____________________________________

December 23, 2009

YEARBOOK ORDER DEADLINE EXTENDED
Due to budgetary constraints, this year there is a fee of $40 per book for the Kaydet yearbook. Seniors will receive the yearbook and personalization for free. The actual cost per book to the school is $60 so we are able to offer it to the students at a discounted rate. You may order and pay for the yearbook online – click HERE – there is no shipping cost involved as the books will be delivered to school. January 8, 2010, is the new deadline to order your book.


OFFICE HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK
December 23: Main office and Middle School office close at noon
December 24-January 1: Middle School office is closed
December 24-25: School is closed
December 28-30: Main office is open 8:00 a.m. to noon
December 31-January 1: School is closed
Classes resume on Monday, January 4, 2010

STA BOARD OF TRUSTEES NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
The Board of Trustees solicits your assistance in identifying qualified candidates for consideration in the Board of Trustee nomination process over the next few years. In particular, the board seeks individuals with a passion for the school’s mission.
     Significantly, we welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and reflective of the school’s constituencies. All suggestions should be forwarded to Headmaster Dr. Thomas Mich (tmich@cadets.com) before March 1, 2010.


FREE EVENT AT THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
The VISTA Fine Art Society has organized a free event for history students at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. On Saturday, January 2, 2010, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., two docents from the MIA will lead students on a specially-designed tour of the collection, spotlighting works that are pertinent to the history classes at STA and VIS. 
    This is a free event but it is limited to 30 people. Students and teachers will get first priority, followed by families. There are many things to enjoy at the museum for all ages. The permanent collection is wonderful, the Louvre exhibition should still be up, there is a wonderful children's art lab, and cafes to enjoy. The address of The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is 2400 Third Avenue South.
    Interested students, teachers and families do not need to sign up – just show up at the MIA at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday the 2nd.


COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINE REMINDER
Seniors: Mr. Bjork reminds you submit college applications with December 31 or January 1 deadlines by Wednesday, December 23, to ensure delivery. Contact Mr. Bjork with questions.


CHOIR PERFORMANCE AT STA ON JANUARY 6
The Colgate University’s Men a cappella group will work with our choir and then perform for the students at Formation on Wednesday, January 6. We will have an assembly schedule that day so the performance will be at approximately 10:00 a.m. if you would like to attend.


EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ON JANUARY 8
What a great way to begin the New Year! All are invited to spend time in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament in the STA Chapel on Friday, January 8. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed immediately following 7:30 a.m. Mass, to which all are also welcomed. If you pick up your son at the end of the school day, please consider coming a little early for Benediction at 2:20 p.m. The chapel will be open all day for personal prayer and reflection time; no appointment is necessary.


AUCTION TIME IS COMING SOON!
As part of the 2010 Community Auction we have some very fun wine events planned. Take advantage of the holiday wine sales and purchase an extra favorite bottle or two of wine to donate to the Auction. When making a donation, please download and complete this donation form. 
    Buy your raffle tickets early and get in on the chance to win a new Mazda, $1,000 in cash, tuition for a year or any number of other great prizes. Download the raffle order form.
    Stay tuned for the official “kick off” e-mail in January for all the exciting details of 2010 STA Community Auction! Visit our Auction Web site for more information.
     Please direct any questions to Jodie Whaley at the Auction Office - jwhaley@cadets.com
~ 2010 Auction Chairs, Brian and Peggy Reagan, Dan and Mary Jeanne Schneeman, Eric and Kathy Schneeman, Jim and Mary Waldvogel


HELP US STOP THE CLOSURE OF LAKE DRIVE
    Please plan on attending a meeting at Saint Thomas Academy on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  We need your input, comments, and ideas on how best to communicate our concerns to the City. 
    Complete details about the project are on the Web site.

On behalf of everyone at Saint Thomas Academy,
we hope your family has a safe, peaceful and blessed holiday!

