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THREE CHEERS FOR OUR V.I.P.’s (Very Important Parents)
Dear SPN Families and Friends,
The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) last Saturday was such a successful community event showcasing our students’ beautiful artwork and providing opportunities for our students to make more special art pieces. Special thanks to Justina Iglesia and her COTA Committee Members– Jaime Cheng, Phil Matarrese, Monica Pelayo Lock, and Saskia Winter– all of our parent volunteers for the event, all of our Art Docents for the projects, planning and preparations, as well as The Belonging & Inclusion Committee, led by Justine Lazaro, for the delightful international food treats. I hope you bid on a classroom project, or purchased your students’ handmade greeting card, or a tote bag, or the museum quality book that features all of the student artwork. The portal is open until midnight tonight if you’re still interested in bidding or purchases.
Another big Thank You to Mr. Toner, Middle School Science Teacher and Vice Principal, for planning and accompanying our Sixth Grade on an overnight trip to Nature Bridge, an outdoor conference and retreat center at the Marin Headlands, last Monday through Wednesday. Again, parent volunteers ensure that we can offer experiences like this one to our students, and we couldn’t do it without them. This trip helps our students experience the wonder of God’s creation while learning about science, ecology, and more about our Bay Area geography. The opportunity also allows students to form stronger bonds with one another, and for some students it may be the first time that they have been away from home. Our students enjoyed beautiful weather and had a very positive experience, with the exception of being tired and a little sore from hiking. Again, many thanks to Mr. Toner and the wonderful parents who were able to accompany the class on this very special trip.
Two weeks ago we had a Zoom PTG Meeting to share information with you all about the parent volunteers we will need for 2024-25 for some of our most valued events. Like COTA, a small committee of parents with a dedicated leader with a vision can ensure that we all can enjoy community events throughout the school year. Here is a list of the committees and/or chairpersons we need for next school year:
- PTG Secretary/Historian
- Welcome Committee/New Family Event in August
- Refreshments Committee
- Book Fair Co-Chair
- Breakfast with Santa Committee
- Open House Committee
- Student Appreciation Committee
- Teacher Appreciation Committee
- Dine & Donate Committee
More information on these positions and responsibilities are outlined in the slides linked here Zoom PTG Meeting. We encourage small committees to take on these roles as it’s more fun working with a team, and many hands make light work. We will not be able to guarantee that these events will occur without parent volunteers to make them happen. If you’re concerned about completing your parent volunteer hours due to other commitments, most committees need behind the scenes work that can be done by email or on the computer for organizing, planning and publicizing the events, soliciting donations, among other things. We are also looking for someone to post information on Konstella– Communications Chair– to keep our families informed and up-to-date about school events. Please contact Emily Libby or Benjamin Yee at the PTG email, spn.ptg@csdo.org, if you are interested in being on a committee. The sooner we get our committees for these positions and events, the more successful these events will be.
Peace & Blessings,
Ms. Thomas
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Registration Links for the 2024-25 School Year | |
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Registration links for the 2024-25 school year were sent out earlier. If you haven't received a link for your child, please let Ms. Andie know.
Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 1, 2024
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April 2024
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
May 2024
May 4 - First Holy Communion, 10:00 a.m.
May 7 - PTG Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
May 8 - Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. Students' attendance required *New Date*
May 10 - All School Mass, May Crowning, 10:00 a.m. *New Date*
May 13 - Math Night, 5:00-7:00 p.m. *New Date*
May 14 - Fun Run
May 14 - AB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
May 17 -School Spirit Day - SPN Spartan Spirit
May 17 - Sports Awards Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 20 - SAB Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
May 21 - Free Dress for May and June Birthdays
May 23 - Drama Performance
May 24 - SPN Olympics, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Noon Dismissal
May 26 - Feast of St. Philip Neri
May 27 - NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day Observed, No Share and Care
May 28 - 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony, 1:00-1:30 p.m.
May 29 - 8th Grade Dinner Dance
May 30 - 8th Grade Picnic, No School for 8th Graders
May 31 - Baccalaureate Mass, 10:00 a.m.
May 31 - Graduation, 5:00 p.m.
