Cozies 4 Chemo - Our Lady of Good Counsel

June 21, 2012 | Issue 3 | Vol. 4The Good Counsel Courier | 13www.olgcnj.orgCongratulations Mrs. Overbeck and thank you for 27 wonderful years!Continued from page 12Her students have always spoken so highly of her. They say, “Shedoesn’t just read a book to us. She teaches us valuable lessons. Mrs.Overbeck is a special teacher. She could easily just read a book to herstudents and call it a day, but she doesn’t. Instead, she makes the booksthat she reads come to life. ”“I am so happy that Good Counsel had the opportunity last year torecognize Mrs. Overbeck with our school’s special recognition of love andservice to the children of Good Counsel for over 25 years by honoringher with the Sr. Michael Vincent Award. It was the very best way that wecould say thank you for her life time of dedication and service in fosteringour children’s love for reading. She has been a special gift to our school asour Librarian. She has instilled in the children a love for books and a joyin reading. Her library is a warm and welcoming environment that reflectsher love and care of her students. She is a truly dedicated Catholic Schooleducator. Good Counsel has been blessed by her commitment to teachas Jesus did touching the lives of so many children and families over theyears. She will be greatly missed,” notes Mr. McGowan, School Principal.When asked what she plans to do, MaryAnn responded, “As I lookRemember me, as I’ll remember youContinued from page 16Sometimes there is humor. I remember giving my sixth gradescience class an assignment which involved going out and digging upan earthworm for class. I can’t remember what we were going to do tothe poor earthworms that made it into my classroom the next day, but Ido remember the letter I received from one of my parents as a result ofthat assignment. When Katie handed me the envelope from her fatherthat morning, I opened it with some trepidation. A quick glance at thefirst paragraph confirmed my fears. Katie’s dad was not happy with theassignment. Fortunately, I continued reading. The note was tongue-incheek.Katie’s Dad was actually thanking me for providing him withan evening of fun and laughter with his daughter as they searched withflashlights and slid down muddy hills looking for the perfect spot to findthe perfect earthworm.I couldn’t help but laugh one day when I overheard a group of myeighth grade boys discussing the intellectual prowess of their first gradeReading Buddies. After a few minutes of “My Reading Buddy can…” Josh,one of my eighth graders exclaimed, “You know, you all sound like abunch of parents bragging about their kids!” Oddly enough, they did.at the books I have showcased here in the front of the library about theBeach, the Shore, and Around the World, I feel these books are talkingto me. I would definitely love to travel, and spend more time down thebeach. At the end of August each summer, I would have to get ready togo home right after Labor Day. Now I look forward to staying down thebeach in the fall with my husband.” Her son, Scott, and his family aremoving to Chicago, so she also looks forward to getting a chance to visitthem frequently, as well as return to her hometown in St. Louis moreoften. She hopes to be able to do volunteer work and possibly start abook club for adults and children that are sight impaired.Of her job at Our Lady of Good Counsel, she says, “I feel I was trulyblessed with a wonderful job. It was not just a job, it was fun and not toomany people can say their job is fun.” She says one thing that has stuck inher head this year was when a kindergartner asked her, “Why do you justread to us? Why do you not teach us?” Mrs. Overbeck replied, “I teachyou one of your most important lessons. I get to teach you that books andreading are fun, and that is one of the most important lessons you need toknow!”My eighth graders have performed many acts of service for thoseof us in their school community and those beyond the confines of ourbuilding. They recycled each week for the classroom teachers, they raisedmoney for various charities, they sang in our choir, they volunteered ashelpers at Noah’s Ark, they visited shut-ins and they made cards wishingchildren in the hospital a happy summer. They have been mentors forthe first graders; guiding them in their faith life as Prayer Partners andhelping them develop their reading skills as Reading Buddies. They havevolunteered their time to help Mrs. Christ, the art teacher as she preparedfor her Art Show this year. In the midst of all they did, they still managedto play sports and maintain honors.As I said in the beginning of this article, there is too much that hashappened to me over the last 23 years to recount. Your children havesustained me in times of sorrow, encouraged me when I doubted my owntechnological abilities, and gave me great joy. You, the parents, and theyhave truly enriched my life. I thank you for entrusting your children to mycare each day. I have loved teaching them.But now, “The time has come to say goodbye. Please remember me, asI’ll remember you.”Don’tKeep It ToYourselfHave an ideafor a story or article...perhaps there’ssomething you’d liketo see in the pagesof ourGood Counsel Courier.Well don’t keepit to yourself...let us know about it.Send me an e-mail todeaconheffernan@comcast.netor call me on my cell856-905-5019.