Tiger Talk! March 18, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This week, despite all of the excitement and positive energy in our school, we were reminded once again how fragile life is. Salesianum senior, Tyler Brown, tragically lost his life in a car accident over the past weekend. This young man was full of life; a friendly, funny, and talented artist and athlete. His loss, and the serious injuries of another Sallies Senior and a Padua Senior, rocked both communities. I share this news not to cause unnecessary sadness, but rather to showcase the truly incredible response by one of our Oblates, Father Christian Beretta, and the true brotherhood and sisterhood bonds demonstrated at both Salesianum and Padua Academy. Father Beretta notified all parents and students about this loss via email and social media. He immediately opened his school doors and turned the building into a place of worship and a place for his staff, students, their families, and friends to grieve together all weekend. He held prayer services for students and their families, and changed the now seemingly insignificant exam schedule and marking period deadlines. He provided an opportunity for students to gather, pray, and support each other all weekend and into this new school week. Padua Academy principal, Cindy Mann, opened the school chapel for her girls on Sunday. It is in times like this when I realize the true value of a Catholic School community. As a fellow principal, I can’t even begin to imagine returning to our school today, having my students enter classrooms with an empty chair where their friend once sat, and not be able to pray or talk about God and our faith. We love our students, and when one hurts or suffers, we all do. As a Padua alum and parent of a young Salesian gentleman, I ask that you join me in prayer for our Padua “sisters” and Salesianum “brothers.” Pray they feel the love and support so greatly needed at this time. We pray for Tyler; may he rest in peace! We pray that both Kelly and John heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Father Beretta reminded parents of a beautiful quote from scripture.

I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. – John 11:25

 

School News

 

Thank you to Mrs. Tannenbaum for making Pi Day, March 14th, a fun day for her class.

Thank you to our fabulous teachers for sharing our Lenten theme of “Love and Forgiveness.” The halls are beautifully decorated with artwork from our students representing this Lenten theme, the Parables, and the Stations of the Cross.

 

Dine at Red Robin and Help St. Anthony’s – Red Robin has a program called “Burgers for Better Schools”. Every time you eat at Red Robin and provide your card, our school can earn money. You can sign up at the restaurant or online at www.redrobin.com/betterschools for their royalty card. You will also earn rewards and coupons for your family. If you eat at Red Robin, please consider signing up. Thank you for your support!

Franklin Institute Field Trip – This week, 5th grade went to the Franklin Institute.  While there, they were able to crawl around a “brain” and experience how neurons work, learned how optical illusions work, tested their speed against world record holding athletes, walked through the famous giant heart,  and some even had an ultrasound done on their arms to see how their muscles and tendons work.  Both the students and parents had a great time!

Evening of Sacred Music – On Thursday, April 14th, the Antonians will be participating in the Diocesan Evening of Sacred Music.  This event will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Church beginning at 7:00 P.M.  Elementary school choirs from around the Diocese will be performing sacred hymns and songs.  Please join us for this lovely event.

 

Home and School/YAC News

Designer Bag Bingo – Sunday, April 3rd at 2:30 P.M. (doors open at 1:30 P.M.) in the St. Anthony of Padua Grade School Gym, the Home and School Association will be hosting Designer Bag Bingo.  Tickets are $25 for a packet of 20 cards for 20 Bingo Games.  Price also includes one raffle ticket for the chance to win a Coach quilted chain tote and wristlet.  Food and drink will be available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit St. Anthony of Padua Grade School.  All ticket sales are final, and there will be no refunds.  For additional information or to reserve tickets, please contact Christina Ceresini at (302) 893-3428 or chrissyceresini2@comcast.net .  You can also purchase directly online at http://mkt.com/st-anthony-of-padua-church-grade-school-home-and-school-board/home-school-designer-bag-bingo-ticket.  Please note, no one under 18 will be permitted.  Please join us for an afternoon of Bingo fun and the chance to win some fabulous designer handbags, wristlets, wallets, and totes!

