School News & Reminders
Service Hours: Remember that every family must complete 20 hours of service every year! All volunteer opportunities are posted on SchoolSpeak. Look often as new opportunities are added all the time! There are opportunities now listed that do NOT require VIRTUS training! All Service hours must be recorded in SchoolSpeak. Please see the quick link on the left side of the website. There are postings for Primary School recess volunteers on SchoolSpeak.
Service Opportunity: Christmas Bazaar Volunteer Slots Now Open- To volunteer to help at the Bazaar, visit
signupgenius.com. Under Search for a Sign-Up, type in events@stgertrudechicago.org and choose how you’d like to help. Volunteer slots do count toward NCA service hours!
NCA Calendars: We have NCA 2019-2020 Family Calendars for sale at both campuses. They are $15 and showcase all of the artwork that was sold at the Soiree. The calendars make great gifts, and they have all the relevant school dates and run August - August. Proceeds go to NCA's arts program. Be sure to stop by the main office and purchase one!
Please see order form attached.
Queen of Hearts: Who could use $8,200? Our pot is over $16,450! Come out for the drawing on Saturday at 6:30 pm at the Double Bubble on Broadway. It is a lot of fun! Tickets are sold at The Bubble, Edge of Sweetness (10% off with purchase of tickets), and The Sovereign. Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Winners do NOT need to be present!
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Important Dates:
October 25: NCAPO Halloween Family Dance
October 28: Soiree Dress Down Day for $2
October 31: Black & Orange Dress Down Day
Halloween Classroom Celebrations
November 2: Green Team post-Halloween neighborhood clean-up in front of the primary campus @9 AM
November 1: Professional Development Day—No School
November 8: NCAPO Meeting—Primary School lunchroom @ 8:15 AM
November 9: NCAPO Trivia Night
November 15: End of Trimester 1
November 16: NCA's Puppet & Clown Show Playdate in Early Learning Center @10 AM
November 20: School Board Meeting—Primary lunchroom @ 6:30 PM
November 22: Trimester 1 Report Cards sent home
November 26: ½ Day—Trimester 1 Conferences
MS Campus 11:10 Dismissal
PS Campus 11:30 Dismissal
No afternoon ECP available
Scholastic Book Fair in Primary Lunchroom
November 27 – 29: No School—Thanksgiving Holiday
December 3: Middle School Transition Prep Night- Middle School Campus—Colletti Hall @ 6:30 PM
December 4: Professional Development Early Release:
MS Campus 1:50 Dismissal
PS Campus 2:10 Dismissal
ECP available at both campuses
December 6: NCAPO Meeting—Primary School lunchroom @ 8:15 AM
December 7: Catholic High School Entrance Exams
December 10: Primary School (3rd & 4th grade) Advent Reconciliation 10:00 AM St. Gertrude Church
December 12: Primary School (Gr. K – 4) Christmas Program- St. Gertrude Church @ 6:30 PM
December 17: Middle School Advent Reconciliation 10:00 AM- St. Margaret Mary Church
December 19: NCAPO Candy Cane Day
December 19: Pre-school Christmas Program Primary School Gym @1:30 PM
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A big thank you to all the parents who were able to attend the Coffee with the Principal and Parent Appreciation Breakfast. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to implementing some of your ideas!
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As all of you are aware the Soiree is NCA's biggest fundraiser. The Soiree team has started preparing for this major event and needs our help. Last year they began a "dress down" day to help raise funds to purchase items for the silent auction. It was a big success last year and allowed them to purchase some wonderful items.
The following are the dates for "Soiree Dress Down Days":
Monday, October 28
Friday, Nov. 22
Thursday, Dec. 19
Friday, Jan 31
Friday, Feb 21
The cost of the dress down is $2 per day. This year they are offering a family to bring in $10 for all 5 days. The Soiree team will plan to give all the teachers a class list that they can check off to record if someone brings in $10.00 for all 5 days. One of the members of the Soiree team will attend our faculty meeting on Dec. 4 at 2:30 to talk about the Soirée and teacher items!
