May Cathedral Kids Messages

May 30, 2008

Dear friends,

First off, I hope your children are enjoying the first part of their break.

On behalf of the athletic committee, Craig Husting is looking for helpers to revitalize our gym wall with a paint job.  If you are able to help or know someone who needs Helias service hours, please contact Craig at CHUSTING@psrsmo.org.  This work will be done during June.

Next, despite the advertisement that our office hours will continue through next week, today will be our last day of formal hours.  With some air conditioning issues, and because both e-mail and voicemail will make me accessable at anytime during the summer, hours next week will be on a modified basis.  Please feel free to contact if you need assistance.

However, Scrip will be sold through summer, on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 11-1.

Pax Vobiscum,

Spencer Allen

Principal

---

May 23, 2008

Just as we end our prayers with the sign of the cross, I've posted the last blog entry today, which ends our year with the cross.  You can read it and all of our entries here.  Feel free to send me blog entries during the summer for use next year.

Also, you can see pictures from our kids enjoying the field day at the News Tribune website (click here).

Have a great summer!

---

May 22, 2008

Two pianos for sale, one belonging to the school and one to the band teacher, Mr. Connor.  Please respond if you are interested.

A Story & Clark piano, serial #308780.  It was built in 1960 and is worth between $50-$125.

The music trailer has an Everett piano, serial #125178.  It was also built in 1960 and is worth between $50-$100, if that.

---

 

May 21, 2008

Some have asked about dress on Friday.  Next year, the definition for what it means to have a "dress-up" day will change slightly (to distinguish between how a student may dress for a Holy Day of Obligation and, say, a fall picture day), so I am hesitant to use that description for Friday. More clarification will come on that in the fall.  However, let me make it clear that students may follow dress-up guidelines on Friday, and because of the chances for higher temperatures, they have permission to wear appropriate uniform or dress-up shorts.  Note that this is an administration-set exception to dress-up guidelines, and is not meant to establish a norm that shorts are okay as dress-up attire.

---

May 20, 2008

Dear friends,

Unless some urgent news comes up, this will be the last e-newsletter for the year.

First, I want to thank everyone for a great and positive year.  I could not have asked for a better community to have served this year.  Your sons and daughters are great gifts to this community, and it is my pleasure to know them.

I also want to make a public thank-you to the staff who will be moving on to new challenges and opportunities next year, including Mrs. Molly Haslag from the 2nd grade, Mrs. Jan Kallenberger from the library, Mrs. Pauline Gentges and Mrs. Janet Brian in the cafeteria, and Mrs. Ann Ponder (who has already moved into a new position elsewhere).  Their selfless service was truly a blessing for our community.

I want to officially welcome our new staff.  Mrs. Julie Mercurio will take one of the three-year-old preschool positions, and Mrs. Regina Kuster will be her aid.  Mrs. Cheryl Kosmatka will take on full-time responsibilities in the library.  Mrs. Wendy Gladbach is currently our head cook in the cafeteria, and Mrs. Galen O'Donnel is our new computer lab instructor.  Each brings a unique strength and healthy Christian values to our already strong staff.

Some important notes:

There is new content on the blog.  Click here to read it.

If students would like to dress up for awards on Friday, they are permitted to do so.

Mrs. Drummond would like to remind all to return volunteer forms this week.

This sunday at 11am will be our next youth mass.  The Jr. high (including graduating 8th graders) will be taking leadership roles during this celebration.  Jr. high families that are in town this weekend are encouraged to attend and participate.  Due to the holiday, we are having some difficulty finding kids to participate, so if your child gets a call from the youth commission, please encourage him/her to help out.

Additionally, sunday is our celebration of the most holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Following mass, there will be a procession of the blessed Sacrament to St. Peter Church.  Lunch will be provided after the procession.  This is a very special tradition, and we encourage our school families, especially the kids, to participate-- it is a great way for others in our community to "See the Difference!"

Thanks to cub scout wolf pack 104 who learned about community service yesterday by picking up litter in the cathedral parking lot and grounds.  Supervisors attest that they did a great job, and the property is 100% clean.

