The O'Reilly Minute

Dear Parents,

As we prepare for the start of the second semester,  it is also time to start planning for the next school year!  Current family re-enrollment (current preschool - 7th grade) for the 2024-25 school year will open this Friday, January 19. Please watch for an email from me on Thursday with detailed information about enrollment and the many forms of tuition assistance available for the 2024-25 school year.

Many of you have requested information regarding calendar dates for next year.  We are still waiting for Diocesan approval of our 2024-25 calendar.  However, I am able to share some of the dates that are being required by the Office of Catholic Schools:

• Opening day of school - August 21, 2024
• Labor Day - September 2, 2024
• School Closed - September 27, 2024
• Thanksgiving - November 27 - 29, 2024
• Christmas - December 23 - January 03, 2025 
• Spring Break - March 10 - 14, 2025
• Memorial Day - May 26, 2025

Please note that there will be additional days off and the last day of school is yet to be approved.  Please consider this a partial DRAFT calendar.  

In closing, our students in grades 4- 8 had the opportunity to work with national speaker, Jesse Weinberger last Friday.  Jesse spoke with our students about internet safety, the value of technology, and also its mental health impact.  Additionally Jesse provided the students with an anonymous survey in order to collect data that she will share with parents when she returns for our parent evening on January 25th from  6:30 - 8:30 pm. I attended each gradel level session and found our students to be engaged, thoughtful and concerned about the reality of the possible serious dangers of using various social media and tech tools.  Students also learned that there are also many positive and safe ways to use social media and to be online. I hope your children shared some of their thoughts when they came home from school last Friday and that they also invited you to come to the parent presentation and learn more about being safe online.      

This parent evening is suitable for parents of all ages -- of toddler to college students, and will highlight the value vs. the risk of tech use, how our own adult use of technology affects our children, and the causal impact technology has on the mental health of our children.  

I believe so strongly in the importance of parents attending this evening, I am offering that evening a dress down day ticket for each of your children to use on a day of their choosing. This event is also open to all members of the parish and to your extended family members, neighbors, work colleagues, etc.  The more people who hear this message, the more we can help our children to be better digital citizens.  Please see the article below for more information and to RSVP for the event.  

Blessings,

Kathy O'Reilly

Photo Newsletters: 5th Grade

Crucial Conversations: Nationally Recognized Speaker Jesse Weiberger Coming Jan 25: RSVP

Crucial Conversations is a parenting speaker series for St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and School parents of school-aged children, focusing on student wellness and safety.

Internet Safety for Parents with Jesse Weinberger

Thursday, January 25 | 6:30 PM

Nationally recognized internet safety speaker Jesse Weinberger will share guidance, data, and life-changing information on keeping children and families safer online, and the connection between social media and mental health.

• Do you have a budding Minecraft-er or RoBlox-er at home? Did you know that these games are capable of putting your child at risk of sexual predation?
• How about Xbox? Who is your child ‘really’ talking to on his/her headset?
• Does your child watch YouTube? Did you know that children are consuming massive amounts of pornography and other grossly inappropriate content on YouTube?

If any of these surprised you, come and learn more at the Internet Safety for Parents presentation on January 25!

This presentation applies to all parents. Whether your child is a toddler or a college student, technology is having an impact on their day-to-day life as well as their future outcomes.

As parents, we may not realize that our children are hypersexualized by digital content, how our own adult use of technology changes them, and the causal impact technology has on their mental health.

Jesse Weinberger is a former programmer, a nationally recognized speaker, TEDx presenter, and the host of Big Mama's House Podcast. Jesse is also the author of The Boogeyman Exists: And He's in Your Child's Back Pocket, 2nd ed. With over 15 years of speaking at school districts all over the United States, Jesse's particular skill is successfully reaching audiences with the perfect combination of humor and deep expertise in technology and digital content.

Learn more about Jesse at her website www.overnightgeekuniversity.com.

Upcoming Service Project: Catholic Schools Week

In order to prepare for Catholic Schools Week coming up January 29 - February 2, we wanted to let you know about a service project we will be working on for Feed the Kids Columbus.

