FROM THE PRINCIPAL: HGP NEWSLETTER

February 2013 Dear Parents and Guardians: I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the winter months. This time of year is always interesting for students as certain elements of the school year end and others begin. The focus of seniors is on completing their academic requirements as they make decisions about colleges and new adventures. Juniors are finding their place as upperclassmen leaders, while they finalize their academic schedule and begin the college search. Sophomores are moving from being HGPs students to young college-bound men. And even though freshmen are still finding their place on campus, soon they will be viewed as experts when the class of 2017 looks to them for leadership and understanding.

Important Academic Events and Schedules Our freshmen will explore the essential connections between the Spiritans and St. Katharine Drexel on the morning of February 6 with a program at the Drexel Shrine just south of us on Bristol Pike. Students who ride public or private school buses will be transported from school that day. If you or someone else drives your son to school, you may bring him directly to the shrine by 8:00 AM. Thanks to our Spiritan community, Fr. Jeff, Fr. Chris, Fr. Philip, and Brother Joe, for this special prayer and education effort. Students will return to school later in the morning that day. Another HGP effort to cross barriers continues in February with our second Parent Education and Communication Series. The date is Wednesday February 6, at 7:00 and 8:00 PM, coinciding with Spring Sports Registration Night. Parents of Juniors and Seniors please note: this is opportunity #2 (of 3) to fulfill the parental attendance requirement for your son to be eligible to go to the prom. The topic of the discussion is Bullying and will take place in the Dining Hall. Course planning and registration pick up steam this month. Juniors will be meeting with Mrs. Carmine, Mrs. Iuliano and me to plan their schedules. Department chairs are currently presenting students with required and elective choices for next year at school assemblies. Signed junior schedules are due to Mrs. Carmine’s office by February 25. In keeping with our college prep academic philosophy, current sophomores and freshmen have more specific requirements and need to complete their schedules by February 28. The complete schedule follows this letter.

Personal Development Congratulations to Mrs. Vilsmeier and all of the students selected for All Catholic Chorus, All Catholic Orchestra, and All Catholic Band! All Catholic Chorus: Sean Jordan, Andrew Salamone, Antonio Gil, Mario Nicastro, Scott Ramirez All Catholic Orchestra: Brendan Massello, Alexander Deolo All Catholic Orchestra: Vincent Pillinger, Eric Ghildyal, Gregory Price, Marc Connuck, Collin Quigley This accomplishment is a true recognition of the students’ personal development, love of music, and overall diligence. Mrs. Vilsmeier and a select group of her music students braved the snow on Monday, January 28 to perform at Our Lady of Grace and Holy Family Regional School.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Danilak

Global Vision Holy Ghost Visits Ireland

By Kathy Posey

On January 19, 2013, fourteen students from Holy Ghost Prep went to tour Ireland for a

cultural, historical experience with Dr. Patricia O’Connor and Mrs. Kathy Posey.

The trip started in Dublin, where we toured St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College,

seeing the Book of Kells. We also visited

Blackrock College, the Spiritan high school in

Dublin, beautifully located on the Irish Sea. The

boys enjoyed their lunch and tour of the school

with the students. Later in the afternoon, the boys

participated in a discussion with the students and

the principal, Mr. Alan MacGinty, who was

interested in the boys’ impressions of the

strengths and weaknesses of our two Spiritan

schools. He challenged our boys to participate in

their St. Patrick Project to raise funds for community service at Blackrock and at Holy

Ghost. The boys were delighted to meet their brothers there. That night the travelers had

dinner in Temple Bar and met Will Begley (HGP class of ’11) who is currently in school at

Trinity College, and who first experienced Ireland with HGP on a similar trip in 2010.

From there, we rode the bus to the other side of Ireland. In Galway, we stayed in the center

of town in Eyre Square. A college town and arts center, Galway afforded the boys the

opportunity to mix with the locals and to see the street performers. The next day we

visited some truly iconic sights: Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. We also toured the

Burren, the arid mountainous area where Oliver Cromwell banished the Catholics.

Described as having “not enough wood to hang a man, not enough water to drown a man,

and not enough soil to bury a man,” the boys gained a better picture of a very sad period in

Irish history.

Next on the tour was Killarney. In the evening we went to a restaurant and enjoyed some

traditional Irish music. But the highlight of the

evening was when the singer asked for volunteers, and

Bill Gibson took the guitar as Connor Muldowney sang

"I will Survive." (Killarney will never be the same.)

The next day, the boys took a jaunting carriage ride

and saw the impressive lakes and mountains

throughout Killarney National Park. They also visited

Ross Castle.

We then traveled to Cork where we visited

Queenstown, the port from which most of the Irish

immigration occurred. The exhibit retells the heartbreaking story of the famine ships

which left Cork with inadequate food and supplies. Many of the people died enroute,

explaining the name of their transportation, “coffin ships.” While heart wrenching, it is

very much a part of Irish-American history. We also learned about the Lusitania which

crashed just off the coast, and the stories of the Irish who ran into the sea to help the

survivors.

