Family Communication 3/23/23

The mission of Holy Rosary School is to help each child discover and fully develop their God-given talents. As a Catholic School community, we strive for excellence in our students’ spiritual, academic, physical, mental, aesthetic, and social-emotional growth. It is our intention that those who attend this institution mature into active citizens leading a committed faith life and reaching out to help others locally, nationally, and internationally with their wisdom, time, talent, and financial resources.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Holy Rosary Families,

In Christ,
Anna

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”  These are the first words Martha speaks to Jesus when he arrives in town in our Gospel this weekend.  They are words that come from a deep friendship and trust, of faith in Christ, clouded with sorrow and despair and desperation.  As the story unfolds, Mary, the other sister, joins them, repeating many of the same words as her sister.
They are words that have been on my own lips these past few weeks, as today we have a funeral where a mother and father will lay their teenage son to rest, and tomorrow we will have a funeral where two teenage daughters, including one of our students, will lay their father to rest.  The sorrow and despair come easy; the faith and trust in these days are a little harder.
As the story continues to unfold, Jesus asks where Lazarus has been laid.  As they invite him to follow, we hear the shortest sentence in the whole of the scriptures:  “And Jesus wept.”  God, not far off and distant, but with us – even in our pain, truly sharing it as His own.  Lent will end with Jesus taking all our sufferings upon Himself on the Cross.  Not for Himself – but for us.  By entering into the darkness of death, the despair of grief, and being victorious in the Resurrection, He brings us hope – that the Cross which is not the end of his story, might mean it doesn’t have to be the end of ours, as well.
Easter means something.  But only for those who make the arduous journey with Christ.  Not just the easy days, but the hard ones as well – trusting in Him, abandoning ourselves to Him.  The place where sin and suffering are no more, where every tear is wiped away, where we dance again with the Lord, Heaven is Jesus’ answer to the brokenness of the world.  He gave us a paradise on earth once, and we messed up.  Its foolish to think a second time would work out any better, despite the fact that that is so often our prayer, like Martha and Mary, as we seek an earthly salvation.  There is great goodness, to be sure, but also lots of other stuff.  Instead, He gives us an eternal paradise.  And in the meantime, He is with us, even in the darkness, as He comes to bring His peace, His joy, His love.
Parents, love your children.  Children, love your parents.  Put each other second, above all else.  And God first.  As we hold onto Him in hope, and in trust, and in faith, and yes, even in despair and sorrow.
In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Oakland

UPCOMING DATES

• April 7th – Noon Dismissal
• April 10th-14th – Easter Break
• April 21st – Bingo Bash
• April 25th – Class Pictures

NOTES & REMINDERS

Playground Use After School

With the warmer weather upon us, we wanted to remind families that our playground is available for play for 30 minutes after dismissal for closely supervised children.  There is the potential for many people to be out there with BASE students there as well, so please do assist us with closely monitoring all non-BASE students. No children should be there unsupervised and BASE staff are unable to supervise non-BASE students.   After half an hour, the BASE flag will go up and at that time the playground is reserved for BASE use only.  Thank you!

Lands’ End Sale

40% promotion starting last weekend on March 18! Stock up on uniform essentials, or simply to take advantage of the sale for the entire family. I wanted to also share that we have confirmed a number of great new uniform options going into back to school 2023. We’ve added toddler sizes (XXS/2-3) to many of our popular styles including the Active/Performance options (Rapid Dry Polo, Active Chino Pant, Shorts), as well classics such as the Interlock Polos. Valid: March 18-31, 2023 Code: Desk Pin: 2886 www.landsend.com/myschool  1-800-469-2229

Spring Has Sprung!

The new growth of spring is nearly here, and many of our students are experiencing growth too!  Please check your child’s uniform to ensure it still properly fits and isn’t too short/small.  We have many items in our uniform closet, contact the office (office@holyrosaryws.org) if you are in need of something in particular and we’ll check our supplies!  Reminder, Mass days- students should come in perfect uniform:  White shirt with a red (K-7) or navy/blue (8th grade) top layer.

2023/24 Calendar Is Here!

The 2023/24 school calendar has been added to the school website. We ask that when you are planning family vacations, please schedule them during non-school times. There is one change to the 2023/24 calendar that we would like you to make note of. We will not have a day off in February 2024 for Winter Break. This will allow us to complete our required number of school days. This printable calendar will be updated before the start of the next school year, but we recommend that you check the online calendar on the website for regular updates.

