May 29, 2009
Dear Parents:
As we draw closer to the end of the school year, we also draw closer to the end of something very special. That of course is our great school. Many activities are being held very soon and we hope that you will be able to join us. See below for the special celebrations that will be taking place.
I would like to inform of all of you that I have accepted the Principal position at St. Mary in Wayne. I am very excited and look forward to begin a new chapter in my career. I begin July 1st and I am very happy to be blessed with a new job before summer vacation. God works in great ways, and I thank Him everyday for this opportunity. It would be great to see some familiar faces at St. Mary. It is a terrific school and has some awesome programs in place. I would truly enjoy working with all of you again. Maybe our paths will cross on Michigan Avenue in Wayne. As I said, it would be nice to see some familiar faces!!!
Thank you to all of the families who have made my time here very welcoming. I have felt like a part of this community from the first day. We worked through some very trying times and I hope that you truly believe the staff and I ALWAYS had the students’ best interests in mind. I know you may not have always agreed with everything we tried, but that you respected our efforts.
In lieu of the situation that has taken place down in Monroe, please take a moment to discuss “stranger danger” or so to speak with your children. Have them be aware of their surroundings and how to react if approached by anyone. As always, staying in groups is safe and a good idea.
Students are to come in uniforms on Monday, June 1st.They will need to bring their gym uniforms for later in the day. This will be more presentable for the graduation Mass.
On June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th, the students may DRESS DOWN as long as the clothing is appropriate. Shorts will be allowed if it is hot enough. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops and any revealing clothing is NOT ACCEPTABLE. If students wear clothing that is decided to be too revealing or unacceptable, they WILL be calling for either their uniform or more appropriate clothing. On Wednesday June 10th, students are REQUIRED to be in UNIFORMS for the final School Mass and awards.
Have a great weekend!!
GO TIGERS!!!
GO WINGS!!!
Mr. Lipinski
May 21st, 2009
Dear Parents:
We are quickly approaching the end of the school year. With back-to-back four day weeks and class trips, the days are slipping by. I just have a few points of interest to mention this week as we head into the long holiday weekend.
The 8th grade and Kindergarten Graduations will be held on Monday, June 1st. The 8th ceremony will take place during the Monday morning mass at 9 AM. There will be a reception that follows in the community room.
The Kindergarten ceremony will take place in the Church at 6PM. There will not be a mass, just a short presentation with a reception to follow in the community room.
Please fill out and return the form that is included in this packet regarding the School Closing Liturgy that is being held on Sunday, June 14th at 2PM. The forms may be returned to the school office. THANK YOU!!
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 29th and 30th from 9:30 AM until 12 noon. Volunteers are needed. If you can volunteer or if your child is interested in attending please contact Mrs. Queen in the Parish Office at 734-425-6720.
Enjoy the LONG weekend!!
GO WINGS!!
GO TIGERS!!
Mr. Lipinski
May 15, 2009
Dear Parents,
Please remember that Monday, May 18th is an early dismissal day. School will be dismissed at 11:45. It is very important that your child be picked up on time as the staff has an appointment with Fr. Ron. Also, there is no latchkey on early dismissal days. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Last week the students participated in a very fun assembly called "Lights, Camera, Action". The company provided us with a DVD copy of the students in action. We are able to make copies for those of you who may be interested. The PTG is willing to purchase the blank DVD’s. Therefore, there will be NO COST to you!! Please see the enclosed order form and return it to school no later than Wednesday, May 20th if you would like a copy of the DVD. There is a limit of ONE copy per FAMILY. Thank you to the PTG for offering to purchase the DVD’s.
Next week is a four day week as we are off on Friday for the Memorial Day weekend. Please remember that students will be having finals and end of year assignments that they need to do well on. Please discuss with your students the importance of remaining focused for the last few weeks.
It is also important that the students find any books they may be missing. Even though we are closing if books are not turned in they will need to be paid for.
Have a GREAT weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
May 8th, 2009
Dear Parents,
Let me begin by saying "Happy Mother’s Day" to all of our wonderful Mothers. I hope that you enjoy your special day. It’s hard to believe how fast May is flying past.
Please note that May 12th (next Tuesday) is the final day for soup labels and box tops. Please send in any that you may have at home by then.
Due to a conflict in schedules, as well as a full May calendar the final PTG meeting for next Wednesday, May 13th has been canceled. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of the PTG who have worked very hard for many years. I am especially grateful to those officers and members that have worked with me during my short two year term. I have enjoyed working with all of them and with all of the families of Saint Dunstan. You have all truly shown what hard work and dedication can do for our children. The new schools that will adopt you are lucky to get so many involved people. THANK YOU!!!
If any parents are interested in attending the St. Damian shadowing/open house with their child it is scheduled for next Thursday, May 14th. It will be held from 12:30 until 2:30. Your child will not be marked absent and they will not need to return for the end of the day. However, transportation WILL NOT be provided by the school. We will also ask that you sign a form in the office that states where your child will be. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
There will be a "Dining to Donate" at the Westland Applebee’s all day on Tuesday, May 19th. All proceeds will go to Saint Dunstan Parish.
Have a GREAT weekend!!
GO TIGERS!
GO WINGS!
Mr. Lipinski
May 1st, 2009
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that May is here. Only a few more weeks of school remain and there is still so much left to finish. Please continue to support and encourage your children during this busy time of year.
First Holy Communion is tomorrow and I would like to congratulate all of our students and their parents on their exciting day. I will pray for each of them and for good weather. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as I am committed to a function for my home Parish. I would also like to thank Mrs. Maslij for her tireless efforts to prepare our children. Special thanks to Anne Marenda, Sabrina Queen and the Religious Education staff as well.
St. Damian is school has offered an opportunity for students and parents to visit/shadow at their school on Thursday, May 14th from 12:30 -2:30 PM. If students are interested, they will NOT be marked absent for the afternoon. They will not be required to return that day. We will ask that you sign a permission slip that states where your child will be. Please call the school office for more details.
We still have about 17 families with tuition balances. I have spoken with all of you and I appreciate your willingness to do whatever it takes to make your payments. Please remember that we cannot forward records to any school if there is a tuition balance.
May Crowning is Monday, May 4th. ALL students are required to attend. As this is the final year for our school to celebrate this together with the Parish, it would be fitting to fill the Church on Monday night.
Wednesday, we will have our"Lights, Camera, Action" assembly that was re-scheduled from February. I am sure the students will have fun!!!
As the weather warms up we will continue to have more students who choose to walk to and from school. Please be vigilant with our drop-off and pick-up safety!! THANK YOU!!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
April 24, 2009
Dear Parents,
WELCOME BACK!!! I hope all of you enjoyed a restful and blessed Easter. All of the staff and students are refreshed and ready for the last few weeks of school. It is hard to believe that May will be here next week. With that being said, the last few weeks will be very busy with the many special activities that will be taking place as well as the academics. Please remain a source of encouragement for your children as we move towards the end of the school year. It is important for them to finish the year strong and continue working hard.
