There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different kinds of service but the same Lord;

there are different workings but the same God

who produces all of them in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Welcome to St. Gabriel's, where students achieve their highest individual potential, grow in faith and make lifelong friendships along the way.

2009-2010 News

ADMISSIONS

Limited space available for 2009-2010
Contact the Admission Office for more information:
admissions@sgs-austin.org or 512-327-775

PRE-KINDERGARTEN EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM

A new Pre-Kindergarten extended care program will be offered for those students enrolled in either the morning (8am-noon) or afternoon (11:30am-3:30pm) Pre-Kindergarten classes at St. Gabriel's!

It provides a broad spectrum of developmental activities that focus on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of your child.

The areas of emphasis include the following:

Quiet and vigorous play
Expanding Communication
Self-reliance
Decision making
Creativity
Teamwork
Leadership
Problem solving
Child-initiated activities

For additional information, including enrollment options and schedules for the extended care program, click here.

For admissions information, click here.

Around St. Gabriel's

THREE 7TH GRADE STUDENTS AWARDED SISTER THECLA MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, the Sister Thecla Merit Scholarship is awarded to two seventh grade students who will be attending eighth grade at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School. Named for the former superintendent of schools when St.Gabriel’s opened, the competitive, merit-based scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, Christian character, and leadership within their school and community.

All applications are anonymously presented to the selection committee to discourage the potential of a biased decision. With all of the wonderful applicants, the selection committee had a difficult time making a decision. It was with pleasure that St. Gabriel’s announced not only two, but three recipients of this year’s Sister Thecla Cain Merit Scholarship. Congratulations!

DUKE UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZES SGCS STUDENTS

St. Gabriel’s is pleased to announce that 21 of its 7th grade students qualified to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) for the 2008-2009 school year.

The Duke TIP was founded in 1980 and is dedicated to the cultivation and education of talented youth. The 7th Grade Talent Search identifies academically-talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending middle school. These candidates are invited to complete either the SAT or the ACT assessment college entrance examination. Duke TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities. The goal is to assist young people with excellent mathematical or verbal aptitude.

While being invited to participate is a feat itself, several of the St. Gabriel’s students went on to qualify for state recognition. They earned this award by scoring at or above the national average on at least one part of the SAT or the ACT. This represents the top 30% of the entire Talent Search population. These students were invited to a special recognition ceremony held at Texas A&M University on Thursday, May 28, where they received a medallion and certificate.

FIELD DAY - FUN FOR ALL

ST. GABRIEL'S CELEBRATES MILESTONE 10TH YEAR

In preparation for a week-long celebration, all students, faculty and staff gathered on the football field to take an aerial photo of them in a special formation – the number 10. Then, during the week of May 11^th, the St. Gabriel’s founders, benefactors, Trustees, students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, volunteers and friends were invited to participate in exciting, commemorative events.

The celebration included such activities as an all-community assembly and prayer service, a 10-Year Mass of Celebration, and the creation of letters that shared students’ most cherished St. Gabriel’s memories. One second-grade student recalled, “Some of my favorite things are Mass, musicals, science lab, and hugging my teacher. Going to St. Gabriel’s means a lot to me because I’ll always make new friends!” The week concluded with an engaging 10-year photo slideshow at a pep rally, followed by a fun-filled Field Day.

Click here for more information.

(Faculty, staff, and 8th-grade students who have been with St. Gabriel's since it opened in 1999)

TEXAS HISTORY ALIVE!

Texas History Alive was a day like no other! Our state’s amazing tale jumped out of the pages of the history books and onto the grounds of St. Gabriel’s. The fourth-grade students participated in hands-on, interactive activities led by experts in their fields. The exciting activities included roping, pioneering, digging, planting, and even a little snake charming. There was even a surprise guest - Governor Rick Perry joined in the fun!

MAY CROWNING

May Crowning was a joyous celebration this year as all classes brought hundreds of flowers and processed outside of Knotts Hall. The students made an abundant bouquet for Our Holy Mother, and honored her by praying the Rosary together. After the intercessions of the school were read, Audrey Abbott placed a crown upon the statue of Mary.

ROBOTICS TEAM WINS TOP HONORS AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

After winning the Central Texas FLL State Championship in January, the St. Gabriel’s robotics team headed to the US Open Championship in Dayton, Ohio in May. The team was recognized as “Excellent” in all four categories: performance, research, design, and teamwork, and they were also nominated to receive awards in all 4 categories.

The St. Gabriel’s team won 1st in the nation for their Creative Research Presentation, which was a “Late Show” performance to explain their innovative solution to drought in Central Texas. They also placed 2nd in the nation for their Robot’s Performance (with the second highest official score of 375; 1st place scored 385).

The team is coached by middle school science teacher, Michael Scallon, who beamed, “It was great to see such a talented group of students awarded at such a high level for their innovative work and dedication. They have always been champions in my eyes, now they get to be recognized nationally.”

FELICIDADES - CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SPANISH CLUB

Congratulations to several middle school Spanish students from St. Gabriel's Catholic School who attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2009 National Spanish Examination.

