Dear Catholic School Parents,
Welcome to the new school year. The first day of school is always exciting. The uniforms are new or newly cleaned and ready, the students are up early to be on time, and the teachers are prepared for the New Year. We all know that feeling of excitement and fright that comes with starting something new. I too am starting something new this year! After twenty years as a principal in our diocese and another fifteen as a teacher I am not in a school. I am not
experiencing the anxious/eager looks of the parents and the students. I am very honored to be able to serve our Diocese as Superintendent of Schools, and I am looking forward to visiting each school within the next few weeks.

I want to capture some of the excitement that our students are experiencing. I know how much you value our Catholic School System and your support of our students, teachers, staffs, principals and pastors is essential for our success. Working together in a Catholic School environment affords each of us the opportunity to
share our faith through prayer and good works.

I am certain all the schools will have an opening liturgy and I encourage you to make an effort to attend with your students. Listening to God's word, receiving the Eucharist together and reflecting on the message of the Gospel can bring new light to the dinner conversation. I invite you to take an active role in the educational and spiritual experiences of your child in our Catholic Schools. I know this will be a rewarding year for all us.

Thank you for choosing a Catholic school in the Diocese of San Jose. The Department of Education is here to serve the schools in a variety of ways. Most importantly we support the principal/pastor relationship upon which our schools are formed. We ask that you pray for them and with them as they lead our schools.

In closing, let me remind you we have a procedure for solving issues at the Department of Education. We always strive to solve problems early. If you have a concern you should take it first to your child's teacher and then, if necessary, to the principal. If it cannot be resolved at the school level, your pastor is the next contact. That is where the decisions and solutions will be made. This office is only for policy and governance concerns. The beauty of our schools is the local autonomy. I am confident that by collaborating with the principal and pastor you will find the best resolution for your community.

Have a wonderful school year.
With Gratitude,
Kathy Almazol
Superintendent of Schools
 

Have a great year.
 

Music Spirit Team (MST) has officially begun. This is the new music team which will be leading us in worship on Thursday mornings under the direction of Mrs.Wyant who is a parishioner and the director of music at Redwood Middle School. She has a remarkable reputation in the Saratoga School District. Mrs. Wyant's marching band performed at the inauguration of the President last year. We are delighted she is here and I have heard there are some parents at the school who she also taught.
 
MST will be practicing each Wednesday during lunch. Please gather at the foot of the large cross in the front of the church. Also, they will be practicing Wednesday nights from 7-8 pm in the church.  If your child is interested in joining the Music Spirit Team they may show up at the cross at lunch or call me at 408-867-1530.
 
Morning Prayer: The student council will be leading the Morning Prayer times on Monday and Tuesday.  I will be there each Wednesday morning and Fr. Gary will be leading them on Fridays.
 

Welcome back everyone!!!  We are definitely off and running in sports--all teams have had a practice.  I do remember how many checks get written in the 1st week of school (LOL) and unfortunately now I'm asking.   ALL sports fees ($60 pr child) are due into the office by 9/4 or I will assume your child is not taking part.    
 
A general sport calendar for the year AND for the first 4 weeks of this season went home last Friday with your child---I HOPE YOU GOT YOURS!  Once the DSJCAL schedule is done I will get a final game and practice schedule out to you--hopefully by 9/18.
 
Alumni news:
Calix O'Hara & Daniel Fields will be playing frosh FB for the Bells.  Liz Trambley (05 Formico) is playing VB for UC Santa Cruz. Vinny Caloiaro (05 Dalton) is playing soccer at USF. Joan Caloiaro (06 Formico) is setting for the Mitty varsity VB team.  Marianne Gera is playing varsity VB, Elizabeth Carte is playing varsity field hockey and Kyle Miller is playing varsity FB--all for the Lancers. Let me know about any other alums!!!!!!
 
Special note----Last June a number of you gave me some wonderful treats and I want you to know how grateful I am.  My summer was very busy since my son took a new principal job in Hawaii and moved there 7/29 with my grandkids---yikes!  So I want to apologize for not sending personal notes.
 
WALK-A-THON REPORT-----Because of your generosity, we raised $11,000!  This summer I purchased:
 
2 new canopies for Track & WAT (110)

09/10 sports books & emergency cards (171)
New b-balls (275)

First aid supplies (236)

Pins (110) & 3 dozen new softballs (197)

We also paid our 1/3 cost to refinish gym floor (892) and covered a 08/09 short fall of approx $6500.
 
In round #'s our regular 08/09 income was: $15,460
Athletic fee/$12,860 & Classic profit/$2600
In round #'s our general operating costs were:  $22,089
Including Coaches $11,200, Referees $5446 & Tournaments $720
                                               
Legal booking practices (according to the finance committee) state that we have to start the 09/10 year with a balance of "0"---HOWEVER---we now have $15,000+ in our reserve sports account ($2000+ from this year's Walk-A-Thon).  Since our number of possible athletes is lower-but-our general expenses remain constant, this year I will draw down on our reserves to cover each season's shortfall!   If you have any questions contact your grades sports rep or me!
 
 
Hope you have an awesome week, Sandy