|
Hello St. Gabriel Families,
Check out the following headlines and links to stay updated on everything happening at St. Gabriel Parish School.
The headlines that are highlighted are NEW or UPDATED for this Gazette.
As you scroll towards the bottom of the Gazette, there are various messages/events/needs from our parish and school committees like the HSA (Home and School Association), ATHLETICS, ADULT & YOUTH MINISTRY, etc. Please continue to scroll down to the end of this email to see all that is happening at our vibrant school and parish!
| | |
2025-2026 Staff Update:
We have been working diligently to find and hire quality teachers to fill our positions for the upcoming school year. Two weeks ago, we were all set, and all positions were filled. We started the onboarding process for all new employees.
Late last week, we received notification that our new Spanish teacher had to withdraw from the position for medical reasons. Consequently, the position has been reposted, and we are still looking for a Spanish teacher. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please have them notify the school office at 262-628-1711 or me directly at klestina@sgabriel.org.
Please stay tuned for more information regarding the newest additions to our school staff. We will be collecting more information and publishing introductions early this summer.
2025-2026 School Calendar: UPDATED
Please see the link below for the 2025-2026 school year calendar.
2025-2026 School Calendar - New Parish & School Auction Date and Marketing Event Dates
2025-2026 School Supply List:
Already planning for the next school year? Take a peek at the student supply list so you can start shopping and organizing.
2025-2026 Student Supply List
2025-2026 School Registration:
Our school family continues to grow. We are still accepting registrations and giving school tours. Our current enrollment for the next school year is 142 students. If you know of any families interested, please direct them to either call the school during school hours (262-628-1711) or they can email me directly at klestina@sgabriel.org.
The late registration deadline is here. Registrations after today, Thursday, May 15, will be charged a late registration fee of $200 per student.
If you have not registered yet, please use the link below to do so. The form has links to the tuition information and a link to pay the $200 registration fee. Your registration is not complete until the fee is paid. The $200 fee will be deducted from your tuition bill. Please use the link below to register your children.
2025-2026 St. Gabriel Parish School Registration Form
Also, review the tuition-reducing programs listed on the form and consider getting involved by volunteering, becoming a member of one of our amazing committees, and/or joining us for one of our energetic school or athletic events. Check out all the opportunities on iVolunteer, and/or visit our school website. We are excited that our St. Gabriel family is growing and hope that your family continues to be a part of all we have to offer.
| | |
After School Care:
Please remember to sign up for after-school care for May/June . We need time to plan accordingly to have adequate staffing.
Playground/Lunchroom Volunteer Program:
We still need help during our lunch hour. Please consider helping us out on a day-to-day basis. All available opportunities are listed in iVolunteer. Please see the link below for more details.
Day-to-Day Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer Sign-Up
| | |
$crip Certificates: $crip certificates are the perfect gift ideas for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and thank yous. $crip is available for purchase after the weekend Masses, and in the school office from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., or online.
There are also additional opportunities to volunteer to assist with the selling of $crip after weekend Masses. Please visit iVolunteer to sign up or contact Linda Schuh in the school office at (262) 628-1711 to help.
$25 Shady Lane gift certificates are back for a limited time until May 31. Order yours today from the school office or after a weekend Mass. They are just in time for spring plantings!
New this year… Shady Lane Gift Certificates have a 25% rebate. If you purchase $100 Shady Lane $crip, you receive a $crip Tuition Credit of $12.50. The more you sell, the more you earn. In fact, consider taking our $crip Order Sheet to your Easter celebrations and selling gift certificates to your family and friends.
| | |
Interested in learning more about buying online certificates using the RAISE RIGHT app? Please contact Finance Manager, Laura Rogacki, in the Parish Business Office at (262) 628-1141 or lrogacki@stgabrielhubertus.org for the program code.
Already have an account with RaiseRight? Online orders will be filled on Mondays and available to pick up after the weekend Masses. For any questions about the $crip program, please email Laura Rogacki.