Thank you to the many people who volunteered at the garage sale last week!! Your time and effort is much appreciated. Special thanks to Mrs. Falk and every one of her crew members. I would also like to thank the Rosary Altar Sodality for the help and guidance. Due to all of the hard work we were able to raise over $2,600!! THANK YOU!
As many of you may know, Ms. Tarrant will have a new last name when we return to school on Monday. She is getting married this Friday. The entire staff and all of the students wish her and her new husband the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives together. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Have a GREAT weekend!!!
Mr. Lipinski
April 3, 2009
Dear Parents,
Please remember that pictures are Monday. However, it is also gym day. We are asking the students to come to school dressed for pictures and to bring their gym clothes with them to change into for class.
Congratulations to all of our students who participated in our March Reading Month Challenge. As a school, our students read almost 32,000 pages!!! That is awesome, especially for a school our size. That’s an average of about 370 pages per student. WOW! That being said, we know that not everyone chose to participate so the average of those who did participate is even higher. This also means that yours truly will have some whipped cream "pies" thrown his way. That will take place on Friday, April 24th; WEATHER PERMITTING. Attached to the Friday Packet is a copy of the classroom winners and "pie throwers".
Tuesday is a special "TIGERS DRESS DOWN DAY"!! Students may pay a dollar and dress down in TIGERS gear if possible. They will also receive a special snack. We are encouraging TIGERS gear but face painting and spraying hair a different color will not be accepted. We are having this day to celebrate the opening of baseball season. The first game is Monday which is picture day and the home opener is Good Friday. We hope this will be a fun day for all. GO TIGERS!!
We look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday, April 8th for report card conferences. We thank the many of you who returned an appointment sheet. We have scheduled each family for a conference and tried to honor the time requested by those of you who returned a sheet. Your conference time went home yesterday. If your scheduled time does not fit in to your schedule or you cannot attend for some reason, please contact the office to schedule a different time or to inform us that you will not be attending.
There was an omission on the April calendar that was sent home last week. On Friday, April 24th there is an early dismissal at 11:45. It was on the original calendar at the start of the year and was omitted last week. Unfortunately, it was not able to be corrected before the hot lunch order forms went home. We will NOT have hot lunch on that day. When the next order form is sent home, those students who had ordered a lunch for Friday, April 24th will receive a credit slip to be used for a lunch on the next menu. Mrs. Griwicki has a list of those students and will make sure the credit slip is sent home. I apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Please make note of the dismissal time and lunch information.
Enjoy your weekend and the FINAL FOUR!! I will be downtown in search of tickets and enjoying the atmosphere. Wish me luck!!
Mr. Lipinski
March 27th, 2009
Dear Parents:
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend the PTG meeting on Wednesday night. I am sure your children are thanking you also as some of them enjoyed a dress-down day today. Many activities are still being planned for this year and it was nice to have some added input.
Today we sent home a large packet of information from some of the Catholic Schools in the area. Each school sent us what they felt was important to you as parents. We will send a packet with the oldest and only child in each family in grades K-7. All of the schools have expressed their sadness and prayers over the closing of our school. They are all willing to help in any way possible. Please contact any of the schools you may be interested in for more specific and detailed information or to set up tours.
Last week the results of the Science Fair at Cobo Hall were sent home. Unfortunately, one of our eighth grade students was mistakenly omitted from the list. Katie Linzmaier was recognized in the OUTSTANDING category for her work and should have been included in the results. Congratulations Katie!
On Wednesday, the sign-up sheet for report card conferences was sent home. Conferences will be held on Wednesday, April 8th from 1:30 to 7:00 PM. Please return requested times no later than Thursday, April 2nd. Middle school parents (5th-8th) are asked to sign up for a time to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher. If you would like to meet with any of the other middle teachers, please indicate that on the sign-up sheet. This is new for the middle school parents but we feel it will be more beneficial for everyone.
Thursday you received a reminder regarding our school Stations of the Cross this evening at 7:15. Mrs. Deeter will be reading and hopefully some of our school families will be able to attend, maybe after enjoying a nice meal at the fish fry.
If you have a pizza kit order and money that you forgot to turn in today it must be in the office by noon on Monday.
School Pictures will be taken on Monday, April 6th. Please see the attached information on the Friday Packets.
On Tuesday, April 7th the students in grades 5-7 will be sponsoring a dress down day in honor of the start of the Tigers season. The first game is April 6th, but the students will already be in their gym uniforms and we wanted this to be a separate event. For $1.00, students may dress down. They will also receive a special treat. We are strongly encouraging the students to wear "TIGERS GEAR" if possible. Tiger hats will also be allowed. Face painting and colored hair spray will NOT be acceptable. We hope many students will participate as we help kick-off the 2009 baseball season. GO TIGERS!!!
Enjoy your weekend.
Mr. Lipinski
March 20, 2009
Dear Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this week’s letter to you. As you know, the unfortunate and difficult decision has been made to close our great school at the end of this school year. I would like to thank all of you who were able to attend the meeting last night. Although the process of informing you did not go as planned, the meeting went well and we will all help with the process of investigating new schools. I will contact several local schools to inquire about class sizes and other information and will send it home as soon as possible. If you were unable to attend the meeting and have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact the school office for assistance. We understand that this is a very sad time and that each and every one of you will grieve in your own way and in your own time. Please know that we are here for you. It is our goal to help as many of you who want to keep your children in Catholic Schools find a way to do so. It is my sincere hope that all of our students will be able to do so.
THANK YOU to all the countless parents, family members, parishioners, and friends who have worked so hard for our school. Know that your efforts were not totally in vain as they brought people together, helped formed new friendships, and were an example to our students about love, dedication, and commitment. Finally, THANK YOU to our OUTSTANDING STAFF for all of their time, effort, professionalism, and dedication. I am convinced that you would have a difficult time to find a group of people in one school who are so good at what they do and who work so well together for what they believe is best for our students. I am proud of all they have done and I hope you as parents are as well. You have our promise that we will all continue to provide the best for your children as we finish the 45th and final school year at Saint Dunstan School.
"When asked to identify what made the school so good, every person, without fail, said it was the people of the school: the children, the families, and, most importantly, the staff. Nobody said, we have a great computer lab or new text books." (Eaker, DuFour, and DuFour)
Happy Spring and enjoy your weekend.
Mr. Lipinski
March 13, 2009
Dear Parents,
Interest in our school continues to grow, enrollments have come in, and tuition is being paid. These are all VERY POSITIVE things for our school. Please note that you will not be allowed to enroll for the 2009-2010 school year if you have an outstanding tuition balance. If you have any questions regarding this please contact me.
The entire Saint Dunstan Staff has new e-mail addresses. All of the new addresses will be updated on our website www.school.saintdunstan.org and the teachers may be sending home notification as well. To e-mail Mrs. Griwicki use egriwicki@saintdunstan.org . To e-mail Mr. Lipinski use dlipinski@saintdunstan.org .
