Dear St. Giles Families,
As we enter Holy Week, we look forward to celebrating these holiest of days in our church and the renewal of life with Easter. As we move into the break, let us remember our theme, this Lent of kindness, and take that to heart every day.
Please join us for Stations of the Cross on Wednesday at 1:15 in Church. We welcome all families to join us! Our Easter break begins Thursday, March 28th, with an 11:45 am dismissal for all students. Afternoon Kids Klub will not be available.
We have many events to celebrate that have occurred the past week--please scroll down to feel the Lion pride we do for all of our students.
The Weekly View will also be on Easter break and return on Sunday, April 14th. On behalf of all faculty and staff, I wish all families a happy and blessed Easter and a safe and relaxing break.
Happy Easter!
Meg
Black and Gold Last Call!
Thank you again to all who participated!
This is your final call for Last Chance items in Handbid. Our Auction site will close tomorrow, Monday, March 25. Please review your charges in Handbid and make your final payments.
Enrichment Director Update
Mr. Siwek will be stepping down from the Enrichment Director role. We are so grateful for all he has done to build our Enrichment Programs. Mr. Siwek thanks all parents for working with him so well!
Ms. Kroeker will be taking over as Enrichment Director this trimester. If you have any questions or ideas for future enrichment programs, please email her at tkroeker@stgilesschool.org.
Best Wishes, Mrs. Jawicki!
Mrs. Jawicki will begin her parent leave over Easter break as she prepares to welcome their new baby in April. We can't wait to meet our new littlest Lion and will share the announcement when the baby arrives. Congratulations to Jenny and Jim Jawicki on your growing family!
We welcome Mrs. Ruth Rowe back as she takes over 6th grade for Mrs. Jawicki. Mrs. Rowe is a familiar face at St. Giles. She has been a regular substitute for many years and knows our 6th graders well. Mrs. Rowe was the long term sub for Mrs. Magaña when these Lions were in 2nd grade. Mrs. Rowe will be in the classroom this week with Mrs. Jawicki and is ready to take over after the break. Welcome back, Mrs. Rowe!
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Reminders and Save the Dates:
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St. Giles School Family Mass, Sunday, April 14th, 10:30 a.m., followed by Miles for Giles and a Meal in the courtyard. We are looking for K-8 student readers and altar servers--please contact Mrs. Lucas if you will be attending and your Lion(s) are able to participate.
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Fine Arts Night, Wednesday, April 17th-Mark your calendars! More details to follow.
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Grandparents Day, Friday, May 3rd, 9:15 am - 11:00 am. Look for additional details and an invitation/RSVP coming out this week!
Scroll down for details regarding:
Kudos to our Lions!
Ambassadors' Food Drive
St. Giles Bulls Outing
PTO News
Athletics
High School News
Parish News
Community News
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IJAS Science Fair Regional Exhibition
Congratulations to our 7th-grade students who participated in the IJAS Regional Exhibition at Northeaster Ilinois University on Saturday, March 16!
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Reese R., Isabella C., and Penny W. received a Silver Award for their project What Types of Water Improve Plant Health?
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Emma H. and Sadie S. received a Silver Award for Filtration Station: Filtering Water to Safe Levels and in addition, were chosen for a special award from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
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Charlotte P. and Angelina V were awarded a Gold Award for their project The Effect of Water Temperature on an Axolotl’s Behavior, and will represent St. Giles at the Illinois State Exhibition at Millikin University on May 4, 2024.
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Sam M. and Lucas P. took home a Gold Award, and a Medal of Excellence for their research paper written for their project How the Health of C. Elegans is Affected by Turf Exposure. They will also travel to Millikin University on May 4 to participate in the Illinois State Exhibition.
We wish Charlotte, Angelina, Sam, and Lucas well at State!
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The National History Day 2024 theme was Turning Points in History.
