Saint Gabriel School Weekly Newsletter for Parents

Week 15 - November 21

Upcoming Events

Holiday Shop

Again this year PTSO is partnering with Reindeer Lane Gift Shop! This is a great opportunity for your child to shop for gifts for their favorite people. This pop-up shop will be set up in Loft 1 on Dec. 2-4. Students will go with their classes to shop (like book fair). Please send in cash or check with your child in the provided envelope that went home this week. Please note: Online vouchers will not be supported this year. Please DO NOT purchase online vouchers.

#iGiveCatholic Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday and the Archdiocese of Louisville is participating in iGiveCatholic. Please support our parish and school students with our campus paving project.

At St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Parish and School we are growing! We have over 2,100 families, and our pews are filled with 1,300 attendees every weekend, from babies to grandpas. We want our campus exterior to reflect our vibrant interior. We've grown in grace so much the last three years and now we want to grow some shrubs and plants and grass and trees around our church and to freshen up our campus.

This is God's House, so help us make these "Heavenly Grounds."

We plan to hire a landscaper to develop a beautiful, but low maintenance landscape plan, then begin the grounds preparation and installation by next summer. While the plan will eventually encapsulate the whole campus, our first phase will start with the areas on the west and south sides of St. Gabriel Church. We've cleared the area in preparation to do so. You are planting seeds of hope for the next generation of students and families within our parish when you support our cause. Let faith take root with a donation -- great or small - all are appreciated.

Our Campaign Goal: $15,000

Donate Now

PTSO Family Paint Night

Join us for Family Paint Night to create lasting memories.

When: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Where: St. Gabriel Cafeteria

Who: Open to St. Gabriel moms, dads, grandparents, or other responsible adult AND your child(ren)

Cost: $40 per Nutcracker Door Hanger

Come to the cafeteria on December 4th, and we will provide everything else you need! Please be aware that paint may get on clothes, so dress appropriately!

Candy Cane Sale

The Student Council Candy Cane sale will be taking place December 9-10. We invite you to bring money to school to purchase the candy canes. They will be sold for $1 each. The Candy Cane sale will be held in the cafeteria during lunch and recess. Thank you for your support!

Note: There will not be a toy drive this year. The hope is to focus our fundraising efforts to fewer requests.

Letter from Administration

Uniforms- More Than Just a Dress Code

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we progress further into the school year, I would like to take a moment to revisit the importance of our school’s uniform policy. Our goal is always to create a learning environment where students feel prepared, confident, and focused—and consistent uniforms help make that possible.

Uniforms are more than just a dress code—they promote a sense of belonging, equality, and school pride. When all students follow the same guidelines, it helps minimize distractions, encourages focus on learning, and reflects the high standards we set for our community. Following school rules—whether in academics, behavior, or appearance—is a key part of our students’ growth and preparation for the world beyond school.

Here are some reminders for the uniform policy:

Wearing extra jewelry (only stud or small hoop earrings are allowed- no larger than a dime, only one bracelet, religious necklaces only, no rings or other jewelry not specifically addressed)
No eye make-up
No fake nails
Skirt length- must be to the top of the knee
Only pants allowed on uniform break days: full-length jeans of any color, khakis, cargo pants, PE bottoms, uniform bottoms
Close-toed shoes must adhere tightly to the foot. No sandals, clogs, slip-ons ons or Crocs. Tennis shoes must be worn for PE
A black, brown, or navy solid color belt must be worn with shorts or pants (1-8)
Color dyes are not acceptable. Boys: Hair must be out of the face and eyes, above eyebrows, to the middle of the ear, and above the collar

Please refer to https://www.stgabrielcatholicschool.net/parent-portal/uniforms as needed.

As always, we’re here to support families. If you need clarification on uniform guidelines or assistance with obtaining any uniform pieces, please reach out—we’re happy to help. Thank you for your partnership and for helping us maintain a positive, consistent environment where all students can thrive.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Schulz

Assistant Principal

HIGHLIGHTS

IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR 2026-2027

It is time to start thinking about enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. We will continue to use FACTS enrollment.

Current Students

We will assume all current students (grades K-7) will return for next school year unless we receive written notification that your child is not returning. Please email school@stgabriel.net by December 1, 2025 if your child will not return. Current families will complete re-enrollment packets through FACTS in March.

New Students

Applications for next year are now open. Families will complete an online application through FACTS. Visit our website for more information. Priority deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.

Tuition Assistance (K-8):

Financial Aid applications for students in grades K-8 for the 2026-2027 school year are now available. We are committed to assisting families who need financial aid to make a Catholic education a reality. Last year, over $400,000 in total financial aid was provided to school families from St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, the Archdiocese of Louisville, the Catholic Education Foundation, and their partners. There is one financial aid application to apply for all aid sources. This application can be found at www.factsmgt.com/aid. This is a separate login from your FACTS Family Portal. Apply through FACTS Management System by November 30, 2025. For more information, please visit www.ceflou.org or contact aid@stgabriel.net or the FACTs family Helpline at 866-315-9262 .