Next stop on the tour was Blarney Castle where the boys climbed the 127 steps to kiss the

Blarney Stone, forever granting them the gift of gab. Judging from their eloquence, some of

them must have had relatives that did already. Next stop was Cahir Castle, and from there

we visited St. Patrick’s Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, a famous 13th century Gothic cathedral

which is now a famous archeological site.

The final stop of our trip was the Irish National Stud Farm in Kildare where we saw the

country’s thoroughbred horse breeding facility.

We soon understood the traditional Irish love of

horses. One horse, Invincible Spirit, is worth

over six million euros. Also located in that

facility is a lovely Japanese Garden that we

sauntered through.

Our tour ended back in Dublin with Mass at the

Pro Cathedral followed by a quick dinner and

stroll on O’Connell Street and Temple Bar. The

boys paused for me to take our last picture under the sign for the Leprechaun Museum.

The next morning we took an early flight back to JFK.

We all agreed that it was a wonderful trip. I asked the boys about their favorite sites and

their impressions of the trip. John Dott said that the Cliffs of Moher was his favorite. Most

of the boys liked their day at Blackrock the best. Daniel Martin said it best: “The trip

helped me discover a broader realm outside of our school community. Meeting our fellow

Spiritan students at Blackrock College and engaging with them in their service activity

inspired me to keep striving for the better.” Despite the distance, the boys felt right at

home with their Spiritan brothers.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM UPDATE

Below is information regarding upcoming service opportunities. Please review it with

your son(s) and encourage him/them to participate whenever possible. Information about

service projects is announced at lunch, at morning meetings, in the daily announcements,

and through flyers posted on the service bulletin board on the second floor of Cornwells

Hall. If your son(s) has already completed service applicable to this school year, please

ensure that your son(s) has obtained a service verification form, completed it, and remitted

it to me. Verification forms are available on the Service page of the school’s website –

www.holyghostprep.org - along with the Program’s Brochure and a listing of

approved volunteer agencies and internet links to some.

Upcoming Service Opportunities

1) Bowling for Libertae

Due to the success of its January Bowl-A-Thon, this Bensalem-based agency which

helps women break the cycle of addiction will be holding a 2nd such fundraiser on Saturday,

March 9th from 7-10 PM at Pike Lanes in Southampton. Students must garner $30 in

pledges in order to bowl and earn 3 service hours. Interested students should obtain a

pledge form from Mr. Fitzpatrick.

2) Saint Charles Basketball

Students are needed to act as buddies for children with special needs as they play

basketball at neighboring St. Charles Borromeo Parish’s gym. Games are played on Sunday

evenings from 5-7 PM. No basketball experience required, just patience and a desire to

have fun. SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR GAMES IN MARCH.

3) Saint Francis Inn

HGP will send 4 students to this Philadelphia soup kitchen to help serve the evening

meal. A van will leave HGP at 3:40 and return @ 7 PM. Students who are interested in this

service project should sign up with Mr. Fitzpatrick. The next trips will occur on February

5th and 19th. Students may bring casual clothes into which to change.

4) Holy Family Regional School

HGP will send students to this Levittown School on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of most

months to assist with the after-school CARES program. Van transportation will leave HGP

@2:50 and return circa 5:30. See Mr. Fitzpatrick to sign-up and obtain a permission form.

The next trip will occur on February 21st.

5) Taste of Mission Trip to West Virginia

Last call!! 8 spots are still available for seniors and juniors to travel to WV March 26-

30 to assist with home rehabilitation and/or disaster relief work. Cost is approximately

$250. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Interested students

should see Mr. Fitzpatrick for an informational handout/contract. Students are responsible

for making up work given on the two days of school missed due to the trip. This trip

completely fulfills the 20-hour service requirement for juniors and seniors.

ON THE HORIZON

1) Special People in the Northeast (SPIN) will be hosting a 5K race near its NE Philadelphia

site (near Flyers’ Skatezone) on April 14th. SPIN is seeking 15-20 volunteers to assist with

set-up and coordination of tasks during the race. Volunteers are needed from 6:30 AM to

11:00 AM

2) Also on April 14th, Water for Waslala will be sponsoring its annual 5K walk/fundraiser to

defray the cost of potable water projects in western Nicaragua. HGP is one of WFW’s most

significant supporters. Each year, Mr. Eckerle organizes a formidable HGP contingent to

participate.

3) Libertae Half-Way House is also seeking male, high-school-aged models for its Spring

Fashion Show on April 25th.

NB – Sometimes, HGP learns of service projects in the interim between publications of this

monthly bulletin. So, it is important that students listen to announcements and check the

PowerPoint presentation in the dining hall for additional service opportunities.

Thank you for your attention to this update. If you have any questions about the Service

Program, please contact me via e-mail me at jfitzpatrick@holyghostprep.org

Respectfully,

Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Eckerle

Athletics

Spring Sports Registration Night and Mandatory Concussion

Education/Baseline Testing The Spring Sports Registration Night will be Wednesday, February 6

th at 7pm and 8pm. Please

visit the HGP Athletics page on the web (www.holyghostprep.org/athletics) and read the

important information so that you are eligible to try out.

