September 4, 2022
Dear St. Giles Families,

You may notice a slightly different look at the top of today's eNews: welcome to "The Weekly View!" Our regular communication, The Weekly View will share all you need to know each week: upcoming events, important school, parish and community announcements, highlights of students and much, much more. It's a view inside our school and a look to what's ahead. Be sure to look for The Weekly View each Sunday morning in your inbox so that you know what's coming up for your Lions.

This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and, while we will miss those carefree days, everything is off and running smoothly here at school! Our Lions have returned and those new to St. Giles seem like they have always been a part of our community. 

Back to School Open House
This week we have our annual Back to School Open House for parents on Thursday. This night is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers and see their classrooms. Teachers have recorded videos reviewing their curriculum and expectations for the year that will be available on their teacher web pages in the Family Portal (password: Lions123). By providing this information via video, we free you up to simply engage with the teacher briefly and enjoy being inside the building. The evening goes quickly – so we ask families to reserve one-on-one conferencing for another time. If you have specific questions or needs regarding your child, please set up a separate appointment to meet with the teacher in a more private setting. We will send an alert on Wednesday afternoon after 3:30pm that videos are available for viewing, as well as a campus map with event entrances and the locations of our specials teachers. Teachers will be available in their classrooms from 6:30 pm - 8:00pm. 

Between your classroom stops, be sure to visit the courtyard next to the church to meet with representatives from PTO, School Board, and Athletics, and check out the uniform resale and spirit wear tables! I will be there with Kathy Lofgren, Michele Bibbey and Monica Lechowicz to say hello and welcome everyone back. Need a new yard sign or car magnet? We will have those available, too. We hope you will join us!

iReady Diagnostic
Finally, we are preparing our classes for the first iReady Diagnostic of the year. This first Diagnostic window ends September 22nd. iReady is the standardized testing platform used throughout the Archdiocese and Diagnostics are given three times a year in grades K-8. These test results are not included in grades in the classroom but do provide us with data to review curriculum, understand student achievement levels and assist with differentiation. Between diagnostics, students complete lessons in Reading and Math focused to their diagnostic score level. Would you like to learn more about iReady and how you can interpret your child’s results? Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 4th at 6:30 pm for an iReady Parent Information Night. More information will be shared closer to the date. 

Enjoy this long weekend and a Monday without alarm clocks! 

Have a wonderful week,
Meg 
Upcoming Events
Important School Reminders
Technology Forms are Due
Teachers have sent home our Technology Responsible Use Form with your Lions. Please review this form, sign with your child, and return to their homeroom teacher. Two copies were sent home, one for you to keep, one to return. Chromebooks will not be distributed without this form on file. Additionally, please review our cell phone and smart watch policy on page 19 of the School Handbook on the Family Portal. Students are required to turn in their cell phones and smart watches at the beginning of the day. We strongly encourage smart watches remain at home. 

Uniform Shoes
Just a quick reminder regarding school appropriate shoes. Please adhere to the St. Giles Uniform Code for acceptable shoes. Socks and shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals and Crocs are not acceptable school shoes at any time. 
 
COVID and Illness Guidelines
As we return to school, our COVID restrictions are reduced from those in previous years. Masking is optional and we respect the decision of any student, faculty or staff member on their personal decision to wear a mask. You can find current protocols from the Archdiocese here. Additionally, we will adhere to these guidelines if a student or staff member develops COVID symptoms.
Fall Enrichment is Looking for Our Lions!
Fall After School Enrichment is back! Are your Lions looking to try something new? Would they like to return to after school favorites? Be sure to check our after school enrichment offerings for this fall. Students can choose from some of our returning favorites; Infinity Arts, Legacy Sports, Chess Ed, The Podcasting Club and Giving Artfully or choose from new activities; Scratch Coding, Creative Writing, Outdoor Ed, Lego Masters and Lego Builders. Sign up for one, or more than one! Registration is open and will be available until the day before the first day of camp. Below, please find the link to register. If you have not filled out the medical form attached to all registrations, please do so. 
Unable to attend the cybersafety presentation last week? If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Liz Repking. Liz will continue to work with St. Giles and keep us up to date on how to keep everyone safe online. 
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
  1. 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).
  1. Complete the Cants 689 (DCFS background check - updated every year) - email to Michele.
  2. Complete the Mandated Reporter online class (updated every 3 years) - email the completed certificate to Michele.
  3. Complete the Cants 22 (Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement - updated every 3 years) - email to Michele.
Pop-up Sale at Back to School Night
Spirit Wear 2022
Show off your paw pride with some new threads! During the Back to School Night on September 8, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase spirit wear including a brand-new t-shirt featuring a limited edition 2022-23 design. We’ll have youth and adult sizes and can take cash and cards. Be sure to swing by and check it out! 

