Villa Duchesne Nuts and Bolts | October 3, 2019
Our theme of Grace and Grit is evident daily at Villa Duchesne. This year's Phily Week has been a tremendous experience for your daughters and the entire Villa Duchesne community. Each day's theme has allowed us to see the girls through the eyes of community and philanthropy. Whether they participated by dressing up, attending the evening activities, or contributing to the collections, they were selfless in their efforts and ensured that all students were able to participate. Through all of their activities, they have supported the International Medical Assistance Foundation. This coming week, the girls will have the opportunity to hear Villa alumna Christine Danis Hardy '88, when she visits campus to share her story of grit. Please see the article below for details and all parents are invited to join us for Christine's talk. Ms. Bridget Collins
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION TEST
Today, October 3, at approximately 5 pm, we will conduct a test of our school broadcast system. A recorded message will be sent to your home, work, and/or mobile phone numbers as listed in your family records in My BackPack. We will be using this system to call you with important information throughout the school year. This includes early dismissal, late start, or school cancellation due to inclement weather. If you DO NOT receive a phone call this afternoon, please email Judy Bertucci at jbertucci@vdoh.org and explain which phone numbers need to be corrected in our database.
FIELD HOCKEY | VILLA VS. ST. JOE
Be sure to come out and cheer on the Saints at the annual Villa vs. St. Joe games held this Saturday, October 5, at St. Joe's. The JV team plays at noon and Varsity plays at 1:30 pm.
Please remember to bring a check or charge as cash will not be accepted. Any shirts not picked up by 1:30 pm Friday will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis from 3:10-3:30 pm in La Boutique.
MOMS' HAPPY HOUR | OCTOBER 9
Calling all moms! Please join Michael F. Baber and the Parent Association from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Wednesday, October 9, at the historic log cabin, located behind the 1929 Main Building. View the evite below and RSVP.
BONNE CHANCE AUCTION
EARLY BIRD RSVP DEADLINE RAFFLE TICKETS The $10,000 prize could be yours, but only if you purchase a ticket. The drawing will take place on Saturday, November 9, but you need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are $50 each and are available online.
ALUMNA AUTHOR PRESENTATION
In partnership with our theme, Grace and Grit, Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill is pleased to welcome home one of our very own, Christine Danis Handy '88, to share her inspirational story with our 7-12 graders and other members of our community. Christine's story is one of courage, strength, and empowerment, a life lived with grace and grit. Christine not only overcame an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, she found her life's purpose and mission through the love of her friends and the grace of God. Christine is a best-selling author and motivational speaker. All are welcome to come hear Christine Handy speak to our students at 10 am Thursday, October 10, in Kenefick Gym. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Drone Gehm '88, Manager of Alumni Relations, at rgehm@vdoh.org.
YOUR PRESENCE MATTERS
There are many upcoming opportunities to showcase our school and the unsurpassed Sacred Heart education we provide. To spread the word, we need your help! Please contact us if you would like to join our Parent Ambassador committee. Here are a couple key events this semester where your presence would be valued and appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Assistant Director of Enrollment Management Katie Martin at kmartin@vdoh.org or 314.810.3496.
STATE OF THE SCHOOL
Please join Head of School Michael F. Baber and Board Chair Spencer Finney from 6 to 7 pm Thursday, October 17, to learn more about Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School's strengths and goals for the future. The meeting will be held in the Lenke Global Education Center and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. To join us, please register below.
SCHOOL PHYSICALS OFFERED ONSITE
Villa has arranged for Dr. Connie Hayes, a certified chiropractic sports physician, to offer sports and annual physicals from 10 am to noon Saturday, October 19, in Kenefick Gym. Dr. Hayes and her associates will be conducting these examinations for a discounted rate of $20 per child.
Physicals performed on this date will be valid for two years. For students in grades 8-12, these physicals will accepted by MSHSAA for the remainder of this school year as well as all of the 2020-2021 school year. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, please register and print the MSHSAA Physical Evaluation form below. This same form will be used whether the physical is being performed for MSHSAA or school requirements. Complete the Medical History and Patient Health Questionnaire and bring all pages to the exams on October 19. A doctor will complete the remainder of the form.
OPEN HOUSE
All students in grades 7-12 are asked to participate in Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School's Open House on Sunday, November 3. Students will greet visitors, help in classrooms, and share what they love about our school. Students will be scheduled in two shifts. The first will begin at 11:30 am and conclude at 2 pm with the second shift running from 1:30 until about 4:30 pm. We also would like to invite parents to help with this important event. Additional information about this opportunity will be available soon. Please contact Director of Enrollment Management Therese Hagemeister at thagemeister@vdoh.org or 314.810.3446 if you have any questions about Open House.
COLLEGE CORNER
College Corner, a valuable resource for parents and students, offers the latest information on college rep visits, opportunities to connect with colleges, scholarships, and much more. The College Corner webpage is updated weekly by our College Counseling Office, so bookmark it and visit often.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MASS
Please join us at 7:15 am Wednesday, October 9, for Mass, Father David Meconi, S.J. presiding. 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.
FIRST FRIDAY MASS & EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Tomorrow, October 4, Oak Hill will celebrate First Friday Mass at 8:15 am followed by Benediction and exposition of the Eucharist until 3 pm. All are welcome to join the Oak Hill students for Mass or to visit anytime during the day to spend time in prayer and adoration with Our Lord.
PET BLESSING
On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi each year, all over the world it is customary that animals are brought to churches for a special blessing to honor St. Francis, patron of animals. In the spirit of St. Francis, parents are invited to join us for a blessing of animals at 2:45 pm tomorrow, October 4. Oak Hill students will gather in the field next to the Duchesne Building playground. A priest will be present to bless our Oak Hill chickens as well as family pets. If attending, we ask you to adhere to the following guidelines:
Please contact Campus Minister Katie Maxwell at kmaxwell@vdoh.org if you have questions.
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 | news@vdoh.org |