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Mercy High School Monthly Parent E-Newsletter -March 2009
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Wit's End . . . notes from the principal
“Top of the mornin’ to ya.”
The correct response:“And the rest of the day to yourself.”
I write this column on March 17th, a day each year when all of us claim to be Irish!Actually I can profess such a claim as authentic.My maternal grandmother was a Fitzpatrick. Enough said!That grandmother, a woman I would have in my life well into my adult years, was truly a blessing. Diminutive in size and gentle in nature, she was a model of strength, courage, and hard work.I think of her often but especially on St. Paddy’s Day.How she loved all things Irish and especially the festivities marking today: the wearin’ of the green, the symbolic shamrock, the parades, the nip of a good Irish whiskey or a half-pint of Guinness, and lastly, the music.So many songs or at least parts of songs and famous melodies are known the world over.
One special song was familiar to me long before I ever understood its context of wartime.“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” was a tune I first heard as a young child.Written in 1912 by Jack Judge and Harry Williams, it became a famous British anthem sung by World War I soldiers as they marched to the Western Front.It tells of a young Irish lad, Paddy, who longs to return to Tipperary, his homeland, and to the girl he loves.The song voiced the hopes of many young soldiers, regardless of their heritage, and singing it united them in the common belief that the war would one day end and they would live to love again.
The town of Tipperary sits in the southwest corner of County Tipperary, Ireland, and its name is taken from the Irish Tiobraid Arann, meaning “well of Ara” (ancient name for the area). A modern interpretation suggests the meaning to be “the fountain of perception or enlightenment; intelligence.”A contemporary Irish poet, Desmond O’Grady, penned a work in 1991 that he titled, simply, “Tipperary”.It opens using the line from the song.
Immediately following, however, O’Grady focuses on the interpretive meaning of the word, Tipperary, a fountain . . . of enlightenment, and for the next sixty-six lines, he describes how important that journey is for each of us. Our path to greater and greater wisdom is valuable and never ending.
Currently, on this particular March 17th, we are mired in some very difficult times with words like cut backs, lay offs, stimulus, bail outs and recovery mixed into our daily conversations.Although I have known the old Irish song for quite some time, I came upon O’Grady’s poem only days ago.Today, the words of that poetry speak to me in a profound way.May they speak to you as well.
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TIPPERARY
Tipperary: from the Irish Tiobraidarann: the fountain of perception or enlightenment, intelligence.
It's a long way to Tipperary,
it's a long way to go - and various.
It's a torture of twists, and about-turns,
disillusions, disappointments.
The way to Tipperary appears
perennially dark with only occasional twilight's.
If you decide to go to Tipperary
set out while you're young, plucky;
at that age when you're bright-eyed and visions
of radiant horizons of revelation and achievement
and you know nothing of twilight's or the dark;
that age when all creation, all life shines clear
as spring sunlight, bright as light-catching gold.
When you set out you must go alone.
There are no maps of the way to Tipperary.
Your only compass is your own heart. Trust that!
Some see their Tipperary clearly from the start;
see it's a long road, full of daily pitfalls,
a labyrinth of curious sidestreets, inviting,
guesthouses; giddy with the temptations
of those bogey people's trinket stalls'
hokeypokey - daily thieves of eternal energy -
easy come, easy go, you've sold your soul,
you've no more choice. They sell bedlam!
Explore all those sidestreets,
enjoy your chosen resthouses,
fool with a few trinkets to learn
something of the way to Tipperary.
The way to Tipperary darkened
with the shadows of all those
who never got there anyway;
those who settled for some resthouse,
some casual trinket thief of time.
Don't let those shadows,
mumbling in their own gloom,
deter or deviate you.
Hold to your main road. Keep going!
Once you've decided to go to Tipperary
you'll realise you no longer belong to yourself
but must keep Tipperary in your sights daily -
although you can't see it. Purpose is all.
Without your Tipperary you too are a mere shadow
at those Limerick Junctions* of daily resolution.
On the way to Tipperary keep your eyes open
for signals of direction, encouragement:
that nod of understanding, comradeship,
a cherishing arm on your pillow. You'll see
beautiful sights on the way to Tipperary;
man's mirage tales, imagination's monuments.
You'll behold the endless vistas, panoramas
of vision. Be curious about them all
for the gracious gifts they will afford you.
Without them you'd live that much the poorer.
It's a long way to Tipperary
and when you get there
nothing awaits you. You'll find no roadsign,
no brassband and welcoming committee
with a proclaiming you're in Tipperary
and a medallion to hang around your neck.
