March 21, 2017

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our students have so much to celebrate! Many of our sports teams were very successful this year! The Odyssey of the Mind participants enjoyed their time working together as a team and competing! Several of our 8th grade students participated in the Diocesan Spelling Bee! The Performing Arts Club performed “Beauty and the Beast” this past weekend and were spectacular! This list of activities in which our students participate goes on and on!

Our fence project is now completed. We utilized the School Security Funding provided to us by the state to fence in our property. Additional funds were spent on new walkie-talkies and more security cameras. Allocated funding to our school was approximately $24,000. You can see why we have asked you to contact Governor Christie about the funding for non-public schools. We want to continue to receive as much funding as possible so that we can continuously update our security. Other funding that we receive from the state includes nursing services, technology funds, textbook funds, and transportation. We also received a $5000 grant from Roma Bank for technology. Additional IPads have been purchased with this grant money.

We have about 135 students in grades 4-8 participating in our Science Exhibit on Wednesday, March 22nd. In addition, all students in grades K-3 have worked on a project as a class which will be displayed at the exhibit. Our 8th graders have created roller coasters and Ferris wheels out of KNEX which will you will be able to view that evening. I hope that you will be able to join us to see the awesome scientific work of our students!

Our Casino Night is Saturday, March 25th in the Assumption Hall. The Chinese Auction baskets are amazing thanks to the generosity of our families and nearby businesses!!

During Lent our students focus on growing closer to God and have participated in Stations of the Cross. They will also attend Reconciliation next week. Our Lady of Peace Parish offers many spiritual opportunities to renew our relationship with the Lord. Stations of the Cross are offered each Friday evening at 7PM. Confessions are Saturday 10:30AM-11:30AM and 3:00PM – 3:45PM. Mass times are Saturday 4PM, Sunday 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM, 12:00PM and 6:00PM. Other parish information and offerings can be found on the website www.olopp.org. We continue to pray for you and your family during this season of Lent as we renew our faith and prepare to joyfully celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Sincerely,

Mrs. Mancuso

We’re selling Easter eggs!

Similar to the turkey feathers at Thanksgiving, they fill our halls with a reminder of the season and of our charitable spirit. As a special thank you, the students from the homeroom selling the most eggs have their names put in a drawing for a Scrip gift certificate.

In the fall, the money earned with our friendly competition between homerooms for buying the most turkey feathers supplements baskets distributed at Thanksgiving. Money generated has provided for various supplies, activities and causes. In the past we also have donated to families in need as well as 8th grade scholarships. Please consider supporting our latest efforts.

Eggs are being sold for 50 cents each or three for $1.00. Money can be put in a labeled envelope and given to homeroom teachers.

As always, thanks for your help!

Mrs. Cole, Miss Gettings, Mrs. Huttemann and the Ministry of Student Leadership

Food Drive

St. Mary School is participating in the Camden Diocese 4th Annual “faithFull” Food Drive. St. Mary School will be collecting non-perishable goods the week of Monday, March 27th – Friday, March 31st for this food drive. The Diocese will be picking up the food from Our Lady of Peace Parish/St. Mary School on Sunday, April 2nd.

What we are collecting:

Canned Vegetables Canned Tuna Fish Canned Vegetable Juice Canned Chicken Canned Tomato Products Canned Soup Canned Spaghetti Sauce Canned Beans Canned Fruit Canned Chili Applesauce Canned Beef Stew Canned Fruit Juice Peanut Butter

Please be careful of expiration dates on food donated. Thank you for your generosity!

COME TAKE YOUR CHANCES AT

SAINT MARY SCHOOL CASINO NIGHT / AUCTION DINNER

ASSUMPTION HALL

SATURDAY, March 25, 2017

7-11 PM

TICKETS: $45 per person

Includes: Buffet Dinner, Soda, Hot Beverages, Dessert & $500.00 Casino Chips

BYOB

Please complete the reservation form below and return to school in an envelope marked “Auction Tickets” All tickets need to be requested on or before 3/22/17

Name:______________________________ Classroom: ____________________ Number of Tickets:____________________ Amount Enclosed: ______________ Phone # _____________________________ (checks payable to Saint Mary School PTA) Tickets may be purchased individually or by tables of 8, 10 or 12 Tables will be reserved for parties of 8 on first come first serve basis Tables seating 10 or 12 are limited & will also be reserved on first come first serve basis Other seating will be on a first come first serve basis

Questions Contact: Dana Elentrio Teecee1031@aol.com or 856-237-6542

Casino Night Quick Reference Sheet

Upon entering, you will use your ticket to receive $500.00 in casino chips.

This evening’s games will include:

BLACKJACK CRAPS ROULETTE BIG WHEEL POKER

Additional gaming chips may be purchased at the bank at the following ratios:

Donate: $15.00 and receive $1,000.00 in casino chips Donate: $25.00 and receive $2,000.00 in casino chips Donate: $50.00 and receive $5,000.00 in casino chips

The bank will be accepting Cash & Checks. Please make checks payable to Saint Mary School PTA.

