Head's UpDATE

Head’s UpDATE

Last Updated: April 26, 2024 (5:30 pm)

In this UpDate:

Class of 2024 Commencement Information
Bus Transportation Information for 2024/25
Hermits Ambassadors Baseball Cap Drive
Catholic Star Herald Senior Graduation Ad Opportunity
Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED/First Aid Training Course
Prep Shop Hours
Purchase the 2023/24 Yearbook

Office of the Head of School

April 26, 2024

Dear Prep Community,

This week Augustinian Friars worldwide celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of St. Augustine. A North African educator, Bishop, and Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine became a preeminent teacher of our faith following his circuitous path to Christianity. The Augustinian family also celebrated the Feast of Our Mother of Good Counsel which is one title under which the Augustinian Order honors the Blessed Mother.

During this celebratory week, we honored a distinguished group of eighth-grade students and upperclassmen who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Selection for membership is based on Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, Citizenship, and recommendations from Faculty and Staff.  Membership in the National Honor Society recognizes these young men for their accomplishments and invites each one of them to develop further through active involvement in Prep student leadership activities and community service-learning opportunities.

The World Language Department complimented the National Honor Society Ceremony and welcomed students into our Arabic, Latin, and Spanish National Honor Societies.  At this special ceremony, we recognized students who have achieved academic excellence in their language classes. Their commitment to global understanding fosters a vision for peaceful and respectful collaboration among people of distinct languages and cultures.

A note of appreciation to Mr. Conor Murphy ’13, Faculty member and moderator of the National Honor Society, and the World Language Faculty for planning the celebrations.

On behalf of the Prep Community, please join me in congratulating these exceptional young men who know and live our mission.

In Christ through Augustine,

Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School

Important Dates

May 3 – Head of School Holiday; No School
May 4 – Run for the Roses
May 6 -10 – Driver’s Ed Theory Class 2:45-5:00
May 8 – Seniors’ Last Mass & May Crowning
May 8 – New Student Course Selection and Placement Testing Evenings
May 9 – Spring Celebration of the Arts
May 10 – Last day for seniors
May 13-15 – Senior Exams
May 14 – New Student Course Selection and Placement Testing Evenings
May 15 – Moving Up Mass
May 16 – Make Up Exams (Seniors)
May 20-21 – Underclassmen Final Exams – 12 pm dismissal; buses will depart campus at 3:05 pm
May 22 – Study Day – No Classes
May 22 – Senior Awards Breakfast and practice
May 22 – Class of 2024 Parent Social
May 23 – Class of 2024 Graduation – 12 pm dismissal; buses will depart at 1:00 pm
May 23 – Final Exams
May 24- Make-up Exam Day (no buses)
May 27 – 2nd Semester & Final grades are due
May 27 – Memorial Day; No School
May 28 – 3rd Semester begins
May 31 – Class of 2028 Moving Up Ceremony

*Dates subject to change

Class of 2024 Commencement Information

Seniors and Senior Families, the 2024 Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony are a few weeks away!  Click the button below for the most recent communication from Fr. Murray and visit/bookmark hermits.com/commencement for a rundown on graduation festivities!

Transportation for the 2024/25 Academic Year

Families interested in bus transportation for the 2024-25 Academic Year are asked to download the 2024-25 transportation packet linked below.  For questions or more information, contact Mrs. Christine Battin, Director of Transportation at (856) 697-2600 ext. 142 or mrs.battin@hermits.com.

You may download the 2024-25 transportation packet by clicking here; the document includes the B6T form, Transportation Form, Voucher Order Form and 2024-25 Bus Stop list.

Hermits Ambassadors Baseball Cap Drive

Hermits Ambassadors is assisting St. Paul Parish of Philadelphia by gathering items needed for blessing bags for the homeless. The club is gearing up for another collection in May and is asking the community for baseball caps (gently used or new) for donation to the parish.  The caps may be dropped off at Mrs. Davis’ office which is located on the first floor of the Vincent Center.

Catholic Star Herald – Senior Graduation Ad

Senior parents and guardians, feature your graduate in the June 14 issue of the Catholic Star Herald. Click here for more information to submit your ad before May 24th.

Prep Shop Hours

The weather is heating up and the Prep Shop is stocked with items to show off your Hermit Pride in the spring and summer months.  Visit hermits.com/prepshop to view upcoming operating hours in advance of your next shopping trip at the Prep!

Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!
Guarantee your yearbook today!

