Welcome to the School's Christmas Party on the 14th at 1 PM!

We'll be having a half hour in classrooms for fine tuning students'
programs, and then get together for the party.

Please bring a dish, sweet or savory, to share, enough for 25-30
people, if you can. Anything you can bring is appreciated (crackers,
cheese, chips, dips, juice for the kids, pulla, fruit or veggie
plate, cake, Finnish Christmas pastries, etc.)

Parents, please bring a present for your children in case Joulupukki
is in the neighborhood ;-)

For a special treat, we may have Merja from Cloudberrymarket stop by
to tell us about her store, which carries Finnish jewellery, knives,
food and candy. If she can make it, goods will be available for
purchase, and will benefit our school.

And finally, please keep us in mind when you're writing those year-
end checks for charities. Donations to the Denver Finnish School are
tax-deductible. Many thanks to those who have already donated!

See you there!

Hello Suomi-koulu Students and Parents!

Get ready for the 2009 Spring Semester at Denver Finnish School!

There are 10 spring School sessions. (Fall semester has 8 sessions)

The school dates in 2009 will be:
January 18th and 25th
February 8th and 22nd
March 1st and 22nd
April 5th and 19th
May 3rd and 17th

The tuition for the Spring Semester will be:
Kids up to 18yrs, $60, discounts/max fees for multiple kids apply.

Adult's tuition will be $70, an increase of $10 to last spring.

We've had to increase in the adults' tuition to help cover a modest
projected budget shortfall for this school year, as discussed in the
Annual Meeting. However, we're planning to do a fund-raiser -a picnic
in the park- to cover the rest of the deficit and to fund
scholarships.

Partial or full scholarships are available; ask Lea Wilson or Kirsi
St.Marie.

Need a tax-deduction? Want to help Denver Finnish School?
We're a 501c3 Charitable Organization; all donations to the Denver
Finnish School are tax deductible!
Please consider helping us before this year is out and reap the
benefits at tax-time! Make the check payable to "Denver Finnish
School", write "2008 Charitable Donation" on the memo line, and give
it/mail it to Lea Wilson or Kirsi St.Marie. We'll get you a receipt
to prove your donation.

Happy Holidays from the Denver Finish School Board of directors:
Lea K Wilson, President
Maaret Allen, Vice President
Kirsi St.Marie, Treasurer
Kaija Kantola, Secretary, acting Communications Manager

Independence Day greetings from the President of the Republic of Finland to
expatriate Finnish communities, 6 December 2008

Finland is today part of an increasingly globalised world. We are a Member
State of the European Union and we are actively involved in international
organisations, such as the United Nations. Our economy and organizations
have also become more international as a result of globalisation.

This can be seen in the increased mobility. People move in and out of
Finland for work, to study and for their retirement. People move from one
country to another during all stages of their lives.

You, Finns abroad, have a central role in influencing what kind of image
people will have of Finland. You all do important work as an ambassador for
Finland and Finnish culture. You also share your experiences from abroad to
Finland, and thus enrich Finnishness. Your work and the networks you have
created are invaluable. It is important for Finland that you maintain your
ties to your home country.

I send you my warmest greetings on the 91st anniversary of Finland's
independence.

Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland

You, your significant other, and your children still have time to register for the Finnish school and improve/learn Finnish. Now matter what the skill level – there is a class for you, your significant other or your children/grandchildren. Classes are provided from toddlers to adults.

Toddlers learn through play and practice important concepts such as counting, colors, and other basics in Finnish. Through play, this class is fun, interactive and educational.

Pre-teens and teens have their own classes where grammar, vocabulary and other Finnish skills are learned and improved. This is a great way to also meet new friends that have a similar background. Make sure your child can communicate with relatives in Finland with ease – enroll them in the Finnish school.

Are you married to a Finn or just want to learn Finnish? The adult beginners’ class is for you. In the beginners class you will through vocabulary, grammar and the basics of Finnish language.

For those with advanced skills the school has an adult conversation class where advanced vocabulary and discussion about current topics is held. If your Finnish is rusty, or you already know the basics, join this fun and interactive class.

Is your Finnish fluent – you can volunteer at the Finnish school. Substitute teaching, help preparing for special events and other assistance is always welcome.

For those residing in Fort Collins or Colorado Springs, we can help put you in touch with others who attend the school so that you can discuss carpooling options.