Go Make Disciples

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS There’s something really special about piling onto the couch with my wife and kids and turning on Christmas movies. Watching The Grinch or Elf with them feels like coming home to a part of my own childhood. These are the movies I loved when I was young, and now I get to see them through my kids’ eyes (mostly my three year old), the giggles, the wide-eyed wonder, the way they quote the silly lines for days afterward. Sharing these simple moments, wrapped in blankets with a bowl of popcorn, I’ve realized this is a gift I never knew I’d cherish so deeply. It’s not just about the movie, it’s about the warmth, the togetherness, and the quiet joy of making memories I know we’ll hold onto for a long time. Here’s to making lasting memories with the ones we love during the Christmas season. -Mr. Connors WHAT’S NEW Panther Perks for the Holidays - DUE DATE CHANGED TO THIS FRIDAY Please turn in the Lime Green “Panther Perks for the Holidays” sheet by this Friday if you intend to put money towards a gift certificate for a Christmas gift for a faculty or staff member. It was originally due on Monday, but they are hoping to present the gift certificates to the faculty/staff on Monday so getting them on Friday will give them time to total them up and put all of the contributing family names on the individual certificates. Please disregard the due date on the printed sheet. *************** Out of Uniform - 12-18-2025 - Red and Green Christmas Colors To celebrate the Christmas season, next Thursday, December 18th, students may be out of uniform if they wear red and green Christmas colors. Out of uniform guidelines still apply. Out of Uniform Guidelines ● Leggings and/or bike shorts may only be worn under a dress or skirt. Dresses and skirts must be 2 inches above the knee or longer. ● Boys and girls shorts must be 2 inches above the knee or longer. ● Spaghetti straps are not allowed. If a sleeveless shirt is worn, the shoulder seams must be 1½ to 2 inches wide. ● No bare midriffs. ● Logos and slogans must be appropriate. *************** Important Panther Perks Program Updates for 2026 We would like to inform you of several upcoming changes to the Panther Perks Program. Beginning January 1, 2026, the following updates will take effect: Monthly Physical Gift Card Orders Physical gift cards will now be processed once per month. All orders for physical cards—whether submitted via the green order sheet or through RaiseRight—must be turned in by 8:00 AM on the first Tuesday of each month. One-Week Processing Time Physical gift card orders will be sent home with your student one week after the order deadline, on the second Tuesday of each month. We appreciate your patience, as this one-week turnaround ensures our volunteers have the time needed to accurately process all orders. Ordering Outside the Monthly Schedule If you need physical gift cards outside of the scheduled monthly order week, you may place an order through the parish office at any time. Please note that parish staff may need 1–2 days to process these requests. Any orders for physical gift cards sent to school or placed online after the first Tuesday of the month will not be filled until the following month. E-Gift Cards and Reloads Available Anytime E-gift cards and reloads remain available 24/7 through the RaiseRight app. These are delivered to you electronically immediately after purchase and do not require volunteer processing—making them a convenient option for on-demand access! Thank you for your continued support of the Panther Perks Program! This fundraiser directly benefits our school and helps provide essential support for our students and staff. We truly appreciate your generosity and partnership. Panther Perk Changes 2026 *************** STILL CURRENT 2nd Semester Lunch Sign Up Don’t forget to sign up for 2nd Semester Lunch by THIS Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025. *Please note that ALL pizza will be CHEESE during Lent, regardless of what flavor is ordered. Lent is from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 thru Easter, April 5. Pizza flavors will resume on Friday, April 10. We will also be substituting Papa Johns Cheese pizza on Ash Wednesday only for those who order Chick-fil-A sandwiches or nuggets. Chick-fil-A salads will still be served on Ash Wednesday since they do not contain meat. *Payment for lunches will be invoiced by SCCS via Blackbaud in January. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY MONEY NOW! Sign up for lunch at this link: https://forms.gle/TrYrNZoaNqD4usdA9 1st Semster lunch will still be in effect after the Christmas break until Friday, January, 16. 2nd Semester lunch will start on TUESDAY, JANUARY 20th. Due to the nature of our lunch program, and our merge with SCCS, we no longer can offer late orders or lunch changes. ******************* 6th Grade Bazaar Price list The 6th grade Bazaar and Bake Sale is this Friday, December 12. The price list is linked here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sgVCr2UcmgTTo-GcBtlP4tUAY5PvYqneW0ahXny9nTU/edit?usp=sharing ******************* Aftercare & Recess News Aftercare will close at 4:00pm on Thursday December 18th so our staff can attend our staff Christmas party. Please see attachment for Winter Recess Details. Winter Recess Flyer ****************************************** Pathfinders Please join us for December Pathfinders. Pathfinders is for 5-8th graders and is designed to help students discern their gifts and learn about vocations. This monthly program is new each month so students can jump in any time. If your student has been to a session before, please try to have them bring their journals for reflection time. New Pathfinders will get journals at the meeting. Please sign up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AA8AC2EA1F94-60609368-december Our next meeting will be Monday December 15th from 3:00 - 4:15 in McEleney Hall. The theme will be ’Holiness in Marriage’. We will reflect on what it means to live a holy marriage, even before you're grown up with special guests Tony and Lorene Knobbe, journal about qualities of a good marriage and learn about our Saints of the Month, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin. We look forward to walking in faith together at Pathfinders! ******************** Parish News Please see below for upcoming Parish Advent activities Advent Soup Suppers Advent Flocknote ******************** Free Community Event Sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods Dick’s Sporting Goods will be having a free community event coming up on December 13th . This Winter Workshop is open to all ages and will feature cookie decorating, free hot chocolate, holiday games, free rock wall climbs, HitTrax, golf simulators, a bounce house, and much more. Here is the event page to sign up and to view more information: Winter Workshop | Scheduling | DICK'S Sporting Goods  ***************** Save the Dates SPS Spelling Bee 2026 During Catholic Schools Week K-3 Spelling Bee, Monday, January 26 from 12:15-2:30 4-8th Script's National Spelling Bee, Friday, January 30 from 8:45-11:30 Denning Hall More info to come! Study sheet attached, please print at home. Start studying NOW!!!! Spelling Bee Practice List ***************** 4 year-old Preschool Christmas Program Please join us for our Christmas program in Denning Hall on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Morning Class at 10:00 am Afternoon at 1:45 pm *************** Upcoming School Events Please see attached letters for upcoming events as we head into the Advent and Christmas seasons. Advent Letter Christmas Performance Letter ***************** Christmas Music Programs Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Christmas music programs! Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 PM SPS GYM (Call time: 5:45 PM) -3rd- 5th Music Our musicians love preparing for these special performances. We can't wait to show off for you! ***************** Isn’t He Wonderful? Children’s Nativity Play Come and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us! Our parish children, ages 3 through first grade, are invited to participate in the best play of the year, Isn’t He Wonderful, the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus. There will be an informational meeting and 1st rehearsal in McEleney Hall after the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday, November 30. The 2nd rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 20, from 10:30-11:45 am. The performance will be Sunday, December 21, following the 9 am Mass. If your child is interested and can commit to the three dates listed above, please contact Erin to sign up. Erin Darland, erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us, 563-508-2808 ***************** CEW SAVE THE DATE: Christian Experience Weekend Women's: Feb 6-8, 2026 Men's: Feb 27- Mar 1, 2026 The purpose of the Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is to set apart a time and place from the ordinary events of life to deepen our relationship with God. CEW is also a beautiful example of Christian community, allowing us to relate to one another in a variety of ways centered around the common theme of strengthening our relationship with God. Whether you’re at a starting point, looking to renew your faith or just need a pause to reflect, CEW welcomes you. Applications are available on the Parish website or in the email attachment. Save your spot today! Check out our theme song for some