Dear Parents,

Today we celebrated the Feast of All Saints by attending 9:00 am Mass together as a school community. Mass began with a procession of our 1st and 2nd graders wearing stoles and medals with the names of the saint they are studying this month. Additionally our student cantors led us in a beautiful Litany of the Saints to help make our celebration extra special. It was great to have so many parents, grandparents, and community members join us on this special day.  

November is a time to reflect and give thanks for all of God’s blessings. One of our greatest blessings is our parent volunteers. Our volunteers have been active this year already in so many vital ways in working with our students and providing support for our teachers and staff.  

Our Gifts of Gratitude committee has a story below about a great way to volunteer and show gratitude to our teachers and veterans. I thank you in advance for helping us to implement this event.   

We have also really appreciated and enjoyed having parent volunteers for outdoor recess. The Sign Up Genius for recess volunteers is always available in our Quick Links. Our recess committee, under the guidance of volunteers Gina Roszman and Jenn Glatz, have scheduled and rescheduled the painting of recess games (hopscotch, 4 square, Twister, etc) multiple times on our parking lot. The games were to be painted on Monday of this week and had to be canceled once again due to rain. The only date that the company has available to paint the games until late next Spring is this coming Thursday (sun is predicted for Thursday!). However the recess parking will not be dry in time for car rider dismissal at 3:00 pm. We have decided to take a chance and deal with “minor chaos” for one day and go ahead paint the games and close the recess parking lot for the day. Here and in the article below you will find a map with an alternative plan. Say a prayer for no rain on Thursday, and that the chaos is minimal. (We will also send a reminder text around 1:00 pm on Thursday…please ignore if your child is riding a bus.)  

Speaking of recess, we will be continuing to go outside for recess as much as possible even though the weather will soon be turning colder. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with hats, gloves and coats and that they are labeled with your child’s name. 

Ed Choice applications continue to be approved VERY slowly. A total of 152,000 scholarships have been submitted for all five state-funded scholarships which is an increase of 60,000 from last year. The Ohio Education Department has added staff to help deal with the increase and they are working hard reviewing and approving applications. Of the 435 applications that Saint Brigid has submitted only 55 have been awarded. You can be assured that the Ohio Education Department will keep working on this until they are all reviewed and you will receive the full amount regardless of the timeline in which you receive the award. If you have further questions, please contact Andrea O’Reilly at edchoice@stbrigid-school.org.

School pictures are coming home today for grades K - 8. Picture re-takes will be on November 8th.

Autumn blessings,

Kathy O’Reilly

Photo Newsletters: 6th Grade

Click the album link below to see the photo newsletter.

Thurs, Nov 2 Car Rider Dismissal Plan - TOMORROW

• Bus dismissal as normal. No cars parking in the Main Loop where buses will be.
• No Vehicles Parking in the Recess Lot marked in RED due to paint drying
• Parents can park in any spot outside of the RED Box or YELLOW Corridor on campus, including Brigid’s Green.
• Once buses have left campus, car riders will be dismissed out the FRONT of the building.
• Parents will walk up and meet their student inside the marked YELLOW corridor (NO VEHICLE ZONE). Parents will then escort their child back to their vehicle and depart on their own. Please be mindful of other pedestrians.
• Preschool will do normal dismissal pattern, but a few minutes later than normal.

IN SHORT, PLEASE DO NOT PARK INSIDE THE RED OR YELLOW AREAS MARKED ON THE MAP

Crucial Conversations Next Week: Emotional Safety with Laura Lewis

Crucial Conversations, a parenting speaker series for St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and School parents of school-aged children, is back with a series of events for the 2023-24 school year. These parenting workshops will focus on student wellness and safety—physically, emotionally, and online.

Emotional Safety—November 7, 6:30 PM, School Gymnasium

Professional Clinical Counselor Laura Lewis will share ideas and strategies about emotional

wellness, touching on anxiety, depression and the role of mental health. She brings practical ideas and strategies to integrate mental and emotional wellness into your family.

