Columbkille Chronicle - Volume 1

Dear St. Columbkille Catholic School Families,

As we turn the calendar to November, we begin with All Saints Day, a reminder of the many people who have shown us what it means to follow Jesus. The saints came from different backgrounds and faced different challenges, but each answered God’s call in their own lives. Their examples remind all of us that growing in holiness begins with everyday choices: telling the truth, including someone, offering forgiveness, and helping when there is a need.

On Monday, we’ll bring those stories to life as students take part in saint activities, visit our seventh graders’ Saints Wax Museum, and join our All Saints Day procession. As “When the Saints Go Marching In” fills the halls, we’ll celebrate the saints and the example they offer each of us as we take our next step to be more like Jesus.

Our school community has also spent October putting faith into action through Socktober. Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our goal of 10,000 pairs and collected 12,000 pairs of socks! These socks will be shared with organizations across the Omaha area to help neighbors in need. Thank you for your support, whether your family donated a package or your child reminded you, repeatedly, to add socks to the shopping list.

As November approaches, it’s time for a few more layers. We want students to enjoy time outside as much as possible, and our morning walks to Mass can be chilly, too. Please send your child with a coat and, as temperatures drop, hats and gloves so they’re prepared for both recess and the walk to church. You can review our Cold Weather Policy here.

This is also a good time to check that the school has your current phone number. If school is canceled because of inclement weather, we will notify families through a Parent Alert text message. Closings will also be announced on local television stations. St. Columbkille follows both Omaha Catholic Schools and Papillion La Vista Community Schools. If either announces a weather closing, we will not be in session.

Enjoy the Halloween celebrations this weekend! I hope your family has time for some fun, a little rest, and a few treats along the way.

Tiffany Howard
Principal

• October 30: Last day to wear shorts PK-4th Grade
• November 2: October Math Madness Calendars Due
• November 6: Math Madness Dress Down Day - For students who completed their calendars
• Last day for Texas Roadhouse Bread sale
• November 9: Teacher In-Service - NO SCHOOL!
• November 11: Veteran's Day

We have made a few updates to our Privacy Notice. Please click HERE to review.

We are inviting all St. Columbkille students to enter their drawings in our Yearbook Cover Contest. Winners will be selected to be displayed on the front and back cover of the yearbook. Entries not selected for the covers will be displayed as Honorable Mention inside the yearbook. Entries are due November 2nd. Click HERE for more information!

Please take a moment to ensure your child’s health records are complete. Use the checklist HERE to make sure each student has all of the health requirements complete. Medications at School - Does your child need to take medication at school? Check out the proper steps and be sure you are following them so we can administer that medication.

Calling all bread lovers! Friday, November 6th, is the last day to order Texas Roadhouse rolls and gift cards! 50% of all sales go directly back to our school. Be sure to place your order before the deadline using the link HERE. Thank you for your support!

Families can enter volunteer hours in FACTS. Please review the Family Participation Hours Program Information for complete program details, including the fee for incomplete hours and instructions for tracking hours in FACTS.

All volunteers ages 19 and older who may come in contact with children must be Safe Environment certified. This Archdiocese of Omaha requirement applies to school and parish staff, parent volunteers, field trip chaperones, coaches, RE catechists, and others working with children.

• Cafeteria Helpers for October and November

• Heavenly Dusters - Help care for our church. Click HERE for more information.

• Find more opportunities to get involved in the School or Parish HERE.

The CARE Program (Cards Are Rewards for Education) is an easy way to support St. Columbkille while earning tuition rewards! Purchase gift cards at face value from more than 500 local and national vendors, and a portion of each purchase benefits our school and parish.

School families can earn 1–2% back toward tuition or RE fees, including Catholic high school tuition. This year, our top two families earned over $400 in tuition rewards!

Gift cards can be purchased online 24/7, after weekend Masses, or by sending an order to school with your student.