Panther Press
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School
ICCS Mission Statement:
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER by Christi Jarreau
The Final Countdown
Where has the time gone? These final weeks of the school year always bring such mixed emotions: cheers of excitement as we celebrate our successes, songs of joy as we reminisce about the many fun times, and sad good-byes as we begin to honor those who will no longer be a part of our daily school community. 2018-19 has been a tremendous year of progress as we have continued increasing student engagement and project-based learning opportunities in our classrooms. We have incorporated Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, STEM, and social- emotional lessons in the elementary enrichment schedules and strengthened our sense of community through bonding with our Panther Pals. We’ve cheered on individual winners of essay and art contests, as well as successful teams in athletic, academic, and religious competitions and remained flexible during continued building repairs and improvements. The list goes on and on. These are just some of the many reasons we continue to invoke this year’s theme, “Rejoice and Be Glad” Matthew 5:12
While we continue making the most of our final opportunities to strengthen students’ spirits, minds, and bodies this year, planning for next year is already underway. At the end of this year, we will be saying good-bye to some of our faculty as they move on to other opportunities, to spend more time with family, or to settle into a well-deserved retirement. We will bid farewell to Coach Jones (Boys PE), Mrs. Fuselier (Librarian), Mrs. Miller (Middle School Math), Mrs. Saltzman (2nd grade), Mrs. Brinkman (Middle School Religion), Mrs. Steech (Elementary Resource), and Mrs. Marcantel (Kindergarten). Though these teachers will be dearly missed, God has already begun providing workers who will continue cultivating the seeds that have been planted by these individuals. The following three teachers have already committed to carrying on the mission of the Cathedral School beginning with the 2019-20 school year: Brittani Stine is coming to the Kindergarten classroom, bringing several years of experience and training in this area. Lyndsay LeBlanc, a successful Math and Science teacher from Barbe High School, will be taking on Middle School Math, and Milissa Thibodeaux (“Mrs. T”) from the Diocese of Lake Charles will be returning to the classroom to teach Middle School Religion. Stay tuned for more exciting faculty announcements as the process of re-committing our current teachers and hiring new team members continues.
As we close out these final weeks, and the process of recommitting current teacher contracts and hiring new teachers where they are needed continues, I am so thankful for all who continue to make Immaculate Conception Cathedral School such an amazing Catholic school. We have been truly blessed …….. let us rejoice and be glad!
CURRICULUM CORNER by Blair Tadlock
2018-2019 Finish Line
With only three more weeks of school remaining, it seems to be more difficult to peel our kiddos from their beds and get out of the door in a timely manner. Yes, oh yes, we all feel that summer is nearly here as the finish line is just starting to come into view. This is not the time to simply coast into the months ahead, but rather this is the time when digging deep and showing grit proves to build character. Our middle school students will soon begin the process of reviewing and studying for cumulative academic exams. This takes a tremendous amount of time management, commitment, perseverance, and drive. In order do well on the 6 cumulative finals that await them, they must dig deep, study in efficient and meaningful ways, and mindfully prepare for their content specific exams. We are committed to enriching your children with meaningful learning experiences all the way to the 2018-2019 school year finish line. We ask that you, as parents, do the same and be the extra support that your child/children need. Cheer them on during the toughest part of this journey and encourage them to finish strong. The finish line is in sight but we have not crossed it yet. Let us all finish strong in spirit, mind and body and always keep the teachings of Jesus Christ with us!
MERCY MATTERS by Rose Viau
Our school theme for this school year has been, “Rejoice and Be Glad.” It is based on Pope Francis’ book Rejoice and Be Glad and the beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). During this school year we have concentrated on a different beatitude each month. This month we conclude with the final words of Matthew 5:1-12 – “Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven.” As we continue celebrating the Easter season, which last until Pentecost Sunday on June 9th, let us Rejoice and be glad, for the Lord is truly risen. Alleluia!
PTO BOILED CRAWFISH FUNDRAISER THIS SUNDAY
The PTO Boiled Crawfish Fundraiser is set for this Sunday, May 5, in the ICCS Park Avenue parking lot. Thank you for your generous support. Nearly 1,000 tickets were sold!
Ticket purchasers and volunteers, please review the important information below:
- ***Due to construction on the Wilson Street side of the school building, ALL ORDERS MUST BE PICKED UP IN THE ICCS PARK AVENUE LOT (enter on Park Avenue and exit on Ryan Street). PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS CHANGE AND PLEASE LET YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS WHO PURCHASED TICKETS KNOW OF THE PICK UP LOCATION CHANGE.
- Ticket holders are encouraged to utilize the convenient drive thru pick up service (no need to get out of the car)
- Pick up times are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please check your tickets for designated pick up times.
- Crawfish dip (4 oz. cup) will be available for purchase for $1. Cash only!
- Help is needed! Volunteers are needed to scoop crawfish, bag crawfish, take tickets, assist with traffic control and to clean up. All helpers need to report to the Park Avenue side of the building for volunteer assignments (starting at 9 a.m.). PTO points will be awarded for any and all time worked. To volunteer, please contact Allison Citron at (337) 581-7378 ASAP. Volunteers are asked to park near the front entrance of ICCS (Ryan Street) or on Wilson Street. Please do not park in the Park Avenue lot.