March 15th through 22nd is National Prayer Week. Please re-enforce the importance and power of prayer in our lives.
As we move closer and closer to the end of the school year, we have many school and class activities planned. Please take note of the days and times of these events and any changes that may have been made. The next few months are some of the busiest months of school.
Enjoy your weekend.
Mr. Lipinski
March 6th, 2009
Dear Parents,
I would like to begin by congratulating all of our fifth through eighth grade students on a successful Science Fair. All of the students worked very hard and the judges were very impressed with many of the projects. Thank you to all of our judges. Thank you to Ms. Tarrant for doing a great job in coordinating her very first Science Fair. Special Congratulations to our overall school winners: Rebecca Lobb (First Place), Kimberly Solak (Second Place), and Ethan Talabo (Third Place). All of the students will now move on to the Science Fair held at Cobo Hall on March 17th. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!
Please remember to drop off your children in FRONT of the school. We have had drop off taking place by the entrance closest to the Church. For the safety of everyone, this MUST STOP! An accident or an injury is the last thing any of us wants to take place. I would rather children be tardy than injured. I have made this request once before but one or two people have chosen not to cooperate. If this continues, it will be made so that dropping off students in that area will be impossible. I hope you understand my request and cooperate. THANK YOU.
This Sunday at 2 PM, Fr. Ron will be holding a “State of the Parish” meeting. The school will also be discussed at this meeting. Fr. Ron asks that all school parents, including non-parishioners, attend this meeting.
On March 16th, Fr. Ron will be hosting a Lenten Program and on March 31st, there will be a Reconciliation Service. Please see the Church Bulletin or call the Parish Office for more information on these two great opportunities to prepare for Easter.
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the March 10th and April 2nd Red Wings games. We are still scheduled to work Thursday, April 9th.
Please be aware that Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Remember that we "spring ahead" one hour and to set your clocks accordingly.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." _____ Helen Keller
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Lipinski
February 27, 2009
Dear Parents,
WELCOME BACK!! I hope all of you had a relaxing break. It is hard to imagine that Lent has started. As we all prepare for Easter, please keep the entire Saint Dunstan Community in your prayers. Hopefully, during this time of fasting and prayer, our entire community will grow closer to God.
Please remember that the school will be open after all of the Masses this weekend to allow everyone the opportunity to view all of the terrific Science Fair projects. Hopefully you can stop by and take a look at all of our students’ hard work.
Congratulations to Brennan Schilling who finished 15th out of 75 competitors at the Detroit Area Spelling Bee. The top 4 students advanced to the WXYZ TV competition. We are all very proud of Brennan as he represented both his school and family very well.
Our school was featured twice in last Sunday’s edition of the Observer. There were two nice stories and a few pictures of our students as well. The Observer visited our school to cover our Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, and Essay winners as well as our Kiwanis K Kids ceremony.
Workers are still needed for the March 10 Red Wings game. We have 3 workers and need 5 more. Please consider helping so we do not have to cancel. Also, I have the dates for Comerica Park available. Please call the school office to sign up.
Mark the date: Our Spring Garage Sale will be held April 15-16th. This is over our Easter Break. Please refer to the note attached in this packet for more details.
Enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year has begun fro all grades Pre-School through 8th. Please pass the word along to any of your family or friends who are looking for a great school to send their kids to!! We have had some new families enroll and hope to have many of our current families enrolled very soon.
Please remember that tuition is past due. I f you have a balance or have made arrangements, please adhere to your arrangement or pay your balance. Thank you!!
On Monday, March 2nd we will kick off National Reading Month by celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday and having two special guests. We will have two authors from Michigan join us Monday afternoon for a fun, educational assembly. Earlier this week, an order form was sent home with the chance to order some of their books and to give you some information such as their website. There are two series that they write. The series are "Knightscares" and "Real Heroes A 2 Z". You can refer to the note and reading log Mrs. McGuire sent home Wednesday and you can visit their website at www.realheroesread.com. We have set a school goal of reading 2500 pages. The class who reads the most pages will be given an ice cream treat. The class who passes the most Accelerated Reader tests will receive a pizza party. If the students reach their goal, the person with the most pages read from each class will have the opportunity to throw a whipped cream "pie" at Mr. Lipinski who will be wearing a Michigan State hat. Good Luck and get READING!!!
Baseball and softball tryouts will be held in March at Saint Raphael for students in grades 3-8. They have generously invited our students to attend if they are interested. Please contact Saint Raphael for more information.
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Lipinski
February 13, 2009
Dear Parents,
As we prepare for a much anticipated and well deserved break, I would like to thank the staff, parents, and students for their continued hard work. I hope that all of you enjoy the week off. Hopefully, everyone will have the opportunity to get some rest and say goodbye to all the colds, sore throats, and any other ailments that have hit our building. Maybe we will have some relatively nice weather as well.
In the morning, please remember to drop off your children in the front of the building. Dropping off by the doors closest to the Church (or in that vicinity) is an accident waiting to happen. I would much rather students are late than have an accident occurring. THANK YOU!!
Enrollment has officially begun for the 2009-2010 school year. Enrollment paperwork is available in the office or you may print the information off of our website at www.school.saintdunstan.org .
We are still in need of workers for the Red Wings games on Tuesday, March 10th and Thursday, April 2nd. Both games begin at 7:30 with a call time of 5:00. A minimum of 8 workers is needed for each game. Please check your calendars to see if you or a family member is available to help with this great opportunity.
The new schedule of 12 games has been confirmed for the upcoming season at Comerica Park. We do not begin working until May and therefore will have our training sometime in April. Please note that all training will be at Comerica Park. I will publish training dates for April when they become available. Please check your calendars to see if you can work the following dates. Remember, this is a great way to earn service hours for next school year. The number in parentheses is the number of workers needed for that game.
Enjoy your weekend and the WEEK OFF!! See you all back here on Monday the 23rd recharged and ready to go.
"Things that matter most should never be at the mercy of things that matter least."_____ Goethe
Mr. Lipinski
February 6, 2009
Dear Parents,
We have been discussing the importance of participation at our weekly Mass with the students. We are asking that more of them sing and respond when they are at the student Mass just like they would, or should, on Sunday. It does not matter if they don’t have a good voice; the point is that they participate. These are both ways of praying to God. I am asking that you please reinforce this with them so that they realize the importance of their participation. We will continue to discuss this in Religion class as well as at their music practices before Mass.
It is very important that each person who visits our building SIGN IN at the office. This is expected regardless of the reason you are here. We are responsible for who is in our building and this is a procedure that MUST be followed. Also, if your child needs to leave school early for ANY REASON, they MUST be signed out at the office, regardless if you sent a note to the teacher. This is to help Mrs. Griwicki and I know how many people are in the building at all times. Both of these issues are very important should we have an emergency.
