Dear Families,
During this month of November, we begin with the Solemnity of All Saints followed by the Feast of All Souls. In fact, we dedicate the entire month to the remembrance of those who have gone before us. Again this year, we have placed a “Book of Remembrance” in the main corridor.
We are inviting all members of the school community to place the names of friends and family members who have gone home to God in the Book. Each morning when we pray we remember those names.
The First Annual Cheverus Catholic School Gala
The Gala which took place on October 20, at Anthony’s of Malden was attended by 350 people. The event raised $110,000 dollars before expenses. The evening was a tremendous success.
Allow me to offer a heartfelt “thank you” to all the parents who participated in the match challenge issued by Mr. James Donovan. Your effort helped us to meet his challenge of $25,000!!! The major goals were to purchase a new reading program for grades K – 5 and to establish an in-house scholarship program. We have achieved these goals, thanks to the hard work of the Committee and the tremendous support of the sponsors and honorees. The honorees included Mr. Ernie Ardolino, Mr. James Conway, Father Daniel Hickey, Sister Brigid Mary Hurley, S.P., and Mrs. Mary Clougherty.
An important part of the life of our community involves celebrating the Eucharist together. We began the school year with mass in September, and celebrated the First Friday of October, and All Saints day with masses as well.
We welcome Father Gerard Petringa to the Cheverus Family. Father Petringa is serving Sacred Hearts Parish as Interim Administrator while Father Mark recovers from back surgery. We continue to send our prayers and best wishes to Father Mark.
For the second year, Cheverus Catholic is participating in a new standardized testing format (MAP) for grades two through eight. This testing is mandated by the School Office of the Archdiocese of Boston. Once again, students will be tested two times during the year. The purpose of the new testing format is to allow us to collect more data on the progress of students over the course of the year. The fall testing has already concluded. We will compare the fall results with student performance in the spring and share that with you at that time.
The federally funded Title I Program has begun. We have 30 students who are taking advantage of the program. They are receiving remedial and extra help in Math and Reading on Mondays and Wednesdays for one hour on each day.
On a N.U.T. Day (
No
Uniform
Today) on October 28, in which the entire school participated, we raised $650.00 for Breast Cancer. The proceeds of the event were donated to the Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center.
Many of our Eighth Graders took the High School Placemnt test on Saturday, October 29.
On Halloween Day, Grade 4 went to Dexter House Nursing Home to “Trick or Treat” and entertain the residents with their costumes. Grades 5 – 8 went on a Field Trip to the Museum of Science.
Enrollment has grown at Cheverus Catholic School significantly over the last two years. It has increased from 257 students in 2014 to 378 at present. This is remarkable when you consider that most Catholic schools are experiencing a decrease in enrollment. It is a testimony to the reputation of Cheverus and to the excellent work of our teachers in delivering a top-notch academic program.
As a result of the increase, we have hired more staff. We welcome to the Cheverus Family:
Ms. Janice Bekkenhuis, a volunteer in our Library
Ms. Linda Egea, an aide to Ms. Mary Beth Leon in Pre – K
Ms. Robyn Flagg, lead teacher in Pre – K
Ms. Chrisanne Gunderman, aide to Ms. Flagg
Ms. Gianna Gullage, lead teacher in Pre-School
Mr. Matthew Montani, Physical Education instructor
The entire school will once again participate in a letter-writing program. This effort is done under the direction of Ms. Mary Beth Leon. Letters are sent to American Veterans expressing support and gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices on behalf of our country and all of us. Letters were sent to the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, Saugus and Revere Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans of Malden, and the Malden American Legion.
Band lessons began on October 13. There are 39 students in Band!
Students are studying a variety of instruments.
We begin the month of November by remembering those people in our lives who have gone home to God. As we approach the end of the month and begin the hectic holiday season, it is so appropriate that we dedicate some time to giving thanks for all that we have that is good. Our lives, the people, the opportunities, are blessings we can often take for granted. Caught up in the day-to-day challenges, we can easily forget the many gifts we have.
Each time we gather as a school community, whether it is in the school yard for Monday morning prayer or at the conclusion of mass in church, I remind the students as well as myself, of the fact that “God is good!” and they respond, “All the time!” I repeat , “All the time,” to which they offer a resounding, “God is good!” This reminder is especially useful as we count our blessings and give thanks to God from whom all good things come.
I pray that your Thanksgiving finds you grateful for the love of your beautiful children as well as for the ability to bestow your love on them. Nothing can match the smiles, the hugs, and the unconditional love of a child. Speaking for us at Cheverus Catholic, I know that we are grateful for the trust you demonstrate in sharing your children with us. What a privilege it is.
On behalf of the entire Cheverus Catholic Family, I wish you a warm, joy-filled Thanksgiving Holiday!
Respectfully,
Thomas P. Arria, Jr.
Principal
Mark the Date……..Annual Christmas Pageant, December 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Sacred Hearts Church.