November 26, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I write this letter with a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness for our wonderful school and the greater St. Bartholomew School community. St. Bartholomew School was recently voted best private school in Central Jersey. I couldn’t be more proud! I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. The students and teachers will begin the Advent season when we return to school next week.

Congratulations to the third grade who led the school in donations for the Change Spree. This event raised over $3,400 to benefit assisted living facilities in East Brunswick and Aldersgate Food Pantry. As a celebration, we will have “Comfy-Cozy” Day on Thursday, December 5. Teachers will share additional information.

The weather has become significantly chillier! We do our best to have the children play outside for recess each day. Please send your child with a warm coat and other appropriate outerwear daily. Please write your child’s name inside their outerwear so that when it gets left somewhere on campus we can return it to your child.

Winter uniforms are now required. That means that students should not be wearing gym shorts and girls should be in navy or plaid skirts or jumpers. Sweatpants and sweatshirts on gym days are expected for all students in grades K-8.

The next few weeks will be filled with events to celebrate Advent and Christmas. I know that the children are busily planning and preparing for these special activities. Please mark your calendars for the following events:

12/3 - St. Nick Sale
12/4 - St. Nick Sale, Chorus Performance in the Mall, Panera Bread Fundraiser
12/6 - Early Dismissal (CALENDAR CHANGE)
12/9 - All School Mass for The Feast of the Immaculate Conception @ 10:00 am (K-8) - (various students will participate)
12/13 - Christmas Concert @ noon for grandparents & @ 7:00 for parents
12/17 - PreK Christmas Shows
12/19 - Christmas Chorus & Band Concert
12/20 - Last Day of School before Christmas, Christmas Mass (grade 2 to host) early dismissal, No ASC 1/2/25 - School resumes

All students in grades K-8 are expected to be at the evening performance of the Christmas Concert. While this is very exciting for all of us, we have to make some adjustments due to our large enrollment. First, each family will be allowed 2 guests at the event. That means, 2 parents/guardians or a parent and a sibling, or some other combination; babies on laps are still counted. Extra tickets will not be available. This is due to space constraints and fire safety. The evening event will be live-streamed for any and all who’d like to view from home. For everyone’s enjoyment, please respect the rules.

In an effort to include as many people as possible, grandparents or senior citizen friends will be invited to join us for the dress rehearsal on December 13 beginning at 12:00 p.m. Families who’d like to have grandparents at the dress rehearsal, must email Mrs. Ebert (zebert@stbartseb.com) on or before December 11 so that we can ensure proper seating is available. Last year the grandparents enjoyed the day time event as much as the parents did the evening event. The children are already practicing their songs. I know it’s going to be a great show!

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Theresa Craig, M.Ed.
Principal