Head's UpDATE

Head’s UpDATE

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 (2:30 pm)

In this UpDate:

Hockey State Final Information – Monday, March 4 at 1 pm (Prudential Center, Newark)
Prom Information – March 26, 2024 @ The Carriage House
Sharing the Fire: Adult Education Discussion Series – Thursday, March 7 (Mr. Towell)
SpeakUp! – Upcoming Dates
Summer Course Registration
Purchase the 2023/24 Yearbook
Lunch Account Reminder

Office of the Head of School

February 23, 2024

Dear Prep Community,

The Prep had much to celebrate this past week as we celebrated World Language Week, the visit of Augustinian Novices, and an Ice Hockey Championship.

World Language Week recognized the wide range of languages offered at the Prep and the importance of fostering cultural awareness and inclusion. Activities on campus included celebrating parts of our Wednesday all-school Mass in Spanish and Latin. Participation at Mass was enhanced with prayers in Arabic and American Sign Language. TV screens and bulletin boards were decorated throughout the campus by students displaying their work in world language classes. Morning announcements included a world language trivia test. The week concluded with a Latin dance lesson during Community Time during which students learned the salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. A special note of gratitude to the World Language Department for enriching our campus this past week.

Three Augustinian novices, Nick Anderson, Javier Medina, and Fr. Cody Ford joined us at our weekly all-school Mass. Fr. Donald Reilly, OSA, D.Min. who served as Head of School from 2011 to 2017, accompanied the novices in his current role as Prior of the Novitiate Community in Villanova, PA. The Novitiate is a pivotal step in the formation of an Augustinian. Key to the Novitate experience is the deepening of one’s prayer life, as this relationship with God strengthens the joy and freedom of the consecrated life in service to the Church. After one’s Novitiate, the candidate will profess his first vows in the Augustinian order. Please join me in praying for these young men as they continue to discern God’s will for their lives.

As you probably have learned, the Prep Ice Hockey Team joined the Prep Swim Team in becoming the Non-Public State Champions with a commanding 10-6 victory over Don Bosco Prep. This historic achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our scholar-athletes, the coaching staff led by Hermits Alumnus Roman Ammirato ’11 and our tremendous Athletic Department. The overwhelming presence of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families at the Prudential Center highlighted our school community’s deep-rooted passion and brotherhood. This collective spirit propelled our players to victory and showcased the strong bonds that make our school so unique.

It is hard to believe that we are getting ready for “Spring Forward” this weekend. What a wonderful season of rebirth – the flowers bloom, birds shed their winter shyness and the sunrise begins a new routine, waking us again in the morning. Happy almost Spring!

In Christ through Augustine,

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

Important Dates

March 9 – SATs @ the Prep
March 19 – Junior Parent Meeting – 6:30 pm
March 21 – 8th Grade Trip to the Kimmel Center (Students must pack a lunch, contact Fr. Curry for more information)
March 23 – Hermits Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner (Purchase Tickets – hermits.com/halloffame)
March 26 – Junior/Senior Prom – Dismissal 12:30 pm; Buses will depart campus at 12:45 pm
March 27 – April 7 – Easter Break; No School
April 8 – Classes Resume


Junior/Senior Prom – March 26 at the Carriage House 

Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus Tuesday (3/5), Thursday (3/7), and Friday (3/8) for fittings

CLICK HERE for the email sent by Student Leadership regarding this year’s Junior/Senior Prom.  Students and Parents, Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus next week (Tuesday 3/5, Thursday 3/7 and Fri. 3/8 during Community Time and Junior/Senior Lunch) for fittings.

View the message from Student Leadership or visit hermits.com/prom for more information.

SpeakUp!

The College Counseling and Student Services Department invites you to join us for two upcoming Parenting Adult Coffees on Self-Care hosted by SpeakUp! Two sessions, one in-person (March 15 at the SpeakUp! Office in Devon, PA) and one virtual (March 20) are scheduled in March.  To learn more visit https://speakup.org/programs/#parentcoffee.