Box Tops:
Box Tops are worth $.10 each, and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies, or experiences the kids love! Did you know you can now connect your Walmart account for even easier fundraising? You can earn cash for your school without scanning receipts! See the app for more details.
| | |
Happy Easter,
Mrs. Kimerly Lestina
Principal
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School
We nurture academic excellence while we
Proclaim the Word, Form Disciples, Live a Sacramental Life
| | | |
PLEASE KEEP SCROLLING
A lot is happening at the School and Parish and
check out what's happening in the classrooms!!
| | |
The Read-A-Thon starts today!
| | |
The annual HSA Read-A-Thon fundraiser is today, Thursday, May 15 - Friday, May 23. Our fundraising goal is $14,000 / $100 per student.
If you have not already registered your student(s), please do so today at the following link
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/313233313439
The event code is 3322788.
Students may log minutes read at both school and at home. 😁👍
We have some fun events planned for the students next week during school!
- Thursday, May 15 - All School Read Aloud with a surprise reader - see the pictures below!
- Monday, May 19 - D.E.A.R. Day. The students will break out into their Spirit Groups for this event to Drop Everything And Read! Please send a small blanket and book with your child(ren) that day so they can get cozy and read!
- Tuesday, May 20 -Teacher swap. Teachers will read to a different class in the morning.
- Thursday, May 22 - All School Read Aloud with a surprise guest appearance, be sure to ask your kids who came to visit!
We will be offering some exciting prizes for our readers!
Check out the prizes:
💲Top reader in each class receives a gift card!
🚒Top 3 student fundraisers in the school receive a gift card, a sweet treat from the ice cream truck, AND an exclusive experience with the Richfield Fire Dept! They’ll take a ride in the fire engine and get a personal tour of the fire station!
🍦 Top 3 classes with the highest average minutes/student will get to head outside to grab a sweet treat from the ice cream truck!
| | |
Read-A-Thon Kicks Off with a Fiery Start!
We are excited to announce the launch of our annual Read-A-Thon, and this year’s kickoff was one to remember! Our mystery readers were none other than the brave firefighters from the Richfield Fire Department.
Students were thrilled to hear stories read aloud by our local heroes, who brought books to life with enthusiasm and fun.
After story time, the excitement continued outside as the firefighters gave students an up-close look at the firetrucks and equipment.
| | | | We are grateful to the Richfield Fire Department for their time, generosity, and dedication to our community. Their visit was the perfect way to ignite our students’ love for reading as we begin this important literacy initiative. | | Let the pages turn and the stories begin—happy reading, St. Gabriel! | | Use this link to set up the eWallet. | | Volunteers are still needed for the Book Fair. Use this link to iVolunteer, if you can help out! | | |
Principals for the Day!
First-graders Anthony and Hazel had a terrific time taking over Principal Lestina’s job for the day!
Their parents won the “Principal for the Day” package at our recent Parish and School Auction—and both made the most of their big day!
From morning announcements to helping at lunch and keeping an eye on school operations, they handled it all with enthusiasm and a smile.
| | |
A big thank you to Anthony and Hazel's families for supporting our annual parish and school auction. We are truly grateful for your generosity and partnership in our mission.
SAVE THE DATE - The next auction is on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
| | |
A Celebration:
On Wednesday, May 14, we celebrated three amazing women who have poured their hearts into Catholic education and made a lasting impact on our school family.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to honor Miss Littel, who is celebrating 25 years of inspiring young minds and hearts with faith and love — and to Mrs. Piotrowski and Mrs. Skowbo, who are heading into a well-earned retirement after decades of teaching with wisdom, kindness, and joy.
| | |
Together, they’ve given over 50 years of service to our school — shaping lives, building faith, and creating memories we’ll never forget.
