Mercy Peek & Ponder by Mr. McGrath
Volume II Issue 18 Sunday, January 10, 2016
Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School
Email: jmcgrath@olmcatholicschool.com
Website: www.olmcatholicschool.com
Location: 29 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA, United States
Phone: 215-646-0150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-Mercy-Regional-Catholic-School-1427959374084742/?ref=bookmarks
Parents,
Thank you so much for your generous gift cards. Teaching your children has been rewarding, and we look forward to the second half of the year. Working at OLM is truly a blessing for all of us. Thank you again for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Your “Special” Teachers and School Staff
Upcoming Events
January 11
Middle School Academy Club Day
January 12-14
Merit Award Dress Down Days
January 13
Grade 5 Class Mass, 9AM
Mission Collection - THON
January 15
No School for Students
(Faculty Professional Development)
January 18
No School Students
(MLK Day)
The Baptism of the Lord (January 10, 2016)
Luke’s account of the baptism of Jesus admits us to the secret depths of Jesus’ relationship with his Father. There, not only is he “reminded” of his identity as Beloved Son, but the Father’s “estimation” of his Son comes to his ears as well: “with you I am well pleased.”
This tender account of the relationship between Jesus and his Father reminds us of a most human desire: the desire that a child may be “pleasing” in the eyes of his or her parents. No matter the age, nothing builds up a child more than to hear from a parent, “I am so proud of you; I am so pleased with you.” These words bring such joy, such affirmation.
The astonishing message of this feast is that the identity and “estimation” which Jesus possesses before his Father, is the same identity and “estimation” which we can claim, thanks to our Baptism. What Jesus possesses by nature, we possess by adoption, the incredible gift of God’s mercy toward us. We are beloved daughters and sons; the Father is “well pleased” with us. But how difficult it is for us to accept this identity and this estimation! What endless evasions we construct and conditions we place on that simple truth!
Perhaps a fitting meditation for us on this feast would be to sit quietly with the phrase, “with you I am well pleased” and to let it wash over us. We might pay attention to what comes up in our hearts as we do and then to relate all of that to God. And then, perhaps in that quiet encounter, overcoming our objections and healing whatever obstacles may appear, the Lord might move us to embrace that truth which the “kindness and generous love” of God have won for us.
Peacemakers of the Month
Our Peacemakers of the month help us to maintain and strengthen our OLM community. During the month of December, students were asked to look to Saint Nicholas and strive to be people who bring JOY to others.
Why is Joy & Happiness Important?
Sometimes when we watch the news – TV, phones, iPads, etc … or even in print, it seems as though the world is filled with doom and gloom. It would also seem that it would be foolish to think that we could ever be happy. Can any of us truly be happy? Yes – and we are all capable of achieving happiness.
We sometimes forget how important happiness is and get tangled up with the doom and gloom we see/hear around us.
Researchers have already shown that when we are happy we are more creative, witty, energetic, compassionate and healthier. Happiness allows us to accomplish many ambitions and goals. Mostly importantly, by being happy, we have the potential to change many other lives just by being ourselves.
Being happy has a domino effect and it all begins with each of us. As you spread those feelings, happy is passed on and on and on …. If you can imagine the impact this would create if happiness was multiplied by hundreds, thousands, and then millions … of people. “I think to myself …. What a wonderful World….
The following students have been chosen Peacemakers of the month of December 2015. We offer them a big OLM CONGRATS!
Kindergarten: Sienna Cervone, Genevieve Price, Delaney Mook
First Grade: Madison Miller, Brady Donovan, Joaquin Guerrero
Second Grade: Connor Schmalbach, Madison McErlean
Third Grade: Adisan Kistler, Shane McLaughlin
Fourth Grade: Scott Hughes, Emma Greenhalgh, Jamie O'Donnell
Fifth Grade: Elena Franklin, Bella Gentile
Sixth Grade: Sarah Hughes, Michaela McCook
Seventh Grade: Gina Princivalle, Drew Doloway, Ruby French
Eighth Grade: Maggie Fitzpatrick, Erin Leanard
Our virtue of the month of January is PEACE. Students will learn the importance of Peace. Saint John Bosco will be our role model throughout the month. Students will be recognized at the School liturgy on Wednesday, February 10th at 10:30AM.
