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Dear HGP Parents:
Welcome back—again! This electronic newsletter, inaugurated last year, will allow us to deliver
monthly news more efficiently to our families each month and will help us save needed resources for
the school and for our environment. Look for this newsletter to be posted during the first week of
the month, September through June.
Anniversary & Service
Our HGP anniversary year concludes with Homecoming, Gala, and the Red Mass the weekend of
September 10-12. I hope you will join us for one or all of these events to mark the unique character
of HGP. Please contact our Institutional Advancement Office for further details.
Our faculty once again began this year with a day of reflection and service to two local service
organizations: Philabundance and Pegasus. For the fourth year, we are also inviting all of our
sophomore fathers and guardians to join their sons in a Retreat and Service Day on Friday,
September 24. Christian Service is a cornerstone of our mission to build community and help
those in need.
Please also take note of a special event this October in our renovated Chapel. Brother John of the
Community of Taize (France) will conduct a Taize Prayer Service on October 14, beginning at
7:30 PM. The public is welcome. Please contact Dan Ryan for further information.
Academic Excellence & the Spiritan World
During July, I had the privilege of a luncheon and visit to
Blackrock College in Dublin, Ireland where I met and
compared notes with Fr. Cormac O‘Brolchain, C. S. Sp.,
President (photo right), and Mr. Alan MacGinty,
Headmaster (photo center). In spite of differences in
educational systems native to the U. S. and Ireland, we do
indeed share at both HGP and Blackrock the strong
insistence on core academic standards and the enthusiastic
sense of a faith-filled community.
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Good service and good citizenship depend on strong academic preparation. One shining example
of our ongoing commitment to high standards and academic excellence is our student success on
the national standards demonstrated in the Advanced Placement Program. Their achievement on
these nationally referenced tests is both broad and deep. On average, at least 60% of our graduating
class achieves a college-certifying grade on an AP test during their careers at HGP. Overall, 181
HGP students sat for 333 AP tests in 20 subject areas last spring. Of that entire group of
sophomores, juniors and seniors, 86% achieved a college-certifying grade; and 61% of the entire
group achieved the two highest grades (4 and 5). Congratulations to the hard-working teachers and
students in all of these AP classes, and of course, to the parents who support them.
HGP students complete a demanding curriculum that prepares them for college and creates more
choices once they get there. Their achievements lead to an impressive array of choices: 92% of the
Class of 2010 received some form of merit-based scholarship. The $22,000,000 in total awards
offered to the class represents, on average, a college tuition discount of more than half for the
schools our graduates are actually attending. We are equally firm in our conviction that the strong
preparation fostered in the classrooms of HGP allows students a greater range of curricular choices
in college, from early admission to grad schools to demanding double majors.
This year, we inaugurate a new course, the Spiritan Seminar, taught by Mr. Joseph Cannon and Fr.
Philip Agber. This course represents another important step in fleshing out our Middle States Goal
of ―Enhancing the Spiritan Character of the school.‖ We also hope to reach out to Spiritan schools
around the world for collaboration in this course. For the freshman class, we have also added a
special class period to their schedules, ―SPA.‖ SPA stands for Student Peer Advisory. Once each
cycle, ninth graders will spend their tenth periods with a faculty proctor and student peer counselors
who will assist them with study and homework questions.
News and Notes
Back to School Night this year will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010, from 7:00 to
9:00 PM. You can look for details via the U. S. mail for this event.
The HGP Cancer Walk will take place on Sunday, October 3, beginning at 8:30 AM. We have
asked our incoming ninth graders to make a special effort to ―get out the walkers‖ on this day.
As always, all of us at HGP thank you for the special trust you place in us for the education of your
sons.
