Principal's Corner

November 21, 2018

Dear Parents,
 
At this time of giving thanks for the bountiful harvest, I must say my heart is full with gratitude for all that has been and all that is! This first trimester has been one of transitions, challenges and many memorable moments. Our school community has been blessed with members who bring new life and ideas to the mission of building a culture of Life and a civilization of Love through faith and knowledge. For example, the first ever Turkey Trot was an idea presented by the 2018-2019 Student Council. Students volunteered to represent their homerooms; parents stepped up with some very clever turkey costumes, and classmates cheered for their turkey trotters! It was the perfect way to start the Thanksgiving holiday. It is times such these that unify and energize. Our God has blessed us!
 
There are quite a few events lined up for the remainder of 2018 that will also unify and energize the soul.
 

• Forty Hours Devotions at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish will be held on November 25th, 26th and 27th. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin after the 12:30 Mass on Sunday, November 25th. Evening services are at 7:00 PM. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. All are invited to spend time with Our Lord in adoration during Forty Hours. Also, the third grade are invited to participate in a special way in the Eucharistic Procession on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. Those who received their First Holy Communion in 2018 should wear their Holy Communion attire. All other third graders should wear their Sunday best. To learn more about Forty Hours Devotions go to:

• The feast of our patron, St. Andrew the Apostle will be celebrated with a school Mass on November 30^th at 9:00 AM in Church.
• Home and School’s annual Santa’s Secret Shop will be held on December 3^rd & 4^th. Students are able to shop for family member’s gifts provided by local vendors. All items are reasonably priced. Home and School will gladly accept unused, unwanted gift items that may be someone else’s treasure. These items can be sent to the main office next week.
• Saint Andrew School’s Advanced Band will participate in the Upper Darby Tree Lighting celebration at the Tower Theater on December 3^rd. at 6:30 PM. All are welcome to attend.
• The annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held on December 4^th, 5^th & 6th. Students will have time to shop during the school day. Family Night at the Book Fair is on Wednesday, December 5^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
• The annual Live Nativity will be held on Sunday, December 9^th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on the Church lawn. Sixth grade students and animals from Quiver Farm portray a tableau of the birth of Christ. Families are invited to reflect on the presence of God With Us during this event. Live Nativity is sponsored by the Home and School Association.
• Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of the Americas. St. Andrew the Apostle parish honors the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a special 7:00 PM Mass. Members of the Home and School take active parts in this Mass. Mass is followed by a reception of lite Mexican fare in McGettigan Hall. All school families are invited to attend the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration.
• Our Christmas Concert will be held on Monday, December 17^th at 7:00 PM in McGettigan Hall. Members of the Saint Andrew School band, string quartet and chorus will share their talents with the school community.
• Recognition for the academic achievements of our students will be celebrated at the Awards Assembly on Wednesday, December 19^th at 9:00 AM in Msgr. McGettigan Hall.
• Finally, school closes for the Christmas holiday at noon on December 21^st.

 
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Saint Andrew School, I wish you many blessings during this holiday season.
 
May God be praised in all we do!
 
 
Helen McLean, Ed.D.
Principal