Weekly Update 31 – May 8, 2025
Calendar of Events |
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| Fr. 5.09 | 8:00 AM K-8 Mass with May Crowning (church) 9:00 Volunteer Appreciation (cafeteria) |
| Su. 5.11 | Happy Mother's Day! |
| Mo. 5.12 | Out-of-uniform passes can be used |
| We. 5.14 | 6:00 PM Ignite: 4th-8th grades (youth room) 7:30 PM Ablaze: 8th-12th grades (youth room) |
| Th. 5.15 | 6:30 PM Elementary Concert (church) |
| Fr. 5.16 | SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION: Staff Development Day |
Looking Ahead |
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| Tu. 5.20 | Piano Recital (cafeteria) |
| Mo. 5.26 | SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION: Memorial Day |
| Th. 5.29 | 6:30 PM 5th-8th Band & Choir Concert (gym) |
Dear Parents,
May is always interesting at a Catholic school, but within the past hours, our world got completely rocked. We have a new pope! The first ever American pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, through the workings of the Holy Spirit, was just elected as Holy Father to the world. Please pray for our new Pope Leo XIV! God is good indeed.
Everyone is nervous and excited about the upcoming changes in routine that summer brings. Staff here are in good spirits, and not just because of the papal news! We’re grateful and energized by the many notes, treats, lunches, and drinks (I mean coffee and pop) that have been brought to us during the day by our St. Charles parents. The outpouring of gratitude is overwhelming; the staff and I are very grateful and humbled. Thank you to our Home & School parents for organizing all of the formal and informal gestures of appreciation.
The Borromeo Bash was a smashing success! The Bash team worked tirelessly and seamlessly throughout the year. By seamlessly, I mean I don’t think they took a break after last year’s Bash. The success of the Bash can be attributed to the hard work and leadership of the team, along with our community’s love for this school and willingness to express that love through generous donations and making sacrifices in their own lives. Parents, all of you make the sacrifice of tuition. Some of you are able to give more, and you do. We also have alumni, parents of alumni, parishioners, and people who just love this place, who give generously each year so that our children can have a most excellent Catholic education.
Finally, I would like to send a special shout-out to our Bash Chair, The Bash Head, The Bride of the Borromeo Bash, Veronica Paulson! Below, she recognizes the rest of her team; I wanted to make sure I got to acknowledge her. Her leadership has brought this fundraiser to new heights, bringing in a total of $256,000 this year, that’s right $256K; yes, that number is accurate. This money will help us with our everyday needs, a long list of capital projects, and financial aid through the Gary Wilmer Scholarship Fund.
Tomorrow is the May Crowning and Volunteer Appreciation Reception in the school dining hall. Please join us if you are a volunteer for the school or if you appreciate volunteers! At a Catholic school, if everyone does their part, it’s not enough for our kids.
It takes a community of parents who give of themselves and their time to partner with our staff. Thank you, St. Charles parents, we are so grateful for your choice to partner with us in the formation of your children.
God bless you,
Danny Kieffer
St. Charles School Principal
Volunteer Appreciation Tomorrow After Mass
We are so grateful for our volunteers. Come join us tomorrow morning right after Mass for Coffee and Donuts so we can say thank you to you. If you have not volunteered this year, you can still come for coffee and donuts as long as you appreciate the volunteers and ask them how to sign up next year!
Borromeo Bash ~ Thank YOU!
Wow! What an incredible night! Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, sponsored, or placed bids on our auction items. With your generosity, we were able to raise $256,000 for our Gary Wilmer Scholarship Fund and capital maintenance projects around campus. A special thank you goes out to our committee members who worked tirelessly over the past year to make this event happen:
Maria Schmidt, Stacey Stark, Jen Angell, Andrea Richardson, Sarah Gideo, Elmer Gavino, Kara Coppinger, Marcus Paulson, Joe Dickson, Jamie Sheahan, Matt Shamp, Kyrsten Theodotou, Justin Theodotou, Kristen Noll, Carolyn Manciu, Karla Roche, Carly Pollard, Kelly Stein, Chris Farhet, Tom Pitzl, Brian Vnak, Danny Kieffer, and Ryan Richardson.
It truly takes a village to create this great event, and we are blessed with a strong and supportive community!