Pax vobiscum,

Spencer Allen

Principal

---

 

May 16, 2008

The last of our adult catechesis is this Sunday at 6:30 in the Catholic Center.  Fr. Shetler will be presenting on our teachings regarding Mary and the Saints.  I personally will not be able to attend this one, so I wanted to thank all of you who have taken part.  I am looking forward to whatever form this opportunity takes next year.

Also, I have plenty of copies of the CD's containing the first seven talks (in MP3 format) here at the office.  Some of you have asked and we have been out, so please let me know if you'd like me to set one aside.  We suggest a donation of $5 to help with expenses and future projects.

---

 

May 16, 2008

Dear friends,

Some notes as we work to wrap up:

There is information in the parents section of the website about a golf tournament that raises money to provide a scholarship for one of our area parochial 8th graders.

Payments were due by the 9th to ensure child gets report card.  No payments will be taken on the last day of school. For those who do not receive report cards on the last day of school, they can pick up here at the office May 27th – 30th from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

The 5th grade field trip is scheduled for Monday, which is also the date of Helias graduation.  Because our parking lot will be overflowing, an alternate pick-up location has been determined after the trip.  Students whose parents will be here for Helias graduation will be dropped off by bus first.  The remaining students will be taken to the parking lot of West school to wait for parents.

Finally, congratulations to the students who participated in the recent diocesan spelling bee:

4th grade:

Ben Mitan

Leanna Hentges

 

5th grade:

Jordan Heckman

Morgan Rundle

 

6th grade:

Austin Perkins

Lydia Schrieber

 

7th grade:

Jackie Fox

Jessica Duncan

 

8th grade:

Kyle Dorge

Brooke Wilde

---

May 13, 2008

If you haven't been to the blog lately, you will find two great new posts (click here).  One, submitted by kindergarten teacher Mrs. Braddock, contains a list of thoughts and artwork from our kindergarten students.  Below that, you will find a beautiful Pentecost poem about the Holy Spirit from Sarah Luebbert.  Be sure to click on the "comments" feature below each post to leave a note for the kids.

During their week-long study of the author/illustrator, Eric Carle, the afternoon kindergarten class read several of his books, paying close attention to the pictures.  Then they visited the Official Eric Carle Website to explore how he designed his illustrations.  Based on this information, the students painted paper with lots of textures and used a variety of brightly colored pieces to create their Mother's Day cards.  Click here to view.

We are looking for a parent volunteer who is skilled in personal or professional bookkeeping and would like to offer this skill to the school through a school-year opportunity.  Please respond to this e-mail if you are interested in helping.

Today's Edge program is scheduled at Binder Park from 2:00-4:30. If it is raining at 2:00, the trip to the park will be cancelled. The students will need to be picked up here at school at 2:00pm

Any families who have undergone a separation or divorce must have legal documentation or custody specifications on file in the office.  In our review of our files, we have found such documentation lacking in a number of instances.  In addition, legal documentation must be in place if a step-parent has adopted a student and has legal guardianship.  This documentation is required before sensitive information can be released to that individual.  Per diocesan policies, please update these files before the start of the 2008-2009 school year in order to ensure enrollment.

Here are the results from last Tuesday's track meet.  Congratulations to all who participated:

5th Grade Girls - Kendall Smith - 2nd place long jump, 2nd place 100 meters; Gretchen Rauch - 3rd place long jump, 2nd place 200 meters; Lizzie Burkett - 4th place long jump; Jenna Kosmatka - 3rd place ball throw; Kim Hatcher - 4th place ball throw; Maddison Lammers - 3rd place 100 meters; Jessica Von Gunten - 5th place 100 meters; Julia Frese - 6th place 100 meters; Morgan Rundle - 1st place 400 meters; 2nd place 4 X 100 meter relay (Gretchen Rauch, Jessica Von Gunten, Morgan Rundle, Kendall Smith); and 2nd place 4 X 200 meter relay (Jessica Von Gunten, Jenna Von Gunten, Lizzie Burkett, Morgan Rundle)

