News for the Week of 12/17/14

Third Week of Advent - Philippians 4:4–7: “May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus”  If you have not already done so, we invite you to share our Advent journey with the very special SMS Advent Calendar.  Click here.

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 for band students is available here. Band students are reminded that they should bring their instruments, music and stands to school on Monday, 12/22, for the dress rehearsal. Mrs. Lepak will provide dress guidelines for chorus members.  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.

Season of Giving - This year's 8th grade poinsettia sale was a huge success.  In addition to the funds raised to support our 8th grade's graduation activities, over $400 worth of poinsettias were donated by families, friends and students to the McLean Home and Governor's House.  Our commendation to our 8th grade class for using their fund raising efforts to also spread the joy of the season.

Home & School Association News

Merry Christmas

The Home and School Association would like to wish our wonderful community a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

Jennifer, Amy, Ellen, Beth, Noreen and Frank

Blue Fox Family fun Night was...... Fun! We had lots of fun bowling and playing Laser Tag!   

Neckers Toy Store

Thank you to all who were able to participate in the Neckers Toy Store Christmas event.  Your generous purchases helped to raise additional funds for the school.

Skeleton Scramble:  Planning for Skeleton Scramble 5K is going strong and we’d like to invite everyone to keep updated.  Our new Facebook page is located at https://www.facebook.com/skeletonscramble5k.  Please visit and like the page to keep up with the latest news.  Don’t forget to share it with your friends!”

Alumni news

The poetry of Aaron Belletsky, SMS Class of '14, has been featured in a new book, A Celebration of Poets (Summer 2014). Inspired by his summer vacation to Maine, Aaron’s poem “The Beach” was judged to be a high merit poem by a panel of teachers and educators and from among other entries submitted by students all across North America. Less than 50 percent of the submissions are accepted for publication.  Click here to read Aaron's poem. Aaron is completing his freshman year at Northwest Catholic High School.  

Katharine Jessen and Sarah Jessen, SMS Class of '13 (Pictured above, front row, first & second from right), have been selected to perform in the Connecticut Music Educators Association's (CMEA) Northern Region Orchestra. Katherine and Sarah are currently completing their Sophomore year of study at Northwest Catholic High School.

If you have alumni news to share, please send it to dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Community News

The Simsbury Public Library has announced several events for teens over the holiday break.  Events include a Holiday Movie Marathon, an afternoon of board games, a New Year's Eve party with karaoke and more.  Click here for more program details.