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Hello St. Gabriel Families,
Check out the following headlines and links to stay updated on everything happening at St. Gabriel Parish School.
The headlines that are highlighted are NEW or UPDATED for this Gazette.
As you scroll towards the bottom of the Gazette, there are various messages/events/needs from our parish and school committees like the HSA (Home and School Association), ATHLETICS, ADULT & YOUTH MINISTRY, etc. Please continue to scroll down to the end of this email to see all that is happening at our vibrant school and parish!
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March of the Hawks (Formerly the Catholic Schools Walk):
Save the Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Have you heard the news? On Friday, October 10, at 5:30 p.m., St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School will be holding a local Catholic schools walk right here on our own school campus!
We will be celebrating Catholic education and raising money for our school. Students, families, alumni, educators, and St. Gabriel supporters are invited to rally together for this very important cause.
Donations raised by our school will help us reach our fundraising goal of $21,000.
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Parent-Teacher Conferences:
Don’t forget to sign up for parent-teacher conferences on iVolunteer. The sign-up links are now available below.
Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, October 23, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Use the corresponding links below to access each grade’s sign-up page.
Fire Safety Week:
The Richfield Fire Department will be at the school on October 10. They will review fire safety with students in grades K4-4.
Dress Code Reminder:
The cold weather is coming! October 15 is the last day to wear shorts to school. Please make sure your child(ren) have switched their uniform clothes from summer to fall/winter weather items. Please see the link to our dress code for more details.
2025/2026 Dress Code Policy
Our Lands End school account has been updated with new items that comply with our school dress code. Our school number is 900129099.
Lands End School Account Info
Lands End Website
Lion’s Club Vision Screening:
Richfield Lions Club will be at the school on October 9 for their annual vision screening. All students K4-8 will be screened. You will be notified if any concerns are found.
Medication at School:
The distribution of non-prescription medicine at school should not be a routine/regular practice. Prescription medicine must be accompanied by a Prescription Medicine Form that is completed and signed by their doctor (see links below). If your child has an allergy and requires an EPI-Pen or other medication, an Allergy Action Plan should be completed, signed by their physician, and returned to the office.
Reminder: Students should be fever-free (without medication) and have no instances of vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness. If they are experiencing discomfort (headaches, persistent cough, sneezing, etc.), they should stay home. If your child sees a physician for their illness, please remember to request a medical excuse for their absence from school. This should be turned in to the office upon their return.
Below is the school/archdiocese policy regarding the distribution of medication at school, as well as the links to the appropriate forms. These forms may be also be found on our back-to-school webpage.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS (5141.5)
NON-PRESCRIPTION MED FORM
PRESCRIPTION MED FORM
ALLERGY ACTION PLAN
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Playground/Lunchroom Volunteer Program:
Interested in earning a tuition rebate? It’s Simple! We still need some volunteers!! You can earn up to $1,000 towards your tuition just by volunteering to help on the playground or in the lunchroom during the 2025-2026 school year.
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Commit to a specific shift each week (ex., every Monday) for the school year
- Complete a short training session
- Earn $500 toward your school tuition (per shift: maximum of 2 shifts per family)
- Grandparents of enrolled students are welcome to apply. Tuition discounts will be applied to the grandchildren’s account.
Shifts are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Linda Schuh in the school office to sign up for this program.
If you are not able to commit to a shift each week, day-to-day volunteer opportunities may be available throughout the school year on iVolunteer. While these shifts are not a part of the tuition reduction program, it is still an opportunity to get involved.
Day-to-Day Lunchroom iVolunteer Link
How to get involved:
Volunteers help our school run smoothly and are greatly appreciated by our teachers and staff. Please check iVolunteer for various opportunities throughout the school year.
Current opportunities include:
The parish also uses iVolunteer, so be sure to check the parish tab if you are looking for even more ways to give back. Currently, volunteers are needed to help sell $crip after Mass.
Did you know...
Research shows there are many benefits of volunteering, below are a few...
- Helps create a sense of community😉
- Get to know the teachers and staff🙌
- Allows you to share your strengths or learn a new skill🎉
Join us and get involved at St. Gabriel School and Parish! You'll be glad you did
iVolunteer Link
NOTE - Adults who work exclusively with other adults do not need to undergo safeguarding measures. However, if a minor is involved at any point, safeguarding protocols as outlined by the Archdiocese must be followed. All volunteers who volunteer during school hours are required to be certified in the Archdiocese Safe Environment Education Class. Please visit this webpage for more details.
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$crip (Raise Right) Certificates:
$crip cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or for use at your favorite retail shops, gas stations, or restaurants.
For your convenience, you may order online at https://www.raiseright.com/shop. Online orders with available inventory will be filled on Mondays for pickup after weekend Masses. Special order inventory will be filled within two weeks, when the cards arrive.
Interested in learning more about buying online certificates using the RAISE RIGHT app? Please contact Finance Manager, Laura Rogacki, in the Parish Business Office at (262) 628-1141 or lrogacki@stgabrielhubertus.org for the program code. Online orders will be filled on Mondays and available to pick up after the weekend Masses.
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Box Tops:
Box Tops are worth $.10 each, and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies, or experiences the kids love! Did you know you can now connect your Walmart account for even easier fundraising? You can earn cash for St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School without scanning receipts! See the app for more details to start earning easy money for the school.
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Peace and Blessings,
Mrs. Kimerly Lestina
Principal
| | We nurture academic excellence while we Proclaim the Word, Form Disciples, Live a Sacramental Life | | |
BOOK FAIR STARTS OCTOBER 20!!!
Students will be allowed to shop and purchase books with cash or e-wallet funds during the week of October 20 at the end of each school day, starting at 2:00 p.m. (no shopping allowed during lunch).
The Book Fair will also be open during conferences on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23.
The online Book Fair shop will be open from October 20 through November 2.
Free shipping to your home is available on all purchases of $25 or more. Visit https://www.scholastic.com/bf/stgabrielschool to see the entire selection of books.
Backpack flyers will be coming home relating to e-wallet registration and fair updates. Please review these reminders.
Please kindly consider volunteering at the Book Fair. We can’t do it without your help!
The Scholastic Book Fair Volunteer Team
Jessica Ditscheit, Tricia Gettelman, and Rebecca Hartzel
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Spirit Groups
Our Spirit Groups are beginning a special journey this year—a pilgrimage!
Each student received their very own Pilgrimage Passport last Friday, with pages representing the faith-filled activities they’ll experience together.
They enjoyed getting to know each other by playing fun icebreaker games.
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Then on Monday, the very first stamp came from Holy Hill.
Students created pilgrimage partners using clothespins and yarn. These special partners will travel with them throughout the school year, reminding them of the friends, faith, and experiences they are sharing along the way.
| | Our youngest students in K4–1st grade enjoyed reading books at the grottos before returning to school after their craft. | | The rest of the students stayed to share lunch together, complete a scavenger hunt, walk the Stations of the Cross, and attend Mass. | The middle school even climbed to the top of the Holy Hill Tower! | |
With each gathering, they’ll collect a new stamp to mark their steps along the way.
What a beautiful start to their pilgrimage journey together!
We can’t wait to see how our students grow in faith and community through this pilgrimage!
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Middle School Science - 6th Grade!
Our 6th graders are diving into the fascinating world of human organ systems! Working in groups, they drew each system, identified the main organs, discussed common diseases, and even shared ways to keep our bodies healthy.
| | | | | What a great way to learn science by teaching one another! | | They continued to explore how the body’s muscular and skeletal systems work—by first studying creatures that don’t have them! Using worms as their models, students compared and contrasted how movement happens without bones. Hands-on learning makes science come alive! | | |
PHY ED:
Our K4 and K5 students are getting into the October spirit in PhyEd with a game of Mummy Tag!
| | | | | Lots of laughter, movement, and spooky fun while staying active. | | |
Save the Date for the annual Holiday Boutique.
It's your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs!
- Over 75 Curated Crafters and Vendors
- St. Gabriel Artisan Food Table
- 5 Student Vendor Tables
- Famous Angel Food & Charcuterie
- Gourmet Cafe and more!
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$3 Admission* OR donate three (3) nonperishables (per entry) to benefit the St. Gabriel/St. Boniface Food Pantry. *Kids under 12 are free
- Free Parking
Proceeds from this event go directly to our school.
We are looking for 19 quick bread bakers and a few helpers in the kitchen, cafe, entrance cashier, and Artisan Table on Saturday, November 15.
If you would like to help or bake, please click HERE to sign up!
| Questions? - Please contact the Auction Team by emailing them at stgabrielauctionchairs@gmail.com | | |
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School
Parent Groups
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Our School Advisory Commission (S.A.C.) team is a representative parent group of the entire school, from K4 through 8th grade, including the principal and a representative from the Pastoral Council. We work closely with the principal, teachers, and staff to support our renowned programs and curriculum.
Joining the S.A.C. provides exciting opportunities to engage with our dedicated community. By volunteering with us, you can contribute to the legacy of Catholic education and help shape the future of generations to come. Let's come together to support our students, teachers, and the values we hold dear.
YOUR GIFT OF TIME: one monthly meeting, 1-2 hours in length, special projects as needed.
2025/2026 School Advisory Commission Members:
- Chairperson: Heidi Woelfel
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Vice Chair: Matt Marcellis
- Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
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Members: Meghan Berndt, (NEW MEMBER) Amber Chycinski, and Jake Lechusz
- ONE POSITION REMAINS AVAILABLE
If you are interested in joining this committee, please send them an email at
stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org or visit with them on September 18.
