Archive for Ursuline Update

Upon my arrival at Ursuline Academy this summer, one of my goals was to spend as much time as possible observing and learning the culture of this great school. I think we would all agree that two hundred and eighty one years is certainly quite a testimony to effectiveness. However, I think all of us also recognize that no human institution is perfect. Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I want to discuss areas where I believe improvement at Ursuline needs to happen sooner rather than later. Read the rest of this entry »

After visiting classrooms last week, I was reminded of how special our children and teachers are. The wonder, curiosity, humor and unchecked honesty of children are so refreshing that one cannot help but be uplifted.

I watched and sometimes participated as the two-year-olds made orange cranberry bread; the three year olds prayed, said the pledge, sang songs, practiced handwriting and painted; the kindergarteners read, wrote in their journals, counted with cubes and created snazzy turkeys; the Pre-K students worked at computers, played housekeeping and shopped at the math center with coins. I asked a lot of questions of the little ones, and they were able to answer each one with enthusiasm, complete honesty, and surprising accuracy with astounding patience for Ms. Shankle’s ignorance. One of them even asked me if I had passed Pre-K! Read the rest of this entry »

Message from the President, 11/17/08

Dear Ursuline Family,

This coming week, seventh and eighth grade girls in Catholic elementary schools make their choices for high school in the first step of the Archdiocesan high school application process. Here at Ursuline, our seventh graders are also completing high school applications. Some of the girls include a paragraph indicating their reasons for choosing Ursuline Academy’s high school. The following paragraph was submitted by one of our former seventh grade students:

Read the rest of this entry »

When we discuss expectations with our teachers at Ursuline Academy, our primary focus, of course, is on classroom teaching. We want our teachers to provide a superior experience for our students, an experience that will help our girls grow intellectually. We want our girls to be challenged to develop their skills and discover that they can transcend their perceived limitations. But we have other demands that we place on our teachers – demands that extend beyond the classroom or the playing fields. Our teachers also help our students grow in all areas of life, meaning that our teachers give more of themselves than the duties that are delineated in their contracts. The fact that our teachers are willing to go above and beyond those expectations should be obvious to anyone who visits our campus. Read the rest of this entry »

Progress reports are due in to the office on Wednesday, Nov. 19, and will be mailed home on Friday, Nov. 21. Please continue to stress the importance of studying each day and putting forth one’s best effort to your daughters,

• Spirit week will be held the week of Nov. 17. More information will be sent home through the homeroom teachers.
• Thanksgiving Holidays will be Nov. 24 – 28. School resumes on Monday, Dec. 1.
• Ursuline will hold a Holiday Girls’ Camp Nov. 24 – 26. Fliers went home last week, but If you need another one, you may pick one up in the office.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Dec. 1 from 2:30 – 5 p.m.

The annual Parents’ Club Christmas Boutique will be held on Dec. 11 and 12. If you or anyone you know would be interested in renting a vendor table and selling Christmas gifts, you may download the registration form from the home page of our Web site.

Message from the President, 11/10/08

Dear Ursuline Family,

What an incredible weekend — LaFete 281, three anniversary class reunions and Homecoming Mass and brunch! On behalf of the Academy, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of those wonderful members of our Ursuline family who contributed to this weekend’s success. The main courtyard looked very beautiful on Friday evening, and, from what I saw and heard, everyone had a terrific time. Special thanks go to Ursuline’s Development Director Mary Lee Harris, and the entire La Fete committee for coordinating the event. If you didn’t take your auction item home on Friday, please give us a call to make arrangements to pick it up.

Ursuline Academy was extremely proud to honor its distinguished alumna, Martha E. Donaldson Jaraba ‘67 at its annual Homecoming Mass this year. I was blessed to be able to spend time with the graduating classes of 1948, 1973 and 1983 at their events on Saturday. I was impressed not only by their accomplishments and sense of sisterhood, but was also tickled and amazed by the stories of their time at Ursuline.

As we celebrate Veteran’s Day tomorrow, we are reminded of the many men and women who have answered the call to serve our great nation. Living up to high standards of duty and honor, our men and women in uniform have served us in times of war and peace. Many of our Ursuline graduates have lived the ideal of Serviam by serving in the armed forces. We thank all of these brave women and all service men and women today for their courage and sacrifice.

Yours in Christ,
Gretchen Zibilich Kane

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, our students (and our faculty) will be voting in Ursuline’s mock presidential elections. Tuesday evening, we will have a special Election Night program at school. Pizza and soda are available for students in the Lions’ Den from 6:30 p.m. until 7:10 p.m. After eating, students will be directed to the auditorium, where we will have, among other activities, a pie-eating contest and a political trivia contest. We will also show CNN’s election results and announce the winners of the Academy’s mock election. Parents are invited to attend, and the evening will be over at 9 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

Message from the President, 11/4/08

Dear Ursuline Family,

Second Harvesters’ Food Drive begins on Monday, Nov. 3, and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 19. Our local food banks are in desperate need of non-perishable food items for the less fortunate in our community. Please send in at least 2 can goods and a $1 donation.

The Rosary is prayed every Tuesday in the Chapel. Please join us.

Eucharistic Adoration will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Chapel.

Friday, Nov. 7 is an 11:30 a.m. dismissal. NO AFTERCARE. La Fete 281 Gala will be held at 8 p.m. in the Courtyard.

Progress reports will be due in to the office on Nov. 19 and will be posted to Ed-line on Nov. 21. Parents, please continue to encourage your children to study daily and always strive to do their very best. Also, continue to check your child’s Ed-line reports.

Thanksgiving Holidays will be Nov. 24 through the 28. School resumes on Monday, Dec. 1.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Nov. 1 from 2:30 until 5 p.m.

Yours in Christ,
Gretchen Z. Kane