Dear St. Giles Families,
November 1st--we have gotten so far this year and now, after gaining a much needed extra hour of sleep, we are into November--a time for giving thanks. While this year has presented many challenges, we are so thankful for our families, our faculty and staff and the sacrifices made to make this year successful. Let’s continue to focus on our successes!
We will be participating in the parish CCW annual coat drive again this year. You’ll see information further down in the newsletter, but drop off will all happen outside. If you have coats or winter accessories to donate, please drop them off in the bin located behind the Parish Center, near the outdoor classroom. The coat drive benefits several area organizations, each with ties to St. Giles. This year, more than ever, people need our help. If you are able to assist with sorting and distribution, all safety guidelines will be followed, please sign up here. Please do all you can!
With the cold weather, we have more traffic during drop off and pick up. Please adhere to these safety reminders:
- Please stay off your cell phones, including texting while driving and waiting for your children
- Be mindful of blocking intersections and pedestrians
- Bring your patience--we know waiting in line is never easy but with our protocols, it may take a bit longer, especially in colder weather
- Make sure your Lions are dressed for outdoor activities during recess--hats, gloves, coats, etc.
As you may have noticed, the Village of Oak Park is working on resurfacing Greenfield between Linden and Columbian. Please use caution when driving through that area for the next couple of weeks.
Have a wonderful week and stay well!
Meg
Reminders:
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Recently I read an interesting analogy comparing the election to sports. We can show up to play a game, support our teammates, and give our best effort and still not score any points. This analogy reminded me of the rules of conflict resolution where we need to try to get what we need and accept the solution might not be exactly what we pictured. Conflict resolution has a rule of no name calling. We can teach our children to focus on the issues with this election, not the person. We can teach our children to explore what is important to us, to identify our own values. We can teach how we vote often aligns with our own values. No matter the results of the election there will still be teachable moments about conflict resolution with our children in the future. Check out this National Geographic Article about talking to kids about the election with more advice on teachable moments during an election year.
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REGISTER NOW for the Winter Session 2020-2021 of Chess-Ed's Virtual Enrichment Program!
The 10-week Winter session is offered Monday through Friday at a variety of times (4, 5, and 6 pm) with Beginner, Novice, Continuing, and Advanced program levels. The chess program runs from 11/30/20 to 2/19/21 and is taught by Chess-Ed instructors using Zoom, lichess.org, and other chess software. Please refer to the Eventbee registration site for chess level guidelines.
To register, students must have a FREE username at lichess.org so they can be paired by the chess instructor during the game playing portion of the lesson.
Register NOW at www.r-winter-virtual-chess-ed.eventbee.com. Be sure to register early to take advantage of EARLY FEE pricing. For more information about the program, please refer to the program flyer and Eventbee website.
Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Winter!
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St. Giles Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest!! We had almost 50 entries and every one of them was amazing. Here are the winners:
Scariest Pumpkin: Nico Perez
Best Pumpkin Message: Isabella Kochevar
Best Family Pumpkin Submission: Niznik Family (Michael, Ella, Aggie)
Most Creative Pumpkin: Fiona MacKinnon
Winners will receive a target gift card as a prize. Congratulations! Please enjoy this slideshow of all the entries.
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For the past 3 years the proceeds from Trivia Night have benefited outdoor learning (including....primary playground, garden, outdoor classroom). This year, more than ever, we are so grateful for those spaces. Thanks to everyone who has participated.
Please help us spread the word.....
Saturday 11/7 at 7:30
- We will be virtual this year.
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Join the fun with teams of up to 6 people. The platform we are using does not have break-out rooms so teams have to be together to play together...but no team is too small so if you prefer to compete as a couple- that's fine too. Register and we will email you the link before the game starts!
- If you do choose to gather as a group, please be sure to use your outdoor spaces or garages following proper social distancing protocols.
- $35/ticket.
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Don't forget to buy your raffle tickets when you register here
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Check out St. Patrick's upcoming events.
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Check out Trinity's upcoming events.
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Check out St. Ignatius upcoming events.
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Check out Fenwick's upcoming events
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Check out DePaul Prep's upcoming events.
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What is HFS Chicago Scholars?
HFS Chicago Scholars helps economically disadvantaged Chicago high school students flourish in and out of the classroom by providing educational enrichment through our lifelong mentoring, college readiness and academic excellence programs, as well as providing financial assistance to attend top Chicago-area schools. More information can be found here and application details can be found here.
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Time for Caring and Sharing:
The St. Giles Sharing Tree
The pandemic has brought challenges for all of us. But it has also offered us the opportunity to show our spirit of love to those families who have been significantly impacted at the parishes we support each year on the Sharing Tree. This year, we are unable to set up the trees in church or collect gifts in the rectory garage. However, your support is needed more than ever.
For those who are able, we are asking for donations of gift cards to Jewel, Walmart or Target OR you can make a donation (checks payable to St. Giles CCW) in any amount which we will apply towards purchasing gift cards. Mail or drop off your donation at the Parish Center, 1025 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 or drop it in the Offertory collection boxes at the entrances of Church marked Sharing Tree.
So that we have sufficient time to purchase and allocate the gift cards to those needy families, please respond by Sunday, November 22. I’m sure you agree that the Sharing Tree is one of the traditions that makes our Parish so special. Anything you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your generosity. If you have any questions, please contact Madeleine Butler at 708-267-7572 or Pat Micucci at 312-972-8808.
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Follow and like us on social media. Stay up to date with what's going on at school and see pictures of your children engaging in educational activities with their classmates during the school day. |
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