Counselor’s Corner                                             by Jennie Weber, School Counselor

The beginning of the school year is a great time to look ahead and form some personal goals.  In essence, it is a perfect time to put Habit 2:  “Begin with the End in Mind – Have a Plan,” into place.  By looking at what we want to have accomplished by the END of the school year, it allows us to step back and formulate some steps we need to take DURING the school year in order to reach that end destination.

Students may want to set goals of raising grades in math, spending more time studying (even when there isn’t homework), making more friends, or being a better listener.  Following Habit 2 for the end goal of studying more may include a plan for setting a regular study time, asking for extra worksheets, and finding a study-buddy.

As parents, you can show your children how you are setting goals for home, school or work! J  Maybe you are setting the goal of spending more time with family, developing a hobby (to cover Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw, also!), volunteering at school, or reach a productivity goal at work.  Your family goal might involve a plan that allows for getting home early one afternoon a week, spending quality time with each child individually, or one night a week going out with your spouse.

Teachers and staff here at school are also setting goals and making plans.  Some are taking extra courses to advance a specific training, some are dedicating time to family and friends, and some are finding ways to better serve their home parishes.

Whatever our goals may be, we are surely to be more successful in reaching them if we develop plans to get there.  Goals seem less daunting when we can work on one step at a time and step-by-step plans are more likely to reveal the necessary details.

What’s your goal for this school year?  How can you help your child(ren) form and reach his/her goal?  How can we here at school be of service to you and your children as you set your goals and “begin with the end in mind”?

I’d love to hear how you are doing!  Send me an email (jeweber@holyfamily.dbq.pvt.k12.ia.us) telling me about your goals and plans.  I promise to cheer you as you take your steps to success!

And of course don’t forget to pray about your goals.  Spending time in prayer and in quiet may reveal GOD’S plan for you!  Enjoy taking His lead and being an active part in seeing it through!

“The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Hello to all of you!  What excitement is surrounding us here at the beginning of the 2011/2012 school year!  Between our Leader in Me initiative, our incorporation of the 7 Habits, and the power behind our driving statement,      there is definitely a good feeling in the air!

I am finding it hard to believe that this is my 13^th year here at St. Columbkille school!  What a great place to spend my days though.  I consider myself to be truly blessed to be a part of your children’s lives.

To remind &/or inform you of my role here, I would like to take this time to give you a run-down of what I do in this building as the school counselor:

• I will be in each of the classrooms twice a month teaching on topics that relate to social living and the 7 Habits.  Topics include respect and responsibility, friendships, leadership, death & dying, self-direction, healthy living, stress management and family relationships
• I will run small groups that focus on various topics such as social skills, divorce/separated/blended families (Rainbows), friendship skills, etc.
• It is also important for you to know that I am always available to students on an individual basis to help with whatever concerns they may have regarding academics, behaviors, friendship, etc.
• It is also my job to serve as a resource to teachers and parents.  If you need community support or information or are seeking information on various social or emotional topics, please do not hesitate to call me
• At times I will be bringing in presenters such as Corporal Tyler, Riverview Center, and others
• Other activities I am involved with here at school include co-leading the Live Healthy Iowa Kids! program with Miss Carton, sitting on the Holy Family Wellness committee and serving on our schools Lighthouse committee (focusing on the Leader in Me)

I am looking forward to a fantastic year and welcome your visits, calls, and conversations!  Thank you for letting me spend my days with your wonderful children!

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”  Isaiah 54:13

Hello!  My name is Jennie Weber and I am the School Counselor for St. Columbkille School.  I started here in 1999 when I was also the counselor for St. Joe’s Key West and Holy Trinity/Sacred Heart schools.
For those of you new to St. Columbkille, I want to take a few minutes to tell you a little about myself.  I live in Platteville, WI with my husband, John who owns Weber’s Autobody in the Dickeyville/Platteville area.
Our oldest son, Jason works in the business office at the hospital in Lancaster and lives with his wife and son (Kaitlyn & Hunter) in Cuba City.  Middle son, James is a student at UW-Stout pursuing a career in computer trouble-shooting or programming.  Our youngest son, Jacob is a student at UW-Eau Claire  and wants to be an elementary school teacher and coach.
In my spare time I love to read, exercise, barefoot water ski, and run. I am also a certified personal trainer.  As a family we love to travel, go to basketball games, and spend time in northern Wisconsin where James, Jacob and I are involved with the local water ski club and barefoot tournaments.
I see my role as School Counselor being to act as an advocate for the students, staff, and families of our school community.  I want to do all I can to help everyone feel safe and happy in this environment while also helping others gain an appreciation for their gifts and the gifts of others.