Living as members of our Catholic Faith Community;
Loving God and all of His creation; and
Learning for our future on Earth and in Heaven.
12/20 Christmas Concert 6-7:45 pm
12/22 Christmas Parties in Classroom
12/23-1/2 No School Christmas Break
1/3 Classes Resume
1/12 Second Friday Count Day
1/15 No School for Students- Siena Mission Day
1/19 Quarter 2 Ends
1/22 Quarter 3 Begins
1/28-2/2 Catholic Schools Week
1/30 St. Rita School Open House 5-7pm
Dear St. Rita Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the festive season, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates and initiatives taking place at our school. We are truly grateful for the sense of community and generosity that prevails among our St. Rita families.
**1. Advent Prayer Services:**
We join together in embracing the spirit of anticipation and reflection during our Advent prayer services. These moments of communal prayer provide a space for quiet contemplation and connection as we prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Each week, another group of students prepares the service and performs the readings. This week, the 3-5th grade performed our “Jesse Tree” service.
**2. Giving Tree Charity Efforts:**
Our Giving Tree initiative was very successful! Generosity knows no bounds, and your contributions to the Giving Tree will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. It is so touching that we came together to make this holiday season brighter for those who may be facing challenges. Mrs. Thomas delivered the giving tree items to the Milwaukee school in need last week.
**3. Raffle Baskets:**
Thank you very much for donating to the parish raffle baskets. The creativity and thoughtfulness put into these baskets was truly remarkable. Don't miss your chance to win these fantastic prizes while supporting our school and community initiatives at the parish Advent breakfast this Sunday.
**4. Donations to St. Monica's:**
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our ongoing donations to St. Monica's. Your generosity helps make a positive impact on the lives of the residents in this assisted living facility, embodying the true spirit of the season. Next week is the last week to submit donations.
**5. 4th Grade Field Trip to SC Johnson:**
Our 4th graders recently embarked on an educational adventure to SC Johnson, enriching their understanding of the world around them. We appreciate the support of our dedicated teachers and the enthusiasm of our students in making learning an exciting journey.
**6. Santa Gram Sales:**
Spread some holiday cheer with Santa Grams! Available during lunch times next week, these festive messages are a delightful way to send warm wishes to friends and teachers. Your participation will not only brighten someone's day but also contribute to our school's initiatives.
As we come together in the spirit of giving, let us be grateful for the blessings we share as a school community. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to making this holiday season memorable for all.
Wishing you and your families a joyous and blessed holiday season!
Warm regards,
Beth Woodward
bwoodward@sienacatholicschools.org
Principal, St. Rita School
Here are a couple of repeat items from previous weeks:
ST RITA SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are in need of volunteers to help with lunch supervision between 11-12. Please email bwoodward@sienacatholicschools.org if you are interested in helping, even one day per week.
Many helping hands build community and lightens the work load.
In addition to day-to-day activities, we are always open to new members and ideas for our Royal Parent Student Association. This is a parent-led volunteer organization that organizes recognition and fun activities as well as supports the school’s need for extra hands in a variety of ways.
SAFEGUARDING ALL OF GOD’S FAMILY
Safeguarding program and background check MUST be completed before you can volunteer at school or chaperone any school event or field trip.
Advent Prayer Service
Immaculate Conception- Holy Day of Obligation
Students helped Mrs. Dahlgren today!
Saint Nicholas came to visit the students on Wednesday!
Fourth Grade: Crash into Science
4th graders learn about prime number with blocks! Using manipulatives like blocks allow students to see their work causally and maneuver with their hands. Great job Fourth graders today!
Music Time in 3k
4k Learning Centers
Middle School enjoyed the 50 degree weather on Friday!
Staff Ugly Sweater Wednesdays
3rd- 5th grade students are invited to start their day with prayerful mindfulness.
Relaxation exercises, Christ’s teachings and the power of play are the focus of this club.
Mindfulness and faith improve compassion and focused attention.
Club time starts at 7:15 am on Monday, Jan. 8th for 6 weeks. Email Coach Bodi with any questions. Gbodi@sienacatholicschools.org
Forms went out and should be returned to the office or Coach Bodi.
Join us on Sunday, December 10th following the 8:00 and 10:30 am Masses in the school gym for breakfast with St. Nick.
Reservations are required. Forms were sent out this week. Please return forms by Tuesday December 5th to the office.
Buy raffle tickets at the breakfast for the chance to win one of the many Christmas Baskets.
Funds raised go back to the school to support the efforts of our parent association, additionally 10% of the proceeds will be donated to our St Rita Church.
During the first parent meeting many new parents wondered how they can volunteer. This is a great opportunity to do just that!
