Oak Hill Nuts and Bolts | September 12, 2019 As we dive into our theme of Grace and Grit: All Are Welcome this year, students will be learning about different role models of grace and grit at assemblies: the saints. Though we often look up to the saints as being holier than us or "special," the reality is that the saints were real people, just like you and me. This week the students learned about St. Joseph of Cupertino, patron saint of students. St. Joseph struggled through school and was not a naturally gifted student. Learning new things was hard for him and he didn't know what God was calling him to. Through prayer, St. Joseph received the grace from God to keep trying and to stick to it in school. He went on to become a priest so holy that God performed miracles through him, such as the gift of levitation! When deep in prayer, he was said to float a few feet off the ground.
We look up to our patron saints St. Rose Philippine, St. Madeleine Sophie, and St. John Francis Regis, and also to St. Joseph of Cupertino as models of grace and grit. When we rely on God and receive his graces to keep us going, anything is possible.
Dr. Peter M. Schroeder
This morning, our sixth grade students took off for their overnight stay at Camp Wyman. While they are there, they will do team building exercises, challenge themselves, and, of course, have fun!
National Merit Semifinalists Maria Adamitis and Rachel Ruddy with Principal Bridget Collins and Head of School Michael Baber. NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
Congratulations to Maria Adamitis '20 and Rachel Ruddy '20 who have been named 2020 National Merit Semifinalists! Their selection is based on the high scores they achieved on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying PSAT that they took last fall. We are proud of Maria and Rachel and all of their accomplishments and contributions to the life of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. Our college counselors shared a few words about each student:
"Maria is one of the most ambitious, friendly, and engaging students I have ever met in my career. She is just as motivated to immerse herself in individual learning opportunities as she is to walk beside her classmates in collaborative learning. She is a team player on and off the field and court, a servant leader, and a meticulous scholar," said Mr. Tejada.
"Rachel's kindness and caring heart are truly remarkable as she thinks about others more than herself. She is a young woman of poise and maturity inside and outside the classroom. From the most complex mathematical problem to an inscrutable theatrical accent, she brings a superior level of integrity and commitment to every endeavor," said Mrs. Malbrough.
Maria and Rachel will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.
VILLA vs ST. JOE FIELD HOCKEY TSHIRTS
"Prepare. Invade. Conquer." is the battle cry for the annual Villa vs. St. Joe Field Hockey rivalry games on Saturday, October 5. Be part of the excitement with this t-shirt designed exclusively for the games to be held at St. Joe. Each shirt is $15 and must be ordered by 3 pm this Friday, September 13.
BONNE CHANCE AUCTION
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES RAFFLE TICKETS
ACORN CLUB ASSISTANT NEEDED
Acorn Club, our after-care program for students JK3-grade 6, is looking for a part-time assistant to work from 3-6 pm on all full school days. Acorn Club provides our Oak Hill students time for supervised play, snacks, activities, and homework. If you have an interest in working with children or want to refer someone else, contact Donna Toedebusch, Assistant Director of Acorn Club, at dtoedebush@vdoh.org to learn more.
FALL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Oak Hill's enrichment programs for this fall include chess, science, yoga, and art. Enrichment courses are offered from 3:30-4:30 pm on the day noted. All students enrolled will walk down to Acorn Club at dismissal and the enrichment instructor will pick them up from there. At 4:30 pm, parents can pick their child up from Acorn Club on the Lower Campus or the student can remain until Acorn Club closes at 6 pm. Learn more below and register online through your parent portal. Registration is available in the Enrichment tab in the Reference Center of your portal. The first class begins September 16, so register today!
SCHEDULES, GRADES, AND MORE
Parents, if you haven't yet checked out your Parent Portal, here's a quick start guide to help you navigate the page. Once logged in, you'll have access to our online school directory as well as your child's schedules, grades, and more.
SCHOOL ABSENCES/LATE ARRIVALS/EARLY DISMISSALS
Parents, if your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early from school, please notify the school at attendance-oakhill@vdoh.org or 314.810.3434. Students arriving at school late or leaving early must sign in or out in the Oak Hill Office.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MASS
Please join us at 7:15 am Wednesday, September 18, for Mass with celebrant Fr. David Meconi, SJ. Mass is celebrated most Wednesdays at 7:15 am in our Chapel when school is in session. Everyone in our school community is invited and encouraged to attend.
BIBLE STUDY
Seeking to live out Goals I & II, all parents are welcome to meet from
ROSARY | EACH WEDNESDAY
All are welcome at 8 am each Wednesday in our Chapel to offer the Rosary to Mater for her motherly protection of our children and for all the faculty, staff, and religious of this community who play such a critical role in nurturing and teaching our children.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Madeleine Sophie once said, "Let us be convinced that prayer and humility can triumph over the greatest obstacles and draw down the most profound graces." Do you have a need that you would like lifted up to God in prayer? Please send your request to prayers@vdoh.org. Prayers are confidential if requested.
And, did you know that Mass Cards are available in the Portry for special intentions or the repose of the souls of departed loved ones. Prayer intention candles are also available to light. They are adjacent to the Rose Philippine Duchesne Shrine in the vestibule of the Chapel.
Each Thursday, the Nuts & Bolts newsletters will highlight important information including upcoming school events, student achievements in and outside of school, forms to be completed, and program deadlines. Send your information for students and parents to news@vdoh.org to be included in either the Oak Hill newsletter, the Villa Duchesne newsletter, or both. Please log in frequently to access personalized announcements and calendar items in your portal. Contact your Principal's Office with questions about your online account. For Villa Duchesne, email Judy Bertucci at jbertucci@vdoh.org. For Oak Hill, email Jaime Bergfeld at jbergfeld@vdoh.org. Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School 801 S.Spoede Road | St. Louis, MO 63131 314.432.2021 | www.vdoh.org |