There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
~Willa Cather
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
~Willa Cather
September 2, 2011
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Dear Parents:
First, let me again thank you for the privilege of getting to participate in the education of your child[ren]. Your commitment to Catholic education is much appreciated.
I write today concerning a matter that impacts our school, our teachers and you as a supporter of our school and as a tuition paying parent. As you may be aware, the collective bargaining agreement with the Federation of Catholic Teachers (the "Federation"), the union that represents the teachers in our school, expired on August 31, 2011.
Unfortunately, after four months of negotiations with the Federation, we have been unable to reach an agreement. Not surprising in these extremely trying economic times, the key issue is wages and the corresponding salary cost/expense for the schools. While the proposal made by the schools is somewhat complex due to the various components that go into a teacher's salary – a Step component (or sometimes referred to as a longevity increase – a built-in increase based on years of service); a Parity component and an across-the-board increase – the fact is that under the school's proposal an average teacher's wages will increase by approximately 2.7% for the 2011/2012 school year and 3.7% for the 2012/2013 school year.
While I wish we could pay more, I think you will agree with me that in these economically trying times increases of 2.7% and 3.7% are extremely generous. I know that many of you are not receiving these levels of increases at your job. I can also share that all other Archdiocese employees have been subject to wage freeze for 2011/2012.
I know that many of you cannot afford increases in tuition that will be necessary to pay for increases of this level – let alone the increases that would be necessary based on the additional 2% to 2.25% the union is asking for on top of what we have offered.
In closing, please know that I will do everything I can to ensure that a new collective bargaining agreement is reached – but not at the expense of seeing additional schools forced to close and/or seeing more children forced out of Catholic education to pay for unrealistic salary increases.
| Very truly yours, Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York |
September 8, 2011
Dear Parents,
As mentioned at the opening meeting there will be registration of students for the Sacraments of
· Baptism (if they have not been baptized before)
· Reconciliation (Grade 2 students)
· First Holy Communion (Grade 3 students)
· Confirmation (7th and 8th grade students – a two year program)
Registration will take place Sunday September 11th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and Sunday September 25th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Anyone who wishes to enroll their child in one of the sacramental programs here at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs must understand that the child is required to attend the 1:00 PM Mass with their fellow classmates here at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church.
Registration will require you to bring your child’s Baptismal certificate. No one can register for a sacrament unless they present the child’s Baptismal certificate.
Third Grade students who will be enrolled for First Holy Communion must have already received the sacrament of Reconciliation in second grade. If they did not they must sign up for The Sacrament of Reconciliation this year and then receive First Holy Communion next year in 4th grade.
Classes for all students receiving the sacraments will begin in October and are listed on the yearly calendar. The yearly calendar has been posted on the blog for your convenience.
Should you have any questions you may address them to me on Sunday when you register your child. Please remember that you must bring your child’s baptismal certificate with you. If you believe that we already have a copy then call the office to have your child’s file checked. Unfortunately, many parents never brought the certificate in with them at the original registration which may have been when your child was enrolling for PreK.
Sincerely,
Andrew G. Woods
XC. Rev. Antonio Almonte, pastor
Ms. Dulce Saville, religion teacher
Mr. Roberto Placido, religion teacher