COVID And Health Screening

Please find the latest COVID screening flowchart on our website and linked here. We have testing available on site and can test any student, parent or family member if needed.  NOTE- parent permission will always be obtained prior to testing at any time. This permission slip can be found here and should be returned to the school office.
Please contact the office as soon as possible if anyone in your family tests positive at any time at office@holyrosaryws.org or COVID@holyrosaryws.org.  Kristin Bentler will work with you then on protocols and next steps.  
Students who have a family member test positive may remain in school, but should engage in a Test to Stay Protocol testing prior to attending school each day.   Per the Department of Health (DOH) guidance, students are asked to mask at school if a family member tests positive until that family member is no longer contagious.  If a student tests positive, he/she should wear a mask until day 10 even if returning to school on day 6, per DOH guidance as well.
Due to the disruption it causes to the learning environment, Zoom instruction will not be offered building-wide this year.  Individual teachers will share protocols for addressing COVID-related absences.  Number of new COVID cases in the school this week (as of Thursday am) = 1

ACTION ITEMS

Looking For Alumni

Are you a parent who is also Holy Rosary School alumni? Have you stayed connected to your HRS class and can help us identify more alumni?  The HRS Alumni Committee has a goal this year to re-establish connection with our alumni so we can engage on a new level through communications and events.  If you are alumni or know of any alumni, please help us reach our goal by completing this quick alumni details form.

Talent Show Permission Slip

Have you been practicing the piano?  Do you want to try out your joke routine?  Do you and your classmates want to choreograph a dance to your favorite song?  You are in luck!  The HRS Talent Show is on Friday, May 19th.  Attached is a copy of the permission slip.  We will also put some copies in the office.  Please read it over carefully.  Students who want to perform in our school-wide talent show will bring a completed permission slip to the office by Thursday, April 27th.
More information to follow with audition and dress rehearsal dates.  (Both the auditions and dress rehearsals are ways for students to practice their acts and to finalize details.  Everyone “makes” the talent show.).
Get your acts together!

Holy Rosary School Commission

Holy Rosary School Commission would like to hear your voice! School Commission has an opportunity for new members for the 2023-2024 school year.  The School Commission is an advisory group to the Principal and Pastor on school policy and long-term planning.  This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a voice for all Holy Rosary parents and to be a leader in our school community.
Each School Commission member serves a 3 or 4 year term.  Each hour spent on School Commission business counts towards fundraising volunteer hours.  For the upcoming year, we are looking for parents with interest and expertise in Catholic Identity, Alumni, Fundraising, or Diversity & Inclusion.
If you are interested, please fill out the application and submit it to scvp@holyrosaryws.org by April 7, 2023.”

Parents Club Survey – 1 Volunteer Hour

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey here.  Take the survey by March 31st and claim one volunteer hourper person who completes the survey!

Holy Rosary School/Parish Is Hiring!

We are currently hiring for the following positions:  2nd Grade Teacher, Vice Principal, Technology Teacher/Manager (Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Schools – Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)

School/Parish Business Manager

Holy Rosary Parish in West Seattle is seeking a Business Manager – an individual passionate
about the work and life of the Church who can prudently manage the parish’s human, fiscal and capital resources.
This successful candidate will be a leader amongst parish staff and in the community, as well as responsible for overseeing the parish and school finances, human resources and administering payroll, managing campus maintenance and construction, and assisting with the administrative management of parish programming as appropriate. The candidate must be driven by faith, with  strong interpersonal, analytical and communications skills to enable them to successfully
supervise staff and volunteers and carry out the full scope of this position.
Contact Principal Anna Horton (ahorton@holyrosaryws.org) for more information on any of our open positions.

Lenten Collection

Lenten Collection for St. Martin de Porres Shelter
Fri. March 24th:
Last Names A-L: Men’s deodorant (regular or travel sized), toothbrushes, toothpaste (travel size toothpaste)
Last Names M-Z: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK)
Fri. March 31st
Last Names A-L:   Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK) and/or reading glasses
Last Names M-Z:   Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK) and/or reading glasses

Lunches are delivered to St.Martin de Porres Shelter by 9:30am on Friday morning.

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

HRS Attire For Adults

For all those that have been asking for an adult HRS sweatshirt option, check out these by family-owned Kotis Designs. Two zip sweatshirt colors and a trucker style hat. Offered for a limited time only.  Once they are gone, they are GONE!Order the sweatshirt here, available in Heather Navy or Heather Red.Order the trucker hat here, one size.
These are for adults and are NOT uniform approved. Ship directly to your house.

Auction Matching Funds

Don’t forget to apply for MATCHING FUNDS from your company.  All money spent over Fair Market Value is eligible for matching. If you are unsure if your company has matching funds, check this web site for easy to follow steps to match your donation.

