Many thanks to Judy Kircher for helping us out in the cafeteria!

Lunch menu for Thursday, January 3rd:
     Grilled Chicken, Breadstick, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cinnamon Apples, Milk

Lunch menu for Friday, January 4th:
     Mac & Cheese Triangles, Romaine Salad, Salad Dressing, Mixed Fruit, Milk

Tomorrow, Thursday, 12/20, there will be an All School Liturgy at 9am. Please consider joining us!

Students may dress down tomorrow! The suggested attire involves Christmas colors! Please be sure to follow the guidelines in our handbook for dressing down.


A big 'Thank You' to Mrs. Diane Martin for her service to the preschool program!


A huge THANK YOU to all for your part in the Student Council Food Drive. Our families donated over 3400 items - surpassing the goal of 3000!!! May God bless you for your generosity. We received a letter from the manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry, which read in part:

"Your great generosity has resulted in our shelves and warehouse filled to the brim, just in time for Christmas! The pantry cannot function as it does without ... donations... The boys' and girls' wonderful contributions to our pantry are truly a reflection of their charity ad love for our residents. I can truly say that those families who come to our pantry this holiday season will leave with great joy and thanksgiving for the food they are able to receive."


REMINDER: WE DISMISS AT 1:OOPM TOMORROW. THERE WILL BE NO AFTERNOON BUS SERVICE. PLEASE BE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS HIS/HER DISMISSAL PLANS.


The staff wishes everyone a happy and safe Christmas!

The following letter was sent home today:

December 17, 2012

Dear Families:

We as a community understand loss and grief. Our faith guides us to believe in life after death, in the arms of our Savior. Our faith is our strength; our refuge in time of tragedy. Our faith guides us to realize that this is beyond our understanding.

For children, routines are assurance that their world is in order. This week will be busy before Christmas break. We will do our best to keep to our normal routines. If students ask questions, the staff will answer as simply and honestly as possible without discussing details. Staff members will be available if any student needs to talk or simply to be reassured.

Our safety procedures are in place and are regularly practiced. As a side note, I wanted to let you know we 

recently had a visitor to our school who told me she was so impressed because after identifying herself and being buzzed in, she had two different adults stop her on the short distance to the office to ask if they could help her. She was also so impressed by the atmosphere in our building when she was given a tour, and she registered her child for next year.

Because teachers requested it, the Parish Office is now using visitor badges for inspectors, etc. who need access to our building, just as we do in the school office. You can help us by reminding your child(ren) they should not open an outer access door for any adults, even if they know the person visiting. We will continue to review the plans we have in place and look for areas for improvement.

In last week’s ‘Weekly Word’ I encouraged parents to be vigilant in checking your children’s internet and social media sites. I would also like to add to that a plea to monitor their access to violent video games, TV shows and movies.

The Diocese of Columbus has provided resources for parents in talking with their children. They are listed on the reverse side of this letter, along with suggestions from the National Mental Health Association.

The Sandy Hook tragedy is beyond the strength of our hearts to endure and our minds to comprehend. May perpetual light shine upon the lives senselessly lost. May the angels lead them to paradise. May they rest in peace. May the community feel the prayers of the world and bring comfort to their broken hearts. Prayers seem to be the greatest gift we can offer at this time.

In His Name,

Mrs. Mary T. Walsh

Principal

Resources:

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8479773/k.2264/How_to_Help_Children_Cope_with_a_Crisis.htm?source=wexgpcwc1212&gclid=CL3F_PmYoLQCFSemPAodTXkAYA

http://www.childrenswishingwell.org/talking-to-children-about-the-shooting-at-sandy-hook-elementary/

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence

http://www.parents.com/blogs/tech-savvy-parents/2012/12/14/preschool/5-helpful-resources-for-talking-to-kids-about-tragedies/

http://www.nami.org/

http://www.ahaparenting.com/_blog/Parenting_Blog/post/How_To_Talk_with_Kids_about_Tragedies_Like_School_Shooting/

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=r5f8aobab&v=001KvOA9nYSxsqbXBYwUenGMTOdNIPY7z-BxzMn-30IDigioNpYC_buZfa3nU5vs-85AjZAIL8dlDGPMgKDxw_F90Ov2mUZQcczvAs4fpEeaNnyCM0E0n7wx-qbckXzjLuSfP_pW0QOH_k%3D

naesp@naesp.org

http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/disaster.htm

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

SUGGESTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Be alert for any child getting more upset than a normal response such as losing sleep or having nightmares. "For the average child, having the opportunity for a day or two to express it and then let it dissipate, that’s going to be the normal response."

