SAINT MARGARET SCHOOL NEWSLETTER #18 December 18

Saint Margaret School
Dr. Guy D. Alba, Principal
42 Bishop Avenue
Rumford, Rhode Island 02916
401-434-2338
www.stmargaretsch.org
SAINT MARGARET SCHOOL NEWSLETTER #18 December 18, 2015
PC Coach Ed Cooley visited St. Margaret’s on Thursday 12/17.
He gave an inspirational speech on resilience, courage, humility,
and gratitude. He also spoke of the power of preparation, practice, and faith, to turn many of the “hard things in our lives” into
“challenges for us to accomplish.”
Mrs. Meehan, our Science teacher at the start of this year, has
an illness that prevents her from returning to us. We respect the
family’s privacy and wish her all the best in the future. We
welcome a new member to our faculty. Ms. Jenna Hunnewell is
a highly qualified, experienced Science teacher. She will take
over the full time middle school Science teaching duties right
after the Christmas break.
Spelling Bee Champion Jack Peterson (5th Grader!!) and
finalist Grace Allard (7th Grade) will represent St. Margaret School in the next round of the
Diocese middle school competition. The school wide competition went through numerous
rounds. All should be commended. Once again Mrs. Zavota provided the leadership and her
special kindness to all competitors.
Our School Christmas Concert was held on Thursday December 17th at 7PM. It was a
tremendous success! Mr. Procopio, Mr. Burkett, Mrs. Clancy, Mrs. Martineau, Cory Morris, Mr.
Furtado, and Mr. “Buddy” Procopio, produced this wonderful event, and Msgr. Darcy added a
heart warming, spiritual feel that brought everyone back to the true meaning behind our
celebrations. Our St. Margaret School faculty and staff, helped prepare our students for their
fantastic performances, and they were spectacular!
Santa’s Workshop on Monday December 14th was a
special opportunity for students to shop for just the right
gifts for their loved ones. Parent volunteers worked
tirelessly all through the day to provide a great experience for students.
The St. Margaret School Student Council held a Baby
Shower For Mary, Our Blessed Mother this afternoon
(12/18). In addition to contributing over $385 to the
cause, numerous baby items were collected for donation
to Gabriel’s Call a special organization that recruits and
trains volunteers at the parish level, to work with women
and families facing problem pregnancies, delivering a
message of hope and support. The message is a
profound commitment, not only to the unborn, but also
to their mothers.
Saint Margaret School students present a check
to a representative from Gabriel’s Call.
Middle School Students enjoyed spreading Christmas joy on Tuesday December 15 by singing
carols for residents at a local nursing home, Water View Villa.
St. Margaret School Christmas Dance was held – Friday December 18th from 6:30 – 9:00. In addition to purchasing their tickets, students brought in numerous toys for the needy.
The Parish Christmas Concert and Pageant is scheduled for Sunday December 20th at 4:00PM
in the Church. Mr. Procopio, the adult and children choirs, our instrumentalists and our young
parishioners will perform in the pageant. Msgr. Darcy describes it as “…a perfect Advent celebration.” Get to Church early for a good seat! Proceeds from a collection at Church will benefit
the Bread of Life Food Pantry.
A special Dress Down Day on Tuesday December 22nd will benefit a sick relative of one of our
Kindergarten students.
School vacation begins December 23. School resumes Mon., Jan. 4, with Adoration as a school
community.
Families considering sending new students, in the fall, to St. Margaret’s, have many factors to
contemplate. Academics, school culture, and suitability for each individual child are important.
Cost is also a factor. Financial aid will now be extended all the way down to PK for those in
need. We anticipate seat availability in PK, K, 1, and 6 for next year. There may be some limited
spots for 3-year-old students in the fall (should turn 4 by 12/31. Preference for open seats is
given to siblings and parishioners. Call Mrs. Clancy or me at 401-434-2338 to arrange a visit.
PTO Notes and Save the Dates:
Student Council Dance 12/18
Dress Down Day 12/22 to benefit the family of a sick child with relatives in the school
Christmas Masses:
Christmas Eve, December 24 - 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. (Carols at 10:30 p.m.)
Christmas Day, December 25 10 a.m. (No 8 a.m. or 12 noon Mass on Christmas Day)
Feast of the Holy Family December 26-27 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule Holyday
Feast of Mary Mother of God Vigil Mass, December 31 at 5 p.m.
Holyday Mass, January 1 at 11 a.m.
Feast of the Epiphany January 2-3 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
School Open House: All are welcome on Sunday, January 31, from 1-3 p.m. Teachers, students, school board members, PTO members and former students will be on hand to talk about our curriculum, programs and special events.
Spring Play 4/14 at Saint Raphael Academy
PTO Meeting Schedule 2015/2016: January 11, February 29, March 21, April 4, May 2, and June 6.