Mrs. Mulvanerty's Update

Greetings, SKS!!!

Happy Sunday!

I'm getting an early start on this update to remind you that at 2pm Monsignor Brouwers will be in the playground for the BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS in honor of St. Francis of Assisi! My dog, Eddie, and I hope to see you there! As many of you know, St. Francis lived a life of simplicity and deep connection to God's creatures. His call to live simply feels especially relevant in our busy world today.

You will see from this update (PLEASE READ IN FULL FOR TONS OF ANNOUNCEMENTS) that there is so much happening at school! St. Francis reminds us that in all of our business it is important to pause, reflect and take a breath. Living simply is about more than decluttering; it's about taking a moment each day for quiet, prayer and setting intention.

With that in mind, I am inspired by our amazing 5th graders, who share a few examples of their own daily intentions here! I encourage all of us to join our students in the practice of daily prayer and setting an intention. Whether it's before the morning rush or when a day just feels overwhelming, take a minute to pause and focus on what matters most.

Wishing you all a peaceful week!

G.B.Y.*

Jeanne Mulvanerty

*GOD BLESS YOU!!

Dear Parents,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sister Geri Rogers SSJ (Sister of St. Joseph). My teaching career has taken me to schools in Philadelphia, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina. I have taught first, third, sixth, and seventh grades. In 2002, I became Assistant Principal for five years. In 2017, I took the position of Principal until June 2024. I retired from full time ministry at the end of the school year with the hopes of volunteering in a Catholic elementary school and to be closer to my family.

St. Katharine’s has been an answer to my prayer. Monsignor Brouwers has welcomed me to the parish. Sister Cathy and Sister Nancy have made me feel at home in the convent while Mrs. Mulvanerty graciously accepted my offer to volunteer at the school. Presently, I am helping small groups in first grade and helping with lunch recess duty.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, and to those who have already welcomed me. I look forward to meeting more of the SKS family as I wend my way around the hallways and lovely grounds.

Here’s to a wonderful Autumn season for all! Let’s try to take time to enjoy God’s wondrous creation.

Sincerely.

Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ

A lockdown drill is a practice exercise where students and staff practice the procedures to follow if there were ever a threat inside or near our school. It's similar to a fire drill, but instead of evacuating, everyone stays inside and follows specific safety protocols. If you feel your child has specific needs or sensitivites that would make participating in the drill challenging, please let me know by 3pm on Monday. Our school counselor will be available for support. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our community safe!

Lisa Magargal has resigned her position as school nurse. We are actively seeking Lisa's replacement and are very close to having a part-time solution. I am seeking an additional part-time job share for the other portion of the schedule and to expand our sub list.

In the meantime, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remains a top priority. All of our teachers and staff are trained and certified annually in the signs and symptoms of a severe food allergy reaction and in administering Epipens. In addition, Susan Hodgens and Anne Condello have been covering the nurse's office during the day to handle the first aid, student illnesses, and any other situations as they arise. We also currently receive nursing support from Radnor School District, and that will continue moving forward.

If you or anyone you know would like to apply for the position of school nurse, please email me!

Thanks to all of you who have been following our dismissal procedures -- it's so important to student safety! Three important Reminders:
1. Please avoid last-minute dismissal changes. If you have a dismissal change, please contact your teacher and Susan Hodgens before 2pm (earlier is better!) After 2pm we cannot accommodate your request.

2. Walkers are walkers, car pick ups are carline. Please do not park near school or in the parish center if your are picking up in cars.

3. Car line begins at 2:45. Please do not line up more than 5 minutes in advance. The neighbors are not happy when cars are lining up early -- sometimes even half an hour ahead. If you would like to get through the carline quickly, it's better to come towards the later side once the cars are flowing through!

Thank you for your cooperation!

Click here to access the parent guidebook referenced above!

Girls Winter Uniform, k-4

Green plaid jumper

White short sleeve Bermuda collar blouse or white long sleeve Bermuda collar blouse

Navy crewneck cardigan w/ school logo

Navy leggings w/ navy socks, navy knee high socks, navy tights

Girls Winter Uniform, 5-8

Green plaid 2 pleat skort (new in 2023) or green plaid wrap-around kilt or navy wrap-around kilt

Choice of shirts: White short sleeve oxford shirt or white long sleeve oxford blouse White short sleeve polo shirt w/school logo or white long sleeve polo shirt w/school logo

Navy v-neck sweater vest w/school logo or navy v-neck pullover sweater w/school logo

Navy 1/4 zip sweatshirt w/school logo

Navy crew socks, knee high socks, tights, navy leggings with navy socks

Girls Winter Uniform, k-8 Options

Navy girls' flat front slacks Navy poly/spandex leggings worn with navy socks

Navy crew socks, knee high socks, tights

Jewelry hair accessories - a cross or religious medal may be worn. Small post earrings only. One single bracelet only. No makeup is permitted, including nail polish for grades k-7. Plain simple barrettes or headbands that complement the uniform.

Boys Winter Uniform, k-8

All boys may wear long sleeve polo shirt or oxford shirt & tie during winter months beginning 2023-24. Twill navy twill pants

White short sleeve oxford shirt or White long sleeve oxford shirt

White long sleeve polo shirt w/school logo

Navy v-neck sweater vest w/school logo '

Navy v-neck pullover sweater w/school logo

Navy 1/4 zip

Navy tie

Black/brown reversible leather belt (grades 1-8)

Navy crew socks

Thank you to the Sweeney family for Supporting SKS in our auction! Their boys, Carter, Nolan and Preston were excellent Principals for the Day! I especially appreciated their support in handing out Golden Tickets, evaluating teachers, and handing out pretzels. Way to go!

What a pleasure it was to see some of our high school graduates return to SKS at 7:30am for a photo shoot on their old playground. I love this show of brotherhood and expression of love for their SKS roots, and thought you would too! Please check out this great photo -- credit to Tiny Elephant studios.

Next weekend begins our annual 40 Hours of Devotion. Some of you may know Fr. Jeremy Heirs as he was assigned at Villanova for awhile. He is now the Director of Justice and Peace for the Augustinians. I know Fr. Jeremy's presentations will be well worth your time -- don't miss this great opportunity for prayer and reflection.

For more announcements about SKS activities and clubs, CYO, and parish activities, click here!

October 6 - Blessing of the Animals, 2pm

October 7 No School - Faculty In-Service

October 8 Winter Uniform Begins

October 10 Admissions Open House

October 11 Elective Day Grades 5-8

October 14 Dress Down Day

October 15 School Photos, Middle School Youth Group

October 16 5, 6, and 7th Grade Field Trips

October 18 Walk with the Principal

October 22 Monthly School Mass Prepared by 8th Grade

October 25 1st Grade Saints Presentation

October 27 Trunk or Treat

October 29 Middle School Youth Group

October 31 Halloweenathon