A.M.D.G.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
It seems as if every month I write, I never fail to mention how busy it has been around these "hallowed" halls, and you are correct if you think each month is busier than the last.
 
As you know, our faculty recently attended the MANS (Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools) Conference at Cobo Hall. The theme of the keynote speaker was Preparing Learners for the 21st Century. The keynote speaker made many interesting points related to the above-mentioned topic. For example, how are teachers responding to the changing world? Is the technology available adequate to move our students into the 21st century? Are teachers equipped to deal with the varying degrees of learning in one class? Do we know enough or are we aware of the benefits of differentiated instruction? Do we view our world as one interrelated connection of relationships, or do we see ourselves as isolated learners, in a sense, doing our own thing? We will discuss these and other topics, as a faculty, in the coming months.
 
One lesson remains unchanged, though. This month we remember as a faith community that God so loved us, He sent His only Son to redeem this same inter-connected world with which we have been gifted. It is our responsibility to protect it and those who inhabit it. Let's remember to give thanks and praise to God this month for the love He has shown us through this extraordinary gift. To all of you: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
 
Blessings

Celebrate the Holidays with Spiritwear from the Cub Corner. Avoid the crowds and support your school. Contact the store for more information 313-927-2337

When visiting our campus, please remember to sign in and obtain a visitor's pass. If you need to access your son's car while he is in class, please report to the Student Affairs Office and obtain an authorization slip which is given to the Security Officer when you enter the lot. Your cooperation and assistance is appreciated in these areas.
 
Tis the Holiday season. Do not leave packages, GPS systems, cell phones or other personal property exposed in your vehicle. Lock your doors, close your windows and park in well lit areas. Be on the alert when walking to and from your vehicle for strangers or people watching you.
 
REMINDER: Missing property should be reported immediately to Mr. Trudel and/or Mr. Swanson. Found property should be immediately turned in to the Student Affairs Office or Security.
 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As fellow parents of U of D Jesuit students, we all give thanks for the outstanding education our sons receive. Our goal in the Parent Partnership Initiative is to see that it continues for all students. As most of you know, there is a gap between the actual cost of educating our sons and what we pay in tuition. We hope to bridge that gap with 100% participation from all of our U of D Jesuit families. You should have received (or will receive soon) a letter from the Parent Partnership asking for your help and letting you know how you can donate. Your generosity of any kind will help our school to reach the 100% goal!
 
Thanks, the Parent Partnership Initiative Chairs.

Just in time for your holiday decorating...the Music Boosters are selling poinsettias in various sizes and colors. Flowers must be pre-ordered and pre-paid by Friday, December 4th using the order form here. Poinsettias must be picked up on Sunday, December 13, 2009 between 11am and 2pm. The monthly Family Mass will be celebrated that Sunday at 10:00am. Why not come for Mass, where you can hear the Liturgical Choir, then pick up your poinsettia?

Senior Parent Information
 
The 2nd planning meeting for the Senior All-Night Party will be held on December 2 at 7:00 PM in the Media Center. Thanks to all who have graciously volunteered to be committee chairpersons. A list of these can be found on the website. All parents interested in helping plan this event are welcome to come. If you can't make this meeting...catch us on January 5th! We will be meeting again at 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria.

Denise Iaquinta

A few reminders:
 
Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Thursday  12/10/09     5:30 pm -8:00 pm
Friday      12/11/09    10:00 am-12:00 NOON
 
Firsts Semester Exams:
Tuesday        01/12/10   English and Math
Wednesday   01/13/10   Foreign Language, Language Arts and Science 
Thursday       01/14/10   Theology and Social Studies
 

Annual Dads' Club Raffle and Pancake Breakfast

Join the Dads' Club for our annual Family Mass, Pancake Breakfast and Raffle on January 24, 2010 at UDJ.

The U of D Jesuit Mothers' Club will hold its annual Focus Hope Gift Wrap / Pot Luck Christmas party on Tuesday December 8th. All Mothers and female guardians are welcome as we begin with Mass in the Chapel at 6:30pm. The event will begin immediately afterward in the Commons around 7:00pm. Please join us as we wrap gifts purchased for the homeroom deliveries and share an evening with friends and fellowship. We are still in need of food donations, desserts, appetizers etc. Please contact Zivile Priebe at zivilep@woway.com. Don’t forget to bring wrapping paper, tape and tags! See you there.

The Parent/Student directory is now available on-line. Parents, you can access this directory using your Cub Classroom username and password; students, you will use your in-school username and password.