Congratulations!
| | |
IN THE CLASSROOMS & AROUND
ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC PARISH SCHOOL!
| | |
Dream, Laugh, Love – Project UPDATE
Our 8th-grade students recently completed a major milestone in their service project—packing up more than 12 large boxes of donated clothing, shoes, and soccer gear.
These items will be shipped to support children living in the Kibagare slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity will help bring comfort, dignity, and joy to children in need.
We are so proud of our students for living out our mission to serve others through faith, action, and love.
| | |
First Graders Animal Research Projects!
Our first graders recently had a fantastic time sharing their animal research projects!
They presented to their classmates, and then, they proudly showcased their hard work to family, friends, and the entire school community. The projects turned out amazing—so much thought, creativity, and effort went into each one.
| | | A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported our young learners. Your presence made the day extra special! Way to go, 1st graders! | | |
Spring has been full of music and discovery at school!
Over the past few weeks, our 3rd graders have traveled through time with their ears—analyzing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and comparing it with today’s hits from Frozen, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Renzema. From classical to contemporary, their listening skills are growing every day!
| Meanwhile, 4th graders have been exploring the exciting world of marching bands—learning all about the instruments, roles, and what brings a band to life. This week, they put their knowledge into action by practicing cadences with rhythm and tempo like true pros! | | And 5th graders took their music outside to enjoy the sunshine while rehearsing the Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry. What a meaningful way to connect history and music! | We’re so proud of our young musicians and all they’re learning this spring! | | |
Shining God's Light Through Kindness
Our first-grade students are learning what it means to be a light in the world—and they’re putting that lesson into action! Recently, all elementary classes came together for a special project to bring hope and joy to others.
As a way to brighten someone’s day, students made beautiful, handmade bracelets for the guests of the Sojourner Family Peace Center. While creating the bracelets, the children paused to pray an Our Father, asking God to bless those who would receive their thoughtful gifts.
| | |
This heartfelt activity was a meaningful way for our students to live out their faith and share Christ’s love with others in need. What a beautiful reminder that even small hands can make a big difference!
Watch the short video below and pray the Our Father with our students!
| | |
Mile Club Update!
A big thank you to all the students and parents participating in the Mile Club at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School!
So far, 67 students have logged over 420 miles — an incredible accomplishment!
We’re grateful for your commitment to building healthy habits and staying active together!
| | | |
Thank you to those who attended the Destination Imagination meeting on May 8.
If you were not able to attend but would like to know more about Destination Imagination, please contact Mrs. Kohls or Mrs. Burns to receive a copy of the handouts from the meeting.
Here is a link to the slide presentation from that meeting as well. Another parent meeting will be held in September to answer any questions you may have.
| | |
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School
Parent Groups
| | |
School Advisory Commission Members
- Chairperson: Matt Marcellis
- Vice Chair: Heidi Woelfel
- Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
- Members: Meghan Berndt, Jake Lechusz
Any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions may be sent to
stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org
| | | |
HSA NEWS & EVENTS
2024-2025 Board Members
-
President: Christy Zach
-
Co-Vice Presidents: Jenny Fenzl & Kristen Burg
-
Secretary: Ashley Long
-
Treasurer: Shari Waggoner
Email us: hsa@sgabriel.org
| | |
🌟 Join the Fun – Be Part of the HSA Team! 🌟
Nominations are officially open for Vice President of the Home and School Association (HSA)! 🎉
Want to make a difference, meet amazing people, and be a champion for our school? This is your chance! The VP role is a one-year term with a two-year commitment, as you’ll step into the President role in your second year.
Whether you’re ready to dive in yourself or know someone who’d be perfect for the role, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Nominate yourself or a friend today by emailing us at hsa@sgabriel.org. Let's keep making St. Gabriel’s a fantastic place for our students and families. 💛
Questions? Feel free to reach out — we’re happy to chat!
| | |
HAWKS FALL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
I know it seems early to be talking about the fall volleyball season, but the deadline for registration will be here before you know it. We are looking for all St. Gabriel, St. Boniface, and St. Kilian school and religious education 5th-8th graders who are looking to have fun learning a sport that they can play the rest of their lives!
