Dear Friends,
I hope this first week of Advent has been a peaceful one for all of you as we enter into this very busy month. I hope everyone will find some peace over the next few weeks and time to reflect on all that we have been blessed with in our lives. We have food, clothing, shelter, religious freedom, safety, and the love of family and friends. These are basic needs that so many people in our world lack. Our Advent theme this year was chosen by our Student Council officers – ”Believe in Miracles.” This beautiful and simple theme aligns nicely with our Diocesan theme this year; “Believe and see the glory of God.” I was pleased with the fact that the students had “miracles” on their minds as they brainstormed for a theme. “Miracles” were mentioned in all of the themes they suggested.
We continue to learn about Jesus’s miracles every month. This month we are reminding students to help others in need, which brings me to a very happy thought. Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our annual food drive. This food benefits those in our community as well as the St. Patrick’s Center. This year you donated 986 pounds of food! Wow! The generosity in this small parish school never ceases to amaze me. Thank you! Thanks for a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch as well. Our Home and School Board and several terrific parent volunteers showed up that day to make it a success. The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed it. As expected, both of my own adult children conveniently returned that day! My son had an interview “in the area” and my daughter showed up to work early for After-Care that day. The cubed turkey is a big hit! This tradition is one that children remember fondly as they leave us. Thank you to everyone who made that day a success. Ms. Michele let me back in the kitchen again this year to serve everyone. I may be promoted to chef next year, but I am not counting on it. It has taken me a few years to master the serving line. I may stick to what I know.
Today we celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas. Father Mark spoke of St. Nicholas in his homily today. He reminded us that St. Nicholas is someone we can use as a role model because he would provide things people needed without looking for personal recognition. Today in school, the sound of a bell was heard over the PA system. St. Nick snuck in at some point and left a little treat for Preschool through Second Grade students.
Trimester 1 Report Cards – Report cards for Trimester 1 will be sent home next week. Parents need to sign and return the envelope to school. You keep the paper copy of the report card at home.
Congratulations to Ms. Anne Burbage! Ms. Burbage is getting married! God bless her on this new vocation. We wish her all of the best and can’t wait to welcome her husband to our school family!
Congratulations to our November Students of the Month! The virtue for November was “helping others in need.” Congratulations to Olivia Thompson (PK3), Jordan Lloyd (PK4), Noah Lindsey (K), Brennan Lott (1st), Noel Pulliam (2nd), Cole Williams (3rd), Jessica Garcia (4th), Gillian Patterson (5th), Phu Nguyen (6th), Giada Brown (7th), and Brianna Ramos (8th). Way to go!
Santa Secret Shop takes place on Tuesday, December 10th and Wednesday, December 11th. Students will shop with their class at an assigned time. Information was sent home on Wednesday, December 4th with an order form and the schedule for shopping. If you did not get that dark green flyer, check with your children. An order form/shopping guide was attached.
The Christmas Show will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, December 20th! Don’t miss our annual Christmas concert this year. Each class will be showcased to sing a couple songs. Our Band will be performing as well. We will be at maximum capacity in our school gym so arrive early for the best seats! Thank you to Mr. Colligan and Ms. D’Amico for helping prepare them for this day. We have a noon dismissal on Friday, December 20th! There is no after-care provided that day. Please arrive promptly at noon (if you are not attending the show) so that our faculty and staff may begin their Christmas vacation.
From our School Nurse:
It is once again flu season. Here is more information about it. How do I tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Here is a table from the CDC that should help you:
| Signs and Symptoms | Influenza | Cold |
| Symptom onset | Abrupt | Gradual |
| Fever | Usual; lasts 3-4 days | Rare |
| Aches | Usual; often severe | Slight |
| Chills | Fairly common | Uncommon |
| Fatigue, weakness | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
| Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Common; can be severe | Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
| Headache | Common | Rare |
How is influenza spread? – The influenza virus is believed to be mainly spread by droplets that are released when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. A person could also become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object, then touching their own nose or mouth (the flu virus can remain infectious for up to 24 hours on a surface). Young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions are more likely to have complications if infected with the flu.
How long should they stay out of school and other activities? – Children need to stay out of school until their fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and he/she is feeling well enough to participate in routine activities.
Also, if you are keeping your child home from school because of illness, please let the school know the reason why your child is ill. This will help in monitoring the illnesses at school.
What is the treatment for influenza? – Antiviral medications can shorten the course of the flu and prevent complications if given within 36 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. Influenza is a viral illness; therefore, antibiotics are not effective. If you or your child exhibits signs of the flu, please contact your physician right away.
How can influenza be prevented? – It is not too late to get a flu shot. According to the CDC, the best way to avoid or lessening the severity of the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine, and it is recommended that everyone 6 months old and up receive one. Even if the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it may help lessen the severity of the flu.
Some routine practices can prevent the spread of germs include: frequent, proper hand hygiene (scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds); cough/sneeze into your elbow/sleeve; keep hands away from your face; disinfect frequently used objects/surfaces; avoid contact with sick people, and, conversely, if you are sick, avoid contact with others.
We will do our best here at school to keep the surfaces clean. I need your help in keeping your child home if they are not feeling well and show signs of the flu.
If you have any questions or concerns about these or any other health issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. Thank you and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Annemarie Russell BSN, RN, CPN
St. Anthony School Nurse
Christmas Break – School will be closed December 21, 2019- January 1, 2020. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
January 16th is Family Movie Night! Look for more information to come! Join us for pizza, popcorn, and a movie from 6:30-8:30 P.M. Doors will open at 6:00 P.M. This event is free, as it will take the place of our traditional January Open House. We will open registration for the 2020-2021 school year that evening.
Our next Tiger Talk will be on January 10, 2020. I am including a list of events for the rest of December and the beginning of January since these next weeks are so busy for many of us. I hope you all have a blessed Advent season and a peaceful Christmas filled with joy and love!
Advent Blessings,
Mrs. White
“Miracles happen. But prayer is needed! Prayer that is courageous, struggling, and persevering, not prayer that is a mere formality.” ~ Pope Francis
December 2019
- December 9th – Advent Prayer Service – School Lobby – 8:00 A.M.
- December 10th – Santa’s Secret Shop
- 6th Grade Field Trip – Delaware Theater Company
- December 11th – Santa’s Secret Shop
- December 12th – Ugly Sweater + Add-on Day – $2
- December 13th – 3rd -5th Grade Field Trip – Wilmington Courthouse
- December 16th – Advent Prayer Service – School Lobby – 8:00 A.M.
- Student Council Meeting – CANCELLED
- December 17th-19th – Peppermint Count during lunch
- $0.50 for each guess or 3 for $1
- December 19th – Pajama Day – $3
- December 18th – 8th Grade Field Trip – Christmas Show/Lunch – 8:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
- December 20th – NOON DISMISSAL – NO AFTER-CARE
- Christmas Show – Gym – 10:00 A.M.
- December 21st – January 1st – School Closed for Christmas Break
- January 2nd – School Reopens
- January 6th – Student Council meeting – Computer Lab – 3:00-3:30 P.M.
- January 16th – Family Movie Night