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The Blarney Stone
October 4, 2023
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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. | |
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Prayers
It's been one of those days where I didn't have a moment to sit and write a Blarney message until now, so this may be short. (You're welcome.)
Prayers were at the forefront of my mind today, for many reasons. The principal's retreat in September helped prepare for our next Friday's faculty spiritual retreat, the theme of which is prayer. I start my morning commute each day by praying the rosary in the car. (I can gauge traffic by which decade I am on at certain checkpoints along the way. If I reach the halfway point by the 5th decade it's an extra good day.)
This morning I had a PreK child in my office who needed to do a little reflection about behavior. I suggested that he say a prayer to help himself feel better. Immediately he broke into one dear to his heart:
"Bless us Oh Lord and thee thy gifts which we want to receive from thy bouncy through nice our Lord. AMEN!"
I couldn't have said it better, because it came straight from his very sweet heart.
Bless you all, and thanks for being here,
Barbara Bolaños
Principal
Saint Patrick, pray for us!
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ALWAYS scroll to the bottom of The Blarney Stone. You might need to click view the entire message if your email provider clipped the email 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 end when you see our photo highlight.
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Dear Friends,
We are at 28% participation, and $69,000 raised to date. Our goal is $250,000 and 100% participation by October 31.
We enjoyed seeing some of you at St. Leo Catholic Church this past weekend for our witness talk to the parish community.
This week, we launch the highly anticipated Annual Fund Participation Contest! This is an excellent opportunity to come together and celebrate participation; plus, it's a chance to win a delicious pizza party courtesy of the Development Office.
The contest encourages families to make a gift to Annual Fund 24. The first class to reach 100% participation wins a pizza party. It's that simple!
So, let's get started and see which class will celebrate 100% participation with a pizza party. You can check the chart below for current standings and click on it for better readability. Mrs. Richard's Kindergarten class is in the lead, with Mrs. Fitzgerlad's 6th grade class following close behind. Good luck to everyone, and thank you for supporting the Annual Fund.
If you would like to learn more, you can watch our Annual Fund 24 appeal video.
With love,
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Leigh Ann and Matt Zehnder
Chairs, Annual Fund 2024
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Pastor's Letter
Are you reading our weekly parish newsletter, The Cornerstone?
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, including Partners in the Gospel and more, subscribe to receive The Cornerstone in your inbox when published on Fridays!
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Trunk or Treat
Join us for games, crafts, costume contests, and candy at our annual Trunk or Treat!
This is a free event. Bring a non-perishable food donation to the St. Leo Food Connection to enter the costume contest. This month's greatest need is single-serve oatmeal packets.
October 28 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Upper Parking Lot
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer to support the event and earn commitment hours. Trunks are needed— there is space for 25!
Baked goods are needed for the Cake Walk. Email Kasa from the Baking Committee to sign up.
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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.
Volunteers must have completed Virtus Safe Environment. Go to the EVENTS tab in Track it Forward to sign up.
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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.
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Safe Environment Training
All adults must complete the Virtus Training to volunteer at Saint Patrick Catholic School.
Registration
To view and register for upcoming classes facilitated by Christy Johnson, Development Director, select Seattle, WA (Archdiocese).
October 5 | 9:00 am
October 17 | 9:00 am
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Parish Center
Visit the Seattle Archdiocese Virtus Tool Kit for step-by-step how-to directions.
Adult volunteer requirements include
- Background check completed on or before the first day of service and every three years while in active service.
- Abuse prevention initial training is completed within 30 days of starting service, and refresher training is every three years while in active service.
- Policies are read and signed on or before the first day of service.
If you have finished the initial training, please log into your account to ensure you are up to date with the background check and all modules!
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Tuition Affordability
It's our goal that no child be denied the opportunity to attend Saint 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.
Fulcrum and Saint Patrick Tuition Assistance Program use a common application called FACTS. Complete the form once to be considered for both the Fulcrum TAP and the SPTAP.
The tuition assistance application for current and prospective families and supporting documents for the 2024-2025 academic year open on October 1 and must be submitted by December 31, 2023
Learn more
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Support Pack 299
Many Shamrocks are also Cub Scouts! Pack 299, chartered by Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School, hosts a family-friendly Chili Cookoff and Silent Auction to benefit the scholarship fund for scouting families.
Bid on silent auction packages as you sample over 25 varieties of homemade chili.
October 8
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Church Hall
Proceeds support Pack 299 events and scholarships for Scouting families. Suggested donation of $5 - $10; drinks $1; dessert $2.
Silent Auction closes at 4:00 pm, and winners will receive their packages to take home that evening.
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Candy Contest
Bring candy to school—yes, we said that! The homeroom classes with the largest candy haul for Trunk or Treat win an ice cream party.
