From The Principal's Desk : : : May 2009
Dear
Parents,
How
can I possibly be writing a May newsletter? Time
must surely be relative. How else could I explain
that one moment I feel that I have just welcomed
the children back to school, and the next I feel
like they have been a part of my heart always? May
would seem the perfect month for reflection on the
passage of time, except that the events of May crowd
out the hours available for such activity!
The
milestones of May are many and varied. Your calendars
will be loaded with them, and I look forward to
sharing them with you. Fittingly, our first event
in May is our May Crowning Mass, which includes
the Ribbon Ceremony. Marking the beginning of their
last month with us, our eighth graders crown our
Blessed Mother. In a school honoring Mary, what
could be more fitting? This year, Lauren Janek,
assisted by Elizabeth Murray, has the honor of crowning
Mary. Our entire eighth grade class will also receive
their graduation ribbons. Please plan on joining
us for Mass on Friday, May 1st, to witness this
moving celebration of Mass, of our Mother Mary,
and of our truly impressive Class of ’09.
The
very next day, our second graders receive the Blessed
Sacrament for the first time. Divided into two Masses,
please stop and say a prayer for these children
at both 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, May
2nd. While they will be embraced by the entire parish
family at their initial reception of Eucharist,
they will celebrate in a special way with their
school family at a Mass on Monday, May 4th at 9:00
A.M. We would be so pleased to welcome you to that
special Mass, too.
Is
everyone ready for Sloppy Joe Day? I have a sense
that what I have heard will not truly prepare me
for the experience. I can’t wait to share
with you all the excitement, the fun, and the camaraderie
of that day, which is May 15th. Don’t neglect
to mark your home calendars for this fabulous annual
event.
One
of our last days of May is the one our eighth graders
have been anticipating for the last nine years.
Graduation, scheduled for May 28th, is the culmination
of all that these wonderful students have been working
toward since they were little more than toddlers.
As the faculty and I approach this date, we are
increasingly in contact with the officials of the
high schools which our students will attend. I cannot
tell you with what great anticipation these professionals
look forward to the inclusion of our graduates in
their schools. Over and over, I hear how well-prepared
OLP students are. Additionally, I am assured that
these children swell the ranks of student leaders
in each school. When Mrs. Calabria and the HSA chose
“Leading the Way” as our Walk-a-thon
theme, perhaps they did not realize how truly they
spoke. Our students leave these halls leading the
way in academics, leadership, and faith. What we
offer here is not merely education, but foundation.
Our students have the four R’s (Religion,
Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic) nailed,
but life calls us to be so much more prepared! To
approach the world ready to lead, ready to put faith
in action, and ready to use education for the betterment
of humankind is truly the hallmark of an OLP education.
The contributions these young people will make cannot
be overstated. They represent the best of the future
of our country and our Church, and I, for one, will
be happy to pass the torch along to them. Thank
you for allowing me to be some small part of their
lives.
As
the school year winds down, and we rush headlong
toward its conclusion, take the time to share the
wonder and awe. Marvel at the physical growth of
your child, evidenced by the need for an entirely
new wardrobe since September. Reflect on how much
more knowledge your child possesses. Study that
precious face for the traces of a toddler who was
just there moments ago. And, lastly, thank God for
the opportunity to share in this greatest wonder
of the world; the breathtaking life of a child.
Fondly,
Mrs.
Mickey Tovey
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