Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break with some quality family time, relaxation and delicious food --- hopefully that included some cranberry sauce and homemade pies --- two of my favorites! 😊 Now we enter the liturgical season of Advent, a period of preparation, anticipation, and hope as we eagerly await the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. While this can seem like such a busy season with decorating, planning and shopping, Advent also invites us to slow down, prepare our hearts, and draw closer to God. It is a time for introspection, prayer, and renewal of our faith. During this Advent season, our students will engage in various activities and lessons that embody the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love. Together, let’s embrace this time of waiting and reflection, allowing it to enrich our lives and strengthen our shared faith as a school family.

Wishing you all a blessed Advent season filled with hope, peace, joy, and love.

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal 

As a special reward for reaching 95% Fund for St. Anthony participation, the whole school has earned an extended Spring Break Day Off on Friday, March 7th. Please see the revised calendar below!

2ND QUARTER STEWARDSHIP PROJECT - The Pulsera Project

During the week of December 9-13, our school will host a pulsera sale to benefit Central American artisans through the Pulsera Project, a nonprofit organization supporting over 200 artisans in Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Students can purchase handwoven pulseras (bracelets) for $5 or bolsitas (small purses) for $15 during lunch periods.

Payment options include:

• CASH: Students can purchase directly with cash at the event.
• ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL: Use a card, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal to pre-purchase. Students can redeem their purchases by bringing in the receipt provided after payment.

Each sale supports fair trade jobs, funds community programs, and empowers families to achieve better futures. Additionally, students may wear one (1) pulsera bracelet with their uniforms to support this initiative.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist with selling bracelets during lunch periods from Dec. 9-13. All volunteers must be Safe Environment compliant.

Thank you for helping us support this incredible initiative!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-53439770-december

PADUAN PARENT COLLECTION

Dear St. Anthony Families, To thank our faculty and staff for their endless energy, caring ways, and amazing creativity, Paduan Parents is coordinating a one-time collection to provide Christmas and End-of-the-year gifts for the 2024-2025 school year. Because our children have different teachers on a regular basis at St. Anthony, the Paduan Parents Collection offers an optional opportunity for you to contribute towards a school-level gift to thank all faculty & staff who support your children. To participate, please send in your contribution in an envelope to the front desk of the school by December 13. Cash or checks (made payable to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School) are accepted. Thank you for your support of our faculty & staff!

Sincerely in Christ,

Jennifer Smithson, Middle School Parent Coordinator                                 

Bianca Shaughnessy, Elementary Parent Coordinator                                     

Mary Mounce, Early Childhood Parent Coordinator

DNN - 12/6/24

ATHLETICS UPDATE

This Week's Results:

Monday: The Dolphins Boys Basketball team hosted the Vikings from St. Theresa Catholic School.

• C-Team: Lost 8–20, JV: Lost 22–32, Varsity: Lost 40–56

Tuesday: The teams traveled to St. Anne in Tomball to take on the Crusaders.

• C-Team: Tied 11–11, JV: Narrow loss 22–27, Varsity: Lost 29–73

Thursday: The C-Team traveled to St. Edward to face the Jaguars.

• C-Team WIN: Dolphins 14–12 🎉 Great job, Dolphins!

Next Week's Schedule:

Monday (12/11): The Dolphins will travel to St. Rose of Lima to face the Cardinals.

• JV Boys: 4:30 PM, Varsity Boys: 5:30 PM

Tuesday (12/12): C-Team Boys and JV Boys play the Tigers of Sacred Heart in Conroe.

• C-Team: 4:30 PM, JV: 5:30 PM

Friday (12/15): The Dolphins will host the Magi from Epiphany Catholic School.

• JV Boys: 4:30 PM, Varsity Boys: 5:30 PM

Let’s go, Dolphins! 🐬🏀

2024-2025 YEARBOOKS

Order your 2024-2025 Yearbooks now! All orders will be placed online by clicking the banner or using the link: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A02187515 .

STEPS FOR STUDENTS - February 8, 2025

Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk supporting Catholic education!

