Thank You Parents and Guardians!
As we come to the end of Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank you for choosing a Catholic education for your child. I realize the sacrifices that are made for your child to be at St. Anthony’s. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious gift. Our teachers and staff use their calling to teach your child in faith and academics and
form relationships with your children that help them to grow socially and emotionally. This is so important to us that we include these words in our mission statement which is the promise we make to you and your children.
St. Anthony’s Catholic School serves diverse learners while supporting academic, spiritual, and social-emotional growth.
We value responsibility and compassion as the foundation of students’ lifelong faith formation and service to society.
Catholic Schools Week
Our students had so much fun during the Catholic Schools Week. On Monday, we started collecting canned goods and the upper grades made cards for children at Nemours/A.I. DuPont Hospital and local businesses. Tuesday, we celebrated our students with a soft pretzel and water ice/ice cream treat, schoolwide Bingo, and Guess the Teacher with pictures teachers submitted from their high school years. The students were very surprised when the answers were revealed to them! Wednesday, we were unable to have our Flag Raising Ceremony, but instead did prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance in the classrooms (as a school community). Thursday was Spirit Day with Dr. Campana in the Gym. She planned fun games and relays for the students to partake in. The Black Team won by a margin of 2 points! We also made cards for the retired Oblates in Childs, Maryland and said a schoolwide novena to St. Anthony. Today, we had Pajama Day for everyone! Students also played trivia games in the classrooms, where even some teachers took part in being asked questions. Catholic Schools Week ends with everyone having a great time this week! I want to thank Ms. Abby and Ms. Cripps for the extra work they did preparing for this week.
February’s Catholic Social Teaching
In the month of February we will continue our Catholic Social Teaching focusing on the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers (Matthew 20: 1-16 – Workers in the Vineyard; Luke 12:13-21 – The Rich Fool).
Celebrating Black History Month
As we begin Black History Month, each afternoon, Mrs. White will share a daily inspiration and reflection on an influential Black person in history. Our main lobby and hallway will also display further information about these prominent people and their contributions to society.
Reminder – Next Friday, February 10th is a NOON DISMISSAL with NO AFTER CARE.
Please be on time to pick up your child so our staff may also enjoy the noon dismissal.
Renaissance Testing
We will begin Renaissance Testing on Monday. Testing will occur over the next two weeks. Please be sure your student is on time, well rested, and ready to go. Students will not be allowed into the testing room if they arrive after the test has started.
Bishop Koening Visit
On Thursday, February 16th, Bishop Koening will be coming to visit and say Mass with our school community at 10 am. We are looking forward to having the Bishop visit with us.
Cold Weather Reminders
Students will go outside for recess every day unless the temperature is too low or there is rain/snow. Many children have come to school under- dressed for the weather. All students will go outside with their class, regardless of their outerwear. We do not have additional staff to watch children who do not wear appropriate outerwear for recess.
Dismissal Safety Reminders
Your child’s safety is a top priority for all adults in this school. The street outside of school is very busy from 2:55 -3:15 and we have had some near misses with accidents. Please do not tell your child to cross in the middle of the street at dismissal. All adults here will remind your child to use the crosswalk where a crossing guard or one of the teachers will be to direct traffic. Please do not park on the right side of the street. That is bus parking and when parents are parked on both sides of the street it makes it hard for traffic to get through. Our parking lot is available for all adults who are picking up at St. Anthony’s.
School Social Media
Please follow us on Facebook (St. Anthony of Padua Grade School Families, Alumni & Friends) or Instagram (sapgs.de) to see photos taken during the school day of our students. The children’s smiles will certainly brighten your day.
Blessings,
Mrs. Judith J. White, Principal
“A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints.”
~ Pope Benedict XVI