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August 4, 2010

Dear Parents and Students of Saint Andrew School,

                It is my honor and pleasure to be with you as we venture into the second decade of Catholic education in the 21^st Century.  At the turn of this century, Catholic educators in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were called to focus on skills that researchers deem essential for our students to develop. Because we live in an age of instant access to information which is disseminated by a global community, the administration and faculty of Saint Andrew School take seriously the call to ensure that our students have what they need. It has caused us to approach learning in a manner very different from the way many of us were taught.
              Our teachers have worked to refine their craft to create a learning environment that challenges our students to be compassionate toward others and responsible for their own behavior and academic learning. The Saint Andrew School faculty is dedicated to the mission of providing a quality, Roman Catholic education for our students.  What this means today, is that we will intentionally focus on student growth in critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, and the students’ ability to work collaboratively and creatively with their peers and teachers.  We do none of this on our own.  We have been blessed with the support of Msgr. Grous, Fr. Sullivan, and Fr. Cusatis, the parish community, our alumni, and many other generous benefactors who see our mission as worthy of their prayerful and financial support.  We also work in concert with the parents and many volunteers who join in this great endeavor.
            The opening of a second first grade homeroom has led to a shift in teaching assignments.  Mrs. Marijo Tomasetti and Mrs. Kearney will teach 1^st grade.  Mrs. Kathy Huff will teach the Preschool and the technology classes for grades K to 3.  Our kindergarteners will be in the care of Mrs. Jennifer Burpoe and Miss Andrescavage.  As in the past, Sister Liz will provide reading support to the children in grades 1 to 5, and Mrs. Mazzone will have the advanced math classes for grades 5 to 8. 
             At Saint Andrew School, the 2010 school year launches the LabLearner® program. The lab is set up and ready to go! (Scroll down to get a glimpse!) This experiential program provides the students with opportunities to explore and experiment.  Lessons are designed to provide a lab experience in one out of every 3 to 4 science classes. The teachers had their training in June, and all agree that this is worth every cent.  Our gratitude runs deep to the many people who made this a possibility for our school; several generous parishioners and alumni, The Sullivan Foundation, Beneficial Bank, Saint Andrew Home and School Association, and the Office of Catholic Education. We still have a need for volunteers to assist teachers in setting up and packing up lab equipment.  If this is something you, your college student, or someone you know might be interested in doing, please call the school office and tell us so!
            Other updates made to the facilities include:

• The completion and furnishing of the Drexel room.  Dedicated to St. Katharine Drexel, this room will be used as a conference room for faculty members and adults in the parish community.  
• The Atrium for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has moved to the room adjacent to Mrs. Colden’s office.  The room has been given a fresh coat of paint by Mr. Robert Hamilton.  Mrs. Meg Dierkes, Mrs. Susan Hamilton and Mrs. Mary Jane Mrazik will provide Catechetical lessons to the PreK4, Kindergarten and First Grade.
• The stage area in Msgr. McGettigan Hall has been renovated by Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Jamison; and it looks awesome!  The sliding stage doors now open and close properly.
• Four classrooms have been designated for new floor coverings; 1A, 3A, 4A and 7A. This work started last Tuesday and will be finished shortly.  Many thanks to the Saint Andrew Home and School Association for taking care of this for us.
• Four lower school classrooms and the nurse’s office have newly painted trim thanks to Mr. Jamison, Mr. Torrance and Mr. Loro.
• In addition to the floors, Home and School funds provided for the installation of sinks and running water in both the Art room and the Science Lab.
• The June 24^th storm left its mark on our buildings.  Windows in the upper school and convent have been replaced. Plans are underway to replace the roof on the upper school which sprung leaks in areas which were previously dry. 

           I look forward to seeing the children on the morning of September 8^th. After all, it is for them that we do what we do.  Parents are invited Back to School on Wednesday evening.  PreK and Kindergarten parents will report to their child’s classrooms at 6:30. There will be a brief meeting for all parents in Msgr. McGettigan Hall at 7:00 PM.  Following this meeting, two half hour sessions will be offered by the teachers in grades 1 to 8.  The science lab, computer lab, art room and Drexel room will be open for all to see.  It is all good, for it is of God!
 
May God be praised in all we do!
 
   
Helen McLean
Principal