Social Media Safety—January (TBD), School Gymnasium

Nationally recognized internet safety speaker Jesse Weinberger will share guidance, data, and

resources for keeping children and families safer online. She will share life changing information on the connection between social media and mental health. Learn more about Jesse at her website www.overnightgeekuniversity.com.

Gifts of Gratitude: Volunteers Needed!

Friday, November 10th, 8:30 - 10:05 am (assembly 9-10 am)

Veteran's Day Assembly

The Home & School Gifts of Gratitude committee is organizing a "thank you" for our amazing teachers and an assembly to honor our Veterans. We need two volunteers per class and 4-6 additional logistical volunteers to assist with covering our teachers. Volunteers will arrive by 8:30 am and check in at each classroom by 8:40 am. Volunteers will transport the children to and from the gym for the assembly. While the children are engaged in the assembly, we invite teachers to enjoy breakfast, hot coffee/tea and an hour to themselves as a "THANK YOU" for all of their time, energy and care.

As part of the assembly, students will be encouraged to write letters to active duty and/or veterans. We will ask that they write these letters over the weekend. Letters will be collected from the school office on Tuesday, November 14th and delivered to the VFW for distribution.

Assembly details:

• Hosted by St. Brigid of Kildare School's own Commander Craig Dziewiatkowski
• Honor Guard Presentation
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Veteran speakers
• POW/MIA Information
• KIA Information
• Patriotic Music

Please use the Sign Up Genius link to voluneeer!

**Reminder: All volunteers must be PGC and Raptor compliant**

St. Brigid Spirit Wear Sale

Hello Wolfhound families! We are excited to announce that the Holiday Spirit Wear Sale is now open. The sale will be open for shopping through Thursday, November 16^th. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping! Orders will be fulfilled, and ready in time for holiday gift giving.

Morganheimer/Premier Spirit Wear Store (Store opens Friday, Nov 3)

Our long-time vendor for St. Brigid spirit wear options (non-vintage) is now open. Use the link below to shop their sale, which includes a few new items! The link will be available for shopping through November 16^th.  *As a reminder, if you are looking for items in a certain color, click on the item to see all available color options.

Check out the link below to order:

https://saintbrigid.itemorder.com/ [saintbrigid.itemorder.com]

Rah Rah Spirit Wear

Rah Rah is a Dublin-based spirit wear company that is offering super-soft, vintage-inspired, uniquely designed spirit wear made just for us. The owners of Rah-Rah are a St. Brigid family and we are happy to have them as a part of our community.

Check out the link below to order:

https://rahrahgear.com/collections/st-brigid [rahrahgear.com]

The site is live now through November 16^th. You can have any items shipped directly to you for the quickest delivery. Standard shipping rates apply. 

If you prefer to pick up your order, you will be able to do so at:

6702 Royal Plume Drive, Dublin (home of Jaime Erickson)

Any questions? Please contact Jaime Erickson 614.578.8960 or Shauna Durant 740.815.9053

Artsonia - Online Student Art Portfolios

Guardians will be receiving an email from Artsonia requesting permission for your student to share their artwork online. 

Artsonia (www.artsonia.com) is an internet-based student art museum and educational website. The website features the artwork of students from over 100 countries around the world. By participating in the program, we are able to share student artwork with others. It is also a wonderful way for the students to create a virtual portfolio to use to evaluate their artwork and share their artwork with others.

Things to know:

• Student names will be blurred out on artwork.
• Families can purchase items with their student artwork printed on it. For example - ornaments, magnets, tote bags, tshirts, etc.
• The money from any purchased items goes directly back to the school.

We look forward to being able to share our students' gifts and talents.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Larrie Habel at mrs.habel@stbrigid-school.org. Thank you!

School Picture Retake Day - Nov 8

School Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Wednesday November 8, 2023. Retake day is for students that were absent or missed the original picture day. Retake day is also for students that purchased a package and are not happy with their picture. For those that are unhappy with their picture the entire uncut package and envelope must be returned to received a retake and a new package.

