Friday memo  January 13, 2012

 

·         Congratulations to Ahri Han (6^th grade) for winning the 2012 Geography Bee.  Also congratulations to the following finalists:  Alexander Aborde,  Cassandra Sy, Jerry Hong, Julian Kinney, Ahri Han, Angelica D’Souza, James Baksh, Amber McGrier, Jann Aberde and Jordan Meltzer.  Also, thanks to Mrs. Essman, Miss Macaluso, Mrs. Paone and Mrs. Fudali.

·         The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders and their teachers all saw “Godspell” on Wednesday, the 11^th.  A great time was had by all.

·         The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades will be having a “CUPCAKE SALE” and water sale on Wednesday.

·         The Family mass will be this Sunday at 10:00 followed by a Parish Coffee.  Come join us for prayer and coffee.

·         The Book Fair will be held during the week of re-registration.  Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and Kindergarten will attend with their parents after pick-up.

·         Please remember that Monday, January 16^th is a noon dismissal in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.

·         2^nd Trimester Progress Reports will be going out on Thursday, January 19^th.  Keep an eye out for them.  Please contact the teacher or office if you feel it necessary to have a conference.

·         Re-registration will be during the week of January 16^th.  The one evening for re-registration will be on Wednesday, January 18^th from 6:00P.M. to 8:00P.M. Every family is encouraged to re-register as soon as possible.  We already have a waiting list for several grades.

·         No School-January 27^th is a Professional Day for the teachers.

·         Mr. G’s play-Afterlife- will be the 27^th at 7:00P.M.

·         Basketball schedule:  Varsity-Boys tonight (H) @ 8:00, Sat.-2^nd & 3^rd-Sat.(H)@ 10:00, Varsity-Boys-Sat @11:15(H), Sat-4^th Boys-Sat. (H) @1:00, Sun-JV-Boys@ SJ, Oradell @ 1:00, JV-Girls@SJ, Oradell@3:30

·         New uniforms will be showcased next week.  Several of the students will be modeling them.  During re-registration you will be getting a uniform order form.  Again, next year is the grace year.  Also, you may go to Flynn and O’Hare at any time to try on and order your uniforms.  The uniform company will be here for measuring in May.  Hopefully, one of these options will work for you.

·         Save the Date:  April 27^th-Spring Gala at The Palisadium.  Contact Mrs. Helen Vafiadis for information regarding:  raffle donations, ads, table reservations as well as helping with the event. (917-518-5034)

When I was growing up (many, many, many years ago) I used to sit and listen to my nonno (grandfather).   All of us would be captivated by his tales.  And it was only after I got older that I found out that he never went to school yet I thought he was the smartest person in the world.  He was an excellent husband, wonderful father to my mother and her three sisters and the best nonno anyone could ever ask for.  He grew his own vegetables, made his own wine, sausages, meatballs and loved to sing and dance.  I can never remember him without a smile on his face.

In life, adults make memorable moments with children.  They have that awe-struck look in their eyes and believe us.  Therefore, we need to be honest with these little people because we are marking their future.

Have a wonderful weekend and make some beautiful memories with your children.

Love,  Ms. Coz

Friday memo   December 23, 2011

·         Congratulations to Michael Min (5^th grade) for winning two Gold Medals on the Big Chill Invitational Swim Meet held at Lakeland Hills YMCA on Dec. 18^th.  He also won gold medals in 50yd Backstroke and 100yd Breast Stroke events.  He will be attending the NJ Junior Swimming Olympics in March 2012 at Rutgers University.

·         Thanks to Mr. Coll and all of the students for getting us in the Christmas spirit with Our Beautiful Christmas concert.  And thanks to Mrs. Miglietta for hosting the goodies afterwards. 

·         Thanks to everyone who baked and purchased baked goods from our Student Council, Friday evening.    They netted $400.00. The money was distributed to St. Simon Stock in the Bronx and also given to the needy.   The last Casual Carmel Day raised $211.00 and was given to Sienna House.

·         There will be a Mt. Carmel Reception on January 8, 2012 at the Knickerbocker Country Club.  This event is opened to school families as well as parishoners of OLMC.  All are invited.  The info and pricing is in the church bulletin.

·         Please remember that School resumes on January 3^rd, Tuesday with a full day and there is a noon dismissal on Friday, January 6^th.  Children are to be in formal uniforms for 8:30 mass.

·         The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders are going to New York City on January 11^th to see Godspell.

·         It was great to see so many of you at the Family mass and parish coffee.  The next mass will be January 15^th.  Let’s see all of you again.  P.S.  Mrs. Knowles and I are hosting the parish coffee.

·         We found a flash drive on the piano after the Christmas Concert and an ATT cell phone.  There is also one boy’s black sneaker and two pair of eyeglasses in the office.  If you or your children are missing any of the items, please come and retrieve them.