You'll find only what you brought with you
in your heart.
Then, what you must do
is make and leave some record
of what your Tipperary means to you -
as witness for all those behind you
on their ways to their own Tipperaries.
It's a long way to Tipperary
But all our hearts lie there.
by Desmond O'Grady (1991)
*Limerick Junction is a noted railway station near the town.
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Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal
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Spring Musical ~ CRAZY FOR YOU
 We joyfully invite you to Mercy’s spring musical “Crazy for You,” the new Gershwin musical. Although the spring musical always occurs in March, there is nothing usual about this show. Most people are unfamiliar with it and yet almost everyone knows the rich sounds of George and Ira Gershwin’s music. “Crazy for You” is set in the 1930s and parallels the tough economic times we are experiencing now in our economy. It’s this “can do” spirit that is a testimony to the great will of the American people.
“Crazy for You” is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. His domineering mother wants him to go into the family banking business and his fiancée wants him to settle down. Bobby, however, auditions for Mr. Zangler, a Broadway producer, as the Zangler Follies is finishing its season. Unimpressed with Bobby, Zangler pursues Tess, the dance director. Bobby is sent by his mother to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on a rundown theatre. Bobby falls in love with Polly who wants nothing to do with him. He decides to produce a show in Deadrock to revive the town. Zangler and his “Follies” girls come to Deadrock as this high-energy comedy becomes complicated, including mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music. Memorable Gershwin tunes include “Bidin’ My Time,” "The y Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “But Not For Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” "Embraceable You,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Slap That Bass,” and the show-stopping, heart-pounding “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
In preparation for the musical, students were offered the opportunity to take tap classes in the fall. The result is absolutely astonishing. For those who saw “42nd Street” two years ago, this musical has much more tap in it and the intermission number ("I’ve Got Rhythm”) alone, will make you believe it is the finale. The set will amaze you with the outside and inside of the saloon, the theater and the feed store. The inside of the saloon is the largest moveable furniture prop with which we have ever worked. The 1930s limousine, designed by Mr. Ron Sill, was built by the three sisters Chrissy '10, Karen '10and Kelly '12Redmond.They have been working on it since September and itholds 23 people, moves, has workable headlights and even overheats. “Crazy for You” is set for Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and children. For the money, this is truly the best ticket in town.Hope to see you there!
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Mothers Club
ALL MERCY MOMS are invited to join us for our nextgatheringMonday,April 6at 6:30pmin the Media Center.
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DadsClub
Take me out to Comerica Park! Join your daughteron Friday, May 1st at 7:05pm to watch theDetroit Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians. $15 per ticket. CLICK HERE for information and sign up sheet.
FORE! The Dads and Daughters Golf Outing will be held Wednesday, May 20 at Bay Pointe Country Club with a 1:30pm shotgun start. Attending students will be dismissed from school early. CLICK HERE for information and sign up sheet.
Calling ALL MERCY DADS! We welcome and encourage you to come meet, greet, and eat at our nextmeetingApril 7at7:00pm in the Cafeteria.
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AWESOME A U C T I O N
It's official . . .the 30th Annual Mercy Auction was a smashing success! The new venue at the Diamond Center at Rock Financial Showplace was a huge hit and provided an elegantnight on the townfor close to 400 guests of proud PARENTS, students, staff, alumnae, and friends.This important fundraiser filled with Mercy tradition, fine food and drink, and450 silent and live items raised $134,000 for Mercy High School. Even Principal Witte's Wish for new science equipment raised over $10,000!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the entire Auction team of PARENTS, dedicated Chairperson TheresaSaroki, the invaluable Kari Weber, Mercy faculty and staff, and generous Auction guests for making this a beautiful benefit for young Mercy minds. There were plenty of smiling faces Auction night. CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery. And . . .if you didn't get a chance to attend be sure to check out the 2009 Auction Catalog!
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Mercy Moment of the Month
Black History Month Assembly
 On February 26th, Mercy’s Human Relations Council sponsored, produced, and directed the annual assembly as part of Black History Month activities.The assembly is a model of “project based learning” at its best.The 21 elected HRC members developthe assembly fromsetting the theme, doing research, writing the script, recruiting cast and performers from the student body, conducting rehearsals, staging, props, costumes, lighting and sound support. All of this resulted in a 45 minute production that is both educational and entertaining as well as being faithful to the rich contributions of African Americans to our American history.
The theme of the assembly this year was the important role that spirituals played in the lives of African Americans with concentration on slavery lifeandthe exodus from slavery.Over 60 students participated in the production which featured 7 spirituals and one interpretive dance.It was a wonderful tribute and well received by the entireMercy school community.
