St. David of Wales Catholic School

GOOD NEWS BEARS

Week of December 16, Vol 2, Issue 19

St. David School Mission Statement

It is the mission of St. David of Wales Catholic School to consistently provide a safe environment for academic and spiritual growth. Rooted in Catholic beliefs and values our school prioritizes academic achievement and builds moral and social responsibility. We cultivate global citizens in a culturally diverse community, while promoting Catholic values and respect for all of God’s creations.

Dear St. David Families,

As we approach the final week of school before Christmas vacation, our hearts are filled with the joy of Advent. This sacred season reminds us to prepare for the coming of our Lord, embracing the hope, love, and peace that Christ brings into our lives. Amid the busyness of this time, may we find moments to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the joy that comes from celebrating God’s greatest gift to us.

We are especially excited to invite our students and families to participate in the Children’s Christmas Eve Mass. This beautiful tradition is a wonderful opportunity for our children to share their faith and joy during the holiest night of the year. Whether through readings, music, or acting in the Nativity, there’s a place for everyone to contribute to this special celebration.

To sign up, please contact the school office or use the link provided below. We would love to see many of our students involved!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership this Advent season. May your family’s hearts be filled with joy and anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Christmas season!

Yours in faith,

Mr. Swanson & Ms. Medrano

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 18

Christmas Concert

Rose Mello Hall

6pm

December 20

Minimum Day

Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful break!

No Willows (PK-8)

12 N

December 24

Christmas Eve Mass

Join us in the Children's Christmas Mass.

5 PM

January 7

Welcome Back!

We hope you had a fantastic Christmas

January 10

Progress Reports

Progress reports for midterm of Trimester 2 go home with students

January 17

Staff Professional Development

Student Holiday

January 21

CYO Track & Field

Team Meeting at Rose Mello Hall

5:30 pm

January 21

5 Kind & Clever Ways to MOTIVATE children

Parent Workshop (Zoom)

7pm

January 22

Minimum Day (K-8)

Minimum Day Dismissal for K-8 Professional Development Day

12:00 N

January 22

Jr. High Science Fair Rose Mello Hall

6 pm

Jan 26-Feb 1

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrate what makes St. David wonderful!

Congratulations to our students who exemplified the Schoolwide Learning Expectation of being Educated!

🧠 Are independent thinkers

📚 Show lifelong curiousity and enthusiasm for learning

🗂️ Have good study habits and organizational skills

Thank you for your faith, service, and knowledge to our school:

Jayda L. - 8th grade

Dash F-R. - 7th grade

Mateo S. - 6th grade

Sofia Z. - 5th grade

June L. - 4th grade

Teagan B. - 3rd grade

Joaquin L. - 2nd grade

Conor Y. - 1st grade

Aria A. - Kindergarten

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

Billing Platform Update

We’re transitioning from Curacubby to Brightwheel for tuition and extended care billing, as Curacubby will soon shut down their operations. As of November 20th, Curacubby has stopped taking payments. It is important that you set up your Brightwheel account.

An email has been setup with instructions on setting up your new Brightwheel account (or connecting your student with your existing account) last week. We will send constant reminders through Brightwheel and through email to setup up your account. This new platform offers a more streamlined experience for payment and Willows attendance. Thank you for your cooperation during this transition!

We have started using Brightwheel to take attendance at Willows on November 18th. You will see a separate invoice for Willows for November 1st-15th in your Brightwheel account.

Letters and invoices have gone home with your student on Friday, Nov 22nd. Any payments made (and received) recorded through Curacubby will be on those statements. Please make sure to reach out if there are any questions about your statements.

Here is a video to show you how to sign up with Brightwheel.

A Note from PTG:

Dear St. David School Families,

As we approach the Christmas season, the PTG sends warm wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful and peaceful break. May this time be filled with love and cherished memories.

Looking ahead, we invite you to share your time and talents by signing up for upcoming volunteer opportunities in the new year. Your support helps us make our school events and programs a success!

This week, many classrooms will be hosting Christmas parties. Please make sure to be in touch with your child's teachers about volunteer needs and party items.

Thank you for all you do for our school community.

With gratitude,

PTG

ptg@stdavidschool.org

Click here for Volunteer Opportunities!

St. David of Wales School presents a virtual workshop experience with Vanessa Callaghan, MEd.

Parents and Caregivers: You really don't have to figure out how to motivate your kids alone!

Join fellow St. David of Wales School parents along with parent educator and coach Vanessa Callaghan, MEd., as we connect, exchange ideas & learn tools and strategies that we can all use right away to boost our kids’ motivation.

Experience how to...

WIN your child's cooperation.
SUPPORT more focus & engagement in school and family life.
TAKE ACTION to build more trust and mutual respect.
USE ALTERNATIVES to punishments and rewards.

This highly interactive workshop is designed to give you new, effective strategies that REALLY work and KIDS LOVE!

What is it? A highly interactive MOTIVATION WORKSHOP presented by St. David of Wales School, “5 Kind & Clever Ways to MOTIVATE children...with less rewards and punishments."

Who is it for? St. David of Wales School Parents and Caregivers

When is it? Tuesday, January 21st, 7-8:30pm PST

Where is it? We will meet in a virtual Zoom room. Be sure to register so that Vanessa’s team can send you the Zoom link.

Christmas Eve Sign-Up

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS

We warmly invite all families to join us for the joyous 5 pm Christmas Eve Children's Mass at St. David of Wales Catholic School! This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to engage in the heartwarming Gospel re-enactment, helping them to grow spiritually and connect with our vibrant community. We encourage you to complete the participation form below and return it to the office promptly—let's make sure your little stars shine bright this holiday season! After all, the more, the merrier—because nothing says “Joy to the World” like celebrating together!

3-MINUTE RETREAT- A Firm Foundation

This week's 3-Minute Retreat invites us to reflect on the firm foundation of our faith. Just as a strong building needs a solid base, our lives are strengthened when rooted in God's word and love. Take a moment to pause, pray, and be reminded of the unwavering support God provides us in our daily lives.

3-Minute Retreat

ST. DAVID CATHOLIC SCHOOL

871 Sonoma Street

Richmond, CA 94805

www.stdavidschool.org

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