*IMPORTANT: St Raphael School Inclement Weather Policy Update MORE
*IMPORTANT: St Raphael School Inclement Weather Policy Update
Delayed Opening:
In the case of a delayed opening, St. Raphael School and Nursery School classes will begin at 10:15 a.m., and Stay & Play will be canceled. Before Care will open at 8 a.m. for SRS and SRNS, however, this is subject to change.
SRS: Students may be dropped off at the reception area beginning at 9:30 a.m. Students will then be directed to either the Trumpet Room or their classroom. Classes will begin at 10 a.m.
SRNS: Students will be met in the carpool lane by staff and have their temperature taken. Students will then be escorted to their classroom by staff. Classes will begin at 10:15 a.m.
Stay & Play: Classes are canceled
While no one was watching, some of Santa's helpers got to work in creating the 12 Days of a St. Raphael Christmas—a series of 12 different days/events throughout December that celebrate all that is St. Raphael and all that is Christmas! We'll be decorating cookies, saying hi to Santa, and enjoying the season as a St. Raphael family—with the parish and Raphael House included. Review the schedule of events and mark your calendars for whichever ones will add a little extra Christ to your Christmas.
Green Friday
Who needs Black Friday when you can shop on Green Friday! On November 19th (our Green Friday), we will kick off the 12 Days of a St. Raphael Christmas with a little bit of retail therapy. At the School Store, use Promo Code: GREEN to get 19% off your favorite School Store items on the 19th. We'll also be bringing back some SRS and SRNS classics for your shopping pleasure!
Also, please visit the Occasions Gift Shop in either Cabin John Mall or the Kentlands on Friday too. They have something for EVERYONE on your shopping list and will be donating 20% of your purchase to SRS if you mention the school.
Mass & Advent Wreath Workshop
Sponsored by St. Raphael Nursery School, a special Mass will be celebrated for families seeking to celebrate the beginning of Advent together. Immediately after Mass, families will make Advent wreaths, decorate cookies and more.
Deck the Halls Day
Courtesy of the 8th Grade Class! The halls of St. Raphael will come alive with Christmas. Each student is decorating a door somewhere in the school. Does your child have a favorite?
A Home for the Holidays Service Day
On this day, we remember that everyone should have a loving, caring home for the holidays. Kindergarten & even numbered grades are encouraged to support the efforts of Grant Dudley, an SRS 8th Grader and foster-brother who is collecting home essentials for elementary school age children in foster care. Families in odd numbered grades and SRNS are encouraged to support Raphael House as they continue to create a home away from home for the elderly. Please review the materials below for more information. All donations should be received no later than Friday, Dec. 3rd.
Today we remember St. Nicholas, who was the Bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) during the Fourth Century. St. Nicholas is most well known in the West as the beloved patron saint of children and gift-giving. His connection to the American character of Santa Claus is faint, but can be traced. According to tradition, Nicholas’ parents died when he was young, leaving him a large sum of money. With his inheritance, Nicholas practiced charity, helping those in need.
In the Netherlands, Dutch children put out a clog filled with hay and a carrot for St. Nicholas' horse in hope that St. Nicholas would place coins, sweets or fruit on the soles.
At SRS and SRNS, our little guys and gals will do the same!
SRS Choir Christmas Concert
St. Raphael School welcomes back this annual tradition! Please join our choir for a evening of Christmas music.
Hello Hallmark! A Ladies Night Out
Admit it, Moms: If you didn't have Christmas presents to buy, houses to decorate, cookies to bake and - oh yeah, normal life to attend to, you would spend the entire month of December doing nothing but watching corny Hallmark Christmas movies. We know. We understand. And it's ok!
Gingerbread Sunday
Move over, Iron Chef...It's Gingerbread time! Many families make the holidays merry by decorating gingerbread houses and/or people during Christmas. If this sounds like your family, then mark your calendar for a friendly gingerbread contest on Sunday, December 12th! Not a baker? No problem. You'll be able to impress our celebrity judge (Mrs. Prinsloo!) just as easily by decorating one of the many kits available at your local grocery store, Target, etc.!
Sure to become a favorite SRS and SRNS tradition, Mrs. Dwyer will again read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas over Zoom this year. Zoom meeting info will be emailed as the event gets closer.
Middle School Gift Steal
Thou Shalt Not Steal…unless it is part of a very fun Christmas game! Middle School students are invited to meet in the APR after school to participate in a White Elephant Exchange/Gift Steal. Bring a wrapped unisex Christmas gift of $20 or less with you and we'll take care of the rest. (Please seal gift bags so that there can be no peeking!)
We know that Christmas wasn't the same last year without a true Christmas pageant. Save the date and pray that we can gather again (as in olden days…) to celebrate our children and wish Baby Jesus a Happy Birthday.
School Mass and Parties/Letters for Santa Open House
SRS will mark the end of school and the beginning of Christmas break with Mass at 9:00 am and class parties. In the evening, please bring your letter for Santa and join us for an indoor/outdoor open house. There will be crafts, cookies and more for all to share!