For those that didn’t purchase a package on original picture day and would now like to purchase pictures - please follow the instructions for online ordering that were provided in your envelope with your picture proof.

Questions? Please contact Diane Spagnuolo Photography at diane@dianesphotography.com or 614-873-6867 PRIOR to retake picture day.

Counselor Newsletter - November

Click the link below to read the November newsletter from our Spirit of Peace Clinical Counselor, Maegan Flannery.

Your Annual Fund Donations Sponsored the Fall Harvest Parties!

Last week students enjoyed a day of festivities celebrating the Fall Harvest. There were costumes, parades, snacks, games and activities. Events like this are made possible by your support! The Annual Fund donations pay for the parties planned by the Home and School Association. Please consider a once-a-year contribution of $125 per student ($50 for preschool) 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to school projects and activities that enrich the learning experience for your children. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Annual Fund; we could not have these events without you!

St. Brigid Walking Club

New to the Saint Brigid community? Enjoy walking? Have more time in your schedule now that school has started? Looking to meet more people?

Whatever your reason, join the St. Brigid Parents Walking Club! The St. Brigid's Parents Walking Club is an opportunity to meet new people, get some exercise in and enjoy God's beautiful scenery (while the weather is still pleasant). Our next walk is planned for Thursday November 2^nd at 8:30am. Please note, All Saints Day is Nov 1^st so there will not be a conflict with school mass this week.  We will plan to meet by the Church under the bell.  The walk will proceed down and around Avery park and back to the church, plan for about 45 minutes.   *If the weather is not pleasant, we will reschedule- RSVP on the Sign-Up Genius for updates. We look forward to seeing you.  Thank you! 

Any questions please feel free to reach out to Sherri Johnson @ clarke97sd@msn.com or Sara Norton @ nortonsarae@gmail.com.   

St. Brigid Parents Walking Club is coordinated by the Social Committee of Home & School, finding social ways to bring our community together to the table. 

Congrats 6th Grade Volleyball Wolfhounds

Congratulations to the 6th grade volleyball team on winning their Championship game on Saturday.  The girls defeated St. Matthias in 3 sets to become the St. Monica Tournament Champions! Teamwork and determination led them to victory. Congratulations Wolfhounds!

1st Grade Parent Social

All 1st grade parents are welcome to attend a parent social taking place at Revelry Tavern at 7 PM on Thursday, November 2nd. This event is planned by Home & School room parents.

Corks for a Cause 2024 - Planning Meeting Nov 9

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 are going to kick-off the planning with meetings on:

•  Thursday, November 9th 10:00 am in Hendricks Hall Carr Room
• Wednesday, December 13 at 12 noon in Hendricks Hall Immke Room (lunch will be served at this meeting)

Children are welcome if babysitting is a challenge. If you'd like to learn more about the event, how you can help, or share your ideas please join us for one or both of these meetings!

RSVP to Sarah Moore at smoore@stbrigidofkildare.org.

Eucharistic Adoration - Nov 3

You are invited to spend time in the presence of God on Friday, November 3rd for First Friday Eucharistic Adoration following the 9:00 AM Mass and concluding at 4:00 PM with Benediction.

“If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves in the presence of God, as much as possible and have no other view or end, in all our actions but the divine honour.” - St Charles Borromeo (Feast Day: November 4)

Jesus invites you to start your day with Him at Adoration. All are welcome, including families with children. If you wish to sign up for an hour, please click the link below or email Shelly Cocumelli at rocks1dad@aol.com.

Be the Match Event at Immaculate Conception Parish

There are several families in our diocese, including Bishop Watterson and Immaculate Conception families, that are in need of a matched donor due to recent health diagnoses. Immaculate Conception Parish is hosting a "Be the Match" swabbing event to see if you could help be the cure for someone's life-threatening disease. Anyone 18-40 years old can participate and learn about how if matched, donations could be given via a stem cell donation (similar to blood donation), and expenses are free. 

The swabbing event is taking place on Sunday, November 5 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM at Immaculate Conception Parish. View the flyer at the link below to learn more.