5th Grade Boys - Christopher Lindsey - 5th place ball throw; Nicolas Schulte - 5th place 100 meters; Josh Woodruff - 2nd place 400 meters, 1st place 200 meters; Thomas Asmar - 6th place 200 meters; 3rd place 4 X 100 meter relay (Nicolas Schulte, Thomas Asmar, Christopher Lindsey, Nathan Mercurio); 1st place 4 X 200 meter relay (Nicolas Schulte, Thomas Asmar, Christopher Lindsey, Nathan Mercurio)

6th Grade Boys - Zach Stansbury - 4th place long jump, 3rd place ball throw, 4th place 100 meters; Steven Ball - 2nd place discus

6th Grade Girls - Amanda Patino - 4th place long jump, 4th place 400 meters; Erika Von Holten - 1st place 200 meters, 2nd place 100 meters; Jasmine Fox - 1st place ball throw, 3rd place 100 meters; Rachel Feldmann - 3rd place high jump; 1st place 4 X 100 meter relay (Jasmine Fox, Mary Kate Hafner, Amanda Patino, Erika Von Holten)

---

May 8, 2008

With an apology to the prayer request in this episode, I have not had a chance to send out this list of updates this week with my principal's meeting in Columbia today and the 6th grade vocations day yesterday.

Come enjoy a great evening of fellowship at the Spring Fling Friday evening from 5:30 - 8:30 on the Cathedral grounds. Our favorite DJ Jim Cornelius will provide the tunes while the kids enjoy the Bounce House, Giant Slide, Monster Basketball, Face Painting and Clowns.  The Home & School Association is providing the hotdogs and hamburgers, and adult beverages will be served.  In addition, we would appreciate each family bringing a dish to share.  We are also asking that you bring whatever sports equipment your children may want to use that evening.  Remember, even if it should happen to rain, we will have the food, drinks, clowns, face painting, and DJ in the undercroft.  The gym will also be open for kids to play with any balls or equipment they bring.

Also, the volunteer schedules were sent home for all those who graciously offered to lend a hand.  If you volunteered to help at the event and did not receive your schedule, please call Sherry Hoelscher at 893-6482.  See you at the Fling!!

As this is the month devoted to Mary, I wanted to write and personally invite you to experience the gift of praying the rosary together as a family.  You will find that the familiarity of the Hail Mary's makes it a very easy prayer with which even younger children can participate.  On the website (click here), you will find a guide we created for the students at the Cathedral, which you can print off and use at home.  If you are interested in an explanation of the theology behind this prayer, you can read about it here.  We will pray the rosary together as a school Monday morning at 8:00 if you would like to join us spiritually from your own location.

---

Mrs. Gier would like to know if any parents took good pictures at the Broadway Revue.  In addition, she has posted a form online at our website (click here) for you to provide feedback on the show (a "review" of the "revue"). 

 

The 50% Off Book Fair takes place May 12th-15th in the church undercroft.  Please come browse.  This is a great opportunity to purchase summer reading materials at a bargain price.  Proceeds to to the school Library.

All receipts for the "My School's Cool" Rewards Program must be turned in to school by Monday, May 12th to be counted in the final submission for this school year.

 

---

Please keep Brendan Bena's grandparents in your prayers as they each face some medical issues.

---

May 5, 2008

 Contents:

---

 

Welcome / Cathedral Kids

Dear Parents and Parishioners,

            Happy Cinco de Mayo!  If you have not been to the blog lately, there are new posts.

            Here we are, with only three weeks of school left to go, and if you attended Mass at the Cathedral this weekend, you saw a tangible sign – the ballot for advisory school board members - that we are already starting to transition into a new school year.

            Last night, I received the results of this election.

            First, I would like to write a few words about our outgoing members, Mr. Craig Husting, Mrs. Denise Shebaum, and Mr. Denis Gladbach.  Though I have known these three individuals for a relatively short time, they have each served on the board with a healthy sense of esprit de corps.

            I have worked with Mr. Husting in a range of projects around the school and was immediately struck by an intrinsic attitude of fairness and great enthusiasm.  He has given tirelessly, both on the ASB and as an individual, to improve the services and facilities that exist to serve God through the education of our students.

            Mrs. Shebaum is, herself, a professional educator.  She has brought a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to our board discussions.  Her professionalism and personal dedication to the education of the youth has been a true blessing as we have shaped policies and procedures this year.