The following students have qualified for the state competition in
Springfield, Illinois on April 24, 2024
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Joe S. - The Hydrogen Bomb
Henry S. - The ADA
Colin C. - Penicillin: A Medical Wonder
Norah T. - Title IX: 37 Words that Leveled the Playing Field for Women's Sports
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The following students received special awards:
Excellence in Latin History Award - Maeve B. - The Mirabel Sisters
Barry Love Award for LGBTQ+ History - Sofia D. - Executive Order 10450: The Peak of Homophobic Federal Regulation
Disability History Award - Henry S. - The ADA
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The Spring Reading Olympics competition occurred this past week!
In Reading Olympics, Fifth graders compete in teams of three students. They have to read nine Middle Grades novels chosen by school librarians in Oak Park and River Forest. This session, in a very close competition, Emmie C., Juju E., and Lydia M. won the St. Giles competition and competed at the regional level. The girls did a fabulous job at the regionals held on Thursday, March 21, at Roosevelt Middle School. They advanced to the second round and should be proud of their hard work. Overall, half of the fifth grade participated in this year's Reading Olympics!
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Living Wax Museum
Congratulations to our 2nd graders on their presentations during the Living Wax Museum! They each selected a famous American to research and take on the persona for their presentation. They did a fabulous job and we love this annual 2nd grade tradition! Check out our school Instagram page for more photos! Here are a few of our Lions and their presentations.
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BRAVO! to Ms. Dana, the cast and crew of Moana, Jr!
What a treat to see Moana brought to life by our Lions on Friday. This was one of the largest casts and they learned lines in two languages! Thank you for bringing this production to us--it was a hit with all ages!
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Lenten Food Drive
The St. Giles Ambassadors are organizing a food drive to benefit Beyond Hunger. During this season of kindness, please help us fill the pantries of those who rely on Beyond Hunger for their weekly meals. What are they asking for?
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned Chicken Soup
Cheerios’ cereal
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Paste
Bagged Rice (White or Brown)
Dry Beans (Pinto and Black)
Refried Beans
Canned Pineapples
Items will be collected in homeroom through Thursday, March 28th.
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LAST CALL!
St. Giles School Group Outing with the Bulls!
Cheer with us this season at the United Center! Join St. Giles School for a legendary group outing with the Chicago Bulls.
Share the excitement of Bulls basketball and the NBA’s leading entertainment experience as the team takes on the Indiana Pacers.
Proceeds from each ticket purchased will go to St. Giles School.
Get your tickets now through the link below!
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Spring Enrichment
Registration for these incredible programs is open now. Classes start the week we return from Easter break. Don't miss out on the chance to embark on new adventures and make lifelong memories. Secure your spot and ignite your child's passion for learning and discovery!
Let's make this spring a season of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities!
For more information and to register, click on the link below!
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Staff Spotlight
Mrs. Stacy Senechalle, PreK 3 aide
BS, Family and Consumer Science/Business, Eastern Illinois University
Years at St. Giles: This is my third year as a staff member but my 11th year as a Giles parent. Go Lions!
Favorite Book and/or Movie: City of Thieves is one of my favorite books and I love collecting Children's Christmas Books.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Captiva Island, FL. We take a family vacation there every year.
Fun Fact: After many years in the corporate world, I left my job to open a wedding dress store in the River North area of Chicago. It was a fun five years of designer fashion!
My husband and I live in Oak Park with our three children, who all attend St. Giles. I love watching them play sports and you'll often catch me on the sidelines/bleachers (or in my car driving them to and from activities)! I love eating pizza on Friday nights. Chocolate covered gummy bears are my most favorite sweet treat and my happy place is at home with my family and our dog. He's an English Cream Golden Retriever, named Booker. Some preschoolers often refer to him as "Booger", which makes me laugh every time...one of the MANY reasons I love my job!
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Did you miss our newsletter this week? You can find it here.
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Saturday, April 20th
Confirmation
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Greetings, Lion Families!
BULLS BASKETBALL OUTING: Wednesday, March 27th … Come out and enjoy a night with our St. Giles Community while raising funds for our Athletic Program … Get your tickets today! Sections 314 & 315 … St. Giles Bulls Game Outing
Volleyball
Girls: There have been a few adjustments to the schedule - Please refer to the App for updated Match and Practice dates/times.
Boys: The boys season has begun! Match/Practice Schedules can be found on the App!
