Portae (newsletter) for 10 December 2012

Click to download a one-page copy of the newsletter for 10 December 2012.

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The text of the newsletter is copied below:

•••• Updates for week of 10 December 2012 ••••

Final Exams: We have set the final exam schedule for this Fall:
Wed.: Theology, Math; Thurs.: English, Science; Friday: Foreign Language, History.

Final Exam Exemptions: Last Spring, we experimented with a final exam exemption policy, in which all students were given an exam exemption. In reviewing the results, we found that it did give us better results on exams (both grades and overall performance). It also allows for our teachers to make their exams very comprehensive and full. Today, we distributed the exam exemption form to all students, and have copied a pdf to parents with the newsletter, that should explain the program in full.

Parent Meeting - 10 December, 6:30 p.m.: We will have our monthly parent meeting on Monday, 10 December 2012, at which we will work on the strategic plan for the school.

Final Exams: Note that on Wednesday–Friday, 19-21 December 2012, we will be on a noon dismissal schedule. That day, students will be taking final exams, two per day. Students can be picked up at noon. Teachers do run study sessions that week in the afternoons, and some students find it helpful to study here on campus in the afternoon. The media center is open for those who need it. There is no lunch service.

Note that on Wednesday morning, we will bring back a year one tradition, at the request of the Class of 2013. Back in 2009, Mr. Iliff set up a few borrowed electric skillets in room 105 (known then as the “locker room”) and cooked eggs and bacon, which along with some tortillas & OJ, made for a nice pre-exam breakfast. It also attracted the attention of the Comal Elementary staff, as most of the school had the fried bacon and coffee aroma of a Denny’s. We are going to be doing the same thing this year again for all the students. Mr. Iliff is looking for some parent help in serving up eggs and bacon for 150. Parents, let him know if you can volunteer, starting at 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 December in the cafeteria kitchen.

Catholic Life Raffle: Christmas parties are the perfect time to sell tickets! We rely on all our families, to help us reach our budget goal for sales. This fundraiser is not extra revenue; we count on it!

Program ads: Thanks to all who have participated in the program!

Advent Brunch: Don’t miss out on this yearly gathering – Wednesday, 12 December 2012, 8:15 a.m. for Mass – the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – with Monsignor Stuebben as the celebrant, followed by the Christmas card photo and a nice brunch.

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Thanks to Suzie Torrez and Theresa Berger, for their time on 30 Nov. serving food all day during the Principals Retreat, and to all the families who donated food or sweets for the retreat. The superintendent and the visiting principals were very appreciative of the nice day on campus.

Thanks to all who helped with the retreat, donating food or other supplies, and a special shout-out to our faculty chaperones for their service out at Camp HEB.

Thanks to all who helped with decorating on 1 December – the lobby looks great, and it was a nice turn-around for our 8^th grade visitors on 1 December, to see the lobby transformed so quickly.