Gator Bowl

Sign-up for the first ever Gator Bowl – Friday, May 19 from 5 to 8pm at West Seattle Bowl benefitting The Father James Mallahan Endowment Fund. Rock and bowl at the 90s themed event by entering your team of up to 6 adult (21 and over) bowlers for $300 to compete for individual/team bowling and costume prizes (think flannel, Stussy, Dr. Martens, Hypercolor, etc.). Imbibe with food and drink specials, participate in the colored pin competition and try your luck at winning a raffle prize. Registration and happy hour from 5 to 6pm. Bowling from 6 to 7:30pm with a brief awards ceremony to follow. Space is limited so register now here!
We are also actively looking for event sponsors. If your business is interested in event sponsorship, please contact us at HRSgatorbowl@gmail.com.

Good Society Night Out

Third Tuesday of the month (see dates below) is HRS night at The Good Society! Grab a pint and a bite at The Good Society and 25% of your sale goes to HRS. Social time, great beer and fundraising for HRS…it’s a WIN-WIN!  Be sure to mention you are there to support Holy Rosary!

• April 18th
• May 16th

ADMISSIONS

Ambassador Families

Ambassador Families wanted! Volunteer and help welcome New Families to Holy Rosary School! Need families in all grades!  Earn volunteer hours during the summer for the 2022/23 school year.  Details here.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Track & Field

Track and Field is looking for more volunteer coaches for the spring season that runs from mid April through early June.  For information please contact Jason Little: bigjasonlittle@yahoo.com or Caitlin Latimer:
caitlinl@uw.edu.  For further information on the program: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/content/18961/4-8-Track-Field
To register as a coach or participant: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/current-programs

Volleyball Photos

*Volleyball photos will be taken Tuesday March 28th more info coming from your coaches.

Snack Shack

*Sign up to volunteer in the CYO snack shack this weekend: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4aa5a82aa02-cyosnack#/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Alumni Committee

The Alumni Committee is looking for more volunteers to help us strengthen our HRS alumni network and programs. If you are interested in getting involved or have any ideas to build our connections, please reach out to alumni@holyrosaryws.org.

Milk & Lunch Duty

Milk and Lunch duty. We are looking for the following positions to fill starting next week through the rest of the school year:
Wednesday Lunch:  10:45-12:15 2 hours earned
Thursday Milk:  10:45-12:15 2 hours earned
If interested, please email Karla at klawson@holyrosaryws.org

Holy Rosary Soup Kitchen

The Holy Rosary Soup Kitchen group meets the first two Thursdays of the month to prepare soup for the Saint Martin de Porres center. The are looking for a couple of people who can commit to helping out for the rest of the school year.  If you are interested, please reach out to Chris Dormaier at 206-412-0168 or Chrisdormaier@aol.com.

Traffic Patrol

We are looking for parent/guardians to do traffic patrol duty this year for volunteer hours. You would need to be fully vaccinated, and available to arrive on time and stay until your duty is complete. This would be a trimester obligation.
Start Date:
March 27^th – June 16^th
Times: 8:00-8:40am
2:45-3:15pm  1:45-2:15pm (Wednesdays) 11:55-12:20pm (1/2 days)
You could choose to do one day per week, AM or PM, or both AM & PM on the same day if you wish. Please contact Maggie Judd if you are interested.

Playground Volunteers

We are looking for playground volunteers to help us during lunch recess. Shifts are Monday through Friday from 10:55am to 1:05pm. If you have one or two days available each week, please contact Maggie Judd. Prompt arrival and a full shift are needed. Covid vaccination is not necessary.

Safe Environment Training

There are many opportunities to help out this year. All of our volunteers are required to take Safe Environment training prior to volunteering with the school or church. If you have not taken the class, please sign up as soon as possible. There are in-person as well as online classes. **It can take a couple of weeks after you’ve taken the class for you to be cleared to volunteer.**

Reporting Volunteer Hours

The volunteer hours portal is ready for the 22/23 school year.

• Go to ‘Report Volunteer Hours‘ (also a red hyperlink on our home page.)
• New families:  If you haven’t set up a volunteer log-in yet, you will need to do that first, use the same link!  Remember, only one account per family, NOT per parent

REMEMBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO LISTED HERE!

PARISH NEWS

Divine Mercy Feast Day

The Divine Mercy Feast Day will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, April 16^th, 2023, 2-3:30 pm with Adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction.   The Sacrament of Confession will also be available during this time.  To learn all about Divine Mercy go to www.TheDivineMercy.org.

Lent

It’s the Season of Lent-Make time for Jesus!
Lent 2023 started yesterday on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and lasts until the beginning of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday on April 6. Please see the attached Holy Rosary Calendar of Lent events to help you reflect and renew on Jesus for the next six weeks.