In one Heart and One Mind,
Michael A. O‘Toole
Principal
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Prayer Service Thursday, October 14, 2010, 7:30 PM
Chapel of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
2429 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020
www.holyghostprep.org
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Brother John from the Taizé Community will be visiting the Philadelphia area in October and
will join the HGP Community and the public for prayer on Thursday evening, October 14, at
7:30 PM. Originally from Philadelphia, Brother John has been a member of the Taizé
Community since 1974 and is the author of seven books on scripture and prayer. Taizé is a
meditative prayer service that incorporates simple, repetitive song and chant,
scripture readings, and periods of group silence in a setting of peace and soft light
that fosters communion with God. Further information may be obtained at
www.taize.fr
Dedicated in 1910 as the seminary chapel on the Holy Ghost campus, the Chapel
of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit serves as the center of liturgical life for Holy
Ghost Preparatory School and has recently undergone a substantial renovation to
mark its centennial.
Holy Ghost Prep is located adjacent to Route I-95 in Bensalem, midway between
the Woodhaven and Street Road exits.For further information on the Prayer
Service, please contact Mr. Dan Ryan, Director of Campus Ministry,
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HGP September Athletic Update
On behalf of our coaches, welcome back! We are very excited about the 2010-2011 athletic seasons,
and can‘t wait to see the successes of our student athletes unfold.
A quick reminder to All Families: The 6th Annual HGP CARES (Cancer Awareness Reaches
Everyone's Spirit) Walk will take place on Sunday, October 3 at 8:30 AM. More info:
[email protected] OR via the HGP News and Events Page.
The Varsity Golf Team under Gary Nolan, ‗95 seeks to claim another BAL Title and advance to the
PIAA District One Tournament. They are currently undefeated with wins against Devon,
Jenkintown, Radnor, Unionville and Springfield Montco. This year‘s group looks again to have a
mix of experience and talent that will propel them to the District Championship and qualify for the
PIAA State Team Tournament.
Coach Meistering‘s Cross-Country Team once again looks to continue its dominance in the BAL
and continue the focus of competing for the District One crown. They continue a tradition of being
one of the top teams in the Philadelphia area of any size.
New Soccer Coach Ken Lawson ‗92 is excited about the 2010 campaign. Assisted by Dave
Simpson, Ken and the Firebirds set their goals high for post-season play and the challenges ahead.
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Christian Service Program September Update
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Below is information regarding upcoming service activities. Please share this
information with your son(s). Also, on the service page of the HGP website, you
can find links to lists of both service activities sponsored by HGP throughout the
year and websites of agencies at which your son(s) can volunteer. The link for the verification form
students need to fill out to document their independent service is there too.
If your son(s) has completed service over the summer for the 2010-11 school year, please encourage
him to remit a verification form for it as soon as possible. You will receive an update of your son‘s
progress in fulfilling this year‘s service requirement with each of his first three report cards.
1) Cornwells Elementary School Tutoring
This school, located on Hulmeville Road near HGP, usually requests 3-5 tutors per year. HGP
students will be needed to tutor in 1st -5th grades in subjects such as math or English for one hour/week from
approximately 2:45-3:45 PM. Students MUST be able to arrange their own transportation to Cornwells
School. Sign up with Mr. Fitz after Labor Day if interested. Tutoring usually begins in late September.
2) St. Francis Inn Soup Kitchen Trips
HGP sponsors 2 trips per month (most months) to this facility in the Kensington section of
Philadelphia to help serve the evening meal. Trips occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
Transportation is provided, leaving HGP at 3:40 and returning to campus by 7 PM. There is space for 4
students per trip. This is a popular service experience. Those interested are encouraged to sign-up early,
even for trips in spring, 2011. Trips will begin on Tuesday, September 21st. See Mr. Fitzpatrick if interested.
3) AARP Service Project
On most Tuesday afternoons beginning in mid-September, HGP hosts a small group of senior
citizens who are members of a local AARP chapter. The purpose of the gathering is to provide HGP
students and our older guests the opportunity for inter-generational discussion aimed at breaking down
stereotypes that each age group might have about the other by discussing life experiences. This activity takes
place from 2:30-3:45 in the Fr. Brown Conference Room. Students need not sign-up to participate; rather,
they can simply come to that location at that time.
