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We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
As we begin Christmas break, we want to express our heartfelt love and gratitude for every member of the St. Barnabas community. We are so grateful for all you do to make St. Barnabas a warm, supportive, and fun school to learn, live, laugh, and love.
To our dedicated staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students. You are living examples of God’s love, and for that, we are all truly blessed.
To our students, thank you for sharing your gifts, talents, and hearts with us. You bring light to our school and remind us daily of the importance of love, joy, and hope.
To our families, thank you for your commitment, generosity, and the gift of sharing your children with us. Being part of your children's and families' lives is a blessing.
We wish you a happy, healthy, joyful, and wonderful Christmas with those you love most.
In gratitude this Christmas & always,
Jonathan Stack & Grace Sadowski
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| Friday, December 20 | Christmas Break Begins - 11:50am Student Dismissal (11:40 for PK) | | Tuesday, December 24 | Christmas Eve. Mass at 4pm and 10:30pm | | Wednesday, December 25 | Christmas Day. Mass at 10am | | Monday, January 1 | New Year's Day. Mary, Mother of God Mass at 10am | | Tuesday, January 7 | Classes Resumes | | Tuesday, January 7 | Weekly School Mass, 8:45am at Church (parent-led, see below) | | Wednesday, January 8 | Diverse Learners Committee Meeting, 7:30pm in Media Center | | Saturday, January 11 | Parish 100th Anniversary Closing Liturgy, 4pm at Church | | Monday, January 13 - Friday, January 17 | iReady Mid-Year Diagnostic Testing Week | | Tuesday, January 14 | Weekly School Mass, 8:45am at Church | | Tuesday, January 14 | FSA Monthly Meeting, 7pm in Innovation Center | | Wednesday, January 15 | Preschool Admissions Coffee, 8:15am in Early Childhood | | Thursday, January 16 | Sweetheart Soiree Dance Set-up, after school | | Friday, January 17 | Home Run Inn Fun Food Orders due at 3pm | | Friday, January 17 | Sweetheart Soiree, 7pm in Gym | | Monday, January 20 | NO School Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | | |
Christmas Caroling
There are two parish Christmas caroling opportunities we wanted to share. Tonight, meet with fellow parishioners in the parking lot at 6:30pm before heading out to spread Christmas cheer to our homebound parishioners. The parish would love families with children to join this festive evening. Carolers will drive from house to house - all ages are welcome!
On Sunday, Deacon Flamm will hold a prayer service at Belhaven at 1:30pm. The service will conclude with caroling and treats for the residents. Consider joining Deacon Flamm and brightening the spirits of the Belhaven residents.
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Christmas Mass
Rejoice! We hope to see many of you at Christmas Mass. On Christmas Eve, our Children’s Choir will be singing at 4pm mass, with the musical prelude beginning at 3:30pm. There will also be a 10:30pm Christmas Eve Mass and a 10am Christmas Day Mass. Learn more.
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Upcoming School Events
Our upcoming days off and early dismissal calendar can be found here. Below, we are also highlighting some of our upcoming school events.
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First Mass After Break
On Tuesday, January 7, we invite parents/guardians to join our 8:45am weekly school mass. If you’re interested in taking part in the celebration of mass as a lector, gift-bearer, eucharistic minister or choir member, please reach out to Mr. Patrick McGowan at pmcgowan@stbarnabasparish.org.
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Mid-Year Testing
In January, students in grades K - 8 will complete mid-year standardized testing. During the week of January 13th, they will take the iReady Diagnostic Test. During the week of January 20, students in grades K-8 will take the Savvas/HMH curriculum-based assessments in ELA. These evaluations provide students, families, and staff with information about each student's academic progress to ensure they are challenged and supported appropriately.
All students must have wired headphones/earbuds to complete the test correctly. Please ensure your child is adequately prepared. Wireless Bluetooth earbuds (such as Apple Air Pods) are prohibited.
7th-Grade Families: Please note that the 7th-grade iReady results are part of the admissions process at many Catholic high schools in the area.
