St. Marys School
November Newsletter
I have come across quite a mystery. Perhaps you can help. Does anyone
know what happened to the first half of November? I am sure it was just
yesterday my students were painting spiders and jack-o’lanterns to
decorate our room. This week, I sent home notes asking for various
ingredients for the school’s Thanksgiving luncheon and practiced
Christmas carols with my class. There definitely seems to be something
amiss with the space/time continuum when it comes to November and
December.
The students had the opportunity to visit the River Mobile from the
University of Dayton. The River Mobile is a mobile classroom in which
students can learn about our watershed and the special bodies of water
present in the Miami Valley. The River Mobile arrived on November 4.
The teachers were given a tour in order that they could help guide
their students through the program. The next day classes visited the
River Mobile. The students learned the history of flood management in
our area, how we use the watershed and much more. My students
particularly enjoyed sitting in the real kayak.
The Greenville Junior High School Fall Sports Award ceremony was held
on November 11. Tyler Beyke, Joseph Edwards and Jacob Goldsmith played
football for the Waves this year, and Valerie Myers was on the tennis
team. On the next day, the school spelling bee was held and Jacob, who
is obviously a scholarly athlete, won the contest. Valerie Myers,
eighth grade, came in second and fourth grader, Carson Pope took third
place. Students from second grade through eighth grade participated in
the bee. Jacob and Valerie will represent St. Mary’s School at the
district contest on December 17.
I mentioned Christmas carols earlier. The children’s choir performed at
the Rosary Altar Society’s Bazaar. They sang traditional favorites like
Silent Night and Jolly Old St. Nicholas. You might be thinking that
practicing Christmas carols in November is rather early, but my class
has been practicing two carols since September. Yes you read that
correctly. This year the school’s Christmas program on Dec. 15 is
“Christmas around the World”. The songs and customs of various
countries will be featured, along with some tasty treats. The first and
second graders’ country is France. We are in the process of learning
two French Christmas carols, “Les Anges dans Nos Campagnes” aka “Angels
We Have Heard on High” and “Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle”. By the
way, did I mention we are learning them in French? And that my friends
is why we have been practicing since September. The children are doing
a very good job learning the songs. Last year they learned to sing
“Dona Nobis Pacem” as a round in Latin. Not to brag, but we have some
very talented singers at St. Mary’s. Earlier this year, eighth grader,
Chloe Cox
won first place in the “Greenville’s Got Talent” contest for the second
year in a row. (OK, so I am bragging. Can you blame me?)
On November 26, the staff and students will enjoy the annual
Thanksgiving luncheon. The luncheon is a traditional Thanksgiving
dinner with all the trimmings. The food is prepared by the students
under the guidance of some very dedicated parents and grandparents. My
second graders will prepare a luscious fruit salad. The first graders
will prepare the stuffing. Other grades will be responsible for the
side dishes, turkey, and of course pumpkin pie. After the luncheon the
students will enjoy an all-school recess. The younger students get to
play with their big buddies. I have to say that one of the things I
really love about our older students is their kindness to the younger
ones. It is not unusual to see older students playing ball with the
younger ones after school as they wait for their rides. I have seen
football players that I know could totally wipe out a first grader,
pitch a very gentle ball.
On November 23 the first Crazy 8 drawing will be held. There are eight
drawings throughout the year. After the winning tickets are drawn, they
are put back into the barrel, so that the winners have a chance to win
again. The first drawing will be held at the parish brunch after the
10:30 Mass. It is not too late to get your tickets. Just call the
school at 548-2345. Finally there will be an Open House on November 20
for families of preschoolers. The teachers from kindergarten and first
grade will be there to explain our programs. Families can tour the
school. Parents and alumni will be on hand to answer questions. For
more information you can call the school.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the staff and
students of St. Mary’s School to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.
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