• Saturday, February 8, 2025 | Downtown Houston

Students who join our team by Dec. 31 will get a Free Dress Pass to use for the 2nd semester - and all the t-shirts! Join our team at: https://runsignup.com/apschool25

TEAM UPDATE: We currently have 46 students registered and 90 team members! Join today so you don't miss out on the Free Dress Pass!

SMART FAMILIES ONLINE TALK

We all know that social media amplifies the effects of peer pressure thanks to the never ending scroll of influential content but did you realize how much harder it is for kids to stay true to their values and stay connected to their families? 

Join Smart Families at the next online talk: 

Monday, December 9th at 9:00 am or 7:00 pm. 

RSVP for the link at www.Smart-Families.org/events 

This engaging webinar will explore: 

✅ The science behind peer pressure and its impact on young minds 

✅ How social media intensifies peer influence 

✅ Strategies to help your child navigate peer dynamics and stay rooted in family values 

NURSE NOTES

For 12/2/24-12/6/24

5th grade: One reported case of Strep Throat

7th grade: One reported case of Strep Throat

Please remind your children of the following: Do not share food with classmates (especially without a teacher’s knowledge) due to children with food allergies in our school. Do to not share food or drink (especially middle school students) to help prevent the spread of any illness/infection (i.e. strep throat/mono). Thank you in advance for your help in keeping our school safe. 

GALA TICKET PRE-SALE

Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets for The One Gala, happening March 1, 2025! Celebrate an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and fundraising in support of our school. Pre-sale tickets are available now!

Paduan Patrons - $650 (Available for $600 until Dec. 13 ONLY)

• Two seats at the Gala
• Two tickets to after-party
• Recognition on the sponsor page of program
• Recognition in the Annual Report

Individual Ticket - $200 (Available for $175 until Dec. 13 ONLY)

Individual After-Party Ticket - $125

AUCTION DONATIONS - We need your help!

The One Gala Committee is looking for exciting items and services to feature in our Live and Silent Auctions. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Travel: Resort stays, family vacation homes, private jets, or unique getaways.
• Sports & Fitness: VIP tickets, lessons, golf packages, or premium gear.
• Dining & Entertainment: Restaurant experiences, wine tours, private chefs, or event passes.
• Home & Lifestyle: Electronics, themed gift baskets, home décor, or spa packages.
• Unique Experiences: Exotic car rentals, hot air balloon rides, or behind-the-scenes tours.

Want to make it easy? Check out our Amazon Registry to donate specific items directly!

To discuss a donation, email Katie Tressel at ktressel@ap.school or submit details via our auction donation form. Thank you for supporting The One Gala! 🎉

WINNER'S CHOICE RAFFLE

For our 7th year, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is holding a Winner’s Choice Raffle in conjunction with The One Gala! Raffle packets went home in Green Folders with Youngest/Only students. Please be sure to read the letter thoroughly to answer your questions.

The One Gala | WINNER’S CHOICE RAFFLE • PRICE: $20.00 each

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will win a choice of one (1) of three trips:

• LAKE TAHOE WEEKEND GETAWAY - Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort 3-Night Stay with Airfare for 2

• DISNEY WORLD FAMILY ADVENTURE - Disney Gift Card ($500) Redeemable for Admission and 4-Night Stay Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress with Airfare for 2

• SET SAIL IN BAR HARBOR - Windjammer 2-hour Sailing Trip, 3-night Stay in Bar Harbor, ME with Airfare for 2

NOTES: **Winspire Booking & Concierge can assist winner with extra hotel nights, airfare upgrades, and additional guests at winner’s expense. Trip must be booked within one year of drawing. Travel date must occur within two years.

Raffle tickets may also be purchased on our gala website at: RAFFLE TICKETS

Thank you to GUILD MORTGAGE - Leila & Jason Higham for sponsoring this year's Raffle!

SIGN-UP PARTIES

We are excited about our Gala Sign-up Parties! Gala Sign-up Parties are hosted by faculty or families and can be adult, family or child-centered—and most importantly, FUN! All proceeds from Gala Sign-up Parties benefit our school and students!