____________________________________

December 18, 2009

SEMESTER ONE EXAMS SCHEDULE
Monday, December 21:
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m.  Period 3
10:15 -- 11:45 a.m. Period 4 or 5a(MS)

Tuesday, December 22:
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m.  Period 5/6
10:15 --11:45 a.m. Period 7

Wednesday, December 23
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m. Period 8

Students have comprehensive final exams in all classes except Leadership, Physical Education and some MS electives. The Media Center and cafeteria are open for study. Parents, please remember that students are expected to take their semester exams at the scheduled time. Students do not need to be at school if they do not have an exam but we request that students do not ask teachers about taking an exam at a different time. December 21-23 are school days.
    All VISTA buses still run on the regular schedule regardless of finals or late start. District 197 buses do not run from December 21-23.


SIX DAYS LEFT TO ORDER A YEARBOOK FOR YOUR SON
Due to budgetary constraints, this year there is a fee of $40 per book for the Kaydet yearbook. Seniors will receive the yearbook and personalization for free. The actual cost per book to the school is $60 so we are able to offer it to the students at a discounted rate. You may order and pay for the yearbook online – click HERE – there is no shipping cost involved as the books will be delivered to school. December 23, 2009 is the deadline to order your book.


OFFICE HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK
December 23: Main office and Middle School office close at noon
December 24-January 1: Middle School office is closed
December 24-25: School is closed
December 28-30: Main office is open 8:00 a.m. to noon
December 31-January 1: School is closed
Classes resume on Monday, January 4, 2010


CADET MAKER – THE ACADEMY BOOKSTORE HOURS
December 21-22: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
December 23: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.


FREE EVENT AT THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
The VISTA Fine Art Society has organized a free event for European History students at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. On Saturday, January 2, 2010, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., two docents from the MIA will lead students on a specially-designed tour of the collection, spotlighting works that are pertinent to the European History classes at STA and VIS. 
    This is a free event but it is limited to 30 people. Students and teachers will get first priority, followed by families. There are many things to enjoy at the museum for all ages. The permanent collection is wonderful, the Louvre exhibition should still be up, there is a wonderful children's art lab, and cafes to enjoy. The address of The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is 2400 Third Avenue South.
    Interested students, teachers and families do not need to sign up – just show up at the MIA at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday the 2nd.


COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINES REMINDER
Seniors: Mr. Bjork reminds you submit college applications with December 31 or January 1 deadlines by Wednesday, December 23, to ensure delivery. See Mr. Bjork with questions.


SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHS
Senior photos can be viewed online at http://www.photographersguild.com.

Contact the studio at 651-646-3239 if you have any questions or concerns about your son's photo. There is no charge for re-takes.

Please be sure to select the pose you would like for the yearbook by January 4, 2010.


CLOSE UP TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Mr. Jurkovich has extended the deadline to sign-up for the Close Up trip to D.C. A generous benefactor has donated money to be used as financial aid for this trip and other student trips; students may pick up a form from Mr. Byrne or Mr. Jurkovich.


CHOIR PERFORMANCE AT STA ON JANUARY 6
The Colgate University’s Men a cappella group will work with our choir and then perform for the students at Formation on Wednesday, January 6. We will have an assembly schedule that day so the performance will be at approximately 10:00 a.m. if you would like to attend.


EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ON JANUARY 8
What a great way to begin the New Year! All are invited to spend time in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament in the STA Chapel on Friday, January 8. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed immediately following 7:30 a.m. Mass, to which all are also welcomed. If you pick up your son at the end of the school day, please consider coming a little early for Benediction at 2:20 p.m. The chapel will be open all day for personal prayer and reflection time; no appointment is necessary.


AUCTION TIME IS COMING SOON!
As part of the 2010 Community Auction we have some very fun wine events planned. Take advantage of the holiday wine sales and purchase an extra favorite bottle or two of wine to donate to the Auction. When making a donation, please download and complete this donation form. 
    Buy your raffle tickets early and get in on the chance to win a new Mazda, $1,000 in cash, tuition for a year or any number of other great prizes. Download the raffle order form.
    Stay tuned for the official “kick off” e-mail in January for all the exciting details of 2010 STA Community Auction! Visit our Auction Web site for more information.
    Thank you to everyone for the great support of the Cadet Incentive program! We had our highest participation rate in years. Company D won the high school contest with 100% participation and the 8th graders won the Middle School contest.
     Please direct any questions to Jodie Whaley at the Auction Office - jwhaley@cadets.com
~ 2010 Auction Chairs, Brian and Peggy Reagan, Dan and Mary Jeanne Schneeman, Eric and Kathy Schneeman, Jim and Mary Waldvogel


MOMS IN TOUCH PRAYER GROUP
Attention Moms! Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms in Touch International, interdenominational, nonprofit organization, gathers moms together to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and schools. Won’t you join with us in prayer every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Parlor at Visitation?
    For more information, call Eva Silva at 651-452-8608 or e-mail at evsilva@comcast.net or visit the MITI Website at MomsInTouch.org.


