St. Louis Catholic School Newsletter | |
This will be the last weekly newsletter issue before Easter break. The weekly newsletter will resume on April 11th. | | | |
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March 21, 2024
Dear St. Louis Families,
All around our campus yellow daffodils and purple hyacinth are blooming, perfect reminders that spring is here. Did you know that the color yellow symbolizes happiness, hope and spontaneity while the color purple symbolizes creativity, wisdom, devotion, and peace? Both are appropriate to the juxtaposition of the spring and Lenten seasons we are experiencing.
I wanted to share some school successes we have had recently. St. Louis was awarded an $10,000 grant by Porto Charities, a non-profit organization who seeks to support Diocesan pre-schools, elementary and secondary schools who embrace the practice of inclusive Catholic education. This grant will allow our resource team to increase the direct support we provide our neurodiverse students.
Our Annual Fund March Madness has created a lot of fun and a lot of fierce competition within the school community. We look forward to seeing who comes out on top! Gifts of prayer or treasure count, and we look forward to a continued spirited competition between the classes. Each year, the Annual Fund raises funds that are put towards tuition assistance, technology, and a major school improvement need. Know that every penny donated to the Annual Fund goes straight into our budget and is used for the school. We are truly appreciative of every gift!
Looking ahead---we have a Used Uniform/Bake Sale this weekend. Spring uniform begins April 8th when we return from Easter Break---the sale will be an opportunity to purchase uniform items for your growing children. Next week is Holy Week, and we will be attending Mass according to our regular weekly schedule. Holy Thursday is an early release day for students at 11:30am. It is a long-standing tradition that we dismiss in silence. It is a powerful thing to observe 464 students leave in complete silence, and it serves to remind us of the sacrifice our savior made for us.
Wishing you a joyful weekend!
Peace and Blessings,
Anne Dyke
Principal
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A message from Fr. O'Hare...
Dear Parents,
I join you in praying for Mrs. Dyke as she prepares to transition from serving here at St. Louis to serving as the new principal at Holy Spirit. I respect Mrs. Dyke’s personal discernment about this decision and will provide every support to her and to the school community during this time of transition.
Mrs. Dyke has given her heart and soul to St. Louis for the past 10 years, and words cannot sufficiently express our gratitude for her love, her faith, and her giving 110% of herself to this school community. I am recalling especially how extremely hard she worked during the pandemic to keep the school community united despite overwhelmingly challenging circumstances. Mrs. Dyke gave countless hours behind the scenes to provide for the needs of the students, the families, and the faculty. The Principal who succeeds Mrs. Dyke will certain have very big shoes to fill, but will also be privileged to have the opportunity to build on the great things that she has done.
The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Arlington provides structure and a process for this time of transition. Diocesan guidelines require the Pastor to form a committee of up to 7 persons who represent the school staff, PTO, parish staff, and parish community. The Committee’s role is advisory to the Pastor who has singular responsibility for making the hiring decision. The process also includes administration of a multi-question survey for parents and for faculty. As pastor I will listen respectfully and take seriously all of the input that I receive from the Committee and from the surveys.
It is hoped that this collaborative search process will be concluded by the end of April. I know that it is important that the process be concluded in a professional and efficient manner so that a feeling of stability and continuity can be maintained in our wonderful parish school. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally.
May God bless Mrs. Dyke, our excellent Catholic school, and all of you who are the heart and soul of this beautiful community!
Father O’Hare
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Spring Uniform Begins April 8th
A reminder that when we return from Easter Break, students may begin to wear the spring uniform. The spring uniform is not mandatory; please be mindful of the weather forecast when deciding between pants or shorts. The uniform guidelines may be found here. This weekend the PTO will be holding a Used Uniform Sale after all Masses. This is a perfect time to stock up!
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2024-25 Re-Registration Important Dates
April 1, 2024 - Last day for military families to notify the school of intent to stay or release spots being held. The non-refundable re-registration fee will be automatically posted to FACTS in April if we do not hear from you.
April 8, 2024 - Annual Parish Acknowledgement Form due from all current school families.
April 8, 2024 - Proof of Active Duty status due from military families wishing to be considered for a Catholic tuition rate.
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PAST DATES:
March 13, 2024 - Financial aid applications due through FACTS. (Note, if you have a student enrolled in a diocesan high school, your financial aid deadline was January 5, 2024.)
March 1, 2024 - Open spots released to new applicants.
February 16, 2024 - Re-registration fee automatically posted to FACTS. Families that do not have auto-pay enabled must click on "PAY" to complete the registration payment process.
February 1, 2024 - Re-enrollment Opt-out/Hold Form due from families who will not be returning for the 2024-25 school year, or active duty military families who may be awaiting orders.
February 1, 2024 - Last day to contact Mrs. Fiesel (pfiesel@stlouisschool.org) with special re-registration payment requests.
