St. Mary’s School
April Newsletter
If you happen by the playground you will no doubt notice that our tall
pine tree no longer graces the yard. The tree was a victim to the
strong winds on April 2. The wind blew the tree toward the playground
equipment, but miraculously there was no damage, not even a scratch on
the jungle gym. I don’t use the word “miraculous” lightly. The
playground is dedicated to the memory of Laura Clum. Laura was one of
our students who bravely battled cancer most of her short life. We were
all impressed by her good humor and courage. Several years after her
death, we received a grant for playground equipment. Because of her
love for younger children, the playground was dedicated in her name. I
am pretty sure that when the tree began to fall, Laura was looking down
from Heaven saying, “Oh no, not on my playground!” The heavy trunk fell
in between the slides and stairs and the branches nestled around the
rest of the equipment. The workmen arrived on Monday around 8:00 to
remove the tree and the children were playing on the jungle gym during
the 10:00 recess. And I am sure Laura would appreciate this. Earlier in
the school year, one of the preschool classes pulled a small sapling
from the ground and gave it to their teacher who planted it in a pot.
They have decided to donate their tree to the school to replace the
tree that fell.
The fourth through eighth graders presented a musical version of
“Oliver Twist” on Friday, April 8. The musical was directed by Steve
Blocher. Lauren Wright played Oliver Twist. Jacob Maher and Jaida Kelly
played Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Mann. Landon Kreusch played the despicable
Bill Sikes, and Roman Dircksen portrayed the smarmy Noah Claypole. The
part of the Artful Dodger was played by Isabelle Rammel. Siblings
Carmen and Carlos Badell played the parts of Nancy and Fagin. Students
from the fourth through eighth grades comprised the chorus. We are a
small school and it always amazes me how well our little group of
students sing and perform. We have quite of lot of talent at St.
Mary’s.
Speaking of talent, the fourth annual Spring Spectacular is scheduled
for Monday, April 25. The evening begins with a musical performance by
the cherubs, aka the primary students, and the fourth through eighth
grade students. After the performance all will be invited to come over
to the school. The students’ artwork will be on display, along with the
science fair projects, and computer and keyboard projects. Literally
there will be something for everyone’s interest. The highlight of every
Spring Spectacular is the room sized display. This year’s display is
the “Imaginarium.” I would like to describe the concept, but I have to
admit that I am somewhat at a loss of words, which doesn’t happened
very often! The best way I can describe it is as a surreal trip into
the land of books. All the artwork is in black and white. I can give
you this little insight, I have noticed a black and white sea serpent
peaking around the art room and my class has been “commissioned” to
produce twelve large black and white mushrooms. You will just have to
come and see it for yourself. The one statement I can make without
reserve is you will be totally impressed when you visit the
Imaginarium. The public is welcome to come and enjoy the evening with
us and admission is free.
One of the “perks” of being a primary teacher, is that every now and
then you have the opportunity to test your grasp on sanity. The
production of the mushrooms that I mentioned in the paragraph above was
one of those opportunities. Mrs. Myers asked me to have my class make
twelve large papier mache mushrooms. She asked that they be painted in
black and white with contrasting designs. I am not sure which was the
greater challenge, making papier mache mushrooms with twenty- four
first and second graders, or painting said mushrooms. We spent two days
covering the forms with newspaper and a concoction of flour, water and
school glue. After each art class, I asked the secretary to keep Mr.
Bingham, our custodian away from our room for at least twenty minutes.
I do so hate to see a grown man cry. Painting the mushrooms wasn’t any
less messy. I’m not absolutely sure, but I think some of my students
thought the paint was hand lotion.
I hope you are all enjoying the spring weather. Hopefully we have seen
the last of cold and snow.
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