August 20, 2007

Dear St. Monica School Families,
Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year!

I would like to extend a special welcome to those families that are new to our school. The St. Monica School community is very happy to have you join us.

School begins on Wednesday, September 5^th with attendance at the 8 AM Parish Mass.  We ask that parents attend with their children and sit together.  Students will be dismissed to their classrooms after Mass and parents are invited to gather in the Family Center for refreshments. School will dismiss at NOON.

Right after dismissal, please join us for the “Back to School BBQ” sponsored by our wonderful Parents’ Club on the field near the upper parking lot!!

New School Staff Members:
Last spring we shared information about our new school faculty members.  Just as a reminder they are:

• Ms. Tara Rastetter, who will be teaching Kindergarten
• Mrs. Melissa DeBruyne, who will be our new part-time librarian
• Mrs. Marit Bucy, who will be job sharing the Kindergarten aide position with Mrs. Combs.   

Another very recent development is the departure of our Art teacher, Mrs. Shellie Pinsoneault-Farwell. Because of a new job opportunity for her husband, Mrs. Farwell and her family are moving to South Dakota.  Mrs. Farwell has been a dedicated member of our faculty for nine years and we are sad to see her go. We are very grateful to her for her years of dedication to St. Monica School and wish her the best of everything as she begins this next chapter in her life!

I am very pleased to share the news that we have hired Mrs. Regina Park as our new part-time Art teacher. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto with degrees in both Architecture and Education. She also has a background in special education and art history. She has taught both primary and intermediate grades in Catholic elementary schools in Canada, and is an accomplished artist and photographer.  Her enthusiasm and energy will be wonderful assets to our staff!

We are extremely pleased to welcome these dedicated professionals and know that they will be strong additions to our staff. 
I ask that you join with me in making them all feel welcome!

Important to Note:
We will be sending home a copy of the updated St. Monica School Family Handbook to all families during the first week of school.  I ask that you make yourselves familiar with its contents. Please read and sign the first page and return it to the school office by the requested date.  Please pay particular attention to the requirements regarding pre-arranged absences and attendance expectations, medication at school, dress code, drop-off/pick-up and parking procedures.

As always, I encourage you to bring your questions and concerns to us so that they may be answered accurately. I look forward to working together for the good of the entire school community.

Let’s have a great year together!

Pamela J. Dellino, Principal