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St. Patrick Catholic School
Principal's Newsletter
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December 14, 2023
Dear families,
As we approach Christmas, it is with great joy and gratitude that I reflect on the blessings that surround us at St. Patrick Catholic School. Our close-knit school community continues to thrive, thanks to the concerted efforts of our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and the unwavering support from our parish.
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the backbone of our school – the office ladies. Jackie, Allison, and Michelle, their tireless work behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Your efficiency, warmth, and dedication create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Your commitment to the smooth functioning of our school is truly appreciated.
Our teaching and support staff at St. Patrick Catholic School are nothing short of exceptional. Their passion for education, commitment to the well-being of our students, and innovative teaching methods contribute significantly to the holistic development of each child. It's inspiring to witness their dedication to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment within our school walls. We have truly amazing teachers, teacher associates and support staff. Our students are fortunate to have such outstanding people teaching and caring for our students.
I also want to express my gratitude to our outstanding food service team, led by Jody. Their commitment to providing nutritious and delicious meals is instrumental in ensuring our students are well-fed and ready to learn. Their hard work is evident, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team contributing to the well-being of our students.
Jeff and Matt keep our school up and running. From making sure the heat and air conditioning are up and running, to taking care of all the building needs. Their work is greatly appreciated. They are willing to do whatever is needed to ensure that everything is functioning well, while taking care of many projects throughout the year. Their contribution to our school does not go unseen.
The unwavering support from our parish is a pillar of strength for our school community. The collaboration between the school and the parish enhances the spiritual and educational experience of our students. Together, we continue to nurture a sense of faith and community that sets St. Patrick Catholic School apart.
Last but certainly not least, the support of our parents is invaluable. Your involvement, encouragement, and commitment to your child's education create a strong foundation for their success. The partnership between parents, teachers, and staff is at the heart of our thriving community. You continue to do so much for our students and staff to ensure our success.
Together, we make St. Patrick Catholic School a place of growth, learning, and love. Thank you for being an integral part of this wonderful journey. I know I am blessed and grateful to be a part of such an outstanding school and school community.
In gratitude,
Mr. Wiebers
Reminder from CPTO about the Staff Christmas Fund
Parents, Want to do something for your child’s teachers this Christmas? Here’s an easy way to give them just what they want! Our last day of collecting donations for our CPTO Christmas Fund is tomorrow, December 15! Donations are divided among teachers, bus drivers, associates, day care workers, office staff, and kitchen personnel. Staff will receive a Scrip gift certificate which allows them to select a Scrip card of their choice. This is an easy way to cover all of the special people that make our school great!
Collecting Donations For Matthew 25
Students at St Patrick Catholic School are embracing the spirit of giving and compassion by organizing a special initiative to support Matthew 25. Our final day of collecting for Matthew 25 is tomorrow, December 15th. This year we are focusing on essential personal care items. Items suggested for donation include men's and women's deodorant, full size body wash, shampoo and conditioner. All items can be dropped off at the school office, or sent with your student.
Congratulations to our week 14 Football Bash winners!
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade Christmas Program
This year our K-1st/2nd Christmas program will be held on December 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the Dutcher Gym. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Student are to meet in the church commons at 6:15 p.m. to get lined up. Performing students are asked to wear their Christmas attire, or their school uniform. No jeans or sweatpants.
Circle of Care not available after school Dec 21st
After school Circle of Care will not be available on Thursday, December 21st. Please make sure that you have arrangements in place to pick up your students from school at 3:20 p.m. and preschool by 3:15 p.m. Circle of Care will be closed throughout Christmas break, and will resume normal hours when we return from break on January 3rd.
Christmas Break Dec 22-Jan 2
Our dates for Christmas break this year are Friday, December 22nd through Tuesday, January 2nd. We will return to our normal schedule on Wednesday, January 3rd. Please keep in mind that when we are closed for break there is no school, preschool or daycare available. Enjoy your time with family!
Catholic Schools Week!
Catholics Schools Week 2024 will be January 28-February 3. A schedule of all the fun events will be available in early January. Our Catholic Schools Week Committee is asking for parent and student volunteers to help make this a great week! Pull up our Volunteer SignUp to sign up by Friday, January 12. There are a lot of opportunities to help!
