We hope you enjoy the Irish Insider. For consideration in future editions, please email info@stcathschool.com by 12pm Monday for the Wednesday edition.

Thoughts with Mr. Watts

If this pandemic has taught us anything, is that human connection is of vast importance for people of all ages. Since March, we have learned that no matter what is happening in the world around us, the people closest to us are the people we need most. The frustrating feelings of isolation and disconnection brings to a decision about what is really important in our lives. The painful reminder of what we really control is alway present.

As we optimistically venture into the second half of school, I invite all of you to share your unsolicited compassion with others. Knowing we are coming out of the tunnel of this dark pandemic is reassuring, but we all know the rest of the journey will not be easy. If there is any time where we need each other and the creative call of connection, it is now. Let Jesus fill our hearts with the empathy to connect with others.

Finish this week with a phone call, a text, or a message asking someone this question...

Do that often and ask as many people as you can. As things get more "normal" again, our relationship with Christ, and each other, will be stronger than ever.

In Christ,

Mark Watts

If anyone in your household would have a Positive COVID-19 test result, you must notify Mr. Watts by calling (614) 949-7713 as soon as possible, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

If anyone in your household has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is awaiting a COVID-19 test, the rest of the household must quarantine for 10 days or until the test results come back negative. Please call the school office as soon as possible in this situation. at (614) 235-1396.

We are required to post positive cases of students and staff on our website weekly. This data, along with other COVID-19 updates can be found at http://stcatharineschool.com/parents/covid-19/. Currently, we have 1 active cases and 5 cumulative cases with students and staff. (As of 1.18)

These dates have been set by the Diocese. We will be adding addition dates (Teacher Professional Development Days, Record Days, etc...) at a later time. Please check the school google calendar for the most up to date information

Catholic Schools Week will run from Sunday, January 31^st until Saturday, February 6^th. Below is a tentative schedule and more fun, safe activities will be added and more details to come.

SOUPer Bowl dress down day: Students bring in cans of soup for Saint Vincent DePaul Society may wear their favorite sports team jersey or apparel!

Free dress down day to honor students!

School-wide BINGO over loudspeakers or Zoom: Winners will get a dress down day coupons

Socks & Service: Students can wear silly socks and bring a sock donation for Shoes 4 the Shoeless. We will pray a decade of the Rosary for our nation together over the announcements.

Career Day: Dress like what you want to be when you grow up and bring a self-care donation item which will be donated to The Bishop Griffin Center. Students will write letters/cards to “Everyday Heroes” like Health-Care workers, First Responders, etc.

Students and staff will wear their CSW shirts: Thank you, Home & School for providing this unifying spirit wear.

Please fill out this quick survey to provide valuable feedback on our USDA Free School Lunch Program.

Still don’t know how to use scrip? Need to still get registered? New Families now is the time to get started!!

Please reach out to Alli Brinkmeyer at 614-214-5428 call or txt or email at stcatharinetrip@yahoo.com

Current inventory of physical cards available today (just reach out to purchase and money goes right into your OWN TUITION ACCOUNT)

Amazon 4 -$25

Amazon 2 - $100

Chipotle 3- $25

Dicks Sporting Goods 1- $25

Dicks Sporting Goods 2- $100

Giant Eagle 10- $100

Kohls 3- $100

Lowe’s 4- $25

Lowe’s 2- $100

Meijer 3- $25

Meijer 5- $100

Panera Bread 5- $5

Speedway 2- $25

Starbucks 10- $10

Starbucks 6- $5

Target 3- $10

TAT 6- $25

Tim Hortons 4- $10

TJ Max, Marshall’s and Homegoods 5- $25

E-gift cards and Reloads can be done at anytime through the website or app (RaiseRight).

Let’s show Plank’s the love that they have always shown us!! Please dine in, carry out or place a delivery order to say 

Mrs. Underwood is looking forward to seeing St. Catharine students and families!            

After much discussion, consultation and input from concerned Pastors, elementary school principals, coaches, parents and the DRA Board, the decision has been made the to continue the postponement of the start of the DRA basketball season through January 15. As stated previously, the hope and prayer is that, in delaying the start of the season, we will be able to keep our children safe from the spread of the coronavirus and to have a successful basketball season.

Although the most recent numbers seem to be leveling off, they are still high and it is possible that there will be a spike in numbers after the Christmas holidays. This postponement will give us a chance to see what happens and to respond appropriately. Due to the concerns expressed by families and the fact that the primary focus of our ministry is to keep the children in school and to keep the schools safe, we believe we are acting out of the best interest and safety of the children, their classmates, their teachers, coaches, and their families.

At this time the postponement of the DRA basketball season will continue until mid-January. No one is to be practicing or holding open gyms. This also includes the CYO programs.

Please share this information with your basketball commissioners, the coaches and parents. Remember, this is a postponement, not a cancellation. The hope of the DRA is to have a season in late January and February, as long as we can do it so the safely for all involved in the DRA. We will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed. Please stay safe, wear those masks, and socially distance.

God Bless You,

Marty Raines—Director Office of Recreation

Adam Dufault—Episcopal Moderator for Education; Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Julius Palazzo—Boys’ Commissioner

David Oddi—Assistant Boys’ Commissioner

Mike Matthews—Assistant Girls’ Commissioner

The DRA Board of Directors

Ray and Mandy DeWeese have given much time and talent to help lead our girls lacrosse program at St. Catharine. They have decided that it is time to pass on the torch. If you have an interest in being the commissioner of our girls lacrosse program , please contact Mandy at deweesefam6@gmail.com. Ray and Mandy would be an integral part of the transition this spring.

The Lindy Infante Scholarship Foundation helps families who need assistance paying for Diocesan athletic fees. Please fill out the application and send to:

Marty Raines

Diocesan Recreation Association

197 E. Gay St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Commissioners needed

Please contact PJ Keiffer with any questions at 614-668-0134 or email, pkeiffer@gmail.com