inspiration: https://youtu.be/XbhMBg8Hv18 Contact: Sara Sieren (Women’s CEW) 563.210.6554 / sarasieren3771@gmail.com; Joe Verdi (Men’s CEW) 563.505.5207 / joeverdi@icloud.com ********************** Recess Volunteer Signup Sign up at one of the links below to volunteer at recess. Diocesan training and a background check is required prior to volunteering. These hours will count towards your home and school obligation. Email jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information. Volunteer for December Recess WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS The spirit of the holidays is in full force at SPS! From our all-school Advent prayer services in the gym on Mondays, gathering as one community to light the Advent candles and prepare our hearts for Jesus, to hearing students joyfully practicing for their Christmas concerts as I walk the halls, our school is absolutely buzzing with excitement and faith. On a personal note, I’m especially looking forward to my own son’s first Christmas performance in our 3-year-old preschool. Moments like these remind me how blessed we are to learn, laugh, pray, and celebrate together. There is truly something magical about being part of a Catholic school community during the Advent season. -Mr. Connors WHAT’S NEW Aftercare will be in the gym THIS Friday, December 5 due to an event in denning hall Aftercare will close at 4:00pm on Thursday December 18th so our staff can attend our staff Christmas party. Please see attachment for Winter Recess Details. Winter Recess Flyer ********************* 2nd Semester Lunch Sign Up Don’t forget to sign up for 2nd Semester Lunch by next Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025. *Please note that ALL pizza will be CHEESE during Lent, regardless of what flavor is ordered. Lent is from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 thru Easter, April 5. Pizza flavors will resume on Friday, April 10. We will also be substituting HyVee Cheese pizza on Ash Wednesday only for those who order Chick-fil-A sandwiches or nuggets. Chick-fil-A salads will still be served on Ash Wednesday since they do not contain meat. *Payment for lunches will be invoiced by SCCS via Blackbaud in January. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY MONEY NOW! Sign up for lunch at this link: https://forms.gle/TrYrNZoaNqD4usdA9 1st Semster lunch will still be in effect after the Christmas break until Friday, January, 16. 2nd Semester lunch will start on TUESDAY, JANUARY 20th. Due to the nature of our lunch program, and our merge with SCCS, we no longer can offer late orders or lunch changes. ******************* 6th Grade Bazaar Pricelist The 6th grade Bazaar and Bake Sale is next week on Friday, December 12. The price list is coming home today in Wednesday folders and is also linked here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sgVCr2UcmgTTo-GcBtlP4tUAY5PvYqneW0ahXny9nTU/edit?usp=sharing ********************* Pathfinders Please join us for December Pathfinders. Pathfinders is for 5-8th graders and is designed to help students discern their gifts and learn about vocations. This monthly program is new each month so students can jump in any time. If your student has been to a session before, please try to have them bring their journals for reflection time. New Pathfinders will get journals at the meeting. Please sign up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AA8AC2EA1F94-60609368-december Our next meeting will be Monday December 15th from 3:00 - 4:15 in McEleney Hall. The theme will be ’Holiness in Marriage’. We will reflect on what it means to live a holy marriage, even before you're grown up with special guests Tony and Lorene Knobbe, journal about qualities of a good marriage and learn about our Saints of the Month, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin. We look forward to walking in faith together at Pathfinders! ******************** Parish News Please see below for upcoming Parish Advent activities Advent Soup Suppers Advent Flocknote ******************** Free Community Event Sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods Dick’s Sporting Goods will be having a free community event coming up on December 13th . This Winter Workshop is open to all ages and will feature cookie decorating, free hot chocolate, holiday games, free rock wall climbs, HitTrax, golf simulators, a bounce house, and much more. Here is the event page to sign up and to view more information: Winter Workshop | Scheduling | DICK'S Sporting Goods STILL CURRENT Save the Dates SPS Spelling Bee 2026 During Catholic Schools Week K-3 Spelling Bee, Monday, January 26 from 12:15-2:30 4-8th Script's National Spelling Bee, Friday, January 30 from 8:45-11:30 Denning Hall More info to come! Study sheet attached, please