4) The HGP CARES Walk
This event, which will be held on the HGP track from 9-11 AM on Sunday, October 3rd, is a
fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Students receive 2 service hours by participating. Additional
service hours are available for those who help Mr. Stewart set-up and clean-up from the event. See Mr.
Stewart to volunteer for those tasks. Details about how to sign-up for this event will be announced by Mr.
Stewart at school assemblies and via the daily electronic announcements.
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Freshmen are especially encouraged to take part in the HGP CARES Walk event! We would
like to see 100% freshman class participation! Tell your friends! Tell your neighbors!
5) The Community Service Corps
The CSC is an archdiocesan, high-school service organization of which HGP has a chapter. HGP‘s
chapter organizes students‘ participation in service projects throughout the year including Operation Santa
Claus, a blood drive for the Red Cross, and Hand-in-Hand, a day of activities for those with special needs.
Mrs. Marge Flynn is the moderator of HGP‘s chapter of CSC. The annual membership drive for CSC takes
place in mid-September. Mrs. Flynn will communicate the times/dates at which students can sign-up to join
CSC for this year via the daily electronic announcements.
6) Light the Night for Leukemia/Lymphoma Society
For the past several years, HGP students have volunteered at this fundraising walk/Evening of
Remembrance usually held at Bucks County Community College at the end of September. Students should
stay tuned to daily announcements for more details.
7) IRS Sports Day
Also for the past several years, HGP students have assisted with a day of sports activities planned for
those with special needs by the IRS. This event is held at the IRS site adjacent to the Pepsi Bottling Plant on
Roosevelt Blvd. at Comly Road in far Northeast Philadelphia. The event usually occurs on the 1st or 2nd
Saturday of October. Again stay tuned for more details!
On the horizon…
October usually brings with it several charity walk-a-thons held in places such as Tyler State Park.
Details about these will be publicized to students as they become known.
Also, non-profit agencies sometimes contact HGP looking for volunteers for fall clean-ups of their
grounds. Again, calls for volunteers will go out when received.
Students will be needed to help at the HGP Mothers‘ Guild Craft Fair in November to assist disabled
crafters and those with medical conditions with the unloading and loading of their wares. Students
will not be volunteering to help the Mothers‘ Guild with any set-up for the event or any event
activities. Volunteers will be needed Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon.
Kudos to…
The students and staff who traveled to the Spiritan
Parish in the town of San Juan De La Maguana,
Dominican Republic this past July to run an
activities camp and construct the first stage of a
playground for the children! HGP Maintenance
Director Rich Malley (left), part of the DR troop,
tries out the swings in San Juan De La Maguana in
July!
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Fathers Association News
Join us for the BBQ at the Fieldhouse on September 11th! All Welcome
September 7 Board Meeting 7pm
September 11 Welcome BBQ, Homecoming – Social
September 12 Red Mass September 18 1st Student Government Dance
October 12 Board Meeting 7pm October 16 2nd Student Government Dance
----->TBA NFL Night
October 23 Chapel Clean-up - Support
October 24 Open House- Support- Parking
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August 2010
Dear HGP Moms:
On behalf of Holy Ghost Prep’s Mothers’ Guild, I would like to welcome everyone, especially our New
Moms, to the 2010/2011 HGP school year. As you may have already experienced, or will definitely do so
in the coming weeks, Holy Ghost Prep is a special place for both you and your son.
The first gathering of the Guild will be our Mother’s Tea to be held on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at
11:00 a.m. You will find an invitation and request for RSVP within this mailing. We hope that all of you
will join us to celebrate Mass and share in a lunch reception immediately following. This event provides
a wonderful opportunity for New Moms to meet their fellow Moms and for returning Moms to catch up
with their friends.
