Tiger Talk! March 31, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for all you do to market our school. Whether it is word of mouth, social media, shared Facebook posts, or casual conversations with friends, you are our best marketers. We are growing and thriving, and we have big ideas for the upcoming school year.

This is the time of year when we are watching our re-enrollment numbers and planning for new activities for the 2017-2018 school year. If you have not re-registered, please do so ASAP. Thank you to everyone who has already registered. We appreciate your timeliness, especially when it comes to the ordering of supplies and books. We plan to remove at least one textbook per year in middle school and replace them with E-Books for the iPad. We have big ideas for transforming our library into a 21st Century Classroom. We are looking at both student and teacher schedules to make sure the time spent here is as efficient and productive as it can possibly be.   We are seeking grants to help with our wish lists.

Thank you to our Special Education Teacher, Elise Schiccatano, our School Counselor, Mrs. Laura Angelo, and our Technology Coordinator, John McMillan for their innovative ideas and energy with regard to meeting the needs of all students, helping us fully live our mission, and making our school space “relevant” to next generation students. Thank you to Mr. Shields for his work in his new role as Parish Business Manager. He will continue to serve as Vice Principal, but his new role will include parish strategic planning, grant writing, fund development, and overseeing parish staff members.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Join us in the month of April as we focus on the spirit of gentleness. “I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love.” Whenever I think of gentleness, I can’t help but think of two of our patron saints, St. Francis de Sales and St. Francis of Assisi. I think of the wonderful Franciscan sisters that have truly been living saints in my life, Sister Margaret Cunniffe, Sister Jamesanne Taggart, and Sister George Mary Rhodes. I learned from them here at St. Anthony’s and they taught me in high school at Padua Academy with “softly but strongly” as our motto. These wonderful ladies I now am blessed to call family friends. I think of the Salesian priests that have been role models of gentle strength throughout all of my sacraments here at St. Anthony’s, into my college years at DeSales University, and in my marriage and family life. From Father Roberto Balducelli to Father Nick Waseline, our parish Pastors have gently, but firmly led the way. I pray for a call to religious vocations, because the gentle souls in my life have helped me in my faith formation and continue to guide my family and me in times of prayerful need. I want this for your children and for their children as well. When you need a Franciscan or Salesian, I can assure you they are your best prayer warriors! Let’s pray this month for more strong and gentle souls to hear the call to religious life and lovingly answer it.

School News

Antonians will sing this Sunday – This is a reminder to parents that the Antonians will sing this Sunday. It is also an invitation to encourage families to join us for Mass on Sundays and hear our children’s voices fill the church. There is nothing sweeter! We want to grow our student participation at Sunday Mass. I was recently told by a young child, “You take us on Fridays, so my parents don’t have to go on the weekends.” I have to say that made me a little sad. It was not the first time I have heard this same excuse.

Second Trimester Honors Assembly – Please join us for Mass on Friday, April 7th at 8:00 A.M. Mass will be followed by a brief Honors Assembly for students earning academic honors in Grades 4 through 8. Special recognition will be given to students who have participated in school and diocesan academic competitions as well.

St. Anthony’s Scholastic Book Fair – Next week will be our Spring Scholastic Book Fair! Teachers will select a class shopping time for the entire class to go shopping, but all are welcome to shop at the Book Fair!

  • Hours during the school day – 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
  • The Book Fair will be open for the Parish Easter Egg Hunt after the 11:00 A.M. Mass

TerraNova Testing – Thank you to all of our parents for making TerraNova testing a priority last week. Children arrived at school on time, well fed, and ready to focus for the mornings. We also want to send a thank you to all the families who helped provide healthy snacks for the children last week.  It is a long week of testing for them, and I know they enjoy those little extras in the morning. They did a great job! I look forward to seeing their results in May.

Diocesan Pilgrimage – The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington CYM Pilgrimage “Love without Measure” takes place on Saturday, April 8th.  This is an awesome way to enter into prayer for the start of Holy Week.  Students throughout the Diocese of Wilmington will join together to pray and carry the Pilgrimage Cross through the city streets. This is beautiful to witness and truly touching to be a part of. Consider joining us in the spiritual journey!