NO CHIPS WILL BE EXCHANGED FOR CASH! CASINO CHIPS WILL BE EXCHANGED FOR AUCTION SHEETS. AUCTION SHEETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE WITH CASINO CHIPS THAT EVENING ONLY.

When finished playing, exchange your chips in at the bank. For every $1,000.00 in chips you will receive 1 Auction Sheet. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT & GENEROUS DONATIONS.

SINCERELY, SAINT MARY SCHOOL PTA BOARD

SUMMER WILL BE HERE SOON! Register NOW for Vacation Bible School

Join us for Our Christmas in July VBS Unwrap the True Meaning of Christmas Our Lady of Peace Parish is proud to announce that we will be holding our

Fourteenth Annual Vacation Bible School July 10th - July 14th.

VBS will be held from 9 am to Noon each day (Friday from 9am to 1pm) and is intended for children ages 4-10 (age as of October 1, 2017).

Registration is $45 per child. Please note that we are accepting only 100 children so that we can provide the highest

quality of education, attention and fun!

For information or to obtain a registration form,

Visit www.OLOPP-VBS.org Or contact Karen Grant at OLOPP.VBS@gmail.com or 856-262-3002.

Registration forms can also be found on the racks in the entryway of the church

OLOPP --- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION Our Lady of Peace Parish is excited to announce, our fourteenth annual Vacation Bible School -- JULY 10TH - JULY 14TH. VBS will be held from 9AM-12PM each day (Friday 9AM-1PM), and is intended for children 4-10 (age as of October 1, 2017). Please note that we are accepting only 100 children so that we can provide the highest quality of education, attention and fun!!The registration deadline is June 23rd. Please note that registration forms received after the deadline will not be accepted. As we anticipate a huge response, we are basing acceptance to the program upon the receipt date of the registration and tuition, which is $45 per child*. Checks are to be made payable to Our Lady of Peace Parish

and sent to or dropped off with the completed registration to: Karen Grant 740 Tutor Lane Williamstown, NJ 08094 Attn: VBS OLOPP.VBS@gmail.com0*Please note: Registration fees are non-refundable

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - STUDENT REGISTRATION (Please fill form out in entirety before submitting. Please print.)

Family information : Last Name: ____________________ Parents’/Guardians’ First Names: __________&__________ Street Address: __________________ City: __________________ State: _______ Zip: ________ Phone Numbers: Home: ________________ Work: ________________ Cell: ________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Emergency Contact: Name: _________________________ Number: _______________________ Children information : #1) Last Name: _________________________ #2) Last Name: ___________________________ First Name: _________________________ First Name: ___________________________ Nickname: __________________________ Nickname: ____________________________ Birth date: __________________________ Birth date: ____________________________ Grade entering in September: __________ Grade entering in September: ____________ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ If yes, explain: __________________________ If yes, explain: __________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ #3) Last Name: _________________________ #4) Last Name: ___________________________ First Name: _________________________ First Name: ___________________________ Nickname: __________________________ Nickname: ____________________________ Birth date: __________________________ Birth date: ____________________________ Grade entering in September: __________ Grade entering in September: ____________ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ If yes, explain: _________________________ If yes, explain: __________________________ ______________________________________ _______________________________________ Amount Enclosed: ____________

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

NEEDED

St. Mary School is looking for substitute teachers. If you or someone you know has teaching experience and at least 60 college credits, please contact the main office. Please note that it is now diocesan policy that substitute teachers go through a Criminal History Background Check and CAP Program. We will be in touch with you regarding the proper procedure.

St. Mary School and our Grandparent’s Club Presents… CANDY BAR BINGO

WHEN: Friday, March 31, 2017

6 p.m. --Doors Open 6:30 p.m.-Bingo Begins WHERE: Assumption Hall (the gym) WHO: St. Mary School students and their grandparents (or adult special person) COST: $5.00/ Adults $6.00 at the door $2.00/students $3.00 at the door

Admission includes: 10 games/1 card per game. Additional cards will be available for purchase Pizza, drinks and desserts will also be on sale.

All proceeds to benefit St. Mary School Annual Fund

For more information or to get on our grandparent email/mailing list, please contact

Christine Galindo at 856-218-2946 or chrissyg19@verizon.net

ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE

To purchase tickets in advance, please return this form with your payment by Wednesday, March 29th. Names will be at the door. NO tickets will go home. Student/s Name:_____________________________________ Homeroom/s: __________________ Grandparent/Special Person Name/s:_____________________________________________________ _____________ # of Adult Tickets X $5.00 each Amount: $____________ _____________ # of Student/s Tickets X $2.00 each Amount: $____________ _____________ Advance order for a whole pizza $10.00 each pie: ______________ # of pies X $10.00 each pie Amount: $________________ Please make checks payable to St. Mary School. Please send in the money for the pizza SEPARATELY from the ticket money and CASH ONLY for the pizza money. Total Amount enclosed:______________________________ Check or Cash NO REFUNDS

THANK YOU!