The Mothers’ Guild meets monthly during the school year, and I have provided a calendar of these dates,
as well as special events, on the reverse side of this letter. We begin our monthly meetings with the
celebration of Mass at 7:00 p.m., followed by a gathering in the school cafeteria. These meetings are
great way to keep current on what is going on at school, an opportunity to sign up for upcoming events,
and time to sit and enjoy refreshments with your friends. We also host a $100 drawing for all in
attendance, in addition to a 50/50 and craft prizes.
I invite you to read through the all of forms that are enclosed with this mailing. There are MANY
OPPORTUNITIES for you to volunteer at HGP and to become part of our school community. No matter
how much time you can offer, it is truly appreciated and we welcome you to join in the fun.
Please consider joining your fellow HGP Parents at Homecoming Weekend. As you know, the school
has many great activities planned for the weekend of September 10th.
The Gala on Saturday night will
culminate the school’s 50th anniversary and will certainly be an enjoyable evening. For anyone who has
never participated in the Red Mass, to be held on Sunday, September 12th, I strongly encourage you to
attend this special event and experience the Holy Ghost Community as it comes together to celebrate
Mass as One Heart and One Mind.
You should be aware that as of last year, Holy Ghost Prep began working towards paperless
communication. Therefore all additional newsletters will be found via a link in the school’s monthly
newsletter which will be emailed to the address you provided when registering your son.
Once again I welcome you to the Holy Ghost Community and especially the Mothers’ Guild. Should you
have any questions during the course of the year, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Maureen A. Pontarelli
President
(215) 357-5647
HOLY GHOST PREP’S MOTHERS’ GUILD
2010/2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 11, 2010 50th
Anniversary Gala @ 6:00 p.m.
September 12, 2010 HGP Red Mass @ 10:00 a.m.
September 16, 2010 Back to School Night 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
September 19, 2010 Mothers’ Guild Tea @ 11:00 a.m.
October 4, 2010 Mothers’ Guild Monthly Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
October 24, 2010 HGP Open House 11:00 – 2:00 p.m.
November 1, 2010 Mothers’ Guild Monthly Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
November 7, 2010 Ring Mass and Reception @ 10:30 a.m.
November 13-14, 2010 HGP Craft Show
November 22, 2010 Class of 2010 Yearbook Event
December 6, 2010 Mothers’ Guild Christmas Dinner @ 7:00 p.m.
**Please note we do not have a monthly meeting in January
February 7, 2011 Mothers’ Guild Monthly Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
March 7, 2011 Mothers’ Guild Monthly Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
March 12, 2011 Mother/Son Dinner Dance @6:00 p.m.
March 26, 2011 HGP Auction @ 6:00 p.m.
April 4, 2011 Mothers’ Guild Alumni Mom Celebration @ 7:00 p.m.
May 9, 2011 Mothers’ Guild Senior Mom Celebration @ 7:00 p.m.
May 31, 2011 Honors Convocation and Reception @ 7:00 p.m.
June 4, 2011 HGP Graduation and Reception @10:00 a.m.
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The Holy Ghost Prep Mother’s Guild Cordially Invites You to Attend the
HGP Mother’s Tea
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel
A light luncheon will follow in the cafeteria
We hope that all Moms, especially our new Moms,
Will join us for this treasured tradition!
RSVP by September 12, 2010
Maureen Pontarelli 215-357-5647 [email protected]
Heidi Bryk 215-860-2750
Pat Chukala 215-741-1005 [email protected]
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HOLY GHOST PREPARATORY SCHOOL MOTHERS’ GUILD
August 2010
Dear HGP Moms:
Welcome to the Holy Ghost Prep Mothers’ Guild. My name is Patti Domanico and I am
assisting the Holy Ghost Prep Mothers’ Guild as the Membership Chairwoman.
The 2010-2011 year is about to begin. I invite you to join us and share the laughter,
fun, joy and pride that belonging to the Holy Ghost Prep community brings.
