The Blarney Stone

September 28, 2022

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New in this edition—

• Principal Bolaños Message
• Annual Fund 23 Appeal Class Participation Challenge
• RaiseRight Brand Feature
• After School Art Studio
• Basketball Registration is LIVE
• PreK & Kindergarten Movie Night Selection Announced
• Teacher Favorites
• Choir Highlight

Do Small Things with Great Love

Staff theme

All are Welcome, All Belong

ASB theme

One Quarter

Last Sunday’s gospel about the rich man and Lazarus brought to mind a humbling life event that taught me many things; not the least of which is the value of Catholic education.

While our children were growing up, Ray and I liked to take them to Mass at the Cathedral every now and then. We unfortunately tended to get to Seattle at the last minute (it’s a long drive from Lake Tapps, okay?), and one particular Sunday during Advent was no exception. Seats were full, so we stood on the north side in a little nook (I know there’s probably a fancy term for even the little nooks in a cathedral, but bear with me). Our second son, Vincent, decided that he had to use the facilities, so we had our oldest son, nicknamed “Teddy”, take him to the nearby restroom to do so. When they returned, Teddy was very excited because he had found a quarter on the sink--which in the early 90’s was still a pretty big deal for an 11 year old.

After Mass, we exited down the main stairs toward 9th Avenue, where we saw a young man sitting on the landing with a crumpled paper bag, looking for donations. The man didn’t say anything--he just looked at us with large sad eyes. 

Now, here’s the part where you can go ahead and judge me. I planned to whisk by the fellow when I noticed Teddy leaning over and dropping his quarter in the bag. Not only that, Teddy then reached out and shook the man’s hand.

Being the ever diligent mother, as we walked away, I told Teddy that I was proud of him for giving to the poor, but that we would need to use a baby wipe on his hands when we got back to the car. He said in return, “I’m not worried about that, Mom. At school they said you can find Jesus where you least expect to, and that man looked like Jesus.”

The boy was so right. The man DID look the way one may imagine Jesus would--long dark hair and beard, soulful eyes, and a gentle spirit--and my son had just given him everything he had.

I quickly turned around, wondering if the guy took checks. I wanted in on this kind of kindness! 

The man had literally disappeared….

So, this recollection made me ponder this year’s spiritual theme once more. Let’s do small things, and do them with great love. Don’t miss a chance to drop your quarter in the bag!

Thanks for being here.

Barbara Bolaños

Principal

St. Patrick, pray for us!

COVID-19 Report

We have had three cases reported to us this week. We continue to follow the most current guidance in mitigating the spread of disease.

If your child is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, please keep them home and seek out testing (we do have testing available at the school). Please continue to report positive test results, absences, and illnesses to the school office.

ALWAYS scroll to the bottom of The Blarney Stone [you might need to click view the entire message if the email was clipped] or view it as a webpage in the browser to stay informed about important news, events, and programs. You'll know you've reached the bottom of this edition when you see the photo highlight.

Annual Fund 23 Letter Writing

It is a St. Patrick Catholic School tradition for every Shamrock to create a letter, card, or drawing to send to a grandparent or loved one during the Annual Fund appeal, using it as a teaching opportunity to work on communication and transactional writing skills. Complete the letter writing form by October 14 to help with the salutation and mailing address.

Parish News

Are you reading our weekly parish newsletter, The Cornerstone? Check out the most recent edition to read Fr. David Mulholland's pastoral letter, view Mass schedules, and learn about faith formation opportunities, sacramental prep, outreach, advocacy programs, news from the Seattle Archdiocese; and more!

Subscribe to receive The Cornerstone in your inbox when published on Fridays!

SEPTEMBER

now-Oct 29 | Middle School Girls Volleyball Season

now-October 2 | PreK-8 Cross Country Season

now-Oct 23 | Registration for MS Boys Basketball

29 | Open Art Studio for Middle Schoolers

30 | Lunch Orders for October 3 due

30 | K-5 Mass

30 | Picture Day

30 | PreK & Kindergarten Movie Night

OCTOBER

1-2 | Annual Fund 23 Kick-off at St. Leo Church

2 | Cross Country Meet

3 | Spirit Wear Delivery

3 | Last Day to Order Pictures

4 | Blessing of the Animals

4 | REACH Auction Meeting

6, 13, 20, 27 | Art Studio for Middle Schoolers 

7 | GLOW Family Dance Party

5, 12, 19, 26 | Wednesdays 2 pm Dismissal

5, 12, 19, 26 | Spirit Wear Wednesdays

11 | Bellarmine Experience Day

11 | SPPA Meeting

11 | School Commission Meeting

12 | Annual Fund 23 Phone-a-thon | 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