Our seventh and eighth grade students earned a total of 4 gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals along with 9 honorable mentions. Eighth grade students receiving the highest honor of gold were Brody Roush, Tiffany Nguyen, Natalie Hayes and Nicolas Lavigne. These students scored a 95% or above in both proficiency and achievement. The exam covers a broad spectrum of grammar, vocabulary and listening skills at the high school Spanish level.

“Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with well over 115,000 students participating in 2009.”

The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year under the sponsorship of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OF "BIG BAD" WAS A BIG SUCCESS

The 7^th and 8^th grade production class put on a hilarious and wonderful performance of Big Bad. The play is a comedy based on the trial of the Big Bad Wolf, and it includes such “victims” as the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Grandmother Hood, and the Boy Who Cried Wolf. The prosecutors were represented by Fairy Godmothers, and the defense attorneys were Evil Stepmothers.

The production class has worked together all semester to put the performance together from the ground up. This includes doing research, auditioning, brainstorming costume and set ideas as, and the list goes on. They were involved in every aspect of the performance, and Misty Poe, Head of Middle School beamed, “It was a fabulous performance!”

LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION DRAWS QUITE A CROWD FOR GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

From the moment the actors stepped on the stage, it was easy to forget that Fiddler on the Roof Junior was being performed by students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

They began practicing in January and worked diligently ever since to put on spectacular performances. Their hard work paid off, as approximately 1,000 people laughed, cried, and clapped along during the two shows. The first was for their parents, and it was easy to see the pride emanating throughout the crowd. Their final performance was in front of another full house for Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and it was flawless.

In addition to memorizing lines, learning choreography, and practicing many songs, the students’ preparation also included lessons in Jewish history and tradition. It was important that they understand such aspects as the Sabbath meal so that they were able to appreciate the significance of the musical.

Penny Gabrielson, St. Gabriel's music director, did a phenomenal job with the students. Special thanks to all of the volunteers, faculty and staff for their support!

10TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: A HOLE-IN-ONE

St. Gabriel's 10th Annual Golf Tournament was kicked off by the Swing Into Spring Fling. It was a fun night full of delicious food, great music, and wonderful auction items. The highlight of the silent auction was a set of 10 handprint paintings (example above) created by each grade with the help of artist Carlos Ortiz. A surprise caddy was auctioned off to an excited crowd, and it was none other than our Head of School, Mr. Steve Balak!

The weather on the day of the tournament was spectacular! The event started off with a chance to shoot for a million dollar hole-in-one, and then it was off to the course. Teams of four enjoyed the day at Lakecliff Country Club, and were treated to lunch by Maudie's Tex-Mex.

All funds raised at both the Swing into Spring Fling and the 10th Annual Golf Tournament will benefit the St. Gabriel's Financial Aid Program. Thank you so much for your support!

STUDENT-LED CLOTHING DRIVE RESULTS IN OVER 1,000 DONATIONS

The St. Gabriel’s Archangels Club sponsored their 1^st annual “Bless You Blue Jean” drive. They made it a 100% student -led collection, and they received over seven times their goal. While they hoped for 150 pairs of gently worn jeans and other clothing, an astounding 1,052 pieces were donated! Here are the results:

6th Grade: 547
7th Grade: 152
8th Grade: 353

The Religion Club aimed at letting students show what they have learned in class and within their spiritual lives to make this drive a success without the help of parents and teachers. They are taking important steps needed to foster independence, responsibility, and compassion.

St. Gabriel’s would like to thank Christy Hall, the Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the Austin Diocese, for kicking off the drive by explaining the importance of the organization. Paul Kleypas, who is in charge of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift stores here in Austin, should also be thanked for providing and picking up all of the collection bins.

THREE ST. GABRIEL'S STUDENTS WERE AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS FROM ST. MICHAEL'S

One of St. Gabriel’s Catholic School's students was selected as a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship from St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. This award was presented to six incoming freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding academic credentials, leadership and service qualities, and an established record of involvement in clubs and activities.

Two other St. Gabriel’s students were selected as recipients of merit-based Principal’s Scholarships. All three students were nominated for these prestigious awards by the Head of Middle School, Misty Poe, and they were honored at a dinner and awards presentation at St. Michael’s.

What an incredible honor - congratulations!

FIRST GRADE EGG DROP

First grade students marched to the bleachers to test their egg-protecting skills. They had a week to create a box at home that would prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from the top of the bleachers. They used such materials as bubble wrap, grocery bag parachutes, foam peanuts, and even peanut butter! Most of the eggs remained intact, and the students and parents had a wonderful time watching the event.

ST. GABRIEL'S LATIN TEAM WINS BIG AT STATE COMPETITION

On March 27,2009, 32 students and 10 chaperones left St. Gabriel’s for their third trip to the annual Texas State Junior Classical League convention and competition. It was held in Dallas on the campus of the Southern Methodist University. This trip would not have been possible without all of our parents’ generosity, who contributed in so many ways!

The students spent many hours outside of school reading, studying, creating, practicing, and preparing for this rigorous competition. On this trip, they competed head-to-head not only with other middle school but also with high school students from across Texas.

In the face of the many challenges to their intellect, creativity, athleticism, and stamina, over two very full days of competition, they managed to come away from the convention with so many individual awards and accolades that they won the 5^th Place Over-all Sweepstakes Award; Novice Division out of the entire State of Texas!

Congratulations for such a great achievement!