Be it known to all who enter here that CHRIST is the reason for this school.

He is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes.  He is the model of its faculty and the     inspiration of its students

 

               

At St. Philip's...
We believe in children.
There is faith in their eyes, love in their touch, and hope in their attitudes.

We thrill with them at life's joys,
and bow with them in worship.
They are fragile dreams of
yesterday, life's radiant reality today,
and vibrant hope of tomorrow.

Mrs. Sedlak, Principal

 

 

 

Mrs. Sedlak's September Newsletter:

 

September Greetings…

Our first days of school give evidence to a wonderful year ahead!  The students are quickly becoming familiar with their new teachers, schedules, and routines.  There is an energetic buzz which has refreshingly replaced the silence of summertime.

It is with great joy that we welcome this 2008-09 school year!

 

 

What a Terrific Trivia Extravaganza!

On Saturday there were 270 people on hand to test their trivia knowledge, and to enjoy a fun-filled evening. Each team chose their theme and then let their imaginations go wildJ.

By popular vote the “Pajama Party” team won the prize for the most creative theme. The   

themes included everything from the beach, to the farm, to the 50s and beyond! Special thanks to Laura and Mike Nudo who chaired the event and made it all look so easy. Everything went off without a hitch!  The fundraising dollars will be used to provide Smart Boards for each and every classroom next year!  In a most revolutionizing way, students will be able to fully enjoy a hands-on interaction with technology!  We currently have two Smart Boards being piloted, so you may wish to stop by to see them in action.

Thanks again to all who supported this wonderful fundraising event!

 

Celebrating God’s Presence Through Giving

This year marks the 45th anniversary of St. Philip the Apostle Parish.  The anniversary theme is “Celebrating God’s Presence.”  Our students and staff will also embrace that theme and join in the celebration.  We will be celebrating God’s presence through our “giving”. The classes will be reading the book “The Giving Tree”, and then, service projects and prayer reflections will be planned to go along with our theme. We will also be joining the Village of Addison, the library, and the Addison schools to emphasize the theme of service outreach.  It should be another rewarding year of service and giving.

Protecting God’s Children Sessions

Please be reminded that if you plan to volunteer in the school this year…in any capacity whatsoever… it is mandated that you complete a Protecting God’s Children session as well as a criminal background check.  Learning Center Helpers, Art Moms, Party Assistants, Coaches, Field Trip Chaperones, Pizza Moms, Guest Readers; regardless of how small or large the task, there can be no exceptions. (those who completed the requirements in a previous year need not take the session again) The next session will be held on Saturday, September 13 beginning at 2:00 p.m.  There are other sessions available in various parishes throughout the Diocese.  You may go to the Joliet Diocesan website to check the VIRTUS schedules.

We thank you in advance for your attendance, and for helping to keep our children safe.

 

2008 Standardized Testing – Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

Once again this year the schools in the Joliet Diocese will be scheduling the standardized testing to take place in the fall. Educational research tells us that fall testing gives us information about student performance which can effectively be used throughout the year. In the years of spring testing we did not receive test results until the year was almost over.  Since the results will now be available earlier, teachers can adjust the curriculum and fine tune the child’s instructional program where necessary.  The Iowa Tests will be administered to all students in grades 3,4,5,6,7 from October 6-16th.  Further details will be sent home later this month.     

 

Uniform and Dress Expectations

Thank you for supporting our student dress code. Haircuts, make-up, shoes, and hemlines are just a few of the things we sometimes struggle with. With parents as partners the children come to realize that we are all working together with consistent expectations!


 

Fashion Show 2008

We’ll be traveling down the the “Yellow Brick Road” on Friday evening, October 17th. It’s our annual fall Fashion Show, and it is our singlemost important fundraising initiative.  There is a tremendous amount of energy and work that goes into planning this gala event.  Our 6th grade parents are once again coordinating the fashion show, but they need ALL of our help.  Hopefully you have already purchased your grand raffle ticket, and maybe you will be among the lucky grand raffle winners J. We are counting on each family to purchase at least one ($100) raffle ticket. Perhaps families can share the cost of the ticket with relatives or friends. The fashion show generates upwards of $50,000 which directly impacts the school operating budget each year. In all of this the children are the real winners, so please do what you can… Your generosity and support are most

appreciated…God bless you.

 

Safety Reminders!!

  • Please be cautious. The Circular Drive is very busy in the morning.  Please pull as far forward as possible!  If you need to get out of the car for any reason you must park in one of the lots so that busses and other cars will not be detained. CARS MAY NEVER PARK IN THE CIRCULAR DRIVE.  
  • Cars should be parked so that you can always pull forward to exit. Always park so that you will never have to back out.  Children can not easily be seen in a rear view mirror.  Parents, keep your children close to you.  They should not be running in the parking lot. We appreciate your help in keeping our children safe.
  • Parents must always check into the office before going anywhere else. 

      We need to know who is in the building at all times.  Thanks!

 

Calling all Volunteer Art Moms and/or Dads

In addition to enjoying the art classes provided by our art teacher, Mrs. Sheehan, the children always look forward to our volunteer artists who share special art projects with their child’s classes. No special art background is necessary, just a willingness to share a simple project, and have a good time. If you think you might be interested in being a volunteer art mom or dad, contact your child’s teacher to make arrangements, or contact the school office and I will be happy to tell you more about this program. (543-4130)

 

This and That…

  • Tomorrow the County Health Department will be here to conduct vision and hearing screenings.  The Preschool 4 yr olds and 2nd graders will be screened for both vision and hearing.  Kindergartners, 1st and 3rd graders will have hearing tests, and 8th graders will have vision tests.  Also, transfer students are screened.  Good news… this year these screenings will be of no cost to our families!

      We will have funding from the new Illinois Health Safety Grant Program.

  • Picture Day is coming soon… Monday, September 8th is the big day.
  • Next Tuesday, September 9th is our Parent Open House! 7:00 p.m.
  • Our 8th graders will enjoy their class trip to Springfield on September 12th.
  • The Parent EdLine will be up and running again. New families with students in grades 3-8 will receive passwords and registration info at our Parent Open House.

 

There is always something exciting about new beginnings.  We place this year in God’s hands and we pray that we may grow in deeper friendship with Christ and with each other. Have a wonderful month!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Mrs. Sedlak