 

Parish News

Monthly Parish Social – All parishioners and friends are invited to the parish monthly socials to be held on Sunday, April 3rd, immediately after the 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Masses.  The social will be held in the Ballad Room of the Grade School.  Enjoy some great refreshments and spend time with other members of our parish community.  Hope to see you there!

 

Festival Wednesday Setup Nights begins April 13th – It’s that time of year again!  Your help is needed on Wednesday evenings to prepare for the 2016 Italian Festival.  No particular skills are needed-just a willingness to lend a hand.  All are welcome! Check in near the garage (across from the Ballad Room entrance on 10th Street near Scott) or in the Ballad Room to sign in at 6:00 P.M.  Refreshments are served in the Ballad Room at 8:30 P.M.  Come out and join your friends and fellow parishioners and have fun while supporting our primary fundraiser for St. Anthony’s Grade School.


A Great Easter Gift Idea: Italian Festival Gift Cards – A great gift for everyone that also helps to support our Grade School!  Italian Festival Gift Cards will be available along with the usual selection of cards offered by the Home and School Association on Friday mornings in the Grade School.  Cards are available in $25 and $50 values and may be purchased with cash, check, or credit cards.  The gift cards may be used at various venues at the Festival that accept credit cards, including admission, Midways ticket booths, cafes, and vendors using our Point of Sale (POS) system.  You may also arrange to purchase a card by contacting Anthony Albence via email (cua20064@aol.com) or via phone (302-983-3200).  Thanks for your continued support of the Italian Festival and our Grade School.

 

Business Office News

Tax Statements Available Through FACTs –Families using the FACTs program can quickly and easily create a payment summary of their account. This is especially helpful to our Preschool families. By simply clicking “View Printable Payments Summary” on the Payments tab, you can retrieve and print a summary of payments for the 2015 year or any other specified timeframe. Each payment summary contains the date range, family name, subaccounts, and the school’s Federal Tax ID number.

Transportation Refund – We have received notification from the State of Delaware that our transportation refund this year will be $77.81 for each family who completed the Transportation Form at the start of this school year. To process the reimbursement in a more efficient manner again this year, we will apply the funds to the final tuition payment for the 2015-2016 school year rather than processing individual checks.  If you are a family on Tuition Plan A or B, a check will be issued to you over the summer.  Plan A and B families, if you would like to have your reimbursement credited to your 2016-2017 school tuition, please contact Lisa Serio at 421-3707 or lserio@stanthonynet.org.

 