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Tech Talk
Beware of Spyware!
We have many students come to us in the course of a week with Spyware/Malware infections. In most of these cases students have loaded file sharing programs (LimeWire,FrostWire, etc.), free games software (IcyTowers, etc.) or any variety of media players, screen savers and toolbars. In most of these cases the hard drive has to be re-imaged in order to eliminate the threat. The #1 thing you can do to help prevent this happening to you is to simply not load these programs on your laptop.
The Mercy IT dept has also taken steps to help prevent these incidents by adding in the McAfee Enterprise Anti-Spyware module to all laptops. This program will install as you login to the Mercy network over the next couple of weeks. This will add Spyware/Malware scanning and prevention capabilities to your already existing, school provided McAfee Enterprise Anti-virus software. When you access the internet while at school you are also further protected from Spyware/Malware by the school's firewall and Internet filter. In most cases these kinds of things are not installed on your home network, so you are not as well protected when you go home. This is why it is important for students to be careful about what they install on their laptops and what websites they visit.
Here are some steps you can take to make sure this does not happen to you:
1. Use FireFox instead of Internet Explorer or Safari as your web browser.
2. Make sure your McAfee Anti-Virus is running and up to date.
3. Avoid loading any "free" software on your laptop unless it has been provided by the school.
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Lent is a Timeto . . .Journey Closer to Jesus
 Mercy is taking a Lenten journey guided by six Sophomores Annie Bodien, Hannah Constantakis, Lizzie Flanagan, Meghan Ronayne, Teresa Rotondo, and Mary Kate Vincent. Each week a different symbol is highlighted to raise our conscience so our school communitywill become a place full of the holy that helps us raise our minds and hearts to God.
Here are some of the symbolic prayer pieces. Week one focused on SAND, "During those dark days when I feel alone and see only one footprint in the sand may I remember those are the times you will be carrying me." Week two focused on the CRUCIFIX, "Teach me to be generous as you are, with my smile, and the way I care for your people, help me have the wisdom to recognize my gifts and talents and the courage to share them with my sisters and brothers, the courage to do the right thing even when nobody else will." Week three focused on the BIBLE, "Open our hearts so that we can be touched by your Word in the Bible. Give us the ability to understand your message and the strength to follow your example." Week four focuses on FASTING, "May my small sacrifices in fasting be a way to clear awa y the clutter in my life to see you more clearly."
Next week's symbol is anEMPTY bowl so we may empty ourselves to be filled with Christ's love and the sixth week ofholy weekcenters around a CANDLE in anticipationof the light shining in the darkness so all of us Journey Closer to Jesus.
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Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
IMPORTANT DEADLINES: Mercy's Tuition Assistance Program is based on financial need and an application must be submitted to Private School Aid Service (PSAS). Application forms must be postmarked and mailed to PSAS by April 17. All applicants will be notified by letter at the end of the school year. Named scholarship essays are due in the Development Office by Tuesday, April 7 and all students receiving scholarships will be notified by mail.
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Maid of Erin
 No, her name is not Erin, and it wasn't just luck of the Irish that madeSenior Tara Kristock Irish-AmericanRoyalty. She was crowned the 2009 Maid of Erin Irish American Pageant Queen and appeared along with her courtin the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Detroit.
The Maid of Erin contest,sponsored by the United Irish Societies, was open to contestants of Irish decent between the ages of 17 and 24. During the pageant last month Tara answered questions in front of a crowd at the Gaelic Leagueabout Irish history, personal goals, and showcased a talent. Tara danced one of her favorite Irish dances called the Downfall of Paris. She has beendancing for 12 years with the O'Hare School of Irish Dance in Plymouth and qualified and competed in the World Irish Dancing Championships six times.She competed in the All-Ireland Championship four times, receiving the highest honor of a recall medal for the past three years andearning a 2007 World Championships Recall Medal as well asbeingpart of the 2007 Top Ten Irish Dancers in the Nation.
Tara said, "Competing in the pageant was one of the most thrilling things I've ever done! I was so nervous being one of the youngest contestants, but as soon as the pageant began, my nerves turned into excitement. I will always remember this, and the experiences thatI have had so far have been truly incredible." In addition to winning $1,000, Tara got to partake in plenty of St. Paddy's Day excitement and events including a WJR interview and of course, plenty of dancing. CLICK HERE to read the Detroit Free Press article and see a few more photos ofTara. What a lass!
