Mustang Memo
A Newsletter for Saint Ann School Families
October 16, 2022
Table of Contents
- Spiritual Reflection
- SAS Wins Music Grant!
- October: School Safety Month
- Parent Conferences
- Home & School Association News
- Student Life Notes
- Mark Your Calendars!
One Body in Christ: Our Spiritual Theme
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Spiritual Reflection
By Sheila O’Callaghan
As we begin the third week in October, it begins on a very special day. It is called National Boss’s Day. So each and everyone of us should say some special prayers for our Boss Fr. Mink and our Boss Principal Rachael Casey.
On October 18, Christians celebrate another important day. It is the feast of Luke the evangelist. Luke wrote the third gospel and the Act of the Apostles. Some people believe Luke was a doctor and an artist. They also believe he traveled with St. Paul and brought the Good News of Jesus to people of many nations.
During the first half of the seventeenth century French missionaries came to Canada and New York. They lived among the Iroquois, Algonquin and Huron nations. They preached the gospel, the Good News of Jesus. They were Fr. Isaac Jogues, Fr. John de Brebuef, six other priests and laymen who were killed for preaching the gospel. They are called the North American Martyrs. We celebrate their feast day on October 19.
Several years ago Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Poland became Pope John Paul the Second. He left his homeland to serve God better. He traveled the world to learn about the needs and joys of Catholics. He tried to bring the message of Jesus to all who would listen. So on October 22, we remember St. John Paul the Second, Pope.
As you read about the saints, think about your own life and all the good things you do for others. You are and we are potential saints.
Please pray for the sick, especially Fr. Mink, Fr. Jasper’s Mom, Yil Remo Vallejo, Patrick Flanagan, and all the sick of our parish. Our Armed Forces and First Responders need our prayers. Please pray for them.
SAS Wins Music Grant!
Thank you and congratulations to Mr. Trites and Mrs. Letts, our music teachers, for submitting and winning a grant for music education at Saint Ann School! The award of $3,025.22 will help to supply new instruments and programs for music instruction and assist with participation in music festivals and performances. This grant was awarded by the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund, provided through the Delaware Community Foundation.
The Anthony Penna Charitable Fund inspires a lifelong passion for the arts by providing support to students involved in band, choir, and theatre programs within our local community.
Anthony excelled in academics and sports, but his passion and what really shaped him as a fine young man was his participation in band, choir, and theatre. It was through these programs that he gained confidence in himself and his abilities. He also developed strong relationships of trust and respect with his peers, and took pride in being part of a “team.” It is in the spirit of Anthony’s life that we seek to provide support to help others realize their full potential through participation in these programs.
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and all of its schools adhere to the policies established in the "For The Sake of God's Children" Handbook, designed to protect and nurture the children in our care. Included in this policy is a curriculum, "Keeping Our Promises." The curriculum reaches all students, Pre-K 3 -12th grade and includes age-appropriate lessons on:
- Life is a Gift from God
- Trusted Adults
- Secrets
- Good Touch/Bad Touch
- Appropriate Boundaries
- Peer Relationships
- Bullying
- Safe Environments
- Role of the Church
- Bullying, Harassment
- Healing & Forgiveness
Parents can help reinforce these concepts by helping children to think through answers to questions like, "What do you do if a situation or individual makes you feel unsafe?" and "What do you do if you see another person in an unsafe situation?" and to practice saying “No!” and “Stop That!” when in unsafe conditions.
This week, students can look forward to a visit from Zeep & Warden, two Clydesdale horses who work in the Mounted Patrol Unit of New Castle County! We thank Sgt. Henasey for arranging our visit on Wednesday, October 19!
Sparky encourages families to make a fire safety plan for their homes. This includes checking smoke alarms and developing escape routes and safe meeting spots.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you!
Home & School Association News
Thank you for supporting our first Restaurant Fundraiser of the year at Stanley’s Tavern this past week! Stanley’s is donating 15% of food and beverage sales to SAS. Thank you to Stanley's and the Torpe family!
Trivia night: St. Ann Team Trivia Night is back! Gather your team and get ready for trivia night on Saturday, November 5 at 7:00pm in the social hall (doors open at 6:00pm). Tables are $200 (max of 8 people per table). Price includes beer and soft drinks. Bring your own food. Themes are highly encouraged. Contact Brian Klous to reserve your spot! (302)290-6037 bklous@gmail.com or klousb@dnb.com. Payments are sent via PayPal—please include the reason for payment and family name when sending payment.
STUDENT LIFE NOTES
Be sure to order school portraits using the Barksdale website by 11/4/22.
School picture retake day is November 1st. In the case of an absence or retake please, email Megan Saienni so we can confirm the list of photos for the day.
Halloween party: The Halloween party for PreK3-5th grade will be in the parish parking lot on Saturday, October 22from 12:00-2:30pm. It will include carnival games, music, crafts, character appearances, and a costume parade and treat trail around the school. The cost is $20 per family and younger siblings are welcome. Please use the link below to register for the event, volunteer, and sign-up to donate candy. Payments are sent via PayPal—please include the reason for payment and family name when sending payment.
Mark Your Calendars!
October 16: Confirmation Class, Session 1, 6:00-7:30 pm
October 19: Kindergarten Field Trip to Milbourn Orchard
October 20: 3rd-5th Grade Mass
October 21: 4th & 5th Grade Field Trip to Historic Odessa
October 22: Halloween Party, 12:00-2:30 pm
October 27:
Half Day Schedule - 11:30 Pre-K, 11:45 K-8 dismissal
Parent Conferences by appointment
Middle School Mass
October 28: NO SCHOOL - Parent Conferences by appointment
October 31: 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Gibbons House at the Hagley Museum
November 1:
All Saint’s Day School Mass, 9:15 am
First day of Winter Uniform
School Picture Re-takes