August 30, 2022

Principal's Message

“It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”

Thirty years ago, when I was beginning my professional career in education, I heard this phrase and embraced it - it resonated with me. The expression, originally an African proverb, emphasizes that it takes many people (“the village”) to provide a safe, healthy environment for children to feel confident to learn and grow and pursue their dreams. I like to think of St. Philip Neri Catholic school as a village, where the children belong to all of us and we look after them together.

The Ice Cream Social last Friday night demonstrated how we are all here for one another and for our students. Many thanks to our 8th graders, the class of 2023, for showing leadership skills and hospitality in serving the ice cream to everyone. Appreciation goes out to all of our parent volunteers– 8th grade parents, PTG, School Board, Athletics, Auction, and our own D.J.-- who helped to make the event successful! Thanks as well to those parents who signed up to be volunteers in a variety of capacities for various school events and programs. We simply cannot have all of the wonderful events and programs that make SPN so special without everyone contributing some time, talent, and treasure.

This Thursday is Back to School Night (see details below) and we are so happy to welcome everyone on campus! This is an opportunity for you to get acquainted with the teachers and the instructional assistants who will be guiding your students all year. In addition to attending your child’s classroom session, everyone is expected to attend the General Session from 6:40-7:00 p.m. in the church. I will be introducing our faculty and staff as we renew our commitments to one another to ensure an effective and enjoyable school year for all of us. We look forward to seeing you all Thursday evening.

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Focus on Faith: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Mark 11:24

Back to School Night - Back in-person!

Thursday, September 1, 2022

This event is for parents or guardians only. At least one parent is required to attend, including the General Session. Childcare will not be provided. Note that if you have only one student in PreS-5th grade you do not need to be present for Session 1. Session 1 and Session 2 repeat the information for families with more than one student.

6:00-6:15 p.m. and/or 6:20-6:35 p.m. Sessions 1 & 2

PreSchool - Grade 5 in classrooms

Enrichment teachers will be in the Library where parents may meet them.

6:40-7:00 p.m. General Session (all grades) in the Church: Teacher Introductions, Principal’s Address
7:05-7:25 p.m. Grades 6th - 8th grade in Church
7:30-8:00 p.m. 8th grade only in Church

Information and Updates

Back to School Night: This Thursday evening starting at 6pm. Please see schedule above for details.
Student Safety: Please remember that there is no adult supervision on campus until 7:40 a.m. daily. We have Share & Care beginning at 7a.m. daily, so if your student is on the playground prior to 7:40 a.m., s/he will be taken to Share & Care and you will be billed accordingly. This is a matter of safety. Thank you for your cooperation.
Tardies/Attendance: Tardiness does not set your student up for success. Please be sure to leave enough time to get your student to school ON TIME. Attendance is also vital to student achievement. Excessive tardiness/absences per our Handbook are defined as 6 tardies and/or absences in one trimester (approximately 12 weeks). Please help your students by getting them to school on time and avoid unnecessary absences.
Attendance Protocol: When your student is absent, please email spnattendance@csdo.org and cc the homeroom teacher. Thanks!
No Dogs on Campus: Dog lovers agree that our 4-legged friends provide unconditional love and invaluable companionship. However, dogs are not allowed on campus during school hours or during school events. This is a Diocesan policy. Please do not bring your pets on campus. Thank you!
Register for SPN Cross Country, M.U.S.E. Band, and Chess!: Please see detailed information in the section below!
Choice Lunch Volunteer Openings - Come serve lunch from 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. and receive 1 volunteer service hour for your participation plus a Choice Lunch credit of $6.50 to your account! Sign up here.
Volunteering at SPN: Interested in volunteering? Need to log your hours? Here's what you'll need for the 2022-23 school year. View the SPN Volunteer Requirements here. After volunteering, log your hours using theVolunteer Hours Log Sheet. Thanks for your time!
Looking for a past newsletter? Check out our Newsletter Archives on our website.

Message from our PTG President

Hello! My name is Emily Libby, and I am the PTG President this year. I have daughters in the Kindergarten and 4th grade classes. On behalf of the PTG, I would like to welcome everyone to a new school year! The PTG sponsors many fun events and activities throughout the year. Some of the events include, Breakfast with Santa, Catholic Schools Week, and the Mini Maker fair, to name a few. The PTG is always looking for new members and volunteers. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month in the school library at 6:30pm. Our first meeting is Tuesday, September 6th. Please consider stopping by and checking out a meeting. Your attendance at a meeting counts as Parent Participation hours. We would love to see you there!

School Happenings

First day of School - new SLC linefup in action!

Incoming Board Chair Carlos Trujillo with Ms. Thomas and outgoing Chair Doug Evans. Thank you for your service!

Preschool had their first Garden Science class with Ms. Kristen. They read a book about apples and took a tour of the garden. They even got to take an apple to enjoy at home!

SPN Cross Country

Registration is now open for the 2022 SPN Cross Country Season. Please follow the link below to sign up your athlete. All K-8 athletes are eligible to run.

https://saintphilipnericyo.sportngin.com/register/form/186962621

Registration closes August 31st, 2022

Practices will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30pm at Crown Memorial. Further practice and meet details will be shared once you complete registration.

If you have any questions please contact SPN Cross Country coordinator, Michael Jacobs at michaelpjacobs@gmail.com

Band Registration is now open for Fall Classes grades 4-8 through the M.U.S.E. Instrumental program at our school. This is a great way for students to learn an instrument and be in a group setting with friends. M.U.S.E. offers fun performance opportunities that include marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco. This year the students won 1st place and received medals for their performance.

Class sizes are limited so if you are interested, we encourage parents to sign up as soon as possible to ensure a space for your child. To get more information, including class schedules, choosing an instrument, cost, and registration, go to www.museband.com. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact M.U.S.E. at 800-233-6873 or by email info@museband,com

Parish Happenings

SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday, September 10th, at 9:00AM in O'Brien Hall, Pack 78 invites parents and their girls and boys to join us for the Pack 78 2022/23 Kickoff Meeting! Kids can enjoy activities - including the Pinewood Derby track - and parents can find out all about Pack 78! Coffee and treats will be served! For more information contact us at: spncubscouts@gmail.com.