Please see the sign up below to volunteer for the Parish Advent Breakfast. Many slots available to help set up, take down, sell raffle tickets and even donate a bakery item. This opportunity also has spots for our 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
Thank you for the donations already! The baskets maybe the best yet! We appreciate it!
Advent/Christmas 2023
Dear Families of St. Rita’s:
We are very excited to help the residents at St. Monica’s Senior Living in Racine by donating individual store purchased packages of snacks, cookies, or candy!! We are asking school families to help us with this service project. The seniors at St. Monica’s play Bingo on Christmas Day to win dimes to purchase the individual packaged treats. Please send with your child to school between now and Monday, December 18th. We will deliver the goodies during the last week of school.
Thank you for helping St. Monica’s!
4K Teachers
Ms. Bev and Ms. Amanda
3K Teachers
Ms. Terrie and Ms.Mary
‘Tis the Season for Christmas Caroling!
Help us to share the joy of the season on Saturday, December 9. We will meet at 1:00 in the parking lot of St. Rita Church. We plan to carol in the St. Rita neighborhood. Then, we’ll go to the school gym for cocoa and cookies. You can turn your forms into the office or contact Jenny Weisensel (jennifer@weisensel.com) if you plan to join us or have questions. Be sure to dress for the weather as we will be outdoors for much of the time. Festive clothes are not necessary, but would add to the fun. The more the merrier!
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy will be offered this Sunday (12/3) and Sunday (12/17) during the 10:30 Mass. Children are given the opportunity to hear the word of God in a child friendly manner. Step away from the hustle and bustle with your children and focus on "The Reason for the Season."
Because Christmas falls on a Monday this year, the schedule for Sunday, December
24 th , is very complicated. The Mass for the fourth Sunday of Advent will be held
at 9 am that day, but then the first Mass for Christmas will take place at 4 pm
that afternoon. This means the church must be decorated for Christmas
immediately after the 9 am Mass. Many elves are needed to get the work done.
Children are welcome – they can help put the ornaments on the tree in the narthex.
Hot chocolate, coffee and Christmas cookies will be available.
All Siena school families are invited to this parish event.
Breakfast with Baby Jesus on 12/9!
We’d like to invite all the Siena school children to share breakfast with the Christ Child, featuring a reading of the Nativity story by Father Juan, a live Nativity, music, crafts and, of course, breakfast.
This is a FREE event with an optional donation collection of children's clothing.
Please consider volunteering at the concessions during basketball games at St. Rita. All proceeds go to the athletic department to purchase new equipment, meet/tournament entry fees, uniforms, etc.
Basketball Volunteers Needed Sign up HERE
Saturday, January 13, 2024
We invite everyone in our parish and school to join us for Faith Family Nights! We meet after the 4:45 PM Mass. These evenings are a chance to grow closer together as a community and learn more about our Catholic faith.
We will gather in the Church Narthex at St. Rita's. We'll begin with a potluck dinner - so bring a dish to pass. There will be games, crafts, activities, and lots of fun learning! Gather for an opening message and introduction of our special theme at 6:00 pm. Closing message around 7:30 pm
If you want to attend the 4:45 PM Mass, you can drop off dishes in the Church Narthex before Mass if you wish.
All parishioners are invited to attend - families with children of any age, singles, couples, elderly, young adults.
All are welcome!
The admissions office invites all 8th graders to shadow this fall and early next year. The process is quick and easy! Just click here to schedule a date. Guests receive a special shadow day t-shirt, lunch and gift bag!
7th graders will be invited to shadow St. Catherine's in the spring of 2024.
Any questions about the Shadow Program, please email admissions@sienacatholicschools.org.
Attached are a few photos of shadows that happened already this year to add to your newsletter, if desired.
We Make T-shirts is an online store where spirit wear shirts and sweaters can be purchased. T-shirts and hooded sweaters can only be worn during out of uniform days. Fleece zip ups or track jackets can be worn as part of the daily uniform. Purchase your uniform jackets here.
Order now! New styles have been added!
John Paul II Academy will once against host the Father Daughter Dance. Reminder this is only for Kindergarten through 8th Grade! More details to come!
Please register here if you plan on using Before and After Care Program.
Please see attached brochure for more information on the program, billing questions and hours.
Rita's Parish website is: https://www.st-ritas.org/
The "News & Events" menu has the events scheduled for the parish.
The "Welcome" page also has an "Upcoming Events" list with a link to the "News & Events" page.
The link to the bulletins is on the "Welcome" page as well.
Safe Environment: How to sign up: Instructions.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page and all the great videos we post! We need you to "LIKE" us and share with family, friends and future St. Rita Royals!
We ignite a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge,
and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be.