March 4, 2010

Dear parents,

My computer had a virus for a couple of days and it has taught me just how dependent on this little silver tyrant I am.Mrs. Lester, our resident genius, finally showed the tyrant who's boss, and I am back in the loop.

We'll all be wearing the green in a couple of weeks since St. Patrick's Day is near.On this day the Rochez Academy Irish Dancers will treat us to a performance at 9:15.Parents are welcome to attend the show in our school gym.

Speaking of the Irish, Sydney Klyczek traveled to Kilarney, Ireland to compete in the 2010 All Ireland Irish Dance Championships.This is the second largest and most important Irish dance competition in the world.Sydney competed against 170 girls in her 11 & 12 age group and won. She can now claim the title of 2010 All Ireland Champion for Girls 11 & 12.Sydney is one of only three American girls who were crowned champions.What an accomplishment!

Our seventh graders traveled to St. Leo's today for high school recruitment fair.Ms. Amato accompanied them and they learned more about intelligent choices for schools after Ss. Peter & Paul.On Saturday, March 6, from 9:00 – noon, there is a free practice entrance exam for seventh grade boys at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.I apologize for the short notice; please call 874-4953 to register.You may also e-mail at pkennedy@sjci.com to reserve a spot.

Likewise, Canisius will also hold its annual practice exam for seventh grade boys. The exam allows the boys to become familiar with the format of the test in a non-intimidating fashion.The results are merely informational and are not factored into any application submitted during the eighth grade.Please call 882-0466 x204 to reserve a spot for Canisius.This exam begins at 9:00 and the check in is at 8:45.The exam is also free and a snack will be provided.You may also email at weislo@canisiushigh.org.Our seventh grade boys were informed about the exams on Wednesday.

Recently, Adam Schuh was informed that he has been accepted as a student for next year at Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts.Congratulations, Adam!

Tuesday's Buffalo News had a photo display of the twenty finalists who will travel to the Historical Society this weekend for the finals of the Buffalo News Spelling Bee.Good luck to Billy Erdman who will attempt to become champion.

To the members of our Educational Advisory Board, please note that there is a change of meeting date.Our meeting has been moved to March 24^th, in the Neuman Room, at 7:00.

I would also like to remind you that there is school on March 19; our staff development has moved to March 22.There will be no school for students on this day.

Speaking of calendar changes, the Home School Board Meeting scheduled for March 30^th at 7:00 P.m. has been changed to 2:15 p.m. in the parish library.

If you reside outside of the Williamsville District, you must apply in writing to your particular school district prior to April 1, 2010.If this request is not filed by then, your transportation next year could be denied.You will receive the proper forms in today's folder.Do not mail them to the school; send them directly to your district's transportation office.

I would like to congratulate Mrs. Madeline Simons, our cafeteria manager, who recently completed the ServSafe Course.This is a nationally sponsored course on the safe handling of food and sanitation practices.Madeline earned a 93 on the final exam, the second highest grade in the class!

I would also like to thank Laura Galvin and her crew of moms who served the most fantastic Teacher Treat of the Month on Monday.All of you who donated really outdid yourselves.It was absolutely the best ever!

Last but not least, God bless our talented photographer in residence, Gregg Mojica, who raised $106 during Catholic Schools Week by taking student photos and turning them into delightful buttons that our students may wear during the day.Thank you, Gregg.

Have a great weekend with your family.

Sincerely,

Marianne Maines

"When we cease to cling to our own expectations and conclusions and begin to flow with life, then we begin to let God's life live in us."(Paul Coutinho, Just As You Are)