Dear Academy Families,

In the midst of the Christmas rush, may you find some quiet moments to see more clearly the priceless gifts of God’s love and family bonds.  As you shop for Christmas presents, join us in acknowledging the real Gift of the season.  Remember to take God into everyday life; by acts of kindness, words of forgiveness, gestures of comfort, and gifts of peace. May you and your families experience many blessings this Advent and Christmas.  May God grant you and yours the joy, hope, and peace of this Holy season. About a year ago in the Advent season, I heard a great message during a homily. The congregation was given a homework assignment that we should try our best to show kindness to each other during this busy season. As we begin the third week of Advent, may we all try our best each day to show kindness to our families, friends, and classmates. 

In all of our homes, we have great holiday traditions that we partake in year after year. In our school, one of our favorite traditions is decorating the tree outside of the main office. The tree is in memory of Ms. Kathy Farrargher a former teacher at St. Francis de Sales. It is always a great sight to see an empty tree after Thanksgiving getting filled with the students' ornaments over the weeks of Advent. 

So many of our current parents now alumni knew Ms. Farragher likely had her as a teacher while a student at St. Francis.  They knew of her creative talent, and they completed art projects with her all the time.  One of the notable assignments each year was that her students had to make a doll decorated as a person in history or a literary figure, etc.  That's why the angel on the tree was made to look like a doll. When you are in the school; over the next two weeks, all are invited to take a good look at the tree and one of our favorite traditions. 

A special thank you to all the parents that came out for Family/Teacher Conferences this week. Please take a look below to see what is going on for the week of December 12th and beyond here at SFDS

Terranova Results: We have recently received our Terranova scores.  Compared to the rest of the schools in the Diocese, I am pleased to say that across all grade levels and across all three components (Reading, Language, and Math) we scored above the Diocesan and Queens South Averages. To see how our students did as a school please click here to view those reports. All individual reports will be sent home next Monday. A special congratulations to all students and teachers on doing so well on these Terranovas. 

2023 Christmas Show: It is amazing that we only have two more weeks of school until Christmas. Three weeks ago a letter and order form went home about the Christmas Show. For another copy of the letter and order form please click here. THE ABSOLUTE LAST DAY WE CAN GUARANTEE TICKETS IS FOR ORDERS HANDED IN ON FRIDAY 12/9. Any questions about tickets please call the office. Any questions about costumes or dress please contact your child's teacher directly. To take another look at the information posted about costumes please click here. 

A separate order form will get emailed on Monday, December 12th for an opportunity to order more tickets to the show. 

Both show's Dress rehearsals will take place on Tuesday, December 20th. 

The dress rehearsals are as follows Tuesday, December 20th

A Classes, 1C, and 4C from 10am-11:30am

B Classes, 2C, and 7C from 12:45pm-2:15pm

All students should be ready in costume on Tuesday, December 20th. 

The dress rehearsal serves as a chance for elderly relatives who are unable to come out at night or handle a large crowd to see the show. These dress rehearsals do not serve as a way to get a sneak peek or another viewing of the show. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Final directives for the show will be emailed next week. 

Spirit Wear: We are excited to announce the 2nd round launch of our SFDSCA school spirit wear shop! CLICK BELOW  to see the amazing products!

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/FRANCIS22

This is a great way for adults and students to show their support for our school both after school and on the weekend.

Shipments will be going out after 12/16/22

SFDS Parish Tree Lighting: Please save the date for Wednesday, December 14th at 6 pm as St. Francis de Sales Parish lights its Christmas Trees, Angels, and Nativity. We hope you join us for this great tradition. 

 Christmas Boutique: The Christmas Boutique for our students will be from December 15th- December 17th. Please see below the schedule of when classes will be attending.

Dress Down Day: Friday, December 16th is a $1 dress-down day. All students are encouraged to wear Red and or Green or wear an ugly holiday sweater. All money raised is going to a family in need. 

 Christmas Craft Day: Every year students in 5th through 8th grade, prepare a craft activity to create, with students in Pre K-4th grades.  This year the entire school will be partaking in this activity on Friday, December 16th  in the afternoon.

Toys for Tots: With the Christmas season approaching, and as we look forward to the birth of our Lord, we should remember those less fortunate than us. In the spirit of giving, we are asking that students donate a gift for other children. Please bring in an unwrapped toy or game after the Thanksgiving holiday. All donations will go to children in need. Thank you for your generosity. All donations need to be made by Friday, December 16th.  

 Sibling Registration Intent Form: Our school year is rapidly moving along. We can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here. As we begin to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year, we want to ensure that our plans maximize the benefit to your child/children. We have just completed a period in which our current Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten families filled out a letter of intent for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes for next school year.

We ask that if you have any sibling (brother or sister) of a current student here at St. Francis who plans on attending St. Francis in 2022 as a new Nursery, Pre-K, Kindergarten or Grade 1-7 student please complete the form below by Monday, December 19th. After that, we will be opening registration to the public in the Winter of 2023 (If space allows)

https://forms.gle/PZ5k5NZZRz1JtuCZA

Please note we anticipate having waiting lists in some grades for next year. (Grades 1, 4, 6, and 7 especially) This intent form is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee your registration for the 2023-2024 school year.  

SAVE THE DATE 

½ Day and Christmas Recess: Just for planning purposes Thursday, December 22 is a 12-noon dismissal. This will kick off our Christmas Recess. School will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd 2023 

Have a great weekend!