Saints Speak – 5/17/2018 – Rites of Passage

Earlier this week, I met with our 7^th grade parents for a ‘374 Days to Graduation’ meeting (now 372 days, but who is counting).  At this meeting, we shared information about selecting the right high school, shadow experiences, entrance exam preparation, 8^th grade celebrations and all of the fun that the 8^th grade year brings, parent volunteers, fundraising, and behavioral expectations.   A few parents reflected that they could not believe that their student was finishing 7^th grade and getting ready to enter their final year at All Saints.  That is just how fast time flies!

On Wednesday, our All Saints school community had the opportunity to recognize our 2^nd grade students who recently celebrated their First Holy Communion in their home parishes.  How beautiful and handsome did the students look as they processed into our worship space to Pachebel's Canon in D.  They did an outstanding job with the readings, psalm and petitions.  They sang the song ‘I Know the Father Loves Me’ as our communion meditation.  We embraced and recognized them on this special day.  When our children receive their First Holy Communion, this is a big deal. For them, and for all of us, no matter how many times we have received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, it should always be a big deal.  What makes it so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time!  Father Paul pointed this out to our 2^nd grade students. 

Our current 8^th grade Class of 2018 students only have a few more days with us at All Saints Catholic Academy, as they prepare for their graduation next Friday evening, May 25 at 7 pm.  You are all welcome to join us as we send forth our graduates to the next phase of their lives.  Meanwhile, they are connecting with each other during these last days at ASCA with many special activities that include a visit to the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet for for a lovely luncheon with an opportunity to hone their manners and etiquette skills, their Graduate/Parent Dinner Dance and Awards banquet, a graduation trip to Chicago – their Bueller Day in the city, their Baccalaureate Mass and breakfast, a Yearbook Signing Party, and their Graduation Mass. 

These are such important stages in a young person’s life, a rite of passage, if you will.  A rite of passage marks the transition from one phase of life to another.  There are many passages and journeys in our lives if we choose to mark and celebrate them.  From elementary school to high school like our 8^th grade students, to the beginning of their last year at All Saints like the Class of 2019, or our 2^nd grade students who now have a very special relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist.  As our All Saints family, we join together and rejoice in the passages of these, and all of our students.     

Preschool Preview Day

All Saints will be holding a preschool preview day tomorrow, May 18 from 9 – 11 am.  Do you have a friend, family member or neighbor who has a 2-4 year old, and is looking for an outstanding preschool for their child?  Please invite them to come and take a look at our Growing Saints Early Childhood Academy, and what it has to offer.  There is no preregistration required; participants simply need to come on by with their student for an informational and fun morning at ASCA.

2018-2019 Budget Process

I want to take this opportunity to thank our combined boards and finance committee for all the work that took place to present and approve a balanced budget for the coming school year where, for the 2^nd year in a row, we did not increase tuition or fees.  It is important to not only continue to provide the excellent education grounded in faith that is a hallmark of All Saints; but additionally, to be able to make that Catholic education accessible to those who desire it for their children and family.

Please note the important deadline that was included in communication to all new and current school families:  If you currently do not intend to return/come to ASCA this fall, we ask that you let us know by 3 pm on Friday, May 25.  After Friday, May 25, All Saints will be loading in tuition and fees for returning and new families, and activating FACTS agreements for the 2018-2019 school year. Please note that all student fees are non-refundable.  Any exception to the All Saints fee refund policy must be an extraordinary circumstance that will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and must be presented in writing to the School Principal and the Pastoral President. Please note that fees that are collected are not Families who have applied for financial aid will not have their accounts activated until award letters are sent. 

SHPP Nomination Form

It is not too late to send in your SHPP Nomination form for the 2018-2019 school year.  Please click here for the form (which was also sent home in hard copy with youngest and only students).  All forms need to be returned by Friday, May 25 at 3 pm.  Please contact Theresa Cunningham at tacunningham@comcast.net if you have any questions. 

Lost and Found Table

There are an awful lot of items on the Lost and Found tables outside the school office.  Please stop by if you have a chance, and see if you find anything that you have been missing.   