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Sweetheart Soiree Tickets Available!
The annual Sweetheart Soiree, hosted by the FSA is Friday, January 17. Girls in Preschool - Grade 8 are encouraged to bring their favorite date - father, grandfather, or any special adult. The evening includes dancing and desserts, and a photographer will be on hand to capture special moments.
Order your tickets in Membership Toolkit.
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Tax Info - School Tuition
Families may log into their FACTS tuition payment account to obtain their 2024 tax information. Click here for a guide to accessing the payment summary.
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Preschool Coffee & All-School Open House
Next month, we will host two admissions events: a smaller Preschool Admissions Coffee and our larger all-school Open House. Both events are important opportunities to showcase the school to prospective families. If you have local friends or neighbors not part of our school, please invite them to explore St. Barnabas. Our current school families play a significant role in making our school community strong and vibrant and serve as our best ambassadors!
Preschool Admissions Coffee
Wednesday, January 15, we welcome our youngest prospective Buckeyes to the school. Parents/Guardians will have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Stack, Ms. Sadowski, and some of our preschool teachers as the young children explore a PK Classroom. Learn more and spread the word!
School Open House
Sunday, January 26, please gather as a parish and school community for the 10am Mass. This mass is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on why we choose Catholic education. We encourage all families to attend.
After mass, current school families are invited to the school. See your child’s homeroom, chat with classmates and parent friends, and visit the gym for coffee and donuts. At that same time, prospective families will be touring the building. We love that our prospective families can share their experiences with current students and families. Learn more and help share Enrollment and Open House details!
Share on Social
If you are active on social media, we encourage you to share any of our posts in the coming weeks and months. This can help generate excitement and awareness about St. Barnabas School.
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PREPARING FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | |
Bulls Tickets
Monday, January 27, The Archdiocese, in partnership with the Chicago Bulls, has arranged a Catholic Schools Night at the United Center to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The Bulls take on the Denver Nuggets at 7pm. Purchase tickets here.
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Home Run Inn Fun Food
Thursday, January 30, the FSA will host Fun Food with Home Run Inn Pizza. Options include pizza (regular and GF) and chicken dippers. Volunteers are needed to help out with the day! As a reminder - Gilhooley's hot lunch is not available on Fun Food days. Place your order and register to volunteer by January 17
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Career Panel
Thursday, January 30, we are hosting a panel of professionals to speak to our students about their careers. If you are passionate about your job and interested in speaking with the students on Thursday, January 30 please fill out the interest form.
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Stocking Stuffer - Thank you to the 165 school families who contributed to the FSA’s Stocking Stuffer! Collections from the Stocking Stuffer, along with proceeds from the Men’s Club Progressive Mixer, are used towards a Christmas bonus for the staff. Many thanks to all who made this happen and to the families who contributed.
Christmas Pageants - It was an honor and blessing to welcome so many parents, grandparents, extended families, and friends to Church for both our Christmas pageants. Thank you to Mr. Rank, Mr Grant, and Mr. McGowan, along with all of our teachers and aides teachers, for meticulously bringing the pageant to life and allowing us to rejoice in the story of Christ’s birth. Please enjoy these beautiful Christmas Pageant photos captured by school parent Meghan Jones. (Password: Buckeyes) PK pageant photos are coming soon!
Culture Club - Thank you to our Culture Club for organizing another fun and informative Christmas Around the World, teaching us the importance of being a global society and appreciating and embracing all cultures. Thank you to Sr. Schell and Mrs. Gaytan for leading the students.
Luminaries - Many thanks to all who supported the 8th grade service project - Christmas Luminaries. Thank you to all those who purchased for our Christmas Eve display, to the many volunteer hours from our 8th-grade students and parents, and to Mrs. McGowan for leading the students. Remember to email pictures of your luminaries to mmcgowan@stbarnabasparish.org.
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We are a community of unique learners, always growing and learning.
Questions, Comments - Email us.
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