Generous and Joyful Souls

October 9, 2014

Dear Parents,

On a daily basis, my heart sings with happiness when I see the following:

  • the joy and enthusiasm exuded by our children in their learning,
  • the work ethic and love that drive our teachers, and
  • the leadership and passion projected by Mrs. Renken.

It is also true that my heart sings a little more strongly because of the generous and joyful souls who surround this Academy with their presence and their goodness. To be specific, I am talking about YOU, our parents.

I am humbled and awed when I see you:

  • driving to and from Social Justice service sites,
  • chaperoning field trips,
  • donating bottles and Marketplace items,
  • helping to find sponsors for our event,
  • signing up to volunteer for Country Fair,
  • making crafts, or
  • helping to prepare for the day itself with set-up activities!

Your presence … your support … your assistance … your time … and your gift of self are important aspects of what make this school named after God’s Heart, so full of God’s Goodness!

I will see you all at Country Fair! Thank you, in advance, for ALL you do to help make this not only a fun, community-building weekend, but a key weekend for our school’s operating budget.

With a full and grateful heart united to each of you in the Heart of God,

Maureen Glavin, rscj


Soccer Practices Canceled

October 9, 2014

Due to the conditions of the fields and the unpredictable thunderstorms, all soccer practices on Thursday, October 9, have been canceled.


Alum Bands Return to Rock Country Fair Weekend

October 8, 2014

Peter -- Plywood InspectorsBack for a repeat performance, The Plywood Inspectors (Peter Brooks ’11) and Capitol Drive (Nick Keesey ’11) will be rockin’ an outdoor set at Country Fair Kick-Off on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Peter and Nick, both seniors at SLUH, are super busy with homework and swim practice, but took some time to answer a few questions and are looking forward to playing again at their alma mater.

The Plywood Inspectors features Peter on guitar and vocals, Jake Nelson on bass and vocals, Daniel Mudd on synthesizer and Gram Tolish on drums. Last weekend they played Viz’s Carnival as well as Ursuline’s Fall Fest, and play different venues in the area.

Peter is the son of John and Cindy (Cannon ’75) Brooks and the brother of Carrie ’08, Mark ’13 and Robby (Sixth Class). He began playing guitar around age 10 and while he was not in the ASH Band, he played guitar and drums for liturgies and participated in the Middle School Talent Shows. Peter says, “All the practices at ASH for everything were designed to build confidence. I play the guitar every night after I finish homework, so that practicing has stuck with me, and I love performing live.”

Peter names Beethoven, Bach and Holtz as some of his musical influences, but he is really a fan of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd as well as new favorites Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala and Wilco. He enjoys lots of different guitar styles and all the guitars and pedals that go along with them. Peter plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville where he’ll study music business.

According to their Facebook page, The Plywood Inspectors play “music you can dance to” with a heavy nod to alternative and classic rock. Their shows range from the Rolling Stones to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to original tunes. To watch their Messy Desk performance last spring, visit: visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLnZPu08Luo.


capitoldriveCapitol Drive is a rock/alternative band formed in February 2012 in St. Charles. The band includes Nick on bass, Paul Rieger and Hayden Jensen on guitar and vocals and Devin Hoffman on drums. Nick played baritone and trombone in the ASH Band and bass in Jazz Band. “Regular band gave me a great foundation in music by teaching me the basics, counting, breathing,” he says. “And jazz band allowed me to learn how to play the bass with a group.”

Nick’s main musical influences are Rush, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd and other bands of the progressive rock genre. “It takes rock music to the extreme, working in concepts for albums, writing in different time signatures and playing with incredible virtuosic ability,” he explains. His diverse musical influences range from 60s rock to 70s rock and blues rock to 80s and 90s bands as well as somewhat newer bands. “I pretty much listen to anything and everything rock-related,” he says. Capitol Drive’s music reflects this wide range of influences including Led Zeppelin, The Strokes, 311, Muse and the Foo Fighters.

