SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
October 12, 2020
Notes from the Assistant Head
I would like to acknowledge the commitment and success of our students and families in following CDC guidelines to keep our campus healthy and open. Our students have been excelling academically, socially, and emotionally. Their excitement and energy are contagious, and we are so happy to have them here on campus each day.

As we continue to make the most of our time together, please keep in mind that whether we are remote or in-person, our appearance should reflect the importance of education in our lives. In addition to wearing uniforms with shirts tucked in and shoelaces tied, students are expected to have appropriate haircuts and minimal jewelry. If you have any questions, please contact the main office.

Orlando Greene
Assistant Head for Academics & Advancement
Birthday celebrations are different this year. Still, it is important that we recognize each student on their special day. This year, students will be able to be out of uniform on their birthdays. This could include wearing jeans, their Sunday best, or any fun and modest attire. Those with birthdays that fall on weekends, holidays, or school breaks will be able to choose another day to dress down. We will also be designating a day out of uniform for those whose birthdays have already passed.
Nurse's News
It’s that time of year again...Flu shot time! Physicians and health departments are urging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu this fall. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that the community vaccinate. This will not only decrease the number of illnesses due to influenza cases, but also reduce the demand on our hospitals in the coming months. It is expected that our healthcare systems will remain close to capacity caring for people affected by COVID-19 and other illnesses during the flu season. Vaccinating your family against the flu may help remove some of the burden on hospitals and frontline workers. 

If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your doctor for guidance and to schedule your flu shot by the end of October. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer protection from the flu. 

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can do your part in minimizing the spread of the flu and COVID-19 by: 
  • Staying home when sick
  • Covering coughs and sneezes
  • Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
  • Wearing a face covering when around others along with social distancing

Small steps can have a large impact on our greater community. Help save lives by getting your flu shot this month and continuing to follow safety guidelines for COVID-19. 
Stephanie Begert, BSN, RN
School Nurse
Chaplain's Meditations
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 
Hebrews 13:16

In spite of the challenges presented by this pandemic, the Student Council remains committed to doing good in our community. This year, the Student Council has elected to narrow their focus and donate to the following two organizations in the hopes that we can make a more significant impact:

Le Jardin Community Center in Homestead, Center 5 Snack Program
Le Jardin Community Centers are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families. We have a long-term relationship with them, visiting at Christmastime with Santa and gifts for each child. This year, we will expand our relationship and support a snack program for the children.

Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation
Live Like Bella was founded in 2013 with the mission to help children with cancer maintain the same love for life that Bella had. To "live like Bella" means to serve and help others. 

The Student Council raises funds to support charitable organizations through the following activities:

Change for Good
Once a month, children are invited to dress according to a theme and enjoy being out of uniform.

Shake Up to Wake Up
On four of the Change for Good days, the Student Council provides breakfast for all students.

Bake Sale
Families bake at home and donate the items to be sold at the Coral Gables Farmers' Market. If we are not able to participate this year, we will find a way to reimagine this event.

To minimize contact, we are not accepting cash or checks at this time. Donations may be made through Venmo to St. Philip's Church or @Stphilipschurch. Please write "Change for Good" in the description and check the recipient carefully before submitting, as our SHA has a Venmo account with a similar name. We suggest a donation of $50 per student for the entire year.

Your generosity ensures that we will be able to fulfill our mission this year. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Blanca Famadas
Student Council Advisor
Chaplain
Feed My Sheep Sandwich Ministry
St. Philip's has had a long commitment to serving those in need, especially the hungry and the homeless.

Our Church and School is responsible for making 100 sandwiches on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays of the month to assist with providing food for the less fortunate in the greater Miami area. The sandwiches should be made at the volunteers' home on Tuesdays and dropped off on Wednesday no later than 11:00 a.m. on our campus at the Richards House. 

Families from our Church and School may sign up to fill a slot. Sandwich bags, gloves, mustard, and mayonnaise packets will be provided. The bread, ham, and cheese can be pre-ordered by the Church, to be picked up at the Publix located at 2551 S Le Jeune Rd Coral Gables, FL 33134, or the volunteers may place their own order.

If you have any questions please contact Claudia Duckenfield at cduckenfield@saintphilips.net. To signup please click here.
Upcoming Events
Monday, October 12th
Fall Break -- No School
Merry Gifts & More Begins Online

Tuesday, October 13th
Classes Resume

Saturday, October 24th
Halloween Extravaganza: Not So Scary Drive-by Parade

Monday, November 2nd
Make-up Picture Day
Book Fair Begins Online

Tuesday, November 10th
8:45 a.m.: SHA Meeting
SHA Updates
Our first SHA meeting of the year was held this past Tuesday. We had a wonderful turnout, so thank you to all who joined in the Zoom call! For those of you who were unable to attend, you will find our meeting minutes here.  

Our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, November 10th at 8:45 AM. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting.