Eighth and Second Class students performed the lovely maypole dance following the May Crowning liturgy May 21.
[nggallery id=157]
Beautiful Tradition
May 22, 2014
Thanks, Social Justice
May 20, 2014
Thanks to our 2013-2014 Social Justice Leadership Council for a great year. These seventh and eighth graders took the lead in coordinating Advent and Lenten projects such as Adopt-a-Family and Christmas basket distribution, as well as food drives, soup kitchen decorating and Mission Day participation. Well done!
Author Speaks to Middle School Students
May 19, 2014
In St. Charles last week for the launch of her latest book, The Quilted Heart, author Mona Hodgson visited the Academy to speak with students about researching and writing historical fiction. KMOV Channel 4 provided coverage.
New Position
May 15, 2014
I have some exciting news to share. We have made the decision to shift to a one principal model, and Mrs. Marcia Renken has said “yes.” As the newly-appointed “principal of the whole,” Mrs. Renken will be taking on an expanded role as curricular and instructional leader of the Academy.
Of the many advantages in this move, the two most notable will be the consistency in communication to faculty, students and parents, and the strengthening of the vertical articulation of the curriculum.
The “gift” of Mrs. Renken in the Lower School to students, faculty and parents will continue as she now offers that gift to those who already know her, trust her and respect her inspiring, visionary, clear and loving leadership. Mrs. Renken’s superb judgment, her wise advice and her prayerfully-considered decisions will continue to strengthen the Academy’s ability to educate to critical thinking and compassionate action!
In making this move, we are sadly bidding adieu to Dr. Roger Stock, who has shared his many years of experience and expertise with us. The epitome of a professional, he has been a true gentleman and a good man. Most of all, Dr. Stock brought his deep love of the Sacred Heart. We have LOVED and respected these qualities and hope he stays connected with us.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Renken while we thank Dr. Stock for all he has done for us.
With JOYFUL union in the Heart of Christ,
Maureen Glavin, rscj
Duke TIP
May 15, 2014
Nearly two dozen of our Seventh Class students qualified to participate in the 2014 Duke University Talent Identification Program. Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. The program works with students, their families and educators to identify, recognize, challenge and help students reach their highest potential. Now in its 34th year, the 7th Grade Talent Search identifies bright seventh graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities. In addition, they gain valuable benefits and have access to unique resources for gifted students.
Two Academy students earned National Recognition, scoring at approximately the 90th percentile. Eleven others earned State Recognition by scoring at the 50th percentile. Congratulations to all who participated!
Maypole Practice Canceled
May 15, 2014
Because of field conditions, Maypole practice on Thursday, May 15 has been canceled.
Fun in the Field
May 13, 2014
The threat of rain caused Field Day for Classes 1–8 to be rescheduled, but that didn’t lessen the fun and excitement that came with it.
Click here to view Field Day photos.
Field Day for Primary and Pre-Primary students is on schedule for Wednesday, May 14.
Track and Maypole Practices Canceled
May 13, 2014
Due to weather and field conditions, both track and Maypole practices on Tuesday, May 13 have been canceled.
The Art of Healing
May 13, 2014
Artwork by 40 of our students is now on display on the Community Art Wall at St. Joseph’s Health Center, and will remain there throughout the summer. The students’ work was inspired by the question, “What does God’s Healing Presence look like to you?” An opening reception was held last week.
The Emerald Isle
May 12, 2014
Go Green we did at our annual Chemin de Fer Auction on May 5, journeying to The Emerald Isle for a bit o’ magic and the luck o’ the Irish. Guests were greeted by the soulful sound of bagpipes, encountered a stately St. Patrick, and strolled past the iconic Temple Bar before settling in for dinner under the rainbow—all while bidding on trips, parties, one-of-a-kind merchandise and more. Chaired by Academy parents Michael and Michelle Todt and Robert and Karen MacDonald, our 40th annual Chemin was attended by nearly 400 people. Honorary Chairs were past parents Mark and Kathy Roden.
From the podium, Head of School Sister Maureen Glavin, emcee Todd Strother and auctioneer Fletcher Lane kept the pace moving. ASH 500 Chairs Scott Nelson and Bob Yanics oversaw another successful sellout for the big raffle with a grand prize of $10,000—with energetic assistance from Sister Glavin the night of. John Brooks took home the top prize. Lucky winner of the 2014 tuition key was Terri Wall.
Scores of volunteers made it all possible. Special thanks to Mike and Kathleen Parvis and company for working their decorating magic. In addition, the 55 soon-to-be graduates of the Class of 2014 contributed to the auction’s success by selling ads for the auction book, serving dinner, and helping with cleanup the following day.
Chemin de Fer is the Academy’s main fundraising event of the year, with net proceeds earmarked for school operating expenses. The school is especially grateful to Sponsors Laurence and Alicia Christopher; the Academy Mothers’ Club; Mercy Kids; Michael and Michelle Todt; Robert and Karen MacDonald; and the Eric and Kelli Schaefer family.
[nggallery id=110]
Check out additional photos of Chemin 2014 at kabancephoto.com.
More Gratitude
May 8, 2014
Sometimes I feel as if a large part of my job is to thank those who surround me. And, this week I am particularly conscious of people I wish to thank! I am lingering with gratitude for so many and for so much!
This week, I am grateful for the hard-working employees with whom I am proud to rub elbows every day:
- Our dedicated, talented and loving teachers, especially during this Teacher Appreciation Week
- The Academy staff (office staff, business staff, advancement staff, maintenance men and cleaning ladies) who, behind the scenes, quietly and efficiently help with everything that happens at this place
As we continue to wrap up Chemin, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for our big event volunteers, sponsors, volunteers, benefactors and high bidders:
A special and huge gratitude go out to our Chemin Chairs (L-R in photo) Robert and Karen MacDonald and Michael and Michelle Todt, as well as our Chemin Committee Chairs who gave so generously of their time over the course of the year.- ALL who worked hard to create our Chemin experience!
As we enter into this last month of school, I begin to think about ALL the volunteers who help in so many ways:
- The PCC Reps, who volunteer for school events—with a special thanks to those PCC reps who are cycling off.
- The Hospitality Committee, without whose help we would not BE the Academy!
- The Mothers’ Club, who, behind the scenes, quietly and efficiently do SO MUCH for this school
I am particularly grateful for the selfless gifts that were given at Chemin for the Fund-A-Need, which this year was for our Sacred Heart School in the Congo that experienced a fire. The Academy community raised over $20,000 in 10 minutes! I could not have been more proud! Our Chemin guests were NOT donating money to something that would directly benefit them; they were donating money to be sent across the ocean to benefit children they will will never meet!
I celebrate you all, I thank you all, and I pray in gratitude for you all!
See you at Field Day,
Maureen Glavin, rscj