I have so many memories of things that have been shared by our family around our table.  The table that was once in my grandmother’s kitchen is now in our “summer kitchen” in the basement.  So every time we gather around this table we reminisce, smile, laugh, cry and, of course, eat.  This is the table that we started the day with a warm cup of coffee and biscotti.  This is the table that we used for folding the clothes and separating the laundry.  This is the table we shared a family meal and entertained guests. This is the table that we covered to change all the new nieces, nephews, grandsons and granddaughters. This is also the table we used to write our sympathy thank you notes for my grandfather, grandmother, mother and father.  It has been used for happy and sad times and is continuing to be used just in a different location.

On Saturday, we will again sit at this table to celebrate Christmas Eve..And a good time will be had by all.  And when I pray, I will remember all of you in my prayer.  I will pray that each of you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Let’s also not forget the real reason for all this celebrating.  May the joy of this holiday fill your homes and the birth of Jesus radiate in your hearts.

Love, Ms. Coz

Capture the moment at OLMC.

 

 

 

Friday memo  December 16, 2011

·          Thanks to all of Santa’s workers for making the Breakfast With Santa a wonderful success.  The Kitchen staff-Anthony Schrank, Mark Ross, Eddie Zayas, Poppy, Marty Miglietta.  Set-Uo:  Tara and Mauricio Rodriguez, Terri Silvestri, Grandma Monica Schrank, Carlene Rodriguez, Rose Ann Miglietta and Marci and Ken Schrank.  Let’s not forget the 7^th and 8^th grad elves.  It was a great time and santa went home with plenty of ideas for gift.

·         Congratulations to the 4^th grade boys basketball team for winning both on Saturday (31-26) and Sunday (27-9). And the 5^th & 6^th grade boys for winning their game

·         The games this weekend are-Saturday-2^nd & 3^rd (boys)-St. Joe’s in Oradell @ 11:00A.M., 4^th Boys at OLM, Park ridge @11:10, 5^th & 6^th girls @ OLV-Harrington Pk @ 12:30 and 5^th &6^th boys @ OLV Harrington Park @ 10:00.  Sunday-4thBoys-OLV-Harrington Park 4:30P.M., 5^th & 6^th girls-St. John’s-Hillsdale @ 3:15, 5^th & 6^th boys-St. John’s, Hillsdale @ 2:00P.M and 7^th & 8^th boys-Assumption-Emerson @ 4:30P.M.

·         This Sunday is the Family Mass at the 10:00 mass here at OLMC.  Come join us for a beautiful way to start the day:  Mass and Parish Coffee.  I hope to see as many of you there as possible.

·         The Pre-K 3 had a beautiful play and singing morning on Tuesday.  They were joined with their parents and a wonderful time was had by all.  The parishoners  at 8:30 mass got a treat to hear them sing and put on their play.

·         The Student Council is sponsoring a Bake Sale at the concert this evening.  Please support them.

·         Christmas Concert News.  All students are to arrive at 6:45P.M. and go to their classrooms.  No child is to go into a room unless the teacher is present.

·         Thanks to everyone who purchased the Christmas plants and wreaths from the 8^th graders.

·         On Monday, Dec. 19^th, the Pre-K 4 will be having a Sing-A-Long followed by a treat.

·         Dec. 23^rd is a noon dismissal.  Please remember that there is NO AFTER Care on that day.

·         We return to school on January 3^rd, Tuesday.

Can you believe it?  Christmas is literally right around the corner.  Well I’m set.  The tree is up, the lights are lit and the fish is soaking (Bacala).  The dishes are ready and waiting to be set and the ice is being made.  The cookies, well that’s another story..I bake them and everyone eats them, but I’m trying to stay ahead of everything.  Just like the night before Christmas, I’m getting pretty good at hiding things.

I can’t wait until my family all gets together.  All of us jammed into the basement, eating, laughing and eating some more.  Before any of this begins, we start with a prayer, thanking God for giving us His son and for all of our other gifts-the gift of family, friends, food, health, jobs, homes and the gift of faith.  We then bow our heads and remember those who are not with us at the table.

We are truly blessed!  Have a wonderful weekend…Love, Ms. Coz

 

Friday memo    December 9, 2011

 

      Thank You from the Office of Concern.  Loose Change for Our Neighbors brought in over $250.  This was converted into food certificates.

      If your child is going home with another child please send in a note to the homeroom teacher.  This will eliminate any afternoon confusion.

      Please return the after school calendars as well as the December tuition.

      Breakfast with Santa will be great and we thank Mr. & Mrs. Garcia, Grandma Monica and all their helpers.  Everyone will have a blast and we hope that with Santa’s busy schedule, he will find the time to say hello to everyone at OLMC.  Sorry no Walk-Ins.

      Student Council will be sponsoring a bake sale on Dec. 16^th, the night of our concert.  They are looking for baked goods.  If you would like to donate anything please contact Mrs. Essman or Mrs. Szabo before Friday.

