A great launch to the school year. The wind is in the sails and the ship is moving out of the harbor.

There is already “that” rhythm through the school coming from understood routines and expectations. And then there’s “that” wonderful sound of productive “buzzing” from students working busily on task. The classrooms are alive. The teachers have worked hard getting their classrooms in spectacular shape. Organized and welcoming.

The entire school community came together for Chapel on Wednesday. That was sure a lively time! Well, nearing the end of the Chapel, the whole school started singing, “I’ve got that Joy, Joy, Joy down deep in my Heart” and one of the kindergarten students (first time at a Chapel) sang out so loud and with such passion that he really gave the school a virtual solo performance! Everybody was so taken with him that the whole room just burst out in applause when he finished.

Friday finished with a lot of happy faces. It is clear that everyone was a bit tired by the end of the day for working brain muscles that might not have been exercised so vigorously in a while. You could sure see it in Kindergarten nap time. Not a peep to be heard. I suspect there’s a lot more folks looking at nap time with more than a little envy.

Well, we definitely have that joy, joy, joy down in our hearts. This is going to be a great school year.

And Labor Day weekend comes at a perfect time. I think I hear the beach calling. See you on Tuesday.

Please make plans to attend the Saint Patrick Catholic School Back To School Night for Parents. The evening will begin promptly at 6:00 pm in the Performing Arts Theater with a presentation by Principal Steve Hammond. Parents are encouraged to arrive by 5:50 pm. Following the presentation, parents will travel to classrooms to hear about classroom programs, visit the information booths to learn about volunteering at Saint Patrick Catholic School, and stop by the distance learning lab to ensure access to NetClassroom!

Parents and teachers are encouraged to join together in an effort to identify the progress made by students within the pillars of the Graduate at Graduation document and to make strategic plans to augment the work that is being done at home and in the classroom. This is a non-crisis type interaction between the parent and teacher on behalf of the student. The time for this collaboration is open ended and scheduled between parent and teacher.

7th & 8th Grade students and their parents are invited to attend the Saint Patrick Catholic School High School Fair in the Dining Hall on September 25th at 6:00 pm. Representatives from local public and independent high schools will be available to discuss individual programs and admissions policies/procedures while answering student questions. Please contact Jan White, Director of Studies, at jwhite@stpcs.org with questions. Participating schools include: Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, Norfolk Christian High School, Norfolk Collegiate High School, Norfolk Academy, The Governors School of the Arts, and Norfolk Public Schools including representatives from the various NPS Magnet Programs.

Parents are encouraged to stay for light refreshments in the Dining Hall, a quick word of welcome from Principal Hammond, and last minute hugs for those young students who need support in the “Boo-Hoo/Woo-Hoo” Corner.

The 4th school year opens at Saint Patrick Catholic School on Monday, August 25. All staff and faculty will be on hand to greet and welcome the students to kick off the new academic year.

Check back soon to hear from Mr. Hammond.

Saint Patrick Catholic School invites parents and students to the 2008-2009 Meet the Teacher Picnic

Saturday, August 23rd from 4-6pm on the Saint Patrick Green

Families are asked to bring a picnic-style dinner as drinks and dessert will be provided. The academic building will be opened and parents are invited to drop off school supplies during the picnic. Please mark your calendars as we look forward to seeing you at this special gathering!

Parents of entering PreK students will get an overview of what their little Wolfhounds can expect during the upcoming school year.

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

It’s not too early to begin thinking about Evenings at Saint Patrick. Join us in the Media Center to discuss how we can improve on the hits and misses from last year’s fundraising event.

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM