Dear Families and Friends,
What an amazing first month of school we had! I have had such a wonderful time visiting classrooms and talking with students. They are already learning so much. It is amazing to hear their talking and laughter in the hallways. That sound was greatly missed this summer.
As previously mentioned, our Diocesan theme for the year is “Let Us Build the Kingdom of God.” During the month of October, we begin our day praying, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This Beatitude is one all students can understand. Many times when we talk of people mourning, we are talking about the time when some has passed. It can also refer to times we are sad, when we feel alone and unsure. Students will learn that God will always be there for them in their happy and sad times, that all people feel sad, and it is okay to feel this way. This goes with our October value of compassion. I already see this value every day in our students. They have such big hearts, always checking on any friend who might be upset or helping them up when they fall.
October is also the month of the Rosary. This week, each class received rosaries they can use to pray the Rosary together. I thank Father Brian Zumbrum for blessing our rosaries when he was here this week with 70 Salesianum students. Teachers will be using activities they received during professional development from the Sophia Institute called “Behold our Mother.” Teachers learned more about the importance of Mary to our Catholic faith and were able to participate in different activities that they are now able to share with their classes.
Monthly School Masses
We celebrated our first school Mass today and it was the best way to start our Friday. Classes were able to sit with the Church buddies and it always makes me happy to see our older students helping our younger students during Mass. They remind them when to stand and pray, help them with the words to songs, and give them an example of how to behave in Mass. The Antonians, led by Mr. Colligan, sang beautifully, leading our entire school in raising our voices to God. If you are able, consider joining us for one of these school Masses. I promise you won’t regret the decision.
Damascus Retreat for Middle School
We had a fantastic retreat yesterday, sponsored by the Diocese of Wilmington’s Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry. These retreats are based on Damascus’ model for awakening faith in young people through prayer, small group discussion, Mass, and Adoration. It was a lovely day and I was truly inspired by the reverence of your children and the happy energy that they brought to this special day. It reminded me once again why I chose Catholic education for my own children and for my career. I believe these children will go on to do amazing things in their future. They are the hope for the Catholic church! The day ended in Adoration in our church. Father Wrightson was there to end our day with us.
Renaissance Testing
Renaissance results were sent home this week. These do not need to be signed and returned. They are for you to keep at home.
Yard Signs!
Who would like to help us market our school? We are hoping to have at least 20 families volunteer to take home a yard sign to advertise our school. Please email Ms. Abby if you are interested at awhite@sapgs.org.
Sweatshirts and Jackets
As we are moving into colder weather, please be sure to write your child’s name on the tag of their school sweater/sweatshirts. We have already had some confusion with who owns what sweatshirt. This will make it easier for us to reunite these items with their owners.
The only sweatshirt that may be worn during the day is the black St. Anthony gym sweatshirt. No other sweatshirts are permitted to be worn during the school day. Hooded sweatshirts, even ones for St. Anthony’s sports, are not allowed to be worn during the school day due to safety concerns. Students may wear them for recess, coming/going from school, or when special permission is given.
Grandparents Day
Friday, October 20th will be Grandparents Day from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Grandparents are invited to come into their grandchildren’s classrooms and have some fun visiting with them and doing activities. At 11:30, all students and grandparents will gather outside in the Kindergarten courtyard for a prayer service. Once the prayer service is over, students will return to their classrooms to get their belongings and to be dismissed. The Scholastic Book Fair will be open from 12:00-3:00 pm. Grandparents and parents are welcome to come and shop. Forms will be coming home next week that need to be filled out and returned for RSVP for this event.
Parent – Teacher Conferences
Parent – Teacher conferences will be held on Friday, October 20th after Grandparents Day has concluded. You should have received an email this week from your child’s homeroom teacher asking you to sign up for a conference time. Please pick a time that works best for you to meet with your child’s teacher to go over their grades and work so far this year. If you have not received any information about this, please email your child’s homeroom teacher.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th. If your child was absent on our original picture day, they will need to have their picture taken on this day for ID badges.
Halloween Fun Day
Friday, October 27th, will be the day we are celebrating Halloween at school. Students will be able to wear pajamas to school that day. They do not have to be Halloween themed, but they can be! Sneakers must be worn. We will also be having a special treat in the afternoon from Home and School. We will be asking for volunteers to decorate and set up a table of either candy, games, or activities for all students to visit. This is similar to a Trunk or Treat event. We hope to fill our gymnasium with several tables for just a short time. If you are not able to run a table that day from 1-3, we would be happy to accept your candy donations. More information will come out as we get closer to the date.
Save the Date! Saturday, November 18th will be our Home and School Comedy Night. We have plans for comedians, dinner, dancing, raffle baskets, prizes, a 50/50, and adult beverages. This will be a 21 and older event. Please try to attend. Mark your calendars! We haven’t done a real in-person fundraising event since 2020. It is time to get off of our couches and have some fun. Take a break from Netfllix! I will if you will. We would like to raise funds for our Home and School Board. All of that money goes back to fund programs for your children.
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, October 9 – School closed for Fall Break
- Thursday, October 19 – 7th/8th Pilgrimage
- Friday, October 20 – NOON DISMISSAL
- Grandparents Day – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Scholastic Book Fair – 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Cafeteria
- Tuesday, October 24 – School Picture Retakes
- Friday, October 27 – Halloween Pajama Day – more info to come
- Tour of Treats Social – more info to come
Love and Autumn Blessings,
Judith J. White, M.A.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
~ Saint Francis de Sales