Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

St. Patrick School Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

2010-2011 Letter From the Chairman
School Commission Members
School Commission Meeting Minutes
Policy for Addressing the Commission

School Commission terms are three years.  A member can serve a second consecutive three year term at the discretion of the Pastor.  Nominations are sought from the parish in May of each year to select replacements for those whose terms are up and do not wish to be considered for a second term.  . 

    Any parent of a St. Patrick School student, as well as any contributing member of St. Patrick Parish, is welcome to address the School Commission using the follow procedure which was established in October 2007.

    A written request, including the topic, must be submitted no later than eight days prior to the meeting.  The request may be submitted to either the school administrator or the chair of the School Commission to be placed on the agenda.  Every attempt will be made to notify you no later than the Thursday before the meeting if your request can be honored.

   The School Commission will post the agenda items approximately one week prior to a scheduled meeting.  Some additions or deletions may occur before the meeting takes place. 

   The School Commission minutes will be posted within three days following the scheduled meeting date. 
  

Since 2006, I have been a member of the Education Commission.  I have witnessed many changes during my tenure and I can attest to the fact that the Education Commission greatly encourages and values the input and participation of our St Patrick School families and parishioners.

My twin boys, John and Paul Carley, and I moved to Portland in 2000, the same year I completed RCIA through St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located in Hastings, MI.  I enrolled John and Paul at St Patrick School when they were entering 1st Grade because I believed then (as I do now) that their Catholic faith should be infused into their day to day school life and their school curriculum.  They are entering 9th Grade this year, and as they prepare for Confirmation, I observe how well St. Patrick School has prepared them to receive this sacrament.

I have been a member of St. Patrick Parish since 2000.  Since 1987, I have practiced law I am currently employed by the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (State of Michigan) as an attorney.  My contact information is Diane_Bissell@yahoo.com; BissellD@michigan.gov; Cell phone: 517.230.5726.  I am looking forward to another great and successful school year!

This is my first year serving on the School Commission.  Last year, I served as a parent representative on the PTO.  I was born and raised in Grand Ledge and graduated from GLHS in 1989.  I received a B.S and M.S in Biology from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D in Pharmacology and toxicology from Michigan State University.  

The year 2000 was very eventful for my husband, David, and me.  This was the year we were married and moved to Portland to start our family.  This was also the year I began working in the medical department of a pharmaceutical company and Dave started his engineering company, Pro-MEC Engineering.  Dave and I have three daughters attending St. Patrick School:  Madelyn (8yrs) will be entering 3rd grade, Lydia (6yrs) will be entering 1st grade, and Ellayna (4yrs) will be attending pre-school.  Our girls are very active in sports and love attending St. Pat’s.

I am honored to serve on the school commission.  I look forward to hearing from parents and presenting your perspective to the commission.  I can be reached at 517-204-4042 (cell), 647-1820 (home) or via email at jenm@pro-mec.com.