Friday Flash
Friday, October 30, 2026
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Friday, October 30, 2026
PTG Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook-off 6pm
Sunday, November 1, 2026
All Saints Day
Daylight Savings Time, Fall Back
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
NO School Mass
Election Day
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Make up Fall Picture Day
[Permission for Retake Form]
Your student may dress up this day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Veteran's Day
Veteran's Breakfast in the Small Cafe 8am
Prayer Service 9am
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Chick-fil-A Day!
PTG Meeting (at SMS) 6:30pm
Friday, November 13, 2026
Noon Dismissal
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Holiday Auction & Gala 5:30pm
Friday, November 20, 2026
PTG Thanksgiving BINGO goes home
Monday November 23rd - Friday November 27th
NO School
Thanksgiving Break
| |  | This week, St. Matthew’s hosted First Responders Appreciation Day! Students enjoyed meeting local first responders, exploring emergency vehicles and equipment, and learning about the important work they do to keep our community safe. A heartfelt thank-you to all the participating departments for sharing their time and expertise with our students. We are grateful for your service and dedication! | | |
! Friendly Reminder !
To ensure you do not miss any important updates in this week’s Friday Flash, be sure to click the
"View Entire Message" link at the bottom left of your screen.
You’ll know you’ve reached the end when you see "Connect with Us!" along with links to our Facebook, Instagram, and Email.
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! After School Care Reminder !
We'd like to kindly remind all families that after-school care ends promptly at 5:30PM, and children should be picked up no later than this time.
Many of our after-school care staff are also full-time teachers who begin their day early and have full schedules. They dedicate their time and energy throughout the day to support our students, and your punctuality helps them get home in a timely manner to rest and recharge.
We understand that delays can occasionally happen, but consistent late pick-ups are becoming a challenge. To ensure a respectful and sustainable working environment for our staff, we ask for your cooperation in adhering to the 5:30PM pick up time.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
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Celebrating 30 Years of Dedication:
Mrs. Hawthorne
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Today, October 30, we will celebrate a very special milestone as we say farewell to Mrs. Hawthorne on her final day at St. Matthew’s before she begins her well-deserved retirement.
For 30 incredible years, Mrs. Hawthorne has been an important part of the St. Matthew’s family. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our students and our school have left a lasting impact on generations of Eagles. Her presence has become such a treasured part of our school community, and she will truly be missed.
As you see Mrs. Hawthorne throughout the week, please take a moment to share your well wishes, thank her for her many years of service, and let her know just how much she means to our St. Matthew’s family.
Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne, for 30 wonderful years of memories, service, and love. We are so grateful for all you have given to St. Matthew’s, and we wish you every happiness in this exciting new chapter!
From Mrs. Hawthorne:
To All Our Wonderful St. Matthew’s Staff and Families,
I am retired as of today, but I will be leaving with many, many happy memories of all of you. It has been a privilege to work with you over these past 30 years. I am so blessed to have had such a great job that enabled me to work closely with administration, teachers, staff and families. I wish you all the best and I will remember fondly all of the wonderful memories that you have brought me. Remember, if you find a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life! This couldn’t be more true for me. Take care, and God Bless.
Barbara.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to check off some of your 2026-2027 SMS Volunteer Hours?
We have some wonderful opportunities for you!
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We are currently seeking volunteers to help support an upcoming event hosted by an organization that generously provides St. Matthew’s Catholic School with a $20,000 grant. This is a meaningful opportunity for our school community to show our gratitude by giving back, supporting their event, and helping make it a success.
**Please note that this volunteer opportunity requires standing for the duration of the event, as well as some lifting, so please keep these physical requirements in mind when signing up.
All time worked at this event may be counted toward your St. Matthew’s volunteer hours.
