Charger Check-In
December 14, 2023
A Note from Ms. Owens
In case you're counting, we have six days of school until Christmas break arrives. In the meantime, our students are hard at work as the learning continues at St. Catherine! Our 6th graders are finishing up their work withThe Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Our first graders are focusing on words with a long /i/ like kite, file or smile. Our 4th graders are studying renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Our 7th graders are learning about chemical reactions and how they can change substances. Our PK4 students are learning the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we celebrated on Tuesday of this week.
On Wednesday, December 20, it will be all about the Christmas Concerts at St. Catherine.
- At 8:15AM, our PK3 and PK4 students will perform several Christmas songs. This will happen in the gym.
- Our K-4th grade students will perform their Christmas concert twice that day. The first performance will be at 1:15PM in church. Family members are invited to attend though this will be a performance for the student body. As such, seating will be limited to pews in the back of church or the choir loft. The second performance will be at 7PM in church. Doors will open at 6:40 that evening.
Thank you to Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Royster for all the planning and work they did for last weekend's Breakfast with Santa. I saw some of the pictures when they came in and it's clear the little ones enjoyed seeing Santa Claus!
Thank you to Mrs. Cunnea and Mrs. Stanke for their behind-the-scenes work and preparation in setting up Santa's Secret Shop for our students. Our students had fun shopping for loved ones (and for themselves)! They were so happy to show off their purchases.
This December, I'm sharing three articles related to creating quiet, calming spaces for our children and for our adult selves too. All three articles are from Sanford Fit, a program operated by Sanford Health, a health system headquarted in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Make a Comfy Space for Quiet Time (geared to 2-5 year olds)
- Cozy Spots are for Grown Ups, Too!
- How to Create a Cozy Spot for Kids Anywhere
A Bit More News...
- Our School Advisory Board is sponsoring a quick raffle for K-4 families who will be attending the evening performance of the Annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 20. If you'd like a chance to win seating for your family and guests in a front row pew return the form that went home in today's white envelope along with your payment.
- Families with students playing winter sports, there are still game dates with no coverage for parent volunteers. Here is the sign up for dates.
- S&T Order Forms went home in an earlier white envelope. The due date for forms and payment has been extended to Thursday, December 21.
- On Thursday, December 21 at 2:45PM, Mr. Caffee is inviting SCA students to join him in caroling to homebound St. Catherine parishioners. Parents/guardians are needed to help drive students to the various homes.
- Chargers United will meet on Tuesday, December 19 in Kane Hall at 7PM. All are welcome.
- 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.
Health and Hygiene
- Our teachers and staff are givng time and attention to wiping down desks and other high touch areas like light switches, door knobs and the tops of chair backs.
- Each classroom has an air purifier and hand sanitizer.
- Our maintenance staff will be fogging classrooms, offices and locker handles daily.
- And, finally, all of our hallway hand sanitizing dispensers are being checked and refilled regularly.
To help curb the spead of these illnesses, please keep your student home if they are experiencing symptoms that indicate a sickness is contagious.
- If your child experiences a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, your child must remain at home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
- If you child has been prescribed a course of antibiotics, please be sure they complete the entire course of the medication.
Added at 10:58AM on 12/15.
Christmas Wreaths & Sprays Available for Sale
Our wonderful FSA has some extra Christmas wreaths and items available for sale from their wreath fundraiser.
They still have the following available:
- 4 Wintergreen Sprays
- 3 Wintergreen Wreaths
- 1 Candlelit Centerpiece
- 4 Classic Sprays
- 2 Victorian Sprays
- 5 Cranberry Sprays
- 1 25 ft garland
Item photos and prices are below.
Contact Katie McCarthy if you are interested -- 773.636.8726. Items can be picked up locally and paid for by cash, check or Venmo.
Thank you very much for your help!
The Season of Advent Has Arrrived!
Sunday, December 3 marked the first Sunday of Advent. As a people of faith, this season marks a time for us to prepare our homes, our hearts and our relationships for the birth of the Saviour. I encourage you to browse through some of the links below for ideas of how your family can mark and celebrate the season of Advent.
- 5 Advent Activities for Children (from A Catholic Mom's Life)
- 10 Meaningful Advent Traditions for Catholic Families (from Catholic Icing)
- Advent Ideas for Catholic Families (from Catholic Sprouts)
- Advent Activities for All (from Loyola Press; scroll for family activities)
Email Sandra Bustamante
Email Theresa Ready
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.
This law firm is owned, in part, by an SCA family.
This residential/commercial landscaping and commercial snow removal company is owned by an SCA family.
So Many On-going Ways to Support St. Catherine!
Upcoming Events
Friday, December 15
- All-School Liturgy at 8:30AM
Monday, December 18
- Chargers United at 7PM in Kane Hall
Tuesday, December 19
- 7th & 8th Grade Field Trip
Wednesday, December 20
- PK3 and PK4 Christmas Concert at 8:15AM in the gym
- Christmas Concert (Grades K-4) at 1:15PM & 7PM in church
Friday, December 22
- All-School Liturgy at 8:30AM
- Early Dismissal at 11:30AM - no lunch; extended care NOT available
Monday, January 8
- School resumes
About us
Website: www.scaoaklawn.org
Location: 10621 South Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-425-5547
Facebook: facebook.com/scaoaklawn/