St. Theresa School

Dear STS Family,

            The BIG news of the day is our upcoming Tricky Tray!  Thank you to all who are already working on this, and to those of you who have helped to get the message out.

Two other things I would like to mention to you:

• Class Parents – Traditionally, each class has “class parents” who help the teacher plan special events for the class and foster communication with and among the other parents.  Of course, as with many, many other things, Covid-19 is putting a crimp in our style.  “Special events” are being very modified, but the help with class communication is always a plus.  If you would like to serve as a Class Parent, please let me know at louann.fantauzza@mysts.org by Monday, September 28^th.  I will then speak with each of the teachers and let all of you know who the Class Parents will be.  Thanks.
• Did you know that we have a Weekly School Counselor?  Attached is a letter of introduction for Mr. Frank Malta, and a permission slip for your child to speak with him.  Much has been said during the last few months about the effects of the Pandemic and subsequent lock-down on our young people.  Mr. Malta’s presence simply provides another “listening ear” for our children who might benefit from this.  Any questions, please feel free email/phone me.  Thank you.

            There are still a number of families who have NOT responded to our request to let us know their learning choices for the month of October.  This is very important information for us to either transition into a smooth month of remote learning for your child, or to have a place prepared for him/her in the classroom.  If you haven’t already done so, please respond ASAP.  Thanks.  Starting next month we will use a Google Form for you to submit… perhaps this will help to get an easier response.

            Next week, when you receive your Thursday communications, you will be receiving the October Calendar.  Not too much has changed from the tentative yearly calendar, except for Columbus Day.  We will not be having Columbus Day off from school; instead, at the end of the month, we will be having an In-Service Day on Thursday, October 22 and a Middle States Work Day on Friday, October 23… this will also allow for Tricky Tray set-up.  If you’ve already made plans for Columbus Day weekend, please stick with them.  Although, as a school principal, I’m always going to say “school is important”, I will always temper that with: “Family Time is important”, so if you already have family plans in place, please do not change your schedule. (Don’t forget, Friday, October 2 is one of our monthly half days).

On another note, again, thanks to so many of you who have sent little messages of affirmation to the teachers, staff, and even me for all our efforts on behalf of the children… much appreciated.  I did receive one particular note that I’d like to share with you (having received permission from the writer to do so):

I am so thankful my kids are at STS.
Today during virtual the students did a lesson on inviting Jesus into their heart.
It filled my heart. I was a Christian School teacher and then principal for a time
in a little Christian school in Miami area and often attended various
Christian and Catholic schools as a child but somehow I forgot how
wonderful and amazing and important Christ-centered education is.
What a blessing to have Jesus at the center!!!!  
This year has already re-centered our whole family. Thank you!  

This short quote describes so well WHY we do what we do here at St. Theresa’s and I thank the Mom who sent it in for doing so.  The Christian-Catholic-Salesian Family Spirit and environment of our school has the power to impact the lives of our children, who hear almost every day, how they must be “first responders with Jesus;”  not as healthcare workers, or police, fire or EMT’s, but as followers of Jesus caring for one another.  It is amazing!  I see small snippets, while walking around the school, of our children doing just that.  I am very proud of them!  I’m sure you are too!

Have a wonderful week!

God bless!

Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, fma
Principal