March 11, 2021

Dear SPC Parents,

Exactly one year ago, very few of us even knew what a Zoom was, and now it has become a daily reality in most of our lives. As we approach the year anniversary of the March 13th shut down, it is hard to believe that we honestly had no idea how our worlds would soon be dramatically changed this time last year! It is hard not to pause and remember the dramatic shift all of our lives took a year ago. Teachers rallied overnight to use their creativity to make a shift from in-person instruction to remote learning. Parents juggled the demands of working from home while also managing remote learning. Our brave first responders still showed up to protect and serve despite the unknown dangers of a global pandemic. 

We must pause to pray for the heartbreaking loss of life we have seen in our country because of the pandemic and hold in our hearts those who are no longer with us. Many in our community have family members and friends that this devastating illness has impacted. Let us continue to hold these people in our hearts and prayers.

However, even in uncertain darkness, we experience light and joy. I hope we can all pause for a few moments in these upcoming weeks to reflect on how much our lives have changed. We have probably spent more dinners around the same table, sharing the highlights of our days. Perhaps our lives slowed down a little bit from the usual running to and fro for various activities; maybe we have played more board games as a family or completed more 1000 piece puzzles. We can celebrate our children's amazing resilience and the courage and bravery of our amazing teachers in returning to in-person learning in August! As the hope of life returning to normal becomes more evident in the upcoming months, I pray that we hold onto the beauty of slowing down our busy lives and savoring the time we share together. 

St. Patrick's Day, March 17th: Kids may wear green and any bottoms!

St Joseph's Day, March 19th:  Kids may wear red and any bottoms! 

Endowment Merit Scholarships
Last week, I shared the upcoming merit-based Endowment Scholarships information and timeline. Please take two minutes to watch this Zoom presentation that the Endowment committee prepared to explain the scholarships. We are so fortunate to have the SPC Educational Endowment Fund, which benefits every SPC school family, year after year and helps keep Catholic education accessible and sustainable for future generations. 

Please click here for a very brief and informative Zoom presentation explaining these scholarships. The passcode is 5v@^SIst . 

EGC Arrival Time
Please remember that the EGC starts at 8:00. The tardies are increasing; please be mindful of the start time.

Climate, Culture, and Catholic Identity (3C) Survey
As you may recall, we are pleased to again implement a system-wide stakeholder survey in all archdiocesan Catholic schools this year. This survey called the Climate, Culture, and Catholic Identity encompasses major aspects of instruction, student and adult culture, and Catholic mission and culture. It has been constructed in partnership with the University of Chicago, incorporating the research-based and prolific 5Essentials survey.

2021 Archdiocese of Chicago Parent Survey
Link to survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/

Registration 2021-2022
I am pleased to inform you all that our enrollment has increased for next year. We have waitlists at multiple grade levels. While we hope your intent to return remains the same, please notify the main office of the change in registration status if your plans have changed for next year.

COVID Dashboard March 11, 2021
Covid dash 1

 covid2

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal

Endowment Merit Scholarships  
The Endowment Committee is excited to announce the merit-based scholarships available to current SPC students returning for the 2021-2022 school year.  Each year the Endowment administers five merit-based, named scholarships totaling $3,750.  

  • Pastoral Leadership Award- We are pleased to invite current 5th and 6th grade students to apply. Three monetary awards of $750 will be given to students who most demonstrate the qualities of leadership and service to others.
  • Maureen Kelly McCambridge Scholarship- We are pleased to invite current 7th grade students to apply for this $1000 scholarship established in Maureen’s honor and memory.
  • Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award- This $500 award is available to families who, for the first time during the 2020-2021 school year, have students in K-7th grades and are returning to SPC for a second year. It will be granted to welcome a new family to the SPC community.

Below, please find detailed information concerning each scholarship and their respective criteria. All applicants will be judged using an independent, nonbiased format. In order for us to continue the growth of the Endowment, all award recipients and their families will be asked to help in some capacity at future Endowment events.

Listed below is the timeline for submission. Please note that all deadlines are final and there will be no exceptions to this or any of the scholarship requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Mickelburgh.

Submission Timeline for Endowment Merit-Based Scholarships

April 1, 2021      Applications for the Pastoral Leadership Award, Maureen McCambridge Scholarship & Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award due (by 9:00pm)

May 3, 2021       April Maureen McCambridge semi-finalists notified

May 10, 2021     Maureen McCambridge semi-finalists interviewed

June 2021          Pastoral Leadership Award, Maureen McCambridge Scholarship & Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award recipients honored at all school Mass.

Please click here for the Scholarship Information and criteria.

SPC Yearbooks - Ordering Deadline is Thursday, April 8th

The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Thursday, April 8th.  If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before ordering. 

Here are three reasons we chose TreeRing:

  • Custom Yearbooks:  Every student gets a one of a kind printed copy containing two free pages to customize with personal photos. (This is optional; don’t feel obligated to complete this)

  • Green Yearbooks: In the past four years TreeRing planted almost 2,100 trees on behalf of St. Paul of the Cross.

  • Beautiful Yearbooks:  All yearbooks are gorgeously printed in full color using the highest end print production available.

YOU CAN PURCHASE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR St. Paul of the Cross YEARBOOK BY CLICKING HERE https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tr5.treering.com/validate&source=gmail&ust=1614979315981000&usg=AFQjCNHySH4YtoGx662EbEW9YiwarztUVA">https://tr5.treering.com/validate

Yearbook password: 101414618165482

A few important facts:

o   Your personalized yearbook only costs $28.00 for a soft cover. You may order a hardcover yearbook for an additional charge.

o   You’ll need to purchase your copy and complete your free personal pages by April 8th

o   Your 2 free custom pages are optional, if you don’t customize you’ll receive a standard yearbook.

Regards,

Mrs. Melissa McCallister

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

P.S. If you need help, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. TreeRing has a wonderful customer service. I have found that calling them at 877-755-8733 works well too.

FROM THE PARISH

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs. 
Please click here for the latest bulletin.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

Loyola Academy Junior High Summer Enrichment Program
Summer will be here soon! Loyola Academy will be offering their Jr. High Summer Enrichment Program for summer 2021. Please click here to download the flyer.

St. Viator's March Future Lions Newsletter