MEMORANDUM

TO:       Parents of Queen of Peace Catholic Academy

FROM:  Sister Nancy Elder, IHM

DATE:   November 6, 2009

RE:       Weekly Update

We began this first week in November continuing to develop our theme, “We Believe”.  As a school community we explored briefly the authority in our church – our Pope, the Bible and tradition.  For some of our students they heard about Pope Benedict XVI for the first time.  The very young knew, without doubt, that God was in charge and surely that here on earth the person in charge was Father Jeff!  Even when shown a picture of Benedict XVI, they continued to insist that all authority on earth has been give to Father Jeff!

All of us see, experience and believe through our own eyes.  We look to others and others look to us.  Sometimes we may not see clearly.  But, no matter what, we use the filter of our values, our beliefs, our faith.  It can be hard to live each day knowing that others look up to us or have a very high expectation of us.  But that is how it is.  Our children do look to us to find God, they do look to us to find all they want to be.  How important it is for us, then, to be firm in our relationship with our Creator and to base all our actions on those beliefs.  How essential it is to continue to strengthen that relationship and to give God the best that we are.

Perhaps no one of us wants the responsibility of authority, but, like it or not, our role as parent or teacher (or pastor) puts us in that awesome place.  If we are seen as revered and trusted, we need to look on that as gift and ask God to assist us in developing it.  And, as we all know, gifts are received to be given away.  Let us continue to pray for one another as we lead our young people, that we allow them to inspire us and to remind us of who we are.  Let’s put on our “leader hat” (even if it belongs to the Pope!) and lead from the deep center of our heart where God is.

We Believe

 

Reminders and Other Things

• Thanks to all of you who attended the Parent Mini-Convention last night.  I know that you agree that the presenters were knowledgeable, articulate and very helpful.  Our children are so precious and the ideas we garner from others assist us in being good stewards of them.
• Be sure to register for Generations of Faith to be held in early December.  Registration forms may be found on our web site, at the Church Office or in the Church Gathering Space.
• Our Second Graders would love your prayers as they make their final preparation for First Reconciliation on Saturday, November 14th.
• Please be aware that as the weather turns chillier next week, the uniform sweater or uniform jacket only may be worn in the classroom.
• We have early dismissal on Tuesday, November 24th; no school from November 25 – 27.
• Now is the time to begin pondering your responses to the Queen of Peace Catholic Community commitment card – time, talent and treasure.

 

From Nurse Bunde:

FluMist 2nd Dose Information:

If your child is age 8 or under and received the FluMist Vaccine for the first time on Oct. 15 at QPCA you will be receiving a consent form for the 2nd dose of the vaccine.  Please complete the form and return it to school as soon as possible.

If your child is age 8 or under, received the FluMist Vaccine at QPCA on Oct. 15 and you wrote that your child has been vaccinated for the Flu in the past (Yes to question #1 on the consent form) your child may still need to have the 2nd Dose of FluMist.  If the most recent vaccine (prior to Oct. 15, 2009) was more than 1 year ago, the child should get the 2nd dose of FluMist.   Please download the consent form from my Edline webpage or contact me via e mail to request the form.  Complete the form and return to school as soon as possible.  I have a list of 88 students who might need the 2nd vaccine!

The date for the 2nd Vaccination has not yet been scheduled, but will be around 30 days from the first vaccination.  As soon as the date is scheduled, I will post the date on the Edline Health page.  The date will also be announced in the weekly newsletter.

In regard to the H1N1 Vaccination:  The Health Dept. and area pediatricians have the vaccine to give.  To find out whether your child is eligible to receive the vaccine, please contact the Health Dept.  There are two forms of the vaccine: “live attenuated”- in nasal spray form and “inactivated”-in shot form.  Please note that you may not be allowed to receive the live attenuated H1N1 Vaccine if you were given the FluMist Vaccine until 30 days have passed.  Also note that if a 2nd dose of the FluMist is to be given, you will have to wait another 30 days to receive the H1N1 nasal mist.  If you plan to get the H1N1 vaccine in shot form, there is no waiting period that I’m aware of.  Please refer to the Alachua County Health Dept or CDC website for the most accurate, up-to-date information.  Due to the current vaccination time line, we will not offer the H1N1 FluMist Clinic at QPCA.  

* Although telephone calls are welcome, please make sure that all correspondence regarding health related issues be in writing also.  This allows for more accurate record keeping.

The Hearing and Vision Screening will be done on December 2nd & 3rd.

 

From Sally Wasik:

QPA SPORTS PROGRAM - YMCA BASKETBALL GRADES K-5

QPA Basketball registration has come to a close for K-5. Coaches will be contacting their players this weekend giving them details regarding practice day and time.  Practices begins the week of November 9th and games will start the week of November 30. If you have not heard from a coach by Sunday please contact Sally Wasik, sjwasik@cox.net or 222-1655.

 

Fall Book Fair Coming                                    

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy's Second Annual Fall Book Fair is only weeks away!

Book Fair dates are November 16th - November 20th so mark your calendar now.

Destination Book Fair: Read Around the World promises fun and adventure for all to

share. Be sure to check out the Book Fair homepage at:

http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/qopacademybookfair

Book Fair Volunteers are needed!! 

There are an array of volunteer opportunities…. fair setup, provide refreshments,

fair helpers, break down, to name a few.  If you would like to help, please sign-up

via the volunteer link found on the Book Fair homepage. Or you can email Mrs. Reakes

 directly at:  ewreakes@qopacademy.org.

Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement! CYA @ the Book Fair!

Mrs. Reakes

 

 

See you in Church!