Principal’s Letter: September
September 8, 2008
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Nolan Rhodes, MSJ senior and Varsity Football co-captain, in speaking to Rutland Herald reporter Chuck Clarino after MSJ’s win over Burlington on Friday, September 5 said this: “We work just as hard as anybody else and we deserve this because we’re as close a team as you can get.” In this statement, Nolan conveyed something about sports at MSJ and something about MSJ itself. Our teams, in particular the football team this season, often work hard to achieve success and success is a team effort.
As you know, MSJ works hard to provide the best for you and for the academic, spiritual and extra-curricular achievement of your daughter and/or son. Achievement, success, growth – no matter what you call it – requires diligence, patience, persistence and time. In a sense, all good things come in time.
Of course, all things of merit are not achieved on our own. As followers of Jesus, we believe that all that is good, including our talents, come from God. Also, we know that we are not alone in our efforts. There are all sorts of people who support us along the way: team members, parents, alumni, friends and benefactors.
MSJ is a place where relationships matter in the attempt to achieve success. It is through the efforts of many MSJ alumni and friends that 52% of MSJ students are able to receive tuition assistance. It is through the efforts of the members of the Athletic Association that the playing fields are prepared for each game and that our fields are second to none in the region.
It is by working hard, and by working together, that MSJ is successful. Your involvement as a parent is critical to MSJ’s success.
Mrs. Laurie Gawet led the Parents and Friends Club (PFC) for two years, making sure that parents were informed and tasks were completed. I am thankful for her years of service. Mrs. Paula Bizon, Mrs. Lori Elliott, Mrs. Anne Mercier and Mrs.Ann Robertello have stepped forward in response to my request for leadership of the Parents and Friends Club (PFC). Please become an active member of the PFC. Your assistance and enthusiasm are needed for MSJ to achieve future success. Contact Mrs. Bizon at leebizon@verizon.net.
Also, parents, students and the MSJ faculty/staff have an MSJ Committee to the Rutland Catholic Schools (RCS) Board. This committee, under the leadership of Mrs. Gina Vitagliano (RCS St. Alphonsus Parish representative), is comprised of Mrs. Paula Bizon, parent representative; Mrs.
Sarah Fortier, faculty/staff representative; and Kyle McDermott, student representative. They will present to the RCS Board concerns, challenges and solutions specific to MSJ. If you have particular issues that you would like addressed, contact the parent representative.
Nolan said it very well. It is by working hard and being close as a team that success is achieved. I thank each member of “Team MSJ” who contributes her/his time, talent and treasure to MSJ’s success. As a parent, you are invited to become an active member of “Team MSJ.” The contributions of your time and talent are essential for MSJ’s growth.
Sincerely in Christ,
Paolo E. Zancanaro, MA
Principal
Some Dates to Remember
Mass and Reconciliation Services: Mass and Reconciliation are offered at MSJ on a monthly basis. Please check the dates and times on the MSJ web site. If you are planning to attend, please call the office to confirm the date and the time. Sometimes the date or time will change.
September 12: Early release for Faculty in-service. School dismisses at 12:00.
September 25: Back-to-School Night. This is an evening for parents/guardians to walk through their daughter’s and/or son’s schedule of classes. It starts at 6:30 in the MSJ Chapel. You will receive a schedule as you enter.
September 26: Diocese of Burlington Teacher/Staff In-Service. No school.
September 30: Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. Conferences are held at the time of the 1st Quarter Progress Report. Why? This helps troubleshoot any difficulties that have arisen prior to the end of the 1st Quarter. Times: 3:30-5:30; 6:00-8:00. Where: MSJ Cafeteria. NOTE: Please call (775-0151, ext. 107) or email (cnotte@msjvermont.org) Ms. Notte, Registrar, for appointments with teachers. Let Ms. Notte know the teachers you would like to visit and the times that you are available to visit with them. Visits are in 8 minute increments. Registration for conferences is on a first-come, first served basis. You may begin contacting Ms. Notte as of September 10 through September 24.
Since Mr. Z. will be at a NEASC accreditation seminar, he will not be available on September 30 during the conferences.
October 10: Early Release for teacher in-service. School dismisses at 12:00.
October 20-25: MSJ Spirit Week. Students plan special activities for the week. The week ends with an evening pep rally, bonfire and the MSJ-Rutland Football Game.
Tuition and Payment Plans: Please remember that your tuition payments help pay the bills at MSJ. Thank you to those who pay their tuition on time and according to the FACTS payment plan you agreed to follow. If you have NOT signed up for a FACTS payment plan, please call the Business Office immediately. All families that did not pay the MSJ tuition in-full should be on the FACTS payment plan for the balance. Receiving a diploma and/or a final transcript requires that tuition and fees are paid in-full.