Students are permitted to wear their warm weather uniform beginning Monday, April 3rd. This uniform consists of short sleeve light blue monogrammed knit shirt, crew socks, (at least two inches above the top of sneaker), navy blue twill walking shorts and school shoes. For gym, students may wear mesh gym shorts with Crusader logo t-shirt or white, blue or gray spirit wear t-shirt and sneakers.

Reminder: Girls in 6-8 grades are still required to wear tights with their skorts all year around.

Thank you!

Help obtain safe rides to school for Catholic school children

Problem

1. Current Catholic school students can only obtain a ride to school for a maximum of $884 per student.

2. Many bus companies and school districts are unwilling/unable to transport students at the $884 rate.

3. The ceiling should match cost of living increases, which has not happened since the 2007-2008 school year.

What can you do? Ask Governor to increase funding for nonpublic school transportation in his Fiscal Year 2017 Budget. If your family has been affected by this problem, or you know of families who have, tell the Governor the details. Even if the bussing problem does not apply to you, but you believe in Catholic education, please contact Governor Christie.

How can you contact Governor Christie?

Call: 609-292-6000

Email: http://nj.gov/governor/contact/ Write: The Honorable Christopher Christie Governor of New Jersey PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625

Use the NJCC automated Voter Voice system: http://njcatholic.org/faith-in-action

DESIGNER BAG BINGO Friday, April 21st 7-10pm

(Doors open at 5:30pm) Ladies!!! Come join us for a night of Bingo for Coach Bags and 50/50. Get all your girlfriends together for a FUN GIRLS NIGHT OUT!! Bring your favorite drinks & appetizers for you and your friends to share, and come to the Assumption Hall at St. Mary’s School Gym of Our Lady of Peace Parish for a fabulous evening of Coach Bag FUN! We will be playing 10 games of Bingo plus Specials—winner of each game will receive a Beautiful Coach, Michael Kors or Vera Bradley Bag. Also try your luck at our 50/50. Tickets are $25 per person which includes 10 games of bingo plus 1 special. Additional games can be purchased along with dabbers. Make your check payable to: Our Lady of Peace Parish (OLOPP). Tables are forming fast! Tickets will be sold until it sells out!! Stop by the Parish Center to get tickets or send your money into St. Mary’s School with COACH BAG BINGO tickets on envelope. Any questions, please contact Loren Laughlin at the Parish Center 856-629-6142. Looking forward to seeing you there!! ———————————————————————————————— Name: _________________________________ # of tickets: _______ Child’s Name/Grade that tickets are to be sent home with: __________________________________________________________ *(If sitting with someone – please put their name so we can put you at same table)

iRace4Vocations

WilliamstownHigh/Middle

School Complex

SUNDAYAPRIL 30TH

1 PM MASS | 3PM RACE

The Offi ce of Vocations & The Knights of Columbus Present

OUTDOOR MASS | 5K RUN | 1 MILE WALK | FREE PICNIC

REGISTER FOR FREE:camdenPRIEST.org/irace4vocations/

We can be sure that we love God’s children when we love God and do what He has commanded. 1 John 5:2 The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe environment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to comply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years. CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. Adults are taught that children have the right to be safe, strong and free. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees. CAP 2 is called CAP’s Bullying Prevention Program and is a workshop addressing bullying awareness and bullying prevention. Cyber-bullying is also presented. CAP 3 is called Cyber-Empowerment and is a workshop which promotes adults understanding of cyber activity of youth while teaching them realistic ways to help children keep their own rights and guard the rights of others in the cyber-sphere. Each presentation is 90 minutes. Adults who are new employees or volunteers should attend CAP 1 before attending CAP 2 or CAP 3. After five years, adults have the option of attending CAP 1, 2 or 3 when they renew their CAP. The following sessions will be offered in April 2017: CAP Phase 1

Wednesday, April 5th

7:00 PM

Holy Trinity School 1215 Delsea Dr. Westville Grove

Tuesday, April 25th 2:30 PM Catholic Charities (Training Room)

1845 Haddon Ave. Camden

Friday, April 28th 12:30 PM Bishop McHugh School

2221 Rt. 9 North, Cape May Court House CAP Phase 2

Thursday, April 27th 7PM Wildwood Catholic (Doherty Rm, 2nd Fl.)

1500 Central Ave. Wildwood CAP Phase 3: There is no CAP 3 session offered for the month of April. The CAP schedule, location, phone numbers and directions may be found on the Diocesan website www.camdendiocese.org/cyp. READ CAREFULLY: To register for CAP, please call the CAP REGISTRATION LINE at the Office of Child and Youth Protection: 856-583-6165, or you may contact Maryellen Schell at maryellen.schell@camdendiocese.org. Please leave your name and the date of the session you plan to attend. You will not receive a call back. We ask that you register at least five days in advance of your scheduled session. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OR SCHOOL DIRECTLY

631 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102 ● (856) 583-6115 (phone) ● (856) 583-1045 (fax) ● www.camdendiocese.org

DIOCESE OF CAMDEN Office of Child and Youth Protection