Nick Keesey on right
Nick Keesey on far right

Nick and his parents Chris and Kim lived in Costa Rica during his Sixth and Seventh Class year. Nick returned for Eighth Class and says, “My best memory of ASH is really Eighth grade year as a whole. The classes, the teachers, my classmates — everything was great. Of all the things, though, it was the feeling of more independence that probably was the greatest part.”

Nick is considering Mizzou, Ohio State and Vanderbilt where he plans to major in psychology and sociology, then go on to law school. “I plan on continuing to write music, become involved in the school jazz band, and maybe form a band of my own with guys that I meet in college,” he says.

Don’t miss supporting these alum bands … Come for the food trucks and washers tournament and stay for the live music!


Emotional Resiliency

October 3, 2014

“How Attitude and Adaptability Affect Achievement” All are invited to attend Jennifer Abrams’ presentation on helping children develop persistence and grit. Free and open to the public. The Wilson School, Tuesday, October 7,  7 p.m.  MORE INFO

 


Country Fair—Right Around the Corner!

October 3, 2014

It’s hard to believe that Country Fair is just around the corner! Chairs Larry and Terri McClain and Co-Chairs Rollin and Akesha Jackson, as well as the many committee chairs, have worked tirelessly over the past month to make this event great. We have a fantastic line-up of entertainers, games, food, and more.  We are so excited to see everyone October 11 and 12!

Please read on for a few reminders…

scarecrowWebSchedule

SATURDAY

  • Mass in the Shrine: 4:30 p.m.
  • Food Trucks arrive: 5 p.m.
  • Marketplace open: 5–8 p.m.
  • Washers Registration/Warm-up: 5:30 p.m.
  • Washers Tournament: 6 p.m.
  • Live Music from alumni bands: 6–8 p.m.

SUNDAY

  • Run registration: 7:30–8 a.m.
  • 5K start: 8:30 a.m.
  • 1 Mile Fun Run start: 9:15 a.m.
  • Marketplace open for business: 9:30 a.m.
  • Game Booths open: 10 a.m.
  • Food available for purchase: 11 a.m.
  • Country Fair end: 5 p.m.

Volunteer Sign-Up

Volunteer spots remain open for Country Fair, and they must be filled. Volunteers make this day possible, and participation is required from all families to make this event a success. Sign-ups should be completed as soon as possible, and can be done through Volunteer Spot: Country Fair 2014 Volunteer Sign-Ups

Treasure Chest

Treasure Chest is looking for the donation of the following items: gift cards to restaurants, home decor, fall/holiday items, toys, games, iTunes gift cards, sports memorabilia, and movie tickets. We are particularly looking for more teen (boy or girl) and adult gifts. To drop off donations, please bring items to the office with a note stating they are for Treasure Chest.

CFrunners26th Annual Country Fair 5K Run and Fun Run

Please join us for a rousing start to the Country Fair by signing up for the 5K or Fun Run! The run is open to all ASH families, and community members as well. All entrants will receive a special 26th Annual Country Fair Run t-shirt. Forms can be found online on the Parent Portal under the Country Fair Event Page.

Please note that entrants now are no longer guaranteed a shirt on Race Day. Participants who don’t receive a shirt by October 12 will receive one the week after Country Fair.

It’s a Country Fair BYOB and Glue Gun (if you have one) Party!

Sunday, October 5 from 1–3 p.m.
Girls’ Assembly Room

We had such a good time at the Craft and Wine Party, we want to try it again this Sunday from 1–3 p.m! You don’t have to be a craft diva or even own a glue gun to participate. Just bring your favorite beverage and be prepared to be meet other moms who want to help at Marketplace. Whether you are a skilled crafter or new to the craft world—we want you! This is a great way to meet other moms in the ASH Community. Please RSVP to Karen Golab by this evening, if possible.

s601Washers Tournament

Don’t forget to get in your early sign-up form for the Washers Tournament on Saturday evening. Those who sign up by October 7 will be entered in a raffle for an Anheuser-Busch beer basket containing 3 cases of beer, AB glassware and AB t-shirts. There is a Kids’ Tournament and an Adult Tournament. Tournament winners will receive special short sleeve t-shirts and half the proceeds for bragging rights!  Winners of the Kids’ Tournament will win a gift basket.