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Career Day Thursday, May 2
The counseling team is excited to offer an in-person Career Day this year, but we need your help. We are looking for parents who would like to come to school during the day on May 2nd. You will be going into classrooms to talk for about 15-20 minutes about your job. We will provide you with sample questions and topics you could cover. If you'd like to join us, please fill out the quick survey HERE and we will be in touch with you soon.
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No-cost Virtual Support Group for Parents of Children with Unique Needs
Brie Gardner and Leslie C. Kilpatrick, LCSW are co-facilitating a laid back, supportive parent community to share the joys and challenges of parenting children with unique needs. This free 7-week session will run on Tuesdays, 10-11am April 9 - June 4. if you are interested, please email leslie@leslieckilpatrick.com with any questions and to get the information to join virtually.
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April 15-19 is Military Child Appreciation Week at St. Louis
Calling all active duty military families! We are planning schoolwide initiatives to recognize St. Louis students who are children of current active duty military service members. Many of you completed our survey at the start of the school year, but if you missed it and would like your child(ren) to be recognized, please fill it out here.
Month of the Military Child - send us your pics!
During the month of April, we will be running a special “St. Louis Kids Serve Too” social media campaign that recognizes the military families in our St. Louis School community as well as sharing these pictures on our bulletin board display. If your family would like to participate, please send a family photo and the following information:
- Military branch
- Number of places lived (locations optional)
- Number of schools children have attended
- “What makes St. Louis School special for your family?”
- Please let us know if we may use your family’s last name in the post, or if you would prefer to be “anonymous”
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Matheis, development@stlouisschool.org
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Coach...Michael Kors...Kate Spade...
Just some of the designer bags waiting for one lucky winner!
Take advantage of presale ticket prices before they go up on April 1st!
$25 Individual Ticket | $175 Table for 8 (5 left!) | $220 Table for 10 (2 left!)
Everyone goes home with something from our friends at SCOUT,
and YOU may also win a designer bag!
Tickets and Information:
www.stlouisschool.org/BagBingo/
* Proceeds benefit the St. Louis School & Preschool Annual Fund.
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April Lunch Bunch & Enrichment
April Lunch Bunch registration ends on March 24th. Lunch Bunch is available ot all preschoolers. Sign up here.
"Sprouting Seeds" and "Once Upon a Musical Adventure" are the enrichment classes being offered in April. For class descriptions and registration, please click here.
"Under the Sea" Summer Enrichment Camp for Current Zebras & Pandas
Join us for a 4-day outdoor adventure as we get ready for summer, May 28-31! The theme this year for our Enrichment Camp is Under the Sea. Campers will explore ocean life through stories, crafts, STEM activities, music, and movement. Kid’s Nature Show will perform an interactive puppet show on ocean life, and we will conclude the week with a fun water day. A small snack will be provided each day. Each day campers should bring their own lunch to camp. For more infromation and to register, click here.
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March 22, 7:45-8:15am - Confession Swap
Tomorrow!! Back by popular demand! Last Friday before Spring Break! Drop off your kids, drop off your sins! St. Louis Parents, you are invited to join the monthly Confession swap for a supportive environment to receive the sacrament of Confession. Grow closer to Christ this Lent. Little ones welcome!
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TONIGHT!! March 21 - Pop-Up PTO
Survey says Tuesday nights can be tough for people, so join us for a fun, informal PTO Pop-Up tonight, Thursday, March 21st from 6:30-8pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Chat with the Board, have snacks and drinks and watch a little March Madness basketball too. No babysitter, no problem! It’s family-friendly!
*A note from the school: This social event that the PTO is hosting for school families is being held outside school grounds and is not an official PTO meeting.
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THIS WEEKEND: March 23 & 24 - Spring Used Uniform & Bake Sales
Get ready for Summer Uniform after Spring Break! Join us THIS Saturday, March 23rd & Sunday, March 24th. Volunteers and baked goods are still needed. See below for the SignUpGenius for volunteer opportunities. Thank you! Annemarie & Monica
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April 19 - Family Bingo Night
It’s all fun and games until someone yells, “Bingo!” Save the date for the 2nd Annual Family Bingo Night on Friday, April 19th! Registration available HERE.
Email Allison Parmiter with any questions at allisimms@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: This private event is for St. Louis School & Preschool families only.
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Extracurricular Activities | |
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PSA Spring After School Sports
Soccer
Mondays, April 8 - May 20th
K-5th Grade Students, co-ed
Flag Football
Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21st
K-5th Grade Students, co-ed
For more information and to register, please visit www.ThePSASports.com
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Save the Date: Middle School BASH, Saturday, May 4
The Emmaus Club is sponsoring St. Louis School's participation in the Diocese of Arlington Middle School "BASH" being held at Bishop O'Connell High School on May 4th. All 6th through 8th grade students are eligible to attend. The cost per student is $25.00. You can access this promotional video from last year to get a sense of the exciting opportunity this will be for your student. For 8th graders, attendance at this event will count towards the 2 Holy Hour Requirement for Confirmation Preparation. We will also need chaperones for this event. If you are interested in this for your student feel free to reach out to Fr. Thompson at fr.thompson@saintlouisparish.org.