Book Study

Fr. Oakland is planning a book study on one of his favorite books, Les Miserables, the theatrical production of which is coming to town this spring.  It’s a great work filled with all sorts of Christian themes.  If interested, email him at froakland@holyrosaryseattle.org

Summer Camps For Rising K-9th Graders

Soak in the summer fun at Bishop Blanchet! Registration is now open for in-person camps in athletics, academics, and the arts at BBHS. Multi-camp and sibling discounts are also available. Please visit our website for more information and to register.

Holy Names Academy Summer Camps

Open for registration! Holy Names Academy offers summer camps for young women entering Grades 4-8, and to any student starting Grade 9 at Holy Names Academy in the fall.  The athletic camps are designed to offer quality instruction from the HNA coaching staff, players, and alumnae in a fun, welcoming environment.  All skill levels are welcome.  HNA also offers summer camps that focus on areas of special interest, instructed by current HNA faculty members.  At this link, you will find details about the different camps we are offering this summer and which grade levels can participate.

Stage Struck Theatre Camps

Come celebrate Stage Struck’s 23rd summer of theatre camps, and Laura Drake’s last summer as Director.  There is still room in Annie, Grease, and Best of Stage Struck (a revue of material from our biggest shows!) For information and registration, visit: https://stagestruckseattle.com See you this summer!

Summer Programs At Seattle Prep

Seattle Prep is offering Summer Prep programs- inspiring camps for middle school students entering the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Fall 2023. Summer Prep – Seattle Preparatory School (seaprep.org)

4th Annual Summer School At St.George Parish School

Dates: June 26 through July 28 with the exception of July 3rd and 4th
We offer a 5 week academic summer school program with certificated teachers
and instructional assistants for students currently in Grades K-5. It is not a
summer camp. It’s an all or none program in order for students to make the most
gains academically.
Summer School registration opens March 1, 2023 to all students currently attending a Catholic school.  Your own school uniform is the required dress code. All students who apply must come with a positive, cooperative attitude ready to learn. Your child’s teacher/principal will supply us with Spring MAP Student Progress Reports along with recommendations for areas of focus during summer school.
Registration opens March 1st and will be limited. If you would like more information and/or an application, please email Anna Horton (ahorton@holyrosaryws.org) ASAP.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Pop Up For First Communion

St. George is hosting a pop up to ensure that special occasion clothing accessible to all families.
Pop-Up Shop:
Sunday, March 26th, 1pm – 4pm
St. George Cafeteria – 5117 13th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
By appointment only. Borrowing clothes is completely free – no fee required
Questions and scheduling:  firstcommunioncloset@gmail.com or 425-466-1602

Blanchet Buddies

Our Blanchet Buddies program offers an opportunity for local grade school students to be paired with a Blanchet junior or senior, in specific areas of interest. Please visit bishopblanchet.org/buddies for more information. Go Bears and Go Buddies!

Bishop Blanchet Spring Musical

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, All Shook Up! The show features such Elvis Presley hits as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and many more. All Shook Up is surefire fun for rock ‘n’ roll rebels of all ages! Performances will be held at The Moore Theatre, April 28-30. Tickets will be available soon on the BBHS website.

Holy Names Academy Performance

Matinee Invitation: Celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of a tale as old as time, Holy Names Academy Theatre and Music departments are proud to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Come along for the adventure of a brilliant young woman, a lonely beast, and a castle/town full of colorful characters as they learn to embrace the uniqueness of each individual and realize the power of compassion.
We are happy to announce that HNA is offering a student matinee specifically for middle-school students on Friday, April 21, at 10:00 a.m., at no cost to you.  Following the performance your students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the cast and crew, including HRS alumni, Melia Wong. There are a limited number of seats available, so please contact us by Thursday, April 6, to make reservations.  We are very excited about this opportunity and hope that you and your classes will join us for this wonderful production! Please RSVP by phone, email, or with this FORM.

Southwest Lacrosse Club

Did you know that all Seattle Metro Catholic High schools have boys and girls lacrosse? Are you looking for a fun and fast-paced team sport for your K-8th grader? Registration is currently open for the 2023 Seattle Metro Youth Lacrosse Season.
Founded in 2008, the Southwest Lacrosse Club is dedicated to promoting, organizing, and developing K-8 youth lacrosse from West Seattle to Federal Way. Our mission is to teach lacrosse fundamentals and good sportsmanship while emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. Players of all skill levels can develop their game, and we will prepare each athlete for the next level of play. No prior lacrosse experience is required, the club can provide all equipment if needed. We offer full and partial scholarships for those who qualify and have equipment available to loan.
Practices begin mid-February, and games run from March through the end of May. You can check out our website or contact us at swlctitans@gmail.com  with any questions.