St. Edward School Parent Letter
November 5, 2026
From the Principal
Dear St. Edward Families,
We are grateful for your continued partnership and support. Here are a few important dates, announcements, and highlights from our week.
Valeri Scheps visited our Preschool–Grade 2 students yesterday and read her new book, Stanley Plays the Accordion. Her visit was delightful! Each child had a chance to hold—and perhaps squeeze—one of the accordions she brought. Thank you, Mrs. Scheps, for sharing your book and music with us!
The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students finished their canoe on Tuesday! We then invited all of the students into the gym to celebrate and the older student explained to the younger ones some of the things they got to do and learn!
Parent-teacher conferences were held last Thursday. If you could not make it, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher to set up an alternate plan.
Our first Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for:
· Date: Tuesday, November 24
· Time: 6:00 PM
· Location: St. Edward School
During this initial meeting, we will:
· Review safety recommendations from the Minnesota School Safety Center and local law enforcement.
· Identify safety improvements we have already completed.
· Discuss priorities and next steps for strengthening school safety.
· Consider the formal structure of the Safety Committee, including:
o Membership and responsibilities
o Meeting frequency
o Reporting to the Education Committee
Our goal is to bring together individuals with different perspectives and areas of expertise to help us make thoughtful, informed decisions about the safety of our students, staff, and school community. All are welcome to attend.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for being such an important part of our school community. We look forward to continuing to learn, celebrate, and work together!
May God Bless,
Mrs. Garvey
Virtue of the Month: Stewardship
Week 1 – The Gift of Time
Family Faith Question:
“We all have 24 hours in a day. How can you give some of your time to God this week instead of using it only for yourself?”
Scripture: “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” — Psalm 90:12
Quote of the Week: "For the Eucharist is the sacrament of the love which conquers death; it is the sacrament of the Covenant, pure gift of love for the reconciliation for all humanity. It is the gift of the real presence of Jesus the Redeemer, in the bread which is his body given up for us, in the wine which is his blood poured out for all." - Saint John Paul II
(p. 26, Family Companion 2026-27)
Look what's happening...
Trying an instrument
The Student Council
Saints
Upcoming Events📆
Important Announcements
Early dismissal — Tomorrow, Friday, November 6: School will dismiss at 12:00 p.m. for the State Quarterfinal Football game. There will be no afterschool care. The game begins at 2:00 p.m. at SMSU. Best wishes to the Minneota Vikings!
Box of Joy donations — due Friday, November 6
Mrs. Rabaey welcomes help packing boxes after Mass at St. Edward Church:- Saturday, November 7, in the church basement
- Sunday, November 8, in the church basement
- Frindle play — Monday, November 9: Students in grades 3–5 will visit the Dawson-Boyd Theater to see Frindle. Permission slips have been sent home.
- Canoe launch — Monday, November 9, at 12:45 p.m.: Students in grades 3–8 will walk to the creek to watch two faculty members maneuver the canoe.
- Vocations Jamboree meeting — Monday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m.: Parents of 7th and 8th grade students are invited to Miss Novotny’s classroom to discuss the University of Mary Vocations Jamboree Pilgrimage in March.
- School Mass — Wednesday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m.: Students in grades 1–2 will lead us.
- Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11: Veterans are welcome to join us for noon lunch. Everyone is invited to attend the program at 12:45 p.m.
- Energy Connections Assembly — Wednesday, November 11, at 1:45 p.m.: The Science Museum will present this assembly for students in grades 3–6. The presentation is sponsored in part by Otter Tail Electric.
- Education Committee meeting — Tuesday, November 17, at 6:00 p.m.: Everyone is welcome to attend.
St. Edward and St. Eloi Parish Directory photos
Please register at UCdir.com using:- Church Code: mn695
- Church Password: member695
Appointments are 10 minutes long. Families of six or more, or those who would like extra photo time, should book two consecutive slots.
- November 17–19: St. Edward, KC Hall
- November 20–21: St. Eloi
Everyone who has a photo taken or submits a family photo will receive a new directory.
School Spirit Wear and Gear Sale
The PEACE Committee has organized another St. Edward School Spirit Wear and Gear sale. To order, log in here or scan the QR code. Orders are due December 14.
Saintly Service Halo Award
St. Catherine of Alexandria was a bright, courageous young woman who lived in Egypt during the 4th century. When she discovered Christianity, her faith became the most important part of her life – and she wasn't afraid to stand up for it!
At a time when Christians were being persecuted, Catherine boldly challenged the Roman emperor for treating them unfairly. According to tradition, the emperor brought in fifty of his smartest philosophers to debate her, hoping they would prove her wrong. Instead, several of them became Christians! The emperor was furious, and Catherine was imprisoned and martyred for her beliefs.
Do you know a St. Edward School staff member who embodies the qualities of St. Catherine of Alexandria? Please consider nominating them for the Saintly Service Halo Award. We love hearing real-world examples of sainthood in the making from Catholic schools across the state. Nominations are accepted through Monday, November 16.
Help Needed
Mr. Cardinal is looking for additional support in the after school program. Our student numbers are raising and we need an additional set of eyes, ears and hands, especially on Wednesday afternoons. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping, please reach out to the school office.
Our digital Ignatius Bookfair begins on November 30th and runs through Dec. 6th. Here is a sneak peek.
St. Edward Catholic School exists to provide a comprehensive academic foundation that empowers children in their faith journey by teaching Catholic values while encouraging lifelong service.
St. Edward Catholic School
Principal: Mrs. Jaci Garvey
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Trudy Banks
210 W. 4th St., Minneota, MN 56264
Phone: 507-872-6391
Website: www.stedscatholicschool.com
Facebook: St. Edward Catholic School