149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● info@njcatholic.org ●www.njcatholic.org

ISSUES:

PRIORITY #1 - Nonpublic school transportation. The ceiling for nonpublic school transportation has been frozen at $884.00 since the 2007-2008 school year. This situation means that districts and/or private bus operators cannot bid routes at beyond $884.00 per pupil. Please note the enclosed Talking Points for discussing nonpublic school busing with legislators and other interested individuals.

PRIORITY #2 - Governor Christie’s proposed 2018 Budget cut $9 million from nonpublic school aid reducing if from $95.5 million to $86.5 million. Included in the cuts were the elimination of the entire Nonpublic School Security Program which had been funded at $50.00 per student and the elimination of increases in nonpublic school nursing services and technology aid. Please note the enclosed talking points for discussing these accounts with legislators and other interested individuals.

OUR The New Jersey Catholic Conference and the New Jersey Network of Catholic School POSITION: Families seek:

1. To increase the $884.00 by moving funds currently in the Fiscal Year 2018 Governor’s Budget. This is the major issue for the Catholic schools.

2. To restore the $9 million removed from the nonpublic school accounts in the Governor’s Budget at least to the level of funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations Act.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN:

1. Call, write, or email the members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee (see enclosed list) and ask them to increase the $884.00 to compensate for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases over the last 11 years. If your district does not have legislators on either of the Committees, call, write, or email your legislator and ask that they speak with members of those two committees in order to increase the funding. This task could be accomplished by shifting funds in the current Governor’s Budget without increasing the overall budget.

2. Call, write, or email the members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee (c.f. enclosed list) and ask them to restore the cuts in nursing, technology, and security for the 2017-2018 school year. If your district does not have legislators on either of the Committees, call, write, or email your legislator and ask that they speak with members of those two committees in order to restore this aid.

THIS IS NOT A ONE AND DONE CAMPAIGN. WE WILL NEED TO FOLLOW-UP A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS IN ORDER THAT THE ISSUES REMAIN A PRIORITY IN THE MINDS OF THE LEGISLATORS.

You may use the New Jersey Catholic Conference Faith in Action - Voter Voice system which can be accessed at:

https://www.votervoice.net/NJCC/Campaigns/51277/Respond

THANK YOU To all those who donated/helped to make our

Grandparent Candy Bar Bingo such a great success!

Christine Galindo—Chair, Grandparent’s Club

Members of our Grandparent Club Committee:

Sally Ortiz, Mary Forman, Debbie Porter, Clorinda Scarfo, Filamena Andringa, Roe Bersani, and Rose Otto

Bob Galindo and Louis Ortiz

Fran and Pat Bottino

Our St. Mary School Parent Volunteers: Christine Bersani, Dana Elentrio, Melissa Barnes, Jenn Ortiz, Clorinda McBride, Bree Madden, Melissa Otto,

Jackie Esposito, Jen Cesare

WaWa

Philly Pretzel Factory, Williamstown

Mrs. Mancuso

St. Mary School Faculty and Staff

Fr. Mazz and Our Lady of Peace Parish

Fr. Chris

Joe Kern and Phil Scarfo

Deacon Mike and Deacon John

AND ESPECIALLY ALL OF OUR GRANDPARENTS AND PARENTS!!!!

Congratulations to the following students:

Amelia DePaul K1 Marissa Klepac K2 Aiden McBride 1A Nathan Russell 1B Christian Russell 2A Jacob McGee 2B Jocelyn Esposito 3A Mason Walls 3B Alivia Mauz 4A Elizabeth Drahos 4B Nolan Hewitt 5A Alex Hernandez 5B Alaina Smith 6A Kathleen Kelly 6B Tess Hanson 7A Jeffrey Puri 7B Jace Sardoma 8A Jacob Daunoras 8B

HOUSE POINT WINNERS 2016-2017

House of Saint Patrick Nolan Allison

House of Saint Valentine Grady Reilly

House of Saint Joseph Christian Kulach

House of Saint Francis Hope Nkemneme

House of Saint Theresa Gabriella Bottino

House of Saint Elizabeth Craig Scharlach

House of Saint Dominic Lauren Vincenti

House of Saint Joan of Arc Emily Simon

House of Servant Maria Esperanza Alexander Scimeca

The division winners for highest points

Division 1 House of St. Joseph

Division 2 House of St. Theresa

Division 3 House of Servant Maria Esperanza

Spring Pictures were sent home with all students last week. Please return payments or pictures to school asap.

You may also select your favorites and pay online:

1. Go to mylifetouch.com

2. Log in with your Portrait ID and Access Code, located on your portrait package insert.

3. Select which sheets you want to purchase and pay on-line.

4. Please return unpurchased portraits to school.

Thank you!

LENTEN REMINDER

RICE BOWL DONATIONS ARE DUE BACK TO SCHOOL ON OR

BEFORE, TUESDAY, APRIL 11TH.

PLEASE RETURN DONATIONS BY CASH OR CHECK MADE OUT

TO OUR LADY OF PEACE PARISH.

THANK YOU!

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

NEEDED

St. Mary School is looking for substitute teachers. If you or someone you know has teaching experience and at least 60 college credits, please contact the main office. Please note that it is now diocesan policy that substitute teachers go through a Criminal History Background Check and CAP Program. We will be in touch with you regarding the proper procedure.

Coming Soon…The Saint Mary School Annual Talent Show!

Attention all students in grades 4 – 8: Are you ready to sing? Are you ready to dance? Are you ready to show us your talent? It’s that time of year again! Our annual SMS Talent Show will be held on Wednesday, May 10th! If you are planning to be in the show, please save the date!

Auditions: Tuesday, April 11th 2:45 – 4:00. Songs must be appropriate to be heard in our school (karaoke type accompaniment only for Singing Acts). All CDs should be labeled with the student’s name and the song. All Acts are restricted to 3 minutes or under. Students may only participate in one Act. Group forms must include each participant parent’s signature and should be stapled and handed in together. If two or more groups should choose the same song, it will be based on a first come, first serve basis. No repeats! No exceptions! If you are playing an instrument, the title of the piece is needed along with the type of instrument you will be playing. You may use the school’s piano, but all other equipment must be provided for your Act.

Host Auditions: Wednesday, April 5th from 2:45-3:30.

Dress Rehearsals: Wednesday, April 26th and Wednesday, May 3rd

We are looking forward to another fun and successful year with our SMS Talent Show! Please see one of us if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Mrs. Bryson and Mrs. Silvestro

Talent Show Form Please bring this to Auditions.

Name: ___________________________________________ Homeroom: _____________ Talent you will be performing: __________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Title/Artist of Music: _________________________________ _______________________________________________ Names of other Group Members: ________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ I have checked that the music and lyrics I am submitting are appropriate. Student Signature: __________________________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________________ All forms/music/lyrics are to be submitted to Mrs. Silvestro and Mrs. Bryson at the time of Auditions. Late entries will

not be accepted.

Talent Show Auditions

Name: _________________________________

Homeroom: _____

Date you wish to audition:

Wednesday, April 5th (Host only)

Tuesday, April 11th

Please return this to Mrs. Bryson (4B) or Mrs. Silvestro (K1) by Tuesday, April 4th.

DESIGNER BAG BINGO Friday, April 21st 7-10pm

(Doors open at 5:30pm) Ladies!!! Come join us for a night of Bingo for Coach Bags and 50/50. Get all your girlfriends together for a FUN GIRLS NIGHT OUT!! Bring your favorite drinks & appetizers for you and your friends to share, and come to the Assumption Hall at St. Mary’s School Gym of Our Lady of Peace Parish for a fabulous evening of Coach Bag FUN! We will be playing 10 games of Bingo plus Specials—winner of each game will receive a Beautiful Coach, Michael Kors or Vera Bradley Bag. Also try your luck at our 50/50. Tickets are $25 per person which includes 10 games of bingo plus 1 special. Additional games can be purchased along with dabbers. Make your check payable to: Our Lady of Peace Parish (OLOPP). Tables are forming fast! Tickets will be sold until it sells out!! Stop by the Parish Center to get tickets or send your money into St. Mary’s School with COACH BAG BINGO tickets on envelope. Any questions, please contact Loren Laughlin at the Parish Center 856-629-6142. Looking forward to seeing you there!! ———————————————————————————————— Name: _________________________________ # of tickets: _______ Child’s Name/Grade that tickets are to be sent home with: __________________________________________________________ *(If sitting with someone – please put their name so we can put you at same table)

iRace4Vocations

WilliamstownHigh/Middle

School Complex

SUNDAYAPRIL 30TH

1 PM MASS | 3PM RACE

The Offi ce of Vocations & The Knights of Columbus Present

OUTDOOR MASS | 5K RUN | 1 MILE WALK | FREE PICNIC

REGISTER FOR FREE:camdenPRIEST.org/irace4vocations/

SUMMER WILL BE HERE SOON! Register NOW for Vacation Bible School

Join us for Our Christmas in July VBS Unwrap the True Meaning of Christmas Our Lady of Peace Parish is proud to announce that we will be holding our

Fourteenth Annual Vacation Bible School July 10th - July 14th.

