Logo #2
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade
2017-2018 School Year | February 13, 2018
Principal's Message
Dear Families,

As we are about to embark on the season of Lent, I am reminded of this lovely Lenten prayer:

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the oneness of all
Feast from the darkness around us; feast on the light of JESUS with us
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of GOD
Fast from actions that pollute; feast on deeds that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude
Fast from pessimism; feast on hope
Fast from worry; feast on trust
Fast from guilt; feast on freedom
Fast from complaining; feast on complementing
Fast from stress; feast on self-care
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness
Fast from selfishness; feast on compassion for others
Fast from apathy; feast on enthusiasm
Fast from idle gossip; feast on spreading the good news
Fast from being so busy; feast on peaceful silence
Fast from talking; feast on listening
Fast from being in control; feast on letting go

Let us remember that Lent is about “springtime” with us. It is about giving particular attention to that part of ourselves that we want Jesus to help us change or heal. Please join us for our all-school Mass tomorrow, Ash Wednesday at 8:30am, led by 8 th grade. All students must be in full uniform.

CRS Rice Bowls:   Rice Bowls were sent home this week. This year’s theme is Encounter Lent. 75% of your Rice Bowl donation supports Catholic Relief Services programs around the world; 25% helps alleviate hunger and poverty in our local diocese. There is a pull-out information guide provided in the Rice Bowls for your Lenten journey. All Rice Bowls are due by Friday, March 23.
A HUGE Thank You to Liz Brunetti and her amazing Crab Feed team- Joy Goldin, Pamela Jordan-Watters, Andrea Guyette, Gail Keating, Sophia Niu, Jennifer Thyen, Stacy Weichhart. The force was with us! What a fabulous celebration. Everyone I talked to had a great time!

Congratulations to the Casciana family for winning the one-year free tuition next year.
Stay tuned for updates on the funds raised and some parties that are still available for purchase, and the winner for the Best Costume contest will be announced by the committee soon.
Crab Feed Pre-party event is one of the hot-ticket party items this year.
Sports Picture Day:  Calling all CYO sports participants and coaches, Kindergarten through 8 th grade, Sports Picture Day will be on March 2 nd.  More information and schedule can be found here.

Sand Volleyball: Sand Volleyball season is starting soon. Register now.
Attention Spartan Boys and Girls Grades 5 through 8. Sand Volleyball is a great way to stay active in Spring sports and enjoy the sunshine. All boys in Grades 5 to 8 are encouraged to sign up. Girls who did not play regular volleyball can participate in Sand volleyball. The season begins in March and runs through May. Games are held on weekends. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Sand Volleyball Coordinator: Jennifer Hankerson - jshankerson@yahoo.com . R egister your player here - http://spnathletics.org/spn/login.asp
Mini Maker Fair: Mark your calendar for our annual Mini Maker Fair – it will be on April 11. We are looking for a seamstress and electrician to volunteer that night. Please contact Mrs. Keast if you can help out!

6th Grade Service Project: Please support the 6th grade service project. They are collecting new and gently used children's clothing now through February 28.

Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed on Sunday, February 25, 9:00am to noon to work in our school garden (weather permitting). Middle School student volunteers are welcome. Please contact Mike Lisanti - mjlisanti@comcast.net to sign up.
Scout Awards: Girl Scout Irina Escudero received a religious award and Boy Scout Antonio Arevalo received the Ad Altare Dei award at the Cathedral of Light. Congratulations!

Math Competition : Congratulations to our Math Counts team that competed this weekend! Our 6 th -8 th graders met every Tuesday to delve deeper into math and build their critical thinking and problem solving skills! Thank you to Amy Verdict and Stephanie Doud for all their work.
Science Fair Winners : Congratulations to our students for winning at the Diocesan Science Fair this weekend, held at SJND. 1st place winners will advance to the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair in March. Great job everyone!

8th Grade
1st Place - Ian Doud and Paul Verdickt, Environmental Science*
2nd Place - Siddu Basam, Environmental Science
2nd Place - Joey Geller and Brady Hormuth - Biological Science

7th Grade
1st Place - Torrey Zaches and Evelyn Zaches, Biological Science*
1st Place - Amber Cox, Physical Science*
2nd Place - Samantha Zaches and Ella Walker, Physical Science
Parent Resource: I would like to share an article with you, titled 8 Ways to Help Older Kids Develop a Sense of Imagination from KQED News. I hope you find it informative and interesting as I did.

Peace and blessings for a wonderful week.

Jessica Murray
Principal
Calendar
February

14 - Ash Wednesday/All School Mass
16 - Noon Dismissal
19 - Presidents' Day/Holiday
21 - Testing Day/Student transfers
25 - Family Mass/Grades 5-6
26 - Free Dress for February Birthdays
Community & Parish News
Fish Fry

Every Friday at SPN O'Brien Hall, following the 5:30pm Stations of the Cross.
$15/Adult, $5/Child
Camp Galileo
For Pre-K to 5th Grade
Grouped by grade and nurtured by our incredible staff, campers take on art, science and outdoor activities tailored to their level, and they learn lasting innovation skills like collaboration and reflection. As campers grow, our curriculum evolves to include more advanced concepts, complex projects and creative freedom. Register by February 28 and get $25 off per week! Sign-up now!
High School Start-Up Experience
The Start-up Experience is back by popular demand!
 
Your budding entrepreneur will share in an experience that has been presented to Microsoft, Intel, NASA, and many other leading organizations. They will identify a problem, brainstorm a solution, build a prototype and pitch the business to a panel of judges… ALLIN TWO DAYS! Register Here.
Alameda Free Library
Welcome Mitali Perkins to the Main Library on Tuesday, February 27, 3:30pm to 4:15pm.
The Author: Ms. Perkins is an engaging speaker and will discuss two of her award winning books, Rickshaw Girl, chosen as one of the 100 Great Children’s Books of the last 100 years by the New York Public Library and  You Bring the Distant Near, a young adult novel nominated for the National Book Award.
Quick Links
Saint Philip Neri Catholic School | 510-521-0787 |1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501