Dear St. Peter Community,
Today your children attended 20 minutes of Eucharist Adoration with their classmates in the church. We have Eucharistic Adoration twice a month. Thanks to Fr. Archer, your children were able to pray in front of the exposed Eucharist in the Monstrance. Fr. Archer blessed us with Exposition at the beginning of the day and Benediction at the end of the day. Please ask your children about their experience with the Lord today.
We have been asked if we will open the school doors at 7:55 instead of 8:00. We decided that if the weather is bad we will open the doors at 7:55. Parents can drop off their children at 7:55 now, they just need to wait in front of the school until the bell rings at 8:00.
Today and tomorrow we are praying in a special way for the souls of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Sometimes the children will ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people if we pray and have Guardian Angels?" We know that these things are the effects of Original Sin. We can assure our children, however, that even though this happens, Jesus and our Angels are here to be with us and help us through it.
Thank you to all the parents who have been helping in so many ways already at school. We are very grateful for your support.
With gratitude,
Dr. John Freitag, Principal
Sharing the Good News at STP by Anne Loida
Happy birthday, dear Mary, the Blessed Mother, and Our Mother Too!
Wednesday’s mass celebrated the birthday (or nativity) of the Blessed Mother. The date of Mary’s birth (September 8) pairs directly with the celebration of her Immaculate Conception on December 8. Fr. Archer challenged us to silently pray the name of Mary when we are feeling down. She is like the light that comes over the horizon before the sun rises. She comes to us as light when we are feeling in the dark. Along with praying the Guardian Angel prayer as we do after each Mass, we prayed the “Hail Mary” too. What a blessing we have in Mary--we can pray to her at all times, knowing that she will bring our prayers to Jesus, her son. How wonderful to have cantors again in church--thanks to Mary Donald and to her cantors Emma Martinez and Julia Niemann for adding light to this week’s liturgy.
Next Week’s Mass, Another Marian Feast
We commemorate Mary’s title as Our Lady of Sorrows at next week’s Mass. Fr. O’Toole will preside and Mr. Remes’ seventh graders have planned the Mass. We’ll recall the seven sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy at Jesus’ Presentation, the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple, Mary’s meeting Jesus on His way to Calvary; and her steadfast witness of his crucifixion, descent from the cross, and his burial. As mothers, we know the sorrow and joys that come from motherhood. We also know that Mary, Our Mother, is a wonderful go-to during times of sorrow and darkness.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
As Fr. Archer told the seventh graders this morning during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, “One of the most important things we want you to learn while you’re at St. Peter is a love of Jesus Christ. And one of the ways we do this is by spending time with Him through the Blessed Sacrament.” Many thanks to Fr. Archer and to servers Cate Figge and Billy Walbert, who are assisting Fr. Archer with exposition and benediction. Thanks, too, to Kristi Dentinger and the many parents and teachers who are filling in spots during adoration so that our students can experience this sacred ritual. Generally twice a month our students will spend time in quiet prayer with Jesus at church to adore the Blessed Sacrament.
What Is Unity?
Not sure if you've had this question yet from one of your children or have even asked yourself: What is unity?
I had to think about it. It's defined as "the state of being joined, together, whole." I like the idea that when we are unified we are whole. I remember twenty years ago on 9/11 where I was (I was teaching at Annunciation School in Webster), who I was with (my eighth-grade students), and what I felt (absolutely terrified and heartbroken). But I also remember what I felt in the days that followed: unity. I felt united--I held my children a little closer. I cried with my students. I stayed home more and spent time with my family. I was grateful for my safety, my health, my faith, and my parish. I pray today for unity--it’s what makes us whole and what brings peace. And I remember what Fred Rogers said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who
are helping.” We rise by helping others.” That’s what unity is about.
