Weekly Principal Newsletter
THE PRINCIPAL'S NOTE
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
On Tuesday, the St. Michael Parish Community lay to rest a beloved priest, Father Leo Lyons. Judging by the size of his funeral, I believe Father Leo knew everyone on the Southside of Chicago...and then some. I did not know Father Leo well. I remember the day he came to my office in 2006. He wanted to schedule a Mass to honor all those who had served and died on September 11, 2001. He wanted to say Mass for all of the deceased firemen, paramedics and police officers. He also wanted to honor our very own local first responders. I remember how happy he was when I told him that our FSA would be happy to host a reception for all of the attendees. What I remember most, however, was that Father Leo struck me as a gentleman. I was struck how old world he was.....and what a wonderful quality that is. He was so courteous, so respectful and so knowledgeable. He left my office with yet another fan in his court.
What struck me at the funeral yesterday was how many young people were present. Father Leo had been a priest for almost sixty-one years. I know he was born in 1922 because that is the date that was written on his prayer card. But I never thought of Father Leo as old. Even when he was confined to a wheelchair, he would still call you by name and ask how you were doing. Father Leo was never old because he was all about everyone else but himself. That is why so many people loved him. He made everyone feel very special because he cared about their birthdays and their anniversaries and all the significant experiences of their lives. What a truly special man he was!
One of our sixth grade girls, Olivia Wydajewski wrote a beautiful prayer about Father Leo. It is included in this newsletter.
THE TALENT SHOW
It is very difficult to change peoples' mindsets once they have been convinced of something. Many people truly believe in their hearts that St. Michael is all about sports. I love sports. I have to admit I look forward to TV each night because of the Olympics. It is awe inspiring when you witness people who have dedicated every waking moment to the mastery of their sport. I love it! I know I could never have been a champion because I could not have stood the agony of defeat. If I made it to the Olympics I think I would have wanted it all! It takes a very special person to be able to accept defeat as well as the glory.
I beg to differ when people inform me that sports are all that counts at Saint Michael School. We have so many children who may not care for sports (heavens!) We have children who love sports and school and dance and piano, etc. We have a large number of children who are their own persons. They may not be "shouted out" as kids are when they are playing sports. But we have so many gifted artists and singers and comedians and actors and actresses. I often think about all six hundred plus children and wonder what will they be when they grow up. The Talent Show, which took place On February 4th, was a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the talented children we have at St. Michael School. I was so sorry that I missed it this year due to illness.
I was at the first annual show last year and I was amazed as was my husband. It was terrific. I learned that Josh Moyer was a stand-up comedian and that Robert Kelly is a terrific singer. I learned so much about all of the children who frankly, I would never have known possessed such talent. The talent show is an opportunity for children to learn to take risks, to become more confident and to become knowledgeable of their own talents. Certainly, we do live in a world in which every ten year old can name all the White Sox players and/or Cubs players. We do not idolize great violinists or pianists. We do not put artists on pedestals. However, the talents that the best of these possess, will last far longer than anyone will play sports.
Again I am not down on sports. I simply want all children to recognize that every one of them possesses great talent. Who knows? Maybe we will have a famous writer someday from St. Michael School or a star pitcher or a civil engineer. It is my dream to continue to support plays and talent shows and art fairs........all the wonderful different vehicles that will showcase a child's talent.
I will be forever grateful to all the parents who invest so much time, energy and heart into providing these creative expressions for our children.
Now on with the Show! Our play "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" will be performed by our own St. Michael Drama Club on April 23rd and April 24th. Please support this wonderful enterprise. Maybe someday you will say you knew somebody when!
THE SCHOOL OFFICE
Last week I wanted to hide behind one of the large plants in the office. Mrs. Pericht had very nicely asked one of the parents if he had read my newsletter. I did not wait to hear the answer. He was dropping something off for his daughter...something she had forgotten to bring to school. In the newsletter last week I asked you to refrain from dropping off homework and projects, etc. We will accept medicine, glasses and lunches.
Does that make me feel like the wicked witch of the west? Yes, and that is why I wanted to hide behind the plant on the counter. Seriously though, we have so many children in our school, that if we continue to deliver books and homework and costumes and reports...well you can just imagine. Plus you are teaching your children responsibility if you let them know that they must gather all their things together! Make them get their things in order the night before....not at 6:40 in the morning. If they forget their homework often enough and it makes THEM think of consequences, your life will become easier, and so will the lives of my office staff.
We really do appreciate the people who read the newsletter and the consideration you show us!
It is not too late to make an appointment with your child's teacher. Monday has been set strictly for conferences. If you feel a need to see your
child's teacher call the office today!