      The Christmas Concert is Friday, Dec. 16^th at 7:00P.M.  Please bring your child to his/her homeroom by 6:45P.M.  Keep your younger children by you.  We do not want everyone running around the auditorium while the children are performing.  Thank You.

      The Carmel Dads’ Club will be having their Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 23^rd at 7:00P.M. Free dinner, cocktails and revelry will take place at The Cottage Bar, 178 Cedar Lane in Teaneck.  All gentlemen are invited.

      If you are sending any money in for the Christmas Collection, please put your child’s name on the envelope.  All monies go to Parents’ Guild via Rose Ann Miglietta.  Thank You.

 

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  -John 10:10

 

Christmas is a time of special demands on all of us.  Just look at the traffic on all of the roads as well as the crowds in all of the stores.  Everyone is running around looking for that perfect gift.  No matter what our situations are we always have plenty of food on our tables and plenty of gifts under our trees.  Let us all realize that we are blessed with an abundance of life, an abundance of strength and an abundance of creativity to meet every need.  We need to remind ourselves of the fact that we are abundantly blessed everyday and remember that the Christ-child came to give the world the message of abundant life.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.         Love, Ms. Coz                                                            .

 

 

Friday memo      December 2, 2011

 

      Thanks to Debbie Viar, Rose Ann Miglietta, Rita Grandelis, Aunt Linda, Grandma Monica, Terri Silvestri, Aunt Elena and all of their elves, The Santa Shop was a huge success.  The children were very serious about their shopping.

      Thanks to Our Carmel Dad’s Club for doing such a fantastic job on the ceiling tiles in the cafeteria.

      The PEP RALLY is tonight at 7:30P.M. in the gym. Come route for our Warriors because the first games are this weekend.  4th grade boys (Sat. @ 11:15) here and 12:45 Sunday (away), 5^th & 6^th grade girls here (Sun. @ 3:15) and 5^th & 6^th grade boys 2:00 Sunday (here).

      Wednesday was the end of the First Trimester and report cards will be given out on Dec. 9^th.  Please sign the envelope and have your child return it to school.

      8^th grade Graduation Photos will be taken on Dec. 6^th.

      There will be a Casual Carmel Day on Dec. 9^th.

      Breakfast with Santa will be on Dec. 10^th.  Santa waits for no one.  Sorry no walk-ins.

      Our Parish/School Family Mass will be on Sunday, Dec. 18^th.  I was so happy to share my Sunday at 10:00 along with all of you, as I wish to do so each 3^rd Sunday of the month.

      With Christmas fast approaching don’t forget to purchase you food gift cards as well as Kohl’s gift cards.  They make great gifts.

      December 8^th is a holy day of obligation and it will be a formal uniform day because we will be attending 8:30 mass.

      All Wreath and Poinsettia plant orders need to be in by Dec. 5th.

 

With one holiday down, we are now in the season of Advent.  I don’t know about you, but I always have a little difficulty with the “Waiting Game”.  I guess I get that trait from my mom and sister.  As I told you we already have the Christmas decorations up, the Christmas dishes out and ready and the tree is adorned and lit in the living room.  My sister had all her shopping done by Halloween and all the presents were wrapped before Thanksgiving. Most of the fish has been purchased for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner (for 24 relatives) but who’s in a hurry?

I’m always eager to wait for the coming of Christ..this is a time that truly excites me.  I love how the church looks and how exciting it is when Christmas finally arrives.  The true gift is the Christ Child and how blessed we are to receive this gift in our lives.

May your waiting not be a dreary time but one with happiness for whatever it is you are waiting for.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.   Love, Ms. Coz                                                              

                                                                                    

 

 

Wednesday memo   November 25, 2011

 

      Thank You for all the groceries and loose change for the Office of Concern.  We had over 5 boxes and twenty bags of groceries for our neighbors and collected over $480 that we converted into SCRIP.  It was a win win for everyone.

      We are presently working on a new website and will let you know when we are going to launch it.  It is going to be absolutely Fantastic.      

We will be doing Individual Pictures for those who never had their pictures taken as well as those who want more pictures taken.  The date will be Nov. 30^th (Wednesday).  The children will be given an envelope which needs to be filled out and returned with a check for a picture to be taken.  If your child is having a picture taken they may come to school in “regular” clothes.  If you want the pictures from the original shoot, just send in the envelope with the package checked off and a check and I’ll forward it to the photographer.  You may also reach the photographer by calling 201-857-4700 (Tim or Sarah).

      Next week the new after school calendar will be coming home.  Please return it on the due date.

      Don’t forget to purchase SCRIP and Kohl’s gift cards for the holiday.  You may buy out of your SCRIP contract with a check for $125.  You may also use your Kohl’s gift cards to pay off your Kohl’s bill.

      Coming soon you will receive a letter letting you know exactly what you have purchased in SCRIP.  This is mandatory for every family.  If you haven’t started, there’s no time like the present.