June 2024
June 5 - 2:10 p.m. Dismissal, Lunch Service Ends
June 6 - NOON DISMISSAL, No Share and Care
June 7 - Last Day of School, Moving Up Ceremony, Report Card Day, 10:30 a.m. DISMISSAL, No Share and Care
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New Date for Spring Concert | |
Silent Auction Ends at Midnight | |
You can still bid on fantastic artwork by our students. Please use the link you received earlier through email and text. Please contact Justina Iglesia with any questions. | |
2nd Graders Thoughts on First Holy Communion | |
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Hello Spartan Sports fans!
The year is winding down and we are excited to celebrate our fantastic athletes. We will have our sports awards night on Friday May 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. We will celebrate our 8th graders with the prestigious perpetual awards as well as all of our athletic teams. It really is a great way to end the year on a high note! Desserts will be served on the yard following the awards. As always, any questions please let me know.
Go Spartans!
Jeff Croft
PE Teacher and Athletic Director
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We are thrilled to announce that the Julia Robinson Math Festival (JRMF) will be hosting our annual Math Night on Monday, May 13th, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM!
To ensure the success of this event, we are reaching out to seek volunteers from our math club families to assist with various aspects of the festival for 2.5 hours on 5/13. No prior math background is necessary and middle school students can help too! An expert from JRMF will host an hour-long volunteer session to comprehensively review each math activity featured at the festival and equip you with all the tools necessary to engage our students effectively.
Please sign up to volunteer here!
Thank you very much,
Helen Wang
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Calling all friends, family, and supporters!
We are excited to announce that we've reached the final round of voting for the "Best of Parents Press" awards, thanks to your incredible support during the nomination phase. We're on the home stretch, but we still need your help to clinch this prestigious recognition!
Your belief in our school has brought us this far. If you think we deserve to win, we would be deeply honored if you would please vote for us. Your continued support is immensely appreciated, as it empowers us to further enrich our students, families and community.
Voting is simple! Please follow this link to vote in the three categories, Preschool, Faith Based Elementary and Faith Based Middle Schools: https://parentspress.com/best-of-parents-press-east-bay/ Every vote brings us closer to achieving this incredible milestone.
Thank you for your steadfast support and for being a vital part of our journey. Together, let's secure this win!
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BBQ for Confirmation Class, Altar Servers and Youth Choir | |
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Dear SPN Confirmation Class, Altar Servers and Youth Choir,
The Knights of Columbus Council 1658 invite you to a BBQ in your honor on Sunday, May 5th after the 11:30 Mass in the Monsignor O'Brien Hall.
Lunch will be served at about 12:30.
Confirmation Class, please RSVP to Cathy Morales (alove4kids@comcast.net).
Altar Servers and Youth Choir, please RSVP to Lee Romero our SPN Parish secretary (secretary@spnsa.org). A parent or guardian is required to attend and your whole family is welcome. We just need to know to plan for enough food.
Please RSVP by Thursday May 2nd or earlier.
God Bless,
Greg Falkner
WGK - Knights of Columbus Council #1658
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Free Tickets to the Alameda County Fair | |
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Dear Parents,
Alameda County Fair is offering FREE single day admission tickets to their annual Fair between June 14 - July 7 in Pleasanton for K-5th Grade.
The Fair offers an opportunity for children to learn about agriculture and how food is grown and the importance of feeding our community. Children will also have the opportunity to learn about animals of all sizes, participate in STEAM activities and take-homecraft projects. New this year, students can learn about local farming with the new Fields of Gratitude, a Tribute to Local Famers displays.
Sincerely,
Alameda County Fair
HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKET
Your ticket must be claimed following the unique link below:
alameda.saffire.com/p/pages/school-program or scan QR code for quick access to claim a ticket. After you submit, your ticket will automatically be emailed to you. Show the ticket QR code at Admission Gates on a mobile device or printed. Your ticket is valid for any single day of Fair.
*Valid through July 7 at midnight, while supplies last. Do not share promo code, quantities are limited to each school. Alameda County Fair is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
**Non-discounted items may also be added to cart, no additional discount will apply.
***Promo code is not applicable on the main Fair ticket page or on-site at the gates.
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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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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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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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