Dear St. Giles Families,
Thank you to all of our parents who joined us at Back to School Night! We had a lovely evening and it was just the first of many in-person events we look forward to celebrating with you this year. We ask all parents to take a few moments to view the videos posted by your child(ren)’s teachers. Learn about plans for the upcoming year, including curriculum information and classroom expectations. Videos can be found on our teacher pages, found on the Family Portal. In case you missed it, here is my welcome video. We are all looking forward to a wonderful year!
I’m keeping my letter short, because I am sharing important information below about our first fundraising effort of the year: Lions Leap! But before you get to that, I wanted to highlight something exciting – St. Giles School Buddies are back!
We are thrilled to welcome back our Buddy Program this year in full force! The Buddy program at St. Giles is a long standing tradition that, after a COVID hiatus, returns this year! Mrs. Lucas, who will oversee this K-8 program that partners “buddies” across grade levels, kicks things off this Wednesday. During our usual Mass and advisory time, Buddies will work with their partners and begin a project that flows from our religion curriculum and our theme for this year, Make your Mark. Later this week we will celebrate National Dot Day following the story of The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. All classrooms have a copy of The Dot and will participate in the art activity, making their mark. Don’t fret – our PreK Lions will not be left out, they will participate in their classrooms, and throughout the school year multiple grades will join PreK classrooms for a variety of partnered activities.
I am so pleased that we can once again celebrate our PreK through 8th grade model, where Lions of all ages can learn from each other and have fun together as part of one larger community. This is just one of the many things that sets St. Giles apart, and I’m so glad our Lions can experience it fully this year.
Have a wonderful week,
Meg
P. S. Is there a grandparent, family member or caregiver you'd like to receive our Weekly View? Please email their contact information to office@stgiles.org and we will make sure they stay connected.
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Lion's Leap is Fast Approaching!
A St. Giles School tradition for more than three decades, our biggest annual fundraiser, Lion’s Leap, will kick off next Monday, September 19th for all our Lions. With the halls decorated and students in spirit wear, classrooms get excited – and ready! – to raise $90,000 and give back to a school that gives so much to us all.
Students will be bringing home a flyer this week detailing how to register and get started fundraising. Be sure to check backpacks, but you can also read below for all the scoop you need to know!
Lions Get Ready to LEAP!
Next Monday, students will be introduced to this year’s theme, “Grand Land Adventure,” which will inspire them to be active and activate their character. Each day, our Lions will watch videos and content introducing them to national parks and adventures around them. Take a look at this video that will help you understand the process and registration. We will keep you updated on the progress throughout the program. While we don’t begin officially until next Monday, registration is open now for anyone who wants to get a jump start on their fundraising. Don’t forget to share on your social media platforms with friends and family – there are additional prizes available for shares. Last year, one of our families won a family trip to Disney World!
How It Works
Students solicit pledges and donations for minutes they’ll complete in the upcoming obstacle course (September 28 for 6th-8th graders) and fun run (September 29 for PreK-5th graders). Boosterthon is our fundraising partner and helps us operate all aspects of Lion’s Leap. You’ll find everything you need to know on Mybooster.com– the online hub for collecting donations and tracking progress. Once you register your Lions, they can begin soliciting donations from friends and family based on a per-minute pledge or lump-sum donations (which will automatically be converted into per minute).
Looking for Volunteers
We are looking for parent volunteers for both events, the middle school obstacle course on September 28th and PreK-5 fun run on September 29th. Are you able to volunteer? Please sign up here to join us for fun filled days!
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Important School Reminders |
COVID and Illness Guidelines
Notifications regarding COVID diagnoses will be shared with classrooms or grades affected if exposure may have occurred within 48 hours. In The Weekly View, overall numbers for the week will be shared with the community. Since the start of school we have had 3 cases. As a reminder, if there is a household case, siblings are able to return to school unless they are symptomatic. Masks are not required unless someone continues to test positive after the 5 day quarantine and returns to school; at that time, masks are required through day 10.
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Parent Volunteer Compliance
At St. Giles School, we LOVE our volunteers – because we couldn’t do what we do without you! We welcome parent involvement, and now that COVID restrictions have been lifted, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in your child’s life as a Lion this year.
In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, the Archdiocese requires volunteers to complete several compliance requirements. Some need to be done only once, while others need to be completed more frequently or annually. If you are new to volunteering in the Archdiocese, you must complete everything. If you are a returning volunteer, you can log into Virtus to see which requirements are due.
Contact Michele Bibbey with any questions. She will ensure your compliance and verify that you are able to volunteer at St. Giles.
Parent Volunteer Compliance
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Register in Virtus Online (I do not need copies of these requirements - I can see them in Virtus)
- Select “Archdiocese of Chicago”
- Select “St. Giles School” (not Parish) for location.
- Select "Volunteer" as role
- Complete the criminal background check online (updated every 3 years)
- Complete the Archdiocese Standards of Behavior (updated every year)
- Complete the online class "Protecting God's Children" or the online renewal class "Keeping the Promise Alive" (updated every 3 years).
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Complete the Cants 689 (DCFS background check - updated every year) - email to Michele.
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Complete the Mandated Reporter online class (updated every 3 years) - email the completed certificate to Michele.
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Complete the Cants 22 (Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement - updated every 3 years) - email to Michele.
