Saint Leo the Great Catholic School

Spring uniform begins on Monday, April 20. Please see the handbook for proper uniform criteria. Students may continue to wear their school sweater over the polo shirt in cool weather; however other sweatshirts or jackets are not to be worn in class. Please check the length of kilts and jumpers; they should fall at or below the knee.

PRINCIPAL’S REFLECTION
Dear Parents:
One of my favorite poems is called “Children Learn What They Live” written by Dorothy Law Nolte in 1959. Nolte quite simply reminds parents and teachers of their power to shape the minds and hearts of young children. Among Nolte’s observations are: “if a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient, if a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love” as well as “if a child lives with hostility he learns to fight and if a child lives with criticism he learns to condemn.”

The Catholic Church tells us that “parents are the primary educators of their children.” What an awesome responsibility! Certainly raising children is a joyful enterprise. At times, however, it may seem overwhelming.

What are some practical ways that you can pass along your faith to your child?

• Pray with your child in your home – at mealtimes, at bedtime
• Attend Mass with your child and receive the Sacraments regularly
• Model honesty and fairness for your child
• Use everyday experiences to teach your child moral and ethical values
• Always treat others the way you would want your child to treat them
• Remember, that whatever you say and do, your child is likely listening and watching – and learning from you.

As Always, for the children,
Mr. David DiPippa, Principal

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Do Not Worry About Tomorrow—
The same loving Father who cares for you today
will take care of you tomorrow and every day.
-St. Francis de Sales

Thanks & Praise

• To faculty and students who were able to make the Shut-in cards for Lent. Special thanks to Mrs. LaBarge for coordinating this special activity.
• To Mr. and Mrs. Cronin who sponsored our Chess Club this year. Students seemed to enjoy this fun-filled activity.
• To Mrs. Doss, Mrs. Capen, Mrs. Hish and Mrs. Holleran who helped to plan our second grade school-wide mass.

2009 AUCTION GALA "WELCOME SPRING"
Tickets on sale now for the to be held April 24, 2009 at International Country Club. All Tickets must be purchased by April 20, 2009. Cost: $65/person. Visit: www.saintleothegreatschool.org and click on Auction Gala info under the NEWS section for more information or to purchase your tickets online. If you have questions, contact Leanna Furey: furey5@aol.com or 703 352-2313.

AUCTION WINE CELLAR
The wine cellar is shaping up to be a good combination of everyday, nice dinner and special occassion bottles. Some nice wine accessories will be included in this package. There is still time to donate to this collection. Call Vienna Vintner at 703-242-9463 to order by credit card or send a check payable to St. Leo School,
c/o Michelle Baldacci.

ATTENTION MORNING CARPOOLS
When exiting the school parking lot in the morning, PLEASE be aware of pedestrians crossing the parking lot towards the school building and the Crossing Guard’s directions. Please proceed with extreme caution, safety being our primary concern with our student walkers and employees attempting to cross the parking lot to the building.

FROM EXTENDED DAY
March invoice payments are due April 20, the day we come back from Easter vacation to avoid a late fee. Thank you and Happy Easter.

TUESDAY DETENTIONS
Are held in the Vianney Center from 3-4pm with Mrs. Washington. Parents are asked to pick up students at 4 o’clock in the front lobby. If students are not picked up by 4:05pm, they will be checked in to Extended Day. Please note that Extended Day fees will be applied after 4:05pm.

ANNUAL ART SHOW
St Leo’s 3rd Annual Art Show and Fair is on May 5th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Your child’s artwork will be showcased in the Gym. During the event your child’s artwork will be framed and matted for display. This is part of a fundraiser for the PTO in conjunction with KidsArt Fairs. You may CHOOSE to purchase the frame and mat and 20% will come back to the school. However, this event is an opportunity for our parents to see our children’s artwork and purchasing any products is VOLUNTARY. Once the event is over the artwork is returned to your child to bring home. We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event. Any questions please contact Pam Morrison at bempsmsjm@yahoo.com or 703-322-9696 or Kristin Bolster at kbolster@saintleothegreatschool.org

GOLF TOURNAMENT
Start putting together your golf foursomes as you won't want to miss out on the Fourth Annual PTO Golf Tournament, Monday, May 11th at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club. All proceeds go to support our school's technology department. In addition, be sure to order your raffle tickets for a chance to win a week at the Outer Banks in South Nags Head, NC, a 42" LCD HD TV or an 8GB Ipod Nano. Tickets are $10 each. Click here to download your order form. Tickets will be sold through Friday, May 1st with drawing to be held during the golf tournament dinner. You need not be present to win. To see the beach house go to:
http://www.carolinadesigns.com/cdfinal/ASP/INCLUDES/oneprop.asp?propid=704
Any questions? Contact Jack Gallagher at jackgallagher51@hotmail.com]

MOTHERS’ PRAYER GROUP
Please join us for the Mothers' Prayer Group Meetings on April 23, May 14, and June 4, right after morning drop off, in the St. Mark's Room (Parish Hall). We will follow readings from the liturgical calendar, reflections from the book "The Better Part" and prayers for our school, teachers and families. We will end praying The Rosary. For questions, please contact Marcia Capizzani at atmloureiro2002@aol.com. All are welcome.

FROM THE PTO
BOARD POSITIONS Nominations for PTO Board positions are currently being accepted for the 2009-2011 school terms. If you are interested in applying for a Board position, or would like to nominate someone, please contact Mary Beth Crosson as soon as possible at crosson46@yahoo.com. Nominations are due by Monday, April 20th with elections on Thursday, April 30th.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

• Paul VI Girls & Boys Summer Basketball Camp: June 15-19 / July 6-10 for Girls & Boys going into 3rd - 9th grades (9am - 4pm). $180 single camp fee/ $300 for both. Please contact Scott Allen at Coachsallen@aol.com (703-856-7157) to sign-up. Camp is filling up fast.
• St Leo The Great Mini-Hoopsters Basketball Camp: June 22 -26 / July 13-17 for Girls & Boys going into 1st - 3rd grades. $100 Single Camp Fee /$175 for both. Boys 9 am-12 pm / Girls 1pm - 4pm (Mon - Fri). Please contact Scott Allen at Coachsallen@aol.com (703-856-7157) to sign-up. Camp is filling up fast.
• PVI Soccer Camp Summer 2009 - June 22-26, 9-3 pm - all day - ages 7-15 are welcome to attend. For more information call 703-352-0925.
• BISHOP O’CONNELL SOCCER CAMP: Tuckahoe Park, Arlington, VA - June 29-July 2, 9:00am - 3:00pm (8-14 year Olds, $195* includes t-shirt) Morning: Skills, Tactics, Contests and More – Afternoon: Small and Large Sided Play - 1 hour lunch break (bring your own lunch ). For more information, please contact DJOsoccercamp@verizon.net or call 703-894-8844.