September School News

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Our year is off to a great start. Refreshed and eager students returned after the long summer ready to take on the challenges of another exciting school year. We had a gratifying turn-out of parents at our Back-To-School Night. We were pleased to welcome many new families to our school. Our teachers did a wonderful job explaining their goals and expectations for the academic year.

Welcome Breakfast. Kindergarten and all new parents were welcomed to the Christ the King community with a hearty breakfast, hosted by our energetic Parent Board. Our 8th graders followed Father Antonio's prayer with a beautiful rendition of Holiness is Faithfulness. The Kindergarten class entertained with Rise and Shine and other songs they had learned in their first month of school. Everyone enjoyed the 6th and 7th graders' favorites from The Wizard of Oz (Somewhere Over the Rainbow) and the Sound of Music (Do-ADeer). We were honored to have Vivian Florian accompany the children on the piano. Vivian is an accomplished pianist who studied at the Paris Conservatory and has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and even the White House!

New Technology. SMART Boards were so successful in the upper grades that we have now expanded their use to grades 1 through 4. This transformative new technology is enabling our teachers and students to take advantage of the latest interactive teaching methods and materials. The installation of these SMART Boards was made possible in part by the Riordan Foundation, the proceeds from our booths at the Larchmont Fair and by the generous donations from our parents.

Classical Languages and Literature. This year, we have added a new class to the Junior High curriculum. Students will be studying Latin and Greek language and literature. This is aimed to improve their vocabulary and reading skills and give them a greater familiarity with the roots of Western civilization.

San Gennaro Festival September 19 is the feast of San Gennaro (also known as St. Januarius) the selfless bishop of Naples who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. He is the patron saint of our beloved pastor's home town. A number of families turned out for the 8th annual San Gennaro Festival last weekend. They enjoyed good food, music and games. Many thanks to the parents who donated their time to help out at the Christ the King booth. We are very grateful also to our acolytes, Julian Graham , Paolo Joachin, Judith Kim, Jonathan Lim, Thomas Roe and Timothy Roe who helped lead the procession along Hollywood Boulevard and then assisted Bishop Clark and Father Antonio at the outdoor Mass.

Sports Program. Our football and volleyball teams have started their seasons with great enthusiasm. We wish them success!

Autumn Eve Dinner Dance. We are now preparing for our sixth annual Autumn Eve dinner dance which will be held in the Wilshire Country Club on Saturday, November 7. This year's theme is Monte Carlo Night. Please save the date.