SCHOOL NEWS

The holidays are a very special time in a child’s life. In the excitement and anticipation they are sometimes “extra” emotional. This is normal. It helps for them to get lots of sleep and healthy foods. As adults, it is important to remember they may pick-up on our mood fluctuations about all the extra tasks and social engagements on our plates. We often find ourselves being less patient and understanding. This too is normal.

Students who have experienced change in their families such as parental illness, separation, divorce or death of a significant person need additional attention during this season. They may feel sadness now, even though the loss was in the past. Students who are already anxious or sad often feel an increase in these emotions during the holidays. Some of this is related to feeling increased alienation from their families, friends and society because they perceive everyone is happy except them. It is important to listen and acknowledge that you understand how they are feeling and that they are not alone with these thoughts and emotions. If you need further ideas on how to talk to your student or would like us to meet with them before or after the holiday season, do not hesitate to contact us. 

May the love, joy and peace of Christ settle on you and those you love this Christmas season.

The Rochester Catholic School Counselors
 

The St. Francis of Assisi School Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 6:30 pm at the Church of the Resurrection. Please click here for more detailed information for that performance!
 

Congratulations to the following students whose posters were selected as winners:

First place: Elizabeth Neisen
Second Place: Chiara Lovely
Third Place: Avery Davis and Erin Witter

We are so proud of these students and all of the students who used their artwork to represent their vision of peace.
 

Students may not stay after school for 4:30 pm events. There is no adult supervision for them. We do have an Extended Day Supervision Program that they could register for and attend for an hour before they go to an event/game. There would need to be an identified adult who is responsible for their supervision at the event/game. Please be mindful of this supervision requirement when making plans with your child(ren).
 

Our school community will be introduced to our January virtue at our monthly HERO assembly Tuesday, December 18th at 1:20 pm. We will learn about the virtue, three saints whose lives exemplified the virtue and how living this virtue prevents bullying behavior and language. We continue to practice these virtues so to grow in holiness.
 

Please mark your calendars for our winter NWEA testing windows: January 7th - February 1st. Your child’s teachers will let you know their exact testing dates. Please try to ensure your child has plenty of rest and a good breakfast to help them be at their best for testing!
 

A non-uniform day is planned for Friday, December 21st for the school community. The staff may be sporting some ‘ugly’ Christmas sweaters!!
 

During the winter season when there are a lot of "bugs" circulating around, it can be difficult to know when to keep your student home. Click here for a list of symptoms that would require staying home from school.
 

We received a thank you from Jeff Block after the Christmas Anonymous store this past weekend. Jeff said,  “I just wanted to let you know we had a very successful Christmas Anonymous store day this past Saturday.  We could not have done it without the support of St. Francis.  Your generosity was impressive.  We served over 500 families which included close to 1600 children.  Your school helped make their Christmas season special.  Thanks again for all of your support.  I look forward to working with you again in 2019.” Your generosity is evident in so many ways...thank you!
 

It’s not too late to sign up for Ski Club! Students in grades 4-8 can participate in Ski Club.  Please contact Community Education for more information.  
 

Our school has been in the process of creating a variety of maker-space carts for our students to use. These carts are designed to be spaces where students have access to supplies to build, tinker, design, and create whatever interests them. One of the maker-space carts will hold art supplies.You can find a list by clicking here of supplies that we could use on our cart!
 

Raven Theater auditions will be held on Monday, December 17th and Wednesday, December 19th after school. The first rehearsal is on December 20th after school for all actors and actresses. 

Our parent meeting will be on December 20th at 5:30 pm. All parents are encouraged to be there for important information. If you are have questions, contact asmith@rcsmn.org. 
 

SYSTEM NEWS

Parents of are invited to visit and tour St. Francis of Assisi and the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist schools to learn more about the 2019-2020 middle school offerings (incoming 6-8 graders) on Monday, December 17th.

5:30-6:30pm at St. Francis of Assisi 
6:45-8:00pm at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

If you are unable to attend an Open House, please contact Barb Plenge, St. Francis of Assisi (bplenge@RCSmn.org) or Matt Langsdale, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (mlangsdale@RCSmn.org) to schedule a tour.

ACTIVITIES NEWS

There will be NO In-House or Traveling basketball practices over the Holiday Break from December 22 - January 2.  Enjoy this time with your family!

Santa’s Helpers Stopped at the Spirit Shop!
Stop by the Spirit Shop and see the new “Purple and Gold” that Santa’s Helpers delivered! 
We hear another sleigh-load will be arriving soon! 
The elves will be in the Spirit Shop to help with your holiday shopping on:

Friday, December 14 1:00-2:30 pm
Tuesday, December 18 5:00-7:00 pm
Friday, December 21 1:00-2:30 pm
Friday, December 21 5:00-7:00 pm
 

Stop by the Activities Office or before any Lourdes Athletic event to purchase your 2018-2019 All Sports Ticket.  The All Sports Ticket is $50 for 10 punches.  This is good for admission to regular season home games.  
 

UPCOMING EVENTS