If you don’t sign up by October 7, don’t worry. You can still sign up until Saturday before the tournament starts. Please note that each washers team is 2 people. It is $10 per child team ($5 per child) and $20 per adult team ($10 per adult). The Washers Tournament sign-up sheet can be found on the Parent Portal under the Country Fair Event Page.

FoodTrucksVendors on Saturday Night

There will be 5 vendors at the Country Fair Kick-off Saturday evening. Preview what they’ll be cooking up…

2 Girls 4 Wheels: http://www.2girls4wheels.com/

Stumpy’s BBQ: http://stumpyshouseofbbq.com/menu.html

Jimmy Johns: https://www.jimmyjohns.com/

Kona Ice Truck: http://roaminghunger.com/kona-ice-st-louis

4 Seasons Bakery: http://www.4seasonsbakery.com/

MktplaceAll Things Marketplace

Marketplace is still looking for creative and crafty helpers and donations.

  • merchandise to make up cocktail baskets: Margarita baskets, beer baskets, wine baskets, Bloody Mary baskets, etc
  • items for team baskets: Blues, Mizzou, Cardinals, Rams
  • card games
  • gift cards
  • Fall, winter and holiday decor items
  • beer, wine, and spirits

Marketplace also needs your delicious baked goods to sell at the Fair!

  • fudge
  • candied nuts
  • truffles
  • savory snacks
  • brownies baked in ice cream cones
  • brownies by themselves
  • bar cookies
  • decorated cookies
  • pies
  • cakes
  • muffins
  • breads

RaffletTicketGet excited for all Marketplace has to offer this year! Saturday night, Marketplace will be selling fall decor (including pumpkins, harvest corn, corn stalks, mums, and gourds), Halloween themed candy, lighted pumpkins, and glow-in-the-dark accessories. Don’t miss out on your chance to “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin”! Marketplace will have these items available for purchase on Sunday as well as other fall decor items, gift baskets, baked goods and more! For your convenience, Marketplace will accept credit cards this year (Sunday only).

Sell, Sell, Sell those Raffle Tickets!

There’s less than a week left in the raffle and we still have a long way to go! More than 5,000 tickets must be sold in order to reach our goal of 8,000. All tickets must be turned in by Thursday morning in order to count toward the potential dress-down day on Friday, October 10.

Bottles for Bottle Booth

We had a great turn-out for Bottle Day, but could still use a few more! We will accept new, unexpired, unopened bottles until the start of Country Fair. All we need you to do is send them to school with your children and we will take care of the rest. (Be sure to check expiration dates!)

PumpkinCloseupPumpkin Decorating Contest

If you signed up for the pumpkin decorating contest, bring in your creative masterpiece October 10 to be judged. Students who are able to carry their own pumpkins can bring them in and leave them in the hall outside their classroom. Volunteers will also be available during the morning car pool line to take pumpkins for little ones who cannot carry their own. All pumpkins will be displayed during Country Fair, and winners will be announced during the Fair as well!

A Message from Band Director Frank Goessler

Greetings ASH family,

As many of you know, the first public performance of the ASH Concert Band will be at Country Fair!

I would like to invite any alumni of the band program, family of alumni, or ASH faculty to help us make beautiful music on what will hopefully be a beautiful day. If you played an instrument at one time or another and feel like pulling it out of moth balls for another go-round, we would love to have you join us.

With the addition of others, we will need to rehearse. I plan to have two late-morning rehearsals, at 11 a.m. in Regis Hall, the two Saturdays before Country Fair—OCTOBER 4 and 11. I think this will help with the overall performance of the band. The music will not be difficult.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact me as soon as possible, so I can get an idea of how much music I will need to prepare.

