2023

Much to our surprise, students were on time and ready for mass on Wednesday morning, after an evening of tricks and treats. Father Jeff lead us in a beautiful liturgy. In his homily, he reminded us that the Gospel calls us to be ready for Jesus' return. Father Jeff also touched on the significance of what he wears, as well as the altar servers. Just as the priest is adorned in particular robes and garments, so too do the altar servers wear robes of white, which signify purity of baptism.

We are called to prepare for Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven, even if we don't know when that time may come. It is fitting then that our Virtue of the Month for November is "patience." We encourage you to talk with your kids about what it means to be patient, and how they can incorporate that into their daily lives. If your kids are like most, it should be easy to come up with examples for them to more fully. embrace patience.

As we look forward to the holidays, it is a good reminder to be patient, take a step back, and remember what is important as we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, Advent and the Christmas season.

For now, I hope everyone has a restful weekend to recharge for next week and beyond.

All the best,

Principal Schoning

FACTS financial aid applications were open effective November 1st. There are various sources of grants and other funding from the Archdiocese. They have advised us to get our applications in as early as possible, in hopes of securing more assistance for our community. Sooner the better! At the very least, you get it finished and it's one less thing to worry about!

"I only learned about Day of the Dead when I moved to America. Since then it has become very special to me, especially November 1st, the day souls of departed children return to their families.

It has been wonderful to see St Therese students from all cultures learning about and embracing this beautiful celebration through art.

The annual Mexican celebration, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living families in homes and cemeteries." -Mrs. Radford

"One of the many things I love about our community at St. Therese that you have heard me say over and over again, is the diversity. Not only that, I love how all of our students get involved in the celebrations of other cultures, even if that celebration is not necessarily from their own culture. Similar to the Lunar New Year's Party, everyone has a place at the table. We saw many students contributing to the ofrenda, writing names of loved ones who have passed, and finding other ways to get involved. What better way to learn about another culture, than through their art and celebrations?!" -Mr. Schoning

La Catrina, a colorful lady skeleton often shown wearing a large hat and elegant clothing, is an important symbol of the Día de los Muertos. The Pixar film COCO, also brought La Catrina and Day of the Dead into the limelight.

Before she became La Caterina her original name was la calavera garbancera, a term used for people who denied their Indigenous roots and imitated the European fashions of the day.

On our Ofrenda you will see Sugar Skull inspired Art work: Paintings and Tin Art (Hojolatas)

Sugar skulls Calaveritas de Azúcar, represent departed souls, and traditionally have the name written on the forehead. The Calvaderas are placed on the home ofrenda or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of Mexico.

Colorful papel picado is often displayed on Día de los Muertos altars and represents the element of wind and the union between life and death. This delicate tissue paper also signifies the fragility of life as it is ephemeral

Tissue paper marigolds - Marigolds Prized for their bright coloring and potent fragrance, are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the ofrendas.

8th Graders worked hard on their country projects, which culminated in a relief of the globe, that you can see now hanging in the main hall of the school! Mr. Rymer landed and secured a significant tech grant for St. Therese which allowed him to get a new laser printer. Check out what the kids are working on! Mr. Rymer is thrilled with the kids' progress!

WINTER BASKETBALL AND HOT SHOTS REGISTRATION OPEN:

The registrations for both hot shots and winter basketball are available on the St Therese website through CYO. You can find the direct links to register below. Please let family and friends who are interested in playing know that they can play here! Let's have a great season!

VOLUNTEERS:

We are hosting games at the gym over the coming weeks as the volleyball season comes to a close. We need volunteer help through the regular season and especially for the tournament! Please volunteer to help us staff some important roles as a site monitor (resources and training available) and concessions. We are working to build the program and need your help! You can sign up through the Sign-Up Genius app here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ADA82EA1FBC34-45653842-november

If you have any questions contact the Athletics Program at: athletics@stthereseschool.org

• Wednesday November 8th - School mass @ 8:30 a.m. in St. Therese Church
• Thursday November 9th - Picture Retakes
• Friday November 10th - Veterans Day Observed - No school.
• Monday November 13th - November 17th - St. Vincent de Paul Food Drive
• Monday November 20th - Wednesday November 22nd - Parent Teacher Conferences - No School for Students.
• Thursday November 23rd - Friday November 24th - Thanksgiving Break - No School

Last Friday, we celebrated our students who were chosen by their teachers because they exemplified the virtue of charity. 2 students are chosen from each grade every month.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Mrs. Barnett, our registrar and office manager knows all! Call, email, or drop by and just say hello.

barnetta@stthereseschool.org

schoningc@stthereseschool.org