Driver’s Education at the Prep

Prior to taking the behindthewheel offering at the Prep, students are required to take the Driver’s Ed Theory Class.

Upcoming Classes

Monday, May 6, 2024 – Friday, May 10, 2024 • 2:40 pm – 5:00 pm (Room 5116) Scarpa

BEHIND-THE-WHEEL: Students who are at least 16 years of age and have passed the NJ State written test may enroll in the behind-the-wheel program. To enroll you must bring the following materials to Mrs. Auger in Scarpa Building: Completed permit application card (if you make any scratch-outs on the card you must complete a new one as MVC will not accept it); ORIGINAL birth certificate OR current passport; (will be returned upon completion of the course); check payable to SAP for $300; and $14 CASH to purchase the permit and red decals from NJ MVC. When you bring these materials to Mrs. Auger she will schedule your trip dates.

To inquire about upcoming Theory Class Dates and to learn more about the BehindtheWheel program, please contact Mrs. Auger via email or at the Scarpa Main Office.

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL CAMPUS VISITORS

All guests are requested to visit the main office of each building to sign in as a Visitor and receive a pass.

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Manage your son’s lunch account on payschoolscentral.com – a program that allows you to track your son’s lunch account and make online deposits towards it. Cash will be accepted for the early portion of the school year. If you have any questions relating to the Pay Schools Central Program, student lunch accounts, or food allergens, please contact:

Director of Dining Services- Vinnie Berti ’95 ext. 135 or Mr.Berti@Hermits.com
Assistant Director of Dining Services – Paul Barr ext. 157 or Mr.Barr@Hermits.com

Summer Course Registration

Students and parents/guardians, as you complete course registration for the upcoming academic year, we remind you that registration for summer courses is also open. All information about times, prices and course descriptions are listed in the Course Catalog.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding summer registration, the Q&A meeting, or Dual Credit registration, please contact Mr. Grealis at mr.grealis@hermits.com.

Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!

Guarantee your yearbook today!

HERMITS ATHLETICS

Sports Registration

The athletic department invites all students to register for their sports of interest for each season. Please note that registering for a sport does not commit you to your selection but places you on the communication list before the beginning of each sport’s season.

Please scan the information carefully and monitor your hermits.org emails as you may receive additional communication directly from the Athletic office or from the coach of your selected spring sport.

CLICK HERE to register for all sports during the 2023-2024 academic year.

All students must have a valid physical on file to participate in athletics – CLICK HERE to download the physical form

Behind the Wheel at St. Augustine Prep

THEORY CLASSES: Before taking the behind-the-wheel segment students are required to take the theory class. On the last day of the classes, the NJ State written test will be administered. Having achieved at least an 80% test score and reaching the age of 16, students are eligible to get a New Jersey driving permit and enroll in the behind-the-wheel program.

Classes are scheduled from 2:30 to 5:00 pm and will be conducted in Room 5116, the lecture hall.. Classes are open to students who are at least 14 years and the cost is $100 (make check payable to SAP and students may bring the check to class). To register please contact Mrs.Auger@Hermits.com

Upcoming Classes
The class schedule for 2023-24 will be released soon.

Please register with Mrs. Auger in person or email Mrs.Auger@Hermits.com

The cost is $100 (checks can be made out to St. Augustine Prep)

BEHIND-THE-WHEEL: Students who are at least 16 years of age and have passed the NJ State written test may enroll in the behind-the-wheel program. To enroll you must bring the following materials to Mrs. Auger in Scarpa Building:

  • Completed permit application card (if you make any scratch-outs on the card you must complete a new one as MVC will not accept it)
  • ORIGINAL birth certificate OR current passport; (will be returned upon completion of the course)
  • check payable to SAP for $300; AND $14 CASH to purchase the permit and red decals from NJ MVC.

When you bring these materials to Mrs. Auger, she will schedule your trip dates.

HERMITS BROADCASTING CHANNEL – STAY UPDATED ON ALL THINGS HERMITS!

Tune in to the Hermits Broadcasting Channel to view live streaming of select Academic and Athletic events.  Follow @hermitbroadcast on Twitter and subscribe to the Hermits Broadcasting Channel to stay informed of all upcoming spring broadcasts.

Are you a student interested in getting involved with the HBC?  Contact Mr. Broomell at mr.broomell@hermits.com to join the team!

  • LUNCH BALANCES –  To manage lunch accounts, please visit PaySchoolsCentral.com or bring cash or a check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep) into the Dining Hall. Please direct all questions to Chef Berti at (856) 697-2600 ext. 135
  • Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

    The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!

    Guarantee your yearbook today!

Freshman Announcements

      • LUNCH BALANCES –  To manage lunch accounts, please visit PaySchoolsCentral.com or bring cash or a check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep) into the Dining Hall. Please direct all questions to Chef Berti at (856) 697-2600 ext. 135
      • Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

        The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!

        Guarantee your yearbook today!

Sophomore Announcements

      • LUNCH BALANCES –  To manage lunch accounts, please visit PaySchoolsCentral.com or bring cash or a check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep) into the Dining Hall. Please direct all questions to Chef Berti at (856) 697-2600 ext. 135
      • BEHIND-THE-WHEEL: To register for behind-the-wheel training please contact Mrs. Auger by email at Mrs.Auger@Hermits.com or by phone at 856-697-2600 extension 102.
        It is possible to be picked up and dropped off at home. (Please view the general announcements tab for more info on class dates and requirements.)
      • Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

        The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!

        Guarantee your yearbook today!

Junior Announcements

  • LUNCH BALANCES –  To manage lunch accounts, please visit PaySchoolsCentral.com or bring cash or a check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep) into the Dining Hall. Please direct all questions to Chef Berti at (856) 697-2600 ext. 135
  • DRIVER’S EDUCATION • BEHIND-THE-WHEEL: To register for behind-the-wheel training please contact Mrs. Auger by email at Mrs.Auger@Hermits.com or by phone at 856-697-2600 extension 102.  It is possible to be picked up and dropped off at home. (Please view the general announcements tab for more info on class dates and requirements.)
  • Purchase your 2023/24 Yearbook

    The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook, don’t forget to purchase one for your Hermit today! Ordering your book now saves you stress and money and guarantees you’ll get a book. The easiest way to order a yearbook is to visit the JOSTENS website where you can personalize and review your order for accuracy. Online ordering ends 6/4/24. Seniors, please do not order a yearbook as you will receive a complimentary personalized edition!

    Guarantee your yearbook today!

Senior Announcements

      • Class of 2024 Commencement InformationSeniors and Senior Families, the 2024 Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony are a few weeks away!  Click the button below for the most recent communication from Fr. Murray and visit/bookmark hermits.com/commencement for a rundown on graduation festivities!

Sports Registration

The athletic department invites all students to register for their sports of interest for each season. Please note that registering for a sport does not commit you to your selection but places you on the communication list prior to the beginning of each sport’s season.

Review the information carefully and monitor your hermits.org emails as you may receive additional communication directly from the Athletic office or from the coach of your selected spring sport.

CLICK HERE to register for all sports during the 2023-2024 academic year.

All students must have a valid physical on file to participate in athletics – CLICK HERE to download the physical form

HERMITS BROADCASTING CHANNEL – STAY UPDATED ON ALL THINGS HERMITS!

Tune in to the Hermits Broadcasting Channel to view live streaming of select Academic and Athletic events.  Follow @hermitbroadcast on Twitter and subscribe to the Hermits Broadcasting Channel to stay informed of all upcoming broadcasts.

Are you a student interested in getting involved with the HBC?  Contact Mr. Broomell at mr.broomell@hermits.com to join the team!

College Counseling & Student Services Announcements

 

Student Leadership Announcements

Please contact Mr. John Huscher ’85 P’18, Dean of Student Leadership & Development, (Mr.Huscher@hermits.com) or Mr. Tim Hale, Assistant Dean of Student Leadership, (Mr.Hale@hermits.com) if you have questions regarding student life at the Prep.

Policy and Procedure | Information

Attendance: Students must officially sign in before 9:45 a.m. to be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities for the academic day. In an effort to minimize the late arrival process, the student must report directly to the building where his current class is located and sign in with the following staff members: 

      • Forum – Mrs. Field
      • Augustinian Hall – Mrs. Pippett
      • Vincent – Mrs. Ward
      • Scarpa – Mrs. Auger

Technology Agreement: Each student and parent must sign the Technology Agreement in order to utilize on-campus technology services.  Please hand the signed forms to your D and E period teachers. 

Student Security Cards: Students have been issued door access cards and student ID cards.  Both of these cards should be with the student at all times. Students must wear a lanyard with the swipe and ID card attached.  The lanyard which will have a breakaway clasp will be provided by the Prep. If a student loses either card or the lanyard the student is responsible for reporting the loss and purchasing a replacement.

LOST LANYARDS/IDs – Students must wear their school-issued lanyard with their student ID and door entrance key card as part of their uniform. Students who lose their lanyards are required to replace them. Please go to the Business Office to order a new student ID ($5) and a new key card ($10) and the Prep Shop for a lanyard ($5).

Transportation Announcements

Please submit your bus reservation forms if you have not done so already.  There are limited seats remaining on several of the bus routes.  All students, regardless of how they travel to school, are required to have a B6T form on file.  If you have not submitted this state form already and need a copy, please contact transportation@hermits.com

Click HERE to visit the transportation section of the website to view updated bus stops and details on the Voucher Program.

For more information regarding transportation at the Prep, please contact the transportation@hermits.com

NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Please keep your son home if he is not feeling well to minimize the spread of illness here at school.  Notify Mrs. Auger that your son will be staying home by email (mrs.auger@hermits.com) or at ext. 102.  Encourage your son to go to the nurse if he becomes sick while in school. If the nurse sends him home he will be excused for the remainder of the day and the following day without a doctor’s note.  Please email Mrs. Kingett with any questions (mrs.kingett@hermits.com) or call at (856) 697-2600 ext. 138

REPORTING A STUDENT WITH AN ILLNESS
The school nurse, Mrs. Darlene Kingett P’05’09, must be contacted first by phone at (856) 697-2600 ext. 138.  Once Mrs. Kingett has been notified and has discussed the situation with the student’s parent(s) and/or guardians, she will then contact Mrs. Pippett in the Academic office.  At this point, a decision will be made regarding your son being moved to remote learning and if necessary, a return date will be determined.

Should it be determined that your son be moved to remote learning, each of his teachers will be contacted immediately by Mrs. Pippett.
If you have additional questions regarding the process of reporting an illness, please contact Mrs. Darlene Kingett by phone at (856) 697-2600 ext. 138 or by email at mrs.kingett@hermits.com

PREP SHOP HOURS

PREP SHOP Hours – Hours Updated Weekly

PREP SHOP operating hours are available at hermits.com/prepshop, please note these hours are subject to change.  Prior to making a shopping trip to the PREP SHOP, please call (856) 697-2600 ext. 126.  *

Please note: If the school is closed then the Prep Shop is also closed.

For questions regarding the Prep Shop, please contact Mrs. Blystone at mrs.blystone@hermits.com or (856) 697-2600 ext. 126.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Evening hours are available during select campus events, please call (856) 697-2600 x126 to confirm hours prior to making a special trip to the Prep Shop!

PREP SHOP ONLINE

Please CLICK HERE to visit the only online shop carrying licensed St. Augustine Prep Hermits merchandise.  Thank you for always showing your Hermit Pride!  

Additional Info & FAQ's

Lunch Accounts
Manage your son’s lunch account on payschoolscentral.com – a program that allows you to track your son’s lunch account and make online deposits towards it. Cash will be accepted for the early portion of the school year. If you have any questions relating to the Pay Schools Central Program, student lunch accounts, or food allergens, please contact:

Director of Dining Services- Vinnie Berti ’95 ext. 135 or Mr.Berti@Hermits.com
Assistant Director of Dining Services – Paul Barr ext. 157 or Mr.Barr@Hermits.com

Prep Shop
The most up-to-date Prep Shop Hours and Information may be found HERE.

Resources & Documents

Points of Contact

Academics: Mrs. Nancy McHugh P’08 ’11 ’15 (academics@hermits.com)

Admissions: Mr. JC Valore (admissions@hermits.com)

Athletics: Mr. Michael Rizzo ’86 P’11 (athletics@hermits.com)

Campus Safety: Mr. Tim Hale (mr.hale@hermits.com)

Eighth Grade: Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A., Ed.D. (fr.curry@hermits.com)

Student Leadership & Development: Mr. John Huscher ’85 P’18 (mr.huscher@hermits.com)

Student Mental Health & Wellness: Bro. Bob Thornton, O.S.A., Psy.D. (br.bob@hermits.com)

Transportation: Mrs. Christine Battin (mrs.battin@hermits.com)

Academic Calendar

View the School Calendar for Academic Year 2023-2024. (All dates and times are subject to change)

School Calendar for Academic Year 2023-2024

Athletic Calendar

This athletic calendar is updated in real-time as venues, time changes, and cancellations are announced.  All athletic games and practice information may also be found here.

2023-24 Hermits Athletics Daily Outlook

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook includes all the rules and regulations for the Hermit Brotherhood.  The student dress code for all classes is also housed within this handbook along with other important information.

2023-24 Student Handbook