Phil Rendina Discretionary Dinner –Approximately 150 people attended this event. It was a nice evening of dinner, dancing, and casino tables. The event raised $6,300, but some donations are trickling in. They expect the final total to be $7,000.00.  Thank you to all who attended!

Congratulations to 5th grader Dylan Farrell.  Dylan participated in the Honors Band Concert at Villanova University on Saturday, March 18th. Great job, Dylan!

Congratulations to our Declamation Team! At the Ursuline Academy Forensic Competition, our 4 students who competed each won an individual trophy. They also took home the First Place school team award. Congratulations to Paige Johnson (8th), Henry Kelleher (7th), Emily Anderson (6th), and Neha George (6th)! You made us all very proud!

Bertucci’s Night – Thank you to all those families who enjoyed a night out at Bertucci’s last week!  Both locations saw a good turnout.  Thank you for supporting our school through these events!

8th Grade Lenten Pasta Dinner is TONIGHT, Friday March 31st – A flyer was sent home. Please join us to help the 8th grade class raise money toward their class Trip to New York City in May. Our students are looking forward to cooking and serving you!

Kindergarten Pizza Party – Kindergarten had a pizza party today courtesy of Student Council. This was in recognition of their highest contributions to the canned goods food drive for the St. Patrick’s Center. Great job, Kindergarten!

Paint Night – We did something different for one of our faculty meetings. We did “Painting with a Twist” for our staff. All were invited, and 21 attended. I have to tell you that I laughed the entire time. I would have loved for your students to see which teacher could not keep up, who had to have directions repeated multiple times, who was a perfectionist, who was creative, and who was critical of themselves. It was a riot! I may save these “beautiful” pieces of art for you to admire during our Excellence Fair in May. We celebrated our lovely Mrs. Nancy Burris’s birthday that night. We ate cake, shared snacks, and had a really fun time.

Alumni News – Congratulations to the following graduates of St. Anthony’s who received honors from Padua Academy during the second trimester. First Honors: Grace McCarthy (12th), Robin Land (9th), Andrea Reynolds (10th), Reagan Widmaier (9th).  Second Honors: Margaret Banker (12th), Kayla Godlewski (12th), Laura Land (12th), Madeline Perez (12th), Ellen Banker (11th), Stefania Lombardo (11th), Christina Molloy (11th), Mackenzie McCall (10th), Caroline Achenbach (9th), and Marissa McCarrick (9th). Way to go, ladies!

Parish News

Parish Easter Egg Hunt 2017  – The annual Parish Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Palm Sunday, April 9th, after the 11:00 A.M.Mass (approximate start time is 12:30 P.M.) in the Ballad Room of the Grade School.  There will be categories for the following age ranges: up to age 2, ages 3-5, and ages 6-10.  There will be a prize basket for each age category.  A special appearance by a certain bunny is scheduled!  Enjoy the full array of delicious refreshments offered at parish socials (Serpe’s donuts and tomato pie, Degnars’ breakfast pizza, and much more)! Please RSVP with the number of children, the children’s names and ages, and a contact phone or e-mail by Thursday, April 6th to Anthony Albence via e-mail to cua20064@aol.com or via phone at (302) 983-3200.  (Please leave voicemail if there is no answer.)

  • AGAIN THIS YEAR: all participants and their families are invited to attend the 11:00 A.M. Mass and bring their Easter Baskets to Mass, where they will be blessed.
  • ALSO RETURNING THIS YEAR: The annual Scholastic Book Sale benefitting the Grade School library will be open during the event.  A perfect place to pick up an Easter gift that will also help our school!  A social will also be held after the 9:00 A.M. Mass on Palm Sunday.

