Weekly Newsletter

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade

2017-2018 School Year | March 20, 2018

SPN celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with Free Dress on March 15.

Principal's Message

Heavenly Father,

As I enter the last week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you.

Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace

as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins.

As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person,

let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart.

Give me rest in you.

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love

instead of casting judgment.

Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me

that when I need comfort,

solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you.

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving,

and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.

In your name I pray, Amen.

Dear Families,

Last week, on March 14th, our 7th and 8th graders chose to walk out in solidarity with other students around our country in memorial for the victims of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. It was not a protest, but a memorial for the students and teachers who lost their lives needlessly. Prior to the walk out, we discussed the purpose and how this is a time when we come together in our faith. We walked to Lincoln Park, formed a circle and prayed for the victims and their families and friends. We read the name of each victim and a little bit about their life and then prayed silently for 1 minute for that particular person. Our religion commissioners ended our memorial by leading both classes in the rosary. Upon return, our students were given some time to write a reflection. The reflection was open to however they processed the experience. Some students chose to write poems, others wrote prayers for the families and friends of the deceased and several students wrote self reflections on their own lives or reflections on the causes of such an act. I have included a few reflections here for you to read. Everyone was reverent and respectful. It touched me deeply . Here are some of really strong reflections for you to read.

8th grade at the State Capital: Thank you to the Costa family for arranging and making possible the 8th grade field trip to the state capital. Our students were able to see the legislature in action, witness a student protest, sit in the Governor's office, and most importantly meet the first dog.

Peep-O-Gram: The 7th graders are selling Peep-O-Grams during recess this week. The proceeds will go to purchase a well in Sudan to provide clean water for a village in need. Please send some money with your student and help support this service project.

Art Docents: Our art docents have been busy working in the classrooms with wonderful art projects as well as preparing for our annual Festival of the Arts. Remember to mark your calendar for April 26th. All student art will be on display. Thank you art docents!

Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair: Four SPN students in 7th and 8th grade competed last weekend at the annual Alameda County Science and Engineering fair held at the fairgrounds. Winners will be announced on March 28. We wish our young SPN scientists the best of luck - Sylvia Annis, Samantha Wheeler, Aryan Panchal and Siddu Basam (Photo: Mrs. Basam).

Seder Meal: Join us next week on Holy Thursday, for our annual prayer service and Seder Meal led by Kindergarten and 7th grade. Students will be in their faith families, starting at 10:30am in O'Brien Hall.

Fun Run: It is almost that time of year! The Fun Run, our last fundraiser for the year, will kick off on April 10th!

Mini Maker Fair: Our mini maker fair is going to be spectacular this year! There are many new stations and activities added. This a a DO NOT MISS event! It is open to the public, so invite some friends. Mark your calendars: April 11th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Dine and Donate: Why cook? Come together as a community and support the PTG tomorrow night. Bring this flier with you and present it to your server. Thank you to Otaez Restaurant for sponsoring this event.

Crab Feed Paid Free Dress: If you purchased free dress from the Crab Feed, you should have received an email from Mrs. Keast with the dates. If you did not receive this, and you purchased free dress, please call the office.

Congratulations to our 8th grade class: All of our students were accepted into their high school of choice and 17 students were awarded honors or scholarships!

State of the School: This year, the State of the School address will be on April 19 at 7:00pm in O’Brien Hall. I will review and address our safety procedures and protocol, school finances, school achievement data, and school vision. Save the date on your calendar. All new families are invited to join us. RSVP to this event.

Scouts Flag Ceremony, March 21: Weather permitting, the scouts will be leading us tomorrow morning during Prayer and Pledge for flag ceremony. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from any troop are encouraged to come to school in their Scout uniform.

Galileo: Galileo Science camp is now accepting applications for financial assistance. The deadline to apply is on March 31. Please scroll down for more information.

Peace and Blessings,

Jessica Murray

Principal

Classroom Scenes

Community & Parish News

Stations of the Cross

5:30pm - Saint Philip Neri Church

7:00pm - Saint Albert the Great

Fish Fry - Every Friday at SPN O'Brien Hall, following the 5:30pm Stations of the Cross.

$15/Adult, $5/Child

Click here for more details.

Looking for summertime activities for your child? Registration for Summer Discovery at SJND is now open! Offerings include athletics, arts, field trips, theater and more for grades 3-9. Learn more and register here.

Camp Galileo

Financial Aid Information available here.

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. Sign-up now!