Thank you for supporting the Soiree team and their efforts to raise funds for our school.
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Christine Huzenis
Principal |
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DePaul College Prep had its 9th annual Academic Bowl, and it was a huge success! Northside Catholic Academy was one of fifteen Catholic elementary schools represented. It was an evening of impressive knowledge and wit from everyone.
Mr. Bartlett led the DePaul College Prep Academic Bowl team representatives. It was his first time leading, and we won two out of three matches, which is beyond impressive. There was a lot of competition, but our students prevailed. We’re so proud, GO Wildcats!
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Introducing Molly Andrew - NCA’ s Kindergarten Teacher!
This is my first year teaching at NCA and I am thrilled to be a part of the Wildcat family! I have taught K-5 reading and math intervention for three years in Detroit, Michigan where I am from, but this is my first year teaching Kindergarten. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
I am very happy to teach Kindergarten and love that there is never a dull moment. Kindergarteners never cease to amaze me with their honesty, intelligence, and fun-loving spirit I get to be around every day. There are many challenging moments in Kindergarten, but the satisfaction I get from watching the growth and learning that occurs from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is worth it.
I have appreciated all the support and friendly relationships I have made with the staff and families at NCA during these first few months. I look forward to a fabulous year of learning, growing, smiling, and laughing!
Fun Facts about Molly:
· I love to travel travel-near and far!
· I got engaged over Labor Day Weekend and am in the midst of planning a wedding in Michigan.
· I live on the 25th floor of my apartment building and love being up that high!
· Even though I love Chicago, I will never stop being a Detroit sports fan.
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Put your kids' sugar high to good use!
NCA Green team will be having a post-Halloween neighborhood clean-up. We'll meet on Saturday 11/2 at 9 AM in front of the primary campus. Gloves and bags will be provided but bring re-usable gloves if you have them. We'll also be collecting Halloween costumes and storing them for a 2020 costume exchange. Clean up counts for service hours.
Contact georgetully82@gmail.com with questions.
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NCA families have backgrounds that span the globe. We’re proud of our diverse community and want to recognize and celebrate it while giving students a taste of the world beyond Chicago. During the week of November 4, we hope all students and families will feel welcomed and included through these special events.
Please click the flyer to see more details.
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📖Proverbs 3:27 Give Honor Where Honor Is Due
Throughout November, NCA is honoring all veterans and active-duty soldiers. We will be waiving the application and registration fee for veterans or active-duty parents who are interested in enrolling their child into NCA.
We will also be serving coffee and donuts and handing out thank you cards after Mass at several of our parishes on Sunday, Nov 10.
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All are welcomed to bring their children ages 2-5 yrs old to NCA's Puppet & Clown Show Playdate! Invite a friend and join us in a fun interactive puppet and clown show with live music and balloon art.
On Saturday, November 16, 10- 11:30 AM
Northside Catholic Academy- Primary Campus
Early Learning Center
6216 N Glenwood Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
Please RSVP at the link below:
https://forms.gle/simGx8ffdvdr7UEdA
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NCA Wildcat Athletics 🐾
If you have any questions about our NCA Wildcat Athletics, please contact either our AD Dave Scholtes (dscholtes@ncaweb.org ) or Assistant AD Seamus McGowan
(HYPERLINK "mailto:smcgowan@ncaweb.org"smcgowan@ncaweb.org)
NCA Varsity Soccer is the Champs!!!
Congrats to the Wildcat varsity as they beat St James 2-0 at NDCP’s Legends Field. Freddie Krug scored 2 goals to lead the offensive attack. Well deserved ending for these hardworking players, coaches, and parents.
