Print Newsletter

February 10, 2012

Dear Parents,

This past Monday, I joined the faculty of St. Finn Barr and the other San Francisco schools within the CSJ network for a presentation on Catholic Moral Theology. This examination of the Catholic moral framework – while interesting in itself (more on that later) – also provided an excellent context to reflect upon Catholic Schools Week. For me, last week was a prime example of the idea that Catholic schools create a culture of goodness within that translates into goodness for all humans. By forming ourselves into a community of faith dedicated to learning (through curiosity, experimentation, reflection and growth), both children and adults accumulate rich and meaningful experiences that shape who we are and how we carry our gifts into the world (service). The multitude of experiences were very real demonstrations of the “Good News” of Catholic Schools:

• Faith: A beautiful Family Mass celebration Sunday, The Christian Scholarship Award to Martell Coleman, a lovely reception after Mass on the yard, student essays demonstrating their love and appreciation for their school, 7th grade representation of the school at the CSJ Jubilee Mass, Father Corral’s blessing over the community before the Peace Parade.
• Academics: Incredible, complex, and diverse learning on display in all classrooms, academic awards for the 2nd quarter, outstanding public speaking at Mass (kindergartners reading intercessory prayers & singing/signing in front of a full church!), fascinating and well- executed science projects and the 8th grade Science Museum, a book fair that resembled Black Friday….
• Service: Beautiful Class “Floats” celebrating service organizations for the Peace Parade, incredible modeling of service from parents, teachers, and Friends of the school to help plan and execute the week’s events.

If I could add one more theme to Catholic Schools Week, it would be community: dressing up for spirit days (even in stormy weather), chanting “St. Finn Barr!” while parading through the neighborhood, celebrating with joy the successes of award winners…Every experience at St. Finn Barr is created and celebrated in community, with a fundamental appreciation for the dignity and importance of the individual in mind.

Speaking of individuals, thank you to all of you who have worked so hard – students, parents, staff, Friends of St. Finn Barr, to building a culture of love at St. Finn Barr Catholic School.

Have a Blessed Week,

Mele Sablan

Shamrock Updates

Great News!

Honor Roll: Please refer to the 2nd quarter honor roll recipients on our home page early next week.

Book Fair: We earned over $2400 in credits for new books for our library! We’ll be updating several book sets and investing in some Spanish books to supplement our language learning in the classroom.

New life: Emmanuel Jaramillo was born on February 1st, joining Brandon (1st), Alfredo (2nd), Samantha (incoming K) and the entire Jaramillo family of sevenJ

Wish List: We quickly received the DVD player, play dough, and footballs from our last request…thanks!

Crab Feed: Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 25th from 6pm to midnight for socializing over a delicious crab dinner. Tickets are $45 and a no host bar will be open all night. This is another great opportunity to have some fun while supporting the school and parish…consider some bonuses:

- A class party for the class that sells the most tickets (by %)
- A free dress on Wednesday, March 7th for every student whose family sells 2 tickets
- Every family that sells two tickets can count the sale towards 5 volunteer hours (max of 5 hours per family)

Volunteer Opportunities:

Wish List Items: Every family can earn up to ten hours by contributing material gifts to the school. We can always use reams of computer paper, art supplies (contact the office for specifics), and recess equipment (especially nerf footballs).

Furniture removal/sale: The renovations of the science/after care room have left us with some neat vintage items (file cabinets, screens, a huge TV) that work well but we have no use for. If you are interested in moving, sharing, posting on Free-cycle, or selling these items on behalf of the school, your efforts will be much appreciated.

Journalism: Anyone interested in supporting Michael Saccone as co-moderator of the Journalism Club? They meet twice monthly on Tuesdays after school. Even if you are only able to attend once per month the supervision support would be much appreciated. Also, it’s a great way to get involved in school spirit and student learning.

St. Finn Barr Sweatshirts: These great-looking Shamrock Sweatshirts have been reduced to move…only $15!!! Please stop by the office or email Mrs. Ashton if you are interested in purchasing one. They make great gifts for alumni or St. Finn Barr sports fans.

The NED Show is coming Wednesday, February 15th at 1:45pm to the Parish Hall.
The assembly combines a solid message with yo-yos, humor and audience participation to teach students how to develop three valuable characteristics involved in becoming champions at school and in life...
Never give up (focus, persistence) Encourage others (kindness, shared learning)and
Do your best® (diligence, excellence).

For five school days following the show, we will have NED® items available for purchase in the school lobby.

Yearbook: Photos needed of all grades in all activities! Please submit photos via flash drive or CD to the office attn.: Ms. Gina Bruno.

Clothing: During this crazy weather season, sweatshirts are often removed and left around campus. To prevent the need for any extra shopping, please remember to write your student’s name on clothing items, especially PE.

Alliance News: The Alliance has hired a new grant writer – Gustavo Torres. Gustavo is an alumnus of Mission Dolores School and Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep. He is very enthusiastic about supporting the growth and development of Alliance schools. If you are interested in contributing gifts of time, talent, or treasure to the development aspect of our school, please contact him at gtorres@missiondolores.org.

Spell-a-thon: Began this weekJ Each student was given a list of words, a sponsor sheet, and a duplicate sheet – all forms are due Friday, February 17th (the day of the test). What a testament to our students’ commitment to learning and healthy competition!
Scrip Update: The Mollie Stone’s Community Card is now available. Please remember to use your Scrip membership at Safeway, Lucky, and Target. The new Target gift card earns 2%. All gift cards must be purchased from school. Escript.com is an online mall, and all purchases made there count for us all year.
1. Escrip (includes Mollie Stone’s and Safeway -- please register online)
2. Giftcards (Great Lakes)
3. Target Visa: Take Charge of Education – share spending info w/Lynda Taschek.
4. Lucky Shares – Cards available from school

After School Enrichment Programs: If you have any interest in Crossfit, Capoeira, or middle school drama, please notify me.

A Look Ahead:

Wed 2.15 NED Show Assembly at 1:45pm in the Parish Hall – Parents Welcome!
Science Fair award winners announced at Morning Assembly

Thurs 2.16 4th Grade to Crissy Field
USF Nurses on Campus

Fri 2.17 PE Healthy Cooking Day
Spell-a-thon paperwork due – Spelling Test Day

Mon 2.20 President’s Day: No School

Tues 2.21 PE Makeup Day – PE Uniforms Please

Wed 2.22 Ash Wednesday – Student Mass (Full Uniform)

Thurs 2.23 Intruder Drill

Sat 2.25 St. Finn Barr Parish & School Crab Feed

Mon 2.27 Minimum Day – Faculty to Alliance Teacher Development
6th Grade to Marin Headlands Science Trip

Your questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to stop by my office anytime. Or you can also email me at m.sablan@stfinnbarr.org or call 333-1800.

Updated 02/14/11 fl