HELP US STOP THE CLOSURE OF LAKE DRIVE
Please plan on attending a meeting at Saint Thomas Academy on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  We need your input, comments, and ideas on how best to communicate our concerns to the City. 
    Complete details about the project are attached in a PDF document.


STA/VISITATION FRESHMAN FUN NIGHT
This year’s Freshman Fun Night is a collaboration of Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation’s Guidance Departments. The hosts for the evening are our Peer Mentors who are hard at work planning and getting ready for this special event, scheduled for January 15, 2010. Click here for more information


ALUMNI VISIT SEÑORA FOX’S CLASS
Sam Russ ’07 and Michael Daly ’07 spoke to Señora Fox’s Spanish classes on December 15th. They spoke about their study semester in Mexico through Notre Dame. They spoke, in Spanish, of their travels and encouraged the students to take advantage of travel opportunities that present themselves over the years.

____________________________________

December 11, 2009

SEMESTER ONE EXAMS SCHEDULE –
Friday, December 18:
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m.  Period 1 test
10:15 -- 11:45 a.m.  Period 2 test

Monday, December 21:
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m.  Period 3
10:15 -- 11:45 a.m. Period 4 or 5a(MS)

Tuesday, December 22:
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m.  Period 5/6
10:15 --11:45 a.m. Period 7

Wednesday, December 23
8:15 -- 9:45 a.m. Period 8

Students have comprehensive final exams in all classes except Leadership, Physical Education and some MS electives. The Media Center and cafeteria are open for study. Parents, please remember that students are expected to take their semester exams at the scheduled time. Students do not need to be at school if they do not have an exam but we request that students do not ask teachers about taking an exam at a different time. December 18 and 21 - 23 are school days. District 197 buses do not run on these days.

DON’T FORGET TO ORDER A YEARBOOK FOR YOUR SON
    Due to budgetary constraints, this year there is a fee of $40 per book for the Kaydet yearbook. Seniors will receive the yearbook and personalization for free. The actual cost per book to the school is $60 so we are able to offer it to the students at a discounted rate. You may order and pay for the yearbook online – click HERE – there is no shipping cost involved as the books will be delivered to school. December 23, 2009 is the deadline to order your book.


SUPPORT THE AUCTION, FILL OUT YOUR CADET INCENTIVE FORM
   Your son will bring home a “Cadet Incentive” form today. This is your chance to support the 2010 Community Auction by making a donation and/or volunteering. We hope to have 100% parent participation in the Auction and look forward to working with you to have a successful Auction! ~ 2010 Auction Chairs, Brian and Peggy Reagan, Dan and Mary Jeanne Schneeman, Eric and Kathy Schneeman, Jim and Mary Waldvogel


DAY OF REST AND REFLECTION FOR THE MEN OF STA
    You are cordially invited to Saint Thomas Academy’s semi-annual Day of Rest and Reflection, Saturday, December 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The Day is designed to give the men of Saint Thomas Academy—alumni, fathers, students, male faculty members and staff—the chance to spend a morning in prayer and reflection as a spiritual preparation for Christmas.
    Our guest speaker is Father Eric Hollas, OSB, a monk and scholar of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville. 
    Click here for more information about this important event
    Please take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. To reserve a space for the Day (no cost, by the way), please send a response (RSVP) to Father Thomas F.A. O’Brien, the Academy’s Director of Catholic Identity and Mission. Father’s e-mail address is tobrien@cadets.com.


