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December 2018
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given."
Isaiah 9:6-7
Peace and Greetings:
The campus is being decorated for the holidays ... and 470 students and faculty from St. Paul will be ushering in the season by attending Charles Dickens'
"A Christmas Carol" at the Hartford Stage tomorrow! Consistent with this year's school theme,
"love thy neighbor as thyself," Dickens looks in his classic novel to transform the social world by calling upon individuals to see the worth in others and live more humanely ... a lesson for all of us!
We have reached December on the calendar, the season of Advent has arrived and as Christians we prepare for the birth of the Christ child in our lives. I invite you to do so by finding time to celebrate the season with your St. Paul family. Please consider attending one of our preparation events:
Advent Evening of Reflection & Light Up St. Paul (Tomorrow-December 7 at 6:30 pm)
Art Show & Christmas Concert (Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 pm)
Christmas Mass at St. Gregory the Great Church (Friday, December 21 at 11:00 am)
Tomorrow's Light-Up St. Paul is a fun community event. Join us for our outdoor advent prayer service, caroling, horse drawn carriage rides, tree lighting, bonfires, a special band performance, food, fellowship and more. It's also a good time to stop by our annex courtyard where Christmas wreaths, poinsettia plants and our sewing club's handmade ornaments will be available to purchase for your holiday decor.
Next Wednesday, December 12 will be a noon dismissal. Busses will be available. We will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, "Patroness of all the Americas." In the afternoon, our faculty will be involved in a special advent faith formation program, "The Joy of Adolescent Catechesis."
This is a reminder that our Christmas vacation begins on Friday, December 21 at noon. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 2.
St. Paul follows a two-hour delayed opening in inclement weather.
However, out-of-town busing is on a 90 minute delay to give these buses more time to travel to school. Generally, St. Paul follows the decision of the Bristol Board of Education. When contacted by our parent notification system,
you must say hello to activate the message. If you do not receive a call, please contact our main office. Closings, delayed openings and early dismissals will also be posted on WFSB, WVIT, WTNH and WTIC-TV. You can sign up on their websites for electronic device school alerts.
Our next
Open House is Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 am and the second placement exam scheduled for
Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 8:00 am. I encourage you to act as ambassadors for St. Paul in your town, church and workplace. Nothing is more assuring for prospective families than to hear directly from current St. Paul students and families. Please contact Mr. Crowley, Director of Admissions,
[email protected], with the names of prospective students so they can get on our mailing list. Thank you!
St. Paul is blessed as a faith community to have the freedom to live the gift of Christmas every day. It's the reason we exist. I wish you and your family much joy, happiness and peace during this season and throughout the year.
Merry Christmas!
In the Spirit of St. Paul,
Cary M. Dupont '72
President/Chief Administrator
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Faith Feature
Light Up St. Paul with the Immaculate Conception!
On Saturday, Dec. 8, the universal Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This dogma, or teaching, was defined in 1854 and confirms the faith of the Church that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, by the singular grace of God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ. This Solemnity appropriately falls during the Advent season, since Mary was par excellence the fitting preparation for the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Blessed Virgin Mary under this title of "Immaculate Conception" is also the official patron of the United States of America, and Dec. 8 is a Solemnity, our patronal feast day, and a holy day of obligation. How can we celebrate this Solemnity? Most importantly, by participating in Mass. If you are not sure of the holy day Mass schedule for a parish near you, you can use
https://masstimes.org/ to search for a Mass.
You are also welcome to join Sister Marie Benedict and Sister Mary Mercy to pray
Evening Prayer I, the first set of prayers for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, in our Rev. O'Brien Chapel at St. Paul at 6pm, immediately before Light Up St. Paul.
Let us pray with the Church,
O God,
who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son,
grant, we pray, that as you preserved her from every stain
by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw,
so, through her intercession,
we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Singing with the Angels ... and the Sisters!
The
Franciscan
Life
Center high school FAITH group is offering a joy-filled volunteer experience for high school students on
Saturday, December 15 from 3:30-5:00p.m.