Thank you for choosing to partner with Saint Gabriel School for your child(ren)’s education.

QUICK LINKS

Report Cards

T1 report cards will be emailed to families TODAY and will be available to view in your FACTS family portal. An email blast and text alert will be sent when report cards are ready to view.

Two ways to view:

Report cards were emailed to parents/ guardians from Mrs. Krill. Subject line: Confidential: Report Card (Child Name)
View in FACTS Family Portal under Student.

Continuous Improvement Survey

In our commitment to continuous school improvement, we will regularly administer perception surveys, certified through Cognia©, our accrediting organization and trusted partner in school improvement. The purpose of the survey is to solicit feedback from our stakeholders. This year, as a part of our celebration of Discover Catholic Schools Week, we are asking you, as well as our students (grades 3-8) to complete a stakeholder survey. At the end of this paragraph, you will find a link to the questionnaire. Your feedback is a valued and crucial component of our continuous improvement planning, so we thank you in advance for taking the time to thoughtfully respond to the survey by Saturday, November 22.

Parent Survey Link

Angel Award Nominations

Seeking nominations! The Angel Award recognizes a Saint Gabriel School employee who serves as a role model and is a positive influence in our community. Alums, current parents, past parents, students, faculty, and staff are invited to nominate a current administrator, faculty, or staff member who has made a significant difference in their lives. Previous winners include Mr. Freeman Parker, Mrs. Susan Adams, and Mrs. Jennifer Schulz.

Nominations are due by Monday, December 8, 2025 and must include a description (two paragraph minimum) supporting your nomination. The award will be presented at the Catholic Schools Week all-school mass on Thursday, January 29, 2026. If chosen, your nomination submission may be read at mass.

Click Here to Nominate

Canned Food Drive

Thank you for your generous support of our canned food drive. We will finalize counting and announce the winning grade levels of the uniform break after the break.

DEADLINE SOON! 2026-27 Tuition Assistance

It's time to start thinking about the 2025-26 school year. Tuition assistance applications are now available. Parents/guardians will need their 2024 federal tax return and 2024 W-2’s; (additional documents may be requested if they have additional income). Deadline to complete the application and provide all documentation is November 30, 2025 for consideration in the initial round of funding. These families will receive award notifications no later than March 1, 2026.

TUITION ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FLYER (English)

ASISTENCIA DE MATRÍCULA (Español)

Bingo- Volunteers Needed

Bingo is one of our largest fundraisers. Funds are used to offer tuition assistance and capital projects. A schedule for this year has been created to assist with staffing volunteers to sell pull tabs. If you volunteer, your child may have a uniform break the next non-mass day! Please sign up using Sign Up Genius link below. Thank you for your support!

Dec. 3- KCollins

Dec. 4- KCombs

Dec. 10- KWeber

Dec. 11- KRiley

Bingo Worker Schedule by Homeroom

Closing/ Delayed Opening Policy

The first snow day will be a regular day with no work. Distance learning will begin Day 2. Click here for more information about distance learning.

When weather conditions cause school openings to be questionable, one of the following announcements will be made for the Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County.

“All Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County are open” – Saint Gabriel is open.
“Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County will be open, but on a delayed schedule.” Saint Gabriel will be on a two-hour delay. Buses will run two hours late. Doors will open at 9:25 a.m. for student arrival. Students are not allowed in before this time. Classes will start at 10:00 a.m. Dismissal will be at regular time – 2:45 p.m.
“All Catholic Schools in Jefferson County are closed.” – Saint Gabriel is closed. In the case that Saint Gabriel is closed, Saint Gabriel Preschool will make every effort to offer full-day care for registered participants. Notification will be sent separately.

All morning activities, including detention, are cancelled for that day. Detention will be served the following scheduled day.

You will be notified via the Saint Gabriel Parent Alert program.

Updates on campus closures and delays can be found here: www.gabrielweather.com

Honor Thy Child/ Safe Environment Training

Are you planning to volunteer or attend a school event this year?

Field Trip chaperones and special event volunteers need to have a background check on file and have attended the Safe Environment Training. For more information, visit https://www.stgabriel.net/background. Not sure if we have your information? Contact background@stgabriel.net. To view upcoming Honor Thy Child trainings, visit https://www.archlou.org/about-the-archdiocese/archdiocesan-policies-guidelines-and-handbooks/restoringtrust/safe/. Background checks and safe environment training refresher must be completed every five years.

Save the Dates

December 16- 3rd/4th grade Christmas program
January 9- Eat Lunch With Your Child Day
January 26-30- Catholic Schools Week
January 24- Trivia Night
January 27-29- First Reconciliation
March 6- Eat Lunch With Your Child Day
March 26- 5th grade Patriotic Program
April 16- STREAM Showcase
April 23- 2nd grade Grandparents Day
April 25- First Communion
May 7- 8th grade Grandparents Day
May 12- 8th grade Graduation
May 19- Field Day

From the Cafeteria

Papa John's Pizza on Thursdays

Exciting news from Taher! Starting Thursday, Dec 4th, Papa John’s cheese pizza will be available as an entrée option every Thursday (pepperoni will also be available shortly thereafter). If students want a second slice of pizza (or if a student brings their lunch and wants to buy a slice), the cost is $3.00. It is imperative that students place their lunch order with their teacher (or via the Google form for jr. high) by 8:30am so we know how much pizza to order.

