Dear St. Giles Families,
Today marks the first Sunday of Advent and for the next four weeks, we look towards Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as the candles are lit at mass each week. These are words we use at school as well in our daily prayers and messaging in classrooms as God is always present in our lives. Our Lions will see a variety of Advent Wreaths around the school starting Monday in classrooms, lunchrooms, and offices.
Hands to Self
It is with these words and this season in mind that we are also reminding all students and encouraging you to speak with your Lions about Hands to Self. We have seen an increase in physical behavior in all grades that, in some students’ minds, starts out as playful but becomes hurtful. A pat on the head, back or arm may have innocent intentions but we have seen what starts as playful behavior become overwhelming and lead to more physical and hurtful contact. Mrs. Wynne speaks to the personal bubble in her weekly SEL classes and reminds students that everyone deserves their personal space. Our teachers and lunch/recess monitors remind students of this same message. Please continue these conversations at home regarding personal space and that what is intended may not be received the same way by another student. We will continue to keep these expectations in school throughout the year and address behavior accordingly via parent contact and steps outlined in our handbook.
Superintendent Visit
This week, we are excited to welcome Superintendent of Schools Greg Richmond, who will be visiting classes and meeting with teachers. Mr. Richmond will present us with a certificate acknowledging our tremendous growth in iReady scores. We will share pictures next week! We are so proud of our teacher and Lions and all the work they are doing and grateful for all of your support.
Thanksgiving break now seems so long ago and the countdown to Christmas is on here at school! We have three more weeks to go until that time and various activities are planned between now and then. The Parish also has many ways to celebrate the season–be sure to scroll down to the end of the newsletter to see all of the Parish opportunities.
Save the date: Tuesday, December 19th is our annual Christmas Concert in Church! This will be livestreamed and we hope students are practicing at home as well as in school.
Have a wonderful week,
Meg
P.S. Trimester 1 report cards were sent home on Friday–please contact the office if you did not receive your Lion’s report card.
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Scroll down for details regarding:
Variety Show Details
Christmas card art contest
Winter Enrichment
PTO Newsletter and Christmas Appreciation Fund
Veteran Teacher Spotlight
Athletics
Parish News--be sure to scroll down to see how we can help the parish during the Christmas season!
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THANK YOU!
Our Ambassadors led the charge for this year's collection to fill stockings for soldiers and our Lions were truly generous! 545 items were donated in total. The class that brought in the most was Kindergarten with 92 items! They won a movie and treat afternoon for all of their efforts.
Thank you for your generosity and for making Christmas special for our heroes.
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Advent Wreath Workshop
A great time was had by all and the Christmas spirit was burning bright at yesterday's Advent Wreath Workshop hosted by PTO. The wreaths are ready for lighting as we begin the season of Advent today.
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2023-2024 Live & In Person Variety Show!
Calling all Lions, this year the St. Giles Variety Show will be live and in person!
All participants must be registered by December 15th to participate in auditions to be held on January 10th and 12th right after our Christmas Break.
Grab a friend or go solo to join in the performance and start practicing over the Holidays! All acts will have up to 2 minutes to be performed.
Please use the link below to sign up by December 15th so you can participate in auditions!
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Christmas Card Contest
Every year, St. Giles School sends a Christmas card designed by students to our generous donors. The contest is now underway! Any student may submit an original color drawing depicting a Religious themed Christmas scene. A prize of a $25 gift card will be awarded.
- The drawing must be on white 8 ½ x 11 paper.
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Be sure the student’s name and homeroom are marked clearly on the BACK of the submission in pencil so that it does not bleed through.
- Only one drawing per student will be accepted.
The deadline for entries is tomorrow! The prize will be awarded after a panel of faculty members selects the winning design.
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WINTER ENRICHMENT IS HERE!
Looking for some after-school fun during the winter months? Look no further, we have plenty of opportunities available for our Lions! Below is just a glimpse of what is available--be sure to check out all of the courses in the parent portal.
Winter Enrichment registration will open up Monday, December 4th at the link below.
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Teacher Spotlight
Mr. Steve Siwek, Physical Education, K-8
B.S. Physical Education Teacher Education, Illinois State University
M.A. Adapted Physical Education, Northern Illinois University
Years at St. Giles: 4 years
Favorite Book and/or Movie: The Avengers
Favorite Vacation Spot: San Diego, CA
Fun Fact: I have been to over 50 different zoos
This is my 11th year teaching and 4th at St. Giles. I’ve been married for 8 years and have 3 wonderful children. I’m a HUGE Chicago sports fan and my favorite team is the White Sox!
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Happy December, Lion Families!
Girls and Boys Basketball
Seasons are underway!
Individual Basketball Team Sites / TeamSideline App are LIVE for both Girls and Boys!
Please ensure that you are able to access your student-athlete’s Team Site through the TeamSideline App … The APP is your go-to for all things about your student-athlete’s Basketball Season. TS App Sign In - TeamSideline.com
Basketball/Volleyball Family Season Pass: The Family Pass is returning this year!
The Family Pass allows all members of your immediate family admittance to any and all Basketball/Volleyball games this Winter Season.The Family Pass can be purchased for $50 on the Athletic Website:
**ALL student-athletes require a Sports Physical to participate in athletics each year - Student-Athletes Who Do Not Have A Physical On File May Not Participate In Practice Or Games.
