December, 2008

Dear Parents,

The race to Christmas is on even as we try to focus on the Advent season with its meaningful symbols reminding us that Jesus is coming. In school we have an Advent wreath service to begin each new week. Our theme this year is to be “Angels of service” by doing acts of kindness for others and reaching out to the community whenever we can. Let us help our children to prepare their hearts for the coming of Emmanuel “God with us” by pointing out ways to be of service to others, by praying with them, and by encouraging them to be messengers of Good News as the angels were that first Christmas.

Please see the separate flier for December calendar reminders and important events. On December 10^th we will celebrate the life of Sister Gilmary with a special memorial Mass. Sister is our angel in heaven and we want to honor her memory in thanksgiving for her 12 years of service here at ICS. You are invited to attend the Mass at 8:30 AM on that day. We are taking up a collection to send to the Sisters of St. Agnes, the community Sister had been a member of for 43 years. The sisters are involved in many ministries helping the needy here in NYC and in other places. If you would like to make a donation you can send in cash or a check made out to the Sisters of St. Agnes. We will present the check during the Mass to the sisters who will join us for our special memorial celebration.

See the flyer for details on Santa’s Workshop and pictures with Santa for Gr. PreK-2. The children may dress up for their picture. Our yearly Christmas Raffle is underway with lots of great prizes. Tickets are $.50 each and a flier will sent home with the listing of prizes soon! The drawing will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18^th.

Christmas at ICS will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec.17^th with the following events

Open House for Grades PreK- 3 in the classrooms 1-2 PM (except 2-200)
Christmas Band Concert and Pageant (Gr.2-200) in the Gym 7-8 PM

Thank you to all who sent in baked goods for the Middle States Reception. It was a wonderful evening showcasing our Writing Across the Curriculum project, our talented Step Team and all the work the students have been doing. Our visitors were so impressed not only at the Colloquium but throughout their 3 day visit with us! During the oral report on Friday the Chairperson, Mrs. O’Leary, was so positive about the teachers and students and the wonderful environment we have here at ICS. She called us the “Gem of the Bronx”! We have much to be grateful for and so much to be proud of!

Thanks to all who donated items for the annual Thanksgiving dinner here in the parish and who sent in their pennies for Penny Harvest. We collected over 750 lbs. of pennies which is equal to about $1,000! The Christian Service Club will decide what charity they would like the money to go to.

WEATHER EVENT ­ In case of bad weather please review the radio stations that announce school closings: WOR ­ 710 AM, WCBS ­ 880 AM, WADO ­ 1280 AM as well as the TV stations: Channel 2, 4, and 12. Our school is not announced. We are closed when they announce: Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York or Bronx Catholic Schools. It will also be posted on the school website. www.ics151.org DO NOT CALL THE CHURCH OR CONVENT.

We are collecting canned goods for the Yankee Food Drive if you would like to help local food banks. Send in any canned food or bags of rice by Thursday, December 11 to show ICS CARES! We also get vouchers for Yankee tickets in return for the donated items so we can take our students to some games in the new Yankee Stadium this year!

Wishing you all a blessed and happy holiday season. May the warmth and love that is all around us at Christmas time fill your hearts with peace and hope for the new year that lies ahead. The ICS staff wishes you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless us all!

Gratefully,

Sister Patrice Owens

Principal