Bring the hope of the Christmas season to elderly residents in Meriden with an evening of singing Christmas carols . You don't need a good voice to spread Christmas Cheer for all to hear. We welcome all students to join the
Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and Franciscan Brothers of the Eucharist on this special night of fun and song. Students can earn service hours and song sheets and refreshments will be provided.
Students can be dropped off and picked up at the Franciscan Life Center parking lot (271 Finich Avenue, Meriden).
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Guidance Department
Dear JUNIOR Families,
We are very pleased to announce that we have partnered with Lentz & Lentz SAT Prep to offer an SAT Prep course here at St. Paul Catholic! The class will be held in preparation for the May 4th, 2019 SAT test.
We believe that the Lentz & Lentz SAT prep course will be extremely helpful for our junior students and we encourage you to sign up. The course will run for eight weeks on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:30pm with the exception of one Thursday night. The class sizes are limited to 20 students so it would be in your best interest to sign up early and get the early bird discount! You will receive a mailing from Lentz & Lentz with sign up information soon.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are grateful for the opportunity to help best prepare our students for the SAT test.
Sincerely,
Elaine Bowman
Director of School Counseling
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Light Up St. Paul - TOMORROW NIGHT @ 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening at Light Up St. Paul as we celebrate the beginning of the Advent season. Not only is this event a beautiful evening filled with music, prayer, and holiday cheer, it also raises much needed funds for tuition assistance, scholarships and everyday classroom expenses.
Christmas is the season to reflect upon our blessings, and we are especially grateful to our St. Paul community who supports St. Paul in a number of ways. This special Advent event honors not only the individuals in whose name you choose to light a luminary, but the entire St. Paul community.
Join us as we bring the spirit of Christmas to our campus
with:
- Special luminaries
- Advent Prayer Service & Candle Lighting Ceremony
-
Horse & Carriage Rides
- Holiday Shopping & Activities
- Visit Santa's Corner
- Musical Performances
- Hot Cocoa
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Luminaries will be available the night of Light Up St. Paul. If you would like to send in your luminary before Friday evening please email
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Goodies for the evening and
volunteers are needed!
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The Sewing Club will have ornaments for sale at
Light Up St. Paul.
All proceeds go towards buying supplies for service projects. Past projects have supported St. Francis Child Advocacy Center, Quilts Without Borders, and the American Red Cross' Red Hats for Babies. Visit them right by the Santa's Corner!
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St. Paul Spiritwear For Sale
Need a gift for your student?
Need a gift for a grandparent?
Need a gift for ...?
St. Paul spiritwear is the perfect gift and will put a smile on their face!
Available in the "Holiday Pop-Up Shop" in the Advancement Office on Friday night and during the Christmas Art Show & Concert Tuesday evening!
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Please remember to dress warmly! In the event of
inclement weather the festivities will be moved indoors.
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Admissions Department
We WELCOME HOME families to our January Open House & Placement Exam
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Parent Ambassadors WE NEED YOU!
Help to be a voice outside the SPCHS building. You are our best testimonial - giving prospective students & parents the information they need to make the informed decision to send their student for a great Catholic education experience here at St. Paul.
Consider sharing our Open House dates with your friends and family who have students in grades 6, 7 and 8 this year!
Consider helping at our Open Houses and Placement Exams - contact Mr. Crowley at
[email protected]
.
Consider volunteering with our SPCO (St. Paul Community Organization). Contact
[email protected].
Consider writing a quick one or two paragraph testimonial about your experience or your student's experience here at St. Paul. email Melissa Lindquist at
[email protected]
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Athletics
Bristol Sports Hall of Fame
Used Sports Equip
ment Drive
There will be a collection day this
Friday 12/7
, please bring in any old/used sports equipment you have laying around the house.
Drop off location is in the gym by Mr. Dennehy's
Office.
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Don't miss the Christmas Concert and Art Show!
Many talented students will have their artwork displayed.
Choir will sing and the band will play.