      There will be NO AFTER CARE on both Dec. 2^nd and Dec. 23^rd.  Please make other arrangements.  Thank You!

 

O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry;

When I have work, help me to remember the jobless;

When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all;

When I am without pain, help me to remember those who are suffering,

And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency;

Awaken my compassion, and be concerned enough to help;

By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.  –Samuel F. Pugh

 

May each and every one of you enjoy this Thanksgiving.  I will remember each of you when I am giving thanks. 

Love, Ms. Coz           

                                                                                                                                                            
                                       

Friday memo   November 18, 2011

 

• The 8^th graders took their COOP test last Friday and we hope all their hard work paid off.  Make-ups for the COOP test are Saturday.
• This Sunday is Family Sunday at OLMC Church.  We along with the families of the Religious Education classes are gathering at the 10:00A.M. Mass.  I would love to see as many families there as possible.  We Are Mt. Carmel!
• Turkeys:  The office of Concern is looking for Frozen Turkeys and or Hams.  If you would like to donate either please bring them to the Office of Concern located behind Saint Cecelia’s Church on 85 Demarest Ave in Englewood.
• Bryan Davis, the author, spoke to the children on Tuesday about the trials and tribulations of having a book published.  I purchased a set of both his books and his daughter’s book for our school library.  Thank You, Mrs. Anne Thomas, for introducing OLMC to this Christian author.
• Both the 4^th and 7^th graders took their Writing Assessment tests on Tuesday.  They were given prompts which they used to write an essay.  They will be scored by representatives from CTB McGraw Hill and returned to us at a later date.
• Drop Off-Please do not use drop off as an opportunity to conference with a teacher.  They are on duty and need to keep an eye on the children.
• AFTER CARE:  Usually there are about 20-25 children registered for aftercare.  Their parents have paid the $25 registration fee.  Yet, on any given day, there are about 50 or more children in after-care.  You must be registered and have paid the $25 registration fee to use the program.  Let me make this clear, that after-care is a service (paid) we provide for working parents.  If your child is in an activity and is using aftercare as a filler until that club begins, you will be charged.  As far as I know, only cheerleading, basketball and choir do not start at 3:00.  If your child is in after care and belong to any of these clubs, you must register and pay for after-care.  Also, if a sibling is there waiting, you must pay for them too. The cost is $6.00 per hour per child and $3.00 for each additional child per hour.  It is not to be used as a play date.
• When returning the after-care calendar with payment,  please indicate with a checkmark the days they will be attending.
• Tomorrow, Saturday, The Warrior Club, will be assembling in the cafeteria to replace the ceiling tiles.  Gentlemen, please come and help with this project (any time between 8:00A.M. and 3:00P.M.).

 

I’m sure everyone (like me) has or will have purchased, or received their free turkey for Thanksgiving by now.  I wish we could only have the traditional meal like everyone else…but no.  We start off with the full antipasto, then to the pasta (usually lasagna) and salad or soup.  Of course, the turkey and all the fixings come next.  Oh and the desserts; one small pumpkin pie, Italian cheesecake, pastries, Panetone and Struffoli.  We are always ready just in case a Tsunami is on the way.  The day begins with “thanks”..everyone has a chance to give thanks for whomever or whatever before the meal begins.  And the meal ends with lots of conversation and of course a big bottle of Tums.

 

Have a wonderful weekend…Love, Ms. Coz

 

Friday memo   November 11, 2011

 

• Happy Veterans Day to all our active and retired veterans.  Thanks to all of you, we can practice our faith and live in a country that affords us the freedoms our fore-fathers dreamed.  Our ceremony, along with Mayor Rustin, was beautiful and we even brought a wreath over to the monument for all veterans.
• Metropolitan Plant exchange will give the school $10 for every $50 an OLMC family spends at their facility.  This fundraiser starts on November 14^th and runs until January 8^th.  Happy shoppingJ
• Please do not forget that there will be NO AFTERCARE on Dec.2^nd.  It is a noon dismissal.  Please make other arrangements.
• There are several parents who have done “Protecting God’s Children” but did not sign up on-line.  It does not count, unless you go to the VIRTUS site and register.  You can do this after the fact.  It then puts you in the system.  This goes for all class parents and other volunteers.  Please look in your child’s folder for the letter from the school if you need to do this,  Thank You
• From the Nurse…By law, we need to follow the immunization codes for the children.  If your child has an appointment please let us know.  If they have not had their proper immunizations, they will not be permitted to attend school until these mandates are met.
• Directory information:  Just to clarify everything…the directory will NOT be posted on the Parent’s Guild page or on our school website.  It will be available as an e-mail blast from the Parent’s Guild.  You will have to download it yourself.
• There will be a Bake Sale (at lunch) sponsored by the 8^th grade on Wednesday, Nov. 16^th.
• The collection on Wednesdays for “Loose Change for Our Neighbors” netted $478.95.  The fourth grade raised the most with $109.86.  Congratulation, fourth graders and thanks to everyone who donated their loose change.  Now we will be collecting for the month of November.
• Author Day…Please join us for a visit with Bryan Davis, the author and speaker .  He will be here on the 16^th of Nov., Wednesday at 9:30A.M.