Mommy & Me Winter Tea

Dress up for an afternoon of memorable fun! This Mommy & Me Winter Tea is an opportunity to affirm little girls (ages 4-10) in their truest identities as daughters of the King while teaching them what it means to be a true sister in Christ by fundraising for His daughters most in need at Mommies Matter. Join us for: 

• tea service + a hot chocolate bar 
• snacks + treats 
• hair styling + nail art 
• jewelry making + activity stations 
• a gift from Lily & Lamb for every girl 

This “Mommy + Me” tea invitation is extended to moms, grandmas, aunts, and godmothers to bring the special little girl(s) in your life! 

You don’t want to miss it! This event will be held on January 20, 2024 from 3-5 PM in Hendricks Hall. Accompanied by an adult female, all girls ages 4-10 are invited to participate! Tickets are $25 for your first daughter and $20 for each additional daughter. Adult admission is $25. Registration is now open at the link below. 

Event Volunteer Information 

It takes many hands and hearts to make this event possible! If you are able to help sort supplies, set up, prep food, serve food, take photos, or clean up, please fill out the volunteer form (https://forms.office.com/r/1S0FBtpMxw) to express your willingness and join our volunteer list. 

Advent by Candlelight - Registration Opens at 7 PM Tonight

Featuring Lindsay Fullerman, founder of FitfromFaith.com 

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Monsignor Hendricks Parish Hall

Registration opens November 1 at 7 PM at www.stbrigidofkildare.org, scroll to "Latest News."

Explanation of the Mass

Have you ever wondered why we say what we say and do what we do during Mass? Every gesture we make and every word we speak has a meaning and a reason. Fr. Black will give an overview of the Mass on Tuesday, November 7 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Berry Room of Hendricks Hall. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Kim VanHuffel at kvanhuffel@stbrigidofkildare.org.  

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or just curious about the faith, you are invited to join RCIA on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Berry Room. The calendar for this coming year is on our website at www.stbrigidofkildare.org/rcia.

For more information contact Kim (kvanhuffel@stbrigidofkildare.org) or complete the form on the website above.

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: 



PGC Session at St Brigid on Saturday, November 4, 9 am

Unregistered walk-ins are welcome.

 11/18/2023 St Brendan (Hilliard) 9:00am

12/14/2023 Zoom PGC (Columbus) 6:00pm

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 Open House & Upcoming Events

The faculty and staff at Bishop Watterson High School work every day to instill the teachings of Jesus, to establish a sense of community and to inspire a drive toward excellence for our students.

To learn more, please join them on Sunday, November 19 for their Open House, set for 1:00-3:00 p.m., at their campus located at 99 East Cooke Road in Columbus.

Little Eagles Wrestling Club

Registration is open now for the Little Eagles Wrestling Club’s 2023-24 season. The club is open to students in grades K-8. A parent meeting will be held on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. at 8500 Warner Rd. Suite 300, Plain City. Beginner sessions (grades K-2) run November 8-February 7. A novice and advanced session will run November 9-March 21 and a junior high session will run November 13-March 14. For more information and registration, go to https://www.littleeaglewrestlingclub.com/

St. Charles Open House & Upcoming Events

November 5

Attention prospective St. Charles Cardinals and families: You are invited to see our campus and learn about the school during our Open House program taking place on Sunday, November 5^th, starting at 1:00 p.m. Included is a presentation by Principal Jim Lower, tours of campus, and opportunities to learn about and speak to members of our many teams, clubs, and organizations. There will also be refreshments to enjoy in the company of your fellow future Cardinal families. Register for open house today at stcharlesprep.org/admissions.

St. Charles Fall Play, Inspecting Carol, Being Presented November 15th-19th

The St. Charles Preparatory School Drama Department is proud to announce its fall production, Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan. Inspecting Carol will be presented November 16, 17, & 18 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the St. Charles Campus Theatre, 2010 E. Broad St. Adult tickets are $15, student tickets are $10. Reservations may be placed by visiting the St. Charles website homepage at www.scprep.org and using the “Buy Tickets” button.