The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

I hope you’re staying warm and safe during this snowy week! A quick reminder: Friday dismissal will take place from the courtyard, so please share this with your caregivers.

This Advent season is full of wonderful opportunities to celebrate and give back. We kick things off with our Christmas Craft Fair this Sunday, held alongside our annual Scholastic Book Fair in the library. Parents, don’t forget you can set up an eWallet for your child at our Scholastic Book Fair page. It’s quick and easy—and means no need to send cash for book shopping! (https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stbenedictschool5)

Advent is also a time to share joy with others. Our Middle School Student Council is hosting a new toy drive for Lurie Children’s Hospital. Donations of new toys can be dropped off at school now through the last day before Christmas break. Thank you for helping us bring smiles to children in need!

There are plenty of festive events to lift your spirits: Holiday Pops Concert, Caroling on the Church Steps, Be Still Fridays, and Simbang Gabi—check out the details below. And mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 9, when our middle school students present The Gift of the Magi at 5:30 PM in the gym. Admission is free—come support our talented theatre and music students!

Please keep our 8th graders in your prayers as they prepare for the High School Placement Exam this Saturday. They’ve worked hard for this moment, and we know the Class of 2026 will make us proud! Thanks to all our teachers who have helped prepare them over the years.

Finally, thank you for your continued prayers for Mr. Joe Accardi. He’s recovering well and hopes to return for partial days a few days next week as he transitions back into his role. He shares how deeply grateful he is for your support; it truly made a difference during this challenging time. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues to heal.

There’s a lot more important information below. Be sure to check out the following:

• Scholastic Book Fair begins on Sunday, December 7, 2025

• The Gift of the Magi - Middle School Christmas Play and Concert

• Bengal Bash Athletic Fundraiser - Save the Date and Buy Tickets today

Please find listed below important dates:

• December 5, 2025 - Be Still Friday - Church open for prayer from 2-4:30PM

• December 6, 2025 - 8th Grade High School Placement Test for Catholic High Schools - Good luck Bengals

• December 6, 2025 - St. Benedict Parish presents Holiday Pops Concert at 7:30PM in Church

• December 7, 2025 - Second Sunday of Advent - Join us for Mass 8AM, 10AM and Noon

• December 7, 2025 - HSA Christmas Craft Fair in the GYM 10AM to 2PM

• December 7, 2025 - Scholastic Book Fair 10AM to 2PM in the library (open each day after school through Friday, December 12)

• December 8, 2025 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

• December 9, 2025 - Middle School Christmas Play in the GYM at 5:30PM

• December 9, 2025 - Advent Speaker Series with St. Andrew Parish - “How God Comes to Us” - With Father Ryan at St. Andrew Parish 7PM

• December 10, 2025 - Preschool Christmas Concert in GYM at 10AM

• December 11, 2025 - HSA Christmas Luncheon for Faculty and Staff

• December 12, 2025 - Be Still Friday - Church open for prayer from 2-4:30PM

• December 12, 2025 - K-8 Extended Care ends at 4:30PM today

• December 13, 2025 - First Reconciliation Service at 9:30AM

• December 14, 2025 - Christmas Caroling on the Steps of the Church

• December 15, 2025 - First Reconciliation Service at 6PM

• December 18, 2025 - Primary Christmas Concert at 5:30PM

• December 18, 2025 - Intermediate Christmas Concert at 7PM

• December 19, 2025 - Last Day to Donate a Toy to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital (sponsored by the student council)

• December 19, 2025 - Last day of school before Christmas break - 11:30AM dismissal

• December 20-January 5, 2026 - Christmas break

• January, 6, 2026 - School Resumes

Wishing you a blessed Advent season filled with hope and joy!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Advent Prayer 2025 

Loving God, during these Advent days we turn to you in prayer. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, we ask your blessing on each of us.  

Open our hearts to the Good News that you bring to us and help us to welcome Your light into our lives, a light that gives us the gift of joy.  

May this joy fill our hearts, our minds, and our school.  

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 

Please continue to pray for Joe Accardi as he heals from his medical emergency a few weeks ago.