VBS will be held from 9 am to Noon each day (Friday from 9am to 1pm) and is intended for children ages 4-10 (age as of October 1, 2017).

Registration is $45 per child. Please note that we are accepting only 100 children so that we can provide the highest

quality of education, attention and fun!

For information or to obtain a registration form,

Visit www.OLOPP-VBS.org Or contact Karen Grant at OLOPP.VBS@gmail.com or 856-262-3002.

Registration forms can also be found on the racks in the entryway of the church

OLOPP --- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION Our Lady of Peace Parish is excited to announce, our fourteenth annual Vacation Bible School -- JULY 10TH - JULY 14TH. VBS will be held from 9AM-12PM each day (Friday 9AM-1PM), and is intended for children 4-10 (age as of October 1, 2017). Please note that we are accepting only 100 children so that we can provide the highest quality of education, attention and fun!!The registration deadline is June 23rd. Please note that registration forms received after the deadline will not be accepted. As we anticipate a huge response, we are basing acceptance to the program upon the receipt date of the registration and tuition, which is $45 per child*. Checks are to be made payable to Our Lady of Peace Parish

and sent to or dropped off with the completed registration to: Karen Grant 740 Tutor Lane Williamstown, NJ 08094 Attn: VBS OLOPP.VBS@gmail.com0*Please note: Registration fees are non-refundable

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - STUDENT REGISTRATION (Please fill form out in entirety before submitting. Please print.)

Family information : Last Name: ____________________ Parents’/Guardians’ First Names: __________&__________ Street Address: __________________ City: __________________ State: _______ Zip: ________ Phone Numbers: Home: ________________ Work: ________________ Cell: ________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Emergency Contact: Name: _________________________ Number: _______________________ Children information : #1) Last Name: _________________________ #2) Last Name: ___________________________ First Name: _________________________ First Name: ___________________________ Nickname: __________________________ Nickname: ____________________________ Birth date: __________________________ Birth date: ____________________________ Grade entering in September: __________ Grade entering in September: ____________ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ If yes, explain: __________________________ If yes, explain: __________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ #3) Last Name: _________________________ #4) Last Name: ___________________________ First Name: _________________________ First Name: ___________________________ Nickname: __________________________ Nickname: ____________________________ Birth date: __________________________ Birth date: ____________________________ Grade entering in September: __________ Grade entering in September: ____________ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Food Allergies: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ Special Needs: (check √) Yes__ No__ If yes, explain: _________________________ If yes, explain: __________________________ ______________________________________ _______________________________________ Amount Enclosed: ____________

We can be sure that we love God’s children when we love God and do what He has commanded. 1 John 5:2 The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe environment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to comply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years. CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. Adults are taught that children have the right to be safe, strong and free. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees. CAP 2 is called CAP’s Bullying Prevention Program and is a workshop addressing bullying awareness and bullying prevention. Cyber-bullying is also presented. CAP 3 is called Cyber-Empowerment and is a workshop which promotes adults understanding of cyber activity of youth while teaching them realistic ways to help children keep their own rights and guard the rights of others in the cyber-sphere. Each presentation is 90 minutes. Adults who are new employees or volunteers should attend CAP 1 before attending CAP 2 or CAP 3. After five years, adults have the option of attending CAP 1, 2 or 3 when they renew their CAP. The following sessions will be offered in April 2017: CAP Phase 1

Wednesday, April 5th

7:00 PM

Holy Trinity School 1215 Delsea Dr. Westville Grove

Tuesday, April 25th 2:30 PM Catholic Charities (Training Room)

1845 Haddon Ave. Camden

Friday, April 28th 12:30 PM Bishop McHugh School

2221 Rt. 9 North, Cape May Court House CAP Phase 2

Thursday, April 27th 7PM Wildwood Catholic (Doherty Rm, 2nd Fl.)

1500 Central Ave. Wildwood CAP Phase 3: There is no CAP 3 session offered for the month of April. The CAP schedule, location, phone numbers and directions may be found on the Diocesan website www.camdendiocese.org/cyp. READ CAREFULLY: To register for CAP, please call the CAP REGISTRATION LINE at the Office of Child and Youth Protection: 856-583-6165, or you may contact Maryellen Schell at maryellen.schell@camdendiocese.org. Please leave your name and the date of the session you plan to attend. You will not receive a call back. We ask that you register at least five days in advance of your scheduled session. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OR SCHOOL DIRECTLY

631 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102 ● (856) 583-6115 (phone) ● (856) 583-1045 (fax) ● www.camdendiocese.org

DIOCESE OF CAMDEN Office of Child and Youth Protection