The Connection

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

March 18, 2015

Volume 3, Issue 28

www.aquinastars.org

703-491-4447

Dear Parents, Pope Francis speaks of the wisdom of the elderly “of their serene happiness and beautiful countenance.” They love with the heart and show patience in silence. They see and know what forgiveness means especially of praying for ones enemies. The Holy Father asks us to follow them in their example of forbearance and patience. You see, the elderly have lived many years. They know what it is to struggle, to suffer, to go through difficult times and they know joy and gladness. They have counted on the Lord or have returned to the Lord in their journey through life in good times and in bad times. They could teach us many lessons just by the witness of their lives. May we listen ,see and imitate them in tranquility and prayer. We look forward to celebrating our grandparents as a school on May 1st at our annual Grandparents Day musical program. We hope you will be able to join us on this special day. In Jesus Christ our Savior, Sister Martha Ann, O.P.

NOTES FROM SISTER: Convent help needed: The Sisters need help with bundling and bagging small branches and yard debris and taking it to the dump, this Saturday, March 21st from 10am until 12 noon. Please call Sr. Martha Ann at 703-491-4447 if you can help. God Bless! Student Achievements: Congratulations to our Middle School science students who participated in and won multiple awards at the Prince William County Science Fair last Saturday! They are: Sam R,, Georgius K,, Maria M. Claire B., Ben R., Liberty D., Alek O., Gabriella C., Teresa E., Nathan V., and John Paul C. Sam and Georgius won First Place in the category of Engineering. Maria and Teresa took honorable mention in the Engineering category, and 1st Place from ACEF Belvoir Chapter with a $150 prize. Libby won an Honorable Mention in Animal Science and Ben won an Honorable Mention in Physics. Gabriella and Claire got a prestigious award from the Optics and Photonics Society of America. Alex won an Honorable Mention in Chemistry. All of the students representing Aquinas did a great job! Thank you to Mrs. Wage and Ms. Walsh for mentoring our winning Aquinas team and good luck on the upcoming Diocesan Science Fair! Congratulations to Kiara C., a 5th grader, who made it half way through the district spelling bee. We are proud of our students!

THIS LENTEN SEASON: As we observe this holy season of Lent please take note of the following programs:

The Catholicism Series: This series began Monday evening March 2nd. There are 8 more sessions, every Monday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. You can come to all or one. Everyone is welcome. #3 of the Catholicism series is: The Ineffable Mystery of God - That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Thought -- Father Barron considers St. Anselm's description of God as "that than which nothing greater can be thought" and explains St. Thomas Aquinas' arguments which support the claim that God truly exists. He also speaks about the nature of God, as well as the challenging question of evil and the existence of God. Free babysitting will be available in a kindergarten classroom. The Catholicism Series Flyer Any student whose parents come to the Catholicism Series will get an out of uniform the next day – Tuesday. The dates for the Catholicism Series are: March 23rd – March 30th – Skip April 6th – April 13th – April 20th – April 27th – May 4th –May 11th – skip May 18th & May 25th – Last one June 1st.

The Connection (continued)

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

Aquinas Dad’s Retreat: Step back from everyday life to join other Catholic dads for a weekend of prayer, reflection, discussion, and renewal to refocus your family’s journey, on Friday April 24th at the San Damiano Spirituality Life Center in White Post, VA. Please see the attached Dad’s Retreat Flyer for more information. Fathers (and Grandfathers) of Aquinas Students: Please prayerfully consider a men’s program called "That Man is You!" (TMIY). Saturdays at OLA and will continue through Lent. The program brings catholic men together and tackles issues that face us as men, and challenge our faith/leadership in our family lives. Please see the attached That Man is You (TMIY) flyer for more information. Saint John Paul the Great Bioethics curriculum: Have you ever wondered what students are learning in the 4 year Bioethics Curriculum found only at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School? Our very own Sr. Terese Auer, O.P., Bioethics Department Chair, is conducting a mini-series for adults. The last session is Tuesday, March 31: Virtue and Vice, please RSVP to Mr. Jay Jesse at jay.jesse@jpthegreat.org. Free! All are welcome! The session runs from 7 – 8:30pm.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Get away from all those worldly anxieties and take time to just focus on God and each other by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The upcoming weekend is April 17-19, 2015 in Fredericksburg. For more information or to apply, visit our website at: http://renewmarriage-vanorth.org/ or call 703-378-4150. Divine Mercy Chaplet: Come join fellow parents as we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet 2:40pm every Friday at the Mary statue in front of the church.

