The Messenger
A Publication of St. Gabriel the Archangel School 10/6/2021
Dear Fabulous Families -
- Reminder: On Friday there is no school for students. Teachers have a professional development day. In the morning, staff members will be learning about the new Archdiocesan evaluation tool. In the afternoon, teachers will engage in content area learning.
- Reminder: On Monday there is no school for students. We look forward to seeing you virtually on Monday at conferences. Pre-conference forms and sign-ups were sent home last week. Please be sure pre-conference forms are filled out to help focus the conversation since time is limited.
- Get your PFA Spirit Wear orders in by October 10. Check out the school spirit shirt which can be worn every Friday with uniform bottoms. The jacket is uniform approved and perfect for the cooler weather!
- Check out the picnic information below under the Parish and Community News section. You will find out when all of the fun events are occurring. Thank you to the Picnic Committee for all of your hard work!
Peace and Joy -
Tonya McEnery
Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Dan Winkeler
Assistant Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Buzz book design winner
Co-Curricular Conference sign-up
Below are the links to sign up to conference with the co-curricular teachers on Monday if needed.
Art- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EABAC28A4F9C52-artparentteacher
Music- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA9AA2AA0F49-music2
PE- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA9AA2AA0FD0-peconferences1
STEM- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FA9AA2AA0FA7-parentteacher1
Learning Consultant: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa9aa2aa1fb6-conferences
book fair coin challenge
The Book Fair is coming and classroom libraries need your help!
Each classroom is participating in the Book Fair Coin Challenge. The three classrooms that collect the most money will earn extra Scholastic Dollars to spend on more books! All money collected will be used to purchase books for your child's classroom library. (Participation is optional.)
Mark your calendars for these dates:
10/13 = Bring DIMES to school
10/14 = Bring QUARTERS to school
10/15 = Bring DOLLARS to school
St. Gabriel's Scholastic Virtual Book Fair dates - October 18-31, 2021
More info to come next week!
Questions about the Book Fair? Contact:
Jane Bene' - Parent Chair Person - janebene75@gmail.com
Jen Ronshausen 8R - Teacher Chair Person
Virtual High School Nights
Wednesday, October 13
Families can also find information on the Archdiocese's website about virtual High School Nights and Open Houses: Website
Lunch Orders
Below is the link for the lunch order for October 18th-November 12th Orders are due by Monday, October 11th.
Payments should be by check (or cash) made out to Chris' Pancake and turned in to school in a marked envelope by Thursday, October 14th. If you have any questions regarding lunch orders, please feel free to contact us at stgablunch@gmail.com . If you do not receive your confirmation email after you placed your order, please check your SPAM folder. Also be sure to add "google forms" to your safe senders list.
If you haven't used your credits from last month please do so this month. It is your responsibility to keep track of your child's credits.
Suppliers have had a difficult time keeping items in stock this year. We will do our best to keep the menu items the same, but substitutions may have to happen from time to time. You may want to prepare your children just in case this may occur in the future.
Jill Farace has left our little lunch family to pursue other interests, We will miss her dearly and wish her all of the best, I have some mighty big shoes to fill.
We are pleased to welcome Nichole Ruggeri to the team. Nichole has a 7th grader at St. Gabes and is a fantastic addition to the lunchroom.
Lunch Menu - October 18 - November 12
Week 1 - Mon - Bosco; Tues - Chicken Tenders; Wed Pepperoni Pizza; Thur - Macaroni N Cheese; Fri - Hamburger or Cheeseburger
Week 2 - Mon - Chicken Sandwich; Tues - Tacos; Wed - Cheese Pizza; Thur - Toasted Ravioli; Fri - Pretzels
Week 3 - Mon - No School; Tues - Mac n Cheese; Wed - Pepperoni Pizza; Thur - Chicken Tenders; Fri - Quesadilla
Week 4- Mon - Bosco; Tues - Tacos; Wed - Cheese Pizza; Thur - Hot Dog; Fri - Noon Dismissal
Do 7th Graders Hula Hoop at a Proportional Rate?
8th graders problem solving
Dear Parents,
In October, we focus and learn about the Catholic Social Teaching of:
Care for God’s Creation.
