The O'Reilly Minute

Dear Parents,

We are very excited to announce that this week we are sponsoring An Evening Of The Arts on May 2nd and 3rd. Join us either day from 6:00 - 7:00 pm to stroll through our halls and enjoy the beautiful artwork created by our students in preschool through grade 8. At 7:00 pm, our middle school thespians and stage crew will present The Lion King Jr. Our students and their creative adult advisors have put together an amazing performance. Please plan to join us for one or both of these events. (See story below)

Throughout the month of May, we remember Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus. She was a life-giving caregiver for our Savior, and she remains so for us today. She serves as an example for all of us to say “yes” in practical ways to God’s Spirit of goodness. Many Catholics turn to this beloved first disciple of Christ for inspiration and for prayer. Our school community will be honoring Mary during this month with our traditional May Crowning Mass on May 16th at 9:00 am. We will also pray as a school the rosary on May 13th at 2:00 pm in the gym.   

In addition to these two very special May events I would like to highlight some of the additional special events happening during this last month of the academic year. Please feel free to attend as your schedule permits.   

• An Evening Of The Arts May 2nd, 3rd beginning at 6:00 pm
• Watterson Area Elementary Band Concert - May 6 at 7 pm at Bishop Watterson High School
• First Communion May 11 
• All school rosary May 13 at 2:00 pm gym
• May Crowning May 16 at 9:00 am Mass
• Early release May 16 at 1:30 pm 
• Winter/Spring Pep Rally and 8th grade vs. Faculty Volleyball game May 10 at 1:15 pm
• Wolfhound Super Games May 24.  Please note: volunteer sign ups will take place in the Wolfhound Wednesday on May 8th.  
• Final Student Led Conference materials go home with students on May 22
• Graduation May 30 at 5:00 pm, Reception following
• Leadership Mass and Teacher Recognition May 31 9:00 am
• Last day of school May 31 at 1:00 pm

I would also like to take a minute to recognize our 8th grade Committees. Our Service Committee is organizing and leading our participation in the World’s Largest Diaper Drive taking place from May 13th - 17th. We will be kicking off this drive by welcoming Jo Welsh, the founder of Bottoms Up to speak about this great need. More details in the story below. The other committee that I would like to highlight is our 8th grade Leadership Committee. They have brought forth the issue of our girls wearing leggings on dress down days. They researched the issue, talked to other schools, talked to teachers, parents, and students, and wrote a new policy for our handbook. I have accepted their proposal on a trial basis. Please click below to read the student-authored policy and slideshow:  

Legging Dress Code Rule

Legging Dress Code Proposal

I will formally add this policy to next year’s handbook. In the meantime, our girls may follow the policy and wear leggings for dress-down days in May.  

During this month of honoring Mary, may we all continue to look to Mary for guidance in following God’s plan.

Spring Blessings,

Kathy O'Reilly

Photo Newsletter: Kindergarten

Click the link below to view a photo album and learn what the students have been up to in class.

An Evening of the Arts: May 2 & 3

The Lion King Jr. Musical

Our students have been hard at work preparing for the musical The Lion King Jr! This presentation includes students from 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

Performance Dates:

May 2nd & 3rd at 7:00 pm

Robert D. Walter Family Gymnasium

No admission fee

Free will donations will be accepted to help support Saint Brigid Performing Arts

Art Show

Mrs. Habel will have a showcase of artwork on exhibit for all grade levels featuring pottery, sketches and paintings.

Feel free to stop by and browse anytime from 6-7 PM on Thursday, May 2 or Friday, May 3.

Garden Club is Back

St Brigid Students! Help bring our new garden space to life by joining the garden club! Starting Tuesday, May 7th from 3-4 PM. Students grades 3-8 are welcome. See the link below for more details and the permission slip to sign up.

St. Brigid Families! Looking for something fun to do together while giving back over the summer? Consider signing up for the SBK Garden Club! We are asking for a one-hour commitment over the summer to help attend to our newly planted garden. Families who participate are welcome to take home whatever they harvest! No green thumb, no problem, this is all about getting out there and enjoying nature! More details to come!

Diaper Drive - Planned by the 8th Grade Service Committee

Raising a child in poverty can be one of the most difficult experiences in the lives of a mother. When the money runs short, children are forced to live off minimal supplies, leading to a smothering of innocence and a spoiling of childhood. And it is our duty as Christians to do anything we can to help these families. 1 in 2 families struggle to buy diapers for their little ones, forcing them to re-use diapers. Fortunately, that is where the World’s Largest Diaper Drive comes in! The 8th Grade Service Committee is inviting St.Brigid families to participate the week of May 13-17!

