forever in our Hearts

The Parents’ Association is having a Mass said for Ryan Stevens on Sunday, October 9th at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Let us pray together.

St. Mary School Cougar, our school mascot

New CORI Form

This year at curriculum night for parents, which is in the evening, Thursday, September 29 we will have a new criminal offenders record information form (CORI) for you to fill out. Anyone who wants to volunteer at anytime during the year, including coaching, field trips, classroom volunteers, office or library help, extracurricular, etc…needs to fill out the new form on the 29th.

We will have a table set up in the hall for this purpose. We will need to have a copy of your MA driver’s license as well. Anyone that does not fill out a CORI form may not be volunteers in our school. This process is for the safety of our students. Thank you for your patience and cooperation in this important matter.