April 23, 2010

Dear Parents,

Some dinner time conversation and a life lesson:

The adage, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” was first published in 1546 and is traceable back to 1374, the year of Chaucer. In the 14th century it was written as “He who never undertook anything, never achieved anything.” Either way, this is still sound advice today.

Our students may need an explanation of this advice or perhaps the following stories would help with an explanation (after you explain who the individuals are in the following stories!):

* Decca Records turned down a recording contract with the Beatles with the un-prophetic evaluation, “We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out.” After Decca rejected the Beatles, Columbia records followed suit.
* In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after one performance. He told Presley, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere son. You ought to go back to driving a truck.”
* When Pablo Casals reached 95, a young reporter asked him “Mr. Casals, you are 95 and the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice six hours a day?” Mr. Casals answered, “Because I think I’m making progress.”
* Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded.
And of course there are many other stories of famous people (Abe Lincoln, Michael Jordan, etc) who tried numerous times and failed to break into their profession before they were successful.

Our students need to know that often great success comes only after equally great failure, and that failure, when overcome through persistence and effort, is a valuable lesson that stays with us throughout our life time.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU:

Thanks to all of our parents who volunteered in contributing, setting up, and/or working our Penny Party. The event was a huge success thanks to your involvement.

CAFETERIA PAYMENT:

Effective Monday, May 3, the cafeteria will no longer be able to accept checks. All payments starting May 3 must be made in cash. Be sure when sending any payment that your envelope includes your child’s name, homeroom and cafeteria account number. Thank you.

CAFETERIA REFUND:

If your child will not be returning to St. Andrew next school year, please request in writing a refund from your child’s account if one exist. Thank you.

PLACES TO BE SEEN:

* First Communion Saturday, April 24th
* Living Biographies (grade 4) 9:00am Tuesday, April 27th
* Fine Arts Festival (grade 7:00pm Friday, April 30th
* May Crowning (PK-8) 8:30am Tuesday, May 4th
* K Read-In Friday, May 7th
* Father/Daughter Dance 7:00pm Friday, May 7th
* Recognition Assembly 1:00pm Monday, May 10th
* Mass (5-8) 8:30am Tuesday, May 11th
* PTA Mtg. Tuesday, May 11th
* Mass (1-4) 8:30am Thursday, May 13th
* 2nd grade Read-In Friday, May 14th
* PTA Family Night Bingo, Friday May 14th
* Mass (1-7) 8:30am Tuesday, May 18th
* 8th grade Graduation 6:00pm Tuesday, May 18th
* PK Closings Thursday, May 20th
* K Closings Friday, May 21st
* Awards ceremony (1-3) 9:00am Tuesday, May 25th
* Awards ceremony (4-5) 10:30am Tuesday, May 25th
* Awards ceremony (6-7) 8:30am Thursday, May 27th
* Closing School Mass 9:00am Thursday, May 27th