            Mr. Gladbach has impressed me as one of the most objective individuals I have met.  He can explore, unlike many individuals, multiple sides of a given issue without letting personal preference color his conversation.  For many issues, his insight has opened up otherwise unexplored areas of dialogue.

            If you find the opportunity, please thank these three ASB members for their contributions.  In addition, I hope you will congratulate our three newest members, Dr. Karl Haake, Mr. Craig Lammers, and Mrs. Jennifer Wright.  I am excited about the individual strengths each will bring to our board.        

          

Pax Vobiscum,

Spencer Allen

Principal

St. Joseph Cathedral School

---

Cathedral Parents – Free Stuff for Catholics

            With the end of the year almost here, I have completed a comprehensive overview of the teachings of the church through the Cathedral Parents forum.  On that note, future essays will continue early next school year.

            However, with summer break at hand, I hope you will find the opportunity to continue study on your own.  Catholic Home Study Service offers a number of free classes that you can complete on your own time.  These studies come with a quality paperback book, a quiz text, and an online account through which one can assess his understanding of the material.  The author of these classes, Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, C.M., is conducting a mission at the Cathedral in the fall, so this would be a great way to prepare for his talks.  Click here to see the topics offered.

            If you enjoyed the Scott Hahn CD we recently sent home, you can order more CD’s from Catholicity to enjoy during your drive.  In addition, you can find other CD’s, tapes, and downloads at the Catholic site, Bible Christian Society.

---

Brag Box

            The afternoon kindergarten class has been learning about the author/ illustrator Eric Carle. They began their week-long study by reading the book, The Little Cloud. Next they looked at all the clouds in the sky and made their own clouds using white paint and lots of texture. The clouds were then incorporated into a bible lesson on the Ascension of our Lord. If you click here, you can see how the clouds were used to create a bulletin board display of Jesus rising into heaven.

            John Vignola from our Cathedral Boy Scout Troop 104 received his Eagle Scout Award at an Eagle Court of Honor in the Undercroft on Sunday.  John is a senior at Helias and his Eagle Scout project was organizing and supervising a food and necessities drive at Helias for the sisters of the Carmelite Monastery.  We also have another scout from our troop 104, who is a parishioner at St. Martin Parish, who will be receiving his Eagle award at the same ceremony this Sunday.  Andrew Schwarzer is also a senior at Helias; his Eagle Scout Project was creating a mapping system to easily identify the graves of veterans at a local cemetery.

            The U11 Capitals Soccer-Brown team captured 1st place at the Futura Soccer Tournament in Kansas City this past weekend.  St. Joseph players were Nick Hafner, Wade Lueckenotte, Nathan Mercurio, Zach Simon, Blake Steinmetz and Ethan Twehus.  The U11 Capital Soccer-Green team also did very well in this tournament.  There are several St. Joseph players on this team as well.

 

---

In the Classroom

            The afternoon kindergarten class has been learning about Jesus' words to Peter after His resurrection.  Click here to see the words printed on their sheep puppets. Peter was the first pope and his role as the good shepherd has been continuously passed from one pope to the next, even up until today with Pope Benedict.  The students got to experience the role of being good shepherds by passing a balloon sheep using a candy cane staff from one student to the next as modeled by our church leadership. To see the this activity click here.

---

Prayer Request

            Mr. Allen requests prayers for a family member who is undergoing a tough personal struggle in her life.

---

Important Notes

            Would you please send out an e-news about final payments being due May 9th to ensure students get final report card.  No payments will be taken on the last day of school.

            Dress code, fee structure, supply list and calendar for 2008 – 2009 are either available on the website or will be soon.

 

---

 

May 2, 2008

Remember that you are invited to our Mass on Monday, followed by the dedication of Spartan Park baseball field.  At 1:15, our students will be performing in the talent show.

Just a reminder of our agenda for Monday.  You are invited to the Mass at 8:00, followed by the dedication of "Spartan Park", our baseball field.  At 1:15, our talent show begins.