—Candy Collection—
October 10 - 12
—Ice Cream Party—
October 20
—Trunk or Treat—
October 28
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Remember to use RaiseRight gift cards when you shop. Bring your candy to school labeled with the teacher's name.
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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!
—starting October 26—
7:30 pm
every last Thursday of the month
except for December
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Library
Share
—save the dates—
October 26, November 30, January 25, February 29, March 28, April 25
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 it name.
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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.
Thursdays | 9:00 am
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
—Unless otherwise noted below—
Wednesday, November 1
All Saints Day
Friday, December 8
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
—No All-School Mass—
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October 26 | Living Rosary
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November 30 | Reconciliation
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December 14 | Advent & Christmas Service in the evening
Women & The Word
Ladies of any age are welcome to meet after Mass and reflect on God's Word. The start time for the popular Women & The Word group has changed to allow you to participate immediately after Mass with students!
—NEW TIME—
Thursdays | 10:00 am
immediately after the 9:00 am Mass
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Parish Center
All are welcome. Need not be a parishioner or Catholic! Bring your friends.
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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.
starting October 12
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 most weeks. A unique project is planned for once a month.
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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.
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Spirit Wear Friday
Every Friday is Spirit Wear Friday. We love seeing students wearing their Spirit Wear favorites, from t-shirts to sweatshirts!
Students can wear Spirit Wear tops with their uniform bottoms or their regular uniform.
Spirit Wear Order Delivery
Spirit wear orders will be delivered to your student around October 10.
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Lunch Orders
The lunch program, catered by Love My Lunch, offers three daily choices, including snack and drink add-ons.
Each regular-size meal is $5.75 plus tax and includes fruit, vegetables, and a side item. Larger meals are more. Additional snacks and drinks, priced individually, are also available.
WEEKLY ORDERS ARE DUE BY
11:59 PM SATURDAY
Love My Lunch sends weekly email reminders to all families with registered accounts.
For food and menu questions, call Lisa at 206-354-0980 or email [email protected]
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Basketball for Middle School Boys
Registration is open for the season, from October 23 - December 22. Games are after school during the week. Practice is in the Saint Patrick Catholic School Skip Butler Gymnasium during the week and some weekends.
Sports Physicals
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file 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 in another capacity? Volunteering counts toward fulfilling the required commitment hours for the 2023-2024 school year! Email [email protected] to get started.
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Thanks to volunteer photographer Shea Cochran, new photos are added after each match to the Middle School Girls Volleyball album on Facebook. | |
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Volleyball for Middle School Girls
Cheer on the Middle School Girls! Let's fill the stands with Shamrock supporters at our home games!
VARSITY | 4:30 pm
JUNIOR VARSITY | 5:30 pm
October 11
October 17
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Skip Butler Gymnasiumm
View the full schedule, including away games.
Do you have photos from practice or matches? Share them with us and earn volunteer commitment hours!
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Why do Shamrock athletes love Cross Country Running? Watch our Reel to learn, and check out our season in photos.
Thanks to volunteer photographers Naomi Douglas, Erin Bakke, and Zach Powers, new photos are added each week to the Cross Country album on Facebook.
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Cross Country for PreK-Grade 8
Let's fill the course with Shamrock supporters to cheer on Cross Country athletes in PreK - 8th Grade at upcoming meets.
—PreK-5th Grade—
October 15
October 22
—Middle School—
Dates to be announced
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Sports Physicals for Middle Schoolers
All 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade athletes must have an updated physical on file at Saint Patrick Catholic School to participate in Middle School Athletics, including Volleyball and Cross Country.
Forms should be turned in before the first practice. Physicals are good for 24 months, so get yours early.
Completed physical forms can be submitted via email to Marla Petronzio at [email protected] or can be dropped off in person in the School Office.
If you want to learn more, please email the Athletic Director at [email protected].
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Lacrosse Clinic
The Tacoma Tigers clinic focuses on fundamentals, developing good habits, and skills development.
October 7, 14, 21, & 28
Boys
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Girls
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
The clinic, hosted at Stewart Middle School, is designed for new and intermediate players in Kindergarten-Grade 8, boys and girls. You don't need any experience!
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Alumni Spotlight
Maya Krattli '20 was named National Merit Semifinalist at Bellarmine Preparatory School.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) publicly announced the 2024 National Merit Semifinalists earlier this month.
Maya was among 16,000 semifinalists chosen from applicants who passed the initial Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Congratulations to Maya, and we wish her good luck with the next steps in becoming a National Merit Finalist.
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Student Spotlight
Opa! Effie '26, James '30, and Nora '32 are dancing at the Tacoma Greek Festival! Show them some love and support.
Their parents, Leigh Ann and Matt, have shown us their love and support, chairing Annual Fund 24 over the past month.
October 6
5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm
October 7
1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm
October 8
1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm
We love celebrating our community members, parents, staff, volunteers, students, and alumni! Do you know an outstanding servant leader we should celebrate? Email us to give us the scoop.
