Principal’s Message
Dear SPC Families,
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that this sacred season invites us to slow down, reflect, and renew our hearts. Lent calls us to prayer, sacrifice, and service — and I see those virtues lived out each day in our Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic School community. In our classrooms, hallways, and homes, we are striving to grow not only in knowledge but also in faith and love for one another. Thank you for the many quiet sacrifices you make for your children and for our school. Together, we continue to build something truly special.
This Monday, March 9, we are excited to welcome a very special guest to the principal’s office! First grader Gabriella F. will serve as Principal for the Day. Gabriella will work alongside me from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., assisting with morning announcements, enjoying breakfast meetings, conducting classroom walk-throughs, attending meetings, joining students for lunch, and even participating in planning discussions. We are looking forward to her joyful leadership and enthusiasm!
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our outstanding teachers and staff, parish members, and parents for their extraordinary support in making this year’s Roundball Tournament a tremendous success. The time, energy, and spirit poured into this beloved tradition are deeply appreciated. Roundball continues to showcase the pride and unity of SPC.
Important Updates & Notables
Now Hiring:
Grade 2 Teacher
Reading/ELA Elementary Teacher (new position beginning Fall 2026)
If you or someone you know is interested, please email me directly.
Blaze:
We’re excited to introduce Blaze, a new program for girls at SPC in grades 7-8. Blaze is part of the Walking with Purpose ministry that so many of the women at our Parish already know and love. We will begin with a 6-week Bible study called Discovering My Purpose. This Bible study opens girls’ eyes to their unique gifts, their God-given purpose, and the depth of His love for them. The aim of Blaze is to help young women grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and better understand who God created them to be. Our hope is that through honest conversations, meaningful lessons, and time spent as a community, each girl will feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.
If your daughter is interested in joining Blaze, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Sr. Pia at [email protected]
If you are a mom interested in learning more about our Walking With Purpose women’s groups, please reach out to Megan McLaughlin at [email protected]
Schedule Framework for Fall 2026:
We are actively developing a new schedule framework and are likely moving to a non-block schedule. The goal is to include:
- Double periods for Reading/ELA
- Accelerated Mathematics (Grades 5–8)
- Accelerated Reading/ELA (Grades 6–8)
- Daily Science
- Daily Social Studies
- Embedded iReady time during the school day
- A robust and engaging elective program
More details will be shared as the work progresses.
Preschool Update:
Beginning next year, we will move from our current multi-age model to a Preschool (3-year-old) and Pre-Kindergarten (4–5-year-old) structure. We are thrilled to share that we currently have 129 students registered in our early learning program.
The 2026–2027 Calendar:
Now live on our SPC Google Master Calendar.
5Essentials Survey:
Please ensure you have completed the survey — your voice matters.
Accelerated English Program:
Students selected for the Fall Accelerated English Program will be notified next week (Accelerated Math students have already been informed).
Calendar of Events
- Sunday, March 1 to Saturday, March 7
- Roundball Tournament – Please click here for game times and the bracket.
- Thursday, March 5:
- Conferences – 12:00 p.m. Dismissal (Lunch provided for staff 12:00–1:00 p.m., both buildings)
- Roundball (5:30–8:30 p.m.)
- Friday, March 6:
- Asynchronous Learning Day – Conferences
- Roundball (5:30–8:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, March 7:
- Roundball Championships 5:00 pm
- Sunday, March 8:
- Daylight Saving Time – Spring Ahead
- Tuesday, March 10:
- School Mass (9:45 a.m.)
- Thursday, March 12:
- Living Stations (K–2) Practice Run (9:30–10:45 a.m.)
- H & S Out of Uniform
- Friday, March 13:
- Spirit Dress Day
- Living Stations (Grades 3–8) at 1:55 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15:
- PS-K will help with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. Please email Sr. Pia at [email protected] if your child would be willing and available to help at this Mass.
Up and Coming
- Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (Schedule coming next week)
- Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)
As we walk through this Lenten season together, may we continue to model Christ’s love through our words, actions, and service. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. Let us keep one another in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
With gratitude and blessings,
James White
Principal
Junior & Mom Classic!
Join us for our inaugural 4th – 8th grade “Junior & Mom Classic.” Tickets can be purchased here. Details below.
Our next meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee
We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
More School News & Happenings
SPC Athletics
Boy Scouts
The District is holding their annual Pinewood Derby on April 12th at Woodfield Mall.
Register your Car by April 10th to race against other Cub Scouts or just stop by to watch other Cub Scouts Race.
Please click here to download the flyer with additional Information.
SPC Yearbooks
The deadline to order the 2025-2026 yearbook is Thursday, April 2nd!
Please click here for details and information.
Spring After School Clubs
Primary Ballet with Ms. Rio for KDG-2nd Grade
A few spots still available. Please click here for the details and registration information.
The Stage School Premier Program – Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Wednesdays beginning April 1st.
Please click here to download the information.
Spring Spanish Club – Kdg-2nd Grade
From the Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ Weekly Letters
Please click here to download the flyer.
From the Community
Jersey Mikes Month of Giving for Local Special Olympics Athletes
Future Friar Shadow Days are back! See information here.
Register for Summer Camps.
