"When your children are still small, you must help them to understand what is good. That is the deepest meaning of life."
—St. Paisios of Mount Athos
Church School
Holy Apostles Orthodox Church School has the privilege of leading children ages 2-18 years in their spiritual education while they are present during the church school year (September to May).
We currently offer four classes: a nursery class for children ages 2-5, an Elementary School class for grades K-2nd, a Middle Grade Class for 3rd-6th graders, and a Teen Class for grades 7th-12th. We also offer a Vacation Church School program, typically in the month of July. All classes meet in the Fellowship Hall at various times during Orthros and Liturgy each Sunday.
We have special events throughout the school year, such as our Fall Festival, a St. Nicholas Day Party, Talent Show, and End of the Year Picnic/Awards. There is a children’s library also available to families for use throughout the year, located in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions or would like to join this ministry, please contact Katie Reetzke, our Church School Director.
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Nursery Class
During Divine Liturgy
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Elementary class - (K -2nd grade)
During Divine Liturgy
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Middle School (3rd -5th)
9:30am -10am
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Teen Class
9am - 10am
Chuch school 2023 Newsletter
Dear Parents and Teachers,
Happy New Year! I pray your families had a blessed Nativity celebration and start to a New Year. Below are some important upcoming dates:
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Talent Show: Saturday Feb. 18th at 3pm-5:45pm
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Mrs. Ashley Visits: February (TBA)
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Great Lent: Feb. 27-April 15th
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Creative Arts Festival Entries Due: March 26th to Gail Hiles
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Pascha: April 16th
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Last Day: May 7th or 21st (TBA)
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End of the year Picnic: May 6th or 20th (TBA)
Get your kids ready for the Church School Talent Show Saturday Feb. 18th. Our theme is “Platinum Elvis” to celebrate our new priest, Father Terry. Choose any talent that is 3 minutes or less and sign up on the Fellowship Hall Church School bulletin board or with Katie by Feb. 12th. Bring Elvis themed snacks to share before joining us at Vespers.
Mrs. Ashley will visit classes again to create the final Creative Arts Festival Entries following the theme: "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." (Genesis 1:26) I have attached an explanation of this theme to this email separately. Please look over it and discuss how we are all made in the image of the Holy Trinity with your children at home.
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The end of February will be here before we know it and the beginning of Lent. Please set aside extra time to pray with your children, give alms, and attend the extra Lenten services when you are able. Pick up your family “Food for Hungry People” boxes Sunday Feb. 26th to return after Pascha.
This semester the Middle Grade and Elementary classes are starting OT curriculums, the Teens will be learning more about the Sunday Gospel lessons and reading “Thinking Orthodox” by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou. The Nursery class will continue using the “Let us Attend” Gospel lessons provided by the Archdiocese.
Thank you for entrusting your children’s spiritual education to us, I encourage you to please pray for your children, the teachers, and other students in our Church School. Your example of compassion and love at home and in attending services with them (no matter how “rowdy” they may seem to you) is the most important contributor to your child’s love for God and the Church. If you aren’t aware, there are liturgical themed books, coloring books, and a liturgy sight page set if your child has need of them in the service. We ask that if your child needs a snack during the service to step into the kitchen with them while they eat and return when they are finished. You are all doing wonderfully in bringing your children and teaching them about the faith by living it! Feel free to reach out if you or your children need anything.
In Christ,
Katie Reetzke