Dear Families,

I cannot believe we are already into November.  The school year is moving so quickly.  It was a great October and I am looking forward to another good month at Saint Francis.  

This week on All Saints Day,  Monsignor challenged us to work towards becoming saints. He reminded us that the key in our relationship with God was to have the trust of a small child.  We often think becoming a saint is out our our reach, but - as we often hear from both Monsignor Lavalley and Fr. Gratton - working towards sainthood is exactly what God has planned for us.

We have been helping our students understand that being a saint is not about huge tasks and large sacrifices.  In order to be saints we have to focus on the daily interactions we have.  Each of these interactions provides us a chance to be more saintly.  Saying good morning and holding the door open can have a huge impact.  Asking for help and recognizing our strengths and weakness will also make us better people.  So often we wait for the moment to do something great, but if we put energy into all the little thing we do on a daily bases, that can become our great thing.  

As we move toward Thanksgiving and the start of Advent consider how you can help your students continue their journey to sainthood.  How can we provide examples of what it means to be saintly in small ways?  The road is full of bumps, but through patience and prayer we can all make it to sainthood. Remember that the best examples of sainthood for our children come from the people around them whom they love and trust. .

God Bless,

Eric Becker

P.S. Make sure you turn back you clock 1 hour on Sunday Morning or very late Saturday night.

Extension Program Reminders

• The Extension program will be closed for Thanksgiving Break November 23rd-25th.

• Parents, please remember to sign your child out each day. Failure to do so will result in a sign-out fee

• We currently have after school spaces available on Monday, Weds,Thursdays and Fridays in the 3rd-8th grade room. If you are interested, please email Ms. Kruger at Afterschool@sfxvt.org

Rice Memorial High School Open House
Some things are worth planning for, including where your child will attend high school.  Attend Rice's annual Open House on Sunday, November 13 from 1-3pm to meet teachers, current students, parents, coaches and club advisors. RSVP to customize your visit and be entered in the Open House raffle.  For more information, visit www.rmhsvt.org/openhouse.

Blog: Learning our Heritage Through Language
I just heard a little knock on my door. It’s the end of the day, in fact, a day off for the students but a training day for us, faculty. I see a silhouette in the door as I’m approaching. My face lights up as I recognize a parent, smiling back at me. He hands me a little tiny French book. He found it in the older part of the school, as he was doing work for us. I told him I was recognizing it from my days as a schoolgirl. We chat about the book and its stories and there it comes…. my idea for this blog!  Read More...

Ukulele lessons
Ukulele lessons for grades 4th thru 8th grade will officially start on November 7th.  If you have not signed up, there is still time.  Order your ukulele now!   Please contact me if you are interested.  Npelchat@sfxvt.org

Special Christmas Chior!
It is that time of the year!  Time to start thinking about Christmas and how you can be a part of the Special Christmas Choir!  If you are in Grade 4 and above; you can join the team.  Learn to sing harmony. Try out for a solo or duet.  We would love to have you.  We will be meeting after school on Mondays from 2:45-3-15 starting on November 7th.   See you in the music room - Mrs. Pelchat