Principal’s Message

The week of January 24 - 29 was Catholic Schools Week. The theme was "Catholic Schools: Dividends For Life." A dividend is a profit that comes from an investment. Investing in Catholic education provides benefits for life. The week was a celebration of our Catholic identity and the fact that Catholic schools don't just provide education. They offer an education infused with Faith, Knowledge, Morals, and Discipline. We are not just about the academics. Moral and spiritual development, rooted in Catholic faith, is the heart of Catholic education. Thank you to all of you for what you have done and continue to do to make St. Benedict School the best choice for helping our young students reach their potential. We have a lot to be proud of! "Together We Work For The Children We Love."

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: "DIVIDENDS FOR LIFE"

Sunday kicked off Catholic Schools Week with our Family Mass at 10:00 a.m. Our Curriculum Fair followed from 11:00-1:30 p.m. at school. Grades Preschool through Grade 5 focused on Career Projects. Grades 6-8 displayed their science fair projects. On Monday, Metro South Hospital provided a Health Fair at St. Benedict School. The doctors and staff provided hands-on experiences in being a First Aid Responder, Surgeon, Lung Specialist, Cardiologist, Exercise Therapist and Nutritionist. They did a beautiful job adjusting their presentations to various age groups.
Tuesday of Catholic Schools Week was Student Appreciation Day. It was an optional uniform and a no homework day. The Home and School Association provided the students with a free lunch, including hot dogs, chips and nachos and cheese. Students enjoyed the Melikin Puppet Theater presentation of Shoes and Ships and Sealing Wax in the afternoon.
Wednesday was Volunteer Appreciation Day. The day consisted of Open House in the morning. Parents, relatives and friends visited classrooms for an hour. The volunteer luncheon followed. It was our way of saying thank you for all the time and talent that is given to St. Benedict School by our Board of Specified Jurisdiction, HASA, Athletic Board, Tutors, and regular office volunteers. The Talent Show was the big event in the afternoon. Many students in P-8 participated in this year's show.
Thursday was "Hats Off To Blue Island Day." St. Benedict hosted a special assembly in honor of all the businesses and organizations in Blue Island. We took our hats off to the special guests including the mayor, police chief, fire department, Metro South Hospital, Chamber of Commerce and business owners and thanked them for all they do to make Blue Island a wonderful community. The assembly included prayer, sharing of information learned about various field trips into the community, a slide presentation and song. A special luncheon for them followed. The guests were deeply moved by our outpouring of appreciation.
Friday was Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day. Student Council extended the student body's appreciation by giving the faculty and staff a continental breakfast after announcements. Student Council Officers and Reps supervised a class. It was a very enjoyable experience. H.A.S.A. provided a delicious lunch for the faculty and staff. Friday ended with a special prayer service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. It was a nice introduction to Black History Month. The week was overflowing with school spirit and school pride.

Pot of Gold Raffle

"Pot of Gold" Raffle Tickets will be distributed the first week in February. The sale officially begins on February 8. The sale will run from February 8 - March 5. You will receive tickets in the value of what your fundraising balance is. The number of tickets sent home matches the amount your family still owes. If your fundraising commitment has been paid in full, no tickets were sent home. You can purchase tickets in the school office. The drawing will take place at Fish Fry, on March 12. Please note that your fundraising commitment needs to be paid in full by March 5. The $225 or the balance will be added to your SMART Tuition statement in April if your fundraising commitment is not paid in full by that time.

Registration

"Intent to Return" forms will be sent home the first week in February and are due on February 12. Please return your forms to let us know if students are returning and if you would like to register a new student (sibling). Open registration is scheduled to begin in March.. Tuition rates and fees will be in place by then. Every effort will be made to keep increases at a minimum. You will receive information about tuition and fees as it becomes available. ”  

Valentine Parties

Students will have classroom parties in celebration of Valentines Day on Friday, February 12. Room Moms will provide a special lunch for the classroom. This year we are combining some of the fun fair activities with our Valentines celebration. We will have bingo and raffle in the afternoon on February 12. Room moms should plan to have lunch completed by 12:45. Valentines and Valentine Grams will be passed out and delivered in the morning.

