Ecumen Concert
We are looking forward to our concert this evening at Ecumen. Please remember to have your children to their classrooms by 6:00. They will return to the school about 7:30. Parents and siblings are welcome to join us for the Parent Social hosted by our School Committee during this time in the cafeteria. Following the concert, our students will wait for parents to pick them up in the assembly room. Special thanks to the School Committee for their ongoing leadership, but especially for this event.
Christmas Concert at St. Philip Church -- December 19
Families are welcome to attend either or both performances on 12/20. K-5 students are required to be at both. Students will be bused to the church at 1:00 for the 1:30 performance, and parents are asked to bring the children to the church at 6:00 PM for the evening performance. We ask that each family donate 2 dozen cookies which will be used for the receptions. They can be dropped off at the school Monday - Wednesday or taken directly to the church social hall on Thursday before the 1:30 performance. Students should dress up for all performances. Thanks to the kindergarten room parents, Tammy Joyer and Joan Olson, for their leadership in organizing the reception. If you are able to volunteer to help set up or clean up, please contact Tammy at tjoyer@schoolofstphilip.org.
Reconciliation Service
A Reconciliation Service will take place on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 at the Church of St. Philip. All Catholics are encouraged to make reception of this sacrament a regular practice, and this is a great opportunity!
Accreditation Update – Good News!
I am pleased to report that we received word from the MNSAA Board yesterday and they have issued us full accredited status. After more than a year of work, it is great to receive such wonderful feedback. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for the terrific staff who put in countless extra hours to prepare for the visit, the committees who offered their feedback and support, the steering committee for their wisdom and expertise, and the families for sharing well why we all love the School of St. Philip.
As is typical following the onsite visit, we will make revisions to our School Strategic Plan. This will then be posted on our website and updated annually.
Church Pick-up Schedule
Please note the following days/times we will be at the church and plan accordingly. Hicks buses will follow this plan.
· Fri., 12/13 Retreat Day. All day at the church with drop off and pick up there.
· Wed., 12/18 Concert Practice. 1-2:45 PM. Students will be dismissed from the church.
· Thurs., 12/19 Concert Day. 1:30 performance. Students will be dismissed from the church.
Searching for Our Savior Advent Retreat Day—TOMORROW 12/13
Please remember that we will spend our entire day at St. Philip Church tomorrow for our Advent Retreat. It promises to be a special day with lots of activities centered around the theme Searching for Our Savior. Some notes:
· Hicks buses will drop off and pick up our students at the church and those parents who transport their children are reminded to do so there as well.
· We will have Mass at 8:30 (families are always encouraged to join us) and Reconciliation for grades 2-5 at 11:00.
· Pray for us!
Birthday Bags
Remember to get your Birthday Bags in by next Thursday so we can deliver them to the food shelf before break.
Winter Weather
Just a reminder that during these winter months we will alert you as soon as possible for cancellations, early closures, and delays. The easiest way is to receive a notice via the REMIND app. Most of you signed up at the parent night or shortly thereafter, but if you have not yet done so, please use this tutorial to help you.
We follow the Litchfield School District and Hicks Bus directives when determining delays and closures. As noted in our handbook, announcements will be made on KLFD AM 1410 and KSTP TV. The School of St. Philip will send out a REMIND, an email, and post it on Facebook as quickly as possible. Preschool classes will be cancelled on days when there is a late start.
Catholic Schools Week
When we return from break, Catholic Schools Week (CSW) will be just weeks away. I’ll be sending home communication asking for help with various activities and wanted to give you a heads-up. We will be looking for helpers for all Masses on January 26—readers, choir members, gifts, ushers, etc. Please plan to attend and help out as a family where possible. Catholic United Financial will also be hosting a breakfast that morning which benefits the school. We will need helpers with serving and clean-up. Our trip to Powder Ridge is scheduled for Thursday, 1/30,
A brief outline of the events planned so far:
Sunday: Mass, Breakfast, Talent Show*
*We are welcoming alumni to come back and perform as well. Help us spread the word!
Wednesday: Flapjacks for Families – Join us for breakfast!
Career Day—We will visit local businesses and will need adults to help chaperone.
Thursday: Grades 2-5 trip to Powder Ridge
Friday: Mass in the morning and BINGO in the afternoon