On March 16th, Monsignor Zenz will be here for a Lenten program at 7:00 in the evening. This would be a great way to prepare for Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
A couple of weeks ago the CYO/CHSL raffle tickets came home. We must have any more sales in the office by Thursday, February 12th no later than 8:30 AM. Please remember that we keep 50% of the sales. Thus far, we have collected $55. We hope that you consider supporting this very worthwhile cause.
Our Japanese teacher, Mrs. Ladner is looking for some unwanted stuffed animals. She is asking for donations that she can use in her lessons. Of particular interest are animals you might find in a pet store. For example, dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, birds, etc. There will be a collection box in the Japanese (Kennedy) Room if you would like to donate.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mr. Lipinski
January 30th, 2009
Dear Parents,
What a week we have had at Saint Dunstan!! Catholic Schools Week was very fun and the students and staff participated in all of our different events and dress down days. Of course the classes were very competitive with the “Penny Wars”. The winning class, who will receive a pizza party, will be announced next week. Of course, the Great Divide Day went as it should have. An overwhelming amount of students and adults donned the Maize and Blue!!
Please be sure to make your tuition payments as they were due last Tuesday. I am willing to give those who have not yet paid their tuition an extension until Wednesday, February 4th. We MUST have payments by then due to our on-going budget preparation for next year and our grant application.
Effective immediately, all TRIP purchases will earn the entire percentage listed for a particular gift card. For example, if an item is listed at 6%, then the entire 6% will be credited to your tuition account.
In my note last week I mentioned that there will be a commitment of 15 service hours starting with the 2009-2010 school year. I wanted to add that that commitment total will be 10 hours for single parent homes.
Congratulations to Brennan Schilling who was the winner of our first annual spelling bee. Brennan will now compete in February in Detroit. Should Brennan continue his winning ways, he will have the opportunity to advance all the way to the Scripts National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. Good Luck Brennan!! Congratulations to Katie Linzmaier, who placed second, and Brett Kates who was third. I would like to congratulate all eight of our finalists for a job well done.
A special THANK YOU to both Mrs. Deeter and Mrs. Sophiea for being the chairperson for our Geography Bee and Spelling Bee as a lot of extra time and work went in to both events. I would also like to thank our other staff members for their flexibility and planning with both events.
I have scheduled our school to work 12 games at Comerica Park this year. We have scaled our schedule down in the hopes of being able to fully staff each one. We are also hoping that some parishioners will join us as well. Our first game is not until May and there are no games scheduled during our summer break (Mid June through August). There will be more information in the upcoming weeks. Once our schedule is finalized and a training date is set we will begin the process of signing up for games. This is a great way to earn some service hours!!
Last week the raffle tickets were sent home for the Catholic High School League and CYO. Please consider purchasing or selling these tickets as we keep 50% of the total sales. Also, these two organizations provide many programs for our Catholic Schools.
We still are looking for people to work at Joe Louis on Tuesday, March 10th and Thursday, April 2nd. Please contact the school office to volunteer.
Finally, there will be a new process on how our PTG members are selected. Fr. Ron and I discussed this issue and we have agreed not to have an election as was the case last year. Instead, a committee which includes current PTG members, two or three school couples, and I will meet to nominate people for all four positions. The positions include President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. All of the positions are one year commitments except for President-Elect. The President-Elect becomes the President the following school year and is a two year commitment. The President-Elect will also serve as the Secretary on the Education Commission as one of the school’s representatives along with me and several other parish members. Since this is a new process, only our outgoing President, Kathleen Wright, will represent the current PTG members on the committee. This is because the remaining members will be eligible for nomination. Anyone who serves on the nominating committee will not be eligible for nomination. Nominations will be made and the nominees will be called. The nominees will have the opportunity to accept or decline the position. This process will continue until all four positions have been filled. This process will take place in the next few months. New PTG by-laws and mission will be formed, distributed and posted on the website in the near future as well.
Enjoy your Super Bowl Weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
"Build for your team a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another and of strength to be derived by unity." _______ Vince Lombardi
January 23, 2009
Dear Parents:
We have completed our Geography Bee and I would like to congratulate all of our students who participated. The school winner is sixth grader Zachary Smith. He has taken a written test that will be sent in for scoring. Should he score high enough he will continue on to the next level of competition. Good Luck!! I would also like to congratulate our second and third place contestants. Sixth grader Kyle Rygiel finished second, while eighth grader Katie Linzmaier finished third.
Our first annual Spelling Bee is underway as the classroom level bees have begun for grades 5 through 8. The top two students from each grade level will move on to the school-wide Spelling Bee next week. Good luck to all of our students. The finalists are: Justin Varhol and Connor Gawne (5th grade), Brennan Schilling and Zachary Smith (6th grade), Ethan Talabo and Brett Kates (7th grade), and Liam Schilling and Katie Linzmaier (8th grade). Congratulations to all of you and good luck in the finals!!
Please remember that tuition was due this past Tuesday, January 20th. If you have not yet paid your tuition balance please stop by the school office to do so. It is vital that our tuition be paid in a timely manner. Also, if you have not returned the money and ticket stubs for our 52 week raffle, the outstanding balance for your tickets will be added to your tuition bill. TRIP totals are in!!!
This Sunday marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. We will be hosting an Open House from 1 to 4 PM. We hope to see many of you there as well as some new faces. Registration packets will be available beginning with our open house. You will notice two changes in the packet. Beginning next school year, each family will be required to volunteer 15 service hours for various events. A minimum of 2 hours must be volunteered for the Auction. Other ways to satisfy this commitment include the garage sale, Comerica Park, Joe Louis, and Family Fun Night. Of course, there other opportunities to volunteer for our school as well. This is a needed change because more people must get involved if we are to be successful. More help is needed with the bigger events such as the Auction, Garage Sale, and Family Fun Night. Of course working a baseball game or hockey game is an easy way to earn a good portion of your hours. Please do not be alarmed. Many Catholic Schools have this requirement and have higher tuition rates. In researching this, I found schools all around the Archdiocese with this policy. Our 15 hour policy is minimal compared to other schools which have anywhere from 12 to 25 hours of required service. The reality is that we must have more involvement. More information and guidelines will be available in the spring when the volunteer sign-up sheet is sent out for the first time. Please call me if you have any questions.
The second change is that the 52 week raffle has been removed as a fundraiser and commitment. Our hope is that we will make up for this by hosting the Garage Sale twice a year and the Auction.
Report cards are coming home today. Please be sure to discuss your children’s progress with them. Contact the teacher should you have any questions or concerns.
The 5th and 7th grade classes will be hosting a bagel and juice sale next Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:00 in the 7th grade classroom. Bagels and juice will be sold for fifty cents each.
Please remember to save your plastic shopping bags for our Spring Garage Sale. You may drop them off at the school office. Also, the 5th and 7th grade classes are collecting any returnable bottles and cans to defray the cost of their trip in May. If you are able to help you may bring them to school on Fridays in January and February.