UPCOMING SIGN-UP PARTY

COOKIE DECORATING - Tuesday, Dec. 10 - 4:00-6:00 PM (1 spot left!)

THE PULSERA PROJECT - Dec. 9-13

Our 2nd Quarter Stewardship Project is supporting The Pulsera Project by selling pulseras (bracelets) for $5. Proceeds not only sustain jobs for the artists but also fund education and fair trade scholarships, making a meaningful impact. We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist with selling bracelets during lunch periods from Dec. 9-13. All volunteers must be Safe Environment compliant. Thank you for helping us support this incredible initiative!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-book7#/

TEACHER LUNCHEON - Friday, Dec. 13

Our amazing Paduan Parent Coordinators are hosting a special teacher luncheon on Friday, December 13, and we need your help! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with lunch duties and to provide festive desserts and drinks to make the day extra special for our teachers. Thank you for helping us show our appreciation! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-53465532-paduan#/

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Off until after Christmas.

MONDAYS - Spanish Culture Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Off until after Christmas.

MONDAYS - Violin Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Off until after Christmas.

TUESDAYS - Student Rosary Group, 7:15 AM in Paduan Center. 

WEDNESDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (English) 8:00 AM, PLB Room 204.

WEDNESDAYS - Mass Choir, 6:45 AM, Sheltz Hall.

WEDNESDAYS - Art Club, 3:45-5:00 PM, Art Room.

WEDNESDAYS - Run Club, 3:45-4:30 PM, Sports Fields.

THURSDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (Spanish) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204

Please check the calendar and/or communications from club advisors regarding cancellations or changes. 

12/09/2024 - SERVICE PROJECT | Pulsera, Fellowship Hall during lunch periods

12/10/2024 - GALA EVENT | Christmas Cookie Decorating Party, 4:00 PM

12/11/2024 - MASS | Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent | 2B, 8:30 AM, Church

12/12/2024 - STUDENT EVENT | Paduan Pods

12/13/2024 - SPIRIT DAY | Spirit Shirt & Jeans

12/13/2024 - Teacher Luncheon Sponsored by Paduan Parents

12/14/2024 - Lessons and Carols at Frassati (Mass Choir), 2:00 PM

12/16/2024 - TESTING | Midterms

12/17/2024 - TESTING | Midterms

12/19/2024 - TESTING | Midterms

12/20/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Alumni College Panel

12/20/2024 - MASS | Friday of the 3rd Week in Advent | 9:00 AM, Church

12/20/2024 - ALUMNI EVENT | Alumni invited to Mass & Donuts after!

12/20/2024 - NOON DISMISSAL

12/23/2024-1/6/2025 - CHRISTMAS BREAK. SCHOOL CLOSED.

Full Calendar available in FACTS!

To subscribe to our FACTS school calendar copy and paste this URL into your calendar app:

https://saty-tx.client.renweb.com/pwr/school/ical.cfm?u=11371&h=2D672FF8548A&s=&ut=STAFF&f2=0&sc=SAPCS&t=s

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Human Person Course For Adults - Coming January 2025

Frassati Catholic High School is excited to once again offer adults the opportunity to experience The Human Person, the first course in the Ethics & Culture curriculum, taught by Sister Beatrice. Classes will begin in mid-January and occur once a week on campus at Frassati Catholic. Course information and registration form can be found on our website (click here)! All adults, including current and prospective families, friends, and neighbors are welcome. 

Applications Open for 2025-2026!

Applications are open for the 2025-2026 academic year at Frassati Catholic! For current 8th grade students or those interested in transferring, this is the first step to becoming a Frassati Falcon - and families can get started today. Simply log in to the SchoolAdmin admissions portal, click "begin admissions process" and you'll be on your way! Following the completed online application, applicants will have access to the applicant checklist, providing the ability to upload documents, see their application progress, and even schedule a shadow visit on campus this fall. Details and application process can be found at frassaticatholic.org/apply. Questions? Contact Mr. Tim Lienhard, Director of Enrollment, at admissions@frassaticatholic.org.