Good afternoon!
We are excited to begin classes this coming week!!! Thank you again for your willingness to serve as a Catechist!
Just a few reminders for you as things get started and we welcome students on the first day! Some of these are repeats from our email last week but several are new! Please take some time to read through them.
First Day of Class: Reminder! Classes begin this coming Sunday and Monday!
- Sunday, September 19th: 1 pm and 3 pm
- 1st - 5th Grade
- Monday, September 20th: 5 pm
- 1st - 5th Grade
Please plan to arrive at least 15 -20 minutes early to check-in and pick up all necessary forms!
The First Week: SOME CHANGES!!!!!
- Grades 1 - 5:
- The first day for our 1st - 5th graders is our Open House! Normally we would begin in the church and then dismiss to the classrooms for a meet and greet and crafts, but.... we are having the floors replaced in the Religious Education hallway (HOORAY!) so we will remain in the church for the entire session on our first day!
- We will be sending home with the students a service project, "Letters for Rose". You will find them on your chairs when you arrive in the church. Please distribute them at the end of the session after Meredith explains them.
Access to Weekly Lessons:
- As we mentioned in the Orientation Video, this year we will have all of your lesson materials available online as well as in a binder within the classrooms! You can access the lessons, by grade level, on our website. Please see below for a link to the website as well as password information.
- In addition, each week a video will be provided for you that outlines the lesson plan and includes any videos that you will show in class that week (if applicable). These videos have been created to help with your lesson flow and technology needs! Ms. Deanna explained the videos in the Orientation video and will be available each week to help you, as needed.
NOTE: These videos do not replace your teaching and leading the lessons as outlined in the lesson plans. They are simply an overview for the students of what to expect for class each week as well as contain any video content referenced within the lesson plans.
- A helpful hint:
- The videos are PPT presentations saved as movie files so we can run them through our Apple tvs. Ms. Deanna will have the videos set to play for you at the beginning of class. Simply pause the video when you need time to discuss that particular topic and unpause when you are ready to move on. Pretend it is like clicking through a PPT presentation, but instead of clicking on each slide, you will pause and unpause when you are ready to move forward to a new part of your lesson.
Behavior Expectations:
- Ms. Marge has created a wonderful Behavior Expectation Poster that encourages positive behavior from our students!! She has also made a video with some helpful tips on how to set your expectations of the students on the first day of class in a kind and loving way! The posters will be hung in each classroom and you can watch the video on the link below. The poster is also attached for you to see!
Volunteer Orientation Video:
- Below you will find a link to our Volunteer Orientation Video. Please take the time to watch it. There are many exciting changes this year!
Volunteer Handbook:
- Below you will also find attached our Volunteer Handbook for your reference. It covers in-depth what we discussed in the Volunteer Orientation Video.
COVID Directives:
- St. James follows the directives from both the State and local government, Archdiocese of Detroit, and Novi Public Schools regarding CVOD-19 protocols. Due to the recent directives from Oakland County Schools, all students, parents, and volunteers are required to wear masks upon entering the church and during all religious education classes- regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your patience with us as we continue to monitor the ever-changing dynamics of the directives that are in place.
Childcare Forms:
- We offer childcare for our Volunteers during Religious Education classes. If you are in need of childcare, please complete the attached form and submit it to Maureen O'Brien (email below).
Parish Safe Security:
- Just a reminder that the following forms/classes are required of volunteers by the Archdioceses. These forms will be available on the first day of Religious Education. I've also attached them here for your convenience.
- Protecting God's Children- this workshop needs to be completed ONE TIME only. If you need to complete it, we are offering training at St. James on Wednesday, October 27th from 6 pm - 9 pm. Please see the attached form for registration information.
- Background Check: All volunteers are required to submit a yearly background check. Please complete the highlighted sections of the attached form to authorize the background check. All forms can be dropped at the Religious Education Office or emailed to Maureen.
- Code of Conduct: Please review the attached Code of Conduct and sign the verification form. These forms will also be available on the first day of classes!
Please check-in at the volunteer desk on the first day of classes to complete the necessary forms!
Again, thank you for volunteering!!!
Many blessings to you all!
Meredith Skowronski
Director of Religious Education