We will be collecting snacks by grade level between January 29-31st. See image for for details.

Weather Closings & Delays: Reminders

As a reminder, anytime there is a school closing or delay in the district of your child's bus transportation, but Dublin schools are still open, please bring your child to school when the conditions are safe (he/she will not be counted as tardy). The districts do not provide bus transportation when their district is closed due to weather.

As a reminder, we follow Dublin City Schools for weather-related closures and delays, and we will always send out an email and text message notifying you of a delay or closing for our school.

Student-Led Conference Sign Ups

Student-Led Conferences are coming up on Tuesday, January 30 for grades 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Wednesday, January 31 for grades K, 1, 2, 7 and 8. Please use the link below to sign up for your child's homeroom teacher's conference.

Hounds Hoopla is Feb 2 - Registration Open!

Hounds Hoopla is coming Friday, February 2nd from 6-8PM at our school! Register now at the link below!

Join us for Bingo, a DJ dance party, magician, crafts, face painting and fun! Pizza, snacks and drinks included. Entry is $28 per family. The registration link and volunteer sign up are below.

Donations Needed

Donations are needed for Bingo prizes. A donation box will be in the main office area outside the nurse's office. Great donation item ideas include gift cards for the older kids in the $10-20 amount, crafts, stuffed animals, games, sports equipment like soccer balls, plastic bats and balls, little kids ball gloves, nail polish, hair accessories.  

Anything new, unopened or in like new condition we would look forward to having on the prize table.  

First BIG Book Fair Since 2019!

• Books for preschool through middle school.
• K-4 must shop with an adult (times below)
• Grades 5-8 may bring money to shop during the school day.

Book Fair Shopping Hours:

• Mon Jan 29 afterschool 3:00-3:30pm
• Tues Jan 30 during Student Led Conferences 4:00-6:45pm
• Wed Jan 31 during Student Led Conferences 4:00-6:45pm
• Thurs Feb 1 afterschool 3:00-3:30pm
• Fri Feb 2 afterschool 3:00-3:30pm

Questions?

[email protected]

The Emmaus Road SGO and Diocesan Tuition Assistance Application is Now Open: Deadline March 15, 2024

Applications for The Emmaus Road SGO Scholarship, Diocesan Tuition Assistance, St. Brigid Parish Tuition Assistance, and TACT Teacher Assistance for the 2024-25 school year must be submitted through the FACTS Grant and Aid portal by March 15, 2024.

In order to receive funds through any of these tuition assistance programs, you must apply for tuition assistance through FACTS.

To be considered for 2024-25 Tuition Assistance Programs:

• You must be registered for the 2024-25 school year by March 15, 2024.
• The application, tax return, and W-2 must be submitted by March 15, 2024. (No exceptions will be made for any late applications, so please apply early in case additional documentation is requested by FACTS.)
• If 2023 taxes are not finished for submission by March 15, 2024, the 2022 tax return with 2022 W2 is acceptable.
• You need only submit one application per family.
• There is no tuition assistance available for preschool.
• All K-8 families, Catholic and non-Catholic are eligible to apply.
• Assistance amounts given vary by family and will be based on family income and number of children in a household.
• All applications and materials submitted are confidential.
• Applicants are expected to be notified of award status in May.

For full instructions on applying for tuition assistance, click here.

Announcing St. Brigid's 2024 Spring Musical

Auditions will take place in February and are open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. More details to come!

Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, April 28th - 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

School Performance: Wednesday, May 1st - 1:15 pm

Evening Performance: Thursday, May 2nd - 7:00 pm

Evening Performance: Friday, May 3rd- 7:00 pm

For more information on the show, please visit:

https://www.mtishows.com/disneys-the-lion-king-jr

For questions contact:

Crystal Bensonhaver [email protected]

Spring Sports Registration is Open

Registration for Spring Baseball, Softball, and Track & Field has been opened and available at https://stbrigid.doodlio.com/register 

Baseball

Registration Fee: $160 - includes game jersey and hat.