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HSA NEWS & EVENTS
2024-2025 Board Members
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President: Jenny Fenzl & Kristen Burg
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Co-Vice Presidents: Brooke Marcellis & Kelsey Berger
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Secretary: Ashley Long
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Treasurer: Shari Waggoner & Lisa White
Email us: hsa@sgabriel.org
READ THE MONTHLY MINUTES HERE
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🏐 Help Support Our Winning Volleyball Program!
Our volleyball program is stronger than ever, and we’re looking for a Volleyball Coordinator Assistant to keep the momentum going!
This role will work alongside our amazing coordinator, Peggy Senglaub, to support coaches and our athletic director. You’ll help with the signup process, assist during the season, and pitch in when we host games at our home gym.
This is a fantastic opportunity to stay close to the action, get to know our athletes and coaches, and help ensure our volleyball program continues to shine.
🏀 Be the Heart of Our Basketball Program!
We are in need of a Basketball Coordinator (and Assistant) to help run our thriving basketball program.
This role is the key connection between our coaches, the league, our school, and the athletic director. You’ll help with uniforms, practice schedules, gym availability, and coordinating volunteers for home games. Without a coordinator, our program simply can’t run at its best—this is a chance to make a HUGE impact!
Whether you’re passionate about basketball or just want to give back in a meaningful way, this role is central to our athletes’ success.
🍿 Join the Team Behind the Scenes: Concessions Assistant
Love being part of the game-day atmosphere? We’re looking for a Concessions Assistant (Basketball Season Only) to support our Concessions Coordinator.
You’ll help with setup and cleanup for home games while our coordinator continues to manage supplies and inventory. It’s a short-term, season-only role that directly supports the fun and energy of basketball season!
This is a perfect way to get involved without a big-time commitment.
👉 Interested or curious to learn more......Reach out to Athletic Director Jeff Poff for more information.
Updates on our Volleyball season at the halfway point:
St. Gabriel Volleyball Program — Mid-Season Overview (Fall 2025)
We’ve reached the halfway point of the season (4 weeks played, 4 weeks to go), and our eight teams are off to a strong and competitive start across all grade levels.
Boys Teams
- 8th Grade Boys (SG/SB/SMMF): 5–0
- Undefeated at the halfway mark, showing excellent teamwork.
- 6th/7th Grade Boys (SG/SB): 1–3
- Building momentum with competitive play and steady improvement each week.
Girls Teams
- 7th/8th Grade Girls (SG/SB): 5–1
- A strong season so far with only one loss; consistency and resilience are key strengths.
- 6th Grade Girls (SG/SP): 4–0
- Perfect start to the season; balanced play has led to four straight wins.
- 6th Grade Girls (SG/SB): 2–3
- Competitive in every match; continuing to develop and improve with each outing.
- 5th Grade Girls (SG): 3–2
- Solid winning record; this group has shown poise in close matches.
- 4th Grade Girls (SG/SB): 6–0
- Undefeated at 6–0, with several dominant 3–0 sweeps.
- 4th Grade Girls (SG/SK/SP): 4–2
- Winning record and strong improvement each week.
🎉Program Highlights🎉
- Two undefeated teams: 4th Grade Girls (SG/SB) and 8th Grade Boys (SG/SB/SMMF).
- Four additional teams with winning records, including 7/8G, 6G (SG/SP), 5G, and 4G (SG/SK/SP)
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Altar Servers – New and Seasoned!
New Altar Servers: Are you interested in Altar Serving? Are you feeling called to assist Father at Mass? St. Gabriel is welcoming NEW Altar Servers, 5th grade through high school, to join this ministry.
Seasoned Servers: Thank you for your dedicated service to St. Gabriel as an Altar Server.
As we start another school year, we are updating all the training and procedures for our seasoned servers. This year, ALL seasoned servers are required to go through re-training to remain active in this ministry.
If you have not received information through the school or Christian Formation, please reach out to the parish office. Maryrose Wolf, Director of Liturgy, will contact you for re-training or connect with you to learn more about this ministry and set up a training session for you.
If you are in need of service hours, this ministry is an option for you to consider.
Maryrose Wolf - Director of Liturgy
| | TWO NEW PROGRAMS ARE FORMING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CHECK IT OUT! | | |
You did it!
Thanks for reading to the end.
😁
Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
That’s why we’re adding a fun little joke of the week to the end of each Gazette.
Check out this week’s joke below and get ready to giggle.
😄
| | What’s a scarecrow’s favorite fruit? | | |
🎉Congratulations to the last Gazette Winner🎉
Cathy Rusk
Don't forget, if you click to read the punchline, your name will be put into the hopper for a cool prize as a thank you for reading all the way to the end of the Gazette!
If you want to submit a joke, awesome, email nikki.packee@stgabrielhubertus.org.
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