SPN Weekly Newsletter #8

October 13, 2021

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

- Matthew 19:14

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Principal's Message

Hello families,

Our first All School Mass was celebrated today. This is a milestone, as it’s been nearly two years since we have had an All School Mass at Saint Philip Neri Catholic School. School Mass is a very special event. When I think back on my years at SPN as a student, I remember some things vividly, and attending Mass with the whole school is one of those vivid memories. I recall being a very young student and watching the older students read from the lectern, serve on the altar, sing in the choir - and I aspired to be them. Then, as a middle schooler, I took on some of those lead roles in the Mass, particularly as a reader, and what a marvelous experience and opportunity that was as far as public speaking and serving the Church. I appreciate the foundation that attending Mass with my peers afforded me, and I consider it a primary factor in my faith formation and spiritual development.

Since becoming a Catholic school educator, I have enjoyed All School Mass even more than when I was a student! I love seeing our students experiencing the Mass, absorbing the strong sense of community and the power of prayer, and identifying with our Catholic traditions. The children, our students, are such perfect reminders of the blessings of God’s creation and the preciousness of each and every person. I am always grateful to attend Mass with my school community.

Today was no different. In fact, it was especially poignant. Many thanks to the 7th grade class, Mr. Shimabukuro and Mrs. Foster for preparing the students, to Mr. Quinones for providing music (recorded this time), and to the student readers and altar servers, all of whom produced a meaningful and celebratory Mass experience. Fr. Joseph focused his homily for the students, emphasizing the Gospel reading where Jesus reminds us to be like children, to have the hearts of children, to bring the children to Him. I am so proud of our students who demonstrated their respect, reverence, and responsibility as they participated in the Mass. We are so grateful for all of God’s many blessings.

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Principal

Updates/Information

SLC Spirit Day tomorrow - Crazy Socks! Express yourself with crazy socks tomorrow. Just ankles are free dress, otherwise it's uniform as usual.
Make up Picture Day: Tomorrow, October 14th is make-up picture day for those who missed the first day, or who are retaking photos.
SPN PTG presents a Community Preparedness Event with FEMA tomorrow, October 14, 2021, 3:20 - 4:30 pm. See flyer below for details.
Candy donations for the Halloween Carnival can be dropped off in the office until October 22nd.
Weekly Mass attendance for grades 6, 7, and 8 will begin Friday, October 22 at 8:30 a.m. Students will sit on Mary’s side of the church, and parishioners will sit on Joseph’s side of the church. Grades 1-5 will attend Mass weekly at 8:30 a.m. beginning in January, 2022.
8th Grade Fundraiser, Friday, October 22: Dollars for Jeans Day $1/jeans with uniform top or $3/full free dress with jeans. Proceeds go towards 8th Grade Graduation Activities. Additional donations are welcome!
Volunteer opportunity - art closet organizing: We are looking for a parent volunteer to organize and label art supplies in our art closet. 1-2 hour commitment. Contact Mrs. Schmitz for information. Thanks!
Track your Volunteer Hours Here! Use this form every time you volunteer to add your hours to your yearly total. Every SPN family is required to volunteer 20 hours (25 if students participate in a sport) each school year.

School Happenings

Ms. Schuler's seventh grade literature class has been reading Gathering Blue, by Lois Lowry. They joined Ms. Kristen in the SPN Garden today to enhance their learning about the use of plants as dyes. They made plant dye bookmarks using plants from the garden.