Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

Happy Solemnity of All Saints! All Saints Day is a solemnity that honors all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived lives of holiness and virtue. It is a day to celebrate the communion of saints, a belief that connects us with those who have gone before us in faith. This day reminds us that we are part of a larger community that transcends time and space, uniting us with those who have exemplified Christ-like living. The origins of All Saints Day can be traced back to the early Christian church. Initially celebrated in the spring, it was later moved to November 1st by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century, coinciding with the dedication of a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This date was chosen to honor all saints, particularly those who did not have a specific feast day. Over the centuries, All Saints Day has evolved into a day of reflection, prayer, and celebration of the lives of the saints who inspire us to live our faith more fully.

In our school community, we encourage our students to learn about the lives of the saints and the virtues they embodied. On Monday, we hosted the Saints’ Bee when our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders shared their impressive knowledge of the saints! (Congrats to Matthew, Sebastian and Sofia for placing in this year’s Saints Bee!) Tuesday, the entire faculty and staff gathered in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel while Mary Batey taught us about the saints and the relics. Today, we attended Mass together and then ended the day with our 3rd grade Saints Gallery in the Fellowship Hall allowing the entire student body to “meet” these saints. Next week, in their program, our third-grade students under the direction of Mrs. Lienhard, will honor the saints in song. In addition to this, students have been learning about the saints in their classrooms through stories, prayer, research and even writing letters to the saints.

As we continue in this holy day, let us remember the call to holiness that is extended to each of us. All Saints Day is not only a celebration of those who have achieved sainthood but also a reminder that we are all called to live out our faith with courage, holiness, conviction and love. May the intercession of all the saints guide and bless our school community.

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal 

VETERAN'S DAY RECOGNITION

During the month of November, Saint Anthony of Padua will recognize our veterans and current military personnel by placing their names in the November 15th Messenger. Submissions must be received by Friday, November 8th to be included!

LITERATI BOOK FAIR

To purchase books at our Online Book Fair or purchase gift cards for students and teachers to use please visit: https://efairs.literati.com/?school=saint-anthony-of-padua-school-the-woodlands-tx

GRANDPARENTS DAY

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

On Grandparents Day, grandparents will spend time enjoying morning refreshments and elementary performances, visiting our book fair, participating in classroom activities, and attending Mass with their favorite students. Students will dismiss at 12:00 PM noon to enjoy the rest of the day with their grandparents. Grandparents listed in FACTS are mailed invitation postcards. Please remind your grandparents to RSVP if they plan to attend!

NOTE: Students without Grandparents attending will still participate in classroom activities and receive donuts! 

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 .

DNN - Check our our DNN Broadcast from this week!

STEPS FOR STUDENTS - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

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

DOLPHIN DONOR WEEK 2024

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School relies on annual, tax-deductible gifts, alongside tuition, to balance the budget and enhance opportunities and facilities for our students. This year, your support is vital in advancing faculty development, updating technology and resources, and enhancing campus security! Thank you for your prayers and partnership in this effort!

WHAT IS DOLPHIN DONOR WEEK?

Dolphin Donor Week (November 4–8, 2024) is an extended fundraising event encouraging alumni, faculty, parents, and friends to support the Fund for St. Anthony. Many families choose to make their Fund for St. Anthony gifts during Dolphin Donor Week to maximize matching opportunities!

FUN FOR ALL!

During Dolphin Donor Week, we’re excited to offer some fun school-wide incentives as we come together to support the Fund for St. Anthony! Your generosity helps us provide top-quality education and resources for our students, and these participation goals add a little extra reward for everyone:

• 50% Family Participation – Free Dress Day on Friday, Nov. 8th
• 75% Family Participation – Kona Ice for the whole school on Friday, Nov. 15th
• 95% Family Participation – Extra Day Off on Friday, March 7th (just before Spring Break!)
• Thank you to our early supporters! As of 11/1/24, we are at 11% family participation.

Let’s make a difference together while unlocking these exciting perks for our students!

GIVE AT: https://bit.ly/fund4stanthony

SMART FAMILIES RESOURCES

Still not sure what Smart Families is all about? Check out the resources they have available!

Check our the Be Not Afraid newsletter archives, a monthly spiritual resource that aligns with Christian values and upholds our God-given dignity.

FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Nov. 10

Our school is serving coffee & donuts at Fellowship Sunday on Sunday, November 10th. We need families to help serve for our parish community after 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Masses. This is a great way to earn Paduan Points and serve our parish! Students may volunteer but must have a parent or responsible adult in attendance to supervise. Parents earn Paduan Points & Middle Schoolers can earn Works of Mercy hours. Middle Schoolers must be supervised by a parent!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-52458033-fellowship#/

FALL BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERING - Nov. 15-22

We are excited to announce our Fall Book Fair. Please help make our fair a success by volunteering at our fair. Volunteers will help students pick out books, tidying up displays, and may assist with checking out purchases as well.  All volunteers must be compliant with Safe Environment training. To volunteer at the Book Fair, sign-up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-book7#/

GRANDPARENTS DAY VOLUNTEERING - November 21 & 22

We are seeking volunteers to help set-up and make sure Grandparents Day runs smoothly! Please sign-up to help set-up on Thursday, Nov. 21 or with day-of activities on Friday, Nov. 22 at this https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-52104837-grandparents

NURSE NOTES

For 10/27/24-11/1/24

No reports of specific illness. We do have cough/cold symptoms going around and still a touch of the tummy bug here and there, but nothing isolated to a specific class or grade.  

SIGN-UP PARTIES

We are thrilled to kick off the year’s Sign-Up Parties for The One Gala, happening on March 1, 2025!

For those who are new to our school, Gala Sign-Up Parties are fun events hosted by our wonderful families, faculty or friends and can focus on adults, children, or the whole family. These events are a fantastic way to meet other members of the community while supporting St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. Best of all, every dollar raised through these parties goes directly to benefit our students and school.

Sign-Up Parties can be anything from a themed dinner party, family game night, or even a parent-child outing—there’s no limit to the creativity! Parties can be held anytime before the end of the school year, and all are welcome to host.

We need Sign-Up Party hosts! If you're interested in hosting a sign-up party, please reach out to us at advancement@ap.school. Whether big or small, your party will help make a lasting impact on our school community!

If you're ready to join the fun and purchase a spot at one of these parties, click the links below for more details and to reserve your spot. Let’s make this year’s Gala a huge success together!

COMING SOON

December 4th - Breakfast with Santa - Families

December 6th - Holly Jolly Ice Skating Party - Middle School

December 6th - Polar Express Party - Pre-K4

December 10th - Christmas Cookie Decorating with Miss Loraine

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

MONDAYS - Spanish Culture Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

MONDAYS - Violin Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

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. 

11/04/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Dolphin Donor Week

11/05/2024 - SPIRIT NIGHT | The Republic Grille, 4:00 – 8:00 PM

11/06/2024 - MASS | Wednesday of the 31st week in Ordinary Time | 3A, 8:30 AM, Church

11/06/2024 - RECONCILIATION | 3A | OLA Chapel, 9:30 AM

11/06/2024 - COMMITTEE MEETING | Finance, 5:00 PM

11/06/2024 - COMMITTEE MEETING | School Advisory, 6:30 PM

11/07/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | 3rd Grade Program, 6:30 PM, Gym

11/08/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Band Showcase, 6:30 PM, Gym

11/10/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Fellowship Sunday

11/11/2024 - ASSEMBLY | Monday Morning Assembly

11/11/2024 - COMMITTEE MEETING | Advancement, 8:15 AM

11/11/2024 - GALA EVENT | Astros Orbit Luncheon, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

11/11/2024 - ASSEMBLY | Astros Orbit | Kinder - 5th Grade

11/13/2024 - MASS | Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin | 3B, 8:30 AM, Church

11/13/2024 - PICTURE DAY | Classroom Groups & Individual Retakes

11/13/2024 - RECONCILIATION | 3B | OLA Chapel, 9:30 AM

11/14/2024 - ADMISSIONS EVENT | 2025-2026 Fall Preview, 8:30 AM

11/15/2024 - GALA EVENT | Parent’s Night Out, 6:00-9:00 PM

11/15/2024 - SERVICE PROJECT | Book Buddies

11/15/2024 - SPIRIT DAY | Spirit Shirt & Jeans

11/17/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Literari Book Fair

11/19/2024 - FIELD TRIP | Kindergarten

11/22/2024 - MASS | Wednesday of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time | Staff, 10:45 AM, Church

11/22/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Grandparents Day Mass, 10:45 AM, Church

11/22/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Grandparents Day | Noon Dismissal

11/25/2024 - SCHOOL HOLIDAY | Thanksgiving

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

ST. ANTHONY ALL SAINTS DAY FESTIVAL

Dress up as your favorite saint and join us for a parish-wide All Saints Day Festival on November 1st! All parishioners, families, young adults, and children are invited to experience the saints through games, crafts, food trucks, live music, and local Catholic vendors in the Piazza from 5 PM - 8 PM. https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1442253

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

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.

INCARNATE WORD OPEN HOUSE - November 17 @ 1:30-4:30 PM A High School Where Girls Lead, Learn, and Succeed

Learn about our unique Leadership and STEM programs and meet our faculty and students. Visit: incarnateword.org/admissions

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - November 16 at 2:00 PM Check-in at the high school gym will begin at 2:00 PM. The special presentation will begin at approximately 2:15 PM. Group tours will be offered. The event will end promptly at 4:00 PM. We look forward to hosting you and your family.