St. Christopher School

Dear St. Christopher Families and Friends,

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. And we say his glory – glory as of the only begotten of the Father – full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Time has really flown for me in my new position as St. Christopher Principal.  I can truly say that I have enjoyed the past few months. The days get hectic and sometimes I am very overwhelmed with so much to do, but it only takes one “Hello Mrs. Clarke” to warm my heart and think that God has put me here for a reason. You hear this from me frequently; however it is worth repeating to each and every one of you again…you and your children are truly a gift to me. God has blessed me with the gift of being Principal here…I am so fortunate to have answered His call to this ministry. I consider us to be a family, the family of St. Christopher School and Parish. I am truly blessed to be a part of this family. I hope that in some small way, I have been a gift to you, your child, or your family, these past few months.

As the holiday season approaches I hope you share my goal of taking a breath, being appreciative, and having some meaningful time with family. In education we are thankful for the opportunities to impact young lives. Our students are the reason we’re here. Their learning and progress is the school’s mission.

At St. Chris we have much to be thankful for. We first thank our parents. Not only do they raise enormous sums of money to support our educational programs but they also help in so many ways on a daily basis. They help serve at lunchtime, volunteer in the classes, and they serve on many committees. At every level, when we need something, there are parents willing to step up and fill the need. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all that you do. You are wonderful!!

Thanks also to our fabulous Parent Group for sponsoring exciting enrichment programs for our students and delicious faculty and staff breakfasts and lunches. The Christmas luncheon was fabulous and the teachers and I appreciated it very much!

We thank our Faith Outreach Committee for organizing so many community service opportunities for our students.  Recently we were able to collect over 300 shoeboxes filled with toys and other items for needy children in our greater Nashua community. Nashua Catholic answered our call to fill shoeboxes for teens. We thank them as well.

Student Council, under the guidance of Miss Wefers, has been formed. The students running for office all made posters and gave courageous speeches in front of their peers. The elected council members are:

6W – Alejandro Maya, Michael Meads, Regan Sedler, Benjamin Wadden and Siri Warren.

6E – Christopher Bourn, Samantha Crotty, Valerie Erausquin, Peyton Fisher and Ella Lowenberg.

5C – Mikayla Breslin, Nicholas Roy, Sara Schmitt and Hannah Swabowicz

5M- Ben Danielson, Grace Lambert, Andre Laplante, Krysta Mack and Abby McCarthy

The students are celebrating the Christmas season with sounds of gentle Christmas music and stories, making crafts and enjoying the small celebrations each day brings. Whether you saw the K-3 Christmas Concert, the Grades 4-6 Christmas Concert or the Fine Arts Festival, I’m sure you would agree that our students captured the joy of the Nativity with their talent and exuberance.  How can we thank them and their teachers enough?!  We salute Music Instructor Ms. Jeanne Polcari for her vision, expertise and dedication.  Likewise, we thank Band Director Mr. David Bailey for his skill, insight and effort.  Through our children’s creative expression, we have been drawn closer to the Word, made flesh.

This is a reminder that Registration Forms for students who will be in grades Pre-K through 2nd for the 2012-2013 school year are now past due!  If your child(ren) will be attending St. Chris next year in any of these grades, it is imperative that you contact the school immediately. We have begun accepting applications from families outside the current St. Chris community for these grades and, because the demand is high, we may not be able to guarantee a seat for your child unless we hear from you this week. We love our students and want to be sure they are able to return next year!  If you will not be with us next year, we also ask that you let us know as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 882-7442, ext. 112.

This is an exciting week, as we soon begin the start of our Christmas vacation. The faculty and staff are so happy to have the time to relax and enjoy their own family time. Although we all celebrate Christmas and await Santa Claus please remember the real reason for Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I would like to take this time to again thank all of you who volunteer your time or give of your talents, in helping our school. You all are what help make our school and parish community what it is today! I would also like to thank you for entrusting your children with us each and every day to help them with their spiritual and educational development.

When we come back refreshed from Winter Break in January, our focus will be on academics as we bear down on our core curriculum. Now that our unpredictable winter weather is here to stay, please make sure that your child comes to school dressed for the conditions. Students will continue to go outside for recess and perhaps physical education weather permitting.

Lastly, as we enter this season of giving, think hard about your gifts to your children. The greatest gift—the gift that keeps on giving—is education.

"We believe all children can learn and we have the responsibility to ensure their success.”

On behalf of the Faculty and Staff, I sincerely wish each of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas and New Year! Enjoy every moment with family and friends and find time to rest, relax and play. May 2012 bring many blessings, love and peace to all.

God Bless!

Cindy