print at home. Start studying NOW!!!! Spelling Bee Practice List ***************** 4 year-old Preschool Christmas Program Please join us for our Christmas program in Denning Hall on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Morning Class at 10:00 am Afternoon at 1:45 pm *************** Upcoming School Events Please see attached letters for upcoming events as we head into the Advent and Christmas seasons. Advent Letter Christmas Performance Letter ***************** School wide service opportunities Family Laundry Basket project - Our Fillmore angel tree has changed this year since my contact is shared between 2 buildings. This year she was hoping to have us help with a Family focused basket for families in need to include hygiene/family items/food items for Christmas. There is a sign up genius of items to help fill the 15 baskets. Items can be brought to the main office or Mrs. Harvey's room by Wednesday, December 10. Laundry Basket Project Cafe on Vine - We are collecting warm items for Cafe on Vine for Christmas Eve. We are looking for warm hats, gloves, socks, scarfs, coats, boots and thermal under clothes. Items can be dropped off in the 8th grade hallway. The student council will be hosting a Christmas Eve lunch at Cafe on Vine and provide desserts and snack bags. ***************** Home and School News Panther Perks for the Holidays The season of gift giving is here. Next Tuesday, we will be sending home a “Panther Perks for the Holidays” flyer so you can donate to a Christmas gift certificate for your children’s teachers and staff. This is a simple, meaningful way to show your appreciation for the Faculty and staff who work with your children every day. Participation is optional, and all contributions will be combined into a gift certificate for each Faculty/staff member to purchase Panther Perk gift cards of their choice. Thank you for helping us spread some holiday cheer! ***************** Christmas Music Programs Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Christmas music programs! Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:30 PM - SPS GYM (Call time: 6:15 PM) -5th-8th grade bands -6th grade choir -7th and 8th grade choir Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 PM- SPS GYM (Call time: 5:45 PM) -K-2 Music Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 PM SPS GYM (Call time: 5:45 PM) -3rd- 5th Music Our musicians love preparing for these special performances. We can't wait to show off for you! ***************** Isn’t He Wonderful? Children’s Nativity Play Come and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us! Our parish children, ages 3 through first grade, are invited to participate in the best play of the year, Isn’t He Wonderful, the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus. There will be an informational meeting and 1st rehearsal in McEleney Hall after the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday, November 30. The 2nd rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 20, from 10:30-11:45 am. The performance will be Sunday, December 21, following the 9 am Mass. If your child is interested and can commit to the three dates listed above, please contact Erin to sign up. Erin Darland, erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us, 563-508-2808 ***************** CEW SAVE THE DATE: Christian Experience Weekend Women's: Feb 6-8, 2026 Men's: Feb 27- Mar 1, 2026 The purpose of the Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is to set apart a time and place from the ordinary events of life to deepen our relationship with God. CEW is also a beautiful example of Christian community, allowing us to relate to one another in a variety of ways centered around the common theme of strengthening our relationship with God. Whether you’re at a starting point, looking to renew your faith or just need a pause to reflect, CEW welcomes you. Applications are available on the Parish website or in the email attachment. Save your spot today! Check out our theme song for some inspiration: https://youtu.be/XbhMBg8Hv18 Contact: Sara Sieren (Women’s CEW) 563.210.6554 / sarasieren3771@gmail.com; Joe Verdi (Men’s CEW) 563.505.5207 / joeverdi@icloud.com ********************** Recess Volunteer Signup Sign up at one of the links below to volunteer at recess. Diocesan training and a background check is required prior to volunteering. These hours will count towards your home and school obligation. Email jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information. Volunteer for December Recess WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS As we head into the holiday season, we’ve noticed an increase in student absences this past couple of weeks due to illness (including myself!). This time of year brings joy and