Head's UpDATE
Head’s UpDATE
Last Updated: December 1, 2023 (1:15 pm)
In this UpDate:
Austin Society Faculty/Staff Gift
Winter Celebration of the Arts
Midterm Exam Information
Herff Jones will be on campus on Jan. 5 for junior ring adjustments
Christmas Toy Drive for Holy Name School (Camden)
Clothing Drive continues
Important Dates
Office of the Head of School
Dear Prep Community,
While the celebration of Thanksgiving is a fresh memory for us, this Sunday offers a fresh start to the Christian Community with the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year. The scripture readings and liturgical celebrations of Advent provide meaningful nourishment for us during this time of expectation and preparation. The season cautions us, however, not to rush to Christmas, but to savor the anticipation, to make our longing increase and our gratitude grow as we welcome anew the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
The Class of 2025 and their families gathered for Eucharist this past week at our all-school Mass during which they received their Class rings and Augustinian pins. This celebration followed a Wednesday evening class retreat with the theme “A Call to Servant Leadership.” The reception of their Class ring and Augustinian pin serves to remind these gifted young men of their responsibility and unique role as leaders within the St Augustine Prep community.
Please join me in congratulating the Class of 2025 on this special occasion. Likewise, please know that the Friars at St. Augustine Prep pray that Advent may be a grace-filled time for you and your families. Have a blessed Advent!
In Christ through Augustine,
Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School
AUSTIN SOCIETY – FACULTY/STAFF GIFT
Our School is blessed to have very dedicated faculty and staff members who are committed to our sons’ educational and spiritual development. We are continuously amazed by the work, volunteerism, and time that so many individuals of the Prep put forth. This passion for nurturing the young minds of our sons is exemplified each day. To show our appreciation to each of them during this special time of the year, the Austin Society has coordinated a monetary Christmas gift appeal which will be shared amongst the faculty and staff members on behalf of all school families. A gift, of any amount, is a show of support and gratitude. This gift is in lieu of individual gifts you might feel the need to give to each teacher. Click here to make a gift…
Important Dates
December 10 – Winter Celebration of the Arts – 3 pm (Consalo Dining Hall)
December 13 – Midterms; Dismissal 2:15 (Click here for more information on midterm exams)
December 14 – Study Day; No School
December 15 – Midterms; Dismissal 2:15
December 15-18 – 8th Graders (No School); Christmas Break begins for the Class of 2028
December 18 – Midterms; Dismissal 2:15
December 19 – Make-up Midterms; Grades are due by 6 pm
December 20 – January 3 – Christmas Break; No School
January 3 – Faculty Professional Development
January 4 – Classes Resume
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Prep News releases e-edition
Prep News is proud to share its Thanksgiving issue! Click here to view their first edition of the 2023/24 Academic Year…
Christmas Toy Drive begins on November 20
Student Government Clothing Drive begins on November 28
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Attention Parents: A Note from the 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
DRIVER’S EDUCATION AT THE PREP
Prior to taking the behind–the–wheel offering at the Prep, students are required to take the Driver’s Ed Theory Class.
Upcoming Classes
Monday, January 22, 2024 – Friday, January 26, 2024 • 2:40 pm – 5:00 pm (Room 5116) Scarpa
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 – Friday, February 23, 2024 & Monday, February 26, 2024 • 2:40 pm – 5:00 pm (Room 5116) Scarpa
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 Behind–the–Wheel 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
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
Freshman Announcements
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- 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
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Sophomore Announcements
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- 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.)
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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.)
Senior Announcements
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- TBA
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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 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!
College Counseling & Student Services Announcements
SAVE THE DATE FOR SPEAKUP! AT ST. AUGUSTINE PREP
All parents, guardians, students, faculty, and staff are invited to an evening of open and honest conversations on student-selected topics on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Speak Up! is dedicated to helping teens develop supportive relationships with the adults in their lives. The Prep’s annual participation in this initiative enables teens to talk openly, honestly and without judgment about difficult topics and reach out for support within their homes and schools. Join us in starting conversations, building relationships, and creating safe and inclusive communities where students thrive. For more information, students interested in volunteering and participating are encouraged to contact College Counseling and Student Services!
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:
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- Forum – Mrs. Field
- Augustinian Hall – Mrs. Pippett
- Vincent – Mrs. Ward
- Scarpa – Mrs. Auger
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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
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
Important Links
2023-2024 School Calendar – Essential Dates
PaySchoolCentral – Student Lunch Account Management
Resources & Documents – Download & Print items such as the school calendar, student handbook, etc.
Points of Contact
Academics: Mrs. Nancy McHugh P’08 ’11 ’15 (academics@hermits.com)
Admissions: Mr. J.C. Valore (admissions@hermits.com)
Student Leadership & Development: Mr. John Huscher ’85 P’18 (mr.huscher@hermits.com)
Campus Safety: Mr. Tim Hale (mr.hale@hermits.com)
Athletics: Mr. Michael Rizzo ’86 P’11 (athletics@hermits.com)
Transportation: Mrs. Christine Battin (mrs.battin@hermits.com)
Student Mental Health & Wellness: Bro. Bob Thornton, O.S.A., Psy.D. (br.bob@hermits.com)
Academic Calendar
View the School Calendar for Academic Year 2023-2024. (All dates and times are subject to change)
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.
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.