Upcoming Important Dates

  • March 19th – CYM Pilgrimage – 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
  • March 20th – Parish Easter Egg Hunt – After 11:00 A.M. Mass
      • Book Fair – Ballad Room
  • March 21st – Student Council Meeting – Preschool Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • March 22nd – Trimester 2 Honors Assembly – Gym – 1:30 P.M.
  • March 24th – April 3rd –School Closed – Easter Vacation
  • April 3rd – Parish Social – Ballad Room – After 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Masses
      • Home and School Designer Bag Bingo – Gym – Doors open at 1:30 P.M.
  • April 4th Student Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
      • Confirmation Registration Meeting – 6:15 P.M.
  • April 7th – Door of Hope Presentations – 7th and 8th Grade
      • 7th Grade – Library – 9:30 – 11:00 A.M.
      • 8th Grade Girls – 8th Grade classroom – 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
      • 8th Grade Boys – Library – 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
  • April 9th – 7th Grade Placement Test – St. Elizabeth’s – 8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
  • April 11th – Student Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • April 12th – 1st Grade Field Trip – Hagley Museum
  • April 13th – YAC Meeting – Ballad Room – 6:00 P.M.
  • April 14th – Evening of Sacred Music – St. Elizabeth’s Church – 7:00 P.M.
      • Community Builders– Gym – 10:00 A.M.
  • April 18th – Student Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • April 20th – Noon Dismissal – Professional Development
      • Padua and Salesianum Visit – 6th and 7th Grade Classrooms – 10:00 A.M.
  • April 21st – Panera Bread Spirit Night
  • April 24th – April 27th – Middle States Visit
  • April 27th – Noon Dismissal – Middle States
  • April 28th – Rush Uniform and A Stitch in Time – Uniform measurements – 8:00 A.M.
  • April 30th – Home and School Spring Fling
  • May 1st – Parish Social – Ballad Room – After 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Mass
  • May 2ndStudent Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • May 3rd Home and School Board Meeting and Candidate Social – Ballad Room – 6:30 P.M.
  • May 5th Pre-School Mothers’ Day Breakfast – Gym – 7:30 – 8:45 A.M.
  • May 6th First Eucharist Practice Day – 7:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. (Prep students)
      • Olevano exchange students arrive
  • May 7th First Communion – Church – 10:00 A.M.
  • May 9th Student Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • May 10th May Procession Practice – 1:30 P.M.
  • May 11th May Procession – 2:00 P.M.
  • May 13th 5th Grade Field Trip – Philadelphia Museum of Art – 9:00 A.M. – 2:15 P.M.
  • May 15th Pentecost Sunday Social – Ballad Room – after 11:00 A.M. Mass
      • Olevano exchange students depart
  • May 16th May 20th  – Excellence Fair – School Gym
  • May 16th – Student Council Meeting –Pre-School Room – 3:00-3:30 P.M.
  • May 17th – YAC Meeting – Ballad Room – 6:00 P.M.
      • Home and School Meeting – Ballad Room – 6:30 P.M.
  • May 18th8th Grade NYC Trip – 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
  • May 19th 1st Grade Field Trip – Philadelphia Zoo
      • Spirit Night – Café Riviera at Concord Mall – All Day
      • Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Book Fair – Concord Mall
  • May 23rdStudent Council Meeting – Pre-School Room – 3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
  • May 24th Field Day
  • May 27th Noon Dismissal – Planning Day
  • May 30th School Closed – Memorial Day
  • May 31st Spring Band Concert – Gym – 1:30 P.M.
  • June 1st Preschool and Kindergarten Last Day
  • June 6th Graduation Mass and Breakfast – Church/Ballad Room – 8:00 A.M.
      • Graduation practice to follow in Church till 12:00 P.M.
  • June 7th Noon Dismissal
      • 8th Grade Graduation – Church – 7:00 P.M.
  • June 8th – Last Day of School – 10:30 A.M. Dismissal
      • Closing Mass – Church – 9:30 A.M.

 

A few reminders:

Tobacco-Free Campus – Please remember that our entire campus (including Fournier Hall gymnasium) is a Tobacco- Free campus. Please refrain from smoking/chewing tobacco on school/parish property. If you are volunteering to work at an event or school activity and have signed the volunteer covenant, you have agreed to honor this policy.

Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up – As most of you know, safety is my top priority! I have been blessed this year by not having to observe too many morning drop-offs. Please remember to pull forward, drop off, and then proceed with caution into approaching traffic. The front of school is a no parking area in the morning (and technically, all day). Please remember that the other side of the street is clearly marked as a DART Bus zone. Do not park on the opposite side of the street. This makes it extremely difficult for city buses to pass and it creates a visibility/safety issue when children and parents are crossing the street. Please use the large parking lot we have available. After school, the first parents to arrive are welcome to park (and remain with their cars) on the school side of the street. If you will be leaving your car or remaining after dismissal for any reason, please be courteous and use the parking lot. At no time should anyone park on the city sidewalk. We have been working hard to maintain the sidewalks. Furio Casale has done a beautiful job fixing uneven bricks and concrete. Please do not park on them.

Please join our parish in celebration of the Paschal Triduum beginning on Holy Thursday and continuing through sundown on Easter Sunday. It is during these three days that we celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Remember that school is closed for Easter break from Holy Thursday, March 24th through Friday, April 1st. Classes resume on Monday, April 4th. Mr. Shields and I wish your families a very blessed and happy Easter.

Easter Blessings,

Mrs. White

 

 

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