celebration, but also more germs making their way around. To help keep our students healthy and learning, here are a few simple reminders: Stay home when sick. If your child isn’t feeling well, fever, vomiting, or other symptoms, please keep them home until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours. If you take your child to the doctor, please provide the school with a note. Hydrate and fuel up. Plenty of water, balanced meals, and good sleep go a long way in boosting the immune system, especially with busy schedules and colder weather. Handwashing matters. Encourage regular handwashing before eating and after coughing or sneezing. It’s still one of the most effective ways to stop the spread. Teach healthy habits . Covering coughs, using tissues, and avoiding sharing drinks or snacks helps protect everyone. Prioritize rest. Late nights and holiday excitement can add up, children (and adults!) need consistent sleep to stay well. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our community healthy during this special season. We want all our students to enjoy these weeks of learning, celebrations, and preparation for Christmas. Wishing everyone wellness, peace, and plenty of hand sanitizer! Mr. Connors WHAT’S NEW Thanksgiving Schedule Just a reminder that there will be no school Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 28. Wednesday folders will come home TODAY and there are 4 flyers in them that need your attention. Please make sure you check backpacks! *************** Panther Perks News Thank you to all who ordered Panther Perks this week. Due to the holiday, all Panther Perks ordered by Tuesday November 25th will go home on Monday December 1st. Just a reminder that next week is Panther Perks Tuesday . Order by 8:00 am on Tuesday December 2nd to earn an out of uniform day for your student(s) on Friday December 5th. E-gift cards and gift card reloads do count toward an out of uniform day. And remember, if you order on the Raise Right app, no need to fill out a green form or send in an envelope. Keep Panther Perks gift cards in mind as you do your Christmas shopping, as well as the shop through feature on the Raise Right app for shopping at online retailers. We truly appreciate your support! *************** Save the Dates SPS Spelling Bee 2026 During Catholic Schools Week K-3 Spelling Bee, Monday, January 26 from 12:15-2:30 4-8th Script's National Spelling Bee, Friday, January 30 from 8:45-11:30 Denning Hall More info to come! Study sheet attached, please print at home. Start studying NOW!!!! Spelling Bee Practice List ***************** 4 year-old Preschool Christmas Program Please join us for our Christmas program in Denning Hall on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Morning Class at 10:00 am Afternoon at 1:45 pm *************** Upcoming Events Please see attached letters for upcoming events as we head into the Advent and Christmas seasons. Advent Letter Christmas Performance Letter STILL CURRENT School wide service opportunities Family Laundry Basket project - Our Fillmore angel tree has changed this year since my contact is shared between 2 buildings. This year she was hoping to have us help with a Family focused basket for families in need to include hygiene/family items/food items for Christmas. There is a sign up genius of items to help fill the 15 baskets. Items can be brought to the main office or Mrs. Harvey's room. Laundry Basket Project Cafe on Vine - We are collecting warm items for Cafe on Vine for Christmas Eve. We are looking for warm hats, gloves, socks, scarfs, coats, boots and thermal under clothes. Items can be dropped off in the 8th grade hallway. The student council will be hosting a Christmas Eve lunch at Cafe on Vine and provide desserts and snack bags. *************** Home and School News Panther Perks for the Holidays The season of gift giving is here. Next Tuesday, we will be sending home a “Panther Perks for the Holidays” flyer so you can donate to a Christmas gift certificate for your children’s teachers and staff. This is a simple, meaningful way to show your appreciation for the Faculty and staff who work with your children every day. Participation is optional, and all contributions will be combined into a gift certificate for each Faculty/staff member to purchase Panther Perk gift cards of their choice. Thank you for helping us spread some holiday cheer! *************** Christmas Music Programs Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Christmas music programs! Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:30 PM - SPS GYM (Call time: 6:15 PM) -5th-8th grade bands -6th grade choir -7th and 8th grade choir Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 PM- SPS GYM (Call time: 5:45 PM) -K-2 Music Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 PM SPS GYM (Call time: 5:45 PM) -3rd- 5th Music Our musicians love preparing for these special performances. We can't wait to show off for you! Red Festive Minimalistic Christmas Party Event Flyer (1).png ***************** Isn’t He Wonderful? Children’s Nativity Play Come and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us! Our parish children, ages 3 through first grade, are invited to participate in the best play of the year, Isn’t He Wonderful, the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus. There will be an informational meeting and 1st rehearsal in McEleney Hall after the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday, November 30. The 2nd rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 20, from 10:30-11:45 am. The performance will be Sunday, December 21, following the 9 am Mass. If your child is interested and can commit to the three dates listed above, please contact Erin to sign up. Erin Darland, erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us, 563-508-2808 ***************** 2nd Semester Lunch Sign Up 2nd Semester Lunch will start on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. All 2nd semester orders must be submitted by Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025. *Please complete a separate form for each child who plans to take any a la carte lunch options. * Please note that signing up indicates that your child plans to take each item for the entire 2nd semester. *If you wish to add something after you have submitted the form (and the deadline has not passed), please create a new form and only include the ADDED choice(s). Do not resubmit already ordered items or the system will think your child wants two of everything. Additions must be made by the deadline of December 12. *If your child decides they want to cancel something, please email kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us by December 12. *Please note that all pizza will be CHEESE during Lent, regardless of what flavor is ordered. Lent is from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 thru Easter, April 5. Pizza flavors will resume on Friday, April 10. We will also be substituting HyVee Cheese pizza on Ash Wednesday only for those who order Chick-fil-A sandwiches or nuggets. Chick-fil-A salads will still be served on Ash Wednesday since they do not contain meat. *Payment for lunches will be invoiced by SCCS via Blackbaud in January. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY MONEY NOW! Sign up for lunch at this link: https://forms.gle/TrYrNZoaNqD4usdA9 Due to the nature of our lunch program, and our merge with SCCS, we no longer can offer late orders or lunch changes. ******************* Advent by Candlelight - Sunday, December 7th at 5:00 pm This wonderful event is an opportunity for women of all ages to set aside the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and focus their minds and hearts on Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. Please join us to enjoy the company of friends, a beautiful program, a fabulous meal, and the wonder of the season. Each table will have a hostess who will provide the table setting and holiday decorations for a table of 8-10 ladies. Your table is encouraged to bring your favorite beverages and dessert, and Creative Catering Caravan will cater dinner. The price for this event is $30 per ticket. Please register by November 26th: https://forms.gle/onzyqXTZmGxm9HSV7 Advent by Candlelight.png ****************** CEW SAVE THE DATE: Christian Experience Weekend Women's: Feb 6-8, 2026 Men's: Feb 27- Mar 1, 2026 The purpose of the Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is to set apart a time and place from the ordinary events of life to deepen our relationship with God. CEW is also a beautiful example of Christian community, allowing us to relate to one another in a variety of ways centered around the common theme of strengthening our relationship with God. Whether you’re at a starting point, looking to renew your faith or just need a pause to reflect, CEW welcomes you. Applications are available on the Parish website or in the email attachment. Save your spot today! Check out our theme song for some inspiration: https://youtu.be/XbhMBg8Hv18 Contact: Sara Sieren (Women’s CEW) 563.210.6554 / sarasieren3771@gmail.com; Joe Verdi (Men’s CEW) 563.505.5207 / joeverdi@icloud.com ********************* Recess Volunteer Signup Sign up at one of the links below to volunteer at recess. Diocesan training and a background check is required prior to volunteering. These hours will count towards your home and school obligation. Email jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information. Volunteer for December Recess ********************** WEEK AT A GLANCE