For more information, please contact Fundraiser Chairman, Debra Wilder at (337) 302-1134 or Allison Citron at (337) 581-7378.
SPRING MAILING
All accounts including cafeteria, aftercare, morning care, PTO and tuition balances MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY FRIDAY, MAY 10 in order to participate in closing ceremonies and to receive report cards and awards. Contact Melissa Mathew with questions at mbmathew@iccschool.org.
(Updated PTO statements will be sent home once the PTO Boiled Crawfish Sale credits have been entered.)
LAST CALL FOR YEARBOOKS
Tomorrow is the final day to order a 2018-2019 ICCS Yearbook. Cost is $30. Please have all order forms and checks submitted by Friday, May 3 at 3 p.m. An order form is attached with more information.
MAY & JUNE BIRTHDAY MASS
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXAM SCHEDULE
Attention Middle School Students and Parents!
AUCTION NEWS
PTO Dinner Auction statements were sent home a few weeks ago. If an auction payment is owed, please make checks payable to ICCS PTO. If you have questions regarding your statement, or if you need to make a payment with a credit card, please call Melissa Mathew at (337) 433-3497.
PARENT LEADERS NEEDED
It is time to start planning and preparing for next year. Parent volunteers are needed for the following leadership roles for the 2019-2020 school year:
ROOM MOM COORDINATORS (2 parent volunteers are needed to fulfill this role)
PTO PRESIDENT-ELECT FOR 2020-2021
If you are interested in serving the school in either of these roles or if you need more information, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccschool.org.
WE'RE HIRING
Please help spread the word! ICCS is accepting applications for an Elementary Resource/Special Education teacher and a Boy's P.E. Coach/Athletic Director for the 2019-2020 academic year. Resumes can be emailed to Principal, Christi Jarreau at cjarreau@iccschool.org.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
TEAM PHOTOS NEXT WEEK
2018-2019 Yearbook sports team group photographs will be taken Monday, May 6-Wednesday, May 8. Please make sure your student brings his/her ICCS sports uniform to school on Monday.
CLASSROOM NEWS
KINDERGARTEN CAREER DAY
2ND GRADE FIELD TRIP
CATHEDRAL NEWS
CATHEDRAL RENOVATION UDATE
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception restoration and renovation project is coming along. The following updates were made this week:
- Emil Frei & Associates installed tempered glass protectors for the stained glass windows on the facade of the church.
- Sections of the apse windows that have been taken out for restoration are now re-installed. Horizontal rods to prevent the bowing or curving of the leaded stained glass due to heat and gravity were installed.
- The terracotta bas-relief on the tympanum of the church (over the south entrance) was damaged due to foundation settlement. To reconnect the broken pieces, epoxy was applied by Restoration Plus, a company based in St. Louis, Missouri whose expertise is on statue and relief restoration.
- Double pocket doors are being installed in the sacristy. The previous swing doors were sometimes intrusive and impractical.
- The Stations of Cross are being cleaned and restored.
The next open house is set for this Saturday, May 4, after the 4:00 PM Mass and Sunday, May 5, after the 7:30, 9:30 and 11:15 AM Masses.
DON'T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST ICCS NEWS AND EVENTS!
ONCOURSE CONNECT STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL
Keep up with homework, grades, attendance and get quick access to teacher websites via Oncourse Connect. Having trouble logging in? Email mbmathew@iccschool.org
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, May 3:
May/June Birthday Mass (4A)
8:30 a.m. in the ICCS Gym
Variety Show, 12:45 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
Teachers vs 8th Grade Volleyball Game, following Variety Show (Gym)
Pep Rally & Athletic Awards, following Volleyball Game (Gym)
Friday, May 3:
Diocesan Hawaiian Luau Middle School Dance
Hosted by St. Margaret Catholic School
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
St. Margaret Family Center
Cost: $10 (includes 3 concessions)
6th-8th Grade ONLY
Sunday, May 5:
ICCS PTO Boiled Crawfish Sale
Volunteers needed from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (convenient shifts available)
Crawfish pick up (drive thru service): 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12 noon
Contact Debra Wilder for more information
Monday, May 6-Friday May 10:
Teacher Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 7:
5th Grade Retreat
8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 10:
Closing Mass (8th grade)
8:30 a.m. Gym
Retirement Celebration following Mass
PK Mother's Day Tea
2:00 p.m. Cafeteria
Monday, May 13:
DARE Graduation
8:30 a.m. Gym
Panther Procession
2:15 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15:
1st Communion Practice
8:15 am
8th Grade Closing Practice
9:50 a.m.
Thursday, May 16:
Step-Up Day
Used Uniform Sale (Cafeteria Hallway)
8th Grade Closing Ceremony
6:00 p.m. Gym
Friday, May 17:
6th & 7th Grade Finals Begin
Sunday, May 18:
First Communion
4:00 p.m. Gym
Contact Information
Email: mbmathew@iccschool.org
Website: www.iccschool.org
Location: 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, USA
Phone: 337-433-3497
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccschool