Dear Parents,
This week and next, we celebrate two feasts of Mary: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It’s very appropriate that we celebrate Mary during the season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, because without Mary, and without her faith, strength, and love, we wouldn’t have Jesus. And after all, Jesus is the reason for the season!
Pope Francis wrote an Advent reflection a few years ago that reminds us of how Mary is a role model for us today. Mary is our sign of FAITH and HOPE. As Pope Francis describes, Mary is a loving mother who inspires us all to put God first in our lives. Here’s a part of what Pope Francis wrote:
“We bet on hope, on the hope of peace, and it will be possible!The journey is never finished. Just as in each of our own lives, there is always a need to restart and to rise again.Mary is a model of this spiritual attitude, to this way of being and of journeying in life.Although she was just a simple girl, she carried in her heart the hope of God. In her womb, the hope of God took flesh, became man, and made history: Jesus Christ. Let us be guided by her, she who is mother, she is a ‘mama’ and knows how to lead us. Let us be guided by her in this time of waiting.”
So let’s remember Mary, during Advent and every day, and how she is a role model for us to have courage, to put God first in our lives, and to have open hearts and open minds. And when we do that, GREAT things can happen!
–Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
DECEMBER SCHOOL CHURCH SERVICES
For the month of December, you are welcome to join our Weekly School Masses, scheduled as follows:
- Friday, December 8 at 9:30 AM for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- Tuesday, December 12 at 9:00 AM for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Tuesday, December 19 at 8:15 AM for an Advent Tuesday Mass
- Wednesday, December 20 at 9:00 AM for our Christmas Prayer Service
In addition, students in grades 3 through 8 will have the opportunity to receive Reconciliation with their class and teachers during this Advent season. We pray that all our school church celebrations this Advent will help prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus!
MISSION PARISHES CHURCH SERVICES
You are invited to attend the special Advent celebrations hosted by the churches of the Mission Parishes–St. Peter, St. Anthony, and St. Charles. Please scroll down to see the attached flier for the scheduled times for celebrations of The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12), and Las Posadas (December 16-23).
SCHOOL FOODIES
We'd like to remind you about our exceptional school lunch program School Foodies!
They can help ease the burden of grocery shopping and lunch preparation during this busy Holiday season. If your student has not tried SchoolFoodies, we invite you to register them at www.SchoolFoodies.com, using registration code: SF-SPS
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them at 510.556.8900 or contact@schoolfoodies.com. They can help make the holidays easier, one meal at a time. You may also contact our school office with any questions.
MORNINGS IN KINDERGARTEN and SHADOW VISITS
Spread the word! Students entering Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year are invited to participate in “Mornings in Kindergarten.” While parents take a tour of the school, the prospective Kindergartener will spend some time in the Kindergarten classroom.
** As announced last school year, the 2024 -2025 Kindergarten class will be our first DUAL-LANGUAGE IMMERSION (DLI) class, with academic content being taught in English and Spanish. For more information about the upcoming DLI program, visit our website at https://www.stpeterssf.org/dli
Students entering grades 1-7 for the 2023-2024 school year are invited to participate in “Shadow Visits,” when they spend some time in their grade-level classroom, and take their entrance exam afterwards.
If you or someone you know is interested in scheduling a Morning In Kindergarten or Shadow Visit, contact the school office at 415-647-8662, or email our School Marketing Coordinator, Janelle Godoy at jgodoy@sanpedro.org.
TUITION ACCOUNTS
All student tuition accounts must be up to date and paid through December 2023 in order for your child to return to class on Thursday, January 4, 2024. ** If your tuition is not up-to-date before leaving for Christmas vacation, your child will not be able to return to class on Thursday, January 4, 2024. **
Tuition payments must be made by Friday, December 15, 2023. You may call the office and pay over the phone with your credit/debit card OR by Venmo @SPeters-School
Our school office will be closed during the Christmas Vacation (from December 21 through January 3), therefore please plan ahead to make your payment on time. If you have any questions, please call the Tuition Office at (415) 647-8662 or email Myrna Soberanis at msoberanis@sanpedro.org. Thank you for your cooperation!
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
We live our core value to UNITE as students wear their school uniform with pride. Please remember that the complete daily uniform includes the plain white polo shirt, navy slacks or uniform skirt/jumper, green uniform sweatshirt, black or white socks, and solid black or solid white sneakers (tennis shoes).
On Fridays (unless there is a church service), students may wear the optional gray Aztecs hoodie, Aztecs sweatpants, and Aztecs T-shirt.
** To purchase the gray Aztecs sweats, obtain an order form in the school office.
For more details on the school uniform, refer to the Uniform section of the Parent-Student Handbook that was distributed on the first day of school, which is also available on the school website: http://www.stpeterssf.org/parents-students
Students who are out of uniform will receive a “Uniform Notice” to be signed by a parent or guardian, as a reminder about the uniform policy, and to help us unite as a school community!
NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Homeroom teachers identify and describe Students of the Month at the end of each month. We all celebrate these students because they have exemplified living the St. Peter’s KEYS:
Knowledge feeds GROWTH.
Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.
You are LOVE.
SERVICE UNITES.
Congratulations to our November Students of the Month!
Kindergarten - Valeria Rojas Capcha shows up to school with a big smile on her face. She plays with everyone, helps everyone, and when she finishes her work, she asks for more. She loves to learn and is helpful to the teacher. She shares her ideas in group activities and participates in small groups. Thank you for your positivity and hard work, Valeria!
1st Grade - Celeste Lopez Reyna demonstrates the St. Peter's core values of LOVE and SERVE. She has a positive attitude when she comes to school and arrives with a smile each day. Celeste is always willing to help both classmates and teachers, and she makes St. Peter's an even better place to be. Keep up the amazing work, Celeste!
2nd Grade - Joaquin Velasco always finishes his work neatly and tries to do his very best. He has learned his prayers and practices praying the Rosary. He always listens in class and follows directions well. He likes to dance and always has a positive attitude.He likes to read and listen to stories. He strives to be a great leader too. Great job, Joaquin! Keep up the good work!
3rd Grade - Julieta Garcia has an artistic eye to detail. She is very thoughtful, cooperative and helpful to the teacher and her classmates. She shows great pride in her work and is always willing to share–especially when it comes to writing! We also love the kindness and the care she shows towards others. She comes into class ready to LOVE and SERVE. We are glad to have you in class, Julieta!
4th Grade - Ersendyck Ogongo has been a star and a shining example of students living out St. Peter's School KEYS. He has grown academically in the classroom improving his STAR Test scores in Reading and Math and earning First Honors during the Trimester 1. He is often found helping friends in his group with classwork or homework, cleaning and organizing the classroom, or picking up recess equipment to bring back to the classroom after recess. Along with being a solid student who really cares about his learning, he is also a great friend who makes those in class smile. Keep up the great work Ersendyck! You have earned it.
5th Grade - Roberto Garcia has demonstrated leadership over the past month in 5A. Roberto is working on his learning goals and is doing well in fifth grade. Roberto demonstrates the St. Peter's KEYS each day by completing his schoolwork, asking questions, and being a supportive friend in 5A. Roberto shows our St. Peter’s KEYS each day through his hard work and dedication. Way to grow, accomplish, serve, love, and unite in fifth grade, Roberto!
6th Grade - Juan Vazquez is a happy and thriving student who loves school. Juan is a model student who always puts his best foot forward. He is a valuable part of the classroom. He has shown an excellent ability to set goals and be persistent in achieving them. Keep up the great work, Juan!
7th Grade - Alexander Cabrera is a student who cares about his academics and his classmates. He demonstrates leadership skills and exemplifies St.Peter's core values of ACCOMPLISH and SERVE. He helps out in the classroom, and is respectful to his classmates and teacher. Alex is someone you can count on, and a role model to his classmates. Keep up the good work Alex!
8th Grade - Thiago Morales has exhibited tremendous growth and is constantly embracing new experiences with an open heart and open mind by tackling his 8th grade year with enthusiasm and diligence. He continues to ask the necessary questions and seeks help when needed. He offers help to his peers and continues to show his potential for himself and others! Way to go Thiago!
REMINDERS:
December 7 8:30 AM 5th and 6th Grades Advent Reconciliation
December 8 9:30 AM Feast of the Immaculate Conception School Mass
December 12 9:00 AM Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe School Mass
December 13 Minimum Day Dismissal
December 14 8:30 AM 3rd and 4th Grades Advent Reconciliation
December 19 8:15 AM Advent School Mass
December 20 9:00 AM Las Posadas and Christmas Prayer Service
December 20 Minimum Day Dismissal
December 21-January 3 CHRISTMAS BREAK
January 4 School Resumes (regular schedule)