 

I’m sure everyone knows a veteran within their families.  Both my grandfather (WW1) and father (WW2) fought proudly for this country.  Both men were born in Italy, came to the United States, proudly became citizens and eagerly served their “new” country.  They also made sure that the American flag was hung in pride outside of our home, and both men were members of The American Legion Post 157.

I was and always will be proud of them and everyone else who put their lives on the line for the best country in the world.  Let us never forget their drive and devotion to the U.S.A., without them where would we be?  Take time to say a prayer for a veteran and for their families and don’t forget to thank them.

 

Have a Great fall weekend….Love, Ms. Coz

 

Friday memo   November 4, 2011

 

• Thanks to Mrs. Helen Vafiadis and her helpers for decorating, arranging, cleaning-up, food for the teachers and children and for just being the hard worker that she/they are.  Thanks to the class mothers and fathers for their help and their food/treat donations.  Mother Nature could not hamper our Halloween Spirits at OLMC.
• Thanks for your patience with Dial America and some of the omissions.  When you see the call is from OLMC, a voice will say, “A Message from Your School”, then there is a 10-15 second hesitation and you will then hear our message.  You will also see our messages on Channel 12 News, on our website, and in an e-mail blast from Parent’s Guild.  We are also on 1010 WINS radio.  In order to hear our messages (in the future when there is no electricity), we must have a current cell phone number.
• Bryan Davis, an author, will be here to speak to the school community about being an author and reading appropriate material.  He will be here on Wednesday, Nov. 16^th at 9:30.  Anyone who is interested is welcomed to attend.
• The fourth and seventh graders will be taking their Writing assessment test this coming Tuesday, Nov. 15^th.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16^th, is also the Pre-K 3 Thanksgiving Feast and play at 10:00A.M.  Come celebrate with these little Indians and Pilgrims.
• We will be celebrating Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov.10^th in the auditorium.
• We wish our 8^th graders good luck this coming Friday, Nov. 11^th.  They will be taking their COOP exams.  These are tests needed for their High School applications.
• The basketball and cheerleading schedules are on the reverse side of this memo as well on the office page of the website.
• The School Directory will no longer be sent home on a hard copy.  It will be on the Parent’s Guild website as a PDF file.  You may download it at your convenience.  I am not putting it on the school website because anyone has access to it and can download the information.  If you would like a hard-copy, please let the school office know.
• Re-takes for individual pictures will be taken on Nov. 15^th.  Your child will be getting their pictures back sometime next week.  If they did not get an envelope back, they may have their photos taken, but will.
• Congratulations to both art teachers, Mrs. Coll and Mrs. Glentz.  They had three winners in the Tenafly Fire Department Poster Contest.  Luke Wright won 2^nd place in First Grade, Donald Watros won First Place in the First Grade Division and Daniella Hernandez won 2^nd place in the Fourth Grade division.  Great Job Boys and Girls…You Are Mt. Carmel!!
• Tenafly has declared today, Friday as the Un-official Halloween.  The children may Trick or Treat in Town.

 

Almost everything we do is affected by the weather.  Lately, we, living on the eastern coast of the US, have experienced it all…hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, ice storms, droughts, the three H’s, extreme rain and wind storms, unexpected snow storms and even earthquakes.  We always have to be ready for the unexpected. 

Life’s challenges always make us ready for the next event.  God gives us everything we need to face the challenge and move forward.

Just to let you know, my family took this challenge as a way to prepare a feast.  My aunts came to my house with all their food and we cooked, laughed and ate.  I was the only one with electricity.

We turned a challenge into “The Food channel.

May all your challenges be small ones…Have a great weekend…Love, Ms. Coz

 

Friday memo  October 28, 2011

 

• A Big Thank You to RoseAnn Miglietta and her husband Marty, Tara Rodriguez and her husband Mauricio, Debbie Viar and her husband Phil and Casey Palumbo and her husband Steve, Mrs. Penelope D’Souza, Mrs. Elisa Marino and Ms. Pam Holman for all their hard work in arranging and working The Harvest Celebration. Thanks to Thomas Petito for his donation of the beer and the Sherwin family for the Giants tickets.   The food was fantastic, the D.J. was great and the was camaraderie beautiful.  And “Dancing with the Stars” has nothing over the families at OLMC.  Thanks to all who worked and thanks to all who attended.
• Please note that if your child is to go home with another child/family, we in the office must have a note stating that you give your permission.  We will not take your child’s word when it comes to dismissal.  This is for your child’s safety.
• A parent has 4 sold out tickets to the North Pole express in Essex, Ct. for Saturday, Dec. 10^th at 7:30P.M.  She is willing to sell them for $112.00 if anyone is interested.  Call the school.
• Congratulations to the following 8^th grade students who attended the 13^th annual St. Joseph Academic Competition on Thursday of Last week:  Georges Leconte (won 1^st place in  English), Jann Aberde, Anthony Monte, Jordan Meltzer, Brandon Nazario (won 2^nd place in Spelling), Ji Woo Kim, Samantha Perera, Kyle Torosian and A.J. Gordan (2^nd place in Computers). Good Job everyone!
• From the Nurse:  Please do not give cough drops to your child unless they are accompanied by a note from the doctor.  Remember children share everything.
• Please be aware that on Oct. 31^st your child will be coming home with an after-care calendar and bill.  Please return both by November 4^th.
• Lunch calendars are to be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 1^st.
• We wish the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders a great dance this evening.  May they have a “Ghoolish Time”.
• Don’t forget our Halloween Parade and celebrations on Monday.  The parade starts at 8:30A.M.
• The November tuition is due next week.
• Let’s not forget “Loose Change” Wednesdays for The Office of Concern.
• The office is open for SCRIP and KOHL’s gift cards.  With the holidays fast approaching, they make great stocking stuffers.

 

I don’t know about your family, but mine has to make lists and always prepare ahead…sometimes WAY ahead.  My sister already took out the Famous Christmas Eve Fish Report.  You see we make this list after the family Christmas Eve gathering so that we will remember what we had too much of.  Forget anything we had too little of-that never is the case.

Twenty-four of us cram into our basement and we pray, eat, laugh and remember those who are not with us.  We used to make 13 different kinds of fish but now we scaled down to 7 (thank God).  It’s a tradition that we will never stop.

It’s great to make plans.  God The Father had a plan for us with his Son.  It was all planned out.  He would come, live and die for us.  This plan was set and we follow his plan and the tradition will never stop.

 

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15

Have a great weekend…Love, Ms. Coz

 

Friday memo   October 21, 2011

 

 

• From the Nurse:  Please send in the necessary health records and immunization records for your child/children.  Children in the following grades need to have current physicals on record:  Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten, Third and Sixth grades, also, new transfer students…Thank You!
• Halloween Help!!  Helpers are needed for set-up and to decorate, Wednesday, Oct. 26^th and Thursday, Oct. 27^th after morning drop-off.  Contact Mrs. Helen Vafiadis at 1-917-518-5034.
• Our Spring Gala, to be held in April at the Palisadium” is being chaired by Dr. & Mrs. Vafiadis.  They are looking for anyone who can assist them with all the work.  Please call Dr. Dean or Helen at 1-917-518-5034.
• After school Kindergarten Pick-up at the South Parking Lot-  Kindergarten parents are to park in the lane closest to the school, while those who are picking up for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades are to be in the lane closet to the center island.  If everyone follows this pattern there will be no hold-ups.  (P.S. the Kindergarten children are dismissed a few minutes earlier than the other children.)
• No one is to park on New Street, especially “double park”.  The parents of Pre-K 4 children are to use the end of the block to pick up their children. All the rest of you are to go on the lines, do not get out of your cars and wait for your children.  The complaints have been rampant   Please, please follow these directions so we can keep everyone safe and happy.
• Save the Date-December 4^th-Ms. Coz is running a trip to Bethlehem, Pa. (leaving the school at 8:00A.M. and returning 7:30P.M.).  The cost is $50 per person which includes bus ride and admission to Bethlehem’s “Christkindl Market” and an Authentic Moravian “Putz” (A visually narrated depiction of the Christmas Nativity.) There will also be a 3hr. visit to the Sands Casino (with a $20 gambling credit and $5 food voucher) and finally a drive through the town to see the beautiful Christmas lights.  Flyers will go home and you may send in the reservations along with a check to Ms. Coz. .First come…First serve.
• Anointing of the Sick will be done after the noon mass on Sunday, Oct. 23^rd.
• There will be a dance for the 6^th through 8^th graders in the auditorium on Friday, Oct. 28^th.  Send in the permission slip for your child—No slip-No admittance
• There is a catalog of all new store items in each classroom and in the school office.  We have some great items..soon to be listed on our website and facebook.
• Basketball registration for boys and girls in grades 3 through 8 is Monday, October 24^th from 6:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the gym.  Forms went home with the children on Wednesday.

 

While I was reading a selection from May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp, she writes to put a pitcher and set it by an area in which you pray.  This is to remind ourselves that we are beautiful vessels into which God pours his unending love.  We need to ask “How did I experience the pouring out of God’s love and did I share this with anyone else?”.  From now on, I will not be able to look at a pitcher without thinking of this.  How fortunate for us that our pitchers will never be empty.

“God’s love has been poured into the hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us>”  Romans: 5-5

Have a great weekend…Love, Ms. Coz

 

 

Friday memo  October 14, 2011

 

• There is a family of a 4^th grader who is looking for a babysitter on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-7:30P.M.  If you are interested or know someone who is please call the school.
• Mr. E. and Mr. Bruno are having “Open Gym” every Wednesday from 5-6P.M. for 3^rd and 4^th graders. There is also “Open Gym” Saturdays from 11-12:30 for 5^th and 6^th graders.
• Intramural “Kickball” will be on Wednesdays for 5^th through 8^th graders from 3-4P.M. (10/12-11/-16). There is a $50 fee, which includes a “special” OLMC shirt. This too will be supervised by Mr. E and Mr. Bruno.
• From the nurse…If your child is sent home with a fever or for vomiting, they must stay home for 24 hours.  This is 24 hours after the fever goes away and the vomiting stops.
• We have a family who lives on Sterling Place in Edgewater and is desperately looking to car pool with another family.  They have two little girls and would like for you to contact the school if you would be interested.  Thank You.
• I’m sure several of you remember Ms. Heather Muller who taught here a few years ago.  Well, Heather got married to her love, Don, and they announced that they are expecting a little one in April.  Both new- to- become parents are overjoyed. I saw Heather the other day and she looks and feels great.  We wish her the best of luck and I’ll keep everyone informed of the progress.
• First Trimester Progress reports will be in your child’s folders on Monday.
• Please send in your reservations for the Fall Harvest Celebration.  Don’t miss out on a great evening of food, dancing and friendship.  Also, we are looking for those great bakers for our International Dessert Room.  Don’t let me be the only one who is bringing in some Italian delicacies…
• Parent-Teacher conferences are Wednesday (1-4), Thursday (1-5 & 6-8) and Friday (1-3) of next week.  In the upper grades, the children are to be present at the conferences.
• At the 10:00A.M. Mass on the third Sunday of the month, OLMC church encourages the children to celebrate the mass with their families. Starting in November (20^th), I’d love to see as many children with their families at this mass. Let’s meet here and celebrate the mass together.
• The 8^th grade students would like to thank everyone who came to their very successful car wash.  They also had a great bake sale and are diligently selling ice cream at lunch.  I’m so proud of all of them.  It may be a small class, but they have SPIRIT.  They are Mt. Carmel!!

 

Every Saturday, my mom, grandmother (nonni) and I cooked and baked all day. (Well it seemed that way)  We made bread and homemade macaroni as well as sauce and soup for Sunday.  There were ropes strewn across the basement.  We used these ropes to hang the macaroni to dry while the left over dough was cut into small pieces and used in the soup. I loved those Saturdays and truly miss them.

There is something to be said about tradition.  I try to continue these traditions (of course without recipes).  I do not have ropes in my home to hang the macaroni, but I still try to make the bread and macaroni once a month.

Just like me, we all have traditions that we follow.  We have traditions within our faith…the Mass, reconciliation, prayers, the Sign of the Cross, genuflecting etc.  Aren’t traditions beautiful?

Dear Lord, in this beautiful season of autumn, we are aware of “letting go” like the leaves on the trees.  There are times to let go and times to hold on. May we never let go of our traditions, whether they be family or faith.  AMEN

Have a great weekend,  Love, Ms. Coz

Friday Memo   September 30, 2011

 

• The Car Wash scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 1^st has been moved to next Saturday, Oct. 8^th.  sorry for the inconvenience.
• Don’t forget to go to our facebook page…look at our website for info.
• Ice Cream will be sold by the 8^th graders every Friday for $1.00.
• Wrapping paper orders must be made on-line and then send the money to school.  Please keep a copy of your order.  Mark the envelope “Wrapping Paper” and return it by October 7^th.
• The upper school students were visited by representatives from Don Bosco HS (Ramsey) and Immaculate Conception HS (Lodi) on Tuesday.
• Representatives from The Disney Channel came to speak to some of the students in Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten and First Grade.  They are visiting several schools in anticipation of developing a new Disney Show on coping with emotions at an early age.  They enjoyed us and we enjoyed them.
• Tracey Serebin, the author of The Daisy Button Adventures came to the school on Thursday and spoke to our 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders.  The DB Adventures is a multi-media program designed to empower children from ages 7 to 12 and inspire them with the overall theme that “Anything is Possible”.
• Every Wednesday, the children are encouraged to bring in their loose change for the Office of Concern, the local Food Bank.
• Tuesday, October 4^th is the day that Individual Pictures will be taken of each child in the school.  The children are to wear everyday “Nice” clothes.
• SCRIP-Please remember to purchase the grocery gift cards.  It’s dollar for dollar and we make 5% for every card sold.  Everyone signed a contract at registration to purchase $250 in SCRIP every month or buy out of the contract for $125.
• Please be aware that your after care calendars will come home Monday, Oct. 3^rd and need to return on Oct. 5^th.  Please send them in whether or not you will be using the after care program for the month of October.
• All forms should have been returned to school by now.  The directory and photo release forms are closed.
• The October tuition payment is due next week.
• Friday, October 7^th is a noon dismissal with mass at 8:30A.M.  The children are to be in formal uniform.  There is After Care from noon to 6:00P.M.  The children in after care should bring a snack and their lunch.
• Our First Softball Game will be held at the Tenafly Field with the fifth to eighth graders playing and all other students watching.  All permission slips whether walking or playing must be in by Monday , Oct. 3^rd.
• Our Harvest Celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22^nd.  It will be an evening of great food, great entertainment along with the wonderful people who will be attending.
• OLMC’s first family photo night will be, Thursday, Oct. 13^th at 6:00P.M.  We will have photographers taking pictures.  The cost will be $10.00 and you will receive an 8X10 photo.  You will have an opportunity to have either a Christmas/Holiday background or a generic one.  When the proofs come back with the 8X10 you may order as many as you wish.  A flyer will be coming home next week.  Just return the bottom portion and you will be given an appointment.