I hope a lot of you participate and we can start a tradition!

Thanks,
Frank Goessler
Home: 636-946-8635
Cell: 314-974-5588


Soccer Practices Cancelled

October 2, 2014

Due to the weather and condition of the fields, all soccer practices on Thursday, October 2, have been canceled.


Where will you find God today?

September 25, 2014

Dear Parents,

Ajay KamathThis morning our Eighth Class students wowed the school with their amazing leadership in an all-school prayer service. Some of them launched the prayer by explaining, in both word and image, what spoke to them of God in the front yard (Second Street side) of the campus. As each student stood, he or she shared insights with rich, descriptive and sophisticated vocabulary and incredible depth of thought. They were not only poised and well prepared, which would have been impressive enough for a 13- or 14-year-old, but, it seemed to me, they were wise beyond their years.

What I kept thinking was that THIS is why you send your children to the Academy – so that, in the end, they are THIS kind of human being, displaying these qualities and characteristics. You want your child to be a person who has:

  • the poise and confidence to stand and speak in front of a group of people
  • the interior courage and strength to share something of his or her depth
  • the skill to write clearly, with rich vocabulary and sophistication in syntax and structure
  • the judgment and maturity to not get lured by our toxic cultural norms
  • the heart capacity to SEE with the eyes of love
  • the spiritual savvy to be awake to and aware of God in the world around them

Grant KilleenAs each child’s journey brings both successes and struggles, growth in the direction of the above happens as we continue to love their BEING and invite them to BECOME what we know and believe they can become. I certainly saw the PRODUCT of years of growth in this morning’s prayer and presentation!

Immediately after returning from the prayer service, one of the Primary students ran up to his teacher and said with all sincerity, “Now I know where to find God!” Their message was heard by even the smallest hearts today.

Our Eighth Class students found God in the front yard. I found God in our Eighth Class students.

Where will you find God today?

— Maureen Glavin, rscj


Heritage Days

September 22, 2014

What a fun morning recently when Fourth Class students and their parents returned to life on the frontier!  Thanks to Mrs. Lammert for this summary:

“The day started with a fascinating, true story told by a descendant of a woman who journeyed to the west in the mid 1800s. What an experience for the students to hear about all of the trials and tribulations even the pioneer children endured as they crossed the plains into the western portion of the United States! We continued our day going through a series of stations experiencing what life would have been like for pioneer children. We played games such as ‘graces,’ a unique version of tug-of-war, and even a bean bag juggling game. Another station included making silhouettes of the children and a marbles game that was popular during that era. We then designed and made our very own lanterns, while enjoying some delicious, old-fashioned flapjacks. What a day!”

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In the Footsteps of Philippine

September 16, 2014

Goal III of Sacred Heart education calls us to a Social Awareness which Impels to Action. This emphasis is underscored for our Middle School classes in a program entitled “In the Footsteps of Philippine.” Recently, Grades 5–8 took part in a special liturgical celebration in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne, during which they were commissioned to lives of service.

During the coming school year, Middle School students will be Sent Forth Together to be of service and learn from the following:  Fifth Class—Mount Carmel and Carrington (formerly Parkside Meadows); Sixth Class—Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Center, Food Bank and Poverty Simulation; Seventh Class—United Services and Emmaus Home; and Eighth Class—Salvation Army, Youth in Need, and St. Vincent de Paul.


Barbara Clark

September 12, 2014

Former Academy Director of Advancement Barbara Clark passed away September 11 following a long battle with cancer. An alumna of the Academy (elementary school) herself, Barb led the Advancement Department from 2004 to 2011. She was a mom of the first Academy class that admitted boys. Our condolences to her son, Tom, daughter, Karen, four grandchildren, her sister, Terri Rau, and extended family. May she rest in peace.  Funeral arrangements