We are looking for Mothers who would like to get involved with the Guild. The
Mother’s Guild is responsible for several events during the school year which can not be
successful without your help!
Attached is a sign up sheet listing activities for the fall semester. Our goal is to have
100% participation from our Mothers; so I am asking each of you to volunteer for at least
one function during the school year. Holy Ghost Prep encourages and sincerely appreciates
the generous gifts of time and treasure that you give.
Please email me your response on the attached form at [email protected].
You will receive a reminder via e-mail from the Committee Chairwomen that you have
volunteered to help out with.
Thank you!
Patti Domanico
Membership Chairwoman
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2010-11 HOLY GHOST PREPARATORY SCHOOL MOTHERS’ GUILD ACTIVITY SIGN-UP- First Semester
Mom’s Name___________________________________Phone_______________
Mom’s e-mail__________________________________Cell Phone____________
Son’s Name_______________________________Graduation Year____________
You can count on me, I can help with:
Special Events
_______Open House Oct 24, 2010
_______Junior Ring Ceremony (Sophomore moms) Nov 7, 2010
_______Craft Show Nov 13-14- please check one
_______Bake Table _______Help w Crafters _______Relief Team
_______HGP Cafe _______Nevada Strips _______Decorating
_______Gift Basket Raffle _______Center Stage Craft Auctions _______50/50s
Committees:
_______Telephone- Contacting HGP families
_______Publicity- Get the word out to your local parish community
_______School hospitality- Help set up and serve at school functions
Monthly Guild Meetings:
October 4
November 1
December 6
Please indicate meeting date
_______________Bake and bring cakes/snacks
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_______________Set-up refreshments
_______________Clean-up refreshments
_______________Minister of Holy Communion
_______________Cantor for Mass
_______________Presentation of the Gifts at Mass
_______________Lector at Mass
*Please email Patti Domanico or drop off at the Guild Meetings or mail to my home: please find Patti's
address in the school directory. Thank you!
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HOLY GHOST PREP MOTHERS’ GUILD 2429 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020-5298 Mark your calendars
Dear HGP Moms:
Believe it or not, planning has already begun for the 2010 HGP MOTHERS’ GUILD HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW!
The Craft Show is the major fundraiser sponsored by the HGP Mothers’ Guild each year. This year it will take
place on November 13th and 14th. This is an amazing event with over 130 talented Crafters and thousands of
shoppers each day. In addition, there are games of chance, raffles, and lots of homemade food. It is truly
the most popular Craft Show in the area. Thousands of dollars have been raised over the past years. Profits
from the Craft Show are given directly to the school; thus, the Craft Show directly benefits our sons.
The success of the Craft Show depends on you -- the Moms of HGP. Keep in mind that the Craft Show is not
just work, but a lot of fun for the Moms (and Dads) who give their help and support. It is a great way to make
new friends and to be a part of the HGP family as we continue this great tradition year after year. Look for
our sign-up sheets at the Freshman Tea and October Mothers’ Guild meeting, or you may contact any of the
Committee Chairs directly. We thank you in advance for signing up to work during the Show, or donating
items for our various committees, we couldn’t be successful without YOU!
The listing of each of the Craft Show Committees is included in your mailing, along with a brief description of
the function and needs of each. Feel free to call the Committee Chairs (listed beside the Committee names)
if you have questions or to sign up. Everyone’s help is needed and valued.
Donations of baked goods for the Bake Table may be brought to school on Friday, November 12th.
Volunteers will be working in the Field House all day and evening and will be happy to take your donations.
Please wrap baked goods in clear plastic or holiday wrap with a festive trim. If ALL HGP Moms donate three
(3) baked items, we should have lots of goodies to sell. Our Bake Table is always a huge draw of the crowds
and a great contribution to the Show!