12 & 19 | Middle School Youth Group

13 | Middle School Open House

14 | No School | Faculty Retreat

17 | Northwest Catholic Contest Deadline

17-19 | Trunk or Treat Candy Collection Contest

21 | Middle School Mass

21 | Orange Creamsicle Floats for Winning Class

22 | Trunk or Treat

24-25 | No School | Parent-Teacher Conferences

24-Nov 15 | Wreath & Cross Sales

24-Dec 16 | Middle School Boys Basketball Season

27 | Preschool Open House

Playground Supervisor

St. Patrick Catholic School is seeking a playground supervisor to monitor lunch recesses, Monday-Friday (except for half days), 11:30 am-1:30 pm. The position is a fun chance to interact with kindergarten through eighth-grade students!

We'll provide all the training you need; you bring your love for children.

After-School Supervisor

Are you looking for a fun opportunity to work with children? St. Patrick Catholic School is seeking a part-time after-school supervisor on full school days) as follows: 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Wednesday.

Candidates for each position must undergo a background check and complete Safe Environment training within 30 days of the start date.

Interested parties should email Vice Principal Kate Chambers and apply through the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Volunteer Interest Form

Are you a wizard with a weed-whacker? Maybe party planning is more your thing. Or photography, decorations, data entry?

Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form today, and tell us about your superpower.

School families are responsible for finding, recording, and tracking their service hours during the school year. The annual commitment hour requirement is 30 hours for a two-parent family and 15 hours for a single-parent OR PreK half-day family, of which 5 hours must be dedicated to the REACH Auction. Unfulfilled commitment hours are assessed at $20/per hour, and payment is due on May 31.

Volunteer Commitment Hours Log

Did you volunteer at the Uniform Resale, Hedgefest, New Family BBQ, Parish Picnic, or another summer opportunity?

Log your Volunteer Commitment Hours after each event using the new form, so you're not scrambling at the end of the school year!

Lunch & Recess Supervisor

Are you looking for a fun way to earn commitment hours? We need volunteers to help supervise lunch and recess. Surround yourself with happy little people while helping to keep them safe. Be sure to check in at the office 5 minutes before the start of your shift.

Volunteers must have completed Virtus Safe Environment training and have a COVID-19 vaccination card on file.

Questions? Email Vice Principal Kate Chambers

Check events for more volunteer opportunities.

Staff Favorites

When you want to spoil your teacher or favorite staff member but aren't sure what to get, we now have a place to find all those essential questions.

SPPA supports our school community, including our teachers and staff, and has created a Google Sheet to answer "What kind of coffee could I grab for" my child's teacher, or what is he allergic to again?" 

After School Art Studio for grades 6-8

Middle school students can use the space and supplies in the Art Room as their studio to develop their skills with a particular medium or to explore something new.

Thursdays

3 pm - 4 pm

Art Room

Share

We're making clay vases this week.

Art Studio is a free drop-in activity! No registration is required. Art Specialist Mrs. Emily Keller will help students with their independent work most weeks. A unique project is planned for once a month. 

Drama: Actors' Workshop for grades 5-8

The Actors' Workshop is back! Unleash your inner thespian and join this informal, drop-in style, drama-based book club where script reading leads the way!

Tuesdays

3:10 pm - 4:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Music Room

Explore all stories and characters (fiction and non, literary-based and classics, musical theater and monologues, and more!)

If you don't feel you spend enough time reading, or maybe public speaking is not that fun, come and see what happens when we all take turns reading different characters aloud around the table.

Pick up students at 4:30 pm from the 1st-floor door near the corner of North 12th & G Streets.

Boys Basketball for Grades 6-8

Registration is open for the Middle School Basketball season. The league runs from October 24 - December 16. Share.

Sports Physicals

All athletes must have an updated sports physical at Saint Patrick Catholic School to participate in Middle School Athletics.

Turn in forms before the first practice. Physicals are good for 24 months and can be submitted by email or dropped off in person at the school office.

Volunteer

Are you interested in coaching, serving as the team photographer, or another capacity? Volunteering counts toward fulfilling the required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year! Email [email protected] to get started.

Read about recent changes to St. Patrick Catholic School Athletics.