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Time is Running out for Enrichment Registration |
There is still time to sign up for our Fall Enrichment! Giving Artfully and The Podcasting Club are both looking for more participants. Share and grow your artistic talents and your voices in either of these programs. Both begin this week--without additional members we may need to cancel these two programs. |
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From the Athletic Director |
It has been another great week for the Lions. I really enjoyed meeting and catching up with everyone at Curriculum Night. Thank you for stopping by and saying HI!
This week, our 5th, 6th, & 8th soccer grade teams got their first W of the season on Tuesday Sept. 6, and both our 5th and 7th grade teams had their home openers on Wednesday Sept. 7 and Saturday Sept 10. Our Cross Country team did a great job at their first meet and competed in Meet 2 yesterday. Congratulations to Grace D. in 5th grade for finishing 12th overall in Meet 1.
Next week, our cross country team will be heading to their 3rd meet at Aurora Marmion Academy. Our soccer teams will be on the pitch this week for both home and away matches. Please check out the calendar below and come on out to cheer on your SGS Lions!
Fall Open Gyms/Clinic Dates and information will be shared soon. Official basketball practices will begin in late October/early November.
Lastly, 4-8th grade Basketball registration is live! Register by October 2nd and take advantage of our $25 off coupon.
GO LIONS!
Sara Spencer
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Basketball Registration is Now Open! |
Register by October 2nd and get $25 off the base cost. This coupon does not apply to uniforms.
4th grade Boys & Girls Basketball Registration
Base Cost: $160
Includes registration fee and uniform top
5th grade Boys & Girls Basketball Registration
Base Cost: $270
Includes registration fee, reversible basketball jersey top, and reversible jersey shorts
6-8 grade Girls Basketball Registration
Base Cost: $190
Includes registration fee only. If you do not have a uniform because it is your first season playing or because you have outgrown your previous jersey, you will need to register and purchase a new jersey using the separate registration link.
6-8 grade Boys Basketball Registration
Base Cost: $245
Includes registration fee only. If you do not have a uniform because it is your first season playing or because you have outgrown your previous jersey, you will need to register and purchase a new jersey using the separate registration link.
5-8 grade Team Basketball Uniforms Order
Base Cost: $73
Includes reversible basketball uniform top and bottoms.
If you have a uniform that was purchased in 2019 or 2021 and it fits
you do not need to repurchase,
but if you have never played or your uniform does not fit please reorder using this Link
For more information or FAQ about Basketball click here
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A Look Ahead at Athletics |
A look Ahead at Athletics
This Weeks Games/Meets
- 9/13 4:00 pm 7th grade soccer vs DP V at Field Park
- 9/14 4:00 pm 5th grade soccer vs St. Luke 6th at Centennial Park
- 9/14 5:00 pm 8th grade soccer vs St. Luke 7th at Centennial Park
- 9/15 5:00 pm 5th grade soccer vs St. Mary at Forest Park
- 9/16 6:00 pm 8th grade soccer vs Ascension 7 at Forest Park
- 9/16 7:00 pm 7th grade soccer vs Ascension 8 at Forest Park
- 9/17 9:00 am 6th grade soccer vs St. Luke 6th at Forest Park
- 9/17 1:00 pm 8th grade soccer vs EP at Elmwood Park HS
- 9/17 3:00 pm 5th grade soccer vs Forest Park at Forest Park
- 9/17 Second Cross Country Meet at Aurora Marmion Academy
Look to the Future
- 10/18 Soccer Pack the Park at Field Park
- 4:30 pm 5th grade vs 6th grade
- 5:30 pm 7th grade vs 8th grade
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News & Noteworthy Bulletin |
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The PTO Fun lunch program is a favorite Giles tradition and also one of the PTO's biggest fundraisers. Ordering is open here!
Buona will be served on 9/16
*Remember that you must set up a new account for this school year...directions are on the opening page of hotlunches.net website.
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Room Parents Are Still Needed! |
We have a few remaining spots available to serve as a Room Parent in the classroom. Take a look and sign up here. Thank you to all those who stepped up to volunteer - it's going to be a great year! A welcome message and more information will be coming soon!
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Fenwick High School News
Future Friar Shadow Days
Shadow Days are beginning Sept. 14th and take place Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 am to 1:30pm! Open to 8th graders who wish to live like a Friar for a day. Come experience life at Fenwick! Learn more
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Trinity High School News
Shadow Days Are Open for 8th Grade Girls
Trinity invites interested young women to shadow and experience Trinity's collegiate-style block schedule, all-girl environment, and rigorous academics. Shadows will visit a variety of classes, tour the school, and enjoy lunch with the Blazers. Sign up here
The Wizard of Oz Youth Auditions
This fall Trinity's Fine & Performing Arts Department will present The Wizard of Oz! Youth performers in grades 5th through 8th are invited to audition on September 27! The Wizard of Oz opens on Friday, November 18, and runs through Sunday, November 20!
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Future Blazer Gathering
Pull up a chair, grab a muffin, coffee, or a slice of pizza (our treat) and “Let’s Talk Trinity!” Parents and #FutureBlazers are invited to join Trinity admissions staff, students, and parents for conversation about the Trinity High School experience on Sunday, September 11 at The Barre (12 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park). Families will have the opportunity to learn about Trinity’s academics, athletics, co-curricular activities, scholarship, financial aid and the 2022 admission process!
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CCW Annual Rummage Sale
The 13th annual Rummage Sale will take place Sept. 23-24, 2022. Volunteers and donations are needed. See how you can help make this the best sale yet!
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