CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Celebrating the Many Blessings and Gifts of Catholic Education

Catholic education is something to be celebrated. Yet, it seems we never have enough opportunities to celebrate the good in life. After the interruptions of the past year due to the pandemic, it’s now even more important to celebrate. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, our teachers, faculty, and students will have the chance to celebrate All Saints Catholic School during National Catholic Schools Week (CSW).

“We are proud of all that takes place at All Saints Catholic School each and every year,” says Paul Galuska, Administrator. “All Saints, as well as Catholic schools across the United States, can successfully provide students an excellent education, while at the same time strengthening their relationship with God and preparing them to be future leaders of the Catholic community.

Catholic Schools Week gives us a chance to humbly celebrate those successes.” Catholic Schools Week is a busy time at All Saints. Mr. Galuska especially looks forward to a more normal year as many alterations were made to last year’s celebration, due to the pandemic. Last year, students could not gather in large groups, so many of the activities were held in individual classrooms.

The week kicks off on Sunday, Jan. 30 with a book fair in the library. On Monday, students pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and enjoy ice cream. Wednesday features a religion bee for students in third to eighth grades, as well as a Catholic Schools Week favorite — Family Night, which includes a book fair, spaghetti dinner, learning fair, and some type of entertainment. It’s a fun way for All Saints families to come celebrate the school with their children.

On Thursday, the students get to enjoy a day of fun at Ski Brule or Silver Birch. Then, Friday is pajama day with book time, movies in the afternoon, and a Living Rosary. There are several other fun activities and various dress-up days thrown in the mix throughout the week.

Outside of the celebrations of Catholic Schools Week, there is plenty to celebrate throughout the entire year at All Saints. Catholic schools offer students a solid education with the Catholic faith interwoven into everything. Students learn that they can lean on their faith in both good times and bad. Prayer, adoration, and Mass are a regular part of the school week. Each student receives a technology device to aid in learning.

“All Saints is truly committed to its Catholic identity,” Mr. Galuska says. “Our staff members make a conscious effort to carry out the core values of Catholic identity, respect, leadership, knowledge, and achievement daily.”

Mr. Galuska has been with our community for a long time, starting his career as a second and third-grade teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Antigo. He moved his way up and took over as administrator in 2011. This school year marks his 26th year in Catholic education. He, just like all the students, faculty, and staff, looks forward to another fun year of celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The week includes all kinds of ways to help the students grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially.

“This week always serves as a wonderful way for our students, staff members, families, and parishioners to come together as a community in celebration of Catholic education in the Antigo area,” he says. “It also provides us the opportunity to thank not only our parishioners for their continued support but also our families for choosing All Saints Catholic School for their children.”

Mr. Galuska also wants to celebrate the variety of extra activities the school offers, including service projects; athletics, in partnership with the Unified School District of Antigo; the Accelerated Reader program; Religious Bee; field trips; religious retreats; school assemblies and dances; community education programs; Battle of the Books; Afterschool Spanish; Science Olympiad; Astronomy Club; Game Club and the Kind Individuals Doing Service Club.

We wish a happy Catholic Schools Week to everyone at All Saints Catholic School!

Students at Ski Brule in 2021.

Students enjoyed a Disney dress-up day in 2021.

Students enjoyed a fun afternoon for Catholic Schools Week in 2021.

If you would like to learn more about Catholic Schools Week activities at All Saints Catholic School, please contact the school office at 715-623-4385.