Wildcat Cross Country
Sam Berlinghof represented NCA as he ran at the cross country state championship meet. Sam finished off his impressive season this past week at the IESA state meet in Normal, IL. Sam had a great race and finished 31st out of the 230 best cross country runners in Illinois. Way to go Sam!!! #SAMatSTATE #WildcatRUNNINGwild
NCA Volleyball Update
The 7th-grade girls' blue team is feeling excited because they just finished their regular season undefeated. Good luck in the postseason to these hardworking girls and their coaches (Assenzo, Nader, Davis, and Catuara). #WILDCATSareROLLING #NCApride
NCA Athletics Wildcat of the Week
Congratulations to 4th-grade volleyball player Emerson Holden. Her coaches say that Emerson is a great team player who is consistently focused and calm. Her hard work paid off this week as her team finished undefeated in the regular season. Congrats Emerson on the Wildcat of the Week. Congrats to Emerson and her fellow teammates/coaches (Assenzo and Catuara) for a successful season.
Bitty Volleyball
Registration for city volleyball is OPEN. Sign up on SchoolSpeak before it is too late. More info is attached.
NCA Bitty Basketball and the JR Wildcat Running Club
Our little wildcats finished up their seasons last week. The Jr Runners had a mock meet at Warren Park and the bitty basketball players had their last session at St Ignatius.
Wildcat Spirit Wear Sale!!!!!
Show your support and get your NCA Wildcat spirit gear today!!! Photos Spirit Wear are attached Prices and packages are listed below. If interested please email order with (1) your name, (2) child’s name, (3) child’s grade/teacher, and (4) what items or package you are interested into smcgowan@ncaweb.org
Payments can be made via main office (attention NCA Athletics) or through Venmo @Seamus-McGowan-1
NCA Wildcat SUPERFAN PACKAGE All 4 spirit items for $40!!! Best Value and the offer is for a limited time only or Buy them individually Sweaty bands— $12 Wildcat socks— $10 NCA Wildcat hat— $15 NCA bleacher seat cushion $20
Wildcat Fans Please keep on an eye on our Athletic Calendar on the NCA website and come out and CHEER on our wildcats. Look out for our Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Big Red football schedules. Please visit NCA's Athletic Calendar for more details about these games
NCA Wildcat Upcoming Games
Vball 7th Girls White vs. OLMCA 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM (Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School, 4520 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 October 23rd (Wed)
Vball 8th Girls A vs. St. Josaphat 6 PM – 7 PM (Queen of Angels Gym 4520 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA)
Vball 7th Girls White vs. Sacred Heart 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School, 4520 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 October 25th (Fri)
Vball 8th Girls B vs. Sacred Heart 6 PM – 7 PM (Queen of Angels Gym 4520 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625)
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For parents who are interested in programs and resources for academically talented students and their families, please visit the following website from the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.
www.ctd.northwestern.edu
For parents who are interested in a family fun event.
https://www.chicagocampfirefestival.com/buytickets
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Children's Choir: The Music Director at St. Gertrude’s Parish, Ms. Mary Clare Barker, would like to start a children’s choir that would sing a couple of pieces for the All Are Welcome concert on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm. It would also be nice to have the children’s choir sing something at the monthly family Masses at 10:30 in the church.
If your child or children are interested, please email her at maryclarebarker@stgertrudechicago.org Rehearsals will be on Saturdays at 3 - 3:45 in the church. If you can’t make this time on a regular basis, you should not consider being part of the children’s choir. She will also need at least one parent present at every rehearsal as Archdiocesan rules mandate the presence of two adults when in the company of children on church property.
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Donations for the White Elephant: Contributions for the White Elephant areas will be accepted on Sundays from 12:00-3:00 pm in the Gym, 1401 W. Granville Ave., beginning Sunday, October 27 through Sunday, December 1. Please note, no clothing, linens, or stuffed animals will be accepted.
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🎄ST. IGNATIUS CHRISTMAS GREENERY SALE🎄
Get your wreaths, swags, and centerpieces from St. Ignatius and avoid the lines and cold weather of December. Prices range from $20 for a 22” Noble Fir Wreath to $31 for a 28” Mixed Evergreen Wreath. The assortment also includes a holiday centerpiece and swag. You can order online at http://sffsalestrack.com/stignatiusgreenery.
ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY NOVEMBER 4TH. Greenery will be available for pick-up at the church on Sunday, December 8, 2019. Give your support and enjoy beautiful evergreens fresh from the Pacific Northwest.
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St. Gertrude's Sacraments: Please click the attachment to view letter and registration form.
Christmas Bazaar Donations/Volunteer Slots Now Open: Contributions for the White Elephant areas will be accepted on Sundays from 12:00-3:00 pm in the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, beginning Sunday, October 27 through Sunday, December 1. Please note, no clothing, linens, or stuffed animals will be accepted.
To volunteer to help on Sundays with the White Elephant donations or at the Bazaar, click here. You can also visit signupgenius.com, click the search icon, then under Search for a Sign-Up, type inevents@stgertrudechicago.org and you can choose how you would like to help.
Applications to Become a Vendor at St. Gertrude Christmas Bazaar Available: This year, our annual Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. Tables for vendors can be reserved for $50 per day per table. Applications can be found on the home page of the parish website, www.stgertrudechicago.org, in the back of the church, or at the Rectory.
*Applications are due by Wednesday, October 30. Email Victoria Healy at stgertsbazaar@gmail.com for more info.
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Change in St. Gertrude Rectory Hours
The Rectory will close at 4:45 pm on Fridays beginning Friday, September 6.
St. Gertrude Religious Ed Teacher Needed
Have you been thinking of a way to give back or make connections at St. Gertrude? Consider becoming a catechist! Catechists teach Religious Education classes, which at St. Gertrude are offered to children in grades 1-8. Classes are taught on
Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:15 am. Other catechists teach brief lessons of faith based on the Sunday readings in our Kids Word program. This takes place during the 10:30 am Masses in Church and is for children in grades K-4.
The goal of catechists is to share their faith and the lessons of God and Jesus by creating age-appropriate lessons, teach the traditions of the church, and build community with the families of their students. Catechists are usually not professional teachers, just willing parents and parishioners who enjoy kids and want to help them grow in a personal relationship with God, participate in the sacraments, and develop a mature conscience and integrate faith in all areas of their lives.
Candidates must either be Virtus-certified or willing to take training that educates participants on the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods, and means by which offenders commit abuse, how to prevent it, and submit to a background check.
Interested in Being Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. This free program begins on Sunday, September 8 after the 10:30 am Mass in the Ministry Center and meets until Pentecost.
Many people who begin RCIA are non-Catholics seeking to become Catholic or at least to explore whether Catholicism might be a good home. Those who complete the process and decide to become Catholic are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. Others who take RCIA are already Catholic but want a deeper understanding of their faith foundation.
The RCIA process does not ask those who have been baptized in another faith to give up their denominational experiences. Rather, the RCIA process seeks to add new colors and designs to their existing faith life tapestry. In addition to attending Mass, the RCIA process includes weekly gatherings of breaking open the Word of God, sharing our stories, and learning about our faith traditions.
For information about the RCIA process at St. Gertrude or to register for the program, contact Kevin Chears at kchears@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.
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Volunteer Sign Up Directions
1. Go onto SchoolSpeak.com
2. Click on the Quick Link that says Volunteer
3. There you will see NCA’s volunteer opportunities. All volunteer opportunities require Virtus Training unless otherwise noted.
4. Click on the sign up you want. Find a spot to sign up!
5. Remember every Family needs 20 service hours!
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Volunteer Requirements
1. Completion of form 7703
2. Completion of Online background screening (eApps database)
3. Completion of CANTS form (DCFS background screening – paper only – must be submitted annually)
4. Submission of a signed Code of Conduct form
5. Completion of the Virtus training (must pre-register online)
All forms and other information regarding these requirements can be found on the NCA website under Volunteer. Thank you for working with us to ensure the safety of all children!
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