Catholic Schools Week is slated for January 27 through February 1 this year.
In honor of the event, St. Matthew’s School in Tyrone has a week filled with various activities planned.
Things will kick off on Sunday, January 27 with mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by an open house and registration for the 2008-09 school year.
Registration will be held in the Gathering Space until 1 p.m.
Students will dress up for the event, wearing their school uniforms to Mass. Following, teachers will be available in their rooms for the open house until 1 p.m.
This event is a great opportunity for new parents and students to meet the staff and see the school.
The public is also invited to attend. Take a walk through the new building and see what this Catholic school is all about.
Father Joseph Orr pointed out that the students at St. Matthew’s come from a variety of backgrounds, including many non-Catholic students.
The St. Matthew mission statement says it is “A Catholic elementary school offering pre-kindergarten through grade six to the children of Tyrone and the surrounding areas. Children of all faiths are welcome into our small, family-centered school environment.
“We believe that the family is the heart of our school community where we help each student grow to his or her full potential academically, spiritually and emotionally as they become a vital member of the family of God in our community.”
All throughout the school week, Parents are invited to have lunch with their kids from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Monday is Teacher’s Choice, Tuesday is first and second grade, Wednesday is third and fourth grade, Thursday is fifth and sixth grade and finally Friday is for Kindergarten parents.
Dress down days will also be held throughout the week. A payment of $1 will cover all dress down days. This benefits the Home School Association.
Special plans for Monday include a special guest, NASA visitor, Charles Zakrzwski at 9 a.m. A special lunch will be held for teachers. Everyone is encouraged to show appreciation for the teaching staff with a card or small gift. For dress down on Monday, everyone is encouraged to wear a mismatched outfit.
On Tuesday, The K-6 classes will choose a new book in the morning. Students will also recognize all parent volunteers. For dress down, everyone is invited to wear a crazy hat.
The main event on Tuesday will be at 1 p.m. when students will participate in a talent show.
Sister Duddy will visit the school and speak with students about her vacation on Wednesday. Also, for dress down, individuals can wear an item of clothing to display their favorite team.
Thursday is Career Day at St. Matthew’s. A few guests will share information about their professions from 9 to 10 a.m.
Everyone is invited to dress down by wearing attire emulating their chosen career.
Also, a visit to the Hollidaysburg YMCA is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m.
Finally, on Friday, it’s Movie Day. Students will enjoy a special movie from 9 to 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to wear pajamas for dress down and relax during the movie.
“This is a time in which we as Christian Catholics focus on our call to evangelize our youth and participate in our greatest evangelization effort which is our Catholic schools,” said Father Orr.
“Today, in our world, it is evident to all of us that our children are suffering the effects of a difficult society. We see in the Godlessness of our day, our children growing up without a sense of worth in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
“This is seen in the violence that is so often a part of young people’s lives and definitely comes across in the self destructive behavior of many of our youth,” Orr continued.
“Since ancient times those who’ve had the wisdom to see have realized a relationship with God is essential in the development of our youth. This is why Catholic Schools, a Christ-centered environment, is seen as such an important ministry within the church and this week we celebrate our involvement in that ministry.”
