An Event-Filled Week In The Catholic Schools
Sister Mary John Cook, SHS, principal of St. Maria Goretti School in Bloomfield, and Sister Cynthia Wessel, SHS, principal of St. Agnes School in West Mifflin are putting last touches on a week-long preparation for activities in celebration of the annual national event, Catholic Schools Week, in their respective schools.
The theme for this year is, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service”. Each day of the week, regular schedule is suspended as the students are happily involved in the events which in one way or another gives life and meaning to the theme. We congratulate Sister Cynthia and Sister Mary John, their faculties and staff, as well as those of all the Catholic Schools for the outstanding work they do for all. St. Maria Goretti and St. Agnes Schools shared some elements of their schedule of events as follows.
SAINT MARIA GORETTI SCHOOL
January 31, 2016 through February 5, 2016
SUNDAY
JANUARY 31, 2016
Opening Liturgy for Catholic Schools Week – 11:30 a.m.
Science Fair and Book Fair including donuts and refreshments
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
Students design lobby bulletin board showing how they are “the core of a Community of Faith, Knowledge and Service at St. Maria Goretti School” including each one’s picture.
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
Career presentations are given by parents, alumni, and business persons throughout the day. Each class designs cards thanking community and school service personnel. Students make cards for patients at Children’s Hospital, Veterans Hospital, and others.
WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 3, 2016
Ann Foley and Matt Zeoli from Carnegie Library visit each of the classes involving students in their presentations.
All students participate in the excitement of Crazy Sock and Mix Match Clothes Day
THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 4, 2016
This day is for the Gift of Grandparents including Liturgy; donuts and coffee; visits to the classrooms for entertainment and to the Science and Book Fairs.
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 5, 2016
This day is for the Gift of Grandparents including Liturgy; donuts and coffee; visits to the classrooms for entertainment and to the Science and Book Fairs.
SAINT AGNES SCHOOL
Celebrating 149 years of Catholic Education
January 31, 2016 through February 7, 2016
SUNDAY
JANUARY 31, 2016
CELEBRATING WITH OUR PARISH at St. Agnes Church
- Students take an active role in the Masses recognizing religious guidance, prayer and support of the parish
- Pancake Breakfast 9:00 – 12:00
- Basketball games (at Serra Catholic): Boys JV 1:00; Boys Varsity 2:00; Girls JV 5:00; Girls Varsity 6:00
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
CELEBRATING OUR NATION
- Students communicate values of Catholic education and significant contributions of Catholic schools to government leaders; pray for our country and for those who serve in any capacity
- Thank community leaders
- Enjoy games and wear mismatched clothes
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
- Students reflect on the benefits of their Catholic education and how their faith, knowledge and service will help them throughout life
- Plan enjoyable and meaningful activities and recognize their own accomplishments
- Enjoy Carnival; wear PJ’s and slippers
WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 3, 2016
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY
- Students take an active part in service activities throughout the day; observe how others serve community; realize how at their age level they can make the world a better place
- Upper grade students volunteer at the Food Bank
- Lower and middle grades prepare packages for the Animal Shelter
- All enjoy dressing in Pittsburgh sports wear
THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 4, 2016
CELEBRATING VOCATIONS
- Students focus on recognizing their God-given talents and explore how they can use them to the fullest in a life of service to God and others
- Dress as a character in one’s favorite book and introduce the character to the class
- Eighth graders become staff for the morning
- Have a cookie sharing time in the afternoon
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 5, 2016
CELEBRATING FACULTY, STAFF, and VOLUNTEERS
- Student events honor teachers, administrators and staff; show appreciation to parents, grandparents alumni, parishioners and volunteers
- Wear dress-up clothes
- Greet special guests
- Enjoy a movie
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 6, 2016
CELEBRATING FAMILY
- Students recognize support of family in the values they instill, the sacrifices they make, the expectations they make, and the time they give for the all-around growth and opportunities for their children
- Basketball games (at Serra Catholic): Boys JV 3:00 and Boys Varsity 4:00
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 7, 2016
CELEBRATING OUR PARISH at Holy Trinity Church
- Students and parish end Catholic Schools Week, 2016 with Mass and prayer and invite the parish to continue their support at all possible levels