Melissa Brymer, director of the terrorism and disaster programs at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at UCLA, suggests talking at a time when you can focus on your child’s verbal and nonverbal responses, perhaps after dinner. Bedtime isn’t a good choice, since the child’s anxiety could spiral late at night. “Explain that emergencies can happen in many different ways,” says Brymer, “and that schools have crisis plans to make sure kids are safe so they can learn.”

To guide parents through difficult discussions about school violence, the National Mental Health Association offers the following suggestions:

·         Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to prompt them by asking if they feel safe at school. When talking with younger children remember to talk on their level. For example, they may not understand the term “violence” but can talk to you about being afraid of a classmate who is mean to them.

·         Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence. It is important for children to recognize they are not dealing with their fears alone.

·         Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.

·         Empower children to take action regarding school safety. Encourage them to report specific incidents (such as bullying, threats or talk of suicide) and to develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Encourage older children to actively participate in student-run anti-violence programs.

·         Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.

·         Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults (a friendly secretary, trusted teacher or approachable administrator) your child can talk to if they feel threatened at school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the school day. Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime they feel threatened.

·         Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned about returning to school. Younger children may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or school-based activities. Teens/adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow school performance to decline.

·         Keep the dialogue going and make school safety a common topic in family discussions rather than just a response to an immediate crisis. Open dialogue will encourage children to share their concerns.

·         Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.

Weekly Word with attachments 12-13-12
Attachments Included:
• Youth Ministry Pancake Breakfast
• Labels for Education Winter Collection Sheet

Sunday Morning, December 16th after all morning Masses.  All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes, Sausage Links, Coffee, and Orange Juice.  $7.00 per person.  $4.00 Children 4 Years and Under.  Not just a breakfast.. but a show too!  (To benefit parish youth participating in the 40th Annual March for Life)

Click here for the flyer

Hope to see you all TONIGHT at our Christmas program - 7pm in the gym!


OLPH's 2nd/3rd grade choir is one of 3 finalists in the Sunny 95 Christmas Idol
Contest! Beginning Monday morning, December 10th, go to:
columbusradiogroup.upickem.net click on Christmas Idol 2012 and vote for
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School! Voting goes through Thursday, December 13th! The
grand prize is $1,000 and a performance on a live radio show on December 21st.
Spread the word and vote!

We would like to say a ”BIG” Thank You to all involved with the 2012 Christmas Bazaar. There are many individuals that participate and are seen, but the ones that are behind the scenes doing so much work that are forgotten and yes , taken for granted, not in a bad way, it is a way that we all assume that it will be done, and if not for folks like you, it would not be the success that it is. So thanks to all the Teachers, Students, Parents, Grandparents, Parishioners, and supporters that made this happen.

Through the years I am always asked “how did the Bazaar do”, “did you make much money”, and every year I give the same answer. It is not about the money, sure we like to be in the positive, but I always measure success in the faces of the students, did they have FUN, that is my main objective, to make it fun and enjoyable for all ages, if the children had fun, then we were successful, and every year I believe they have fun and look forward to that day. So thanks for all the hard work, and see you next year.

Mike and Joni O’Neill

From: Mary Walsh, Principal, St. Francis de Sales, Newark, OH

As many of you know, my husband and I moved here in 2006 from Little Egg Harbor, NJ, just off Long Beach Island.  Two of our sons still live there in our family home. The entire region was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in October. Over 800 homes in our community were condemned and thousands more families lost everything.

My daughter, Mariclare Walsh, a graduate of Fisher Catholic High School and now a sophomore at Ohio University, Athens, is living out her faith in service to others. Thank you for anything you can do to help!

From Mariclare’s Facebook page: HURRICANE Sandy Relief – 12/12/12
Join us on a date that occurs only once in every 100 years - only once in your lifetime; make it meaningful! 

This Wednesday, on 12/12/12, Buffalo Wild Wings on Memorial Drive in Lancaster, Ohio will be donating 10% of all pre-taxed food sales, from any guest that presents a fundraising ticket, to victims of hurricane Sandy.  All proceeds will go to Pinelands Community Center, the local coordinators of Sandy relief efforts, in my hometown of Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Please come out to BWW's in Lancaster, eat wings, and support a good  cause! Let’s all help ‘restore the shore!’ To learn more about relief efforts in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, visi  http://www.facebook.com/WeLove08087 and like their page!

Click here for discount flyer

Please keep our 8th grade students in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday!!! Come, Holy Spirit.....

Weekly Word with attachments 12-06-12
Attachments Included:
• Flu Season Letter