Thank you and Go Lions!
Sean Clancy
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The Week Ahead in Athletics
Basketball Games - Girls
Date Time Home Away Location
12/5/2023 6:00 PM Girls Giles 4th Ascension 4 St. Giles Gym
12/05/2023 5:00 PM Boys Giles 7th Field B7 St. Giles Gym
12/7-10/2023 G8 Kate Conlon Tourney Mt. Prospect
12/8/2023 5:00 PM Grace Luth JV Girls Giles 6 Grace Luth
12/08/2023 6:00 PM Grace Luth JV Boys Giles 6 Grace Luth
12/08/2023 7:00 PM Grace Luth Var Boys Giles 8th Grace Luth
12/09/2023 9:00 AM Edwards 4 Boys Giles 4th Lukes
12/9/2023 1:10 PM Girls Giles 4th QAS Blue 4 QAS
** Scheduled Practices will appear on the Team Sites / App and under ‘Schedules’ on the Athletic Website (below the Games).
GO LIONS!
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Be sure to check out the latest newsletter from PTO here!
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Christmas Appreciation Fund is Open!
Dear Families~
As we enter into the holiday season, let's show our gratitude to our devoted teachers and staff by contributing to this year’s Christmas Appreciation Fund (CAF). This fund supports every member of our faculty, staff, and administration.
To date, 21% of our school community has contributed, and we are hoping to reach 100%. Tax deductible donations will be collected through Thursday, December 14th. We ask that you be as generous as you're able.
Here is how you can give today:
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Online Donation: Scan the QR Code or Click here.
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Text to Give: Text Gratitude to 708-554-7874.
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Cash or Check: Drop off in an envelope at the St. Giles School Office with the following information. Checks can be made payable to St. Giles School.
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“CAF”
- Donor name(s)
- Student name(s)
**If you use one of our electronic options, please consider selecting the option to cover your credit card fees.
Whether you contribute $10 or $1000, every contribution makes a difference - and 100% participation sends a powerful message of support and gratitude.
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Upcoming Events
Entrance Exam
Fenwick's Class of 2028 Make Up Entrance Exam
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 am
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Upcoming Events
Entrance Exam
Trinity's Class of 2028 Make Up Entrance Exam
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 8AM.
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St. Patrick High School News
Upcoming Events
Entrance Exam
St. Pat's Class of 2028 Make Up Entrance Exam
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 8AM.
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Time for Caring and Sharing: CCW Sharing Tree
With the Christmas Season quickly approaching, we would like to remind you of one of the traditions that makes our Parish so special—the CCW Sharing Tree. It is a way to support vulnerable families during the holidays—to share what we can and care for one another, especially those in need.
We are asking for :
- Donations of gift cards to Jewel, Walmart or Target.
- Monetary donations by check (payable to St. Giles CCW).
- Online donations via GiveCentral (use the button below).
Mail your donation to—or drop off at—the Parish Center, 1025 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. Or place it in the Offertory collection at weekend Mass.
So that we have sufficient time to purchase and allocate the gift cards to those needy families, please respond by Monday, December 4th. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Anything you can offer is greatly appreciated.
If you have questions, please contact Madeleine Butler at 708-267-7572 or Pat Micucci at 773-237-4691.
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Join the St. Giles Community as a Greeter at Weekend Masses |
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The annual Advent Sale is taking place after ALL Ascension masses again this weekend!
Be sure to pick up your Chocolate Calendar or Advent Candles!
All proceeds will go to the Spirit and Light Religious Education Program.
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Let's Light up Oak Park!
Pre-order your Luminaria Kit NOW for “Light Up the Night” or Christmas Eve!
$10.00 Kit includes - 6 candles, 6 bags, and sand
New pick-up location this year - Pick up your kit for “Light Up the Night” in OP or Christmas Eve from St. Edmund's!
St. Edmunds Church Garage
In between the parking lot and the church
188 South Oak Park Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60304
Pick up Dates:
Friday, December 15th 4-6pm
Saturday, December 16th 9-1pm
Sunday, December 17th 9-1pm
Tuesday, December 19th 5-7pm
Payment- We are not accepting pre-payment at this time. Payment can be made at the time of pick up. We are accepting cash or checks. Checks can be made out to Spirit and Light.
*Orders due by Dec. 11
The Catholic Parishes of Oak Park have collaborated with Infant Welfare Society of Clarendon Hills. We purchase all our Luminaria Kits from them. When you purchase your Luminaria Kit you can feel good knowing it has helped The Infant Welfare Society of Clarendon Hills and Spirit and Light Religious Education.
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First Communion
If you are looking for a First Communion dress, veil or shoes look no further!
1st Communion dresses - $25 donation
Veils and Shoes (limited) $5 donation.
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Confirmation Update
Confirmation Session #4:
Giles Campus-McDonough Hall
Sunday, December 10
2:30-4:00 pm
Ascension Campus-Pine Room
Thursday, December 14
7-8:30 pm
Both Confirmation calendars have been updated with more information regarding the Feed My Starving Children Offsite Event and March Retreats.
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