Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that 2022 ended beautifully for your families with time spent celebrating the Nativity of Jesus Christ and ringing in 2023. Aren’t we so fortunate, as Catholics, to celebrate Christmas for an entire 12-day season ending with the Epiphany of the Lord? While I must confess that we have taken down most of the Christmas decorations in our home, we still greet others with “Merry Christmas” and still pound out our favorite carols on the piano and guitar. This Advent, my daughter sent me an Advent quote that took my breath away:

“You could more easily catch a hurricane in a shrimp net than you can understand the wild, relentless, passionate, uncompromising pursuing love of God made present in the manger”. 

– Brennan Manning

I hope this quote is also impactful for you. As we close out the Christmas Season this weekend and work to be the Child of God we were created to be in this new year, may we always be awestruck by the incomprehensible, immeasurable and awe-inspiring love of our God who chose to share in our humanity so that we can share in His divinity. 

I want to share something we are excited about adding in this semester. We will meet in an all-school assembly once a month (usually the first Monday) to pray, share exciting events coming up for the month, discuss the month’s character trait, celebrate student successes and more. Our first will be Monday, January 23rd. Students will come to school as normal, report to their homerooms and then teachers will bring students to the gym. We are all looking forward to this additional opportunity to come together each month as a school family. 

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal 

CURRENT STUDENT RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2023-2024

• Re-enrollment for returning students is Monday, January 23 – Wednesday, February 1.
• You will receive an email on Jan. 23 when your student’s re-enrollment packet is ready on your FACTS Family Online (ParentsWeb) account.
• Tuition and fee payments must be current on your FACTS account.
• If you have questions or need assistance contact Cathy Russell at crussell@ap.school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS RETREAT - Saturday, January 21st

Middle School (6th, 7th & 8th Grade) Girls are invited to join us for a morning of crafts, games, community, prayer and being enough for ourselves and the Lord. Snacks will be provided! Register your middle school daughter by January 14, 2022 for this awesome retreat! 

• January 21 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Bishop Sheltz Fellowship Hall
• $15 per attendee (to be billed in FACTS)
• Register at: https://ap.school/girls-retreat

ENGRAVE A BRICK!

Help St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School finish paving our playground area, and build a legacy! All proceeds will benefit the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Endowment. You may individualize a brick for you, your family, honor a loved one, or make a memoriam. The donated bricks will become a part of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School as a lasting tribute, paving the way for generations to come. Ordering will close April 1, 2023 and bricks will be installed in the summer of 2023.

2022-2023 YEARBOOKS

Order your '22-'23 Yearbooks now! All orders will be placed online using the button link below. Yearbooks are $45 and will be delivered at the start of next school year.

You may also create your own page! Commemorate your student's school year!

• Full page ad - $150
• 1/2 page ad - $75
• 1/4 page ad - $50

NURSE NOTES

For 1/3/23 to 1/6/23:

• 6th Grade – Reported case of conjunctivitis/pink eye
• 8th Grade – reported case of COVID



Please continue to report any reportable illness (i.e. flu, strep throat, pink eye, covid, RSV…) to lpavlock@ap.school and any absences to attendance@ap.school. Continue to encourage handwashing, sneezing and coughing into the bend in the arm. 

Basketball Results this Week:

1/4/23 - Boys at St. Anne TB: C-Team Crusaders 21, Dolphins 20 OT, JV Crusaders - 27, Dolphins - 22, Varsity Crusaders - 48, Dolphins - 45

1/5/23 - Girls vs St. Cecilia at St. Anthony: JV Indians - 37 , Dolphins - 25, Varsity Indians - 44, Dolphins - 16.

1/6/23 - Boys vs St. Cecilia at St. Anthony: C-Team, JV Varsity - TBD

Dolphins Basketball Next Week:

1/9/23 - Boys at JPII C-Team 4:30 PM, JV 5:30 PM & Varsity 6:30 PM

1/10/23 - Girls at JPII JV 4:30 PM, Varsity 5:30 PM

FREE THROW CONTEST

Sponsored By: The Knights of Columbus Council 12327

• Who: Boys and Girls, 9 - 14 years old
• Where: St. Anthony of Padua Gymnasium
• When: Sunday, January 15 from 1- 3pm
• Time: Registration promptly starts at 12:30pm
• Boys and Girls will compete in their own and separate age groups
• Awards to all winners and runner ups
• Winners qualify for Regionals at a later date

SPRING SPORTS

Hey Dolphins! It is time to find out who is willing to make the commitment to St Anthony’s Baseball, Softball or Track programs. Please complete the Spring Sports Sign-up Form by Friday, Jan. 20th if your student is interested in the following sports:

• Boys Baseball - 6th, 7th & 8th
• Girls Fast Pitch Softball - 5th thru 8th
• Boys & Girls Track - 5th thru 8th

PADUAN PARENT LUNCHEON - Jan. 27th

Our Paduan Parent Coordinators are organizing another staff luncheon for the faculty of St. Anthony and we need volunteer covering lunch duty and bringing in desserts & drinks! Thank you!

Steps for Students is an annual event benefitting all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston. Over the last 17 years, this exciting day of family fun has brought together our Catholic community for a sunrise Mass, sanctioned 5K race and a post-race party in the Catholic School Village. Anthony of Padua's Steps for Students team will be raising funds to upgrade sound and lighting in our gym to improve our student programs and fine arts presentations! Thank you for supporting this effort. Join our team at: https://runsignup.com/apschool

FUN FOR TEAM MEMBERS:

• All students who attend the race and beat Mrs. Tucker’s time will get a Homework Pass.
• Middle School students who join our Steps for Students Team and attend the race will earn 2 service hours.
• All students who join our team can wear their Steps for Students t-shirts and jeans on Monday, Feb. 13th.

There are 4 ways to participate:

1. 5K TIMED: Compete against other runners and your best 5K time on this route! Price: $20.00 Race Fee
2. 5K UNTIMED: Like the Timed 5K.... but not timed. Price: $18.00 Race Fee
3. FAMILY FUN RUN: Under a mile route. Price: $17.00 Race Fee
4. HIT THE SNOOZE FOR STUDENTS: Support Catholic schools without running the race! Register to Hit the Snooze and you will still receive the official race t-shirt shirt, but will not receive a bib or race medal. This is the option for those who would like to participate virtually. Price: $20.00 Race Fee

IMPORTANT STEPS FOR STUDENTS DATES:

• January 25, 2023: Deadline to guarantee a "St. Anthony Race Shirt" sponsored by Doucet Safety Analysis.
• January 31, 2023: All race fees increase by $10.00.
• February 11, 2023: Race Day, Timed Race starts at 8:30 AM.

Stay tuned for a special Gala Messenger on Monday, Jan. 9th!

IN-CLASS PARTIES

After wonderful past success, we will offer several Class Party options as in-class events held during the school day. Class Parties may be purchased for $500 for Pre-K through 5th Grade or $1,000 for Middle School grades. When a party is purchased for a classroom, the teacher and all students are invited for the fun! Anyone may purchase a party for the benefit of one (1) classroom or grade (middle school), but we also encourage families to collaborate to select parties that their students will enjoy. Parties will be held on a mutually agreeable date with the teacher(s). 

In-Class Party Options:

• BINGO & Brownies - This fun party for the whole class will feature bingo games, brownies, and PRIZES. Students may wear Spirit Shirts & Jeans on their party date!
• Movies & Munchies – Join your friends for a screening of a favorite film! Popcorn and snacks will be served and students may wear Spirit Shirts & Jeans on their party date.
• Pajamas & Pancakes – Rise & shine with Pajamas & Pancakes for your class! Students may wear pajamas for the day!
• Sundae Social - Everyone loves ice cream! Extra recess or social time and making the ultimate sundae will be on the schedule for this fun day! Students may wear Spirit Shirts & Jeans on their party date!
• Trivia & Treats – This fun party will feature trivia games, treats, and prizes! Students will be able to wear Spirit Shirts & Jeans on their party date.

In-Class Parties will be on sale until Feb. 3rd. Parties will be held on a mutually agreeable date with the teacher.

• PRE-K3 IN-CLASS PARTY
• PRE-K4A IN-CLASS PARTY
• PRE-K4B IN-CLASS PARTY
• KINDER-A IN-CLASS PARTY
• KINDER-B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 1A IN-CLASS PARTY
• 1B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 2A IN-CLASS PARTY
• 2B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 3A IN-CLASS PARTY
• 3B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 4A IN-CLASS PARTY
• 4B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 5A IN-CLASS PARTY
• 5B IN-CLASS PARTY
• 6TH GRADE IN-CLASS PARTY
• 7TH GRADE IN-CLASS PARTY
• 8TH GRADE IN-CLASS PARTY

NEW SIGN-UP PARTIES

Gala Sign-up Parties are hosted by faculty or families and can be adult, family or child-centered—and most importantly, FUN! All proceeds from Gala Sign-Up Parties benefit our school and students. Thank you to all of our hosts for working hard to plan these parties for our school!

Friday, Jan. 28

LEGO PARTY

For 1st - 4th Grade Students

SOLD OUT!

Saturday, Jan. 29

SQUEEZE & FREEZE

WELLNESS PARTY

For St. Anthony Moms

Thursday, Feb. 9

BREAKFAST BREAK

For Middle School Students

Thursday, Feb. 9

PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS

For Kindergarten-2nd Grade Students

Thursday, Feb. 9

PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS

For 3rd-5th Grade Students

We are excited to welcome RestoPros of Northwest Houston as a Gold Community Partner for 2023!