Lunch Program

The lunch program, catered by Love My Lunch, offers three choices each day. Each meal is $5.75 plus tax and includes fruit, vegetable, and a side item: no canned fruits or vegetables or high fructose products.

Orders for October 3 are due

Friday, September 30

OCTOBER MENU

—NEW ITEMS—

Grilled Cheese

Thai Noodle Salad

Chili & Cornbread

Orders are due two days before the day of lunch service, and Love my Lunch sends weekly reminders to all families with registered accounts. For questions, email [email protected]

New Moms Group

Feel less alone, more connected, calmer, and better able to face the challenges of new motherhood. You'll gain connections, sharing, understanding, confidence to respond to new motherhood's emotional highs and lows, and skills in building resilience. Because every baby deserves a healthy mother, and every mother deserves to enjoy parenthood.

for the eight-week series with

Rachel Ford, LICSW

ends on November 6

Sundays

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Parish Center

Email Laura Dougherty to RSVP.

RSVP is appreciated but is not required.

As a therapist, perinatal mental health expert, mom of three, parishioner, and school parent at St. Patrick Catholic Church & School, Rachel Ford is dedicated to creating a community of moms who can buttress and care for one another. Share

BSA Troop for Girls in Grade 6+

Join the newest Scouting BSA Girls Troop now forming for girls in grade 6 and up or ages 11-18.

Adventures include hiking, swimming, rowing, archery, and more! Learn life skills while working towards Eagle Scout, the most prestigious recognized award for youth under 18 in America.

Mondays | 7 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

To learn more, email Valerie Pettit or call 940-206-1941.

Spirit Wear Wednesdays

We love seeing students wearing their Spirit Wear favorites, from t-shirts to sweatshirts! Every Wednesday is Spirit Wear Wednesday except for Ash Wednesday or a day otherwise announced as uniforms required.

—mark your calendar—

October 5, 12, 19, 26

Spirit Wear Flash Sale Delivery

The first spirit wear flash sale of the school year is in process. Expect delivery if spirit wear hoodies, sweatshirts, and t-shirts to your student's classroom around October 3.

Picture Day

Order your photos by October 3 and get free shipping. Remember to have students wear their uniforms! We'll be taking individual and class photos.

September 30

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Skip Butler Gymnasium

Families will be able to order prints after the pre-sale too. Students will receive a proof sheet with instructions on how to place an order; however, shipping fees will apply.

PreK & Kindergarten Movie Night

SPPA is hosting a movie night for PreK and Kindergarten families. Bring the blankets, pillows, and a picnic-style dinner for a fun evening watching Paw Patrol: The Movie.

September 30

5 pm - 7 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Skip Butler Gymnasium

Share

An adult must accompany students, and older siblings are welcome. The event is free; donations are appreciated.

Blessing of the Animals

Fr. David Mulholland will lead us in prayer as we bless the animals that mean so much to us on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

October 4

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Upper Playground

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm

for K-4

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm

for PreK & Grades 5-8

Bring your pets. If you cannot bring your pet, bring one of your pet's items, like a collar or a photo. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Parishioners and the community are welcome to attend either time. Share

GLOW Family Dance Party

SPPA is hosting an all-school, all-family glow dance party. Shine bright! Get your glow on. Wear your best glowing neon and dance the night away with friends. 

An adult must accompany students. Light snacks, water, and lemonade are available at the free event. Donations are appreciated. 

October 7

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm



Saint Patrick Catholic School

Skip Butler Gymnasium

Share

Sign up to volunteer. Service counts towards fulfilling required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year. 

Are you a DJ? Email SPPA if you are interested in DJing or have the equipment we can use for this event.

Candy Spook-tacular

Bring the candy to school! Yes, we said that! Halloween candy has hit the stores! Start looking for deals. The class with the largest candy haul wins a ghoulish orange creamsicle float party.

Candy Collection

October 17-19

Float Party

October 21

Remember to use RaiseRight gift cards when you shop. Bring your candy to school labeled with the teacher's name. Share

Trunk or Treat

Join us for games, crafts, costume contests, and candy at Trunk or Treat.

October 22

4 pm - 6 pm

Saint  Patrick Catholic School

Upper Parking Lot

enter on North 12 Street

share

The event is free. To enter the costume contest, bring a non-perishable food donation to the St. Leo Food Connection.

Sign up to volunteer. Service counts towards fulfilling required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year—volunteer for set-up, clean-up, games, and trunks. SPPA provides candy for games and trunks.