Educational Savings Accounts
Education Savings Accounts, ESAs, have given parents a choice in their child's education. Catholic education is becoming more affordable for families. For more than 35% of families, the Our Faith Student Tuition Organization, or STO, is the first piece of financial assistance income qualified families rely on. Even with the ESA's this year, more than 3100 students in the Archdiocese of Dubuque received more than $5.5 million in tuition assistance from the STO. Iowa taxpayers that donate to the STO receive a 75% Iowa tax credit, or 75 cents back for every dollar you contribute on your Iowa tax return. The 75% STO tax credit is the only tax credit of its kind, and it reduces the amount of taxes you pay to the state of Iowa at tax time. If you want to learn more about how to turn your taxes into tuition, watch this video, call the school office or go to OurFaithSTO.org.
Annual Appeal
The kickoff to our Annual Appeal has begun! Appeal letters were sent via the US postal service, and we have had a very generous, immediate response, to our request. Thank you to those early donors! Please know that money donated to our Annual Appeal is allocated into our Student Impact Fund. Donations this year will help us meet our goal of having a safe surface installed for our playground equipment area.
Open House Date Set!
Please mark Sunday, January 21st on your calendar for our preschool and K-8th school Open House. This is the perfect time to tell your friends and neighbors how great we are, and encourage them to come visit! Our preschool and main school building will be open from 8:30 a.m to 11:15 a.m to come tour, and learn more about the wonderful things happening at Clover Patch Preschool and St Patrick Catholic School.
The Main Event! Feb 10, 2024
Our Main Event is on the calendar! Make sure to save the date for our evening celebration. Planning is currently underway, with more details to be coming soon!
Winter Weather Alerts
St. Patrick School Scrip Program
Stock up on Scrip
Looking for gift ideas for those on your Christmas list? We have gift cards available through our Scrip program. Visit the Order Scrip page on our website for more information. Place your order through your Raise Right account, email scrip@cfcatholicschool.org, or print a paper form.
Fareway Grocery has been added to the RaiseRight line up, but we will still be selling Scrip cards from our local Fareway store. If you would like to continue to support local, and possibly receive your Scrip cards sooner, choose "Fareway Local $__ " when placing your Scrip order on the app. Cards ordered as "Fareway Meat & Grocery" will be coming from Fareway corporate through RaiseRight.
You will find many other local gift card vendors available on our paper order sheet and on the RaiseRight app if you'd like to support our local community!
Columbus Sailor Section
Sailor Nation Athletics
There are several sports opportunities through Sailor Nation for students as young as Kindergarten age. Click on the graphic to see what's available. Contact information is included. These clinics and clubs through Sailor Nation do involve a fee.
Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys: Sailor Nation Baseball Season
March - June, 2024
Phil Nash, 319-883-0277, philnash31@gmail.com
Courtney Donohue, 319-240-1816, Donohue.Courtney@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest in Sailor Baseball! We need to know if your child would like to participate as we begin planning for the 2024 spring/summer season! If you expressed interest when you signed up for the clinic, you won't need to fill this out too.
Our seasons typically start with practices in late March or early April depending on weather and facilities. We will divide into groups based on grade level. I'm hoping this year to have a team per grade but the numbers will dictate that. We have practiced 2x per week, and played in a league with games 2x per week, and during that time will try to practice 1x per week still. There is potential for tournaments if the families and coaches and players are up for it, it depends on the team.
Fill out the form and we will start to communicate for uniform fitting in January, split up teams and get coaches lined up, and be ready to roll in March. Happy to answer any questions if you give me a call. Thanks!
Deadline to register is 2nd week of January.
https://forms.gle/UkzGhWEs6YRfKyr5A
Thank you,
Brian Herbst
IN CASE YOU MISSED THESE...
Fall Volunteer Sign Up upcoming needs are at the top of the list
Monthly Events at St. Patrick
Our next night to volunteer at the NE Iowa Foodbank will be on Nov. 14th from 6-7:30p.m. We no longer are limited to a specific group size but they would still like an estimate for how big our groups will be, so we ask people wanting to sign-up to email erinyoungblut@gmail.com and let her know.
St. Patrick Catholic School
Clover Patch Preschool Ages 3-5
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Email: office@cfcatholicschool.org
Website: cfcatholicschool.org
Location: Cedar Falls, IA, USA
Phone: 319-277-6781