News for the Week of 12/10/14

"Advent is a time of joyful anticipation.  For someone even bigger than Santa Claus is coming to town."
                                                                                                        Marcellino D'Ambrosio, PH.D.

Students in Mrs. Jehning's First Grade have created their own manger scenes as part of their Advent journey.  They are all beautiful and reflect both the spirit of the season and the personality of the artist.

Be part of the SMS Advent journey by sharing our Advent Calendar. "Open" a door every day to share an SMS Advent moment.  Click here.

Hot Lunch Orders for January - March are due NLT Friday, December 12th - The order period for hot lunches for January - March is now open.  Orders and payments must be received NLT Friday, December 12th.  Sign-ups for lunch volunteers is also available.  Click here for your lunch order form. Hot Lunch volunteers are always needed and it's a great way to share in your child's day.  Click hereto sign up to volunteer for lunch duty.

Grade 2 Reconciliation Services -  There will be two Reconciliation services on Saturday, December 13th in the church.  The 9AM service will be for families whose last names being with A through K.  The 11AM service will be for families whose last names begin with L through Z.  If you have any questions, please contact Judy Eagen at 860-658-5919.

Tuesday, 12/16 - Lessons & Carols Prayer Service. Dress Rehearsal at 10am & evening service at 7pm, both in the church.  All students in grades Kindergarten through grade 8 participate in this reverent retelling of the Nativity in prayer, reflection and song.  Student attendance is considered mandatory unless a student is absent or a written note has been submitted to Mrs. Gannatti requesting an exception. Look for a blog post from homeroom teachers that will include specific information regarding student arrival time and protocol.  Students in grades 1 -7 wear their full formal uniform. Dress guidelines for Kindergarten and grade 8 students have been provided by home room teachers.  Grade 8 dress guidelines also available here. Snow date is Thursday, 12/18.

Monday, 12/22 - Christmas Band & Choral Concert.  Dress Rehearsal at 2pm & evening performance at 7pm in the Parish Center.  Everyone is invited to this evening of seasonal instrumental and vocal music.  Directions regarding arrival time and concert attire will be provided to musicians and chorus members by Mrs. Morse and Mrs. Lepak.  Snow date is Thursday, January 8, 2015.

Wednesday, 12/23 - 12:45 Early Dismissal for Christmas break.  There will be NO Prekindergarten Enrichment and NO aftercare.

Monday, 1/5/15 - School reopens and our celebration of Catholic Schools' Month begins!

The regular registration period for the Ski and Snowboard Club is now closed.  Late registration will be available until the program starts January 7. Late registration requires a $25 late fee and completion of the required forms - click here.

Room is available on the bus to Ski Sundown for anyone who has a season pass.  Please contact the group leader Jim Shanley at j.shanley@me.com or the school office for additional information.

The program will start on Wednesday January 7, 2015 and runs each Wednesday through 2/4/15. If a cancellation is necessary due to weather conditions or school closure, the program is extended to the following Wednesday.

Home & School Association News

The HSA is pleased to announce that Red, White and Brew, Social Saturday was a funfilled, wonderful success. We would like to extend a special thanks to the people that worked so hard to make it happen; our chairpeople Sarah Mutarelli and Laura Williams, and Michelle Howard for coordinating the creation of beautiful class art projects that raised spirits as well as funds and to our generous local community. 

Please keep in mind and support these local merchants who consistently and graciously support us!

Kane's Market

Valley Fine Wines and Spirits

Attilio's 

West Simsbury Pizza

Over the Moon Kid's

Tastefully Simple consultant, Donna Nolan 

Jamberry Nails consultant, Michelle Howard

The Warmer Theater

Family Fun Night at Blue Fox Rock 'N Bowl -  
 Unlimited Laser Tag & Bowling for $15pp from 4-7pm.  All payment is at the door.  Cash or credit- Click here for more information.  St. Mary's will benefit from any Necker's shopping done tomorrow (Thursday, 12/11/14) between 9:30am-7:30pm, just mention St. Mary's when you make your purchases.

Community News

The Teen Space at the Simsbury Public Library is offering a wide variety of programs this December.  Click here for a schedule of events including SAT Preparation, Art Portfolio development, a showing of "Elf", DIY Holiday Crafts and "Hour of Code".