If you have any interest/availability, we are looking for a couple of parents/coaches to help out this season!
** Track & Field and Spring Soccer Registration are OPEN!! Register today!
TeamSideline
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Please 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 Sports Season. TS App Sign In - TeamSideline.com Please ‘RSVP’ for events so coaches can plan accordingly!
Volleyball Family Season Pass: The Family Pass is back this year!
The Family Pass allows all members of your immediate family admittance to all Basketball/Volleyball games this Winter Season. The Family Pass can be purchased for $50 on the Athletic Website: Family Season Pass / Donations button at the top/right. Event Admission at the door is $2/person for individuals over the age of ten (10).
Thank you,
Sean Clancy
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The Week Ahead in Athletics
Girls Volleyball
Monday 3/25/24 5:00p Giles G 4 Vincents 4 St. Giles Gym
Monday 3/25/24 7:15p Giles G 7 Vincents 8 St. Giles Gym
Monday 3/25/24 8:00p Giles G 8 Vincents 7 St. Giles Gym
Tuesday 3/26/24 4:45p DP 8 Giles G 8 DP
Tuesday 3/26/24 5:45p DP JV Giles G 5 DP
Tuesday 3/26/24 6:45 DP 7 Giles G 7 DP
Boys Volleyball
Monday 3/25/24 5:45p Giles B JV Vincents JV St. Giles Gym
Monday 3/25/24 6:30p Giles B Varsity Vincents Varsity St. Giles
** Scheduled Practices will appear on the Team Sites / App, and can be found below ‘Game Schedule’ on the Athletic Website.
GO LIONS!
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Trinity High School
Join us for "Trinity Talks with Dr. Lisa Damour ~ Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls!"
Wednesday, May 1, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Trinity High School Fox Auditorium - for more information or to RSVP: Click Here
Parents, community members, educators, and all those working with young women are invited to join us for an engaging presentation and discussion hosted by Trinity High School.
Celebrated clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Lisa Damour will join us virtually to discuss the rising tide of stress and anxiety among teen girls. She will explain the surprising and underappreciated value of stress and anxiety as well as offer solutions to the tensions that take hold in the many facets of girls’ lives: their interactions at home, pressures at school, social anxiety when among other girls, and among boys, and social media. Directly following Dr. Damour's presentation, we will host a live panel of local mental health experts will engage in dialogue and offer a Q & A session.
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Fenwick High School
Fenwick High School presents, According to Mark, by Broadway actor and Fenwick alum James Krag on March 26th at 7:00 pm. Click on the image below for additional information.
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Giles Campus:
First Communion Retreat (banners will be distributed at the retreats)
Sunday, April 14 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm/McDonough Hall (option 2)
Ascension Campus:
First Communion Retreat (parent and child)
Saturday, April 20 - 8:30 - 11:00 am/Pine Room
*ALL First Communion Banners are due. Please bring them to this retreat in the bag provided.
*RE students: Gold Book due
*Ascension School students, please turn Gold Book in to your teacher.
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Giles Campus:
Tuesday, April 16 - Confirmation Prayer and Rehearsal, 6:00-7:00 PM, St. Giles Church
Saturday, April 20 - Confirmation Mass: 10:30 am or 1:30 pm, St. Giles Church (*Mass assignments will be sent out this week)
Friday, April 12 - CONFIRMATION VIGIL AND PRACTICE - 7:00-8:30 pm, Ascension Church
Saturday, April 13 - Confirmation Mass: 10:00 am or 2:00 pm, Ascension Church (If you have not received your time confirmation, please reach out to Terri)
Important Dates
Letters to the BISHOP - (instructions were emailed to families) DUE at the retreat or the very latest 3/24
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Get ready for a Saturday Night Groove!
Join us on Saturday, April 27th
Come together to dance, eat, drink and socialize.
Bid on the many auction items (more info to come soon!).
Have a great time while also raising money for our CCW community.
Buy your tickets now!
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Calling all Runners!
Loyola Health is hosting a 5K event at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, June 15, in support of their youngest and most vulnerable patients.
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