We are called to care for all that God has made.
In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, we held a blessing of the Pets. Thanks to Francis House for organizing and helping with our prayer service and our all school Mass on Thursday. We are grateful to all who attended the service, brought their pets, and who brought items or cash for Stray Rescue.
Donations will be accepted for Stray Rescue of Saint Louis through tomorrow: 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:
October
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 is open!
We’ve got spirit, yes we do!
We’ve got spirit and so can you!
St. Gabriel Spirit Store is OPEN - buy now: https://bit.ly/StGabrielSpiritStore
Navy and red athletic jackets are *uniform approved*
The Spirit Shirt that says “Stronger Together” can be worn each Friday with uniform bottoms
Support the PFA, students, and the faculty with each spirit wear purchase
The St. Gabriel Spirit Store is open now until 10.10 at 11:59 p.m.
PFA Donuts with mentor families
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 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
We are all excited for this week. The weather is looking great and we pray it holds. Thank you for your generous support of time and treasure. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend. Please see the following reminders below:
- PRELUDE TO THE PICNIC (Adults Only) – Friday October 8th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Adult Beverages, DJ, Chuck A Luck, Over/Under
- New York Tom’s Food Truck will be on site from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please see attached menu.
- Friday Night 50/50 Sold - $100 per ticket (only 100 sold)
- ALL PRESOLD BEER ARM BANDS CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE BEER TICKET BOOTH starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Person must be present for wristband to be placed on them
- Beer will be served starting at 7:00 p.m. with last call at 9:45 p.m.
- ST. GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL PICNIC – Saturday October 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- PARADE
i. Lineup is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
ii. Anyone with a car needs to be there no later than 8:15 a.m.
iii. Kids need to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to get their armbands and line up
iv. *** Candy may be thrown out, NO CHOCALATE PLEASE, NO AGGRESSIVE THROWING AS WE DON’T WANT ANYONE HURT!!!
- ARMBAND DISTRIBUTION
i. Pre Purchased Armbands will be distributed prior to parade along fence on Murdoch
ii. Please bring picnic package armband ticket voucher with you
iii. Kids should line up with the grade along the fence
iv. ALL armbands will be put on the individual (ie. Person must be present)
v. If you do not get your armband prior to the parade, there will be a booth for distribution starting at 10:00 a.m.
- VOLUNTEERS
i. Please show up on time for your shift as others are waiting on you
ii. Please check in at the COMMAND BOOTH prior to your shift
iii. If you are unable to make your assigned shift, please let someone at the command booth know
iv. Thank you for your generous support. We can not have the picnic without everyone donating their time. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
- BEER BOOTH
i. BEER TICKET BOOTH WILL BE CREDIT CARD ONLY – NO CASH SALES, NO CASH SALES, NO CASH SALES -Please Plan Accordingly
ii. ALL PRESOLD BEER ARM BANDS CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE BEER TICKET BOOTH STARTING AT 10:00 A.M.
- Person must be present to have armband put on
- As this is a fundraiser, please no pouring into others cups
iii. Beer will be poured at 11:00 a.m. with LAST CALL at 9:45 p.m.
iv. Rockwell Brewery will be selling beer as well (25% of Proceeds Donated Back to St. Gabriel)
v. Southside Wine and Spirits will have wine and cocktails available for sale
- FOOD BOOTH
i. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ii. CASH and CREDIT Cards Accepted
iii. Edibles and Essentials Dinners served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (From Separate Food Tent)
- BINGO
i. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ii. LOCATION TBD (Most Likely Outside)
- CHUCK A LUCK AND OVER/UNDER
i. 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- MUSIC LINE UP
i. DJ from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ii. The Ohniners 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
iii. Rich Guzman 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
iv. Fanfare 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
v. One Way Traffic 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- FIREWORKS – 10:00 p.m.
- General Items
i. PLEASE NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK – This is a fundraiser for the parish!!!
ii. All Lost and Found Items will be taken to the Command Booth – Including lost children
iii. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Kevin Kozminske at (626) 848-6181.
Thank you again for your generous support. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend. Thank you!
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/