News from All Saints Athletic Association

Track and Field News

Congratulations to the JV Boys in taking First Place at last week’s Divisional meet!  Following are the athletes who qualified for this week’s League Championships at Bolingbrook High School:

5^th Grade

Emily Coleman               600m; 800m; 4x100 Relay

Zoe Girard                       600m

Dylan Kokkinos              200m; Javelin; 4x100 Relay

Sarah Meyers                 Shot Put; 4x100 Relay

Isabella Wojtowicz         100m; High Jump; 4x100 Relay

Jonathon Coleman         600m; Javelin; 4x100 Relay; 800 Medley Relay

Adam Dbila                     4x200 Relay

Keegan Glynn                100m; Long Jump; Triple Jump

Colin Leonard                75m; 800 Medley Relay

Nathan Hajek                 4x100 Relay; 4x200 Relay

Payton Knox                   400m; 800m; Triple Jump

Quinn Knox                    600m; 4x100 Relay; 4x200 Relay; 800 Medley Relay

Sebastian Knox             4x100 Relay

Will Yacullo                     200m; Long Jump; 800 Medley Relay

6^th Grade

Harriet Ghapson            75m; 100m; Long Jump; High Jump

Jordan de la Cruz          4x200 Relay

Brendan Fenlon            400m; 600m; Triple Jump

John Healy                     200m; 4x200 Relay

Nick Madden                  75m; 100m; Long Jump

Eddie Muller                   High Jump; Triple Jump

Nicholas Roe                  75m; 4x200 Relay

Chris Rojas                     4x200 Relay

Aaron Vivar                     Shot Put

Kyle Zediker                    High Jump; Triple Jump

7^th Grade

Ellie Glab                         200m; Long Jump

Bella Mendoza               4x100M Relay (8^th grade division)

8^th Grade

Elliana Arnold                200m; Long Jump; 4x100 Relay

Isabella DeRosa            4x100 Relay

Ann Muller                      High Jump; 4x100 Relay

Alyssa Noworul              Triple Jump; Long Jump

Brendan Forsythe          100m; 200m

Colin Kiesler                   400m

Xander Rousenelos      75m Hurdles

AJ Strohmeyer                100m

For additional meet and individual results, please visit http://s-p-l.org

Good luck to all participants at the League Championships and congratulations to all our athletes on a job well done this season!

Important News

2018-2019 SPORTS REGISTRATION IS EXTENDED THRU May 25.   All Saints offers volleyball, cross country, basketball and track & field.  Registrations for volleyball and basketball will not be accepted after May 25th. If your child is interested in playing volleyball and/or basketball next year, register today! If you have questions, please email Erika Baka at jnebaka@gmail.com. 

Why All Saints Athletics? 

•       Physical and social development - Our athletics program is a great way for students (grades 5-8) to be active in a fun, competitive and social atmosphere.  There are many advantages for children who are involved in organized sports.
•       “NO CUT” Policy – ALL students (grades 5-8) have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic league play
•       Fosters school spirit

The registration website can be accessed at www.asca.SIPlay.com .  All students (grades 5-8^th) are welcome to join the athletics program.

PARENTS YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TOO! Our Athletics program cannot be successful without the help of our parents.  If you are looking for a way to become more involved, please consider volunteering within our organization. We are looking for parents interested in coaching, helping to grow school spirit, plan/organize social events (including “Blue Out”, Alumni Night, Car Wash, banquet video production, team photography, etc.)  For additional information, contact Erika Baka or Keith Glab.he end of season banquet for Track & Field will be held in the ASCA gym on Thursday, May 31^st from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  You can access the invite/RSVP from the “Downloadable Forms & Files” at www.asca.siplay.com

Upcoming Dates

Thru May 25  2018-19 Sports Registration open on SIPlay.com

May 19           Track League Championships @ Bolingbrook High School

May 31           Track & Field Banquet

GO SAINTS!!

A Tremendous Thank You to the Cornerstone Sponsors of 

A Green Tie Affair, ASCA Dinner Dance Auction 2018

For more information, please click on the Cornerstone Sponsor logos above.  We encourage you to patronize these generous sponsors.