RestoPros of Northwest Houston

Unfortunately disasters occur when you least expect it and during or after these incidents there can be a heavy loss to property, especially after a flooding event. If you find water in your home where it shouldn't be, RestoPros is here to help you get on your way to recovery. We will remove saturated and non-recoverable items such as drywall, insulation, flooring and cabinets and dry out everything else to minimize further damage and potential mold growth. We offer free inspections and work with all insurance carriers. For every caller that mentions St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, RestoPros will donate 10% of the final sales value to the school.

Contact Stephen Guion, stephenguion@restoprosnwhouston.com, 713-202-4200. 

https://restoprosnwhouston.com

PRIEST MEALS

A Meal Train has been created to help feed our priests at the rectory weekly. If you would like to sign-up to provide a meal, please click the link, review the instructions and pick a date to sign-up! https://mealtrain.com/e17zoe

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Frassati Catholic Open House - Jan. 18

The January Frassati Catholic Open House is coming soon on Wednesday, January 18, from 6-8pm. You're invited to join us for an info session and tours of campus. Learn more about Frassati Catholic, meet current students and faculty, and take the opportunity to see what it's like to be a Frassati Falcon. This is the perfect event for middle school families from 6th through 8th grade, or those interested in transferring. RSVP on our website here - https://www.frassaticatholic.org/openhouse.

Frassati Catholic Human Person Class - For Adults

We are excited to once again offer The Human Person Course for Adults, the first course in the Ethics & Culture curriculum, taught by Sister Beatrice. Classes will begin in mid-January and occur once a week on campus at Frassati. Course information and registration link can be found in this flyer (click here) - updated PDF with class times included! All adults are welcome. 

Course Description: This course examines what it means to say that human beings are persons - that is, beings endowed with freedom and an inner life capable of knowing and loving. The first part of the course focuses on the powers of the rational soul and its immortality. The second half investigates the nature of human love and the appropriate expression of love through the body. Using Pope John Paul II’s insights in Love and Responsibility, the course culminates with the presentation of the philosophical basis of his Theology of the Body.  Questions: Email Mrs. Kim Valdez at k.valdez@frassaticatholic.org.

Other Upcoming Frassati Catholic Events:

• January 6 - Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball v. Fort Bend Christian, begins at 6pm in the gym (elementary & middle school students free)
• January 12 - Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer v. St. John XXIII, games begin at 4:30pm on St. Michael the Archangel Field (elementary & middle school students free)
• January 13 - Girls Varsity Basketball v. Second Baptist, begins at 6pm in the gym (elementary & middle school students free)
• January 18 - Admissions Open House, 6-8pm, Assembly Hall
• January 19 - Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer v. Fort Bend Christian Academy, games begin at 4:30pm on St. Michael the Archangel Field (elementary & middle school students free)
• January 20 - Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball v. The Woodlands Christian Academy, begins at 6pm in the gym (elementary & middle school students free)
• January 29 - 2nd Annual Symposium: T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral - Open to all adults (21+), registration on the Frassati Catholic website.

JANUARY DATES:

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:45 PM, Library

TUESDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (English) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204 

TUESDAYS - Awakening! Bible Study (Middle School) 7:15 AM, Paduan Center 

THURSDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (Spanish) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204

THURSDAYS - ROBO Fins Robotics Club, 4-5 PM (7th & 8th Graders)

WEDNESDAYS - Mass Choir, 6:45 AM, Sheltz Hall 

WEDNESDAYS - Run Club, 3:30 PM, Sports Fields

WEDNESDAYS - Art Club, 3:45-5 PM, Art Room

FRIDAYS – Quiz Bowl, 3:45-5:00 PM, Mrs. Sturgeon's Room

Please check the calendar and/or communications from club advisors regarding cancellations or changes. 

01/04/2023 - All School Mass (Faculty), 9:00 AM, Church

01/09/2023 - Morning Assembly in the GYM

01/10/2023 - SPIRIT NIGHT at Black Walnut Café, 4:00 PM-Close

01/11/2023 - Mass (1A), 9:00 AM, Church

01/13/2023 - $5 Free Dress benefiting Student Council

01/16/2023 - SCHOOL HOLIDAY | MLK Day

01/18/2023 - Mass (1B), 9:00 AM, Church

01/20/2023 - $5 Free Dress to benefit 8th Grade Class Gift

Full Calendar available in FACTS and on the App!

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS

Do you have athletics or school event photos that you'd like to share for possible use in our yearbook or in school media? Please upload photos to our school Dropbox at this link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/UW0oqUAV9OySKlqlOShr. Photos can be uploaded at anytime before the end of the school year. Thank you for helping us showcase our athletes and students! If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Tressel at advancement@ap.school.