SHOP AT BARNES & NOBLE THIS WEEKEND AND SUPPORT STA
    On Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, the Eagan Barnes & Noble will be sponsoring a Saint Thomas Academy fundraiser to benefit our Pagers independent reading program. Anyone who shops at the store on those two days and presents a voucher to the cashier will channel part of their purchase back to STA.
    Click here for more information and to download the purchase voucher
    There will be a supply of autographed copies of Vince Flynn’s (STA Class of 1984) latest book, Pursuit of Honor, available for purchase by STA patrons only, and, on Saturday, there will be musical performances by two STA musical groups –
the Jazz Combo at 12:30 p.m. and NyAQ (Not Your Average Quartet) at 2:00 p.m.


NORDIC SKI PARENTS MEETING – DECEMBER 14
    Nordic Ski Parents Meeting is Monday, December 14th at 6:00 p.m. in Mr. Loufek's room (Middle School Science). Parents can contact Mark Westlake (mwestlake@cadets.com) with questions.


EXPERIMENTAL VEHICLE TEAM PARENTS MEETING – DECEMBER 14
    Experimental Vehicle Team Parents Meeting is Monday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center Multi-Purpose room. Parents can contact Mark Westlake (mwestlake@cadets.com) with questions.

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHS
Senior photos can be viewed online at http://www.photographersguild.com.

Contact the studio at 651-646-3239 if you have any questions or concerns about your son's photo. There is no charge for re-takes.

Please be sure to select the pose you would like for the yearbook by January 4, 2010.

PARENT DIVERSITY FOCUS GROUP – DECEMBER 17
    On December 17, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Media Center meeting room (Multi-Purpose Room) at Saint Thomas Academy, there will be a “Parent Diversity Focus Group.” This meeting is open to all members of the community. Thoughts, feedback and ideas collected at these meetings will be used in the development of the school’s “Comprehensive Diversity Plan.” We hope is see many of you at the meetings.
    Please send 1SG Fernando Hernandez an e-mail (fhernandez@cadets.com) to let him know you plan to attend.


AUDITIONS FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER SHOW – DECEMBER 17
Click here for more information


FUN EVENING OF BOOT HOCKEY WITH OTHER STA PARENTS –
    The Community Auction Academy Activity, “Let’s Play Boot Hockey!” still has available spots. Please contact Jodie Whaley in the Auction Office at 651-683-1590 or jwhaley@cadets.com to sign up.
    Bring your boots and stick to battle for the boot hockey title on the Steveken Pond. Enjoy the bonfire outside on the rink or watch the games from inside the warming house. Includes dinner and drinks during and after the games.

Donors/Hosts: Vince '84 and Lysa Flynn, Dennis and Julie Gould, Pat '82 and Katie Griffin, Tom and Julie Marks, Louis and Kathleen Martine, John ’84 and Lisa Steveken, Doug ’85 and Meredith Vanasek

Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per person (school fundraiser event via the Auction)
Less than 20 spots remain!


CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT CADET MAKER – THE ACADEMY BOOKSTORE –
    Check off all the items on your Christmas shopping list by visiting the Cadet Maker. Purchase apparel for the entire family, prayer pillows, stationery, cookbooks, jewelry, cocoa, coffee and more during regular store hours: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until exams. Cadet Maker will be open December 18, 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and December 23 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.


CLOSE UP TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
      Mr. Jurkovich has extended the deadline to sign-up for the Close Up trip to D.C.
Click HERE for details.


2010 STA BASEBALL CLINIC FOR TRAVELING PLAYERS 
    The annual clinic will begin in February. The deadline to register is January 24, 2010. Early registration is recommended as space is limited and Coach Weinberg had to turn away people last year. Click here for more information and registration.


BASKETBALL CONCESSION VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
    We invite you to volunteer at the STA basketball concession stand. We need two or three people to help at each game; we will need six to eight people for the Sibley and Cretin Games. Members of the same family are encouraged to work together. Children from the age of 12 years and up enjoy working and are welcome to do so alongside their parents. Click here to access the volunteer form


STAYERS PROGRAM
    There will be no STAyers program during semester exams (December 18-23).
 

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS – 
December 13 – Mother/Son Mass and Brunch at STA ~ 11:00 a.m.
December 16 – VISTA Middle School Christmas Musical ~ 7:00 p.m. at Visitation