Saints Speak – 10/19/2017 - What a Wonderful World ASCA Is

This week I would like to highlight ‘What a Wonderful World’ ASCA is by pointing out some of the great things we are doing OUTSIDE the classroom.  Last week, our 5^th grade students planned and executed a clothing collection and bake sale to raise money for hurricane relief.  Through the generosity of many, they were able to donate $653 to the Red Cross. In addition, over 35 bags of clothing were also donated.  I am pretty proud of these students.  While we often talk about the importance of academics in our school setting; it is the others-centered and caring young ladies and gentlemen that we are forming, and a sense of belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves that is more significant and noteworthy. 

I also had the great privilege of meeting with a number of our Hispanic families earlier this week.  At ASCA, we celebrate our diversity as one of the cornerstones of our community, and realize that this diversity makes us unique and quite special.   It is in our shared experiences that we strengthen the fabric of All Saints, and become a close knit and more caring place.  I am excited about some upcoming events that will showcase the rich culture and traditions of many of these school families, as well as their strong Catholic faith beliefs.  The next meeting will be on October 30 at 5:30 pm.  If you are interested in becoming involved in some of these activities, I invite you to contact Ms. Alma Alvarez at avapsnic@yahoo.com. 

Our school chaplain, Father Mark Bernhard has already made a tremendous impact at All Saints.  He is with us to celebrate our school liturgies each week.  He spends lunch periods with our junior high students, and then joins our younger students at recess, often times playing an energetic game of kickball.  He traveled with our 8^th grade students to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, giving them an intimate look at the place where he was formed as a parish priest.  As a newly ordained priest, Father Mark wanted his first assignment to be in a place where he could directly have an impact on younger Catholics and their faith journeys.  Father Mark truly cares about our students, and they know this.  We are truly blessed to have him here. 

Another place you will find Father Mark and a number of our staff members tomorrow afternoon (Friday, October 20) at 4 pm, is in the ASCA school gym for what has become an annual match up of Staff vs 8^th Grade in volleyball.   I am going to ask you all to say a little prayer for all of us ‘older folks’, and you are welcome to come on out to cheer all of us on.   Meanwhile, we have some really neat ideas in the early planning stages that involve Father Mark, so stay tuned.

Last Friday, the stands were packed at the Blue Out.  If you were able to attend, you could not help but feel the excitement and energy in support of our 8^th grade students who were playing their final volleyball games on their home court.  I especially would like to acknowledge all of the teachers who attended.  It means so very much to our students.

 We will be opening up conference sign up on SchoolSpeak by the end of this week (an email will be sent to all families via SchoolSpeak to let you know when sign ups are live).  Our Junior High Student Voices will be providing child care during the November conferences as follows:

• Thursday, November 2 from Noon to 5 pm; and 6 – 8 pm
• Friday, November 3 from 8 am to 1 pm

Thank you Student Voices for giving your time to the All Saints community on these days off of school. 

Our DDA committee is very busy in these early planning stages for one of the biggest parties of the school year –“A Green Tie Affair” – Dinner Dance Auction, March 17, 2018.   If you would like to become involved, it is not too late.  Simply contact the DDA chair, Kendra Kirchgessner at dda@ascacademy.org.

Finally, I would like to invite all of our school parents to consider joining one our school board committees.  Your input and expertise could help to advance our marketing efforts, our education and curriculum advancement, the growth of our Catholic Identity,  the stewardship of our finances, or the enhancement of our school facility.  Committees meet just once a month.  Just imagine how you could contribute to the wonderful world of ASCA.  I encourage you to contact me with any questions, or to offer your help in furthering our strategic plan and the mission of our school. 

Everyone can contribute to this 'wonderful world of ASCA' in some way. 

News from All Saints Athletic Association

TCBY HOME ATHLETE OF THE WEEK…..The TCBY Home Athlete of the Week for 10/13 is Claire Haas!  Be sure to congratulate Claire on a fabulous game at our Blue Out!  Way to end your ASCA volleyball career!

Volleyball News . . .

BLUE OUT was a HUGE success!  Thank you to everyone who came out to support our 8^th graders and cheer them on to a great end to their season!  Special shoutout to our 5^th grade students for their outstanding display of school spirit!!!  And to the parents who helped ensure a fun, safe environment for all to enjoy!

Last week’s winning teams included Boys 5A, 6A, Girls 5A, 7A, 8A & 8B!  Way to go Saints and keep swinging!

This week starts our league playoffs.  Be sure to load up the car and come out to support as many of our teams as you can! To see where our teams will be playing on the road this week, be sure to watch for the “Weekend Sports Report”!

IMPORTANT & UPCOMING NEWS!

Fall Sports Banquet will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 6:30 invitations will be sent via SI Play and can be accessed at http://asca.siplay.com/site/ClientSite/article/2984881

Basketball evaluations will be held for all grade levels (5^th-8^th) on Sunday, October 22 according to the schedule below:

5^th Grade Boys – 9:00 am

8^th Grade Boys – 10:15 am

8^th Grade Girls – 11:30 am

7^th Grade Boys – 12:45 am

6^th Grade Boys – 2:00 pm

Please note there are no evaluations required for girls in grades 5, 6 or 7^th.

Please contact Keith Glab (kglab@ascacademy.org) if you have questions.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@ASCA_Athletics) and Instagram (@allsaintsathletics)!

GO SAINTS!!