Spring has arrived, along with all of the fun activities that go with this busy and fun season. This past Sunday, the St. Barnabas community kicked off the week by celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph with a beautiful Mass and pasta dinner. It was a joyful reminder of the importance of gathering together in faith and community. Thank you to everyone who made it such a memorable evening. On Tuesday, we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our socks and sporting our Parker’s Party gear. The world is a more loving, kind, and happier place because of Parker, Danny, and all those who rock an extra chromosome! Many of our students came home this week with new books for their library from the Scholastic Book Fair. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made our book fair such a success for our school. 3rd & 4th grade enjoyed field trips to the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. It is always fun to learn and explore around the City of Chicago. We hope those attending the Foundation event this evening have a wonderful time; thank you for your kindness and generosity. Please keep our 8th graders in your thoughts and prayers as they are confirmed this Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend! ~ Mr. Stack and Ms. Sadowski | | | |
THE WEEK |
| Friday, March 24 | St. Barnabas Parent Foundation Casino Night, 6:30pm at Ridge CC | Sunday, March 26 | 8th Grade Confirmation, 1pm at Church | Monday, March 27 | School Board Meeting, 7pm Media Center | Wednesday, March 29 | 1:30pm Dismissal, Aftercare until 5:30pm | Friday, March 31 | 8th Grade Stations of the Cross, 1:45pm at Church | Friday, March 31 | Notre Dame Jazz Band Concert, 7pm at Gym | LOOKING AHEAD |
| Thursday, April 6 - Sunday, April 16 | Spring Break, No School | Monday, April 17 | Classes Resume | Monday, April 17 | 5th Grade Field Trip to Shedd Aquarium | Friday, April 21 | Boy’s 8th Grade Volleyball Pack the House, School Gym | Monday, April 24 | School Board Open Forum, 7pm | Tuesday, April 25 | 7th Grade Confirmation Info Night, 7pm at Church | Friday, April 28 | Young Authors Contest, final day to turn in completed books | Friday, April 28 | Service Day, 11:50am dismissal, aftercare not available | | |
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1:30PM DISMISSAL NEXT WEDNESDAY
Next week, Wednesday, March 29, is an early dismissal for all students as our staff participates in monthly professional development. Aftercare is available until 5:30pm.
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SPRING BREAK
Our spring break is Thursday, April 6 - Sunday, April 16. We look forward to welcoming the students back on Monday, April 17, at the regular 7:45am arrival time. The school office will be closed throughout the break.
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THANK YOU BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to the FSA and the generous and enthusiastic volunteers for making the Scholastic Book Fair a success for all our young readers! A special note of thanks to leader Carolyn Burke and the supportive team of Amy Keleher, Nora Klos, and Erin Liebenauer.
BOOK FAIR eWALLET, Remaining Balance
The remaining funds in eWallet accounts have been transferred by Scholastic to a “gift card balance.”
Log into your Scholastic account HERE, and check to see if you have remaining funds. Gift card balance can be used in two ways:
- Funds will NOT expire; you may save for a future Scholastic Book Fair.
- Use the funds to order books online. If you order online before April 4, Scholastic will give 25% of your purchase back to St. Barnabas School!
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8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION
This Sunday, March 26, the 8th-grade students will make their Sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep the students, their sponsors, and their families in your prayers as they make this important step in their faith journey.
Candidates and sponsors should arrive at Church by 12:15pm; the suggested apparel is “Sunday Best.” Upon arrival, students and their sponsors should check in at the Church Hall; coats and purses should be kept in the family pew. Bishop Birmingham will be available for photos in the Church Hall after Mass. 8th-grade students and their families not receiving the sacrament are encouraged to join their classmates at Mass.
Confirmation questions may be sent to Patrick McGowan, Director of Faith Formation, at pmcgowan@stbarnabasparish.org.
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CONFIRMATION PREPARATION for 7TH GRADE
This April, the 7th-grade families are invited to learn more about the continued preparations for their 2024 Sacrament of Confirmation. On Tuesday, April 25, we invite the 7th-grade students and parent(s)/guardians to join us at 7pm in the Church. You will hear from Mr. Patrick McGowan and Mrs. Molly McGowan about becoming a candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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RELIGION ASSESSMENT
All Catholic grammar schools within the Archdiocese of Chicago are required to participate in a standards-based religion assessment this school year. The standardized test will be completed on April 18 and 19 by our students in Preschool (age 4) - Grade 8. The goals of this assessment:
- To better understand strengths and opportunities in teaching and learning religion.
- To gauge student proficiency in relation to curriculum standards for religion.
- To support teachers and students in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.
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STAFF SNACKS and BEVERAGES
As a staff, we know that part of what makes the St. Barnabas School Community truly special is the kindness and generous spirit of our school families. We feel truly blessed and lucky by the weekly snack and beverages gifted to our staff. If you want to contribute next week, sign up HERE. Thank you!!
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SPORTS SCHEDULE
The Sports Schedule is back! Come cheer on our boys' volleyball athletes in grades 4-8. View the schedule for the week HERE. Thank you to Kevin O’Kelley for helping compile the schedules in an easy-to-view format.
JUNIOR BASKETBALL
Junior Basketball is almost here! Sessions begin the afternoon of Sunday, April 2. Registrants can expect an email next week with details and times. For questions, please contact Ms. Sadowski at gsadowski@stbarnabasparish.org.
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8TH GRADE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
On Friday, March 31 at 1:45pm in the Church, our 8th Grade students will present the Stations of the Cross. Our students have shown great dedication as they rehearse their roles, and we invite parents/guardians and family members to join us for this moving reenactment. Seating for families is available in the rear of the Church behind the student seating sections. Church doors will open at 1:30pm; parking is available on the east side of the parking lot (closest to Walden).
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NOTRE DAME JAZZ BAND
We are honored to welcome the Notre Dame Jazz Band to St. Barnabas on Friday, March 31. The jazz band will gather with our St. Barnabas School Band students for a clinic and shared dinner, then join together for an evening of incredible music. Thank you to the FSA and Band Director, Phil Enns, for coordinating this memorable experience. Doors open at 6:30pm on Friday, March 31!
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ADVERTISE IN THE SEUSSICAL PLAYBILL
Our spring musical will be here at the end of April, and our playbill is top-notch! Consider advertising your business and supporting St. Barnabas Theater Arts.
Business Ad pricing starts at $60 for a 1/2 page ad. You can purchase it on MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT.
For questions about business ads, please contact Shannon Griffin at sgriffin@stbarnabasparish.org.
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THANK YOU PARKER’S PARTY SUPPORTERS
Thank you for the incredible support of Parker’s Party. This year we had 77 polar plungers and even more cheerleaders! Thank you for helping raise over $25,000 for the Special Olympics of Chicago.
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ART CAMP
Rising St. Barnabas 1st through 8th-grade students are invited to join Art Teacher Ms. Bachler for an incredible summer camp experience. The camp will run from June 12 - June 23. REGISTER today. For questions, please contact Mrs. Bachler at nmalinowski@stbarnabasparish.org.
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YOUNG AUTHORS
The Annual FSA Young Authors contest is now open for registration! Register on MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT, all books are due by Friday, April 28. View the complete details HERE. Questions to Eileen Stoiber at stbarnabasyap@gmail.com.
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ONE Barnabas - We Belong to Each Other
Questions, Comments - Email us.
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