Parent Correspondence Dec 2023
12-15-2023 Premier Pew Winners and MORE!
Good Afternoon!
Some quick info before the 10-Day Forecast:
Premiere Pew and Rock Star Parking Winners!
Front Pew, West Side - Tania McNeive!
Front Pew, East Side - The Geiken Family!
2nd Pew, West Side - The Monroe Family!
2nd Pew, East Side - Deacon Bob and Mrs. Diana Ortiz!
Rock Star parking for these winners will be on the West side of Church, so that you can easily access the Event Center to drop off and pick up students!
Thank you for your support! Our 8th graders raised $300 for their graduation activities!
Faculty Update! Please join me in welcoming Riley Champney to our faculty! Mr. Champney completed his student teaching this fall and he will join us as a certified member of the faculty beginning January 3! Mr. Champney will teach 4th Grade ELA and will be a member of our Tier support team for a variety of levels and subject areas. Fun Fact: Mr. Champney is a member of the MD Class of 2015 - welcome home, Mr. Champney!
We begin our Christmas Break at noon on Tuesday, December 19. Our 8th grade is offering a movie afternoon from noon until 5:30 PM. If your child needs supervision in the afternoon, this is the option that the school can offer. There is no After Care on half days. Please see the flier for details! A printed copy was sent home earlier this week.
The 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 will be the children’s Mass. Please click here if your child would like to help with the Children’s Mass.
Here is our 10-Day Forecast for December 18, 2023 - January 10,2024 (with some bonus days this weekend)
Saturday - Sunday, December 16-17, 2023
It is the Third Sunday of Advent.
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Monday, December 18, 2023
Christmas Concert Day! Our Christmas Concert is at 7:00 PM in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church (the Prelude begins at 6:50, so please be seated at that time).
Students should arrive at 6:30 PM and they should be dressed up or in their uniforms.
Change to the Concert Drop off! Students in grades 6-8 who are not in Band will meet in the Chapel
Band students will meet in the band room at school
Students in grades PK-4 will meet in the Mater Dei Event Center
Our handbells begin the prelude at 6:50, so it is vital that everyone is on time!
Our Final Rehearsal will be in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church and will begin at 1:50. Sometimes, grandparents or other friends like to attend in the afternoon so they don’t have to fight the crowd or drive after dark. We will dismiss from the Church on our regular rotation, beginning with PK at 3:00.
At the end of the concert, please go to the Mater Dei Event Center (just to the west of the Church) to pick up your student(s).
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Students may wear an ugly/festive/silly Christmas sweater or sweatshirt if they are ready to really get into the Holiday Spirit!
Students will wear uniform pants, shorts, or skorts
We will meet in the gym at 10:45 for a play performed by our 5th graders.
At approximately 11:10, we will move back to our classrooms for our class parties!
If you are a room parent, please work with the classroom teacher to coordinate class parties.
We will begin our dismissal process at 11:45 on this rotation: PK dismisses at 11:45; K dismisses at 11:47; 1st grade dismisses at 11:49; 2nd grade dismisses at 11:51; 3rd grade dismisses at 11:53; 4th grade dismisses at 11:55; 5th grade dismisses at 11:57; middle school dismisses at 12:00.
All students must be picked up by 12:10 or they will need to plan to attend the Movie Day hosted by the 8th grade. Our teachers have School of Faith at 12:30 at Christ the King, so they are not available for extended after school duty.
For more information about that Movie Day, see the flier below! Please respond by Monday, December 18, if your child will stay for the movies
Mass Times for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 23-24, 2023
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday.
Mass Times for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24-25, 2023
December 24, 4:00 PM Mass at Mater Dei Assumption
December 24, 6:00 PM Mass (the Children’s Mass) at Mater Dei Holy Name
December 24, 10:00 PM Mass at Mater Dei Assumption
December 25, 9:00 AM Mass at Mater Dei Holy Name
The Mater Dei Gym is Closed December 24 - 28, 2023, per KSHSAA Guidelines
Mass times for December 30 - 31, 2023
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Classes Resume
All School Mass at 8:00 AM, prepared by the Faculty
C Flight boys basketball practice 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Thursday, January 4, 2024
C Flight boys basketball practice 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Friday, January 5, 2024
All School Mass at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 5th Grade
2nd Quarter Report Cards will be sent home with students
C Flight boys basketball practice 3:15- 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Mass times for January 6-7, 2024
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
C Flight boys basketball practice 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
All School Mass at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 7th Grade
First Semester Awards Assembly immediately following Mass in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church, approximate start time - 8:40 AM.
C Flight boys basketball practice 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym.
Save the Dates (more info in the January 5 School Messenger):
Thursday, January 11, 2024 - C Flight boys basketball practice
Friday, January 12, 2024 - NO SCHOOL! The faculty will attend School of Faith.
#MDStrong
Thank you for all you do, God bless you, and have a great day!
Andrea Hillebert
12-12-2023 Final Instructions for the Christmas Sale & More!
Good Afternoon!
Thank you for your support of Toys for Tots! Many children will be so happy to receive a gift this Christmas and YOU were a part of that!
Action Items:
Christmas Sale!
The Christmas Sale is TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 13!
We can use volunteers to help our students make their selections!
Please send your child with money (generally $5-$10 is more than enough) in an envelope. On the outside of the envelope, include the following information:
Your child’s name
A list of who he or she is shopping for. For example: John Doe is shopping for Mom, Dad, Grandpa Doe, Grandma Doe, Sister Sue, and Brother Bill
Our shoppers’ helpers will work with each student to find the perfect gift!
The BEST part of the Christmas Sale is hearing our students talk about why they think each gift would be perfect for their list. They are so excited for you to open your gifts!
The Christmas Concert!
Our Concert will be Monday, December 18, at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at 7:00 PM
We will provide supervision beginning at 6:30
Students in grades PK and K will meet in the Chapel in the Church
Band students will meet in the band room at school
Students in grades 1-8 will meet in the Mater Dei Event Center
Our handbells begin the prelude at 6:50, so it is vital that everyone is on time!
Our Final Rehearsal will be in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church and will begin at 1:50. Sometimes, grandparents or other friends like to attend in the afternoon so they don’t have to fight the crowd or drive after dark. We will dismiss from the Church on our regular rotation, beginning with PK at 3:00.
For the concert in the evening, students should dress up or wear their uniform
At the end of the concert, please go to the Event Center to pick up your student(s).
We will keep those details coming as the date gets closer!
The Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve (6:00 PM at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church)
The 6:00 Mass has traditionally been a Mass where the children help as lectors, cantors, servers, and in the procession.
Please click here if your child would like to be a part of this special Mass.
Upcoming Events:
All School Mass on Wednesday, December 13, at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 2nd Grade.
Thursday, December 14, is our Advent Reconciliation Service for students in grades 3-8.
All School Mass on Friday, December 15, at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 8th Grade.
Please click here and select 12-8-2023 for a more detailed calendar of events!
Job Opportunities:
Mater Dei Child Care Center has an opening for a Lead Teacher! The Child Care Center is such a fun and encouraging place! If you are interested in learning more, please contact Ms. Virginia at 785-232-1603
Mater Dei School has a part time janitor position available. Working hours are 3:00 - 6:00 Monday through Friday. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone in high school or college because there is plenty of time to study and to attend school or campus events. It is also a good second job for those who are just interested in a few hours each week!
Counselor’s Corner
Nip trouble in the bud
Hearing from a teacher that your child is misbehaving isn’t pleasant. But by acting quickly, you can almost always turn things around. Here’s how:
Hear the teacher out. Something is preventing your child from learning well.
Work together. It’s likely the teacher has seen this problem before and has suggestions for handling it.
Talk to your child. Say “The teacher and I want to help you.” Explain that following rules isn’t always easy, but it is something everyone must do.
#MDStrong
Thank you for all you do, God bless you, and have a great day!
Andrea Hillebert
12-8-2023 Important Events, Knights!
Good Afternoon!
Some quick info before the 10-Day Forecast:
The 8th grade will announce the Premiere Pew and Rock Star Parking Winners next Friday, December 15! There is still time to purchase your winning tickets! Please see the attached flier for details!
We begin our Christmas Break at noon on Tuesday, December 19. Our 8th grade is offering a movie afternoon from noon until 5:30 PM. Please see the flier for details!
The 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 will be the children’s Mass. Please click here if your child would like to help with the Children’s Mass.
Here is our 10-Day Forecast for December 11 - 20, 2023 (with some bonus days this weekend)
Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Altar Society is Excited to Host the 9th Annual Sweet Shoppe from 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the Mater Dei Event Center.
Mater Dei Girls Basketball plays at 10:00 AM at Most Pure Heart. Our opponent is CtK B Flight.
Saturday - Sunday, December 9-10, 2023
It is the Second Sunday of Advent.
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Christmas Sale Set Up - we are still taking donations AND welcoming volunteers!
NO BASKETBALL PRACTICE due to the Christmas Sale Set Up
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
All School Mass at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 2nd Grade
The Christmas Sale is today! Students should bring their shopping money in an envelope with:
The student’s name on it
The people they are buying for
C Flight boys basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
A Flight boys basketball practice from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Thursday, December 14, 2023
The Advent Penance Service for students in grades 3-8
C Flight boys basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Parish Reconciliation Service is at Mater Dei Holy Name Church at 7:00 PM. Or, please see the bulletin for other days and times for Advent Reconciliation opportunities.
Friday, December 15, 2023
All School Mass at 8:00 AM, prepared by the 8th grade
C Flight boys basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Saturday - Sunday, December 16-17, 2023
It is the Third Sunday of Advent.
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Monday, December 18, 2023
Christmas Concert Day! Our Christmas Concert is at 7:00 PM in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church (the Prelude begins at 6:50, so please be seated at that time).
Students should arrive at 6:30 PM and they should be dressed up or in their uniforms.
Students in grades PK and K will meet in the Chapel in the Church
Band students will meet in the band room at school
Students in grades 1-8 will meet in the Mater Dei Event Center
Our handbells begin the prelude at 6:50, so it is vital that everyone is on time!
Our Final Rehearsal will be in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church and will begin at 1:50. Sometimes, grandparents or other friends like to attend in the afternoon so they don’t have to fight the crowd or drive after dark. We will dismiss from the Church on our regular rotation, beginning with PK at 3:00.
At the end of the concert, please go to the Mater Dei Event Center (just to the west of the Church) to pick up your student(s).
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Students may wear an ugly/festive/silly Christmas sweater or sweatshirt if they are ready to really get into the Holiday Spirit!
We will meet in the gym at 10:45 for a play performed by our 5th graders.
At approximately 11:10, we will move back to our classrooms for our class parties!
If you are a room parent, please work with the classroom teacher to coordinate class parties.
We will begin our dismissal process at 11:45 on this rotation: PK dismisses at 11:45; K dismisses at 11:47; 1st grade dismisses at 11:49; 2nd grade dismisses at 11:51; 3rd grade dismisses at 11:53; 4th grade dismisses at 11:55; 5th grade dismisses at 11:57; middle school dismisses at 12:00.
All students must be picked up by 12:10 or they will need to plan to attend the Movie Day hosted by the 8th grade. Our teachers have School of Faith at 12:30 at Christ the King, so they are not available for extended after school duty.
For more information about that Movie Day, see the flier below!
Mass Times for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 23-24, 2023
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday.
Mass Times for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24-25, 2023
December 24, 4:00 PM Mass at Mater Dei Assumption
December 24, 6:00 PM Mass (the Children’s Mass) at Mater Dei Holy Name
December 24, 10:00 PM Mass at Mater Dei Assumption
December 25, 9:00 AM Mass at Mater Dei Holy Name
#MDStrong
Thank you for all you do, God bless you, and have a great day!
Andrea Hillebert
12-5-2023 Good Evening, Knights!