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Saint Louis Parish CYO
Spring Track - CYO Track & Field registration is now open! If interested, please complete the registration form by Monday, March 25th. Students in grades 3-8 welcome–join us for a great season of racing and jumping and throwing!
Note: the meet will be held on May 18th, which is also First Holy Communion for STL. We know this will be a conflict for some families, but we encourage all athletes to still participate in the Spring season even if they cannot attend the meet.
Register here.
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CYO Spirtwear
Don’t be the only one in the stands without spirit–it's time to place your Spring spirit wear orders! The link to order is https://www.sewnluv.com/st-louis. The site will open tomorrow, Friday, March 15th at 5:00 pm. Order through Sunday, March 31st at 5:00 pm. The orders will be completed by mid April. CYO will contact you when the orders are in. Let’s show our Hawks we support them from a mile away!
If you have any questions, please contact us at saintlouiscyo@gmail.com
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Bishop Ireton Presents Into the Woods
Bishop Ireton High School's Theater Arts Department presents Into the Woods, March 22 and 23 at 7pm in Garwood Whaley Auditorium at Bishop Ireton High School. St. Louis alum are in the production cast, crew, and orchestra: Gabby Asesor, Mirabelle Brantley, Catherine Carow, Deacon Crenshaw, Maddie Cunningham, Mico De Angel, Ian Hixson, Bella Miller, TJ Mitchell, Julie Moore, Allie Swetz, and Rose Stack.
Tickets and further information available here.
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Knights of Columbus St. Patrick's Day Party - March 23
Join the Knights of Columbus for a night of Irish fun!
- Online Ticket Price: $20/person | $30/Couple | $10 for Teens (13-17) | Kids 12 & under FREE
- At Door Ticket Price: $30/person | $40/Couple | $20 for Teens (13-17) | Kids 12 and under $5
PLEASE NOTE: There will be very limited walk-up availability. Please register in advance to secure your spot! See flyer for details.
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Bishop Ireton Summer Camps
Bishop Ireton Summer Camps registration is well underway! Early Bird registration discount ends on April 1, 2024. Register your rising 6th-9th graders for our Sports, Fine Arts and STEM programs beginning June 17, 2024 through July 19, 2024.
Please visit https://www.bishopireton.org/summer-camps.
Design your camp experience with choices of half-day programs, allowing your camper to explore different interests and customize their summer weeks. All camps are run by Bishop Ireton coaches, faculty and staff. A registered nurse and trainer will be onsite each day.
Campers registered for both morning and afternoon half-day sessions will enjoy lunch in our school cafeteria, Murphy Hall. Lunch is held in between camp sessions from 12-12:30 pm. Lunch and before-care are available as add-on options. Please direct all questions to Mrs. Kieran Mitchell, Director of Camps, at (703) 212-5166 or by email at summercamps@bishopireton.org.
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Bishop O'Connelle Knights of Adventure
BIshop O'Connell offers summer camps for students in grades 5-8 -- with an exciting lineup this year with topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Forensics, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Junior Veterinary, and more! Visit www.bishopoconnell.org/summercamps for more information.
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Yoo's Summer Camp
Yoo's Summer Camp starts June 17th. Help your child have a fun, safe and educational summer break:
- Stay active and fit
- Confidennce and leadership
- Discipline and respect
- Traditional Tae Kwon Do
Visit yoosama.com/camps for more infromation. Early bird specail ends April 1st.
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Hawk Happenings: March 22-29, 2024 | |
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Friday, March 22
- Lunch: Pizza
- Stations of the Cross
- March Madness Champion Announced
Sat., March 23 & Sun., March 24
- PTO Used Uniform & Bake Sales
Monday, March 25
- Lunch: Chicken Slider
- Parent Rosary
- MS Mass
Tuesday, March 26
- Lunch: Salisbury Steak
- Ice cream available
Wednesday, March 27
- Lunch: Chicken Tenders
- K-5 Mass
Thursday, March 28 - Holy Thursday
Friday, March 29 - Good Friday
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**EASTER BREAK: April 1-5**
Students return on Monday, April 8th; spring uniform begins
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FULL SCHOOL CALENDAR
Did you know you can subscribe to our school calendar for real-time updates, convenient links to SUGs and flyers, and more? Subscribe to auto-populate your iCal, Outlook 2007+ or Google calendar
*Hot lunch must be ordered monthly in advance.
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Order hot lunch HERE.
April lunch orders due by March 30th, 9pm.
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Tickets may be pre-purchased to redeem for ice cream on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Order ice cream tickets HERE.
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