Dear Families, 

This week we’ve seen the effects of all those sneaky, little germs that returned to school along with everyone else after the Christmas break! Students and teachers alike have been dealing with various ailments, so I’m glad we have a slight break on Monday to give everyone time to get  back on their feet.  It is very common for students to take a little longer to get back on track with their schedule coming off of vacation, but we’re getting there.  Over the next few weeks there will be a lot going on, so this would be a great weekend to get rested up.  

I would like to start by saying thank you for all of the families who took the time to provide feedback.  That information was extremely helpful to us.  I will be working to respond to your feedback in the coming weeks.  If you did not have the chance but would still like to share your thoughts about the school, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@sfxvt.org.  We always appreciate hearing from our families.  

I also want to remind you that Monday is parent teacher conferences.  This is an opportunity for you as parents to talk specifics about your students with the teachers.  This helps you understand what is happening and how we can work together to help your student have the best experience at Saint Francis. Progress reports went home with students this Friday, so please check those out prior to your teacher conference.  

Third is a reminder that this coming Wednesday, January 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. I will be here at school offering families a chance to stop by and complete their registration forms.  This will allow you to ask questions about specific parts of the form and I will be happy to provide support should any technical issues occur.  We are excited to have this simpler process and to help you quickly check re-registration off your to-do list.  If you have any specific questions, please feel free to let me know. 

Fourth is a reminder that the price of lunch will be increasing by 25 cents starting Tuesday of this coming week.  This slight increase will help offset the increased cost of supplies necessary to support this wonderful program.  If you have not done so, please check your balance at the My School Account website.   

My final reminder is about the approaching Catholic Schools Week.  This is the one week each year we take time to celebrate the wonderful gifts that are Catholic schools.  We will be having an number of wonderful events to celebrate our community and share what makes us special.  Keep a look out for more information about this week as we get closer.  

Have a great weekend and God Bless, 

Eric Becker

PS.  Please be sure to read the whole newsletter.  There are many important announcements from the Home and School Association, the Development Office and Sports Teams.

UPDATES:

Upcoming 2017 SFX Calcutta
Our Calcutta is fast approaching.  We are actively seeking goods and/or services for our fabulous silent auction.  So, did you get a Christmas present you would like to re-gift to the SFX Calcutta? Does your business offer a product or service that we could add to our auction?  If the answer to either of these questions is "Yes", then please contact Jane McCormick at jbmcvt5@gmail.com or call 655-2600 ext 2.    

Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the event.  What does your $100 ticket get you?

• A ball with a chance to win $1500.00
• 2 dinners
• Countless items to bid on
• Class projects
• Mystery table
• Football Pool
• Raffles

And so much more…

If you would like to reserve a room at the Hampton Inn, SFX has been given a special rate of $99.00 for the night. Please call Melissa at 318-9039 to reserve a room.

Please see Ms. Nancy sooner rather than later to purchase your ticket and get your lucky number!

Blog Post: Five great books to read with your child before kindergarten!

It’s  common knowledge that reading aloud daily to pre-school children is a vital step to help prepare them for success in school; in fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorses this habit.  In line with the AAP, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative began several years ago, promoting the development of early childhood literacy through the shared and oh-so-pleasurable task of reading aloud to a child (with some helpful print and digital logs to track progress).  Read More...

Girls on the Run 2017 at SFX
Girls on the Run at SFX in jeopardy of not having a retuning season Spring 2017.  We are in desperate need of coaches to continue our third year at SFX. If you have 1.5 to 3 hours a week to work with the girls, they would be most appreciative!  This has been such a successful program for SFX girls in grades 3,4 and 5.  We do not want to see it come to an end. With your help, we can make this season happen.  Please contact Stacey Zierak, zieraks@comcast.net, asap and follow the Register link below. Thank you for considering to help continue this inspiring program for our girls.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Home and School Monthly Committee Meeting
The next Home and School monthly committee meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 6PM.  This meeting, as always, is open to any parents of our community. Come see what plans are in store for our students for the remainder of the school year. We are always looking for new ideas and help in planning our many events. Please join us!

DONATIONS Needed - Snow pant donations needed for Pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

Rummage Sale to Benefit Saint Francis Xavier Golden Angels Baseball Team
Support our SFX Golden Angels Baseball Team on January 13th - 15th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday the 13th and 11:00 am - 3:30 pm on Sat/Sun. For a Rummage Sale that will be offering Children’s Toys, New & Seasoned Clothing, Bake Sale, Hot Soups, Sandwiches, Soft Drinks, Fresh Coffee & More Surprises! There will also be a 50-50 Raffle and a Superb Silent Auction!

If you wish to help out and get some volunteer hours, please contact Greg Clairmont at 802-343-8446.

REMINDERS:

• PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING - SFX H&S is still looking for parent volunteers for planned activities/events throughout the school year. Stop by and see Ms. Nancy for the Volunteer Signup Book!
• RETURN to LOST & FOUND - If your student has borrowed items from the lost and found please return them and make sure they are laundered!
• CHECK LOST & FOUND - Please check lost and found for lost items!
• GIRLS ON THE RUN - GOTR still need coaches!