Eagle's Edge
St. Therese Family Newsletter - August 19, 2021
Get Ready...Get Set...for SCHOOL!
The past few days have been cooler; a lovely breath of fresh air! I've had the windows open at home and at school - out with the old air and in with the new. That's how I feel as I reflect on the year that's passed and get ready to welcome the new one - I'm ready for a fresh, new start!
Our kiddos were superstars last year, doing their very best in whatever situation they found themselves. I've learned a lot about being a good human by watching them, and I'll apply my learning to this new year. Some things I've learned about being a person from watching kiddos:
1. If you fall down, dust yourself off, cry a little, then get back to recess.
How many times did I watch our littles trip over their own feet, or bump into a buddy and cry like the world was ending, only to stop suddenly, dry their tears, and ask to go back out to play? SO MANY!
2. If your feelings get hurt you should talk about it.
Friendships are made and broken and mended in the blink of an eye. We should always talk it through when we are having a problem. Then we should be best friends again!
3. If you don't understand something right now, just keep trying and think harder.
No one understands growth mindset like a little kid - their determination and ability to keep going in spite of how tough something seems is inspirational. So is their desire to help each other succeed.
4. Having a bad day? Play basketball with your friends.
I'm not kidding when I tell you that I have seen the healing power of play, from the smallest to the biggest, on the basketball court. There have been many times even the principal has gone outside for a few moments of healing - I don't even have to play! Just watching the middle schoolers laugh and play together was enough. Also, I didn't want to break anyone's ankles...
5. Having a good day? Share your "happy" with a friend!
Our kids love to share and talk about all the things that make them happy - from their brand new baby bird, to the weird dream they had last night, to all the secrets of their household that mom and dad have NO idea they are sharing at school (just kidding...maybe). Our kids know how to talk and share and give of themselves to each other.
I'm sure I'll have more lessons to share with you as the year progresses! My anticipation of this school year has me almost bursting with excitement - I've missed the sound of our students playing and learning and talking in the classrooms and on the playground. We made it happen last year and we will make it happen even bigger and better this year, because that's what Eagles do! We truly go the distance - for ourselves, our school, and our friends. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and try to sleep with all the excitement of the school year looming ahead!
With excitement and in anticipation of blessings to come,
Rosemarie El Youssef
Principal, St. Therese School
elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org
503-253-9400, ext. 122
Back to School Family Informational Meeting - Thursday, August 26th 6 - 7 p.m.
We will compile a list of questions asked during the meeting and send it via email for those who are unable to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
BottleDrop Thursdays!
This year we will be purchasing a NEW school spirit shirt for students and staff to sport! Help us make fun things happen and drop your bags of cans/bottles off on Thursday (or any day of the week).
Thank you for the support!
FAIR SHARE OPPORTUNITY
Come to the school once per week to make sure all cans/bottles are in blue bags with barcode stickers on them, and then take blue bags to the local BottleDrop for deposit. If we have several parents volunteer we can make a schedule so that the responsibility is shared!
If you are interested in helping out with this, please contact Rosemarie at elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org or call the school.
Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament
Below you will find flyers with information about how to sponsor this event, or register a team! If golfing isn't your thing, there is another way to help!
Parents and Middle School Student Helpers Needed:
Sunday 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM: Putting and Chipping contest
- Need two adults and 4 MS students
- They'll measure and keep track of the closest chips and putts.
Awards Dinner set-up:
- Most likely we’ll need help setting up the PSC for our Sunday Awards dinner On Saturday Morning (9/11) after 9 AM. More information to follow.
Awards Dinner serving/clearing:
- Older kids needed with a few parents as Supervision.
Please contact Rosemarie if you are interested in helping with this event.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
They are also available below, attached to the newsletter.
The lists are designed so that you can take a screenshot with your phone, and edit the photo to cross off items as you place them in your cart - paperless shopping!
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten lists are ready!
2021-2022 School Calendar
Every Wednesday will be an early release so that teachers can work with their colleagues at other Catholic schools in our region - it's how we work to improve our practice!
The school day will begin at 8:15 every morning for Kindergarten through 8th grade, and 8:20 for those students in pre-school or pre-kindergarten. While preschool and pre-kindergarten students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. each day, all other students will be dismissed at 3:15 (except on Wednesdays when ALL students are dismissed at 2:30.
REFERRAL PROGRAM - Bring a friend and get a credit!
Refer a friend to our school and receive ONE MONTH tuition FREE.
The family must fully enroll at St. Therese and stay through the school year - your credit will show on your final billing statement in May 2022.
The family must tell us that you referred them - we will send you a form to complete and return to us so that the credit can be applied. They can note it right on their application form.
Your account and the new family's account must remain in good standing throughout the school year.
This credit does not apply to incidental expenses like hot lunch, extended care, and field trips.
This credit is based on your total tuition divided by 12 payments.
Please feel free to share the flyer below in your networks and encourage your friends to follow us on social media!
Thanks for helping us promote our school!
UNIFORMS
Come by the school and take a look at our uniform exchange!
- Students who wish to wear a sweatshirt MUST wear a navy or green St. Therese sweatshirt with logo. There are a few styles to choose from - order from Dennis or see our uniform exchange.
- Students may NOT wear hoodies, or wear their hood over their head while inside the school.
- 8th Grade hoodies are the ONLY exception, but hoods may not be worn while inside.
- Students may wear belt and socks of their choice as long as it follows dress code for appropriateness (no obscene language or images).
- Students may wear shoes of their choice as long as they are safe (no slides/flip-flops/sandals or other open-toed or open-heeled shoes that could cause a student to slip)
- Leggings or shorts must be worn under skirts or jumpers.
Free Dress will be the last Friday of the month, and more information will come regarding guidelines for appropriate dress on those days.
Click on the logos to be directed to Dennis or Lands End websites.
SUMMER HOURS
Our office is open for drop-in or phone calls:
You could also make an appointment to see us anytime, even on Fridays. We are in the building working in areas outside of the main office, so we may not always answer the phone when you call outside of our summer hours. If you miss us, please leave us a message!
Please give us 24 hours to return your call if you try to reach us after hours.
Angie Barnett, Registrar - barnetta@stthereseschool.org
Penny Montani, Business - Manager penny@stthereseor.org
Rosemarie El Youssef, Principal - elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org
St. Therese School
Email: elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org
Website: stthereseschool.org
Location: 1260 Northeast 132nd Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Phone: 503-253-9400
Facebook: Facebook.com/StThereseSchoolPortlandOrFamilyPage
Twitter: @sttherese_pdx