We would love your feedback on our event and tips to make it even better. Please fill out the survey HERE if you attended the Bash! If you are interested in joining are committee for next year, please reach out to BorromeoBash@stchbs.org
Thank you, and we hope to see you at the Bash next year!
-Veronica Paulson (Borromeo Bash Chair)
K-4 Elementary Concert Honoring the Blessed Mother
The concert is on Thursday, May 15, in the church at 6:30 PM. All are welcome. K-4 students are to meet in Doran Hall at 6:15 PM, dressed in their Easter best.
Piano Recital ~ Tuesday, May 20
Mrs Zabinski’s piano students will be performing at a piano recital on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. Mrs. Zabinski teaches piano during the school day on Tuesdays. This event is open to anyone and everyone who wants to come and enjoy the music.
Volunteer Opportunities for You!
Check out upcoming volunteer opportunities below.
Keep Your Students on Track Over the Summer!
Check out the Summer Skills Review Books to help your children stay academically sharp during the summer months with Summer Skills teacher-recommended curriculum.
Summer Tutoring at St. Charles
Jen Gasik – Is your student struggling with math or reading/spelling concepts? Do you want your student/s to have a weekly “brush up” on skills throughout the summer? Do you have a small group of student friends who would like to have a summer book club or a 6-8 week introduction to playing the piano? I am available for many fun learning opportunities this summer! Scheduling flexible. Please email jgasik@stchbs.org for more info!
Sheyenne Gehlhausen – I am one of the 4th grade teachers at St. Charles and will be graduating in May with my master’s in reading education from the University of St. Thomas. If you have a student who needs extra math/reading help, or perhaps even enrichment in these areas, I will be available for tutoring sessions at St. Charles this summer, starting in June. Please reach out for scheduling and more information at sgehlhausen@stchbs.org.
Jeanne Sharp – I am a licensed middle school math teacher, and I would be available to work with 6th – 8th grade students looking for some math tutoring. I am available on Tuesdays. Please feel free to reach out to me by email at jsharp@stchbs.org.
Summer Camps – Register Now!
Dates for these 3 school summer camps are as follows:
Monday, June 9 – Thursday, June 12:
- Art Camps: current K-8th graders
- Basketball Camps: current 3rd-8th graders
- Floor Hockey Camp: current 4th-8th graders
Monday, June 16-Thursday, June 19:
- Volleyball Camps: current 3rd-8th graders
Spread the Word: New Student Applications Open
Tell all your family and friends about St. Charles School! We are now accepting new student applications for the 2025-26 school year.
St. Charles Playgroup
The Meal Train Ministry
Would you like to help provide meals for a person or family in their time of need?
OR do you or someone you know have a short-term need (due to a birth, surgery, illness, etc.) for meals to be delivered to your home? Contact Joan if you are interested in this ministry.
Parish Updates and Events
The Parish has a YouTube Channel. Learn about the Mass in Father and Deacon’s series “What Happens at Mass” and view past Formation Night speakers.
Summer Book Club Opportunity for Adults – Find all the details HERE
Prayer Corner
If you would like to add someone to our prayer corner, please email the information to Danny Kieffer.
- For the repose of the soul of Joseph, cousin of students Aurora, Colten, and Brayden, and for comfort for his family during this difficult time.
- For the repose of the soul of Cari, Mrs. Juntilla’s sister-in-law, and for the comfort of her family.
- For healing from stage 4 cancer for Sid, a friend of a St Charles staff member
- For healing of 6-year-old Margaret and for guidance for her family. Margaret is a cousin of students Adriana, Robbie, Adeline, and Raina.
- For Ann, grandmother of students Eleni, John, and Andrew. Prayers for healing, success of the cancer treatment, and for the doctors and nurses.
- For healing for Bob, grandpa of Emily, as he continues fighting a serious infection.
- For healing from a 3rd cancer diagnosis for Jody, grandmother to students, Torin and Brody.
Helpful Links for Parents:
- St. Charles School Calendar
- St. Charles School Lunch menus
- St. Charles Athletic Calendar
- St Charles School Volunteers
- Spirit Wear orders
- St. Charles Borromeo Parish
- Cretin Derham Hall Summer STEM Club
- Cretin Derham Hall – The Addams Family Musical
★ Weekly Update article deadline: Wednesday, 9:00 AM – Send submissions to mwappes@stchbs.org ★