REVISED HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2017

  • Sacrament of Penance
    • Saturday, April 8 from 4:00 to 5:15 P.M.
    • NO CONFESSIONS ON HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 15
  • Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
    • Saturday, April 8
      • Solemn Blessing of Palm and Processional 5:30 P.M. Mass
    • Sunday, April 9
      • Masses: 7:00 A.M., 9:00 A.M., and 11:00 A.M.
      • Solemn Blessing of Palm and Procession at 11:00 A.M. Mass
  • Holy Week:
    • Monday – April 10, Tuesday – April 11, Wednesday – April 12
      • Daily Masses: 6:45 A.M. and 8:00 A.M.
    • Holy Thursday, April 13
      • No Mass
      • Adoration at the Altar of Repose 7:00 – 10:00 P.M.
    • Good Friday, April 14
      • No Liturgy/No Mass
      • Church open for prayer & reflection – 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
      • Via Crucis: 7:30 P.M.
      • Gesù Cristo Morto Procession: 8:30 P.M.
    • Holy Saturday, April 15
      • No Mass/No Easter Vigil
    • Easter Sunday, April 16
      • Masses: 7:00 A.M., 9:00 A.M., and 11:00 A.M.

Italian Festival 8-Day Passes & Gift Cards Now Available—PRE-FESTIVAL SALES PRICES

Passes are a great gift for graduation or any occasion!  Gift cards are a perfect gift for Moms, Dads, grads—everyone.  Also a smart way to provide funds to the kids for use at this year’s Festival.   BUY NOW and SAVE!!   

Passes & Gift Cards are available:

  • at the rectory during office hours (8:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M., Monday-Friday and 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Monday-Thursday) starting week of 5/1
  • at the Church after Masses in May
  • via secure PayPal purchase on the Festival website (www.stanthonysfestival.com) [starting 4/10/2017]
  • with Home & School gift card sales at the Grade School on Friday mornings.

PRICING:

  • PRE-FESTIVAL 8-DAY PASS PRICE:
    • $12.00—20% OFF the price at the Festival ($15.00). 
    • A pass provides one admission per person per day to the Festival.
    • Festival Admission Policy: Under age 14: FREE (if accompanied by a parent or guardian age 18 or older); $5 daily ages 14-61; Over age 61: FREE.
  • PRE-FESTIVAL GIFT CARD PRICES:
    • $25.00 Gift Cards: SALE PRICE $22.00 
    • $50.00 Gift Cards: SALE PRICE $42.00

NOTE:  Advance Ride Tickets will also be on sale when available.  (approximately mid-May)

Important Dates – Please continue to check our school website (https://sapgs.org) for upcoming events and information.

  • April 3rd – 9th – Scholastic Book Fair – Ballad Room
  • April 3rd – Student Council Meeting – Preschool Room – 3:00-3:30 P.M.
  • April 4th – 8th Grade Fundraiser for NYC Trip – Café Napoli/Café Riviera – All day
  • April 8th – CYM Pilgrimage
  • April 9th – Parish Social – Ballad Room – After the 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Masses
    • Parish Easter Egg Hunt – Ballad Room – 12:30 P.M.
  • April 10th – A Door of Hope Presentations – 7th and 8th Grade
  • April 13th – April 23rd – Easter Break – No School
  • April 23rd – Home and School Designer Bag Bingo – Gym – 2:00 P.M.
  • April 24th – St. Mark’s Spring Visit to 6th and 7th Grade – 1:30 P.M.
  • April 25th – Kindergarten Field Trip – Wilmington Playhouse – 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
  • April 26th – St. Anthony’s Spirit Day – Applebee’s on Kirkwood Highway – All Day
  • April 27th – Uniforms Orders – School Lobby – 8:00 A.M.
  • April 28th – Trimester 3 Interim

Check out our new school video tour on Facebook and the website!

Visit www.sapgs.org

 

or check us out on Facebook at St. Anthony of Padua Grade School Families, Alumni & Friends. This was our first video tour attempt. Thank you to Mr. John McMillan and Mrs. Laura Angelo for their assistance.

Thank you to Ms. Cripps for her help putting together Tiger Talk every two weeks! I will be giving her a tiny break due to our Easter Break. We will resume Tiger Talk after the break. Please check the school website calendar regularly. It is updated daily with any change or addition. We wish everyone a blessed and very Happy Easter! Please keep Father Nick and Nick Mercantini in your family’s prayers.

Early Easter Blessings,

Mrs. White and Mr. Shields

 

“We are still awaiting Easter; we are not yet standing in the full light, but walking toward it full of trust.” 

~ Pope Benedict XVI

Written by