No School February 15 and 22

School will be closed on February 15 in honor of Presidents' Day. Teachers will attend the Catholic Schools Professional Development Convention at Marian Catholic High School on February 22. School will be closed.

Thank You H.A.S.A.

The Home and School Association is continuously providing for St. Benedict School students and staff. Thank you for certificates for our new staff shirts, the student and faculty lunch during Catholic Schools Week, the Book Fair, Santa's Secret Shop, The Cookie Walk, funding for many school activities, your involvement in Talent Show and the numerous other things you do for our school throughout the year. Every family paid dues and is a H.A.S.A. member. All of you are welcome to attend the monthly H.A.S.A. meeting. Our next meeting is planned for February 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Faculty Room. Come join us!

First Communion Parent Meeting

There will be a First Communion Parent Meeting for parents of students receiving the sacrament this year. The meeting is scheduled for February 16, at 7:00 p.m. in church. We are only having one parent meeting this year. The meeting is mandatory

Golf Outing

Our "Father Connors Annual Golf Outing" is planned for Saturday, May 8 at the Meadows Golf Course in Blue Island. This event is sponsored by the Board of Jurisdiction and we are counting on all parents to come out and support the event. Even if you don't golf, you can come in the evening for an excellent dinner. Mark your calendars.

Required Service Hours

It is expected that every parent/ guardian complete ten hours of service. Failure to fulfill the requirement will result in a $100 charge in May. Please note that there is a sign in book in the school office for you to track your volunteer hours. It is each family's responsibility to be sure that volunteer hours are recorded in the Volunteer Book in the school office. If you want credit for your ten hours, you must sign the book.  

Fish Fry

Lenten Fish Fry begins on February 19. This is the major fundraiser for the parish and school. The large portion of the profit, which is usually $20,000 or more, is given to the school. As stated at Back To School Night, in order for this to continue, we need to have school presence at the fish fry, which runs for six consecutive Fridays during Lent. Letters will be going home February 12 with assigned weeks for parents to work. It is imperative that parents volunteer and bring their families down for lunch or dinner. With your support, we can make the profit even bigger. Increased profit helps to keep the school deficit down. St. Benedict Fest was a great success because all organizations worked together. Fish Fry works the same way. I am counting on all families to do their part. We don't want to lose parish support. Keep in mind that volunteering at Fish Fry is one way you can earn your required volunteer hours.

 Discipline With Purpose

The DWP skill of Leadership will be covered the weeks of February 1 and 8. The skill of Communication will be covered the weeks of February 15 and 22. Information will be sent home regarding ways you can help teach the skills at home.

Confirmation Preparation

The seventh and eighth graders, along with Religious Education students and High School students began their formal preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation in October.  A Parent/Student Confirmation meeting was held  explaining the requirements of the program including service hours, sponsors, the curriculum, weekly Mass attendance, and the Confirmation retreat scheduled for March 6 with the Confirmation students and his/her sponsor.  Requirements are monitored and it is expected that students take responsibility for completion of the expectations.  Confirmation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 7 p.m. in Church.  The retreat will be held in Father Connors Hall from 5:00-8:00 P.M. 

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to the following students who received their First Reconciliation on Monday, November 30:  Gabriel, Katelyn, Thomas, Olivia, and Berenise. These students will begin preparation for their First Communion in February.  There is a mandatory First Communion Parent Meeting on February 16 at 7 p.m. in church for parents of Catholic second graders.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Numerous activities are being covered in classrooms during the month of February and are featured in the classroom section of the newsletter.

 "Beauty and the Beast"

This year's Drama Production, in collaboration with The Beverly Arts Center, will be the musical, "Beauty and the Beast." Auditions will be held February 23 and 25. Auditions and rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The performance will be on May 7. Information will be sent home soon.