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Let's Hear it For The STAFF
English and AP Government Teacher Larry Baker has been selected to join the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2009 program which provides a unique forum for Apple and exemplary educators worldwide to exchange ideas and information about the effective uses of new technologies in the creation of engaging learning environments that will promote student achievement and academic scholarship. ADE's are members of a select group of 1,500 education professionals committed to the promise of educational technology in the classroom and beyond. Mr. Baker will attend the ADE Summer Institute in Florida and participate in an exciting week of professional development and collaboration. Mercy is extremely proud of Mr. Baker's innovation and enthusiasm for technology in the classroom.
 Judi Dennisachieved Level 2 certification in Pastoral Ministry by the Archdiocese of Detroit Certification Review Board and the Office for Pastoral Ministries. The granting of this certificate acknowledges her dedication as a pastoral minister and recognizes her professional ability in relationship to the competency-based national standards for pastoral ministers.Mrs. Denniswas honored at an annual Archdiocese event held at Sacred Heart Major Seminary last month and even got to share a smile with Bishop Daniel Flores.THANK YOU, Mrs. Dennis, for all your hard work and dedication toMercy!
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WIKIS SAY WHAT?!
Mr. Baker's American Government classes have been engaged in collaborative learning projects produced entirely with 21st Century technology. The students were required to work with team members to create curriculum on civil rights and civil liberties which they could then teach to their other classmates. The centerpieces of these projects were their "wikis" which allow participants to collaboratively build web content (think Wikipedia). For the Memo, Mr. Baker has showcased three wikis in a Wiki Hall of Fame. Mr. Baker attached two challenge-based learning projects for this course to his successful application for Apple Distinguished Educator Class of '09. He blogs twice a week on educational technology at http://larryrthoughts.blogspot.com/. The authors of these wikis were Sophomores:
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 Freedom of the Press: Stephanie O'Neil, Kelsey Shaw, Hannah Constantakis, Erin Burke, Maria Bargardi, Cara Greenwald
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 School Integration: Mariah Culpepper, Micah Ernest. Jessica Murray, Meredith Barnett, Sabrina Charles and Carolyn Phillip
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 Freedom of Religion: Charlotte Jacques, Maddy Sullivan, Jasmine Garmo, Meghan Ronayne, and Rena Husaynu
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STUDENT SUCCESSES . . . APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE!!
Danielle Morrison '10received the Federation Guild of Music Superior Rating Award and the Farmington Musicale Honorable Mention for piano.
Mary Walle '09performed with the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra March 1st at Orchestra Hall. This performance was recorded and will be broadcast on China's National TV Station to over 500 million people! An archived recording of the concert can be heard by clicking throughthis link to WRCJ 90.9FM.
This year there has been a record number of winners in the poetry writing contest sponsored by the Michigan Council for the Teachers of English. Eight of our juniors and seniors have been selected as CERTIFICATE OF MERIT winners and have qualified for attendance at the Michigan Youth Fine Arts Festival this year in Kalamazoo: Seniors Angela Haddad; Samantha Horsell; Hannah Redigan; Leah Reinhold; Jillian Rozycki; Jackie Winterbottom; Juniors Lisa Carlson '10; Amber Kassa '10.Senior Marissa Martzand Junior Kylie Meyer were awarded Honorable Mention.
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Latest and Greatest from the Alumnae Office
 The 5th Annual Tea for Tuition will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 2-4pm in the Mercy High School Gym. A French flair will be added to the tea, treats, and decorthis year. Spend some time with women who are important in your life byhosting a table of friends and family at this event. $25 per person. Includes tea, snacks, songs, silent auction, and raffle. CLICK HERE for more information and contact Jennifer Starkin the Alumnae Office at 248.476.3270 for more details and to RSVP for this event hosted by the Alumnae Association.
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FHS
The French Honor Society welcomed 18 new members on March 2, 2009 after they gave their 4-6 minute oral report on a region of France including its history, geography, regional specialties and culinary traditions. The students worked in pairs researching a particular region and making a dish from that region. After the presentations, the students tasted and savored all their food specialties at a congratulatory reception immediately following the presentation of the projects. Felicitations to all the new members of the French Honor Society: Allie Babcock '11; Kellie Brue '12; Erin Burke '11; Shannon Carpenter '11; Everlin Guitterez '11; Stacy Hanus '12; Rachel Hatch '11; Ashley Kijek '11; Ashley Lyles '12; Patty Malaney '09; Kiara McCalvin '10; Mackenzie Murphy '11; Stephanie O’Neil '11; Carolyn Philip '11; Maggie Raftery '11; Brittany Rashid 11; Ameisha Tutweiler '11; Samantha Wenson '11.
