PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
December 2019

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given.”
                                                                         Isaiah 9:6-7
 
Peace and Greetings:

We have reached December on the calendar and as Christians we begin preparing for the birth of the Christ child in our lives. We ushered in the season of Advent last Friday night at our annual Light Up St. Paul event. Many thanks to everyone who planned and attended the evening! I invite you to still find time to celebrate this holiday season with your St. Paul family.

Art Show & Christmas Concert (Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 pm)
Christmas Mass at St. Gregory the Great Church (Friday, December 20 at 11:00 am)

We look forward to welcoming Bishop Betancourt for his first official visit to St. Paul. He will be the principal celebrant at our Christmas Mass. Please consider joining us for this very special and beautiful liturgy.
 
Thursday, December 12 will be a noon dismissal. Buses will be available. Our faculty will be involved in a special advent faith formation program in the afternoon.

This is a reminder that our Christmas vacation begins on Friday, December 20 at noon. Classes will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Our second Placement Exam for the 2020-2021 school year is scheduled for this Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 am. It’s not too late for prospective students to register or just walk-in. I encourage you to act as ambassadors for St. Paul in your town, church and workplace. Nothing is more reassuring for prospective families than to hear directly from current St. Paul students and parents. Thank you!            

St. Paul is blessed as a faith community to have the freedom to live the gift of Christmas every day. It’s the reason we exist. I wish you and your family much joy, happiness and peace during this season and throughout the year. Merry Christmas!

In the Spirit of St. Paul,
Cary signature




Cary M. Dupont ‘72
President/Chief Administrator
Faith Feature
Singing with the Angels ... and the Sisters!

The Franciscan Life Center high school FAITH group is offering a joy-filled volunteer experience of Christmas caroling for high school students on Saturday, December 14 from 3:30-5:00p.m. Bring the hope of the Christmas season to elderly residents across the street from the Franciscan Life Center with an evening of singing Christmas carols. You don't need a good voice to spread Christmas Cheer for all to hear. We welcome all students to join the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and Franciscan Brothers of the Eucharist on this special night of fun and song.

Students can earn service hours and the song sheets and refreshments will be provided. Students can be dropped off and picked up at the Franciscan Life Center parking lot (271 Finch Avenue, Meriden).

Please reserve a spot by December 13 with Sister Marie Benedict ( [email protected]) or Sister Mary Mercy ( [email protected]).
March for Life Pilgrimage Next Steps

March for Life Pilgrimage applicants met with Mr. Dupont on Monday to discuss the next steps in the process. Those intending to participate should submit a completed permission form and a deposit of $75 (checks made out to SPCHS, or cash) to Sister Marie Benedict Elliott, F.S.E., by Friday, December 13. The balance of $75 is due Friday, January 10. 

Students also submitted roommate requests for hotel accommodations. Any parents or students with questions about the process should contact Sister Marie Benedict at [email protected].
Light Up St. Paul

A great night had by all! Beautiful prayer and candlelight service (inside this year due to all the snow), luminaries to honor our loved ones, Santa was there to greet our younger falcons and a warm fire to roast marshmellows! Everyone was happy celebrating the beginning of Advent.
Admissions News
There's still time to apply to St. Paul for the Fall of 2020! Do you know someone with a prospective grade 9 or 10 student looking to attend St. Paul? Have them register to take the placement exam next Saturday, 12/14 at 8:00 am. To be eligible for scholarships and tuition assistance students must take this placement exam. http://spchs.com/placement-exam-registration/
Academic News
Sophia Gerst '21, Jonathon Passander '21, Emma Schatz '21, and Martina Yung '21 were nominated to attend the 18 th Annual Travelers High School Actuarial and Analytics Event held last month at Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford.
 
These St. Paul Catholic High School students, chaperoned by Math Teacher and Math Team and Data Analytics Team Coach, Mary Clarke, joined other top math and statistics students from high schools across the state to learn about the field of Actuary Science and Analytics. The career fields of Actuaries and Analytics require extremely strong math and statistical skills but are exciting, challenging, and financially rewarding.
Senora Odells daughter, who works at Travelers, is pictured with Emma Schatz '21 who was the recipient of the family award!
Finance Office News
St Paul Catholic High School uses an independent consultant, FACTS Grant & Aid, to evaluate financial need. Anyone who wishes to be considered for tuition assistance must submit an application to FACTS Grant & Aid. The application fee is $35.

New this year: The document requirements and deadlines have changed. Please see the table below. The online application is available as of 10/1/2019. Click  HERE  to access the online application !
Award announcements will be mailed out by the end of February for families with incoming freshmen, and mid-March for all other students.

Please contact the Finance Office at 860-584-0911, ext 20, if you have further questions about Tuition Assistance.
Out-of-Bristol Bus Students - Please note, when there is a two-hour delay of school, the Out-of-Bristol buses start their run on a 90-minute delay schedule giving them a little extra time to get everyone safely to St. Paul.

If you have questions any morning, you can contact the bus company at 860-585-5466 or 860-585-5265. They will be able to tell you if the bus is on the way.
Athletic News
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT --
A SEASON PASS TO ST. PAUL BASKETBALL HOME GAMES

One game free for each pass purchased - Boys is 10 home games @ $45 and Girls is 9 home games @ $40 per pass. Purchase at the first home game.


Home games within the next few weeks! Go Falcons!

Girls Basketball vs Holy Cross, 12/17 @ 7:00 pm
Wrestling vs Nonnewaug, 12/18 @ 7:00 pm
Boys Basketball vs Derby, 12/19 @ 7:00 pm
Boys Basketball vs Crosby, 12/23 @ 7:00 pm
Girls Basketball vs Kennedy, 12/30 @ 7:00 pm
To view the full season schedule visit our website at http://spchs.com/team-schedules/
Holiday Spirit Wear Sales
St. Paul spirit wear will be for sale just in time for your Christmas shopping.
On the following days the school store will be open during lunch for shopping for students and families.

Wednesday, 12/11 at lunch (11:30-12:45)
Wednesday, 12/18 at lunch (11:30-12:45)

Can't make it on either of these days? Contact Melissa or Shelley in the Advancement Office and we'd be happy to fulfill your order any day before Christmas break (12/20).

See below for a few new items we have in our store!!!
Crimson color Hoodies ($37) and Crew neck ($35) Sweatshirts
SP Falcons Socks
$12/pair - Men's 10-13 and Ladies 9-11
SP embroidered winter hat
these are on a pre-order basis, $25 ea. and will be here before 12/20 (last day of school).
To pre-order email Melissa at [email protected]
Don't miss the Christmas Concert and Art Show! 
Many talented students will have their artwork displayed.
Choir will sing and the band will play. 
Yearbook Orders are Due Soon!
Only one book captures this year’s incredible events and experiences - your 2019-2020 yearbook. Remember all the friends, fashion, fun, favorite teachers, classes, games, music, art, dances and everything in between.
Order your St. Paul Catholic High School Yearbook today!

Orders must be in by January 24, 2020
$65.00
Yearbook Senior Ads are Due Soon!
Senior Parent Ads will be created this year online, by you, giving your ad that special touch!

Josten has a wonderful support staff that will help you through the process of creation.

Deadline for the ad is January 15, 2020.
St. Paul Performing Arts put on an amazing show. The Charlotte's Web cast and crew worked so hard and performed to record-breaking Fall production audiences ! You should all be proud!
Advancement Department News
Counseling Office
The medical careers panel will be held on Monday, Dec 16th during lunch.  Students interested in learning more about the medical field are encouraged to attend.
Grandparent's Day
What a special Grandparents' Day! Thank you to all the grandparents and special persons who attended, and all the volunteers who helped to make it a great morning! Make sure to check out the photos of all our favorite people!

http://spchs.com/bwg_gallery/grandparents-day-2019/
United Way Toy Drive
Thank you to all who donated to the Student Government Toy Drive! What an amazing outpouring of gifts! We needed 4 cards to get it all to United Way!
Parent Facebook Page
Are you on Facebook? Want to keep in touch with the St. Paul Parents? Keep up-to-date with events happening at St. Paul, share your ideas, community events, ask questions, etc.
Request to join “St. Paul Falcon Parent Community” and you’ll be approved shortly after! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2268656876536761/
Lunch PrePay Option!
Always scrambling for lunch money as the kids are walking out the door?

No worries - Stella accepts prepayment.

Have your child bring in cash or a check (made payable to Paul Gregory’s). She will keep track of the balance and let your child know when the balance is running low.
St. Paul Gift Card Program
SCRIP Gift Cards - GREAT for Christmas Shopping AND for gifts!

Bonus items starting this month are as follows:
$5 and $10 Gift Cards: Now through 12/23. They make the perfect stocking stuffer and small gifts for friends, teachers, coaches or mail carriers. While supplies last.
Trip to Spain and Paris - Spring Break of 2020
Students, Parents, Alumni are invited to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime educational tour to Spain and Paris!

When? Spring Break April 9, 2020 - April 17, 2020
Where? Spain and Paris

CLICK HERE for a great presentation outlining the trip! December 19th is the LAST DAY TO SIGN UP! What a great Christmas gift! Visit www.Explorica.com/Jalbert-892 or contact Mrs. Noemi Jalbert at [email protected] for more information.
Travel to Italy and Greece - Summer of 2020
Why Are We Going? Your child will...
  • Step outside the classroom and engage with the world firsthand
  • Go beyond his/her comfort zone and experience new foods, cultures and people
  • Receive an experience that will help him/her stand out on college applications
  • Learn how to navigate new situations with a broader global perspective
  • Have a life changing experience

When? July 11, 2020 - July 19, 2020 -- Where? Travel from Boston to Rome

What's Next?
There are a limited number of 30 spots available! You can enroll @ www.eftours.com/2209043PJ  
or call EF's Traveler Support Team from Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM at 800-665-5364.  
Please email Dr. Gnoza at [email protected] , or Mrs. Posten at [email protected] with any questions!