Also, short on time to get a gift? Want to finish your Christmas shopping for your favorite St. Paul family member or friend?
You will have a chance to pick up your St. Paul Spiritwear before or after the concert. The "Holiday Pop-Up Shop" will be in the Advancement Office -- Room 129 -- across from the auditorium!
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Finance Office
TUITION ASSISTANCE
St Paul Catholic High School uses an independent consultant, FACTS Grant & Aid, to evaluate financial need. Anyone who wishes to be considered for tuition assistance must submit an application to FACTS Grant & Aid. The application fee is $32. Click
HERE to access the online application!
Just like last year, there will be two deadlines:
Families with incoming freshmen: The deadline for applying for tuition assistance for
the 2019-2020 academic year will be
January 31, 2019 for families with incoming freshmen and transfer students. Required documentation will include a copy of your
2017 Federal Income Tax return and copies of all 2018 wage and tax statements (W-2's and 1099's). Please note: In cases of divorce, both parents must apply for financial aid and supply financial documents. If you occupy separate households, each parent should complete a separate application.
Returning Families without incoming freshmen: The deadline for applying for tuition
assistance for the 2019-2020 academic year will be
February 19, 2019 for returning families without incoming freshmen. Required documentation will include a copy of your 2018 Federal Income Tax return and copies of all 2018 wage and tax statements. Please note: In cases of divorce, both parents must apply for financial aid and supply financial documents. If you occupy separate households, each parent should complete a separate application.
All supporting documentation can be uploaded in pdf format online. Documentation can also be faxed to 866-315-9264 or mailed to the address below. Please be sure to include the applicant ID on all faxed or mailed correspondence. If you have questions or concerns about the application process, you may speak with a FACTS Customer Care Representative at 866-441-4637.
FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment
P.O. Box 82524
Lincoln, NE 68501-2524
Those who do not complete the application by the appropriate deadline risk not receiving aid, since the available funds will be allocated first to those qualified applicants who have submitted their applications and supporting documents on time. Award announcements will be mailed out in early March for families with incoming freshmen, and by the end of March for all other students.
Please contact the Finance Office at 860-584-0911, ext 20, if you have further questions about Tuition Assistance.
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Out-of-Town Bus Schedule During Inclement Weather
This is a reminder for students who use the Out-of-Town Bus:
Please note, when there is a two-hour delay of school, the Out-of-Bristol buses start their run on a 90-minute delay schedule. If you have questions any morning, you can contact the bus company at 860-585-5466 or 860-585-5265. They will be able to tell you if the bus is on the way.
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Make sure to mark your calendar for the
TWO DOUBLE HEADER basketball games to start the New Year!
January 4th
Torrington
Boys V @ 5:30
Girls V @ 7:15
January 8th - Special Night of Donor Recognition
Naugatuck
Girls V @ 5:30
Boys V @ 7:15
In September, the newly renovated gymnasium at St. Paul Catholic High School was blessed by our founding principal, Edmund M. O'Brien, Fr. Gary Simeone and Fr. Hector Rangel. Also in attendance was the family of the late Fr. Brian W. Monnerat, to whom the gymnasium is named.
On January 8, 2019 St. Paul will recognize all of the generous donors who made gifts to the Honoring our Past Shaping our Future Capital Campaign.
All are invited to attend. In between the girls and boys basketball games we will have a special acknowledgement ceremony.
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Grandparents' Day
What a special Grandparents' Day! Thank you to all the grandparents and special persons who attended, and all the volunteers who helped to make it a great morning! Make sure to check out the photos of all our favorite people!
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Save the Date for a Fun Evening at St. Paul!
Saturday, March 30th!
Special fun event FOR ALL family and friends of St. Paul!
More information to come after the New Year!
Stay tuned!!!
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Calling All Senior Parents!
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 24th at 6:00pm in the library. Any questions can be directed to
[email protected]. Hope to see you there!
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Yearbook Ads for your Senior!
Wish your graduating Senior good luck in this year's edition of the Kaleidoscope (yearbook). Take out an ad in the yearbook for your special someone! Click
HERE for a form to fill out and send in!
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2018-2019 Yearbook - Order today!
Make sure to purchase your yearbook before it's too late!
Click
HERE for more your order form!
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Class and Club Fundraisers -
GIRLS BASKETBALL CANDY APPLE SALE
The girls basketball team gather together for a fun, team building activity while makingthese amazing Holiday Candy Apples. If you are interested in ordering please contact a girls basketball player OR email Ms. Mone at
[email protected] with how many of which kind you would like.
Apples will be available for pick up on Sunday, Dec. 16 between 4:00 and 5:00 or Monday Dec. 17 between 4:00 and 7:00.
CHEERLEADER STADIUM CHAIR CUSHIONS
Also, visit home game concession stands!
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Parents, grandparents, past parents, alumni, friends of St. Paul, faculty, staff, etc. For questions please email
[email protected].
Low denominations are HERE - great for stocking stuffers or add on gifts! There are a limited number of these gift cards. Place your order soon - they're only here until December 14 or while supplies last!
Check out what's new
HERE! Some of our partners have made shopping with scrip even more convenient for you by adding new denominations in addition to their already great offerings.
St. Paul will fill SCRIP orders during the holiday season:
Place your order on 12/12 - PICK UP ON December 19*
*Special orders will not be in in time for Christmas if an order is placed ON December 19. December 19 will be pick up day for orders already placed.
There are a number of ways to place an order:
- For cards we have on hand at the school, fill out an order form and bring to the main office (BEFORE any WEDNESDAY) with payment in the form of cash or a check. If it is in inventory we will fill your order.
- You can order any of the retailer gift cards from the shopwithscrip list and send in to the main office with payment in the form of cash or check. We will order the cards for you. These gift cards will be delivered to the school's main office for pick up by you or sent home with your student.
- Order online at www.shopwithscrip.com
using St. Paul's Enrollment Code: DCACE4AC14275. Gift cards will be delivered to the school's main office (on Wednesdays) for pick up by you or sent home with your student.
- You can also order online and have them sent directly to your mobile device so you can use them on the go! visit www.shopwithscrip.com and see about MyScripWallet. It's amazingly easy to use!
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SPCO WANTS YOU!
The SPCO - our St. Paul Community Organization - is looking for your help!
Consider volunteering your time at our Open Houses, Placement Exams, Grandparent's Day, Teacher Appreciation Day and many more special events.
Remember - lots of hands make for light work AND FUN!
Please contact Junior Parent, Kim Daly at
[email protected] for more information or a list of events/dates.
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Family Cruise to Bermuda - Coming Summer 2019!
For more information on cost and booking the cruise
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Travel to Italy and Greece in Summer 2020!
Why Are We Going? Your child will...
- Step outside the classroom and engage with the world firsthand
- Go beyond his/her comfort zone and experience new foods, cultures and people
- Receive an experience that will help him/her stand out on college applications
- Learn how to navigate new situations with a broader global perspective
- Have a life changing experience
There are a limited number of 30 spots available!
RSVP to attend the meeting at
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Host Families Are Needed!
Hosting an International student is a wonderful opportunity for your family to learn about another culture, share your home with a dedicated student who wants to learn about the United States, and experience the once-in-a-lifetime gift that comes from hosting a child.
Interested St. Paul families are asked to contact the following agencies for more information:
AnB Education
Apex International Education Partners, LLC (AIEP)
Boston Global Education, Inc.
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BOX TOP Program - Clip those Box Tops
Clip those Box Tops and you'll help your student earn FALCON POINTS for his/her class.
We've sent in the first batch! THANK YOU!
Keep clipping - we will send in another batch in February!
The Sophomore class had the most box tops in this batch!!!
***MAKE SURE TO MARK YOUR STUDENT'S NAME AND GRADE ON THE BAG SO WE CAN PROPERLY AWARD FALCON POINTS***
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