Donations for the Raffle Baskets may be sent to the School Office at any time, beginning in October, or,
you can bring them to the October Mothers’ Guild meeting. You may also send the items in with your sons,
except for wine, which we ask you to bring in yourself. October 31st is the latest date for accepting basket
donations. (If your item is not received by this date, there is no guarantee it will be in the baskets.) Chance
books will be sold at the Mothers’ Guild meetings, HGP events, and at the Craft Show. Alumni Mom’s will get
them mailed home to them as well. Chances will also be available for you to take with you to sell to friends and
family.
Donations for Center Stage: We are looking for a “draw” item for Center Stage. Thanks to generous donors
in the past Shows, we have had a TV, a computer, an X-Box, a PlayStation, a handmade quilt, and a Lenox
Nativity Set! Please call the Center Stage Chairs if you can help with this.
We thank you very much for all of the help and support that you can give to this important fundraiser. The
HGP Family comes through every year and we know that this year will be no exception. If you are new to HGP,
we know you will enjoy being a part of the continuing tradition of successful HGP Craft Shows.
Lucy Forgione, Jenniffer Fox, & Donna Gusty
2010 HGP Holiday Craft Show Co-Chairs
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Holy Ghost Prep
Holiday Craft Show
Beautiful Crafts
Homemade Bake Goods
Delicious Food
Raffles
Saturday, November 13
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
&
Sunday, November 14
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We need your help!
Don’t miss out on the fun - join a committee!
See backside for description of committees and
contact information.
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2010 HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW COMMITTEES
BAKE TABLE - Leanne Murray (215 757 9577)
This committee sells all of the beautiful and delicious home baked goodies generously
donated by HGP Moms and extended families. We ask each HGP Mom to donate 3 home
baked items for this table. This table is very popular with our shoppers and by Sunday
evening, everything is sold! Volunteers are needed on both days to sell the goodies.
CENTER-STAGE CRAFTER’S AUCTION - Barbara Brennan (215 969 5282),
Cathy Poncia (215 962 5931), Sonia Geier (215 815 1299)
This committee is responsible for the collection and display of items donated by our
crafters. Our shoppers purchase tickets to place in tins in front of the items they would
like to win. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Friday, ticket-selling on Saturday and
Sunday. The Moms on this committee have the most fun on Sunday when they pack,
wrap and distribute the winnings.
HGP CAFÉ - Pat Chukala (215 741 1005), Stephanie Bamert (215 237 4944),
Our Café is a popular stop for hungry craft show shoppers. Many volunteers are needed
for this fun committee to run smoothly, and to provide good food and friendly service. At
the HGP Café, having too many cooks in the kitchen is a good thing!
RELIEF TEAM - Kathy Higgins (215 321 1207), Michelle McCormick (267 566
1401) The Relief team is very important and is responsible for bringing coffee or tea and a
donut to each crafter in the morning, taking and delivering crafters’ lunch orders (most are
not able to leave their tables), and providing refreshments to our volunteer Dads and
Moms. They need the largest number of volunteers.
50/50 & Nevada Strips - Dorothy Conway (609 890 0343) Volunteers will be needed to sell 50/50 tickets and Nevada Strips.
GIFT BASKET RAFFLE COMMITTEE - Karen Kearns (215 493 9364) A highlight of our craft show is our wonderful theme-basket raffle. For $1.00 per chance,
the purchaser has the opportunity to win one of the these gorgeous baskets, overflowing
with items in various themes like a Christmas Basket, Home & Hearth, Sports and more.
Donations of items for the baskets are needed as well as volunteers to sell the chances
during the two days of the show. Call Karen if you need ideas for your donations.
DECORATING COMMITTEE - Debra Geoghan (C:267 912 5309/H:215 934 7810)
If you enjoy decorating, this committee needs your ideas and talents. The Moms on this
committee have a great time transforming the field house into a Christmas wonderland
with trees, wreaths and other festive decorations.
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE - Terry Smeraglio (215 860 5778) Spread the word! Put up flyers in stores or at work, put announcements in church
bulletins, or place ads in community sections of local newspapers. All ideas are welcome!
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