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!

Safe Environment Week:

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee recognizes April 19th–April 25th as Safe Environment Awareness Week. Each year in the month of April, which is recognized around the country as Child Abuse Prevention Month, we dedicate a week to elevating the general awareness of the Church’s efforts to keep our children safe. We want people to know that we are committed to maintaining safe environments in our parishes and schools through adult child abuse prevention training; criminal background checks for all clergy, volunteers working with minors, and employees; safety training for children in each grade level; and adhering to all mandatory reporting requirement laws.  

Click HERE for the Archdiocese’s Safe Environment Week Proclamation

Congregation of the Great Spirit Food Drive:

This was a community service project that was organized and run by our 8th-grade class. 

We all came together and collected over 1,200 desperately needed items that will benefit less fortunate families in Milwaukee. Since we reached our goal, the students have earned an out-of-uniform day this Thursday (April 2nd). 

Thank you to our 8th-grade class and to all of our families for your support and generosity.

End of the Forensics Season:

Congratulations to our 2026 Forensics Team! The forensics season came to an end Saturday, March 21st, with a State Tournament in Brookfield. Our team finished in 5th place in that tournament. They ended the season with a total of 

• 11 gold medals
• 13 silver medals
• 2 bronze medals
• 4 forensics state medals
• 2 team trophies
• 1st place state trophy

What an extraordinary season! Congratulations to our students and our forensic coaches. Thank you to Patty Berg, Lindsay Heus, Ellen Felician, Katie Borgen, Cathy Rusk, and Lanae Weyer for sharing their time and talents with our forensics team.

Reminder from the School Office:

In case of an absence or appointment, it is pertinent that you email or call the school office prior to the start of the day to inform the school of your child’s absence. You can email and/or leave a message at any time, which will be retrieved at the start of the school day. Please email

lschuh@sgabriel.org or call (262)628-1711. We appreciate your help and understanding, as this alleviates the extra calls and time to contact the parents after the fact.

Dress Code Reminder:

2026-2027 Dress Code Policy (Including Out-of-Uniform Day Guidelines)

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

2026-2027 School Calendar:

Please see the link below for the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.

REVISED: New Holiday Boutique Date

2026-2027 School Calendar

2026-2027 School Admission/Registration: 

We currently have 84 families/147 students registered for the next school year. 

Our 5th-grade class is currently “closed,” and we have 3 families on the waiting list for a seat. 

Our 2nd-grade class is at 18. The 2 remaining seats are reserved for new families who also have students in other grades that have open seats.

Please join us in welcoming these new families and students to our school:

• Aaron & Devon Butterbrodt - Madelyn in K4
• Sean & Emily Rafferty - Finn in K4
• Clint & Hannah Banfield - Evelyn in K4
• Mark & Michelle Islinger - Clare in 7th & Scarlett in 5th grade
• Aaron & Rachel Vorpahl - Landon in 5th & Skylar in 4th grade
• Derek & Elizabeth Detampal - Owen in K4
• Mike & Erin Diederichs - Collin in 7th grade
• John & Karlie Tolkinen - Harper in K4

Private School Tuition Deduction:

State law allows Wisconsin parents to deduct private school tuition on their taxes. Under the program, parents statewide can deduct up to $4,000 per student in grades K-8, and up to $10,000 per high school student. It’s important to remember that this is a tax deduction, not a tax credit. 

Please click HERE for the packet, which includes instructions on how to claim the deduction; answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); and the most recent Schedule PS Form. To download the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Schedule PS form, please click HERE.

Get involved; VOLUNTEER - Enrich your life by giving back

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:

• Lunch and Playground Helpers
• Library Helpers
• $crip Volunteers after weekend Masses

Did you know...

Research shows there are many benefits of volunteering, below are a few...

1. Helps create a sense of community😉
2. Get to know the teachers and staff🙌
3. Allows you to share your strengths or learn a new skill🎉

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.

$crip (Raise Right) Certificates & Volunteer Need:

$crip cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or for use at your favorite retail shops, gas stations, or restaurants. You may buy your certificates in the school office during office hours, online order form, or after the weekend Masses.

Double your rebates with RaiseRight.com/Shop-Online.

• Download the RaiseRight App today and select “Shop Now” on a brand’s page.
• Use your gift card from RaiseRight as payment to earn extra on your purchase.

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. 

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.



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.

Private Facebook Parent Group:

Our private St. Gabriel Parent Facebook Group is open for everyone (parents and teachers alike) to post and connect!

• Have a question for other parents? Ask it here.
• Want to share a proud moment, a helpful tip, or a favorite recipe? This is the place!

Let’s build community, share ideas, and show our St. Gabriel Spirit together!

On the Calendar...

4/3-4/10 - ✝Easter Break✝

4/17 - 4/24 - HSA Read-A-Thon - More info coming soon via backpack mail!

5/20 - Grandparents Mass

5/25 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

5/27 - 8th-Grade Mass and last day for 8th Grade

5/28 - 8th-Grade Graduation at 6:30 p.m.

6/3 - Spirit Groups and last day of school - HALF DAY 8 -11 a.m.

6/22-26 - Vacation Bible School - Register HERE

Peace and Blessings,

Mrs. Kimberly Lestina

Principal

We nurture academic excellence while we Proclaim the Word, Form Disciples, Live a Sacramental Life

PLEASE KEEP SCROLLING

IN THE CLASSROOMS!

Spirit Groups!

Our school Spirit Groups took a meaningful “pilgrimage” last week right here in Wisconsin as they learned about the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion—the only approved Marian apparition site in the United States. (SIDE NOTE - St. Gabriel will be hosting a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in August. Details will be coming out soon in the weekly bulletin).

Students were introduced to the inspiring story of Adele Brise, a young woman who answered Our Lady’s call to teach children about Jesus. Through prayer, storytelling, and discussion, they explored her life of faith and service, as well as the steps the Church follows in recognizing saints.

They also reflected on what it means to live a life rooted in faith—just as Adele did—and learned that she has recently been given the title “Servant of God” as her cause for sainthood begins.

From prayer and pilgrimage to hands-on activities, it was a beautiful opportunity for our students to grow in faith and discover how they, too, are called to shine the light of Christ.

Our 7th-graders have been busy!!!

They were diving into the impact of Earth’s natural resources last week—exploring both the benefits they provide and the challenges they create.

Through research, they are learning how resources are distributed around the world and what happens as those resources begin to run out. Great job on your presentations!

The learning continues for the 7th-graders who were digging into the realities of natural resources—exploring how mining works, how ores are extracted, and what happens when resources become depleted or no longer profitable to mine. A valuable lesson in both science and stewardship of our world.

K5

A beautiful first for our K5 students! With the support of our middle schoolers, they confidently assisted Father Tim at Mass today—reading and presenting the gifts with reverence and joy. Terrific job to all of our littles in K5!

FUNdraising

Bid for Kids remains OPEN!!

If you missed the auction or perhaps your bid for Bids for Kids was accidentally missed, and you wanted to contribute to this year's need, we are still accepting donations.

This year, our need is for new lockers and cubbies, and updated ELA & religion curriculum.

Please click the link below to donate. https://givebutter.com/c/CloverAndCross

These two silent auction packages are still available:

If you are interested in one of these packages, please contact Nikki Packee at nikki.packee@stgabrielhubertus.org.

Your generosity strengthens our mission and continues to uplift Catholic education for our students and families. We are truly grateful for your support!

St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School

Parent Groups

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.

The S.A.C. is looking for 3 new members for the 2026-27 school year. 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.

SAC Roles & Responsibilities

Please reach out to the members below to get further information:

2025/2026 School Advisory Commission Members:

• Chairperson: Heidi Woelfel
• Vice Chair: Matt Marcellis
• Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
• Members: Meghan Berndt, Amber Chycinski, Jake Lechusz, & Ryan Lusher
• Parish Council Liaison: Rebecca Hartzel

S.A.C. is happy to assist parents and families with any concerns or questions you have during the school year. Email them at stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org.

PARENTING with LOVE AND LOGIC INTEREST?

Parents,

HSA would like to know.....Would you be interested in a 5–6 week Parenting with Love and Logic course offered at school?

This program provides practical tools to help build respectful relationships, set loving boundaries, and raise accountable children—while reducing daily parenting frustrations.

Sessions would be held weekly, with the total cost shared among participants.

Any questions, please reach out to Kristen Burg at hsa@sgabriel.org.

A great way to close out the season!

Our end-of-year basketball banquet celebrated our young athletes with well-deserved awards, followed by a fun parent vs. student pick-up game that had everyone smiling.

Congratulations to our players, coaches, and parents on a fantastic season filled with hard work and teamwork.



Go Hawks! 🦅

LAST CALL TO SIGN UP FOR THE 3rd & 4th Grade Girls Volleyball Skills Sessions:

Free after-school volleyball skills sessions for current 3rd and 4th-grade girls. Focusing on building foundational skills like passing, setting, and serving! Join the fun!

WHEN:

Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. from April 14 - May 26

WHERE:

St. Gabriel School Gym

This will work just like school sports! Kids can come to the gym right after school. They can change in the girls' locker room or girls' bathroom. At the end of each session, there will be a car pickup line at the school's front door. Or let Shari know if your daughter will go to ASLP after volleyball. 

If you have any questions, send an email to Shari Waggoner at ssthtogether@gmail.com.

Sign up by Friday, April 3

Vacation Bible School at St. Gabriel!

Our VSB will be in the morning, the week of June 22-26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Through worship and drama, Bible study, art projects, and active games, children learn that there are many opportunities and ways to live as peacemakers. Passport to Peace invites children to see every person as part of God’s family, and every interaction as an opportunity for peacemaking.

In a world that is too often divided by race, class, ethnicity, and country of origin, Passport to Peace is a reminder that the love of God and the way of peace transcend all borders and divisions. All are welcome in the family of God. Led by God’s Spirit, we can all participate in creating a more peaceful world.

Open to all school and parish incoming K5 - 5th-grade students.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a snack.

Led by St. Gabriel Parish School Teachers, Mrs. Erdmann and Mrs. Kohls, and Mrs. Rosenberg from our parish formation program.

Sign up now - limited spaces available!

PARISH NEWS

In your Baptism and Confirmation, you received gifts that our world needs. Do you know yours?

These gifts of the Holy Spirit, called charisms, enable you to be a channel of God’s love, truth,

beauty, mercy, healing, and provision for others.

St. Gabriel will offer two 4-hour workshops for you to Discover YOUR CHARISM.

Attend both!

Monday, April 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

&

Monday, April 27, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

The $60 Workshop Fee covers materials & food.

As you uncover your gifts, you discover that they are important clues to the particular mission God has for you.

Join our Team!

We are looking for a Part-Time Accountant to join our finance team. Our Accountant manages our Accounts Payable and Payroll functions. This position enjoys part-time and flexible hours, averaging 24-28 hours per week. If interested, please visit the careers page on our website and apply today.

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

AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

Visit this link every Tuesday to view the Calendar Raffle winners.

You did it!

Thanks for reading to the end.

😁

Who doesn’t love a good laugh?

Check out this week’s joke below and get ready to giggle.

😄

What’s the April Fool’s lucky card in the deck?

🎉Congratulations to the last Gazette Winner🎉

Penny Schmitt

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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