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St. Leo Food Connection
In October, we're collecting oatmeal, 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:
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November | Snack bars like Chewy Granola Nutri-Grain, Nature Valley
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December | Crackers like Ritz, Cheez-It, Goldfish
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January | Fruit cups
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February | Instant grits
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March | Fruit leather and dried fruit like raisins, Craisins, apples, mango, pineapple
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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 Saint Patrick Catholic School during school hours!
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Disaster & Emergency Kits
Your support is essential in keeping our school prepared.
Classroom Disaster Kits
Help us prepare for unexpected emergencies by contributing to our teacher disaster kits. We need three flannel blankets to complete our classroom disaster kits. Blankets can be dropped off in the school office.
Student Emergency Preparedness Kits
If you still need to bring in your student's emergency kit, please do so as soon as possible. By working together, we can ensure that every member of our school is well-prepared for unexpected situations. View the list of recommended items. Kits can be sent in with your students and given to the classroom teacher.
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RaiseRight scrip
New scrip coordinators Carolyn Weber and Christa Perez have resumed collecting payments and receiving shipments for orders you place through RaiseRight. The option to choose Pay Coordinator Directly or Ship to Coordinator during checkout has been reactivated after a summer hiatus. Wynter Dait will continue to oversee the program and handle special orders.
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. We've enabled a new feature allowing you to send enrollment invites directly to friends and family members.
How does it work? 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 would like to support us, enroll now.
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Subscribe to our Google calendar. To subscribe, click on the + in the bottom right-hand corner of the calendar on our website. | |
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OCTOBER
thru Dec 31 | Tuition Assistance Application Open
5, 12, 19 | All School Mass
5, 17 Safe Environment Training
6 | Noon Dismissal - 1st Friday of the Month
6, 20, 27 | Spirit Wear Friday
8 | Scouts Chili Cook-Off & Silent Auction
10 | SPPA Meeting
10-12 | Candy Collection Contest
11, 17 | Volleyball Matches at Home
11 | 4th grade Field Trip
11-12 | 5th Grade Camp
12 | PreK 4s Field Trip
12, 19, 26 | Afterschool Arts Studio for MS
13 | No School — Faculty Retreat
15, 22 | PreK-5th Grade XC Meets
17 | PreK Open House
20 | Ice Cream Party for Contest Winning Classes
23-24 | No School — Conferences
26 | Living Rosary
26 | Picture Retake Day
26 | Welcome to Holland
28 | Trunk-or-Treat
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—SCHOOL HOURS—
Monday - Friday | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
The first Friday of the month is a Noon Dismissal for staff meetings (unless otherwise noted).
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Saint Patrick Parent Association [SPPA]
2nd Tuesday of the month
5:30 pm - 6:25 pm
share
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—
2023
October 10 | November 14 | December 12
2024
January 9 | February 13 | March 12 | April 9 | May 14 | June 11
—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
7th grader
Treasurer
Leila Carlson
new board member & family
2nd & 5th grader
Faculty Representatives
Amy Sachwitz
—QUICK LINKS—
Bylaws
Staff Favorites
Email
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School Commission
2nd Tuesday of the month
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
share
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—
2023
November 14 | December 12
2024
January 9 | February 13 | March 12 | April 9 | May 14 | June 11
—MINUTES—
May 2023
—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
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R.E.A.C.H. Auction
1st Tuesday of the month
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
share
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.
Zoom Meeting Link
—MEETING DATES—
2023
November 7 | December 5
2024
January 2 | February 6 | March 5 | April 2
If you want to join the R.E.A.C.H. Auction board, lead a committee, become a sponsor, donate an auction package email us at [email protected] to get started.
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O'Dea Admissions Information
O'Dea invites all interested young men and their families to attend their upcoming admissions events! As the only all-boys Catholic High School in the Pacific Northwest, they welcome you to check out their campus, meet their students, faculty, and staff, and experience the O'Dea Brotherhood.
Visit their website to learn about upcoming events, including 8th Grade Visit Days, Open Houses, and more! Prospective families are encouraged to create a portal account to join the O'Dea Admissions mailing list to stay up-to-date on admissions-related dates.
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Bellarmine Preparatory School
Applications for the Class of 2028 are due January 12, 2024; create your admissions account and begin the application process.
Check out their recent admission newsletter for information about the Bellarmine Open House on November 2 and Bellarmine Experience Days.
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Blessing of the Animals
We celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a special pet blessing ceremony with Deacon William Eckert!
St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, inspires us to honor and bless the creatures who share our lives.
Why do we bless pets on this day? St. Francis saw the divine in all creation, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the natural world. He believed that by blessing and caring for animals, we acknowledge our responsibility as stewards of God's creation. This beautiful tradition honors our beloved pets and reminds us of our duty to protect and cherish all living beings.
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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.
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—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—
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