Open Houses

It's never too early to start planning for your child's Catholic Education. Tell your friends and family about our open houses for prospective families. Share

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

October 13

Middle School

October 27

Preschool

January 26

K-5

February 9

All-School

To schedule a tour sooner or request more information:

• Call 253-274-4134
• Email us
• Complete Inquiry Form

Operation Keep 'Em Warm & Fed

Involve your family in a school service project you can do from home! Serving Tacoma since 1995, Operation Keep 'em Warm & Fed builds relationships with people experiencing homelessness.

Can your family help make ten sandwiches at home to give to people experiencing homelessness and hunger?

October 11 & 18

November 15 & 22

December 13 & 20

To sign up, or learn more, email us! Service counts towards fulfilling required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year.

St. Leo Food Connection 

St. Leo Food Connection Backpack Program serves over 1200 students weekly at schools in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup.

In October, we're collecting single-serving size oatmeal packets and cups.

Backpacks contain two days of easy-to-access food such as oatmeal packets, instant soups, fresh fruits, and vegetables so that students can come to school nourished and ready to learn after the weekend.

The following are needed, ideally in single-serving sizes:

• November | Canned Food
• December | Crackers & Granola Bars
• January | fruit cups
• February | Soup
• March | Dried Fruit
• April | Mac and Cheese
• May | Cereal
• June | Fruit Snacks

Drop off donations at St. Patrick Catholic School during school hours!

RaiseRight, formerly known as Scrip

Get the most out of your loved devices with high-quality content and services. From fantastic music in spatial audio to world-class workouts and meditations, use Apple gift cards to buy gifts for others or must-have tech for yourself. Shop, discover, and earn 5% for St. Patrick Catholic School with every purchase.

Apple gift cards can be redeemed online and in-store on everything Apple. They are available as eGift and physical cards for $15, $25, $100, and $500.

200+ brands delivered right to your door—Ship to Home. It’s a convenient option to keep earning with reloadable gas or grocery cards, birthday gifts, and more.

How it works:

• Buy gift cards at face value
• Earn up to 20% for St. Patrick Catholic School on every gift card you buy 
• Use gift cards at their total value for your everyday purchases

Buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn on your daily purchases. Creating opportunities for what matters most to you has never been easier. Use raiseright.com/shop or the mobile app for all your shopping and gift-giving needs.

Fred Meyer Community Rewards

Do you shop at Fred Meyer? Every time you use your loyalty card, you can earn money for St. Patrick Catholic School.

Last quarter, 39 households helped earn $104.47 in donations for our school!

Link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card at Fred Meyer Community Rewards. You can search for us by St. Patrick School or ID Code RX604.

Then, every time you shop and use your loyalty card, you're helping our school earn a donation! You'll still earn your rewards points, fuel points, and rebates, and you'll also earn money for St. Patrick Catholic School.

Shop AmazonSmile

Did you know that if you shop using AmazonSmile, your purchases can help support St. Patrick Catholic School?

You helped us earn $211 in the 1st quarter of 2022 and over $3,000 since we started participating.

Shop at smile.amazon.com or the Amazon app with AmazonSmile turned on within Settings, and they will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no extra cost. Select St. Patrick School as your AmazonSmile beneficiary.

Did you know Smilematic, a free browser extension for Chrome, Safari, ForxFire, and Edge, will automatically turn your everyday Amazon purchases into AmazonSmile donations? Learn more and get the extension.

School Mass

Join us at 9 am at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

September 30

K - 5 Primary/Intermediate Division Mass

October 21

Middle School Division Mass

November 1

All-School Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints

November 18

K - 5 Primary/Intermediate Division Mass

November 22

All-School Mass of Thanksgiving

Confirmation Preparation for Grades 7-8

There are two opportunities for preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation for 7th and 8th-grade students who received First Eucharist and are now discerning the Sacrament of Confirmation! Choose the one that best fits your schedule.

Tuesdays

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Saint Patrick Church

Parish Center

or 

Thursdays

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

St. Charles Borromeo Church

Convent



Confirmands will use the Ascension Press Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation program for preparation to:

• Encounter Jesus and be inspired to live a wonderful and meaningful life as a gift to God
• Clarify what it means to be a disciple of the Risen Christ to bring goodness, order, and life to others through example and service.
• Develop specific skills to grow and mature as disciples for the rest of their lives.

Register by September 29, and complete the questionnaire before the first class. 

Email Danielle & Daniel Byrtus, Confirmation Leaders, to learn more.

