The Messenger
A Publication of St. Gabriel the Archangel School 9/29/2021
Dear Fabulous Families -
Congratulations to our Cardinals for seizing the final Wild Card spot! We will celebrate with an add-on day tomorrow, Thursday, September 30.
From the handbook: Students must wear uniform bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt or jumper), but non uniform tops may worn instead of (or over) uniform tops.
Student may wear a Cardinals jersey, shirt, hat, and/or socks tomorrow. This is totally optional for students. Students can certainly just dress in the regular uniform.
- Smile! School pictures are Friday morning. If your child is absent on Friday, make-up pictures are on November 12.
- Please return any deprivation forms to the school this week. A second copy was sent home in the yellow folder last week. This enables us to have our Title program as well as qualify for other funding opportunities. Thank you to everyone who has returned it!
- Buzz Book order forms are due by this Friday, October 1.
Peace and Joy -
Tonya McEnery
Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Dan Winkeler
Assistant Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Happy Feast Day St. Gabriel!
School Safety Reminders
- Thank you for helping to ensure school drop off in the morning is safe and efficient. If your child is needing extended time to find shoes, finish breakfast, and gather supplies in the car, etc. please park on the street and walk up to the school. We understand that some days are hectic and extra time is needed before everyone is ready to enter the school building. As you pull up through the portico, please stay in the lane instead of pulling over and parking. This avoids someone accidentally pulling out in front of students walking to the gate.
- When students are over at the park or on the playground, please wave and say hi from a distance. Please also refrain from taking pictures.
Virtual High School Nights
Monday, October 4
Wednesday, October 13
Families can also find information on the Archdiocese's website about virtual High School Nights and Open Houses: Website
Pictures from around school
4th Grade
4th Grade
4th Grade
6th Grade
6th Grade
6th Grade
Thank You for the Feel Good Friday Snacks!
Mrs. Potts' Husband Helps with Afghan Refugees
Mrs. Potts' (4th grade teacher) Husband shared his recent experience as an EMT helping Afghan Refugees as they travelled to the United States. Thank you for your service, Mr. Potts!
This is a recap of my United Airlines Civil Reserve Air Fleet Experience.
As a licensed EMT I was able to volunteer to be part of the medical support staff for a mission to Ramstein Air Base. September 7-8, 2021.
The last 36 hours have been a rollercoaster. I started by travelling to Washington DC on Monday evening. We left on Tuesday morning around 10am EST. I have worked for United Airlines for 4 years and have yet to fly international. Today that changed.
As support staff for this government mission we were able to fly first class. We travelled to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. We landed about 1130pm local time. (+7 hours from STL). We were able to get a tour of where the refugees gathered for their flights. The Air Force converted a Aircraft Hanger to do this mission. As we toured this area I could not help but notice all of the families that were ready to come to the US. It was a very rewarding few hours we spent in Germany. We assisted the refugees in boarding the aircraft and we departed about 3am Local Time.
As we started the trip, my role was EMT. I was there to assist the doctor with anything I could. I assisted with helping her assess the refugees that were not feeling well or who had various ailments. Most of the refugees we assisted were small children who had fevers, and stomach ailments. For many this was their first real flight experience. (Aside from the rescue mission). Some had nausea and other minor medical needs. We had a successful flight home and we arrived back to Washington DC about 5am EST. Once we parked the aircraft everyone had to clear US Customs. Once cleared, the refugees were assisted to the Civic Center in Washington to begin to start their life in the USA.
This was a very rewarding mission on many levels. I was extremely happy to be asked to be part of the team to represent United Airlines during this very scary time for our passengers. To see the look on their faces as they deplaned in the US knowing this was the start of their new life was a memory I will hold on to for the rest of my life. I was honored to be selected to care for our 330+ passengers.
Wednesday Walkers
Reminder to Get Your Flu Vaccine
Dear Parents,
Congratulations to our fourth grader, Jack Flaugher, who made his First Communion on Tuesday. We are so happy for Jack and his family! See the photo below.
September is our parish/ school feast day month. We focus and learn about the Catholic Social Teaching of:
Call to Family, Community, and Participation.
We are called to support the family—the principle social institution—so that people can participate in society, build a community spirit, and promote the well being of all.
Here is a link to a resource on the Catholic Social Teachings:
In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, please join us for a Blessing of the Pets.
Blessing of the Pets
Come pray with us and bring your pets to be blessed!
When: October 5, 2021 Begin gathering at 3:10 pm. Prayer and blessing at 3:20 pm.
Where: School parking lot. Wear a mask.
All are welcome!
Donations accepted for Stray Rescue of Saint Louis: Unopened dog or cat food, kitty litter, toys, blankets, towels and or money are needed. Thanks for your help!
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Important Dates for Sacraments:
First Reconciliation Parent Meeting-Thursday, October 14th at 6:30 pm in church
First Reconciliation- Thursday, November 11th at 7:00 pm
First Communion Parent Meeting- Thursday, April 7th, at 6:30 pm in church
First Communion- Sunday, May 1st
Confirmation:
Tuesday, October 19- Parent Meeting in the church at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, November 10- Confirmation Rite of Enrollment at 8:00 am Mass
Tuesday, April 26- Confirmation Day of Prayer
Thursday, April 28- Confirmation at 7:00 pm Mass at SGA
We continue to celebrate our Thursday, All School Masses, on the school parking lot. It is our hope to hold our all school Masses outside as the weather permits so that we can gather in a safe way.
For our level Masses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we have changed from rotating two grade levels at a time to having one grade level attending at a time so students can be safely distanced. The grade level of the homeroom that is planning will be in attendance at the Mass. The schedule below is updated to reflect this new change. Parents are always welcome to join us for Mass.
Mass Days:
September
Wednesday, 9/29 Drexel Mission Mass-All School Mass- Happy Feast Day!
Thursday, 9/30 7M Grade level Mass in church
October
Tuesday, 10/5 1M
Wednesday, 10/6 6B
Thursday, 10/7 Francis-Mission Mass
Tuesday, 10/12 2G
Wednesday, 10/13 8L
Thursday, 10/14 6D
Tuesday, 10/19 3B
Wednesday, 10/20 7E
Thursday, 10/21 8S
Tuesday, 10/26 4S
Wednesday, 10/27 5G
Thursday, 10/28 5S
Peace and blessings!
Deborah DaLay
Coordinator of Religious Education
Spirit Wear Store coming soon!
TIME TO UPDATE YOUR PFA WEBSITE CONTACT INFORMATION
As we kick off the new school year, we will once again be utilizing our PFA website to sign up for volunteer opportunities and place orders for special lunches, treats, and PFA events throughout the year. It's important that we have updated information for families and students in the PFA website portal in order for parents to see the opportunities available for your student's class or grade. In particular, you must verify your child's homeroom teacher for the 2021/2022 school year. Please take a minute to visit the web site: stgabrielpfa.org. Once you log in to your portal, you will see a blue highlighted prompt at the top of the page directing you to review and update your contact information. Please click on the Contact Information link below to update your information. If you have questions, please email the website administrator, Kyle Blondé at kyledblonde@gmail.com.
PFA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: ROOM COORDINATORS FOR 2021/2022 SCHOOL YEAR
Interested in helping our teachers focus on instruction and easing their load as they navigate this upcoming school year? The Home and School Committee of the PFA is looking for Room Coordinators for the 2021/2022 school year to do just that.
We are in need of one Room Coordinator per classroom in grades K-5, and one room coordinator per grade in grades 6-8. There will be additional opportunities in second grade to assist with events surrounding First Communion and Reconciliation.
The Room Coordinator will be the point of contact for each teacher to help with administrative-type tasks throughout the year. In addition, when specific help is requested by another PFA Board Committee, you will be the conduit enlisting other parents in your specific class or grade.
To allow for as many parent volunteers as possible across the different grade levels, each parent may sign up for only one position at this time. Sign ups will open on September 14th at 9am. You will only be able to sign up to volunteer through the PFA website, so be sure to create your PFA website family account, or update your PFA website information. For more information please contact Molly Sonderman at molly.sonderman@gmail.com.
Additional parent volunteers will be needed to support classroom holiday parties. Look for the sign-up link in early October!
Year at a Glance
October 1- Smile! It's Picture Day!
October 8- Professional Development- NO SCHOOL
October 9- Parish Picnic
October 11- Parent/Teacher Conferences- NO SCHOOL
October 14- First Reconciliation Parent Meeting at 6:30 in church
November 1- All Saint's Day- NO SCHOOL
November 11- First Reconciliation at 7:00 pm
November 12- School Picture Make-Up Day in the morning
Teacher Planning and Collaboration - NOON DISMISSAL
1st Trimester Ends
November 24- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
November 25- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
November 26- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
December 8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day - NO SCHOOL
December 15- Vocal Concert 7pm
December 16- Band Concert 7pm
December 20- January 2- NO SCHOOL- Christmas Break
January 3- School Resumes
January 14- Teacher Planning and Collaboration - NOON DISMISSAL
January 17- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- NO SCHOOL
January 30-February 5 - Catholic Schools Week
January 30- Catholic Schools Week - Prospective Student Open House
January 31- Catholic Schools Week - Writing Celebrations, 7:30 am - 8:30 am
February 4- Catholic Schools Week- NOON DISMISSAL
February 14- Valentine's Day- Valentine Parties @ 2:05
February 18- Teacher Planning and Collaboration - NOON DISMISSAL
February 21- Presidents' Day- NO SCHOOL
February 25- End of 2nd Trimester
March 5 - Auction
March 13- March 19- NO SCHOOL- Spring Break
March 30 - Student-led Conferences
April 7- First Communion Parent Meeting at 6:30 pm in church
April 14- Holy Thursday- NO SCHOOL
April 15- Good Friday- NO SCHOOL
April 18- Easter Monday- NO SCHOOL
April 28- 8th Grade Confirmation 7pm
May 1- First Communion- 2nd Grade
May 7- 8th Grade Follies 7pm
May 10- Vocal Concert 7pm
May 11- Band Concert 7pm
May 13- Field Day- NOON DISMISSAL
May 20- 7th Grade Leadership Day and 8th Grade Mystery Day
May 24- 8th Grade Graduation 6:30pm
May 27- Last day of school- NOON DISMISSAL
Mark Your Calendars: St. Gabriel's Youth Group (SGYG) Information for High School Students
Mark Your Calendars!
*The FIRST YOUTH GROUP NIGHT will be Wednesday, Oct. 13th @7pm in Gabriel House! This is open to all high school teens of the parish. It will be a night of getting to know each other through games and activities, learning what Youth Group is all about, fun, and food! Masks will need to be worn please and it is encouraged to bring your own water bottle. The night should end around 8:30pm. We are very excited to begin meeting with our teens!
Email Sarah Henderson hendersons@stgabrielstl.org with any questions.
High School Teen Service Opportunity!
What: Parish Picnic Food Tent Workers
When: Saturday, Oct. 9th
Time: 10:30am - 1pm (1 hour shifts available during this timeframe)
*Grab some friends and come work in the shaded food tent on Picnic Day! SGYG Core Team Adults will be there to help as well. Please email Sarah Henderson hendersons@stgabrielstl.org if you're interested or have any questions.
Adult Volunteers Needed
*If you or someone you know has a desire or passion to work with our high school teens as a Youth Group Adult Volunteer please email Sarah Henderson for more information hendersons@stgabrielstl.org.
Parish Picnic Info
Purchase Picnic Items
2021 Picnic Sign Up to Volunteer
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4fa9ac2ba3f94-20211
CALLING ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS (6th through 8th grade)
Sign up to work 1 hour at the picnic and get
25 HOUSE POINTS
Picnic Safety Guidance
In collaboration with the Pandemic Medical Team, the following guidance is given for the St. Gabriel Parish Picnic:
Please review the best practices listed below to support the safety of our community as we gather for our Parish Picnic. These recommendations come from the CDC and the St. Louis City Department of Health and are the norm for our Parish. While it is important for us to come together as a community, it is of the utmost importance to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 virus especially considering that community transmission of the virus remains high in our area. Following these measures will help us maintain the success of our thriving School with in-person classes as well as a vibrant Parish that is able to gather regularly for in-person Mass.
For the protection and health of all:
Anyone unvaccinated should wear a mask at all times (unless eating or drinking).
Because our picnic will be a crowded event, the wearing of masks for those fully vaccinated is strongly recommended.
We strongly encourage those unvaccinated (age 12 and up) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Vaccines:
COVID-19 vaccines can help protect individuals from COVID-19 infection and are proven to greatly lower the risk of serious illness and death caused by COVID-19.
Vaccination of eligible individuals offers protection to the younger children in our community who are not yet eligible based on their age, as well as those in our community who have weakened immune systems.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/