Preparing for Lent

Dear Families,

Lent will soon be upon us. A little later than normal this year, but welcome nonetheless.

Lent at SMV remains true to our traditions as a sincere and purposeful time of prayer and almsgiving. 

It all really begins on March 4th, Mardi Gras, with a dress down day. Who doesn’t love Mardi Gras? Then the next morning, Ash Wednesday, all students, even our youngest, will be joining us at an All School Mass. Wednesdays will be marked as a special day throughout the season, with silent entries in the morning and prayer services in classrooms. Other hallowed traditions that will take place are classroom adoration time, the Labyrinth Prayer Walk, a morning of reconciliation for grades 2-8 on April 1st (maybe to plead forgiveness for pranks carried out that day), and finally the Holy Thursday Living Stations of the Cross by the 8th grade. 

In terms of Almsgiving, we are asking students to contribute to Operation Rice Bowl, run by Catholic Relief Services. In addition, we are asking families to fill up brown donation bags full of hygiene products for the Capuchin Community center. Both of these drives will last throughout almost all of Lent and all collections should be turned in by Monday April 14th. Keep an eye out as well for a soon to be fully announced toy drive to help stock up our early childhood play area in the church basement. 

Please be sure to read the backside of the flyer highlighting all of the different Lenten class projects. Some highlights include: the creation of a mosaic cross of good deeds, a spiritual bouquet, time in the Adoration Chapel, prayer journaling, daily self-sacrifices, and music-driven prayer. 

Apart from school activities, I pray you take time to nurture your own spiritual life this Lenten season. I always enjoy Lent because it is a season that demands something of me. It asks me to be different. May we all journey together to be closer to Christ. 

God Bless,

Siggy Spelter

Principal

Archbishop Grob's Blog

Every Tuesday, Archbishop Grob will post a reflection on matters of faith, current events, and other issues. Find the latest posts here.

A copy of this Lenten Family Flier was also sent home with students.

School Office Notes

Smart Watches

Recently we have seen an uptick in students wearing what we would consider to be “smart watches at school.” A smart watch is defined as a watch that has "internet, camera, music or phone features." If it can send text messages, it is considered a smart watch. This is the policy in our handbook:

"All personal electronic devices must be turned off at all times during the school day and must be kept in a student’s backpack inside their locker. These devices are discouraged at school and the school will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items." (Handbook page 11).

We ask that your children do not bring these items to school, or if they do, they must leave them in their backpacks turned off during the day. Communication during the day needs to be streamlined from student, to teacher, to office, to parent and vice versa. Anything outside of that loop can be ripe for abuse. Also, anything with internet and messaging on it can be a large potential distraction for a student. 

Pep Rally and Team Shirt Day!

On Wednesday, February 26th, we will be holding a Pep Rally for our basketball teams, especially as they gear up for last games and the Padre Serra! We'd also like to recognize our many student athletes in the building, of various sports.

Next Wednesday, students may wear a shirt/jersey of any team or sport organization that they are a part of (it does not have to be an SMV team), along with appropriate dress down clothing.

Auction Shirt Days

Willkommen! We welcome all to participate in our Auction and we are getting into the Marzfest spirit at school! On Thursday, February 27th, students may wear Auction shirts and appropriate dress down clothing. There will be special announcements about the Auction that day as well. (While this year's shirt is preferred, past year's auction shirts will be accepted for this.)

Additional Auction shirt dress down days will be March 6th and March 13th

Fun times in After School Care!