St. Thomas Newsletter - May 20, 2008
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Thank You for Supporting Our School |
On behalf of the St. Thomas the Apostle School community, I would
like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the
parents, parishioners, sponsors, donors, and many, many others who
gave their time, talent, and treasure to make this year's Auction
and Raffle a tremendous success! We couldn't do it without
everyone's help and support. We are very pleased to announce that
the Auction netted $20,400 and the Raffle netted $6,168! These funds
help pay for our continued operating expenses and keep tuition down.
In addition, $2,650 is allocated from these benefits in support of
our technology plan and stage refurbishment. More will be announced
about these projects shortly, but needless to say, your support has
been great, and we look forward to continued growth at St. Thomas
the Apostle School.
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End of the Fiscal Year |
As we begin to conclude this school year, I ask each family to
review their most recent tuition statement. Please contact our
Parish Business Manager, Laurette Ahlemeyer, at 439-4951 x 101, if
you should have any question. Most importantly, we would ask that
you make arrangements to pay any outstanding tuition balance on or
before May 31. 2008.
As of today, we have collected $62,000 less in tuition this year
than what was pledged by our current families. That is a big deficit
for any school. Fr. Berberian, the School Board, and Mr. Kane create
an operational budget based upon these tuition pledges. We rely upon
each family to practice fair and responsible stewardship, including
the payment of tuition.
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On a Very Personal Note |
Many families have heard over the past few weeks that my wife,
Kathleen, was diagnosed with breast cancer. First, thank you for
your prayers, words of support and encouragement, and offers of
help. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and very welcome.
It is during times like these that the spirit of St. Thomas the
Apostle School enters fully into one's heart.
Since the diagnosis, Kathleen has had two surgeries, a few
complications, and we've both been on a very emotional
roller-coaster. We expect to begin chemotherapy treatment in the
beginning of June.
Right now, the prognosis is good, but we still need everyone to
pray, not only for the Kanes, but for all our school families, many
of whom have gone through or are going through similar challenges. I
feel selfish when I ask for prayers only for myself or my family
because I hold in my heart the life stories of so many families who
have confided in me and need your prayers as well.
Over the past month, the faculty has been amazing. I have been out
more than I have been in, and in my absence, our teachers, and
especially Mrs. Valenti, have been pulling "double duty." I am very
thankful for all of them. Please be patient as the school year winds
down. If things go wrong, many times it's because I am not here. I
want to be here, but sometimes I just can't be. I need to be
somewhere else right now.
This will be over soon, and Kathleen will be fine. Life will be
different for us, but it will still be good. I know God is with us,
and I have so much faith in the power of prayer.
Thank you for listening to me babble. I have so much I want to say,
but can't right now. Thank you for giving us everything we need.
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