Slow start
doesn't deter Catholic Schools Week spirit
Emily
Prendergast
Catholic Schools Week 2004
kicked off on Jan. 27 with a bang--a bang of bad weather, that is. Monday, Jan. 26 was the previously
scheduled Walk-a-Thon free day, but because all other Metro area schools were
closed, Head of School Miss Elizabeth Kish decided to make up the day on Holy
Thursday. School was then called
off on Tuesday, Jan. 27 because of the snow, getting Catholic Schools Week off
to a slow start.
Because of the snow day, the
Catholic Schools spirit week block scheduled for Jan. 27 was postponed. The block, put on by Student Board, has
been rescheduled for March 30 and will feature a performance by Radical Youth
Invasion, a group based out of Bellevue that gives motivational talks to
teens. "They target issues that
affect teens in a fun way, with a lot of energy. They do crazy things like breaking bricks and tearing apart
phone books," said Student Board moderator Miss Susie Sisson.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28,
although driving conditions were still slightly perilous and the wind whipping
around Omaha was below freezing, teachers braved the early morning cold to get
to school early for the Breakfast of Gratitude for the faculty and staff. Teachers and staff members who had been
with Marian for over 10 years were honored at this breakfast. "It's an occasion where we really feast
on being Catholic educators and celebrate Catholic education here at
Marian. The Board of Directors put
on this great breakfast and we honor the people who have been here for 10, 20
or 30 years," said Kish.
Thursday, Jan. 29 was a
special day for families at Marian.
The annual Grandparent's Day mass started at 9:30 a.m. in the East Gym.
109 grandparents were expected to attend the mass, although the final number
was estimated to be more than that.
The mass included a candle lighting ceremony and a communion reflection
by Claire Zach and her grandparents.
"I guess our big point was
to show how a Catholic school really appreciates the values in the family, and
grandparents are a big part of that," said Campus Ministry director Sr.
Margaret Stratman. "We were happy
with it, and glad so many people came, even with the bad weather. We really appreciated the participation
of the grandparents, doing readings and everything."
The week rounded off with
the senior Synagogue field trip and senior day retreat and the 6th
and 7th grade workshops.
"Overall the whole week went
well. We were pleased with the
results," said Stratman.