Remind your kids to visit our fresh fruit and veggie bar, which is included in the price of their lunch. They may also use items on this bar to dress their burgers and subs.

Please reach out to cafeteria manager Angie Kordis if you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns about your student’s account or about anything else that happens in the cafeteria: cafeteria@stgabriel.net.

Also, please advise your student to talk to a cafeteria staff member immediately if they ever have a problem during lunch service so it can be resolved quickly. We love our kids and always want them to have a good lunch experience.

From the PTSO

PTSO Mission

Saint Gabriel PTSO strives:

To promote communication among parents, teachers and administration.
To provide parents and teachers assistance in all aspects of education and student growth.
To promote good will and cooperation between parents, faculty, administration, school board and parish.
To direct and coordinate parental support to the school through specific assistance activities, social functions and fund-raisers.
To organize and conduct fundraisers. Funds raised are given to Saint Gabriel the Archangel School to assist with classroom supplies, student programs, teacher and staff appreciation, social events and other programs approved by the administration

PTSO Events

Walk-a-thon- October 3

Father/ Daughter Dance- November 1

Santa Shop- December 2-4

Paint Night- December 4

Mother/ Son event- March 21

PTSO GroupME

Not on social media but want to stay up to date on PTSO news? Join our GroupMe chat. GroupMe link

Box Tops

Box Tops is a great fundraiser for PTSO! Download the Box Tops for Education app and scan your receipt for a contribution of $1.50 or more. Be sure to enter the name of the child who should receive credit. Our next Box Tops Uniform Break will be January 26.

Thank you for your support!

Our school ID is ID: 393279.

From the Parish

Trivia Night

Join us for Trivia Night!

Saturday, January 24

-Prizes for top three teams and award for best table decor.

-Proceeds benefit our sports ministry program, school, and preschool.

-Split the Pot tickets will be available for pre-sale. Need not be present to win.

-There will be a silent auction on GiveSmart featuring class pottery, teacher experiences, and more. Stay tuned for more information.

Reserve Your Table Here

Team Sports Masses

We are pleased to invite all winter sports teams and families to join us for our All-Team Sports Mass on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

This special Mass will include a blessing for all athletes and teams, as we begin the winter sports season together in faith and community. Following the Mass, we will take a group photo of all teams with Fr. Jason to commemorate the occasion.

Your presence will make this celebration even more meaningful. Please encourage all athletes to wear their team uniforms to represent their sport proudly.

Thank you for your support in helping us bring our athletic community together for this special event.

Thanksgiving Baskets

It is time for Thanksgiving Baskets for Fern Creek High View United Ministries. We have a goal of 60 baskets this year to come from the St. Gabriel Community. Can your family sponsor a basket? Can your group sponsor a basket or two?

We are also looking for volunteers to help assemble the baskets! Last year, this service opportunity was so fun, and it was wonderful to see all the intergenerational teamwork happening to provide baskets to FCHUM.

Thanksgiving Baskets Sign-up

Craft Fair

Join us at our large Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 22nd. With ample parking and over 70 vendors offering hand-crafted items just in time for the holidays. Vendors are set up in the Gymnasium and Cafeteria.

There is a raffle drawing for a handmade quilt and for items donated by our vendors.

LIC 131

Volunteers needed! Great opportunity for 8th graders.

Parish Directory Update

The parish is updating the parish directory. Have you changed your phone number or email address? Have you moved to a new home? Please submit your updated contact information by 11/28/25.

Update Your Information

From Athletics

Leopard Spot Sports Corner

📣 Sports Sign-Ups Now Open! 🗓️

Get ready for another great season of fun and competition! ⚡

🏐 Boys Volleyball – 5th–8th Grade

🏐 Spring Volleyball – PK–4th Grade

⚽ Soccer – PK–8th Grade

🏊 Swim – 3rd–8th Grade

🏃 Track – 1st–8th Grade

🏌️ Golf – 3rd–8th Grade

🎾 Tennis – 5th–8th Grade

👉 Register here: https://gameday.loucsaa.net/

👟 Coaches Wanted!

If you’re interested in coaching, please email Jamie Pike at 📧 jpike1793@gmail.com

Let’s make it a great season! 💪🎉

From the Community

Mercy Auditions

Student Auditions. Auditions will be held on Saturday, December 6th from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Students should prepare 32 bars of a Broadway or Disney song. No appointment is required. Any questions can be sent to Mercy's Performing Arts Director - Jason Cooper at jcooper@mercyjaguars.com.

High School information

We have added a section on News You Can Use for high school information. Check out this section for upcoming events for prospective students. This section will continue to be updated.

To view information about Catholic high school open houses, visit https://louisvillecatholicschools.com/schools/high-schools/.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School(502) 239-5535 | school@stgabriel.net | School Website | Parish Website

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