The Blarney Stone

March 13, 2024

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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.

Guest Writer!

Today's Blarney message was written by Rachel Ford, who is a school parent, parishioner, and the facilitator and founder of Saint Pats Welcome to Holland group. Many thanks to Rachel for sharing some insights into nurturing diverse learners (and for sparing the community from one of my rambles!). We are very blessed to have the Ford family as part of our Shamrock family.

Thanks for being here,

Barbara Bolaños

Principal

Saint Patrick, pray for us!

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), and we want to invite the entire Saint Patrick Catholic School community to celebrate with our family. As many of you know, our son, Aloysius, is five years old. He loves music, building with Lego, reading books, and doing puzzles. He enjoys time with our family, play dates with friends, pasta and going to school. All of his likes and interests are very similar to any of your children, and he has Down syndrome. 

The WDSD theme is "End the Stereotypes," and our hope is to end stereotypes not only around Down syndrome but also any other diverse learning needs in our school community. For children with intellectual disabilities or diverse learning needs, stereotypes often mean that they aren't treated like their peers. Sometimes people (even grown-ups!) can be unkind. The reality is that people with intellectual disabilities or diverse learning needs are all different, AND their disability or difference is just one part of who they are. 

One of the most fun ways we celebrate WDSD is by participating in the "Lots of Socks" campaign. All you need to do is choose some socks that are going to get noticed— they might be mismatched socks or your wildest and most colorful socks, whatever works for you! Being a part of "Lots of Socks" helps us see all the ways we are different AND all the ways we are the same. 

If picking out your socks sparks a conversation about Down syndrome with your child, we want you to have some language— we know these conversations can be challenging and uncomfortable!

Down syndrome is not a bad thing! It means that Aloysius' and others with Down syndrome's building blocks stacked up differently than your building blocks or mine. One of his stacks has an extra block! That extra block means that he might learn differently than you or I - lots of people learn things in lots of different ways— that's not bad or sad— it's just different! 

Aloyisus' extra block also means that his body is different from your body and mine— his muscles aren't as strong, and he might need help doing things that some kids his same age don't need help doing anymore. 

Having Down Syndrome is not like being sick; it's not something that will go away, and it's something that Aloysius will always have. We don't wish Aloysius didn't have Down syndrome. 

We hope to see you and your socks next week on 3/21!

Rachel and Nicholas Ford

In-Person Live Auction

March 16



Experience packages, weekend getaways, the Kindergarten Quilt, R.E.A.C.H. Auction 2025 V.I.P. Seating, and V.I.P. Parking for the 2024-2025 school year and more are available during the Live Auction. The attire is fancy, the food is tasty, and the champagne will flow.

• 4:30 pm | V.I.P. Reception
• 5:00 pm | Doors Open at the North G Street Gymnasium Entrances
• 6:00 pm | Dinner 
• 7:00 pm | Live Auction
• 8:30 pm | Gaming & Dancing



—FUND-AN-ITEM—

UPPER PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT

Together, we can do this! We've taken your questions and answered them in a frequently asked questions and answers flipbook. If you have other questions about the Fund-An-Item project plan, fundraising, or timeline, please email us.

Let's all double down, raise the stakes, and win the jackpot at the 2024 R.E.A.C.H. Auction, ensuring our legacy of Catholic Education continues!

—SPONSORS—

as of March 8, 2024

Celtic Sponsors — $25,000

Anonymous

Shamrock Sponsors — $5,000+

Connelly Law Offices

Morgan & Koontz, PLLC

Sprague Pest Solutions - The Treleven Family

Platinum Sponsors — $2,500+

Brie Cooper | RE/MAX Exclusive

Destination Harley Davidson - Ed & Katie Wallace

Forma Construction Company

Jamie Walker Family Law

Korum Automotive Group

Relevant Concepts Marketing Group - Kyle Hughes

Tacoma Subaru - Bruce & Linda Mares Titus

Umpqua Bank

Gold Sponsors — $1,500+

Bliss Law Group - Heather Bliss

Brookside Veterinary Hospital - Dr. Justine Zingsheim-Nadeau

CBRE - Leon & Marci Titus

Financial Insights, Inc.

