Your news: St. Anne School making new families feel at home

To kick off the school year, St. Anne School held its third annual New Family Ice Cream Social. "St. Anne School matches up new families with existing school families to provide guidance," says Aileen Fitzgerald, Buddy Family co-chair. "Transitioning to a new school can be hard, and this is one way we try to make it easier for both the students and the parents."

St Anne's Buddy Family program makes new families feel right at home. The program was developed to give newcomers an instant connection and a family to go to if they have questions. South Barrington resident, Renee Cabanelas, agrees that the Buddy Family program had a big impact on her. "Our buddy family really helped to lessen the anxiety of going to a new school. Our daughter was anxious about a new school and making new friends. But her buddy really welcomed her and they continue to be great friends."

Renee is "paying it back" by being a part of the buddy program this year. "It is a wonderful program, and I would love to make others feel as welcome as I felt."

This year there are 32 new families participating in the buddy program. Many of the new families are children of past alumni of St Anne School.

"I felt very fortunate to have had such a wonderful experience at St Anne School, and my desire is to provide my children with the same opportunity, " says Vince Wrzos, alumni of St Anne School and father of new students, Kiley and Madison.

"We are very excited with how many new families we have at St Anne School this year," says school principal Sister Ann. "It is a wonderful feeling to see so many former graduates enrolling their children. It is a very exciting time for the school."

The ice cream social had over 90 people in attendance including new families, buddy families, clergy and teachers. "We are really happy with the turnout," says co-chair Margaret Graff. "There is so much enthusiasm leading into this next year of school."

Newcomer Jenny Miller agrees, "I can't believe how many people took time out of their busy lives to come and greet us. It makes me feel like I have definitely made the right choice for our child."

Following the ice cream social, all the families met up with the rest of the St Anne community for the Back to School Mass held at St. Anne's. With standing room only on the first floor, the children's eagerness to see their friends and teachers again was apparent.

"This has been great," says Vince Wrzos, "We are very excited to be a part of this community."

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