       P.S.  Family Pets (dogs, cats) are welcomed.

 

With every ending there is a new beginning. Autumn is the time of year that we can reflect on the things we need to let go, just like the branches on a tree letting go of the colorful leaves we need to let go the things that burden our hearts. During October, let us face life’s necessary changes and ponder the reality of the season.

“God of misty mornings and harvest moon nights, there is always a dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives.  May we gain strength from your power-filled presence.”  (Joyce Rupp)

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love, Ms. Coz

 

 

 

Friday memo    September 23, 2011

 

• The 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th graders will be picking their pumpkins at Wrightman’s Farm next Friday, Sept. 30^th.  What a nice way to bring in the autumn season.
• One of our parents, Mr. Paul Mladjenovic (Joshua 5^th and Adam 4^th) wrote several books, one of which is #1 in the Kindle for stock investments.  The title of his book is, “Stock Investing For Dummies”.  Congratulations, Mr. M.
• If you missed “Pandemonium in The Gym” on Friday, you missed a great evening of organized chaos.  Mr. E and Mr. G slept on the roof after a rousing volleyball game.  A big Thank You to all the parents and teachers who played as well as all the children.  A fun time was had by all!!!  As a result our first Casual Carmel Day will be Sept. 28^th.
• Please send in the permission slips for our first annual softball game on Oct. 14^th.
• Class/Group Photos were taken on Tuesday.  Individual Photos of each child will be taken on Tuesday, October 4^th.  The children are to come in their regular clothes.  Families will have the opportunity to have “Family Photos” taken on October 13^th.  The photography company will be here, especially if you would like these for Christmas Photos (dress accordingly).  More info will follow.
• Representatives from St. Joseph HS in Montvale, Immaculate Heart Academy, Bergen Catholic HS and The Academy of Holy Angels spoke to the seventh and 8^th grade students this week.  Immaculate Conception HS will be at the school on Tuesday Sept. 27^th along with Don Bosco. This is a great opportunity for our students to hear from the different Catholic High schools in the area.
• There will be a High School Expo at Visitation in Paramus on Wed., Sept. 28^th from 7-8:30P.M. and one at the Archdiocesan Center on Sept. 29^th  from 7-8:30P.M.
• Please do not bring lunch to your child/children from a fast food restaurant.  It is not permitted.  Also, when bringing in lunch for your child, make sure that his or her name is clearly visible.  Also, do not send in your lunch order if you already have not…it is too late.
• Representative from The Disney channel will be at the school on Sept. 26^th to speak with some of our students and show them a short film.  Also, the author of The Daisy Buttons Adventures will be here on Sept. 29^th to speak to the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 4^th graders.
• SAVE THE DATE:  October 22^nd  This will be our first Adult Fundraiser.  An evening of good food, beer, entertainment and International Dessert room. Start thinking of tables with your friends and family.
• SAVE ANOTHER DATE:  April 27, 2012  This is our spring fundraiser, “Spring Fling” to be held at The Palisadium in Cliffside Park,  NJ.  A grand evening of Open Bar, fantastic food, live entertainment, raffles, baskets etc.  Plus the views of New York City are breathtaking. 

 

I have three aunts.  Their ages are 75, 80 and 85.  They are my mom’s sisters and they still call my sister and I “Kids”.  How are you kids doing?  Will you kids be coming over?”  In their eyes we will always be the kids and it always brings a smile to our faces.

In Matthew 18:3 It is stated “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The word childlike means believing wholeheartedly, being sincere and filled with awe.  Jesus wants us to keep our childlike wonder and joy in our hearts.  We will always be God’s kids, just like my sister and I will always be kids to my aunts, no matter how old we get.

 

Have a great autumn weekend    Love…Ms. Coz

 

             

                             

Friday memo  September 16, 2011