Practices will begin around March 1, and games will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact schedule released end of March)

Softball

Registration Fee: $160 - includes game jersey and hat/visor.

Practices will begin around March 1, and games will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact schedule released end of March)

Track & Field

Registration Fee: $85 

Practices will begin around March 1, and meets will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact meet schedule released in March)

Want to help out with the teams this spring?  All 3 sports are in need of coaches (head coaches and assistant coaches) - please consider volunteering.  When you sign up your child you can provide details if you are interested in helping out. Our programs are driven by parents volunteering - so please consider giving some of your time to help out.

Have any questions about the spring season?

Baseball/Softball Commissioner - Will Maelrich ([email protected])

Track & Field Commissioner - Dan Workman ([email protected])

Registration Questions - Shawn Steinbrunner ([email protected])

Registration will run until Feb 23rd - but we are offering an Early Bird Discount of 10% off if you register before January 31st - so sign up today.

Prospective Families: Open House RSVP & New Family Application Now Open

Sunday, January 28 from 3-5 PM

This is the perfect time for interested friends, family or neighbors to explore our three-time Blue Ribbon School. Prospective families can tour our school and see first-hand how Saint Brigid of Kildare School provides a quality Catholic education in a warm environment. There will be representatives from Saint Brigid of Kildare School’s many programs available to answer questions.

Spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested in applying to Saint Brigid of Kildare School for the 2024-2025 school year!

Registration Reminders:

• Our new family application and the open house RSVP is now open. This is for any new children entering preschool or K-8 that are not currently enrolled at St. Brigid School. Anyone interested in applying for the next school year can learn more about the process here.
• Current family re-registration for K-8 and those returning to preschool will take place January 19-26, 2024.
• If you have a currently enrolled St. Brigid preschool student wishing to move on to Kindergarten, you will fill out a re-enrollment packet beginning January 19th. Completing this re-enrollment packet for Kindergarten will place you in the general queue for review/acceptance along with all other Kindergarten applicants. You will be notified via email of acceptance/wait list status on or before February 12, 2024.

Corks for a Cause 2024 - Ticket Sales Open Friday

We are excited to hold our 17th annual Corks for a Cause Silent Auction and Wine Tasting for SPiCE on Saturday, March 2, 2024. We can't wait to celebrate Music City with our Nashville Nights theme!

There are several ways to help support this event, through volunteering, becoming an event sponsor, donating auction items, or donating wine or bourbon bottles.

If you are able to help in any of these ways, please reach out to Sarah Moore at [email protected].

Ticket sales will open on Friday, January 19 at our 2024 event website: www.corks24.givesmart.com.

Make It a Date! Valentine's Day Edition

A Night Out to Focus on Your Marriage

Saturday, February 10, 2024, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Hendrick’s Hall – St. Brigid of Kildare Parish

All married and engaged couples are invited to St. Brigid’s 28th Make It a Date!

Deacon Steve Petrill and his wife Dawn will share their memories and serve as our guides for the evening. Deacon Steve and Dawn have been married for 28 years and have 3 children.

Like always, we’ll have light appetizers and there will be a chance to catch up with old and new friends. At the conclusion of the event, couples leave on their own date at a venue of their choice to talk about the evening and how it relates to their own relationships.

Please RSVP to Jessica Freiburger at [email protected] or 614-282-5095 by February 8.

Sponsored by Family First and the St. Brigid School of Adult Faith Formation

Winter Family First: Mom to Mom Series

Meetings: Wednesday January 10^th- January 31^st

Time: 9:45 - 11 am

Location: Church Basement

This winter join Mom to Mom as they read and reflect on Lisa Hendeys, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms.  Guided by the example of the saints, Hendey eloquently links personal stories, scripture and prayer and soul-strengthening exercises into a spiritually rich and deeply practical resource for Catholic women. 

Allow A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms to help you grow in your faith and enrich your heart, mind, body, and soul by spending each week with a different saint.

You can purchase this book at Ava Maria Press or on Amazon. We hope you will join us! 

