This week has been an incredible opportunity to reflect and celebrate all things we love about Catholic education. We thank our School Board, parent and student volunteers, and staff who supported our Open House. Your enthusiasm and kind spirit helped us showcase all the wonderful things about our school. Prospective families were engaged and excited, and we are filled with optimism for the 2023-2024 school year. This week has been a whirlwind of positive energy with our Catholic School’s Week Celebrations organized by Student Council. Wheel of Wisdom, a beautiful student liturgy, an inspirational career panel of our parents & community members, teacher-student relay races and a volleyball game, a St. Rita band concert, and a generous staff lunch hosted by our magnificent FSA have filled our hearts. Thank you for being part of the best school in the world! We love you St. Barnabas. ~ Mr. Stack and Ms. Sadowski

PARKER’S PARTY POLAR PLUNGE

Parker’s Party is a group of inspired and fun-loving students and families who take the annual plunge into Lake Michigan in support of Special Olympics and 7th-grade student Parker Baudo. Over the last six years, Parker’s Party has raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics. All are welcome to take the plunge or support the charity. The kick-off party is tonight, Friday, February 3, from 7pm-10pm at Barney Callahan’s (all ages welcome). The Polar Plunge will take place on Sunday, March 5. Join the team or contribute HERE.  Help spread the word by sharing the link with your friends, family, and social media. Questions, please connect with Ms. Sadowksi at [email protected].

UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS

Kindergarten and 1st Grade - Wednesday, February 8

Kindergarten and 1st-grade students will attend a performance of Charlotte's Web at Moraine Valley Community College on Wednesday, February 8. Students should dress in gym attire and will be back in time for their regularly scheduled lunch at St. Barnabas.

7th and 8th Grade - Thursday, February 9

7th and 8th-grade students will work directly with athletes from the Special Olympics in an intramural soccer event at Pulman Community Center on Thursday, February 8. Students should wear athletic attire with gym shoes, and a Special Olympic t-shirt will be provided when onsite. Special Olympics will provide free transportation and a pizza lunch for all.

SCHOOL MUSICAL

Final day to register!

Today, Friday, February 3, is the final day to register for Seussical, Jr! All 5th - 8th-grade students are invited to join the cast or crew. Cast auditions will take place February 8 - 9th, and performance weekend is April 27-29. View the complete details HERE.

ATHLETICS

Game Schedule of the Week

VIEW the Grade 4-8 Boys' Basketball and Girls' Volleyball Schedule for the Week.



Boys Volleyball - final day to register!

Today, Friday, February 3, is the final day to register for boys' volleyball. Open to grades 4-8, the season runs from early March through early May. One practice and one-two games per week are expected. Enroll on REGISTRATION BUZZ.

Junior Basketball and Soccer Registration is Open -

Registration is now open for Spring Soccer, grades K-8 and Junior Basketball, grades K-3.  Junior Basketball runs from late March through early May on Sunday afternoons in the school gym. Soccer also runs from late March through early May; expect one weekly game (various days of the week and locations) and one-two practices per week. Enroll on REGISTRATION BUZZ.

Pack the House is next weekend -  

Come to the gym to cheer on our Girls’ Volleyball on Friday night, February 10th, followed by the Boys’ Basketball on Saturday night, February 11th.  

ST. BALDRICK'S DAY

St. Baldrick’s Day is Friday, March 3rd! This school-wide celebration serves as a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and an opportunity to honor the life of our beloved St. Barnabas student Patrick McNamara, “Pat Mac,” who passed away from cancer in 2011. 

Pat Mac touched the lives of every member of the St. Barnabas School community, and his 7th-grade classmates began the first St. Baldricks’s event at St. Barnabas to support Pat and his family. The tradition continues, and we honor Pat’s legacy through our support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Raising funds through shaving heads, trimming long hair, or wearing Pat Mac spirit wear allows an opportunity for all our families to give back. Click the FLYER for the full details on how you can be involved. Pat Mac spirit wear may be worn to school on Friday, March 3; order HERE by Sunday, February 12.

SB PARENT FOUNDATION

The St. Barnabas Parent Foundation, established earlier this school year, is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Their primary goal is to raise funds to provide an annual monetary gift to teachers and academic staff and to fund professional advancement. Learn more about the foundation HERE.  

On Friday, March 24, the foundation will host their inaugural fundraising event, “Bet on the Buckeyes,” at Ridge Country Club. View sponsorship and branding opportunities HERE. Thank you to the generous DONORS who have already contributed to the event. General event tickets go on sale on Tuesday, February 7, for $150 per ticket.  

SCHOOL BOARD SHARE

The School Advisory Board was incredibly pleased and proud of our students, staff, administrators, parents, and parish community at the Open House on Sunday, January 29. The school was filled with smiles, interested and interesting people, and activities that showed St. Barnabas School at its best. The Board, in particular, wants to thank Father Donovan, Mr. Stack, and Ms. Sadowski for their leadership and all of the school's teachers and staff for their work in creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Reminders and information:

• The next School Advisory Board meeting is Monday, February 27 at 7 pm. We will continue our discussions regarding the Strategic Plan, and we hope to finalize our Visitor Policy at the February meeting. 
• School Board committees remain open for all those who would like to participate. If you are interested, please email the Board at [email protected]. 

GET BEHIND THE VEST

We are so grateful for the dedication and protection of the Chicago police officers. On Tuesday, February 14, join us in spreading love to our police officers with a special 8:45am Mass. On Thursday, February 16, we will enjoy a dress-down day to raise funds supporting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest campaign. All students who donate $3 via MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT may dress down in school-appropriate blue clothing.  Since 2015, St. Barnabas School has raised over $8,500 in support of the Get Behind the Vest initiative! 

AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

The FSA is still accepting enrollment for:

Chess Club, Tuesdays from 3pm - 4pm.  Open to Grades K - 8.

Academic Team, Mondays from 3pm - 4pm. Open to Grades 6-8.

Register today on MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT

Yoga Class is now full.

Before and After Care is Hiring!

Before and Aftercare is looking to add to their support staff, Mondays-Fridays from 6am - 7:45 or 3pm - 6pm. Interested candidates may email Ms. Jan, Before and Aftercare Program Director, at [email protected].

SCRIP

Scrip is a gift-card fundraising program that can assist school families with tuition costs. Hundreds of national brands and many local companies participate in the program. Consider using SCRIP for everyday shopping and any upcoming events you may be hosting - Super Bowl Sunday parties, Valentine’s Day treats and flowers, birthday parties, St. Patrick’s Day, spring break, and Communion and graduation parties. View local vendors HERE. Questions about Scrip can be directed to Julie McGrath at [email protected].