School opened on September 5 for our 205 students. Our seventeen students from All Saints’ Parish had a new blue van complete with seat belts waiting to transport them. Many hours of hard work were done by Steve and Nancy Rayhawk to obtain this needed service for the children.
On September 12 at 2 o’clock, the entire school assembled at church for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. Monsgr. Peet was the celebrant. He inspired all by his homily on the essence of a successful school year. The children presented symbols of schoolwork at the Offertory and the petitions stressed the desire for a harmonious and happy year. Sister Herbert was the recipient of a spiritual bouquet and many heartfelt thanks for her twelve years of teaching at St. Roch. (Sister has several new jobs here this year.)
Barbara Dorris is teaching physical education to the kindergarten through third grade. Her emphasis is on body awareness and movement. Her noncompetitive games and exercises are aimed at developing coordination and self assurance. Studies have shown that physical skills have a direct effect upon a student’s reading and writing skills. Our teacher for the fourth through eight grades, Joan Crawford, has been sidelined by illness. All wish her a speedy recovery. Helen McCarthy is taking her place. (It is interesting to note that both Barb and Helen are St. Roch graduates.)
Mr. Mike Grady, our seventh grade homeroom teacher, is involved in writing a book. Prof. Richard Nault of Washington U. has been working on a comparison of Catholic and public schools in Canada. Mike has already written a chapter for the book and will be flying to Canada with Prof. Nault for more research in October.
Sam Green is president of the School Association for this year. He and his officers are open to all suggestions and volunteers. John Fitzgerald is once again: head of the Youth Activities Council. Anyone interested in coaching a team should contact John. Mike Hart is in charge, of the gym. Pat Fizgerald is the mini-course coordinator. Mary Watkins is organizing: Great Books and library workers.
There are lots of dates to remember this month. October 5 and 6 are holidays because of the Teachers’ Institute. October 7 will be the Century Club dinner. Tickets are $1.00. This money supports the sports and arts programs at St. Roch. It’s a fun evening as well as being vital to our school. Contact Larry Glynn or the rectory for tickets. The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered on October 22 at 2 o’clock for all fifth through eighth graders.
Originally published in The Paper, October 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1978_10.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