---

May 2, 2008

Just a reminder that, though we have an all school Mass on Monday for the Cathedral dedication, we have special permission for a spirit "dress down" day.  However, some students seem unclear about what dress-down means, according to questions teachers are receiving.  As a reminder, here are our guidelines:

1.   Jeans may be worn but no fringe, holes, slits or bagginess is acceptable.

2.     Tee shirts may be worn if they have no drug/and or obscene, suggestive, satanic, alcohol messages or symbols.

3.     Boxer shorts, cut offs, tank tops and sleeveless shirts are never allowed.

Since this is a "spirit" dress down, students should try to wear green and white.

Have a great weekend!

---

May 1, 2008

Dear friends,

Here are some important notes about recent or upcoming school activity:

Brag Box

Two of our fellow students at St. Joe and one former student.  Jordyn West, Casi Vaughan, and Marilee Veit recently competed at Orlando, Florida in the Cheerleading Worlds.  KOMU did a story on their team before they left for the competition.  It played Sunday evening and now it is posted on their website for a couple weeks.  You can access that story here.  Congratulations!

In spite of the rain and the sudden change of venue, all of the art teachers present at Sketch Day on April 24th were proud of the students artwork.  Instead of drawing the Governor's Garden or a view of the Capitol, the students were inside the capitol drawing everything from a wagon on display in the museum to a view of the river from a fourth floor window.  Twelve students from the junior high attended and three students from St. Joseph Cathedral recieved honors for their artwork.  Celina Aur (8th grade) received a blue ribbon, Maria Donovan (8th grade) received a red ribbon and Cole Haugan (8th grade received a green ribbon.   The others who attended were Scott Brower (8th), Carmen Howser (7th), Bethany Schulte (7th), Jessica Duncan (7th), Kate Bradshaw (7th), Sam Donovan (6th), Amanda Patino (6th), Ashton Ponder (6th) and Lydia Schrieber (6th).  It turned out, the move inside brought a wonderful surprise for several of the students who were there.  After asking around, they were allowed to go up to the Whispering Gallery.  Then they were allowed to go up to the top dome and step outside on the balcony.  When they saw another student sitting on the church steps at St. Peter, they all yelled until they got a wave back.  In spite of the rain, it was a wonderful day!

Here are the results from our Monday track competition at Helias:

5th grade girls -

Kendall Smith - 2nd place long jump, 2nd place 100 meters; Jenna Kosmatka - 5th place long jump, 5th place ball throw; Kim Hatcher - 4th place ball throw; Maddison Lammers - 3rd place 100 meters, 2nd place 200 meters; Jessica Von Gunten - 6th place 100 meters; Gretchen Rauch - 5th place 200 meters; Morgan Rundle - 1st place 400 meters; 4 X 100 meter relay team - Maddison Lammers, Gretchen Rauch, Morgan Rundle, Kendall Smith - 1st place; 4 X 200 meter relay team - Jenna Kosmatka, Lizzie Burkett, Jessica Von Gunten, Morgan Rundle - 2nd place

5th grade boys -

Christopher Lindsey - 4th place ball throw; Josh Woodruff - 2nd place 100 meters, 2nd place 400 meters, 1st place 200 meters; Nathan Mercurio - 3rd place 400 meters; Nick Hafner - 1st place 800 meters; 4 X 100 meter relay team - Nicolas Schulte, Thomas Asmar, Christopher Lindsey, Nathan Mercurio - 2nd place; 4 X 200 meter relay team - Nicolas Schulte, Thomas Asmar, Nick Hafner, Nathan Mercurio - 1st place

6th grade girls -

Amanda Patino - 2nd place long jump, 3rd place 400 meters; Rachel Feldmann - 2nd place high jump; Jasmine Fox - 1st place ball throw, 4th place 100 meters; Erika Von Holten - 1st place 100 meters, 2nd place 200 meters; 4 X 100 meter relay team - Jasmine Fox, Mary Kate Hafner, Amanda Patino, Erika Von Holten - 2nd place

6th grade boys -

Zach Stansbury - 5th place long jump, 3rd place ball throw, 5th place 200 meters; Steven Ball - 2nd place discus; Andrew Pierle - 5th place 400 meters

We have a 7th and 8th grade meet this evening at Lewis and Clark.  Next week we wrap up the track season with meets on Monday for 7th and 8th and Tuesday for 5th and 6th.

---