New Staff + Other Updates

Dear Parents and Students,
 
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the final weeks of the summer break. I trust you all had a restful and enjoyable summer, and are ready to embark on a new faith-filled, academic journey filled with learning, growth, and success.
This summer was quite busy around school! The gym floor was sanded down to bare wood, repainted, and refinished. The final phase of the roof replacement was completed. There was electrical work, HVAC repairs, parking lot repairs, along with upgrades to our internal network and key card access system, tech lab and classroom flooring replacements. 
We also had some changes in staff over the summer. We are very excited to announce and welcome new members to our Star family! 
 

• Ms. Amy Sperry will be taking over in the PE department along with teaching advanced math to middle school students. Ms. Sperry comes to us after teaching for 30 plus years in Roseville public schools. 
• Ms. Gabrielle Boudreau will be teaching 5^th grade. Ms. Boudreau comes to us after graduating from Oakland University. She also attended Catholic schools (St. Thecla and Regina) for 12 years. 
• Ms. Caroline Colby will be teaching 1^st grade along side Mrs. Ancona. Ms. Colby recently graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. She also attended Catholic schools (Shrine) for 12 years. Ms. Colby’s grandparents are parishioners at Star. 
• Ms. Emma Arrigo will be teaching our new Preschool 3-year-old class. Ms. Arrigo has over 15 years of professional childhood experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. 

Be sure to learn more about our newest staff members throughout the year when they are featured in Sailor’s Corner.
A few other notes regarding staff. Mrs. Morris moved from 4^th grade to 2^nd grade. We are still searching for a 4^th grade teacher. We have some potential prospects and are in the process of hiring a qualified candidate. Prayers are always appreciated, and we trust that Our Lady Star of the Sea will intercede on our behalf and the Lord will provide! 2^nd grade teacher, Mrs. Wila, will return from maternity leave on November 1^st. Her students are in excellent hands with Ms. Joette Liamini (teaching the month of September) and Ms. Patty Sherer (teaching the month of October) who will be her long-term substitute.
 
Remember the school time changes we made for this upcoming year:
School Hours:            
 7:45am - Doors open      
 8:00am - Tardy bell, school begins 
11:00am - AM Preschool dismissal     
3:00pm – Preschool / Young 5 Full day dismissal
3:05pm - Kindergarten – Grade 2 dismissal
3:10pm - Grades 3-8 dismissal     
Half Day Dismissal:  
11:00am - Preschool & Young 5            
12:00pm - Grades K – 8, unless otherwise noted
 
This year, we have many wonderful things planned, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few upcoming key dates:

• 8/25                 Ice Cream Social (immediately following 11:30 am Mass).
• 9/3                   First Day of School (Grades 1-8): Half-day. 12:00 pm dismissal.
• 9/6                   First School Liturgy.
• 9/9                   First Day of School (Preschool, Y5, Kindergarten).
• 9/11                 Back to School Night for parents at 6:30 pm.
• 9/28                 Fall Fest. Catch a Lucky Star!

 
Throughout the year, we will continue to provide updates on additional important events and opportunities for involvement in our school community. 
We are very excited for the coming school year. Our staff is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to working together with all of you to make this year a success.
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make it a great school year!
 
Our Lady Star of the Sea…Pray for Us!
Go Sailors!
  
Yours in Christ,
 
Mr. Barker  
Principal