The Austin Society presents the Savannah Bananas Baseball Team!

The Austin Society has secured 150 tickets (first come, first serve, 8 ticket limit) to the most sought-after seats in the nation! The Savannah Bananas Baseball Team will be playing at Citizens Bank Park on 9/21/24. Secure your $40 per person tickets by clicking on the link below!

This link is for St. Augustine students and their families only. Please do not share the link, as spots are limited. Do not post the link on social media, as scalpers have been taking links and buying the lot. Please do not post tickets to a resell site. Tickets posted to a resale site will cancel the entire group from this event and future purchases.

The seats are in sections 412-420. We may be spaced out amongst other groups. Kids 3 and under do not need a ticket.

Once the seats are sold, they are gone! If you weren’t able to get a ticket, try your best to sign up for the lottery on the Savannah Banana website.

https://gobananas.fansfirsttickets.com/order/group/675122eoStAugustineHS

This is not a school-sponsored event, but a new way for the boys and their families to socialize. However, the values of a Christian gentleman and mutual respect as outlined in the student handbook are expected from ALL students, friends and family members while attending the game. Students should be in attendance with an adult, this is not a night to “drop off” your son.

Questions? Planning to come? Reach out to us at Austinsociety@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!


Lunch Account Reminder

Parents and guardians, please be aware of your son’s lunch account. Some accounts are severely negative, you can add funds online at PaySchoolsCentral.com or in person via cash or check.

DINING HALL POLICY

All students will be verbally notified that they have a low balance by the cashiers when their balance goes below $5.00.

All students will continue to be permitted to purchase any items, even though they may have a negative balance, until their balance reaches a NEGATIVE $30.00.  This flexibility should allow ample time for any student/parent/guardian to deposit money into their account.  Payment can be made by using cash or check, made payable to ST. AUGUSTINE PREP, or the PaySchoolsCentral website. PaySchoolsCentral has an option to automatically replenish your account, which we highly recommend that you utilize.  Note: It may take up to 2 days for the money to be deposited into your account.

No student will be denied access to a lunch.  However, it will be at the discretion of Chef Vinnie to restrict the purchases of a student with a Negative Balance of $30 or more, and/or for longer than 7 days. These restrictions may include the ability to make purchases at Breakfast, Break, and After School.  Any student who continues to have a Negative Balance will be restricted to purchase “LUNCH ONLY,” which will be limited to buying a 1) Deli Sandwich and Beverage, 2) Salad and Beverage, or 3) Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Beverage.

We care about all students; therefore, if there is an inability to pay for food (other than unintentional overdrafts), please let us know and we will work with the School Administration to resolve any issues.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Vinnie Berti ‘95, Director of Dining Services, at 856-697-2600 ext.135 or mr.berti@hermits.com or Mr. Nino Lombardo in the Business Office.  Thank you for your cooperation.


Austin Society Update

Exciting events are in the works for our Prep community! Please save the date for our first upcoming event:

  • Friday, April 12, 2024 – Senior Hermits & their Moms event – Sports Night at the Prep

Stay tuned for more details! Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at Austinsociety@hermits.com.

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

  • Junior/Senior Prom – March 26 at the Carriage House/Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus next week for fittings

    CLICK HERE for the email sent by Student Leadership regarding this year’s Junior/Senior Prom.  Students and Parents, Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus next week (Mon. 2/26, Tue. 2/27 and Fri. 3/1 during Community Time and Junior/Senior Lunch) for fittings.

    View the message from Student Leadership or visit hermits.com/prom for more information.

  • 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

      • Junior/Senior Prom – March 26 at the Carriage House/Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus next week for fittings

        CLICK HERE for the email sent by Student Leadership regarding this year’s Junior/Senior Prom.  Students and Parents, Rudi’s Formal Wear will be on campus next week (Mon. 2/26, Tue. 2/27 and Fri. 3/1 during Community Time and Junior/Senior Lunch) for fittings.

        View the message from Student Leadership or visit hermits.com/prom for more information.

      • 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!

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