April 16, 2024



‘You’re Amazing!”

Dear St. Philip Neri Families and Friends,

Last week our 8th Grade class joined 20 other 8th grade classes from Diocesan Schools at The Cathedral of Christ the Light for 8th Grade Cathedral Day (the other 18 Diocesan schools gathered on another day). Bishop Michael Barber has designated this special time with 8th graders in our Diocese prior to their graduation. It is a day to celebrate them and their accomplishments as well as a time to inspire them, in fellowship with their peers, to recognize Christ’s powerful presence in their lives as evidenced in scripture, experienced by the keynote speakers, and brought to them in the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass. 

The keynote speakers offered energetic presentations including songs, anecdotes, and games to engage students in reflecting how Jesus and the Holy Spirit work on our behalf. One of the keynote speakers, Justin Fatica from Team Amazing, used the tagline, “You’re amazing,” throughout his presentation, highlighting that as children of God, made in the image of God, we are all amazing, just as we are. As teens, it is easy to make comparisons to others and feel like you’re not good enough, or circumstances in your life can make you feel like that, and Justin’s message was a resounding, “You’re amazing!”

After the keynote speakers, Bishop Barber gathers us all into The Cathedral of Christ the Light to explain the symbolism of The Cathedral as well as demonstrate with descriptions his liturgical vestments. This is an intimate and highly interesting part of the day’s events. We end our day with the liturgical celebration of the Mass with 8th graders from various schools having roles such as altar servers, lectors, readers, and gift bearers. Our very own Ronan Sturlini read the First Reading, and as only Ronan can do, he proclaimed the scripture with emphasis and spirit. The Bishop was so impressed by Ronan’s reading that he complimented him specifically and gave him an open invitation to read in the Cathedral anytime. It was a truly proud moment for all of us Spartans.

Our 8th graders are beginning to close this chapter of their lives and prepare to move onto high school. We congratulate them all for being accepted to the Catholic high school of their choice. Cathedral Day was the first of several big and small events the 8th graders will have to prepare for this transition. Please keep them all in prayer as they navigate these final weeks at St. Philip Neri.

Finally, please join us on Saturday, April 20 for The Celebration of the Arts, from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m., in O’Brien Hall, an expanded version of our annual showcase of student art including an Auction of class projects, interactive art booths, a specially designed art book featuring our students’ work, and much, much more. Many thanks to Justina Iglesia, Lead Art Docent, and all Art Docents and volunteers for this event. If you are an art lover, this event is a must!

Peace & Blessings,

Ms. Thomas

Registration links for the 2024-25 school year were sent out earlier. If you haven't received a link for your child, please let Ms. Andie know.

Registration deadline: May 1, 2024

April 2024

Apr 15 - 17 - Nature Bridge Overnight Trip for 6th Grade

Apr 20 - Celebration of the Arts, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Apr 22 SAB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Apr 23 - Free Dress for April Birthdays

Apr 24 - Noon Dismissal / Professional Development Day

Apr 26 - School Spirit Day - Sports Day

Apr 27 - First Communion Retreat, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Apr 30 - 8th Grade Retreat

May 2024

May 4 - First Holy Communion, 10:00 a.m.

May 7 - PTG Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

May 8 - Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. Students' attendance required *New Date*

May 10 - All School Mass, May Crowning, 10:00 a.m. *New Date*

May 13 - Math Night, 5:00-7:00 p.m. *New Date*

May 14 - Fun Run

May 14 - AB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

May 17 -School Spirit Day - SPN Spartan Spirit

May 17 - Sports Awards Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

May 20 - SAB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

May 21 - Free Dress for May and June Birthdays

May 24 - SPN Olympics, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Noon Dismissal

May 26 - Feast of St. Philip Neri

May 27 - NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day Observed, No Share and Care

May 28 - 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony, 1:00-1:30 p.m.

May 29 - 8th Grade Dinner Dance

May 30 - 8th Grade Picnic, No School for 8th Graders

May 31 - Baccalaureate Mass, 10:00 a.m.

May 31 - Graduation, 5:00 p.m.

June 2024

June 5 - 2:10 p.m. Dismissal, Lunch Service Ends

June 6 - NOON DISMISSAL, No Share and Care

June 7 - Last Day of School, Moving Up Ceremony, Report Card Day, 10:30 a.m. DISMISSAL, No Share and Care

We are thrilled to announce that the Julia Robinson Math Festival (JRMF) will be hosting our annual Math Night on Monday, May 13th, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM!

To ensure the success of this event, we are reaching out to seek volunteers from our math club families to assist with various aspects of the festival for 2.5 hours on 5/13. No prior math background is necessary and middle school students can help too! An expert from JRMF will host an hour-long volunteer session to comprehensively review each math activity featured at the festival and equip you with all the tools necessary to engage our students effectively.

Please sign up to volunteer here!

Thank you very much, 

Helen Wang 

Dear Parents,

Alameda County Fair is offering FREE single day admission tickets to their annual Fair between June 14 - July 7 in Pleasanton for K-5th Grade.

