2023 Catholic Schools Week Video
Catholic Schools Week 2023
Catholic Schools Week began in 1974 by the National Catholic Educational Association and celebrates Catholic education nationwide. The CSW Committee has planned a terrific lineup of events as we celebrate St. Raphael School and Nursery School and all those who make our community so remarkable!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Jan. 29 – Feb. 3
Sunday, Jan. 29: Mass & Annual Reflection
School families are invited to attend the 10:00am Mass, with students in school uniform. Following Mass, families will be treated to coffee and donuts in the Trumpet Room. Please review the SUG to contribute food or beverage items to the reception following Mass.
- Annual Reflection, written by Ginger Browning - Coming Soon!
For many years, SRS Parent Ginger Browning, former Disney illustrator, has provided the school with spiritual and creative direction for Catholic Schools Week. Ginger selects an inspired theme that influences the décor and appreciation activities held during the weeklong celebration. This year, our inspiration for Catholic Schools Week comes from St. Maria Faustina Kowalska and the message of Divine Mercy.
The theme will be celebrated visually through the colors of red, white, and gold, inspired by the Image of The Divine Mercy. The Image of The Divine Mercy originated from St. Faustina's vision, which she recorded in her Diary. She wrote, “In the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand raised in the gesture of blessing; the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale.” Jesus instructed St. Faustina, “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You.”
Monday, Jan. 30: Parent Appreciation Day
In repeated revelations to St. Faustina, it is made clear that trust in Jesus is the essence of the message of mercy. And we thank our amazing families for entrusting St. Raphael with their precious children every day. Parents will receive a gift bag, sent home with their youngest child, offered with gratitude for their sacrifice to send their children to SRS and SNRS.
Dress-up theme: Matching Monday - Match outfits with a classmate or teacher.
Tuesday, Jan. 31: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for our teachers and staff who share the gift of learning with our children, as well as the gifts of grace and mercy. On this day, teachers and staff will be treated to a very special catered dinner, commemorative booklets of student letters and pictures, and a gift bag.
- Additional gifts/ways to thank staff.
Letters/Pictures from Students: Have your student(s) write letters/draw pictures for teachers, staff members, and volunteers who impact their daily life at SRS or SRNS. Visit the Staff Directory on the school’s website. These notes will be put into booklets and given out at the Teacher and Staff dinner.
Deadline: Friday, 1/27 for SRS and Jan. 21 for SRNS. Letters should be dropped off to the receptionist or placed in the outside bins labeled SRS and SRNS Teacher Appreciation. Typed or scanned SRS letters and pictures can also be emailed to Laura Long.
Use the templates below or your own 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper.
Template No. 1: Letter with prompts
Dress-Up Theme: Tournament (Jersey) Tuesday - Wear a jersey or apparel of your favorite sports team.
Tuesday, Jan. 31: Many Gifts, One Nation
A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools: This national campaign during CSW begins at noon and runs for 24 hours. Our community is invited to donate toward unanticipated expenses taxing the budgets of SRS and SRNS during COVID-19. With your help, we can continue to fulfill our mission of offering a St. Raphael Catholic education even during a pandemic. Thank you, Guardian Angels!
Wednesday, Feb. 1: Community/Clergy Appreciation Day
Feeding the hungry is one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. Our community service project during Catholic Schools Week involves students assembling 500 Cup of Joe “snack packs” to be distributed at Catholic Charities’ shelters. This will be a continuation of a very successful tradition. Students will also express their appreciation of our priests with handwritten letters completed in school, along with a gift from SRS.
Dress-Up Theme: Wacky Wednesday - put together the craziest outfit.
Thursday, Feb. 2: Career Day
Younger students (K-3) can explore their career interests by dressing up in an outfit that represents their dream job. Older students (4-8) will wear their school uniform and attend Career Day presentations given by parents who love their professions. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be inspired and think about how they might contribute to society in the future, as well as receive practical advice on how to achieve those dreams.
Friday, Feb. 3: Student Appreciation Day
Class Fun (Teacher's Choice): The children are the reason for our school, and we treat them to special festivities to thank them for all their hard work this year! During CSW, all students receive class pictures as a gift.
Dress-up theme: PJ Friday - wear your most comfortable pajamas.
Friday, Feb. 3: Family Fun Night
Sleep Under: Join us from 6-8 p.m. as we close out Catholic Schools Week with Family Fun Night! We’re sure you’ve heard of a sleepover, but what about a Sleep Under? It’s all the fun you would expect at a sleepover but without staying the night – PJs, movies, video games, snacks, and lots of fun with friends! Be sure to complete the online form, so you don't miss out on this event.