St. Gabriel belongs to the Metro Volleyball Conference.
Please click on https://metrovbconference.org/ if you would like to learn more about it.
Below are the key highlights:
-
Girls & Boys 5th-8th grade team registrations are due to the MVC by July 31.
- Practices can begin on August 11.
- League games (10 matches, some doubleheaders):
o Boys’ games will be held on Friday nights, September 5 – October 24
§ New this year: games will begin at 5:30 instead of 6:00
o Girls’ games will be held on Saturdays, September 6 – October 25
§ Games may be held on Saturday mornings, afternoons, or evenings
-
Invite-only Seton tournament for 8th-grade teams: pool play, October 27 – 31, with the final four held November 8-9.
- The volleyball registration fee is $85 per player (checks made payable to St. Gabriel).
-
We are requesting to host games at our school gym, and it will be critical to have volunteers to make that happen. Therefore, each family is required to work in admissions/concessions/scorekeeping for 5 hours. (If you have multiple children playing, we ask that you work 4 hrs /player.)
New this year: you can opt out of volunteer hours by paying an additional $100/child.
(Please note: if you are not signed up to cover your hours by Sept 19, you will be asked to pay the $100 fee.)
These fees will be used to hire teenagers to cover the games.
- Every player will receive a personalized St. Gabriel Hawks warm-up shirt if paid registration is received by June 20.
-
There will be a mandatory parent meeting on Sunday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. in the school hall for any families that are new to the St. Gabriel volleyball program AND anyone whose registration is incomplete.
- Please keep an eye out for details regarding a pre-season volleyball spirit-wear store.
We would love to field as many girls and boys' volleyball teams as possible for the fall. That being said, and sharing the timeline above, we will need your final RSVP decision by June 20.
If you are interested in registering your son or daughter, I will need three things from you:
1. Please click on the registration link: https://forms.gle/v7n9Tx6crtQG51ti9
2. Complete the packet of forms Arch athletic league forms
3. Send forms to school or the parish office, along with the $85 registration fee, no later than June 20.
Please note: if you completed the forms for volleyball camp, you do not need to complete those 3 forms again. You WILL, however, need to complete the Parent Sportsmanship and the Athlete Sportsmanship forms, along with the Physical form if expired. (Physical examination taken April 1 and thereafter is approved for the following two years of competition; physical examination taken before April 1 is valid only for the remainder of the current school year and the following year.)
Please email me at peggysenglaub@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Peggy Senglaub
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School Volleyball Coordinator
| | Congratulations to Liam, a St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School alum (Class of 2021), for being recognized as a "Student of the Month" at Germantown High School - WI. We are so proud of him and wish him the best of luck as he graduates this year and heads to college. | We are also pleased to share that alumni Matthew Mans (Class of 2022) at Catholic Memorial High School and Alison Pentek (Class of 2022) at Germantown High School have been inducted into the National Honor Society—a prestigious recognition of academic excellence, leadership, service, and character. | | |
Let's join in celebrating this significant achievement and continue to lift them up in prayer as they grow in knowledge, grace, and service to others.
May God guide their steps and use his gifts for His glory.
| | Check out this great article about Alumna (Class of 2021), Ave Lisiescki! | | Congratulations to all of our Confirmation Candidates who will receive Confirmation this evening, Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. | | SUMMER EVENTS AT ST. GABRIEL PARISH & SCHOOL AND AROUND MKE | | |
Chesterton Academy invites all of our students to their summer day camp.
Camp Chesterton is a one-day camp for kids ages 8-12. They will have Mass, games, lunch, age-appropriate virtue talks, house competitions, and more! It will be a day filled with summer fun, faith, and a glimpse at our joy-filled Chesterton Academy community.
