Queen of Angels School Newsletter January 18

Queen of Angels School Newsletter January 18, 2008

Dear Parents,

In one week, we will begin our annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, the time set aside each year to celebrate Catholic education. The 2008 theme is "Catholic Schools Light the Way," which highlights the mission of Catholic schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child academically and spiritually and prepares students for future success. This theme combines the concepts of God's light in the world and the light of knowledge we strive to kindle in our students.

As a teacher of many years, I've always felt that my first job is to teach young people; my second job is to teach a subject. For the most part I've been able to hold on to that order of priorities. The freedom offered by our Catholic setting allows us to have the kinds of conversations with our students that other classrooms do not. Through the education we offer them, our students should each see themselves as children of God, part of God's family, and gifted with the ability to help others.

They should be able to see that they are valued and valuable. They have gifts to offer as citizens of the world with the ability to make that world a better place for all citizens. They should see that they have much to offer, and each of them should be encouraged to feel "I can make a difference!" no matter what their situation in life.

Our goal as Catholic educators is to lead our students to become the best they can be: successful individuals, members of a community and with a successful future ahead. This notion is at the very heart of our job description: to lead young people to an awareness of who they are, what they are capable of, and what they can become.

Pope John Paul II, on his visit to the United States in 1987, called Catholic education a great "Gift to the Church, a great Gift to the Nation." To the group of Catholic educators from around the country that he met with, he said "You are able, as Catholic educators, to introduce your students to a powerful experience of community and to a very serious involvement in social concerns that will enlarge their horizons, challenge their lifestyles and offer them authentic human fulfillment."

The theme this year represents the special role of Catholic School and teachers in lighting the way through a faith-based education that supports the whole child in learning about and leading a fulfilled life. Our students, in turn, will "light the way" to a brighter future through leadership in their communities, church, businesses and families.

To our parents, grandparents, guardians and volunteers, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your gifts of time and talent help make our school successful, and your partnership in Catholic education instills faith, values and expectations for academic and moral excellence in your children. Thank you.

May God bless you always,

Mrs. Jordan

Queen of Angels Light of Learning Recipient

We congratulate Kurt Homan, who has been selected to receive the Light of Learning Award from our school for 2008. Mr. Homan was nominated by numerous families for this award. Mr. Homan teaches 4th grade and serves as an assistant to the Principal. Mr. Homan is in charge of the school yearbook, and assists Father Gary in training 4th grade servers for Holy Mass. Mr. Homan is actively involved in the Parish scheduling all events for the Activities Center and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Mr. Homan is a graduate of the University of St. Francis and has been on the teaching staff at Queen of Angels for the past six years. He will be honored on January 29 at the annual Light of Learning Luncheon sponsored by Quality Dining (Burger King) during Catholic Schools Week.

Diocesan Light of Learning Administrative Award

Queen of Angels is also proud to announce that our principal, Mrs. Jordan, has been chosen to receive the 2008 Diocesan Light of Learning Administrator Award for the Fort Wayne end of the Diocese.

Mrs. Jordan is a life-long member of Queen of Angels Parish and is a 1965 graduate of Queen of Angels School. Prior to becoming Principal of Queen of Angels, Mrs. Jordan, taught high school Biology at Wawasee Preparatory, junior high Science and Latin at St. Vincent's, and was a Biology teacher, Dean of Girls and Science Department Chair at Bishop Dwenger High School from 1984-1994.

Mrs. Jordan is a graduate of Indiana University and holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Biology, Counseling and Guidance, as well and Elementary and Secondary Administrative Degrees.

Mrs. Jordan will also be honored at the annual Light of Learning Luncheon on January 29.

Screening for Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) will take place the first week of February for students in grades 5, 7 and any new students in grades 6 & 8, plus any students receiving referrals last year. If you do NOT want your child screened, notify the school office IN WRITING by Thursday, January 31.

Freshman Registration for Bishop Dwenger High School for Queen of Angels students is scheduled for Tuesday, January 29. If you are not able to come on this date, choose any of the scheduled dates to register.

Reminder: Parent Session for Confirmation- The date for this has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 7-8:30 pm in the Church.

Catholic Schools Week Annual Chili Supper- Please plan to attend on Wednesday, January 30 from 5-7 pm in the Social Hall. Cost is $3 per person or $11 for a family of 4 or more. On the menu you will be Wendy's Chili, Hot Dog, Nachos and Cheese and a drink. This event is hosted by the school staff to thank all our parish and school families who support the work we do! Please come and join us for dinner.

The Winkeljohn Family Scholarships- We are very happy and honored to announce that this scholarship was recently established to benefit students from Queen of Angels who enroll in Bishop Dwenger High School. Mr. & Mrs. Winkeljohn are very proud of the success of their children, whom they feel were blessed by the education they received both at Queen of Angels and Bishop Dwenger High School. The guidelines for this scholarship, which will be administered by Bishop Dwenger, are provided below. Please join our faculty and staff in saying a prayer of thanksgiving for the generosity of this wonderful family.

The Winkeljohn Family Scholarships were established in 2008 by Bob and Diane Winkeljohn to benefit graduates of Queen of Angels Catholic School and parish. The fund provides for three $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship. These scholarships are named in honor of Bob and Diane Winkeljohn and their children, all of whom are graduates of Queen of Angels School and Bishop Dwenger High School. The scholarship is open to all students in grades 9-12.

The Bob & Diane Winkeljohn Scholarship ($1,000)

The Rob & Terry Winkeljohn Scholarship ($500)

The Tony & Andy Winkeljohn Scholarship ($500)

The Wendy Winkeljohn Evans and Holly Winkeljohn Brady Scholarship ($500)

Criterion:

Applicants must be graduates of Queen of Angels School or its Religious Education program
Applicants must be in good academic standing (B average)
Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Applicant must be involved in school and/or parish activities.

All scholarship applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a brief essay (400-500 words) on the value of a Catholic education in today's society. They will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation from either a teacher or the parish priest. Finally, they must complete a FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment Application. The scholarships are read by a committee of faculty volunteers. Financial rating is based on a report from FACTS and recommendations by a small committee consisting of the principal, business manager and a CPA who is a former board member.