Reading with Winston
LEARNING IS FUN! COME RIGHT IN…WE’RE “READING WITH WINSTON”. AND YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS A TON OF FUN! JOIN US FOR STORY TIME, SONGS AND HANDS-ON-ACTIVITIES.
WHO: Preschoolers ages 2-5
WHEN: Friday, January 22nd, 9:30 AM- 10:30 AM
WHERE: Our Lady of Mercy School Library
Any questions? Call 215-646-0150 and ask for Mrs. Costanzo, OLM librarian
GET READY TO READ WITH WINSTON (Our School Mascot)
Friday, Jan 22, 2016, 09:30 AM
Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School, Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Four Diamonds: Week #1 Mission Collection - $127.00
During the month of January, we will be raising money for the Four Diamonds Fund. The Four Diamonds' mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Each year, Four Diamonds provides direct support to approximately 600 children with cancer – 100 who are newly diagnosed and 500 who are continuing their fight. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 3,600 children and families and supported a diverse platform of childhood cancer research at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, seeking improved treatments and cures to benefit those around the world. We here at OLM are answering the call to help those facing pediatric cancer and we are asking for your support. We will be collecting donations each Wednesday in January and the fifth grade will sponsor our fourth annual Mini-Thon on Friday, February 5th. More information about this exciting event to follow! We look forward to continuing to support organizations that help others to experience the circle of mercy throughout the school year. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Scholarship Awards for the Class of 2017 as of 01/10/2016
We are so happy and proud to announce scholarship awards to the following students in the OLM Class of 2016. The list will be updated as more awards are announced.
Shannon Reilly: Mount St. Joseph Academy:
Founders Academic Scholarship
Maeve Gallagher: Mount St. Joseph Academy:
Fontbonne Academic Scholarship
Micaelina Carter: Mount St. Joseph Academy:
Fontbonne Academic Scholarship
Maggie Fitzpatrick: Mount St. Joseph Academy:
Eugenia F. Comerford ’37 Alumnae Award
Carrie Johnston: Gwynedd Mercy Academy:
Legacy Scholarship
Thomas McLaughlin: Bishop McDevitt:
Lancer Leadership Scholarship
Nicholas Signoretta:
LaSalle High School: Principal Scholarship
Lansdale Catholic: Msgr. Joseph Schade Scholarship
Colin Hope: Archbishop Wood: Academic Scholarship
TOTAL AS OF 1/10/16: $148,000
Mercy 5K - Saturday, March 19, 2016
The 4th Annual Run is scheduled for Saturday March 19, 2016. We are excited to announce that an initial planning meeting took place and plans are in place for another successful event this year. Please save the date. Sponsorships and all details related to sponsorships are available on our homepage.
5$ off registration for anyone signing up for the 5K for the first time. This offer is good until February 15th. This is one of the highlights of the year!
2016-2017 Registration
If you register prior to 03/31/2016, registration fee is $250 per family.
If you registered after 04/01/2016, the registration fee is $350 per family.
Our registration fees cover: the cost per student of the student information database (MSP), Religion books, certain instructional classroom supplies, and administrative fees for the operation the FACTS system. Please note, registration fees are non-refundable.
OLM Home & School News
Designer Bag Bingo:
Join us for our first annual
Our Lady of Mercy Designer Bag Bingo
Friday, January 22, 2016 at 7:00 (doors open at 6:30)
To purchase your tickets, complete the form sent home, email olmbingo2016@gmail.com or call
Megan Romano at 215.367.5156
$25 (cash or check made out to OLM)
BYO food and drinks...