North X Northwest Law Group, Brooke Johnson

Silver Sponsors — $500+

Adams Group Sales & Marketing

AHBL, Inc.

Bordeaux Orthodontics - Dr. Joe Bordeaux

Loren & Shea Cochran

Cochran Douglas, PLLC

Commencement Bay Dentistry - Dr. Megan R. Miller, DDS, PS

Douglas Knight Orthodontics - Dr. Douglas J. Knight

Dwyer, Pemberton & Coulson PC Accountants

Erker Services

Excellent Dental Care Center - Dr. Thai Nguyen & Dr. Audrey Nguyen

Gaffney Funeral Home

Mr. & Mrs. James & Kathryn Hedrick

Mr. & Dr. Brian & Sarah Kranick

McPhee Dental Group - Dr. Sean McPhee

Mr. & Mrs. Roy & Debbie Orlando

Mr. & Mrs. Ted & Lisa Philichi

Patriot Fire & Protection

Peninsula Subaru

Propel Insurance

Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, L.L.P.

Drs. Lisa & Mark Schomogyi

The Smart Orthodontic Group

Titus-Will Automotive Group

Washington Law Center

Bronze Sponsors — $250+

Mrs. Karen Bruback

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Sally Carman

Club Z! Tutoring Services of Tacoma

The Hanks Family

Law Office of Jennifer A. Wing PLLC

Mr. & Mrs. James & Mary Jane Lockemy

Pfarr Insurance Agency, Rob Pfarr

Safelite AutoGlass

Tovani Heart

In-Kind Sponsors & Event Support

CORT Party Rental

Creative Office #KourtneyStrong

Data Supply Company, Tom Patten

Hardcastle AV

Heritage Electric Co Inc, Anthony L. Hanks

Hurley Media Group

Kilbreath Events, Stephen Kilbreath

Olympic Eagle Distributing

Orca ProWash

Star Rentals

Superior Linen Service

Tacoma Wine Merchants

Scam Alert

Scammers pretend to be our pastor, Fr. David Mulholland, parish staff, and Saint Patrick Catholic School teachers. They ask for help by responding to a text or email because they are in a meeting or can't talk on the phone. If you respond to the text or email, they ask you for gift card contributions to a worthy cause. These scams are happening across the country.

When in doubt, contact the school or parish office directly to verify the legitimacy of any request you receive; do not respond to the original message or click on links in the message. Learn more

Pastor's Letter

Are you reading our weekly parish newsletter, The Cornerstone?

To view schedules and events, learn about faith formation opportunities, sacramental prep, outreach, advocacy programs, news from the Seattle Archdiocese, including Partners in the Gospel, and more, subscribe to receive The Cornerstone in your inbox.

Lenten Devotional

Saint Patrick Catholic School created a special Lenten Devotional to share with your family. Inside is a collection of reflections— one for each day of Lent from the Saint Patrick Catholic School community members. 

On the first page, you will find a letter offering an idea of incorporating this devotional into your nightly meal time during Lent.

Stations of the Cross

Saint Patrick Catholic School ASB leaders and representatives are leading Stations of the Cross on the Friday of the fourth week of Lent. Lent is a season of repentance, conversion, and penance. Preparing your heart for Easter with Adoration, Confession, and praying the Stations of the Cross.

March 15

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Saint Patrick Church

Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm

led by Saint Patrick Catholic School ASB

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On Good Friday, our 8th graders continue a Saint Patrick Catholic School tradition and reenact the Passion of Christ in a very moving Stations of the Cross. 

March 29 | 9:00 am

Saint Patrick Church

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Stations of the Cross is a traditional Lenten devotion, prayed especially on Good Friday. We will walk out silently after the Stations are prayed.

Student Spotlights

Third-grade Shamrocks Jolene O., Harper D., and Zoe N., class of 2029, starred in a play through CampTMP, Tacoma Musical Playhouse's Education Department, providing programs for students ages 6+.

They participated in the winter session of the After School Academy program and landed speaking roles in the musical Imagine a Dragon, the story of down-on-their-luck innkeepers who devise a plan to bring the heroes to town to slay a dragon that may or may not exist.

They wore terrific costumes and performed wonderfully. This is their second play this school year.

We're proud of our students' accomplishments outside of the classroom! Do you have a student we should spotlight? Email us!

Celebrating Our Patron Saint

We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day!

The Wearing of the Green

On March 15, students may wear green to celebrate St. Patrick, our patron saint. His feast day is Sunday, March 17.

This is not a free dress day. Students who choose not to participate should wear their school uniform. Dress must adhere to the uniform policy in the Family Handbook.

The Choir at Mass

The Saint Patrick Catholic School Choir is singing at 9:00 Mass on St. Patrick's Day at Saint Patrick Church. Wear your green and join in the music celebrating the patronal feast day for the parish.

Lunch, Dancing & Shenanigans

The Knights of Columbus Council 809 are hosting a celebration in honor of our parish and school feast day.

March 17

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Church Hall

1:30 pm

Irish Dance Performance

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Fr. David Mulholland will emcee and judge the best Irish soda bread contest. You'll enjoy a pint of Guinness and a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots; revel in song, get a chance to win raffle prizes and watch the Irish Dancers perform.

Irish Soda Bread Contest

Bake your favorite Irish soda bread for a chance to win the first-place prize! Deliver your bread to the Church Hall no later than Noon for judging at 12:15 pm.

Lunch is $15 per adult and $10 per child aged 12 and under; a hot dog and chips available for $5.

Net proceeds benefit 4US Church 40 Ultrasound Initiative, one of the Knights' charitable causes.

For more information or to volunteer

call 253-380-4000 or email the Knights.

Newspapers Needed

We're seeking newspaper donations to fuel our creative endeavors. Whether it's last week's headlines or the sports section, your contribution will inspire our budding artists and enrich their projects.

Let's turn yesterday's news into tomorrow's masterpieces! Please drop off your newspapers in the school office. We need to replenish our stack! Questions? Email Art Specialist Emily Keller.

Girls Volleyball for grades 3-5

Registration is open; sign up now. Registration will close early if rosters are full.

Volunteer coaches and photographers are needed. Volunteering counts towards required commitment hours.

Practices start in late March in the Skip Butler Gymnasium. The Head Coach determines the days and times.

—Grade Level Divisions— 

Grades 3/4 & Grades 5/6

—Games—

April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18

—Playoffs—

June 1

Email David Goodsell, Athletic Director, or call 253-468-0259 to learn more about coaching.

Track & Field for Kindergarten-grade 8

Registration is open for our newest sport, Track & Field, for students in Kindergarten-8th grade.

Volunteer coaches and photographers are needed. Volunteering counts towards required commitment hours.

—Elementary Division—

TRACK & FIELD

Practices start in late March at Bellarmine Preparatory School. The Head Coach determines the days and times.

Events offered are Softball Throw, Long Jump, 50m Run, 200m Run, 400m Run, 400m Relay, 800m Run, and 1600m Run.

—Grade Level Divisions— 

• Kindergarten
• Grades 1/2 Boys
• Grades 1/2 Girls
• Grades 3/4 Boys
• Grades 3/4 Girls
• Grades 5/6* Boys 
• Grades 5/6* Girls

*6th Graders may participate on the Middle School Track & Field team in the Spring; this is yet to be determined.

—Meets—

April 21, April 28, May 5, May 19

👟

—Middle School—

TRACK & FIELD

Practices start in late March at Bellarmine Preparatory School. The Head Coach determines the days and times.

Events offered are Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, High Jump, 75m Hurdles, 100m Run, 200m Run, 400m Run, 400m Relay, 800m Run, 800m Relay, and 1600m Run.

—Divisions— 

Middles School Boys (Grades 6-8)

Middle School Girls (Grades (6-8)

—Meets—

Middle School meets are on weekdays starting at 3:30 pm; dates are to be determined.

Email David Goodsell, Athletic Director, or call 253-468-0259 to learn more about coaching.

Apply for 2024-2025

Our heritage, your future— invite your friends and family to schedule a tour to learn more about Catholic Education at Saint Patrick Catholic School, especially for students entering PreK, Kindergarten, and Middle School.

Share the inquiry link so they can arrange a visit of our newly renovated Early Learning Center for preschoolers and our recently renovated Kindergarten through 8th-grade classrooms.

They will meet faculty and staff, view exceptional student work, and learn about admission and enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Nordstrom Volunteer Hours Grant

Does your company match your gift or donate based on the number of volunteer hours served?

You can double, triple, or quadruple your donation with a matching gift from your employer.

—THANK YOU—

Heidi Mores

for securing a volunteer hours match through Nordstrom!

Matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match contributions their employees make to nonprofit organizations like Saint Patrick Catholic School.

Companies usually match donations 1:1, like Boeing; some will match at a 3:1 ratio, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Companies of all sizes match their employees' contributions to nonprofits because it's an easy way to support good work in their communities.

Some also donate based on the volunteer hours you serve, like Nordstrom, Boeing, and Microsoft.

Middle School Service Opportunity

Saint Patrick Catholic School has a new service opportunity for middle school students: helping arriving students open the car door, greeting them with a good morning, helping them out of the car, and closing the car door behind them. A staff member will supervise all volunteering students.

Safety Patrol volunteers report to the school office at 8:00 am. Upon arrival, volunteers will be given a safety vest and help a staff member with the student drop-off line on North 12th Street.

Supervising staff will sign off on student service hours; one day of service equals 30 minutes of required student service hours.

Grandparents Day Planning

Grandparents Day is a meaningful way to help out and earn volunteer commitment hours while making it wonderfully magical for treasured family members and friends.

We invite you to attend planning meetings on Zoom for insights into event day schedules. Meetings count towards fulfilling Commitment Hours.

March 26 | April 30

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Zoom Link | Share

Parents and adults are encouraged to volunteer to support the event by assisting with decorations, table setup, donuts, snack arrangements, day-of table runners, and tear-downs.

• Setup
• Day of Event & Break Down

Scroll down to learn more about Grandparents Day event details.

Enjoy Recess with Students

Are you looking for a fun way to earn commitment hours? Volunteers are needed to help supervise recess. Surround yourself with happy little people while helping to keep them safe.

Opportunities have been loaded into Track it Forward for the rest of the school year!

Volunteers must have completed Virtus Safe Environment. Go to the EVENTS tab in Track it Forward to sign up.

Track It Forward

Saint Patrick Catholic School has adopted a volunteer hour management program. With Track It Forward, you can log in, sign up to volunteer, select the event you volunteered at, enter your volunteer hours, or view your dashboard and see how many required hours you have volunteered.

All-School Mass

Mass is an integral part of faith formation for Kindergarten-Grade 8 students. Students must wear full uniforms, including sweaters, sweatshirts, blazers, or vests.

Adult volunteers are needed to help at Mass. Sign up in Track it Forward.

—All-School Mass—

Thursdays | 9:00 am

Saint Patrick Church

—Join Us—

• March 29 | Stations of the Cross^
• April 26 | Grandparents Day*
• May 1 | May Crowning
• June 11 | 8th Grade Grad Mass | 4:00 pm

^no Mass, *middle schoolers only

—No All-School Mass—

• March 28 | Holy Thursday
• April 25
• May 2
• May 16 | Living Rosary

The church doors are locked when the all-school Mass begins. Go to our calendar to view which class is leading Mass.

Welcome to Holland

Are you raising people with diverse learning needs?

Join Rachel Ford, LICSW, parent and parishioner at Saint Patrick Catholic School, for community building, knowledge, and resource sharing!

April 25 | 7:30 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Library

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Rachel finds great joy in building relationships among people who can support and nurture one another. As a therapist, perinatal mental health expert, and mom of three, she is dedicated to creating a community that can buttress and care for one another by sharing knowledge and resources. 

Read more to learn how the group got its name.

Grandparents & Grandfriends Day

Let's do something grand! Grandparents Day is an annual event at Saint Patrick Catholic School celebrating grandparents and grandfriends!

Students are encouraged to invite their grandparents or grandfriends to join them for a special recognition of intergenerational friendships!



—FRIDAY | APRIL 26—



Middle School, Grades 6 - 8

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Mass

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Reception

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If you attend both events, please enjoy lunch off-campus at nearby eateries.

PreK - Grade 5

Saint Patrick Catholic School

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

PreK - Grade 5 Choir Performance & Reception

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm

Classroom visits

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For volunteer opportunities, scroll up to the Grandparents Day Planning article.

8th Grade Deanery Dance

8th graders— prepare to dance, mingle, and make memories at the 8th-grade Deanery Dance.

May 11 | 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Bellarmine Preparatory School

Please mark your calendars for an evening of fun and excitement as we come together to celebrate faith and friendships. 

Tickets are $10 at the door. Consent forms are available from your student's 8th-grade teacher. 

Orchestra for grades 3-8

Saint Patrick Catholic School Orchestra is now practicing under the direction of Alonso Tirado, a teacher in the Community Music Department at the University of Puget Sound; he is also a teacher at Cappella Music Academy, the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, and Annie Wright Schools.

Orchestra welcomes beginner and experienced string musicians in grades 3-8. What instrument does your student want to play? We would love for students to consider playing viola, cello, or bass.

REGISTRATION

CLOSES ON MARCH 13

—Rehearsals—

Mondays & Wednesdays

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Mrs. Lindell's classroom

The cost depends on the final number of students participating, somewhere between $80-$140 through the end of school. 

Click on the link below for the commitment agreement, resources, and liability waiver. Students need to have those completed to participate. Email Jessica Gasper, a parent volunteer, to learn more.

D & D Club for grades 6-8

Players form an adventuring party to explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience.

Mondays | 3:15 pm - 4:25 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Art Room

The club is an opportunity for players to develop social-emotional skills, critical thinking, and logic skills in order to traverse puzzles and realistic scenarios through the course of the games.

Homework Support Hour for grades 5-8

Need help with homework? Sign up for support. Space is limited to 20 students. Sign-ups are required in advance, one week at a time.

Tuesdays | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Mr. Ainslie's Classroom

Students go directly to Mr. Ainslie's room after school. Mrs. Paez will help students and ensure they are on task.

Students can be picked up from the main office at 4:00 pm. Please do not send siblings with your student. Feel free to email Mrs. Paez with questions.

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 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Art Room



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.

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 [KEWAF] builds relationships with people experiencing homelessness.

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

April 16 & 23

May 14 & 21

June 11 & 18

July 16 & 23

August  13 & 20

September 10 & 17

October 15 & 22

November 12 & 19

December 17 & 24

To sign up or learn more, email Patty Davidson, program coordinator! Service counts towards fulfilling required commitment hours.

St. Leo Food Connection 

In March, we're collecting fruit leather and dried fruit like raisins, Craisins, apples, mango, and pineapple, ideally in single serving sizes, to support the St. Leo Food Connection Backpack Program, serving over 1,200 students weekly at schools in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup.

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

Looking ahead, the following are needed in single-serving sizes:

• April | Mac and cheese
• May | Cereal
• June | Fruit snacks

Drop off donations at Saint Patrick Catholic School during school hours!

Download the latest version of the RaiseRight app (version 1.2.54) from the App Store or Google Play.

RaiseRight scrip

Now is your chance to win big for Saint Patrick Catholic School. You'll be entered to win a $50 gift card — and our school will be entered to win free shipping for a year when you purchase through March 15. Five lucky participants and one organization will be randomly selected to win.

How it works for participants

• Order at least $25 of any gift card type from any brand from through March 15. Each $25 order = 1 entry to win.
• Five lucky participants, one winner per day, will be randomly selected to win a $50 gift card from one of the five sponsor brands above.
• Limit one entry per participant per day.

How It Works

Buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn on your daily purchases using the mobile app or for year-round shopping and gift-giving needs.

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

Ship to Home

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

Enroll Friends

You can also help grow our RaiseRight fundraising program and boost earnings. Send enrollment invites directly to friends and family members. To send invites, download the latest version of the RaiseRight mobile app and go to Account > Settings. Tap into "Invite Friends & Family" and share the invite link or send direct invites to your contacts via email or text message.

If you are not a school family but want to support us, enroll now.

Scrip Coordinators

Carolyn Weber and Christa Perez are collecting payments and receiving shipments for orders you place through RaiseRight. Wynter Dait continues to oversee the program and handle special orders. Email them at scrip@saintpats.org if you have questions or want to learn more about the program.

For the complete calendar of events, view and subscribe to our Google Calendar; you'll have all important dates at your fingertips.

To subscribe, go to our website and click the subscribe to Google Calendar button.

MARCH

15 | St. Patrick's Day Spirit Wear Friday

16 | R.E.A.C.H. Auction

17 | R.E.A.C.H. Silent Auction Closes

18-22 | R.E.A.C.H. Auction Item Pick-Up

18, 20, 25, 27 | Orchestra

19 | Operation Keep 'em Warm & Fed

20, 27 | Chess Club for Grades 1-2

20 | 4th Grade Field Trip

21 | World Down Syndrome Day

21 | Lots of Socks Day

22 | Spirit Wear Friday

22 | Middle School Spring Fling Dance

26 | Bellarmine Preview Day

28 | Holy Thursday

28 | Brady Lucas Book Signing

29 | Good Friday

29 | 8th Grade Living Stations of the Cross

29 | Noon Dismissal

30 | Easter Vigil

31 | R.E.A.C.H. Auction Multi-Sale Items Close

31 | Easter Sunday

APRIL

1-5 | Spring Break

8, 9, 10, 12 | R.EA.C.H. Free Dress Week

8, 10, 15, 17, 2, 24, 29 | Orchestra

9 | R.E.A.C.H. Auction Committee Celebration

9 | SPPA Meeting

9 | School Commission Meeting

11, 18 | All School Mass

11, 18, 25 | Afterschool Arts Studio for MS

12 | Dollar Donut Friday (Afterschool)

12, 19 | Spirit Wear Friday

16, 23 | Operation Keep 'em Warm & Fed

18 | 4th Grade Shamrock Success Free Dress

18 | Art After Dark with Emily Keller

20, 27 | Girls Volleyball Games

21 | Sacrament of First Holy Communion

21, 28 | Track & Field Meets

25 | Welcome to Holland series

26 | Grandparents Day

26 | Grandparents Day Mass for MS

MAY

1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 29 | Orchestra

4, 11, 18 | Girls Volleyball Games

5, 19 | Track and Field Meets

11 | 8th Grade Deanery Dance

14, 21 | Keep 'em Warm & Fed

17-19 | Newsies Jr. Performances

—SCHOOL HOURS—

Monday - Friday | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

The first Friday of the month is a Noon dismissal for staff professional development.

Saint Patrick Parent Association [SPPA]

2nd Tuesday of the month

5:30 pm - 6:25 pm

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The SPPA (pronounced like the word spa) meets from September to May on Zoom.

All registered school families are members of SPPA and are encouraged to participate.

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours.

Zoom Meeting Link

—MEETING DATES—

April 9 | May 14 | June 18*

*in-person





—AT-A-GLANCE—

April 26

Grandparents Day

May 4 | 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Father/Daughter Dance

Saint Patrick Catholic Church

May 5 - 10

Teacher Appreciation Week

June 12

Field Day

—SPPA OFFICERS—

President

Olivia Cabrales

3rd board term

6th & 8th grader

Vice President

Kelly Frazier

new board member & family

3rd & 6th grader

Recording Co-Secretaries

Dani Kessler

3rd board term

5th, 6th, & 8th grader

Joann Varnell

new board member

7^th grader

Treasurer

Leila Carlson

new board member & family

2nd & 5th grader

Faculty Representatives

Amy Sachwitz

—QUICK LINKS—

Bylaws

Staff Favorites

Email

Minutes

School Commission

2nd Tuesday of the month

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

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The School Commission meets from September to May in the Library directly across from the Main Office at Saint Patrick Catholic School.

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours. 

—MEETING DATES—

April 9 | May 14 | June 18



—COMMISSION MEMBERS—

President

Jaime Singer

Vice President

John Nelson

Secretary

Alyssa Dunivan

Pastor

Fr. David Mulholland

Principal

Barbara Bolaños

Vice Principal

Kate Chambers

Faculty Representative

Hanna Graves

Commissioners

Brie Cooper

Allison Drago

Willie London

Bill Malaier

Stu Morgan

Andrew Noonan

Kasa Tupua Pierson

—QUICK LINKS—

Bylaws

Email

Minutes

R.E.A.C.H. Auction

1st Tuesday of the month

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

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The REACH Auction committee meets from October to April to plan the 49th annual R.E.A.C.H. Auction held on March 16, 2024, chaired by Andrew and Katy Madderson.

Attending meetings counts toward Commitment Hours.

—FINAL MEETING DATE—

in-person on April 9

If you want to join the 2025 R.E.A.C.H. Auction board, lead a committee, become a sponsor, donate an auction package email us at REACH@saintpats.org.

Bellarmine Preview Day

Bellarmine Preview Day allows prospective families to explore Bellarmine Preparatory School.

March 26 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Bellarmine Preparatory School

Connelly Campus Center

Students in the 6th and 7th grades are especially encouraged to attend; however, all students are welcome to learn about the school's award-winning programs, explore co-curricular activities, and tour the campus well before starting the application process in their 8th-grade year. The event is free for you; registration is appreciated for planning purposes.

Email Admissions@bellarmineprep.org with questions. View flyer

Cheer for Lions Youth Football

Learn more about sideline cheer for Lions Youth Football for rising 5th through 8th-grade boys and girls at an information meeting.

March 20 | 5:30 pm

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School

Library

Registration

• Returning cheerleaders through March 30
• New Cheerleaders, April 1 - May 30

Lions Youth Football Club

The Lions Youth Football Club provides youth the opportunity to participate in a controlled athletic competition and to instill good sportsmanship, value of fair play, and good conduct.

Registration

• through March 30, new rising 3/4th graders and returning players
• April 1 - May 30, new rising 5-8th graders
• May 31 - July 30, all players

Brady Lucas (pictured above with Principal Barbara Bolaños) is an author, philanthropist, and relationship-builder who visited with 3rd-8th grade Shamrocks recently.

Brady's inspiration to write Smiley's Smile came from his experience undergoing treatment for two childhood cancer diagnoses and finding power within education. Brady believes all children should have access to information that can empower them to understand and be involved in their healthcare journey regardless of age.

Brady has a Bachelor of Biobehavioral Health and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in children's Literature from Penn State University. Brady currently resides in Rockville, Maryland, with Julia, the love of his life. Brady lives life for Jesus by the motto Smiles Make The World Go Round.

Thank you to Kourtney K. and her family for helping to arrange the talk and the book signing on March 28. Learn about Kourtney's journey and fight against cancer.

Do you have a photo, video, or story to share? Please email it to development@saintpats.org.

We now know that COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Understanding how to live our lives while keeping ourselves, loved ones, and the community as safe as possible is essential. How can we do that? By using all the tools we've learned so far: getting vaccinated and boosted, getting tested and staying home if sick or exposed, wearing a mask in crowds, and keeping our distance.

Read the latest guidance on COVID-19. Help prevent the spread of the virus to others in your home, our school, and our community by using the calculator to help determine quarantine requirements.

—Faculty & Staff Theme—

Journey of Faith: Embracing Grace, Knowledge, and Community

The theme highlights the core values of Catholic education while also focusing on the idea of a continuous journey of faith. It emphasizes the importance of embracing God's grace, seeking knowledge in both spiritual and academic realms, and fostering a strong sense of community within the school.

—School Theme—

Led by the Spirit of the Lord

"Let us act with the kindness and love towards one another that Christ exemplifies.”

—ASB Vice President—

SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL

1112 North G Street | Tacoma, WA 98403

school@saintpats.org | 253-272-2297

www.saintpats.org

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