Nurse's Notes
ST. PETER QUARANTINE TRACKER: 9-10-2021
New COVID 19 Positive Community Members this Week: 1
COVID 19 Positive Community Members Since August 20: 2
Community Members Currently In Standard Quarantine: 5
Community Members Currently in Modified Quarantine: 2
Please Note: the onset of Covid 19 infection can present with very insidious, minor symptoms. Please take these seriously. If anyone in your household develops any of these symptoms, consider keeping everyone home until the affected person can be observed longer and/or be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
If anyone in the household presents with symptoms suspicious enough to merit testing, then everyone in the household should remain home. If this happens midday, please call and remove your students from school immediately.
Please continue to notify Nurse Joan by email if your student or anyone in your household has a Covid exposure and/or is tested. If your child, a member of your household, or a close contact tests positive, it is important we are immediately notified so our medical advisors can review the case and we can make the appropriate decisions for the school.
Nurse Joan
News and Announcements
This Week:
Wed, Sept 15, 8:15 am School Mass, Gr 1,3,5,6,7,& 8 attend, All School Livestream
Looking Ahead:
M-F Sept 20-24 - Standardized Testing for grades 2-8
Wed, September 22 - NO 8:15am School Mass due to testing
Wed, September 22 - 2:00 pm School Mass - Unity Mass, Gr 3-8 attend
Wed, September 22 - NO 8:15am School Mass due to testing
Wed, September 22 - 2:00 pm School Mass - Unity Mass, Gr 3-8 attend
Wed, September 29 – 8:15 am Mass, Gr 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 attend, All School Livestream
Thurs, September 30 – No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fri, October 1 – No School – Staff In-Service Day
2021 GREENTREE PARADE
The 2021 Greentree parade is next Saturday, September 18th at 10 am. St. Peter's 4th grade parents are working hard designing and coordinating this year’s float for ‘The Great Outdoors’. Make plans to attend the parade and cheer us on!
Reminder about not bringing birthday lunches or fast food.
Parents, we are asking that you don't bring in special birthday lunches for your children or bring fast food to the school if they forget their lunch. This creates extra work for the staff and can be disruptive as students are asked to share their lunches.
Reminder about not bringing birthday lunches or fast food.
Parents, we are asking that you don't bring in special birthday lunches for your children or bring fast food to the school if they forget their lunch. This creates extra work for the staff and can be disruptive as students are asked to share their lunches.
Thank you for understanding - Dr. Freitag
IOWA Assessments & Cognitive Abilities Tests
Week of September 20-24, 2021
Grades 2 – 8
A few reminders:
- If at all possible, please avoid scheduling appointments for your children during the mornings of testing week.
- Students typically perform better if they have slept a sufficient number of hours and eaten a good breakfast.
- Please make sure your child has several No. 2 pencils with good erasers.
If you have questions, please contact Sr. Malia, Learning Consultant, by email at srmalia@stpteach.com or by phone at 314-821-0460.
Prevent and Protect
If you would like to volunteer to help with any school programs, the Archdiocese of St. Louis requires that you be in compliance with their Prevent and Protect program. You can log into the Prevent and Protect website (https://www.preventandprotectstl.org) if you have started the program to check your compliance. If you have not yet started the program, you will have to create a username and password. See the flyer below for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Doyle at 314-966-8600 extension 1010 or mdoyle@stpeterkirkwood.org
Playground Helpers
9/13 Lyn Niemann, Jeanie Kelly, Kim Butscher
9/14 Theresa Finlay, Angie Schnell, Genna Pennington
9/15 Debbie Mulligan, Cheri Calkins, Liz Miller
9/16 Elizabeth Satterly, Julie Kavanagh, Erin Mayer
9/17 Mary Fournier, Susan Martin
Cafeteria Helpers
9/13 Marjorie Kelly, Mary Pat Bernsen, Alison Takavitz
9/14 Kelly Kirk, Angie Smith
9/15 Kristen Jansen, Sara Larocca Venturella, Caroline Rosa
9/16 Brianna Vitale, Christy Hubbell, Christine Finney
9/17 Kara Meister, Lauren Lottes, Alison Carnie
SPICE
Special People In Catholic Education (SPICE) is our ministry at St. Peter that recognizes the unique learning styles and challenges that many of our parishioners of all ages experience. This ministry provides financial support for teachers and students that would benefit from additional opportunities, equipment, testing or programs that might help them become successful learners.
