SPN Weekly Newsletter #25

March 1, 2022

Ms. Ybarra's 6th grade class

We Journey Together

Principal's Message

Dear SPN Families,

Happy Mardi Gras! It’s Fat Tuesday, which means that Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday (All School Mass at 9:30 a.m.). Lent is a journey, commemorating the 40 days and nights that Jesus spent in the desert prior to meeting his death on the cross. For Catholics, the six week journey of Lent to Easter is one of reflection, perhaps some sacrifice or even pro-action or commitments to do something new that helps us to be a better person or helps others or both.

Speaking of journeying together, we are about to conclude our journey to re-accreditation. After years of engaging in intensive self examination of our school programs, SPN will be hosting the WCEA accreditation visit next week, Tuesday, March 8 through Thursday, March 10. The visiting team of educators has been reviewing our self-study report prior to their visit. They will meet with Fr. Joseph, faculty, staff, parents, and students in addition to observing classes and looking through evidence. A full re-accreditation means we will have six years before we go through the process again. We will welcome the visiting team on Tuesday at morning assembly, and they will join us on Wednesday for our Lenten Prayer Service.

Finally, but certainly not least of all, many congratulations and much gratitude to everyone who participated in the Virtual Auction on Saturday and the Family Mass on Sunday! This weekend was evidence of the strong bonds, dedication and commitment to one another that make SPN such an extraordinary community. Let’s continue to journey together; working, playing and praying to be the best people we can be to and for one another.

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Interim Principal

Updates and Information

COVID Update: We have had 0 school cases since February 22. 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.
Dress Code for Mass Days: Our students attend weekly Mass with their class and/or monthly Mass with the entire school community. On Mass days, students must wear their full uniform, including uniform sweater or sweatshirt (no shorts). On warm days, students may take their sweaters or sweatshirts off once inside the church.
Sports Photos this Friday, March 4th/Noon Dismissal: Sports teams photo sessions will take place this Friday after school (noon dismissal). If your child represented an SPN sports team (either Winter or Spring season), please bring a team uniform to change into prior to your allotted time slot for the photo shoot. Schedule Here. We are asking for assistance from parents of K-2 children to help their child change into their uniforms. If your child participated in multiple sports, please only use one uniform for all the sports, no need to change uniforms. For those who are participating in the Spring sports and have not yet received their uniforms, it is OK to wear their spirit wear in place of a team uniform.
Lenten giving: Rice Bowls are going home with your student this week. The 40 days of Lent are meant to recreate Jesus' 40 days in the desert, where he prayed, fasted, and focused on his relationship with God. Catholics practice 3 traditional activities to grow closer to God during Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving. The Rice Bowls help us practice giving to people less fortunate than we are, following Jesus' call to serve our neighbors and to share the gifts we have. For more information on the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program click here.
Help with Celebration of the Arts: SPN is seeking a Chair (or two Co-Chairs) for the Celebration of the Arts Exhibition, happening May 12th in O’Brien Hall. This event showcases artwork by the students from their Art Docent sessions. It will be so nice to resume the tradition of seeing our children’s art in-person! Art Docents are responsible for choosing and hanging the artwork. The chairperson(s) are responsible for coordination and facilitation. The prior Chairs graduated out last year but left detailed instructions. Raven Haldeman will also be available for consults. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours. Please email raven_h13@yahoo.com or Helen Bouras SPN.PTG.alameda@gmail.com if interested. Thank you!
STEAM Fair Coming Up!! Mark your calendars for the STEAM fair, formally known as the mini maker fair. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 26 in O'Brien Hall. Preschool-3rd grade will attend from 5p.m.-6p.m. and 4-8th grades will attend from 6p.pm-7p.m. Here is a slide show of the event from years past. To sign up to volunteer, use this sheet. We will be collecting small donated toys for the "upcycling" station starting Monday, 3/14. A box will be set up in the office lobby.
Record your SPN volunteer hours: SPN Volunteer Hours Form. Need your total? Just contact our friendly office staff to inquire.

School Happenings

Preschool celebrates Mardi Gras with a parade and Shrove Pancakes!

The 8th grade girls volleyball team ended their undefeated (9-0) season with a celebratory picnic and a visit to St. Mary's Center in Oakland to present the donations from their fundraiser. Pictured are the Super Seven; coaches Grace Hofmann, Meg Glodoveza and David Lau; and Janny Castillo, Director of Community Outreach and Services at the Center.

Principal for a Day, Ms. Grace Gille (4th grade), hard at work!

Class theme Spirit Day last week:

TK Superheroes helping in the garden!

5th Graders go '80s!

4th graders get colorful with tie dye!

Community Happenings

M.U.S.E. Band upcoming events (see this flier for details)

St. Patrick's Day Parade in SF - Saturday, March 12th
Band Workshop/Parade Rehearsal at Bishop O'Dowd High School - Saturday, March 5th

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Opportunity to walk and talk with doctors - new community program:

SPN TK parent, Dr. Jameze James, is helping to lead a new new community program called Walk with A doc, offered free by Kaiser Permanente for anyone interested. Walks start at Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda, and happen once a month through June. Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare provider, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. Click here to learn more!

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Middle School Program

Browse our full offering and get ready to register your child online starting March 1.

High School Prep

Our Summer Academy High School Prep program is open to all rising 9th graders - not just O'Dowd students!Select from math, writing, drama and public speaking classes to create an individualized summer camp program tailored to the needs of your child.

Registration opens online March 1.