PTO Park & Pray: As the weather is changing, “Park and Pray” for a few minutes before afternoon pick-up, and visit Jesus in the Adoration Chapel! Time spent before the Holy Eucharist is like a “Spiritual Radiation” that heals and warms the soul! Come inside the chapel and warm yourself, and your heart, in the holy presence of God and pray for the intentions of our Aquinas school community. You may also join PTO Parents in Prayer every Thursday at 2:30 for a silent rosary. Can’t participate every day? No problem! Jesus is always there, waiting with open arms to hold you close to His Sacred Heart. See the Park and Pray flyer.

Prayer for Families: Lord God, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Father, you are Love and Life. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, fountain of divine charity, grant that every family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love. Grant that your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families in the world. Grant that the young may find in the family solid support for their human dignity and for their growth in truth and love. Grant that love, strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of marriage, may prove mightier than all the weakness and trials through which our families sometimes pass. Through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that the Church may fruitfully carry out her worldwide mission in the family and through the family. Through Christ our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for ever and ever. Amen. Save the Date: World Meeting of Families (September 22-27, 2015, in Philadelphia, PA. The world’s largest Catholic gathering of families emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society. See the website for more information.

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calendar Items- Please check the online school calendar weekly for changes

3/19/15 Thursday: Read Across Aquinas- Elementary School

3/21/14 Saturday: Skate Social at Prince William Ice 6:30pm. Buy your tickets

3/26/15 Thursday: Read Across Aquinas- Middle School 3/27 and 3/28 Friday and Saturday: Musical production of The Wizard of Oz-Practice schedule click here. 3/28/15 Saturday: Diocesan Band Festival (Advanced Band)-9am at Bishop Ireton H.S. Student Council Hot Chocolate Sale: Are you coming to the skate social? Before you have fun on the ice,

warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. This Friday, the student council will go to each classroom selling hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate- $0.50 Marshmallows- $0.25

The Connection (continued)

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

Middle School Musical: We’re off to see the wizard and our middle school students perform the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz! There will be two 7 p.m. performances: Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2015, at the Gar-Field High School Auditorium. Pluck up your courage, don’t forget your brain and bring lots of heart to the wonderful land of Oz! General admission tickets are $5 each. Tickets are now on sale at the Front Desk or online!

Volunteers are needed for the middle school musical! Please see the various positions that need to be filled in order to make this a great experience for our students: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C094EA8AF22A1F85-volunteers Elementary school parents have an opportunity to see everything it takes to put on a show before your students reach middle school. The show can't go on without our volunteers! Love Lines: Show your support for our middle school cast and crew by purchasing “Love Lines” to be included in The Wizard of Oz program! To purchase Love Lines, please send an email to: lovelines@aquinastars.org with your Love Lines in the body of the email AND forward payment to the Front Office by 12 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2015. Each Love Line has a maximum of 42 characters and costs $1.00. Please see attached flyer for more details. Cat Costume: Mrs. Riley is looking for anyone who might have a cat costume left from Halloween. Middle School Musical would like to borrow it. Many thanks

Tech Week practice schedule: (Click here to view the latest updated schedule). Tech week are closed rehearsals.