The Fair offers an opportunity for children to learn about agriculture and how food is grown and the importance of feeding our community. Children will also have the opportunity to learn about animals of all sizes, participate in STEAM activities and take-homecraft projects. New this year, students can learn about local farming with the new Fields of Gratitude, a Tribute to Local Famers displays.

Sincerely,

Alameda County Fair

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKET

Your ticket must be claimed following the unique link below:

alameda.saffire.com/p/pages/school-program or scan QR code for quick access to claim a ticket. After you submit, your ticket will automatically be emailed to you. Show the ticket QR code at Admission Gates on a mobile device or printed. Your ticket is valid for any single day of Fair.

*Valid through July 7 at midnight, while supplies last. Do not share promo code, quantities are limited to each school. Alameda County Fair is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

**Non-discounted items may also be added to cart, no additional discount will apply.

***Promo code is not applicable on the main Fair ticket page or on-site at the gates.

Our school spirit store is wide open!

Hello Spartan Sports fans! Spring is in the air and our school spirit store is wide open! Feel free to look at your options of apparel and accessories as all items are customizable! With new additions of brands like Lulu Lemon there is sure to be something you will like and show off your Spartan Spirit!

Click here to order your school spirit wear.

Go Spartans!

Jeff Croft

PE Teacher and Athletic Director

Saint Philip Neri Catholic School

(510) 219-0773

Go Spartans!

Please contact Emily Libby with any questions.

Hello SPN Community!

At our January SAB meeting, the Board unanimously approved a new committee, set to start next year: The Climate Consciousness Committee (working title, actual name TBD). The goal of this committee is to continue to develop and foster SPN’s commitment to the environment and social justice, as well as to sustainability. Pope Francis has called on Catholic schools to take a major lead in helping equip our students to prepare for the ever growing climate crisis. He outlined this need in his encyclical, Laudato Si’. The simplest way to distill what the Pope’s message is: Catholic educators need to equip the students with the skills and knowledge to effectively fight the climate change fight. 

This spring, we would like to hold two meetings: one virtual and one in person. The goal of these two meetings is to establish a community of parents interested in this aspect of Catholic education, as well as develop a three-year strategic plan towards the committee’s first major goal: to become a Green Ribbon School by Fall of 2027. If you are interested, please fill out this FORM. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you, 

SPN SAB

Please contact Carlos Trujillo, Board President with any questions.

Chess at St. Philip Neri

Dates: Thursdays, April 11 - May 30, 2024

Location: Science Room

Time: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Grades: 1- 5

Tuition: $128 for the 8-week session

Enroll online at www.berkeleychessschool.org (under after school classes)

Immerse yourself in the exciting world of chess! Chess is fun and can be learned quickly and easily! Studies have found that chess helps improve test results in reading, science, and math, and produces growth in critical cognitive skills. Beyond academia, chess influences social behavior including self esteem, respect for others, patience, and good sportsmanship. And did we mention: it's FUN!

• Chess boards and sets are provided.
• The minimum class size is 10 and the maximum is 20.
• Enrollments are accepted in the order received.
• For siblings, the first child is full price, additional siblings are half price.
• Some reduced fees are available to low-income families upon request.

The Berkeley Chess School is a nonprofit organization offering chess instruction from kindergarten through high school since 1982. Over the years our students have won many state championships and several have gone on to become National Masters, FIDE Masters, International Masters, and International Grandmasters.

Please contact:

Program Coordinator

The Berkeley Chess School

programs@berkeleychessschool.org

Phone: (510) 843-0150 Fax: (510) 843-0140

www.berkeleychessschool.org

Tax ID: 94-3225242

Dear Parents,

Brains & Motion, an educational enrichment provider, is offering exciting and educational STEM, Arts, and Sports Summer Camps at Saint Philip Neri School for grades K-8 this year. They offer $100 off as an early bird special expiring on April 15.

We’d love for your children to join!

Attached you’ll find a digital flyer with more information, including dates, grades, and more. In the flyer you can also find a free digital STEM workbook. To register, please follow this LINK. You’ll find numerous options to fit every child’s interests.

If you have any further questions, please email Brains & Motion Education directly at contact@brains-and-motion.com.

Did you know that you can purchase Scrip online to be picked up in the front office? Enter group ID 510521SPN when you register a new account.

Each family is required to purchase $2,000 in Scrip by May 1^st. 

Order yours today!

Lunch Servers Needed!

Help serve lunch. Please contact Janelle Sheets with any questions.

Log your volunteers hours HERE! Please contact Ms. Trujillo for help.

Don't forget to complete your volunteer hours! 20 hours/family (if participating in sports, 5 additional hours in the sports program) required.  $50 per unfulfilled hour will be charged prior to registration for the new school year. 

Volunteer hours must be completed by May 1^st.

Families can now get volunteer hours for buying items from Grade Level and Department Amazon Wishlists. You will get 1 volunteer hour for every $20 spent. If the class does not have any items available on their list, Amazon gift cards are welcome, too!

Please include a gift receipt so we know who to thank!

Please contact Ms. Trujillo with any questions.

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Have you joined SPN on social media? 

We would love to have you as a part of our social media community.

It only takes a few seconds to join.

Check us out on Instagram at “spnalameda”.