Sizes For Each Grade:

Preschool - Newborn

Kindergarten - Size 1

1st Grade - Size 1

2nd Grade - Size 2

3rd Grade - Size 3

4th Grade - Size 4

5th Grade - Size 5

6th Grade - Size 6

7th Grade - Pull-ups

8th Grade - Size 3 and 4

Thank you,

8th Grade Service Committee

May is Social Emotional Awareness Month

St. Brigid SPiCE is committed to improving the lives of everyone in the St. Brigid of Kildare community. Over the last several months, the students, staff, and families have grown to a better understanding of different disabilities, creating a world of inclusion and acceptance and celebrating each person's unique gifts. In April each student created a puzzle piece that was unique to them. They were then pieced together as a reminder to all that while each of us is different, together we are God's masterpiece. Our children have taken the time to look at the finished piece, pointing out not only their puzzle piece, but admiring others' work as well. It's a beautiful and moving reminder to stop, look, and appreciate those around us.

As we finish out the school year, we will be focusing on Social/Emotional Health. Each week we will focus on a different aspect of our social health and challenge the students to learn and grow in connection with one another. The importance of positive social and emotional support provides a critical foundation for lifelong development and learning. Social development supports a child's ability to create and sustain meaningful relationships throughout life. Social/emotional well-being increases resilience, provides the ability to empathize, and the ability to understand how to effectively regulate reactions to situations or changing environments. Our hope is that this month allows more open conversations between students and their families as we strengthen our emotional well-being.

If you are interested in what SPiCE has been doing this year and would like more information please reach out to Jill Carfagna at mrs.carfagna@stbrigid-school.org. If you are interested in joining SPiCE and can commit to four meetings a year we would love to have you. 

Home & School Meeting Rescheduled

The Home and School meeting (originally scheduled for this Thursday, May 2) has been rescheduled for next week Thursday, May 9th at 10AM in Hendricks Hall.

Back to School Booster Camp: Sign Up Open

Calling all students entering 1st through 4th grade who would like a jump start into the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! The Academic Support Team is planning a week of enriching and enjoyable activities focusing on team work, problem solving, social skills, growth mindset, self-regulation and much, much more. Students will review and practice important skills to help them start the school year off confidently.  

The camp will be offered the week of August 5th-9th, 2024 from 9:00-11:00am or 12:00-2pm at St. Brigid of Kildare School. 

The sign up is now available below. Please consider your summer schedule and ability for your child to attend the entire week because sign ups are on a first come first serve basis.

Gifts of Gratitude: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Gifts

What is it?

Gifts of gratitude is a program established by the Home and School Association as a united effort to provide a generous monetary gift to every teacher and staff member at Christmas and the end of the year to thank them for all they do for our children. Gifts of Gratitude is different from The Annual Fund.  

Why participate?

This is a convenient way for families to make sure that each teacher, aide, and staff member who touches your child's life is recognized for all they do at St. Brigid. Instead of several small gifts from each student, each teacher and staff member will receive a monetary gift that they choose how to use.  

What if I already participated at Christmas?

If your family donated to the Gifts of Gratitude program previously this school year, there is no need to donate again. We only ask for each family to donate once per school year.

Will my family be recognized for participating?

Yes -- the teachers and staff will receive a list of families who participate in this

program. 

How much should I give?

The suggested annual gift amount is $25 per child, however any given amount is graciously accepted and appreciated!

Can't remember if you already contributed?

No worries -- just contact Sarah Graf (614-256-8422) or Sarahstarks77@hotmail.com and she will let you know!

You can find the link for Gifts of Gratitude at the button below. Choose your donation amount and that's it. It's that easy! It's such a simple way to show appreciation to your child/children's teachers and the staff at St Brigid of Kildare.  

Home & School Open Positions for 24-25

Home & School is looking to fill the following positions for the 2024-25 school year.

Vice Co-Chairs:

The vice co-chairs assist the co-chairs in overseeing the committees and special school events. The Co-Chairs are also responsible for overseeing the Gifts of Gratitude program in December and May and recognizing birthdays of office staff. They are also responsible for helping manage holiday and end of year gifts for the entire St. Brigid Staff. The position is a one year term before filling a one year term as Co-Chairs. Time commitment: moderate and consistent. The co-chairs should attend the monthly Home & School meetings.



Barn Bash:

This position coordinates the yearly barn bash at Leeds Farm which occurs every October. Time commitment for chairs: moderate from September-October and minimal through the rest of the year.. Volunteer opportunities within the committee: Volunteers on the committee are asked to assist for a few hours the night of the event. Opportunities include working check in, serving food, helping with set up, etc.

If interested, please reach out to Venessa Lookabaugh (vmlook04@gmail.com) and/or Ashley Jones (ashleypaigejones1@gmail.com) for more information.

Summer Tutoring

Summer tutoring is available from many Saint Brigid of Kildare staff members. Staff can be contacted via email or by calling the school office and leaving a message.

