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Prepare Ye, the Way of the Lord!
Dear SPN Families and Friends,
It is Holy Week, and our students are using these few days before Easter vacation begins to reflect on Christ’s sacrifices to save us so we can enjoy eternal life in Heaven. Our Fifth Grade class presented a beautiful re-enactment of The Stations of the Cross on Monday: Preschool through Grade 8 and parents were reminded of the treacherous arrest and abuse Jesus went through leading up to his death on the cross.
Today, the 8th Grade presented the Tenebrae Service for our elder students, Grades 4-7. Tenebrae is typically prayed during Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, as it symbolically represents Jesus’ death with the extinguishing of lights.
Wednesday, Faith Families will gather to commemorate a Seder Meal, like the Last Supper Jesus had with his Apostles. The Kindergarten has prepared a video to correlate with the Seder Meal as presented in the Old Testament.
The celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday is certainly joyful, and like so many holidays and Holy Days, it reminds us how much we are blessed and to be ever grateful for all God has given us, including His Son.
May you all enjoy a Very Blessed Easter with family and friends.
Peace & Blessings,
Ms. Thomas
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Registration links for the 2024-25 school year were sent out this afternoon. If you haven't received a link for your child, please let Ms. Andie know.
Registration deadline: May 1, 2024
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It is time to return the Rice Bowl donations. We appreciate all of your generosity in collecting money for those in need during Lent. Please convert your donation into a check made out to Catholic Relief Services, make an online donation at crsricebowl.org/donate, or send in your Rice Bowl and we’ll count the contents and send donations to CRS. Thank you for your generosity! | |
We have had 0 COVID cases since January 12, 2024. | |
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March 2024
Mar 27 - Seder Meal, 11:00 a.m., Noon dismissal
Mar 28 - NO SCHOOL: Holy Thursday, No Share and Care (Cesar Chavez Day Observed)
Mar 29 - NO SCHOOL: Good Friday, No Share and Care
April 2024
Apr 1 - 5 - NO SCHOOL - Easter Break, No Share and Care
Apr 8 - Classes Resume
Apr 9 - PTG meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Apr 16 - AB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Apr 15 - 17 - Nature Bridge Overnight Trip for 6th Grade
Apr 20 - Celebration of the Arts, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Apr 22 SAB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Apr 23 - Free Dress for April Birthdays
Apr 24 - Noon Dismissal / Professional Development Day
Apr 26 - School Spirit Day - Sports Day
Apr 27 - First Communion Retreat, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Apr 30 - 8th Grade Retreat
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Have you always wanted to come to a PTG meeting, but can’t get here in person? Great news, the April SPN PTG will be meeting held on Zoom!
The PTG would like to welcome everyone to this meeting. We will be discussing a few remaining events for the year, but will primarily focus on planning for next year. The PTG is looking for new event chairs from our very talented community. If you are interested in bringing forward an event, or assisting PTG next year, this is the meeting to be at! We have many different types of roles, and there is something for everyone.
Please consider joining in!
Please contact Emily Libby, PTG President with any questions.
Topic: April 2024 SPN PTG MEETING
Time: Apr 9, 2024 06:30 PM Pacific Time(US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87120087096?pwd=V88Ov94SByKNLzIuIdf1lHzl7PCLxv.1
Meeting ID: 871 2008 7096
Passcode: 372427
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Celebration of the Arts & Belonging and Inclusion | |
March Enrichment Newsletter | |
Click on the image to view the newsletter in its entirety. | |
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Our young athletes participated in CYO Section II Track and Field this past weekend. The students earned the chance to compete for what is considered the semi finals for our track season.
WOW! What a wonderful start to the track season.
Thank you to all the runners and parents who were able to join us for the first meet. The result we saw this past Sunday is a testament to the hard work many of our runners have put in - on and off the track.
Congratulations to our runners for winning:
First Place:
Stella Bernal
Clara Castelaz
Cole Castelaz
Rory Castelaz
Ava Chung
Joseph Garbayo
A.J. Losk
Vivian Pembroke
Viaan Ravichandran
Conrad Spaudie
Eleanor Toner
Sirvon Toner
Second Place:
Kurt Liu
Elizabeth (Ebube) Uzoka
Third Place:
Franco Barbella
Sebastian Calderon
Augustine D’Mello
Nathaniel Garcia-Lai
Chiara Losk
Liam Weesner
Sadie Weesner
Fourth Place:
Mya LaChaux
A special thank you to:
Time Keepers, Finish Line Judges & High Jump Judges
Jim Castelaz
Dean Barbella
Jason Losk
Joseph LaChaux
Family Members who volunteered as Marshalls and helped with Softball Throw:
Chung
Garbayo
Losk
Pembroke
Spaudie
Uzoka
With our gratitude,
Your coaches: Needlynn D’Mello, Nick DeGolia & Elaine Mendes
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Our school spirit store is wide open!
Hello Spartan Sports fans! Spring is in the air and our school spirit store is wide open! Feel free to look at your options of apparel and accessories as all items are customizable! With new additions of brands like Lulu Lemon there is sure to be something you will like and show off your Spartan Spirit!
Click here to order your school spirit wear.
Go Spartans!
Jeff Croft
PE Teacher and Athletic Director
Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
(510) 219-0773
Go Spartans!
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Calling all friends, family, and supporters!
SPN is thrilled to share that nominations are now open for the "Best of Parents Press" "Best of Oakland Magazine" and "Best of Alameda Magazine" awards, and we are hoping to be considered for this prestigious recognition. But we need your help!
We have always strived to make a positive impact in our school community. If you believe that our efforts and contributions have made a difference, we would be deeply honored if you would please take a moment to nominate SPN for the "Best Of" in the three categories (Best Preschool, Best Elementary, Best Middle) in the three magazines.
Your support means the world to us, and together, we can continue to make our school community a wonderful place for our students and families.
Nominating is easy and takes only a few minutes total! Just follow the links below and vote under Private or Faith-Based in Early Education/Preschool/Kids, Elementary and Middle School categories:
https://parentspress.com/best-of-parents-press-ballot/
https://www.alamedamagazine.com/best-of-alameda-ballot/
https://www.oaklandmagazine.com/best-of-oakland-ballot/
Every nomination counts, as only the top nominees in each category move to the final round of voting in April. Please share this with your friends and family as they can vote as well.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of our journey.
Please contact Ms. Gwire with any questions.
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Join Our New Board Committee! | |
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Hello SPN Community!
At our January SAB meeting, the Board unanimously approved a new committee, set to start next year: The Climate Consciousness Committee (working title, actual name TBD). The goal of this committee is to continue to develop and foster SPN’s commitment to the environment and social justice, as well as to sustainability. Pope Francis has called on Catholic schools to take a major lead in helping equip our students to prepare for the ever growing climate crisis. He outlined this need in his encyclical, Laudato Si’. The simplest way to distill what the Pope’s message is: Catholic educators need to equip the students with the skills and knowledge to effectively fight the climate change fight.
This spring, we would like to hold two meetings: one virtual and one in person. The goal of these two meetings is to establish a community of parents interested in this aspect of Catholic education, as well as develop a three-year strategic plan towards the committee’s first major goal: to become a Green Ribbon School by Fall of 2027. If you are interested, please fill out this FORM. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you,
SPN SAB
Please contact Carlos Trujillo, Board President with any questions.
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FACE (Family Aid Catholic Education) grant applications are accepted January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024. More information can be found on the Diocese of Oakland's website. Contact Gina Trujillo for the FACE application timeline and questions.
The BASIC Fund is now accepting applications through March 29, 2024.
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Summer Camps and After School Activities | |
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Chess at St. Philip Neri
Dates: Thursdays, April 11 - May 30, 2024
Location: Science Room
Time: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Grades: 1- 5
Tuition: $128 for the 8-week session
Enroll online at www.berkeleychessschool.org (under after school classes)
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of chess! Chess is fun and can be learned quickly and easily! Studies have found that chess helps improve test results in reading, science, and math, and produces growth in critical cognitive skills. Beyond academia, chess influences social behavior including self esteem, respect for others, patience, and good sportsmanship. And did we mention: it's FUN!
- Chess boards and sets are provided.
- The minimum class size is 10 and the maximum is 20.
- Enrollments are accepted in the order received.
- For siblings, the first child is full price, additional siblings are half price.
- Some reduced fees are available to low-income families upon request.
The Berkeley Chess School is a nonprofit organization offering chess instruction from kindergarten through high school since 1982. Over the years our students have won many state championships and several have gone on to become National Masters, FIDE Masters, International Masters, and International Grandmasters.
Please contact:
Program Coordinator
The Berkeley Chess School
programs@berkeleychessschool.org
Phone: (510) 843-0150 Fax: (510) 843-0140
www.berkeleychessschool.org
Tax ID: 94-3225242
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Dear Parents,
Brains & Motion, an educational enrichment provider, is offering exciting and educational STEM, Arts, and Sports Summer Camps at Saint Philip Neri School for grades K-8 this year. They offer $100 off as an early bird special expiring on April 15.
We’d love for your children to join!
Attached you’ll find a digital flyer with more information, including dates, grades, and more. In the flyer you can also find a free digital STEM workbook. To register, please follow this LINK. You’ll find numerous options to fit every child’s interests.
If you have any further questions, please email Brains & Motion Education directly at contact@brains-and-motion.com.
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Scrip and Volunteer Hours Must Be Completed by May 1st
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Did you know that you can purchase Scrip online to be picked up in the front office? Enter group ID 510521SPN when you register a new account.
Each family is required to purchase $2,000 in Scrip by May 1st.
Order yours today!
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Earn Volunteer Hours & Link to Log Hours | |
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Don't forget to complete your volunteer hours! 20 hours/family (if participating in sports, 5 additional hours in the sports program) required. $50 per unfulfilled hour will be charged prior to registration for the new school year.
Volunteer hours must be completed by May 1st.
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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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