We have canceled 3 Red Wings games. The following dates have been canceled: January 29th, February 4th, and February 12th. We still need workers for March 10th and April 2nd.
Have a great weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
"Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination"_____ Dwight D. Eisenhower
January 19, 2009
Dear Parents,
The school Geography Bee will be held this week for our ten finalists. The winner will be published next week in my letter and the bulletin.
Our first annual auction and taste-fest was a HUGE SUCCESS!!! Despite the weather, we had a great crowd who enjoyed some incredible food, drink, and entertainment. THANK YOU to ALL of the MANY people who organized this event, worked, collected donations, and gave of their time. I hope to see even more of you next year when we move the event to a local hall. I will publish how well we did next week when all the numbers have been totaled. We will begin preparing for next year’s event sometime this spring. We WILL need more help to continue what has been started.
Please help spread the word about our Open House which is Sunday, January 25th from 1 to 4 PM. Let everyone know about our great school and new Pre-School!!
Finally, please remember that tuition and any outstanding 52 week raffle tickets are due by next Tuesday, January 20th. It is imperative that these commitments are met on time. Our fundraising, and uncollected tuition are just two of the many factors that can affect our school grant that we have applied for again this year. Thank you for your timely attention to this matter.
Mr. Lipinski
"I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." _____ Bill Cosby
January 9, 2009
Dear Parents:
Welcome back and Happy New Year!! It is amazing to think that we are in 2009. Time sure flies by. I hope that all of you enjoyed your Christmas Season and I wish you the best for this year. We are back in full swing and have many busy weeks ahead. We continue to move forward in strengthening our school and hope that you will join us at the many exciting events that will soon be upon us.
Of course, our first big event is our first annual taste fest and auction. "A Night in the Tropics" is shaping up to be an outstanding evening of fun, fellowship, and excitement. Many great items have been donated for the auction, raffles have been added, there will be good food and drink, music, and Polynesian Dancing!! I have it on good authority that there will even be a limbo contest!! Have you purchased your tickets yet?? We hope to see everyone there. Please ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers if they would like to attend. Let’s fill the community room and then some! Our goal is to make this successful enough so that next year we need to move it off site. Remember, tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. The event takes place Saturday, January 17th from 6:30 to Midnight.
Our warming tree project collected 120 items that will be donated to C.O.T.S. Thank you for your generosity. These items will help many people in need this winter.
The results for the IOWA tests went home yesterday in sealed envelope for those students in grades 3, 5, and 7. If you have questions regarding the results please contact your child’s teacher. There are no result sheets that are sent home with the 1st grade students. Parents of first grade students may contact Mrs. Kmet if you would like to discuss the results.
Please remember to save your plastic shopping bags for the spring garage sale. You may bring them to school anytime during the week. THANK YOU!
Mrs. Sophiea and Mrs. Hayes are continuing to collect any type of returnable cans and bottles to help defray the cost of the 5th and 7th grade trip at the end of the year. If you would like to send in your clean, empty bottles and cans, you may bring them to school on Fridays during January and February. THANK YOU!
Please remember that tuition is due on Tuesday, January 20th. It is important to have all tuition in on time. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
"If it were easy it would have been done before". (Jeanne Yaeger)
Have a great weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
December 18, 2008
Dear Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully everyone will get some much needed rest and will be ready to continue working hard when return on January 9th. I only have a few VERY IMPORTANT pieces of information to share with you.
With the winter weather the threat of school closings is always a possibillity. Please have your televisions tuned to any of the three local stations and your radios tuned to either WWJ 950 AM or WJR 760 AM. These are the media outlets that I will contact. NORMALLY, if Garden City Public Schools are closed so are we. However, DO NOT assume that to always be the case. For example, Garden City may close for a building problem or a water main break. If you do not see St. Dunstan on TV or hear our school on the radio, we will be open. The decision to close can be made anytime between 5 and 7 AM. I will try to make the decision as soon as possible, based on the information I receive.
PLEASE return your 52 week raffle tickets and money by tomorrow, December 19th. We are seriously in danger of not being able to hold the raffle because we are not yet at the break-even point. If each of the school families who still have not sold or purchased their tickets would do so, we will reach the break even point. If this does not happen, not only will it create extra work for many people who will need to return money to those who purchased tickets, it will make our school look bad. In addition, the amount of the unsold tickets ($156 for the 3 required tickets) will be added to your tuition balance. Please assist us in this very important fundraiser.
Finally, please remember that tuition is due in full by January 20th, 2009. It is important that we have tuition payments made on time as well as the ticket money collected. Both of these issues play a factor in how much money we will be able to receive in the school grant that we have applied for once again. The school office of the Archdiocese will take all of this information into consideration before awarding us any grant funds. THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas!!
Mr. Lipinski
December 5, 2008
Dear Parents:
Thank you for your generosity during our school food drive. The 6th grade was the class who brought in the most items. This is their second straight year with that honor. They will receive a pizza lunch with dessert on December 16th. Congratulations!! As a school we were able to send over 600 items to the pantry to help those in need.
We are currently collecting hats and gloves for our warming tree in the lobby. There has already been a very nice response this first week. We will continue to collect items until December 19th. The items will be given to either a community outreach program or shelter to help those in need of these items. Please continue to send these items in to help a great cause. It is important to continually teach our students that giving to others is important and something that makes you feel good also.
This week the 4th through 8th grade classes held their classroom level Geography Bee. This is the first step in Saint Dunstan’s first year of participation in the National Geographic Geography Bee. We were all very impressed with how competitive each classroom competition was, as there were several tiebreakers needed to determine the winner. The top ten students will compete on January 16th for the chance to advance to the national competition. The top ten is compiled of each classroom winner and then the next five highest scores regardless of grade. Congratulations to:
Now that the winter weather is upon us, please remember to have all students dressed appropriately. We will be going out for recess when the temperature allows us to do so. Also, students walk to and from Church for Mass and the community room for gym. Thank you.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Please remember that your 52 week raffle tickets must be turned in by December 19th. We need to have an accurate count before we leave for break. After the 19th, the only place to turn in tickets will be the collection baskets at Mass. However, it will be difficult to ensure those tickets make it into the first raffle on January 4th due to reduced hours at the parish office. Please assist us with this very important fundraiser. Thank you for your support.
Finally, I would like to officially invite all of you to our Christmas sing along/program on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 in the community room. We will be singing Christmas Carols, enjoying a short skit performed by our 2nd through 4th grade classes. All of the students in those grades are required to attend. We would like to have everyone join us since we have more room this year in the community room. If you remember, last year this event was held in the school. We are asking each family to provide a dozen cookies to share. The PTG will supply beverages. Please join us for an evening of fun and celebration!!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
November 26, 2008
Dear Parents:
I would like to start by saying Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your loved ones. We all have much to be thankful for and let us make sure we take the time to remember those who are no longer with us. I hope all of you enjoy your long weekend and are able to re-charge. When we return to school, we will only have three weeks before Christmas break. Please help us to keep the children focused. Although we will have many activities throughout the three weeks, it is important that the students are concentrating on their schoolwork as well.