Parents please pick up your student INSIDE the auditorium

At Aquinas Mon 3/23: ALL Munchkins, Mayor, Barrister, Coroner, Dorothy(s), Glinda(s), Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion

JitterbugsS: from 3:30-4:00

At Garfield High School

Tues 3/24:5-8PM ALL CAST AND CREW

5-6:30 -Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Glinda, Toto, Wicked Witch, Miss Gulch, Uncle

Henry, Zeke, Hunk, Hickory, Aunt Em, Professor Marvel, Crows, ALL Munchkins, Apple

Trees

6:30-8 - Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Glinda, Toto, Wicked Witch, Uncle Henry, Zeke, Hunk, Hickory, Aunt Em, Professor Marvel, Jitterbugs, Doorman, Guard, ALL Oz, NIKKO, Winged Monkeys, Winkie Guards, WIZARD of OZ,

Wed 3/25: 5-8PM ALL CAST AND CREW

SAME BREAKDOWN AS TUESDAY

Thurs 3/26: DRESS REHEARSAL

4-10pm -EVERYONE HAS TO BE THERE AT 4:00

CAST (NOT CREW) SHOULD BE DONE AT 9:00

Fri 3/7 and Sat 3/28: 4-10pm

Performance at 7pm Students to arrive at 4pm (Please check instructions given by make up for your individual or group arrival time)

The Connection (continued)

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

Band/Choir Busch Gardens Trip: The final cost for the Band / Choir trip to Busch Gardens has been set at $107. If you made a $60 deposit for your student, the balance due is $47. (Costs have been partially offset by bake sale proceeds and PTO funds.) Students will wear the Aquinas Band/Choir t-shirt, if needed a new t-shirt may be purchased for $5. Only a few bus seats are available. Please see the attached flyer. Aquinas 2015 Yearbooks: Go to- ybpay.lifetouch.com. Enter school code: 8740315 Follow prompts and pay with your credit card. For more information see the attached flyer.

Softcover yearbook: $22 Pre K – Grade 7 Hardcover yearbook: $25 -8th Grade only

Sports

Spring sports: registration is still open but will be closing soon. Please send in all paperwork to Mrs Reale as soon as possible.

Baseball indoor practice is 3/18 at the school from 3:00-5:00 Soccer is 3/25 indoor at the school from 3:00-5:00. Softball is 3/30 indoors at the school after school.

Check the sports website and calendar for game dates and more information.

Popcorn Sale: Friday, March 27 there will be a popcorn sale for Athletics. Popcorn will be available at lunch and recess for all grades. $1 for a cup of popcorn in a souvenir sports cup or .50 for a bag.

PTO ANNOUNCEMENTS

Time-sensitive PTO information is below. We post information about our programs and activities on our website page. Please check in regularly to keep in the loop with on-going PTO programs. Aquinas Skate Social This Saturday! You are invited to the family-friendly Aquinas Skate Social event on Saturday,

March 21, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m!! Aquinas has reserved the whole ice rink so ONLY Aquinas family and friends will be on the ice. Some of our Sisters along with our faculty and staff are known to take the ice, so don’t miss it! Order your tickets today by returning the attached flyer and waiver form to the Front Office, with payment in an envelope marked “Skate Social”. All ticket requests need to be turned in no later than 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 20th. Tickets will be available for pick-up at Prince William Ice Center on March 21st, beginning at 6:00 pm, and will be held at the door under the family’s last name. Please arrive early so you can obtain tickets with your skates and be on the ice at 6:30 pm. Tickets may be

purchased at the door from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ONLY.

Read Across Aquinas: Our school will hold its annual Read Across Aquinas. Elementary school students may come dressed as your favorite storybook character. There are still opportunities for parents to read in the elementary classrooms. If you are interested, please visit the following link to sign up for a spot: http://vols.pt/4TFQNf. This is a great opportunity to come and share a book or two with your student's class!

Elementary School Thursday, March 19 Middle School Thursday, March 26

In addition to the in class readers, the PTO will be having a special performance for the elementary grades by professional storyteller, Gary Lloyd. He will have two separate performances (PK-2nd grade at 8:30 and 3rd-5th grade at 10:00). We are excited to have him come to our school and we invite all parents to come and enjoy the show!

