An Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Welch Drive, Forestville, CT 06010 (860) 583-5214
From the Desk of Sister Christina
October 2011
A Prayer For Autumn Days
Joyce Rupp
God of the Seasons, there is a time for everything: there is a time for dying and a time for rising. We need courage to enter into the transformation process.
God of Autumn, the trees are saying good-bye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so.
God of fallen leaves lying in color patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our growth, may we learn from them.
God of misty days and harvest moons, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives. We always need to recognize your power-filled presence. May we gain strength from this.
God of harvest wagons and fields of ripen grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender. We must wait for harvest in faith and hope. Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.
God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future. We yearn for insight and vision.
God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.
God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life. For all this, we are grateful. Protect us as we travel this day. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SMS STUDENT COUNCIL AND
CLASS
REPRESENTATIVESFOR 2011-2012
The Student Council was commissioned at our 9:30 AM School Mass on October 7, 2011.
50th Anniversary Mass
On Sunday October 23, 2011 at 2:00 PM we will have our 50th Anniversary Mass. Archbishop Mansell will be the principal celebrant. This will count as fulfilling your Sunday obligation. We are planning to have all our students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 participate in this special Mass by representing our school in an entrance and recessional procession. The students will sit with their class and teacher during that Mass. Light refreshments will follow in the gym.
Uniforms
The change from spring/summer uniforms to fall/winter uniforms usually happens with the time change. The time change happens in November. While we are still wearing our spring/summer uniforms and the weather is starting to become cooler, please know that it is permissible for students to wear their fall/winter uniforms on cool days. All students will wear their winter uniforms starting Monday October 17th, this includes gym uniforms.
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR SMS - for participation in the Mum Parade!
Congratulations and appreciation is extended to Joe and Theresa Guerin, Dave and Kristin Aldieri, Jeff and Chris Badal, Pat Collins, Nancy Hiltbrand, Brian and Sherry Lockhart, John and Barbara Stellon, and Scott Thibodeau for building the school float.
Appreciation is extended to Dan Laprise for the use of his flatbed and Rob Hiltbrand for the use of his garage to build the float. The school float won 3rd place for Best Youth.
A second round of applause is extended to our cheerleaders for their excellent performance. Thank you Mrs. Ricci, Miss Ricci, Mrs. Gaudoin, Donna Cully and Alex Procko. Your time, energy, and interest in preparing our cheerleaders in greatly appreciated.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Special thanks to all those who volunteered to help us with the weekly communication envelope, with computer class, library class, hot lunch and our “Tech” Team. Your presence among us is gift! Each year at the HOPES dinner (Help Our Parish Elementary Schools) sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools, volunteers from each school are honored for their dedicated and generous sharing of their time, treasure, and talent in support of Catholic Education and serving in our parish. Much appreciation goes to: Mrs. Tina Posten
Report Cards
Report cards will be given out on Tuesday November 8th. Report Card conferences will be on Wednesday November 9th and Thursday November 10th. We will have a 12:30 PM dismissal on both days. Conference times with the teachers will happen on both days. These forms will be sent home mid-October.
Winter Weather and School Closings
Saint Matthew School follows the “NO SCHOOL’ radio announcements for the Bristol Public Schools. In case of inclement weather, please listen to WTIC 1080 AM or watch WVIT Channel 30. We usually have a 90 minute delay. PreK please refer to your handbooks for start times on such days.
Early dismissal, due to bad weather, is determined by the Bristol Public School System and is usually 12:30.
God Bless,
Sr. Christina Joseph,
I.H.M.