1/17/24       A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: St. Joan of Arc: Courage in the face of Adversity

1/24/24       A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: St. Maria Goretti: Protection for our Children

1/31/24       A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: St. Dymphna: Finding Relief Those Suffering with Mental Health Issues

Questions, please reach out to Gracie Dziewiatkowski at [email protected] or Sara Norton at [email protected]

Introducing Sandwich Saturday at Home

As you may be aware there is an increased need for food in our Central Ohio community. Beginning in January any parishioners, individuals or groups can sign up to make make sandwiches at home and bring them for delivery to be donated to those in need.

Sandwich Saturday at Home (SSAH) is in ADDITION to the monthly Sandwich Saturdays held in the school cafeteria. With SSAH you sign up for the month you would like to help, assemble the sandwiches at home with supplies you provide and deliver your assembled sandwiches to the Kroger on Perimeter Loop at 8:30 am on the designated Monday. Sign up at the link below.

Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Events & Bible Studies

Catholic Social Teaching Session with Deacon Don

Have you ever struggled to know what to do in a certain situation? How would the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching help as a guide? 

How do we utilize these teachings to live our lives in the secular world? Deacon Don Poirier will give an overview on Social Justice on Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 pm in the Berry Room of Hendricks Hall. 

Christian Morality Session with Deacon Paul

Have you ever wondered about the overall church teaching on morality? What are the foundations of Christian morality? What role does the conscience play? How does this impact how we live our lives as Christians? Deacon Paul Zemanek will give an overview on Christian Morality on Tuesday, January 16 at 7:00 pm in the Berry Room of Hendricks Hall. 

 If you are interested in attending either of these sessions, please email Kim VanHuffel at [email protected]. 

Requirements to Volunteer with our Children

If you are 18 years or older and interested in volunteering with youth activities at SBK, attending PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN is required before you can volunteer. Register under the Diocese of Columbus at 

www.virtus.org

The Diocesan Safe Environment Department will be offering Virtus Protecting God's Children (PGC) sessions: 



 1/10/2024 DeSales HS Cafeteria (Columbus) 6pm

-Fingerprinting available prior to this session 5pm

2/15/2024 Zoom PGC Session (Columbus) 6pm

All volunteers with our children and youth must complete PGC, a St. Brigid volunteer application, submit the signed code of conduct, copy of photo ID, and complete a criminal background check prior to volunteering.

Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/ 

BWHS Pickleball Social

Compete or learn to play at our first ever Pickleball Social!  There is a pickleball category for everyone age 21 & over.

When & Where:  Saturday, February 3, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at the Pickle Shack in Delaware (US Rt 42).

Play already? Get a partner and register your team for beginner, intermediate, or advanced competitions.

Want to learn? Individuals can register for our 1-hour Learn-to-Play clinic.



Meet some Watterson families - event is open to all but looking to connect Watterson families - past, present, and future.

Registration is limited to 100 people, so get registered soon at https://bwhs.ejoinme.org/pickleball-social

Interested in being a sponsor or have questions - contact Tyler Johnston ([email protected])

Future Cardinals

Calling all future Cardinals!

Join us on January 30th at 7:30 PM to watch the Cards take on Hilliard Davidson in the new Frank Murphy Convocation Center.

Join us for pizza and drinks at 7 PM. The game tips at 7:30 PM.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Test: Each year, St. Charles offers a scholarship test to incoming freshmen. This year the scholarship test will be administered on January 27, 2024 (9:00am and 1:00pm). There will also be a make-up day on February 4, 2024 (1:00pm) should you be unable to make the January 27 assessments.

Charism Essay Scholarship: These awards are grants for incoming freshmen students who have exemplified the values of our school or qualities of the school's patron saint, Charles Borromeo, in their daily lives. Students will come to St. Charles to write their essay on either January 24th (6:00pm) or January 27th (12:00pm and 4:00pm).

HOW DO I REGISTER TO TAKE THESE ASSESSMENTS?

• Students MUST have applied to be a member of the class of 2028.

• Students should register to take these assessments in advance by using the link that is emailed to them after completing the application process