Our Middle School classes will, again, have a Shakespeare performance given by students from Catholic University

The Connection (continued)

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

Fill Our Library Shelves: In association with this year's Read Across Aquinas, we are having a drive to fill our library shelves with new books. If you want to participate, please visit the following link - http://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2SSRQ0NWIUNY1/ref=cm_sw_em_r_wsg_e6LXub0D836CW_wb This Amazon Wishlist has a variety of books (starting as low as $4) that our librarian, Mrs. Beda, would love to be able to offer our students. Once on the site, you can order books to be shipped to Aquinas. Be sure to add your name in the gift message field so that a "donated by" nameplate can be added to the book as a thank you! Aquinas families have already donated over 90 books so far and we want to thank those who have done so! There is still time to donate and make a difference! For more information, please contact Anne.eckman@gmail.com. Family Care Program: Meal Coordinator- Cecille Combs 703-590-0707. Please see the PTO page of the school website for more information about this program.

Parents in Prayer

Let Us Pray:

For the sister of Sister Martha Ann, Sister Mary Rita, for a speedy recovery from surgery. For Blanca Ortiz, grandmother of Adrian D., that she be restored to full health. For the grandfather of Justin, Garrett and Evan F. that he is restored to full health. For the repose of the soul of Austin Hu, grandfather of Anastasia, Bernadette, Cecilia and Felicity R. For Aiden and Jeremiah Friason, brothers of Christopher C. and Nicklas F. that they be restored to full health. For the repose of the soul of Stevanna Karlinchak, grandmother of Michael K. For Mary Lenz and Sharon Crane, grandmothers of Rosie L, that they be restored to full health. For Anina Davis, mother of Audrey D., that she be restored to full health. For Kristen Grasser, cousin to Teresa and Erin E. for the safety and safe return from deployment. For Garland Collins, great-grandfather of Brooke C., that he be restored to full health. For Edmund Stawski, grandfather of Gabriella and Madeline S., that he be restored to full health. For Shawn McNulty, father of Kiernan, Faith, Maeve and Killian M., that his recovery from surgery is complete. For the repose of the soul of James Howard Doty, grandfather of Liberty D. For the repose of the soul of Robert Moss, father of Samantha M. For Samuel Carlos, grandfather of Samantha R., that he be taken care of during and after surgery. For Doug Irwin, grandfather of Kayley B., that his recovery from surgery is complete and he is restored to full health. For the repose of the soul of Maria Theresa Londres, mother of David and Bianca L. For the special intentions of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School. For the repose of the soul of Catie and Audrey G.’s grandfather. For our Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions:

Universal: That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person.

Evangelization: That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always.

Prayer intentions for inclusion in the weekly connection may be sent to Naomi Zeray Daniel at naomidaniel28@gmail.com

The Connection (continued)

-St Thomas Aquinas Regional School admits students of any race, color, or national origin.

OTHER John Paul Open House: Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School will host their Spring Open House on Thursday, March 19 from 4 – 6pm. Designed for younger students who want to preview high school, but all are welcome to attend. Meet JP teachers and students. Presentation at 4:15pm in the Theater. Pre-registrations welcome: www.jpthegreat.org or admissions@jpthegreat.org. Applications for admission and financial aid are still being accepted for the 2015-2016 school year. Valid through March 31, 2015: Boy Scout Mulch Sale: Boy Scouts Troop 501 is selling two types of mulch to beautify your home: Double Shredded Hardwood Mulch (brown) and Color Enhanced Red Mulch in 2 cubic feet bags. Both are available for purchase on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis at Freedom High School, 15201 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge. Mulch sales are this Saturday, March 21st, from 1-4 p.m. and Sunday, March 22nd, from 1-3 p.m. Contact Scoutmaster Justin Youtz for questions: justinyoutz@hotmail.com Paul VI Catholic High School Chili Cook-off: Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the PVI cafeteria. There will be LIVE Music - games for the little ones and GREAT CHILI submitted by PVI friends and families. Judges are from local Restaurants, special guests, PVI Administration and our very own Father Kelly! Proceeds will support our Mission Team going to Bánica: 45 students will travel this June to work along-side the people of Bánica. All donations are welcomed and appreciated ($8.00 per person donation suggested). If you would like to submit a pot of chili please contact Campusminsitry@paulvi.net

The Connection Flyers Skate Social Flyer and Waiver Yearbook Flyer Band/Choir trip form