Please remember that Market Day pick up will be on Friday, December 5th from 5:30 to 6:30. Orders must be picked up that day as there is no storage space available.
If you are the parent of a 4th through 8th grade student, please have them “brush up” on their Geography skills. Our classroom level Geography Bee will be next week. Our school Geography Bee for the top ten students will be in January.
Please send in hats, gloves, and scarves to put on our warming tree beginning December 1st.
Finally, your support of our “Y-Ties” fundraiser is appreciated. They make great stocking stuffers.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Mr. Lipinski
November 21, 2008
Dear Parents:
Thank you to everyone who attended the PTG meeting last night. It was nice to have both Fr. Ron and Ann Marenda join us. Remember, WE are ALL the PTG. We will need people to step-up and take over events and responsibilities next year. First and foremost, we need more participation now as Fr. Ron mentioned. Please consider taking on some of the many responsibilities that are part of our school’s success.
There will be two Advent evenings of reflection on December 16th and December 18th. Please see the Parish bulletin or call the Parish office for more details.
We are asking that all 52 raffle ticket money be turned in before we leave for Christmas break. The deadline is technically this coming Monday. However, with the economy and other factors we need to extend the deadline. We need to sell 300 tickets to break even. Please help this fundraiser be a success.
Pizza Kit orders will be delivered on Monday, November 24th. They must be picked up after school. If your child attends latch key we will have the order placed in the latch key room. We cannot store orders overnight. We do not have the proper storage to do so.
As I mentioned in an earlier note, our students will be taking part in A Spelling Bee and a Geography Bee. The Geography Bee will be for our 4th – 8th grade students. They will have a grade level competition on December 2nd and 3rd. The top ten students will move on to the school wide competition on January 16th. From the top 10, two final students will advance to the final round where a school winner will be chosen. The school winner will then take a multiple choice test that will be sent to Washington D.C. for scoring. The student may be selected to advance to the National competition where the top prize is $25,000 in scholarship money. We are very excited to have our students involved in this competition. Make sure they are “brushing up” on their geography skills over the next few weeks.
Have a great weekend.
GO BLUE!! (Please??)
Mr. Lipinski
November 14, 2008
Dear Parents:
Many of our eighth grade students will be taking the high school placement test this Saturday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them luck and ask that you say an extra prayer for them as well. I am sure they will all do well!
Please continue to send in items for our school- wide can food drive. Not only will it help our parish pantry, but the class that brings in the most items will receive a pizza party.
Thank you for your generosity. We were able to send $2,100 to the American Diabetes Association from our annual diabetes walk.
Please DO NOT park in the handicapped spaces during pick up after school unless you have a handicapped sticker or plate. THANK YOU!!
We are asking that you please save your plastic grocery or shopping bags for the Spring garage sale. Although this a few months away, it is important that we have enough bags available. We will begin accepting the bags at school when we return from Christmas break.
Last week, several families received a letter in regards to working a Red Wing game or hosting a coffee and doughnut social after one of the Sunday Masses. Please return the bottom portion of the letter as soon as possible if you have not already done so. THANK YOU!!
We are still in need of workers for the 9 games left on our schedule at Joe Louis Arena. Please call the office to schedule to work a game. THANK YOU!!
Enjoy your weekend,
Mr. Lipinski
November 5, 2008
Dear Parents:
As you read this we are all still mulling over the election results from yesterday. Regardless of the outcome we will not only have a new President, but many new political leaders on a variety of government levels. Please pray for all elected officials and our country as we begin the journey with our new leader of this great country.
It was brought to my attention that one of our students had an encounter with a stranger while they were walking home from school on Monday. The stranger DID NOT approach the student. He asked the student a series of questions. The parent contacted the Garden City Police and gave them a description of the man. It is believed the man was waiting for a ride or could have possibly been homeless. The student was a little frightened but is fine. Please take an opportunity to discuss safety and strangers with your children. Remind them to be aware of their surroundings and if possible walk in groups. I believe this was an isolated incident but we will be sure to inform you of any other incidents.
November is upon us and I would like to gently remind everyone that tuition payments are due in full by January 20, 2009. It is very important that we continue to stay current on tuition. We have done a much better job this year than last and I thank you for that. However, some families have not kept current with the payment schedule that was chosen at registration. Any amount of outstanding tuition, especially large amounts, hurts our school budget as we plan for next year. THANK YOU for your attention to this matter.
We have begun our second annual school food drive. This food drive will again help support the parish food pantry. Please be as generous as possible as we try to exceed last year’s amount of food that was donated. We all know that the need for assistance from our pantry increases during the holidays. Even in difficult times we can all find something to be thankful to God for and help those less fortunate than us. Your support is greatly appreciated.
REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL TOMORROW AND FRIDAY!! We have report card conferences from 3PM to 8PM tomorrow and from 10AM until NOON on Friday. Please be sure to sign up if you have not already done so.
Our 52 week raffle ticket sale is under way. Please be sure to stop by the office and pick up your tickets if you have not done so. Remember, this is a huge fundraiser for our school. However, we must sell 300 tickets to break even. Every ticket sold over 300 is profit for our school. These make a great Christmas present. Please do your part for our school. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to purchase their opportunity to win $300. Remember that each ticket can win more than once!!
Finally, if you were unable or unwilling to fulfill your commitment of working one game at Comerica Park, you will be receiving a letter regarding your commitment. In the letter you will be asked to commit to at least one of our scheduled Red Wings game or to hosting a coffee and doughnut social on one Sunday after the Masses. You MUST commit to one of those choices. This will serve as a replacement for Comerica Park for this year. Your commitment will then be met for the 2008-2009 school year. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of our "Indian Summer".
Mr. Lipinski
October 31st, 2008
Dear Parents:
The first marking period has come to an end and report cards are coming home today. Please remember that conferences are next week. The K-4 students brought home a sheet for you to return with your preference of day and time. If you have not returned your preferred day and time please do so. The 5th-8th grade teachers will have conferences on a first come first serve basis. You will have an opportunity to meet with all of the teachers if you feel the need to do so. It is important that everyone attend a conference. Conferences are a great communication tool and a chance for you to see what areas your child is excelling in or perhaps where they need some help. See you ALL there!!
Please remember to turn your clocks BACK this weekend!!
Lunch orders must be turned in by the day printed on the order form. Late orders WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is due to the ordering process and deadline for orders. Please be diligent in returning the order forms.
We were able to raise $243 at the dining to donate that was held at Max and Erma’s. Thank you for all who supported this event.
We are in need of car line volunteers. This is quite an easy job. You are the lucky person who gets to hold the stop sign and help control traffic flow. The worst part is that the weather is turning. However, it is very helpful to have some volunteers so that teachers can meet with parents or in some cases, begin working with students. If you are willing to help in this area please contact the school office.