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Give Me a M, Give Me an E, Give Me a R, Give Me a C, Give Me a Y!
Winter sports teams walked away winners to cap off an amazing season. Way to roll, Bowling! Way to swish, Basketball! Way to shoot and score, Ice Hockey! Check out studentandathlete.com for plenty of Marlin sports coverage and Mercy In The News web page for articles.Spring sports are in action.CLICK HERE to view the Athletics Calendar and even get driving directions.
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Basketball
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Bowling
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Ice Hockey
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District 23 Champions!
Regional Finalists
Sweet 16
CHSL:
All-Academic
Jordan Mueller '09
All-League
Bridget Hickey '09
Jordan Mueller '09
All-League Honorable Mention
Marian Rodriguez '09
Danica Verderbar '09
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Catholic League Champs for
the 2nd year!
CHSL:
All-Academic
Sami Horsell '09
All-League
Jenny Long '09
All-Catholic
Erin Fitzpatrick '10
Shannon King '09
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CHSL:
All-Academic
Natalie Dulzo '09
Katie Martell '09
All-League
Karen Malloure '09
Kristin Malloure '09
All-Catholic
Maura Malone '09
Jessie Buckley '10
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Hockey Weekly
All Academic
Natalie Dulzo '09
Rebecca Guerriero '09
Sophia Juncaj '09
Kristin Malloure '09
Molly Malone '09
Katie Martel '09
Alessi Nehr '09
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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY for the Mother - Daughter Banquet held Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm Novi Sheraton. Tickets are $30 per person and will be on sale through Friday at the reception area before school and the first 5 minutes of each class period. Tables hold up to 12 peopleand if you would like to sit with a particular group, please purchase your tickets together. Any questions? Ask Ms. Jonell Linskey.
TAKE ME TO TARGET - Mercy has received a total of $1,750.13 over the last year from TARGET. THANKS, Parents, for shopping at TARGET and designating Mercy High School to receive 1% of your charge purchases!Keep on hitting that TARGET!
It'll be time to golf in no time! Grab your clubs and a golfing buddyforthe 19th Annual Meg Mallon Golf Outing Monday, August 10th at Western Golf & Country Club. Stay tuned for more details.
Faith on Fridays - There willbe morning Mass at 7:25am on Friday, March 20 and Friday, May 1.
Moms Prayer Circle - Please join a group of Mercy Moms who meet on Monday afternoons from 1:30pm - 2:30pm in the school chapel to pray the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We are dedicated to lifting up in prayer our daughters and the entire faculty, staff, and student body of Mercy High School. We also pray for specific intentions as they are presented to us.
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Snapshots of Mercy
Human Dignity * Mercy * Justice * Service * Option for the Poor
Mercy girls gather to serve others. During the week of March 2 - 5 the Mercy communities around the world participated in Service Awareness Week. Students lent a hand in making over 60 blankets, collected personal products for HUGS of Detroit, and made coloring books for 3 to 8 year old girls on financial literacy. If you have a snapshot of Mercy, please send to jhearle@mhsmi.org.
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Mercy Month Ahead
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Event
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Date / Time
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Location
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Mar20 - 21 / 8:00pm
Mar 22 / 2:00pm
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Auditorium
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| Mother Daughter Banquet |
Mar 24 / 6:30pm |
Sheraton Novi |
| Pizza, Jamz, and Jeans |
Mar30 / 6:00pm |
Cafe |
| SWEEPSTAKES DRIVE |
Mar 31 - Apr 30 |
MHS |
| New Student Information Meeting |
Mar 31 / 7:00pm |
Media Center |
| New Student Registration |
Apr 3 / 3:00pm - 5:30pm |
Media Center |
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Apr 6/ 6:30pm
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Media Center
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Apr 7/ 7:00pm
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Cafe
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| Easter Break |
Apr 9 - 17 *Classes Resume Apr 20
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| TEA for TUITION |
Apr 26 / 2:00pm - 4:00pm |
Gymnasium |
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THANK YOU for taking the time to read the MERCY MEMO. The purpose of this parent newsletter is to inform, enlighten, and entertain.TheAPRIL MEMO will be delivered to your inbox April 23.If you have any questions or want to submit information contactjhearle@mhsmi.org.
Want even more?Click the school year calendarand the Mercy web site. And don't miss all of the latest Mercy In The News articles.Check outthe current announcements, view past issues of the MEMO newsletter, andbrowse the home page yellow boxtolink towhat's happening today @ Mercy.
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