The Borromeo Bulletin - #13

Home of the Bobcats: November 28, 2020

Thoughts from Dr. Voelkl

Tomorrow, November 29th marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

In addition to our school Advent wreath each classroom will have individual wreathes. The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing. The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

As we enter into this Advent season we pray for opportunities to fill our hearts with Christ and the many blessings of the season.

Dr. Voelkl

BASK and Cafe

Where do I find out how much money I owe for BASK and/or cafe?

Go to the home page of FACTS. Then click on "Family" on the left hand side of the the screen. Then Cafe and BASK will appear on the center of that page. You can click on the blue "details" word and that will open up the account. REMEMBER a positive balance indicates that you owe money and a negative balance indicates that you have money in your account.

Please make cafe checks out to FSC or use paypal fsccafe@borromeoschool.com

Please make BASK checks out to SCB with Bask in the memo.

Covid Updates

PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMAIN MINDFUL OF THE FOLLOWING...

If anyone in the household is being tested every member of the household should remain at home until results have been obtained.
Please to continue to keep children at home if they are exhibiting symptoms.
After reviewing the policies outlined by Governor Parsons, the St. Charles County Health Department has adjusted their quarantine policy. At this time we have been instructed that in cases which meet guidelines for close contact in terms of proximity and length of time, the quarantine is a modified format if masks were worn by both parties. The new guidelines allow for attendance at school while still following all previous guidelines related to quarantining. We have been informed that additional information will be sent from the Archdiocese on Monday as well.

Nurse Quarando Updates

If your child is sick, please notify Mrs. Quarando at nurse@borromeoschool.com

*** Update- We are hearing from hospitals that colds are not really going around currently. These cold symptoms are actually Covid right now. It seems to be presenting as what feels like a head cold. If you or your child has these symptoms, please contact you or your child's doctor.

** Mrs. Quarando is calling from the number 636-946-1373. Please add this number to your phones so you know that SCB is calling you. If you call that number back, it will go through the main school office as of right now (our hope is to get a direct line soon).

We have found that the "gators" are used for many things, not just covering the mouth. They have become a distraction rather than a barrier for Covid. We ask that you kindly do not purchase any more for school after Thanksgiving. If your child needs multiple reminders we will offer them a standard mask. Thanks for your help!

PLEASE go to FACTS and fill out the medical portion of each child. It is very important for us to know about your child. Please let us know any medication they may take in the morning- ADHD, Allergy, etc

Virtual Expectations

The ability for our students to learn virtually through the use of livestream cameras is a tremendous blessing as well as privilege for all of our students. In talking with each of the teachers there seems to be a trend of students hopping on and off cameras for a variety of reasons. As an office staff we try and send a message to our faculty each evening updating them with information related to which students to expect virtually for reason of quarantine etc. While we do not want students missing instruction, we do want our teachers to feel prepared for their day of instruction. Especially, at the younger grade levels students who all of the sudden "appear" on camera may not have the necessary supplies and materials for the lesson being delivered. In cases of quarantine of lengthier absences we have been able to arrange pick-up's and/or drop-off of materials. THANK YOU for continuing to communicate with both the office and individual classroom teachers regularly.

Childcare Dec. 4

Due to Covid and so many changes for our teacher, we are utilizing Friday, Dec 4 for a full Professional Development day, which means we will not be offering class time. We understand this may put some of you in a bind, so we will offer our services for free from 7:30-12. Please know we are hoping you are able to find alternative places for them to go, so this is being structured for those that do not have any other options. We will also offer "normal" BASK for kids to continue to stay until 6PM. You will be charged the normal fees from 12:01-6:00 PM.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f45aaaf23a3ff2-bask5

Athletic Association Updates

The Athletic Association is happy to announce that we now have a new Registration Coordinator! Thank you Shane Rasch for your help!

We are still in need of a Ref and also a Volleyball Coordinator. If you are interest in serving or would like additional information, please contact Mike Murray at murraymp2@yahoo.com.

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Kuddos Korner

THANK YOU to ALL of the parents who have continued to share special snacks, treats etc. with our teachers. It is never expected and ALWAYS appreciated!

THANK YOU to ALL of the families that donated masks to our nurse's office.

THANK YOU to the families whose generosity allowed us to purchase additional outdoor students for our families and teachers.

THANK YOU to the families who supported our 7th grade students in their efforts to raise funds for a local family whose home was lost in a fire.

Recess Duty

If you have some free time, we would love your help! Volunteers have always been such a huge blessing to us. We have found a way for you to help

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f45aaaf23a3ff2-recess

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Prayers

Continued prayers for Vernon, a member of our maintenance staff, whose father-in-law passed away. May he find healing, peace and comfort.

Please pray for all the families that are being affected by Covid.

Please pray for all members and families of the military near and far who may or may not be able to be home with their families currently.

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Teacher Treats

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Teacher Treats continued

Can you help once a month???

We would like to collect food for our Mini Vinnie Program. This program helps feed many families in the Orchard Farm school district. Please help as much as you can!

Dec 7: It's Chilly Out There: 15 oz. Chilli

Jan 11: Soup-er Bowl: Condensed Chicken Noodle, Condensed Tomato, Non-Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, Non-Condensed Beef & Vegetable

Feb 1: Snack Attack: Rice Krispie Treats, Ind. Cheez-its, 6 pack Cracker sandwiches, Pudding, Ind. Cookie Packages, Pudding Cups

Mar 1: Be Cheesy: Mac N Cheese boxes

Apr 19: Grains For Brains: NutriGrain Breakfast Bars, Granola Bars

May 3: It's What For Breakfast: Full Size Boxes of Cereal

pdf

insert_drive_file

Scrip Order Form.pdf

Click here to print off the order form

Permission for Child Delivery of Scrip and Waiver of Claim (1).pdf

Print this off and send it in if you would like your order to be sent home with your child.

Download

33.1 KB

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Important Dates

New info is Bold.. this is just to help keep you updated.... please look at our google calendar as well.

2020-2021

* Nov 25: NO SCHOOL!!!!!!!

* Nov 26-27: Thanksgiving break

* Nov 30: Spirit Dress down day

* Dec 2: First Reconciliation

* Dec 4: Dismiss at noon- CHANGE-FULL DAY OFF

* Dec 7: Spirit Dress Down Day- It's Chilly Out There: 15 oz. Chilli

* Dec 14: Spirit Dress Down Day

* Dec 21: Spirit Dress Down Day

* Dec 22- CHANGE- DISMISS AT NOON & Dress down in Christmas clothes

* Dec 23- Jan 4: Christmas Break- No School

* Jan 11: Spirit Dress Down Day-Soup-er Bowl: Condensed Chicken Noodle, Condensed Tomato, Non-Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, Non-Condensed Beef & Vegetable

* Jan 18: No School MLK Day

* Jan 25: Spirit Dress Down Day

* Feb 1: Spirit Dress Down Day- Snack Attack: Rice Krispie Treats, Ind. Cheez-its, 6 pack Cracker sandwiches, Pudding, Ind. Cookie Packages, Pudding Cups

* Feb 8: Spirit Dress Down Day

* Feb 12- Dismiss at Noon

* Feb 13-14: LUKE 18 - In person retreat

* Feb 15- No School- Presidents Day

* Feb 16- Spirit Dress Down Day

* Feb 22: Spirit Dress Down Day

* Feb 26 -27: LUKE 18 - Virtual option

* March 1--Spirit Dress Down Day- Be Cheesy: Mac N Cheese boxes

* March 5: Dismiss at noon

* March 8: Spirit Dress Down Day

* March 15--Spirit Dress Down Day

* March 22--Spirit Dress Down Day