Our fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30. We are currently accepting grant applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Please contact Diane Wagner at dwagner@stpeterkirkwood.org or 314-822-1347 x3008 for more information or for your confidential grant application. All parishioners are welcome to apply for funding.
Special People In Catholic Education (SPICE) is our ministry at St. Peter that recognizes the unique learning styles and challenges that many of our parishioners of all ages experience. This ministry provides financial support for teachers and students that would benefit from additional opportunities, equipment, testing or programs that might help them become successful learners.
Our fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30. We are currently accepting grant applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Please contact Diane Wagner at dwagner@stpeterkirkwood.org or 314-822-1347 x3008 for more information or for your confidential grant application. All parishioners are welcome to apply for funding.
It's time to register for Sunday School!
Registration is open for St. Peter Sunday School! Sunday School is a place for children ages 3 (by July 31, 2021) through Kindergarten to sing, create, and make friends as they learn about our church and Jesus’ great love for us while their parents attend 10 a.m. Mass. Classes begin September 26, 2021, and runs through the beginning of May.
Register online here: https://saintpeterkirkwood.weshareonline.org/SundaySchoolRegistration20212022
For information, please contact:
Susan Lueker slueker@stpeterkirkwood.org.
PTO News
Hello St. Peter Parents!
As we kick off the new year and fundraising initiatives, we would like to gather your feedback on how you would like to see PTO funds spent. As you know, we fund a number of programs and initiatives annually, including the Dash, New Parent Party, graduation, teacher reimbursements for supplies and classroom needs, Kleenex/wipes/paper towels for all classrooms, teacher appreciation, Catholic Schools Week, Donuts with Dads, Muffins with Moms in addition to technology requests including additional Chromebooks, SmartBoards and more. This is all made possible through your contributions to the fundraising efforts.
We value your feedback and want to spend the budget on specific needs of the school and our students. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below and provide us with your feedback on how we continue to make St. Peter the best it can be!
As we kick off the new year and fundraising initiatives, we would like to gather your feedback on how you would like to see PTO funds spent. As you know, we fund a number of programs and initiatives annually, including the Dash, New Parent Party, graduation, teacher reimbursements for supplies and classroom needs, Kleenex/wipes/paper towels for all classrooms, teacher appreciation, Catholic Schools Week, Donuts with Dads, Muffins with Moms in addition to technology requests including additional Chromebooks, SmartBoards and more. This is all made possible through your contributions to the fundraising efforts.
We value your feedback and want to spend the budget on specific needs of the school and our students. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below and provide us with your feedback on how we continue to make St. Peter the best it can be!
PTO Sign-Up Parties
Want to go to a party? PTO is bringing Sign-Up parties back! Join other StP families and enjoy socializing with new and old friends all while raising money for our school! Get your spot….they will fill up quickly!
The Sign-Up parties ARE LIVE! Click here for more details and SIGN-UP TO PARTY!
Have a good idea for a party? Don’t worry, it’s not too late to set one up! Contact PTO Fundraising Coordinator, Tiffany Warriner (tiffwarriner@yahoo.com) for more information. See “How To Host A Sign-Up Party” flyer.
Have a good idea for a party? Don’t worry, it’s not too late to set one up! Contact PTO Fundraising Coordinator, Tiffany Warriner (tiffwarriner@yahoo.com) for more information. See “How To Host A Sign-Up Party” flyer.
Sign up to Volunteer for the Dash!
The Dash is Back!
Saturday, October 9th
5K: 7:30 AM
Kids Fun Run (8 and Under): 8:30 AM
Sponsorships
Own a small business? Know someone who does? Want to make a personal contribution? Please consider becoming a sponsor of this fantastic event to benefit St. Peter. There will be incentives for class participation and family sponsorships. Help make this St. Peter tradition, a successful one. We thank you for your generosity and commitment to our amazing school!
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2021 DASH, please contact Julie Kavanagh at 314-265-5854 or jakavanagh@sbcglobal.net
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