SPN Weekly Newsletter #23

February 15, 2022

Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!

Principal's Message

Hello SPN Families,

Auction fever has hit Saint Philip Neri Catholic School! Our illustrious Auction Committee has been busy since last spring working to bring you a fun-filled evening of community and camaraderie for the benefit of our students. As with all planning for the past two years, it was a difficult decision and a challenge to “read the tea leaves” and determine the best venue/mode for this event. We hope you will have virtual “watch parties” with other families in order to make it more of a festive celebration. Most importantly, please register and receive the link to the event and get ready to support our school programs by bidding on some of the exciting items that include a trip to Mexico, several get-a-way packages, and incredible student artwork.

Online auction bidding begins on Wednesday, February 23, so don’t wait or you might miss out on some great deals and items. The students’ artwork is particularly appealing as you’ll see in this online showcase. Please join faculty, staff, families and friends for our SPN Auction on Saturday, February 26 at 5:30p.m., and support our school and students’ educational programs.

Tomorrow we are hosting our Principal for the Day, an Auction item that will be available again this year. 4th grader, Miss Grace Gille, will be our Principal. Some highlights of Principal Gille’s day will be to greet the students and staff at morning assembly, visit classrooms and see what each grade level is doing, have some very important meetings in “her Office,” and of course she’ll have all of the necessary supplies such as personalized stationery and business cards in order to do some very important work. She may have to make some executive decisions, like giving rewards or SLE’s. Rumor has it that she will treat the teachers to lunch: now that’s my kind of Principal! Who will be our Principal for the Day in 2022-2023?

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Interim Principal

COVID Update re: Mask Mandate

The Diocese adopts the state and county health guidelines as far as COVID protocols, including masking, gatherings, screenings, food distribution, etc. for our TK-12 schools. When guidelines change, we make adjustments in the most timely manner possible. As the masking mandates are lifted throughout the state of California this week, this change does not apply to TK-12 schools at this time. However, here at SPN we are lifting the mask mandate for OUTDOORS beginning Tuesday, February 22.

We will also reinstitute classes attending weekly 8:30a.m. Mass beginning in Lent (March 2nd, Ash Wednesday). The schedule is:

Tuesday, 1st and 4th grades

Wednesday, Kindergarten & 3rd grades

Thursday, 2nd and 5th grades

Friday, 6th, 7th & 8th grades

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Interim Principal

Updates and Information

COVID Update: We have had 1 school case since February 9. We ask that you continue to follow the Daily Health Screening DHS and contact the office to report symptoms and/or exposure outside of school.
Intent to Return for 2022-23 School Year: In order to make admissions determinations we need accurate information from our current families - that's you! Please complete and submit this Intent to Return form (1 per family) by Wednesday, February 23rd. Preschool and TK responses are optional since we solicited responses for those students in January.
SLC Spirit Day next Friday, February 25th: Each class is choosing a class theme so ask your student what their class chose!
Noon dismissal this Friday, February 18th: Reminder
SPN Principal Search Process: The Diocese has posted the opening for Principal of Saint Philip Neri Catholic School for 2022-23 on their website. The deadline for applications is March 15. As you know from Fr. Joseph, the Search Committee has been formed, and they will follow the guidance of the School Department’s Human Resources Director in selecting candidates, conducting interviews, and selecting the new permanent principal at SPN. It is likely that the decision will be made and published prior to Easter.
Childcare in Alameda Needed for 18 month-old: A Diocesan elementary school in Oakland needs a teacher. However, the candidate teacher they have, lives in Alameda and needs to secure childcare for her 18 month old. If you have a lead on available childcare in Alameda, please phone Ms. Thomas in the Office. Thank you!
Record your SPN volunteer hours: SPN Volunteer Hours Form. Need your total? Just contact our friendly office staff to inquire.

SPN Virtual Annual Auction - Feb. 26th!

Auction Item: Kindergarten Class Art Piece

School Happenings

SPN staff enjoyed a lovely brunch on Staff Appreciation Day sponsored by PTG! Thank you!

Kindergarteners celebrate the 100th day of school and Lunar New Year.

Summer Camp at SPN - KidzToPros

Save $100 on Summer Camp at SPN this summer!

Starting February 1, the early registration discount for SPN families is $100 using code FLY100. Use this link to register.

Community Happenings

Registration for the March 12, 2022 EYH at Berkeley Conference

is still open through today!

Free, full day STEAM workshop for girls 5th - 8th Grade

Saturday, 3/12

UC Berkeley campus

Snack and lunch provided

Spots are still open for both the girls' and parents' EYH conferences taking place on March 12, 2022. This year, we are offering the conference free to all attendees- just input the code "FULL" at checkout!