Cost is $50, register online here:https://chestertonacademymke.org/camp-chesterton by May 19. Cost includes T-shirt and lunch.
| | |
Mother’s Day Pictures: For those of you who had your pictures taken by Mark Frohna last weekend for Mother’s Day, you may visit the following link to view and order.
www.frophoto.com/stgabrielmothers25
| | |
Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered, supported, or attended our Spring Fish Frys!
We are truly humbled by the positive comments and feedback our committee has received. These events wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of time, talent, and spirit from our parish family and community. From those who fried fish and served meals, to those who washed dishes, greeted guests, and stayed late to clean up — your efforts made these gatherings a wonderful success. Thank you for coming together in fellowship, faith, and good food.
Fish Frys Served – 367
Kids Meals Served – 69
“You could have one every month – thank you for a terrific meal!”
“Desserts were excellent!”
“My favorite part was having dinner with friends.”
We look forward to seeing you all again on September 12, 2025! Bring your friends and family for an amazing dinner under the flea market's big tent!
| | |
Announcement: New Director of Liturgy Hired
We would like to thank Roy Spieckerman once more for his commitment and contributions to the spiritual life of our parish and wish him well in his retirement.
We welcome Maryrose Wolf as our new Director of Liturgy, starting July 1, 2025. Maryrose brings a wealth of experience from different parishes and different roles within the Church: liturgical, musical, cantor, sacristan, with a Certificate for Lay Ministries. We are pleased to welcome Maryrose to the St. Gabriel Team.
We are hiring!
Associate Director of Child Ministry
Position Overview: The Associate Director of Child Ministry at St. Gabriel will play a key role in fostering the spiritual growth and development of children in our faith community. This position is designed for a passionate, experienced, and creative individual who is deeply committed to nurturing the faith of children and ensuring they grow in the love of Christ through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® (CSG) Level 1, & Level 2 programs. The Associate Director will work closely with the Pastor and other ministry leaders to implement dynamic, engaging, and age-appropriate programs for children ages 3–11, supporting them as they take the first steps in their lifelong journey of faith.
More information is available on the parish website at the link below. We invite interested candidates to submit their resumes, along with a cover letter detailing their experience and qualifications for this vital role.
Accounts Payable Accountant
Position Overview: Our Accountant manages our accounts payable and payroll functions, as well as aiding our Finance Manager in database management. This position enjoys part-time and flexible hours, averaging 24-28 hours per week. We offer competitive hourly compensation based on education and experience. Visit the link below for more information.
Join Our Team!
Visit this link to learn more about the positions open at St. Gabriel Parish.
| | |
Cemetery Committee Seeks Volunteer with Landscape or Architectural Design Skills:
The St. Gabriel Cemetery Committee is currently seeking a volunteer with experience in landscape and/or architectural design. This individual will assist in planning and enhancing the beauty, functionality, and reverence of our sacred grounds.
If you have a background in this area and are willing to share your talents, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise will help us ensure that the cemetery remains
a peaceful and respectful resting place for our loved ones.
For more information or to express interest, please reach out to Dick Lemminger, Sr. at cell (414) 588-7125 or home (262) 628-1805.
| | |
You did it!
Thanks for reading to the end.
😁
Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
That’s why we’re adding a fun little joke of the week to the end of each Gazette
Check out this week’s joke below and get ready to giggle.
😄
| | |
🎂What do cakes and baseball teams have in common?⚾
| | |
👏Last week's winner was Ryan Schmitz👏
Thanks to everyone who read the punch line.
Don't forget, if you click to read the punchline, your name will be put into the hopper for
a cool prize as a thank you for reading all the way to the end of the Gazette!
If you want to submit a joke, awesome, email nikki.packee@stgabrielhubertus.org.
| | |
We are utilizing Constant Contact for our bi-weekly Gazette. Please mark these emails as "safe" so you receive important updates and news from St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School.
| | | | |