Catholic Schools Week:
Catholic School’s Week Breakfast: Please join us on January 31, 2016 from 11:00 to 1:00 for Home and School’s annual breakfast to kick off Catholic Schools Week in OLM’s Cafeteria.
Family Fun Bingo: As we end Catholic School’s Week, please join us for our family bingo which will be held February 6th at 6:00! More information will be coming home this week.
Please save the dates for the following events! Information about these events will be coming home soon:
Mother /Son Bowling: Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Thunderbird Lanes in Warminster
Father/Daughter Dance: Friday, February 26, 2016
OLM Mercy 5k Run: Saturday, March 19, 2016
Thank you for all you do to support our Home and School Organization!
Additional Smart Aid Information
OLM SCHOOL CODE 91026
ALL OLM families are encouraged to complete and submit and application. This application replaces PSSA (BLOCS) and Smart Aid will handle all financial aid for OLM (and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) - including BLOCS, Heritage of Faith Funds, and other scholarship opportunities - both system-wide and at OLM.
While we believe that Smart Aid will help us to more effectively and efficiently provide financial aid services to our families, we also know that the strategic use of financial aid is crucial to achieving and sustaining our enrollment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should complete this aid application?
A: Whomever the child resides with should fill this application out, whether it is a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or legal guardian. There is a section within the application where you can enter contributions from non-custodial parents and relatives.
Q: Why do I need to input my spouse’s information if I am remarried and they are not legally responsible for my children?
A: Smart Aid’s calculation works off of the total household income, therefore including all income, whether the party is legally responsible for your children or not. Our system however, does take into effect your spouse’s expenses as well as their income. It is important to list all expenses that are asked of within the application.
Q: I do not have the required tax documents. HELP!
A: Include the most recent tax documentation you have available. If you are asked for a specific line from a tax document that you have not yet completed, please estimate the projected amount.
Q: How will I know if I qualify for aid or not?
A: We do not disclose information about the results of your application. All final tuition aid decisions, including notification of an award amount (if any); will be made by OLM. For the date award notices is anticipated to be March 2016.
OLM YEARBOOKS!
Believe it or not, it is time to our your 2015-2016 OLM yearbook! The cost of the yearbook is $20. The Class of 2016 does NOT need to order a yearbook as it is included in the graduation fees. All orders are to be completed online this year. Please no cash or checks! To place an order please follow the directions below:
1- Go to www.schoolannual.com
2- At the top of website, select " "Buy Your Student's Yearbook". This will open a new tab.
3- Type in "Our Lady of Mercy" as the school. Be sure to select the correct school since there is another OLM!
4- Order your yearbook and check out! It may ask you to create an account to purchase the yearbook online!
All yearbooks orders are due February 1, 2016!
Birthday Blessings this Week
Sock, Courtney Jan 11 - Monday
Braccia, Marissa Jan 12 - Tuesday
Crane, Christian L. Jan 13 - Wednesday
Metzler, Paige Jan 14 - Thursday
Sapp, Nicholas Jan 14 - Thursday
Vacchiano, Vincent M. Jan 15
Mirabelli, Emily R. Jan 16
Playground at Lunch Recess
Tuesday, 01/12: Mr. Smith
Wednesday, 01/13: Mrs. Kennedy
Thursday, 01/14: Mrs. Marano
Lunch Duty Sign-Up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4daaa622a6f49-january
Two parent volunteers must be on-duty in the school yard - before the playground is open. This ensures the safety of ALL. Our active volunteer program not only provides valuable hands-on assistance through the school, but also benefits the children by reinforcing ties between the children’s individual homes as well as the community at large, and the school. The Lunch/Recess Duty Volunteer program is a great way to volunteer and become involved at the school.
Altar Servers 9AM
Tuesday, 01/12: Bella Sapp
Wednesday, 01/13: Colin Hope
Thursday, 01/14: Mary McGrory
Friday, 01/15: Siobhan Brogan