DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Dear Parent,
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. We all have so much to be thankful for, and I pray that God continues to watch over and bless your families.

I have always been struck by the generosity of our families and grateful for all the kindness and support given to our school. During our recent Book Fair, I was again struck by your generosity. This year we asked for help in supporting St. Augustine Mission School in Winnebago, as they build up their library with new books. The support for this school was outstanding! St. Augustine was thrilled to be the recipient of your generosity. Thank you all so much! 

Our families, teachers, and staff continue to "Be More" in so many ways. Thank you on behalf of all the families and students that have been touched by your generosity.

Advent begins on Sunday, December 1. As we move through Advent, I invite you to take this time, as a family, to get ready for the birth of Jesus. I encourage you to stop, embrace, and enjoy the upcoming weeks. During Advent all students in grades P-8 will participate in the EPS Advent Baby Shower sponsored by the Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities. We did this last year, and everyone was overwhelmed by the generosity of all.  See picture below from last year.

All items donated need to be new. Items can be brought to the junior high commons or the upper commons from December 2 - December 13. Below are the items needed:

Diapers – all sizes

Baby Lotion

Baby Wipes

Baby Wash

Winter Baby Clothes – all sizes

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you gather in thanksgiving and love over the next few weeks. I thank God for each of you!!

With gratitude,

Dr. Barbara Marchese

Principal 

National Vocations Awareness Week was celebrated November 4-8 at SVdP, and students participated in many activities. Teachers included vocation lessons throughout the week that included creating cards and letters to send to our seminarians. Upper grade students learned about vocations in the video, “Fishers of Men." This video focused on the priesthood as a vocation. Seventh and eighth grade students also participated in a vocations essay contest organized by the SVdP Vocations Committee, and finalists were recognized at the Mass on November 12. The students were asked to write a 300-word reflection on the subject, “My Calling on My Vocation Journey." Let us all continue to pray for men and women as they contemplate their vocations. 

The finalists were...

Back Row: Gabriela Rodriguez, Grant Dombrowski, Molly Barth, Jillian White
Front Row: Father Roza, Max Pattrin, Caroline Pirsch, Vinny Burton 

Not pictured: Hayden Marquis

Thanksgiving Vacation

Thanksgiving vacation begins Tuesday, November 26 at 3:15 P.M.  Classes resume Monday, December 2. We pray that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for as a school community. We are very thankful for our students, teachers, staff and families. Happy Thanksgiving!

Inclement Weather

With the cold weather and SNOW upon us, we want to remind you about the expectations for winter apparel at recess time. For all the students in grades K-8, winter coats, gloves or mittens, and something to cover the head are important. In the event of inclement weather, please listen to radio station KFAB (1110 AM) or any local TV station for school closing information. St. Vincent de Paul follows the decision made by Omaha Catholic Schools.

Also, if sending your female students with leggings, please remember that leggings must extend to the ankle bone. Socks must be worn and leggings (red, white, or solid navy blue) should not be worn as pants.

Student Fundraiser Success!

Thank you to all the school families that supported the student fundraiser! We set a goal to raise $20,000. We surpassed that goal and will receive a check for $26,572!

Other noteworthy fundraiser numbers:
85 - Greatest number of sales by one student. Great job, Mila Stottle!
365 - Number of students who made at least one sale (Dress Down Day for all students who made at least one sale is on Monday, November 25th!)
100 - Number of "Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels" bought—SVdP’s most popular item!
550 - Greatest number of “shares” by one student. Great job, Madilyn Kiichler!

With the money earned, the school will be able to provide seating near the playground for the students of SVdP!

End Of First Semester/Christmas Break

December 20 marks the end of the 2nd quarter and 1st semester as well as the beginning of Christmas vacation. We will have a 12:00 P.M. dismissal on December 20th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Report cards will be sent home with each student on Tuesday, January 17.

Kindergaretn Intent List for 2025-2026

Parents: Do you have a child ready to attend Kindergarten in 2025-2026?  

If you have placed your child's name on the Kindergarten Intent List for the 2025-2026 school year, you will receive a letter from Dr. Marchese in December explaining the registration process.  

If your child's name is NOT on the Kindergarten Intent List but you have a child who is ready for the 2025-2026 school year, please let us know, as Kindergarten registration begins in December.  

If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Eden or Dr. Marchese in the school office at 402-492-2111.

New Kindergarten Parent Meeting

An informational meeting for parents who have applied for a spot for their child in the 2025-2026 kindergarten class will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in the Media Center. Tours will begin at 6:00 P.M. if interested.

Parents who already have children in St. Vincent de Paul School are always welcome but are not expected to attend this meeting. Feel free to call the office at 402-492-2111 with any questions.