Hopefully pizza kit sales are going well. Please ask friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers to help support Saint Dunstan School.
All Diabetes Walk pledges should have been turned in by today, October 31st. If you have not turned them in and plan to do so please bring them in MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD. They WILL NOT be accepted after that because we need to send them to the American Diabetes Association. THANK YOU!!
Finally, our annual school food drive begins Monday and runs through November 21st. Last year this was a very fun competition between the classrooms. Most importantly we were able to help our Parish pantry a great deal. I know the economy is terrible and we have all had to make sacrifices. Hopefully, you can find it in your hearts to help those who are less fortunate than we are. This is a great way to help those in need in our Parish community as well as the local community. What a terrific lesson to teach our children. Even when our personal situations may be difficult we realize that we still have something we can give to those whose situations may be even worse. THANK YOU!!
Have a Happy Halloween!!!
Mr. Lipinski
October 24, 2008
Dear Parents:
What a week!! We are always busy here at school but this week we had some extra activity due to the garage sale. I think it went pretty well and hopefully will have more information to share with you next week. Thank you to everyone who donated items or worked at the garage sale. It is greatly appreciated. Please be sure to thank the ladies of the Rosary Altar Sodality when you see them for all of their hard work, support, and generosity.
The seventh and eighth grade classes visited with representatives from Lady Wood High School and Catholic Central High School. It was good to see some former students come back and talk to our current students about their experiences at their respective high schools. Our eighth grade class also visited Cabrini High School on Thursday.
I hope to be able to share how well we did at the Max and Erma’s dining to donate with you next week. Thank you to all of you who were able to attend.
During the week you all received a copy of our Red Wings Schedule. We are scheduled to work 10 games. Of course, there is the possibility of working other events at either Cobo Hall or Joe Louis. We need 6-12 workers per game depending on our location. Please consider helping in this fun opportunity to help our school. Contact either the school office or see Missy Taylor.
This Saturday is the first annual PTG road rally. Many people are looking forward to a fun filled evening with friends and family. There are still openings if you would like to participate. Please contact Missy Taylor or Kathleen Wright. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend. I will be at the MICHIGAN/Michigan State game. Bragging rights are on the line!!
This Saturday is also the annual CYO prep bowl at Ford Field. For the second consecutive Saint Dunstan School will be represented as Mrs. Sophiea will be recognized for her 15 years of teaching service in Catholic Education. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Please remember that Halloween costumes are not to be worn to school next Friday. Students are to come in their uniforms and may change after Mass. If a student chooses not to bring a costume they will be required to remain in their uniform. Costumes should not contain blood, guts, weapons or violence. Costumes should cover the student appropriately. THANK YOU!
Finally, our School Walk for Diabetes is Monday. We have asked that each child try to raise $30. What a great donation that would be on behalf of our school. Please help them by asking friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to help this very worth cause.
Have a GREAT weekend and get some rest!!
GO BLUE!!!
Mr. Lipinski
October 17, 2008
Dear Parents:
The IOWA tests have been completed and are packaged and ready for shipment. I am sure the students all worked very hard and gave their best effort. The rest of the month is still very busy as we have many activities planned.
If you have not yet picked up your 52 week raffle tickets please do so. This is our MAJOR fundraiser for the year. Remember, we MUST sell 300 tickets to break even. Every ticket sold over 300 is profit for our school. It would be great if we could sell between 400 and 500 tickets!! Thank you to those who have either purchased or sold their tickets and are selling more. These make great gifts and many people would be willing to buy them.
I am asking that you please respect the teacher’s time in the morning and after lunch. These are very busy times for them as they are preparing for the day or getting ready to begin afternoon lessons. We appreciate all the parent support and volunteer work that many of you provide. However, we are asking ALL parents to please make an appointment with the teacher if there is something you need to discuss. THANK YOU.
On Monday, October 20th Mrs. Sophiea will be collecting bottles and cans in her room. The 5th through 7th grade classes are sponsoring a can and bottle drive with the proceeds to go towards their end of the year trip to Cleveland. Please send in your CLEAN bottles and cans in plastic bags. The students appreciate your support.
Also on Monday, October 20th, the student council will begin selling chips and candy bars at lunch. Students will be allowed to purchase these items for $1.00. This is a student council fundraiser.
The 5th through 7th grade classes will be sponsoring a "CRAZY HAT DAY" on Thursday, October 23rd. Students will be allowed to wear hats during the school day for a donation of $1.00. All proceeds to benefit the end of the year trip to Cleveland.
Halloween is right around the corner. This year it falls on a Friday and we also have an early dismissal at 11:45. Please remember that students are NOT ALLOWED to come in their costume to school. We have Mass at 9 AM. After Mass students will change into their costumes. If make-up is part of the costume and your child cannot apply it themselves, you are more than welcome to stop in after Mass. The parade (weather permitting) will begin at 11:15. Costumes should NOT have blood, guts, gore, violence, or weapons. They SHOULD appropriately cover the child. All children are allowed to change into a costume after Mass. If a child chooses not to change into a costume, they will be required to remain in uniform.
The school walk for diabetes forms came home Monday. We are asking that each student try and collect $30 in pledges. If each student could collect $30 we would raise approximately $2,600 for the American Diabetes Association. Please consider asking neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family members to help raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
Have a great weekend!!!
Mr. Lipinski
October 10, 2008
Dear Parents:
Some students have still not turned in certain paperwork that was asked to be returned. For example, emergency cards, student code of conduct and technology guidelines page, release to student images page, and if needed the permission to dispense medication. Please return these forms by next Friday if you have not done so already. It is very important that we have an accurate and organized file containing this information. Remember, it is a requirement by our INSURANCE COMPANY that any student that needs medication during the school day MUST have a medication form on file. This is true for everything from prescriptions and inhalers to over the counter medicines-even cough drops. Thank you for your understanding.
Please remember to keep current on your tuition payments. We are doing well this year and would like to keep it that way. We ask that you keep to the payment schedule you chose at the time of registration. I know each situation is different and the economy is not the greatest. Please contact the school office if you are in need of adjusting your payments. Again, thank you for your assistance with this issue. It is greatly appreciated.
Our students have been working very hard this week taking the IOWA tests. Some classes may need to finish these tests next week. I know they have all given their best effort and believe that we will do well.
I am very excited to announce some of the new opportunities that our students will have this year and for many years to come. Our students in grades 4 through 8 will be participating in a Spelling Bee with the school winner advancing to other competitions in hopes of possibly attending the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. sponsored by Scripps. Mrs. Cheryl Deeter will be our school advisor for this event. Also, our students will have the opportunity to participate in a Geography Bee. Again, the school winner will advance to other competitions. This is sponsored by National Geographic. Mrs. Michele Sophiea will be our school advisor for this event. Finally, Mrs. Lori Kmet and Ms. Amy D’Amico are the advisors for our soon to be formed Kiwanis Kids Club. They will be meeting with Kiwanis representatives soon to organize the club and begin meetings. This is a great way for our students to get involved with service opportunities. More information to follow.