The mandatory concussion education series will continue on Monday, February 25th

. All

students who have NOT participated in a fall or winter sport are required to attend. Parents are

strongly encouraged to attend. The evening will begin at 6pm in Chapman Arena with the

educational presentation. Following the presentation, students will take the IMPACT Baseline

Concussion test.

HGP Honors 11 at the Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet On January 26

th, HGP honored 11 inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the annual Hall of

Fame Banquet held at the Maltese Room. Congratulations to HGP graduates Nick Balara, ’04

(Soccer), Brendan Flynn ’00 (Lacrosse), Eric Holt ’03 (Golf), Mark Naples ’80 (Baseball,

Soccer), Richard Petroni ’02 (Golf), Jack Shouldis ’89 (Basketball, Soccer), Mike Snyder ’97

(Track & Field), Bryant Smith ’99 (Basketball) and Paul Worthington ’04 (Ice Hockey).

Congratulations to staff inductees Tom Finnegan, Asst. Basketball Coach 1991 to present, and

Jim Stewart, Director of Athletics 1992 to present.

Bowling tied for First Place The Varsity Bowling team continues to improve in league play and is tied with Bristol for first

place as the last week of the season is upon us. The team’s total game record is 28-8 overall and

20-4 in the BAL.

On January 26th

, the team completed in the PA Regional Qualifiers in Reading, PA and placed

4th overall. Congratulations to Nick Keddie ‘15 on qualifying to the Singles Championships in

March.

Six bowlers have qualified for the BAL Post Season Tournament as well: Greg Stewart ‘13 (2nd

highest average in the league), Nick Keddie ‘15 Eric Michaels ‘14, Ryan Market ‘13, Matt

Heineman ‘15, and Francis Harkins ’15.

Varsity Basketball heads into toughest part of the schedule Varsity Basketball is now 12-5 overall and 6-2 in the B.A.L. A tough loss at Church Farm

School (1st year in the BAL) finds the Firebirds in 2

nd Place in the league. The team has 5 games

in 8 days and will surely be tested by league opponents Devon, New Hope and Bristol in that

stretch. Congratulations to leading scorers are Jack Kalmes ’13 and Matt England ’14, as well as

leading rebounder Greg Wozniak ‘13. Stay tuned as the Firebirds gear up for the post season.

Swimming Improving

Although the overall record is below .500, our young team continues to improve.

Congratulations to these swimmers who recently achieved District Championship cut times:

Pat Lynskey ’13 in the 200 Freestyle; Tyler Fox ’13 in the 200 IM, 100 Backstroke; Kyle Harris

’16 in the 100 Butterfly; Gibby Brook ’16 in the 100 Freestyle; Eli Gibbins ’15 in the 500

Freestyle, and Brian Bondiskey ’13 in the 50 Freestyle

Kardish qualifies to PA Indoor State Championships Congratulations to junior Christian Kardish who has qualified for the PTFCA State

Championships on February 23rd

at Penn State University. Kristian qualified in the mile with a

time of 4:30.74.

CURRENT JUNIORS: SENIOR REGISTRATION

January 29 AND February 5 Juniors meet on January 29 and February 5 during AM Assembly to hear information

regarding course registration and course electives. Program of Studies available

January 29. Registration materials distributed to Juniors on February 5.

Week of February 4 Juniors receive written communication from current teachers regarding placement for

the 2013-2014 school year. Teachers will provide written communication to the

students and parents regarding placement. This should be signed and returned no

later than February 7 for the junior class.

February 11 to February 22 Juniors meet with the Guidance Department to review course selections.

February 25 Registration materials RETURNED to the Main Office.

March 8 Course Selection Verification Forms available through PowerSchool.

CURRENT SOPHOMORES AND FRESHMEN: JUNIOR AND SOPHOMORE REGISTRATION

Week of February 4 Underclassmen receive written communication from current teachers regarding

placement for the 2013-2014 school year. Teachers will provide written communication

to the students and parents regarding placement. This should be signed and returned

no later than February 14 for the underclassmen class.

February 11-22 Registration materials available for underclassmen during Guidance class.

February 28 Registration materials RETURNED to the Main Office

March 8 Course Selection Verification Forms available through PowerSchool.

ANNUAL HGP FATHERS’

ASSOCIATION

SKI TRIP

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

BLUE MOUNTAIN

90 skiers and boarders attended last year’s outing and a

great time was had by all!!!!!

Lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons are available

for pre-purchase, so you only need to show up at the

mountain and you’ll be ready to hit the slopes.

All HGP students, family members and friends are invited

to attend. Lunch is included.

Go to www.HGPfathers.com for pricing and registration

instructions or email Tom Romano at

tromano11@verizon.net for more information.

HOLY GHOST PREP Forensics Pasta Dinner

Sunday March 3, 2013

3:00pm-6:30pm

Firebird Field House

Forensics Performances Raffles & Live Music

Catering provided by

Libby Hammerschlag: 215-589-8111

lhammerschlag01@gmail.com

Adults $18, Children (under 12) $10

Door Price $18

2429 Bristol Pike

Bensalem, PA 19020

Make checks payable to: HGP

Forensics

Newtown, PA 215-579-8301

TICKETS http://forensics.holyghostprep.org

or