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The Blarney Stone
November 16, 2022
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Mission
Saint Patrick Catholic School, a ministry of Saint Patrick Parish, guides students in the pursuit of academic growth while inspiring joyful lives filled with love, service, and respect as disciples of Christ.
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Do Small Things with Great Love
Staff Theme
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All Are Welcome, All Belong
ASB theme
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God Bless You!
Dear Friends,
This past weekend I joined the ranks of those suffering from one of the respiratory infections dancing their way around our school community. We’ve had many students and staff members absent this week (our neighboring schools claim high absence rates as well), so take good care of yourselves and try to stay healthy, especially as the holidays approach!
Continuing on the health topic, for those of you who received notification of immunizations or immunization records missing, please read this document for clarification of requirements. We are NOT looking to dismiss students— we will help you as you help us comply with State laws and Archdiocesan policies.
We won’t be publishing a Blarney Stone next week, so I would like to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. May we be abundantly grateful for all the ways in which we have been so abundantly blessed by God.
Thanks for being here,
Barbara Bolaños
Principal
Saint Patrick, pray for us!
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COVID-19 Report
We had one cases of COVID-19 reported this week. We continue to follow the most current guidance in mitigating the spread of disease, including the guidance on precautions for active cases.
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.
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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. | |
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New in this edition—
- School Commission October Meeting Minutes
- Booster Glow Run Update
- Early Bird Registration for Basketball Ends Soon
- Picture Day Details & Order Link
- Bracket Battle Update
- Wreath Pick Up & Scout Popcorn Sales
- Annual Fund 23 Update
- Bellarmine Prep Important Dates & Events
- Middle School Boys Basketball Schedule
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Join us to celebrate a 130-year legacy of Catholic Education at our 48th Annual R.E.A.C.H. Auction.
Our goal is to engage alums, celebrate enrolled families, cherish parishioners, introduce our school to prospective families and raise $400,000 to support operating costs, tuition aid, and ongoing building needs. There are many ways to show your support!
TICKETS
We're excited to see you at the R.E.A.C.H. Auction on March 18, 2023! A limited number of early bird tickets are available through November 30 or until sold at $75. Ticket prices increase on December 1.
RAFFLE
The raffle is live! Raffle ticket forms with payment submitted by December 16, 2022, are entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Families are encouraged to buy or sell a ticket at each level.
PROCUREMENT
Purchase items from our Amazon Wish list and send them directly to the school. It's a great and easy way to donate and support procurement.
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship opportunities from $250 to $15,000 are available through February 1, 2023. Learn more about how sponsorship benefits your company while helping us enable us to underwrite a portion of the auction and allow more event revenue directly to educate the students.
If you have questions, ideas to share, or need support, email our auction chairs, Wynter Dait and Christy Johnson, at [email protected].
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Annual Fund 2023
Tami and Willie London, Annual Fund 23 Chairs, are excited to announce that we've reached 100% Faculty/Staff participation in Annual Fund 2023! On Monday, we celebrate with donuts and coffee for faculty and staff. We are grateful for the incredible support of our faculty and staff, who serve as a witness to Catholic Education, helping motivate our families to support the vital effort.
We're also celebrating our Intermediate Division's Race to 100% Participation win with a special lunch.
Our goal is 100% family participation too! We're currently at 87%. If you have made your pledge— thank you! If you still need to make your gift, pledge today!
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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!
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NOVEMBER
now-Nov 18 | Basketball Early Bird Registration
now-Nov 20 | Spirit Wear Flash Sale
now-Nov 22 | Let Others Play Collection
now-Nov 28 | Booster Glow Run Campaign
now-Nov 30 | ASB Canned Food Collection Challenge
now-Nov 30 | REACH Auction Early Bird Ticket Sales
now-Dec 16 | REACH Auction Raffle Sales Incentive
now-Dec 16 | Middle School Boys Basketball Season
now-Jan 6 | Tuition Assistance Applications Open
17 | Art Studio for Middle Schoolers
18 | Mass for K-5
21 | Picture Retake Day
21-22 | Wreath Pick Up & Delivery
21-22 | Cub Scout Pack 299 Popcorn Sales
21, 28 | Odyssey of the Mind
22, 29 | Actors' Workshop
22 | Keep 'em Warm & Fed
22 | All School Mass for Thanksgiving
23-25 | No School — Thanksgiving Break
29 | Giving Tuesday Booster Glow Run Event
30 | Spirit Wear Wednesday
30 | 2 pm Dismissal
30 | Middle School Boys Basketball Game
DECEMBER
1,8,15 | Art Studio for Middle Schoolers
1, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16 | Middle School Boys Basketball Game
2 | ASB Popcorn Friday
3 | The Grotto Festival of Lights - Choir Performance
5 | Spirit Wear Order Delivery
5, 12 | Odyssey of the Mind
6 | REACH Auction Board Meeting
6, 13 | Actors' Workshop
7, 14 | Spirit Wear Wednesday
7, 14 | 2 pm Dismissal
8 | All School Mass (Holy Day of Obligation)
8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception
11 | Pancakes with Santa hosted by the Knights
12 | Parochial Band Performance at Bellarmine Prep
12-14 | Middle School Candy Gram Sales
13 | SPPA & School Commission Meeting
13, 20 | Keep 'em Warm & Fed
14 | Middle School Adopt-a-Family Delivery
14 | Christmas Program
16 | Christmas Spirit Wear Day
16 | Noon Dismissal — Last day before Christmas Break
19-30 | No School —Christmas Break
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Tuition Affordability
It's our goal that no child be denied the opportunity to attend St. Patrick Catholic School because their family can't afford it. We are committed to doing all we can by offering fair and substantial tuition assistance packages.
The tuition assistance application for current and prospective families and supporting documents for the 2023-2024 academic year must be submitted by January 6, 2023.
For more information, visit:
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Experience the Classroom
For current families planning to apply for 2023-2024 admission for siblings, now is the time to schedule classroom visits.
Open Houses
It's never too early to start planning for your child's Catholic Education. By sharing our Facebook event, you could tell your friends and family about our open houses for prospective families.
To schedule a tour or classroom experience:
2023-2024 Admissions
Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now open. Tell your friends and family.
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In-Parish Tuition
If you are a parishioner at Saint Patrick or Holy Cross Catholic Church, your Stewardship Card for the 2023-2024 calendar year is in the mail this week.
To receive in-parish tuition, you must have a Stewardship Card on file with the parish, tithe, and attend mass.
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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.
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Safe Environment Training
To volunteer on campus, you must complete the Virtus Training. If you have completed the initial training, log into your account to ensure you are up to date with the background check and all modules.
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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.
Questions? Email Vice Principal Kate Chambers
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Volunteer Commitment Hours Log
School families are responsible for finding, recording, and tracking their service hours during the school year.
Did you volunteer at the Uniform Resale, Hedgefest, New Family BBQ, Parish Picnic, Glow Dance, Trunk or Treat, Wreath Sale, Lunch or Recess Supervision, Basketball, or Volleyball? Are you a classroom parent? Do you attend meetings for SPPA, School Commission, and REACH?
Log your Volunteer Commitment Hours after each event, so you're not scrambling at the end of the school year!
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Check events for more volunteer opportunities. | | |
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Basketball Registration
Early bird registration by November 18 for the season starting in December 2022 and running through March 2023.
Middle School
Girls
grades 6-8
Intermediate School
Boys & Girls
grades 3-5
Sports Physicals
All middle school athletes must have an updated sports physical to participate in athletics. 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 in another capacity? Volunteering counts toward fulfilling the required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year! Email [email protected] to get started. Share
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Middle School Boys' Basketball
Cheer on the Shamrocks and support Middle School Boys' Basketball. Home games are bold, with JV at 4:30 pm and Varsity at 6:30 pm.
The schedule is subject to change. Check Team Sideline for updates.
Email us photos of the games and practice! We'll share them on social media.
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Odyssey of the Mind for grades K-5
Do your kids enjoy working as a team on solving creative problems? Do you want them to practice leadership and presentation skills? Are they interested in designing and creating various things from different materials? Do you want them to improve their ability to think on their feet and have fun doing it? Are they in extended care, and you’d like some structured activity for them one day a week? Then give Odyssey of the Mind (OMTM) a try.
Mondays | 4 pm - 5 pm
through February 2023
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Mrs. Graves’ Classroom
A $100 registration fee covers OM membership and supplies. Students can check out the club before they commit. Learn More about OM.
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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
Art Studio is a free drop-in activity! You don't need to register. Art Specialist Mrs. Emily Keller will help students with their independent work most weeks. A unique project is planned for once a month.
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Lunch Program
The lunch program, catered by Love My Lunch, offers three choices each day, including a dessert add-on. Each meal is $5.75 plus tax and includes fruit, vegetable, and a side item: no canned fruits or vegetables or high fructose products.
December Menu is LIVE!
Orders are due two days before lunch service, and Love my Lunch sends weekly reminders to all families with registered accounts. For questions, email [email protected]
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Booster Glow Run
The Glow Run fundraiser kicked off on November 14 to raise $20K to replace the Sport Court/Soccer Field Turf. Our students and staff are excited, and our friends at Booster are powering our fundraiser to make it more profitable, fun, and easy for everyone!
If you want to donate to replace the Sports Court/Soccer Field Turf, but you do not have a student participating, or you do not know a student participating whom you could support, make your gift using the DONATE button below!
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The 16-day campaign culminates on November 29, Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, with a Glow Run that gets students moving.
Today, we learned about STEWARDSHIP with the Grand Land Adventure team! Watch the video.
GOAL
$4,621 to $20,000
PARTICIPATION
64%
MAP
8 states
3 countries
USA, Guam, Malaysia
TOP CLASSES
- Mrs. Wheeler — Kindergarten
- Mrs. Nagel — 1st Grade
- Mrs. Kelly — 2nd Grade
TOP GRADES OVERALL
- Kindergarten
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
Families can support Saint Patrick Catholic School by pledging or sharing the fundraiser with friends and family in person and on social platforms like Facebook. If your family is not in a position to financially support the school now, that’s ok. Sharing the opportunity is an excellent way of supporting the fundraiser too. Each “share” and donation gets us closer to our goal!
Are you looking for a fun way to earn commitment hours? Volunteer opportunities are available during the Glow Run event. Email us to learn more.
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Spirit Wear FLASH SALE
New items include beanies, scarves, and classic items like short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, crew-neck sweatshirts, and hoodies in Shamrock green or PNW gray in sizes 2T to 2XXL.
The flash sale closes on November 20 to ensure
delivery to the school by December 5.
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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—
November 30, December 7 & 14
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Picture Retake Day
Did you miss picture day? Need retakes? Mark your calendar for November 21.
Students who ordered photos received their package of pictures. Students who ordered only the digital image received an envelope containing a flyer explaining that a digital image was sent via email. Students who didn't order photos received a "proof sheet" with their photo, a password, and instructions for ordering.
If you ordered photos on picture day and would like to have them retaken, you do not need to order again. Return the images to school on or before picture day.
All students who have not been photographed will have their pictures taken on November 21.
If you have already purchased photos, you don't need to order again; however, if you would like to request a new package of images with a new picture on makeup day, you can order online.
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Wreath Pick Up & Popcorn Sales
Thank you for supporting the SPPA Wreath Sale.
—ORDER PICK UP—
November 21 & 22
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Skip Butler Gymnasium Entrance
Delivery
If you purchased over five items and would like them delivered within a 10-mile radius of the school, email [email protected] to make arrangements.
Acknowledgments
Congratulations, Katie H., for selling the most items (50 pieces of greenery) to win a $100 Amazon gift card! On November 18, we'll draw the $50 Amazon card winner.
Donations for Staff Wreaths
We purchased a wreath for all staff; if you missed out on contributing, there is still time. You can send cash, check, or Venmo to Olivia Cabrales, SPPA President @OCabrales. The average donation is $3-$5/student. Donations allow us to provide a wreath for your student's homeroom teacher and one for all the specialists, office staff, and everyone else that keeps our school going. We appreciate your support.
Popcorn Wagon
Did you know that many of our students are scouts too? Cub Scout Pack 299 popcorn wagon sales raise money so that finances are not a barrier to participating in scouting. Plus, it makes an excellent gift for the holiday season. Support scouts by purchasing popcorn when you pick up your holiday greens order!
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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?
2022
November 22
December 13 & 20
2023
Jan 17 & 24
Feb 14 & 21
Mar 14 & 21
Apr 11 & 18
May 16 & 23
Jun 13 & 20
Jul 11 & 18
Aug 15 & 22
Sep 12 & 19
Oct 17 & 24
Nov 14 & 21
Dec 12 & 19
To sign up, or learn more, email us! Service counts towards fulfilling required commitment hours for the 2022-2023 school year.
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St. Leo Food Connection
In November, students in grades K-8 are collecting non-perishable food items for St. Leo Food Connection. But wait! This is no ordinary food drive. It's a "Bracket Battle."
Congrats to the 2nd graders in Mrs. Sachwitz's class for bringing in the most pounds so far— three weigh-ins left!
Top Three
- Mrs. Sachwitz (178 lbs)
- Mrs. Boyd (174 lbs)
- Mrs. Fitzgerald (170 lbs)
Overall School Total
Our school's overall total as of November 10 is 1374.5 lbs!
Each class is paired up in competition against another class for that week. The class that brings in the most weight in food by weigh-in day will move on in the bracket. If your class does not move on, you can join another homeroom still in the competition and continue competing for the grand prize— rootbeer floats and vouchers for popcorn at the next Popcorn Friday! Up to three classes can create an "alliance" and compete for the prize. Based on current needs at the St. Leo Food Connection, canned soup, veggies, chili, and canned beans will count as "double pounds."
Donated non-perishables will primarily support the St. Leo Food Connection Backpack Program serving over 1,200 students weekly at schools in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup. 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 or extended break like Thanksgiving.
The following are needed, ideally in single-serving sizes:
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December | Crackers & Granola Bars
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January | fruit cups
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February | Soup
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March | Dried Fruit
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April | Mac and Cheese
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May | Cereal
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June | Fruit Snacks
Drop off donations at St. Patrick Catholic School during school hours!
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Label Daddy Affiliate Program
Are you tired of wasting money on lost stuff? No more lost items with waterproof, ultra-durable name stickers. Check out Label Daddy!
Bonus: They offer a 25% rebate to Saint Patrick Catholic School when you shop using the affiliate link! You need not be a school family to use the link. Watch the video to learn more.
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RaiseRight, formerly known as Scrip
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.
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Box Tops for Education
Download the Box Tops app to scan your store receipts for participating products. St. Patrick Catholic School will automatically earn cash with every Box Tops product you buy.
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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.
In the 3rd quarter of 2022, 52 households helped earn $131.23 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.
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Shop AmazonSmile
Designate St. Patrick School as your charity of choice on AmazonSmile, and purchase RaiseRight Amazon gift cards to maximize earnings for our school.
In the 2nd quarter of 2022, the community earned $217 for our school— and over $3,382 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.
Smilematic is a free Chrome, Safari, FoxFire, and Edge browser extension that automatically turns your everyday Amazon purchases into AmazonSmile donations. Learn more and get the extension.
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School Mass
Join us at 9 am at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Families are welcome to attend with their students. Bring your friends too.
November 18
K - 5 Primary/Intermediate Division Mass
November 22
All-School Mass of Thanksgiving
December 8
All-School Mass celebrating the
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Parent Association [SPPA]
2nd Tuesday of the month
5:30 pm - 6:25 pm
share
2022
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 and encouraged to participate.
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
Meeting Minutes
Sept | Oct
EVENTS
Wreath Orders
Pick Up | Nov 21-22
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
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School Commission
2nd Tuesday of the month
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
share
2022
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
Alyssa Dunivan
Past President
Karina Busch
Faculty Representative
Trish Joyce
Members
Allison Drago
John Nelson
Andy Noonan
Bill Malaier
Willie London
Brie Cooper
Kasa Tupua Pierson
Stu Morgan
Alyssa Dunivan
Bylaws
Meeting Minutes
Sept | Oct
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REACH Auction
1st Tuesday of the month
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
share
2022
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.
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Bellarmine Events & Important Dates
Bellarmine Preparatory School invites the community, especially prospective families, to a Christmas celebration, including a Parochial Band performance and boys' basketball games on campus. Also, check out their most recent class of 2027 newsletter.
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Let Others Play recently donated soccer balls to the students of Sluys Anderson Primary School in Tanzania. | |
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Let Others Play Collection
Saint Patrick Catholic School is collecting new and gently used sports gear through November 22 for Let Others Play, a student-run club at Bellarmine Preparatory School.
This collection benefits the Politécnio Santa Cruz Fe y Algería School in the Dominican Republic, Children of the Nations, which supports programs in the Caribbean and Africa, and our local community.
To learn more, email Katharine Vaughan or call 253-549-3337.
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Congratulations to the children who made their First Reconciliation at Saint Patrick Church on November 12, 2022. Please pray for these dear children, many of whom, as Saint Patrick Catholic School students, will continue their sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion in April 2023. | | |
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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
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SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL
1112 North G Street | Tacoma, WA 98403
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