Dear Parents and Students
(download the welcome letter)

Carpe Diem!

es, it's time to Seize-the-Day!
This is your final year at Good Shepherd Catholic School so make it a memorable one.  This year will be filled with a lot of hard work, preparation for high school and many fun activities, so keep your energy up, your motivation high.

The year will begin as usual. The students have selected a class song, “Where Is It Written” that will carry them through the year. A class sweater will be designed by the students, a color will be selected and the sweater ordered in late September. The cost of the sweaters run about $26 and students are allowed to wear them on all uniform days. The sweaters are given out during a morning assembly and this is the first of many Rights-of-Passage for the 8th grade students.

Mid October is also the month that I have a mandatory parent's meeting. During this meeting I discuss the high school application process. Each 8th grade student must be represented by a parent/guardian.

Late October is also the month of the Annual Saints Day Parade and Halloween House. The 8th grade will host the day which includes helping the PreK through 3rd grade select and dress as their saint, write the program, select the prayers and songs serve as host/ess. Each class will then be escorted through the Haunted House decorated and haunted by the 8th grade.

As the holiday season approaches, the class will plan the Annual Faculty Thanksgiving Luncheon. We began this tradition many years ago as a way to say thank you to the faculty and staff for all their dedication to Good Shepherd. The 8th grade will plan the menu, cook the food, decorate O'Ryan Hall, serve the lunch, entertain and clean-up. Each year, the faculty and staff eagerly await this luncheon.

December, of course, is a short but festive month.  The Annual Door Decorating Contest will keep us busy as will preparation for the Christmas Program. This is a time of giving so, I hope to arrange community service activities.

The New Year is greeted by Science Fair, the 8th grade debate, and final cram sessions for the high school entrance exams.

The end of January and the beginning of February is Catholic School's Week in which we celebrate the community, our families and our school in a host of activities.

As the cold winter months come to an end, March brings us close to spring and reception of high school letters.  This is a stressful time and I will do my best to ease their stress level. March also means the 8th Grade Spring Musical, Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast".  After months of preparation, the students are ready to dance and sing for family, friends and schoolmates.

April is a time to celebrate Our Lord’s resurrection, Easter Sunday. We will also work on the Shakespeare Festival.

May flowers will be given to Mary, Our Lady, during the Annual May Procession and Crowning. As we get close to graduation, it is time to arrange the graduation dinner party. The Walk-a-Thon is also in May which means it's time for the annual Teachers verses the 8th grade volleyball game. (This year, the teachers are going to win)

And finally June is here; the month of the retreat, Disneyland, Culminating Activity, practicing for the Baccalaureate Mass, our special lunch together, the 8th grade Breakfast, Graduation and our good-byes.

So, Carpe Diem!

Mrs. Widmann