Click below for the list of teachers, subjects and contact information.

Eucharistic Adoration - May 3

You are invited to adore Jesus, as modeled by Mary, on Friday, May 3rd for First Friday Eucharistic Adoration following the 9:00AM Mass and concluding at 4:00PM with Benediction.

“Jesus has left us His Divine Mother to be the Mother and Model of Adorers … It was Mary who first adored the Incarnate Word.” - St. Peter Julian Eymard

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Pray for Us (Feast Day: May 13)

Mary invites us to follow her example and adore her son during Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome, including families with children. If you wish to sign up for an hour, please visit this link or email Shelly Cocumelli at rocks1dad@aol.com.

St. Brigid Women's Retreat

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish held its annual Women's Retreat earlier this month. It was a joyous weekend attended by dozens of women.

"We are so grateful for our Journey to Joy with the Lord during our annual Women's Retreat this year. He blessed us in so many ways over the weekend. Thank you to those who were able to attend!"

Altar Server Training - May 5th

All students in the fifth grade and older are invited to become Altar Servers for the Weekend and Holy Day Masses. 

Is the Lord calling upon you to serve? Answer the Lord’s call by becoming an Altar Server! St. Brigid of Kildare is encouraging all those rising fifth graders and above to consider becoming an Altar Server.  

Our next training session for Altar Servers is Sunday, May 5th in the Church from 12 :30 pm until 1:30 pm. Please register by May 3rd at the link below (or find the link at www.stbrigidofkildare.org click "Sign Ups").

For more information please contact Joe Feehan at

stbrigidaltarservers@stbrigidofkildare.org.

SBAA Fall Sports Registration - Now Open

St Brigid Athletic Association is happy to announce Fall Sports Registration is now open.  Please note strict deadlines for registration, there will be no extension of registration dates - so please register as soon as possible - some registration dates are sooner than normal due to new season start dates, new sports, and attempts to have teams formed on time and be able to have enough coaches. Please note - if you register by May 1, an Early Bird 10% discount will be applied on your registration fees.

New this year will be an attempt to have dedicated St. Brigid Soccer teams to participate in the diocese CYO program - notice the season starts in the summer so that it could be a sport that you also play while doing other fall sports very easily.  If you have specific questions about soccer, please reach out to Commissioner Allison Heacock or AD Bill Baumel asap.

Also new this year, the diocese CYO is offering Flag Football for grades 1-4, so please look into this option for those incoming 1st-4th graders for the fall.

We are also in search of a new Volleyball Commissioner - without finding one we may not be able to offer Volleyball in the fall.  We have been searching through existing coaches and parents, but we haven't found someone yet to take over this role.  Please reach out to info@gowolfhounds.com if you would be interested in giving back to the St. Brigid Volleyball program.  

If you have any questions about a specific sport, please reach out to each respective commissioner/ contact.  If you have any problems with registrations, please reach out to shawn.steinbrunner@gmail.com for any registration problems.

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 Columbus Diocese at www.virtus.org

Upcoming Virtus Protecting God's Children (PGC) session: 

6/11/2024 St Brigid of Kildare, Hendricks Hall 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, registration with Selection.com/Fastrax and complete a criminal background check prior to volunteering.

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

Spring Awards & Honors: Alumni at BWHS

Congratulations to our many alumni at Bishop Watterson High School who have earned the following awards and honors this spring (click the award title for more details):

National Honor Society 2024 Inductees:

Caden Davis

Clare Feehan

Angela Hanson

Colin Hare

Molly Hayes

Jacklyn Kuehl

Bryn McClain

Chloe Moreland

Macie Moreland

Molly Nollenberger

Amber Regan

Hannah Stuebe,

Madeline Tinkler

Michael Tobias

Ruby West

Eve Worley

National Business Honor Society 2024 Inductees:

Dillon Brown

Ruby West

National Latin Exam Awards:

Kevin Feehan (Latin I), Summa Cum Laude: Gold Medal

Hannah Stuebe (Latin III), Cum Laude

Art Show Awards:

Analia Spagnuolo, Graphic Design, Second Place

BWHS & St. Charles Summer Camps

Registration is now open for summer camps! Bishop Watterson High School and St. Charles are hosting a variety of summer camps, including academics, athletics, art, theatre, robotics and more, ranging for children in incoming grades 2-9. Click the links below to learn more.

• BWHS Summer Camps
• St. Charles Summer Camps

St. Charles Drama

St. Charles Drama Department presenting The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The St. Charles Preparatory School Drama Department is proud to announce its spring production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, May 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Charles Campus Theatre, 2010 E. Broad St. Adult tickets are $15, students, $10. Reservations may be placed by visiting the St. Charles website homepage at scprep.org – Buy Tickets button. Winner of seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards, including ‘Best Play,’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens.