Family Communication 4/6/23

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,
As we enter this Sacred Triduum, we walk alongside Jesus in His final days.  Today we gathered in Faith Families to reenact the Last Supper.  Tomorrow will be a dark day at school, as we enter into the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.  Students will pray the Living Stations of the Cross (which will be livestreamed) at 11:00 am and we will have a silent dismissal at noon.  Thank you for assisting us in maintaining a reverent silence as students leave school on this powerful day.
At the Great Easter Vigil on Saturday night, not only do we have the great joy of experiencing Christ’s resurrection, we will welcome new members into our faith community as they complete their Sacraments of Initiation.  Please join me in praying for students Sebastian T., Eleanor A., Cecilia W., and Angelina C. who will join us in Faith Saturday night.
I wish you all a blessed Easter and a relaxing spring break!
In Christ,
Anna

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

Holy Week and Easter Glory Schedule
April 6th, Holy Thursday—Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7PM
Join with Jesus in the Upper Room as He gives us His very Body and Blood, and a model of charity
Remain with Jesus after in the Garden of Gethsamane in the St. Dominic Chapel in the Parish Center, with adoration until 11PM
April 7th, Good Friday—Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 7PM
Stations of the Cross at 3PM
Join with Jesus in His Passion and Death as we venerate the cross of our salvation
April 8th, Easter Vigil—Mass at 8:30PM, with Liturgy of Light, extra readings, Christian Initiations
April 9th, Easter Sunday—Masses at 8:30AM and 10:30AM
Having shared with Jesus in the Lenten journey unto His death,
Join with Jesus as He rises from the dead!!
 April 16th, Divine Mercy Sunday—Regular Sunday Mass Schedule
2-3:30PM Holy Hour with Adoration and Confessions, and Praying of the Chaplet
Join with Jesus as we Live in His Merciful Heart
In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Oakland

UPCOMING DATES

  • April 7th – Noon Dismissal (Perfect Uniform)
  • April 10th-14th – Easter Break
  • April 21st – Bingo Bash
  • April 25th – Class Pictures
  • May 19th – Talent Show
  • May 19th – Gator Bowl
  • May 25th – Wax Museum
  • May 26th – Noon Dismissal, Field Day
  • May 29th – No School, Memorial Day

NOTES & REMINDERS

Good Friday

This week is Holy Week. Friday, April 7th is a perfect uniform day. We will have Stations Of The Cross in the church, followed by a silent dismissal at noon.

Check Your Volunteer Hours

We will be charging families for unfulfilled Volunteer Hours in June. Click here to enter any hours you have completed. log in your volunteer hours  If you are still in need of volunteer hours, see the Volunteer Section below or on the website.

Construction

There is some local construction taking place for the next 2 weeks. At times, part of 42nd may be blocked, not allowing traffic through. If possible, park on the blocks north of Dakota for pick up. If the road is closed the alley will also not be available. Thank you for your understanding. Hopefully this will all be cleared up after Spring Break.

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!

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) = 2

ACTION ITEMS

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.”

School Commission Open Meeting

The May School Commission meeting will be an open meeting and we’re inviting anyone who would like to attend to come listen in and contribute to the Conversation. The meeting will be Thursday, May 4 at 6:00 pm in the school. At this meeting next year’s school budget will be reviewed and approved. This is an opportunity to learn more about the work of your School Commission. We hope to see you then!

Rice Bowls

Rice bowls can be returned at Mass on Holy Thursday or to the school office this week or after the break. Please do not put family names on the rice bowls themselves.

Second Graders Time to Shine and Sing on Mothers’ Day!

Second Graders are invited to sing for Mothers’ Day! Every year, all parish Second Graders are invited to sing with the Holy Rosary Parish YouthChoir! for Mothers’ Day at Sunday 10:30 Mass. It is always fun and exciting to see and hear all the new young voices! They will get to learn about choir and sing for their moms on Mothers’ Day! There is no charge for Second Graders.  First practice is after school on Wednesday, April 19!
We will sing at the 10:30 Mass on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 14. Rehearsals are after school in the chapel starting after Easter Break, on Wednesdays: April 19, 26, May 3 and 10.
Choir practices are in the Chapel from 2:25-3:05. Kids have a snack and play in the Chapel courtyard until choir begins.
Teachers will escort kids from classroom to chapel. Pick-up is from the chapel courtyard at 3:05.
Students will be escorted back to BASE as needed.
No cost for Second Graders to participate. Donations to the YouthChoir! are always welcome. You may contribute via the online link.
To register your Second Grader to sing on Mothers’ Day, please register online on the Holy Rosary Parish website: http://holyrosaryseattle.org/youth-choir. Arrangements can also be made if there is a Wednesday rehearsal conflict. Our goal is to have as many Second Graders as possible come and sing for their Moms!

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/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.

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

Bingo Bash

Only 26 K-4 Bingo Bash spots left! Drop the kids for two hours (6-8pm) on Friday, April 21st for a fun evening of Bingo.  This is for KIDS ONLY, so parents make dinner reservations and enjoy a dinner at one of our local eateries.  ONLY K – 4TH GRADE SPOTS AVAILABLE!
5th-8th grade spots sold out through our online auction- thanks to everyone who purchased in advance!
Kindergarten – 4th graders take over the gym and are treated to pizza before playing bingo. Prizes are won and every student walks away with a free dress pass at the end of the night.  Don’t let your kids miss out, this is the EVENT OF THE YEAR at HRS…for the kids anyway!
Cost: $50 per student
Space is limited, so sign up today!  Sign ups will be closing SOON.

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 gatorbowl@holyrosaryws.org.

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 2023/24 school year. Details here.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Track & Field

Last call for Track and Field registration with a deadline of 4/17.  First practice will be on Tuesday 4/18. 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: Seattle CYO Athletics

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Class Picture Day

Class Picture Day is on Tuesday, April 25th. We are looking for a couple of volunteers to help organize the children. If you are available to help, we will be starting at 8:45 and going through most of the school day. Reach out to Kristin Bentler for more information.

Spring Book Fair

Our Spring Book Fair is coming soon. The fair runs from May 1st to May 5th, 8:30- 4 pm. After school help will be needed! Contact Britnie O’Farrell if you are interested in helping. Email her your availability and she will put you on the schedule.

Alumni Committee

Need to grab a few more volunteer hours this year? The Alumni Committee is looking for volunteers to help us strengthen our HRS alumni network and programs. The team is specifically looking for volunteers with Marketing or Social Media expertise. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to alumni@holyrosaryws.org.

Milk & Lunch Duty

Do you work from home?  Are you short on hours?  We are looking for a lunch volunteer on Wednesdays, 10:45-12:15 and a milk volunteer on on Thursday’s 10:50-12:20.  2 hours worth.  You can bring your laptop as there is downtime between lunches.  See Karla for details!  klawson@holyrosaryws.org, 206-937-7255 or stop in the office and chat!

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 27th – June 16th
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 16th, 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

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

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 30th 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.

After School Art Classes for HRS students – In-person

These super fun art classes are taught by former Holy Rosary art teacher, Lacey Reuter. Classes are held in-person at Hope Lutheran, and all HRS students are welcome to join. (This is not a Holy Rosary School program.)www.rainbowparrotart.com