St. Giles Lions - Spirit Wear 2022-23
From the Athletic Director
What another great week we had Lions! Everyone has really been working hard. 

Congratulations to all our Cross Country participants on finishing their first week of the season. Results will be sent out early this week along with information about Meet 2. 
 
The first matches for our soccer teams in the Classic and Forest Park leagues will be on the road Tuesday, September 6th. The 6th and 7th grade games will be at Centennial Park in River Forest against SVF, while 5th and 8th will be competing at Veterans Park in North Riverside against St. Marys. On Wednesday, September 7th, the 5th grade team will take on DP JV for their season home opener at Field Park in Oak Park at 4:00 pm. 

Basketball Open Gym
Thank you to everyone that came out and participated in our summer basketball open gyms that ended this week. We would also like to thank all of the coaches that took the time to run the open gyms. Fall open gym schedules will be shared soon. Official basketball practices will begin in late October/early November. 

Basketball Registration
Lastly, 4-8th grade Basketball registration is live today! Register by October 2nd and take advantage of our $25 off coupon. 

If you have any questions throughout the school year or need any help please contact me at athleticdirector@stgilesschool.org

Go Lions!
Sara Spencer
St. Giles Lions - Basketball
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

If you or someone you know are interested in coaching 4th grade basketball please contact Sara Spencer at athleticdirector@stgilesschool.org
A Look Ahead at Athletics 
This Weeks Games / Meets
  • 9/06 4:15 pm - 6th grade soccer vs SVF Jv at Centennial Park
  • 9/06 5:15 pm - 7th grade soccer vs SVF Varsity at Centennial Park
  • 9/06 5:30 pm - 5th grade soccer vs St. Mary 5th at Riverside Veteran
  • 9/06 6:30 pm - 8th grade soccer vs St. Mary 7th at Riverside Veteran
  • 9/07 4:00 pm - 5th grade soccer vs DP Jv at Field Park
  • 9/09 5:00 pm - 7th grade soccer vs St. Mary 7th at Forest Park
  • 9/10 8:00 am - 6th grade soccer vs Asc. 5th at Forest Park
  • 9/10 5:15 pm - 5th grade soccer vs St. Ang Jv at Lindberg North
  • 9/10 5:15 pm - 7th grade soccer vs St. Ang Varsity at Lindberg North
  • 9/10 - Second Cross Country Meet at Downers Grove Swim and Racquet club

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
News & Noteworthy Bulletin
St. Giles School - High School News
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
 
Fenwick Football Middle School Night: Sept. 9 at 7:30pm 
See the Friars take on the Celtics at Triton College. All 6th, 7th, & 8th graders will receive free admission and a complimentary beverage and popcorn from the concession stand! Register before Sept. 7th for a chance to be an Honorary Captain and represent the Friars at the opening coin toss! 
 
Scholarship Resource Fair: Sept. 10 
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 10th to learn all about Fenwick High School scholarship and financial aid opportunities! Various scholarship organizations will be on hand to answer any questions you may have! Register here
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

Studio Art Workshop
Join Trinity Art teachers Pam Costello and Christy Yungerman Smith '92 for Trinity's Studio Art Experience and participate in a fine arts morning! Saturday, September 10 9AM-11AM. Space is limited! 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! 
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!
St. Giles Men's Society Golf Outing
Come play a round at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. Register today for next Monday's outing -- you won't want to miss it!
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!