CGS for ages 3-12

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to faith formation where children are formed in the Catholic faith in a sacred space called the ‘atrium.

Registration

Registration is going on now for classes that run from mid-October to mid-May.

To learn more about CGS at St. Patrick Catholic Church, visit the atrium, serve or train as a catechist, email Kim Ward, CGS Coordinator, or call 253-274-4108. 

Middle School Youth Ministry

Middle School Youth Group is for students in grades 6-8. 

YOUTH GROUP

2nd & 3rd Wednesdays

6:30 pm-8:00 pm

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Convent

—save the dates for Youth Group—

October 12 & 19, November 9 & 16, December 14 & 21; January 11 & 18, February 8 & 15, March 8 & 15, April 19, May 10 & 17, June 7 & 14

Jesus Night helps middle and high school youth, young adults, and families grow in their love for the Eucharist.

The evening consists of Eucharistic Adoration, silent prayer, praise and worship, spiritual discussion, and reflection led by a priest or volunteer and concludes with social time, pizza, and refreshments.

——————————

JESUS NIGHT

Every First Wednesday

October 5

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Holy Cross Catholic Church

—save the dates for Jesus Night—

November 2 & December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2

Share

Contact Alexa Weight, Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry, at 253-564-5185 ext. 3029 or

[email protected] to learn more.

Parent Association [SPPA]

2nd Tuesday of the month

5:30 pm - 6:25 pm

share

2022

Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 13

2023

Jan 10, Feb TBD, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9 

The SPPA meets from September to May on Zoom. All registered school families are members of SPPA. 

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours.

SPPA OFFICERS

President

Olivia Cabrales

Vice President

Erica Rosales

Treasurer

Christa Perez

Secretary

Dani Kessler

QUICK LINKS

Bylaws

Staff Favorites

EVENTS

PreK - Kindergarten

Movie Night

Sept 30 | 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

School Gym

All-School Glow Dance Party

Oct 7 | 5:30 pm-8:00 pm

School Gym

Trunk or Treat

Oct 22 | 4:00pm-6:00 pm

Upper Playground

Wreath Orders

Sales | Oct 24-Nov 14

Pick Up | Nov 19-21

Catholic Schools Week

January 29 - Feb 4

Movie Nights

TBD

Blue Mouse Theater

Grandparents Day

April 28

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 1-5

Color Fun Run

May TBD

School Commission

2nd Tuesday of the month

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

share

2022

Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 13

2023

Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9

The School Commission meets from September to May in the St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Center. 

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours. 



SCHOOL COMMISSION

President

Kate Babbo

Vice President

Jaime Singer

Secretary

Megan Michels

Past President

Karina Busch 

Faculty Representative

Trish Joyce

Returning Members

Allison Drago

John Nelson

Andy Noonan

New Members

Bill Malaier

Willie London

Brie Cooper

Kasa Tupua Pierson

Stu Morgan

Alyssa Dunivan

Bylaws

REACH Auction

1st Tuesday of the month

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

share

2022

Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6

2023

Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4

The REACH Auction committee meets from September to April on Zoom.

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours.

All school families must sign up to volunteer for 5 hours to support the REACH Auction to fulfill the required volunteer commitment hours.

The REACH Auction website is live.  More content is coming soon. Bookmark mark the page for browsing later.

COVID-19 Boosters

Acts Pharmacy is currently administering COVID-19 boosters for 5-11 years old at the pharmacy (at least 5 months from their last dose).

They administered the primary doses to most of the student population. They want to be a continued resource for COVID-19 boosters and other school vaccine requirements (e.g., Tdap/Dtap, MMR, Polio, Hep B, Varicella).

Parents and guardians may schedule an appointment at www.actspharmacy.com . Appointments are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. Acts Pharmacy is just a few miles away, and most student vaccine records are already on file.

Last Friday, we had a great night at the Tacoma Rainiers, singing the National Anthem with our friends at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School.

We danced with Rhubarb the Reindeer and were also spotted doing the funky duck dance!

Special thanks to the dynamic musical duo of Maria Valenzuela Lewis and Frank J. Lewis, your passion for teaching and appreciation of music are recognized.

• Watch video
• View photos

OFFICE HOURS

Monday | Tuesday | Thursday | Friday

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesdays

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 3:30 pm

SCHOOL HOURS

Monday | Tuesday | Thursday | Friday

8:30 am - 3:00 pm



Wednesdays

8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Early Dismissal Days

8:30 am - 12:00 pm