Good Afternoon!
First of all: THANK YOU for your generosity with our November Food Drive! We donated to 4 families, 4 Blessing Boxes, Doorstep, the Topeka Rescue Mission, and the Alpha Children’s Christian Home. Way to make a difference, Knights!
Action Items:
Toys for Tots: This year, we are thrilled to partner with the US Marine Corps Reserve to provide toys for children at Christmas! It is so simple to participate! Simply donate a new, unwrapped toy to the program. Donation boxes are available at school. When we fill our boxes, a representative will take those toys and bring another box for us to fill! The last day to donate is Wednesday, December 6. Thank you for your consideration of this service project!
Christmas Sale!
The Christmas Sale is Wednesday, December13
Set up is Tuesday, December 12, and we can use some volunteers to turn the gym into a shopper’s paradise!
We can use volunteers on December 13 to help our students make their selections!
We are still accepting donations of items that we can sell during the Sale.
Please send your child with money (generally $5-$10 is more than enough) in an envelope. On the outside of the envelope, include the following information:
Your child’s name
A list of who he or she is shopping for. For example: John Doe is shopping for Mom, Dad, Grandpa Doe, Grandma Doe, Sister Sue, and Brother Bill
Our shoppers’ helpers will work with each student to find the perfect gift!
The BEST part of the Christmas Sale is hearing our students talk about why they think each gift would be perfect for their list. Their love for you and their pride at having a gift to give are truly touching!
The Christmas Concert!
Our Concert will be Monday, December 18, at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at 7:00 PM
We will provide supervision beginning at 6:30
Students in grades PK and K will meet in the Chapel in the Church
Band students will meet in the band room at school
Students in grades 1-8 will meet in the Mater Dei Event Center
Our handbells begin the prelude at 6:50, so it is vital that everyone is on time!
Our Final Rehearsal will be in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church and will begin at 1:50. Sometimes, grandparents or other friends like to attend in the afternoon so they don’t have to fight the crowd or drive after dark. We will dismiss from the Church on our regular rotation, beginning with PK at 3:00.
For the concert in the evening, students should dress up or wear their uniform
At the end of the concert, please go to the Event Center to pick up your student(s).
We will keep those details coming as the date gets closer!
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, December 6, is First Reconciliation at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at 6:30 PM. Please keep our students who are receiving this sacrament for the first time in your prayers!
Thursday, December 7, is a dress down day fundraiser! Our 8th graders are raising money for their graduation gift to the school. If your child would like to support this cause, it is $1 to wear a dress down shirt and $1 for dress down pants or shorts. Please read the guidelines below:
Appropriate pants or shorts include: jeans with no holes in them, capris, shorts that extend past the tips of the fingertips AND below any shirt that is being worn; leggings ONLY IF they are worn with a shirt that comes past the end of the fingertips; pajama pants are not appropriate spirit day attire (we will host a pajama day during Catholic Schools Week). As with all matters related to the dress code, the administration reserves the right to determine appropriate implementation of the policy.
Friday, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and it is a Holy Day of Obligation. Our 6th grade will prepare Mass at 8:00 AM. All are welcome!
Friday, December 8, is the Nutcracker Field Trip for our 4th graders! Thank you to our volunteer drivers and for turning in your permission slips. They are due tomorrow, if you have not yet submitted them.
Saturday, December 9, is the Sweet Shoppe and Soup Supper from 3:30 - 7:30 in the Event Center! See the flier below for all the details!
Please click here and select 12-1-2023 for a more detailed calendar of events!
Job Opportunities:
Mater Dei Child Care Center has an opening for a Lead Teacher! The Child Care Center is such a fun and encouraging place! If you are interested in learning more, please contact Ms. Virginia at 785-232-1603
Mater Dei School has a part time janitor position available. Working hours are 3:00 - 6:00 Monday through Friday. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone in high school or college because there is plenty of time to study and to attend school or campus events. It is also a good part time job for those who are just interested in a few hours each week!