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We are also looking for volunteers to help make this year’s 'Scottish Christmas' Holiday Auction & Gala a success! From event setup and assisting with various tasks throughout the evening to helping clean up at the end of the night and assisting with package pickup the following day, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
We truly can’t do it without you! Your time, energy, and support make these events possible and help strengthen the St. Matthew’s community. Thank you for volunteering and for helping us support the organizations that so generously support our school.
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Work Opportunities to Offset Tuition Costs!
Looking for a fun and easy way to help offset your child’s tuition costs?
St. Matthew’s families have a great opportunity to earn money toward their tuition account by volunteering at upcoming events at the Norfolk Scope. Opportunities include working concessions, food service, and beer and alcohol sales at Norfolk Admirals games, concerts, comedy shows, and more.
It is a simple and enjoyable way to serve, connect with other school families, and turn a fun night out into tuition savings at the same time.
| | From the Development Team... | | | | |
Limited Tickets Remaining!
Step into the spirit of the season at St. Matthew’s Scottish Christmas Holiday Auction & Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Join us for an enchanting adults-only evening inspired by the elegance and charm of a grand Scottish castle, where festive décor, delicious food, fellowship, and an exciting holiday auction come together to create a truly unforgettable celebration.
Tickets are going quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening!
Coming with a group? Gather your favorite people and reserve a table for 10 to experience the magic of Scottish Christmas together. Reserve your tickets or table today and join us for an unforgettable adults-only evening!
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Make your evening at the 'Scottish Christmas' Holiday Auction & Gala extra special with a VIP Table for Eight! Designed for an unforgettable adults-only evening, your VIP experience includes seated dinner service, VIP check-in and check-out, five bottles of upgraded wine served at your table, and exclusive VIP appetizers and desserts.
Only 3 VIP Tables Left!
Gather your favorite guests, dress for the occasion, and reserve your VIP Table for Eight before they’re gone.
Once these tables are sold, there will be no more VIP seating available.
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We invite you to create a dish, baked good, or other favorite recipe from your family’s kitchen to contribute to our Treasures of the Kitchen auction. Along with your delicious creation, please email Ms. Lessard a short write-up sharing the family history, story, or special memories behind the recipe.
Your story will be shared with our guests on auction night, giving them a glimpse into the traditions and memories that make each family recipe unique.
Share a taste of your family tradition and help us create something truly special for Scottish Christmas!
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Support St. Matthew’s Catholic School by participating in our Auction Cash Raffle, generously sponsored by Boba Chef (The Macasaet Family)! Tickets are $5 each or $25 per book of five for a chance to win
First Prize: $1,000, Second Prize: $500!
Sell a full book for a chance to win two tickets to our Scottish Christmas Holiday Auction & Gala, and help your child’s class win a special treat!
Return ticket stubs and payment by November 2 to qualify for the drawing. All sold and unsold tickets and money are due by November 13.
**More tickets available in the Main Office or with Development**
| | Knights of Columbus 5K Race/Walk... | |
St. Matthew’s families and friends are invited to join the Knights of Columbus for a 5K Race/Walk on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at Bells Mill Park with a 7:30am check in, benefiting the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Proceeds will help the Center continue providing compassionate support and resources to families before, during, and after pregnancy, while also contributing toward the purchase of a new ultrasound machine to expand essential prenatal services for expectant mothers. Participants can enjoy a morning of fitness, fellowship, and community support while making a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers, babies, and families throughout our community. The event will take place rain or shine, with parking available at the Great Bridge Community Center lot across from the Bells Mill entrance. The scenic course features mostly grass, rolling hills, and turns, with individual awards presented in each age group.
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Welcome, Military Families!
Thank you for your service! If your family has a military connection, please take a moment to complete the Military Family Google Form. Completing the form helps us recognize your family's military connection and allows us to better support and connect with our SMS military families.
We are excited to announce the return of Military Lunches, back by popular demand! These special small-group lunches will give students from military families an opportunity to connect with other students who share similar experiences while enjoying lunch with our School Counselor, Mrs. Johnson. We ask all SMS military families to complete the form, even if your student is not interested in participating in the Military Lunches. There is an option on the form to indicate that your student does not wish to attend. The deadline to register is November 2nd.
