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Congratulations to the students who participated in the Academic Junior High Decathlon.
Standing, (left to right) 8th Graders: Erik Leno, Lawrence Evans Vincent McKay, Chiara Losk, Mateo Laniecki, Mr. Toner
Front Row (left to right) 7th Graders: Anais Tse, Elena Svec, Emily Tran, Nathalynn Te, and 8th Grader, Gertie Kennedy
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Spartan Pride!
Dear St. Philip Neri School Families and Friends,
What a wonderful weekend it was for our Spartan community! On Saturday we sent ten students, #6 eighth graders and #4 seventh graders, to the Academic Junior High Decathlon at Moreau High School in Hayward. We were one of twenty-two teams from seventeen of our Diocesan elementary schools to compete for this event that includes tests in Logic, Current Events, English, Fine Arts, Literature, Math, Religion, Science, Social Studies and concludes with a Super Quiz. The Oakland Diocese is one of 29 dioceses representing 15 states across the country to participate in this event.
Our Spartan scholars represented us well. Drumroll please… Taking Third Place in individual contests overall were Chiara Losk in Current Events and Erik Leno in Science. But it was the Super Quiz– a Jeopardy-like live competition where all the teams compete against one another– where our Spartans prevailed by taking First Place! Overall we placed Third as they ranked all of the events combined. Congratulations to all of our team members, the other middle school students who supported them in preparing for this competition, our Moderator, Mr. Toner, for guiding them to a very successful conclusion, and to our parents who supported our scholars by cheering them on. Well done!
We also enjoyed a beautiful Family Mass on Sunday with our First and Second Graders providing the readings and bringing up the Offertory and of course featuring our wonderful Student Choir led by Ms. Lydia, our Music teacher and Choir Director. Many thanks to Mrs. Russi for preparing our students for the readings.
Today we celebrate Mardi Gras beginning with the Burning of the Palms Prayer Service at morning assembly to prepare the ashes for Ash Wednesday, tomorrow. Our Third Graders have prepared the readings for our All School Mass at 9:30 a.m., and our Student Choir will lead us all in prayerful song. As we begin our Lenten journey, students have reflected and committed to a sacrifice by giving up something or perhaps by doing something positive over the next 6 weeks. Using Jesus as our model, as we face challenges to keep our Lenten Promises, we know that we are strengthening our spiritual character and our relationship with God. Please join us for Mass, all are welcome.
Finally, two very important upcoming events are advertised in this Newsletter. First, Auction tickets are going fast, and our committee needs final numbers for the caterer this week, so don’t hesitate to get your tickets today. Remember, too, to buy tickets for the Tuition Raffle that can win you a year’s tuition. Secondly, you are invited to attend our PTG Meeting on Monday, March 10 as we are taking nominations for open positions on the PTG Board: we are looking for a new PTG President as Emily Libby will be stepping down from that position after providing constant support and leadership for the past 3 years– thank you, Emily! If you or someone you know is interested in supporting SPN as our next PTG president, please come to this March meeting to submit your nomination. We will vote for those nominated at the April 7 Meeting which is scheduled to be on Zoom to accommodate more attendees.
Peace & Blessings,
Ms. Thomas
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Health and Wellness Updates | |
We have a surge of colds and flu going around. Please be vigilant and keep sick students home. There have been 0 COVID cases since September 4, 2024. | |
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March 2025
Mar 5 Ash Wednesday, All School Mass, 9:30 a.m.
Mar 6 Special Free Dress Day: Dress Like a Pirate!
Mar 7 T2 Report Cards Distributed
Mar 15 Annual Auction
Mar 18 Free Dress for March B-days
Mar 18 Middle School Information Night 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Mar 24 School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Mar 26-28 Nature Bridge, 6th Grade
Mar 31 Cesar Chavez Day, NO SCHOOL, No Share and Care
April 2025
Apr 5 Celebration of the Arts
Apr 7 PTG Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
April 8 Free Dress for April B-days
April 11 Mismatch Day (wearing colors and patterns that don't match, mismatched socks, inside out shirts or backwards)
Apr 17 Holy Thursday, Noon dismissal, No Share and Care
Apr 18-27 NO SCHOOL: Easter Break, No Share and Care
Apr 26 First Communion Retreat 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Apr 28 Classes Resume
Apr 28 School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
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Rationale and Information Regarding Tuition for 2025-26 | |
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH, March | |
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Circumspection: An example of Prudence
Prayer: Dear Jesus, My actions affect not just myself but others. Please give me the wisdom to think before acting. Please give me the gift of counsel, that I may act in the best way at each moment of the day. Amen.
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Auction Countdown! Our Spartans of the Caribbean Auction is on Saturday, March 15!
1. Last Call for Auction Tickets! Sales close Thursday 3/6 at 3:00pm. Tickets are limited, get yours TODAY! TICKETS
2. Did you purchase Pre-Party Tickets at the Stampede? Interested in the Pre-Party? CLICK HERE
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We have begun to prepare for the 2025-26 school year, and that includes applications for Preschool through Grade 7 (there are currently no openings for 8th grade for next year). If you or someone you know has a child 3 years or older who is looking for placement, please have them go to our website and apply for the 2025-26 school year. | |
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT SPN AND EARN $500 TOWARDS TUITION | |
Our graduates and current families are our best marketing tool. In appreciation for you referring families to apply to SPN, we will award you $500 to put towards your tuition balance for each family accepted. Please be sure the applying family names you on their application as how they heard about SPN. This offer is valid for the 2025-26 school year. We currently have a handful of openings in Preschool, and Kindergarten through 5th grades. Thank you for your support! | |
St. Philip Neri Catholic School Calendar for 2025-26 | |
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Making summer plans? When is the first day of school? When will graduation 2026 be held? Check out our calendar for 2025 26.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/195yvzmRnBxYtWMVWN8BvfBRW7Fp1mEvLLegkLG2Ow6Q/edit?usp=sharing
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Here is the link to the Family Directory for our school community by classroom/grade level. Please remember that this information is confidential and should be used
for school business and according to the expectations set out in the Parent Student Handbook for appropriate communications. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19evijNFWcC-n1SpVMK6IFefVmgjdPbFo/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107239202667285086906&rtpof=true&sd=true
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Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick Up | |
We are always looking for ways to improve our safety and efficiency at SPN. For Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up, especially on Fountain Street, we request that motorists pull up to the furthest spot available so other cars can pull in behind safely, avoiding the red zone at the corner. Remember, this is not parking. Especially in the morning, as it gets closer to 8:00 a.m., it’s very helpful if drivers could pull up to the driveway to drop off students. Our Safety Patrol students will guide you to do so. Thank you for your cooperation. | |
Every SPN family is a member of the Parent Teacher Group (PTG), and the PTG Meetings are open to all families (adults only). A Principal’s Report on various aspects of school life is presented at each monthly Meeting. Discussion and decisions on community events sponsored by the PTG take place at these Meetings. If you want to be involved, informed, and contribute ideas and feedback to school leaders, please attend the PTG Meetings. Here is the Agenda for the March 10 PTG Meeting: PTG Meeting, March 10, 6:30 p.m in the Library. We will be taking nominations (self nominations included) for the position of PTG President at the March meeting and voting on those nominations at the April Meeting. Please come and join us: you get parent volunteer hours for your attendance. | |
Scrip Requirement Reminder | |
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We want to remind you that all families are required to purchase $2,000 in scrip every school year. Scrip (gift cards) can be purchased online at RaiseRight enrollment code 432BQIZ543ML
Check out their user-friendly app!
Families that do not purchase the required Scrip will be assessed a $200 fee on their May tuition statement.
Please reach out to Gina Trujillo with any questions.
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Volunteer Hour Requirement Reminder | |
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Families must volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per school year. If your child participates in Athletics, 5 additional hours within Athletics is needed. Please log your hours here.
Families will be charged $100 per uncompleted hour on their May tuition statement.
Please reach out to Gina Trujillo with any questions.
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FACE is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year now through March 31st. Submit your application here. 2023 income and tax information is required.
You must complete a FACE application to be considered for financial aid through the school.
Please reach out to Gina Trujillo with any questions.
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Hello Spartan sports fans! Our girls basketball season is about to kick off their schedule this weekend and our Track and Field team has met and started warming up for their meets. Sand Volleyball starts practice this week and our spring sports season is upon us!
Now that the fall seasons are done we will need the uniforms turned back in. You can simply send them in with your child and have them give them to me or drop them off in the office. If you have already done so or given them back to your coach THANK YOU!
If a sports jersey is not returned or returned damaged the school will charge you for the jersey.
In the event you would like to purchase the jersey please reach out to me directly so I can get you the cost.
Good luck to our spring athletes and Go Spartans!
Jeff Croft
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Top 10 Ways to Encourage Your Child to be a Good Reader
By Rosaleen Sturlini, Reading Specialist
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Expand vocabulary. Have conversations with your child to expose children to new words and build background knowledge.
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Listen to audio versions of books. You can enjoy stories together with the novelty of hearing a new voice.
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Discuss what you read. In fiction books talk about the characters and make them come to life. In nonfiction books marvel about what you learn.
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Ask questions when you read. What do you think will happen next? Why did the character do that? How would that make you feel?
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Encourage rereading. An excellent strategy to use to develop comprehension skills.
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Read aloud to your child. Make the story come to life by using an expressive voice.
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Read together everyday. Set aside time when everyone reads….after dinner, before bedtime, whatever works for you.
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Keep books handy. They should be in the car, in a bag to pull out while you wait in restaurants or for an appointment or keep ebooks on your phone.
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Provide encouragement to your reader. Praise your new readers for a job well done as well as seasoned readers for their perseverance.
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Let children make choices. Allow children to pick out what is of interest to them.
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Alameda County Fair School Ticket Program | |
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Dear parents,
Brains & Motion, one of our community’s top enrichment providers, is offering exciting and educational STEM, art, and sports camps for grades K-8 at Saint Philip Neri School this summer. We’d love for your kids to join us!
Attached you’ll find a digital flyer with more information including session dates, course offerings, and more. To register, please follow this LINK. You’ll find numerous options to fit every child’s interests.
If you have any questions, please email Brains & Motion Education directly at contact@brains-and-motion.com.
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
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Here is the link to register for the baseball camp. | | |
Here is the link to register for the basketball camp. | |
Earn Volunteer Hours & Link to Log Hours | |
Choice Lunch Calendar for Volunteer | |
Saint Philip Neri Social Media | |
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Have you joined SPN on social media?
We would love to have you as a part of our social media community.
It only takes a few seconds to join.
Check us out on Instagram at “spnalameda”.
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