Dear Parents,

Fire Drill: The boys from kindergarten to Gr. 12 participated in a fire drill on Monday, March 8, 2010. We hold regular earthquake, fire, and lock down drills thoughtout the year in order to ensure that the children will be safe in the event of an emergency. At this time I would like to thankyou for your patience and calm manner during the precautionary lock-down that took place last week. We will continue to keep you informed as information is given to us from the police regarding the incident.

Stations of the Cross: The students will be participating in the Stations of the Cross, a prayer that re-visits the events that took place on Good Friday. The service will take place on Thursday, March 11 at 10:00 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. All parents are welcome to attend.

Green Day: There will be a “green day” for all elementary students on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Students (except Gr. 1 and 2 - see last line below) may dress in a variety of green clothing. Students may wear jeans. Students are asked to bring a toonie for “Love is the Answer” on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. The Gr. 1 and 2 classes will not participate in the “green day” as they will be going on a field trip that day and will need to be dressed in full uniform.

Field Trip Supervisors: If you are volunteering to supervise students on a field trip, please ensure that you take an active role in supervising the students. Once parents are together, it is easy to socialize rather that staying focused on the boys and ensure that their behaviour is appropriate. We ask that the boys always be good ambassadors for the school and sometimes they need a few gentle reminders when out in the community.

Late Start: There will be a late start on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 and Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Please ensure that students do not arrive prior to 9:45 am.

Dress Down: There will be a May Fair Casual day on Thursday, March 18, 2010.We will be collecting used books, toys, and clothing.

Hearing Test: The second hearing screening will come to school on March 23, 2010, for those kindergarten students who missed the first screening.

Student-Led Conferences: The student-led conferences will take place on Friday, April 30, 2010. There will be no classes on this day; however, students will be asked to come into the school with their parents for approximately 30 minutes to participate in a conference. Scheduling information will be sent home in early April.

Microwave in Cafeteria: Students in the elementary are not permitted to use the microwaves in the cafeteria. If you would like your son to have a warm lunch, please send his food in a thermos. Elementary students often misuse the microwaves as food is processed too long, melting the container as well as the food. Also, some students have put metal items in the microwave, causing damage to the microwave. It is well known that plastic items should stay out of the microwave, and students often have plastic containers in hand ready to microwave. Please note, we will not be allowing elementary students to use the microwave.

Peanuts: Please remember that we ask parents not to send any nut products to school as we have a number of children that have serious live threatening allergies to nuts. Please do not send Nutella sandwiches, peanut-butter sandwiches, nuts, chocolates or candy containing nuts, cookies containing nuts, or any other nut item.

Report Cards: Report Cards for the second term will be distributed on Friday, March 19, 2010. Please feel free to meet with your son’s teacher if you have any questions.

Lent: We are now in the season of Lent, the season of change and new growth. Lent began on Ash Wednesday, and it is about participating in the death and resurrection of Jesus, about dying to an old identity and being born into a new identity. It is the season of increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. If you did not begin your Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, it is not too late to begin now. We should focus on prayer, especially the prayer of the church liturgy. Fasting should be linked to concern for the poor who are forced to fast because of poverty. In almsgiving, we are called to works of charity and justice. Children always look to our example. It has been said that children do not hear what we say, they see what we do. It is important for us to lead the way in all things, especially our spiritual life. It is only through having a serious Lenten journey that we can experience the joy of the resurrection on Easter.