Military Lunches are expected to begin in mid-November.
| | From the National Junior Honor Society... | | |
Mass Days (Tuesdays) are Food Pantry Donation Days!
NJHS and SCA are teaming up to encourage our SMS families to bring in a food pantry donation on Tuesdays (Mass Days), as used to be our tradition. SCA reps will share with their classes the items that they are tagged with bringing (list is also attached). NJHS students will be stationed in the commons before Mass to collect the items as the students bring them over to the church on their way to Mass. They will also collect donations from the Preschool building. Your monthly donations will have a huge positive impact on filling the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, enabling them to feed the hungry in our community.
Thank you.
| | | From the Athletics Department... | | | | |
SMS Team Stores
Would you like to purchase SMS Volleyball, Soccer, or Cross Country apparel?
Now is the perfect time to gear up and show your Eagle pride!
Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or supporting your favorite SMS athlete, we've got you covered!
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Middle School Choir Bake Sale
A huge thank-you to all of our parent and student volunteers, as well as everyone who donated baked goods and other treats for last week’s Middle School Choir Bake Sale! Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised an outstanding $1,937 to help cover the cost of our Choir Competition in May 2027. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and donations to make this fundraiser such a success. This is what makes the SMS community so special! When we come together to support our students, we can accomplish wonderful things.
Save the Date! Our next Middle School Choir Bake Sale will take place January 26–28, 2027.
More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Elementary Choir to sing at Sentara Leigh Hospital
Our Elementary Choir will be performing at Sentara Leigh Hospital's lobby for the Healing Notes Christmas Caroling on Monday, December 14, 2026 at 9am.
Please complete the permission slip for this choir trip by Friday, December 11, 2026.
We will need two parent volunteers for this trip.
Please have students bring jackets/coats on this choir trip. They will leave them on the bus while they perform.
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Upcoming Musical Performances
Thursday, December 10, 2026 6pm (please note the early time): Christmas Musicale in the Gym
Preschool - Preschool Angels
Kindergarten - Chirstmas Celebrations
2nd Grade Play - Carriers of the Light
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 7pm: Band/Choir Concert in the Gym
3rd Grade Band, 4th Grade Band, 5th Grade Band
Middle School Band and Middle School Choir
Elementary Choir
Friday, December 18, 2026 9am: Band/Choir Concert and 2nd Grade Play in the Gym
3rd Grade Band, 4th Grade Band, 5th Grade Band
Middle School Band and Middle School Choir
Elementary Choir
2nd Grade Play - Carriers of the Light
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PTG Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook-off
TONIGHT
Friday, October 30, 2026 6pm - 8pm
Join us for a DJ, games, prizes, chili tasting, food trucks, and of course TRICK OR TREATING around the SMS parking lot!
FREE event admission | $5 chili tasting
Food trucks are independently operated
There are a few volunteer opportunities still available.
Sign up in the PTG Hub.
See you there!
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Add the PTG Calendar to your own!
Simply click the button above, scroll to the bottom of the page, locate the calendar in the right-hand corner, and click the (+) sign to add it to your personal calendar.
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Your one-stop shop for all things PTG!
Event & Volunteer sign-ups, PTG Square site for purchases, Link to the PTG Facebook page, and the Volunteer Hour Submission form
| Reach out to the PTG at any time! | | From the Business Office... | | |
LOG YOUR 2026-2027 VOLUNTEER HOURS HERE
Not sure how to access your FACTS Family Portal? Please follow these STEPS.
For more information from FACTS regarding how to pay incidental charges, including how to enroll in AutoPay, please click HERE.
If you would prefer to view your FACTS Family Portal and Financial Information in Spanish, log in to your account and click on your initials in the upper right corner. Select "User Options" and choose "Español" from the Language Drop-Down box. Then click Close.
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