Counselor’s Corner
Instill better sleep habits
Using digital devices, eating, drinking and exercising in the hours right before bed makes it harder to sleep. Vitamins, caffeinated drinks and pills are not substitutes for a good night’s sleep. Help your child trade poor sleep habits for these healthy ones:
A relaxing bedtime routine: a warm shower, pleasure reading, quiet music, etc.
A consistent sleep schedule. Staying up late and sleeping in on weekends only makes waking up harder on Monday.
A short power nap (under 60 minutes) before 4 p.m.
#MDStrong
Thank you for all you do, God bless you, and have a great day!
Andrea Hillebert
12-1-2023 Your 10 Day Forecast, Knights!
Good Morning!
Some quick info before the 10-Day Forecast:
Thank you to those who have made a donation to Toys for Tots! Boxes are in the school. We are collecting donations through December 6!
The PTO Hosts the Christmas Sale on Wednesday, December 13! We can always use new or gently used items for our inventory. AND, we can use some volunteers to help with set up and shopping! Please email Caitlin LaMarr at caitlinlamarr@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering. If you can only commit to part of a day, that is just fine - we will work with your schedule!
The Christmas Concert is Monday, December 18! Please see the School Messenger from 11/28/23 for details. Even MORE details in Tuesday’s Messenger (12/5/23)
Here is our 10-Day Forecast for December 4 - 13, 2023 (with some bonus days this weekend)
Friday, December 1, 2023
All School Mass prepared by 4th grade
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Saturday - Sunday, December 2-3, 2023
It is the First Sunday of Advent, and the Beginning of the Liturgical Year! Let’s make a New (Church) Year resolution to prioritize our time as a parish community! It takes a village, Knights!
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Monday, December 4, 2023
Picture Retake Day! If your student was absent or needs a re-take, Monday is the day! Students may wear a non-uniform shirt to take the photo and then they need to change into a uniform shirt
Boys and Girls Basketball Pictures are today
Girls Basketball plays at 7:00 at the Balandran Activity Center (Holy Family Gym). Our opponent is St. Matthew C Flight.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Girls Basketball practice from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
All School Mass prepared by 3rd Grade
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
First Reconciliation at 6:30 in the Mater Dei Holy Name Church
Girls Basketball plays at 6:00 at Christ the King. Our opponent is Christ the King C Flight.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
The 8th grade is hosting a Dress Down Day fundraiser to help raise money for their class gift to the school! The cost is $1 for a dress down shirt and $1 for appropriate dress down pants or shorts. All students may participate!
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
The Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is at 5:30 at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church
Girls Basketball practice from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Friday, December 8, 2023
All School Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a Holy Day of Obligation) is at 8:00 and is prepared by th 6th grade
Other Masses for the Feast day are: Noon at Mater Dei Assumption and 5:30 at Mater Dei Assumption
The 4th graders will attend the Nutcracker at TPAC and permission forms are coming home today!
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:!5 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Altar Society is Excited to Host the 9th Annual Sweet Shoppe from 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the Mater Dei Event Center. Please see the flier for details
Mater Dei Girls Basketball plays at 10:00 AM at Most Pure Heart. Our opponent is CtK B Flight
Saturday - Sunday, December 9-10, 2023
It is the Second Sunday of Advent.
Weekend Masses are at the Mater Dei Holy Name Church at the following times: 5:00 PM on Saturday;8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday is at the Mater Dei Assumption Church. All are welcome!
Monday, December 11, 2023
Girls Basketball practice from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Christmas Sale Set Up - we are still taking donations AND welcoming volunteers
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
All School Mass prepared by 2nd grade
Christmas Sale in the Mater Dei Gym!
C Flight Boys Basketball practice from 3:15 - 4:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
A Flight Boys Basketball practice from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Mater Dei Gym
Save the Dates (more info next week):
Thursday, December 14 - Advent Reconciliation during the school day for children and at 7:00 PM for adults
Friday, December 15 - All School Mass, prepared by 8th Grade
#MDStrong
Thank you for all you do, God bless you, and have a great day!
Andrea Hillebert