February 5, 2026 – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

Principal’s Message

Dear Saint Paul of the Cross Families,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SPC community for your generous support of our annual Celebrating the Spirit event. Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure are deeply appreciated, and your ongoing commitment to our school strengthens and sustains our mission. Our committee is diligently finalizing the event details, and we look forward to sharing the proceeds with you in the coming days.

Next week, Sr. Pia will share details about our Lenten activities for the school community. These will include Ash Wednesday Mass, a school-wide presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross, and additional opportunities for students and families to reflect and grow together during the Lenten and Easter seasons. I will also post the 2026/2027 tuition rates and school calendar once Arch approval is received.

Please look for a separate email later this week about our newly formed Young Men’s Club for male students in grades 4–8. I will facilitate a lunch meeting next Friday for interested students. The club will support the continued development of young Catholic men through virtue, positive socialization, and faith formation in their daily lives. More details will be shared soon.

As part of our ongoing commitment to prayer and faith leadership, I am asking that all programs, athletic events, and meetings begin with prayer. Sr. Pia is currently drafting a common prayer for all athletic teams and events. In addition, we will introduce a “common” welcome prayer along with the National Anthem at the start of all athletic events.

As we reflect on this week’s Gospel reading, may we be reminded of our call to live as witnesses of Christ’s love:

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:13–16

May we continue to let our light shine brightly in all that we do, bringing glory to God through our words and actions.

Calendar of Events

Friday, February 6:
- Asynchronous Learning Day for students-Teacher faith development PD
Saturday, February 7:
- Confirmation 10:00am
Monday, Feb 9-NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Feb 11:
- Prospective Family Tours 9:00am
Friday, Feb 13:
- H & S Out of uniform Day

Coming Soon

Monday, February 16:
- Presidents Day – No School
Wednesday, February 18:
- Ash Wednesday Mass
March 1 – 7
- Roundball Tournament

What’s New?

Starting with our concession stand during the Roundball tournament, we will be accepting credit and debit cards via a swipe card reader. Pending the success of our trial event, we will implement electronic payments at all future events.
A competitive grade 7–8 boys’ and girls’ summer basketball league will be added in June 2026. Additional information will be provided soon.

Thank you for the many daily sacrifices you make to support Catholic education and for entrusting us with the care and formation of your children. We are grateful for each and every SPC family.
James White M.Ed.

“inflammate omnia—“go, set the world on fire.”

Celebrating the Spirit

What an incredible night at Celebrating the Spirit 2026! On behalf of the entire SPC team, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this year’s event a resounding success!

A special thank you to our parents, faculty & staff, sponsors, donors, parent volunteers, alumni, and alumni parent volunteers! And our incredible committee…you truly made this evening unforgettable. This outstanding event was a testament to your dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Don’t forget to sign up for Teacher Treats and explore the exciting Party Boards! There are still a few spots left. CTS is going strong! Be sure to sign up by the deadline, next Friday, February 13th.

Please contact us with any questions—Caitlin Brown at [email protected], Kelly Bontempo at [email protected], or Mary Ploen at [email protected].

SOUPer Bowl Food Drive

Please join our Student Council members in supporting our local food pantry here at St. Paul of the Cross. This week through Friday, February 13th.
As we cheer on our favorite teams, let’s help tackle hunger in our community. We are collecting non-perishable food items to support the St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry and the neighbors they serve.

It’s time to sign up for Roundball!
Calling all 6th to 8th Grade SPC Students, High School Alums, and Roundball Fans and Sponsors!
It is time to sign up for Roundball 2026. Spread the word to friends and family as the entire SPC community comes together for this exciting, week-long event, March 1st – March 7th.

The SPC Roundball Tournament is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in good academic and behavioral standing. An SPC tradition since 2013, the continued success of Roundball is made possible through the collaboration of the school, the Alumni Association, the Roundball Committee, and the St. Paul of the Cross Men’s Club.

Roundball features two basketball tournaments for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade boys and girls. High school aged SPC alums proudly return to their alma mater to coach the teams, bringing energy, leadership, and friendly competition. The fun continues with the Future Stars of Roundball game for fifth grade basketball players.

With SPC Men’s Club members serving as announcers and professional referees officiating each game, awards recognize champions, school spirit, leadership, and integrity. From start to finish, Roundball brings together the entire SPC community, including students, alumni, and families, to celebrate teamwork and tradition.
Student Player Registration Form
High School Alum Coaches Form
Sponsorship Form _

SPC Athletics

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Interested in helping to ensure the event runs smoothly? Sign up to volunteer here!

Save the Dates: SPC Parent-Child Events
Mark your calendars for our upcoming SPC Parent–Child Events. We hope you can join us!

4th–8th Grade Mother/Son Golf Outing
Saturday, March 21 | The Shack, Glenview
11:00am – 1:00pm

PS–3rd Grade Mother/Son Event
Saturday, April 25 | SPC in the Gym

We look forward to celebrating with you!

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

Smiling Strings and Guitar Spring Sign Ups

Spring Chess Ed Registration
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SPRING AFTER-SCHOOL CHESS PROGRAM The 11-week after-school program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 3/3/26 to 5/19/26.

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