The gym uniform order arrived yesterday. Some of the students may have brought their orders home. If they did not bring them home please stop by the school office to pick them up. Hopefully, anyone who needed new gym uniforms placed an order. If your child needs to replace their gym uniforms and you did not order please contact the school office to do so.
Enjoy the warm weather this weekend!!!
Thank You,
Mr. Lipinski
October 3, 2008
Dear Parents:
It was nice to see so many of you at the Parish picnic. I hope you all had fun on what turned out to be a great day. Although I lost my friendly wager with Fr. Ron, it was for a good cause and very enjoyable. Thank you for all of your support during the many raffles.
Please continue to fill our recycling bins. Remember, it is a very easy way to help our school and it is helping our environment as well. However, please remember, NO CARDBOARD OF ANY KIND!! We will start to lose profit if cardboard continues to be put in these bins. Thank you for your support in regards to this matter.
I wanted to update you on our success from working at Comerica and Joe Louis. We raised $ 4,650 from Joe Louis and Cobo events. This was an average of $357 over the course of 13 events. We also raised $4,950 from working at Comerica Park. This was an average of $412.50 over the course of 12 games. Obviously, we did not work as many games at Comerica as had been planned. Due to our cancellation of so many games, especially the last two, we will NOT be receiving a bonus check like we did last year. We will continue to pursue this opportunity and adjust the amount of games so we can maximize our efforts. Of course, this is dependent on if we are asked to return. There is a possibility we may not be asked back. All in all I am very pleased and hope you are as well. Between the two programs we were able to raise $9,600 to help our school. Please be looking for upcoming information regarding our Joe Louis schedule. As soon as it becomes available it will be shared with everyone. Hopefully, many of you will be generous with your time. We will also have Comerica training in the spring of 2009. THANK YOU for your time, commitment, and hard work.
I received information this week regarding the Target “red card program”. Since our school was enrolled in 1997 we have earned $6,000 for our school. If you have been using your “red card” please continue to do so.
Sometime next week you will be receiving our school’s new Philosophy and Mission Statement. They were developed with input from both staff and administration. This is one of our first steps as we work through our accreditation process. Please insert these over the old statements in your parent/student handbook.
Thank you for returning the hot lunch survey. Please do so if you have not. We have been getting some good input. Just so you are aware, the corn and salad being used this year is the same brand that was used last year.
Finally, during student pick-up in the afternoon, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE HANDICAPPED SPACES!! We have received some complaints from others who need to park there but cannot. Obviously, if you need a handicapped space feel free to use it. However, the complaints were regarding people parking in those spaces who are able-bodied and do not have the appropriate sticker. THANK YOU!
______ Mark Twain
Enjoy your weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
September 26, 2008
Dear Parents,
I hope to see all of you this weekend at the parish picnic. I especially hope to see all of you purchasing raffle tickets from me for the MICIGAN prize basket!! Your support is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our final two games at Comerica Park for tonight and tomorrow night. We will continue this program, but we will schedule fewer games to make it more advantageous to everyone. I will inform you of our season total when I have that information available to me.
Thank you to everyone who attended our dining to donate at Applebee’s. We were able to raise $375 for our school. THANK YOU!! Our next dining to donate will be held on October 21st at Max and Erma’s.
I wanted to update you on our lunch program. I had a meeting this week with the coordinator from the Archdiocese. I am sure that you noticed on our October menu that came home that pizza is only being served once a month. Also, there will be extra fruit choices available at lunch even though you do not see them on the October menu. We are looking at possibly having salad available as well as another “hot side item” added to our menu. PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ATTACHED FOOD SURVEY!! This will help us decided what is wanted and how we can improve the program. There may or may not be a SMALL increase in the lunch price depending on the information we receive.
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th!! PICNIC CLEAN-UP. 6TH GRADE GOES TO CAMP!!
Have a GREAT weekend!!
Mr. Lipinski
___ Albert Einstein
September 21, 2008
Dear Parents:
The next few weeks will be very busy here at school. Please make sure the children are well rested and well prepared. The busy schedule will continue into the month of October. The October calendar will be coming home next week.
There was some concerned raised at the PTG meeting last week regarding the availability of our Parent/Student Handbook on our website. If you click on the registration/tuition link, it will lead you to our handbook. I believe this has been posted on the site since sometime last school year. I apologize if this information was not conveyed at the meeting.
Please make sure that if you are volunteering for anything this school year you MUST have an I-CHAT check and go through the Protecting God’s Children class if you have not done so in the past. This is an ARCHDIOCESE policy that is required for chaperones, lunch supervisors and ALL volunteers. Please call the school office if you have any questions or need more information.
Mrs. Falk, one of our parents, has agreed to “learn the ropes” regarding the work required to run a successful garage sale. As we mentioned at the PTG meeting, the Rosary Altar Sodality is willing to commandeer the two sales this year. However, they are looking for school parents who are interested in assuming the duties for future years. THANK YOU to Mrs. Falk for volunteering. She will need more help. Please consider helping her with this undertaking. The first sale is in October. The Sodality was very generous and donated funds from one of the sales last year to our school and they are willing to do the same again this year. Please help make this a fundraiser for many years to come
I am very please to announce that we will be starting a Kiwanis Kids Club here at Saint Dunstan. Mrs. Kmet and Ms. D’Amico have agreed to be our staff representatives for this new addition to our school community. More information will be available to both students and parents after the teachers have had the opportunity to meet with representatives from our local Kiwanis club. This will be another great opportunity for students to become involved in our communities!!
We have 3 games left on our Comerica Park schedule. We are scheduled to work a Little Caesar’s booth for all 3games. This is a terrific opportunity to end our season with a BANG!! We need to have 10 to 12 workers per game, although 14 would be even better. However, we can make it work with 10 to 12 people. The remaining dates are Monday the 22nd, Friday the 26th, and Saturday the 27th. The final two dates are part of the last weekend of the series. The crowds will be very large due to the many promotions and give-a ways that take place. PLEASE consider helping!!!
We have also scheduled another 10 games at Joe Louis Arena this year. We have one pre-season game that we are required to work and that is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th. Call times are a little later than they were for Comerica Park. We need 12 workers for this game and our regular season games. The regular season schedule will be published as soon as it is available to me. Please contact the school office if you can work next Wednesday.
In closing, one of our parents has started a BLOG about our school. There is a link to the BLOG on the school website. Please read the attached note in today’s packet regarding the BLOG.
IF YOU ONLY LOOK AT WHAT IS, YOU MIGHT NEVER ATTAIN WHAT COULD BE.
Have a GREAT weekend!!
GO BLUE!!
Mr. Lipinski