Charger Check-In
February 10, 2022
A Note from Ms. Owens
Let me begin by saying that I am so very grateful to be part of the St. Catherine of Alexandria community. This has been a tumultuous week for our school community. While the week began with two incredibly hard days, our Wednesday and Thursday brought more calm, kindness and normalcy. As we had our first day of school with masks being optional, we began the day with our regular announcements of birthdays, morning prayers and the Pledge of Allegience. Following the pledge, I shared this message:
"Good morning, Chargers. I am so happy that each and every one of you is here with us today. And we all know that today is a day of change about masks. Some of us will be comfortable without masks on today, and some of us will be more comfortable wearing masks today.
Please hear me say this - either choice is completely fine. You may feel differently at different times today, and that is okay too. Nobody needs to explain their reason for their choice. Your teachers, Mrs. Kehoe, all the other staff in school and I want you to do whatever is most comfortable for you and whatever you discussed with your parents.
While we are a school, we are first and foremost a community of faith. An important teaching in our Christian faith is to love one another. Let us put our faith into action by respecting one another - by treating everyone as the beloved child of God they are.
We end every morning and afternoon prayer saying, “As we go through our day, let kindness lead the way.” Let’s be sure we do that - especially today.
I wish everyone in our St. Catherine community a very happy Thursday with a pizza lunch and a 1 o’clock dismissal. Have a great day, Chargers!"
In other happenings, on behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Hedderman and FSA for coordinating a lovely luncheon yesterday. The meal was delicious. And the setting with table cloths, balloons, real plates and utensils, all enhanced the specialness of the luncheon. Thank you to the huge number of SCA parents who came in to supervise classes and to cover the office to ensure the faculty and staff had time for a well-deserved relaxing luncheon. We are so grateful for all you do for the St. Catherine community.
As we settle into our mask-optional school setting, some families may have questions regarding other Covid mitigations and protocols. Right now, my understanding is that all other mitigation strategies and protocols (distancing, quarantines, testing, etc.) will remain in place. I'm hopeful to learn more and I will share the information as soon as I am able.
A Bit More News
- The spring musical is back at St. Catherine! Scroll down to see the name of this year's production and for a registration form. It's going to be a great show!
- In March, another fun tradition is returning to St. Catherine - the FSA St. Patrick Day Party. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 5. Scroll down for more information and ticket order forms.
- We have two more scheduled days off school in February - Friday, February 18 and Monday, Februray 21.
- The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is sponsoring a sensory-friendly play session on Wednesday, February 16 from 5-7PM. Scroll down for more details and a link.
- Dream Raffle season is here! Information went home in Jamuary and is also available below.
- Families can access and print their Year End statement from Smart Tuition. The directions are further down in the Check-In.
- If you know of an SCA family who owns a small business that we can publicize here to help support them, please reach out to me via email. Scroll down to see local businesses we can support.
Stay warm this weekend!
Peace,
Kristine Owens
A Cheat Sheet to Help with Getting the Right Test
CDPH Travel Advisory/Quarantine States - as of 2/8
- All unvaccinated individuals who travel to an orange state must provide proof of a negative Covid test in order to return to school.
- The test must be administered no more than 72-hours prior to return to Illinois.
- The test can also be administered once you have returned to Illinios.
- As of December 30, 2021, home administered tests are acceptable for travel. However, the test must have either Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA or full approval from the FDA.
Second Step
School familes can purchase tickets via the school. Send orders in with your child. Tickets will be sent home on Thursdays.
Covid Vaccination Information
If you or someone you know wants to get a vaccine, you will find a button below with easy-to-navigate information for Chicago, Cook County and surrounding counties.
Smart Tuition - Year End Statements
- Click on the link below and log into Smart Tuition account.
- Click on the Family Year End Statement button. (See screenshot below.)
The Sunday Collection
Visit the link below to set up your recurring contribution. Donors can change the amount of the contribution or pause it at any time.
Ways to Support Our Local Small Businesses
If you know of an SCA family who owns a small business that we can publicize here to help support them, please reach out to me via email.
So Many On-going Ways to Support St. Catherine!
Upcoming Events
Friday, February 11
- No School - Professional Development for Faculty
Thursday, February 17
- Tuition Exclusion Day
Friday, February 18
- No School - Gratitude Day
Monday, February 21
- No School - Presidents' Day
Thursday, February 24
- Graduation Picture Retakes
Friday, February 25
- All-School Liturgy at 8:30AM (5-8)
Saturday, February 26
- Day of the Spirit 8th Grade Retreat
Tuesday, March 1
- FSA Meeting at 7PM in Kane Hall
Wednesday, March 2
- Ash Wednesday (details TBA)
Friday, March 4
- All-School Liturgy at 8:30AM (K-4)
Sunday, March 6
- 8th Grade Confirmation Mass
Tuesday, March 8
- School Advisory Board at 7PM in Fr. Lion Center
Wednesday, March 9
- Wednesday Early Dismissal at 1PM (Charger Pride Dress Down; extended care is available)
Friday, March 11
- No School
About us
Website: www.scaoaklawn.org
Location: 10621 South Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-425-5547
Facebook: facebook.com/scaoaklawn/